Just months after winning Super Bowl XLV, the Green Bay Packers used 10 draft picks to reshape the look of the roster, including three straight picks to start the draft on offensive players. Overall, it was a hit-or-miss draft class, but nine years later, the framework looks repeatable in Green Bay.
In this exercise, we’ll use the positions drafted in 2011 as a blueprint for predicting this year’s class. It’s an intriguing projection considering how well the order of the positions drafted in 2011 line up well with this year’s roster needs and likely priorities. And the Packers have the same number of total picks (10) and the exact number of picks in each round this year as they did in 2011.
Here’s a seven-round mock draft for the Packers using 2011 as a guide:
First round, offensive tackle
2011: Derek Sherrod, Miss. State
2020: Josh Jones, Houston
Jones, a fantastic pass-blocking left tackle, would be really hard to pass up if he lasted until No. 30. He could compete with Rick Wagner to start as a rookie. The Packers would hope Jones has a much more friendly injury history in the pros than Sherrod, who broke his leg late in his rookie season and never really recovered.
Second round, wide receiver
2011: Randall Cobb, Kentucky
2020: Michael Pittman, USC
Cobb eventually became a solid No. 2 option in the passing game and a trusted target of Aaron Rodgers. The Packers need another early draft pick to follow the same path. Pittman is ready to play right away and is as well-rounded as any receiver prospect in the class. He’d be a steal at 62.
Third round, running back
2011: Alex Green, Hawaii
2020: A.J. Dillon, Boston College
The Packers swung and missed on Green, who had some explosive traits and receiving ability but struggled to make an impact at the next level. Dillon is a monster of a running back, with impressive size and athleticism. He’d be the thunder to Aaron Jones’ lightning.
Fourth round, cornerback
2011: Davon House, New Mexico State
2020: Reggie Robinson, Tulsa
House was a traits-based prospect with press experience and starter upside. Robinson is a similar player coming out of Tulsa. House eventually played a lot of games in Green Bay.
Fifth round, tight end
2011: D.J Williams, Arkansas
2020: Thaddeus Moss, LSU
Williams had H-back versatility, but his skillset never materialized into a legit role at the next level. Moss, a good enough blocker with a strong receiving background, could fit a similar role in Matt LaFleur’s offense.
Sixth round, offensive line
2011: Caleb Schlauderaff, Utah
2020: Danny Pinter, Ball State
Schlauderaff was a bad fit right away and didn’t last long. Expect the Packers to look in the middle rounds for a developmental interior line prospect like Pinter, who has the profile the Packers like in a young guard.
Sixth round, linebacker
2011: D.J. Smith, Appalachian State
2020: Evan Weaver, Cal
Weaver probably won’t be a three-down player at the next level. But like Smith, he was a high production player in college and could be an effective two-down run stuffer and special teamer at the next level.
Sixth round, edge rusher
2011: Ricky Elmore, Arizona
2020: Derrek Tuszka, North Dakota State
Elmore didn’t have the athleticism to play on the edge and was out of the league in a hurry. Tuszka, a star for the best FCS team in the country, has no such worries and could be an effective rotational rusher.
Seventh round, tight end
2011: Ryan Taylor, North Carolina
2020: Josiah Deguara, Cincinnati
The Packers are looking for H-back types to play tight end and some inline tight end. Deguara fits the bill.
Seventh round, defensive line
2011: Lawrence Guy, Arizona State
2020: Calvin Taylor, Kentucky
Taylor is a massive prospect (6-7, 307) who flashed some pass-rushing ability during his final season at Kentucky. He could be a developmental five-tech, much like Guy, who left Green Bay and put together a terrific NFL career.
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