The Green Bay Packers were quiet in free agency, meaning the 2020 NFL Draft is all the more vital. A post-free agency first wave 7-round mock draft.
Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst went all-in on NFL free agency last offseason, spending big to try and allow his team to make a jump. The class was headlined by the additions of edge rushers Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith along with safety Adrian Amos. But entering the 2020 offseason, the GM told everyone not to expect more of the same and he wasn’t bluffing.
Roughly one week since the legal tampering period opened, the Packers have been among the quietest teams in the league in free agency, a throwback to the days of Ted Thompson. However, they have made some great low-key additions by adding linebacker Christian Kirksey and right tackle Ricky Wagner, both of whom are quality, budget replacements for departing players Blake Martinez and Bryan Bulaga.
Though the Packers also re-signed tight end Marcedes Lewis, their relative inactivity in free agency puts an intensified focus on the 2020 NFL Draft. If Green Bay is going to improve upon a 13-3 regular season and appearance in the NFC Championship Game, they need to make big strides in areas of need when it comes to the NFL Draft.
Especially after landing replacements for Martinez and Bulaga in free agency, albeit not high-end players, the chief concern for the Packers is helping out Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams on offense. The passing game has talent but the depth and consistency wasn’t there from the pass-catching corps in 2019. That must change.
Additionally, Green Bay would be wise to look at the defensive line while addressing depth in other areas on both sides of the ball with a strong arsenal of picks that could be made even better if they see an opportunity to trade down. And speaking of just that, that’s how we begin this post-first-wave free agency 7-round mock draft for the Packers. (Note: This mock was simulated using The Draft Network’s mock draft machine and TDN Premium.)