Green Bay Packers improve defense early in 7-round 2020 mock draft
By Joe Kipp
Round 2, Pick 62: K.J. Hamler, WR, Penn State
The Packers continue adding speed with the selection of Penn State receiver K.J. Hamler at pick No 62 in the second round. Green Bay lacks any semblance of game-changing speed at receiver at the moment, which is why the addition of Hamler makes so much sense.
Hamler wasn’t able to participate in the NFL Combine due to a hamstring injury, but rumors indicate he’s plenty fast (spoiler alert: it doesn’t take a genius to notice that when watching him play). During his previous workouts, Hamler claims to have clocked in a time of 4.27 seconds in the 40-yard dash.
In 2019, Hamler finished with 56 catches for 904 yards and eight touchdowns in 13 games. He did most of his damage out of the slot, where he was able to match up with linebackers and safeties; a clear mismatch. He had a problem with drops, but his explosiveness and game-changing speed make it easy to forgive.
While he’s far from a finished product, Hamler’s athletic upside is hard to ignore. If he’s available in the late second round, the Packers shouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger. He’d fill in on Day 1 as a slot weapon in coach Matt LaFleur’s offense.