Packers: 3 players to avoid in first round of 2021 NFL Draft
A lot is riding on the Green Bay Packers’ first-round pick in 2021. After getting no on-the-field contributions from last year’s first-round selection (not saying it was the wrong pick, just stating a fact about Jordan Love’s on-the-field play), they can’t afford to go back-to-back years without getting something out of their top guy.
Green Bay’s limitations in the free-agent market also put more pressure on this selection. So far, they’ve failed to sign an outside free agent (other than long-snapper competition) and are banking on internal improvements to get past the NFC Championship game in 2021. In other words, this pick is their biggest acquisition this offseason and they can’t afford to miss. That’s why they should stay far away from these three potential first-round candidates.
The Green Bay Packers should stay far, far away from these three players in the first round of the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft.
3. Dillon Radunz, T, North Dakota State
The Packers could very well be in the market for an offensive tackle and it’s extremely plausible they grab one at 29 overall. David Bakhtiari is recovering from a torn ACL and there’s no saying when he’ll be ready to return. That means Billy Turner will slide over to the left side and leave a huge gap at right tackle.
Although Radunz is a first-round candidate, he’s not necessarily someone who can play right away in his NFL career. He needs to add considerable muscle to his frame and get more reps in the passing game. If Green Bay uses this pick on a tackle, they need someone who is ready to contribute from Day 1 and that’s not Radunz.
2. Jaelan Phillips, Edge, Miami
The Packers should stay away from the edge position altogether early in the draft, as they have three clear guys a the top of their depth chart in Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith and Rashan Gary. They should specifically stay away from Phillips due to his injury history and late blooming. Philips stepped away from the game in 2018 due to concussions and returned last year. That’s a scary risk for your top pick.
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1. Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
The Packers are returning their top four wide receivers plus Devin Funchess which means they might not need immediate help at the position. However, none of them are under contract past 2021 so the Packers will need help down the road. Rondale Moore’s biggest weakness is his height, as he stands just 5-foot-7. I’m sure Matt LaFleur would love integrating him into his schemes, but it’s difficult to see Moore winning on his own in the NFL. Injuries are also a concern, as he’s only played in seven total games over the last two seasons.