Packers address cornerback need in three-round 2021 mock draft

Round 1 (29): Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan

It’s never a bad idea to strengthen the offensive line. Even in this scenario. The Packers’ line performed as well as any all year long with Aaron Rodgers being sacked a career-low 20 times. Three Packers linemen were Pro Bowlers while two were first-team All-Pros.

However, with David Bakhtiari missing in the NFC title game due to a torn ACL, the Packers’ starting tackles struggled to contain the Buccaneers’ excellent pass rush. One bad game doesn’t take anything away from the line’s success in 2020, but adding depth is rarely a bad idea at such a crucial position.

Not to mention, center Corey Linsley could be gone next season which could lead to a reshuffling along the line. Elgton Jenkins would be a candidate to move to center, potentially meaning Billy Turner shifts back inside from tackle. Add in the fact Bakhtiari could miss the start of the season and it makes sense to add some more offensive line help.

Enter Michigan’s Jalen Mayfield, one of the best offensive linemen in the class. With The Draft Network’s Kyle Crabbs writing that Mayfield “projects as a high-quality starting offensive lineman at the NFL level” while also noting his ability to play tackle or guard, this could be a home-run pick for the Packers.

He’d provide immediate depth at tackle with the potential to start early in his career. Long term, the Packers could have one of the league’s best tackle pairings in Bakhtiari and Mayfield.