Draft lookahead: Another mock, seriously

Draft week is upon us. After a series outlining potential mid-round picks, it's time to go start to finish with a seven-round mock. 

Draft week is upon us, and though Thursday night can’t come soon enough, there’s consensus that if Ted Thompson would choose to trade back into the second round for picks that this would be a good year to do it. In other words, we might all have to wait until Friday to find out who’s joining the ranks in Green Bay. 
 
What with the anxiety and excitement eating away at me, I thought I’d channel the fervor into a seven-round mock draft. 
 
I didn’t dig far into tendencies or combine numbers. I merely selected players who I like, and who I think offer good value (at some needed positions). Go ahead, tear this mock down – that’s half of the fun.  
 
First round – Takkarist McKinley, OLB, UCLA
Green Bay is left with a handful of quality players on their board, and despite entertaining calls to trade back, they instead go with McKinley. He’s too small to be an elephant in Green Bay’s 3-4 scheme, but his edge-setting, pass-rushing skills are too great to turn down. I’ve yet to hear the comparison, but McKinley reminds me a little bit of another relentless first-round OLB – Clay Matthews. McKinley comes in with an even higher pedigree and is a stout run-defender to boot. 
 
Second round – Sydney Jones, CB, Washington
Jones may be the most talented corner in the draft, and though he’s unlikely to contribute soon because of an Achilles injury suffered this spring, his talent is too much to pass on. Jones is incredibly smooth, has fantastic instincts and doesn’t shy away from contact despite a slight frame. Add some NFL muscle and a clean bill of health to his tool kit and he has the potential to be a Pro Bowl starter in the league. 
 
Third round – Samaje Perine, RB, Oklahoma
Goodbye Eddie Lacy, hello Samaje Perine. No doubt, Lacy is the more explosive of the two, but Perine comes in arguably better suited to Green Bay’s scheme. Perine played in a lot of one-back offenses at Oklahoma, sure, but he also regularly lined up in the shotgun. This guy is a powerhouse runner with surprising shiftiness for a 230-plus pound back. The coaching staff in Green Bay spoke highly of the effect Lacy had bulldozing defenders. If they wish to have some more thunder to complement Montgomery’s lightning, Perine fits well.  
 
Fourth round – Davon Godchaux, DL, LSU
Godchaux is considered a one-trick pony, but that one trick is well worth coveting in middle rounds. This guy can rush the passer. In Green Bay he’d offer some sub-package pass rush, and with the departures of Julius Peppers and Datone Jones, it’s going to be just as important to have interior rush to compliment the edge guys. If Godchaux can round out his skillset, he could become a three-down player, but for now his strength as a rusher warrants selections. 
 
Fifth round – Jermaine Eluemunor, OL, Texas A&M
Eluemunor is a huge, hulking lineman who mauls in the run game but has pretty good feet. He played tackle at Texas A&M, so naturally he’d make for a good guard in Green Bay. Eluemunor plays mean and there’s no doubting his strength (34 bench press reps). He’s not going to come in and start day one, but he has plenty of upside. 
 
Fifth round – Josh Reynolds, WR, Texas A&M
Another Aggie worth adding to the roster is Reynolds, who would give Green Bay a viable deep threat. With a purported re-focus on the middle of the field with guys like Martellus Bennett and Lance Kendricks in the mix, it’s possible that the Packers may also covet more deep threats. Reynolds needs to work on his underneath route tree, but he already excels when it comes to 50/50 balls. I’m excited to think of what could happen when a play breaks down, Rodgers extends it with his legs, and has a top-level ball tracker like Reynolds out there.  
 
Sixth round – Avery Moss, OLB, Youngstown State
It’s almost wishful thinking to imagine Moss still on the board in round six. He could be rising fast. Moss is an excellent pass rusher, with explosiveness, good bend and quickness, and the ability to finish. He’s a former basketball player, too, and you know how Thompson loves those guys. 
 
Seventh round – Tanner Vallejo, ILB, Boise State
Depth on special teams is the motive here. Vallejo has good athleticism but less-than-ideal size, and he’s battled injuries in recent years. He was really productive as a sophomore, his last healthy season, and he has coverage skills worthy of sub packages. 
 
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Comments (26)

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pooch's picture

April 24, 2017 at 04:41 pm

Are you kidding me,waste another 1st round pick on PAC player.. Datone Jones,Nick Perry

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dobber's picture

April 25, 2017 at 07:54 pm

If you're going to restrict your drafting by about 15% of the available power conference talent, go for it.

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stockholder's picture

April 24, 2017 at 04:54 pm

@ 29 and a just announced failed
drug test. Jabril Peppers. @ 61 S.Jones will drop to the packers even though he's hurt. @ 93 were taking a head case and woman hitter. Mixon Rb @134 Jake Butts TE Mi @172 Joe Williams Utah @182 Chad Kelley QB miss.@212 Jalen reeves Maybin OLB Tenn. @247 Will Likely Cb Ma. 5'8 Really this draft is about value. Not off field issues, or injuries.

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al bundy's picture

April 24, 2017 at 05:10 pm

Hey I was going to joke that TED is now anguishing over peppers or Mixon right now. Either that or what three picks in a row can he make from the pack 12. I'm sure Tony Paul gave TED the list of the guys who will costs the least.

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worztik's picture

April 24, 2017 at 05:13 pm

I agree pooch!!! Are you trying to be sarcastic stockholder? Peppers adulterated a urine sample (or not?) but, it says something about his common sense, which isn't that common anymore!!! We need players on the field; not players laying around for another 4 week offseason! I am through with PAC players early so let's wait and take Anzolone later. CB in rd 1 and edge, TE, WR, and RB after that and don't forget the ages of our 2 new TE acquisitions. Could use a younger one like Leggett out of AL!

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OrganLeroy's picture

April 24, 2017 at 05:54 pm

I don't think stockholder is from this planet based on the picks he keeps making.

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WKUPackFan's picture

April 24, 2017 at 09:01 pm

Actually Jalen Reeves-Maybin is an excellent late round selection. Last fall he was a projected 1st round pick, unfortunately he was injured early in the season. His father, Marques Maybin, was a fantastic basketball player at U of L. His mother was a college athlete at Austin Peay.

Jalen has been through some adversity also. His father was tragically paralyzed as result of motorcycle accident when Jalen was young. He also comes from a military background. His grandfather Maybin was in the Army.

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Mags's picture

April 24, 2017 at 05:59 pm

Peppers may be worth it at 29. He didn't actually test positive for a drug it was a diluted sample which is a failed test in the NFL. Hell if Guion is still on the roster with all his drug incidents going on TT must be more willing to take chances.

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OrganLeroy's picture

April 24, 2017 at 09:54 pm

IMO, Peppers would not be a good pick in the 1st round, we don't have "a need" to replace Hydes versatility, it's nonsense to me. We need a strong cover corner. Tre'Davious White would be a much better pick in that situation but I prefer and believe we need an edge in the 1st.

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Rossonero's picture

April 25, 2017 at 07:25 pm

Agreed. And we found Hyde in the 5th round. I'm confident Ted could find another Micah Hyde later on, especially with how deep this draft is.

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dobber's picture

April 25, 2017 at 07:52 pm

Doesn't matter. He's on the NFL's PED radar and the next strike puts him up for a 4-game suspension. Do you really buy the "overhydration" argument? Me, neither.

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fthisJack's picture

April 24, 2017 at 07:04 pm

i love the first 3 picks but depending on whos left i would look to trade down and pick up an extra 4 to use for ammo to move up in the third. i love Jones and i want me some PERINE!!!

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stockholder's picture

April 24, 2017 at 07:26 pm

LOL. Mags is correct on dilution. OrganLeroy -Men are from Mars. Worstik Sacastic? Seriously. Because of so many drafts trying to get the BPA for the pick. Thats what I came up based on need,a steal,and Rumors. Much like if TT went all Offense in an article. But lets face it. At some point. Every player in the first 5 rounds has been mocked to Gb. And truthfully if they didn't have any red flags, that would be a hell of a draft. But I believe every player that was in MY (this) mock won't be drafted by TT. Seriously.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

April 24, 2017 at 08:39 pm

You've given the Packers nothing at CB this season. That would be really very bad.

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WKUPackFan's picture

April 24, 2017 at 09:19 pm

I haven't studied up on the negatives of Davon Godchaux, but the dude wreaked havoc on some SEC offensive lines. He was also all over Lamar Jackson in the U of L/LSU bowl game (granting that U of L's OLine was horrendous by season's end).

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Rossonero's picture

April 24, 2017 at 09:12 pm

Here's my Packers 7 round mock. Let me know your thoughts:

2nd round - Fabian Moreau, CB, UCLA, 6'0", 206 lbs.

* = Ted Thompson trades down for a 2nd round and 4th round pick. A lot of teams will want to trade into the bottom of the 1st round to snatch a QB before it's too late. This draft is deep at our positions of need and Ted loves having more picks.

I know it's another PAC-12 guy, but Moreau has tremendous upside and will be available here, given his torn pec from his pro day. He'll be ready for training camp though. 4.35 40 yard dash, gives us speed and size immediately.

2nd round - Derek Rivers, DE, Youngstown State, 6'4" 248 lbs.

Ted likes small school picks. Remember Nick Collins from Bethune-Cookman? We were all like Bethune-what? Greg Jennings from Western Michigan? Rivers drops here because he played in the FCS, but it's all about his outstanding production: 38.5 sacks and 55 tackles for loss in 4 seasons. He doesn't have a lot of pass rushing moves, needs better gap awareness and less tightness in his hips, but his domination is unmistakable.

3rd round - Samaje Perine, RB, Oklahoma, 5'11" 233 lbs.

NFL.com: Perine is a physical runner who can create additional yardage through power and can be a complimentary "banger" for a team who already has a slasher. Perine doesn't have the burst or play speed to be a dynamic lead back, but he can handle a heavy workload if needed and he should become an immediate short-yardage and goal-line option.

4th round - Vince Biegel, OLB, Wisconsin, 6'3" 246 lbs.

NFL.com: Effort-based worker bee with edge-setting hands and attitude, but a lack of power that could lead to inconsistency in play. Biegel's football character is off-the-charts and he can be counted on to put the effort into improving in areas that need work. He lacks individual rush talent but could be a good fit for teams utilizing exotic rush packages. Average NFL ceiling but has the demeanor and traits of a potential special teams demon.

4th round - Jordan Morgan, OG, Kutztown, 6'3" 309 lbs.

NFL.com: Four-year starter at Division II left tackle who was able to physically overwhelm much smaller opponents across from him. Morgan is a good athlete with the nastiness as a run blocker that is necessary to transition inside to guard, but he could be headed for early struggles mirroring NFL rushers in pass protection. Morgan could become a solid NFL backup with eventual starter potential if he improves his balance and stops lunging.

5th round - Tanzel Smart, DT, Tulane, 6'1" 296 lbs.

His short, squatty frame won't scare the Packers. They will also like his quickness and production.

NFL.com: He's a three-technique only who lacks desired size and length, but his quickness and disruptive nature lead to consistent production week in and week out. Smart needs to be in an upfield scheme that takes advantage of his ability to play in the gaps. His draft stock will take a hit due to his lack of measurables, but he has NFL backup potential thanks to his ability to rush the passer.

5th round - Brendan Langley, CB, Lamar (TX), 6'0" 201 lbs.

NFL.com: Langley is a "size-speed" prospect who could be taken much earlier than his Senior Bowl tape might dictate. Langley displays issues with his mirror and match footwork from press coverage and might be better suited in off-man or zone coverage where he can read quarterbacks and utilize his ball skills with the play in front of him. Langley has NFL backup potential.

6th round - Hardy Nickerson, ILB, Illinois, 6'0" 232 lbs.

NFL.com: A four-year starter at MIKE linebacker, Nickerson was one of the few bright spots on Cal's defense in 2015 before finishing his career at Illinois in 2016, receiving NFL-level coaching as a senior. Nickerson has above average play speed and is a locked-in competitor on every snap, but has the build of a safety and too easily blocked or knocked off his path, leading to many of his tackles to be 7-8 yards downfield. With his productive resume and DNA, Nickerson can be a bottom of the roster linebacker and special teamer in the NFL.

7th round - Trent Taylor, WR, Louisiana Tech, 5'8" 181 lbs.

NFL.com: Taylor again was a first-team All-C-USA player as senior, catching an incredible 136 throws in 14 games for the Bulldogs for a nation-leading 1,803 yards and 12 touchdowns. His reception total ranked only behind East Carolina receiver Zay Jones' record-breaking 158 grabs. Taylor also returned punts his final two seasons (13-83 in 2015; 17-178 in 2016), a skill he'll likely get a chance to show in the NFL.

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OrganLeroy's picture

April 24, 2017 at 09:57 pm

The trade down is a good scenario. Demovsky reported that the Panthers want to move back into the ist round for a TE or OL if they go with RB at #8. They have 2, 2nd round picks or they could give a 2nd & a 3rd. With 3 2nd rounders , one being # 8 in the 2nd we could fill Edge, RB, & CB.

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Rossonero's picture

April 25, 2017 at 07:26 pm

Thanks. I hadn't heard that about Rob Demovsky, so thanks for the heads up.

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dobber's picture

April 25, 2017 at 07:47 pm

To get Carolina's 2 #2s, the draft value chart says the Packers would have to give up their first and their 3rd to even it out.

To get #40 and #98 (CAR's higher 2nd and their 3rd) for #29 outright, the Packers would be coming up short.

drafttek.com/NFL-Trade-Value-Chart.asp?RequestTeam=car

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OrganLeroy's picture

April 24, 2017 at 10:00 pm

I like the 1st 4 picks but the rest make no sense to me, and I believe much better talent will be there from 5-7.

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Rossonero's picture

April 24, 2017 at 09:21 pm

Regarding the original mock draft the author posted, I like it. I can easily see Tak McKinley coming to Green Bay, although I personally would prefer TJ Watt over him.

Sidney Jones -- I'd LOVE this pick. This dude will recover fine from the achilles injury and will be a shut down corner like his former teammates, Marcus Peters. Everyone was scared to take Peters, who's now a lock down corner for the Chiefs. We need a Sidney Jones on our team!

Samaje Perine -- I'm right here with you as I have him in my mock too. He reminds me of Eddie Lacy a lot. I know the Packers interviewed Joe Mixon, but I think they were just doing their due diligence with him. Perine is a banger that we need now that Lacy is gone.

I honestly don't know anything else about the rest of the picks, except for Avery Moss. I think he'll go in the 4th or 5th round and would be a huge steal in the 6th round.

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slit's picture

April 24, 2017 at 11:20 pm

1 - Watt Edge
2 - White CB
3 - Jaleel Johnson DT
4 - Biegel LB
5 - McDermott OL
5 - Reynolds WR
6 - McNichols RB

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stockholder's picture

April 25, 2017 at 07:57 am

I really don't think you deserved a dislike for your draft unless they stated why. But I will say that if Watt is off the board. Stay to the secondary early! This may be the best set of DBs to come out in years. And if you want the biggest bang for the buck. I would trade up to get the 2 they like best. The avg. DB salary is 10 mil. a year. Randall and Rollins need to be pushed. This secondary needs more than just Randall and Rollins. Instead of trading down trying to get value. Take the best DB. Is White value? Or is he the best man for the secondary? Does he have the higher ceiling? If you think he is the best DB for the secondary, he should be picked.

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gauravchauhan's picture

April 25, 2017 at 05:50 am

nice

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Handsback's picture

April 25, 2017 at 08:03 am

If the weekend was done and these are TT's picks...I would be happy. You have three contributors in the first three rounds. The rest of the draft could have another two guys who could end up being starters (the two A&M guys). So yes, not bad at all......

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