2021 NFL Mock Draft: Bears trade into top 10, Washington Football Team goes offense
The Packers need a true No. 2 cornerback across from Jaire Alexander. Kevin King has manned the role the last couple of years and has been as inconsistent as they come. At his best, he can man the position. But when he’s at his worst or not healthy, the Packers haven’t been able to survive.
Thus, the Packers have to be ecstatic that they’re getting a chance to add a top cornerback to their roster. Greg Newsome easily could’ve gone in the top-25 so grabbing him at 29 is a good value.
Newsome played just three games last year for Northwestern but in those contests, he had seven pass defenses, an interception, and 12 tackles for the surprising Wildcats. Newsome has a nice 6-foot-1 frame, good ball skills, and sticky coverage skills that should afford him a chance to find success early in his career.
Adding Newsome would improve the Packers’ starting corner situation, but also their depth. King would be a fine, experienced backup that could easily start if Alexander or Newsome gets hurt. Conversely, if Newsome takes some time to adjust to the next level, King could begin the season as the starter before ceding snaps to the rookie.
Newsome has a ton of upside, so grabbing him here makes sense. The Packers could grab one of the Georgia corners — Tyson Campbell or Eric Stokes — if they don’t like Newsome or they could grab a receiver like Elijah Moore or Rashod Bateman here.