Packers 2019 draft class earns strong grade from NFL.com

Brian Gutekunst continued his excellent start as Green Bay Packers general manager with a home run of an offseason.

After hitting on free agents Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith and Adrian Amos, Gutey backed it up with what looks a very good draft class.

Two of the top three picks — safety Darnell Savage in the first round and guard Elgton Jenkins in the second — were named to the 2019 PFWA All-Rookie Team.

And as a result of the Packers‘ strong start to the 2019 draft, Gennaro Filice of NFL.com has given them a B-plus grade, which ranks first in the NFC North.

It’s also understandable why the grade isn’t higher. Jenkins looks to be a home-run selection and Savage, too, could go onto become one of the best at his position. But the Packers didn’t get much production from the rest of their class.

Rashan Gary, selected 12th overall, was only on the field for a quarter of the defensive snaps. It’s far too early to judge how good this pick was as, let’s not forget, the Smith Bros. dominated the snaps due to their consistent performances. Gary’s upside is still high and he is a breakout candidate for 2020, but he didn’t have a strong rookie season.

Third-round pick Jace Sternberger‘s rookie season was impacted due to injury. He didn’t get a chance to play until later on which made it difficult, although he did impress in the playoffs. Sternberger is another player to watch in 2020.

The Packers will be hoping for more from their late-round picks including defensive tackle Kingsley Keke, cornerback Ka’Dar Hollman and running back Dexter Williams. Their development will go a long way to determining how successful this draft class proves to be.

We’re still only a year in, but to get two players in the PFWA All-Rookie Team is a great start. If Gary and/or Sternberger can make a second-year jump, this will be an outstanding draft class.