The Beast loads Packers with premium position talent in 7-round mock draft but one obvious piece is still missing
Green Bay enters the draft with eight total picks, and general manager Brian Gutekunst has some intriguing options to operate and address the roster needs.
The Green Bay Packers have some obvious priorities in the draft next week. Cornerback, defensive tackle, and offensive line depth are the most pressing ones, but the necessity to add a wide receiver is low-key impactful — especially clearing the way to do it when the team traded Dontayvion Wicks to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Dane Brugler, who writes The Beast draft guide for The Athletic, made a deep seven-round mock draft. In this scenario, the Packers added several intriguing positions at key spots, but the lack of a wide receiver is a notable development.
Second round, Pick 52: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
Dane Brugler’s takeaway: Dennis-Sutton will find sack production harder to come by against NFL blocking, but he is a commanding presence and has the size, strength and quickness to be a force player on the edge. He will be more appealing to teams looking for a “high-floor” role player, as opposed to a “high-ceiling” pass rusher.
Third round, Pick 84: Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
Dane Brugler’s takeaway: Igbinosun is a long, lanky cornerback with the speed and competitive edge that NFL coaches covet in press-man schemes. If he can trade his grabby tendencies for better trust in his technique, he has a multi-contract NFL career ahead of him.
Fourth round, Pick 120: Febechi Nwaiwu, G/C, Oklahoma
Dane Brugler’s takeaway: Nwaiwu is a heavy-footed athlete with questionable recovery skills, but he is strong as a bull and has the awareness and snap-to-snap consistency that matter to NFL coaches. He projects as a valuable backup with guard-center flexibility.
Fifth round, Pick 153: Tim Keenan, DT, Alabama
Dane Brugler’s takeaway: Keenan lacks range and suddenness as a block shedder, but he is an instinctual player with the refined hands to clog up run lanes. He is a better football player than a toolsy athlete and could be this year’s version of Khyiris Tonga.
Fifth round, Pick 160: Dametrious Crownover, T, Texas A&M
Dane Brugler’s takeaway: Crownover is still raw in several areas and too easily loses his rhythm versus skilled defenders, but his size, length and functional talent are worth cultivating. He is a developmental prospect capable of making an impact down the road.
Sixth round, Pick 201: Kaelon Black, RB, Indiana
Dane Brugler’s takeaway: Black runs with light feet and punches above his weight class to consistently get more yards than expected. Once in an NFL camp, his ability to prove himself as a pass catcher will be critical to carving out a part-time role.
Seventh round, Pick 236: Jaden Dugger, LB, Louisiana
Dane Brugler’s takeaway: Dugger is an ascending player with a blend of size and reactive athleticism worth developing on the back end of an NFL roster or practice squad.
Seventh round, Pick 255: Michael Heldman, EDGE, Central Michigan
Dane Brugler’s takeaway: Heldman was a pleasant surprise for NFL scouts this past season. He put it all together as a senior, and the result was a consistently disruptive edge rusher who won’t look out of place in an NFL training camp.
