Green Bay Packers: 2018 NFL mock draft roundup 5.0
Defense is the focus of the Green Bay Packers’ mid-February mock draft roundup.
The Green Bay Packers need to upgrade their defense this offseason, so it’s hardly surprising that this week’s mock draft roundup is all about that side of the ball.
It’s difficult to predict how new general manager Brian Gutekunst will approach the draft. Maybe he’ll look to upgrade the wide receiver position to give Aaron Rodgers another top target. While that’s a possibility, I tend to think the Packers will look for a difference-maker on defense on Day 1.
Here’s some options they could have.
Marcus Davenport, EDGE, UTSA (Erik Lambert of NFL Mocks)
Marcus Davenport was also the Packers’ selection in the latest mock draft by Matt Miller of Bleacher Report. The Packers desperately need to add another edge rusher at some point in the draft, and Davenport could be an option at No. 14 overall. A trio of Davenport, Nick Perry and Clay Matthews could help produce consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks in the new-look defense under Mike Pettine.
Derwin James, S, Florida State (Gil Alcaraz IV of NFL Spin Zone)
Safety could become a position of need if Morgan Burnett departs in free agency. While the Packers would still have solid depth there — especially after using a second-round selection on Josh Jones last year — Derwin James could have a Day 1 impact in Green Bay’s secondary and would make sense at No. 14.
Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa (Connor Riley of SEC Country)
It’s going to be interesting to see how Brian Gutekunst goes about addressing the cornerback position this offseason. By the time the Packers hit the clock at No. 14, Josh Jackson might make too much sense. He could easily be the best cornerback remaining on the board, and would help fill one of the team’s biggest needs. Jackson has No. 1 cornerback potential, and a pairing with Kevin King could help transform the Packers’ secondary under Pettine.
Harold Landry, EDGE, Boston College (Luke Easterling of Draft Wire)
The final two picks of the mock draft roundup are edge rushers. Harold Landry is Draft Wire’s second-best ranked edge rusher, and they believe he would give the Packers front seven an upgrade.
Arden Key, EDGE, LSU (Chris Roling of Bleacher Report)
Arden Key is another pass rusher who could interest the Packers in the first round. The 6-foot-6, 265-pounder was compared to Willie Young by Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, and is ranked third in Draft Wire’s edge rusher rankings.
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Who do you think would make the most sense to Green Bay at No. 14?