Official 2018 Mock Draft Thread

[texaspackerbacker]

It seems like maybe these mock drafts base their thinking on past choices by a team. For example, that UTSA guy sounds more like he'd be a good 4-3 DE. We've sort of made that mistake a couple of times recently with Perry and Datone Jones. And drafting another Corner in the first round shows the same thinking - even though Jackson might be a good choice.

I really want an athletic pass rusher, but I just can't get Jamal Reynolds out of my mind - and how happy I was with that draft pick before he bombed out.

[Joemailman]

It seems like maybe these mock drafts base their thinking on past choices by a team. For example, that UTSA guy sounds more like he'd be a good 4-3 DE. We've sort of made that mistake a couple of times recently with Perry and Datone Jones. And drafting another Corner in the first round shows the same thinking - even though Jackson might be a good choice.

I really want an athletic pass rusher, but I just can't get Jamal Reynolds out of my mind - and how happy I was with that draft pick before he bombed out.

Perry wasn't a mistake in terms of ability. He's damn good when healthy. Unfortunately that's not very often. Jones was not drafted to play OLB. They only tried that after he failed at playing on the line. If Davenport has the physical traits, he could play outside despite his size. Think Julius Peppers.

[texaspackerbacker]

Perry wasn't a mistake in terms of ability. He's damn good when healthy. Unfortunately that's not very often. Jones was not drafted to play OLB. They only tried that after he failed at playing on the line. If Davenport has the physical traits, he could play outside despite his size. Think Julius Peppers.

I don't know enough about Davenport to comment on him, but Datone seemed like he could have been a great 4-3 DE, but the Packers tried to make him a 3-4 DE and then OLB, neither of which he was suited for. And Perry has been borderline decent his whole career, but far from a superstar. I would have expected better from a first rounder.

As for Peppers, he's a hall of fame level superstar who proved he could do the job in any system, even at an advanced age. Hell, I bet if he'd played TE, he would have been all pro there.

[Joemailman]

I don't know enough about Davenport to comment on him, but Datone seemed like he could have been a great 4-3 DE, but the Packers tried to make him a 3-4 DE and then OLB, neither of which he was suited for. And Perry has been borderline decent his whole career, but far from a superstar. I would have expected better from a first rounder.

As for Peppers, he's a hall of fame level superstar who proved he could do the job in any system, even at an advanced age. Hell, I bet if he'd played TE, he would have been all pro there.

You're right. They thought they could make Jones into a 3-4 DE. My point is that just because Davenport might have somewhat similar size to Jones isn't all that relevant. If the Packers decide to draft Davenport it will be because they believe he has a different skill set. The biggest question with him will be whether he has the ability to drop into coverage.

[gbgary]

You're right. They thought they could make Jones into a 3-4 DE. My point is that just because Davenport might have somewhat similar size to Jones isn't all that relevant. If the Packers decide to draft Davenport it will be because they believe he has a different skill set. The biggest question with him will be whether he has the ability to drop into coverage.

i'd want the pass-rusher to be rushing the passer rather than dropping into coverage. but that's just me. lol

[Joemailman]

i'd want the pass-rusher to be rushing the passer rather than dropping into coverage. but that's just me. lol

The idea in the 3-4 has always been that the OLB might be rushing or might be dropping into coverage. The QB isn't sure which. Take that doubt away and it's a lot easier to attack the defense.

[gbgary]

i'd want the pass-rusher to be rushing the passer rather than dropping into coverage. but that's just me. lol

yeah i know...was half kidding.

[Smidgeon]

I don't know enough about Davenport to comment on him, but Datone seemed like he could have been a great 4-3 DE, but the Packers tried to make him a 3-4 DE and then OLB, neither of which he was suited for. And Perry has been borderline decent his whole career, but far from a superstar. I would have expected better from a first rounder.

As for Peppers, he's a hall of fame level superstar who proved he could do the job in any system, even at an advanced age. Hell, I bet if he'd played TE, he would have been all pro there.

I remember people saying that Datone Jones was the first prototypical 3-4 DE that Green Bay had tried drafting. Maybe he was better as a 4-3 end, but it appears he had more success in GB than elsewhere, so who knows.

Successful first rounders aren't superstars. There's a higher chance of them there, but a successful first rounder is a consistent starter. You hope to hit one there due to the higher odds, but baseline is not superstar. Not even in the Top 10.

Look at the 1st round of the 2006 draft. A lot of long term starters, a lot of wash outs, and one bona fide star (Ngata). That isn't atypical. Getting Raji and Matthews in the same draft is incredibly rare (both breakout stars in 2010).