What would Gutey do? Packers 7 Round Mock Draft Based on Past Trends

Green Bay Packers 7 Round Mock Draft Based On Past Tendencies and Thresholds

Pick 17: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

Using the Rich Hill trade value chart, I traded picks 22 and 92 to Los Angeles for the 17th pick. While Olave is a bit on the smaller side compared to what the Packers typically covet at receiver, standing nearly 6’1″ and 187 pounds, he’s close, and we’ve seen just this past draft Brian Gutekunst make an exception with Amari Rodgers.

With that said, Olave checks just about every other box, from age to athletic testing and filling a major positional need. We know Green Bay needs receivers, but Olave can be that high-volume go-to target who can line up all over the formation, looking for mismatches, and he is arguably the best route runner in this class who can win in all three phases of the field. The Packers need someone to be the guy; well, here he is.

Pick 28: Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa

Perhaps this could be considered a bit of a reach, but I didn’t believe Smith would be available at pick 53–not to mention that trying to hit several different benchmarks in this Gutekunst-esque draft created a much smaller group of players to choose from.

Smith feels like a very Green Bay Packers-type of pick. He’s still only 21-years-old, he tested very well, he plays one of the most important positions in football where Green Bay is lacking some serious depth, and he has a very high ceiling. He will likely have to go through some growing pains, but he can be a very good player.

Pick 53: Logan Hall, IDL, Houston

Recently, Green Bay’s IDL coach Jerry Montgomery mentioned wanting to add a pass-rush presence along the interior defensive line–which is exactly what Hall would do. He also brings excellent versatility, able to play multiple positions along the defensive front — even edge rusher if needed — and would be an immediate contributor to the Packers’ defensive line rotation on passing downs.

Pick 59: Jalen Pitre, S, Baylor

The Green Bay Packers need to find a third safety for the 2022 season, and they need to build the depth at the position for the coming years as well when this unit could be quite thin. Pitre spent most of his career at Baylor playing in the box or in the slot. He’s active against the run, which is very important for the safety position in Barry’s defense, and he would give Green Bay an additional presence in the slot–something that is needed.

Pick 132: Tyquan Thornton, WR, Baylor

In addition to just adding to the receiver room, specifically, the Packers need a vertical threat. In addition to the big plays, having this element creates for others, and in general, opens up the passing game. With 4.28 speed, Thornton brings that much-needed presence.

Pick 140: Josh Paschal, Edge, Kentucky

It may not seem like a major need with Rashan Gary and Preston Smith, but the Packers really need to try to upgrade those third and fourth edge rusher roles, who see the field about one-third of the time–so a fairly decent amount. Paschal will hopefully be able to find playing time right away on third downs and obvious passing situations. He also has experience moving around and lining up inside as well. Just as Green Bay did with Gary, they can bring Paschal along slowly.

Pick 171: Daniel Bellinger, TE, San Diego State

At the NFL level, Bellinger will likely be the traditional Y-tight end who can line up in the slot if needed. He is not an overly dynamic pass-catcher — although he tested very well — but he has reliable hands and can make contested catches. He is a sound blocker, which as we all know, is vital to playing tight end in Matt LaFleur’s offense.

Pick 228: Dylan Parham, IOL, Memphis

The starters along the interior offensive line may be on the roster already, but the depth along the offensive line is very thin–not to mention that added competition is always a good thing. Parham is one of the more experienced players you will find, with nearly 3,200 snaps over four seasons, and he has played both guard positions.

Pick 249: Zach Thomas, OT, San Diego State

The Packers have had a lot of success over the years drafting Day 3 offensive tackles and having them move to guard–perhaps Thomas could be next in line. He played both right and left tackle at San Diego State, and while guard will likely be the preferred landing spot for him, he may be able to provide an emergency presence at tackle if needed.

Pick 258: Eric Johnson, IDL, Missouri State

To put it simply, Green Bay really needs to build their interior defensive line depth. They only have five players under contract for the 2022 season at the moment and only two in 2023. Johnson has shown that he can be productive both against the run as well as the pass, and his draft stock has been on the rise this offseason after his impressive performances at his pro-day and the Senior Bowl.