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2020 NFL Mock Draft: Sifting through the pre-draft noise

By Jacob Camenker

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 05: Andrew Thomas #71 of the Georgia Bulldogs warms up on the field before the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 05: Andrew Thomas #71 of the Georgia Bulldogs warms up on the field before the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images) /
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SOUTH BEND, IN – OCTOBER 12: Austin Jackson #73 of the USC Trojans blocks during a game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on October 12, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated USC 30-27. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN – OCTOBER 12: Austin Jackson #73 of the USC Trojans blocks during a game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on October 12, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated USC 30-27. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Offensive Tackle. Green Bay Packers. Austin Jackson. 30. player. 49.

The Packers could go for a receiver here, and that’s probably their preferred route. However, if a tackle like Austin Jackson falls into their lap, they may have to consider taking him here.

Jackson is a very athletic tackle who is a bit raw and needs time to develop. He struggled at the beginning of last season for USC, but there was a good reason for it. He had surgery to donate bone marrow to his sister, who is battling a rare genetic disease, and that caused him to be a little banged-up to start the season. Teams won’t likely hold that against him in the evaluation process.

Jackson does have some ugly games on tape. His issues against A.J. Epenesa in USC’s bowl game were certainly concerning, but the fact of the matter is that Epenesa is a strong, long player who could be a first-round pick as well. So, while there is some concern there, it doesn’t mean that Jackson is a poor player.

In Green Bay, Jackson would likely start as a swing tackle thanks to his athletic ability. He’ll have to bulk up a bit and will need to work on his technique to become a starter. He could get up to speed quickly or even play a role on the interior offensive line if needed. But because Green Bay already has David Bakhtiari and Ricky Wagner at tackle, they’ll have the luxury of taking some time to develop Jackson.

If the Packers are dead-set on taking a receiver, they could opt for TCU’s Jalen Reagor here. After that, some order of Tee Higgins (Clemson), Brandon Aiyuk (Arizona State), Chase Claypool (Notre Dame), and Laviska Shenault (Colorado) are probably the top options. But if the Packers want any of those players, they should explore trading down to acquire them. If they want one of the better players on the board, Jackson should be the selection.

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