Packers pre-free agency three-round mock draft 2020

Round 2 (62): Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio State

It sure seems like the Packers will be in the mix for one of the top free-agent inside linebackers. That’s the right move to make. Sports Illustrated’s Bill Huber reported that their top priority at linebacker is Cory Littleton.

But if they are unable to agree on a deal with a linebacker in free agency, they might turn to the position early in the draft.

After making their first offensive selection in the opening round since Derek Sherrod in 2011, Ohio State linebacker Malik Harrison could be an option on Day 2.

Simply put, the Packers need a lot of help at the position, especially if Blake Martinez signs elsewhere in free agency. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote that Harrison has the “range to help ruin the running game for teams needing linebacker help”. For the Packers, the answer is yes to both of those questions.

Green Bay’s run defense wasn’t anywhere close to being good enough in 2019, ranking 23rd in the NFL during the regular season before being humiliated by Raheem Mostert and the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game.

Harrison is another player who impressed during the combine last week. He could start from Day 1 in Mike Pettine’s defense and help strengthen the unit’s ability to stop the run.