2013 NFL Draft Grades: Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers Draft Grade:
Round 1, #26 – DE Datone Jones, UCLA – Grade: A-
-Really nice pick by the Packers here. Jones gives Green Bay another guy who can get pressure on the quarterback. He should quickly earn a starting job, and is a nice value for this pick.
Round 2, #61 – RB Eddie Lacy, Alabama – Grade: A+
-Fantastic selection for the Packers here, they land the top running back in this draft, not only in the 2nd round, but after trading back. Lacy is a perfect fit for what they are looking to do, and should finally give the Packers a running threat to pair with Aaron Rodgers.
Round 4, #109 – OT David Bakhtiari, Colarado – Grade: A-
-The Packers did really well here as Bakhtiari could have easily gone a round earlier and fills a huge need for the Packers. He could even challenge for the starting LT job, and at worst offers good depth here. Given how the Packers need to start protecting Aaron Rodgers better, this was a smart pick for them.
Round 4, #122 – OT J.C. Tretter, Cornell – Grade: B+
-Another lineman here is really smart. Tretter played tackle in college, but could move inside at the next level and may even get a shot at center. He was a solid value pick and really helps boost their depth.
Round 4, #125 – RB Johnathan Franklin, UCLA – Grade: A+
-Another home run pick by the Packers. Franklin could have gone in the 2nd round, getting him here at the end of the 4th is tremendous value. He also offers a nice complement to Eddie Lacy, given Franklin’s speed and agility.
Round 5, #159 – CB Micah Hyde, Iowa – Grade: B
-Nice solid pick by the Packers here, Hyde shows good coverage ability and instincts and has some nice size. He may even get some looks at free safety as well, though he can definitely stick at corner.
Round 5, #167 – DE Josh Boyd, Mississippi St. – Grade: B
-Another really nice pick by the Packers, Boyd should add additional depth along their line and he has some starting potential down the road.
Round 6, #193 – LB Nate Palmer, Illinois St – Grade: C
-Definitely a developmental pick, but adds depth to their linebacking corps.
Round 7, #216 – WR Charles Johnson – Grand Valley St. – Grade: C
-The Packers starting receivers are set, but their depth is very questionable, so adding an upside guy like Johnson is a nice pick-up.
Round 7, #224 – WR Kevin Dorsey – Maryland – Grade: C
-Again more late round developmental receiver depth.
Round 7, #232 – LB Sam Barrington, South Florida – Grade: C+
-Barrington is an intriguing 7th rounder here, he has a little potential and again helps add depth to a thin position.
Overall: A+
-The Packers did a fantastic job in this draft, landing a great mix of impact and depth. Datone Jones, Eddie Lacy, and Johnathan Franklin should all have an impact early on as rookies. It also wouldn’t be shocking if OT David Bakhtiari quickly earns a starting job as well. In addition to those guys, Tretter, Hyde and Boyd all offer some really nice future upside for the Packers. In the 6th and 7th rounds the Packers took some projects, but given their deep roster that isn’t a bad thing since they would be unlikely to make the roster. The Packers can instead try to sneak them on the practice squad and develop them from there.