Green Bay Packers: Experts grade the 2019 draft class

Andy Benoit – Sports Illustrated

Overall grade: B+

Benoit is a fan of the versatility that Rashan Gary and Darnell Savage will provide defensive coordinator Mike Pettine and this Green Bay Packers defense and on Day 2, he feels that they took care of two of their biggest positional needs on offense with offensive line help and a young tight end for this Matt LaFleur offense.

"Part of why the Packers pay Aaron Rodgers huge money is they believe he makes everyone on offense better. Therefore this team can afford to invest primarily on defense, which it has now done with its first pick every year since 2011. Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine believes in two key things: aggressive, destructive play up front (as opposed to sounder but more passive play) and diversity in coverage personnel. And so the Packers took a flyer on the uber-talented Rashan Gary, even though their defensive line did not have any holes to fill. Some have debated what position Gary will play. With Green Bay’s diverse fronts, the answer will be … many. Nine picks after Gary, the Packers called hard-hitting safety Darnell Savage, who at Maryland played back deep and in the slot. Savage will likely be moved around, with his best chance at playing time coming as a free safety, given that expensive free agent ex-Bear Adrian Amos is best as a strong safety and 2017 second-rounder Josh Jones is best as a dime linebacker. Day 2 was spent giving resources to Rodgers. Elgton Jenkins indirectly provides an answer at right tackle, as free agent pickup Billy Turner can slide over there from guard next year when Bryan Bulaga likely departs. TE Jace Sternberger has drawn comparisons, stylistically, to Travis Kelce. Remember how effective Rodgers was with receiving tight end Jared Cook a few years ago? With Sternberger and Jimmy Graham, he now has two (that means schematic flexibility), with Sternberger doubling as the long-term answer to replace the aging Graham either in 2020 or ’21."

As you can see, the initial reaction to the Green Bay Packers draft is a positive one. What grade would you give Green Bay’s 2019 class? Comment below or follow us on Twitter at @DairylandXpress and let us know what you think!