Green Bay Packers 2016 NFL Draft Review
1st Round, 27th overall: DT Kenny Clark (UCLA)
2nd Round, 48th overall: OT Jason Spriggs (Indiana)
3rd Round, 88th overall: OLB Kyler Fackrell (Utah St)
4th Round, 130th overall: ILB Blake Martinez (Stanford)
4th Round, 137th overall: DE Dean Lowry (Northwestern)
5th Round, 163th overall: WR Trevor Davis (Cal)
6th Round, 20oth overall: OT Kyle Murphy (Stanford)
Packers 2016 Draft Grade: 9/10
The Best Player: The Packers spent their first round selection on defensive tackle Kenny Clark from UCLA, who should make an immediate impact in his first season in Green Bay. The Packers defensive line is perhaps the weakest part of the roster now due to the surprise retirement decision from B.J. Raji, as well as a four game suspension for Mike Pennel. Expect Kenny Clark to replace Raji as the starting nose tackle in Dom Capers 3-4 defense week one.
The Head-Scratcher: Wide Receiver Trevor Davis was selected in the fifth round, and sort of was a head-scratcher because the Packers have a bunch of quality young receivers in Ty Montgomery, Jared Abbrederis, Jeff Janis, and Davante Adams to go along with Jordy Nelson, and Randall Cobb. Although they signed Jared Cook in free agency, they can still use more help at tight end rather than receiver.
The Surprise: It was a bit of a surprise to see the Packers trade up with the Colts to choose an offensive tackle Jason Spriggs with their second round pick. The reason behind the decision may have been due to David Bakhitari being a free agent next season, but he is just 24 years old, and it would be surprising to see them move on from him. Other starting offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga was just re-signed last offseason for five years, as well as the backup Don Barclay for a year. It’s surprising they would spend a second round pick on an offensive tackle rather than a linebacker, but protecting Aaron Rodgers is always a good thing.
The Steal: The Packers were in need of an athletic inside linebacker that can both pass cover, and protect the run, and that is just what they acquired in Blake Martinez. They were able to grab the leader of the Pac 12 in tackles in the fourth round, who should immediately provide competition with Jake Ryan, and Sam Barrington with Clay Matthews moving back to outside.
Most Likely to Turn Heads in Training Camp: Although Kyler Fackrell is entering his rookie season, he will turn 25 and already has a wife and a two-year old daughter. Fackrell will be an outside pass rushing linebacker in Caper’s 3-4 defense which should resemble the way Clay Matthews plays. Fackrell already has experienced pass rushing in a 3-4 defense in college at Utah State, which already allows him to have a head start over the other rookies, and have the best odds to turn heads in training camp.
The Rest: Defensive end Dean Lowry tied Arizona Cardinals first round pick Robert Nkemdiche for the fastest forty yard dash time at the combine (4.87), and should help provide an athletic pass rush on the defensive live. Lowry may not start immediately, but he should contribute in the rotation along with Mike Daniels, Datone Jones, Letroy Guion, and Josh Boyd.Kyle Murphy was the second offensive tackle the Packers selected in this draft. He will provide more depth at offensive tackle, and it’s unsure whether they will keep him at tackle or move to guard. More offensive line help to protect Rodgers will always be beneficial.
Bottom Line: The Packers had a solid draft addressing their main needs such as an athletic inside linebacker, and defensive end, a starting defensive tackle that can replace Raji, as well as adding some offensive line help as well. General manager Ted Thompson’s only significant move was trading up for Jason Spriggs, but besides that he didn’t do anything flashy, or surprising. It appears that the Packers are looking to become a quicker football team, as well as making sure that Rodgers is always protected.
MAIN PHOTO:
