Top Draft Targets for the Green Bay Packers
We're a little over 2 weeks until the 2017 NFL Draft, and the Packers hold the 29th pick. Mock drafts have them taking anywhere from cornerback to running back, but today isn't a mock draft. Today I'll take a look at the top 5 targets from each side of the ball that the Packers could select with their first round pick.
Offensive Targets
1. Christian McCaffrey - Running Back - Stanford
If the Packers were to go running back, McCaffrey would be the ideal pick. Has the size to run between the tackles, and can play all 3 downs due to his receiving ability. The creative Packers offense would love his versatility and the ability to move him all over the field.
2. Dalvin Cook - Running Back - Florida State
Cook is a really good running back that could go in the top 15 in the draft if it was based on talent alone. He's had troubles off the field, plus fumble and injury problems in his days at Florida State. The Packers likely plan to use Cook as a 2 down back if he were the pick at 29.
3. Forrest Lamp - Guard - Western Kentucky
After the departure of TJ Lang, the Packers need a new starting guard. Don Barclay hasn't cut it so far in his career, and I don't think they are willing to move Bryan Bulaga or Jason Spriggs inside. Lamp has been rising up draft boards, so he might not be available when the Packers are up, but he'd be able to step in and start from day one if he falls.
4. Joe Mixon - Running Back - Oklahoma
Joe Mixon is going to create a dilemma for teams in this years draft. He has all the talent of a top 10 pick, but his off the field actions have for good reason almost made him undraftable in the first round. If the Packers are comfortable with answering questions about his domestic violence incident, then he could be the guy at 29.
5. Dan Feeney - Guard - Indiana
Last year Green Bay selected his line-mate Jason Spriggs, so why not take Feeney. Like I mentioned earlier, the Packers are going to need to take a guard at some point. Feeney was a 4 year starter at Indiana and was team captain for the last 2 seasons. Might be a reach at 29 so they would likely trade back into the early second round or try and wait to see if he falls to their second if Feeney is their guy.
Defensive Targets
1. Marlon Humphrey - Cornerback - Alabama
At the back end of the first round there should be many corners to choose from. Humphrey tops the list for me because he's a big physical corner that can succeed playing bump and run coverage, which is something the Packers love to play.
2. TJ Watt - Linebacker - Wisconsin
Watt would be a good sentimental hometown pick due to the college connection, but it would be a great fit as well. He's got huge hands and good athleticism, which sets him up for big time potential. He can step in right away and fill the void left by Julius Peppers opposite of Clay Matthews.
3. Teez Tabor - Cornerback - Florida
In my first mock draft, I had the Packers selecting Tabor at 29. He was a two-time All-SEC player and proved his talent in pass coverage. Doesn't have the 40 speed that you'd look for in a #1 corner, but he faced future NFL talent every week in the SEC and had a great career.
4. Jabrill Peppers - Linebacker - Michigan
The more I think about this, the more I think it's a perfect fit. The Packers have been looking for an athletic inside linebacker for a long time now, and Peppers fits the bill. He's played every position you can think of at Michigan, and the linebacker/safety hybrid would make him a 3 down player and open things up for Dom Capers to experiment.
5. Tre'Davious White - Cornerback - LSU
He has the athleticism and the speed that the Packers need in their secondary, but he's not a very good against the run and is smaller than what you want in a #1 corner. Don't think the Packers would want to select a mostly nickel corner with their first round pick.
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