Packers Draft Primer: 5 Prospects Who Fill a Need

The NFL Draft is one of the most exciting times of the offseason. It can offer fans a sense of security that their team is moving in the right direction, or signal that their team has no clue what's going on.

For the casual fans, the 1st round is obviously the most important part of the process. For others (like myself), the entire draft is like Christmas in April. Sifting through prospects, delving into team needs, and incorrectly mocking players to those teams are all apart of the experience. So without further ado, here are my 5 prospects (likely to be drafted in the 1st round) that fill an immediate need for the Packers.

The Pipedream Pick: Minkah Fitzpatrick, Safety

Touted by many experts as one of the safest picks in the draft, Minkah Fitzpatrick can seemingly play all 6 positions in the secondary. He'd be a 'plug and play' starter and would provide a versatile piece for new defensive coordinator Mike Pettine; similar to how Micah Hyde was used. However, with Ha Ha Clinton Dix already secured at the starting free safety position, Fitzpatrick would most likely be deployed as a nickel corner. If Minkah were to start slipping into the 10-12 range, you'd have to think that GM Brian Gutekunst would be extremely tempted to trade up to select the former Alabama safety. This would be one of the best-case scenarios, considering the losses of Morgan Burnett and Damarious Randall. This may not seem so crazy considering the amount of QBs projected to go in the top 5.

Pro comparison: Malcolm Jenkins

Potential: Perennial Pro-bowler

The Maybe Pick: Tremaine Edmunds, Linebacker

Tremaine Edmunds is essentially a unicorn. Standing at nearly 6'5", weighing 253 lbs, you just don't see the size and speed combination that Edmunds offers. He can cover, stuff the run, and even rush the passer. His athletic profile itself warrants spending a top 10 pick, based on potential alone. That being said, Edmunds still has a lot to learn, and often times relies on his athleticism to bail him out. For that reason only, it may be in the Packers' best interest to look elsewhere, as they may not have the time allowed to develop Edmunds into the player he could be. Nonetheless, the Virgina Tech product has one of the highest upsides in the entire draft class, and could see himself selected in the top 10 come late April.

Pro Comparison: Brian Urlacher

Potential: Future All-pro

The Realistic Pick: Marcus Davenport, Defensive End

Marcus Davenport: a name that almost nobody knew until the past 6 months. Davenport, who played for Texas San Antonio, made a name for himself during the Senior Bowl in January (seen above), and has seen his stock rise throughout the process. With a huge frame at 6'6", 265 lbs, Davenport has the size and athleticism to play in any scheme in the NFL. He could certainly see his name called by the Packers come pick 14, and would fill a colossal void at a position in major need of depth. With Clay Matthews set to turn 32 years old, and Nick Perry's inconsistency from time to time, Davenport would make an immediate impact as a rotational edge rusher. I could see him developing similar to how the Vikings brought in Danielle Hunter a few years back.

Pro Comparison: Ziggy Ansah

Potential: Future Pro-bowler

The Surprise Pick: DJ Moore, Wide Receiver

A prospect who has seen his stock rise in the past couple of weeks, DJ Moore is a physical wide receiver who would play on the outside, opposite Davante Adams. The Packers held a formal meeting with Moore at the NFL Combine, and with the release of Jordy Nelson, there's a clear need for a new Z receiver with Randall Cobb playing the majority of his snaps from the slot. Standing at 6' even, Moore is a bulky receiver who can hold his own against press coverage. His athletic profile is incredible, and he could provide a deep threat for a team that lacks speed. Moore could improve as a route runner, but he's a heck of a player nonetheless, and was a huge weapon for Maryland this past season.

Pro Comparison: Pierre Garcon

Potential: 10 year-starter

The Underrated Pick: Leighton Vander Esch, Linebacker

Leighton Vander Esch is a day 1 starter at mike linebacker no matter where he gets drafted. If you watch any of his film, you'll see a technician at his finest. He always seems to be around the ball, and his instincts allow him to make plays that only the best can execute. His measureables are something rarely seen in a player his size, which is an excellent combination to his superior knowledge of the game. If Green Bay drafts him, he'd likely assume a starting role next to Blake Martinez, or stand out as a sub-package specialist. Whether in coverage or defending the run, Vander Esch will make an immediate impact on a defense looking for a leader, much like he was at Boise State.

Pro Comparison: Luke Kuechly

Potential: Future Pro-bowler