Packers 2018 NFL Draft – 10 Last-Minute Whispers, Predictions and Opinions

FEATURE

Packers 2018 NFL Draft – 10 Last-Minute Whispers, Predictions and Opinions

Apr 26, 2018

43 comments

Once again, we resume our annual tradition of draft day pontification on what may happen or should happen for the Packers in this year's draft.

Of course, all is dependent on who is available when, but over the last seven years, the Draft Whisperer correctly identified these players as being of great interest to the Packers: Derrick Sherrod, Randall Cobb, Casey Hayward, Terrell Manning, BJ Coleman, Johnathan Franklin. Brett Hundley, Jason Spriggs, Blake Martinez, Kevin King, Jamal Williams, and probably some others I don't remember.

So when he whispers, I listen.

Here's my list:

1) Whisper: Not sure what to make of this, but the player the Packers have done a ton of research on is Leighton Vander Esch. Now we all know Ted never valued ILBs very much, and I also highly doubt Gutey would use pick 14 on Vander Esch. Maybe though, just maybe, the Packers are looking to package some of their 12 picks and make a move similar to when they traded up to grab Clay Matthews. A first-round pick in the mid to late 20s is likely what it will take to land Vander Esch (unless the rumors of a bad medical report on one of his knees are true).

2) Prediction: Based on probable positions of value at the time, my predictions for the first four picks are EDGE, CB, WR, OT/OG

3) Opinion: A starting corner can be had in Round two, whereas edge rusher is not that deep this year. Unless Denzel Ward somehow drops, I'd be looking at an edge rusher with pick 14.

4) Whisper: Packers are in love with OG Austin Corbett as a three-position OL to start out, with an eventual full-time move to guard or center.

5) Prediction: Look for an OG/OT to be taken in round four. I personally like Joseph Noteboom of TCU for the Packers. I think he could be another 4th round steal for the Packers ala DBak, but this time as Bulaga's eventual replacement at RT or at worst, move inside and take over the RG spot.

6) Opinion: Under no circumstances should the Packers be tempted to draft another running back. I think they are very deep at that position, with Aaron Jones being my favorite since the day he was drafted.

7) Whisper: Packers did an inordinate amount of pre-draft research on QB Kurt Benkert of Virginia.

8) Prediction: I just have this gut feeling that Gutey will do what his mentor did when the Packers had a pick not in the 20s or 30s; trade up into late Round One to grab the object of their desire. He certainly has plenty of picks to work with.

9) Whisper: Cornerbacks that the Packers are focusing on are Josh Jackson and Mike Hughes.

10) Whisper: If the Packers go for a cornerback in Round One, look for them to do what it takes to nab Lorenzo Carter with their next pick. A trade-up to early Round Two would likely be necessary.

Bonus Whisper: Other players to watch for the Packers: DL PJ Hall, WR Dante Pettis, WR Courtland Sutton, OL Timon Parris

Late-Breaking Bonus Whisper: Packers are actively looking to trade up to grab one of the big 3 DBs (James, Ward, Fitzpatrick). Miami's pick is one possibility getting a lot of run...

Let the Draft Begin!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.

__________________________

"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of various hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He's a lifetime Packers fan living in the land of the Giants (and Jets). Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP.

__________________________

NFL Categories:

Green Bay Packers