Green Bay Packers: 2021 NFL Mock Draft Roundup & Takeaways 3.0

It’s the bye week, so let’s take a look at who the draft analysts have the Green Bay Packers taking in the latest version of Mock Draft Roundup.

Led by the NFL’s most productive offense, the Green Bay Packers finished the 2020 season 13-3 for the second consecutive year, Aaron Rodgers should be the league’s MVP, and currently, they are preparing for the divisional round as they have the only bye in the conference after locking up the one seed last Sunday in Chicago.

So I thought this was as good of a time as any to breakout version 3.0 of my 2021 NFL Mock Draft Roundup.

It’s going to be an interesting offseason, to say the least. With the salary cap potentially falling to as low as $175 million — it is $198.2 million this year — we once again may not see the Packers make any flashy free-agent signings. That means any significant additions will likely have to come from the draft.

A few positions that Green Bay could target early on in the draft include cornerback, with Kevin King’s future unknown and little experienced depth on the roster. Offensive tackle, this is a move more so for the future and to add depth for the 2021 season as I do believe Billy Turner will be back given how well he has played. And wide receiver is an option as well, considering how deep the 2021 class is.

Below you will find some recent mock drafts that have been released, why the draft analyst thinks the Green Bay Packers should pick that player, and I’ll leave a quick takeaway as well.

Josh Edwards – CBS Sports

Pick 31: Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri

"“Green Bay ushers in a youth movement with Nick Bolton taking over at linebacker. The Packers had a need last offseason after allowing Blake Martinez to walk and it remains a concern despite the team’s very successful regular season.”"

Takeaway: You’re going to get the same response from me that I’ve given in the previous two versions of this Mock Draft Roundup when an analyst has a linebacker being taken: Until I see the Green Bay Packers take a linebacker in Round 1, I won’t believe it–especially with the emergence of Krys Barnes and Kamal Martin.

Todd McShay – ESPN

Pick 31: Terrace Marshall, WR, LSU

"“Another mock, another wide receiver to the Packers. Maybe this is the year Green Bay finally does it for Aaron Rodgers. This will be the 11th first-round selection for the Packers since 2012, and the only offensive one was another quarterback (Jordan Love, 2020). Rodgers, the likely MVP, slung it this season, leading the NFL in touchdown passes with 48 and showing no signs of decline — but 18 of them went to Davante Adams. Quite simply, the Packers have to replenish the WR room with game-breakers, and Marshall (who opted out halfway through the 2020 season) can come down with balls in traffic and tack on big yards after the catch.As an aside, running back will be something to watch on Day 2. Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams might not return to Lambeau Field, and the likes of Michael Carter (North Carolina), Javonte Williams (North Carolina), Chuba Hubbard (Oklahoma State), Trey Sermon (Ohio State) and Kenneth Gainwell (Memphis) could be names to keep an eye on.”"

Takeaway: In only seven games in 2019, Marshall hauled in 731 receiving yards at 15.2 yards per catch with 10 touchdowns. Marshall took most of his snaps this season from the slot, but the year before, most came out wide. That ability to move around is something that Matt LaFleur covets at the receiver position, and at 6’3″ — 200 pounds, he’s that big-bodied receiver that the Packers love.

Jarrett Bailey – Pro Football Network

Pick 31: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota

"“Everyone assumed the Packers would take a receiver in the 2020 NFL draft before they shocked everyone and traded up for Jordan Love. And while Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams both lit up the stat sheet this season, a go-to No. 2 receiver would do wonders for Rodgers and the offense. Rashod Bateman, as a deep threat to complement Adams, is one of my favorite picks in my 2021 first-round NFL mock draft.”"

Takeaway: Bateman played in only five games this season, but he’s coming off a huge 2019 campaign where he totaled 1,219 yards at a ridiculous 20.3 yards per catch with 11 touchdowns. Bateman is a name that I’ve seen mocked to the Green Bay Packers since last summer, and as the draft process continues to unfold, I imagine we will continue seeing his name.

Joe Marino – The Draft Network

Pick 31: Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri

"“The Packers’ linebacking corps is underwhelming and a glaring hole on the roster. Bolton would finally provide them with an enforcer in the middle of the defense that can play in space, cover, and fill against the run.”"

Takeaway: I just really, really doubt it.

Gary Davenport – Bleacher Report

Pick 31: Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue

"“Moore isn’t a big receiver—calling the youngster 5’10” is stretching things—but he’s a threat to score every time he touches the ball as a shifty dynamo of a player with 4.33-second speed and great hands.Frankly, by the time the scouting combine and Purdue’s pro day come and go, he may get drafted much higher than this. His wheels and athleticism are made for such events.But if Moore is available at the end of Round 1, he’d be quite the weapon for Aaron Rodgers in Titletown.”"

Takeaway: You want more explosiveness at the receiver position? Well, Rondale Moore is your guy. He’s as fast they come, and he does a great job of picking up yards after the catch. He is, however, coming off two shortened seasons, playing in only seven games the last two years. As a freshman in 2018, Moore totaled 1,258 receiving yards on 114 receptions with 12 touchdowns.

But something worth noting is that at 5’9″ – 180 pounds, Moore does not meet — and it’s not particularly close — the 6’0″ – 200 pound mark that the Green Bay Packers typically desire in their receivers. KJ Hamler was a favorite of many Packer fans last draft, but was he ever truly on Green Bay’s board?

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

Kyle Crabbs – The Draft Network: Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri

Vinny Iyer – Sporting News: Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue