It is widely known that the Green Bay Packers like to build through the draft every year. It shook out a bit different this year due to the Packers acquiring Martellus Bennett and Lance Kendricks via free agency, while also adding the late addition of Jahri Evans at guard. These moves allowed the Packers to trade out of the first round and acquire more draft picks in what many considered to be a deep defensive draft. Here are the picks:
Green Bay Packers 2017 NFL Draft Review:
2nd Round, Pick 33 – Kevin King, CB, Washington
2nd Round, Pick 61 –Josh Jones, S, N.C. State
3rd Round, Pick 93 – Montravius Adams, DT, Auburn
4th Round, Pick 108 – Vince Biegel, LB, Wisconsin
4th Round, Pick 134 –Jamaal Williams, RB, BYU
5th Round, Pick 175 – Deangelo Yancey, WR, Purdue
5th Round, Pick 182- Aaron Jones, RB, UTEP
6th Round, Pick 212 – Kofi Amichia, OL, USF
7th Round, Pick 238 – Devante Mays, RB, Utah State
7th Round, Pick 247 – Malachi Dupre, WR, LSU
Draft Ranking: 8/10
Best Player
The best player the Packers drafted is their first selection of the draft, Kevin King. Corner back was their most pressing need and they cashed in with the first pick of the second round. King has all the traits of a starting corner in the NFL and has shown it consistently on tape. King is a towering corner at 6’3″ and has the speed (4.44 in the 40) to keep up with any receiver. The Packers traded out of the first round and still landed a top player at the position in the draft. King should come in and push for the starting job immediately.
Head Scratcher
The head scratcher from this draft was actually not a specific player, but the decision to draft three running backs in the later rounds. They drafted Jamaal Williams, Aaron Jones, and Devante Mays, who are relatively similar. With other pressing needs such as pass rushers and offensive line depth, I’m surprised that they spent so much draft capital on one position.
The Surprise
Malachi Dupre was the surprise of the Packer’s draft. Many draft analysts and experts had him going as high as the third round and the Packers drafted him with their last pick in the seventh round. With receiver not really being a need, many were pleasantly surprised to see them get such an explosive, underrated player.
Steal
Not only was Kevin King the best player in the draft, he was also the biggest steal. He was fully expected to go in the first round. When he was not selected, he decided to stay in Philadephia, unlike the other few players who remained, and walked his parents down the red carpet. When he heard his name called with the first pick in the second round, he got to do just that. Expect him to come to Green Bay with a chip on his shoulder and prove that he should have been a first round pick.
Most Likely to Turn Heads in Training Camp
Josh Jones will turn heads in training camp with his elite speed and athletic ability as a safety. Jones ran 4.41 in the 40 yard dash and has nice size, standing at 6’1″ tall and weighing in at 220 pounds. This selection finally gives the Packers another free roam safety to go along with Ha-Ha Clinton Dix. This allows Morgan Burnett to drop down in the box more often.
The Rest
Montravius Adams and Vince Biegel were both mid round picks and both look to make an impact in 2017 as situational and rotation players. Biegel is a bit undersized and Adams needs to improve his run stuffing abilities. Both need some time in the NFL to be coached up.
Of the three running backs drafted, Jamaal Williams should earn the role as compliment to Ty Montgomery in the Packers backfield. He is a bruising running back and should compliment Montgomery nicely. Aaron Jones and DeVante Mays will be in play for the third spot at running back while the other probably goes on the practice squad. Kofi Amiche should be a nice add on to learn under Jahri Evans at guard and provide depth to an offensive line that sorely needs it.
Overall, this draft looks to be a home run. The Packers put an emphasis on getting more dynamic on defense and add complimentary pieces on offense. While the Packers did not draft an impact pass rusher early, they got two dynamic pass defenders in the draft in Kevin King and Josh Jones. They will instantly help one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL. With all the young talent on the Packer’s defense, the future looks bright.
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