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Grading each part of the Green Bay Packers offseason

By Freddie Boston

LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 17: Outside Linebacker Preston Smith #94 of the Washington Redskins recovers a fumble in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at FedEx Field on December 17, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 17: Outside Linebacker Preston Smith #94 of the Washington Redskins recovers a fumble in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at FedEx Field on December 17, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 17: Rashan Gary #3 of the Michigan Wolverines looks on while playing the Indiana Hoosiers at Michigan Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 31-20. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Draft

Gutekunst took the pressure off in the draft by addressing positions of need in free agency, but he was still able to double down at key positions in April. Once again not afraid to make a bold move or two, Gutekunst traded away two mid-round picks to move up nine positions and give the Packers two draft picks inside the top-21 overall. If all goes well, they won’t have one pick that high again in the near future. This year they had two.

And both went to the defense. Rashan Gary’s production at college is somewhat concerning, but he’s an elite athlete and has a ton of talent. He also plays at an important position. Gutekunst picked a player with sky-high upside — Gary has the potential to develop into an elite edge rusher in the NFL, even if it takes a few years.

Darnell Savage Jr. could have the biggest impact as a rookie. Don’t be surprised if he starts most games he plays and comes away with a few interceptions this year.

The Packers also addressed other positions of need early. Elgton Jenkins could be another Day 1 starter along the offensive line. Jace Sternberger could eventually become the No. 1 tight end in Green Bay, while initially giving the Packers a pass-catcher with tremendous yards-after-the-catch ability.

Kingsley Keke and Ka’Dar Hollman both add depth at defensive positions, and Dexter Williams was a great pick on Day 3.

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Overall, there’s a lot to like about this draft class. Only time will tell whether it’s a strong class, but it looks good on paper.

Grade: B+

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