How Did the Combine Shift Green Bay's Draft Strategy?

The NFL Scouting Combine is more or less a lengthy job interview for NFL prospects throughout the week at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Prospects can show off their athletic abilities and make their stock boom or have disheartening performances that cause their stock to fall.

Now that the Green Bay Packers and 31 other teams have had a chance to see all of these players up close and personal, here’s what I could see the Packers doing when it’s time to make the selections this April.

Round 1 (23) - Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon

Harmon shot up draft boards after the combine. He led college football in pressures and has the versatility to play the A and B gap spots along the offensive line.

Kenny Clark is getting older and has been less effective. The time is now to shift to the new interior defensive line led by Harmon and Devonte Wyatt.

Also considered: Kelvin Banks, Mykel Williams, Armand Membou

Round 2 (55) - Darian Porter, CB, Iowa State

While I would have loved Jayden Higgins from Iowa State here, Porter showed out at the combine.

Porter was likely a late Day 2 or even Day 3 pick coming into the combine. However, his elite athleticism and coverage skills launched him up the boards in Indy. Would be a great fit to replace Jaire Alexander at boundary corner.

Round 3 (87) - Jared Wilson, C, Georgia

Brian Gutenkunst loves his Bulldogs. He’ll grab another here in the third round to replace Josh Myers, who will have a strong market in free agency, and the Packers probably won’t want to match the highest bidder.

Wilson allowed only five pressure and zero sacks last season and projects as the second-most athletic center ever tested at the NFL Combine. Worth the swing for a superior athlete.

Round 4 (124) - Antwaun Powell-Ryland, ED, Virginia Tech

APR is a super productive edge rusher who lacks traditional size. However, after the combine, he may have the athleticism to overcome it.

14 sacks for Virginia Tech last season made him a force to be reckoned with. He’s got an arsenal of pass-rush moves and could be a solid contributor for the Packers even in his first season.

Round 5 (160) - Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma 

Stustman was one of the standout linebackers at the combine, and if the Packers can nab him in the fifth round, that will be a solid bet for a late-round pick who could have Day 1 impact.

The Packers re-signed Isaiah McDuffie, which makes this less ideal. Still, I’m all in on Stustman’s athletic ability and tools to play linebacker in the NFL.

Round 6 (200) - Jimmy Horn Jr., WR, Colorado

Draft experts praised Horn for his route running and speed during the combine.

https://twitter.com/stampedeftbl/status/1896250888144171295

The Packers could use some of that in their receiver room as the team struggled against man coverage. Horn was productive for Colorado’s explosive offense, and he’s worth a shot in the sixth round.

Round 7 (239) - Montrell Johnson Jr., RB, Florida 

One of the most explosive backs at the combine, Johnson showed he can be electric with the ball in his hands. Never can have enough speed from out of the backfield. Worth a seventh-round pick.

Round 7 (251) - Tyler Shough, QB, Louisville

A veteran quarterback by college standards, Shough could immediately step in and be a solid backup in the NFL. Smart, poised, has solid arm strength. These are the things you're looking for at the combine and he’s a worthy add in the seventh round as quarterback insurance.

The Packers ended this mock with some impact players in the trenches and some playmakers on the outside. Not thrilled with this mock but that’s often how it goes.