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Grading Packers’ 2021 draft class at halfway point of season

By Brian Sampson

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 24: Eric Stokes #21 of the Green Bay Packers reacts in the third quarter against the Washington Football Team in the game at Lambeau Field on October 24, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 24: Eric Stokes #21 of the Green Bay Packers reacts in the third quarter against the Washington Football Team in the game at Lambeau Field on October 24, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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Green Bay Packers
ORCHARD PARK, NY – AUGUST 28: Royce Newman #70 of the Green Bay Packers waits for the snap during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on August 28, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /

Grading Packers 2021 draft class: Isaiah McDuffie (6th round)

Isaiah McDuffie has hung around the squad despite not getting a single snap on defense yet. His action has purely come on special teams where he’s played on the kick return, kick coverage, punt return and field goal block unit. There hasn’t been much to grade him on so far, but the fact he’s still around counts for something.

Grade: C

Grading Packers 2021 draft class: Cole Van Lanen (6th round)

Considering how deep the Packers’ offensive line is, it’s not too surprising they released Cole Van Lanen at the end of the preseason and placed him on their practice squad. Considering that’s the only action he’s had this season, there’s nothing else to publicly evaluate him on.

Grade: D+

Grading Packers 2021 draft class: Shemar Jean-Charles (5th round)

The Packers appear to like what they have in Shemar Jean-Charles. After not playing in Week 1 or 2, he’s played at least 14 snaps in each of the last seven games with most of it coming on special teams. His most extensive defensive playing time came in Week 7 when he played a handful of snaps in the slot. He hasn’t overly impressed in any one area which is cause for the average grade.

Grade: C

Grading Packers 2021 draft class: T.J. Slaton (5th round)

T.J. Slaton was one of the better training camp stories considering how strong he came on with his play. He hasn’t quite lived up to that hype in the regular season, but has gotten at least six snaps on the defensive line in all but one game. By far, his most extensive action came in Week 9 when he recorded 45 snaps against the Chiefs. He held up pretty well–recording a 60.7 PFF grade and was solid both against the run and the pass.

Grade: C+

Grading Packers 2021 draft class: Royce Newman (4th round)

Royce Newman has received the most playing time of any rookie on this list so far and that itself earns a higher grade. He’s started all nine games at right guard, but it hasn’t been pretty. PFF ranks him as the 69th out of 73 eligible guards so far this year. He’s struggled in both the passing and running games and it will be interesting to see if he keeps his position when David Bakhtiari returns.

Grade: C+

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