Another week gone by means that another slate of mock drafts have been published, and we have a ton of new players projected to the Packers with the 26th overall pick. This week's mocks see players from a variety of different positions plugged in at that spot, but there's a common thread: the Packers need to get better in the trenches.
Tyler Eifert (TE, Notre Dame) - The Phinsider
The SBNation blog for the Miami Dolphins projects a great tight end prospect to Green Bay, something that would surprise but not disappoint me.
Jonathan Cooper (G/C, North Carolina) - WalterFootball.com
I see an interior OL prospect as still being more likely for the Packers in round 2 than in round 1, but Cooper is a very intriguing prospect and would get a long look if he falls to 26.
D.J. Fluker (T, Alabama), Alec Ogletree (OLB, Georgia) - CBSSports.com
The last three NFL drafts have seen the Packers take two tackles and a linebacker in the first round. CBS Sports' analysts think those positions will be where the Packers focus once again.
Manti Te'o (ILB, Notre Dame) - NFL.com
This is the first time I've actually heard Te'o as our projected pick. While my gut reaction was "OMG NO", I settled down and realized that it would be a good pick in terms of both value and need.
Eddie Lacy (RB, Alabama) - SBNation.com
The mothership just updated their mock draft today and someone finally has projected a running back to go to the Packers. I would not be opposed to this pick, but I still have a very hard time seeing Ted Thompson actually draft a running back in the first round.
I think that all of these picks would satisfy needs on the Packers' roster. There's also a lot of value in many of these picks, and I think many of these mock drafters did a great job of identifying the Packers' philosophy of drafting for value rather than overcommitting to a certain position of need. Personally, I'm a little hesitant to think that Ted Thompson would draft a tight end or running back in the first round. I think based on the value that's likely to be there at the end of the first round we'll end up with a player who spends more time in the trenches.