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NFL draft grades 2018: Packers earn high marks for top picks

By Keegan Jackish

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: Jaire Alexander of Louisville poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: Jaire Alexander of Louisville poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked /
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ARLINGTON, TX – APRIL 26: Jaire Alexander of Louisville poses on the red carpet prior to the start of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT
ARLINGTON, TX – APRIL 26: Jaire Alexander of Louisville poses on the red carpet prior to the start of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT /

Chicago Bears

Favorite pick: Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia

Overall grade: B+

The Bears did a solid job addressing some key needs in this year’s draft. Roquan Smith is one of the best players in the class and should be a long-time starter for them. They won’t have to worry about the center position for a while either thanks to their selection of James Daniels, who comes from the offensive line factory in Iowa. Don’t sleep on the Anthony Miller pick either; Miller and Allen Robinson could pose challenges for the Packers’ secondary. The Bears could have done a little bit more to address their pass rush though.

Detroit Lions

Favorite pick: Tyrell Crosby, OT, Oregon

Overall grade: B- 

Bob Quinn and the Detroit Lions found some guys who slid through the cracks with Da’Shawn Hand and Tyrell Crosby, but I feel like they could have done a bit more to improve their pass rush, and I would have liked to have seen them add another difference maker to the receiving corps. Lions fans should still be very happy with the selection of Frank Ragnow. Their offensive line looks pretty scary headed into the 2018 season.

Green Bay Packers

Favorite pick: Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa

Overall grade: B+

The Packers transformed one of the worst secondaries in football to one of the most exciting young cornerback groups in the league, but they also failed to find a 3-4 OLB that could replace Clay Matthews and provide depth this upcoming season. Having Vince Biegel and Reggie Gilbert as your second-tier pass rushers is not ideal.

Still, I really like that they found an outside receiver in J’Mon Moore who dominated the SEC last year. Green Bay may have found five future starters in this draft, with Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson at corner, J’Mon Moore at receiver, JK Scott at punter, and Hunter Edwards at long snapper. Plus, they picked up an extra first-round pick for next year in the Marcus Davenport trade. Brian Gutekunst had a great first draft.

Minnesota Vikings

Overall grade: Brian O’Neill, OT, Pittsburgh

Grade: C+

I liked that the Vikings addressed their offensive line on Day 2 and found someone who should improve their tackle position instantly, but I felt like they would have been better off improving the interior offensive line in the first round by taking Will Hernandez. Don’t forget about the Jalyn Holmes or Daniel Carlson picks.

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