The Green Bay Packers might benefit from adding either a top-tier pass rusher or a cornerback with exceptional potential, but addressing the significant gap left by David Bakhtiari on the offensive line could be their top priority in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. According to Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN, in his recent mock draft covering the first two rounds, he forecasts the Packers opting for Amarius Mims, an offensive tackle from the University of Georgia.
Amarius Mims Has Ceiling of a ‘Top Tackle in NFL’
Pro Football Focus (PFF) praised Mims as one of the standout performers at the NFL scouting combine, highlighting his impressive physical attributes. With his ability to cover ground swiftly from his stance and possessing exceptional length for his position, Mims stood out to analysts. Despite his remarkable potential, Mims’ lack of extensive playing time due to both his patience at a competitive program and an injury in 2023 is noted. Nevertheless, his strength and adeptness at maintaining blocks are commended.
However, PFF also pointed out Mims’ slower footwork as an area for improvement. Despite this critique, the website still envisions him as a potential elite tackle in the future if he can refine all aspects of his game.
Despite his limited playing time, Mims has showcased flashes of brilliance on the field, demonstrating the potential to become a top-tier tackle in the NFL. His impressive performance metrics, including a low pressure percentage and high ranking in PFF’s pass-blocking efficiency metric in 2023, further bolster this outlook.
Packers’ O-Line Finished Ranked 11th in NFL, Will Navigate Significant Turnover Next Season
According to PFF rankings, the Green Bay Packers just missed out on the NFL’s top 10 offensive lines, coming in at No. 11 overall. One of the main concerns centered around the left tackle position, a role that Mims could potentially fill if drafted by the Packers later this month.
During the season, Green Bay’s offensive line started strong but faced challenges midway through, particularly regarding uncertainty about the left tackle position. This uncertainty led to a rotation between Rasheed Walker and Yosh Nijman. However, once Walker regained his earlier form, the performance of the offensive line notably improved.
Following the season, Nijman left for the Carolina Panthers in free agency, while the Packers released Bakhtiari, resulting in significant salary cap savings of over $20 million. Bakhtiari, a five-time All-Pro, remains unsigned by any team at present.
Additionally, Jon Runyan Jr., who had been a starting guard for the Packers over the past three seasons, departed in the offseason and is now part of the New York Giants.
