INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 25: General manager Brian Gutekunst of the Green Bay Packers speaks to the media at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local Capture *** Brian Gutekunst
After falling heartbreakingly short of the Super Bowl in 2019, which prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft make sense for the Green Bay Packers?
The Green Bay Packers fell one game short of reaching the Super Bowl last season, meaning there’s plenty of reason to be hopeful for the future.
First-year head coach Matt LaFleur quickly earned the trust of the Packers’ fanbase, leading Green Bay and its overhauled defense to the cusp of its first Super Bowl appearance since the 2010 season.
After focusing heavily on the defensive side of the ball in the 2019 NFL Draft, the focus now shifts to offense. An infusion of youth at pretty much every position will help set Green Bay up for even more success in the future.
Here is your 100-percent accurate post-Combine 7-round mock draft for the Green Bay faithful.
First round
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SEPTEMBER 19: Josh Jones #74 of the Houston Cougars in action during a game against the Tulane Green Wave at Yulman Stadium on September 19, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Josh Jones
OT, Cougars
Some of the most impressive testing numbers from the NFL Combine last week in Indianapolis were from the offensive line. Tackles are always at a premium on draft day, but it could ring even truer in this particular class with the number of players with size and enticing athletic profiles.
The Packers need a jolt of youth pretty much everywhere on the offensive side of the ball and with Bryan Bulaga entering free agency, the team could find a fit in Houston’s Josh Jones at the end of the first round.
Jones has been a riser throughout the draft process but didn’t generate nearly the headlines of fellow classmates Tristan Wirfs and Mekhi Becton. Still, Jones offers plenty of upside himself.
While his testing numbers didn’t necessarily reflect it, Jones pops on tape as a fluid athlete and is a great mover in space for his size. He has enough size and length to handle either tackle spot. Jones also plays with a nice edge that should be a welcome addition to any O-line room across the NFL.
There’s a little bit of sloppiness to his game from a technique standpoint, but nothing overly concerning to warrant not valuing him as a top-50 selection come April.
Jones could come in and fill the potential opening at right tackle in 2020 with the possibility of swinging back over to the blindside if left tackle David Bakhtiari isn’t in the team’s long-term plans or wants to test the open market come 2021.