The Green Bay Packers need to take full advantage of the second and third rounds of the 2020 draft. Adding immediate contributors is even more important after the Packers – who won 13 games last season – spent their first-round pick on a developmental quarterback.
Here are 10 potential player combinations for the Packers on Day 2:
2.62: WR Michael Pittman, USC
3.94: LB Akeem Davis-Gaither, Appalachian State
A potential homerun combo. Pittman provides a solid, pro-ready receiver who could contribute in the passing game right away, while Davis-Gaither would give Mike Pettine a rangy and explosive player to use in the middle of the field. They could both be Year 1 contributors who develop into long-term starters.
2.62: WR Tee Higgins, Clemson
3.94: OT Jack Driscoll, Auburn
Higgins might lack the athletic profile the Packers have preferred recently, but he’s a damn good pass-catcher who can play every receiver spot and win in a variety of ways. Driscoll is a sleeper at offensive tackle, but he’s both athletic and experienced, with a long history of high-level pass-blocking.
2.62: LB Josh Uche, Michigan
3.94: TE Adam Trautman, Dayton
Uche was a rotational pass-rusher at Michigan, but he’s athletic and could play on the edge and at off-ball linebacker for the Packers. Trautman might be the best pass-catching tight end in the class and could be an Austin Hooper-like player at the next level.
2.62: WR Laviska Shenault, Colorado
3.94: DL Jordan Elliott, Missouri
Can Shenault be the next Deebo Samuel? His injury history is clearly worrisome, but his playmaking ability is just as apparent. Elliott is one of the best pass-rushing defensive linemen in the draft.
2.62: DL Raekwon Davis, Alabama
3.94: WR Bryan Edwards, South Carolina
Huge infusion of size and physicality. Davis is a massive defensive lineman who can provide some power and length against the run, while Edwards did nothing but physically dominant cornerbacks in the SEC the last four seasons.
2.62: WR Chase Claypool, Notre Dame
3.94: LB Troy Dye, Oregon
Claypool might be a receiver/tight end tweener, but his elite athleticism and potential versatility could be really attractive for a team that loves big, tall and fast pass-catchers. Dye isn’t big but he’s awesome in coverage, and there’s a ton of value in disrupting the passing game.
2:62: DB Ashtyn Davis, Cal
3.94: LB Malik Harrison, Ohio State
More defense? Maybe. Davis has the best range of any safety in the draft and has high upside as a slot defender, while Harrison could give the Packers a highly effective run stopper with big-time athleticism at the linebacker position.
2.62: DB Kyle Dugger, Lenoir-Rhyne
3.94: OT Ben Bartch, Saint Johns (MN)
This one would be wild. Dugger is a freaky athlete from a DII school. Bartch played left tackle for only two years at a DIII school. The boom-bust here is off the charts.
2.62: LB Willie Gay, Miss. State
3.94: WR John Hightower, Boise State
Gay would be a gamble, but he’s so explosive and athletic and could be a difference-maker. Hightower isn’t widely viewed as one of the draft’s wide receiver, but he’s a deep threat who could be an ideal fit in Matt LaFleur’s offense.
2.62: TE Cole Kmet, Notre Dame
3.94: LB Logan Wilson, Wyoming
Just two solid players at need positions. Kmet is probably the best inline tight end in the class, while Wilson is a tackle magnet who tested well and could be a three-down linebacker.