Know your opponent: Evaluating Green Bay Packers draft

Who did the Green Bay Packers add in the 2019 NFL draft, and who should the Chicago Bears be on the look out for?

While this is a Chicago Bears site, knowing your opponent is half of the battle. Going through each teams draft may not be valuable, but the NFC North opponents are a team that is on the schedule twice a year, every year.

Knowing what the NFC North opponents brings to the table has to sway what the Chicago Bears do, they are taking up six games every year. With that in mind, what did the Green Bay Packers do on draft weekend?

#12 overall: Rashan Gary, EDGE, Michigan

Gary is an interesting prospect who is raw in production, but many claim he has the traits to make it in the NFL. It is worth noting that while Gary does have great size, his athleticism is not as elite as some make it out to be.

With slightly above average athleticism, limited production and good size, the question is whether he is worth the #12 pick. There are excuses that he was used incorrectly in college, but are we sure the Packers will use him right?

Gary will likely rotate behind Zadarius Smith, and rush in a similar role.

#21 overall: Darnell Savage, Jr., S, Maryland

The Packers traded up for an impact safety who may be a bigger impact player than Rashan Gary. His speed is not just fast, it is quick twitch, which shows up all over his video. His best attribute is breaking up passes near the line of scrimmage and crashing on the run and screen game.

This does bring an interesting question about the usage of Adrian Amos. Is he going to be asked to play deep so that Savage can crash downhill, or will they interchange the two?

#44 overall: Elgton Jenkins, G, Mississippi State

In round two the Packers added a depth guard. After losing the likes of T.J. Lang and Josh Sitton, the team has been unable to fill the void. They added Billy Turner in free agency but said that was not enough as they added Jenkins as well. Jenkins can slot in as a center and guard, and will give the Packers depth on their offensive line.

#75 overall: Jace Sternberger, TE, Texas A&M

After adding a player to protect Aaron Rodgers, they go for a player who Rodgers can throw to. This also may be their longterm Jimmy Graham replacement. The Bears had interest in Sternberger, who is an excellent pass catcher over the middle of the field. At least the Bears know what they have, because something tells me they are going to be defending him much sooner than they are later.

#150 overall: Kingsley Keke, DT, Texas A&M

After adding Rashan Gary, who can rush up and down the line, the Packers added an interior player who can also kick outside if needed. They are clearly looking for versatility in their front lines with hopes to manufacture pressure with varied looks. Keke will likely make the roster, but may not see snaps early on.

#185 overall: Ka’Dar Hollman, CB, Toledo

Hollman is another player the Bears brought in for a visit. Duke Shelley was taken 20 picks later for what it is worth. Nonetheless, his role as a rookie should be similar to that of Shelley, depth.

#194 overall: Dexter Williams, RB, Notre Dame

Once again the Packers add a player that Chicago had interest in. We have profiled Williams extensively as an explosive runner who goes down a bit too easily and does not make strong impacts in the passing game. If anything, he is a longterm Jamal Williams replacement.

#226 overall — Ty Summers, LB, TCU

Summers is a liner back who has a serious chance to make the roster as special teams help.

Final verdict:

The Gary pick looks like a slight reach, but it is an upside play at a position of need. However, Savage and Sternberger profile as the two who are going to play the role as players that Bears fans love to hate. The utilization of Savage and how long it takes for Sternberger to supplant Jimmy Graham are the things to watch.

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