Green Bay Packers: Reviewing Mock Draft Selections for Packers at No. 28 Overall
The 2012 NFL Draft is now roughly two months away, and with the NFL combine in full swing, let's take a look at who the top draft experts have the Green Bay Packers taking with the No. 28 overall pick in the first round.
Spoiler alert: No one can find a consensus on what Packers GM Ted Thompson will do in the first round. A lot of different names are on this list. Also, expect these picks to change once the Scouting Combine is over next week.
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From Kiper:
"The Packers are another team that should be looking for the best value possible at either safety or cornerback, and Smith provides value here. What I like about Smith is his ability to do it all. He's not the world's greatest athlete, but any scout will tell you: At this position, you take the instincts over the athlete 100 out of 100 times. Smith gets great jumps in coverage and will get in passing lanes, but he's also outstanding in run support. You don't lose ground in one area when he's out there.
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Analysis:
Not sure I can endorse this pick. It's a reach in the first round for a player who could probably be had one-to-two rounds later. We'll also know in the coming weeks whether veteran safety Nick Collins can return to the NFL, which would eliminate safety as a first-round need.
Todd McShay (ESPN, 2/2): OLB Ronnell Lewis, Oklahoma
From McShay:
"This is a bit of a reach, but no more so than any of the players who fit Green Bay's need at defensive end (5-technique) or cornerback. The Packers must find a pass-rusher who can complement OLB Clay Matthews, and Lewis would bring natural burst and athleticism to the table.
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Analysis:
Another reach. While outside linebacker is obviously a huge need, I don't think Thompson would reach for a guy in the first round unless he absolutely loved him. Maybe if the Packers traded back a number of picks, Lewis would be an option.
Rob Rang (CBS, 2/24): DT Kendall Reyes, Connecticut
From Rang:
"General manager Ted Thompson loves to use high picks to fortify his offensive and defensive lines. Reyes hasn't generated the same attention as some of the other top defensive linemen in the 2012 draft but is highly regarded due to his size (6-4, 300), burst and power. He played defensive tackle for the Huskies but has the length and strength to hold up nicely in Green Bay's three man defensive line.
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Analysis:
Here comes the run on five-techniques for the Packers at No. 28. Reyes has sky-rocketed up draft boards as of late, but I'm not sure he's a first-round value. If Thompson thinks he can be an impact player at defensive end, however, then the pick holds some weight. Let's wait and see how Reyes emerges after the NFL combine.
Pat Kirwan (CBS, 2/20): DT Jerel Worthy, Michigan State
From Kirwan:
"The Packers weren't the same after they lost Cullen Jenkins in free agency last year. Ryan Pickett is past his prime and a guy like Worthy has the agility and quickness to be featured in the Dom Capers defense.
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Analysis:
Worthy is a guy who had top-15 written all over him coming into the 2011-12 season. He struggled to hold onto that reputation as the year wore on. There are a vast number who think that Worthy is best suited for a 4-3 defense, too. The talent is certainly there for Worthy if the Packers think he fits their defensive front.
From Brooks:
"The Packers missed Cullen Jenkins' presence on the interior, so finding a quality replacement could be a priority in the first round. Cox is a versatile interior defender with the size and athleticism to provide a pass rush from the five-technique spot.
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From Rueter:
"If the Packers aren't sold on converting a talented college defensive end like Clemson's Andre Branch to a linebacker who can fit their scheme, then maybe an intriguing five-technique prospect like Cox could pique their interest. His athleticism outside will test tackles and create rush lanes for linebackers.
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Analysis:
If the Packers are going to go five-technique in the first round, Cox might be the top option. He's a disruptive player against the run but can also collapse the pocket against double teams. It's possible that Cox's value goes beyond the Packers' pick with a good combine, however. Some mocks now have Cox going in the teens.
From Davis:
"The Packers went 15-1 in the regular season while allowing the second-most yards in NFL history.
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Analysis:
There aren't many mocks that have the Packers taking a cornerback. But after allowing the most passing yards in NFL history and seeing the play from their top-three cornerbacks regress, it might be a good option. I still think they have to go pass rusher in Round 1. There's talent and depth in place at corner yet.
Don Banks (Sports Illustrated, 2/22): C Peter Konz, Wisconsin
From Banks:
"Why do the Packers seem willing to hold their ground in contract talks with center Scott Wells, even if it means letting him walk away in free agency? Maybe because they've got the highly-regarded Konz in their backyard, perhaps ready to slide right into the lineup? If Konz is still on the board, Green Bay would look plenty shrewd for cutting ties with Wells.
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Analysis:
This might be the most intriguing pick on the list. If the Packers can't re-sign Scott Wells, center becomes a huge need. Evan Dietrich-Smith can't be expected to start for 16 games on a team that passes as much as the Packers do. Adding Konz, the consensus top center in the class, would fill that hole. But it would also mean the Packers miss out on a top defensive player, which isn't the best-case scenario either.
Pete Prisco (CBS, 2/20): DT Brandon Thompson, Clemson
From Prisco:
"The Packers need help up front in their 3-4 scheme. Thompson is a good, powerful tackle who can play 3-4 end.
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Analysis:
There are concerns about Thompson's ability to play in a 3-4 despite what Prisco says here. If the Packers think he can play out wide at defensive end, Thompson has first-round talent.
Matt Miller (B/R, 2/20): OLB Vinny Curry, Marshall
From Miller:
"Vinny Curry hasn't made the first round of our mock draft in some time, but he's worthy. Curry should be a repeat offender from here on in. Similar to Trent Cole in build and burst, Curry would move from right defensive end at Marshall to right outside linebacker in Green Bay. With Erik Walden set to hit the free-agent market, Curry would be a rookie starter from day one. The Packers are close to competing for another title, but improving the pass rush in the front seven has to be a key to the offseason. Curry is a fine addition to a salary-cap-strapped team hoping to improve.
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Analysis:
Curry is starting to crack a bunch of first-round mocks, so he makes sense for the Packers at No. 28. I wasn't overly impressed with some of the performances he put on tape his final season at Marshall, but there's definitely pass-rushing ability here. In the end, he's probably an upgrade over what Green Bay had opposite Clay Matthews in 2011.
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