Green Bay Packers: Mock Draft Battle 2.0
By Paul Bretl
Mike: Kenneth Murray LB – Oklahoma
After taking Patrick Queen in our first edition of this exercise, I go with the other top inside linebacker in Kenneth Murray. I still think that Queen might have the higher ceiling, but Murray is a much safer prospect. Plus, Queen went to the Raiders in this simulation.
Murray has the sideline to sideline skill that this defense hasn’t had since Nick Barnett and also has shown the intelligence and leadership ability to wear the green helmet dot as a rookie and become the guy who organizes the defense in place of Blake Martinez.
It was tough not to grab a receiver like Denzel Mims or Tee Higgins or a defensive lineman like Ross Blacklock, but getting a linebacker who can become an instant leader in the middle of the defense is a massive need. Kenneth Murray answers that need.
Kenny: Jalen Reagor WR – TCU
Jalen Reagor is the exact piece that this Green Bay Packers’ offense needs to be a powerhouse every single week. His explosiveness, Run after catch (RAC) ability, and deep threat potential are all off the charts.
He can be used in tons of different roles in this offense. At TCU, he was mainly split out wide, but could easily be moved into the slot, which may be likely, considering he only stands 5’11”. He also was used in tons of motions, jet sweeps, and screens. All of these are ways to get him into open space where he really excels. Matt Lafleur’s offense has one of the most diverse screen games and the jet sweep touch pass was a staple of the offense last year as well. Running these with Reagor would be a dream.
All of this motion and smoke and mirrors would also be a great way to open up the offense for other stars like Aaron Jones and Davante Adams. Everyone knows this offense needs to take the pressure off of those guys and little misdirections with Reagor could give them just the space they need.
One other thing that I saw from him that no one talks about very much is his willingness to block. This has always been a big trait for Packer receivers and, despite his size, Reagor can reliably block any corner across from him. He also is a dynamic return man, averaging 20.8 yards per punt return and a touchdown last season. Finally, he’s an athletic freak, with a 42-inch vertical and 138-inch broad jump at the combine, second in both categories among receivers.
Paul: Kenneth Murray LB – Oklahoma
With the 30th overall pick, there are really two players in particular that I would love for the Packers to take. And that is either Justin Jefferson, who was off the board, or Kenneth Murray.
And with this Green Bay Packers’ defense in need of some serious juice in the middle, selecting Murray just makes a lot of sense. On the tape, he displays fantastic sideline-to-sideline range and he backed that up at the combine where he tested very well. Murray has also shown that he can be an effective blitzer, shoot gaps to get into the backfield, and he can hang with running backs and tight ends in coverage.
On top of what he can provide on the field, from a team and locker room perspective, Murray would be an excellent addition to this team. Overall he’s the type of player that the Packers need at ILB.