There are a lot of areas the Packers could stand to add talent.
One of the fun parts about the draft is seeing who makes it to their spot.
Sometimes, it’s exactly at the positions they need, sometimes it’s not, sometimes the definition of “need” differs from person to person. In this draft, it’s the last one.
Here are the results:
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Round 1
Christian Darrisaw – Offensive Tackle
Profile: Christian Darrisaw started at left tackle as a freshman and just got better for the next three years. Last season, he turned in the 2nd highest-graded season PFF has ever handed out to a Power 5 tackle. He has wide arc and plays with good leverage. Like most young linemen, he could stand to add some strength, but he shows good power and an aggressive motor. He has great pass protection technique, good knee bend, and is more than mobile enough for pulls and stretch zone runs. He has the look of a long-term franchise left tackle.
Analysis: The Packers woes at offensive tackle were the primary reason they didn’t end they year with a Super Bowl championship. David Bakhtiari could have been the difference, but even if he was back, the team could use an upgrade at right tackle. Rick Wagner was a solid backup and Billy Turner is better suited to guard. Darrisaw would give the Packers a dominant bookend to Bakhtiari, and would probably start the season at left tackle until DBak was healthy (and possibly play the whole year if Bakhtiari can’t make it back this year). IT’s a deep class of offensive tackles and guys like this usually don’t fall to where the Packers pick. He would a great 1st round pick.
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Round 2
Terrance Marshall Jr – Wide Receiver
Profile: Terrance Marshall Jr stepped out of Justin Jefferson’s shadow in 2020, only to find himself in Ja’Marr Chase’s shadow. At 6’3 200, he has the frame for a WR1. A good route runner, Marshall has a great set up to beat off coverage and the leverage and strength to get pass press coverage. He avoids body catching but also mixes in some drops. Outside of that, he’s fast enough to outrun pursuit and is tough to cover on the underneath routes. He started the season with 9 TDs and over 500 yards in the first four games of the year and ended the season with a 15 yard average per catch. He looks like a pro ready WR1.
Analysis: I don’t think wide receiver is the Packers biggest problem, but the group certainly wouldn’t mind adding a premium talent. The offense doesn’t require stud receivers (as evidenced by the Packers 6-0 record in games Davante Adams has missed in the last two years), but with Aaron Jones all but gone and Jamaal Williams likely out with him, the team could use another weapon. The fact that Marshall has always had a stud receiver lined up on the other side of his formation shouldn’t lessen his rating, but it might help him fall to the last 2nd round in a deep receiver draft, giving the Packers very good value.
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Analysis
The Packers offense would be looking like the #1 unit in the league again if they added a couple studs like this at the top of the draft. The defense could use some help, but we’ll have to hope a new DC can get more out of the players on that side of the ball if the draft hands the Packers guys like this on offense in the first couple of rounds.
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Of Note
One of the reason I went with a receiver in the second was because cornerback was really picked over. I’m hoping that doesn’t become a trend.
Our next draft will add another round to explore how things could shake out for the Packers.
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