Despite picking only six times, the Green Bay Packers attacked needs with several smart selections.
ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. seems to agree with that assessment, yet his final grade tells a different story.
Kiper handed the Packers a C-plus grade, the seventh-worst in the NFL. But when you break down his analysis, that feels off-base and, frankly, a little harsh. Let's talk about it.
Mel Kiper Jr. hands the Packers a harsh grade despite praising the picks
The Packers didn't own a first-round selection, sure, but there isn't a single prospect available on Day 1 they would trade Micah Parsons for. Parsons may not count as one of their draft picks, but that trade has to factor into the overall grade.
After all, Kiper acknowledged that the Packers "likely don't have too many regrets" with the Parsons move. Absolutely right.
Kiper broke down the positions Green Bay needed help in before heaping praise on the selections. He noted that second-round pick Brandon Cisse "was the best CB available" at No. 52, adding that "his awareness is pretty special."
He then spoke positively about the Chris McClellan and Dani Dennis-Sutton picks, highlighting their potential to impact the pass rush.
But then his analysis of the players ends. Kiper concluded that while there are "definitely some contributors" in the Packers' draft class, having no first-rounder limited their chances of landing an immediate starter.
That's where we disagree. Cisse might already be the Packers' best cornerback. He should see significant snaps early. Dennis-Sutton may take some time to reach his full potential, but the Penn State product can undoubtedly help the defense now, especially against the run.
Kiper didn't even mention center Jager Burton, who might be the Packers' best value pick. Burton could push Sean Rhyan for the center job before long while offering the versatility to play any of the interior positions.
And don't forget about Trey Smack, whose name couldn't be more fitting for a kicker. Green Bay clearly believes in him, having traded away both of its seventh-round selections to jump back into the sixth round. Brandon McManus, you are on notice.
Kiper's final grade is harsh. Yes, the Packers only picked six times and had to wait until Day 2, but they still found upgrades at positions of need.
Gutekunst didn't get cute. There was no head-scratching Josiah Deguara pick here, or a move nobody saw coming like Savion Williams last year. Gutey focused on positions of need and took the best player on the board. He even traded up twice to land McClellan and Smack, while admitting he tried to move up for Dennis-Sutton before the pass-rusher fell to No. 120.
It's the smallest class of the Gutekunst era, but it's hard to argue with the swings he took.
Add us as a preferred source on Google