Packers: Best available prospects entering Day 3 of 2021 NFL Draft
The Green Bay Packers have addressed three needs with their top picks in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Cornerback Eric Stokes and center Josh Myers could be starters in year one, while wide receiver Amari Rodgers is going to add a lot to the Packers’ offense immediately. Which direction will they turn on the final day of the draft?
The Packers enter Day 3 with a total of six picks after trading one away on Friday night. They have plenty of options and flexibility should they look to make another trade. While they might not get the national praise for their draft work as other teams including the Chicago Bears, the Packers have prioritized roster needs and stayed true to their board.
Who are some of the best players still available as we enter the third and final day of the draft?
Jabril Cox, LB, LSU
Inside linebacker remains one of the Packers’ biggest needs with second-year players Krys Barnes and Kamal Martin the top players on the depth chart. Cox has the potential to start right away in Joe Barry’s defense.
Daviyon Nixon, DT, Iowa
Another need is defensive tackle. Nixon is another player who could get on the field early and help strengthen one of the Packers’ biggest needs. Nixon is particularly strong against the run, which is an area Green Bay’s defense has struggled in recent years.
Marvin Wilson, DT, Florida State
Another defensive lineman to watch on Day 3 is Florida State’s Marvin Wilson. Wilson has potential as an interior pass rusher. Between 2018 and ’19, he made 8.5 sacks.
James Hudson, OT, Cincinnati
The Packers have been great at finding quality offensive linemen on Day 3. They found their new starting center in the second round. If they look to strengthen the depth at tackle on Saturday, Hudson is one of the best available.
Jamar Johnson, S, Indiana
Don’t rule out the Packers adding more talent to the secondary. Safety depth is an area of need, and Johnson has the versatility to play at multiple spots in the defensive backfield. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote that he could be a “future starter with a strong upside”.
Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Memphis
Two of my draft crushes this year were Amari Rodgers and Kenneth Gainwell. The Packers picked Rodgers in the second round. Gainwell on Day 3 would be huge for this offense. He’s more than just a running back as he’s an excellent receiver and could spend time in the slot. Take the No. 1-scoring offense and add Gainwell, Rodgers, and Josiah Deguara? Good luck, defenses.