Green Bay Packers full 2020 NFL mock draft

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 13: Colorado (2) Laviska Shenault Jr. (WR) scores a touchdown during the first quarter of a college football game between the Colorado Buffaloes and the USC Trojans on October 13, 2018, at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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Akeem Davis-Gaither (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Appalachian State linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither could be a strong value pick for the Green Bay Packers in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Although the Pack was quiet again in free agency this spring after a crucially active 2019 offseason, they did make one major signing in coverage inside linebacker Christian Kirksey. The Packers are wisely prioritizing rangy, coverage linebackers to supplement their devastating edge rush, and Davis-Gaither can be another ‘backer in that mold.

The Packers drafted Oren Burks in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft and still hope he can start next season, as he was supposed to be a key contributor in 2019 before a torn pectoral robbed him of his season. Burks should be back in the fold again, but having Davis-Gaither as something between competition and depth would be beneficial.

Last season, the Appalachian State star recorded 101 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, five sacks and eight passes defended to improve upon a junior year with 96 tackles and seven passes defended.

Davis-Gaither can make an impact in all phases of the game, and it’s difficult to see past his level of production in the last two years at the collegiate level. Quality of competition is a concern, but it’s mitigated by his level of production as a run defender, pass defender, and pass rusher. He could be a hidden gem in this class with his playmaking ability.

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