Packers: 5 players to target on Day 2 of the 2018 NFL Draft
By Jesse Fry
With an exciting opening round in the books, the Green Bay Packers should consider these players on Day 2 of the 2018 NFL Draft.
With their first-round pick, the Packers addressed a big need with cornerback Jaire Alexander. After moving around the board and picking up a 2019 first-round pick, the Packers still got a player who could instantly improve their secondary.
But they still have work to do, and it starts in the second round.
After trading away a third-rounder to move up for Alexander, Green Bay currently owns one pick on Day 2 (No. 45 overall), but don’t be surprised if we see some more trades from general manager Brian Gutekunst.
Here are some options the Packers could go with on Day 2:
Lorenzo Carter, EDGE, Georgia
With the secondary addressed, will the Packers look to bolster their pass rush?
Lorenzo Carter would be a player to watch. At 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, Carter has the build teams look for as an edge rusher. His 4.5 40-yard dash gives teams even more to like.
His production in college left something to be desired (only 4.5 sacks as a senior) but with the right fit, which I feel the Packers are, he could flourish. Carter would have time to learn and play behind Clay Matthews and Nick Perry while still providing situational pass rush.
With his speed and athletic ability, Carter is a player to look out for in the second round.
Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State
At 6-foot-5, 256 pounds, Dallas Goedert has the size of the prototype tight end prospect.
He dominated lesser competition at South Dakota State, but has the tangibles to make an impact in the NFL. When I see him play I think Travis Kelce. While his blocking leaves something to be desired, there’s a lot to like.
Mike McCarthy loves his tight ends, and putting Jimmy Graham and Goedert on the field at the same time would have him drooling.
Goedert made acrobatic catches look routine. Getting Aaron Rodgers another big, athletic target in the middle of the field could be an enticing option. It also would be a dream come true as he is a long-time fan of the Packers.
Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU
The Packers need a WR to replace Jordy Nelson on the perimeter. Courtland Sutton has the big body to be a fine boundary receiver.
At 6-foot-4 with a 4.54 40-yard dash, Sutton has the size and enough speed to get open down field. His size also makes him a dangerous red zone target. Sutton scored a combined 22 touchdowns the past two seasons. He knows how to find the end zone.
With Randall Cobb and Graham attacking the middle of the field, and with Adams and Sutton on the outside, the Packers could have a very scary set of weapons in the passing game.
Getting a top-five wideout in the second round would be great value.
Will Hernandez, G, UTEP
The Packers currently have an opening at right guard. Will Hernandez would be more than capable of filling that spot.
A mauler in the run game, Hernandez would give the Packers an attitude on the O-line they haven’t had since T.J. Lang and Josh Sittion. Playing on an 0-12 team, Hernandez never gave up and always put forth top effort.
Hernandez would be a plug-and-play starter and would allow Justin McCray to be the sixth lineman.
Harold Landry, EDGE, Boston College
Thought to be a target for Green Bay at 14, Landry is still available in Round 2.
Landry was thought to be the second-best edge rusher in the draft, but somehow fell out of the first round of the draft.
Some scouts have a boom-or-bust projection on Landry, but as a Day 2 pick, he’d come at amazing value.
Landry could be a solid sub-package rusher in his rookie year and develop into a solid starter down the road.
Other options
D.J. Chark, WR, LSU: Packers need speed and Chark has plenty of it.
Justin Reid, S, Stanford: A possible replacement for Morgan Burnett.
Anthony Miller, WR, Memphis: Greg Jennings-type receiver with big-play ability and smooth route-running.
Malik Jefferson, LB, Texas: Fast chase LB could flourish alongside Blake Martinez.
Sam Hubbard, EDGE, Ohio State: Athletic, high-motor edge rusher.
Josh Sweat, EDGE, Florida State: Freak athlete with tons of pass-rush promise.
Next: Grade, instant reaction to Jaire Alexander pick
Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State: Basketball player on a football field. Like Goedert, McCarthy would be drooling over the pairing with Graham.