The Packers have the most picks of any team in the League this year. It irks me that you might never know it for how little attention and mention they get at NFL Network on their Path to the Draft program. I guess little Green Bay just isn’t sexy enough for NFLN. I would expect that new GM Brian Gutekunst might be willing to trade a few picks to move up for players they have ranked higher than their drafting spots in a few rounds. But who knows, this being his first rodeo in charge of the team’s Picks. So I will not pretend who I think he will pick, I’ll just tell you who I would take if I were GM.
Round 1, Pick 14 MARCUS DAVENPORT DE/ER UT/SAN ANTONIO 6’056/264 He brings the speed and athleticism that the team needs to boost their pass rush. His upside is huge as we saw at the Senior Bowl, when he started slowly early in the week and then had major impact in the game. I think he is reminiscent of a young Julius Peppers at the beginning of his career in Carolina.
Round 2, Pick 45 MALIK JEFFERSON LB TEXAS 6’022/236 Would look pretty good matched up with BLAKE MARTINEZ on the Inside. Very good athlete, who won a starting job as a true frosh for the Longhorns. Ran a 4.52/40 at the Combine, which makes him immediately the fastest Packers LB. Can also play outside if needed.
Round 3, Pick 76 JOSH SWEAT DE/ER FLORIDA STATE 6’046/251 Another speedy, athletic pass rusher who should be quite versatile. He’s incredibly long, including 34 5/8″ long arms. Absolutely blew up the Combine with his workout numbers. 4.53/40, 84 1/8″ wingspan. He’ll show best if moved around to confuse opponent pass-pro assignments.
Round 4, Pick 101. DAURICE FOUNTAIN WR N. IOWA 6’015/210 The wonder boy of the Shrine Game venue who strutted his stuff at his Pro Day. He uses 34 1/2″ arms and track background to out jump DB and displayed almost flawless hands at Shrine venue. Eventual No.2 wideout to Davonte Adams. Could also handle kick returns perhaps. Huge upside IMO.
Round 4, Pick 133 M.J. STEWART CB/RS NORTH CAROLINA 5’107/200 Good player who got lost on a very poor Tar Heels football team in 2017. Is a reliable tackler and solid in coverage. Looked very sound at Senior Bowl. Has a shot long term to start on the Corner but should play in sub-packages and on Special Teams as a Rookie.
Round 5, Pick 138 BILAL NICHOLS DT DELAWARE 6’036/306 Athletic player who can play inside or outside. Might also look good in a 2-man DL if new DC uses one anywhere near as much as Dom Capers used to. Is fairly strong and pretty mobile.
Round 5, Pick 172 DANE CRUIKSHANK DB ARIZONA 6’1/209 Very athletic, with S size and CB speed. Really caught my eye at Shrine venue with his ability to track the ball in the air and go to it to contest receivers. Good tackler, who ran a 4.41/40 at 209 lbs. at the Combine. Could be the new MICAH HYDE in the Packers secondary.
Round 5, Pick 174 DALTON SCHULTZ TE STANFORD 6’053/244 Needs work on his blocking to fill their inline TE job, but has the frame to add 10 lbs. Good receiver with 9 1/2″ hands. Would replace Richard Rodgers as 3rd TE.
Round 6, Pick 207 BRETT TOTH OT ARMY 6’056/304 Long term developmental project while he completes his military commitment. Is a good athlete and smart, disciplined young man who played in both Shrine and Senior Bowl venues acquitting himself well.
Round 7, Pick 232 AUSTIN GOLSON OL AUBURN 6’044/307
Round 7, Pick 239 TANNER CAREW LS OREGON 6’012/243
Help to address roster depth issues on Draft Day 3 and plenty of speed and athleticism for the Defense overall. All of these guys were very solid performers at the collegiate level.
Cheers
Pigskin
