Safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, wide receiver Davante Adams and tight end Richard Rodgers all had solid seasons for the Packers in 2014. Clinton-Dix was second on the defense in tackles, Adams came up with some huge games against the Patriots and Cowboys, and Rodgers found the endzone twice and is developing into a reliable target off the edge of the line for Aaron Rodgers. Here are grades for the Green Bay Packers picks from rounds 5-7.
Grading the Green Bay Packers 2014 Draft Class: Rounds 5-7
Round 5: Corey Linsley – A
The center drafted out of Ohio State turned out to be a huge steal for the Packers in 2014. He was known in college for his athleticism and well above average strength. He brought both to the Packers’ O-line in 2014 and absolutely dominated opposing defensive lines, providing good protection for Aaron Rodgers and knocking people out of Eddie Lacy’s way. After the preseason injury to J.C. Tretter, many feared that a rookie center would be a liability for the Packers but such concerns turned out to be non-issues. Linsley is widely considered one of the best rookie linemen of 2014.
Round 5: Jared Abbrederis – D
Sadly, after being injured prior to the start of the season, fan favorite Jared Abbrederis of Wisconsin sat in the injured reserve all season. He is still anticipated heading into 2015, but missing his rookie year was tough and Davante Adams has almost certainly secured his position across the field from Jordy Nelson for 2015. Abbrederis will hopefully still have the moves and speed to be a number four or number three wide receiver and also has potential returning kicks. For 2014 however, nothing can be said of the round five selection.
Round 6: Demetri Goodson – C-
The Packers’ sixth round pick out of Baylor, corner back Demetri Goodson didn’t do much in his first year. In the first three games of the preseason he defended two passes and made two solo tackles. Not mind blowing numbers, but he did perform reasonably well in coverage against young receivers. He played a limited role in the six games in which he saw action through 2014, making six total tackles.
He will need to improve his quickness, if he is to rise up in the depth chart. However, we may see more of Goodson in 2015 given that three other Packer corners are now free agents. Davon House and Jarrett Bush are keepers for nickel and dime situations, but Tramon Williams is coming up on 32 and is really starting o show it.
Round 7: Jeff Janis – C
While every scout and coach in the NFL is weary of drafting out of NCAA FCS (DIV II), Jeff Janis is looking like a great project right now. His speed, conditioning and strength are through the roof for a wide receiver, and while his catching and route running were questioned heading into the draft, he looked good when he was on the field. He caught just two passes in the regular season but tore it up in preseason catching two touchdowns including one on which he showed off his speed, turning on the jets to reach the end zone after a short reception.
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