Green Bay Packers: Way Too Early 2021 Mock Draft Roundup

Believe it or not, there have been a number of 2021 mock drafts already released. Let’s take a look at who the Green Bay Packers are taking in Round 1.

The 2020 NFL Draft is only a few days old and many Green Bay Packers fans are still trying to figure out the rhyme and reason behind what ended up being just a bizarre draft overall.

Instead of selecting a receiver, developmental tackle, interior defensive lineman or a linebacker with one of their top-100 selections, Green Bay would end up taking Aaron Rodgers’ eventual replacement in Round 1, a running back in Round 2, and a tight end that will play the role of H-back in Round 3. As I mentioned, not at all what anyone expected.

While the sting of the 2020 draft may still be present, let’s try to forget about it for a minute and look ahead to next year’s draft. That’s right, I said next year’s draft.

Now, is it way too early to be doing this seriously? Yes, it is. Will a lot change between now and then? You bet. Is it still really fun to take a look ahead? Absolutely.

And if anything, this will provide a sneak peek at some players to keep your eyes on once the 2020 college football season begins. So with all of that said, let’s take a look at a few 2021 mock drafts!

Glynn Morgan – NBC Sports

Round 1, Pick 25: Rashod Bateman WR – Minnesota

"“The Pack have been searching for a “Robin” to DaVante Adams’ “Batman” for several years. Green Bay’s choice of Bateman may conclude that search for a wide receiving “dynamic duo.” Bateman brings size and soft hands to a team that desperately needs another dependable option besides Adams. Even the snarky Aaron Rodgers cracked a smile, after this late-round gem fell to Green Bay.”"

Takeaway: As much praise as the 2020 wide receiver draft class received, a few draft analysts have already gone on the record saying that in terms of high-end talent, the 2021 class is even better. Bateman is coming off a monster season with over 1,200 yards at a whopping 20.3 yards per catch with 11 touchdowns. Maybe this is the year the Green Bay Packers take a receiver in Round 1?

Matt Miller – Bleacher Report

Round 1, Pick 22: Micah Parsons LB – Penn State

"“Another NFL draft and another year the Green Bay Packers pass on receivers. No, we’re not joking. The position is a need, but the Packers seem intent on finding playmakers through another route.Micah Parsons is a rock-solid linebacker with the athleticism to play any of the 4-3 alignments and the speed to show up as a dynamic three-down playmaker. Parsons is a top-15 player with the athletic upside to become a top-10 pick.”"

Takeaway: As it currently stands there is the real possibility that the linebacker position is up in the air once again in 2021. Chrisitan Kirksey has battled injuries the past two seasons and if needed, the Packers can get out of his contract next offseason. Meanwhile, Ty Summers, Oren Burks, Curtis Bolton, and Kamal Martin are all still relative unknowns.

Jason McIntyre – Fox Sports

Round 1, Pick 18: Devonta Smith WR – Alabama

Takeaway: Many expected Devonta Smith to enter this year’s draft where he would have been selected within the first few rounds. Instead, Smith decided to return to school where he is coming off a season with 1,256 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. While Alabama always reloads, with no Jerry Jeudy or Henry Ruggs alongside of him, 2021 could be a huge season for Smith.

Kevin Hanson – Sports Illustrated

Round 1, Pick 22: Rondale Moore WR – Purdue

"“Making some head-scratching selections in the 2020 draft, the Packers front office ignored the team’s need to find an upgrade opposite Davante Adams by failing to draft a single receiver in one of the deepest draft classes ever for the position.If Moore is still available here, he would give the team a dynamic playmaker. While he played only four games as a sophomore due to a hamstring injury, Moore had 1,471 scrimmage yards and 14 touchdowns as a true freshman in 2018.”"

Takeaway: Another first-round wide receiver prediction and another potentially disappointing outcome for whoever is hoping that this happens. As Hanson points out, Moore had an excellent freshman season but he only appeared in four games in 2019. If Moore hopes to be a first-round pick, he will have to show that he can stay on the field in 2020.

Trevor Sikkema – The Draft Network

Round 1, Pick 24: Tamorrion Terry WR – Florida State

"“In an offense that lacked consistent playmaking, mainly due to the offensive line and quarterback struggles, Tamorrion Terry looked like a stud. He brings size and speed to the position at 6-foot-4 and averaged 20-plus yards per catch during the last two seasons.”"

Takeaway: It appears that the Green Bay Packers are going to become more run-oriented in 2020, so we will see if they value drafting a receiver as high as everyone else thinks they should. During his two-year career, Terry has 95 receptions for 17 touchdowns and he is averaging over 20 yards per catch. That kind of explosiveness would certainly be fun to watch in this Packers’ offense.

So there you have it. Obviously, take these mocks with a grain of salt but moving forward these are five names to lock in on as a new college season begins and the draft process unfolds.