NFL First Round Mock Draft, Seahawks get defensive
By Dan Viens
Pick #27: Green Bay Packers – Noah Spence, DE/OLB, Eastern Kentucky
Under typical circumstances, Spence would be a top five pick. He’s an elite-type talent with the potential to be a dominant star in the NFL as a big time pass rusher, coming off the edge to terrorize quarterbacks. But Spence’s circumstances aren’t typical.
Spence began his career at Ohio State and started all 13 games as a true sophomore, recording 14 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks, but was later kicked off the team and banned by the Big 10 for failing drug tests. His drug of choice? Ecstasy. With the help of Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer, Spence successfully completed drug addiction treatment, and after a year away from football he landed at Eastern Kentucky where he dominated the lower level of competition, winning co-Defensive Player Of The Year honors in the Ohio Valley Conference.
He was impressive at the Senior Bowl, but got into several altercations with other players during drills. Competitive “nasty streak” or further cause for concern? Whether he’s taken 5th or 50th will depend on how well Spence does in interviews and background checks at the combine and beyond. But if all checks out, the Packers have serious needs along their front 7 and would gladly add a talent such as this.
Next: On the clock: Kansas City