Green Bay Packers: 2021 NFL Mock Draft Roundup & Takeaways 5.0

2021 NFL Mock Draft season is in full swing for Green Bay Packers fans, and so I can join in the fun of ‘Mock Draft Mondays,’ I’ve bumped up my next edition of ‘Mock Draft Roundups & Takeaways.’ I released version 4.0 midway through last week, but moving forward; I’ll have a new edition out of every Monday.

Last week we saw a few different positions mocked to the Green Bay Packers in the first round, but the most popular choice was cornerback–and that makes a lot of sense. Entering the offseason, this is need No. 1 on my board because with Kevin King’s likely departure; the Packers are in need of a running mate for Jaire Alexander. I just don’t see the answer being on the roster at the moment.

In addition to cornerback, finding a long-term answer at right tackle should be on the to-do list as well. Along with finding a receiver, an interior defensive lineman, and a third edge-rusher–that is assuming Preston Smith isn’t back. Depending on how the board falls in Round 1, I could see Brian Gutekunst addressing any one of these needs.

As we get deeper into draft season, I’ll take a look at Rounds 2 and 3 as well, but for now, we are sticking with Round 1. Here is who several draft experts have the Green Bay Packers selecting, along with some quick takeaways from myself.

AJ Schulte – Pro Football Network

Pick 29: Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa

"“At some point, Green Bay has to address the linebacker spot. Krys Barnes had flashes of good play as a rookie this year, but none of Christian Kirksey, Ty Summers, or Oren Burks should sway the Packers’ decisions at that spot.Zaven Collins is a weird linebacker prospect in terms of projected fit, but his size and physicality would be a valuable addition to the middle of that Green Bay defense.”"

Takeaway: Collins is an impressive player and a name that Green Bay Packers fans should know. We are likely going to see his name mocked to Green Bay relatively often. Collins can pressure the quarterback, defend against the run, and drop into coverage.

However, with the emergence of Krys Barnes and Kamal Martin, I don’t see them addressing linebacker in Round 1–it’s just not a position that the Packers prioritize. But who knows? Maybe linebacker will be a priority for the new defensive coordinator.

Josh Edwards – CBS Sports

Pick 29: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame

"“Jeremiah Owusu-Koromoah gives Green Bay a modern day linebacker capable of covering sideline to sideline. He is more accustomed to dropping into coverage than filling gaps at the line of scrimmage.”"

Takeaway: Another mock draft, and another linebacker for the Green Bay Packers. Owusu-Koramoah would give this Packer defense some excellent speed and range at the linebacker position, as well as someone who is well-equipped to handle coverage duties. With that said, I’ll refer you to what I said previously, which is that I just don’t see Green Bay prioritizing the position that much. But Gutey has certainly proven me wrong in the past.

Mark Schofield – Touchdown Wire

Pick 29: Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue

"“Moore exploded on the national stage due to a breakout freshman season that saw him named the Paul Hornung Award winner as the most versatile player in college football. In 13 games he caught 114 passes for 1,258 yards and 12 touchdowns, while also rushing for 213 yards and two more scores.Since that year, however, Moore has struggled with injuries and appeared in just seven games. His medical evaluations are going to be critical – and might be difficult given the lack of a combine this season. Provided the Packers are satisfied with Moore from a medical perspective, he gives Rodgers that weapon on offense that he craves.”"

Takeaway: As Mark always does, he hit the nail on the head here. Moore had a fantastic freshman season in 2018, but due to injuries and a shortened 2020 season, he has played in only seven games since then. Moore would give the Packers a true slot receiver, something they haven’t had since Randall Cobb left, and another playmaker with the ball in his hands.

However, I do think it’s worth noting that Moore is listed at 5’9″ – 180 pounds. This is a bit smaller than the 6’0″ – 200 pound standard that Green Bay typically has at the receiver position. Perhaps that coupled with Moore’s recent injury history is enough for them to stay away.

Joe Marino – The Draft Network

Pick 29: Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State

"“Parsons is a challenging prospect to slot in the landscape of this year’s draft. While his skill set is exciting and he could provide a Devin White-like impact to a team early in the draft, recent questions that have been raised are troubling. Should he slide, it could be to the benefit of the Packers, who need an off-ball option just like Parsons to solidify the defense.”"

Takeaway: The “recent questions” that Joe is referring to is that a former teammate has claimed that Parsons — and others — subjected the former Penn State football player to hazing and harassment over a nine-month span. Prior to this news, Parsons was a consensus top-10 pick by many, and this certainly would be quite the fall.

Parsons is as dynamic of a player as you will see at the linebacker position. A comparison to Devin White by Joe is certainly quite the compliment.

Jordan Reid – The Draft Network

Pick 29: Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia

"“With Kevin King a pending free agent, the team may need a new running mate opposite of Jaire Alexander. Campbell has all of the physical traits and ingredients that teams covet at the position, but hasn’t found a correct recipe in order to blend them all together.”"

Takeaway: Campbell has been a popular pick early on for the Green Bay Packers, so much so that I recently highlighted him in my “Players to Know” article for this year’s draft. At 6’2″ and close to 190 pounds, Campbell has great size as well as speed. With his ability in press-man coverage, Campbell could be a great running mate for Alexander.

https://twitter.com/BenFennell_NFL/status/1315308392454463491

My own pick using TDN’s Mock Draft Machine

Pick 29: Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan

My top-2 positions of need for the Green Bay Packers are cornerback and offensive tackle. There weren’t any corners that I was in love with on the board, but early on, I am a big fan of Jalen Mayfield. He’s not as experienced as some, but he’s improved each season, and with David Bakhtiari — and I’m assuming — Billy Turner back, Mayfield doesn’t have to start right away–which I’m sure will upset its fair share of fans.

Mayfield played in only two games this past season, but in 2019 according to Pro Football Focus ($), he allowed just one sack and 27 pressures in 458 pass-blocking snaps.