Packers: Seven-round pre-combine mock draft 2020

Round 6 (172): Tyler Clark, DL – Georgia

Outside of Kenny Clark, the Packers’ defensive line was nothing special. They were gashed in the NFC Championship game against the 49ers, allowing Raheem Mostert to get a full head of steam and run through the line of scrimmage without being touched.

Should they let Blake Martinez walk and draft Kenneth Murray, they will need a stouter defensive line next season. I could see the Packers going out and signing a defensive lineman in free agency, but it wouldn’t hurt to draft one either.

Tyler Clark should fit right into this defense, at least as a rotational player. He has quick feet and can quickly cut through offensive lines with an impressive swim move. His long arms give him separation from offensive linemen so they don’t get under his pads. When he gets his hands on a ball-carrier they are usually going down. Clark could replace someone like Tyler Lancaster on the line and split reps with Kingsley Keke.

Round 6 (189): Jauan Jennings, WR – Tennessee

Jauan Jennings is a tall (6-foot-3) and physical receiver. He is not afraid of making contact with defenders and will often fight for extra yardage. At Tennessee, he was the go-to guy in big spots. He is more of a possession receiver than a speed receiver. He has the talent to be a third-round player, but apparently there are some character concerns that could drop him to Day 3 or even go undrafted.

To put his talent into perspective, PFF had the Packers taking Jennings in their first mock draft on January 14. If the Packers could get a talent like this in the sixth round, I think it’s worth a shot. If the character concerns really do become an issue, they can cut their losses and move on.

Round 7 (201): Lavert Hill, CB – Michigan

The Packers have the best secondary they’ve had in a while. But that doesn’t change the fact the Tramon Williams, who earned All-Pro votes last season, will be 37 next season if they bring him back. If they bring him back, it would be ideal to bring in another young cornerback to learn under him and get some snaps in Pettine’s system.

Lavert Hill could come in and possibly get some playing time on defense and on special teams. He has an aggressive press technique and is active with his hands in coverage. Although he is on the smaller side (5-foot-11, 182 pounds), he can still cover bigger receivers. But his size does play a factor in his run defense. He isn’t as willing to collide with ball carriers head-on.

Round 7 (219): James Lynch, EDGE – Baylor

James Lynch won the 2019 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year award. He reminds me a little of J.J. Watt. They are both about 6-foot-5 and weigh about 285-290 pounds. But the thing that reminds me of Watt is Lynch’s effort and his motor. He is Baylor’s all-time leader in sacks with 22 career sacks. He is not an exceptionally gifted pass rusher, but his all-out effort will help him get to the quarterback. On top of that, all of his coaches at Baylor rave about his character.

His athleticism and strength are limited though. He may not be much of an issue for NFL linemen that he would be facing on Sundays, but he may be able to provide some more depth to the Packers’ EDGE position and possibly play some defensive end if needed as well.