Mel Kiper Thinks the Packers Could Snag a Defensive Stud in the Draft
The Packers have been pretty focused on building up their offense around Jordan Love, but it looks like they might be switching gears in this year’s NFL Draft. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. just dropped his latest mock draft, and he’s got Green Bay picking Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams at No. 23 overall.
Kiper admits the Packers’ sack numbers last season (45 total) look solid on paper, but the pressure rate told a different story they ranked just 22nd. That’s where Williams comes in. Even though he dealt with an ankle injury last year, he still managed five sacks in 12 games. Kiper says he’s got the traits to become a legit force on the edge.
Williams is a big dude 6’5″, 265 pounds and he could add some serious juice to the Packers’ defense. He’s explosive, athletic, and brings some solid run-stopping skills too, scoring an 82.9 run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus.
NFL analysts see him as a high-upside project: loads of talent, freakish length, and athleticism, but he needs more experience and time to bulk up. He still plays a bit too upright and has trouble shedding blocks quickly, but the raw tools are there.
In three seasons at Georgia, Williams totaled 10 sacks, 65 tackles, and forced three fumbles. If the Packers are trying to beef up their front seven, especially under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, Williams might just be their guy.
Loads of Traits”: Kiper Connects Packers to Athletic Freak in Draft
