The Green Bay Packers hold the No. 27 overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft after a season that didn't quite match their expectations. Green Bay managed to make the playoffs, but came up short in its Super Bowl bid. A return to the playoffs next year is a real possibility, and anything less will be a massive disappointment.
However, drafting a bust could cause the Packers to take a step back in 2016. Here are three players the Packers must avoid in the first round:
3. Noah Spence, LB, Eastern Kentucky
Spence has talent, that much if for sure. However, his off-the-field issues are cause for serious concern. Spence was banned from the Big Ten after repeated failed drug tests, as he had a problem with Ecstasy. He reportedly didn't interview well at the Combine, a less-than-promising sign for a player with red flags. A gifted pass rusher, Spence needs work in coverage to make it in the Packers' 3-4 scheme. Green Bay might not need to make a decision on Spence, because he could already be off the board. If he's not, the Packers should let someone else take a risk on him.
2. Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas
Henry fills a need, as the Packers still need a long-term answer at tight end. Richard Rodgers has made a few plays for the Packers, but he's more of a No. 2 TE than a No. 1. The addition of Jared Cook also means the Packers don't need to spend an early pick on the spot. But the real reason why the Packers need to avoid Henry is that he's not the worth of a first round pick. It's a poor TE class, and although Henry is the best one, that doesn't mean he's worthy of a first round selection. However, taking him in Round Two could be a smart pick.
3. Jaylon Smith, MLB, Notre Dame
Smith has loads of talent, fills a major need and the idea of him falling to Green Bay would have been a pipe dream before Notre Dame's bowl game this season. Unfortunately, Smith's knee injury in that game is severe. Initial medical checks at the Combine indicated that Smith had nerve damage, which kills his draft stock. While Smith has Patrick Willis-type ability and his addition would fill a big need, his injury red flags mean he's not worth taking on Round One. If he's on the board in Round 3, he'd be a great pick. But it's just too much risk for the Packers to take him in the first. Download the Chat Sports App for more Packers coverage.
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