I’ll give the Packers draft a B+ essentially based on meeting each requirement but not wowing for an A. Trading down to double down would be a different story. They plugged every hole letting the board come to them. GM Ted Thompson and Head Coach Mike McCarthy usually find gems anyway. Of course the upcoming season acts as a grade review, but for now, the Pack did their homework. Here are a few highlight picks.
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix shows off his new green and gold.Round 1 (21) Ha Ha Clinton-Dix S Alabama
It was a close call in the first round. But they got a “twofer”. Clinton-Dix at 21 was the best available player and provided a number one need for the Pack. He’s an instant starting safety. All offseason, we’ve heard about how the Packers are the only team in which not one interception was made by the safety position. Not only is Ha Ha Clinton-Dix the most awesome name this year’s rookie class, but he’s a Champion out of Alabama. It’s a given; anyone coached by Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide is NFL ready day one. Remember Eddie Lacy, I wouldn’t be surprised if Ha Ha makes it back to back Rookie of the Year Honors for the Pack.
Davante Adams skies for the jump ball.Round 2 (53) Davante Adams WR Fresno State
This was a bit of a surprise picking a receiver earlier than expected when we know there’s more to be done for the 21st ranked defense. At the same time, the Pack has worked wonders in the second round before (Eddie Lacy, Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, Jermichael Finley). So I wouldn’t argue this selection. At 21 years old, Davante Adams can be looked at as low risk, high reward. He arguably can be the most productive dark horse of receivers in this years’ draft. In two years at Fresno State, Adams caught a stunning 233 balls for 3,030 yards and 38 touchdowns. With these numbers, the Packers stole another buried treasure. Adams adds depth to the receiving team in place of James Jones lost to free agency. Jarrett Boykin is supposed to be the new number three but at 6’1, 212 lbs, Adams is a big target Rodgers can’t ignore. Adams may not have been highly recruited by draft gurus but his game film speaks for itself.
Carl Bradford glares in the backfield for his next target.Round 4 (121) Carl Bradford LB Arizona State
This is a special story. Most people say the best players play with heart and passion. Carl Bradford hasn’t played an NFL down yet, and is already a fan favorite. Bradford lost his father last year on a family trip, where he died of a heart attack in his son’s arms. If that thought doesn’t bring tears to your eyes, I don’t know what does. We can’t help but think Bradford plays with his Dad on his mind everyday knowing life is too short to give anything less than 100%. And that’s a testament to the Packers draft stock. They bring in strong people as well as talented football players. In his two years as a starting edge rusher at Arizona State, Bradford racked up 20 sacks and 39 ½ tackles for loss. He’s a student of the game and versatile pass rusher able to turn the corner and power through blockers. We can’t wait to see what he can do in the zone blitz.