2017 NFL Mock Draft: Defense dominates for the Packers

Washington. John Ross. 29. player. 49. Admittedly, receiver isn’t the Packers’ number one need, but Aaron Rodgers has never played with a weapon like Ross before. With his 4.22 40 speed and receiving skills, Ross should create plenty of space for Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Martellus Bennett and Lance Kendricks to work underneath routes while giving Rodgers a deep threat he’s never had before. – Andrew Hanlon. Wide Receiver

Jabrill Peppers. 29. player. 49. The Packers had a number of injuries on defense last year. How’s that for an understatement? Peppers is incredibly versatile, and could line up at safety, corner, or linebacker in Dom Capers’ unit. Right now, I see him replacing Micah Hyde as the nickel guy, and moving inside in speed rush packages. In a few years, he lines up alongside Ha Ha Clinton-Dix at safety. – Thomas Friesen. Defensive Back. Michigan

29. player. 49. This Green Bay defense has no hole bigger than the cornerback spot, but the edge rusher spot should not be overlooked either. Julius Peppers is gone, Clay Matthews looked terrible in 2016 and might not be able to stay healthy, and Nick Perry still has not had a single year without losing games and impact due to injury. If they can add someone as talented as Charlton this late (NFL.com grades him as their 12th best overall player in this draft, and compares him to Chandler Jones), it would be a game-changing coup. He not only could become an immediate contributor in a deep pass rush group, but the most dynamic option the team has had at the spot since early-career Matthews. If he’s available, CB needs can — and should — wait until later. – Kenn Korb. Edge Rusher. Michigan. Taco Charlton

player. 49. There was a time when Teez Tabor was considered a top corner that most likely wouldn’t make it to number 29. His value started to decline as other names emerged. After his poor combine and even worse pro day some would say the Packers could grab him in the second round. I personally think everyone has lost their mind. There is no bigger playmaker at the corner position than Teez Tabor. – Ryan Schlipp. Cornerback. Florida. Teez Tabor. 29

29. player. 49. Why not the home state kid here? Clay Matthews is not the Clay he once was. To fix an awful secondary, a pass rush goes a long way. Maybe it will interest his brother in coming back home one day. Turn down for Watt!? – Josh McPeak. Outside Linebacker. Wisconsin. T.J. Watt

Zach Cunningham. 29. player. 49. Packer backers rejoice, as this year’s first-round pick proudly holds up his new Packers’ jersey during the standard draft-day photo ops. What’s all the excitement about? Well, for one, they’ll no longer need to stomach another year with Joe Thomas as the team’s top coverage linebacker. Cunningham has the height and range to match up with running backs and tight ends on passing plays and possesses the fleetness of foot and loose hips to turn and run with pass catchers on short-to-intermediate routes. The pride of Pinson, AL. can also slip blocks versus the run and find the football. Ted Thompson strikes gold with a versatile three-down linebacker. – Ralph Mancini. Linebacker. Vanderbilt

Edge Rusher. Youngstown State. Derek Rivers. 29. player. 49. There are so many directions the Packers could go with this pick. However, I particularly like Rivers fit in Green Bay’s scheme and feel he’s one of the more undervalued players in this draft. Rivers could shine as an upright pass rusher off the edge in the Packers defense. He has the athleticism and explosiveness to be a really effective pass rusher at the next level. He boasts a variety of pass rush moves and has the production to show for it (39.5 sacks). He’s also a solid run defender and moves well in space. He’s one of the more polished and diverse edge rushers in this class. – Dan Dahlke