Mock draft roundup: Green Bay Packers get defensive with first pick
By Jim Oxley
Oct 11, 2014; Starkville, MS, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Nick Marshall (14) scrambles up the field under pressure form Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive lineman Kaleb Eulls (92) and linebacker Benardrick McKinney (50) during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Bleacher Report: Matt Miller and Brent Sobleski
Miller: Inside inebacker Bernardrick McKinney, Mississippi State
Here’s what Miller had to say about the selection in his latest mock draft:
"“The offseason in Green Bay has been about locking up key starters Bryan Bulaga and Randall Cobb, which left little time and money for filling holes in free agency. Now general manager Ted Thompson gets to do what he loves to do – build his team through the draft. Benardrick McKinney is a versatile, athletic linebacker who can play inside or outside, and in the Packers’ 3-4 scheme, he projects as an attacking inside ‘backer. If you liked what Clay Matthews gave the team as a pass-rusher from the inside last year, McKinney brings some of that same blitzing ability in his toolbox. He has size, speed, range and the instincts to start for the Packers right away.”"
This should be a very familiar name to Packers fans by now, as McKinney was among the first players associated with Green Bay when the mockers started projecting draft picks months ago. McKinney would be a slam dunk if he’s available at No. 30 overall, as he fills a position of great need for the Packers and backs up the cost of a first round pick with his play while at Mississippi State.
The 6-4, 246-pound backer packs a punch, and is capable of making some big time plays. McKinney could be a long-time starter for the Packers inside.
Sobleski: Cornerback Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest
Here’s how Sobleski backed up his selection in his most recent mock draft:
"“Cornerback is a good place to start when addressing the team’s biggest needs. In this particular case, positional need isn’t forced with multiple prospects available to address the hole in the secondary. With Johnson’s quick feet, ability to recover and experience in man coverage, he’s an ideal fit for defensive coordinator Dom Capers’ scheme.”"
Like ESPN’s McShay, Sobleski went with a cornerback, which is a position the Packers will almost certainly be addressing in the draft, and possibly with the first pick overall. Get used to the name Kevin Johnson, as you will see it a bunch throughout this post.
The 6-1, 175-pound defensive back had 7 interceptions and 189 tackles in his four-year career at Wake Forest. Similar in size to Washington’s Peters, Johnson is one of the top corners in the draft and would be a great addition to the defensive backfield.
Next: CBS Sports: Rob Rang, Dane Brugler, Pete Prisco and Will Brinson