Packers: Redrafting 2019 draft class two years later
As the 2021 NFL Draft nears, we continue to take a look back at recent Green Bay Packers draft classes.
The 2019 class turned out to be a good one for the Packers, but how could’ve it gone differently?
In this redraft, the focus is on the opening five rounds and how the team could’ve picked. With the benefit of hindsight, this could’ve been an incredible class.
Round 1 (12): Brian Burns, DE, Florida State
Original pick: Rashan Gary, DE, Michigan
Rashan Gary finished the 2020 season strong and could be a great player entering his third season, but in this redraft I’ve gone for Brian Burns.
Burns has 16.5 sacks and 37 quarterback hits in his first two seasons with the Carolina Panthers, and he also ranked fourth in ESPN’s pass rush win rate metric last year.
Round 1 (30): DK Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss
Original pick: Traded away
The Packers’ need at wide receiver has been discussed a lot over the past couple of offseasons. It may have never become an issue had they selected DK Metcalf in 2019. In this redraft, the Packers don’t trade up for Darnell Savage so we assume Savage could’ve been gone before No. 30 overall.
With 2,203 yards and 17 touchdowns in his first two seasons, Metcalf is quickly becoming one of the best receivers in the league. Imagine a pairing of Metcalf and Davante Adams in Matt LaFleur’s offense.
Round 2 (44): Elgton Jenkins, C, Mississippi State
Original pick: Jenkins
Home. Run.
No introduction needed here for Elgton Jenkins, who has been simply unstoppable no matter where he’s lined up along the offensive line. The 2020 Pro Bowler will be a starter for the Packers for many years to come.
Round 3 (75): Terry McLaurin, WR, Ohio State
Original pick: Jace Sternberger, TE, Texas A&M
Why not add some more receiving talent? With Adams, Metcalf, and Terry McLaurin, this offense would be unstoppable. In two years, McLaurin has 2,037 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. Last year, he added 490 yards after the catch, sixth-most among wide receivers.
Round 4 (114): Amani Hooker, S, Iowa
Original pick: Traded away
While the Packers missed out on Darnell Savage in this redraft, they select safety Amani Hooker in the fourth round. Hooker hasn’t missed a game and looks set for a starting role in the Tennessee Titans’ defense in 2021. Hooker had eight pass defenses and four interceptions last season.
Round 4 (118): Ben Powers, G, Oklahoma
Original pick: Traded away
The Packers add some depth at guard with their next fourth-round pick. Ben Powers has played in 17 games for the Ravens, including seven starts in 2020. He would compete for a starting job in Green Bay.
Round 5 (150): Kingsley Keke, DT, Texas A&M
Original pick: Keke
Green Bay sticks with its original pick here. Kingsley Keke played well last season. He started nine games, made four sacks, eight quarterback hits, and forced a fumble.