Packers: Re-grading the 2019 draft class two years on
As the Green Bay Packers hoped to return to the playoffs after missing two years straight, they had the benefit of picking twice in the first round in 2019.
One of those picks was the 12th overall.
The Packers had been busy in free agency signing edge rushers Za’Darius and Preston Smith, safety Adrian Amos, and tackle Billy Turner.
Packers 2019 draft class
- Round 1 (12): Rashan Gary, LB
- Round 1 (21): Darnell Savage, S
- Round 2 (44): Elgton Jenkins, G
- Round 3 (75): Jace Sternberger, TE
- Round 5 (150): Kingsley Keke, DT
- Round 6 (185): Ka’dar Hollman, CB
- Round 6 (194): Dexter Williams, RB
- Round 7 (226): Ty Summers, LB
Final grade: A
Even after signing the Smith Bros. in free agency, GM Brian Gutekunst continued to strengthen the Packers’ pass rush by drafting Rashan Gary with the 12th overall pick.
Gary was mostly a backup in his rookie season but was excellent in the second half of 2020, showing that he has the potential to be a great pass rusher.
Darnell Savage has started all 29 games he’s played in his first two seasons. Savage was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in his first season, and he has continued to improve in 2020, especially in the second half of the year.
Savage has been excellent in coverage. He made 12 pass defenses and four interceptions in 2020.
Gary has the potential to become a very good starting pass rusher. Savage could be an All-Pro safety.
But the Packers’ best pick came in the second round when they selected offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins. Jenkins is already one of the best guards in the league, but he has also lined up at center and tackle and played just as well. According to Pro Football Focus, Jenkins has allowed only one sack in two seasons having played 1,304 pass-blocking snaps.
Jenkins was a Pro Bowler in 2020 and should be an All-Pro many times in his career.
Jace Sternberger has struggled in his first two seasons but that’s often the case for tight ends. He’ll be a player to watch next season.
Kingsley Keke has become a starter along the defensive line, while Ty Summers is a key special teams player.
We’re only two years on from this draft class but it has the potential to be a special one.