Packers 2021 NFL Draft: The good, the bad, the grade

Despite Aaron Rodgers dominating headlines for the Green Bay Packers, the team quietly had a solid 2021 NFL Draft. General manager Brian Gutekunst was able to address a number of important needs both in the short term and in the long run.

They started out by grabbing cornerback Eric Stokes in the first round, a speedster with a high ceiling, and followed it by grabbing interior offensive lineman Josh Myers and wide receiver Amari Rodgers on Day 2. With six Day 3 selections, the Packers added two more offensive linemen–Royce Newman of Ole Miss (fourth round) and Cole Van Lanen of Wisconsin (sixth round)–defensive lineman Tedarrell Slaton out of Florida (fifth round), cornerback Jemar Jean-Charles of Appalachian State (fifth round), linebacker Isaiah McDuffie from Boston College (sixth round) and running back Kylin Hill out of Mississippi State (seventh round). The Packers also added a number of undrafted free agents who hope to make the team or the practice squad to begin the season.

With a lot of analysis available, let’s take a macro look at the pros and cons of the Packers’ draft class and hand out grades.

Let’s review the Green Bay Packers’ 2021 NFL Draft by looking at their good picks, questionable moves and handing out an overall grade.

The Good

The Packers added players at positions of need for most of their picks. They desperately needed help at cornerback, defensive line, and offensive line and ended up addressing each position thoroughly. They also added potential depth at inside linebacker and running back, while grabbing a wide receiver who can impact the game in multiple ways.

Speaking of versatility, that appears to be the name of the game for Green Bay. They grabbed a number of players who can play multiple positions including Josh Myers, Royce Newman, Cole Van Lanen, and Amari Rodgers. The Packers seem to prefer guys who aren’t pigeon-holed into pone position and can move all over the field.