Packers Mock Draft 2017: ESPN’s Kiper goes offense, McShay bolsters defense

On Wednesday, ESPN’s draft analysts published their first “joint” mock draft of 2017. Mel Kiper and Todd McShay put their heads together this time to contrast their picks against each other in this mock, which extended out through the second round.

The two analysts’ picks for the Green Bay Packers show very different approaches; we can bet which of the two Packers fans will appreciate more. Here are the picks from each analyst for the Packers at the 29th and 61st picks, along with our discussion of the selections.

Todd McShay

Round 1: Charles Harris, EDGE, Missouri

Harris is a name that we haven’t seen mocked to the Packers a whole lot recently, perhaps due in part to his less-than-stellar Combine performance. Those numbers (4.82 40, 33” vertical, 9’1” broad) call into question McShay’s comment about Harris being “a twitched-up athlete.” Instead, McShay is indeed correct about one thing — Harris’ get-off and “elite first step” being his secret to success. That did show up on his tape at Mizzou, where he racked up 16 sacks and over 30 tackles for loss over the last two seasons. He would likely be a contributor at outside linebacker in pass rush situations right away in Green Bay.

Round 2: Fabian Moreau, CB, UCLA

Moreau tore his pectoral muscle during the Bruins’ Pro Day, but has most of the measureables that the Packers look for in their cornerbacks along with terrific speed (4.35 at the Combine). He would probably be a nice find in round two, even if the pec injury keeps him out for all of summer practices and into training camp.

Mel Kiper

Round 1: Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State

For some reason, Kiper continues to mock running backs to Green Bay in round one. Previously it was Christian McCaffrey (who fits the Packers far better than Cook does), and now it’s Cook for the second straight mock. With backs who fit the Packers well likely to be available in the later rounds — like Wyoming’s Brian Hill, who was a topic of discussion on this week’s APC Podcast with Justis Mosqueda — the value of taking a runner at 29 just doesn’t make sense.

Round 2: Cooper Kupp, WR, Eastern Washington

Kupp is one of Kiper’s biggest draft crushes, and it seems that he is looking for a spot to slot him in for this mock draft. The problem is that Kupp had less-than-impressive 40 times that would drop him down out of the Packers’ traditional thresholds (thanks again to Justis). Furthermore, with the team not addressing the defense in round one, it seems unlikely that they would take a receiver who doesn’t fit their athletic profile in round two.