Packers: Ranking the top 10 options in first round of draft
By Evan Siegel
4. Josh Jones, OT, Houston
The three signings the Packers made in the offseason were a little head-scratching as they were geared towards positions of need, without actually checking them off. Ricky Wagner is a step down from Bryan Bulaga but will be serviceable provided he can stay healthy. But like Christian Kirksey, Wagner is essentially on a one-year deal with the Packers. Inserting Josh Jones would give more certainty to the offensive line for the foreseeable future.
David Bakhtiari needs to be re-signed. He is among the best offensive linemen in football, and with an aging quarterback, it’s a no-brainer. Having Jones in his second year, having sat behind Wagner for a season will be great for the future continuity of the line. Elgton Jenkins and Jones would be a tremendous young tandem on the offensive line, with a superstar in Bakhtiari and a good enough starter in Billy Turner.
3. Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
The Packers haven’t drafted a receiver in the first round since 2002, when it was fashionable to let the NFL know of your selection with a Blackberry. This has caught up with them over the last three seasons. Brian Gutekunst drafted three receivers in his first draft, hoping to hit on even one of them. J’Mon Moore is long gone, Equanimeous St. Brown missed all of last season, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling fell off the face of the earth after a promising first half to his sophomore season.
The Packers, under the best of circumstances, are going to continue to stink at tight end next year. The offense is desperately in need of receiver help, and with the incredibly deep class of receivers in the draft this year, the Packers have to scoop up at least two pass catchers.
Denzel Mims figures to be one of the biggest risers in this year’s draft. The Packers will hold a virtual meeting with Mims before the draft, giving the indication there is at least some level of interest. Mims is 6-foot-3 and coming off a 1,000-yard season for Baylor. Any help of any kind at the position will be welcomed.