Everybody is absorbing as much information as they can right now, so I wanted to put all my work out there for some of you to maybe examine.
Final 2014 NFL Mock Draft --
Top 100 Big Board Draft Previews by DivisionNFC North --
NFC South --
NFC West --
NFC East --
AFC North --
AFC South --
AFC West --
AFC East The following players fit Green Bay well, in my opinion…Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan StateIn 2013, Dallas passed on Sharrif Floyd because they prioritized their needs. Jason Hatcher is no longer with the team, and now they need a defensive tackle. The Packers could face a similar situation with Dennard. Davone House and Tramon Williams may not be with the team this time next year. I wouldn’t rule out a cornerback in the top 100, especially one as good as Dennard. His coverage skills mirror Darrelle Revis. I'd take him at No. 21.
Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLAI don’t anticipate Barr lasting until pick No. 21, but he could develop into a 10-sack per season type of pass rusher. You don’t pass on that kind of player, especially since Nick Perry’s done very little in two years.
Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix, S, AlabamaHe’s the perfect pick. He’s 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, which is the prototype size for a safety. He's a day one starter. He can play the run or serve as the last line of defense in the secondary. I think he’s the best fit if he’s on the board, but I have a hard time believing he’ll get to No. 21.
Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville He could be Troy Polamalu in Green Bay’s system. That’s a big-time comparison, but he has outstanding instincts. I don’t think he can cover the slot, though. That’s why I think there’s an outside chance he’s available at No. 21. Between him and Clinton-Dix, he’s more likely to be on the board.
C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama I’ve never gotten on board with him as a top 10 player in this draft, which is why I've been on this pick longer than most. Medical issues could cause him to slide. People worry that Alabama players have already peaked, but Green Bay’s had success with Eddie Lacy. He steps in and starts at inside linebacker on day one, in my assessment.
Ryan Shazier, OLB, Ohio StateHe’s a three-down linebacker, which makes him very valuable. There just aren’t many true linebackers capable of hanging with today’s tight end. You can trot out Brad Jones and A.J. Hawk on third down, but that doesn’t mean they’re three-down linebackers. His speed (4.40) is where his value comes into play. The Packers need somebody fast enough to prevent Colin Kaepernick (or Russell Wilson) from reaching the chains. That’s what he does. I don’t buy that he’s a project. He continues to grow on me, though I suspect he’ll go in the top 20.
Deone Bucannon, S, WashingtonThe Packers want to get bigger and faster across the board. Bucannon has size (6-foot-1, 215 pounds) and speed (4.40). He has a bit of a Leroy Butler vibe too him. That doesn’t mean he’s the next Butler, but I think that’s his ceiling. I think the Packers would prefer to trade down to select him, but they’d give him consideration at No. 21.
Marqise Lee, WR, USCLee can play every receiving position, which the Packers value. He’s terrific after the catch, making him lethal in the west coast offense. I believe Aaron Rodgers could turn him into a superstar.
Louis Nix III, DT, Notre DameI have to include at least one player I don’t particularly like at this spot. He’s on his butt too often for a nose tackle and I found his performance against Michigan somewhat alarming. Michigan did not have an experience offensive line this year, so Nix should’ve had his way with them. He had a quiet game, particularly in the first half. I didn’t like the Datone Jones, Nick Perry, or Derek Sherrod picks. I’m worried the trend will continue.
Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, WashingtonI think I’m one of the few people who would celebrate this pick. He compares with Rob Gronkowski. I have him No. 8 overall on my board. His catch radius is insane. He can use his size to outmaneuver defenders in the red zone. His athleticism is very good. He has the build to be an incredible blocker. He has the toughness to make him look like a throwback, but the athleticism to make him look like a modern day tight end. I would be pleased with him in round one or two.
Jimmie Ward, Northern IllinoisHe’s a bit similar to Clinton-Dix, but he didn’t do it against high-level competition. He did play against Florida State in the 2013 Orange Bowl, and he was magnificent in that game. We know the Seminoles have a ton of prospects heading to the NFL this year and next year. That’s a good sign. He also was great against Iowa this year, which was a fun game to watch. In other words, he played well against high-level competition when he received the chance.
Kyle Van Noy, OLB, BYUVan Noy played all over the place for BYU. He lined up with his hand in the dirt, stood up as an outside linebacker, and kicked inside. I’m intrigued with him as an inside linebacker. He could be a thumper inside. I could see Dom Capers using him in a lot of stunts. Most likely, he is a trade back scenario or the Packers could move up on day two for him.
My Amateur Scouting ReportsQuarterbacks --
Running Backs --
Wide Receivers --
Tight Ends --
Offensive Tackles --
Centers & Guards --
4-3 Defensive Ends --
3-4 Defensive Ends --
Defensive Tackles --
Rush Linebackers --
Outside Linebackers --
Inside Linebackers --
Cornerbacks --
Safeties