Packers 2021 Mock Draft Scenarios: Trade Up, Trade Down & Stay Put

The Green Bay Packers have some big holes to fill at cornerback, offensive tackle, and along the interior defensive line. Fortunately for them, it is a very deep draft class at the cornerback and tackle positions–which should mean they will be able to address both with some high-end talent.

But where or how will Green Bay go about doing so? That is the million-dollar question–especially with Brian Gutekunst at the helm, who always keeps us on our toes.

In each of his first three drafts, he has traded up in the first round, but perhaps this year more than any, there is value in stay put or even trading back, given how deep the classes are at positions of need. Then there is also the cap crunch that the Packers find themselves under–so the more rookie contracts, the better.

Using The Draft Network’s Mock Draft Machine, I went through each of these scenarios — trading up, trading down, and staying put — to see how each draft turned out for the Green Bay Packers in Round 1. Be sure to head over to my Twitter account to vote for your favorite.

Scenario 1: The Green Bay Packers Trade Up

Pick 19: Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State

Trade Info: I sent Washington picks 29, 142 (4th), and 256 (7th) to move up to pick 19.

As I just said, if there’s a year where I don’t see this happening, it’s this one. At positions like receiver and linebacker — two popular first-round picks for Green Bay in mocks — I didn’t see the value of moving up–it had to be at a premier position as well as a position of need. And with it being such a deep draft class at tackle and cornerback, there isn’t that same urgency.

With that said, I’m a huge fan of Teven Jenkins, and with him still on the board at pick 19, I felt that I had to make my move and jump the Chicago Bears if I was going to get him. And with two fourth-round picks this year, losing one of them doesn’t hurt nearly as bad.

Looking ahead to 2021, there is some uncertainty surrounding the Green Bay Packers’ offensive line, but Jenkins can provide that needed stability. As a Day 1 starter, not only would he provide a boost at the tackle position, but along the interior as well, as his presence would allow the Packers to keep Elgton Jenkins inside and not have to rely on Simon Stepaniak and Ben Braden to be a starter.

Whether in pass-protection or as a run-blocker, Jenkins has been a highly effective player during his Oklahoma State career. Not to mention that he’s a very experienced player with almost 2,700 career snaps. Over his last two seasons, he has allowed no sacks and only two pressures–incredible. As a run-blocker, he had PFF’s third-highest grade this past season.

When trading up in Round 1, you do so with the hope that whoever you take is going to be an impact player on your team for the long haul, and I believe Jenkins is that player.