3 Packers 2-Round Mock Drafts w/ No 1st Round WRs

Green Bay Packers Mock Draft via The Draft Network

Pick 22: George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue

Pick 28: Lewis Cine, S, Georgia

Pick 53: George Pickens, WR, Georgia

Pick 59: Travis Jones, IDL, UCONN

Takeaway: Who knows how the board will actually fall on draft night, but this is another scenario where I still land an immediate impact receiver in the second round, which again allows me to beef up other positions first. Pickens also feels like a very Packers-type of selection, from his size, athleticism, and the physicality he brings to the position. Among the specific needs at receiver that the Packers have, a go-to option on the boundary is one of them, and Pickens should certainly be able to fill that role while impacting all three levels of the field.

I also once again went with defense early on with my other selections. I recently ranked the Green Bay Packers’ biggest positions of need entering the draft and listed edge rusher second, given how heavily it is rotated along with the importance of it–not to mention that there was a real lack of impact plays when Smith and Gary weren’t on the field. Karlaftis will provide an immediate upgrade in that third edge rusher role in passing situations, and the Packers can also move him inside when needed.

As previously mentioned, the Packers need a third safety for 2022, but looking ahead, Vernon Scott is the only safety under contract in 2023. Cine will likely spend most of his time at free safety at the NFL level and he was also very good against the run–which is a very important aspect for the safeties within Joe Barry’s defense, which often utilizes lightboxes and relies on the safety position to provide support.

At pick 59, I was thrilled to see Travis Jones still available. He will occupy space and take on double-teams, which will help against the run but also free up Clark, the edge rushers, and linebackers as well. I also believe that he can make an impact on passing downs.