Yeah, I know it is really early, but I decided to put out a really early Packers mock draft. Green Bay has some significant free agents next year, including Christian Watson, Tucker Kraft and Devonte Wyatt. I imagine something will get done at least with two of the three. With the acquisition of a fourth round pick from Dallas for Rashan Gary and probable four comp picks (for losing Malik Willis, Quay Walker, Romeo Doubs and Rasheed Walker in free agency), the Packers could be busy come draft time next year. I didn’t include probable comp picks here.
2. Yhonzae Pierre, Edge, Alabama
The Packers will likely add another edge rusher next draft, especially with Lukas Van Ness a free agent. It will be interesting to see if any of the young edge rushers can make a significant impact, especially with Micah Parsons out for the first month or so of the regular season. The past two seasons, Green Bay has drafted Barryn Sorrell, Collin Oliver and Dani Dennis-Sutton. If two of those three and Van Ness can step up, the Packers will be in good shape. But pass rushing is something you can never have enough of.
Pierre is one guy who could make a jump into the first round, as he had eight sacks and three forced fumbles as a sophomore in 2025. He could have come out this past season but decided to go back to Alabama. As of right now, I will have the Alabama edge rusher going here in my early mock.
3. DJ Vonnahme, TE, Iowa
Green Bay is in major need of a tight end, as both Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave are free agents at the end of this season. I do expect Kraft to be back, but unless Musgrave signs for next to nothing, I doubt he is back, which would leave a gaping hole at the No. 2 tight end spot. When you are in need of a tight end, why not visit TEU? Iowa has been a tight end factory. He very well could either go back to Iowa after this upcoming season if he isn’t a top two round draft pick. Last season, he had 434 yards rushing and three touchdowns. He had a tremendous finish to the season with seven catches for 146 yards and a touchdown in the Reliaquest Bowl victory over Vanderbilt. He could be the next in a long line of productive NFL tight ends from Iowa.
4. Evan Johnson, CB, BYU
Like edge rusher, cornerback is another position that cannot have enough depth. Keisean Nixon is a free agent next offseason and even if he is re-signed, Green Bay could use some more at the position. As of right now, the Packers have Nixon, Brandon Cisse, Carrington Valentine and Benjamin St. Juste. Corner was one of the weak links of the defense last year and need an overhaul at the position. Last season, Johnson recorded five interceptions and seven passes defensed and was the highest-rated defender on BYU on PFF with a grade of 83.
4. Drew Azzopardi, OT, Washington
The Packers are always on the lookout for new offensive linemen, and Green Bay has a high hit rate in the middle rounds when it comes to offensive linemen. This season, the Packers lost Rasheed Walker and Elgton Jenkins along the offensive line, and one more bad or mediocre season from Aaron Banks could mean the end for him. The starters seem to be set with Jordan Morgan/Banks/Sean Rhyan/Anthony Belton/Zach Tom, but you can never have too much depth along the o-line. Green Bay drafted Jager Burton, which will hopefully help the interior. A big offensive tackle, Azzopardi has played in 39 games over his career, split between San Diego State and Washington. He has started 30 games at right tackle, including 24 in the last two seasons with the Huskies.
5. Nyziah Hunter, WR, Nebraska
Green Bay could look to replenish its receiving core. It signed J. Michael Sturdevant in UDFA, which I think could be a good signing. However, this offseason, the Packers traded Dontayvion Wicks and lost Romeo Doubs in free agency and also even with Jayden Reed being extended, Christian Watson is a free agent next offseason, so the Packers need to give the core some more players in case Watson leaves. Hunter led Nebraska in both receiving yards (617) and touchdowns (5) last season. With a really good season, he could climb up draft boards.
6. Hero Kanu, DL, Texas
Devonte Wyatt is a free agent and free agent acquisition Javon Hargrave will be a free agent following the 2027 season. He’s bulked up this offseason to 321 pounds. Last season, he had 30 tackles, four of which were for loss, and recorded two sacks. He has major size and quickness and despite having a ton of experience on the field, he could be a good pick for the Packers at this point in the draft.
7. Austin Kawecki, IOL, Wisconsin
I always have to have a Badger on my first Packers mock. This time it is the transfer offensive lineman from Oklahoma State. The Badgers needed a re-set along the offensive line and hired one of the best OL coaches in the business in Eric Mateos. He is an experienced offensive lineman who has experience playing both guard and center. He is not the player with the highest upside, but he is a reliable player who I believe can have a productive career in the NFL, especially with his pass blocking prowess.
No comments:
Post a Comment