With the 26th pick in Pride Of Detroit's 2013 NFL mock draft, the Green Bay Packers select Ohio State defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins. Jettero2112 is serving as the Packers' general manager, and his reasoning for the pick is below.
There were several options for this pick that would fill Green Bay's needs. I looked at the possibility of drafting a running back, offensive tackle, tight end and defensive end/tackle. No RB stood out in the first round except Eddie Lacy, who went at 22. Tight end was covered with the signing of Matthew Mulligan, and I was not impressed with the OTs available for this pick.
The defensive line could definitely use some help. Right now it's B.J. Raji (UFA 2014), Jerel Worthy (ACL injury, unsure about 2013 performance), Mike Daniels (good pass rusher), C.J. Wilson (can stuff the run, not much on pass plays), Mike Neal (not consistent) and Ryan Pickett (UFA 2014)
Johnathan Hankins was a two-year starter at Ohio State. He saw some playing time as a freshman reserve in 2010 and became a starter in 2011, which was his best season. Johnathan started every game in 2012 and earned First Team All-Big Ten honors. He decided to come out after his junior season and should do well in the NFL.
Here's a good highlight video of Hankins: http://247sports.com/Player/Johnathan-Hankins-2977/Videos
Johnathan has a great combination of strength, size and foot quickness to be a force against both the pass and the run with the versatility to line up as an effective two-gap NT in Green Bay's 3-4 defense.
He has good natural size and is able to carry a lot of weight. He has very good first-step quickness and can quickly get through the line of scrimmage and make plays in the backfield. He moves well in any direction and will be a factor on just about every play.
Hankins is a very tough run defender with great awareness, and he uses his eyes well to track the play. He's big enough to shrug off blocks and uses his hands to effectively control blockers, secure tackles and finish plays well once he gets his hands on the ball carrier. Having guys like Adrian Peterson, Mikel Leshoure and Matt Forte in the NFC North, he's definitely going to have his hands full.
Overall, I believe this is the right choice for the Green Bay Packers.
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Check out the 2013 Pride Of Detroit Community Mock Draft tracker for a look at all of the picks.