Packers get cornerback, receiver in three-round 2021 mock draft

Round 1 (29): Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State

While the Packers’ decision not to draft a wide receiver a year ago is still fresh in our minds, let’s not forget that Brian Gutekunst has generally done a good job of addressing the team’s biggest needs, such as cornerback, safety, and edge rusher in the past.

It should come as no surprise, then, if he opts to go cornerback in the first round this year. And with Asante Samuel Jr. still on the board in this mock draft, it was an easy decision.

The Florida State cornerback makes NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah’s top 50 prospect rankings at No. 39, with Jeremiah writing that “Samuel has a very high football IQ and the skill set to start outside or in the slot”.

In three years at Florida State, Samuel made 29 pass defenses with four interceptions.

According to Pro Football Focus, Samuel has forced 30 incompletions and has allowed a passer rating of 81.3 when targeted, both among the top five at his position in the Power Five.

We can assume Kevin King was re-signed to remain a starter at the start of the 2021 season, which isn’t the worst move considering it can take time for rookie cornerbacks to adjust to the NFL. That said, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Samuel quickly made a strong case to start in Joe Barry’s defense.