Green Bay Packers’ needs heading into NFL Draft Day 2
Assessing where the Green Bay Packers could target these positions on the second day of the NFL Draft. They could look to the offense after focusing on defense
The Green Bay Packers made some waves on the first day of the NFL Draft. When their first time on the clock came around they took Michigan defensive end Rashan Gary who will be counted on to provide the pass rush with some punch.
Instead of picking at 30, the Packers were proactive. They traded up to pick 21 by using pick 30, 114 and 118 to select safety Darnell Savage. It’s clear the Packers are taking an aggressive approach to adding to their defense.
They’ve spent a lot of money in free agency and high end draft capital on their defense so far. At this point, if the defense fails, the entire organization’s philosophy should be in question.
Day 2 is one in which the Packers will have two picks barring more moving around by Brian Gutekunst. It seems logical to think the Packers will now be looking for a boost to their offense. Here are some places they could look when they’re on the clock on day two.
Wide Receiver: When the Packers traded up to pick 21, some people seemed to think they were targeting a pass catcher. They were not, they picked Darnell Savage. Pick 44 could be a sweet spot for them to take a wide receiver. The only receivers that have come off the board after Day 1 are Oklahoma’s Hollywood Brown and Arizona State’s N’Keal Harry. There are plenty of good options still available for the Packers. Some examples could include Ole Miss products DK Metcalf and AJ Brown. South Carolina’s Deebo Samuel. There are several options for Green Bay should they be looking for a skill position player.
Tight End: Many pundits were thinking that Green Bay could select one of the Iowa tight ends in the first round if they were available. The Packers never had a realistic opportunity. TJ Hockenson was off the board at 8 overall to Detroit. Noah Fant went 20th to Denver. Green Bay clearly did not value a tight end highly enough to take one at 12 overall. They could, however, think that one is worth the 44th overall selection. Irv Smith Jr. from Alabama is still available. Jace Sternberger from Texas A&M could be an option in the third round. Kahale Warring is a late riser that could slide up the board. Green Bay didn’t get their tight end on day one, but they could definitely add one on the second day should one fit the pick they are at.
Offensive line: The Packers had a lot of visits with offensive linemen in the pre-draft process. Some thought they could take one as high as 12 overall. They did not do that. At this point it appears the Packers may think that Billy Turner is the right tackle of the future. If they do not, however, there are some offensive linemen that could entice them. Jawaan Taylor was a consensus as the top offensive lineman in this class. He has fallen out of the first round. That reportedly could be for medical reasons. Favorite of Packers twitter Dalton Risner is still available. Cody Ford remains available. The Packers will have several options to take at 44 should they choose to address the trenches.
EDGE Rusher: This isn’t the most likely scenario, but if there is a value pick the Packers may not be able to say no. It’s possible that Jachai Polite is someone the Packers could choose to take a gamble on should he fall to where they feel comfortable picking.
Next. Grading the Rashan Gary pick. dark
Cornerback: Again, unlikely, but Byron Murphy and Greedy Williams are both still available. It’s possible the Packers really like one of those corners and can take them shoudl their slide continue. Some pundits believed both of those players were first round possibilities. Green Bay may or may not view cornerback as a need. That remains to be seen. It’s a luxury that Green Bay may not be afford to pass up if either is available when they’re on the clock.