Packers 2021 NFL Draft Day 2 Targets
The Green Bay Packers have a lot of flexibility entering Day 2 of the 2021 NFL Draft, which means we have a number of prospects to keep our eyes on.
By Paul_Bretl
Day 1 of the 2021 NFL Draft is in the books, and the Green Bay Packers addressed a major need at the cornerback position by taking Eric Stokes from Georgia. As we shift our focus to Day 2, where the Packers currently hold the 62nd and 92nd picks, cornerback remains a position that they could target.
We know that Green Bay needs to bolster the position for 2021, but beyond this year, things still look quite bleak, with Stokes and Jaire Alexander being the only two players that we know will be on the team in 2022.
For receiver, it's a similar situation. While adding another weapon for Aaron Rodgers and Matt LaFleur is always a good idea, with no receivers currently under contract next season, getting ahead of that and addressing this need now is a must.
On top of that, trying to bolster the offensive tackle depth and finding their right tackle of the future should be high on the Day 2 to-do list as well. Not to mention finding Kenny Clark some help on the interior defensive line--although with this being such a weak class at that position, despite this being a bigger need, I don't know that it will take precedent and be addressed on Day 2. The value just simply might not be there.
Some under-the-radar positions to keep your eyes on include edge rusher, safety, and a not so under the radar move could be trying to upgrade the linebacker position but at a minimum adding depth. Whether this need is addressed on Day 2 can be up for debate but I believe they do at some point.
As you can see, there is a lot to still address, but the Packers are in a good spot because they have flexibility and can go in a number of different directions--which is what every team wants. With that said, I would put offensive tackle and receiver higher up on the priority list than the other positions mentioned.
I also wouldn't rule out a Day 2 trade-up for Green Bay. For the first time during his tenure as GM, we saw Brian Gutekunst stay put in Round 1. However, due to 2020 opt-outs and COVID restrictions, there is less info on these players -- especially the mid to late-round options -- which could lead to some added aggressiveness from Gutekunst to get his guys early on. And I, for one, am all for this.
So with all of that in mind, let's dive into some Day 2 options for the Green Bay Packers. And admittedly, there are quite a few names here because, as I said, I could see the Packers moving up, and there are also a variety of positions that they could address.
Offensive Line
Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State: To what I'm guessing is the surprise of many, Jenkins slid into Round 2. Jenkins is a very experienced player who was effective against as both a run-blocker and a pass-blocker and has that aggressive mentality that we want all our offensive lineman to have. He is an immediate starter at right tackle for this packers team, but if they want him, they'll have to go and get him.
Quinn Meinerz, IOL, UW-Whitewater: The UW-Whitewater star has flown up draft boards and in the NFL is expected to play center or guard. If the Packers go this route, then it may be clear that they feel comfortable keeping Elgton Jenkins at tackle.
Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame: Another uber-experienced player who will provide stability at the right tackle position for the next 8 to 10 years. Eichenberg may never be a Pro Bowler, but his technique is rock solid, and you know what you're getting from him as a player.
Spencer Brown, OT, Northern Iowa: Tested incredibly well at his Pro-Day, standing 6'7" and scoring a perfect 10.0 on the RAS. Brown will likely need some time to refine his game but provides depth and is a hopeful starter in the future.
Brady Christensen, OT, BYU: By several PFF metrics, Christensen was the best OT in college football last season--both as a run-blocker and a pass-blocker. He is someone who could potentially start right away.
Walker Little, OT, Stanford: Little hasn't played since 2018 due to an injury in 2019 and opting out of 2020. But there was a lot to like on his tape, and the upside is certainly there. It just may take some time to shake off the rust.
Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas: Another super athletic, experienced offensive tackle option with plenty of zone blocking experience.
Dillon Radunz, OT, NDSU: The Packers already have two NDSU offensive linemen on the roster, and Radunz would give them that positional flexibility that they covet, being able to play both right tackle and line up inside.
Creed Humphrey, OC, Oklahoma: The best center in this class, he would be a Day 1 starter and solidify the position for years to come. Again, this selection would tell us quite a bit about how the Packers feel about Jenkins as a tackle.
Wide Receiver
Terrace Marshall, LSU: Marshall was one of the most productive slot receivers in football last season, but he also can line up on the boundary--something that we saw him often do in 2019.
Elijah Moore, Ole Miss: Moore doesn't meet the Packers' strict height/weight thresholds, but he would be a perfect fit in the Matt LaFleur offense as the slot/gadget player--giving them an element that they didn't have in 2020.
Rondale Moore, Purdue: Everything I said about Elijah Moore applies to Rondale Moore, except he is even shorter at just 5'7."
Dyami Brown, UNC: A deep threat who can win vertically but also leave cornerbacks in the dust on a mean slant route as well. Brown is an immediate impact player.
Nico Collins, Michigan: It's clear that Gutey has a type, and Collins is that type. Tall, athletic, and can win downfield. This would be a very Packers pick.
D'Wayne Eskridge, Western Michigan: Someone who the Packers have been linked to and another player to fill that slot/gadget role. Eskridge was a YAC monster in 2020.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, USC: The brother of Equanimeous St. Brown, Amon-Ra can line up both in the slot and on the boundary and was effective in all parts of the field.
Cornerback
Asante Samuel Jr, Florida State: A bit undersized, but Samuel would give the Packers another option on the boundary but also someone who could compete with Chandon Sullivan for those nickel snaps.
Paulson Adebo, Stanford: Adebo has flown a bit under the radar during this draft process, but he is a terrific athlete and is well suited for zone coverage, which we will often see under Joe Barry.
Benjamin St-Juste, Minnesota: As draft analysts like to say, St-Juste is "traitsy," with a number of aspects to his game that can't be taught. But he does need refinement.
Ifeatu Melifonwu, Syracuse: Long, big, and athletic, the exact type of player the Packers gravitate towards. A good fit for a zone-heavy defense.
Kelvin Joseph, Kentucky: A very raw prospect with only one year of starting experience but flashed plenty of times, including an impressive performance against Alabama this past season.
Aaron Robinson, UCF: Strictly a slot corner, but super athletic and would compete for starting snaps with Chandon Sullivan immediately.
Defensive Line
Christian Barmore, Alabama: The best IDL in this class. He was effective against the run, the pass and can line up in multiple gaps. The Packers will have to move up if they want him.
Levi Onwuzurike, Washington: This would very much be an upside pick. One year starting experience, and he opted out of 2020. But he's athletic, and there is a lot to like about his game.
Milton Williams, Louisiana Tech: Easily the most athletic IDL in this class but on the smaller side at about 280 pounds. He will strictly be a 4-tech player at the NFL level.
Alim McNeill, NC State: I really like what McNeill can bring to this defense as a nose tackle. This would give the Packers the freedom to move Kenny Clark around.
Safety
Trevon Moehrig, TCU: The most versatile of the bunch, even with Amos and Savage, Moehrig could be an immediate three-down player in this defense.
Jevon Holland, Oregon: Played mostly free safety in 2018 and was the Ducks' primary slot corner in 2019--grading out very well in coverage at both spots
Divine Deablo, Virginia Tech: Five years of collegiate experience, excellent size at 6'3" - 226 pounds along with 865 snaps in the box, 424 as a free safety, and 907 from the slot.
Jamar Johnson from Indiana, Elijah Molden from Washington, and Richie Grant from UCF are three more versatile safeties -- with Molden primarily playing out of the slot -- but they all scored below 8.0 on the RAS table.
Linebacker
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah: As close to a positionless player as we will see, and as an LB, he was PFF's top slot coverage player in 2020. He would give the Packers defense an element at LB that they've never had.
Pete Werner, Ohio State: About as well-rounded of a linebacker as you will find. In the passing game, against the run, as a blitzer, or as a tackler, you don't have to worry about Werner being a liability.
Baron Browning, Ohio State: From an athletic testing standpoint, Browning was the most athletic linebacker in this class, and it shows on the field, both against the run and the pass.
Jabril Cox, LSU: As PFF mentions, LSU put Cox in a wide variety of coverage roles, and he thrived in all of them. He would be an immediate upgrade at LB position in coverage and give this Packers' defense a new element.
Chazz Surratt, UNC: A former QB still learning the position, Surratt tallied 62 pressures along with 13 sacks the last two seasons and a whopping 97 stops--or plays that constitute a loss for the offense. He was also targeted 55 times in the passing game.
Edge
Carlos "Boogie" Basham, Wake Forest: Not only can Basham line up in the traditional edge role, but he can put his hand in the dirt and rush from 4-tech in this Joe Barry defense.
Azeez Ojulari, Georgia: Considered by many one of the better edge rushers in this class, Ojulari's knee was recently flagged during a medical check and has caused him to slide down boards.
Joseph Ossai, Texas: Ossaid was a high-impact player for the Longhorns, tallying 70 pressures, 10 sacks, and 15 TFLs over the last two seasons.
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__________________________
Born and raised in Green Bay, WI and I still call it home. After my family, watching the Packers, sharing my opinions on the team through my writing and interacting with other fans is my greatest passion. You can find me on Twitter at @Paul_Bretl.
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Comments (41)
Coldworld
April 30, 2021 at 12:26 pm
Strategy should be the same. Contribution now with upside. Let the draft come to us. Prohibitively expensive in terms of picks to get into the top 10 still and there is going to be WR or OT talent worth taking when we pick. That pick shapes the third round. I’d be looking for whichever of OT/WR we did not address plus another DB.
That sets up day 3 for run stopper first DTs in the 4th, and an option plus role playing and developmental depth (one of which should be a LB and another a WR in my view (2 or 3 in total depending on if the option/returner is classed as a WR). All should be ST candidates with potential.
Then it’s UDFA fest.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 30, 2021 at 01:52 pm
Cold,
100% in agreement! Good analysis
stockholder
April 30, 2021 at 12:32 pm
Today Gute will trade up. I felt this is what he had to do. (To Get two good players.) Gute has won your hearts. So throw a dart.
packer132
April 30, 2021 at 01:27 pm
Stockholder: I agree with that. Lots of good players still left, and Packers should come away with guys who can contribute.
frankthefork
April 30, 2021 at 12:39 pm
Nice job Paul. At 62 LB Browning would be a huge upgrade to>(replace) Summers, Ramsey, Burks and Barnes, and will expect to start next to Martin. Tons of talent in round 3 that I wish we had 3 picks. 92 Collins WR > ESB or Jordan TE(not a need) > Sternberger/Lewis or Christensen OT > Turner/Wagner
89Chewy
April 30, 2021 at 02:32 pm
This is why i always wish we had three picks in the 2nd round. I've always felt if you aren't in the top 10, then i'd rather have three 2nd rounders, because there is so much talent in the second. Even if we had another 3rd, we could take care of our major needs at wr, ol, and dl.
Coldworld
April 30, 2021 at 02:37 pm
If we are to trade up at all, for me the optimal place will be the 3rd or early 4th rounds (depending on how things run today). There’s a lot of talent today that I don’t see as vastly differentiated till late 3rd maybe early 4th. I don’t think the cost to jump early in the second is warranted.
Razer
April 30, 2021 at 12:38 pm
Great information Paul but what about the Aaron Rodgers universe? :o)
frankthefork
April 30, 2021 at 12:45 pm
Point taken. Contingency plans call for assumptions that come June 1st Mr MVP is a Packer for more years. But Mr irrelevant maybe relevant and at pick 256 GB takes a QB like Book, Costello or Ellinger.
splitpea1
April 30, 2021 at 12:53 pm
Elijah Moore: It's time to make an exception to those height/weight thresholds. Tyreek Hill is of similar size and stature and he's only made the Pro Bowl five times. Like the ILB position, maybe this is an area where it would benefit the Packers' decision makers to be more open-minded.
Brady Christensen: At first I was taken aback by his age, but after doing a little more research in responding to a comment, I warmed up to the idea of taking him. He'll have to put on weight and add strength, though.
Jevon Holland: As I've stated numerous times, I would LOVE to have him. He would make our secondary top-notch and could really help us on special teams. I would be surprised if Gute took him, but I'm not giving up hope.
Since'61
April 30, 2021 at 12:44 pm
I’m not sure of their names but I would take a WR and a DL today. If no DL is worth selecting today then my alternative would be an OT. Thanks, Since ‘61
stockholder
April 30, 2021 at 02:10 pm
Rodgers wanting a trade, changed everything. Throw a dart.
dobber
April 30, 2021 at 02:31 pm
"I’m not sure of their names but I would take a WR and a DL today"
I think it's "Champ" and "Sport".
PatrickGB
April 30, 2021 at 12:49 pm
I hope that if the players above are still available in the middle of the second round Gutie trades up. I predict that it’s an OT. Yet, I could also see Nico Collins if the team stays put or doesn’t move up much.
Again, I am one of those fans who would love a great starter on the defensive line but most pundits don’t see much value there at the end of the second round. But then what do I know?
Thegreatreynoldo
April 30, 2021 at 12:50 pm
Using the Jimmy Johnson trade chart:
62 to 48 takes GB's third-round pick (#92).
62 to 54 takes both of GB's 4th round picks.
62 to 58 takes GB's 4th rounder (135 or 142).
92 to 84 takes 1 of GB's 4th rounders.
I think a whole lot of names in the article's list will be gone prior to 48 but quite a few won't be. Some prior to 54. Who knows if the trade chart is accurate.
greengold
April 30, 2021 at 01:31 pm
Yeah, the cost remains steep up here. My guess is Gutekunst - if he makes a trade - bounces up into R3 for another there with Day 3 picks. There's always some squirrely shit that happens starting tonight, and good players drop or don't get picked.
I think with what has transpired we may want to sit tight and let the rest of the draft come to us. There are indeed a ton of great talents left, in every round. I know after researching these players as far back as 300 or more. My favorite is an OT with 35 1/2" arms.... too funny.
Pretty amazing looking back in Packers draft history at some of the talents from Day 3:
R4
Bakhtiari
Jamaal Williams
JC Tretter
Mike Daniels
TJ Lang
Josh Sitton
R5
MVS
Aaron Jones
Corey Linsley
Micah Hyde
Marshall Newhouse
Breno Giacomini
R6
EQ
James Starks
Mason Crosby
Makes me a bit reluctant to trade away. Never know what you're trading away until a year or two down the road. I believe 7 of those players won Super Bowl rings...
jeremyjjbrown
April 30, 2021 at 02:44 pm
"bounces up into R3 for another there with Day 3 picks"
I've never seen a chart that makes it likely that a team at the back of the rounds can get a good day 2 pick by giving up day 3 picks. The Packers could possibly get into the very end of the 3rd round by giving up both their 4th round picks and one of the 5ths. As much as I'd like getting a 3rd pick on day 2 it seams unlikely.
greengold
April 30, 2021 at 03:19 pm
There are going to be great players in the 4th Round. Not necessarily all just in the top. There are gems in R5, R6, R7....
In light of what just happened, I don't see they must do anything but make their entire roster better. There are players I covet for the Packers in every round, with skills we really do need, and could stand to land for development. There are players I love in R6-7 who could probably be put into service immediately at important positions if called upon, where we need quality depth. Super gifted talents with unique attributes and the stats to back it up.
I wouldn't mind ditching some non-contributors too from our current roster. There are many positions that could be upgraded with the right picks. Trading two picks here, and two picks there, and next thing you know, Ty Summers is back on our coverage units... yeesh!
Coldworld
April 30, 2021 at 06:53 pm
I’d trade Lowry for a 3rd or 4th rounder. Any takers?
PatrickGB
April 30, 2021 at 01:26 pm
So it’s doable. Now let’s find a partner.
splitpea1
April 30, 2021 at 03:20 pm
Jimmy's trade chart looks awfully expensive. Moving up eight spots in the late second round costs both fourth-rounders? No thank you!
Leatherhead
April 30, 2021 at 01:30 pm
Maybe Denver will draft a guy we want.
dobber
April 30, 2021 at 02:20 pm
Winner!!!
greengold
April 30, 2021 at 01:32 pm
Now you're speakin' my language, Leatherhead!!!! Ha!!!!! Too good....
blondy45
April 30, 2021 at 01:49 pm
I think Paul did a great job of identifying the top talent available on the second day. My likes are: S Trevon Moehrig, LB JOK, WR Terrence Marshall, CB Aaron Robinson, OT Samuel Cosi, OT Liam Eichenberg, DL Levi Onwuzurike, CB Ikeatu Melifonwu, WR Amon St Brown, OT Jackson Carmen, WR Nico Collins, LB Pete Werner, DL Alim McNeill. This is just for the record but what do I know? Do not trade out of 62 pick, afterwards is fair game.
My favorite realistic picks without trading up before 62 are: DL Levi Onwuzurike or CB Ifeatu Melifonwu.
Without trading up for 92 pick: DL Alim McNeill, OT Jackson Carman. I am not Gute but I trust in his skills. Go Pack Go.
As thegreatreynoldo has shown, a trade for picks 48 - 58 removes prime picks in the 3rd to 4th rounds. Our draft strength is in its draft numbers. As is the case in every round, there will be talent to pick from. Gute just has to pick the best one for the Pack. Hold your water Gute!
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 30, 2021 at 02:04 pm
I'm hoping Gutey just stays put. Packers need as many players and picks as they can this year. One of those top OT's or slot receivers that are still available would look nice though in a Packer jersey.
Thegreatreynoldo
May 01, 2021 at 01:54 am
Not my intent: just crunching numbers to see what's possible.
GB moved up from 92 to 85 with their 4th rounder - I wrote 84th. Close enough.
Swisch
April 30, 2021 at 02:11 pm
Whether it's Rodgers or Love as quarterbacks, just draft good players.
I know it sounds simple, but sometimes we need to remind ourselves to keep it simple (silly).
Whoever the QB, we need to block for him, take handoffs from him, get open for passes from him -- and we need a defense to get him back on the field for more scoring drives.
Still hoping to get a gadgety slot guy who can move like a lightning flash to electrify teammates and fans. To win a Super Bowl, we need the fundamentals in football, but we also need the fun.
The fundamentals open the opportunities, the fun gets us over the goal line.
Packer_Fan
April 30, 2021 at 02:17 pm
I am going with my same predictions. Two CB, two WR and two OT. Then an ILB and a DL. I thought the CB would go high and expect to replace King or Sullivan by years end. The WR position needs to be replenish as does the OT position. I believe there is a good chance to see a OT, ILB or DL taken in rounds two and three.
Packer_Fan
April 30, 2021 at 02:17 pm
I am going with my same predictions. Two CB, two WR and two OT. Then an ILB and a DL. I thought the CB would go high and expect to replace King or Sullivan by years end. The WR position needs to be replenish as does the OT position. I believe there is a good chance to see a OT, ILB or DL taken in rounds two and three.
ricky
April 30, 2021 at 02:22 pm
When Denver trades for Rodgers (details pending), but expect Surtain and Locker to be part of the package, possibly with another player- DL sounds good- and some draft picks. Because I really and truly believe he is gone. Why else would a QB needy team with good prospects on the board go for a DB- a need for GB? Can't happen because of the cap implications? Teams make this work all the time. As far as Gutekunst saying Rodgers is going to be around, sure, and the check is in the mail. The meeting with team brass and Rodgers was his ultimatum- trade me or else. And the leak just before the draft was pure genius strategy on his part, putting pressure on the team to do what he wants, not vice-versa.
dobber
April 30, 2021 at 02:28 pm
This is starting to sound like that guy in your fantasy league who offers you two kickers, Mitchell Trubisky, and a six-pack of Blatz for Patrick Mahomes.
The_Justicar
April 30, 2021 at 03:13 pm
Throw in a ham sandwich and you have a deal!
Gravedigger93
April 30, 2021 at 03:23 pm
You had me at a six-pack of Blatz....
Coldworld
April 30, 2021 at 02:45 pm
You sound like you were there from your insider perspective of the significance.
blacke00
April 30, 2021 at 02:31 pm
I think today will be telling as where the Packers think they are regarding the RT position. If they don't draft one it's very possible they think they have that guy on their Roster now. They may still draft one he won't be a day one starter (unless they are very lucky)
No more CBs in the early rounds! Go get a LB, Dl, or WR (which ever in the next 2 rounds)
I'm not sure that draft value chart is all that reliable.
Which position is going to get the multiple selection award? My bet is WR with DL a close second.
dobber
April 30, 2021 at 02:36 pm
Wholeheartedly agree on the OT: supposedly Bakhtiari is well ahead of schedule on his rehab, and if you're thinking you only have to do without him 'til Oct. 1, are you going to burn a 2nd on a swing tackle in a draft that's really deep at OT?
Leatherhead
April 30, 2021 at 04:23 pm
Regardless of who our QB is, he’ll have a better chance of succeeding if he is protected, has time, and can lean on a good run game. Draft blockers.
Taking a WR today is Detroit-level malfeasance.
Remember, if all this Rodgers to Denver stuff is true, they might be drafting for us. Maybe we got two DBs in the first round yesterday......
dobber
April 30, 2021 at 07:11 pm
"Detroit-level-malfeasance" was my AOL screen name.
Gman1976
April 30, 2021 at 05:08 pm
This was a good read Paul. If my count is correct, you listed 40 players. If one is making Gute drool, he’s trading up. I hope it’s Barmore. We are just a few players away from a dominant defense. Then we need another OL or two, and then we will be all in.
Archie
May 01, 2021 at 03:38 am
Gute continued to draft for need on day 2. On the bright side, looks like he brought in three high character guys that will contribute sooner rather than later. However, w/o a field general, will it matter? With Rodgers likely gone, it may be time to offer the Lions a low pick to reacquire Tim Boyle. It's that or throw Love into the fire.