The Green Bay Packers captured the NFC North title for a third consecutive season in 2021. They were looking to get back to the Super Bowl for the first time in a decade. Matched up with the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round of the postseason, the franchise would endure playoff heartbreak once more. Knocked off 13-10, Matt Lafleur’s group secured the 28th overall selection in the first round of the draft. The Packers also received an extra first and second-round selection after they traded Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders. Scheduled to make 11 picks over the three days, Green Bay will look to add talent around star quarterback Aaron Rodgers to keep their championship window alive.
To help with this mock draft, I used The Draft Network’s mock draft simulator.
Make sure to check out all of our other NFL Team Mock Drafts.
Round 1, Pick 22: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Looking to replenish their wide reciever room, the Packers are set to head into next season with a trio of Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, and Juwann Winfree. They choose to move on from their star in Adams after the Packers were unable to come to terms with the 29-year-old on a long-term deal. Furthermore, the team also lost speedster Marquez Valdes-Scantling in free agency after he agreed to terms on a three-year $36 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. One of the smoothest route runners in the class, Olave would step in and make an immediate impact at the pro level. Possessing the ability to win with ease at the line of scrimmage, he also has the straight-line speed to beat opposing defensive backs vertically downfield.
For more on Olave, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 1, Pick 28: Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
Safety is quietly a need for Green Bay this offseason. Adrian Amos is set to enter the final year of his deal. One of the best at his position during his three seasons with the franchise, the 28-year-old should be in line for a contract extension. However, behind him, there are multiple question marks on the back end. Fresh off one of the worst seasons of his young career a year ago, former first-round pick Darnell Savage Jr. struggled mightily. Appearing in 17 games for the team, the University of Maryland product was often a liability in coverage while missing tackles in the run game. This led him to earn a grade of 59.7 from Pro Football Focus, the 69th highest among players eligible at his position.
For more on Cine, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 2, Pick 53: George Pickens, WR, Georgia
Pickens is the perfect complement to pair with Olave in the team’s wide receiver room. The 21-year-old suffered a torn ACL during the Bulldogs’ spring practices in 2021. Making a miraculous recovery, he was able to make it back for the National Championship game against the Alabama Crimson Tide. Known for his substantial size and athletic ability, he has the body control and fluidity to win against man coverage easily. Pickens also has the length and catch radius to go up and high point the football against smaller defensive backs. Needing to make refinements as a route runner, the Hoover, Alabama, native has the alpha mentality in him. Reportedly already undergoing a pre-draft visit with the Packers, this would be tremendous value in the middle of the second round.
For more on Pickens, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 2, Pick 59: Cameron Thomas, EDGE, San Diego State
Fresh off his best season in the league, Rashan Gary is quickly developing into one of the best young pass rushers in the game. Furthermore, after a down year in 2020, veteran Preston Smith bounced back. He racked up 38 tackles, nine sacks, and 17 quarterback hits in 16 games. With a massive hole currently present at their third edge spot, the Packers released Za’Darius Smith in a cap dump after he played just 18 snaps a year ago. Thomas was uber-productive during his time with San Diego State He has outstanding body control, quickness, and agility as a pass rusher. The senior also has the power to anchor in the run game with a relentless motor to chase down opposing ball carriers and make plays on the backside.
Round 3, Pick 92: Abraham Lucas, OT, Washington State
Lucas is a plug-and-play option. He is one of the most experienced players at his position in the draft, making 42 career starts at right tackle. At 6’7″, Lucas can control opposing pass rushers. He also has good range on the perimeter when he sets, making it extremely difficult to speed rush around the corner against him. Athletic in the run game, Lucas has the athleticism to get out in front to the second level while also possessing the physicality to finish and pancake his blocks. A big need for the Packers heading into next season, Billy Turner was released earlier in March after starting for the team the past two years. Furthermore, Dennis Kelly remains unsigned, while Elgton Jenkins works his way back from a torn ACL.
For more on Lucas, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 4, Pick 132: Jack Sanborn, LB, Wisoncin
A former four-star recruit, Sanborn has been a mainstay for the Badger’s defense after being given a starter’s spot in 2019. He has recorded 141 tackles, six sacks, and one forced fumble. Technically sound, the senior, has the makeup to be an every-down MIKE linebacker in the NFL. He has the play recognition skills to make plays sideline to sideline in the run game while also beating his opponent to rush lanes. Despite re-signing De’Vondre Campbell, the Packers need depth at the linebacker position. While Krys Barnes has remained serviceable for the team during his four years, the University of Wisconsin product would offer a more consistent option in the middle of Joe Barry’s defense while also providing depth.
Round 4, Pick 140: Matt Henningsen, DL, Wisnconsin
The interior of the defensive line has been a weakness for years. The Packers have been searching for a running mate for Kenny Clark. They have only five players at the position under contract next season after releasing Kingsley Keke and choosing not to re-sign Tyler Lancaster. Making an addition during free agency, Green Bay agreed to terms with Jarran Reed. Projecting best to be a five-technique at the pro level, Henningsen would be a solid addition to the group. Offering incredible strength at the point of attack, he can hold up against double team blocks in the run game while maintaining his gap. Furthermore, he also has upside as a pass rusher after leading the Badgers in both sacks and tackles this past season.
Round 5, Pick 171: Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M
Even after re-signing Robert Tonyan, the Packers need to draft a tight end, especially after the former undrafted free agent suffered a torn ACL in the Packer’s Week 8 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Lacking a true pass-catching option behind him, Mercedes Lewis is set to return for his 17th season in the league next year. A playmaker throughout his time at Texas A&M, Wydermyer made an immediate impact after landing at the school. He earned All-American honors after starting as a true freshman. One of the most dynamic threats at his position in the class, he can win as a receiver down the field with his large frame and catch radius. Furthermore, he has natural hands and an explosive burst when running routes.
For more on Wydermyer, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 7, Pick: 228, Nick Ford, iOL, Utah
A versatile piece during his time at the University of Utah, Ford has played all five positions on the offensive line. He amassed 43 starts over his time with the program while earning All-Pac-12 honors in three seasons. Known for his body control and agility when pass blocking, he is also a strong run blocker. The redshirt senior can pull and lead the way while playing nasty from whistle to whistle. In desperate need of depth in their offensive line room, the franchise lost longtime guard Lucas Patrick to the Chicago Bears in free agency. Along with this, Jenkins’ status for next season remains up in the air as the former second-round pick works his way back from a torn ACL.
Round 7, Pick 249: Jerrion Ealy, RB, Ole Miss
Well set up at the running back position heading into next season, the team will once again be led by the tandem of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. However, with Kylin Hill still rehabbing from a torn ACL injury, look for the franchise to look to add competition for the third spot in the draft. A former five-star recruit out of high school, Ealy ran for 768 yards while adding in five rushing scores last season. Dynamic with the ball in his hands, the Walnut Grove, Mississippi native would add a much-needed speed element to the Packer’s backfield. He has the ability to make an impact both as a rusher and as a pass-catcher with his vision and patience.
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