Mock Draft: Packers Select Oklahoma NT Jordan Phillips

The problem I had when I was looking at the inside linebackers available in the draft is that any of them would be a reach for the late first round. If anything, GM Ted Thompson waits for players to fall into his lap (Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Bryan Bulaga) in the first round. He might instead look for the best value available.

WATCH: @OU_Football's Jordan Phillips (T-#5 interior DL via Mayock) runs 5.17 40 http://t.co/wodSct0ldS #NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/0TF0f68NbV
— NFL (@nfl) February 22, 2015

It's also not a coincidence that Phillips is currently ranked No. 30 overall by CBS Sports and the Packers's first selection is at 30. His name is currently linked to the Packers only because Todd McShay sees a fit, but it makes some sense too. Inside linebacker is important, but B.J. Raji and Letroy Guion are both free agents (with the extra baggage of Raji coming off a lost season, and Guion's recent run-in with the law) and there's little depth at nose tackle.

There aren't a lot of guys with Phillips's size (6-5, 329 lbs.) and athleticism. He's worth the pick, but the Packers can find guys like him in free agency (such as Guion last season) or later in the draft. There are other high round alternatives too. Iowa's Carl Davis is a very good player, and the last defensive lineman the Packers drafted from Iowa (Mike Daniels) was a terrific selection. Phillips does fill a need but there's other ways they could improve the position too.