Kenneth Murray to Packers in recent 2020 mock draft

One recent mock draft has Oklahoma linebacker Kenneth Murray going to the Packers in the first round.

To find an instant starter at linebacker, the Green Bay Packers might need to go early in the draft. More mock drafts seem to be leaning in that direction at No. 30, and it makes a lot of sense.

Wide receiver is also a major need for the Packers but there is so much talent at the position. It’ll be much easier to find a difference-maker at receiver on Day 2 than at linebacker.

It all depends on who is still on the board when Green Bay picks first at No. 30 overall — unless they trade up, of course.

Isaiah Simmons will almost certainly be gone. Will either Kenneth Murray or Patrick Queen still be available? Depending on the mock draft you read, both players could be taken as high as the middle of the first round or fall all the way to the Packers.

Interestingly, the latest With the First Pick mock draft by Christopher Reiss has both players available when the Packers make their pick. Reiss opted against addressing the offensive needs first, going with Murray at No. 30.

I love this pick.

The Packers’ situation at inside linebacker is a mess.

Blake Martinez played over 98 percent of the defensive snaps in the 2019 season, according to Pro Football Reference. He’s a free agent in March. B.J. Goodson played just under 25 percent of the snaps. He’s a free agent.

Oren Burks was expected to play a bigger role in Mike Pettine’s defense this season. While a preseason injury didn’t help, he only played five percent of the snaps. As things stand, Burks would be a starter in Week 1.

The Packers may be able to find help next month; Cory Littleton is the best linebacker set to become a free agent. If they look for a Day 1 starter in the draft, Murray would be a good choice. He has the speed and coverage ability to help the passing defense.

Judging by the way Brian Gutekunst has addressed needs in the past, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him sign a free agent at both linebacker and wide receiver then double down at both positions in the draft.

Either way, Murray at No. 30 would be a good way to help fix the Packers’ biggest defensive need.