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Packers 2016 Draft: Devil’s advocate with 10 first-round candidates

By Freddie Boston

Oct 3, 2015; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Texas Christian University Horned Frogs wide receiver Josh Doctson (9) attempts to make a catch against the University of Texas Longhorns in the second quarter at Amon G. Carter Stadium. The pass was incomplete. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Texas Christian University Horned Frogs wide receiver Josh Doctson (9) attempts to make a catch against the University of Texas Longhorns in the second quarter at Amon G. Carter Stadium. The pass was incomplete. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Jehu Chesson (86) is unable to complete a pass while being defended by Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Eli Apple (13) during the game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Jehu Chesson (86) is unable to complete a pass while being defended by Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Eli Apple (13) during the game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

CB Eli Apple, Ohio State

Why it makes sense: Cornerback is a premium position and Eli Apple is one of the best prospects in the draft. It’s not a position of ‘need’, but as we learned last year at wide receiver, injuries can quickly expose what once looked like a position loaded with depth.

After losing Casey Hayward, a best player available approach could land another talented young corner to ensure the Packers have one of the strongest secondaries in the entire league.

Why it doesn’t make sense: This would be the definition of a luxury pick, and the Packers would be best off looking to find an upgrade elsewhere such as the pass rush.

Apple has been guilty of shying away when defending the run, and this could cause him to drop down many draft boards. You need guys who aren’t afraid to make a tackle.

Verdict: There’s a lot to like about Apple’s potential, but it would be a head-scratcher to see him taken by the Packers at No. 27. If he’s top of the Packers’ board then ‘In Ted We Trust’, but who would he have to pass up to land Apple?

Next: Help in the trenches

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