Green Bay Packers improve defense early in 7-round 2020 mock draft
By Joe Kipp
Round 1, Pick 30: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
The Green Bay Packers haven’t had a dynamic athlete at inside linebacker for several years, which is why they kick off this 2020 mock draft with the selection of LSU linebacker Patrick Queen at No. 30 overall. Queen is one of the best athletes in the entire 2020 draft class and adds much-needed speed to the middle of Green Bay’s defense.
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A first-year starter in 2019, Queen racked up 85 tackles (12 for loss), three sacks and an interception while leading the LSU defense. At the NFL Scouting Combine in February, he was one of the most impressive players on the field.
Queen (6-0, 229 pounds) showcased his athleticism with an impressive performance in the 40-yard dash (4.50 seconds), bench press (18 reps), vertical leap (35 inches) and broad jump (125 inches).
If the Packers elect to go defense in the first round, inside linebacker and cornerback make the most sense. Losing Blake Martinez in free agency means the team is essentially starting over at linebacker, even with the signing of Christian Kirksey.
Queen showed he has the instincts, athletic ability and play speed against some of college football’s best in 2019. The Packers haven’t historically valued the inside linebacker position, but with a change at general manager recently, don’t be surprised if Queen is the pick at No. 30.