This past week, the Green Bay Packers signed former Chiefs’ receiver Mecole Hardman. And of course, for no particular reason, there was much hatred over this on the internet. I still don’t know why. This shouldn’t deter the Packers from drafting a receiver in the NFL Draft or anything.
I mean honestly, Hardman isn’t necessarily a lock to make the roster.
He’ll provide the Packers the opportunity to have an explosive return man other than Keisean Nixon. And we should be happy about that. Not to mention some of the gadget opportunities that Mecole Hardman could provide to the Green Bay offense.
But I digress. Let’s review some of the latest Packers mock drafts.
NFL Draft: Mock Draft #1
For some reason, mock drafters are stuck on giving the Packers a cornerback. I truly believe that Green Bay’s biggest need is actually on the defensive line. Jaire Alexander hasn’t actually been shipped out yet. That being so, this first mock draft has the Packers selecting, you guessed it, a cornerback.
Pro Football Network did something interesting. They used data from the PFSN Mock Draft Simulator to guide first-round picks based on user trends. The results reveal intriguing selections that align with fan predictions while occasionally diverging from consensus. The article describing this process was written by Ben Rolfe at Pro Football Network.
This mock draft had the Packers selecting cornerback Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina. Revel does fit the Packers height and weight criteria at the cornerback position. Revel tore his ACL back in October and is still working to get healthy so he doesn’t have a RAS.
But this is what Lance Zierlein had to say: “East Carolina cornerback Revel boasts impressive size, length, and speed, making him a promising prospect with starting potential. He’s effective in press coverage, using his long arms to disrupt routes and his acceleration to close gaps. While he excels in zone coverage and shows willingness as a tackler, his high center of gravity and inconsistent ball-tracking remain concerns. Recovering from a torn ACL, Revel’s physical tools and upside could make him a valuable asset if he sharpens his technique.”
Revel is definitely an intriguing pick and I can see it happening, however, I would be more excited if the Packers selected in him the second round instead of the first.
Mock Draft #2
Chad Reuter over at NFL.com likes to do long form mock drafts. In his latest mock NFL Draft he went through the first four rounds, which is crazy to me! However, the most intriguing aspect of his mock draft is who he has going in the first round to the Packers.
Can I interest you in a faster Greg Jennings? Because that’s who wide receiver Matthew Golden is. Reuter has the Packers drafting the dynamic receiver at pick 23 in the NFL Draft.
Green Bay hasn’t picked a receiver in the first round in over 20 years. Will this be the year that streak ends? In Green Bay nonetheless! Oh, the story just writes itself doesn’t it?
Per Lance Zierlein – “Golden is a versatile receiver with the ability to play all three wideout positions and deliver big plays in key moments. While his route-running needs improvement, his agility, body control, and ability to make highlight-reel catches stand out. He improved his physicality in contested catches in 2024, boosting his potential as a future WR1. However, focus drops and inconsistent route intensity are areas he must refine to reach his full potential.”
If you want to check out the rest of Reuter’s mock draft, then click here.
NFL Draft: Mock Draft #3
Like I said at the top of this article, many mock drafters have the Packers selecting a cornerback while I believe it will be a defensive linemen. That being said, if Jahdae Barron is the selection at 23, I think I would die happy. And that’s exactly who Mike Band at NFL.com has the Packers selecting.
Barron is everything the Packers love in a player. He is athletic. His character is fantastic. Barron is completely versatile and his measurables all check out! He plays anywhere as a defensive back. I know some people don’t think he can play outside corner because of his arm length. I don’t think that would hinder him much. Select Barron and honestly get a another player who could play very similar to Charles Woodson.
Don’t mess this up, Gutey!
Oh, here is what Lance Zierlein said: “Barron is a physical nickelback with strong instincts and impressive coverage skills, excelling in zone defense with sharp route recognition and play strength. His ability to disrupt routes early and pounce on passes makes him a valuable contributor. However, concerns about his recovery speed, limited man coverage experience, and inconsistent tackling technique may require refinement. With his size and skill set, Barron has the potential to become an early contributor and a future starter, possibly cross-training as a safety.”
Please, Gutey!
Go Pack Go!
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Damon is a diehard, fully-immersed cheesehead who currently lives in southern Missouri. He teaches at a local high school and has a family YouTube channel about all things Packers. You can follow him on twitter at @packersfamily and on YouTube at The Packers Family.
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