Packers 2021 NFL Draft: First round best and worst-case scenarios

The Green Bay Packers have some major decisions facing them square in the face when it comes to the 2021 NFL Draft. Considering they were strapped for money in free agency, this is their best way to improve their team both for the 2021 season and down the road. The decisions are only going to get more difficult in 2022 when it comes to contract situations.

General manager Brian Gutekunst has had a mixed bag of results when it’s come to draft classes. He’s been very good in the first rounds, selecting Jaire Alexander in 2018 and Rashan Gary and Darnell Savage in 2019. The book is still out on the Jordan Love selection last year. He’s also added quality players such as Elgton Jenkins and Marquez Valdes-Scantling.

Unfortunately, he has quite a few misses already including Josh Jackson (2018 second round), Oren Burks (2018 third round), J’Mon Moore (2018 fourth round) and Jace Sternberger (2019 third round). The book is still out on a number of his other picks which could make or break his draft classes in the near future.

Here is the best and worst-case scenario for the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Green Bay doesn’t have any immediate needs they must address in the first round, but there are a couple of positions they should target if possible. Cornerback and defensive line are at the top of that list. They could also add depth along the offensive line after losing multiple talented players in free agency the last couple of seasons. Quarterback and running back are two positions you can cross off in the first round, as Green Bay is clearly covered there.

Only considering the players who could or should be available at the end of the first round, let’s take a look at the best and worst-case scenarios for the Packers.

Worst-case: Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa

The Packers haven’t invested much at the inside linebacker position in recent history and it’s contributed to their struggles on defense. After veteran Christian Kirksey left the team in free agency, Kamal Martin and Krys Barnes are currently managing the position. Although they showed promise in their rookie seasons, trusting two second-year players at such an important position is a risky proposition

Zaven Collins could give Green Bay a much-needed upgrade in the first round. He has great size (6-foot-5 and 259 pounds), can stick with guys in coverage and the ability to get after the quarterback. However, he wouldn’t help much in the run game–something the Packers need the most–as he struggles to get off blocks. It’s far too easy for offensive linemen to shut him down once they get their hands on him. He would raise the ceiling of the guys at the position, but is far too risky in the first round.

Best-case: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

Caleb Farley is a top ten pick based on talent alone and is the clear CB1 in this draft class. He is an elite athlete with amazing speed, great size (6-foot-2) and the production to match. He’s able to use his height and long arms to make life a nightmare for wide receivers on the outside. If he can stay healthy, he has future All-Pro written all over him.

His health is the biggest question mark. Farley has had two back procedures (he’s currently recovering from one) and an ACL tear in the last four years. That will scare a bunch of teams away and could make him fall dramatically on draft night. The Packers notoriously conservative medical staff would have to give Gutekunst the green light to select him, but if he can stay healthy he could be a game-changer for Green Bay.