Mock Drafts Have Packers Emphasizing Offensive Line, Defensive Backs
GREEN BAY Wis -
Who doesn't love a good mock draft?
Maybe some of you rolled your eyes just at the sight of the phrase.
The reality is the NFL Draft is one of the most popular sporting events in the world.
Pro Football Network just published a mock that started, as many will, with the Chicago Bears selecting USC quarterback Caleb Williams.
The Green Bay Packers will be scheduled to pick 25th in this year's first round after a Divisional Round playoff exit at the hands of the eventual conference champion San Francisco 49ers.
Green Bay's team needs vary based on who is looking at their roster. The reality is, however, that the offensive line will likely need some reinforcements.
That was the thinking when PFN tabbed Duke's versatile offensive lineman Graham Barton.
Author Wil Helms said the following:
I’m a huge fan of Graham Barton, who brings both intelligence and versatility, with the ability to play all five positions up front and in several schemes. That versatility will be coveted by teams like the Packers, who have multiple needs in front of Jordan Love.
How the Packers view Barton in their offensive line room could be interesting. If he can play all five positions, would they give him a chance to play tackle first?
Rasheed Walker had a strong finish to the season but entered training camp as the team's fourth preferred tackle.
The Packers value depth at the tackle position. Yosh Njiman was given the second-round tender last offseason and made a shade over $4 million in 2023.
One of the big questions surrounding the team is whether or not David Bakhtiari will be back.
If he is, it's pretty simple if health prevails. Bakhtiari starts at left tackle. Zach Tom will start at right tackle. Walker becomes the swing tackle.
If the Packers move on from Bakhtiari, everyone bumps up a spot, clearing the way for Barton to compete at tackle.
It is more likely, however, that Barton plays on the interior in the NFL.
Daniel Jeremiah agrees. Barton was ranked as his 33rd overall prospect in his first top-50, and Jeremiah offered the following.
Barton started at left tackle during his final three seasons at Duke. Prior to that, he started five games at center, and that’s where I see him playing at the next level. He has ideal size for the position and average length. In pass protection, he is quick out of his stance, plays with knee bend and has the agility to redirect. He does struggle against power rushers. He doesn’t play long-armed, exposes his chest and gives ground. Fortunately, he loses slowly on most occasions, allowing the quarterback time to get the ball out. He is a technician in the run game. He always hits his landmarks with his hands on down blocks before sinking and driving with his lower half. He is excellent on combo blocks and he’s under control as a puller. Overall, I see Barton as an athletic center with the ability to survive at tackle if needed.
The Packers have valued players that have experience as blindside tackles in college with the versatility to move inside.
TJ Lang, Josh Sitton, and Jon Runyan Jr. are three players who fit that mold coming out of college.
Barton could feasibly fill a void the Packers have at guard.
Jon Runyan Jr. is slated to become an unrestricted free agent. It's unclear if the Packers will bring him back.
Sean Rhyan would be the next man up if Runyan were to depart, but he seemed to thrive under the competition between him and Runyan during the season where the two would rotate.
Josh Myers was repeatedly praised by the coaching staff during the season. He is entering a contract year, and the Packers have liked to look for replacements a year early instead of when the need officially arises.
If Barton were the pick, it seems more likely that he'd play inside early.
Fan Nation: Cooper Dejean DB Iowa; Kam Kinchens S Miami ; Ruke Orhorhoro DL Clemson; Christian Haynes OL UCONN; Braelon Allen RB Wisconsin
This mock goes heavy with defensive backs, which makes even more sense with the new hire of Jeff Hafley as the defensive coordinator.
Cooper DeJean has positional versatility to play inside and outside, with even some thought that he could play safety in the NFL.
If this draft came to fruition, DeJean would likely play corner for the Packers with the selection of Miami's Kam Kinchens.
Both players would be in line to start right away.
In addition, they grab some depth along the defensive line and former Wisconsin Badger Braelon Allen to play behind Aaron Jones.
USA Today: Troy Fautanu OL Washington
Fautanu was the star that helped spearhead Washington's Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line.
If he were drafted, the Packers would likely look at him as a tackle, but there is optimism he could play guard in the NFL as well.
The Athletic: Tyler Nubin S Minnesota
Nubin is a popular selection in these mock drafts, likely due to the gaping hole that exists at the safety position.
Anthony Johnson Jr. Benny Sapp III, and Zayne Anderson as the only safeties currently on the roster.
Hafley's background as a defensive backs coach, and a likely shift in coverage philosophies coming, Brian Gutekunst could emphasize the safety position as he did in the offseason of 2019. That year saw him grab Adrian Amos in free agency and selected Darnell Savage in the first round to help Mike Pettine's defense.
