Packers mock draft roundup: Quarterback in first round?
Could the Green Bay Packers draft a quarterback in the first round?
The 2020 NFL Scouting Combine is currently taking place in Indianapolis with the on-field workouts kicking off on Thursday afternoon.
The combine results will have an impact on mock drafts with many prospects rising up big boards in the coming days.
Who will the Packers take at No. 30 overall? Based on many mock drafts by top draft analysts, it’s anybody’s guess.
FanSided, Brad Weiss
Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
LSU’s Patrick Queen is a player to watch during the combine workouts on Saturday. Where will Queen go in the draft? Will he still be available at No. 30?
Brad Weiss of FanSided believes so and has Brian Gutekunst saying thank you very much in the first round, adding a starting linebacker at No. 30. Weiss wrote that Queen is “NFL-ready right now”, and I agree. He would immediately upgrade a position of need in Mike Pettine’s defense.
NFL.com, Bucky Brooks
Jacob Eason, QB, Washington
Now, this is interesting.
Brian Gutekunst made it clear ahead of the combine that he wouldn’t hesitate to draft a quarterback early if there’s a prospect he loves. That’s the correct way to approach the final years of Aaron Rodgers‘ prime. The Packers don’t need to force the issue and they can afford to have some patience. But if a QB they believe can succeed Rodgers is there, take him. Just like Ted Thompson did in 2005.
Bucky Brooks of NFL.com has the Packers doing that by selecting Jacob Eason out of Washington.
“With Aaron Rodgers entering the twilight of his career, the Packers could snag their quarterback of the future and let him spend a few years as an apprentice before taking over the franchise,” Brooks wrote.
It would be a pick met with mixed reactions from Packers Nation. But if he went onto become the future starter, this would be a great move.
The Draft Network, Joe Marino
Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
Joe Marino of The Draft Network focused on the present with the Packers’ first-round pick. The days of hoping Brandon Aiyuk falls to the bottom of the second round could be well and truly over.
Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com wrote that Aiyuk “is at his best after the catch, breaking tackles and making people miss without gearing down”. That’s exactly what the Packers need, and Aiyuk could be a Day 1 starter in Matt LaFleur’s offense.
Sports Illustrated, Kevin Hanson
Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin
Kevin Hanson of Sports Illustrated has the Packers going with a hometown favorite. Hanson believes Zach Baun out of Wisconsin will transition well to inside linebacker in the NFL:
“With sideline-to-sideline range to go along with his ability as a blitzer, Baun is fluid when dropping into coverage,” Hanson wrote.
Both Queen and Kenneth Murray were off the board by the time the Packers picked first, but they still found a linebacker who could potentially start immediately.