Green Bay Packers: Evaluating Matt Miller’s 7-Round Mock

Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) carries the ball as Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Desmond King (14) defends during the first half at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) carries the ball as Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Desmond King (14) defends during the first half at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports /
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Clemson Tigers tight end Jordan Leggett (16) scores a touchdown against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the first half of the ACC Championship college football game at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Clemson Tigers tight end Jordan Leggett (16) scores a touchdown against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the first half of the ACC Championship college football game at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 3 (91st pick): Jordan Leggett, TE, Clemson

This is another solid pick by Miller for the Packers on Day 2 of the draft. Leggett brings size (6-5, 260) and receiving ability to the tight end position.

This year he was Clemson’s second-leading receiver with 39 receptions for 641 yards and seven touchdowns. His 16.44 yards per reception average was among the nation’s leaders at the tight end position.

Leggett isn’t an explosive athlete with blazing speed, but he’s a polished route runner with good hands. He’d definitely be a big target for Aaron Rodgers to throw to over the middle of the field.

My Take: While I like Leggett as a prospect, especially here at the end of the third round, this may not be the best use of the Packers’ pick.

Jared Cook has really come on strong in the latter half of the season, and Richard Rodgers is a solid backup. At this point it seems there’s a good chance the Packers bring Cook back next season.

With Green Bay already addressing the running back position in the second round, it might be a better move for the Packers to address the defense with this pick.

Linebacker Vince Biegel and defensive lineman Davon Godchaux were still on the board, and both are better values than Leggett, in my opinion. Biegel is a versatile 3-4 Wisconsin outside linebacker with tremendous athleticism and motor. He could also move inside. Godchaux is a disruptive down lineman from LSU with plenty of interior pass rush ability.

If Green Bay were to go tight end here in the third round, Michigan’s Jake Butt or South Alabama’s Gerald Everett might be better options. Butt is a borderline Round 1 prospect, who unfortunately suffered a knee injury in the Orange Bowl.

Everett is a 6-foot-3, 240-pound athletic freak with top-end speed for the position. He’s a guy that can make things happen with the ball in his hands.

While Leggett is a safe choice, he’s a limited athlete and lacks the explosiveness to really scare defenses over the middle of the field. Butt and Everett both come with more risk but have far higher ceilings as pro prospects.

With Cook and Rodgers on the roster, it would make more sense for the Packers to take a player with a lot of upside who can grow and develop behind the starters.