3 reasons the Packers will draft a safety in the first two rounds

While the Green Bay Packers roster isn’t completely devoid of talent, they have some glaring holes. They typically address roster weaknesses in the draft, using foresight to address roster holes before they truly become issues.

Safety is one of those glaring holes, and one they will address in the first round this year. Let’s take a look at a few reasons why this is a possibility

Draft History

The Packers have addressed the need in the first round in past seasons, including twice in the past eight seasons—picking Darnell Savage in 2019 and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix in 2014.

Brian Gutenkunst was a part of the 2019 draft that selected Savage, showing he values the position enough to select it early. Savage is still on the roster and although the team shows faith in him, he should no longer be considered a long-term option.

Savage is no longer a good option at safety for this team and is much more likely to be playing in the slot next season. The scheme that they use requires good safety play and getting a young defensive back that can make some plays is the best option.

Over the years this defense has struggled, but when they have been successful they have had dynamic safeties.

The General Manager values the position in the draft and has shown the propensity to pull the trigger on a high-upside player in the early rounds. The need is glaring and the history is there, so I expect Green Bay to pull the trigger this year.

Trending Down

Green Bay has little upside on the roster currently. The players currently listed on the depth chart are likely not options for this team moving forward, and most of them are trending downwards.

Darnell Savage is little more than a slot player at this point, and shouldn’t factor into the teams long term plans.

Adrian Amos could be brought back for the same amount of money as they would pay him anyways, so his return is a possibility. He really struggled last season but still does some things really well.

Rudy Ford showed flashes but isn’t a long term option at the position either. He brings special teams value, and could be brought back on a deal following the draft if they cannot get a player they like at the position.

Innis Gaines is a player I really like for Green Bay.  Gaines was the better player between him and Vernon Scott at TCU, but his injury left him undrafted. He is the only player who may be trending upwards at the position, which is unacceptable.

Rasul Douglas could also be moved to safety. He plays best when he is able to read the quarterback’s eyes, and tackles with authority. Douglas may be an option, but again he probably isn’t a long term solution here.

We have no idea the status of Eric Stokes, which could leave Green Bay hesitant to move Douglas away from the boundary.

The Draft Class

This draft class is oozing with players Green Bay could covet early. If these players test well they could be interesting options for the Packers in the first two rounds.

Brian Branch is a player the Packers could love if he tests well. He is sticky in coverage and tackles extremely well. He will be one of the most mocked players to Green Bay because he seems to be projected somewhere in the middle of the first round.

Antonio Johnson is a 6-3 hard hitter who can play slot corner and handle a deep safety role. He has played in the SEC and has the athleticism that should translate immediately to the NFL game, although his combine numbers will be important.

Jammie Robinson may be the most complete safety in the draft, and his versatility makes him an easy fit for the Packers. They could use him all over the field and benefit from not having to find a perfect scheme fit.

JL Skinner is another top 50 player that I love out of Boise State. He embodies an “old school” safety and loves to hit. His size and athleticism should help him test very well, and I expect his RAS to show the same.

Overall

Safety is a position of need and there are plenty of guys who should test well available in the top 50 picks. I expect Green Bay to use one of these picks to get a playmaker at the position because they desperately need it.