Green Bay Packers: Three Players to target in Round 2
The Packers went defense heavy on the first day of the NFL Draft. Day two could lead them to look to the offensive side of the ball.
Rashan Gary and Darnell Savage were the first two picks for the Green Bay Packers in Round 1 of the NFL Draft. They clearly loved both players, as Gary was someone the Packers had been targeting since February according to General Manager Brian Gutekunst. The love for Savage is evident in the fact that they traded up for him.
Day 2 of the draft affords the Packers a lot of different options. Gutekunst stayed with the company line that he would like to take the best player available. It does seem likely, however, that the Packers will focus on the offense now that they’ve added significantly to their defense.
Here are three players they could look at should they be available.
AJ Brown, WR, Ole Miss: A receiver that just seems to fit the billing of what the Packers traditionally have valued in wide receivers. Brown is a player that could play both in the slot and on the boundary. The Packers have typically valued players with positional versatility and it doesn’t appear to have not changed under Brian Gutekunst. Brown would give the Packers a playmaking option and represent the first skill position player they’ve selected highly since Davante Adams was picked in the 2014 NFL Draft. Brown is the top receiver on a lot of people’s boards. He would be a steal at 44 overall.
DK Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss: Metcalf is one of the most polarizing prospects in this year’s draft class. He blew up the combine and tested out of this world. His route tree is not all that refined, and he has some injury concerns. Some experts love him, others think that he has bust written all over him. Based on the selection of Rashan Gary, it seems like the Metcalf could fit the billing for the Packers. Should he be the selection, Metcalf would immediately become the Packers’ best downfield threat. His ceiling has been compared to either Josh Gordon or Terrell Owens. The talent is immense. It’s up to the Packers to coach it out of him, should they add him to the fold. It’s a boom or bust type of pick, but the risk is mitigated since he would be a second round choice.
Dalton Risner, OL, Kansas State: This would be a “boring” selection. Risner is an offensive linemen. That typically doesn’t come with a lot of fanfare. He is, however, a perfect fit for what the Packers are looking for. Risner has All-Pro potential on the interior. He also has the versatility to play tackle in a pinch. Risner could change the culture of the offensive line immediately. He is mean and nasty. He’s someone that you love if he’s on your team, but probably hate if you’re playing against him. If you want a comparison to another prospect, he’s Cody Whitehair, but with the potential to play tackle as well. With the Packers emphasizing the offensive line in the pre-draft process, it’s very possible that could be the position they look to in the second round.