Just think Green Bay Packers fans, we are less than 24 hours away from the 2015 NFL Draft. After months of reflection and thinking back to the NFC Championship debacle, the first step of the new season is here. Months of speculation surrounding the 30th pick, whether Green Bay needs a cornerback or inside linebacker more and hundreds of other discussion points have drawn to a close.
Now as the minutes tick down until Roger Goodell steps on the stage, let's take one final look at the Packers' 2015 draft situation. Examining their top needs, best options at the 30th pick and predict what they'll end up doing.
Top 3 Needs
1. Inside Linebacker
It's been the point to drive home all offseason, the Packers need help at inside linebacker. While some have suggested they could keep Clay Matthews inside and the Packers would only need one linebacker, he is clearly more comfortable playing outside.
Green Bay needs to find two inside linebackers—a weakside linebacker who can drop back in coverage and move around the defense, along with a run-thumper who can shed blocks and get into the backfield. You won't find a great "jack of all trades" linebacker in this class, but pairing two together is still an excellent option.
The big name that stands out is obviously Eric Kendricks, who has been praised for his outstanding instincts, read and react ability and his coverage skills. He is on the smaller size, so he will struggle against strong, physical blockers in the NFL. That's fine, you can find a two-down, run-stuffer later in the draft or even sign Brandon Spikes.
2. Cornerback
After allowing Tramon Williams and Davon House to cash in elsewhere in free agency, the desire for help at outside corner shot up near the top of Green Bay's needs. While some will point to Micah Hyde or Casey Hayward, Hyde's best fit is remaining a utility safety/nickel corner, while Hayward excels as a nickel corner.
Last year's seventh-round pick Demetri Goodson isn't realistic either. He did not impress even on special teams last season, so meaningful snaps at corner is far-fetched. The 2015 cornerback class is intriguing; there are plenty of options like Byron Jones, Trae Waynes, Marcus Peters, Kevin Johnson and Eric Rowe, but plenty of teams want cornerbacks.
There will be options, it will just come down to who offers Green Bay the most valuable. Maybe it's trading down and taking a cornerback or an inside linebacker. Either way, it shouldn't be a surprise when the Packers take a corner with one of their first three picks.
3. Future
This may seem vague, but that defines Ted Thompson. There's so much focus on immediate needs, but Green Bay likes to think ahead. If you are drafting to fill needs for just that year, more needs will build up in the future. Positions like offensive tackle and outside linebacker may not be immediate needs, but they could be addressed early.
Green Bay's offensive line is set for 2015–Bryan Bulaga, David Bakhtiari, T.J. Lang, Josh Sitton and Corey Linsley is a great foundation in the trenches. But Sitton, Lang and Bakhtiari are all free agents after the 2016 season. It's reasonable to think not all three will be on the roster in 2017, why not find a tackle who you can develop into the next franchise left tackle. You also can't forget about injuries, they are unavoidable, and more security on the depth chart would help.
Outside linebacker is closer to an "immediate" need. Julius Peppers had a great season but is in his mid-30's, Nick Perry did not have his fifth-year option picked up and while Green Bay fans may not like to hear it, injuries could slow down Matthews and possibly result in a cap-savings cut of over $10 million in a few years. Besides, more pass rushers is never a bad thing, it gives Dom Capers valuable chess pieces to use.
Draft Notes
- Multiple reporters in recent days have indicated that Alonzo Highsmith, Green Bay's senior personnel director, loves Miami LB Denzel Perryman. It could be true, but the final days leading up to the draft are filled with smoke. For a team like the Packers, who are rarely in the rumor mill, to be so ehavily connected to a player witht the 30th pick. This just seems like a smokescreen.
- While some fans may want to make a Mychael Kendricks-Packers landing spot reality, it would seem very unlike the Packers. Kendricks is a great, young inside linebacker, but is a free agent at the end of the year. While Kendricks would be a great addition, the cost (second-round pick) and his contract situation make it seem doubtful.
Top-Five Best Case Scenarios at 30
1. Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
If Peters is available at 30, Green Bay should have submitted their card already and made the pick. Peters is the top cornerback in this class, has the elite traits of corners like Desmond Trufant and Darrelle Revis. He falls out of the top-10 because of a report that he choked a coach while at Washington. Yet, the Huskies allowed him to work out at the facilities and participate in the team's Pro Day.
He may not be the most mature player in the world and some fans will hate his Richard Sherman-esque personality and demeanor on the field. But you would be hard-pressed to find a player of Peters' caliber that addresses a void in Green Bay's defense as much as Peters would. It's just extremely unlikely he falls to the 30th pick.
2. Randy Gregory, EDGE, Nebraska
But he tested positive for marijuana and marijuana is bad....now I'm going to go cheer for Floyd Mayweather. That is something enough people have said, it's bothersome. Yes, Gregory failing a drug test he knew was coming months in advance is discouraging. The red flag is brightened even more given the recent cases of Josh Gordon and Dion Jordan
But Gregory is an elite talent, someone who would be going top-five potentially if not for the failed drug tests. If a team can surround him with help and have veterans to mentor him, they will land one of the best players at the end of the first round. If Gregory is there, Green Bay should take him.
3. Trade Down
Ted Thompson is known for keeping secrets, believing in best value available and trading whenever the opportunity presents itself. He could put all three together by trading out of the first round, picking up more picks and finding great value in the second round.
4. Eric Kendricks, ILB, UCLA
Whew, talk about a prospect made to play for Green Bay. Great instincts loved by coaches and teammates, impact player and is a significant upgrade for the defense. Kendricks has plenty of love in the draft community but growing reports suggest his size will push him outside of the first round. He would be a great pick at 30, but an even greater steal in the second round.
5. Owamagbe Odighizuwa, EDGE, UCLA
Odighizuwa may not fill a need inside or at corner and he has medical concerns, but there is a lot to love out of the player. An athletic freak who has seen a major rise during the draft process as a result. Draft analysts love the data and the film, all of the potential to be a phenomenal edge rusher are there. If he is there at 30 and a trade down isn't possible, Green Bay could see his potential and fall in love.
Prediction
Reality sets in and while Peters and Gregory may have some red flags, the entire NFL rarely lets top-10 talents slide to the end of the first round. If Peters or Gregory are available, it should be an immediate fill out the card and submit it, reaction for Green Bay. With that out of the picture, trading out of the first round is the best route.
There will be teams looking to trade up to the end of the first round to get a quarterback. It's a tradition unlike any other and it makes sense. The added fifth-year option on contracts is a gift for teams looking at young quarterbacks. In all likelihood, both Brett Hundley and Bryce Petty will be on the board. There will be a team that calls a team in the 28-32 range and does what it takes to move up.
Of course this is music to Ted Thompson's ears. The opportunity to pick up an extra draft pick, likely a fourth-round pick, just to move down a few spots when the talent differential between 30 and 38 is minimal. So if you are at a Packers' draft party or focusing on the first round for the Packers pick, you might be a little disappointed. Don't be though, trading down is an outstanding move, especially in this draft class.