Packers 2021 NFL Draft: 3 most likely players selected in first round

The Green Bay Packers have a number of critical decisions to make in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. They have a couple of positions–offensive tackle, cornerback and defensive line–that could use reinforcements the most. However, they shouldn’t stray too far from a best play available approach and drafting for 2022 that they’ve followed for years now.

One aspect of their draft is known: the Packers prioritize raw athletes. Ross Uglem of Packer Report recently noted a very surprising fact about Brian Gutekunst’s draft history. Gutekunst has taken a player with a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 8 or higher with 22 of his 28 picks since taking over as the head honcho. The RAS is a score based on a player’s reported workout times, measurements and other jumps/lifts. It gives a 1-10 score with 10 being the highest and anything over 8 considered elite.

Using the RAS scores of players likely to fall in the Packers first-round range at No. 29 overall and different mock drafts and big boards across the internet, here are the three most likely players they could take with their top pick in this year’s draft.

Based on the Green Bay Packers’ recent draft history, they are most likely to select one of these three players in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

3. Samuel Cosmi, Offensive Tackle, Texas

Aaron Rodgers has benefited from elite offensive line play over the past few years and it’s a huge reason why he was able to get back to his MVP form in 2020. With Corey Linsley departing that marks the second consecutive year they lost an extremely talented offensive lineman in free agency.

Samuel Cosmi scored a 9.99 RAS which is just about off the charts and graded out with elite speed and agility, great explosion and good size. That’s exactly what Gutekunst is looking for. He played three years at Texas and has experience playing at both left and right tackle. He also has tons of experience in pass blocking although he needs a lot of coaching in that department. He should be available near the end of the first.

2. Teven Jenkins, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma State

With David Bakhtiari’s status unknown for the beginning portion of the season and Billy Turner’s long-term future in question, Green Bay needs to find another quality player for the position. Jenkin’s 9.74 RAS is a good indicator Gutekunst will look long and hard at this option.

At 6-foot-6 and 317 pounds, Jenkins overwhelms opponents with his amazing strength (a massive 36 reps on the bench press). It’s over for opposing rushers when this guy gets his hands on you. The question marks about his game include his lack of agility and age (he’ll be 23 before the season begins).

1. Greg Newsome II, Cornerback, Northwestern

Green Bay needs a long-term starter opposite Jaire Alexander with Kevin King only signing a one-year deal this offseason. Greg Newsome II tested with elite speed (4.39-second 40-yard dash), great explosion (40-inch vertical leap) and good size (6-foot and 192 pounds) for a total RAS of 9.66.

Newsome does need to add some strength to avoid getting pushed around. He also needs to prove himself against NFL-caliber wide receivers as he had very few opportunities in college. Newsome could play inside right away and then transition to the outside corner spot after King likely leaves next season.