After the debacle that was the 2020 NFL Draft, Packers fans are nervous about what the team is going to do to address team needs. This is not a predictive mock, but instead a look at what I would do if I were General Manager:
Round 1- Trade Alert
I believe Green Bay would trade up to the Indianapolis Colts’ 21st overall selection if cornerback Greg Newsome was available. In this mock, the Packers trade down and pick up additional compensation. The Atlanta Falcons could move back into the first round to select running back Najee Harris, who will be a hot commodity.
Packers Trade: 29th overall sele, Pick #135 (RD 4), Pick 178 (RD 5) Pick 220 (RD 6) = Trade Value of 698.8
Falcons Trade: Second-round pick, third-round pick
This would be a win for the Packers if they were to make this trade. It would give the front office four picks in the top 100 and would allow them to shed additional picks for prospects who likely will not make the final roster anyway.
Pick 35, Round 2: OT Samuel Cosmi, Texas
Cosmi, who measures in at 6’7″ and 310 pounds, is a smaller offensive tackle who has played on both sides of the line. He could step in immediately and play right tackle for the Packers. In addition, he could fill in for David Bahktiari if he misses time at the beginning of the 2021 season.
One thing that has not changed since Brian Gutekunst took over for Ted Thompson is the desire to draft athletic and versatile linemen. Drafting Cosmi gives Green Bay an exciting addition to play alongside with the experienced talents in Elgton Jenkins and Jon Runyan among others. Cosmi has the frame to add weight and currently sits is a Bryan Bulaga-type player, who anchored the Packers right tackle position for several years.
Pick 62, Round 2: WR Dyami Brown, North Carolina
This selection was going to be a cornerback, but both Elijah Molden and Ifeatu Melifonwu were taken. This left a dynamic playmaker to help Aaron Rodgers and the offense. Brown fits the offensive scheme and can take pressure off off Davante Adams.
Brown, measured at 6’1″ and 189 pounds, finished with a 4.44 forty-yard dash. He is a well-rounded receiver who can run vertical routes and is a willing blocker. He would give a much-needed talent boost to a core that needs to upgrade at the position.
Pick 68, Round 3: LB Jabril Cox, LSU
Pat Freirmuth was still on the board, but the defense does need some upgrades. A talented prospect such as Jabril Cox in the third round is a great value selection for the Packers.
His strength as a linebacker pertains to his flexibility. Cox is an elite coverage linebacker that also has the ability to shed blocks and stack up in the run game. He will need to improve his pass-rush ability, but that is not what Green Bay needs in their linebackers. Cox would give Green Bay a mix of young talents to pair with Kamal Martin and Krys Barnes.
Pick 92, Round 3: CB Olaijah Griffin, USC
Truth be told, this is not an ideal selection. Various cornerbacks such as Tyson Campbell, Paulson Adebo, and Benjamin St-Juste would all be selected before Griffin in this case. He tested poorly at his Pro Day, but was potentially coming off of a positive COVID test that prevented him from showcasing his true potential.
Griffin is a true outside cornerback and would offer competition and a push to Kevin King. He wouldn’t need to be pushed into the starting roster immediately. King underwhelmed during the NFC Championship, but he is still better than the average defensive back. Adding Griffin would be a long-term
I know fans are angry after Kevin King’s poor performance in the NFC championship game but the truth is King is a better than average corner and adding Griffin would be a long-term solution.
Round 4- Trade Alert
As stated, the Packers have an overload of picks. We are aiming for quality, not quantity.
Packers Trade: Fifth-round pick, seventh-round pick
Browns Trade: Fourth-round pick
Pick 132, Round 4: RB Chuba Hubbard, Oklahoma St.
The Packers want to carry and utilize three running backs. With Jamal Williams gone, AJ Dillon maintains a different style in comparison to what Williams provided. Hubbard could be a gadget running back who also contributes on special teams.
Hubbard needs to improve as a pass-catcher and blocker to solidify a role at the professional level. The Packers should address their running back depth in the middle rounds of this draft. Other options would include Pooka Williams, Khalil Herbert, or Jaret Patterson.
Pick 142, Round 4: DT Bobby Brown III, Texas A&M
This is a poor draft class when it comes to the defensive tackle position. Most of the prospects are limited and fairly one-dimensional. The selection of Brown III relates to the team’s need for run defense. He can be a nice two-down run stuffer who won’t hurt in passing situations either. Adding him into a rotation with Kingsley Keke and Tyler Lancaster starts to give Green Bay depth up front.
Round 6, Pick 214: WR Demetric Felton, UCLA
This is a shoutout to Packers podcaster and reporter Peter Bukowski, who has been pounding the table for Felton. He would be a solid WR5 that could step in as a kick-returner and complete the depth overhaul that this draft has provided. Felton has the potential to play at both the running back and wide receiver position, making him an issue for opposing defenses.
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