Packers: Early 2021 NFL mock draft addresses Green Bay’s receiver issue

Packers look to the future at linebacker in the second round.

If Christian Kirksey can stay healthy, then Green Bay should be lauded for making a low-risk budget signing this offseason that can substantially help their defense. At the same time, there is no guarantee that he will be able to remain on the field, the same of which can be said for the other inside linebacker in the 3-4 front, Oren Burks.

Subsequently, linebacker is a glaring need for me when I look at the Packers defense and a player like North Carolina’s Chazz Surratt makes a ton of sense. A converted quarterback — an admittedly unconventional path to the league — Surratt shined as a linebacker in his one year at the position. As noted by Chris Spooner of Pro Football Network, his background under center shows up big time when he’s tasked with dropping into coverage:

"Where that skill set shows up most is when Surratt plays in coverage. Having spent time as a quarterback, Surratt has great footwork for the position. He’s smooth with his feet and has more than enough speed to be able to hang with tight ends up the seam and fly out to the flat and provide coverage on a running back. Surratt is already adept in zone coverage, and he’s only going to get better with another year at the position under his belt."

Surratt needs to improve in his run diagnosis but he’s a terrific athlete who is more than capable of doing so. And with just one year of experience at linebacker, that’s likely just the next stage of development as he gets reps. Having said that, his ability in coverage would give Green Bay an aspect of the defense they’ve been lacking and tremendous upside at a position where there isn’t a ton of that right now.