We are now a little more than two weeks from the NFL Draft, so it is time for me to release another Packers mock draft. In the coming weeks, I will also do a first round mock.
1) Kevin King, CB, Washington (previous: Marshon Lattimore)
I could see the Packers trading down from this spot and picking up an extra third or fourth in order to trade up in the second or third, but as it is, I have King in this spot. At the NFL Combine, King was clocked at a 4.43 in the 40-yard dash. If you were to watch Green Bay last year, speed in the secondary was a huge concern. In the NFC Championship against Atlanta, the Packers had Ladarius Gunter and his 4.69 40 speed try to guard Julio Jones. It did not end well. It wouldn’t surprise me to see the Green and Gold take a corner early and move Damarious Randall to safety in 2018 to take over for free agent-to-be Morgan Burnett. There are a number of solid cornerbacks in this year’s draft, so they could trade down and still pick up a really good one or wait until the second and take a linebacker in round one. In addition to his speed, he is also both versatile and has tremendous ball skills, both characteristics Ted Thompson likes in defensive backs.
2) Joe Mixon, RB, Oklahoma (previous: T.J. Watt)
Judging by the Packers having Mixon in for a visit, it appears Green Bay is not completely scared off by the Mixon video. In the words of Fox Sports Radio’s Clay Travis, “If your talent exceeds your problems, you will always be employed.” If it weren’t for the horrific video released a few months back, Mixon would go top 10-15. He is that good. Ty Montgomery played well in his debut at running back last season, but there are questions about his ability to carry the load for the full season. Mixon would make a great complementary back. If he turns out to be anywhere close to what people think he will, Green Bay will have an unstoppable offense.
3) Ryan Anderson, OLB, Alabama (previous: Jake Butt)
I previously had Jake Butt in this spot, but the signings of Martellus Bennett and Lance Kendricks eliminated the need for a tight end. As it is right now, the Packers have a hole at outside linebacker, even with the re-signing of Nick Perry. Green Bay lost Datone Jones and Julius Peppers via free agency, so the team hopes it will have a bigger contribution from last year’s third round pick Kyler Fackrell, along with the linebacker they pick this year. Anderson, a semi-finalist for the Bednarik Award given to the nation’s top linebacker, has a knack for getting to opposing quarterbacks. In his last two seasons with the Crimson Tide, he had 30.5 tackles for loss and 15 sacks. He is a bit too slow to cover tight ends, but Green Bay will likely use Joe Thomas on obvious passing downs.
4) Sean Harlow, OG, Oregon State (previous: Travis Rudolph)
With the losses of both T.J. Lang and J.C. Tretter, the Packers have a hole at guard. From interviews, it seems like Mike McCarthy won’t slide Bryan Bulaga or last year’s second round pick Jason Spriggs inside. The loss of Tretter will be offset by the return of Cory Linsley. There are two things Ted Thompson has made a living on in the draft: second round receivers and mid-round offensive linemen. During his tenure, he has drafted the following offensive linemen in the mid-rounds: Josh Sitton, Lang, David Bakhtiari, J.C. Tretter and Linsley. After spending his years in college at tackle, he projects inside in the NFL due to his 32-inch arms. But he is a versatile lineman, which Thompson likes.
5a) Ejuan Price, OLB, Pittsburgh (previous: Ethan Cooper)
In free agency, Green Bay let both Datone Jones and Julius Peppers walk. The Packers already took one outside linebacker in this draft, but they need all the pass rushers they can get. Price is a monster at getting to opposing quarterbacks. He had 22 sacks in his last two seasons with the Panthers, including 13 last year. He had 23 tackles for loss and forced three fumbles as well. He is a big-time sleeper prospect.
5b) DeAngelo Yancey, WR, Purdue (previous: N/A)
Ty Montgomery moved to running back permanently this offseason, so the Packers have six wide receivers (with a legitimate chance to make the team) on the roster. Yancey could come in and fight for a roster spot, especially if Trevor Davis remains in the doghouse. There is a big drop off after the big three for the Packers. If Yancey plays well in preseason and training camp, he could force the team to keep six receivers. The former Boilermaker visited Green Bay a few weeks back. He was a big play receiver for the Boilers last year, averaging 19.4 yards per touch. He has nice size for a receiver, but he had problems with drops throughout his collegiate career.
6) Sojourn Shelton, CB, Wisconsin (previous: Tyree Robinson)
Shelton was a four-year starter with the Badgers who reminded some of former Wisconsin legend Jamar Fletcher. However, much like Fletcher, Shelton is an undersized corner. That will push him down to the late rounds. In his senior season, he turned into the shutdown corner many expected him to be. He has very good extincts, which helped him pick off four passes in 2016. He shut down some of the league’s better receivers and opposing quarterbacks didn’t even throw his way much of the time. He would have to cover the slot receiver, as he is not big enough to cover big outside receivers. He has the speed and quickness to cover slot guys, but will have to fight for a roster spot.
7) DJ Jones, DT, Ole Miss (previous: Chad Kelly)
Even after signing Ricky Jean-Francois, the Packers could use another defensive lineman as depth. The big nose tackle is a workout warrior. He is a strong man, but may still struggle with double teams. He also may struggle when the offensive linemen he goes up against are just as strong as he is and he can’t overpower them. He did not make as many plays as he should, which is concerning. But he does have the tools to be able to make an impact.
No comments:
Post a Comment