I had know I keep saying a pass rusher is the biggest need, but Awuzie seems like a Ted Thompson type pick. He is a sticky cover corner who only allowed 510 yards and a pair of touchdowns in 14 games for the Buffaloes. He also has played all around the secondary, which shows his versatility. Cornerback is obviously a huge need for the Packers. If Green Bay went into the season with Damarious Randall, Quinten Rollins, Awuzie, and Davon House as the top four corners, the secondary would be in solid shape. They still would need a pass rusher to help out the secondary, but that position is also deep this year.
2. Derek Rivers, OLB, Youngstown State (previous: Sidney Jones)
Rivers dominated the FCS, as you would imagine, for the Bo Pelini-led Penguins. As a senior, Rivers had 19.5 tackles for loss and 14 sacks. He needs to prove it against big-time competition, which is the biggest thing with him. He has been consistent throughout his time with Youngstown State, sacking opposing quarterbacks at least eight times in each of his final three seasons. Knowing Thompson’s history, don’t be surprised at all if he takes a wide receiver likes Penn State’s Chris Godwin here in preparation for next offseason when Davante Adams is a free agent.
3. Desmond King, S, Iowa (previous: King)
King is in the mold of Micah Hyde, whom the team just lost via free agency. There is a solid chance he won’t even make it to this pick, but this would be a typical Ted Thompson pick if he does. King could have (and perhaps should have) came out after his junior season and been a first round pick. As a junior with the Hawkeyes, he had eight interceptions, winning the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the nation’s top defensive back. He, as well as his Hawkeyes, had a bit of a down season in 2016. Still, he intercepted three passes and was once again an All-Big Ten first team selection. King is a ball hawk, as evidenced by his 14 career interceptions. He is also a solid tackler. The knocks on him are his size and speed. Because of those, he will transition to safety in the NFL, much like Hyde. King is a very good replacement for Hyde and would be a possible steal in the third round.
4. Brian Hill, RB, Wyoming (previous: Sean Harlow)
For a long time, I have had Sean Harlow going here. I do think they go guard, but maybe not in this round after buying time with the signing of Jahri Evans. Hill is a real sleeper in this year's draft. He had nearly 2,000 yards rushing last year and 22 touchdowns en route to being a first team All-Mountain West running back. He is a solid blocker as well, which would also be helpful in the pass-happy Packers offense. Hill also fumbled just once in 349 carries last year. One of the bad things is his work load. The number of carries he had last season is insane.
5a. Damien Mama, OG, USC (previous: Joe Williams)
Green Bay will draft an offensive lineman in the middle rounds, even with the signing of Jahri Evans. It is likely a one-year deal and other guard Lane Taylor is also a free agent after this year. I think Green Bay is trying to groom Kyle Murphy to be a starting guard and this gives the Packers time. This is strictly a depth pick, as most picks are at this point in the draft. He is a big guy and he has already lost 70 pounds since arriving at USC, but he might to lose a bit more. He has the ability to become a starter down the road.
5b. Robert Davis, WR, Georgia State (previous: Davis)
With Davante Adams a free agent next offseason, Montgomery’s permanent move to running back and Trevor Davis being in the doghouse much of last year, I fully expect Green Bay to draft a wide receiver this year. Davis’ numbers with the Panthers don’t wow you in any single season, but he finished his career as the school’s all-time leading receiver, despite never posting a 1,000-yard season. He was consistent, though, having at least 700 yards in all four seasons. In the toughest game of the year in 2016 at Wisconsin, Davis had eight catches for 93 yards and an impressive touchdown catch. At 6-3 and 219 pounds, he has terrific size for the position. He is still a raw prospect, but Davis has the ability to become a very good receiver in the NFL, especially if he has a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers throwing him the football.
6. Keionta Davis, DE/OLB, UT-Chattanooga (previous: Davis)
After losing two pass rushers in free agency, Green Bay drafts two to take their place. You can never have too many of them. Despite playing in the FCS, he earned an invite to the the Senior Bowl due to his 10.5-sack season in 2016. Against Alabama this past November, Davis held his own with four tackles, a half a sack and a forced fumble. He was an FCS All-American his last two seasons with the Mocs. At 271 pounds, he might be a bit too big to be a 3-4 linebacker, but he is worth the gamble. Davis will have to get used to playing against elite talent every day, but he has the ability to stick around.
7. Chunky Clements, DL, Illinois (previous: Clements)
Green Bay was able to improve the depth on the defensive line with the signing of Ricky Jean-Francois, so defensive line is not a huge priority, but Clements could add to the depth along the line. He may have a first round name, but he has red flags, which will push him down to the bottom of the draft, if he is even drafted at all. Clements can be dominant at times, but he lacks consistency. He has the ability to become a very solid defensive lineman, but needs to put it all together. He has a poor motor and can disappear in games. As a defensive tackle, he has had 18.5 tackles for loss and four sacks his last two seasons with the Illini. If the coaching staff can turn Clements’ motor on for every snap, he could be a solid player. He is worthy of a seventh round flyer.
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