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.
