Green Bay Packers Draft Review

1st Round, Pick #32: Derek Sherrod (OT Mississippi State)

Even though offensive tackle really wasn't a pressing need for the Packers, they were in a position to make a luxury pick, and did a great job picking up who I believe to be the classes #1 tackle. Although Chad Clifton did play very well last year is 34, so it makes sense to draft a good replacement for him. This also is protects Green Bay in case one of their top 2 tackles gets injured. All the way around this is a smart decision that helps Green Bay on many different levels.

Grade- A

2nd Round, Pick #64: Randall Cobb (WR Kentucky)

With Donald Driver getting older, and James Jones potentially a free agent, the Packers make a move to make their receiving corps even better. Randall Cobb is a big-time playmaker from Kentucky who could really thrive in the Packers offense. He is very comparable to the guys receivers Packers have on their already. He is very quick and sharp in his route running, and can really make things happen with the ball in his hands. Aaron Rodgers gets another weapon here, and Green Bay arguably now has the best receiving core in the league.

Grade- B

3rd Round, Pick #96: Alex Green (RB Hawaii)

With Ryan Grant out last season due to injury, it seemed as if the Packers had no shot at winning a super bowl with essentially no running game all season. James Stark was a pleasant surprise and filled in nice down the stretch, but he is not an every-down back. Alex Green gives the Packers a dual threat option out of the backfield. Green played in a pass-first offense at Hawaii, and is possibly the draft’s best pass catcher out of the backfield. He also shows a lot of potential as a 225 pound back who runs in the 4.5 range, as he ran for 8.2 yards a carry last year. Green gives them another option in the backfield, and will give them a guy who can effectively catch passes out of the backfield.

Grade- A

4th Round, Pick #131: Davon House (CB New Mexico State)

With Charles Woodson getting up there in age, and he seems poised to move to safety in the next couple years, here, the Packers get a perfect replacement in Davon House. House is a big, physical corner from New Mexico who could have the biggest impact rookie season of all the Packers’ rookies. He fits the mold exactly of what the Packers need out of the cornerbacks in size, physicality, and ability to play bump and run. He should excel in Green Bay.

Grade- A

5th Round, Pick #141: D.J Williams (TE Arkansas)

Jermichael Finley was a huge asset to the Packers offense during the regular season, and when he was injured and done for the season, many people thought that it was an even bigger loss than Ryan Grant. Finley is one of the best young tight ends in the league, but behind him, the Packers have a few guys who “look good” because of Aaron Rodgers. DJ Williams gives the Packers a legitimate tight end behind Finley in case he gets injured again. Aaron Rodgers gets yet another weapon, and the offense is beyond scary for opposing defenses.

Grade- A

6th Round, Pick #179: Caleb Schlauderaff (Guard Utah)

With the upgrades the Packers have made to their offensive line in these past two draft classes, it is time they added some depth. Caleb Schlauderoff is far from an athletic freak, but he has decent size and a tremendous work ethic. He possesses all of the mental skills to become a solid backup in the future for this Green Bay team. Although he will certainly need to add some more weight however if he is going to play on the interior. Not a great pick, but not bad here in the 6th.

Grade- C-

6th Round, Pick #186: D.J Smith (OLB App. State)

The Packers had done a great job drafting until this pick. Smith is a small linebacker out of Appalachian State who does not possess great size or speed. He did a solid job at a D-I FCS school, it is a big jump to the NFL. Clearly, he is going to have to earn a spot on special teams, as he is not at all a fit in a 3-4 defense. There were definitely better players on the board, and guys like Smith can be easily had later.

Grade- D-

6th Round, Pick #197: Ricky Elmore (DE Arizona)

After making a poor choice the pick before, the Packers recovered and drafted a guy who in my opinion is one of the more under-the-radar in the whole draft. Ricky Elmore, the “other defensive end from Arizona”, was more productive than his teammate Brooks Reed, and totaled double-digit sacks his junior and senior seasons at Arizona. Elmore needs to get stronger if he wants to make his way onto the field, but at 6,5 255, he shouldn't have an issue doing that.

Grade- A

7th Round, Pick #218: Ryan Taylor (TE North Carolina)

Just like the pick of DJ Smith, I did not understand why the Packers drafted Ryan Taylor, the tight end out of North Carolina. After drafting DJ Williams, it seemed as if the Packers tight end corps was more than just solidified. Taylor is capable of playing full back as a lead blocker, however, John Kuhn was tremendous throughout the playoffs Taylor is an un-athletic guy who really doesn't fill a role for them. After possibly striking gold on their last pick, the Pack really fumbled the ball here on this one.

Grade- F

7th Round, Pick #233: Lawrence Guy (DE/DT Arizona State)

Once again the Packers recover after making a bad pick. Lawrence Guy is a very underrated defensive tackle out of Arizona State. He is the perfect fit for the Packers 3-4 defensive end. At 6,4 305, Guy has the perfect NFL frame. He has great burst off the ball, he plays low, and is relentless. If he could gain some weight, and stay anchored when being blocked, he could have a long career as a Packer. Although he might take a year to develop, Guy is a steal in the 7th round.

Grade- A+