3 NFL Draft prospects the Packers should avoid

2. Nick Bolton, Linebacker, Missouri

Bolton projects to be a quality starter at middle linebacker for a team that employs a traditional defensive scheme. He was a highly productive tackler and playmaker during his collegiate career when he was asked to make plays in front of him.

Teams shouldn’t spend first round picks on players like Bolton who project to be steady, but unspectacular middle linebackers. He will make some highlight plays with his ability to hit the ball carrier with real force, but he struggles to do anything of note in space. That makes him a potential liability in coverage at the NFL level.

Bolton just doesn’t offer the upside required to be a valuable pick on Day 1. He could land in Green Bay and become an instant starter, but the team should be able to find similar value in the middle rounds. As such, the Packers should allow someone else the privilege of over-drafting Bolton just because he’s relatively ready to play right away.

The Packers are a team with enough roster talent to take a big swing with their first round selection. Bolton does not fit that profile in the slightest. He’s a safe pick for a team that needs to be shooting for a potential star.