Packers Mock Draft 2017: Gareon Conley could provide size at cornerback

There are still about nine weeks to go until the 2017 NFL Draft, which means that mock drafts continue to pop up frequently. SB Nation’s Dan Kadar is back on this Monday morning with a new mock, and we see a new name pop up for the Green Bay Packers with the 29th pick of round one.

Cornerbacks and pass-rushers have been common projections for Ted Thompson’s roster, but this week’s name is a relatively new one for the Green and Gold:

29. Green Bay Packers: Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State

Green Bay’s pass coverage took a step backward last season, and a player like Conley could be a good addition to help improve the unit.

Conley is an intriguing player, as he is a taller player, expected to measure in a shade over six feet. For a Packers cornerback group that has just one player taller than 5’11”, that would be a welcome addition. He appears to be a good scheme fit for the Packers’ defense as well, having played primarily in a press-man quarters system for the Buckeyes. Having experience in that sort of scheme could make him a natural candidate to transition into Dom Capers’ defense, as the Packers’ defensive coordinator generally prefers to match up his corners in man coverage.

Part of a great cornerback tandem with fellow Buckeye Marshon Lattimore, Conley is currently viewed by many draft pundits as a fringe first-round pick, and could improve his stock by measuring in well and running fast at the Scouting Combine. Lattimore will certainly go off the board before Conley, but either one might be a good fit for the Packers.