With this Packers mock draft, I tried to draft players for an all-in season. With Aaron Rodgers saying he will be back and Davante Adams getting tagged, I am making a few assumptions in free agency.
First, the Packers find away to keep Devondre Campbell on a long-term deal. Whitney Mercilus, Robert Tonyan, Mason Crosby, Randall Cobb, and Marcedes Lewis are brought back for one more season. All restricted and exclusive rights free agents are back. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Corey Bojorquez, Za’Darius Smith, Rasul Douglas, Equanimeous St. Brown, Oren Burks, Tyler Lancaster, Chandon Sullivan, Lucas Patrick, Kevin King, and Dennis Kelly are gone.
I used the Mock Draft Simulator at Pro Football Network. I traded down from #28 to #35 and got back #69. Additionally, I traded Jordan Love to Atlanta for their 2nd round pick #43. Now to the Packers mock draft.
Round 2, Pick 35: Cameron Thomas – Edge – San Diego State
Cameron Thomas may not have the upside of some of the other edge defenders, but he is more pro ready. He could step right into the 3rd rusher spot with out a problem as a rookie. With his nose tackle history, he can also slide inside like Rashan Gary and Z did.
Round 2, Pick 43: Alec Pierce – WR – Cincinnati
Alec Pierce is a player I have been comparing to Jordy Nelson since October. Pierce is not a 1:1 comp because he has better straight line speed but is not as agile as Jordy was. He is not the same YAC threat. He could come in and immediately take over the MVS role, with the potential to take over as the #2 job in 2023.
Round 2, Pick 59: Logan Hall – DL – Houston
Logan Hall would immediately be able to team with Kenny Clark to give him some help and also pressure the quarterback. He is a little undersized at 283, but has the frame to play at 290 lbs. He can also stop the run. Going with Clark, Hall, Dean Lowry, and Tedarrell Slaton would give the packers a solid defensive line rotation.
Round 3, Pick: 69: Nick Cross – Safety – Maryland
Nick Cross is the first player I have ever scouted who actually reminded me a lot of Nick Collins. He has similar size and athleticism. His skill set is also somewhat similar. He brings the versatility to play strong safety and slot, although his best spot is free safety. They could team him, Darnell Savage, and Adrian Amos at safety and they would be the best safety group in the NFL.
Round 3, Pick 92: Erik Ezukanma – WR – Texas Tech
Erik Ezukanma would give the Packers the type of receiver they usually draft. He’s a 6’2″ 209 lbs receiver with 33″ arms who is a good blocker and gets YAC. He still needs some development on his route running. He could spend his rookie year as the #4/5 receiver and contribute on special teams.
Round 4, Pick 131: Austin Allen – TE – Nebraska
The choice was between Austin Allen and Jelani Woods — who has more upside, but is also more raw as a receiver. Since this is an all-in season, I went with the more experienced, more ready to play Allen. Allen has similar size and skill set to a younger Marcedes Lewis. He’s a big tight end who can block and also contribute in the passing game.
Round 4, Pick 140: Alontae Taylor – CB – Tennessee
Alontae Taylor fits the Packers profile at cornerback. He is big and fast. He could play some slot, and would provide depth to a position that is lacking depth outside of Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes. The former Volunteer would immediately be the Packers #3 corner.
Round 5, Pick 171: Zachary Thomas – OL – San Diego State
Zachary Thomas, the brother of Cam Thomas, is a Packers offensive lineman to a T. He has good size, is a very good athlete, and has experience at both tackle and guard spots. The Packers would bring him in to potentially be the right tackle of the future. If that doesn’t work out, he could be a really good guard.
Round 7, Pick 226: Blaise Andries – OL – Minnesota
Blaise Andries is similar to Thomas, in that he could play right tackle or he could end up as a guard. He has good size at 6’6″ and good athleticism, but his arms are just under 34″ in length. At worst you have a versatile guard with him who can fill in at right tackle if need be.
Round 7, Pick 247: Aaron Hansford – LB – Texas A&M
Aaron Hansford has good size and is a good athlete. However, he has an injury history. If he can come in and show he’s healthy, he could be a steal. He would be there to help on special teams as a rookie, and be the team’s #4 linebacker.
Round 7, Pick 258: Matt Araiza – P – San Diego State
We finish our Packers mock draft with “The Punt God”, Matt Araiza. The Packers decide to keep Crosby one more season and replace Bojo with a better punter. Araiza has a cannon for a leg and is consistent. He is not JK Scott 2.0. He can also kick off and kick field goals in a pinch. If Crosby struggles again, Araiza can take over the kicking duties.