Packers 2020 three-round mock draft: Linebacker, receiver in early rounds

Round 1 (30): Patrick Queen, LB, LSU

Inside linebacker is a major need for the Packers this offseason. This defense desperately needs a three-down linebacker who can not only help strengthen the No. 23 run defense, but also hold up in coverage.

Blake Martinez had a tough game against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship. While he’s a solid player and makes a lot of tackles, he lacks the sideline-to-sideline speed necessary, and Kyle Shanahan’s offense created mismatches up against Martinez.

To make matters even worse, Martinez is the Packers’ best inside linebacker but will become a free agent this spring.

Enter Patrick Queen. I’m not convinced he’ll still be there, but using The Draft Network’s mock draft machine for the first round, he was still on the board at No. 30. This isn’t a deep class at the position, so if Queen is still there, Brian Gutekunst should sprint to the podium himself to get the pick in.

Queen would add much-needed speed to the middle of the defense and he’s also excellent in coverage. LSU has produced a number of elite inside linebackers in recent years including Deion Jones and Kwon Alexander. Queen could soon join them.

If he’s still on the board, Queen could fix one of the Packers’ top needs on defense, a playmaker who could make a difference right away.