Green Bay Packers 2021 NFL Mock Draft Roundup & Takeaways 2.0

Here is who some of the draft experts have the Green Bay Packers selecting in the latest version of ‘Mock Draft Roundup & Takeaways.’

It’s Week 16 of the NFL season and the Green Bay Packers have the opportunity to clinch the NFC’s No.1 seed with a win and some help from the Los Angeles Rams. However, even if neither of those things happens, they can still clinch the top seed with a win in Week 17 against Chicago. So they’re in good shape, to say the least.

While our hope is that along with the one seed we see a deep playoff run from the Packers that culminates with a Super Bowl win, there’s never a wrong time to look ahead to the upcoming draft. NFL Draft content has turned into a year-round business, which means new mock drafts are being released regularly.

When it comes to the Green Bay Packers, I recently wrote an article discussing why cornerback should be a top priority for them this offseason. In addition to that position, once again, receiver could be an option, along with offensive tackle, and interior defensive linemen. But as we’ve seen, who knows what GM Brian Gutekunst will end up doing.

I came out with the first edition of my ‘2021 NFL Mock Draft Roundup & Takeaways’ a few weeks ago, and with new mock drafts being released every day, I thought this was a perfect time for version 2.0. Let’s see who the experts have the Packers selecting in Round 1 this time.

Josh Edwards – CBS Sports

Pick 31: Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri

"“Green Bay attempted to save some money at the linebacker position in 2020 and it has not favored them on the field. The addition of Nick Bolton would give them the quality play that they have been lacking at the bargain value coveted.”"

Takeaway: I said this in the last Mock Draft Roundup, and I’m saying it again, I just don’t see the Green Bay Packers taking a LB this early. We’ve seen throughout the years — both under Ted Thompson and now Gutey — that the Packers just don’t value the position that much. Add in the fact that we’ve seen the emergence of Kamal Martin along with Krys Barnes and I don’t see this happening.

Patrick Chiotti – Pro Football Network

Pick 31: Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama

"“The Packers could use an upgrade on the defensive line, and Alabama’s Christian Barmore could be that upgrade in this 2021 first-round NFL mock draft. Barmore has risen up draft boards recently due to his explosiveness and power. Routinely making plays in the backfield, Barmore can play from multiple alignments in either an odd or an even front.”"

Takeaway: You can’t argue that the Packers couldn’t use some more help for Kenny Clark inside. The good news is that Kingsley Keke has flashed several times this season while Dean Lowry has been playing better as of late. With that said, we need to see more consistency from Keke and at this point, I think we know who Lowry is. In 20 games at Alabama, Barmore has totaled 53 tackles, including 13 for a loss along with eight sacks.

Eric Edholm – Yahoo! Sports

Pick 29: Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida

"“Are you happy now? Toney isn’t quite like the wide receivers who have been connected to the Packers in recent years, and his size, durability and character concerns must fully be vetted. But his tackle-breaking and open-field prowess is simply phenomenal.Toney can line up in the slot, outside or even in the backfield, which is an added dimension to consider, especially if the Packers can’t keep Aaron Jones. And for a team with an anemic return game, Toney would provide additional value.”"

Takeaway: Is this the year? Is this finally the year that the Green Bay Packers take a WR in the first round? I mean, possibly. As good as last year’s WR class was, this year’s group is expected to be even better. Toney burst onto the scene in 2020, totaling 984 receiving yards at 14.1 yards per catch with 10 touchdowns. And as Eric mentions, that versatility would be coveted in Matt LaFleur’s offense.

Matt Miller – Bleacher Report

Pick 31: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota

"“A wide receiver in Round 1?! It will happen, and Aaron Rodgers will rejoice. Bateman isn’t a speedster, but he has a big frame, a massive catch radius and excellent yards after the catch ability.”"

Takeaway: Another mock draft with the Packers selecting a WR in Round 1, and it’s a player in Rashod Bateman who has been mocked to Green Bay in several different drafts that I’ve seen dating all the way back to the summer. Bateman played in only five games for the Gophers in 2020, but he’s coming off a 2019 season where he recorded over 1,200 receiving yards at a ridiculous 20.3 yards per catch with 11 touchdowns. I imagine this is a name that will be connected to the Packers quite often this offseason.

Vinny Iyer – Sporting News

Pick 31: Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue

"“The Packers have made it work by committee without upgrading wide receiver opposite Davante Adams for Aaron Rodgers. They need to give him a dangerous short-to-intermediate receiver with home-run after-catch skills. Moore, who opted back in to make more big plays for the Boilermakers in 2020, is a versatile athlete and an explosive play waiting to happen.”"

Takeaway: Moore is likely another name that will be associated with the Green Bay Packers this offseason, but I wonder how much interest the team will actually have in him given his size. It’s fairly well known that the Packers prefer their receivers to be over 6’0″ and weigh 200 pounds or more. Now, we’ve seen them break this mold in the past, but will they do it again for the 5’9″ – 175-pound Rondale Moore? I’m not so sure. However, as Iyer mentions, he is electric.

Below are a few other mock drafts that have been released recently and have the Packers picking players we’ve already touched on:

Ryan Wilson – CBS Sports: Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri

Mike Renner – PFF: Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida

Jordan Reid – TDN: Christian Barmore, IDL, Alabama