Packers address need at linebacker in 2020 mock draft
The latest NFL Mocks mock draft has Kenneth Murray going to the Green Bay Packers.
For the Green Bay Packers to address their biggest defensive need at inside linebacker, they might need to be willing to do something they’ve rarely done in recent years, which is to use a high draft pick at the position.
Current starter Blake Martinez was a fourth-round pick, but he is soon to be a free agent. Even had he still been under contract or re-signs this offseason, the Packers still need more talent at the position.
In free agency, Cory Littleton could interest the Packers, but the price will be the biggest issue. Beyond a few players, there aren’t too many inside linebackers hitting the market who could give the Packers better production than Martinez.
The same is true in the draft. Beyond the top two or three players, it’s not a deep class. The Packers may need to go linebacker early in April. That’s exactly what the latest NFL Mocks mock draft by A.J. Fagerlin has them doing, selecting Oklahoma’s Kenneth Murray in the first round.
Murray would address a major need and could start immediately in Mike Pettine’s defense.
The Packers need to add more speed on defense, and Murray can do that. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com compared him to San Francisco 49ers linebacker Kwon Alexander. Zierlein wrote:
"“Sleek, playmaking linebacker with chiseled frame and long arms. Murray’s game is predicated on speed with an ability to fly around from sideline to sideline rolling up tackles.”"
The question is whether Murray will still be on the board when the Packers pick at No. 30. If so, will he be the top player on Brian Gutekunst’s board?
The good news is that if Green Bay does decide to go defense again in the first round, Gutekunst will still have opportunities to add playmakers on offense given the depth at wide receiver in this class. The same might not be true at linebacker if he avoids the position on Day 1.
If Murray is still on the board when the Packers hit the clock, should they draft him?