Green Bay Packers Draft Grades
How did the Packers do in the 2021 NFL Draft? Let’s give the Green Bay Packers draft grades for every pick they made.
Round 1, Pick No. 29: Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
I have to use this opportunity to pat ourselves on the back. We were talking about Eric Stokes when he was a projected 3rd to 4th round pick. It’s clear to anyone who watches tape on Georgia that Stokes was the best cornerback on the team. Then he ran his 4.34 40 and more people started noticing. Stokes also had a great vertical and broad jump, so he’s an explosive athlete as well. I love this pick, but maybe the Packers should have just taken a receiver as a peace offering to Aaron Rodgers. Grade: A-
Round 2, Pick No. 62: Josh Myers, C, Ohio State
Still no receiver, but hey it’s a guy to protect you Rodgers. You like that right? Josh Myers is awesome, arguably the best center in the 2021 NFL Draft. The Packers needed offensive line help, but I thought tackle was a bigger need, though it’s hard to argue with getting the top prospect at a position in the second round. Grade: A-
Round 3, Pick No. 85: Amari Rodgers, WR, Clemson
The Packers pick a wide receiver! And they make sure he has the same last name as their quarterback so he’ll really like him. Rodgers is an interesting receiver, he’s short and strong, a unique combo for a receiver. I have to imagine Green Bay plans on lining Rodgers up in the slot. The good news is that’s where he’s played the past two years. Is it enough to keep the other Rodgers happy? Only time will tell. Grade: B+
Round 4, Pick No. 142: Royce Newman, OT, Ole Miss
Newman is listed as a tackle, but he might be a better fit at guard. He’s got short arms and isn’t very athletic. Newman is solid, and he’s played multiple positions on the line, so you love to see that versatility. He is a solid offensive lineman with good fundamentals, but I’d be worried if he has to start at tackle. Grade: B-
Round 5, Pick No. 173: Tedarrell Slaton, DT, Florida
Slaton is your classic nose tackle. His job is going to be to eat up blocks and help with the run game. Slaton is big, 330 lbs., though not a great athlete. I would expect him to be an early down nose tackle, used to slow down the opposing team’s run game. Grade: B
Round 5, Pick No. 178: Shemar Jean-Charles, CB, Appalachian State
Here we go, this is a guy I absolutely love. Shemar Jean-Charles was thought to be a little short, but he measured in at 5’10” at his Pro Day. Jean-Charles is a classic all around cornerback, as he’s strong against the pass and the run. The Packers have a pretty crowded defensive backfield, but Jean-Charles can do it all if given the chance. Grade: A
Round 6, Pick No. 214: Cole Van Lanen, OT, Wisconsin
Another prospect I like more than most scouts. Van Lanen is fast and explosive at the offensive tackle position. He’s got shorter arms, and I’d like to see more pop from him out of his stance. He needs to get his hands on defensive lineman quicker. Still, for a 6th round pick, getting an athletic offensive tackle who played three good years at Wisconsin is very nice. Grade: B+
Round 6, Pick No. 220: Isaiah McDuffie, LB, Boston College
McDuffie is an undersized athletic linebacker with an injury history. He missed most of the 2019 season, but came back in 2020 and played the full year. McDuffie is an inside linebacker, but obviously could use some size. He’s good against the run, but could use some work against the pass. Packers fans will have to hope he can contribute on running downs now and hopefully add some size over time. Grade: B
Round 7, Pick No. 256: Kylin Hill, RB, Mississippi State
The Packers finish the 2021 NFL Draft strong with Kylin Hill. Hill legitimately has the tools to be a starting every down running back. Hill doesn’t have that straight line speed, but he’s quick and explosive. The Packers are set at running back, but I could see Hill making the roster and getting some work on third down. He had 15 receptions in one game. Hill is an absolute steal at this point in the draft. Grade: A
Analyst-Jonah Anderson
Overall Grade: A-
