With The First Pick
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Packers: 3 Options with 29th Pick in 2021 NFL Draft

By Nicholas McGee

Nov 14, 2020; Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA; Tulsa Golden Hurricane linebacker Zaven Collins (23) celebrates along with offensive lineman Chris Paul (71) and others after intercepting a Southern Methodist Mustangs pass during the fourth quarter at Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium. TU won the game 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2020; Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA; Tulsa Golden Hurricane linebacker Zaven Collins (23) celebrates along with offensive lineman Chris Paul (71) and others after intercepting a Southern Methodist Mustangs pass during the fourth quarter at Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium. TU won the game 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Packers target Jalen Mayfield. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan

When the Packers struggled on offense against the Bucs, it was because Tampa Bay did a magnificent job of getting pressure on Rodgers.

Jason Pierre-Paul consistently bullied left tackle Billy Turner, but David Bakhtiari will be back from injury next season to man Rodgers’ blindside. It is on the right side where the Packers would benefit from an upgrade, with Rick Wagner also enduring a chastening day attempting to protect Rodgers from a talented Tampa front.

Mayfield only has two years as a starter under his belt, but that is what should make the former Wolverine so exciting to teams looking to upgrade in the trenches.

Kyle Crabbs of The Draft Network gives his thoughts on Mayfield:

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"“I think Mayfield is a high-level right tackle prospect who could be trained to switch sides and play on the left or, alternatively, be left to continue to grow on the right side. His athletic profile and build wouldn’t hinder him from a transition to guard either—in case his small sample size of strong play isn’t sustainable and he struggles at the NFL level on the outside. Given his physical skills and the multiple avenues to get on the field, I’m betting Mayfield ends up a big hit in the pros.”"

He has emerged as one of the top tackles in the country having consistently faced elite pass rushers in the Big Ten while showcasing the athleticism needed to excel at tackle in the modern NFL.

That athleticism is likely to be highly valued by LaFleur, whose offense is one built on the foundations of the Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay schemes. Mayfield should have little difficulty slotting into a zone-running attack, in which the Packers have invested heavily having selected A.J. Dillon in the second round last year.

Daily Draft Digest: Kyle Trask out of Senior Bowl, Bears to be aggressive. dark. Next

After playing right tackle in each of his two seasons at Michigan, Mayfield would not need to adjust to a new position were he to be drafted by Green Bay and his presence could help them avoid more protection issues in the biggest spots as the Packers aim to get over the hump in 2021.

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