2021 NFL Mock Draft: Final prediction has Patriots trade for Justin Fields

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: Justin Fields #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks to pass during the first quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

29 of 32

Rashod Bateman, 2021 NFL mock draft. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Final 2021 NFL Mock Draft: Packers at No. 29 finally answer fans’ pleas

29. Green Bay Packers: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota

Find me a Green Bay Packers fan who doesn’t secretly (or overtly) want the organization to take a wide receiver in the first round of the NFL Draft for the first time in Aaron Rodgers’ career as the starting quarterback. I’ll wait.

My guess is that you didn’t find anyone because it’s been a cry from the fanbase for a year now. They shirked the need in 2020 with one of the most befuddling and maddening draft classes of recent memory. But with Rashod Bateman falling to them here, a player who they are reportedly interested in, they finally change the narrative.

Bateman would be awesome in Green Bay. He’s not a burner by any stretch but he’s capable of attacking all levels of the field much in the way that Davante Adams does. His footwork and his ability to release and break off routes is fun to watch. Pairing those two together would be extremely fruitful for the Packers offense.

Hot take, however: I would take a right tackle here. This offensive line has been a stalwart for the Pack but has a clear hole at that spot right now. I would love to see them take Liam Eichenberg here to come and be the type of player Bryan Bulaga was. Still, Bateman will more than do.

Who I Would Pick: Liam Eichenberg

Home/NFL