Packers 2020 NFL Draft: All you need to know ahead of first round
All you need to know ahead of the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
If you haven’t been too focused on the Green Bay Packers this offseason, and that’s understandable given everything that’s going on in the world, we’re here to get you ready for the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Green Bay’s 2019 season exceeded expectations but fell apart in the crushing NFC Championship loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Despite coming close, it was clear this team needed some work to go one step further.
A big opportunity lies ahead in the draft. Here’s everything you need to know:
When does it start?
The first round of the 2020 NFL Draft begins at 7 p.m. CT on Thursday, April 23.
When do the Packers hit the clock?
The Packers will hit the clock at No. 30 in the first round unless, of course, they make a trade. General manager Brian Gutekunst has already made three first-round trades in his first two drafts, so it’s a possibility.
What are the Packers’ biggest needs?
Wide receiver: The Packers desperately need to find a complement to Davante Adams in the passing game. Fortunately, this is a historically deep class at the position. Expect Gutekunst to target pass catchers early and often.
Inside linebacker: The middle of the defense has been a concern for many years. Green Bay did bring in free-agent Christian Kirksey back in March, replacing former starter Blake Martinez who signed with the New York Giants. But this is still a position of need.
Defensive tackle: Green Bay’s defense also needs some work up front. Going defensive tackle in the first round should be very much in play.
Players to watch
At wide receiver, any number of prospects could fall to No. 30 due to this being such a talented class. Players to watch include Baylor’s Denzel Mims, LSU’s Justin Jefferson, Arizona State’s Brandon Aiyuk, and Clemson’s Tee Higgins.
At inside linebacker, the top two names to watch on Day 1 are LSU’s Patrick Queen and Oklahoma’s Kenneth Murray. If either player is still available at No. 30, they may be hard to pass up.
At defensive tackle, first-round targets could include TCU’s Ross Blacklock and Oklahoma’s Neville Gallimore.
Recommended reading
Throughout the draft, as well as staying tuned to Lombardi Ave, be sure to follow along with FanSided and NFL Spin Zone. For a focus on the Packers, Dairyland Express always provides excellent coverage.
For some pre-draft reading, FanSided’s NFL Draft Preview is a must.
Along with that, the Lombardi Ave staff have predicted the Packers’ first-round pick, and Lombardi Ave’s Christian Borman has made three bold predictions for the Packers in this year’s draft.
Finally, Lombardi Ave’s Jesse Fry wrote a great article on potential trade partners for Green Bay.