Green Bay Packers 7-round NFL mock draft: Adding more explosiveness

It’s important to note that the Green Bay Packers, while they have a need at linebacker, have never really invested a ton of draft capital into the position. While they got some good play out of undrafted rookie Krys Barnes in 2020, having someone else to compete with him, Christian Kirksey and Kamal Martin makes sense. Ohio State’s Justin Hilliard got limited snaps in the Buckeyes loaded linebacker room, but his athleticism gives him upside.

It’s reasonable to assume that the Packers will invest more than one pick at the corner position in the 2021 NFL Draft, and they do so here on day three. In a great article over at Sports Illustrated’s draft coverage, SI’s and NFL Draft Bible’s Jeremiah Bogan talks about how good Minnesota’s Benjamin St-Juste can be at the next level. He’s great at timing things at the catch point, and stays in phase well against receivers. His height/length combo will be coveted by NFL teams.

Rounding out the mock for the Packers gives them another element of explosiveness to the roster. It’s likely that 2020 second-round pick A.J. Dillon becomes the feature back next year, but getting someone else in there to spell him will be important.

Louisville’s Javian Hawkins is a perfect complement to Dillon, showcasing elite breakaway speed and quickness in the open field. He slowly became more a part of the passing game with the Cardinals as well, something he will need for the Matt LaFleur offense.