Packers: Josh Jackson a strong candidate for first-round draft pick
Iowa cornerback Josh Jackson is a popular selection to the Green Bay Packers in mock drafts, and it’s easy to see why.
The Green Bay Packers need more talent at the cornerback position.
New general manager Brian Gutekunst will have a great opportunity to grab an upgrade with the No. 14 pick of the 2018 NFL Draft.
While finding another edge rusher should be high on the shopping list, Gutekunst needs to give new defensive coordinator Mike Pettine a top cornerback to work with.
Kevin King flashed potential as a rookie and has the tools to become a fine player. Damarious Randall improved in his third season. But the Packers still lack depth, and the position remains one of the weakest spots on the roster.
Pettine’s former defenses have all had strong cornerback pairings.
Mike Pettine cornerbacks
— Eye In The Sky (@The_Green_Gold) January 17, 2018
2009: Revis/ Lito Sheppard
2010: Antonio Cromartie/ Revis
2011: Antonio Cromartie/ Revis
2012: Cromartie/Revis/Kyle Wilson
2013: Stephon Gilmore/ Leodis McKelvin
2014: Joe Haden/ Buster Skrine
2015: Tramon Williams/Joe Haden/Tashaun Gipson
That’s not currently the case in Green Bay, making it a top priority for Gutekunst either through free agency or the draft.
Unfortunately the #Packers don’t have the corners to run a man coverage pressure system...yet
— Eye In The Sky (@The_Green_Gold) January 17, 2018
Kevin King is still young. Needs time.
Davon House isn’t even close to an option.
Damarious Randall isn’t who you want on an island.
This leaves you with 1 inexperienced cornerback.
That’s where Jackson could come in.
He is arguably the best cornerback in this year’s class, boasting size, speed and athleticism. Jackson has the tools to make an impact from Day 1 in Pettine’s defense.
FanSided’s Brad Weiss agrees. He has the Packers landing the talented corner in his latest mock draft.
"“The Packers need to bring in a couple of people to help in the secondary this offseason, but drafting Jackson would be one heck of a start. He has tremendous hands for a cornerback, and his ability to make up ground after mistakes will really make him a shut-down cornerback at the next level.”"
Weiss isn’t alone, either. Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller also mocked him to the Packers.
Connor Riley of SEC Country also has Jackson landing in Green Bay at No. 14 in his latest mock draft.
Just as the Saints helped turn their fortunes around on defense by selecting Marshon Lattimore at No. 11 last year, the Packers could do the same with Jackson.
While adding a pass rusher at No. 14 would make sense, the Packers’ secondary still needs work.
Next: Packers: 12 players that need to go this offseason
Jackson is the type of player who could help turn the defensive backfield from a weakness to a strength.