APC Mock Draft 2018: Packers land a falling Derwin James at #14

As the Acme Packing Company mock draft for the 2018 selection meeting continues on, we finally have the Green Bay Packers on the clock. Of the eight participating writers, Peter Bukowski was assigned as the Packers’ GM for this exercise, and he is thrilled with the pick he was able to make in Brian Gutekunst’s place at 14.

Here are the next batch of first-round picks, covering selections 13 through 18.

1.13 — Washington (Owen)

Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa

Running back Derrius Guice is intriguing here, but ultimately Bruce Allen goes with Josh Jackson, who will learn from Josh Norman and is an excellent fit in the Redskins’ zone heavy defense. Jackson isn’t an elite athlete, but his size and ability to play at the line of scrimmage will bode well for him making a difference early for a Redskins defense that has a bevy of pass rushers.

Jackson can learn from one of the more savvy defensive backs in the NFL in Norman, while continuing to soak up knowledge of the cornerback position (he’s only started for one season at Iowa). The former wide receiver’s instincts from the other side of the ball only expedite his learning curve on defense, and Washington is happy to add to their secondary.

1.14 — Green Bay Packers (Peter)

Derwin James, S, Florida State

This will bum out “the Packers have to take an edge rusher” Twitter, which is one of the worst factions of Cheesehead Nation. No, they have to take the player who improves their team the most.

How about a big, physical, playmaking defensive back who can play safety, linebacker, or corner, has incredible physical tools, and a nose for the ball? James would immediately make the Packers faster, stronger, more explosive, more dynamic and more versatile. I think James is one of the five best players in the draft and Mike Pettine loves to play three safeties. Play Josh Jones in the box, HaHa Clinton-Dix deep, and Derwin James everywhere. That would solve the issues with speed at linebacker and lack of depth at cornerback plus James is an elite blitzer for a safety. He’s not a panacea for this defense, but at 14, he’s the closest they’re going to get.

1.15 — Indianapolis Colts [From ARI] (Jordan)

Harold Landry, EDGE, Boston College

The Colts had the 15th overall pick in last year’s draft and they made a smart pick with safety, Malik Hooker. Before tearing his ACL in early November, Hooker was playing at a high level for a rookie in a Colts secondary that has lacked talent for years. Now, it’s time to continue to add building blocks for the defense with Landry.

Landry is a freak athlete and can help the Colts bolster their pass rush, as well as take on more traditional linebacker roles in the defense. At the combine, Landry tied for the top 3-cone (6.88) and 20-yard shuttle drill (4.19 sec) which shouldn’t be such a surprise because of the skillful bend ability he displays while rushing the passer. He’ll start for Indy on day one.

1.16 — Baltimore Ravens (Jordan)

Marcus Davenport, EDGE, UTSA

Marcus Davenport is a raw prospect, but he’s tested off the charts. While the offense could use some work, the Ravens are better off taking a player with large potential and letting him learn from one of the greats: Terrell Suggs. Davenport played against what’s considered “lower competition,” but the physical tools are there and the Ravens have enough at the position to allow Davenport to develop.

The Ravens may be thinking receiver at this position, but I think with the additions of Michael Crabtree and John Brown, Ozzie Newsome can wait to pluck someone from a later round. In order to contend in the AFC North, Baltimore needs to start retooling it’s defense with some more youth.

1.17 — Los Angeles Chargers (JBH)

Mike McGlinchey, OL, Notre Dame

One day, the Chargers will have a season not defined by mass injuries. Until that time, they have to prepare for absences across the roster. That applies especially for the offensive line, which endured unprecedented health issues over the past four years. Mike McGlinchey provides depth immediately and should compete for a starting job in short order. More importantly, he has the potential to lock down the blindside for a decade if he fully develops.

1.18 — Seattle Seahawks (Mike)

Isaiah Wynn, OL, Georgia

The Seahawks are in the midst of a full-blown rebuild effort and, to make matter worse, they don’t have many draft picks this year to help that effort. The offensive line was a huge disappointment for the Seahawks this year and they start there on the rebuild with interior offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn out of Georgia.

Wynn is extremely versatile and has played every offensive line position in college. Standing at 6’3” projects him to be a guard or center at the NFL level and that is just fine with the Seahawks. He is very powerful in his run blocking and should be able to hold his own on the interior pass rush. The Seahawks get a nice piece to start their rebuild in Isaiah Wynn.