PFF is putting together team-specific draft boards for all 32 franchises using our draft rankings and evaluation of how each player fits in specific schemes.
Included are three ideal targets for each team with their first-, second-, and third-round picks, along with a team-specific draft board (at the bottom of this article) that includes every player in PFF’s draft rankings.
Here is the entry for the Green Bay Packers:
Round 1 (27th overall)
Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State
Jones would be another pass-rushing threat to pair up with Mike Daniels. If he falls this far, he could end up being the steal of the draft. Jones was utterly dominant, albeit in limited snaps. Against Power-5 competition, no one had a higher pass-rushing grade on the interior.
Ragland may very well be off the board by this point, but if he’s available, the Packers would have a difficult time passing him up. Few can match his prowess as a run-stuffer and blitz threat in this class. The only question is his ability as a third-down linebacker, as he was frequently moved down to an edge rusher on third downs instead of playing coverage.
Jared Cook and his one-year contract isn’t stopping me from taking the top tight end in this draft class. Henry may not have “elite” athletic traits, but he’s good enough that you can work him from the slot or out wide. His hands, though, are definitely elite, as he didn’t drop a single pass on 39 opportunities a year ago.
Round 2 (57th overall)
Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech
If they pass on defensive line in the first round, Butler would be a swell consolation prize. The former Louisiana Tech standout has the length and size to stuff the run on the nose, or as a base end. He also offered up more pass-rush as a senior, and was the fifth-highest-graded defensive tackle in the one-on-one’s at the Senior Bowl.
Wright’s athleticism concerns will push him way down boards, but from a production standpoint, few can match the Arizona linebacker. As a true sophomore, he was the second-highest-graded LB in the FBS. Even after an injury-plagued junior year, Wright came back for Arizona’s bowl and collected a ridiculous 12 stops.
With Eddie Lacy entering the final season of his rookie contract and James Starks turning 30 years old, running back isn’t out of the question early for Green Bay. Perkins would be a nice complement to Lacy, as he brings some highlight-reel quickness to the table. He led the country in elusive rating last season.
Round 3 (88th overall)
Receiver isn’t too pressing of a need for Green Bay, with Jordy Nelson and Ty Montgomery returning. That being said, Ted Thompson is always looking to add talent at the receiver position, and Mitchell fits the mold of what they look for. The Georgia receiver is a very sudden route-runner with some shiftiness after the catch.
Even if Matthews is back on the edge full time, the Packers could use some more “oomph” in their third-down packages, with Julius Peppers starting to slow. Schobert was one of the most efficient rushers in the nation last year, and could even offer value as an inside linebacker, as well.
Nick Kwiatkoski, ILB, West Virginia
The Packers realistically could take multiple inside linebackers in this draft, with needs at both off-ball positions. Kwiatkoski had top-10 grades versus both the pass and run last year. Even as a mid-rounder, he could step in and start right away.
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