Packers: Latest 2021 mock drafts from around the internet
The Packers are still playing, but it isn’t too early to look ahead at the NFL Draft. Receiver is a popular pick for Green Bay in mock drafts around the internet.
The Green Bay Packers are 13-3 and about to play the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round of the playoffs. I know a lot of people aren’t thinking of the draft, they are focusing on the Packers’ current run to the Super Bowl, but mock drafts are always something fun to look at.
I looked around the internet to see who the latest mock drafts had the Packers taking in the upcoming NFL Draft. Not surprisingly, the popular pick for the Packers is wide receiver. That is what a lot of experts and fans thought the Packers would do in the last draft.
I mean, it made sense. They have a top two (not two) receiver in the league in Davante Adams. At the time, we weren’t sure what we had in Allen Lazard. MVS was still unproven and that was about all they had. Wide receiver was the obvious selection.
The Packers ended up taking quarterback Jordan Love in the first round and didn’t actually take a receiver all draft. So the Packers started the 2020 season with a receiving corps many thought would be the downfall of the Packers’ season. Instead, it allowed tight end Robert Tonyan to step up and grab 11 touchdown passes from Aaron Rodgers. Davante Adams played in just 14 games and still led the NFL in touchdown receptions with 18.
Now, the Packers have the top offense in the league and the No. 1 seed in the NFC, and the road to the Super Bowl goes through Green Bay. The Packers were just fine without drafting a receiver.
That doesn’t mean adding another receiver to the mix wouldn’t make them any better. Various NFL draft experts from around the league tend to agree. As good as last year’s receiver class was, some think this year’s class could be even better. In the long run, it may work out better for Green Bay to take a receiver in this year’s draft, rather than last year’s.
So let’s take a look at some of the most recent mock drafts along with summaries for each pick from around the internet.
Pro Football Focus – Chris Olave – WR – Ohio State
In PFF’s first-round mock draft, Anthony Treash has the Packers taking Ohio State receiver Chris Olave.
"“Among all Power Five wide receivers this season against single coverage, Olave ranks sixth in receiving grade and first in passer rating when targeted — a near-perfect 157.5 mark with 13 receptions on 17 such targets for 242 yards and five touchdowns.”"
The Draft Network – Terrace Marshall Jr. – WR – LSU
Brentley Weissman from The Draft Network dropped his latest mock this past Sunday.
"“Adding another talented pass-catcher will just make Rodgers’ and Adams’ lives easier. Terrace Marshall’s game-breaking speed and long catch radius make him an ideal complement to Adams as a deep threat.”"
Pro Football Network – Rashod Bateman – WR – Minnesota
Ian Cummings from the Pro Football Network dropped a three-round mock draft. He also had the Packers taking linebacker Chazz Surratt (North Carolina) and cornerback Rodarius Williams (Oklahoma State). On Bateman:
"“Rashod Bateman is excellent value at the end of Round 1. He’s a well-sized and physical receiver, with the crisp route-running ability to find daylight.”"
CBS Sports – Zaven Collins – LB – Tulsa
One of the very few outlets that don’t have the Packers taking a receiver. Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports has the Packers picking a player on the defensive side of the ball.
"“Another year, another passing on wide receiver in Round 1 for the Packers. Instead, they get Mike Pettine a hybrid defensive front player for his defense.”"
After the Super Bowl is played and the season is over, there will be about three long months before the draft. It’s never too early to start thinking about and getting excited for the draft and the future of the Green Bay Packers.