Packers: Best late-round picks in past 10 draft classes
The importance of hitting on early-round picks is clear, but the best draft classes also feature contributions from picks on Day 3. The Green Bay Packers have found plenty of talented players in those later rounds.
Today, we’re going to look back over the Packers’ past 10 draft classes and focus on some of their best draft picks in the later rounds.
For this article, that includes all picks from the fifth round and later.
Micah Hyde (Round 5, 2013)
A fifth-round pick in 2013, Micah Hyde quickly showed off his versatility, playing at safety, slot corner, while also returning punts. In four seasons, Hyde had eight interceptions, 24 pass defenses, and returned three punts for touchdowns.
Hyde started 33 games for the Packers but wasn’t re-signed after his rookie contract. Since, he has risen to stardom with the Buffalo Bills, being named a second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler in 2017.
Corey Linsley (Round 5, 2014)
Corey Linsley had a long, successful career in Green Bay in the middle of the offensive line. Linsley provided high-level play in all 99 of his regular-season starts for the Packers, including in his NFL debut against a dominant Seattle Seahawks defense.
Linsley deservedly earned first-team All-Pro honors this past season but has now signed with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Aaron Jones (Round 5, 2017)
Explosive, elusive, and one of the most exciting running backs to watch in the league, Aaron Jones didn’t take long to show the world what he can do, and he’s gone onto become of the best backs in football.
With an incredible 33 rushing touchdowns over the past three years, along with consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, Jones is a key piece in Matt LaFleur’s offense. He deservedly landed a new multi-year deal this offseason.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Round 5, 2018)
One of three wide receivers drafted by the Packers in 2018, Marquez Valdes-Scantling has improved each year and took a huge step in 2020. He averaged a league-best 20.9 yards per reception last season while setting career-highs in both receiving yards and touchdowns.
MVS needs to have fewer drops, but he’s an ascending player who continues to improve.
Jon Runyan Jr. (Round 6, 2020)
It might be a little early to put Jon Runyan Jr. on this list but I’m banking on his potential here. Runyan stepped in when injuries hit along the offensive line and looked more than capable of becoming a starter. That opportunity may present itself to him in 2020. I’m excited to see what Runyan can do in the Packers’ offense moving forward.