Packers fans, want mock drafts? We’ve got a ton of them updated right here
Who are the draft analysts projecting to the Green Bay Packers in the first round?
While a number of teams went on a wild spending spree in free agency, the Green Bay Packers sat back and watched. That’s GM Ted Thompson‘s style, but the draft is where he does his best work. After hitting a home run draft class in 2015, can he do it again?
Who could Thompson select in the first round? Let’s take a look around the internet at some of the top mock drafts and see who they project to the Packers in the first round.
Chris Roling of Bleacher Report — DT Sheldon Rankins, Louisville
If Sheldon Rankins drops all the way down to No. 27, the Packers could have a real player on their hands. He’s a powerful force and could find a home on the defensive line. Next to Mike Daniels, Green Bay could quickly form one of the best defensive lines in the league.
Holding him back is his smaller size (6-foot-1, 299 pounds), but the same concerns were there with Daniels. He could give the Packers tremendous value if he falls to No. 27.
Charlie Campbell of WalterFootball.com — OLB Shaq Lawson, Clemson
I’m a fan of this pick. Sure, inside linebacker is a need. But give me a talented pass rusher over an inside linebacker in the first round any time I have the choice. The Packers could do with adding another pass rusher.
Julius Peppers is 36-years-old and Mike Neal is still a free agent. Nick Perry returned on a one-year deal and Clay Matthews‘ move back outside will help, but adding another piece would make a lot of sense, especially in Dom Capers’ defense.
NFL.com mock draft
Daniel Jeremiah: NT Andrew Billings, Baylor
Charles Davis: NT Andrew Billings, Baylor
Bucky Brooks: NT Andrew Billings, Baylor
Lance Zierlein: TE Hunter Henry, Arkansas
Chad Reuter: TE Hunter Henry, Arkansas
Well, this is interesting. I absolutely love the pick of Andrew Billings; he’s one of my favorite prospects in the draft and could become a dominant force at nose tackle for the Packers. If he falls to No. 27, it will be hard for Ted Thompson to pass him up. Three of the five NFL.com analysts project Billings to the Pack — I like it.
Hunter Henry would make sense too as it would fill a major need. Henry is believed by many to be taken early in the second round, so finding a dance partner and trading out of the first round to go get Henry would a good piece of business by Thompson.
CBSSports.com mock draft
Rob Rang: DT Kenny Clark, UCLA
Bob Brugler: DT Jarran Reed, Alabama
Pete Prisco: DT Andrew Billings, Baylor
Will Brinson: TE Hunter Henry, Arkansas
Jared Dubin: DT Kenny Clark, UCLA
More love to defensive linemen here. Billings name emerges again, and Kenny Clark is called twice. Jarran Reed is an intriguing prospect. There’s a lot to like about his game as he’s a dominant run defender, but the concern is his pass rushing skills lack too much to keep him on the field for all three downs.
What do you think of these picks, Packers fans?
Next: Another variety of experts project ...