It’s draft time! We’ve had our experts tell you who will be drafted where, but now it’s time for you to throw on your GM cap and decide for yourself. Each day we will present an argument for each player and why the respective team should pick him. Then, it’s up to you. You make the pick. The next day, we will compile the results and you can see who is off the board. Disagree with all of the options? Be sure to write in your pick below in the comments section. OK, let’s get into it. The Green Bay Packers are on the clock.
The Packers didn’t let Aaron Rodgers’ broken collarbone derail their season.
While Rodgers missed eight games in 2013, the Packers remained bound for the postseason.
After a quiet start to free agency, the Packers made some headlines by signing defensive end Julius Peppers to a three-year deal. Rushing the quarterback shouldn’t be a problem. Defending the pass might be another challenge. Defensive coordinator Dom Capers’ defense ranked 24th in the league against the pass, and the team has an opportunity to round out its secondary. With their draft position, there are some tantalizing options, as a few highly ranked players have dramatically fallen. So whom should the Packers select No. 21 overall?
1. Houston Texans select South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney
2. St. Louis Rams select Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins
3. Jacksonville Jaguars select Central Florida quarterback Blake Bortles
4. Cleveland Browns select Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel
5. Oakland Raiders select Buffalo linebacker Khalil Mack
6. Atlanta Falcons select Auburn offensive tackle Greg Robinson
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Texas A&M wide receiver Mike Evans
8. Minnesota Vikings select Fresno State quarterback Derek Carr
9. Buffalo Bills select Texas A&M offensive tackle Jake Matthews
10. Detroit Lions select UCLA outside linebacker Anthony Barr
11. Tennessee Titans select Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater
12. New York Giants select Pittsburgh defensive tackle Aaron Donald
13. St. Louis Rams select Michigan offensive tackle Taylor Lewan
14. Chicago Bears select Alabama safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
15. Pittsburgh Steelers select Oklahoma State cornerback Justin Gilbert
16. Dallas Cowboys select Auburn defensive end Dee Ford
17. Baltimore Ravens select Notre Dame offensive tackle Zack Martin
18. New York Jets select North Carolina tight end Eric Ebron
19. Miami Dolphins select Oregon State wide receiver Brandin Cooks
20. Arizona Cardinals select Alabama offensive tackle Cyrus Kouandjio
Louisiville FS Calvin Pryor
If this is the situation, Ted Thompson and Co. are running to the podium to select Pryor. Morgan Burnett has held it down for the time being, but he could use some assistance. Adding Pryor would round out the team’s secondary and add another element of toughness to the defense.
LSU WR Odell Beckham
The Packers covet wide receivers who have return ability, and Beckham certainly fits that mold. Wide receiver Jarrett Boykin filled in admirably last season, but Beckham brings another dimension.
Texas Tech TE Jace Amaro
Tight end Andrew Quarless has some big shoes to fill. Jermichael Finley has yet to sign on with a team as he continues to rehab from a scary neck injury. Fortunately for the Packers, they have some options. Measuring in at 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds, Amaro displays tremendous athleticism and was highly productive at Lubbock. He set an FBS record for receiving yards by a tight end, racking up 106 receptions for 1,352 yards and seven touchdowns.
Alabama ILB CJ Mosley
Although there isn’t an immediate need at inside linebacker, Mosley is one of a kind. Think Patrick Willis. A.J. Hawk is entering his ninth season, and adding Mosley gives Capers some depth at an important position. The two-time All American is instinctive and a sure-handed tackler.
Michigan State CB Darqueze Dennard
The Packers have Tramon Williams, Sam Shields and Casey Heyward on the roster, but adding Dennard gives this defense some physical toughness on the back end. Dennard has clearly fallen down the draft and has the accolades to back up his success on the field, as he was a unanimous first-team All American and the Jim Thorpe Award winner.
