Packers three-round mock draft: Wide receiver in first round
Round 3 (94): Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB, Appalachian State
The Packers finally address their biggest defensive need in the third round. The middle of the defense was a major issue for Green Bay in 2019, both covering receivers and stopping the run. It’s an area they’ll need to address this offseason.
Despite missing out on Queen and Murray in the first round, Akeem Davis-Gaither would be a great pick in the third round. Along with adding an inside linebacker in free agency, the Packers could turn a weakness into a strength on defense.
GM Brian Gutekunst has doubled down at positions of need the past two offseasons, and he could do the same again. If the Packers can add a free agent like Cory Littleton or Nick Kwiatkoski and then draft Davis-Gaither, they’ll be much stronger in the middle of the defense.
Bucky Brooks of NFL.com wrote that “Davis-Gaither is a sideline-to-sideline playmaker with outstanding instincts and awareness”. Brooks ranked him fifth among linebackers in the class.
He can be used to rush the passer or drop into coverage and, interestingly, Pro Football Focus actually has Davis-Gaither ahead of Queen and Murray in their linebacker rankings.
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After strengthening the offense in the opening two rounds, the Packers can still find an upgrade at linebacker in the second round.