With The First Pick
Fansided

2018 NFL Mock Draft: Final evaluations before the Scouting Combine

By Maxwell Ogden

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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player. 49. . Cornerback. Ohio State Buckeyes. Denzel Ward. 14

The Green Bay Packers have one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history, and thus, one of the best passing attacks in the game. The issue that Green Bay has experienced, however, is that it struggles to prevent the opposition from executing a high-powered passing offense of its own.

Thankfully, the best player available is the best cornerback on the board: Former Ohio State Buckeyes star Denzel Ward.

Green Bay finished the 2017 regular season ranked No. 23 in passing yards allowed, No. 29 in passing touchdowns allowed, and No. 30 in passing yards allowed per attempt. With a solid front seven, that speaks to a need for improvement in the secondary.

Ward would be an instant upgrade due to his compelling combination of elite athleticism, outstanding footwork, and a remarkable eye for the ball.

Opposing quarterbacks completed roughly 32 percent of their passes against Ward over the past two seasons. He recorded just two interceptions over the past two seasons, but also tallied 24 passes defended and shut down a number of high-quality receivers.

Lance Zierlein of NFL.com compared Ward to Denver Broncos star Chris Harris Jr., and it’s a fair upside projection—reason enough to be intrigued..

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