Analyzing the Packers’ Draft
Mere minutes away from a Super Bowl last season, the Green Bay Packers goal was to complement their existing team through the draft. There was no need to rebuild or reconstruct, they simply needed to find players to fill weaker positions.
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Ted Thompson, a general manager who follows his plan and sometimes frustrates fans with his stubborn nature, drafted in his typical manner, confident and unapologetic.
Kicking off the draft with a little drama, the organization made free safety Damarious Randall a Green Bay Packer in the first-round. Last year the Packers drafted free safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix in the first round, and strong safety Morgan Burnett is under contract until the summer of 2017. In short, the safety position was not a highlighted area of concern in the minds of many.
Furthermore, Randall does not come without flaws. Playing safety during his career at Arizona State, Randall did not begin college as a football player. Instead, he began his college career at Butler Community College playing baseball. Injuring his shoulder, Randall switched from baseball to football.
A history of shoulder problems should raise a red flag for the Packers in terms of the safety position.
Missing the 5’11” mark and weighing in at 196 pounds, the small defensive back will have to rely on his shoulder. That is not good news for the Packers. The Chargers implemented a similar tactic last season when they picked Jason Verrett, who was also a small back, and his year ended after four games due to shoulder issues.
If the Packers do not decide to include a three-safety defensive package, Randall could convert to a cornerback. While at Mesa Community College, Randall did play cornerback from time to time, and he has the speed to dominate the position.
Due to the absence of Tramon Williams and Davon House, Green Bay could use another boundary cornerback, and Randall could potentially be the answer.
Doubling down on the secondary, the Packers took cornerback Quinten Rollins in the second round. Apparently players with limited football experience intrigue Thompson, because Rollins spent more time on the basketball court than he did on the football field.
Despite only one year of football experience, Rollins was named MAC Defensive Player of the Year, and he recorded seven interceptions. The time on the court is not lost on Rollins. He moves like a basketball player, allowing him to immediately change direction and stop in an instant.
Between Randall and Rollins, the Packers’ secondary seems as though it is covered. While they lack the experience of Williams and House, their combined talent and unique skill-set are an asset to the team.
With Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, and Davante Adams already on the roster, Green Bay’s selection of a wide receiver in the third round came as a bit of a surprise. Drafting Ty Montgomery out of Stanford, the wide receiver adds insurance at that position and will contribute to special teams.
Considering the Packers struggled mightily on special teams last season, Montgomery could be a valuable punt returner.
Oct 25, 2014; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Ty Montgomery (7) rushes for a first down during the fourth quarter against the Oregon State Beavers at Stanford Stadium. Stanford won 38-14. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports
Entering the draft, there was a general sentiment that the Packers needed a linebacker, particularly an inside linebacker. Losing A.J. Hawk and Brad Jones, the Packers needed the position filled. Clay Matthews took on the role of inside linebacker last season, but it is not his natural position, and it would seem likely that Matthews would return to outside linebacker this season.
Waiting until the fourth round to fill the position, the Packers took Jake Ryan out of Michigan. An incredibly athletic player, Ryan should win the position from Carl Bradford, Green Bay’s current option at inside linebacker, this season.
Electing to draft a backup quarterback behind Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay selected UCLA’s Brett Hundley in the fifth round. Hundley expected to be drafted in the second or third round, but he described the long wait as a blessing in disguise to the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Observing one of the best quarterbacks in the league, Hundley will have time to grow and develop.
While the Packers are not in an immediate need of a quarterback, having insurance is never a bad thing. Especially since the backup position has been a mess in recent years, and Packer fans know what it is like to be without a decent quarterback at the helm.
John Kuhn‘s days in Green Bay seem to be numbered. The Packers drafted Aaron Ripkowski out of Oklahoma, threatening John Kuhn’s job security. Ripkowski does not contribute much with the run, but he does block well. Kuhn will likely resume the starting fullback position, but Ripkowski may receive some opportunities. He may also see the field for special teams.
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Christian Ringo is an unusual fit for the Green Bay Packers. A smaller defensive tackle, Ringo does not fit the traditional 3-4 defense. Green Bay also has depth at this particular position. If anything, Ringo will act as safety net for Mike Daniels, should he leave for a bigger contract come next season.
Ringo has the ability to be explosive, but he needs some time to develop before he can be considered for a starting position.
Ending the draft with Kennard Backman, the Green Bay Packers added a tight end to their roster. Ever since Jermichael Finley left the team, the tight end position has not been the same. Green Bay is hoping that Backman’s basketball hands and athletic build with erase the memory of Finley.
While Green Bay did have some questionable picks, they did fill a few needs. Some fans may be wondering what would possess Thompson to select a wide receiver, or add a defensive end that does not exactly fit the system, but Thompson has a history of finding successful players.
Exactly how these draftees work within Green Bay remains to be seen, but knowing Thomson, he will be thinking “I told you so” by the end of the season.