Green Bay Packers: Big board for 2018 NFL Draft
![PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 26: Head Coach Mike McCarthy of the Green Bay Packers looks on from the sidelines in the first half during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on November 26, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 26: Head Coach Mike McCarthy of the Green Bay Packers looks on from the sidelines in the first half during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on November 26, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/fe71313721218ed33fc70540fb000d8af01cd643346ccfbdaab17a1613a67755.jpg)
12. Da’Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
Defensive tackle isn’t a position of need for the Packers considering they have a nice rotation along the line with Mike Daniels, Kenny Clark, Muhammad Wilkerson and Dean Lowry among others. However, Da’Ron Payne will warrant some consideration if he’s still there at 14.
Payne is a beast in the middle along the lines of Ndamukong Suh and will be impactful from day one. Although his true impact might not be shown in the box score, he can eat up blockers and clear room for others to shine.
NFL.com has given up a draft grade of 6.51 which means he has a chance to become a Pro Bowl caliber player. McShay has him ranked as his 13th best prospect with a grade of 91 and Kiper most recently mock-drafted him to Washington at No. 13.
That all adds up to their being a realistic chance he’s available at 14. As I mentioned, even if it’s not the most ideal position for the Packers to address with their top pick, sometimes it’s hard to pass up on the best player available.