Another way-too-early mock draft sends Big Ten WR to Packers
In June, Draft Wire’s way-too-early mock draft had the Green Bay Packers taking Minnesota receiver Rashod Bateman in the first round.
Another summer mock draft predicts the Packers will dip into the Big Ten for a different playmaking wide receiver.
In the first 2021 mock draft from ESPN’s Todd McShay, the Packers were given Michigan receiver Nico Collins at No. 18 overall (the draft order was determined by ESPN’s Football Power Index).
McShay described Collins as a “physical beast” with “plenty of vertical speed.”
As a junior in 2019, Collins caught 37 passes for 729 yards. He led Michigan in touchdown catches with seven and led the Big Ten in yards per reception at 19.7. Michigan named him the team’s offensive player of the year.
In November, Collins dominated Indiana, catching six passes for 179 yards and three touchdowns, all career-bests.
The Packers’ need for long-term help at receiver is no secret, despite GM Brian Gutekunst bypassing the position during the 2020 draft. The team signed veteran Devin Funchess in March, and he’ll be back in 2021 after opting out of the 2020 season. This year, the Packers are banking on young players such as Allen Lazard, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Equanimeous St. Brown to provide complementary options behind Davante Adams, a three-time Pro Bowler.
Collins certainly has the size (6-4, 215) that the Packers like at receiver, and his big-play ability down the field could add another element to the passing game, especially if Valdes-Scantling struggles to bounce back from a disappointing second season in 2020.
Over the last two seasons, Collins has 75 catches for 1,361 yards and 13 touchdowns.
The Big Ten postponed the fall season due to COVID-19 concerns.
