Packers: Is there hope for Aaron Rodgers after 2021 NFL Draft wrap-up?

Packers head back to the offensive line with a guard.

The Packers drafted offensive guard Royce Newman out of Ole Miss a guard in the fourth round. That’s two picks in the first four rounds targeting the interior of that offensive line. They did have needs there, but even as a swing player and depth there were other needs left on the board here. If this was a move to try and swing Rodgers back their way, I am not sure if it did much to help.

Linebacker, defensive tackle, and tight end. All three had value left on the board.

It’s hard to argue against getting decent linemen in the middle rounds, as offensive line depth has become something of immense value over recent years. Still, this pick could have gone multiple other ways, Newman is talented and has some good size to him at 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds. He will have the option as a later pick to be moved around the line as they see fit for the need. It is possible he can stay at guard, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he spends his first couple of years in an out-of-guard or tackle.

This pick could be looked at similar to Stokes, where if he doesn’t pan out it will be talked about for years to come.

I will say though with multiple inside offensive line picks, it might point toward a swing in philosophy. They just resigned Aaron Jones to a decent deal and drafted a running back, we could see the pass-happy Packers shift more to a running team. Maybe as a way to preserve Rodgers, or as an admittance they can not win games just on Rodgers with a lack of overall pass-catching help around him.

Pick Value- C
Scheme Fit- C-
Overall Pick- C-