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Packers: Mike Hughes in first round of latest FanSided mock draft

By Freddie Boston

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 05: Central Florida defensive back Mike Hughes (DB15) runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 05: Central Florida defensive back Mike Hughes (DB15) runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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The latest FanSided mock draft has the Green Bay Packers selecting cornerback Mike Hughes in the first round.

Cornerback is arguably the Packers‘ biggest need ahead of the draft. Just two weeks away from the event, the team’s only incoming move at the position was bringing back Tramon Williams. That’s not enough, especially since they traded away Damarious Randall.

It’s risky to rely on a rookie or two to fix a weakness at a premier position, but that’s where the Packers currently are. There are still free agents available that could help, but barring a trade, Green Bay will need to hit a home run in the draft.

In the first round, Mike Hughes could be an option.

The latest FanSided mock sees many of the draft’s biggest names on defense taken ahead of the Packers, such as cornerback Denzel Ward, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and safeties Derwin James and Minkah Fitzpatrick.

In an ideal world, one of those four will fall to No. 14. A run on quarterbacks early could make it a possibility.

In this mock, Patrick Schmidt has the Packers selecting Hughes ahead of edge rushers Harold Landry and Marcus Davenport, as well as cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson.

"“The Packers really need help in the secondary and they get an immediate starter in Mike Hughes. He came alive last year for the undefeated Knights and while a little unproven, has all the tools to be successful. He’™ll also help provide a lift in the return game as a punt returner.”"

You can read his mock draft in full here.

While some analysts view Hughes as a late first-rounder or early second-rounder, I’d be a fan of the pick.

Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com has Hughes as the 15th best player in the entire class. Ward is the only cornerback ahead of him. He ranks fourth.

Selecting Hughes in the first round would be a good start for the Packers. He could form a strong pairing with second-year Kevin King, and the experience of Williams in the secondary would also help.

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Even if Gutekunst chooses a cornerback in the first round, I expect him to load up on talent at the position, just as his predecessor Ted Thompson did at running back in last year’s draft.

What are your thoughts on this mock draft?

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