While many fans and analysts have been calling for the Green Bay Packers to address their wide receiver needs early in the draft, Pro Football Focus (PFF) sees things differently. In their latest seven-round mock draft, PFF has the Packers selecting Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart with the 23rd overall pick, passing on a flashy wide receiver.
Why Shemar Stewart Fits the Packers’ Plan?
According to PFF analyst Jon Macri, who played the role of Packers GM Brian Gutekunst in the mock draft, Stewart was chosen as part of a long-term plan to build the defensive front.
“The Packers grab another young, athletic edge to develop in a similar path to Rashan Gary,” Macri said. “They won’t have to thrust Stewart into an immediate starting role, as he can rotate with 2023 first-round pick Lukas Van Ness and Kingsley Enagbare.”
Stewart’s appeal is his elite run-stopping ability. His 88.2 PFF run-defense grade in 2024 was 5th among all edge defenders in college football, showing he’s a beast against the run. But his lack of pass rushing production— 4.5 sacks over three seasons— has raised some questions.
Gutekunst addressed the concerns about Stewart’s college stats during his pre-draft press conference. “If a player didn’t have the kind of production that you think he should at the college level, there’s a lot of discussion about why that was and if you think that will change as he moves forward,” he said.
So the Packers are betting on Stewart’s athleticism and potential to become a more complete player under NFL coaching.
Addressing the Receiver Void: Tre Harris Joins the Mix
The Packers passed on a receiver in the first round but didn’t wait long to add some juice to their offense. Mississippi wideout Tre Harris was taken in the second round and brings explosiveness and reliability to the Packers’ receiving corps.
Despite playing only 8 games due to a groin injury, Harris put up crazy numbers: 60 catches for 1,030 yards (17.2 average) and 7 touchdowns. His 128.8 yards per game was 10 yards more than the next closest player.
“Harris was productive in Ole Miss’ vertical passing game the last two years, he’s a great fit in Green Bay,” Macri said. “The Packers were 2nd in deep attempt rate (16%) last year, Harris can bring value as a deep threat right away.”
At 6-foot-2 3/8 with 4.54 speed, Harris isn’t a burner but he can win downfield. He caught 9-of-16 passes thrown 20-plus yards , he can stretch the defense vertically—a big missing piece since Christian Watson.
Versatility on the Offensive Line: Marcus Mbow Steps In
In the 3rd round the Packers added Marcus Mbow from Purdue, a versatile OL who reminds many of Zach Tom. Mbow is a valuable asset for the Packers’ OL depth chart.
“He can start at all 5 positions but must improve his pad level to play center,” PFF said in their scouting report.
Mbow allowed 0 sacks as Purdue’s right guard in 2022 and only 4 sacks combined the last 2 years as a tackle. With 32 1/2 inch arms he might project best as an interior lineman, maybe even center.
Day 3 Picks Wrap Up the Roster
On Day 3, the Packers added depth at multiple positions:
- Fourth Round: Clemson linebacker Barrett Carter
- Fifth Round: Iowa safety Sebastian Castro
- Sixth Round: Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel
- Seventh Round: East Carolina receiver Efton Chism and Florida cornerback Jason Marshall
Barrett Carter may be small (5’10 3/4), but he’s versatile and tough at linebacker. Sebastian Castro adds depth to a safety room that’s now crowded after Xavier McKinney and last year’s draft class.
The pick of Dillon Gabriel in the sixth round raised some eyebrows given his height (5’11 1/8) and limited ceiling compared to taller guys like Syracuse’s Kyle McCord. But the Packers may see him as a low risk behind Jordan Love.
Efton Chism, a first-team FCS All-American, adds slot receiver depth after 120 receptions for 1,311 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2024. He’s not big (5’10 1/2, 4.71 40-yard dash) but he’s got sure hands and is a reliable target.
Finally, Jason Marshall, an experienced SEC corner, rounds out the draft class with upside after his predraft visit with Green Bay..
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