Welcome back, folks. It’s #DraftSZN.
Obviously it’s still pretty early in the 2017 NFL Season, but it’s never too early to start thinking about what next year’s Packers roster could look like, and what talent from college football could be added to the 13 time world champion Green Bay Packers.
The Packers roster after this season could look drastically different than fans have become accustomed to. Randall Cobb and Clay Matthews, among others, could see their exit from the green and gold due to their salaries, while the team will have another large group of key players hitting free agency. It will be interesting to see how the roster is shaped, and what replacements are needed, and then brought in.
This mock was made using the fine website first-pick.com.
Round 1 Pick 26 - Calvin Ridley, WR Alabama, 6’1” 190
One of the most dynamic pass catchers in the college game, Ridley falls to the Packers in this scenario. Ridley is a true junior for the Crimson Tide, but will turn 23 this season. Ridley is a former 5-star recruit, and will be a sought after prospect. With Davante Adams’ contract up after this season, as well as Randall Cobb’s future the team in question, Ridley would provide the Packers with their most electric weapon on offense, as well as some fresh legs in an aging position group.
Others considered: James Washington, WR Oklahoma State, Denzel Ward, CB Ohio State, and Jaire Alexander, CB Louisville.
Round 2 Pick 26 - Dorance Armstrong, EDGE Kansas, 6’4” 246
An exciting player on a poor college team, Armstrong is another true junior who has exploded onto the season over the past season. Armstrong is quickly gaining more attention and acclaim from the big draft media. Clay Matthews is one of the highest-paid players in Green Bay, and while he’s still a fan favorite and commercial connoisseur, he’s likely over compensated for his performance on the field over the past couple seasons. He could be a salary casualty.
Others considered: Trenton Thompson, DL Georgia, Mason Cole, Michigan OT/C, Quenton Meeks, CB Stanford.
Round 3 Pick 26 traded to CHI, receive Round 4 picks 3 and 13
Round 4 Pick 3 - Jamarco Jones, OT Ohio State, 6’5” 310
A move down a few spots here gets an extra 4th rounder. Jones has played well at left tackle for the Buckeyes over the past couple seasons. The Packers only take collegiate blindside tackles, so while Jones likely doesn’t end up at left tackle in Green Bay, he could take the place of the thus-far disappointing Jason Spriggs as a swing tackle, as well as having the potential to play guard in the future. Jahri Evans is 33, and isn’t getting any younger at right guard.
Others considered: Dallas Goedert, TE South Dakota State, Jordan Thomas, CB Oklahoma
Round 4 Pick 13 - Jordan Thomas, CB Oklahoma, 6’0” 185
After passing on Thomas earlier in the round, he’s still available ten picks later. Thomas had some hype after this sophomore season, and it was a bit surprising that he didn’t declare for the 2017 Draft. In a deep cornerback class, however, Thomas opted to come back to school and potentially be drafted higher in 2018. The Packers like tall, big cornerbacks, and Thomas fits that mold. The Packers need to continue to build depth throughout their roster.
Round 4 Pick 26 - JK Scott, P Alabama, 6’6” 204
OKAY NOW HOLD ON. Hear me out. The Packers have run through a few punters in the past couple seasons. J.K. Scott had 25 punts of 50+ yards in 2016, and 7 punts of 60 plus. While it’s a bit unconventional to take a punter this early (B.J. Sander was obviously a major disappointment), Scott could be a major weapon for the Packers in the field position battle, and he’ll immediately be a Top 10 punter in the NFL. Rather than doing “good enough” with an undrafted punter, guarantee a stud with a huge leg for 4-5 years.
Round 5 Pick 26 - Rashard Fant, CB Indiana, 5’10” 180
While Fant may end up below the Packers thresholds from a height standpoint, Fant has quietly been one of the best defensive backs in the country over the past couple of seasons. Again, continuing to add talent to the defensive backfield. Fant would be a slot corner and a special teams contributor.
Round 6 Pick 26 - Darren Carrington II, WR Utah, 6’3” 205
Another wide receiver here in the 6th round. Carrington is a grad transfer from Oregon, and is an electric athlete. He never quite lived up to the billing coming out of high school, but has already made his mark on the Utes’ program. Carrington II has return experience, and would add another impressive athlete to a receiving corps that isn’t overwhelming physically.
Round 7 Pick 26 - Dorian O’Daniel, ILB Clemson, 6’1” 220
O’Daniel has been an integral part of the Tigers’ success over the past two seasons. A solid athlete at the position, O’Daniel could likely pretty comfortably fill the Joe Thomas role at linebacker. He’s likely never a starter, but a role player and special teamer to help continue to improve the depth on the roster.