Way-too-early Packers 2025 mock draft

We are just days removed from the 2024 NFL Draft and while Green Bay was able to fill a number of needs, but still a few were not able to be filled. That and three defensive linemen may not be on the team in 2025. So, why not take an early, early look stab at the 2025 Packers draft:

1.      1. Mason Graham, DL, Michigan

The Packers will have a big need along the defensive line going into 2025. Both Kenny Clark and T.J. Slaton will be free agents after next season and this is likely Preston Smith’s final season in Green Bay. The Packers will need to add defensive linemen, and more than likely a bunch of them. Graham may very well get taken before the Packers pick, but he would be a great pick for the Green & Gold if he was there. He is an athletic force and would instantly improve the Packers defense along the front.

2. Trey Moore, EDGE, Texas

Preston Smith is likely playing his final season in Green Bay. Next year, the Packers will hopefully start Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness with Kingsley Enagbare rotating in. However, a fourth guy rotating in would be extremely beneficial. Moore is a transfer from UTSA and was the American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2023. Last season in 12 games, Moore totaled 45 tackles with a whopping 17.5 TFL and 14 sacks. He could very easily have a huge season in his first year with the Longhorns and become a first round pick.

3. Jack Nelson, OT, Wisconsin

You had to know there was going to be a Badger in this mock, didn’t you? The Packers love their versatile offensive linemen and Nelson started at guard before becoming the Wisconsin left tackle. Green Bay could always use offensive linemen. If Jordan Morgan works out at left tackle, they still could take a tackle and move Zach Tom to center after Josh Myers leaves via free agency next offseason. Nelson is an athletic tackle who is quick, a guy who I think could see himself in Green Bay. It is always great to see former Badgers stay in Wisconsin.

4. Akheem Mesidor, DL, Miami

Same thing with the Graham pick. If Green Bay loses both Clark and Slaton, it will need multiple interior defensive linemen for the 4-3. I really like Karl Brooks and Colby Wooden, but they will need a bit more from Devonte Wyatt and then depth behind them. His 2023 season was crushed by injury, but he tallied seven sacks in 2022. Mesidor has durability issues, but he can be a really solid pass rusher for the Packers. He’ll have to prove he is back to normal in 2024 after dealing with injury issues last year.

5. Zy Alexander, CB, LSU

Many were surprised that the Packers did not take a cornerback early in this year’s draft. When Terrion Arnold and Cooper DeJean were slipping, a lot of people thought the Green & Gold would trade up for one of the cornerbacks. They never did. As a matter of fact, Green Bay didn’t even take a corner before the seventh round. Brian Gutekunst stated that Eric Stokes looks great coming back from injury, but after a promising rookie season, he has been hit with the injury bug, Green Bay is not picking up his fifth-year option, so it is a make-or-break year for the former Georgia Bulldog. After transferring to LSU, Alexander had four pass breakups, two interceptions and surrendered QB rating when targeted of 96.5.

6. Power Echols, LB, North Carolina

Packers always like to take linebackers late, mainly for special teams. Echols would be just a depth piece. Green Bay took two linebackers on day two of the draft, as it transforms from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense. Outside of having an awesome name, he is a good coverage backer, but he is a liability against the run. He’ll need to put on weight if he wants to be an every-down linebacker.

7. Jalen Travis, OT, Princeton

Green Bay likes drafting offensive linemen on day three, and I doubt there are any teams in the league where day three linemen develop as well as in Green Bay. The Packers have a type, preferring versatile linemen who can play multiple positions along the line. Travis can do just that. When picking a player in the seventh, you just hope to bring in some depth, but hopeful he can turn into a player like Rasheed Walker.

Packers mock draft

We are a little more than a week away from the NFL Draft and the first wave of free agency has come and gone. Out are Aaron Jones, David Bakhtiari, Aaron Jones, Jon Runyan Jr. and Darnell Savage and in are Josh Jacobs and Xavier McKinney. While the Packers still have a number of holes, they also have 11 picks in the NFL Draft, including five in the first two days. Green Bay could still add people before the draft, but I imagine Brian Gutekunst will wait to see how the draft falls before re-evaluating his team and see what positions need to be upgraded and who is out there on the market. Here is my first stab at a post-free agency Packers mock:

1. Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa

Going into the offseason, the Packers needed to revamp their secondary. Jaire Alexander is a top cornerback, but injury concerns are always there. We can’t really count on Eric Stokes and Carrington Valentine is still a young player. However, all of those guys are boundary corners. What Green Bay really lacks is a slot corner. In the divisional round at San Francisco, the 49ers really didn’t test Alexander and Valentine much, but picked on slot corner Keisean Nixon and the suspect safety group. Green Bay added a big piece to the safety room with McKinney, but now it needs an upgrade over Nixon. If Keisean is the backup at slot, then the Packers are in great shape.

DeJean can play in the slot or at safety. He is a versatile chess piece new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley can use. He is a great athlete with tremendous ball skills. DeJean also possesses tremendous special teams ability. Adding DeJean in addition to McKinney would give Green Bay a lot of firepower in the secondary.

2a. Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M

The Packers need an off-ball linebacker in the worst way. After Quay Walker, who likely will be an outside linebacker in Jeff Hafley’s new 4-3, Green Bay has Isaiah McDuffie and then…..not much. The Packers desperately need an upgrade at the position. Green Bay recently had a top-30 interview with Cooper. This could be a smokescreen, but I think the Green & Gold is legitimately interested in him, especially since he is a guy who plays a major area of need. Cooper is a physical linebacker who has terrific speed and athleticism, as evidenced by his 9.34 RAS. He was a First Team All-American who posted 83 tackles and eight sacks, as well as forcing two fumbles.

2b. Patrick Paul, OT, Houston

The Packers moved on from long-time left tackle David Bakhtiari this offseason and now might have a hole at that position. However, Rasheed Walker performed well down the stretch last season. I think Green Bay brings in competition for him at the position. Regardless, they are in desperate need of depth at the position after Yosh Nijman left via free agency and joined the Carolina Panthers. Paul is a big, athletic tackle who has a chance to play immediately. While he needs work as a run blocker, he has the top pass protection grade of anybody in this year’s class. He has all the tools to be a great tackle but will need to work on his technique at the next level.

3a. Javon Bullard, S, Georgia

While the Packers signed McKinney in free agency, they still need one more. Their safety room was that bad last year. Xavier will be the safety roaming center field, but they still need a box safety to finish revamping that safety room. Bullard is a good run defender, which certainly helps since the Packers were once again poor in that area in 2023. The Green & Gold also love their Georgia players.

3b. Jaylen Wright, RB, Tennessee

Green Bay made a surprising signing when it signed former Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs and let go of Aaron Jones. I was even more surprised when Green Bay brought back the mayor of Door County, A.J. Dillon. However, Dillon’s deal is very team-friendly and is only for one season. The Packers still need a running back in case A.J. leaves next season, preferably one with speed and can catch out of the backfield. Jaylen is a big-play threat, averaging more than seven yards per carry, and adding 22 catches as well for the Vols. He would get some carries in year one and be able to step up and be Jacobs’ backup in his second season.

4. Zak Zinter, IOL, Michigan

Green Bay needs to look to improve the interior of the offensive line, or the offensive line in general, outside of Zach Tom and Elgton Jenkins. That is true for every team, but especially true for a team with a young quarterback. With Jon Runyan Jr. off to the New York Giants, the Packers need to find some competition for Sean Rhyan and build the depth along the interior. When the Packers are really good, the team has an incredible offensive line. The organization has made a habit of finding interior offensive linemen in the mid-rounds and will aim to do it again. Zinter is coming off a broken tibia and fibula suffered in the big victory over Ohio State. He is a terrific leader along the offense and if he is healthy, could be a plug-and-play starter.

5. Gabe Hall, DT, Baylor

The Packers always like to add to the defensive line room. Honestly, the Packers could go more interior defensive linemen earlier in the draft, maybe even in the first round. Green Bay will likely take a defensive tackle, especially since Kenny Clark is on the last year of his contract. He has great size and athleticism, so he is a good dart throw late in the draft for the Packers.

6a. Tanor Bortolini, IOL, Wisconsin

The Packers need depth along the offensive line, especially in the interior with the loss of Jon Runyan Jr. and the team just needed to get better up front anyway. While the team still has hope for Sean Rhyan, a third round pick in 2022, the team needs to bring in competition. Bortolini has starting experience everywhere on the offensive line, but his best position is in the interior. He has an elite RAS grade, which shows his elite athleticism, which the Packers love. Add that in addition to his versatility and he would be a great addition along the offensive line.

6b. Andru Phillips, CB, Kentucky

The Packers could absolutely take multiple cornerbacks to create more competition for guys like Corey Ballentine, and we can’t really count on much from Eric Stokes at this point. He had a very promising rookie campaign but has been injured much of the last two seasons. I like Carrington Valentine, but he needs to keep improving going into year No. 2. Like Valentine, Phillips also played collegiately at Kentucky. Phillips had a very solid RAS score of 8.10 and the Packers certainly like athleticism. He potentially could have his best years in front of him, as he is still learning. Phillips is definitely worth a flier in the later rounds.

7a. Eric Watts, EDGE, UConn

The Packers have moved back to a 4-3 after a decade and a half playing the 3-4. Green Bay will have Rashan Gary, Preston Smith and Lukas Van Ness at defensive end with Kingsley Enagbare when he comes back. Until he comes back, someone needs to step up as a rotational defensive end. Eric Watts could be that guy. He has ideal height and weight, as well as traits that you cannot teach in terms of athleticism. He is a developmental project, but his athletic traits are well worth a late round flier, especially for a team that has double digit draft picks.

7b. Hunter Nourzad, IOL, Penn State

Green Bay really needs to prioritize the offensive line in this draft. The Packers likely will take one late, just to take a flier on someone after taking a few early since they need depth with the losses of David Bakhtiari, Jon Runyan Jr. and Yosh Nijman. Nourzad has played all around the offensive line during his collegiate career, but played guard and center after transferring from Cornell. Last year, he started all 13 games at center. He is athletic with position versatility, so he could be a Packers-type pick late.

Mock NFL Draft

1. Bears: Caleb Williams, QB, USC

2. Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

3. Patriots: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

4. Vikings (from Cardinals): J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

5. Chargers: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

6. Giants: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

7. Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

8. Falcons: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama

9. Bears: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

10. Jets: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

11. Cardinals: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, Washington

12. Broncos: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State

13. Raiders: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State

14. Saints: JC Latham, OT, Alabama

15. Colts: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

16. Seahawks: Byron Murphy, DL, Texas

17. Jaguars: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

18. Bengals: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

19. Rams: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

20. Steelers: Jackson Powers-Johnson, IOL, Oregon

21. Dolphins: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State

22. Eagles: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

23. Cardinals: Brian Thomas, WR, LSU

24. Cowboys: Graham Barton, OL, Duke

25. Packers: Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa

26. Buccaneers: Troy Fautanu, IOL, Washington

27. Cardinals:Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

28. Bills: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

29. Lions: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

30. Ravens: Darius Robinson, EDGE, Missouri

31. 49ers: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia

32. Chiefs: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas

Top five Twins prospects who should be promoted

 

I have not done this in a few seasons, but I always enjoyed doing this article, so I am bringing this back. I love following the minor league system of the Minnesota Twins. It helps me kind of feel a connection to these players and cheer for their success. I check up every day on how the prospects are doing. I like seeing these guys work their way up to promotions, so here are my top five players in the Twins minor league system who deserve to be promoted. A few of the guys who would be on my list were promoted earlier this season and thus, will not be on the list. I also tend to avoid people who have been on their teams for just 2023, but it doesn’t always happen. So here is my list:

 

5) Brooks Lee, INF, Wichita

If you just look at his numbers, they may not wow you, especially for a top 10 pick a season ago. However, he is having a really solid year. When looking for guys to put in this slot, I thought he was the best one, especially after guys who I originally had in my top five were C.J. Culpepper and Jack Noble, but Culpepper was promoted the day I started writing this. Lee, who many dub as the Twins top prospect, has clubbed seven home runs and a league-best 28 doubles, which have contributed to a more than respectable .800 OPS heading into the second half of the season. While he deserves a promotion, I think he will spend the entire season in Wichita and begin next season with the St. Paul Saints.

 

4. Kala'i Rosario, OF, Cedar Rapids

I debated putting him on the list, but ultimately, I could not find someone better. I mentioned that I try to avoid putting guys on here that are in their first season with the club, but Rosario is beasting. He is also just 20 and this is his first season of real success in the minors, as he posted a .239 batting average and .728 OPS in low-A Fort Myers in 2022. Not sure what has happened, but he has turned it on this season with the high-A Cedar Rapids Kernels. In 73 games this season, he has a terrific OPS of .864, hitting 12 home runs and driving in 50. Incredibly, he nearly had those exact home run and RBI totals last season. His on base percentage of .380 is worlds better than his .320 mark in 2022, helped in large part by drawing 44 walks, already more than the 34 he coaxed last season in 109 games. I don’t know if he’ll move up to double-A Wichita this season, but he will definitely be there next season and could work his way to the top 20 in Twins prospect lists.

 

3. DaShawn Keirsey Jr., OF, Wichita

It was getting late for Keirsey to reach the bigs, but the 26-year-old has been tremendous for the Wind Surge this season. Keirsey has a .303 batting average and a terrific .820 OPS. This is his fifth season in the minors and has already has more homers this season (9) than he had in his best homer season previously (7). He is a thief on the basepaths, stealing 28 bases this season and 42 last year and there is always use for that on the big league club. His two best seasons are in Wichita and is currently having his best year. In the coming seasons, I think he could be a really solid bench outfielder to play occasionally and come in and pinch run.

 

2. Yunior Severino, INF, Wichita 

Still just 23 years of age, it seems like he has been in the Twins system for about a decade. Severino was signed by the Atlanta Braves but became a free agent after the MLB penalized the Braves for breaking international signing rules. He got off to a blistering start and has cooled off but is still hitting a respectable .276 with 17 homers and an OPS of an impressive .871. With Austin Martin and Anthony Prato (who is having an outstanding season) kind of blocking him with the Saints, he could be in Kansas through the end of the year. Yunior has played in 114 games with the Wind Surge and has hit 25 homers and driven in 71. He only has walked 40 times and struck out 145 times, so he needs to work on that, but I think a promotion should be in order.

1.     1. Tanner Schobel, INF, Cedar Rapids

Tanner is tearing it up with Cedar Rapids. The 68^th overall pick from the 2022 draft has moved up rapidly. After being drafted, he went to the FCL before quickly moving up to Fort Myers. Schobel recorded just a .237 batting average in the two leagues, but still started in Cedar Rapids in 2023. After a slow start, he has turned it on since May. After one month, he was hitting just .203 with an OPS of .608, hitting just three homers and 13 RBI in 18 games. Since then, he has hit .322 with 11 home runs and 45 RBI. Since it would be four levels in two seasons, I am not sure he will be moving up, especially since just turned 22 years of age, but he has earned it.

First Packers 2024 Mock Draft

 

We are nearly a few months removed from the NFL Draft and the Packers will look a bit different this year, as Jordan Love will be the lead guy under center for the Green & Gold. With that, I decided to make a 2024 Packers mock draft…..and yes, I think Aaron Rodgers will play 65 percent of snaps to give Green Bay a second first round pick. So here you go…

 

1a. Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

I have seen Alt go top five and then I’ve seen him go in the mid-first. I will go with more the mid-first, which is where I think Green Bay will be picking. I don’t see David Bahktiari coming back in 2024, especially at his cap number. With him gone and Yosh Nijman being an unrestricted free agent, I think offensive tackle will be a major position the Packers go for early in the draft. He has tremendous size and athleticism for the position and could be the franchise left tackle of the future, protecting Love’s blind side. I also really like Zach Tom, but he could man the right side or even kick inside to center if Josh Meyers continues to disappoint.

 

1b. Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami

If there is one position that the Packers need more than most is safety. Going into the season, the Packers don’t really have a starting-caliber safety on the roster. Darnell Savage is still on the roster, but just because he has a guaranteed contract after picking up his fifth-year option last offseason. He will likely start, despite being benched late last year, with the hopes he can re-gain his 2020 form. After him, your guess is as good as mine as to who will start with the fifth-year man out of Maryland. If you were to tell me any one of Jonathan Owens, Rudy Ford, Tarvarius Moore and Anthony Johnson Jr. start with Savage, I could see it. With that, Johnson is the only player under contract after 2023. Kinchens has tremendous athleticism with great ball-hawking ability. He would be a day one starter for the Green & Gold.

 

2. Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin

You had to know he’d be on here, right? The Packers will have a situation on their hands next offseason, as Aaron Jones’ contract number explodes in 2024 and won’t be back at that number. Add in the fact that AJ Dillon is a free agent and you have a big need at running back. Allen has been the work horse at the position for Wisconsin. Fortunately for him, his body won’t be as beat up next season with the Badgers set to put the ball in the air more under offensive coordinator Phil Longo. He has some speed, evidenced by numerous runs of at least 50 yards. An extremely young prospect, the bruising back doesn’t turn 20 until January. Catching only 22 passes in his previous two seasons for less than 150 yards, he’ll have a chance to improve his pass-catching ability this season. He also needs to show more durability because he was banged up toward the end of each of his first two seasons.

 

3. Chico Bennett Jr., EDGE, Virginia

You can never have too many EDGE rushers. Green Bay has a good 1-4 group right now, but Preston Smith may be a cap casualty, which leaves them with Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness and Kingsley Enagbare. A group of four capable rushers is what they should strive for. Bennett is a candidate to actually shoot up draft boards and is actually in the first in a few mocks, but most have him in this range. In his breakout 2022 campaign, he tallied 34 tackles to go along with 7.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks. He also had an ACL injury the year before and will be one year more removed from it and could have a monster season.

 

4. Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma

As it stands right now, the Packers are not in need of an inside linebacker, but De’Vondre Campbell will need to return to 2021 form because last season was a disappointment. If he does and he is kept moving forward, I doubt inside linebacker is a need. But if he doesn’t, Campbell could be a cut candidate and the team could save a few million dollars. A tackle machine, Stutsman can also run and cover and could be a candidate to move up draft boards after one more year under Brent Venables.

 

5. Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota

Everything I mentioned under the Kinchens pick could be mentioned here. With only one player at safety under contract past 2023—Anthony Johnson, Jr., a 2023 seventh round pick—the team could very well pick multiple safeties in this draft. Nubin could go much higher than this with a good 2023 season. For a unit that has been so bad against the run in the last several seasons, having Nubin would help big time, as his 83.4 run-defense grade in 2022 was 11th among power five safeties.

 

6. Caelen Carson, CB, Wake Forest

The Packers tend to take a cornerback in every draft and I don’t think this one will be any different. Rasul Douglas has been a good player in his two seasons in Green Bay, but a release of him prior to next year would say more than $6 million. Another thing is that Eric Stokes is coming back from multiple scary injuries and they will need quite a bit of depth in case he is not back to his rookie season self. He is another guy who could shoot up draft boards with a terrific season.

 

7. DeWayne Carter, DL, Duke

The Packers always are on the lookout for defensive linemen, especially since they have yet to find a Robin to Kenny Clark’s Batman. They also can never stop the run, so they need to find someone who can help. His pass rushing is what stands out for him, though. Last season, he tallied 5.5 sacks. He also batted down four passes and forced/recovered three fumbles.

Final Packers Mock draft

Tomorrow is the big day, one of my favorite days of the year: the NFL Draft. I wanted to wait until Aaron Rodgers was traded to do another Packers mock, so since he was dealt so close to draft day, this will be my final one of the season. I don’t know if I have ever gotten one correct, so if you wanted one of these players, my apologies, because they’re not being picked now haha

 

1   1) Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa

This pick just screams Packer to me. Green Bay needs a pass rusher in the worst way with Rashan Gary out for a few months and Preston Smith likely to be gone after this year. Last year’s pick of Kingsley Enagbare looks good, but they will need a third EDGE this season and someone to line up across from Gary starting in 2024. Gary is an athletic freak with an RAS of 9.38. For whatever reason, he didn’t start many game with the Hawkeyes, but was still named second team All-Big Ten with 11 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. Van Ness and Gary could be a lethal duo rushing the passer during the rebuilding process.

 

2a) Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia

This is another guy who screams Packer, especially since he is great for the Matt LaFleur offense. Another athletic demon, Washington wasn’t really utilized much as a receiver with Brock Bowers on the same team. Bowers has a chance to be a top 10 pick in 2024. Washington, however, is a tremendous blocker with the ability to become an outstanding receiver. Brian Gutkekunst has also shown he loves to take Georgia players, having selected Eric Stokes, Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt early in the past two years. Green Bay needs a tight end in the worst way. Josiah Deguara is the only Packers tight end remaining who will make the roster. Robert Tonyan is in Chicago and Marcedes Lewis is a free agent. Even with those two, they needed overhaul the position. Washington would be a great place to start.

 

2b) Keeanu Benton, DL, Wisconsin

Of course this is a homer pick, but he would be great for the Packers. With Jerran Reed and Dean Lowry gone from Green Bay, the Packers need bodies, especially good ones. The Packers gave up approximately 4,000 rushing yards to Philadelphia, so they need some formidable defensive linemen. A line of Wyatt, Benton and Kenny Clark would have a lot of potential. Benton is another good athlete who is young, as he does not turn 22 until July. He is a nose tackle prospect and he has gotten better as a pass rusher. It would be a great fit to have him in Green Bay.

 

3)     3) Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss

With two of the top three picks being used on the defense, it is time to stockpile the offense. While Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs were promising as rookies, they need more at the position. Green Bay likes its big wide receivers and Mingo is 6-2 and 225, so he fits the bill. He has a great RAS score and runs the 40-meters at a 4.46 time, which is great for a guy that size. He has a chance to fit right in with the three rookies from last year to help first-year starting quarterback Jordan Love.

4)     4) Ricky Stromberg, IOL, Arkansas

      The Packers always draft interior linemen and with Jason Myers inconsistent and Jon Runyan Jr. replaceable, they could use Stromberg, who has experience at both guard spots and center. The Packers like versatility, which will make him more attractive to Green Bay. A two-time All-SEC selection, he could come in and push Myers for the starting center position from day one.

 

5)     5) Zack Kuntz, TE, Old Dominion 

      I mentioned above how the Packers need fresh talent in the tight end room. This is a really good class in the position and they could very easily take multiple players at tight end. After drafting Washington in the second round, they double up with the uber-athletic Kuntz here. He has a 10.0 RAS score, good for the top spot of all tight ends from 1,104 players at the position. He will struggle as a blocker, so we’ll have to hope he becomes a matchup nightmare.

 

6)     6) Clayton Tune, QB, Houston 

      After trading Rodgers, the Packers have no one behind Love who could be a capable backup. Tune would come into a great situation, as he would have a golden opportunity to be Love’s backup, much like Matt Flynn in 2008 as Rodgers’ backup. A four-year starter, Tune has a chance to make a splash with the Packers.

      7a) Evan Hull, RB, Northwestern

      Thankfully Aaron Jones restructured or else this would have been a bigger priority, but I still expect the position to be chosen late in the draft. The Packers tend to like their athletic guys and Hull has a 9.32 RAS score. A short, compact running back ran for nearly 1,000 yards on a putrid Northwestern team. Hull was the leading rusher for the Wildcats by a wide margin and was the second-leading receiver in terms of both catches and yards, recording 55 catches for 546 yards. He might start out on the practice squad but work his way onto the 53-man roster at some point.

      7b) Jordan Howden, S, Minnesota

      The Packers need a starting safety, but I have them waiting until the end to draft one. The only problem with that is they already have a number of special teams safeties—too many actually. Howden is athletic and is a really good tackler. Hopefully a few of the safeties pan out because it is a position of need for Green Bay.

      7c) Thomas Incoom, EDGE, Central Michigan

      The EDGE group is extremely talented, so it would make sense for the Packers to double dip at the position. The former Chippewas pass rusher posted 11.5 sacks, forcing one fumble and recovering two others. With Gary, Smith, Van Ness and Enagbare, he’d fight for the last one or two roster spots and potentially get a bit of playing time early on with Gary recovering from a torn ACL.

      7d) Ryan Hayes, OT, Michigan

      Hayes would be a typical Packers pick, just like when they took Rasheed Walker in the seventh last season. I really like last year’s pick of Zach Tom as a future offensive tackle, but David Bakhtiari is likely in his final season with Green Bay and Yosh Nijman is a free agent next offseason and will likely be paid. Hayes could be a guard in the NFL and the Packers have had success with those types in the draft, including TJ Lang, JC Tretter and Josh Sitton. He gave up zero sacks this past year and just four in his 37-game career.

Packers Mock Draft v. 2.0

 

The Super Bowl is set up and we are a week from the Kansas City Chiefs against the Philadelphia Eagles in the big game. As for the Green Bay Packers, they need to figure out what will happen with Aaron Rodgers. I, personally, think he will be traded, but I will not predict trades here. It will be an interesting offseason for the Packers. Here is my Packers mock draft…

 

1. Brian Branch, S, Alabama

The Packers desperately need a safety. For whatever reason, they picked up Darnell Savage’s fifth year option, despite the fact that he has had a rough last couple years. Adrian Amos also had a rough year this past season and I don’t expect him back. As it is, maybe Rudy Ford and Savage, and that is not good enough to put it nicely. Branch can play in the slot and at safety. His missed tackle percentage is just 3.2 percent, which is huge after being forced to watch Savage attempt to tackle. Nobody in the secondary is a real good tackler, which is a huge reason why he’d be great in Wisconsin. He’s a good run defender, which is a huge plus since the Packers have had such trouble in that area. Branch is one of my draft crushes early on in the draft process.

 

2. Dalton Kinkaid, TE, Utah

This would be a dream second round selection for the Packers. Kincaid is another if my draft crushes. Green Bay needs a tight end in the worst way. Everybody outside of Josiah Deguara in the tight end room is a free agent. Even if Tonyan comes back, the Packers need an upgrade. He has not been the same the last two years. He caught 70 balls for Utah for nearly 900 yards, scoring eight times. He is a great receiving tight end, as evidenced by his numbers. Kincaid could improve his blocking, but his receiving ability more than makes up for it.

 

3. Will McDonald, EDGE, Iowa State

EDGE is a deep position in this year’s draft, which is why I have the Packers waiting until the third round to take one. Green Bay has a big need at EDGE considering Rashan Gary is coming off a torn ACL and will miss some time in 2023. Other than that, the Packers have just Preston Smith and Kingsley Enagbare. The latter had a nice rookie season, but they have nothing after him and need some depth, especially since Preston could be a cap casualty once his contract makes sense to do it since they could be looking at rebuilding soon with Jordan Love.

 

4. Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss

Green Bay could really use another wide receiver. If Aaron Rodgers is traded, the Packers will more than likely not re-sign Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb. After that, it is just the three rookies—Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs and Samori Toure—under contract for 2023. It would not surprise me to see the team acquire a receiver if Rodgers is traded to the Jets. Denzel Mims could be a target to acquire to see if a change of scenery could do him well. Mingo could be a great target for Love to form a great WR group.

 

5. Wanya Morris, OT, Oklahoma

The Packers need to take an offensive tackle at some point. Who knows how many years David Bakhtiari has left? He has been banged up the last few years. When he plays, he is outstanding. It looks like they have an heir apparent in Zach Tom. They need a RT, though, as I don’t see Yosh Nijman as the long-term solution at the position. A highly-rated recruit coming out of high school, Morris has played both right and left tackle at Oklahoma. That type of versatility is something the Packers love.

 

7a. Moro Ojomo, DL, Texas

The Packers draft a defensive lineman every year, and this one should be no different. I doubt Jerran Reed is brought back. They need depth at the position. I do like the potential of Devonte Wyatt and T.J. Slaton in addition to Kenny Clark being a star along the line. Dean Lowry is likely gone, so they will need to throw a dart to see if they can hit on someone.

 

7b. Tavion Thomas, RB, Utah

This will become an even bigger need if the team moves on from Aaron Jones. The star running back cannot be brought back at the same number, so his contract will either be restricted or he will be extended, the latter being a risk for a running back nearing 30. If Aaron Rodgers is traded, the chances of Jones being let go rise, but they may want him to help Jordan Love since he is a weapon out of the backfield.

 

7c. Joe Tippman, IOL, Wisconsin

His stock may have gone up considerably at the Senior Bowl, but as it is right now, I will have him go here. The interior of the offensive line has not done as well as the Packers would have hoped, especially Josh Myers. He has been maddeningly inconsistent. He can play all around the inside. It’d be a steal in the seventh.