The Green Bay Packers’ general manager, Brian Gutekunst, has a track record of choosing players in the first round from what he views as premium positions. The second round, though, is where needs are most easily attacked.
He selected wide receivers, centers, guards, tight ends, and running backs in the draft. Additionally, all of the offensive players (Josh Jackson excluded) are more willing to be acquired with picks in 2018
We used The Athletic’s Consensus Big Board for the top 100 picks and the NFL Mock Draft Database for later selections to create this exercise of determining who would be the best target for each pick. We also target two needs, one on each side of the ball, in an effort to maintain the series.
Pick 41 – T/G (via New York Jets) Barton, Duke Graham (32nd)
On The Athletic’s consensus board, Barton is ranked 32nd among players. Though his arms are short, he may—and most likely will—kick inside to play guard in the NFL after playing as a left tackle at Duke.
When Barton and the Packers met in person during the Combine, Barton declared he could play all five line positions. That adaptability is adored by Green Bay.
That’s an intriguing profile, as he could join the Packers right away at right guard and then move to the outside as he gains more experience and production. However, it makes sense for Green Bay even if he is only a guard; Elgton Jenkins is a prime example of how that can work out.
In addition to being a strong run blocker, Graham Barton also has good pass blocking technique.
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Select 58 – LB NC State’s Payton Wilson (51st)
We started out with safety Calen Bullock here, but the Packers would likely prefer a heavier safety because he weighed 188 pounds. It doesn’t help his cause that he skipped the Combine’s explosive drills.
Now let’s add linebacker Payton Wilson to cover another defensive need. It is especially more important for off-ball linebackers now that the defensive alignment is a 4-3 base. Furthermore, veteran De’Vondre Campbell may become a cap casualty. It is clear that something is needed.
Wilson is a little undersized, but that could work to his advantage in a cover linebacker role. He has amazing speed as well, and while his explosive power is not as strong, it’s still quite decent.