Packers Draft 2017: 5 Bold Moves Green Bay Could Make

Jan 2, 2017; New Orleans , LA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon (25) carries the ball against Auburn Tigers defensive back Daniel Thomas (24) in the first quarter of the 2017 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; New Orleans , LA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon (25) carries the ball against Auburn Tigers defensive back Daniel Thomas (24) in the first quarter of the 2017 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Select Oklahoma running back Joe Mixon in the first round

This option takes the cake as far as the boldest move Thompson could make on Thursday night.

Unless you’ve been living on another planet for the past few months, you’re well aware of Mixon’s transgressions. In 2014, he was suspended for an entire season after punching a female student. Video of the incident later found its way to the public, which always makes the uproar much, much worse.

He was suspended another game this past season for disrespecting a parking attendant after being given a ticket. Because that sounds worth it.

On the field, however, Mixon is arguably the most talented running back in the 2017 draft, even ahead of Leonard Fournette or Christian McCaffrey.

Mixon is a true three-down running back who is excellent in the passing game with exceptional hands. He has the ability to be an every-down workhorse who can take over a game from the backfield.

The Packers could find ways to use his versatility and experience working in a shotgun-based offense, and the skills he and Ty Montgomery would bring would give Green Bay the kind of dynamic running game they haven’t had since Rodgers took over.

It’s been rumored leading up to the draft that Mixon is squarely on the Packers’ draft board and that Thompson wouldn’t shy away from using an early-round pick on him. But if Green Bay decides to pull the trigger on Mixon at 29, it would possibly be the boldest move of the entire 2017 draft.

Next: Top 30 moments in Green Bay Packers history

Follow along with all of Lombardi Ave’s coverage of the Green Bay Packers during the 2017 NFL Draft, head over to our draft hub.