The draftniks are expanding their analyses as Day 1 draws nearer. For ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., that means a two-round mock draft.
In his latest version, Kiper has the Green Bay Packers going defense first, and then offense. With pick No. 23, Kiper has the Packers selecting Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams.
Sound familiar?
Green Bay has used three first-round selections on Georgia defensive players since 2021 and a 2024 second-rounder on safety Javon Bullard, also from Georgia. Williams racked up five sacks in 12 games last season despite dealing with a lingering ankle injury.
One of Green Bay’s primary areas of need is on the edge, unless you believe Lukas Van Ness will make a gigantic leap in Year 3. General manager Brian Gutekunst has some faith in that potential. Even with belief in Van Ness, the Packers need to add to the roster.
With pick No. 54 in the second round, Kiper has Green Bay taking TCU wide receiver Jack Bech.
Many Packers fans would be thrilled to see the team go receiver early, and many are clamoring for the team to do it in the first round. In Kiper’s mock, they’ll have to settle for a Round 2 selection at wideout. Here’s what Kiper says about Bech.
Bech was great during Senior Bowl week, and he finished the 2024 season with 1,034 yards and nine touchdowns. The Packers’ offense likes to distribute the ball to multiple pass catchers, with three wideouts — Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, and Jayden Reed — seeing at least 70 targets. Bech would be another reliable playmaker in the mix.
Bech is a strong receiver who doesn’t have lightning-quick speed but always finds a way to get involved. He also has tremendous hands.
Drops were an issue in Green Bay last year, specifically with Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks. That hasn’t been an issue for Bech throughout his career.
If the Packers do indeed go edge rusher and wide receiver in some order with their first two picks, most fans would be satisfied.
