A seven-round mock draft for the Green Bay Packers following the conclusion of the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine:
1.30: WR Tee Higgins, Clemson
In this simulation, Higgins – who didn’t participate during the combine – was the last of the top-tier receivers available. Both Kenneth Murray and Patrick Queen and the top-tier offensive tackles were gone, making this an exceedingly easy selection. Higgins can play all over the formation, dominant vertically and in the red zone and give the Packers an A.J. Green-like compliment to Davante Adams.
2.62: LB Malik Harrison, Ohio State
Harrison (6-3, 247) tested as one of the most athletic inside linebackers in the class and might’ve pushed his stock out of the Packers’ range in the second round. If he’s still there, he’ll be hard to pass up. He’s rangy, tough and experienced, making him ready to step into the middle of an NFL defense and be a starter. His time in the three-cone drill (6.83 seconds) was the sixth fastest among all players at the combine.
3.94 WR/TE Chase Claypool, Notre Dame
There’s some risk with this pick, but I like betting on big, versatile athletes. Claypool was a star of the combine, running 4.42 in the 40-yard dash and hitting 40.5″ in the vertical at 6-4 and 238 pounds. Some see him as a receiver, but he could be a dominant pro player as a move tight end. He’s big enough and physical enough to pull off the transition. In fact, he looks like a young Jared Cook on tape. Huge upside here.
Fourth round: OT Jack Driscoll, Auburn
Here’s the developmental offensive tackle the Packers need. Driscoll started all four years, has experience on both sides of the line and tested well at the combine. The Packers will like his ability to block on the move, both laterally and at the second level. If an offensive tackle is taken early, Driscoll makes a lot of sense on Day 2 or 3.
Fifth round: RB Darrynton Evans, Appalachian State
Looking for insurance on Aaron Jones? Evans might be the perfect guy. He is a slashing and slippery running back who ran 4.41 in the 40-yard dash at the combine. The similarities between Jones and Evans are there. Getting him here in the fifth round would really solidify the present and future at running back.
Sixth round: OL Jon Runyan, Michigan
Runyan has a ton of experience playing left tackle in the Big Ten and had a nice performance at the combine. He could provide quality depth at tackle or guard at the next level.
Sixth round: DE Khalid Kareem, Notre Dame
He’s got a huge frame (6-4, 34 3/8″ arms, 84″ wingspan) and a powerful game, giving him potential to put on weight and play some five-tech or stay on the edge and be a plus edge run defender.
Sixth round: LB Carter Coughlin, Minnesota
He’s very much a tweener, but his athleticism suggests he could move inside, negate his lack of length and become a contributor at linebacker. He posted a RAS of 9.87, and Packers love throwing darts at the “great athlete” dartboard on Day 3.
Seventh round: CB Reggie Robinson, Tulsa
Another throw at the dartboard. Robinson has good length and terrific athleticism. He ran 4.44 in the 40-yard dash and hit 11-0 in the broad jump. As a senior, he broke up 13 passes and had three picks. His willingness to play up at the line of scrimmage will attract the Packers.
Seventh round: DL Darrion Daniels, Nebraska
He’s a big dude (311 pounds) with some length (81″ wingspan) who can plug gaps against the run.