Similar to overreaction articles, the ITDWT articles take a look at the Packers biggest weaknesses and current injuries and asks the question, if the draft were today, who would the Packers take?
Since the draft order isn’t even close to set, the rules of the game are simple. 7 picks in 7 rounds. No early 1st round talent. The end.
Round 1: Harold Landry, OLB, Boston College
There was a significant amount of concern among Packers fans about the lack of depth at the outside linebacker position. With a lack of any real positive developments, the injury to Biegel, and the constant negative comments from fans, reporters, as well as coaching staff about Kyler Fackrell, one would have to assume the a premier pass rusher needs to be at the top of the list.
Landry had a monster Junior year in 2016 when he racked up 16.5 sacks, 22 tackles for a loss, 7 forced fumbles, 4 passes batted, and 51 tackles. That’s the kind of production the Packers, and especially our young corners, desperately need.
Round 2: Martez Ivey, G, Florida
There has been nearly 0 positive news about the Packers backup linemen. Nothing. Nada. Our poor running backs trying to win a spot on the roster have had nowhere to run and backup quarterbacks Callahan and Hill have made magic happen while being chased on nearly every snap. A change is needed immediately.
Ivey is a quality guard that will be getting reps at tackle in 2017, experience that will no doubt appeal to the Packers who covet that sort of versatility.
Round 3: Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
The Packers have invested heavily in the cornerback position in recent years but the anxiety level is still very high for Packers fans when an opposing team drops back to pass. The reason is simple. They still aren’t great. There has been a lot of positives recently including King’s improvement and the emergence of Josh Hawkins.
Unfortunately, as the boundary is starting to improve, the slot is starting to become questionable thanks to a cheap shot on third year corner Damarious Randall. It’s still unclear when he’ll be cleared to play but at this point Quinton Rollins is the only solid slot corner on the team. As much as I like him, we may need more talent to handle the “star” position.
Jaire seems to fit the profile quite well. He’s 5’11, same as Randall and Rollins and is projected to run in the 4.42 40 range. That’s blazing speed. A corner like that can be a real asset. And let’s not pretend speed hasn’t been a major priority for the Packers in recent years.
Round 4: Ross Pierschbacher, C/G, Alabama
Offensive line play is critically important and as good as the Packers have been at finding talent, they have lost 3 big pieces in 2 years and are 1 injury away from being in dire straits. With Ross taken in the 4th round (the Packers sweet spot for lineman talent) the Packers will have two new pieces of the puzzle. With Ivey having tackle experience and Pierschbacher having center experience, they are covering a lot of ground with these two picks.
Round 5: C.J. Conrad, TE, Kentucky
The Packers have Martellus Bennett and Lance Kendricks but these aren’t long term solutions. Neither is Richard Rodgers if we’re being honest (hence the reason to aqcuire Bennett and Kendricks). As much as the Packers like the versatility a tight end presents, it’s time the get serious about drafting one.
The 5th round isn’t usually where you find a Martellus Bennett but Conrad is a project tight end with a ton of upside. Stashing him on the practice squad a couple years behind some of the best tight ends in the game and the best quarterback of all time might just be enough to turn him into something pretty impressive.
Round 6: Taylor Young, ILB, Baylor
Inside linebacker has clearly been downgraded in terms of it’s importance. Although the need for a player to stand in that general area is still a need, the need for a strong middle linebacker presence has proven to be more of a liability than an asset, giving way to more versitile S/ILB hybrids like Josh Jones and Tyrann Mathieu. There are also OLB/ILB hybrids like Clay Matthews and Vince Biegel.
Still, a player with the title of inside linebacker to play in base formations is a requirement. Although I fully expect a leap from Martinez and continued growth from Ryan, best case scenario there is a lack of any real depth.
So how about this for an idea, a hybrid hybrid. Taylor Young is a small and fast inside linebacker that is somewhere between Jake Ryan and Josh Jones. If he has the capability to play in the base 3-4, he could be a very valuable asset to a team that doesn’t like to rotate players situationally.
Round 7: Kahlil McKenzie Jr., DT, Tennessee
Some positions are very unlikely to produce in the later rounds. Offensive tackle for example is a position you typically want to grab early if at all. With the positive development of Christian Ringo, a 6th round pick in 2015, I can’t help but think that with defensive linemen you at least have a shot.
McKenzie fits the Kenny Clark mold at 6’3 325 pounds and is largely seen as a late round pick due to injury history. In his full freshman year, McKenzie totaled 24 tackles and a sack.
If he’s able to avoid injury and continue to hone his game, it’s unlikely he’ll be around at 7 but it’d be nice.