Packers Double Up at Cornerback, Linebacker, Running Back in NFL Mock Draft

With the Scouting Combine coming up this week, the Green Bay Packers landed two defensive backs, two linebackers and two running backs in a new mock draft.

GREEN BAY, Wis. – Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has a history of doubling up at key positions in the NFL Draft.

Playing the role of Gutekunst, that’s exactly the approach taken by A.J. Schulte in a seven-round mock draft for Pro Football Network, with the Packers taking two cornerbacks, two linebackers and two running backs.

The first-round pick was Iowa’s Cooper DeJean, a “chess piece” type of player who could start at cornerback but also could start at safety. DeJean is one of the most-mocked players to Green Bay, “and it makes plenty of sense,” Schulte said. “Cooper DeJean can play outside, in the slot, or as a safety, all spots that the Green Bay Packers could use a boost at.”

During a pre-Scouting Combine conference call, NFL.com draft expert Daniel Jeremiah raved about DeJean.

“He allows you, almost like an offensive lineman that is versatile, to get your best five DBs on the field because of his versatility and athleticism to be able to play in any spot,” DeJean said. “I wouldn't pigeon-hole him into corner or nickel or safety at this point in time. I would say, hey, get him in there. I think he is somebody that's going to be able to learn everything and evaluate the rest of your roster and use him where you need to use him.”

The second-round picks featured double-up positions.

At No. 41, the pick acquired in the Aaron Rodgers trade, Green Bay selected Texas A&M’s Edgerrin Cooper, a linebacker with “sideline-to-sideline speed.” He was an All-American in 2023 with 84 tackles, including eight sacks and 17 for losses, and two forced fumbles.

Later, Schulte went back for North Carolina linebacker Cedric Gray.

At No. 58, the Packers landed a new sidekick for running back Aaron Jones by taking Texas’ Jonathon Brooks. Stepping into the lineup for Bijan Robinson, Brooks rushed for 1,139 yards (6.1 average) and added 25 receptions for 286 yards. He suffered a torn ACL late in the season, which will impact his draft stock because his rookie season will get a late start.

Thus, it made sense for Schulte to go back and grab New Hampshire’s Dylan Laube, a good runner (1,954 rushing yards the last two years) but exceptional receiver (68 receptions for 699 yards in 2023) and proven returner (two touchdowns on kickoffs, two touchdowns on punts).

"I think you see my film and a lot of people think coming from a small school that the speed of the game and talent isn't that good,” he said at the Senior Bowl. “They said maybe I was fast, but not fast enough for the NFL and this type of skill. But showing [scouts] that I am fast, I am explosive, I do have great hands, I can win my one-on-ones and matchups with anyone. That's what I want – to show I belong.”

Click here for the full draft, which is short on selection because it doesn’t include compensatory picks.

CBS Sports: Minnesota S Tyler Nubin

Tom Fornelli didn’t think Nubin would blow the doors off Lucas Oil Field for this week’s Scouting Combine but he is a playmaker and leader at a critically important and shorthanded position for the Packers. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds by the school, he had three interceptions in 2021, four in 2022 and five in 2023.

USA Today: Arizona OT Jordan Morgan

Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz said the timing “seems ripe” for Brian Gutekunst to take an offensive lineman with his first-round pick for the first time. Maybe he’ll end up at guard, but Morgan is a “promising potential starter” at a position that might be looking for a long-term replacement for David Bakhtiari.

Yahoo: Illinois DT Jer’Zhan Newton

Newton won’t compete at the Scouting Combine following foot injury, but he’s one of the best interior disruptors in the draft. His final two seasons, he collected 13 sacks and 22.5 tackles for losses.

Touchdown Wire: Georgia OT Amarius Mims

Doug Farrar didn’t provide explanations, but Mims is a massive and talented right tackle with precious little experience.

Yardbarker: Georgia OT Amarius Mims

The author thinks Mims can replace David Bakhtiari.

Pro Football Focus: Alabama CB Terrion Arnold

This was from PFF’s College Show. Arnold is a big-time playmaker who many draft pundits believe will be the first cornerback off the board.

Tankathon: Missouri CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr.

The Tankathon staff agreed with our second projection.

Seven-Round Packers Mock Draft 2.1: Cornerback, Tackle, Safety