Green and Bold: Final 7-Round Packers Mock Draft

With just two days to go until the 2017 NFL draft officially gets underway, there's a completely understandable amount of mock draft fatigue right now.

However, I haven't done a full seven-round Packers mock yet this season, and I wanted to make sure to get one out there ahead of Day 1 on Thursday. 

This mock draft uses all the Packers' currently-held selections with no projected trades, but make no mistake; there's a good chance that Ted Thompson opts to trade out of Round 1 this season, especially given the teams who will be looking to snag a quarterback toward the end of Round 1. 

Additionally, with this being the first year that the NFL will allow teams to trade compensatory selections, there's a good chance Trader Ted packages the Packers' in Round 5, (pick 182 overall).

The selections herein reflect both the players I believe the Packers are interested in as well as the general order in which I see Thompson addressing these positions of need, keeping in mind that best available player will always win out over need. 

 

1.29: T.J. Watt, EDGE, Wisconsin

Sometimes the most obvious choice is the correct one, and as long as Wisconsin edge rusher T.J. Watt is available for the Packers at No. 29 overall, it certainly seems like a no-brainer. 

Ignore the fact that Thompson doesn't often draft Badgers, because he certainly hasn't ignored Watt. Many believe Watt could match or even exceed the production of his brother, J.J. 

The most intriguing thing about Watt is that he has only one year as a starter under his belt, so his potential is out of this world. The Packers lost both Datone Jones and Julius Peppers, and they need to make sure they have enough bodies to throw at opposing quarterbacks. Watt is a ferocious pass-rusher who doesn't take any plays off, something the Packers desperately need more of up front. 

 

2.61: Teez Tabor, CB, Florida

Florida cornerback Teez Tabor has flashed first-round talent as one part of a cornerback duo with none other than projected first-round prospect Quincy Wilson, but his draft stock fell after he posted slow 40-yard dash times in both the NFL combine and his pro day.

Recently, Tabor blamed those times on a minor hamstring injury, but it's not clear that's going to make NFL executives feel better. 

Nevertheless, Tabor is a proven playmaker who offers the kind of size and athleticism the Packers need in the secondary. Good things happen when Tabor is around the ball; he had 28 passes defensed in his last two years with the Gators and has nine career interceptions. 

 

3.93: Jaleel Johnson, DT, Iowa

The Packers waived defensive tackle Mike Pennel in January, and Letroy Guion will miss the first four games of the season for a PED violation. 

Needless to say, despite signing Ricky Jean Francois in free agency, the Packers need to get some bodies for their defensive line. 

Johnson projects as a three-tech and could earn a lot of snaps in his rookie season in Green Bay's rotation. Thompson's Packers era has highly favored players from Iowa, and Johnson is a logical next addition, as the Hawkeye compares best to, you guessed it, Mike Daniels. 

 

4.134: Josh Reynolds, WR, Texas A&M

Josh Reynolds is one of the best, lower-key wide receivers in this entire draft class, and seems like just the kind of wideout Thompson would look to grab in the middle of the draft. 

Reynolds has the same kind of measurables as players like Corey Davis and Mike Williams—players projected to be drafted in the first round. However, the reason he'll be available in Round 4 is that he's lacking in fundamental play strength and working with a long, skinny frame. 

But Reynolds' production speaks for itself. The Aggie has more touchdowns and receiving yards than any SEC pass-catcher in the last three seasons, which is no small feat. In his senior year, he amassed 1,039 yards and 12 touchdowns. 

 

5.172: James Conner, RB, Pitt

Running back James Conner has an incredible story, overcoming both an MCL tear and then Hodgkin's lymphoma with his trademark work ethic and mental toughness.

He also happens to possess what the Packers need in the backfield: a hard-nosed running style that produces yards after contact. 

Conner has the talent to go earlier in this draft, no question. But the sheer magnitude of the medical issues he has had to overcome, combined with his relatively pedestrian speed, could mean that he's available for the Packers to select at No. 172 overall. They're not so desperate that they need a Day 1 contributor thanks to Ty Montgomery and Christine Michael, and Conner is a player you want to have on your roster and in your locker room. 

 

5.182 (comp): Damien Mama, OG, USC

If Thompson doesn't trade the Packers' compensatory pick at No. 182 overall, he could use it to introduce some competition into T.J. Lang's open starting right guard spot. 

For now, it appears that veteran Don Barclay is the frontrunner in that competition, and that he will be pushed in training camp by second-year offensive tackle Kyle Murphy and practice-squad holdover Lucas Patrick.

However, even though versatility is key along Green Bay's line, Murphy is better-suited as an NFL tackle. Thompson rarely drafts college guards to play inside in the NFL, but he just may do it this year, and USC's Damien Mama definitely has starting potential. 

 

6.212: Channing Stribling, CB, Michigan

Depth at cornerback is so tenuous for the Packers that Thompson double-dips at the position on Day 3. 

Michigan's Channing Stribling played opposite Jourdan Lewis and Jabrill Peppers at Michigan, but he's a talented cover corner in his own right. He finished his college career with 69 total tackles, including 3.5 for loss, a sack, six interceptions (including a score), 15 passes defensed, and a forced fumble. 

Four of those picks came in Stribling's senior season as a Wolverine, during which he started all 12 games at cornerback and led the conference in pass breakups. 

The Packers struggled in press coverage in 2016 and don't quite possess a corner with a long frame like Stribling's, and he would round out their secondary in that regard. 

 

7.247: Eli Ankou, NT, UCLA

There's a chance the Packers could sign UCLA run-stuffer Eli Ankou as an undrafted free agent after the conclusion of the draft, but once the free-agent offers start rolling in for those prospects, all bets are off. If Ankou is available near the end of Round 7 and the other, higher-ranked players on Green Bay's board have since been selected by other teams, why not make sure to get your guy?

We know the Packers are interested in Ankou's services; they hosted him for pre-draft visit in mid-April. 

Green Bay lost some bodies along the defensive line, as previously mentioned, and Francois only signed a one-year deal in free agency. Though first-round selection Kenny Clark came on in his first season, the Packers have struggled to replace B.J. Raji since he took a hiatus from football. 

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Comments (33)

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Andrew Lloyd Peth's picture

April 26, 2017 at 09:47 am

I think Watt will be gone, so take either Joe Mixon, Tak McKinley, Obi Melifanwu, Jordan Willis, or Kevin King in Round 1.

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sonomaca's picture

April 26, 2017 at 10:16 am

Or trade back if those are the choices.

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sonomaca's picture

April 28, 2017 at 11:58 am

And they did! Good call me!

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JohnnyLogan's picture

April 26, 2017 at 09:43 am

Please no Tabor. We don't need another slow corner. I'd like to see a better corner in round 1 than move up for Watt in round two.

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Andrew Lloyd Peth's picture

April 26, 2017 at 09:46 am

Watt won't be there in Round 2. He likely won't last to pick #29 in Round 1.

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dobber's picture

April 26, 2017 at 10:01 am

I think the bottom line is that the general scuttlebutt is that the Packers really like Watt (profootballrumors.com)...enough so that it creates a 'target pick' for anyone looking at trading up for him: you're going to have to be at #28 or better.

I think if he's there at #29, Watt makes too much sense. As Michelle said: just because the pick is obvious, doesn't make it wrong or bad.

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JohnnyLogan's picture

April 26, 2017 at 09:43 am

Please no Tabor. We don't need another slow corner. I'd like to see a better corner in round 1 then move up for Watt in round two.

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dobber's picture

April 26, 2017 at 10:02 am

I like Quincy Wilson much better at that spot if he's there. Less attitude, better traits. He's not a burner, either, but he's at least average.

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stockholder's picture

April 26, 2017 at 01:12 pm

I think you like him because Al likes him. If I had to draft a defensive guy @ 61 , I'm going with Fabian Moreau CB 6' 1.5" 200. 4.34 now. @ 29 Q.Wilson is to slow. @4.54 Kevin King is the better pick. And Shields could not tackle either. So many of these CBs this year can't.

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dobber's picture

April 26, 2017 at 02:03 pm

"I think you like him because Al likes him."

I guess you're entitled to that opinion, but give me a little credit for having my own mind. The guy is a pretty good prospect as a press corner...especially in round 2, where Michelle had slated Tabor (the pick we were talking about)--who really IS slow.

I don't disagree with you in that Moreau is a better athlete and prospect. I don't think he'll make it past the mid-2nd, but at 61 he's a great value.

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JerseyAl's picture

April 26, 2017 at 02:50 pm

In don't recall every saying much about Wilson, but I do think he will get over-drafted. You'll see the guy I like for a round 2 corner in my mock tomorrow,

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OrganLeroy's picture

April 26, 2017 at 02:42 pm

Moving up in round 2 is a waste of draft capitol. We don't need a starting CB, we just need to add talent and depth and the depth in this draft is sick! NO TRADING UP! There are at least 3-4 teams that are likely eying our pick @ #29 which could potentially land us an extra 1-2 2nd rounders or a 2nd & 3rd (Carolina's) . No to Tabor, not only is he slow, but he has a TERRIBLE attitude,..basket case!

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MongoLikePack's picture

April 26, 2017 at 09:50 am

I see lots to like here but I have to believe that TT will draft an OL before the 5th round -- or I dearly hope so anyway. I would not be surprised if he grabbed one as early as the second round but my guess would be R3 or R4 - there's just too much riding on keeping 12 upright. And 2 WR's, when we need maximum - nay, divine intervention-level help - on D? 2 seems a little rich but it's a small quibble and totally something I could see TT doing.

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MongoLikePack's picture

April 26, 2017 at 09:56 am

And now I just bounced back to Brian's post / mock and see an OL in R2 - I really think that's more likely than TT waiting to R5 for a starting caliber G.

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dobber's picture

April 26, 2017 at 10:03 am

If it's round 2, I like Moton from WMU.

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sonomaca's picture

April 26, 2017 at 10:10 am

Moton yes. No Tabor. Rather they take Sydney Jones and wait. Like Rivers if no Watt. What about Conley if he drops on rape allegations?

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dobber's picture

April 26, 2017 at 10:15 am

...or Tankersley.

Man, I don't know what to think about Conley. Collins dropped like a stone, but RT/G candidates aren't as valuable as high-end cover CB.

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sonomaca's picture

April 26, 2017 at 10:20 am

A team like Cleveland might be able to better uncover what happened, since the alleged rape occurred there. The fact that Conley's not attending the draft is a bit concerning.

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Big_Mel_75's picture

April 26, 2017 at 09:53 am

I love it picks! Spot on!

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phillythedane's picture

April 26, 2017 at 10:19 am

Love the article and don't get me wrong; I'd love to see Watt drafted and succeed as a Packer. Yet the reasoning "he has only one year as a starter under his belt, so his potential is out of this world," ain't necessarily so.

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sonomaca's picture

April 26, 2017 at 10:21 am

They might have to trade up to get Watt. They did with with CM3.

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Andrew Lloyd Peth's picture

April 26, 2017 at 10:24 am

True. I'd part with a 4th to move up 2 or 3 spots.

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sonomaca's picture

April 26, 2017 at 10:29 am

TT would have to think he was going to be almost as good as CM3 to do it.

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OrganLeroy's picture

April 26, 2017 at 02:46 pm

I just don't think there's any way Ted trades up in the 1st round for Watt. Why? Is he the 2nd coming of Matthews or Mack or Lawrence Taylor? It's the homer fan base that's obsessed with Watt. We need a talented edge rusher, Watt may or may not be that guy, after only 1 year as an OLB, trading up in the 1st is a huge risk.

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Andrew Lloyd Peth's picture

April 26, 2017 at 10:24 am

More realistic options to be available:

1. Joe Mixon, RB
2. Cordrea Tankersley, CB
3. Trey Hendrickson OLB

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frank the fork's picture

April 26, 2017 at 12:34 pm

One player only matters in golf and tennis, It takes a team to win a Super Bowl …TT should trade back to get more picks; Udfa's don't last but a few years in the NFL; as do 50% of the picks. Too many teams need a back up QB or starter and will trade up with a late 3 or early 4th.

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MarkinMadison's picture

April 26, 2017 at 12:54 pm

I think if the Packers go DL they are more likely to look to NT than 3-tech.

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marpag1's picture

April 26, 2017 at 01:11 pm

"Many believe Watt could match or even exceed the production of his brother, J.J. "

Really?? Who thinks that? If this is true, expect Watt to be the first pick of the draft, and absolutely no lower than top five.

Or are we saying that a player of J.J. Watt's caliber could last until 29?

Don't think so....

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CAG123's picture

April 26, 2017 at 02:23 pm

Please stop with the Teez Tabor what about Fabian Moreau or that kid from Colorado hell even an injured Sidney Jones

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OrganLeroy's picture

April 26, 2017 at 02:50 pm

The only way I see Ted taking a CB @ 29 is if ALL of his edge guys are gone and the fact that Willis is rising fast means he could actually end up being value @ 29. I read the other day that Carolina, if they go RB in the @ 8, want to move back into the bottom of the 1st for a TE or OT and they have 2 2nd round picks. Food for thought.

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EdsLaces's picture

April 26, 2017 at 02:49 pm

I love this draft. One of my favorites. People are allover Tabor because of his 40 time. Dude produces ...period. Unless you are up against go routes every play play recognition and agility are more important.

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OrganLeroy's picture

April 26, 2017 at 02:52 pm

Tabor's attitude is a major red flag and his combine interviews went very badly. I firmly believe Ted won't touch him!

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slit's picture

April 27, 2017 at 01:00 am

I LOVE Johnson in the 3rd, Reynolds in the 4th, and Mama in the 5th. I'm also pro Watt. Nery nice haul here. Only pick I'm not a fan of is Tabor.

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