Green Bay Packers: Last-minute 2018 NFL Draft rumors you need to know

Derwin James rated higher than Minkah Fitzpatrick?

There’s a very good chance the Packers will address the safety position early during the 2018 NFL Draft. Between the play they saw from the position in 2017 and the loss of Morgan Burnett via free agency, there’s simply no way to ignore one of their biggest needs through the first two days.

As it turns out, the Packers have a particular player in mind if they do go safety in the first round. Even in a situation where both Minkah Fitzpatrick and Derwin James are on the board at No. 14, Green Bay appears more interested in bringing the Florida State product to Wisconsin.

Or at least, that’s what Pauline is suggesting in his latest mock draft:

"I reported last week that it was going to be Minkah Fitzpatrick or Josh Jones for the Packers, but the team has a higher grade on James."

It’s an interesting rumor, but it makes some sense. Fitzpatrick is seen as a potential Micah Hyde-type of talent, with a wide range of skills that help him shine in a number of roles. Meanwhile, James is more of a downhill bruiser who also happens to be excellent in coverage. Both are outstanding prospects, but offer different tools for their future team.

Next: Dream first-round targets for Packers

Either safety would be a breath of fresh air for Green Bay’s slumping secondary. If the Packers go safety on Day 1 and both are available at No. 14, though, it sounds like James will be the pick.