The Green Bay Packers made two big-splash signings in free agency, bringing in guard Aaron Banks and cornerback Nate Hobbs. In both cases, they found solutions for problems they would otherwise have needed to address in the draft.
However, Green Bay still has needs on the defensive line and at wideout despite signing speedy receiver Mecole Hardman. So, with the draft a little over a month away and most of free agency behind us, what should the Packers prioritize?
Round 1 (23) – James Pearce Jr., ED, Tennessee
Only one season removed from 13 sacks, Pearce is the obvious first-round choice for Green Bay. He’s got the size at 6’5”, 243 lbs. that the Packers like, and he fills an obvious need that Green Bay has at edge.
Round 2 (54) – Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford
At 6’2”, Ayomanor is big and can handle press coverage. He’s got the size the Packers like and decent college production, with over 1,000 yards combined in the past two seasons. The Packers got Hardman to stretch the field and return kicks. Ayomanor fills the X spot, giving Green Bay more competition on the boundary.
Round 3 (87) – Chris Paul Jr., LB, Ole Miss
One of the smartest players in the draft, with high-end skills in both run and pass coverage. Adding him to a unit with Edgerrin Cooper and Quay Walker would give the Packers a dynamic group of young, athletic linebackers.
Round 4 (124) – Nohl Williams, CB, Cal
Among the interception leaders in college football last season, Williams can play on the boundary and give you solid man coverage or play zone. He’s a dependable defensive back who would provide some depth for Green Bay’s cornerback room.
Round 5 (159) – Vernon Broughton, DL, Texas
I end Broughton’s slip down the board and make him a Packer. He helps bolster Green Bay’s interior and cover for losing T.J. Slaton to the Cincinnati Bengals in free agency.
Round 6 (198) – Dont’e Thornton Jr., WR, Tennessee
If there is one thing that Thornton does well, he goes fast. I know the Packers signed Hardman, but he’s more of a gadget guy at this point, and the Packers need someone who can stretch the field. Think of Thornton as a modern-day Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
Round 7 (237) – Hunter Wohler, S, Wisconsin
Keep this guy in Wisconsin. Wohler could play a hybrid role in Green Bay’s defense as a safety/linebacker hybrid. He’s a smart guy who can do many things for a defense.
Round 7 (250) – Clay Webb, G/C, Jacksonville State
One of my favorite small-school offensive linemen, Webb can play any of the interior spots and was solid over his three years starting in college. Worth a shot on his versatility for the Packers.
