The reasons behind the choices

Since the beginning of the draft, you have all received a constant stream of content for each choice. You have screening reports, combine numbers and a plethora of other amazing information. I am here today to talk about the "why" of all this. Let's review each choice and discuss their adaptation to Green Bay, why they were selected and what it might mean.

# 12: Rashan Gary, DL / OLB, Michigan

When the Packers signed Za's Darius Smith as an independent player, many Packers fans were immediately excited about the versatility that he could bring to the defense. This is a guy who could potentially line up anywhere on the line. Given the witchcraft Mike Pettine worked with Kyler Fackrell as a quick pass option for the pass last season, the thought of Za Darius devastating all over the field is a fun thought.

And then they wrote Gary and pushed madness up to a notch. Gary is a monster: a sporty monster that measures 6 "4" and weighs 277 pounds. "He is a legitimate threat in the passing game, but can also be an important factor against the race." I'm looking forward to see what kind of crazy Pettine is able to cook with Gary, who has added a great chess piece to get around and exploit defensive games.

# 21: Darnell Savage Jr., S, Maryland

Free Safety was one of the most blatant holes in the Packers' defense. I found myself looking at the depth map and throwing a lot of assumptions. My three main hypotheses were:
1. Josh Jones improves his coverage skills and takes a big step forward next season.
2. Tramon Williams believes that late career success is above-average free security.
3. Adrian Amos mainly played free security while Jones slipped into the role of security force.

Option 3 seemed to be the best of them, but I do not like the idea of ​​signing a guy in an independent agency and telling him, "Hey, now, do the same thing. thing all the time. " Not that Amos is unable to play with security, but that should not be his # 1 position. With Savage, Packers enjoy free security that allows them to pair with Amos. Savage has a good instinct, excellent coverage and is a very good forward. Adding Savage to Amos gives the Packers an excellent safety tandem and fills one of the last remaining holes. Savage and Amos are versatile pieces, which will allow Pettine to be more creative with the background of the defense.

# 44: Elgton Jenkins, G, State of Mississippi

We have all seen Aaron Rodgers get bombarded by a lot of domestic pressure on a number of occasions last season. Billy Turner's signature helped to consolidate this potential, but the depth along the line was not very good and the future is uncertain. Jenkins is a guy who could replace any where along the inside offensive line to the limit of next season. He is also probably the favorite for starting right guard position in 2020, should Billy Turner slip to the right tackle after Bryan Bulaga's contract expires.

No. 75: Jace Sternberger, TE, Texas A & M

With Jimmy Graham, Marcedes Lewis and Robert Tonyan, the tight end position is pretty good for 2019, but it is likely to be the last season when we will see Graham and Lewis in the Green and Gold categories. This would leave a narrow membership in 2020, with only one tight member (Tonyan) a few years away from WR status converted to TE. Tight End is a position where it usually takes a year or two for the player to become a factor of difference. I doubt we'll see a ton of Sternberger on offense this year, but do not be surprised to see it used in the red zone packages. This first year will probably see him used in the movements as an oversized wide receiver, but that gives him essentially a red season. By 2020, Sternberger should be well positioned to take on the role of TE1.

No. 150: Kingsley Keke, DT, Texas A & M

A force is a force as long as it is not. The Packers' inner line of defense really looks great right now. Behind the two obvious stars – Kenny Clark and Mike Daniels – the Packers boast of guys like Montravius ​​Adams and Tyler Lancaster. Adams and Lancaster still have not proven themselves, but have certainly shown what they are capable of. Not to mention Fadol Brown, who looked pretty good in a limited time last season.

But 2019 is Daniels' last contracted year, Kenny Clark will need a massive expansion in the next two years, and the Adams / Lancaster / Brown suit could just as easily fail as an outbreak.

Keke is rather crude but has quite impressive skills. If he can learn for a year behind Clark and Daniels before being put to work, he could become a starter and a difference maker in 2020.

# 185: Ka & Dar Hollman, BC, Toledo

We are in the 6th round and firmly in the "take a flyer on a guy who could pan, or not, who knows" territory. Although they spent their first two choices on the cornerback position last year, the Packers still have some question marks in this regard. Jaire Alexander already looks like a star. Kevin King looks good when he is on the field, but he does not seem to be able to find a way to stay there. Josh Jackson showed some lightning, but did not end up with the best rookie year (it's here that I remind everyone that traditionally it takes a year or two for half-defenders to show who they will really be on the ground). After these first three names, the Packers have Tony Brown, Tramon Williams (who will probably share the time between the cornerback and safety), Natrell Jamerson and Will Redmond. I like Brown well and think that Williams still has some work in the tank, but it's not a group that allows me to rest easy at night. Hollman has incredible speed (4.37 at Toledo Pro Day) and an impressive athleticism, but he's no chance that he's anything other than a special teamer in his freshman year. If Hollman uses his rookie year as a way to clean some of his roughness, he risks going deep into the CB position.

No. 194: Dexter Williams, RB, Notre Dame

Where Hollman was a flyer, Dexter Williams has a chance to contribute from the first day. The Packers were looking to enter in 2019 with a back-field composed of Aaron Jones, Jamaal Williams and a handful of other guys fighting for a substitute spot. It's a single-cut runner that has a chance to fit well into the LaFleur area blocking system. Jones and Jamaal Williams are still looking to be RB1 and RB2, but Dexter Williams is hiding just behind that RB2 spot. If Jones or Jamaal Williams have to miss a moment, the Packers will always be in good hands with Dexter Williams in the backfield.

# 226: Ty Summers, LB, TCU

The linebackers' body of Green Bay has been a topic of discussion for some time. Blake Martinez is a lock and the Packers are hoping for a jump from Oren Burks, but the cabinet is rather stripped afterwards. I'm sure we'll have a lot of Josh Jones in that role, but that's about it. Entering an athetic ILB in the 7th round could give a good depth to this group. It is doubtful that the Summers will ever turn into a mere backup, but it is very useful to find someone like that in the 7th round.

Summers also showed that he could be a capable pass-driller. Do not be shocked to see him on the edge while going down passes in pre-season. He struggles to be part of the list of active players, but if he does, his short-term value will likely be tied to obvious evidence.

Last thoughts

If there is a theme to this draft, it is "next year". Elgton Jenkins, Jace Sternberger and Kingley Keke are all players likely to play in the team game this year, but their real value is their short-term depth this year, their goal being to play a base role next season. It may not have been the sexiest project in the world, but the Packers have managed to fill an important security hole and give a good depth to some defensive positions, while preparing for the departure of some players. after the 2019 season.