The week of the 2020 NFL Draft is here, and not all national mock draft creators are giving the Green Bay Packers a wide receiver in the first round.
Many still are, but a greater diversity of targets is starting to form. Some believe quarterback, linebacker, cornerback, defensive line and offensive tackle could all be first-round targets for GM Brian Gutekunst.
Projecting so late in the first round (the Packers pick at No. 30) is a difficult exercise. Receiver has been a safe pick due to the abundance of first-round talent at the position and the Packers’ perceived need, but there’s still a good chance the Packers will go in a different direction come Thursday night.
Here’s a roundup of the players going to the Packers in the first round of national mock drafts:
Mel Kiper, ESPN: WR Tee Higgins, Clemson
From Kiper: “If the Packers want to get over the hump in the final stage of Aaron Rodgers’ career, they’re going to have to give him better targets outside of Davante Adams. Adding Devin Funchess isn’t going to cut it. At 6-foot-3, Higgins is a big target who gobbled up touchdowns in college (his 27 tied for most in school history with Sammy Watkins and DeAndre Hopkins). He could take some of Jimmy Graham’s red zone targets.”
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com: QB Jordan Love, Utah State
From Jeremiah: “It’s tough to find the right spot for Love. He could go in the top 10 or fall to this neighborhood of the draft. The Packers would be a great fit for him to sit, learn and develop.”
Peter King, NBC Sports: WR Michael Pittman, USC
From King: “Professional receiver. Most have him in the second round. But the Packers don’t pick again till 62, and they see a solid but unspectacular disciplined route-runner and competitive 50-50-ball player.”
Steve Palazzolo, Pro Football Focus: DL A.J. Epenesa, Iowa
From Palazzolo: “While Epenesa doesn’t have the bend and explosiveness of elite edge rushers, he’s similar to the Detroit Lions’ Trey Flowers in that he wins with power, length and excellent hand usage. He can handle duties on the inside as well, bringing a versatile piece to Green Bay’s defensive front. Epenesa finished with a strong 87.8 pass-rush grade last season after a 90.4 mark in 2018.”
Mark Schofield, Touchdown Wire: WR Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State
From Schofield: “The Green Bay Packers need to add another receiver across from Davante Adams, and Aiyuk is the kind of game-changer at the position they absolutely need.”
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: CB Jaylon Johnson, Utah (trade up to 23)
From Reuter: “Once again, the Packers trade up to grab a starter in the secondary, just as they did last year to secure safety Darnell Savage. The team’s cornerback group could use more depth, so Johnson — and his ability in press coverage — would be a welcome addition to this unit.”
Peter Schrager, NFL.com: LB Jordyn Brooks, Texas Tech
From Schrager: “Lightning-fast linebacker who fought through a shoulder injury to run at the combine for scouts (posting a 4.54 40). Blake Martinez is no longer in Green Bay, so here’s his replacement. This class’ immense WR depth allows the Packers to address that need later on.”
Dan Kadar, SB Nation: WR Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State
From Kadar: “There could be options like Denzel Mims of Baylor and Tee Higgins of Clemson available for the Packers, but they already have big receivers like them (Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Equanimeous St. Brown). Aiyuk would give them a receiver who can vary his routes, work the underneath game, and get deep.”
Mike Tanier, Bleacher Report: WR Justin Jefferson, LSU
From Tanier: “Justin Jefferson would be a fine addition to the Packers receiving corps, though: big target, great hands, fine routes, runs like an angry tight end with the ball in his hands.”
Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports: WR Denzel Mims, Baylor
From Wilson: “Mims had a strong season for Baylor, balled out at the Senior Bowl, and then set the combine on fire with his performance there. He’s still raw but he’s the type of playmaker that could quickly grow into an Aaron Rodgers-led offense.”
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: OT Josh Jones, Houston
From Iyer: “The Packers lost right tackle Bryan Bulaga in free agency and Rick Wagner is a shaky replacement, while David Bakhtiari will be a 29-year-old free agent in 2021. Jones has terrific athleticism for his size (6-5, 319 pounds) and can support with his toughness and relentless blocking. He is a bit raw, however, as his handwork and footwork both could use refinement to maximize his natural skills.”
Evan Silva, Establish the Run: LB Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma
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