Last Thursday, I did my first mock draft of the pre-NFL Draft process for the Green Bay Packers. I did the mock draft machine on Pro Football Network that included five rounds. This week, I decided to try the mock draft machine on Pro Football Focus. I do not subscribe so I was able to only do three rounds. I also did not do trades for the simplicity of this piece. The Green Bay Packers do have five picks in the first three rounds. I doubt they keep all five, but here is what I was able to draft.
Green Bay Packers Pick 25- Johnny Newton (DL- Illinois)
I have been on the record for awhile now that the Green Bay Packers, if they stay at pick 25, should take the best player available as their main needs will be around beginning in round two. I would be shocked if Johnny Newton was available at pick 25.
Cooper DeJean was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles at pick 22. If he were still on on the board at that time, I could see Brian Gutekunst trying to move up. If Newton is there at 25, then the Green Bay Packers have one of the best defensive linemen in this draft to line up next to Kenny Clark. The Packers are loaded on the defensive line now, but this would add even more depth and talent to a group that is relied on to get to the quarterback.
Pick 41- Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB- Alabama)
I am not sure how Kool-Aid McKinstry was still on the board at pick 41, but in this mock, the Green Bay Packers got one of the better corners in this class too.
The Packers have plenty of corners now, but is a true starting corner opposite Jaire Alexander? Right now, I would guess it’s a battle between Eric Stokes and Carrington Valentine. Stokes is a free agent at the end of this coming season unless Green Bay picks up his fifth year option. The are running out of time to make that decision. A high pick on another corner would almost guarantee they won’t up year five for Stokes.
I like what Carrington Valentine did as a rookie last year. He should have the edge right now between him and Stokes. He has proven he can stay on the field more often and has the potential to make a year two jump.
Pick 58- Javon Bullard (S- Georgia)
The Green Bay Packers absolutely need safety in this draft despite it being not a strong position class. I like Tyler Nubin out of Minnesota, but I ultimately picked McKinstry ahead of him.
Bullard has the ability to be a slot corner as well. I know that is take bu Keisean Nixon, but Bullard can bring the pop at safety. With how good Xavier McKinney is already, they might be able to get away with Bullard as an immediate starter.
Pick 88- Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (LB- Clemson)
Just like safety, the Green Bay Packers need a starting inside linebacker next to Quay Walker. Isaiah McDuffie would not be a bad small-term option since he did play for current defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley at Boston College, but it’s not a solution past this season.
I don’t know a ton about Trotter, but in this mock, it was time to address the position, He was the best inside linebacker available and one of the better players available according to PFF.
Pick 91- Sedrick Van Prann (C- Georgia)
I am not sure if Van Prann can play multiple positions, but I do know the Packers likely have to find Josh Meyers replacement at center. Too many times last season was Myers the worst player on the offensive line. Maybe I, like many others, saw something different from what Matt LaFleur saw, but many credited individuals who broker down film saw some really poor play from Meyers. I saw it too.
The Packers could address guard here too. Sean Rhyan looked poised to be the starting right guard in his third year, but a depth piece to potentially challenge him might not be a bad idea either. Right now, I think center is a position that should be addressed.
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