Packers three-round mock draft with under a week to go

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Wide receiver Dante Pettis
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Wide receiver Dante Pettis /
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The latest Green Bay Packers three-round mock draft with under a week to go.

New general manager Brian Gutekunst vowed the Packers would be active during free agency, and they were. His next task is quickly approaching, the 2018 NFL Draft.

Green Bay was able to add veteran tight end Jimmy Graham, who will be Aaron Rodgers’ number one target in the red zone. However, the signing resulted in the release of fan favorite Jordy Nelson.

The defensive line improved by signing Muhammad Wilkerson and reuniting the former New York Jets player with defensive coordinator Mike Pettine. 

As for the Packers’ secondary, they re-signed Davon House, brought back Tramon Williams, traded Damarious Randall to the Cleveland Browns and lost Morgan Burnett.

Despite Green Bay being much more active than years past, they still have needs and weaknesses. 

Here are three prospects that could help fill the roster’s current voids and help the Packers return to the postseason.

Round 1, Pick 14: EDGE Marcus Davenport, UTSA

Davenport is a freak athlete and he displayed that while at UTSA. Since arriving on campus, he improved and developed each season. 

In his final season he recorded 55 total tackles, 17.5 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks, four passes defended, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

He was awarded the 2017 Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year Award, the first player from UTSA to ever win the accolade.

At the Senior Bowl, the 6-foot-6 edge rusher helped improve his stock by recording a sack and scoring a touchdown on a fumble recovery.

Davenport solidified himself as a top-15 draft selection with his performance at the NFL Scouting Combine.

His 4.58 40-yard dash time was the fastest amongst defensive linemen. He also recorded the second-best broad jump distance at 124.0 inches and was sixth in the vertical jump in his position group.

Although Davenport is considered “raw,” and many question the level of competition he faced while at UTSA, he possess all of the tools to be dominant at the next level.

Round 2, Pick 45: CB Isaiah Oliver, Colorado

At 45, the Green Bay Packers should run to the podium if Oliver is still available.

The 6-foot-1, 200-pound corner ran a 4.5-second 40-time at the combine, which is considered slow for the position, but extremely impressive considering his size.

In three seasons at Colorado, he tallied 82 tackles, 25 passes defended, three interceptions and one forced fumble. Oliver earned first-team All-Pac 12 honors in his final season.

According to Pro Football Focus, Oliver recorded the most tackles after receptions without a missed tackle. 

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This year’s draft class has a plethora of corners and that’s why Oliver may not make the cut in the first round.

At only 21 years of age, Oliver is very young and still has plenty of learning to do. But, the mix of size, strength and athleticism makes him an intriguing pick for the Packers.

Round 3, Pick 76: WR Dante Pettis, Washington

With the departure of Nelson, the Packers need to add a wide receiver in the upcoming draft, and Pettis could be a mid-round selection.

According to Rob Demovsky of ESPN, Green Bay brought Pettis in for a pre-draft visit.

The four-year wideout recorded 163 receptions, 2,256 yards and 24 touchdowns for the Huskies. In his final two seasons he caught 22 of his 24 career scores.

Pettis was a 2017 consensus first-team All-America, All-Pac-12 first-team (both WR and RS) and a Paul Hornung Award finalist.

Not only did he make an impact on offense but also on special teams. He currently holds the NCAA record with nine career punt returns for a touchdown and is the record holder with punt returns for a touchdown in three consecutive games.

The 6-foot-1 receiver runs crisp routes and could play outside as well as the slot.

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NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compared him to former NFL wideout T.J. Houshmandzadeh and believes he will need to be more consistent as well as play tougher at the next level.

Pettis’ versatility and ability to play special teams makes him extremely valuable.