Packers seven-round mock draft post-free agency frenzy

Rounds 1 – 2

Round 1 (30): LB Zack Baun – Wisconsin

Even while signing Kirksey, the Packers have a need at linebacker. Baun is a versatile player who should be able to transition to inside linebacker for the Packers in their 3-4 defense. He has the ability to cover and as he showed at Wisconsin last season, can be a solid pass rusher. He finished last season with 12.5 sacks and 75 total tackles. He was consistently making plays for the Badgers’ defense and would be a solid addition to the Packers defense, especially if Kirksey cannot stay healthy.

Baun would also give Mike Pettine another rusher to use in what is essentially his 1-4-7 package where he has one down lineman, three outside linebackers, one middle linebacker, and seven defensive backs. Adding Baun would give this defense another playmaker at a spot where one is sorely needed.

Here’s what NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote in his draft profile:

"“Ascending prospect whose explosive production on the field has begun to mirror his explosive athletic traits. Baun’s twitchy get-off and deep bend at the edge is nightmare fuel for Big Ten tackles and he’s still at the early stages of pass rush development. He is aggressive to flow downhill in run support, has sideline-to-sideline range and is fluid dropping into coverage.”"

Round 2 (62): OT Austin Jackson – USC

I know, not selecting a receiver in the first two rounds sounds like a bad idea and people will probably not like it, but let’s be honest, the Packers need a future right tackle. Rick Wagner is most likely a rental. He’s 30 years old already and is coming off of a rough 2019 season. I think the Packers will and should go into this draft looking for the future at right tackle. Austin Jackson could be that guy in a couple of years.

He is raw and will maybe need a year or two to be NFL-ready.

His athleticism is an attractive trait. He will need a year or two of coaching to clean up some of the technique and footwork issues, but I think he would have the ability to play either left or right tackle and be a good player in the future.