Green Bay Packers: 3 recent Draft booms and busts
By Kenny Jilek
Jason Spriggs
Based on the Packers’ somewhat recent history of drafting and developing quality lineman from any spot in the draft, Spriggs as a second-round pick seemed like the next big thing for a Green Bay offensive line that had protected Aaron Rodgers well in the years prior to his drafting in 2016.
Spriggs has yet to prove that he can be a solid starter for this offense. In three seasons he has made only nine starts, and only two in 2018 even in a season riddled with injuries on the offensive line. He had his own injury issues in 2017 being placed on the IR twice, first on September 21st and again on November 2nd.
He has shown discipline issues as well, committing three holding penalties and four false starts in his limited playing time in 2018.
What makes Spriggs even more disappointing is that the Packers traded up nine spots in the draft to get him in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts. In addition to the Packers’ initial second-round pick, they also gave up a fourth and seventh-round pick in that year’s draft. When you trade up and a guy does not perform it adds a little extra sting.
Spriggs has been a versatile lineman, being drafted as a tackle, but playing a lot of guard. He has not faired exceptionally well at either position. Contrary to Martinez, where his success means that another guy should be brought in to play opposite of him, Spriggs underwhelming play has lead to the Packers looking for help at his position in free agency in the form of veteran guard Billy Turner. Spriggs is now in the final year of his rookie contract and will have to make some big strides to get another contract and prove he still has potential in the NFL.
Comment below or @DairylandXpress who your favorite draft pick in recent history has been or who you would like to see the Packers draft at twelve with the highest spot they’ve had in the draft since taking B.J. Raji at nine in 2009.