Mel Kiper Jr. mocks two former SEC stars to Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers were able to secure quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a new long-term contract without a lot of drama this offseason. However, wide receiver Davante Adams will be playing football elsewhere next season, meaning the front office needs to give their newly paid quarterback some more weapons via the NFL draft.
In his latest mock draft, ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. projected Green Bay would select two players from the SEC in the first round. First, Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Kenyon Green before later taking Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Treylon Burks.
Kiper recently explained his decision, with most of the basis being around helping out Rodgers. While one is replacing the void Adams leaving creates, Green will help protect upfront and can do so at multiple positions.
“At 22, help the offensive line with the interior,” Kiper said. “Kenyon Green from Texas A&M. He’s got that mean streak, he’s nasty, he’s physical and he could in a pinch move out to tackle and hold his own. And then you come back with Treylon Burks. Big wideout, great versatility out of Arkansas. He’s going to get the receiver and also help the offensive line, which in both cases, helps Aaron Rodgers.”
Green was a member of the 2019 recruiting class and viewed as a five-star prospect, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting services. He has always been seen as one of the top offensive linemen in the country and would even further cement that by being selected in the first round. Whether it’s at guard or playing at one of the tackle positions, Green should start in Green Bay on Day One.
As for Burks, he lit the SEC on fire this past season proving to be an all-around player. Under offensive coordinator Kendall Briles, the Arkansas wide receiver had 1,216 total yards and 12 total touchdowns. While a vast majority from both statistical categories came through the air, Burks has already been compared to San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel.
Green Bay should be eager to get both Burks and Green on their roster, having just a short window to make another Super Bowl happen with Rodgers as their quarterback. A new No. 1 weapon at wide receiver and an instant plug-and-play offensive lineman at multiple positions would strongly help that case. And the Packers would still have six more rounds to fill other roster holes.