The Green Bay Packers have no interest in consensus boards, and they showed that again with their heavily-criticized Anthony Belton pick. Matt LaFleur put an end to that, proving the Packers right.
While the consensus board ranked Belton 97th, making the Packers' decision to draft him 54th look like a significant reach, LaFleur provided a look behind the curtain. Based on the league-wide interest in the NC State tackle, the Packers were correct not to risk waiting until the third round.
"I was just talking to Anthony Belton, and he went on 14 different 30 visits," said LaFleur. "It's hard to be in peak physical condition when you get them in here."
LaFleur wasn't directly talking about the decision to draft Belton. He was providing insight into rookie minicamp and the conditioning of each player after a grueling pre-draft process. However, perhaps unintentionally, LaFleur answered a question many Packers fans had wondered.
Why did they "reach" on Belton? Well, based on his Top 30 visits, it might not have been a reach at all. The Packers drafted him in the second round, and considering that almost half the league hosted him, it's fair to assume Belton would've been long gone before Green Bay's next selection at No. 87.
Packers proved right for 'reaching' to land Anthony Belton in the second round
Many analysts blasted the Packers for taking Belton earlier than expected, but they got their target and may not have had the opportunity later on. While Green Bay hasn't always gotten it right when straying from consensus, the team should be applauded for sticking to its board.
How often did we hear that Evan Williams was a seventh-round talent who the Packers selected in the fourth? After one season, that looks like a steal. Williams made the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
We also don't know whether the Packers' pick did stray from consensus with Belton. Fourteen teams liked him enough to use a Top 30 visit on him.
Regardless of his draft position, he can help the Packers in a crucial role.
Belton might not start immediately, and it's unclear which position the Packers will prefer him to play — but that's a positive. He doesn't need to start as a rookie, and the fact he could line up at tackle or guard is a plus. Many believe the NC State lineman could eventually replace Sean Rhyan at right guard, and it makes sense.
Belton wins with his strength as a run-blocker, which could make him the perfect complement to Aaron Banks at the other guard position.
LaFleur didn't intend to fire back at critics. He was talking about conditioning and the pre-draft process. Even so, his words serve as a reminder that not every "reach" on the consensus board is viewed the same way in the NFL.