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Green Bay Packers: Grading the 2015 rookie class

By Freddie Boston

Dec 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers free safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (21) celebrates with cornerback Damarious Randall (23) after Randall intercepted the ball and ran for a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers free safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (21) celebrates with cornerback Damarious Randall (23) after Randall intercepted the ball and ran for a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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January 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Kennard Backman (86) before a NFC Divisional round playoff game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Packers 26-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Kennard Backman (86) before a NFC Divisional round playoff game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Packers 26-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 6: FB Aaron Ripkowski

Aaron Ripkowski could be the heir to John Kuhn’s throne as the starting fullback, but he will need to earn that job. Kuhn was the man in 2015, and Ripkowski will need to take the position away from the veteran this offseason.

Ripkowski spent the majority of his time on special teams, so it will be interesting to compare his snap counts in 2016. His snaps on offense will be dependant on Kuhn’s future. Kuhn, as it feels like he has been for the past 20 years, is a free agent.

Grade: C-

Round 6: DE Christian Ringo

Christian Ringo is an interesting one to watch. He was drafted in the sixth round by the Packers then released at the end of training camp, but signed to the practice squad and given a raise. It was some year for Ringo.

The Packers clearly believe he has potential which is why they paid him a salary a member of the 53-man roster would receive. The extra money worked as an incentive to keep him in Green Bay, as they clearly believe he can play a role in the future.

Grade: Incomplete

Round 6: TE Kennard Backman

The Packers spent their final draft pick on tight end Kennard Backman. Tight end was also a position of need in 2014, but Backman was never going to be a quick fix. Time will tell on these late-round prospects.

Grade: Incomplete

Next: Overall grade

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