Packers take unusual path in the A to Z Sports' pre-Combine mock draft
The Green Bay Packers have never drafted a player over 330 lbs in the top 100 in history. But that might change if general manager Brian Gutekunst agrees with A to Z Sports draft analyst Destin Adams, who published his latest mock draft right before the Combine. Adams suggested the Packers would take Georgia offensive […]
The Green Bay Packers have never drafted a player over 330 lbs in the top 100 in history. But that might change if general manager Brian Gutekunst agrees with A to Z Sports draft analyst Destin Adams, who published his latest mock draft right before the Combine.
Adams suggested the Packers would take Georgia offensive tackle Amarius Mims with the 25th overall pick.
"The future is uncertain for the Packers and longtime star tackle David Bakhtiari. And I have them grabbing Amarius Mims out of Georgia. Many viewed him as a top-10 pick in this class prior to getting injured last year; he is now healthy and prepping to test at the Scouting Combine. If the Packers do move off of Bakhtiari, Mims has the potential to be a great young tackle to build with Jordan Love and the Packers offense that took off last season."
Mims is 340 lbs, which would be unique for the Packers. A huge exception was Marshall Newhouse, whom the Packers drafted in 2010 at 330 lbs. However, Newhouse was a fifth-round selection. Since then, the heavier offensive lineman the Packers drafted in the top 10 was Sean Rhyan, who was moved to guard, at 321 lbs.
Draft profile
Amarius Mims has exceptional athletic ability for such a heavy player, and the Packers have been interested in developing big guys lately — Yosh Nijman, Caleb Jones, Luke Tenuta. His upside is an intriguing proposition.
On the other hand, Mims hadn't been a starter until his last college season, so the experience and game exposure are limited.
Positional value and need
Historically, the Packers value offensive tackles. The franchise hasn't taken an offensive skill position player outside of quarterback since 2002, but since then they have selected two first-round tackles: Bryan Bulaga in 2010 and Derek Sherrod in 2011.
Since Brian Gutekunst took over as the general manager in 2018, the Packers have drafted 11 offensive linemen — including three in 2021 and three in 2022. Last year was the only draft in which Gutekunst didn't take any offensive lineman.
With guard Jon Runyan and tackle Yosh Nijman set to hit free agency, plus the uncertainty around David Bakhtiari's future, it's very plausible that the Packers decide to take a tackle early — and maybe more linemen down the road.
Sour taste
The Packers don't have a real X receiver, even though there's still hope Christian Watson can be one. However, the most painful part of Destin's mock is watching the Packers passing on Keon Coleman, and then he goes to the Kansas City Chiefs with the 32nd overall pick. Well, he might be pretty good with Patrick Mahomes.
Packers seven-round mock draft 1.0, post-Super Bowl edition
Green Bay is slated to have 11 picks in this year’s draft
