Packers: Way-too-early 2020 seven-round mock draft

Round 3 (Pick 91): Lavert Hill, CB, Michigan

The Michigan defensive back is a bit hard to figure out, as he mostly projects as a slot cornerback. Good thing that’s what the Packers need. Kevin King needs to be pushed, and Tramon Williams is on his last legs.

Ka’Dar Hollman had an impressive preseason after being drafted late last year, but other than that the slot position and overall depth at cornerback needs reinforcing. Josh Jackson has become a strong special teamer, but he’s been brutal in limited time as a corner after being picked in the second round.

Lavert Hill isn’t very big at 5-foot-11, but he sticks to receivers well and is a tick faster than most of the other slot defenders coming out. Having another body in the defensive backfield in the event that Jackson continues on a bust trajectory and Hollman isn’t ready by next season is important. Hill can also split out to the perimeter if need be, which may be the case given King’s inconsistent play.

Round 4 (Pick 136): Christian Rector, DE/OLB, USC

Pass rusher is an underrated need for the Packers going into next year. Kyler Fackrell is a free agent, and Rashan Gary needs to have a big second year to prove he was worth being picked anywhere near the top-15 in the draft. Christian Rector was a backup before injuries forced him into the lineup for the Trojans. His one sack on the year is yawn-inducing, but it’s worth taking that number in context.

The Trojans asked Rector to essentially play two positions, and as the defense got healthier he was taken off the field on passing downs. But the flexibility he provides is intriguing for a defense that has no idea what it has yet in Gary. Being able to stand him up or have him lined up with his hand in the dirt could be useful for Mike Pettine, and a good insurance policy in the event that either of the team’s top edge rushers goes down with an injury.