Packers mock draft answers biggest roster questions and adds top undrafted gems to complete a strong offseason haul
This is full nerd season, and that’s ok. Everyone does seven-round mock drafts this time of the year, and we’ve done several of them over the past several weeks. However, we decided to take this madness one step further on the eve of the NFL Draft in Green Bay.As Monday’s mock had multiple trades, this […]
This is full nerd season, and that’s ok. Everyone does seven-round mock drafts this time of the year, and we’ve done several of them over the past several weeks. However, we decided to take this madness one step further on the eve of the NFL Draft in Green Bay.
As Monday’s mock had multiple trades, this one is more straightforward. The Packers are making the eight picks they are slated to do.
However, we are adding a wrinkle here. Besides the draft picks, we will mention nine undrafted-type prospects that Green Bay could add to the 90-man roster after the seventh round. This is fun, because the Packers have actually had a strong track record of keeping undrafted players on the 53-man rosters over the last two decades, so these could be real contributors.
Round 1, pick 23: CB Jahdae Barron, Texas
Barron can play inside and outside, and his tape is truly impressive by the way he challenges the offensive players. Cornerback is a big need both in the short- and long-term for Green Bay, and adding more pieces to the room is imperative, especially if they won’t keep Jaire Alexander.
Last season, Barron was elite in coverage, allowing a 34.2 passer rating when targeted. And he played most of his snaps as a boundary corner, something the Packers would truly benefit from. He's better in zone than man, but that's not necessarily a big issue, since most of the snaps in Jeff Hafley's defense are with zone concepts.
Round 2, pick 54: WR Jayden Higgins, Iowa State
Higgins is the X receiver the Packers badly need. He might not be a polished route runner or the blazing deep threat, but he brings an element of efficiency that the offense doesn’t have. Big production, excellent performance versus man coverage, few drops, good in contested catches. He is a professional wide receiver.
Round 3, pick 87: T Charles Grant, William & Mary
Grant doesn’t have the athletic profile the Packers tend to love, but his tape is really good. He can be a swing tackle fairly quick for them, with upside to develop into something more. Mike Renner named Grant the most underrated prospect of this class.
Round 4, pick 124: CB Quincy Riley, Louisville
By his style of play and school, Riley has generated some comparisons with Jaire Alexander. And if Jaire is getting out of the door, it makes sense to bring someone similar to him to the roster. He’s not good in run support, but can play inside and outside and had a better 2023 season—which historically isn’t a problem for Brian Gutekunst.
Round 5, pick 159: EDGE Sai'vion Jones, LSU
Jones had decent productivity last season, with a 15.1% pass rush win rate. He was excellent in true pass sets, getting an 81.7 grade in these situations—which bodes well for his development in the NFL. He is a heavy edge defender, but that's more a feature than a bug for the Packers' scouting department.
Round 6, pick 198: DT Ty Hamilton, Ohio State
Hamilton is seen by Dane Brugler from The Athletic as a third-round talent. He can play wherever along the defensive line, and is a strong presence with upside to develop as an interior rusher.
Round 7, pick 237: CB Isas Waxter, Villanova
Good combination of size and speed, impressive efficiency forcing fumbles. It might be too much for the Packers to take three cornerbacks, but Brian Gutekunst has done similar things when depth is a need.
Round 7, pick 250: RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt
Effective in one-cut runs, Croskey-Merritt is a good fit for offenses from the Kyle Shanahan/Sean McVay/Matt LaFleur tree. The Packers don’t have a need at running back, so he could be a depth piece and special teamer.
UDFAs
The Packers are projected to have 10 spots for undrafted players. We’re leaving one of them open for rookie minicamp invitees.
- QB Donovan Smith, Houston
- WR Ja'Corey Brooks, Louisville
- TE Joshua Simon, South Carolina
- T Caleb Rogers, Texas Tech
- DT Jared Harrison-Hunte, SMU
- EDGE Barryn Sorrell, Texas
- LB Aaron Smith, South Carolina State
- CB Terrence Spence, James Madison
- S Malik Verdon, Iowa State
