Green Bay Packers 2014 Draft Grades
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (Alabama) poses for a photo after being selected as the number twenty-one overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft to the Green Bay Packers at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
With the 2014 NFL Draft in the books, it’s time for the next stage – the grades! Here are my grades for the 2014 Green Bay Packers draft class.
Round 1, pick 21 – Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama
Clinton-Dix made me eat my words about drafting a safety, but I’ll gladly take that. Cinton-Dix was widely considered the top safety in this draft class. Even though Micah Hyde is supposed to play a lot of safety this year, Clinton-Dix was a top talent that couldn’t be passed. Clinton-Dix will instantly improve the secondary from day 1.
Grade – A
Round 2, pick 53 – Davante Adams, WR, Fresno State
Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
The Packers got great value in Adams at this selection. For some time, Adams, was a fringe first round talent that had all the skill to make a name for himself in the NFL. The Packers needed to replace James Jones and the addition of Adams should provide a smooth transition. Adams will also add some physicality that the receiving core could sure use.
Grade – A
Round 3, pick 85 – Khyri Thornton, DT, Southern Miss
Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
The Packers added another body to the defensive line. Thornton has striking similarities to current Packer, Mike Daniels. A strong motor and great hands helps Thornton make up for his lack of pass rushing skills. Ted Thompson seldom reaches on draft picks, but I feel that Thornton may have gone a little high.
Grade- C
Round 3, pick 98 – Richard Rodgers, TE, California
Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Rodgers is a bigger bodied tight end that has sure hands and good size. Rodgers won’t be the type of player that will blow by you, but is effective in short yard situations. Will be interesting to see where he ends up on the depth chart this upcoming season.
Grade – C+
Round 4, pick 121 – Carl Bradford, OLB, Arizona State
Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
I think the Packers got a bit of a steal with Bradford in the 4th round. Bradford would have been a higher selection if he was a little bit taller and faster, but the guy can still play football. Bradford has a great motor and is a explosive tackler. I suspect that he will move inside for the Packers. I truly believe that Bradford will be starting for the Packers by the end of the season.
Grade – A
Round 5, pick 161 – Corey Linsley, C, Ohio State
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Linsley was the captain for one of the best run offenses in the nation last season. Linsley will need some help in pass coverage, but is already a pretty polished run blocker. Linsley will provide some much needed depth to the center position that will likely see J.C. Tretter as the starter.
Grade – B
Round 5, pick 176 – Jared Abbrederis, WR, Wisconsin
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
The selection of Abbrederis marks the first Badger taken by Ted Thompson in his 10-year stint. Abbrederis was a steal as the last pick of the 5th round. Abbrederis is a tough, gritty receiver who will flourish as a slot receiver with Aaron Rodgers. Abbrederis should also get a shot at returning punts and kicks for the Packers.
Grade – A
Round 6, pick 197 – Demetri Goodson, CB, Baylor
Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Goodson is the definition of an athlete. Before heading to Baylor to play corner, Goodson played point guard for the Gonzaga Bulldogs. His coverage skills are as raw as you’ll find, and durability is also an issue. Goodson will be 25 years old this season.
Grade – D
Round 7, pick 236 – Jeff Janis, WR, Saginaw Valley State
Jeff Janis
Janis is a terrific athlete and possesses very good speed and size. Janis was a standout in Division II, but will have to prove his hands are good enough to play in the NFL. Most scouts had tabbed Janis as a mid-round talent, so the Packers got tremendous value with this pick. Janis should make the team and see the field his rookie year.