Packers mailbag: Draft options in first round, Jordy Nelson’s replacement
By Robert
We open up the mailbag just two weeks away from the 2018 NFL Draft. Here’s the answers to your latest Green Bay Packers questions.
The 2018 NFL Draft is coming, are you ready?
The Green Bay Packers hold the 14th overall pick in this year’s draft, for now. As we know, last year they traded out of the first round, before selecting CB Kevin King out of Washington.
Although I don’t think the Packers will trade back from pick 14, anything can happen. Below are questions asked by you.
From Chase, (@ChaseKraus98)
If Denzel Ward, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Derwin James, and Josh Jackson are available at 14, do you believe the Packers would take one of them over edge rusher Marcus Davenport?
With the addition of Muhammad Wilkerson, the Packers chances of going with a pass rusher at pick 14 decreased. Along with Mike Daniels and Kenny Clark controlling the trenches, a corner back is my prediction for Brian Gutekunst’s first pick as general manager. Which one? I’m not sure.
This draft is loaded with strong candidates in which you mentioned. Davenport has a bright future, but I think he goes later in the first round. Although adding Tramon Williams was a positive, they need more depth after trading Damarious Randall to the Browns. My guess is Jackson or James depending on who is available, but it’s a shot in the dark at this point. Don’t be surprised if they choose any of the four you named with the 14th overall pick.
From Mark, (@MMarjii2000)
Will we sign Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie? Which draft prospects would replace Jordy Nelson?
Unless the Packers for some reason don’t draft a cornerback early, that would be the only scenario in which makes DRC a Packer. The void of Nelson has brought some emphasis to adding depth to the position with the inconsistent play from Geronimo Allison and Trevor Davis.
I predict that the Packers will draft a wide receiver in the second or third round to add depth, not to replace Nelson. The addition of Jimmy Graham was a big reason the Packers were comfortable with releasing Nelson.
As for prospects the Packers may consider, I like Anthony Miller out of Memphis as a candidate to look into. I also wouldn’t be surprised if Michael Clark found his name on the depth chart, who is currently on the practice squad. As long as Davante Adams is healthy, I think he is ready to take on the full responsibility of WR1.
From MkeVet, (@MkeWisVets)
What’s missing for the Packers to return to the Super Bowl? What key have we been missing that’€™s kept us out of the Super Bowl?
A little bit of luck and a defense. In all seriousness, the Packers have been one or two games short of the Super Bowl year in and year out throughout Aaron Rodgers‘ career. Making the playoffs eight of the past nine seasons proves just that.
Although they have some key components to compete for a title, they’re missing a very important one, a defense. “Defense wins championships” is a saying we’re all familiar with. With four of their seven playoff losses under Mike McCarthy happening in overtime, one play here or there is the difference between moving on and packing their bags.
With all the changes this offseason, they’re looking to capitalize while they can. The window to win in the NFL can close just as fast as it opened.
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