The Green Bay Packers set themselves up for great success during the 2020 season. They won home-field advantage throughout the NFC Playoffs, but fell short in the NFC Championship game to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Now, they need to look to the 2021 NFL Draft to add more talent to their roster.
Despite falling just short, the Packers should be contenders once again in 2021. Aaron Rodgers is coming off of an MVP season and the team was able to retain star running back Aaron Jones in free agency. Will this be the year that the Packers finally give Rodgers another target in the passing game to pair with Davante Adams?
Defensively, the team can use some help, evident by how easily Tom Brady and company picked them apart in the NFC Title game.
Without a clear need, the Packers can afford to take the best player available on their board. These are three players that would fit Green Bay from a need and value standpoint that could be available when they are on the clock at No. 29 in the upcoming NFL Draft.
3. CB Asante Samuel Jr., Florida State
The Packers brought back Kevin King, but after his performance in the NFC title game, they should not be content with that. King was roasted multiple times, giving up the first touchdown of the game to Mike Evans and the inexcusable touchdown before halftime to Scotty Miller.
Asante Samuel Jr. brings pedigree and talent to the Packers’ secondary. He could start his career off in the slot and eventually take over for King across from shutdown corner Jaire Alexander.
Despite being slightly undersized, Samuel Jr. isn’t a liability in the run game and is a good tackler. He needs to improve his zone defense performance, as he played a lot of man coverage at Florida State, but the skills are there to improve.
Samuel Jr. would instantly upgrade a secondary that needs an infusion of talent to complement Alexander.
2. ILB Nick Bolton, Missouri
The Packers lost Christian Kirksey to the Houston Texans and could use their first-round pick on his replacement. Nick Bolton would be able to step into that role and produce from Day 1.
Bolton was the leader on Missouri’s defense and hits as hard as anyone. He is a heavy hitter in the run game, but can also get the job done in the passing game in zone coverage. His instincts and decision-making in space need some development, but given his improvements during his time with the Tigers, there is hope he can continue honing his skills in the NFL.
With a need at the linebacker spot, Bolton could prove difficult to pass up for Green Bay. They could also consider Zaven Collins at this spot in the NFL Draft.
1. WR Terrace Marshall Jr., LSU
It is a travesty what the Packers have done with their wide receiver group since Rodgers took over. Rodgers’ talent has almost played against him in this instance, as he keeps performing no matter who the team runs out there alongside Davante Adams.
After not getting him any help last year, it is time to get him some this year in the form of Terrace Marshall Jr. He had an impressive career with the Tigers, catching 23 touchdowns the last two seasons. He played third fiddle to Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase in LSU’s record-setting offense in 2019, but showed he can get the job done as the man in 2020.
Marshall Jr. can get the job done at every level of the offense while showing the capability to play in the slot or on the outside. No matter where you put him, he will produce.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Allen Lazard are better suited for third and fourth wide receiver duties, as they both posted sub-70 receiving grades and posting the fifth and sixth-worst drop rates in the league. Marshall Jr. would provide Rodgers with a much-needed upgrade offensively and give Green Bay an impressive group of skill position players.
