Packers: Re-grading the 2019 draft class four years on
Following a disappointing 2018 season, the Mike McCarthy era came to an end, and the Green Bay Packers turned to Matt LaFleur as their new head coach.
The Packers entered the offseason with needs at edge rusher, safety, offensive line, and tight end. That just so happened to be the same positions Green Bay targeted with its top four picks.
GM Brian Gutekunst was aggressive in free agency, signing Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith, Adrian Amos, and Billy Turner, but he continued to add talent at those positions in the draft.
Green Bay Packers’ 2019 draft class
- Round 1 (12): Rashan Gary, EDGE, Michigan
- Round 1 (21) Darnell Savage, S, Maryland
- Round 2 (44): Elgton Jenkins, OL, Mississippi State
- Round 3 (75): Jace Sternberger, TE, Texas A&M
- Round 5 (150): Kingsley Keke, DL, Texas A&M
- Round 6 (185): Ka’dar Hollman, CB, Toledo
- Round 6 (194): Dexter Williams, RB, Notre Dame
- Round 7 (226): Ty Summers, LB, TCU
Final grade: A
It’s rare to hit a home run with every pick in the draft. If you can find a few key contributors, it’s a successful draft.
The Packers achieved that with their top three selections.
Rashan Gary is one of the best edge rushers in the league. He was on his way to a career-year and Pro Bowl season before suffering a torn ACL in Week 9.
Darnell Savage hasn’t become the Pro Bowl safety many believed he could, but he has been a regular starter for the Packers, starting 59 games in his first four seasons.
Elgton Jenkins is such an important player for the Packers. He is a two-time Pro Bowler and can play at guard, tackle, and center.
However, after making three great picks, the rest of the 2019 draft class didn’t work out as the Packers would’ve hoped.
None of the other five selections are on the 2023 roster.
But hitting on every pick is nearly impossible. The Packers made three great picks in the first and second rounds, including a star pass rusher and star offensive lineman.