2020 NFL Mock Draft: Packers grab surprise DL with their first-round selection

The big day is here and, with that, the final version of Shawn’s mock for the 2020 NFL Draft.

This edition of the draft is poised to be one of many surprises and possible trades as the offensive line, wide receivers, and quarterbacks figure to steal the show. How far will Tua Tagovailoa drop amid health concerns? Will Jordan Love be a first-round pick? How many offensive linemen will go in the first 15 picks? Those questions all promise to be answered later today.

For now, here is a look at one possible way the draft could stack up, including the Green Bay Packers’ selection at 30th overall, barring trades.

• In this mock, the Packers are not enamored enough by the receiving options still available to justify taking one in round one. Instead, they wait until round two and take an interior defensive lineman instead. I wrote about Justin Madubuike being a Packer type of lineman just last week and he has started to creep to the beginning of round two and latter end of round one in several mocks. The Packers could choose between Madubuike and others like Ross Blacklock and Neville Gallimore with this pick, but choose Madubuike who fits their typical thresholds.
• There are several names to consider for the Packers during the draft, specifically the first round. Besides Madubuike, two players that I see as fits from a Green Bay perspective are Michael Pittman Jr. and Ezra Cleveland. Pittman has the frame the Packers like and is a savvy receiver for the college level. Although he may not have the upside of some other prospects, he would produce immediately in the Green Bay offense while contributing as a gunner and return man on special teams. Cleveland, meanwhile, is athletic and has the traits to play either tackle position for the Packers. While once a second-round player, Cleveland’s name will be surely off the board before the team’s second pick based on recent buzz. Trading down could be an option for the Packers, but if they stick at pick 30, they could take one of three players flying under the usual mock draft radar.
• Tua at 19th overall? I was skeptical too. But if he gets past Las Vegas at pick 12, there is not a team searching for a quarterback until the Raiders are on the clock again at 19. Certainly, a team like Jacksonville, New England, or New Orleans could make a move to get in front of the Raiders. I get the feeling the injury concerns are more than real and Tagovailoa slides on draft day, regardless of his hype and potential.
• Speaking of Tua, I have the LA Chargers passing on him at number six, instead looking at tackle with an athletic, high-ceiling tackle in Mekhi Becton. I think the Chargers like Tyrod Taylor enough this season to see where he fits long-term and choose a quarterback on day two instead. If the Giants indeed take a tackle and the Chargers follow suit, I expect a mad dash to pick up the remaining top tackles to begin and influence the rest of the draft.