Packers Mock Draft 4.0 kicks off with linebacker picks, followed by linemen and defensive backs.
The NFL Scouting Combine concluded, signaling a return to regular operations for the Green Bay Packers after a week in Indianapolis.
General manager Brian Gutekunst will address team needs in free agency, yet historically, he’s open to drafting players for positions already filled by free agents.
Utilizing the PFF simulator without trades this week, I managed to bolster the front seven and offensive line, prioritizing results from the Scouting Combine.
First Round Pick: Payton Wilson, Linebacker from NC State
Despite past perceptions of devaluing linebackers, Gutekunst opts for his second first-round linebacker in three years. Wilson impressed at the Scouting Combine with an impressive 4.43 time in the 40-yard-dash.
You can debate whether Wilson or Texas A&M’s Edgerrin Cooper is the most athletic linebacker in the class, but Wilson would certainly add another athletic dimension alongside Quay Walker, whom the Packers are aiming to maximize in 2024.
Wilson’s athleticism and the Packers’ requirement to bolster their linebacker corps led to his selection in this simulation over Duke’s Graham Barton and Washington’s Troy Fautanu, both of whom are outstanding offensive linemen.
“Second round pick: Graham Barton, offensive lineman from Duke University.”
Ensuring the protection of a franchise quarterback is consistently a top priority for Gutekunst, making the offensive line a key focus when constructing a team.
Gutekunst expressed confidence in the depth of the offensive line talent pool, noting that Duke’s Graham Barton perfectly aligns with his criteria for selecting linemen.
Despite being a potential first-round candidate, acquiring Barton at pick 41 was a source of great excitement.
Barton expressed confidence during the Scouting Combine, stating his capability to play any of the five offensive line positions. His profile resembles that of Elgton Jenkins when the Packers drafted him.
There’s speculation whether the Packers might select Barton at a position similar to where they drafted Jenkins in 2019. The fact that the Packers had a formal meeting with Barton at the Combine suggests potential interest.
The primary consideration would be his positional suitability. With his arm length measuring at 32 7/8 inches, the Packers might initially deploy him at tackle before considering a move to the interior.
The key consideration revolves around his positional suitability, especially with his arm length measured at 32 7/8 inches.
This might prompt the Packers to initially deploy him at tackle before contemplating a move to the interior. Nevertheless, incorporating a versatile asset on the offensive line is always advantageous.
Securing a player of this caliber early in the second round would greatly benefit Jordan Love and the offense.
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