That cornerback is a huge roster void for the Green Bay Packers is far from breaking news. Sure, they signed Benjamin St-Juste in free agency, and Javon Bullard showed promise at nickel last year. However, they still need another starter on the boundaries. That's why you'll see them adding reinforcements at either corner or the interior defensive line in Round 2 in most mock drafts.
Granted, Green Bay could also beef up the offensive trenches. Bringing in someone to push Jordan Morgan at left tackle wouldn't be a bad idea. Similarly, general manager Brian Gutenkust could bolster the right guard position. So, knowing what roster voids he needs to fill in the draft, you are probably familiar with some prospects the Packers could take.
Texas Tech defensive tackle Lee Hunter has been a trendy draft target at No. 52, especially after meeting with the team's brass. The same is true for San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson, who also had a pre-draft visit. Both of them could come in and contribute right off the bat. However, you should always expect the unexpected in the draft, and nobody would bat an eye if Gutekunst took a path nobody saw coming. That's precisely what they do in a couple of mock drafts.
Mel Kiper Jr. (ESPN): Avieon Terrell, Clemson, CB
If you're an avid reader of Lombardi Ave., first, thank you. And second, you'll know that Avieon Terrell sliding to No. 52, as Mel Kiper Jr. suggests, would be a potential dream scenario in Round 2. At 5-11 and 190 pounds, the former Clemson Tiger may not have ideal height, but he can line up inside or outside. That kind of versatility could come in handy in defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon's scheme.
But wait, there's more! His four sacks and eight forced fumbles during his collegiate career show that Gannon could find creative ways to put Terrel in a position to succeed.
Mike Renner (CBS Sports): Christen Miller, Georgia, DT
Here's a familiar face that's been seen as a logical fit in Titletown. In his latest mock draft, Mike Renner of CBS Sports has the Packers rolling with Christen Miller. The former Georgia standout needs to do a better job of reacting to the snap, and his hand usage is in need of refinement. However, both things can be corrected with proper coaching. Couple that with the fact that he possesses superb quickness and lateral agility, and nobody would argue if Green Bay drafted him in Round 2.
Sure, his lack of athletic testing during the draft process could be a red flag. However, Brian Gutekunst has shown an affinity for former Bulldogs. Moreover, he would most definitely check off a big box and could turn his attention to addressing other needs in the remaining rounds.
Ok, so far. There's nothing out of the ordinary, but here's where things take a bit of a turn.
Brent Sobleski (Bleacher Report): Malik Muhammad, Texas, CB
Precisely because corner is a need, it would make sense if the Packers drafted Malik Muhammad... as long as they don't do it in Round 2 as they do in Bleacher Report's newest mock draft. Why, you may be wondering. The answer is simple, he would be a reach.
The consensus board has Muhammad at No. 91 in the class, which would make him a third-rounder.
Muhammad can play man or zone. Green Bay would most definitely welcome that kind of skill set. The issue is that at 6-foot and 182 pounds, he tends to push around at both the catching point and the line of scrimmage. Similarly, he doesn't have the strength to tackle opposing players. In fact, his slight frame may make him a candidate to switch to nickel.
Make no mistake, Muhammad has upside because of his position versatility and his 4.42-second speed. That said, the consensus sees him as either a Round 3 or 4 pick, which is why it would be odd to see the Packers take him at No. 52.
Of course, that's just one mock... nevermind.
Chad Reuter of NFL.com: Malik Muhammad, Texas, CB
Wait, what? With Chad Reuter's latest seven-round mock draft, that makes it two analysts who think the Packers could take Malik Muhammad in the second round. Again, he would be fine in either Rounds 3 or 4 but would be a reach at No. 52.
This isn't a knock on Muhammad, who could turn out to be a fine NFL player. Heck, he could become a playmaker at corner, and if that's the case, I'll eat my hat.
The good news is that mock drafts don't always reflect a team's draft board, and Muhammed may not be on the Packers' radar. Then again, there's a chance he is, but who knows? We'll find out soon.
Add us as a preferred source on Google