Wish list for Packers' Round 2 selection

He who authored, “April is the cruelest month” was clearly not a devout Packers fan. Leave the analysis of T.S. Eliot’s poem to people smarter than me, though I think the intended meaning was that spring represents youth and rebirth, and if you’re already a geezer this time can be flat-out depressing. 
 
It’s not, of course, a depressing time for Green Bay devotees, who know that it’s in April (other than that one time they held the draft in May) that the Packers’ front office makes its bones. Given the Packers’ free agency additions – and subtractions – there’s extra intrigue built up for the 2017 draft because there stands to be several new faces when the team next takes the field. 
Much has been said to this point about who might occupy the team’s first-round pick, the 29th selection in the first round – assuming the Packers stay where they’re at. But the purpose of this post is to highlight who would make a great fit in Round 2. 
 
None of this assumes any expertise as to whether the players below will still be there at pick 61 (again assuming Green Bay stays put). This is merely a hopeful wish list of the caliber of players who could be around. These are guys I’d like to see in a Green Bay uniform. Not surprisingly, all are defensive players. 
 
Jordan Willis, OLB, Kansas State
With Clay Matthews slated to once again occupy a roving position at linebacker – and with the departures of Julius Peppers and Datone Jones – the Packers have serious need for reinforcements on the edge. Even with Jayrone Elliot expected to take on a larger role next season, there’s good reason to suggest the Packers supplement the position in the draft – and early. To that end, Willis would make for an exciting addition. Hard to argue with Willis’ production – 20 total sacks the past two seasons – though he apparently needs to add to his assortment of pass-rushing moves. Still, he’s a very good athlete – ran a 4.53 40-time and 6.85 in the 3-cone – and he’s always going hard. He’s also I guy I don’t expect to see still there at No. 61 – but a guy can wish. 
 
Charles Harris, OLB, Missouri 
He’s not the athlete that Willis is and his production took a dip in 2016 when compared to the previous year. Looked slow at the combine, which leads me to believe he drops. He can play with his hand down or standing up, has a really nice spin move and he’s something of a disrupter attacking gaps. Harris is a guy who has been seen all over round one mocks, but I think he falls to the second and there’s still plenty to like about him. 
 
Chris Wormley, DE/DT, Michigan
Wormley has incredible speed-to-power aptitude, which is nice to see for a dude who stands 6-foot-5 weighs in just shy of three bills. Given how much Green Bay employs its sub packages with four linebackers and two downed lineman, Wormley could make for a great fit as an interior lineman. In the base, he’d project as a 3-4 end. He’s versatile, which is why he’d make sense for 4-3 teams and 3-4 teams. I consider Green Bay a sub package defense. Wormley is disruptive, excellent against the run and really improved his pass rush last season. 
 
Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida
Davis is tough enough to slide inside at linebacker, though most folks project him as a 4-3 outside backer. This guy can cover ground – he’d instantly be an athletic upgrade over Blake Martinez and Jake Ryan – and has the physical tools to evolve as a blitzer. He’d fit in with the “Packer people” mantra; he comes highly regarded for leadership and work ethic. The middle of the Packers defense was actually decent last year, but there’s no arguing it could use a little more flash and pop. Second-round picks come with baggage. For Davis, he’s often injured. The upside is an athletic, instinctive linebacker who “loves the game.” I’d take a flier on him for sure. 
 
Sidney Jones, CB, Washington 
Jones stands out in the area that matters most: The tape. Described as a “route magnet,” where the receiver goes so goes Jones. Measurably, he has the right stuff, too. He’s maybe a little thin – a bit under 190 pounds – but he can bulk up at the next level. The only reason Jones is considered here a second-round hopeful is that he suffered a torn Achilles at his pro day. Jones is a sure-fire cover corner, and what he lacks in bulk he makes up for in attitude. Of all the players listed here, Jones is my dream pick for Round 2, which means he probably isn’t going to be there. 
 
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Comments (18)

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dblbogey's picture

March 27, 2017 at 04:55 pm

2nd round pick is not the 93rd pick in the draft, as the article says, twice. I believe it would be around pick #60.

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dnicholson's picture

March 27, 2017 at 05:23 pm

My bad. Chalk it up to brain fart. I was looking at the pick # for their third-round pick. That's updated now -- thanks!

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dblbogey's picture

March 27, 2017 at 06:49 pm

It's all good. Appreciate the good information.

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PackEyedOptimist's picture

March 27, 2017 at 05:25 pm

I'm hoping for Cooper Kupp. He might actually be available, and he's going to be a cross between Cobb and Nelson, both of whom may be gone soon. TT loves second round WRs.

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NickPerry's picture

March 27, 2017 at 05:58 pm

Zay Jones!...Yes I know we need defense but from little I've read Jones looks really good. He's "Bigger" and ran well at the combine. We won a SB in 2010 because Ted took WR in 2006, 2007, and 2008, and the Packers were stacked as a result.

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PackEyedOptimist's picture

March 28, 2017 at 07:00 am

I like Zay Jones, but not in the second; watching his tape, he just seems to lack that "it" factor. He has great hands, but he seems to "play slow" despite his Combine numbers. Cooper Kupp, who weighs 30 pounds more and had a slower 40, "looks faster." His feet and routes look WAY quicker. Interestingly, during the Senior Bowl, Zay said teams would be making a mistake if they didn't draft Kupp in the FIRST round. I kind of agree with him. I really don't think Kupp will make it to the Packers second pick, but I'd snatch him up if he is there. A "trade down Jordy" move (or trading up in the second) would be the most likely way the Packers would get him.

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Colin_C's picture

March 27, 2017 at 06:04 pm

If we go offense, Godwin, Kamara, Feeney, and Samuel are all decent options. We should still be looking at defense though, so King, Jackson, Baker (doubt he's still there), Mathis, Lawson, and Davis would be good picks.

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slit's picture

March 27, 2017 at 06:40 pm

Willis reminds me a lot of Deion Jones; needless to say, I'd like that pick. Jarrad Davis is the other pick I like here, but I think he goes much earlier. If looking at DL, I like Jaleel Johnson over Wormley. No way on Sidney - that injury is legit. There should be a bunch of nice CBs available, my favorites would be White or Tabor. My dream selection though, is Zay Jones.

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NickPerry's picture

March 28, 2017 at 06:58 am

God knows I was in love with Jones last season and I'm right there with you on Zay Jones. If Ted was able to draft a OLB and CB and them move up, way up in the 3rd for Jones I'd be pretty happy. I wonder how long Jones lasts though, especially if Davis and Williams come off early.

Someone mentioned (Maybe even you slit) a while ago the Cowboys have most of the same needs as the Packers. they need pass rushers, CB's, a #2 WR even though they game Williams that horrible contract. They also need safeties losing both of theirs in FA. Hopefully they don't screw up the Packer board royally picking right in front of them every round.

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LASVEGAS-TOM's picture

March 27, 2017 at 07:05 pm

Off the subject. It's Official, The Raiders are coming to Vegas. The fans here are celebrating. I feel bad for the people of Oakland. For me, it makes No Difference. I'll always bleed Green & Gold.
LVT

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stockholder's picture

March 27, 2017 at 07:25 pm

Enough of the Jones's. We need a DE./edge with speed . I'm going with willis in the second. Defense is just to important. Always take the pass Rusher! Packers Would be dynamite with Watt. How could any line stop Perry /Mathews/Watt/and Willis.

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NickPerry's picture

March 28, 2017 at 07:00 am

I admit, I like that. Especially with Daniels and Clark pushing the middle. Don't forget about Frackrell either. I still think he's good for 7 sacks this year, he'll be ready to contribute THIS year.

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PackEyedOptimist's picture

March 28, 2017 at 07:04 am

Just please don't pick CB Kevin King. He's tall and fast and looks great on paper, but he looks TERRIBLE on tape. Spends most plays jogging around, looking lost.

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PackEyedOptimist's picture

March 28, 2017 at 07:30 am

If somehow Chris Wormley drops to the Packers second round pick, he'd be a GREAT pick. 5 Tech is one of the biggest holes on the team, and Wormley is the kind of player TT loves at "5." Big, strong, smart, high-effort. I really like him on tape.

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Andrew Lloyd Peth's picture

March 28, 2017 at 09:27 am

I predict we trade down out of Round 1. Ted could use an extra pick, with all the FA's leaving.

Thus, we'd have two 2nd rounders and maybe an extra third.

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the REAL Packman's picture

March 28, 2017 at 09:58 am

I don't think they will trade down.. if they do it will be the 2nd round. I would trade Hundley for a 4th or 5th round pick now with intention to draft Davis Webb. That said her is my Mock Draft 3/28
1. TJ Watt - Matthews Replacement
2. Fabian Moreau CB Speed kills 4.38/ 40
3. Pat Elflien G/C can play guard immediately if they don't sign Mangold as a Stop gap
4. Bucky Hodges TE - Groomed learning behind Bennett and Kendricks
5. Jaleel Johnson DT Another Iowa D Lineman
5. Corey Clement RB could be a steal
6. Damontae Kazee CB - Micha Hyde's replacement
7. Ben Braden G

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NickPerry's picture

March 28, 2017 at 03:55 pm

I like this Draft a lot, except I don't care much for Clemont. I know that's F'ed up being a Badger and all but he didn't impress me at all last season. I was more impressed with him when he was Gordon's backup. If Ted was able to make even 3 of the first 4 picks (1, 2, and 4) , I'd call that draft a major success.

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MITM's picture

March 28, 2017 at 11:19 am

If he came out last season, I thought Jarrad Davis would have been the best ILB in the draft. Injuries will push him back, hopefully to us.

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