3 Packers 3-Round Mock Draft Simulations & Big Takeaways

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: The Green Bay Packers logo is seen on a video board during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: The Green Bay Packers logo is seen on a video board during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT /
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Green Bay Packers
AMES, IA – SEPTEMBER 4: Head coach Mark Farley of the Northern Iowa Panthers co0aches offensive lineman Trevor Penning #70 of the Northern Iowa Panthers on the sidelines in the first half of play against the Iowa State Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium on September 4, 2021 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

Mock Draft Simulation No. 2 for Packers

Pick 22: Trevor Penning, OT, UNI

Pick 28: Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan

Pick 53: Cameron Thomas, EDGE, San Diego State

Pick 59: Zachary Carter, IDL, Florida

Pick 92: Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State

Takeaway: Again, I really like the 22nd pick for the Packers. Penning would compete for the starting right tackle job immediately, and if he won and is able to hold his own, it would give Green Bay the flexibility to keep Jenkins at guard if they choose. And like Karlaftis, landing Penning at 22 feels like a good value pick.

This is yet another mock draft with the Packers selecting just one receiver in the first three rounds, which I’m sure would leave many upset. With Moore, he certainly brings a dynamic presence, but compared to what the Packers already have on the roster at receiver, specifically Randall Cobb and Amari Rodgers, Green Bay doesn’t really need another slot presence. Not that the Packers can’t upgrade what they have, but receiver is such a big need that finding a go-to option on the boundary and a vertical threat should take precedent.

I do like that the defensive front was addressed in Round 2. As already mentioned, edge depth is a must, and at the moment, the Packers only have five interior defensive linemen on the roster. Both Thomas and Carter bring positional versatility, allowing Joe Barry to move them around, and both should make an early impact on passing downs in the NFL.

Lastly, while the draft is about planning ahead, and who knows, Aaron Jones could be cut for cap savings following the 2022 season, it’s still hard to get on board with a top-100 running back selection given the other needs that the Packers have, especially with only one receiver selected–although, we’ve seen Gutekunst surprise us before during the 2020 draft when he selected AJ Dillon.

And to be clear, this has nothing to do with Hall, but with Jones and Dillon already on the roster and the Packers in win-now mode, an early-round running back selection doesn’t make much sense. Now, if they add to the running back room on Day 3, I won’t be surprised, but this feels too early.

I do like this mock draft more than the first one, and it seems to better align with what Green Bay would actually do, but overall, I’m not blown away by any means.