Draft Recap 2017
After a 1-15 and Very Disappointing campaign, the Packers fired defensive coordinator Dom Capers after several lackluster seasons. The Pack has hired Jim Haslet as their new defensive coordinator. The team will be moving to a 4-3 defensive scheme, and made pre draft moves to aid in this move. The Packers moved the number 2 overall pick to the LA Rams for a first, a second, and LB Mark Barron. They also Traded Safety James Jones To Carolina for a second rounder, giving the team 9 draft picks in the 2017 NFL Draft. As draft day approached, many fans wondered what direction the team would take with so much draft stock.
The answer would come sooner rather than later. With the 10th pick of the first round, Green Bay selected LG Quenton Nelson from Notre Dame. Nelson was rated by many as the best guard in the class, and the front office seized the opportunity to get younger on the Offensive line. Look for Nelson to make an immediate impact in 2018.
At pick number 34, The Packers followed suit by taking G Will Hernandez out of UTEP in a move that surprised many. In the span of 24 picks, Green Bay had taken two of the 3 highest rated Guards in the draft class.
5 picks later, the team switched gears and took RE Clelin Ferrell out of Clemson. A stalwart run stopper in College, Ferrell will obviously be used in the new defensive scheme to help set the edge and rush the passer.
With their third and final pick of round 2, Green Bay took WR Micheal Gallup out of Colorado State and pick 27. With both Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb coming up for new contracts in 2018, the front office obviously seems to want to add youth at the position for the future.
With the second pick of the third round, the war room went back to the defensive side of the ball and welcomed RE Tyquan Lewis from Ohio State. While Lewis still has some developing to do, he adds nice depth on the defensive line.
In round 4, the team bolstered their secondary by selecting Brandon Facyson, a speedy CB out of Virginia Tech. This pick gives Green Bay a very young group at cornerback to develop and choose from.
In round 5, Green Bay made a very solid late round pick by taking QB Jarrett Stidham out of Auburn. Stidham showed great adaptability in his one season on the plains, and the team hopes that trend continues, which will provide Aaron Rodgers a protege to groom for later success.
Round 6 saw Green Bay take LE Andrew Trumbetti out of Notre Dame. Trumbetti has raw ability, but needs some work before he's ready for prime time in the NFL.
Finishing off in Round 7, the team selected Deion Harris, a CB out of North Dakota noted for his raw athleticism and man coverage. Like any 7th rounder, the jury is out of whether or not he can develop the skills necessary to compete for a starting job.
It was a busy off season for the Pack, but the team is obviously moving with it's eyes towards the future. With a defensive scheme change, new coordinator, and a ton of new faces, the Packer defense will look totally different in 2018. The Offense bolstered itself in the trenches, and looks to take advantage of the new options available.
GO PACK GO!
See you next time.