Packers 7-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft: Massive defensive reload

After the Green Bay Packers’ offense returned to its dominant form thanks to the tutelage of head coach Matt LaFleur and the arm of Aaron Rodgers, it’s the defense that has the most questions to answer this offseason. It sort of feels like their defense is stuck in a vicious loop they haven’t been able to fix since they last won a Super Bowl in 2011, and here we are again with a new defensive coordinator and the process starting all over.

Although their defense wasn’t a complete train wreck last season, it definitely didn’t accomplish what it should considering all the talent on that side of the ball. So far in free agency, they haven’t added any new players either, with their only real move re-signing Tyler Lancaster and Kevin King.

The following mock draft is not a completely realistic scenario, as I took the best defensive player available with every selection. It did, however, produce a very fascinating case study, as the Packers got some really good players throughout the draft. Without further ado, let’s have some fun with mock drafts!

In this version of our 7-round 2021 NFL mock draft, we have the Green Bay Packers completely upgrading the defensive side of the ball.

Packers mock draft Round 1 (29th overall): Asante Samuel Jr, CB, Florida State

Due to his height (5-foot-10), Asante Samuel Jr, isn’t the first pick on Green Bay’s board when it comes to potential first-round cornerbacks who will be available at no. 29. However, he was the only realistic option available at this point, as the other top guys were all offensive tackles. Samuel would give Green Bay a ball hawk and that’s something the Packers’ defense needs. They only forced a turnover on 11.4 percent of opponent’s drives in 2020–19th in the NFL. He can play inside to start his career and potentially move to the outside when King moves on.