The Packers have a new head coach and an unusual number of incoming free agents, but which prospects will the team target in the 2019 NFL Draft?
The Green Bay Packers have had one of the busiest offseasons in the NFL, after hiring a new head coach in Matt LaFleur and being unusually active in the free agent market.
With the legendary Aaron Rodgers still at quarterback and six selections in the first four rounds of the 2019 NFL Draft, the team has plenty of draft capital to get back into playoff contention next season.
With less than a month to go until draft day, it’s time to take a look at who the team could be targeting with this seven-round Packers mock draft:
Jonah Williams
OL, Alabama
The Packers’ free agent spending spree on the defensive side of the ball could be an indication that the team is ready to invest a significant chunk of their draft capital on the offense. With Bryan Bulaga and Jason Spriggs set to hit free agency following the upcoming season, adding help up front could be a major priority for the team.
Alabama’s Jonah Williams, a player who was considered a lock for a top five pick early in the draft process, could be a perfect fit for Green Bay with their first selection in round one at number twelve overall.
A lot will be made about Williams’ lack of prototypical size and length for the tackle position, but let’s not overthink this. Williams is the most technically-refined offensive tackle prospect in this class and should be given every opportunity to start there at the next level. He manhandled SEC competition, many of whom will be high draft picks themselves, and was a starter since his freshman season with the Crimson Tide.
Williams should be a quality starter in the NFL for a long time and the Packers would be wise to pounce on if he does in fact fall to this range.
N’Keal Harry
WR, Arizona State
Green Bay has invested numerous resources in skill position players over the last several years but entering this draft with two first-round selections affords them the ability to target a truly dynamic playmaker early on.
Arizona State’s N’Keal Harry has been a model of consistency since his freshman year with the Sun Devils and while he doesn’t have the otherworldly physique or explosiveness of a DK Metcalf, I think he very well could be the best receiver from this class when all is said and done.
Harry has Velcro for hands and made a name for his many acrobatic catches during his college career, something that Aaron Rodgers would certainly love to have at his disposal. He does an excellent job at using his frame to shield opposing defenders from making a play and tested much better from an athletic standpoint than many thought he would at the Combine.
The Packers had a presence at Arizona State’s Pro Day last week, and I’d have to imagine Harry is squarely on their radar. A Davante Adams-N’Keal Harry pairing on the outside would instantly give head coach Matt LaFleur a great weapons combo to work with on the outside.