Green Bay Packers: First-round targets in the 2021 NFL Draft

The Green Bay Packers are always in for a good surprise in the first round of the NFL Draft. UCLA defensive lineman Kenny Clark was a pretty big shock considering who was on the board. The Packers bucked the trend in 2018 in Brian Gutekunst’s first draft as general manager, selecting corner Jaire Alexander, who didn’t meet the height thresholds under former GM Ted Thompson.

After signing Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith in the 2019 offseason, Green Bay made a move selecting Rashan Gary in the top 15. Then, in 2020, the Packers made the ultimate shocking move, moving up to select quarterback Jordan Love.

The point is, the Packers keep everything close to the vest when it comes to the draft. Analysts and forecasters always believe they have the Packers figured out until draft day, and then things change.

So who could the Green Bay Packers target in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft?

Many analysts continue to pair a wide receiver to the Packers, mostly Florida’s Kadarius Toney and sometimes Minnesota’s Rashod Bateman, if he falls. It would be the first time the Packers have selected a receiver in the first round since Javon Walker in 2002. This is an unlikely scenario.

Center is obviously a potential need after the departure of Corey Linsley. The Packers may see a solution in house, but they also believe in their ability to find starting talent at the position on day three.

Linebacker gets heavy attention as well, even though it seems like the Packers don’t value the position. A.J. Hawk was the last first round linebacker in 2006, so that seems like a stretch as well.

Let’s look at who the targets might be.