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Green Bay Packers: 3 Potential D-Line Targets in 2021 NFL Draft

By Isaac Greig

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 19: Levi Onwuzurike #95 of the Washington Huskies gets off the ball during the game against the Oregon Ducks at Husky Stadium on October 19, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 19: Levi Onwuzurike #95 of the Washington Huskies gets off the ball during the game against the Oregon Ducks at Husky Stadium on October 19, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
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Green Bay Packers
BOULDER, CO – OCTOBER 27: Quarterback Jack Colletto #12 of the Oregon State Beavers attempts to throw a pass under pressure by defensive lineman Mustafa Johnson #34 of the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field on October 27, 2018 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Mustafa Johnson – Colorado, Senior

With his undersized 6’ 2” 290-pound frame and just average athleticism, it’s tough to see his game transitioning to the NFL level, but there’s so much to love about the way Johnson operates in the NCAA. He provides versatility along the defensive front and has great awareness. If Mustafa Johnson gets serious about improving his footwork and explosion, we’re likely talking about another first-rounder.

Tyler Shelvin – LSU, Junior

Shelvin is exactly what you would expect of a 6’ 3”, 345 pounder; a large-bodied two-gapping nose tackle. He is a FORCE against the run but struggles to provide value as a pass rusher. He doesn’t have the athleticism to do it right now, and may never develop it. Due to Shelvin’s lack of pass rush ability, he likely isn’t a first-rounder. But if the Green Bay Packers decided to scoop him up on day 2, Kenny Clark would likely slide over to defensive end on running downs.

Cory Durden – Florida St, Junior(redshirt)

Durden is another versatile big man along the defensive line. He’s surprisingly slippery and athletic for a man his size (6’ 5”, 310 pounds). He and Marvin Wilson form a fantastic duo for the Seminoles. Durden is one of the top interior pass-rushers of this class but needs to work on his tackling and practical strength against the run. If he can do that, he’ll hear his name called early in the 2021 Draft.

The Green Bay Packers may have the ability to target whatever type of defensive lineman they choose to in the 2021 Draft, but one thing is for certain, they will target a player who offers versatility. Pettine prides this team on being adaptive and playing in the moment, although it doesn’t always play out that way (cough cough NFC Championship game). And yet, this defense has taken steps forward every year that Pettine has been onboard.

Next. A Contract Extension (Hopefully) on the Horizon. dark

Drafting a defensive lineman early would go a long way in continuing that trend. Players like Levi Onwuzurike, Christian Barmore, and Carlos Basham offer balance and versatility right now. All three of them are capable of having huge years in 2020, and I look forward to seeing them become the players I know they can be.

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