Green Bay Packers draft preview: Stay the course & pick the best player

By Ross Jones
Published

The Green Bay Packers hold the No. 30 overall pick in the NFL Draft. In our 32-team preview series, FOXSports.com takes a look at their roster post-free agency and delivers a plan of attack for the last day in April.

The Green Bay Packers feel right at home drafting late in the first round.

Since 2010, when general manager Ted Thompson selected offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga 23rd overall, the team has picked 21st or later each season.

Thompson's strategy of drafting the best player available opposed to the ones who might appear to fit best gives head coach Mike McCarthy a talent-rich roster.

The Packers' core beliefs are stockpiling draft picks, picking good players and giving contract extensions to the ones who prove themselves worthy.

This offseason, the Packers re-signed seven of their own players in free agency and, as usual, didn't bring in any outside talent.

That's not to say that Thompson never veers from this mantra. It was just a year ago when defensive end Julius Peppers was given a three-year, $30 million deal after being released by the Chicago Bears. The Packers also selected Ha Ha Clinton-Dix in the first round, addressing a glaring hole in their secondary.

This year, the Packers' greatest weakness remains at inside linebacker. Outside linebacker Clay Matthews made a shift inside last year to bolster Dom Capers' defense, which ranked 32nd against the run midway through the season.

Since Thompson typically holds firm on the best-player-available strategy, it makes it more challenging to predict, as it's unknown who will remain on the board at No. 30 overall.

Positions of need: ILB, DL, CB

Three options to consider at No. 30

Jalen Collins, CB: Collins, who made just 10 starts at LSU, has a rare blend of size and speed. He's raw, but his natural talent makes him hard to pass on. If Thompson wants to add a talented player with some upside down the road, Collins could be his guy.

Denzel Perryman, Miami, ILB: Perryman certainly would fit the need, but could be considered a reach.

Cameron Erving, Florida State, OL: Drafting Erving would give the Packers a lineman with some versatility. Beginning last season at offensive tackle, Erving moved inside to center in Tallahassee. Bolstering Green Bay's offensive line might be the move.