Green Bay Packers Complete 2014 NFL Mock Draft
By Erik Lambert
November 3, 2012; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Ryan Shazier (10) tackles Illinois Fighting Illini running back Donovonn Young (5) after a short gain at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 52-22. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
This 2014 NFL mock draft represents the most important time of year for the Green Bay Packers. How might things play out for them?
#21 – Ryan Shazier – LB – Ohio State
Few in the 2014 class can wreck havoc around the line of scrimmage like Ryan Shazier. His incredible speed allows him to track down ball carriers, blitz from a variety of angles and play coverage. A rare three-down player who can fit multiple spots for the Pack.
#53 – Troy Niklas – TE – Notre Dame
Jermichael Finley is gone. Does the team have enough faith in Andrew Quarless to replace him. They can find out, but it’s always smart to keep the machine fed. So they add another potential weapon at the position with the big and athletic Troy Niklas.
#85 – Brock Vereen – FS – Minnesota
Finding stability at safety remains a mission the Green Bay Packers haven’t accomplished since Nick Collins left. Brock Vereen is a rising talent out of Minnesota with great athleticism, range and proven leadership on the back end.
#98 – Russell Bodine – G/C – North Carolina
Green Bay likes their linemen versatile and after the loss of Evan Dietrich-Smith they are thin along the interior, especially at center. Russell Bodine played very well at that position for North Carolina and has the chops to kick outside to guard if required.
#121 – Adrian Hubbard – OLB – Alabama
Scouts get on him about his lack of pass rush development but Adrian Hubbard has value beyond that. He can find ways to the quarterback, but his unusual power and length could also make him valuable along the defensive line like he was for Alabama.
#161 – Justin Britt – OT – Vanderbilt
Protecting Aaron Rodgers was a problem that nearly cost the Packers their division crown. He can’t keep taking the hits he has the past few seasons. Justin Britt is an athletic pass protector built much in the same way as current starter David Bakhtiari.
#176 – Shaquille Richardson – CB – Arizona
Cornerbacks are the foundation of a 3-4 defense. Green Bay managed to retain Sam Shields but they still need to keep loading up on talent. Shaquille Richardson flashed his press potential at Arizona and with more work has the athletic skill to become a starter.
#197 – Andrew Jackson – ILB – Western Kentucky
Shazier could end up anywhere so it will be good to give the inside linebacker spot more attention by the Green Bay Packers front office. Andrew Jackson is ideally suited for that position given his downhill, thumping approach. High ceiling but character concerns.
#236 – Bennie Fowler – WR – Michigan State
Loading up on wide receivers is a given with Aaron Rodgers under center. Bennie Fowler is a tremendous developmental option with his great size-speed combination along with a playmakers mentality.