Packers 2017 Draft: A case for each position in the first round

The case for defensive line in Round 1

Historically, defensive line is a position Thompson highly values in the draft.

He selected Kenny Clark in the first round last year, and B.J. Raji and Justin Harrell early in the first in years prior. He also selected Jerel Worthy and Khyri Thornton in the first few rounds as well. However, outside of Raji and Clark, these names are hardly a selling point for Thompson to draft another DL with his first few picks.

While defensive line is not quite a position of strength on the roster, they do have two promising young players in Clark and Dean Lowry to accompany Mike Daniels and newly acquired veteran Ricky Jean-Francois at the position.

It would be a bit surprising if the Packers went defensive line in Round 1, but given Thompson’s track record, maybe we shouldn’t rule it out. If the Packers were to go in this direction, the best bets are Florida’s Caleb Brantley, Michigan State’s Malik McDowell, and Michigan’s Chris Wormley.

Brantley is an explosive three-technique who could offer some interior pass rush ability alongside Daniels in the Packers nickel and dime packages. McDowell and Wormley are towering 6-foot-6 and 295-pound defensive ends with a lot of athleticism and length.

McDowell is one of the more physically gifted players in the draft, but his lack of effort and diva personality could push him out of the first round. Wormley gives better effort and is a high character guy, but he’s a stiffer athlete.

He’s a likely mid-second round prospect, but he would give the Packers the 5-tech defensive end they’ve been missing in their 3-4 front for several years now.