Green Bay Packers Mock Draft: 4 Possible Picks For The First Round In 2017

Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson often comes away from an NFL draft with at least one gem.

In 2008, Thompson somehow found guard Josh Sitton in the fourth round. Linebacker Clay Matthews was taken with the No. 26 pick in 2009. Thompson even picked up cornerback Sam Shields as a rookie free agent in 2010.

Those are just a few Pro Bowl names Thompson and the front office have discovered without a high No.1 pick.

Since Thompson took over in 2005, the Packers have won an average of nearly 10 games a season and much of the team's success has come from excellent drafting.

There's a lot to be done in an offseason that saw some notable departures. Thompson added tight ends Martellus Bennett and Lance Kendricks to compensate for the loss of Jared Cook, who was a top target for Aaron Rodgers.

The Packers may draft for need rather than talent, and if that's the case they will likely bolster the defense. The secondary is a top concern with the loss of Shields and Micah Hyde.

Green Bay can also use an interior defensive lineman to help Kenny Clark, though they may have to convert a defensive end. There might be some inclination to trade up and land versatile defensive lineman Jonathan Allen of Alabama, but that probably isn't happening.

Though Ty Montgomery had some success at running back, Green Bay could use a traditional rusher. It seems doubtful, though, that the Packers will pick one in the first round with many decent options available in later rounds.

In recent mock drafts, veteran NFL expert Peter King of Sports Illustrated had the Packers taking outside linebacker T.J. Watt of Wisconsin. ESPN's Todd McShay had defensive end Charles Harris of Missouri going to Green Bay, while Mel Kiper Jr. went with Florida State running back Dalvin Cook.

The Packers front office can take their pick of some decent players who have a decent chance of being available by No. 29.

Adoree' Jackson, CB, USC

If Jackson is around at No. 29 he seems like a strong pick. The 21-year-old is not only a potential star punt and kick returner, but he could potentially emerge as a starting cornerback in 2017. At the very least, he would be a serviceable addition to the nickel defense. Jackson has a very high ceiling despite suffering some injury setbacks at USC.

T.J. Watt, LB, Wisconsin

The native of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, seems like an ideal selection for the Packers even though linebacker isn't a pressing need. Watt is coming off a strong season with the Badgers and impressed combine scouts with a 4.84 in the 40-yard dash and with his excellent leaping ability to perhaps block passes and field goal attempts. His Pro Bowl brother, J.J. Watt, claims T.J. is better coming out of college than he was.

Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU

The talent and pedigree are there, but is the toughness? White has tons of experience at defense-focused LSU, which means he is probably ready to thrive at the next level early in the season. Many mock drafts have him taken before No. 29 so Thompson might be crossing his fingers for White to still be around. White, like Jackson, has a good shot of earning regular duties returning kick and punts.

Jordan Willis, DE, Kansas State

There might be too much hype surrounding Willis as one of the fastest risers in this draft class. Willis might be more of an outside linebacker in a 3-4 because he's not massive edge presence at 255 pounds. But he can still be a force with a jaw-dropping 39-inch vertical and a 4.53 in the 40. He also started three seasons with the Wildcats, which is probably an important asset for the Packers in 2017.