2017 NFL Mock Free Agency: Packers Go Bold For Once
By Erik Lambert
The draft is usually in the spotlight this time of year, but a 2017 NFL mock free agency is often a great way to gauge how the off-season can start.
Seeing who teams are able (or unable) to get in March has a direct impact on what they end up doing in April. This particular off-season should be plenty interesting because there are so many teams that have a reasonable wealth of salary cap space. While lots of it will be reserves for their own players, plenty of it should be left over for some serious moves to be made. A number of notable names are about to get paid.
It’s a matter of which teams end up paying them. Here is a breakdown by division of key signings each one makes.
NFC NORTH
player. 49. Ted Thompson has avoided free agency at almost every opportunity. A classic scout at heart who wants to build purely through the draft. However, after another disappointing NFC championship defeat, it’s clear he has to rethink his typical free agent strategies. Stephon Gilmore is an ideal fit for their defensive system as an athletic cover corner who can play the football and create some turnovers. Things they just didn’t have in 2016.. CB. Buffalo. Stephon Gilmore . 1
player. 50. The Detroit Lions got away with a lot last season because of their ridiculous string of fourth quarter comebacks led by Matthew Stafford. Play on their defense was spotty at best, with the linebackers showing up as one of their biggest weaknesses. Perry Riley had a resurgence in Oakland after they switched to a 4-3 system as a solid run defender who does his job in coverage. He’ll bring needed stability for Detroit.. LB. Oakland. Perry Riley . 2
RB. Green Bay. Eddie Lacy . 3. player. 60. The signs are growing that the Minnesota Vikings could be ready to move on from Adrian Peterson. Age of course being the big issue, not to mention his now bloated contract. Being able to run the football is something head coach Mike Zimmer wants to do. Eddie Lacy has had conditioning issues in Green Bay, but he was also not used like a running back of his type should be. The Vikings can get him for reasonable money and will be able to feed him the football.
CB. Houston. A.J. Bouye . 4. player. 57. The Chicago Bears secondary was a mess in 2016. Most of their starters were either declining veterans or youngsters in their first or second seasons. Not a single proven commodity in the bunch. It’s hard to win in the NFL that way. The Bears pursued A.J. Bouye a year ago, recognizing his skill as a cover man. This time they’re able to seal the deal. In doing so they get somebody who can match up with any receiver and hold his own. Exactly what Vic Fangio wants.