Packers: 5 first-round options in 2018 NFL Draft

Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State

Many believe fixing the cornerback position should be the Packers’ biggest priority this offseason. You certainly won’t find any arguments here. I think cornerback is on par with the team’s most pressing need along with upgrading the pass rush.

The Packers once boasted one of the league’s deepest cornerback groups, featuring Sam Shields, Casey Hayward and Tramon Williams. It’s no surprise the pass defense has struggled in a big way the past two years without them.

As noted earlier, Iowa’s Josh Jackson could be a Day 1 target for Brian Gutekunst and the Packers. Another name they should consider is Ohio State’s Denzel Ward.

What could Ward add to Mike Pettine’s defense? NFL Mocks draft analyst Erik Lambert recently spoke to Lombardi Ave’s Joe D’Aloisio, and believes Ward would be a good pick by the Packers at No. 14.

“His ability to play press-man coverage is a great fit for the Mike Pettine scheme,” Lambert said. “Most will say he’s a slot corner but he’s more than capable of playing both inside and outside.”

There’s a good chance he’ll still be there when the Packers pick at No. 14. If he’s available, Ward should be strongly considered by Brian Gutekunst.

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Who do you think would be a smart selection by the Packers at No. 14?