The Packers got exactly what they needed on the first day of the draft when Alabama safety HaHa-Clinton Dix fell to them at the 21st pick. Widely regarded as the top safety in the draft, Clinton-Dix fills the Packers biggest need and should have an immediate impact.
Ted Thompson will look to add some more talent the second day, and could potentially come away with another starter or two when things are all said and done.
Here are some of the best prospects to keep an eye on for the Packers during day 2 of the draft.
Defensive Linemen
All most all of the names that were thought of as potential targets of the Packers in the 1st round are all still available. Ra’Shede Hageman, Stephon Tuitt, Timmy Jernigan, and Louis Nix were all passed over in round 1. Whether or not any of them make it to the Packers at pick 53 is another question, but any of them would be considered a value late in the 2nd round.
Another defensive lineman to keep an eye on is Oregon State’s Scott Crichton, who is rumored to be on the Packers’ radar, despite the fact that at 6’3” and 273, he is not an ideal fit for 3-4 defense.
Wide Receivers
There are still a lot of talented wide receivers available and considering the success Ted Thompson has had with selecting receivers in the 2nd round, it would not surprise me if that’s the direction the Packers go tonight. Two names that have been associated with the Packers are Indiana’s Cody Latimer and USC’s Marqise Lee, who Chris Mortensen reported would not get past the Packers at the 21st spot. Obviously Mortensen’s report was incorrect, but it does not mean the Packers wouldn’t be interested in him in the 2nd round.
Allen Robinson, Jordan Matthews, Donte Moncrief, Martavis Bryant, and Davante Adams could also be in play for the Packers at 53. And in the 3rd round, Jarvis Landry, Jared Abbrederis and Paul Richardson are names to keep an eye on.
Tight End
4 of the top 5 tight ends are still available going in to the 2nd round of the draft. There are a lot of teams that could use tight end help that pick before the Packers, so I would be a little surprised if Jace Amaro or Austin Seferian-Jenkins made it to the Packers at 53, but Notre Dame’s Troy Niklas could be an option at that spot, and Iowa’s CJ Fiedorowicz would make sense at picks 85 or 98.
Inside Linebacker
The Packers missed out on the top 2 linebackers in the draft when Ryan Shazier was selected by the Steelers and CJ Mosley was scooped up by the Ravens. There aren’t a lot of great options for the Packers on day 2, but a couple the Packers should think about are Florida State’s Christian Jones and Montana’s Jordan Tripp. Both played outside linebacker in college, but would be moved inside in the Packers 3-4.
I know there are a lot of Packer fans who would love to see them draft Wisconsin’s Chris Borland, but his lack of speed and length, coupled with his injury concerns, lead me to believe the Packers should pass on him if he is available day 2.
Offensive Line
I think the Packers are set at center with JC Tretter, but there are those who think USC’s Marcus Martin or Colorado State’s Weston Richburg could be options for the Packers in the 2nd round.
And with both Bryan Bulaga and Derek Sherrod both scheduled to hit free agency next year The Packers could look to add some reinforcements at tackle. If Alabama’s Cyrus Kouandjio continues to slide, he may be too good of a value to pass up.
Outside Linebacker
There aren’t a lot of quality edge rushers left, so if the Packers are in the market for another outside linebacker they may need to act quickly, because there could be a run on them in the 2nd round. Demarcus Lawrence figures to be gone by the time the Packers pick, but Kyle Van Noy, Jeremiah Attaochu could be options at 53. In the 3rd round Trent Murphy or Jackson Jeffcoat could provide quality pass rush depth for the Packers.
Cornerback
Corner isn’t an immediate need for the Packers, but if a player of value falls to the Packers in the 2nd or 3rd rounds, I could see the Packers selecting a Stanley Jean-Baptiste, Keith McGill, Pierre Desir or Jaylen Watkins.
——————Ian Hanley is a writer at PackersTalk.com. PackersTalk.com. You can follow him on twitter at @Ian_M_Hanley.
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