2021 NFL Draft: 49ers make aggressive move for QB in 3-round mock draft

The Carolina Panthers trade up for Zach Wilson in this 2021 NFL mock draft (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
The Carolina Panthers trade up for Zach Wilson in this 2021 NFL mock draft (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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Nick Bolton, 2021 NFL Draft
2021 NFL Draft prospect Nick Bolton #32 of the Missouri Tigers (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

2021 NFL Draft: Round 1, 31st overall

Missouri. Nick Bolton. 49. Pick Analysis. LB. 31. player. Scouting Report

The Green Bay Packers have struggled to stop the run at times this season and their lack of impact talent at off-ball linebacker has been a major reason why. There is undoubtedly a lot of room for improvement at the position and Missouri linebacker Nick Bolton stands out as a strong value pick for the team in this range.

Bolton is an extremely physical linebacker prospect who plays well through traffic. He is also an explosive player who fires to his spot in an instant and always brings power at the point of attack. Bolton is at his best when he can react to the play and attack moving forward and he consistently displays impressive range and closing speed. His ability to shed blocks also stands out as a premier skill

Bolton is a top-notch run defender who also shows a lot of upside in the blitz game. His man coverage ability is underdeveloped but Bolton does have good instincts in short zone coverage. He is a solid and dependable player in the middle of the field who will also make explosive plays at times.

The Green Bay Packers could look to get Aaron Rodgers some help by adding an impact wide receiver with this pick but Bolton stands out as a strong choice for their current situation. To put it simply, they find themselves a good football player who fills an obvious position of need here at No. 31.