The Green Bay Packers had a strategy going into this draft. Step 1 was to draft a stronger defense. Step 2 was to add bodies to their depleted receiving core. Somehow, Green Bay managed to achieve both. Here is the Green Bay Packers’ 2018 draft class.
Round 1 Pick 18: Jaire Alexander, Cornerback, Louisville
Round 2 Pick 45: Josh Jackson, Cornerback, Iowa
The Packers were one of the worst teams in the league in pass defense. That is the biggest reason the first two picks for the team up north were both elite cornerbacks. Alexander only really had one season in college to prove his NFL ability, his freshman season in 2016. In 13 starts he had 5 interceptions, 9 passes broken up and 210 punt return yards. Pair those stats with a 4.38-second 40, Jaire Alexander has the stats of an elite player. Jackson on the other hand had a league-leading 8 interceptions last year alone, in his first full year as a corner. Although slower than Alexander (4.56-second 40), he brings a larger frame and the ability to stop receivers at the line. Both players can become great corners in the NFL. With the Packer’s need for talent on that side of the ball, they should make an instant impact.
Round 3 Pick 88: Oren Bucks, Outside Linebacker, Vandy
The Packers continued the defense stacking trend with picking up OLB Oren Bucks in the 3rd round. It is very clear that Green Bay intends to use Bucks as the inside linebacker and the replacement for Joe Thomas and as an help to Clay Thomas. Bucks has time to grow as a player and in size but if the Packers use him right away look for him in passing situations as the dime linebacker.
Round 4 Pick 133: J’Mon Moore, WR, Missouri
The Packers top receivers are Davante Adams, Randall Cobb and undrafted 3rd-year Geronimo Allison (from Illinois). Green Bay needed to give Aaron Rodgers more targets on offense if they wanted to win a few more games. Moore had back to back 1000 yard seasons along with scoring 22 touchdowns in his 2 years at Mizzou. The Packers were impressed with his 4.49-second 40 on his pro day and believe they can develop him into a consistent contributor to the Green Bay receiving core.
Round 5 Pick 172: Cole Madison, OL, Washington State
At Wazzu in Mike Leach’s air raid offense, Cole Madison was able to keep defenders away from Luke Falk and Tyler Hilinski who had a combined 4769 yards and 37 TDs last year. We all know that the Packers love to sling around the ball in Green Bay. With Aaron Rodgers propensity to break a collar bone, picking up a stud OL was necessary.
Round 5 Pick 172: JK Scott, Punter, Alabama
Why would the packers select a punter?
Round 5: Marquez Valdez-Scantling, WR, South Florida
Valdez-Scantling ran a 4.39-second 40 and averages more than 10 yards a reception for his entire college career. His quick speed makes him an instant long-ball receiver, something Aaron Rodgers would need if he ever needed to air it out.
Round 6 Pick 207: Equanimeous St. Brown, WR, Notre Dame
1. That is a name perfect for this weekend. 2. Sneaky great pick by the Packers. At Notre Dame, he only had 1400 yards and 13 touchdowns in 3 years, with 2 of those years coming under backup QB DeShone Kizer. St. Brown is a skilled receiver, with a 4.48-second 40. With 8 picks on Day 3, this was a diamond in the minefield.
Round 7 Pick 232: James Looney, DE, Cal
Round 7 Pick 239: Hunter Bradley, LS, Mississippi State
Round 7 Pick 248: Kendall Donnerson, Linebacker, Southeast Missouri State
The Packers had 8 picks in the last round and they used one of these picks on a long snapper. This should tell you something about the quality of these 7th round picks. James Looney is a big man, but probably won’t make the team. Hunter Bradley was taken as an early free agent. Kendall Donnerson is one of the few 7th rounders that can make the roster, only if he puts in the work over the off season.
College Football - Big Ten | The Final Snap 