Packers land top cornerback in latest FanSided mock draft
The Green Bay Packers landed Iowa cornerback Josh Jackson in the latest FanSided mock draft.
Jackson has become a popular name to the Packers in mock drafts.
The Iowa product is arguably the top cornerback this class has to offer, and he could make an impact in Mike Pettine’s defense from Day 1.
While the play of rookie Kevin King and Damarious Randall this season provides some optimism for next year, there’s no denying the Packers need more talent at cornerback. To have any hope of returning to the Super Bowl, defensively they need to be much better.
That’s where Jackson could come in.
While selecting an edge rusher might be considered a greater “need”, it might be too tough for general manager Brian Gutekunst to pass up on a talent like Jackson if he falls to No. 14.
FanSided’s Brad Weiss believes Jackson would be a great addition to Green Bay’s defense. Here’s what he wrote in his latest mock:
"“Jackson led the FBS in interceptions last season, capping off his season with a pick in the Pinstripe Bowl. He is the closest thing to a shutdown cornerback this draft class has to offer, although it is very close between him and Denzel Ward.”"
You can find the entire NFL mock draft here.
If Gutekunst opts for a pass rusher, he could be tempted by LSU’s Arden Key or UTSA’s Marcus Davenport, if either are there at No. 14.
But just because outside linebacker might be a more pressing need, it shouldn’t put Gutekunst off selecting Jackson if he’s at the top of his board.
After all, the Packers will likely have four selections inside the top three rounds. They could receive as many as four compensatory draft picks this spring, with a potential third-rounder on the way for the loss of T.J. Lang in free agency last March.
Mock draft season is still young. The Senior Bowl takes place this week, and the combine is still to come.
It’s early on in the process, but Jackson is becoming a popular name for the Packers in mocks. His name appeared twice in our latest mock draft roundup.
Next: Packers: 12 players that need to go this offseason
What are your thoughts on Jackson? Do you think he would be a good fit in Pettine’s defense?