Green Bay Packers improve defense early in 7-round 2020 mock draft

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: The Green Bay Packers logo is seen on a video board during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: The Green Bay Packers logo is seen on a video board during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Antonio Gibson, Green Bay Packers, 2020 mock draft (Photo by Joe Murphy/Getty Images)
Antonio Gibson, Green Bay Packers, 2020 mock draft (Photo by Joe Murphy/Getty Images) /

Round 3, Pick 94: Antonio Gibson, RB, Memphis

Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur stated earlier this offseason that the team would ideally like to add a third running back in the mix with Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams this coming season. Jones, who led the NFL in touchdowns (19) in 2019, played all 16 games for the first time in his career last season. Meanwhile, Williams was a solid backup, logging a career-high 4.3 yards per carry.

Both Jones and Williams are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents in 2021, which is a big reason why adding another running back through the draft makes a ton of sense. Because of that, Memphis running back Antonio Gibson would be a great addition for both the present and future.

While he played more as a slot receiver than a running back in college, Gibson would add much-needed speed to the Packers offense either way. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds and had a vertical jump of 35 inches. His athletic profile and upside fit the bill here. On just 71 touches in 2019, Gibson broke 33 tackles, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required).

Adding Gibson would give the Packers an element of unpredictability due to his speed and versatility. His ability to line up as both a receiver and runner would give opposing defensive coordinators fits.