Mock draft roundup: Green Bay Packers get defensive with first pick
By Jim Oxley
Feb 23, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Marcus Peters catches a pass in a work out drill during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN: Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr.
McShay: Cornerback Marcus Peters, Washington
Here’s what the ESPN analyst had to say about the selection in his Mock Draft 4.0 (Subscription required):
"“The Packers have a need at cornerback after losing both Davon House and Tramon Williams in free agency, and the value matches up well here with Peters (No. 21 on our board). He brings with him some off-field baggage after multiple suspensions and run-ins with coaches at Washington, but I think at this point he’s worth the risk. Purely based off of tape study, he’s the best corner in this class, with very good size, strength, natural athleticism and playmaking instincts.”"
As McShay alludes, the Packers will be looking for help at cornerback this off-season, and will likely use the draft to address the position.
Williams and House left for bigger money elsewhere, and left behind a solid group of five defensive backs – Sam Shields, Casey Hayward, Morgan Burnett, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Micah Hyde. A solid group of five, but it won’t be enough to make it through an NFL season.
Peters, for reference, measured in at 6-0, 197 pounds at the Combine, making him an inch taller and several pounds heavier than Green Bay’s Sam Shields. At the combine the junior out of Washington ran a 4.52 40-yard dash, and clearly has some serious athletic ability. As we’ve written before at Lombadiave, he also has his downsides. Peters would be an interesting selection for the Packers.
Kiper, Jr.: Defensive Tackle Jordan Phillips, Oklahoma
Here’s what Kiper said about Phillips to the Packers in his Mock Draft version 3.0 (Subscription required).
"“If I lined up needs for the Packers right now, it would be interior lineman as the top need, followed by an inside linebacker. Just based on the likelihood for immediate impact, it’s a lot easier to find the linebacker further down the board. Phillips has a motor that can run hot and cold, but the potential is significant because he lands pretty close to the “freak” category of athlete for a guy who stands over 6-foot-5, has long arms to keep blocks at bay, and weighs 330 pounds. The effort can be inconsistent, but at his best he can control blocks (or toss them) and can pursue like a much lighter, faster player when he finds a lane. You have to believe you can get him to his full potential, but if you get him close, Phillips can be a scheme-versatile menace.”"
The Packers recently made some moves to shore up their defensive line, signing both Letroy Guion and B.J. Raji to one-year deals. Clearly, Green Bay is giving both those veteran players an opportunity to earn an extension, but the Packers will be further addressing the position, and may do so early in the draft.
That’s Kiper’s reasoning, and he has the Oklahoma product going to the Packers at the end of the first round.
The 6-5, 329-pound junior is – believe it or not – bigger than Raji, but moves surprisingly well for his size. He’s had some injury problems, but could be a good fit on the Packers defensive line.