Packers 2018 Draft: Analysis on both first-round trades
Two shocking trades highlight day one of the 2018 NFL Draft for the Green Bay Packers. How will it affect the future of the team?
For a night that saw many trades, the Green Bay Packers decided to join the fun when they went on the clock at 14th overall.
After seeing their likely top prospect, Minkah Fitzpatrick, go to the Miami Dolphins, it was no surprise to see the team move down in order to acquire more draft picks.
The New Orleans Saints came calling and Green Bay answered.
Trade details:
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) April 27, 2018
Packers sent the 14th pick to the Saints in return for No. 27 overall, No. 147 (fifth round) AND the Saints' FIRST-ROUND pick in 2019.
This was a great move as Green Bay is now in-line for TWO first round selections next year. It also adds another selection on day three of the draft. The 147th overall pick could be used for more trade bait. It also allows the Packers to add more depth.
The trade brought some initial shock from many Packers fans, including myself. Florida State safety Derwin James was still on the board and seemed like a lock for the team.
However, they would not make that selection at 27. Just four picks later, the Packers gave another NFC team a call, the Seattle Seahawks, trading back into the top 20.
The Packers get No. 18 from Seattle and also No. 248 (seventh round) for No. 27, No. 76 (third round) and No. 186 (sixth).
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) April 27, 2018
The Packers settled on the 18th pick and took a corner back from Louisville, Jaire Alexander.
The #Packers trade up and take #Louisville CB Jaire Alexander at No. 18. New DC Mike Pettine gets a player he covets.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2018
As Ian Rapoport said, new DC Mike Pettine is a huge fan of Alexander. Plus, he fills a major hole and immediately improves the defense.
Why the trades make sense
Overall, the trades made complete sense for the future of the franchise even if the Packers didn’t get a player many were hoping for (Derwin James and Minkah Fitzpatrick).
In 2019, the team will have two first round picks, and barring any trades, it will be the first time that has happened since 2009 when they took B.J. Raji and Clay Matthews.
When it was all said and done, the Packers received a future first-round pick for a third and sixth-round pick. It’s a really good deal when you think about it.
Next: Grade, instant reaction to Jaire Alexander pick
The Packers got a player that will make an impact now while looking to the future of the team at the same time.