Packers: Teven Jenkins in first round of 2021 mock draft

If Corey Linsley signs elsewhere in free agency, the Green Bay Packers could be forced to reshuffle their offensive line.

While we can’t rule out the possibility of the Packers signing or drafting a center to replace Linsley, this seems less likely than rolling with a player already on the roster such as Pro Bowler Elgton Jenkins, Lucas Patrick, or even a second-year player like Jon Runyan Jr. or Jake Hanson.

Add in the team’s decision to release Rick Wagner, along with David Bakhtiari’s injury, and there’s plenty of uncertainty along the offensive line as we approach the new league year.

One potential solution will be to draft a tackle early. A.J. Fagerlin of NFL Mocks has the Packers selecting Teven Jenkins out of Oklahoma State with the 29th overall pick in his mock draft.

I love it. Jenkins could be a starter early on in his career. The Packers could go with Billy Turner and Jenkins at tackle to begin the year and then Turner could move to guard once Bakhtiari returns. Long-term, the starting five could be Bakhtiari, Patrick, E. Jenkins, Turner, T. Jenkins, or something similar.

Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network has Jenkins 30th in his Top 50 prospect rankings for 2021, writing that he can become a “quality NFL starter at right tackle”.

It’s a good draft to need help at tackle so the Packers should be willing to use one of their early picks at the position.

While it’s entirely possible Green Bay could take one of the top cornerbacks at No. 29 overall, if Brian Gutekunst decides to go for an offensive player first, it could be because one of the tackles drops to the bottom of the first round.

Jenkins has the potential to become an excellent tackle in the NFL and he could be the long-term starter the Packers need.