Packers select top cornerback at No. 14 in latest FanSided mock draft

The latest FanSided mock draft has the Green Bay Packers selecting cornerback Jaire Alexander with the 14th overall pick.

Arguably the Green Bay Packers’ biggest need entering the 2018 NFL Draft is cornerback.

That doesn’t necessarily mean new general manager Brian Gutekunst must select a corner when the Packers hit the clock with the 14th overall pick in the first round next week, but there’s certainly a strong chance he will.

Depending on how many quarterbacks are selected early on, the Packers could have the chance to select Denzel Ward out of Ohio State. I expect Ward will be off the board by No. 14.

If he’s gone, Gutekunst could turn to Jaire Alexander out of Louisville.

That’s exactly how the latest FanSided mock draft plays out. In this mock, many of the top defensive names such as Ward, Derwin James and Minkah Fitzpatrick are gone by the time the Packers pick.

You can find the full FanSided mock draft here.

Ranked as Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com‘s 16th best player in the entire class, third among corners, Alexander could give Mike Pettine’s defense an immediate upgrade in 2018.

Here is what Jeremiah had to say about Alexander’s potential in the NFL:

"“Alexander is a tough, instinctive cornerback prospect. He spent the majority of his time on the outside at Louisville, but he did take a few reps at the nickel spot. He’s excellent in press coverage. He consistently re-routes his opponent with a quick two-hand jam. He has a little stiffness when he opens up, but he’s rarely out of position underneath or down the field.”"

Alexander sure sounds like the type of player the Packers currently need at corner.

With Tramon Williams and Davon House returning, the defensive backfield has enough experience and leadership to help Alexander ease in. Getting second-year Kevin King healthy will also give the defense a boost.

One cause for concern with Alexander is his injury history, as Matthew Bartlett of Saturday Blitz pointed out. The Packers had similar problems with King last year, who missed almost half the season due to a shoulder injury.

If Gutekunst doesn’t believe this is a major cause for concern, Alexander could definitely be in play at No. 14 to Green Bay.

A cornerback room featuring King, Williams, House and Alexander would sure look stronger than it did at the close of the 2017 season.

Next: Top 30 moments in Green Bay Packers history

What are your thoughts on Alexander? Should the Packers consider him in the first round of next week’s draft?