2017 NFL Draft: Green Bay Packers Midseason 7-Round Mock
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With the Green Bay Packers in the middle of an up-and-down season, it’s not too early to mock what they could do in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Heading into Week 9, the Green Bay Packers currently sit at 4-3 with plenty of football left to be played. Although the team still has a lot to prove, I think now is the right time to start the conversation about the 2017 NFL Draft with a seven-round mock draft.
Yes, I know it’s too early to count out the Packers. Especially with the Minnesota Vikings suddenly reeling, there’s little reason to think that Aaron Rodgers and Co. aren’t right in the middle of the playoff race. Even if that is the case, you better believe the Green Bay scouting department is hard at work preparing for the 2017 NFL Draft. That’s why you should be, too.
Now remember that this isn’t supposed to be an exact prediction of who the Packers will pick come April. It’s an opportunity to look at the team’s current needs while giving you a glimpse at some of the players who could fill those needs and their current draft stock.
Don’t take it too seriously—it is only November, after all.
So here it is, my look at what the Packers could do during all seven rounds of the 2017 NFL Draft.
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Round 1: Christian McCaffrey, RB — Stanford
At this point, the Packers can’t afford to move forward without addressing the running back position. Eddie Lacy and James Stark have both fallen to injury, forcing Green Bay to depend on wide receivers and unknowns to carry the ground game.
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It’s starting to look like Lacy isn’t the long-term answer, so why not add someone who could be? Yes, I’m talking about Stanford star Christian McCaffrey.
The Cardinal’s Swiss Army knife may not provide the same power as Lacy, but his versatility would add a whole new dimension to the Packers offense. Not only is he a tough, patient runner capable of breaking off big runs with every touch, but he’s an excellent weapon in the passing game. Imagine what Rodgers could do with McCaffrey in the mix.
It’s a tough decision for a Packers team that has struggled with deficiencies at the running back position in the past. It also doesn’t help that McCaffrey has had his own injury issues this season. Still, if the Packers plan on keeping this offense rolling into next year, some new blood at running back is a must. Adding the Stanford product would be wise if he’s still on the board on Day 1.
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Round 2: Billy Price, OG — Ohio State
The Packers have a solid offensive line, but could use some more assets moving forward. Especially after bidding Josh Sitton farewell and with T.J. Lang headed for free agency, Green Bay is going to need some more interior support in 2017. The addition of Billy Price would certainly be a solid solution, especially if they can land him at the end of the second round.
After entering the starting lineup in 2014, Price has consistently seen progress as a prominent presence along the Buckeyes front five. He’s an impressive all-around blocker, but will need to solidify his pass protection skills before venturing onto an NFL field. Some added discipline to cut down on penalties would also be ideal.
During his days at Ohio State, Price has spent plenty of time creating big holes in the running game and protecting some excellent quarterbacks. He’d be expected to do more of the same in Green Bay, which wouldn’t seem to be an issue considering his skill set.
Especially if the Packers let Lang hit the open market, they’ll need some significant help at guard. Price would absolutely provide that.
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Round 3: Jordan Thomas, CB — Oklahoma
You can never have too much depth at cornerback in the NFL. And as the Packers have found out this year, losing a starter can expose a slim secondary.
Realistically, it would be in Green Bay’s best interest to add some extra playmakers at cornerback heading into 2016. While they could easily choose to do so in the earlier rounds, this seems like the perfect time.
Jordan Thomas’ stock has been on the rise this season, but there will be some concerns come draft time. The Oklahoma standout is a big-time playmaker, but has some off-the-field issues that include two 2015 suspensions and an arrest. It’ll be a point of conversation when the pre-draft process begins.
That’s why a talent like Thomas could still be available in the third round. However, it’s also the perfect opportunity for Green Bay to add an impact player to one of the NFL’s strongest locker rooms. Thomas offers great size and length, and is a proven ballhawk. If the Packers could get him with a late-Day 3 selection, they’d be getting a huge steal.
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Round 4: Cole Hikutini, TE — Louisville
As so many expected, the Jared Cook experiment was a failure for Green Bay. Richard Rodgers will always be a serviceable starter, but the Packers need more moving forward if they’re going to continue making the most of Rodgers’ elite abilities.
They could easily opt to address the position earlier than this, but I think the underrated abilities of Cole Hikutini are a great fit in the fourth round. And trust me Packers fans, you wouldn’t be disappointed if the Louisville tight end came to Wisconsin.
Although his stats have been bloated by the Cardinals impressive passing game, he’s more than capable of making big plays. So far this season, Hikutini has hauled in 33 passes for 482 yards and four touchdowns. Lamar Jackson has certainly enjoyed his presence in the passing game.
The Louisville standout is still a work in progress, especially in the blocking department. However, the main focus here should be adding a weapon in the passing game. Hikutini has the tools to contribute early in Green Bay.
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Round 5: James Conner, RB — Pitt
Yes, I’m going with another running back here, because one may not be enough. And especially with Lacy’s time in Green Bay possibly being up, the Packers could use a power back to compliment the speedy, versatile McCaffrey. Enter James Conner.
Some of you may know the name well—he was one of the top 2016 prospects before a knee injury and a battle with cancer sidelined him for the year. However, now that he’s beaten the odds and is back on the field, it’s time to take him serious as an NFL-caliber talent again.
There’s no denying that he’s a special player when healthy and at full strength. Just look at the numbers from 2014: 1,765 yards and 26 touchdowns on the ground. Conner was a star, and can get back to that in the near future.
Teams will be wary of the Pitt star considering his medical history, but the potential is there for him to be an excellent option in the ground game. If he doesn’t raise too many flags during the pre-draft process, Conner will be well worth the risk in the middle rounds.
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Round 6: Jon Heck, OT — North Carolina
It’s unclear what the future holds for the Packers at right tackle. Bryan Bulaga is a quality starter, but he was mentioned as a potential trade candidate at the deadline. Green Bay already paid David Bakhtiari and will need to pay Lang this offseason, so will keeping Bulaga around be an option?
If that’s not the case, they may need some more options at right tackle. At least, some added depth at the position could work.
Jon Heck may not be available in the sixth round, but he’d be an excellent value there if he is. The Tar Heels big man is an exceptional right tackle, bringing a tremendous combination of size (6-7, 300 pounds), strength and footwork.
Unfortunately, his versatility is a bit limited. Heck doesn’t have the athleticism or pass-blocking chops to handle work on the left side and may not be quite strong enough to battle down low.
Heck has a lot of upside as a developmental right tackle. He’s shown the ability to hold his own as a run blocker, but needs some work in pass protection before he’s ready to see the field in the NFL. When that time comes, the North Carolina product should be a serviceable starter.
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Round 7: Deon Hollins, OLB — UCLA
As you probably know, the Packers have three outside linebackers scheduled for free agency next offseason. Although they’ll likely re-sign at least one, some added depth at the position would be ideal. That’s where a player like Deon Hollins comes into the picture.
There were high hopes for the UCLA linebacker heading into this season, but he’s been a major disappointment. Through October, he had notched only three tackles and one sack on the year. Not exactly the type of production you expect from a future NFL player.
However, the physical tools are there for him to develop given the proper coaching and scheme. He proved in 2015 he can make plays, as evidenced by his status as a second-team All-Pac-12 linebacker. Hollins is an exciting athlete off the edge, but still needs to show more before 2016 is over. If the Packers are looking for a high-upside linebacker in the final round, a guy like Hollins could be a consideration.