Green Bay Packers trade down in 4 round mock draft

Recently I wrote about why it makes sense for the Green Bay Packers to trade back from pick 15. So let’s see how things turn out in a four-round mock draft where I trade down to pick 21 with the Los Angeles Chargers.

You can read in greater detail here why trading down should absolutely be in play for the Packers, but in short, there are three main reasons. One is that Green Bay needs all the inexpensive rookie contracts they can get to help with their salary cap situation. Two, many of the strengths of this draft class align with the Packers’ needs. And three, there are several positions that Brian Gutekunst should look to address, including a few where multiple draft picks may be needed.

To pull this trade off with the Chargers, I used the Rich Hill value chart to come to a fair trade that was equal for both sides. As the Packers, I would give up the 15th pick and, in return, acquire picks 21, 85, and 200. Using PFF’s mock draft simulator, I ran a four-round mock draft that included six picks, four belonging to Green Bay, an additional third from the Chargers, along with an additional second-round pick from the New York Jets for trading Aaron Rodgers.

Pick 21 (from Chargers): Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland

A cornerback? That’s right, a cornerback. In an article of mine, I wrote about how I feel that the Packers have the flexibility in Round 1 to really address just about any position that they want because when it comes to their top needs, Day 2 of the draft will still provide them with a number of viable options at tight end, edge rusher, receiver, and interior defensive lineman. So in a very deep cornerback class, I took one of the best in Banks. This addition also allows the Packers to bolster their safety depth in a weak draft class by moving Rasul Douglas there, so I also didn’t feel the need to select a safety in the first four rounds.

Pick 42 (from Jets): Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Edge, Kansas State

I know I need a tight end, but I couldn’t resist passing on Anudike-Uzomah, not knowing if he would even make it to pick 45. Anudike-Uzomah will be an immediate rotational member and will give the Packers a needed pass rush boost with his ability to win in a variety of ways. Without Rashan Gary last season, the Green Bay pass rush became very inconsistent.

Pick 45: Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa

Right away, LaPorta can give the Packers offense and Jordan Love help in the passing game. He caught 129 passes at Iowa, according to PFF, at 11.6 yards per catch with four touchdowns and spent a fair amount of time in the slot. His blocking ability does have to improve, but he’s at least willing to take on that role.

Pick 78: Rashee Rice, WR, SMU

Rice is an excellent fit for the Matt LaFleur offense. He has experience playing both from the slot and out wide. He’s a capable run blocker as a wide receiver and was very effective at picking up YAC, not to mention being able to win as a pass-catcher at multiple levels.

Pick 85 (from Chargers): AT Perry, WR, Wake Forest

Perry will add another vertical presence to the Green Bay offense, which again will be a needed element as Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs take on larger route-running roles. Having someone who can win downfield will help create better spacing underneath for the other pass-catchers. Hopefully, this won’t be Perry’s only role either as his career develops, as he does have the ability to expand his route tree.

Pick 116: Jaquelin Roy, IDL, LSU

With only five interior defenders on the current roster, three of which have seen any playing time, this is very much an under-the-radar need for the Packers. Roy will enter the Green Bay defensive line rotation right away, taking snaps in either the A or B gaps. This should allow for Kenny Clark and Devonte Wyatt to take more snaps as four or five techniques which could lead to more one-on-one opportunities. Roy may not always fill the stat sheet, but his presence in the middle will help create for others. With that said, similarly to Wyatt, Roy’s role may begin small as he continues to develop.