Packers find Corey Linsley replacement in NFL.com mock draft

Losing All-Pro Corey Linsley undoubtedly hurts the Green Bay Packers‘ offensive line.

Despite that, the team has a number of talented interior offensive linemen with a few candidates to step into the starting job at center, including Pro Bowl guard Elgton Jenkins and Lucas Patrick.

Many potential ideas for the Packers discussed this offseason have been to reshuffle the starting five of the offensive line while possibly drafting another tackle or guard.

Something we don’t hear too often is the Packers actually drafting a center to replace Linsley. But that’s what NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah has the team doing in his latest mock draft. Jeremiah’s mock sees Green Bay land Alabama center Landon Dickerson with the 29th overall pick.

Jeremiah wrote that he was the “best pure interior offensive lineman available” when the Packers’ turn to pick came around.

And why not? Dickerson is one of the best players at his position in the class and could be an immediate replacement for Linsley, meaning the Packers don’t need to move Jenkins out of his current guard position.

Green Bay also loves offensive linemen with versatility to play multiple positions like Jenkins, Patrick, and Billy Turner. Dickerson can do the same. If the Packers decide to go with another player at center, Dickerson can also play at guard.

The fact he’s coming off a torn ACL might cause him to fall down the draft order and it’s something to consider. However, if he can stay healthy, there’s no doubting his talent.

Whether Dickerson will be ready to go at the start of the season is unclear, but we can assume he’ll be able to play at some point in 2021.

If the Packers want to find their long-term answer at center, Dickerson could be the answer. The move would also mean Green Bay wouldn’t need to move Jenkins or Patrick from guard.