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Detroit Lions 2019 NFL Draft: NFC North draft recap

By Jeremy Friedrichs

ANN ARBOR, MI - SEPTEMBER 08: Rashan Gary #3 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts to a sack against the Western Michigan Broncos at Michigan Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - SEPTEMBER 08: Rashan Gary #3 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts to a sack against the Western Michigan Broncos at Michigan Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Green Bay Packers 2019 Draft Class

R1 (12) – Rashan Gary – DL / Michigan
R1 (21) – Darnell Savage – S / Maryland
R2 (12) – Elgton Jenkins – C / Mississippi State
R3 (11) – Jace Sternberger – TE / Texas A&M
R5 (12) – Kingsley Keke – DL / Texas A&M
R6 (12) – Ka’dar Hollman – CB / Toledo
R6 (21) – Dexter Williams – RB / Notre Dame
R7 (12) – Ty Summers – LB / TCU

The Packers’ focus on defense stemming from their free agency acquisitions continued into the first round. Gary joins new Green Bay edge defenders Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith to give the Packers an intriguing trio of pass rushers and edge setters. Gary’s projections were all over the place prior to the draft for a host of reasons, but the Packers may have landed a versatile stud at number 12.

The Packers traded up with the Seattle Seahawks to acquire Savage (pictured above) at 21 with their second first rounder. He is another piece of a completely reworked secondary including former Chicago Bears safety Adrian Amos, and a group of young cornerbacks.

On day two, the Packers landed a solid, if unspectacular offensive lineman in Jenkins who will inject some much needed youth into a slowly aging offensive front. He may not start right away, but his four years of college experience hints that he will before long. Also on offense, Sternberger gives quarterback Aaron Rodgers a talented pass catcher, but his blocking needs a lot of work.

Keke, Sternberger’s Texas A&M teammate, would seem to be a perfect fit in defensive coordinator Mike Pettine’s scheme. He shed weight in transitioning to more of and edge role last season, and should be a versatile piece along the front line.

The Packers’ last three picks will face uphill battles to have a role on the team as rookies, and are likely ticketed for special teams duties. Williams will be one to keep an eye on though, as Green Bay has been forced into a committee approach in the offensive backfield in recent seasons. Despite some character concerns, a strong offseason could give him some legitimate opportunities when training camp nears.

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