Packers: 2017 draft class will lead turnaround on defense
By Jesse Fry
Why last year’s draft class will lead the turnaround for the Green Bay Packers defense.
With 2018 NFL Draft just days away, the Green Bay Packers will hope to add a difference-maker on defense. But it’s the 2017 draft class that can make the biggest impact on this year’s defense.
The expectation for GM Brain Gutekunst is to draft a top-tier defensive player with his first pick. If the expected run on quarterbacks happens early in the draft, it is possible a top-10 talent will slip to the Packers at No. 14 should they chose to stay put. Whether it’s a defensive back or edge rusher, there should be a quality candidate there.
While that pick will add more talent to the defense, it will be last year’s top four selections that will have the biggest impact. If cornerback Kevin King, safety Josh Jones, defensive lineman Montravius Adams an edge rusher Vince Biegel make that year one to two leap coach McCarthy always talks about, we could see a quick turnaround on defense.
Everyone in Packer Nation understands the team needs an edge rusher and help in the secondary. But if King, Jones and Biegel make good on the talent and opportunity they have, this year’s top pick won’t be needed to be rushed onto the field and bear the weight of being the savior for the “D”.