The Green Bay Packers season concluded in the NFC Championship game, losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Offensively, the Packers are pretty much set after leading the league in scoring. However, they were a mediocre 13th in points allowed. Nevertheless, the 2021 NFL mock draft isn’t totally geared towards defensive selections.
Asante Samuel Jr, CB Florida State
While the Packers have a legitimate star in Jaire Alexander at one cornerback, Kevin King got lit up in the NFC Championship game by Mike Evans and Scotty Miller. Therefore, the Packers clearly need additions to the cornerback group.
Samuel has excellent athleticism and stellar in coverage. HIs footwork is smooth and doesn’t shy away from defending against the run. Although he’s undersized at 5’ 10”, Samuel is versatile and can play both inside or outside.
A big playmaker, Samuel intercepted three passes and recovered two fumbles last season and had 97 tackles and 29 passes defensed in 31 games over three seasons at Florida State.
Dyami Brown, WR, North Carolina
The Packers have a star wide receiver in Davante Adams and capable receivers in Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Allen Lazard, and tight end Robert Tonyan. However, none of them are a consistent vertical option on offense. Brown averaged over 20 yards per catch at North Carolina and should be able to help the Packers in stretching the field.
Brown has excellent speed has the ability to add a new dimension to an offense that relied on a good running game and short precision routes. Brown caught 106 passes and scored 20 touchdowns in his final two seasons at North Carolina.
The Packers already have the top scoring offense in the league and adding Brown would be nightmarish for the rest of the league.
Sadarius Hutcherson, OL, South Carolina
This may be a surprising pick given that the interior line is the strength of the Packers when healthy. Depth was an issue and a pick near the middle of the draft on a lineman is a smart way to address that need.
Hutcherson has immense power, but he needs to control that in terms of leverage and technique. The Packers offensive line coach will help him develop Hutcherson’s incredible tools. How quickly and to what extent Hutcherson develops his skills will determine how when and to what extent he contributes in game action.
Ambry Thomas, CB, Michigan
Continuing to address their need at cornerback, the fourth-round pick selection in Thomas could help the team with his speed and quickness. In addition, Thomas has a knack for man coverage, particularly in press coverage. He needs to be more consistent, but has enough upside and experience in a top conference for the Packers to take a look at him in the late round.
Although Thomas didn’t play last season, Thomas had three interceptions in 12 games as a junior to go along with three passes defensed and two fumble recoveries. Thomas recorded 54 tackles, five fumble recoveries and four interceptions in 34 collegiate games.
