Green Bay Packers: Mock Draft Roundup & Big Takeaways 11.0

The NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, so let’s take a look at who the Green Bay Packers are selecting in some of the latest mock drafts.

We are now officially less than two weeks out from the first round of the NFL draft taking place. And when it comes to the Green Bay Packers, it’s been a bit difficult to pinpoint what GM Brian Gutekunst will actually do early on.

Although they came up just one game short of the Super Bowl, they still have needs to address at tackle, receiver, linebacker, defensive tackle, and cornerback among other positions. As a result, up to this point we have seen a wide variety of positions being mocked to the Packers in the first and second rounds.

However as expected, the receiver position has still dominated Round 1.

So now that another week has passed, it is of course time for another edition of Mock Draft Roundup & Big Takeaways. A number of new mocks have been released recently, so let’s take a look at who the Green Bay Packers are taking this time around and as always, I’ll give my thoughts on each draft.

John Breech – CBS Sports

Round 1: Laviska Shenault WR – Colorado

"“Aaron Rodgers needs someone to throw the ball to besides Davante Adams, which is why they go with Shenault here.”"

Takeaway: Shenault was the victim of poor quarterback play at Colorado which is why his numbers last season were nothing to write home about. However, he is a jack of all trades and he would give the Green Bay Packers an element that they didn’t have in 2019. Not to mention that I would love to see how Matt LaFleur would utilize him.

With that said, he has an injury history and his 40-yard dash time of 4.58 was nothing special. Personally, I’d probably pass and address a different need given the depth of this receiver class or trade back if possible.

Matt De Lima – Sports Illustrated

Round 1: Denzel Mims WR – Baylor

"“A huge target for Aaron Rodgers with a knack for coming down with contested catches (20, second-most in college football last year).”"

Takeaway: Mims had an excellent performance at the Senior Bowl then he put on a show at the combine and he is the prototypical receiver that the Green Bay Packers like to draft. As Matt mentions, Mims is very good at making contested catches, he also works the sidelines well, and the combo of him and Aaron Rodgers could be a formidable one in the red zone.

Todd McShay – ESPN

Round 1: Tee Higgins WR – Clemson

"“Logic points toward the Packers finally getting Aaron Rodgers a playmaker on the outside opposite Davante Adams this year. The class is deep in wide receiver talent, and the Packers’ depth chart is screaming out for some help. Higgins makes tough, contested catches and then can make defenders miss with his strength.”"

Round 2: Cam Akers RB – Florida State

"“OK, before you all shout at me that the Packers have Aaron Jones, let’s remember he is due to be a free agent next spring. Akers is the most underrated running back in the class. Paired with Jones, he could do some damage in the backfield and potentially become the guy if Green Bay moves on from Jones after the season.”"

Takeaway: Higgins would likely step in right away and give the Green Bay Packers the deep threat that this offense needs and what they had hoped that Marquez Valdes-Scantling could provide but hasn’t up to this point. While I really like Higgins tape, he didn’t test very well at all and given the Packers track record, that could be a big reason why they don’t take him.

As far as the Cam Akers selection in Round 2 goes, well, I am torn. With both Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams free agents after the 2020 season, the Packers absolutely need to select a running back in this draft. However, given the other needs that they have, Round 2 may be a bit early for me. With that said, he is a very good player to add to this offense and could potentially take over in 2021 if needed.

Daniel Jeremiah – NFL.com

Round 1: Jordan Love QB – Utah State

"“It’s tough to find the right spot for Love. He could go in the top 10 or fall to this neighborhood of the draft. The Packers would be a great fit for him to sit, learn and develop.”"

Takeaway: I’ve already written an article giving my thoughts on the Green Bay Packers drafting Love in the first round and you can find that here. But to summarize, I’m not a fan of the pick. Given Aaron Rodgers’ contract it is still a year too early to be searching for his successor. If Tua Tagovailoa or Joe Burrow fall to pick 30, well that’s a different discussion. But for now, spend the pick on an immediate impact player.

Mike Renner – Pro Football Focus

Round 1: Denzel Mims WR – Baylor

"“Green Bay hit tackle and linebacker in free agency, leaving the receiver position as the only real hole unaddressed heading into the draft. That was a calculated decision, as it looks like a massive upgrade will be waiting for them at pick No. 30. Mims has proven to be one of the most explosive route-runners in the pre-draft process after being a fade specialist at Baylor.”"

Round 2: Jordan Elliot IDL – Missouri

"“Elliott was the highest-graded defensive tackle in the country this past season. He may not be your typical 3-4 defensive end fit, but there aren’t many great options in this class, and the Packers need help any way they can get it on the interior.”"

Round 3: K’Von Wallace S – Clemson

"“Wallace is an extremely sound underneath zone defender and fantastic tackler who can fill either the slot or dime safety role for the Packers. He’s missed only 18 tackles on 171 attempts in his career.”"

Takeaway: More Denzel Mims in Round 1 followed by some help on the interior defensive line in Round 2. The Elliott selection is a bit earlier than what we’ve seen him going in most mock drafts but he is a big, explosive athlete who has shown that he can make plays on the ball in the SEC and he is a player who still has plenty of room to grow.

Then in Round 3, I do like the Wallace addition. Given how often the Packers play with three safeties under Mike Pettine, Wallace should see some playing time closer to the line of scrimmage in that hybrid linebacker safety role. Some solid play from the box safety will also help take some of the burden off of the linebacker position.

Joe Marino – The Draft Network

Round 1: Laviska Shenault WR – Colorado

"“Aaron Rodgers lands a versatile playmaker to make the Green Bay offense more dynamic.”"

Round 2: Davon Hamilton IDL – Ohio State

"“Davon Hamilton is a big, athletic player that can provide a stout presence in the middle of Green Bay’s defense. With the way the board has fallen, the Packers are primed to find an answer at linebacker and tight end in the next two rounds.”"

Takeaway: Hamilton should be able to make an immediate impact in the run game which is what the Packers really need and he has the upside to develop as a pass-rusher as well. Meanwhile, we’ve already discussed my thoughts on Shenault and what he can bring to this offense, so here is a highlight from last season.

Trevor Sikkema – The Draft Network

Round 1: Josh Jones OT – Houston

Round 2: Chase Claypool WR – Notre Dame

Takeaway: Landing one of the top-5 offensive tackles in Round 1 is an ideal situation for the Green Bay Packers in my eyes and I see Jones being one of those players. Even with the addition of Rick Wagner, they need to still find their long-term solution at right tackle.

Then in Round 2, the Packers select Chase Claypool who is big and athletic, which is exactly what Green Bay looks for in their receivers. However, he does have his limitations and for me, I’d be more comfortable making this pick in Round 3.