Packers blockbuster trade shakes up 2021 four-round mock draft

Round 4 (135): Jaelon Darden, WR, North Texas

After upgrading the defense in the opening three rounds, the attention turns to wide receiver in the fourth.

If you’ve read any of my mock drafts so far this offseason, you’ll notice a trend, which is to select wide receivers who are good at picking up yards after the catch. It’s why Amari Rodgers is one of my favorite receivers for the Packers in this year’s class. Rodgers was off the board for this pick, but the good news is Jaelon Darden out of North Texas was still there.

According to Pro Football Focus, Darden had 571 yards after the catch last season. The only receiver in college football with more was DeVonta Smith, who is projected to be an early pick in the first round.

Darden had his best season at North Texas in 2020, catching 74 passes for 1,190 yards and 19 touchdowns. Nine-teen touchdowns.

The price of this mock draft is the 2022 first-round pick given up. That’s potentially huge. But if the Packers want to commit to going all-in and winning a championship, it’s the kind of move that makes sense if the right player is available to go up and get. The benefit is the Packers maintain most of their current picks, but are able to move up to No. 15 in the first round.

The result, in this four-rounder, sees Green Bay strengthen the defense with its top three picks and then add a talented slot receiver in the fourth.