The Packers and Film

The NFL draft has officially wrapped up. While the Packers did not have a first round draft pick due to the Micah Parsons trade, they were still able to draft some players in a bunch of weak spots. Here is my grade for each draft pick that the Packers made.

CB Brandon Cisse: A

It was no secret that the Packers secondary struggled last season. Valentine and Hobbs both struggled throughout the season, and it was one of the biigest weaknesses Packer fans called out week after week. Cisse should come right in and fix that need as he is an uber athletic prospect that will bring a lot of energy to a unit that desperately needs it. My one concern is that Cisse played on an underperforming defense in South Carolina this past season, but since the Packers have such a strong pass rush on defense, Cisse won’t need to be perfect to still make an impact.

DT Chris McClellan: C–

One of the main things scouts have said about McClellan is that he will need development. That is not the type of prospect the Packers have had much luck with. In addition, the Packers drafted a position that they didn’t need much depth at. The defensive line was already very good last year, and there are several other spots that the Packers need more help at. I would have preferred them to either go offensive line, corner, or wide receiver here. Still, after losing a few key defensive players in free agency, McClellan could come in handy.

DE Dani Dennis-Sutton: D

Once again, the Packers drafted for the defensive line, one of the strongest parts of the team last year, instead of addressing many of the key needs of the team. After losing many of the receivers to trades or free agency, the Packers only have three wide receivers on the team. They have very little depth, and as mentioned before, the offensive line and secondary both struggled last season. I believe an offensive lineman, a cornerback, a safety, or a wide receiver would have been much better to draft here, especially since Dennis-Sutton underperformed last season.

C Jager Burton: A

In the 5th round, the Packers finally went with an offensive lineman. Burton started every game while in college, which shows that he is durable and reliable, and he ranked as the top center through the combine. Offensive line has been one of the biggest struggles for the Packers, especially with injuries, so even if Burton doesn’t start right away, the depth he brings is incredibly valuable.

CB Domani Jackson: A

The secondary struggles for the Packers were adressed again with Jackson, a senior from Alabama. Alabama has done a great job developing defensive prospects through the years, so having a guy like Jackson will be very good for the depth of the team. Hopefully both Jackson and Cisse can make the Packers secondary at least servicable next season.

K Trey Smack: A+++

Since kicker Mason Crosby retired from the Packers, the team has struggled to move on and find a replacement. That came to ahead in the wild card game in the playoffs, when kicker Brandon McManus missed two field goals and an extra point, a total of seven points that could have helped the Packers win the game. Smack was 97/98 on extra points, 13/18 on field goals from 40-49 yards away, and 10/13 on field goals from over 50 yards in his three years at Florida. Having a kicker like Smack will bring a lot more stability to the special teams of the Packers next season.