Packers 2017 Draft: Lombardi Ave staff make first-round predictions

Ryan Schlipp: Various options at No. 29

As much as I love the idea of the Packers trading back and acquiring more picks, the rumors of top tier talent falling to 29 seems to grow every day.  Ultimately, whether it be Reuben Foster, Dalvin Cook, Marlon Humphrey, or Forrest Lamp, the number of players that could be considered elite that have been in the conversation at 29 will put the Packers in a position to grab a player with a high level of talent that they rarely have the ability to draft at the end of Round 1.

If, however, quarterbacks start to slide and teams stick with value over need, I would anticipate the Packers to trade out of the first round as well as picking up a few other later round picks.

If they do drop into the early to middle second round, watch for the Packers to take a shot at Joe Mixon with their first pick. Mixon is arguably the best back in the draft and the Packers reportedly really like him. I can’t imagine them taking him in Round 1, nor can I see Mixon making it to pick 61 but mid-second feels right.

One possibility could be the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers have two second round picks and are selecting one pick before the Bengals, another team reportedly interested in Mixon.