With the NFL combine now in our rearview mirror, we are getting closer to the NFL draft. Green Bay Packers fans are gearing up to find out who will be joining their favorite NFL team. In this article, we will pick the brain of Daniel Parlegreco of DTP Draft Scout. We will ask him which prospects might be a part of the 2020 Green Bay Packers Draft class.
Discussing the 2020 Green Bay Packers Draft with Daniel Parlegreco of DTP Draft Scout
The 2019 Green Bay Packers finished with a very successful 13-3 regular-season record under first-year head coach Matt LaFleur. They were able to make it all the way to the NFC Championship before falling to the San Francisco 49ers.
Even though it was quite a rebound from 2018, the Packers will still need to upgrade several key areas to their roster. General manager Brian Gutekunst will look to improve some of these areas with players from the Packers 2020 draft class.
We recently sat down with Parlegreco, whose draft guide is currently available on Amazon.com, to discuss certain positions we feel that could be upgraded in the Packers draft class.
LWOPF:
Of course, the first position that most have talked about for the Packers draft class is at wide receiver. We know this draft is loaded at wide receiver, but if they do decide to select one at 30 (the Packers first-round pick), which prospects might be available and which ones would be a good fit for the Packers?
DTP:
There’s a number of options depending on the type of wide receiver Gutekunst is looking for. Trendy picks would be Justin Jefferson from LSU, who is more of the slot type of receiver. Or they could go with the bigger possession receiver such as Tee Higgins of Clemson or Colorado’s Laviska Shenault. All three would be excellent picks and provide immediate value. The question will be if they will still be on the board at 30 when the Packers are on the clock.
LWOPF:
Even if the Packers use their 30th selection on a wide receiver, many have speculated they will use another to select a second later in the draft. You have any mid to late-round hidden gems the Packers could grab later in the draft? If so, what might they bring to an Aaron Rodgers led Packers passing attack?
DTP:
Collin Johnson of Texas and Bryan Edwards of South Carolina would both be great mid-round prospects that should be available in late day two or early on day three. Both are rare blends of above-average athleticism with excellent frames and lengths. Both have had excellent college success in big-time football conferences.
LWOPF:
One position that should be addressed in the Packers draft this year is offensive tackle. Even if the Packers re-sign starting right tackle Bryan Bulaga, who is a free agent, the Packers will need to find his heir apparent. With the wide receiver position being so deep, the Packers could go offensive tackle first and then look to address wide receiver later. Which offensive tackle prospects should be available at the end of the first round and be a fit for the Packers?
DTP:
The offensive tackles in this year’s draft class are outstanding but they will likely go fast. The end of the first round will be tough because likely the top four will be off the board. The two names to keep an eye on would be Prince Tega Wanogho from Auburn and Austin Jackson from USC. Both are raw but have outstanding athletic traits. Both would be good prospects for Packers offensive line coach Adam Stenavich to work with.
LWOPF:
Just like with wide receivers, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a second offensive tackle added to the Packer draft class this year. You have any later-round prospects we should keep an eye on?
DTP:
There are a couple of names that I like on day three. One is Jared Hilbers from Washington. He moved to the right side this year and he looked very solid, especially in the run game. Alex Taylor from South Carolina State is another interesting name. He has some serious upside but he is extremely raw.
LWOPF:
I recently wrote that I believe that the inside linebacker position is just as vital to address for the Packers as wide receiver. The two possible inside linebacker prospects that might be available for the Packers are Oklahoma’s Kenneth Murray and LSU’s Patrick Queen. Do you believe one of them will be available for the Packers? Who do you have rated higher and why?
DTP:
Both are rated very, very close for me. Both late first-round prospects in my estimation. Both are athletic and can fulfill a number of roles. I give a slight edge to Murray due to his size, length, and experience. Queen only has one year of starting experience and he played next to a completely stacked defense. Queen is built more like a MIKE linebacker whereas Murray can play any of the linebacker spots.
LWOPF:
I am a big fan of Wyoming’s inside linebacker Logan Wilson. Where do you have him rated?
DTP:
Similar to yourself, I love Wilson. Hard-nosed, tough as nails, and instinctual. What he lacks in athleticism he more than makes up for it in the physical areas of the game. He should go late day two or early day three. He’s a special teams stalwart and likely a starting linebacker immediately in a 3-4 inside role on day one.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
