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Green Bay Packers 2017 Draft: Red and black dot players on defense

By Dan Dahlke

December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Marshon Lattimore (2) tackles Clemson Tigers running back Tavien Feaster (28) in the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Marshon Lattimore (2) tackles Clemson Tigers running back Tavien Feaster (28) in the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 3, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Trace McSorley (9) is pressured by Wisconsin Badgers linebacker T.J. Watt (42) in the first half during the Big Ten Championship college football game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Trace McSorley (9) is pressured by Wisconsin Badgers linebacker T.J. Watt (42) in the first half during the Big Ten Championship college football game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports /

Our “Red Dot” Edge Rushers

Kyle — T.J. Watt, Wisconsin

Watt is forcing me to break my mold. I usually wouldn’t pound the table for a guy’s upside. I prefer safe, proven players (especially in the first few rounds). However, Watt’s tape has enough flashes to combine with incredible athletic testing to having me drooling over his potential. Add in a top notch work ethic and I find myself betting on Watt to be an impact player almost immediately and a Pro-Bowl player in about three seasons.

Dan — Derek Rivers, Youngstown State

Rivers is an electric 6-foot-4, 248-pound pass rusher with the athleticism to transition to outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. While Rivers stood out in athletic testing at the NFL Combine (4.61 forty, 35-inch vertical, 6.94 three-cone), the best asset of his game is his polished pass rushing game. He can beat tackles with speed off the edge, or convert speed to power and generate an effective bull rush. He also has effective rip and inside counter moves, as well as good bend which enables him carve a sharp corner. On film he shows an array of ways to get after the passer and this coupled with his athletic upside are what make him a special prospect.

Our “Black Dot” Edge Rushers

Kyle — Carl Lawson, Auburn

Carl Lawson is a great football player and probably deserves to be taken in the first round based on what he has shown on the field. He’s really good at setting the edge and brings a good blend of speed and power. Unfortunately, he’s incredibly injury prone and he’s also a little stiff and linear for a 3-4 defense. Someone will take him high and bank on his health, but it wouldn’t be me.

Dan — Demarcus Walker, Florida State

Walker is an interesting player, but he’s an awful fit in the Packers 3-4 system. He’s too small (6-4, 280) to hold up as a 3-4 defensive lineman. However, he lacks the athleticism to play as a standup rusher at outside linebacker. He also would be a major liability dropping in coverage or playing out in space. Walker is the most effective as an interior pass rusher. He’s probably a better fit as a 4-3 defensive end who can kick inside on third downs.

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