2019 NFL Draft Review: Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers had a horrible season last year with a 6-9-1 record as the rest of the NFC North finally caught up with them.  Now, the Packers must make some changes so that they can regain their position at the top of the division.  Let’s check out what they did in the National Football League (NFL) Draft.

Round 1, Pick 12:  Rashan Gary, DE, Michigan.  6’4, 277 lbs.  Adding an elite pass rusher will definitely help because opposing teams torched the Packers in the passing game last season.  Although his stats dipped last season, he almost demands to be double-teamed on every passing play.  His play will open up opportunities for others to make plays along the defensive line.

Round 1, Pick 21:  Darnell Savage, S, Maryland.  5’11”, 198 lbs.  The Packers also had secondary problems as well last season.  Picking Savage to start at free safety means that the defense will not be torched as much.  His ability to read plays and to also cover in the slot gives Savage the capability to make high-impact plays in his rookie season.

Round 2, Pick 12:  Elgton Jenkins, C, Mississippi State.  6’4, 310 lbs.  Interior offensive line help was needed, so Jenkins should start right away at center.

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Round 3, Pick 12:  Jace Sternberger, TE, Texas A&M.  6’4″, 251 lbs.  Sternberger was one of the top receiving tight ends in the NFL Draft.  He ended up with 10 TD’s last season.  He will be able to open things up for the wide receivers on the outside.

Round 5, Pick 12:  Kingsley Keke, DE, Texas A&M.  6’3″, 288 lbs.  The Packers scouts must have really liked watching Texas A&M on tape because they picked their second Aggie in a row with Keke.  He has the strength to stop the run and to rush the passer as a strong-side defensive end.  Green Bay could have possibly found their pass rush tandem for the next decade if everything works out.

Round 6, Pick 12:  Ka’Dar Hollman, CB, Toledo.  6’0, 196 lbs.  Adding secondary help is always necessary in the NFL.  Hollman should make the team as a backup cornerback.

Round 6, Pick 22:  Dexter Lewis, RB, Notre Dame.  5’11”, 212 lbs.  Lewis should stick around as a backup running back or as a third-down back.  His style of play will mesh well with the Packers pass-first philosophy.

Round 7, Pick 12:  Ty Summers, LB, TCU.  6’1, 242 lbs.  Summers will add depth to the inside linebacker position.

Grade:  The majority of the picks from the Packers were prioritized to deal with the problem in the trenches on both sides of the ball.  These picks should ensure that they will not be pushed around as much next season.  I give them a B-.

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