Last week, I predicted the Packers’ first, best option would be to trade out of the 29th pick. They did. They moved back four spots to the No. 33 selection and acquired a fourth-round pick in the deal. I also said the defense desperately needed a No. 1 cornerback. Apparently, Packers GM Ted Thompson agreed.
The Packers will have several options when they’re on the clock with the 29th pick in this year’s draft. Here are my top six picks to click at No. 29 for the Packers (in order of preference)…
The Packers’ draft-and-develop philosophy receives its keenest scrutiny this time of year. With the 2017 NFL draft just 10 days away, it’s interesting to look back at what last year’s draft produced. Going into it, the NFL’s scouts and media experts essentially nailed the Packers’ position of need: Defensive front seven, and in particular the defensive line.
If NFL scouting departments and myriad experts are correct in their assessment of the 2017 draft, the Packers’ needs coincide with the best, deepest position groups. This draft appears to be replete with talented prospects at pass rusher, linebacker, defensive back and running back. The Packers have significant needs at each position. So what is GM Ted Thompson going to do?
Seldom, it seems, are the Packers’ offseason escapades included in any positive assessment this time of year. In fact, their lack of heavy-duty spending on “big name” players has been an annual source of mostly misguided criticism. Today, I’m here to tell Packers fans that their team has positioned itself to do great things this season.
At first blush the Green Bay Packers’ most recent foray into NFL free agency resembles those that came before it. Thus far the signings are underwhelming, to say the least, which is typical of the Ted Thompson era.
I see it in a different light. The Packers have addressed their five most important positions of need.
Congratulations are in order, if not overdue, for the Wisconsin men’s basketball team. Through head coaches Bo Ryan and Greg Gard the UW has sustained excellence in the Big Ten regular season and beyond.
If you’re wondering the link between Badgers basketball and Packers football it should be obvious: The Badgers have provided the state’s sports fans with a first-rate program that is able to compete – and dominate – on a national level.
It is reassuring for Green Bay fans that their Packers can talk about the free agents they signed rather than the ones they lost. T.J. Lang, Micah Hyde and Jared Cook will be missed, but only to the degree they can be replaced. Thus far, Packers GM Ted Thompson has adequately replaced Lang (with second-year pro Jason Spriggs) and Cook (with Martellus Bennett and Lance Kendricks). It also seems he’ll use a defensive-back heavy draft to find the next Hyde.
The 2017 NFL Draft includes 96 draft-eligible underclassmen, including 12 of the top 15 prospects according to at least one NFL.com mock draft. So what does this year’s class of draft-eligible underclassmen have to offer Thompson and the Packers especially in the way of defensive backs? Simply put it as a lot to offer.
The Green Bay Packers’ offseason begins in earnest this week. The Packers seldom make trades or participate in free agency.
That leaves the NFL Draft, as well as undrafted free agents, to once again represent the team’s primary avenue to acquire talent. In some cases, it’s the only avenue the Packers try.
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