Packers: Roquan Smith at No. 14 in latest NFL Spin Zone mock draft
Roquan Smith is the Green Bay Packers’ first-round selection in the latest NFL Spin Zone mock draft.
Upgrading the defense is the top priority in the 2018 NFL Draft for Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst. While improving the pass rush and cornerback position is most important, the Packers could do with help across the board.
If there is an early run on quarterbacks next week, one of the draft’s top defensive players could still be available when Gutekunst makes his first pick as Packers GM at No. 14 overall.
In Randy Gurzi’s latest mock draft for NFL Spin Zone, three quarterbacks are selected ahead of the Packers. That feels like a very realistic number, but it’s also possible four or even five are off the board early.
In the NFL Spin Zone mock, Roquan Smith is still available at No. 14, and the Packers make him their first selection.
"“The Packers find themselves drafting this high because of a broken collarbone suffered by quarterback Aaron Rodgers. With him back under center the offense will be back to being a dominate unit. Adding Smith to the defense will shore up a lot of issues there, making them a more rounded team.”"
And while Smith doesn’t fix one of the team’s “biggest needs”, the Packers need to get better in any way they can. Smith can help the defense improve. That’s all that matters.
You can find the full NFL Spin Zone seven-round mock draft here.
There’s every chance Smith is selected in the top 10. In that case, a top cornerback like Denzel Ward or safety like Minkah Fitzpatrick could be there at 14. Maybe Tremaine Edmunds makes it to Green Bay’s pick.
This also assumes Gutekunst doesn’t attempt to trade up. It’s not something we see too often in Green Bay, but Ted Thompson is no longer running the show. Gutekunst has certainly been more aggressive this offseason than Thompson typically was, and that could continue in next week’s draft.
As Green Bay has 12 picks to work with, there’s less risk in moving up a few spots.
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But if the real draft plays out like this mock, Gutekunst won’t need to. Check out the entire mock draft and leave a comment below with your thoughts.