Packers Draft Selections:
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix: First Round, 21st overall, S, Alabama
Davante Adams: Second Round, 53rd overall, WR, Fresno State
Khyri Thornton: Third Round, 85th overall, DT, Southern Miss
Richard Rodgers: Third Round, 98th overall, TE, California
Carl Bradford: Fourth Round, 121st overall, OLB, Arizona State
Corey Linsley: Fifth Round, 161st overall, C, Ohio State
Jared Abbrederis: Fifth Round, 176th overall, WR, Wisconsin
Demetri Goodson: Sixth Round, 197th overall, CB, Baylor
Jeff Janis: Seventh Round, 236th overall, WR, Saginaw Valley
Packer Draft Grade: 9/10
For our full NFL Draft Coverage, please click here.
2014 Packers Draft
The Green Bay Packers are a successful football club for a reason. In a league where so many teams try to build winners by throwing money at big-time free agents, Packers General Manager Ted Thompson prefers to follow the old-school methodology of building through the draft. Make no mistake about it, Thompson is all about value. It seems that every season he manages to pull an “Ozzie Newsome” and lands a top fifteen prospect much later than he should. This year was no different.
With the 21st overall selection in the draft Thompson landed rangy Alabama star Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, widely considered the best all-around safety in the draft. Clinton-Dix has big-time ability and figures to make an immediate impact at a key position of need for the Pack. Most analysts expected the former Crimson Tide standout to be selected sometime in the teens, so chalk this one up as another value pick for Thompson.
In the second round, the Packers snagged Fresno State receiver Davante Adams. Adams figures to contribute immediately as well as be a potential replacement for James Jones. One of three wideout selections in the Packers draft class, Adams joins an elite receiving core that already features Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, and Jarrett Boykin.
Thompson used the Packers two third round picks on a couple of less-heralded prospects with upside. While even Khyri Thornton was surprised to hear his name called in the third round, he offers immediate depth to the defensive line. Tight end Richard Rodgers, widely viewed as a project player, figures to immediately become the Pack’s second best player named Rodgers.
With the Packers fourth round selection, Thompson snagged OLB Carl Bradford. Bradford, a former defensive end at Arizona State, is an excellent tackler, and will likely shift into a role as an outside ‘backer. While many see him as an undersized player, his high motor will likely assure him of some sort of role in the Packers linebacking unit.
With the first of two fifth round picks, Thompson addressed a key position of need, selecting Ohio State center Corey Linsley. Linsley will be expected to compete for a starting role immediately, and could be snapping the ball to Aaron Rodgers at some point next season.
The final three picks of Thompson’s draft featured two additional wide receivers and an intriguing cornerback prospect. In the fifth round, Thompson selected Wisconsin wide receiver Jared Abbrederis, before grabbing Baylor cornerback Demetri Goodson in the sixth, and wrapping up the draft with Saginaw Valley receiver Jeff Janis in the seventh round.
Goodson is an interesting prospect. A former basketball star at Gonzaga, he enters the NFL as a 25-year-old rookie. He has plus athleticism, and figures to be a depth player in the Pack’s secondary.
While it may seem peculiar that a team that features such an excellent receiving core would spend three selections on wideouts, Thompson is true to his board. The Packers are an organization that stresses competition and both Abbrederis and Janis will be given the opportunity to stick with this crowded group.
All in all, another solid draft for Ted Thompson. Clinton-Dix and Adams figure to be immediate contributors, and Thornton, Bradford, Rodgers, and Linsley look like solid developmental prospects. Goodson offers intriguing upside, and at least either Abbrederis or Janis should make the club next year. Some pundits will tell you that the Packers neglected their need at inside linebacker, but it’s hard not to give this draft class high marks, if for no other reason than the first couple of rounds, and the upside of some of the later selections.
For more on sports injuries, check out our friends at Sports Injury Alert.
Thank you for reading. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport – and “liking” our Facebook page.
Interested in writing for LWOS? We are looking for enthusiastic, talented writers to join our Football writing team. Visit our “Write for Us” page for very easy details in how you can get started today!
Football fans…check out our two partnered NFL podcasts – Thursday Night Tailgate Radio and Overtime Ireland. Both shows bring you interesting commentary, critical analysis and fantastic guests including former and current NFL players, coaches and personalities.
