The NFL Draft: Who do the experts have the Green Bay Packers taking?
By Dan Dahlke
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Michael Bennett (63). Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
Chris Burke (Sports Illustrated)
RD 1 – Michael Bennett, DL, Ohio State
“Mike Daniels has been arguably the Packers’ best defender this season. The rest of Green Bay’s defensive front leaves something to be desired. Bennett has lined up in multiple spots for Ohio State, saving his best work for the stretch run (five sacks over the final five games)”–Chris Burke.
At 6-foot-2 and 288 pounds, Bennett may be a surprise pick in the Packers 3-4 front for some, but a closer look at the defensive lineman’s game would show that the Ohio State prospect is actually a great fit with Green Bay.
Bennett plays bigger than his size against the run and uses excellent leverage to hold his ground on the interior line.
He can also push the pocket and shows good burst upfield to make plays in the backfield. Bennett has had 25.5 tackles for loss the past two seasons and that’s by no accident.
Bennett moves well and has an array of pass rush moves. He’d also be a great fit in the Packers nickel looks.