9 of the Inexperienced Bay Packers‘ previous 10 first-round draft picks have been defensive gamers.
The one offensive participant they’ve chosen in that point? Quarterback Jordan Love.
How have the Packers drafted within the opening spherical? Let’s look again on the crew’s previous 10 first-round picks and hand out grades for every.
Packers NFL Draft: Grading the previous 10 first-round picks
2022: Quay Walker, LB, Georgia
Walker confirmed a ton of potential in his rookie season, making 121 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 4 quarterback hits, seven go defenses, and three pressured fumbles. He made the PFWA All-Rookie Group.
As he continues to enhance, Walker may develop into a Professional Bowl participant.
Grade: B
2022: Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia
Wyatt had restricted alternatives in yr one, however he performed nicely. If he can construct on his rookie season in an even bigger function subsequent yr, this grade might be upgraded shortly.
Grade: C
2021: Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
Stokes impressed as a rookie, making 14 go defenses. Nonetheless, he struggled within the 9 video games he performed this season, giving up a passer ranking of 123.5, according to Pro Football Reference. He additionally had zero go defenses.
We’ve seen the nice and unhealthy from Stokes. Coming back from a major harm in 2023, he enters an vital third season.
Grade: B
2020: Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
Love has one profession begin. If he turns into the Packers’ subsequent franchise quarterback, this might be an A grade at worst. But when he both by no means will get that chance or disappoints because the QB1, it’ll be an F.
That’s why it’s inconceivable to say. The Packers handed up on gamers like Tee Higgins in 2020, however none of that can matter if Love turns into the participant they consider he could be.
This could be like grading the Aaron Rodgers choose earlier than he turned a starter in 2008.
Grade: Incomplete
2019: Rashan Gary, EDGE, Michigan
When the Packers chosen Gary in 2019, it was clear he wanted time to develop. Given that point, Gary has develop into probably the greatest go rushers within the NFL.
Grade: A
2019: Darnell Savage, S, Maryland
Savage has began 59 video games in 4 seasons. At occasions, he has performed at an All-Professional degree. He was unstoppable late within the 2020 season, making 4 interceptions and 7 go defenses within the remaining six video games.
However at different occasions, he has struggled. In 2022, he misplaced his beginning job for 3 video games.
Savage enters a contract yr in 2023, an enormous season for him.
Grade: B
2018: Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
Two Professional Bowls and two All-Professional picks in 5 seasons. Alexander is among the greatest cornerbacks within the NFL. A house-run choose.
Grade: A+
2016: Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA
One other nice choose. The Packers desperately wanted to improve their defensive position in 2016, and Clark has delivered. He’s a two-time Professional Bowler and one of many league’s greatest at his place.
Grade: A
2015: Damarious Randall, CB, Arizona State
The Packers moved Randall from security to cornerback. Whereas he did make 32 go defenses and 10 interceptions in three seasons, it didn’t work out in Inexperienced Bay. Randall was traded to the Cleveland Browns earlier than the tip of his rookie deal.
Grade: D
2014: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama
Clinton-Dix performed at a excessive degree in his first three seasons. He made the PFWA All-Rookie Group and was a Professional Bowler and second-team All-Professional in 2016. In his first three years, Clinton-Dix made 16 go defenses and eight interceptions.
However he struggled from 2017 onwards. The Packers traded him in 2018, and he ended up on six completely different groups over the subsequent three seasons earlier than retiring in 2022.
Grade: B