Packers: One draft prospect at every position in first round
We are now just three weeks away from the 2021 NFL Draft and the picture of who will be available at the end of the first round for the Green Bay Packers is starting to become a little clearer.
I’m going to take a look at one player at every position that the Packers could choose at pick 29.
Quarterback – Kyle Trask, Florida
Not happening. It’s not happening. As Max Kellerman would say, “If the Martians are pointing the death beam at the Earth” and Brian Gutekunst has to select another QB, Kyle Trask would probably be the best available.
Running back – Travis Etienne, Clemson
I’d give this about a 0.5% chance of happening. It would send shockwaves through Packers fandom for the second straight year. Etienne would solidify the Packers’ backfield as the very best in the NFL.
Wide receiver – Elijah Moore, Ole Miss
Florida’s Kadarius Toney is also an option here but for the sake of something different, Moore has been rocketing up draft boards recently and could sneak into the back end of the first round. As of right now, the Packers don’t have a single WR under contract beyond the 2021 season.
Tight end – Pat Friermuth, Penn State
Friermuth is TE2 behind the mystical unicorn that is Kyle Pitts. You could’ve made a case for this pick if the Packers didn’t return Marcedes Lewis, but with Lewis, Robert Tonyan and Josiah Deguara all on the roster this season, you can likely rule out a tight end to Green Bay at the end of the first.
Offensive tackle – Tevin Jenkins, Oklahoma State
Jenkins may be a little out of Green Bay’s range right now, but if he falls to #29 the Packers should sprint the card in. Jenkins can plug in as a starting tackle while David Bakhtiari recovers from his torn ACL, and has the versatility to slide inside when the All-Pro LT returns.
Guard/Center – Landon Dickerson, Alabama
With Corey Linsley heading West to Los Angeles, the Packers must find an answer at center, whether that be Lucas Patrick, Elgton Jenkins or one of last season’s rookies. Dickerson is projected to play either guard or center in the NFL, and would provide vital depth up front.
Interior D-Line – Christian Barmore, Alabama
Barmore looks to be the first DT taken off the board in what is a relatively weak class on the interior. You would hope that pairing him up with Kenny Clark would be an upgrade over Kingsley Keke or Dean Lowry.
Edge rusher – Carlos Basham Jr., Wake Forest
At 285 pounds, “Boogie” Basham (as he’s known) is one of the biggest edge defenders in this class. With Za’Darius Smith being an extension candidate, Rashan Gary hoping for a breakout season, and Preston Smith returning, it’s unlikely that the Packers will show much interest in this year’s edge class, but you never know.
Linebacker – Zaven Collins, Tulsa
The Packers need to replace Christian Kirksey and drafting a linebacker early is definitely a possibility but I’m unsure how much Green Bay values the position to warrant such a premium pick. Missouri’s Nick Bolton and Kentucky’s Jamin Davis are also options here.
Cornerback – Greg Newsome II, Northwestern
I would consider the Packers as ‘lucky’ if Newsome falls all the way to #29 after his excellent pro day performance a few weeks ago. Brian Gutekunst could trade up 5-10 spots to secure Newsome if he’s their guy. If not, Florida State’s Asante Samuel Jr. should be available if they stay put.
Safety – Trevon Moehrig, Washington
Moehrig is by all accounts the top safety in this class. Drafting him would give new defensive coordinator Joe Barry the option to get creative with his defensive packages. Moehrig has the range to play deep which would allow Darnell Savage to line up closer to the line of scrimmage or in the slot.
My pick for the Packers
Out of all of these options, I would select Northwestern CB Greg Newsome II over everybody else. Newsome is the ideal size to match up with bigger receivers while Jaire Alexander covers the shorter, more elusive pass catchers. Brian Gutekunst has traded up in the first round in all three of his drafts as GM, and if Newsome is his guy, we could see it yet again on April 29.