Packers 2015 NFL Draft Day 2 Projection

With the selection of Arizona State safety Damarious Randall the Packers have shorn up one of their more pressing needs; no safety isn’t one of them with Morgan Burnett and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix both having fantastic years but Ted Thompson stated in his press conference that Randall projects mostly as a corner, but the Packers also value the positional versatility that Randall offers somewhat like Micah Hyde.  During the combine process, Randall quoted that about 12 teams were asking him about playing corner while 8 were asked about him playing safety so it appears most of the league views him as a cornerback.  Furthermore, Arizona State believed that Randall was their best cover corner on the team but safety was a bigger need so Randall ended up there.

Now with the defensive secondary taken care of, now focus shifts to the 2nd round pick and what options the Packers can go with the 62nd pick of the 2015 draft.  Inside linebacker probably is the most obvious choice with AJ Hawk, Brad Jones and Jamari Lattimore all leaving for other teams but in reality, this years’ inside linebacker crop only had some fringe 1st round prospects but there’s pretty much a player for every scheme available still available.  Case in point only one true inside linebacker, Stephone Anthony, was taken in the 1st round, one pick after the Packers at 31 to the Saints.  That leaves Denzel Perryman (rumored to be a favorite in the Packers front office), Eric Kendricks, Paul Dawson, Bendarick McKinney as the remaining top inside linebacker prospects.

Staying on defense, nose tackle and defensive end is also another position that could get some looks with both BJ Raji and Letroy Guion on one-year prove it deals and only one true 3-4 DE on the team being Datone Jones; Jordan Philips, Eddie Goldman and Carl Davis are all still available so there’s a good chance at least one will be available when the Packers pick.

Luckily the Packers never really have to spend too much on offense since Aaron Rodgers seems to make just about everyone better.  However, the Packers have a long and very successful tradition of picking up wide receivers in the 2nd and 3rd rounds with Greg Jennings, James Jones, Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson and Davante Adams; Jaelen Strong is probably the best receiver left available, but with a full stable of wide receivers and plenty of intriguing prospects like Jared Abberderis and Jeff Janis chances are good the Packers simply couldn’t fit another talented wide receiver on the roster.

Tight end is another story with no real field stretcher like Jermichael Finley on the roster; the 1st round didn’t see any tight ends taken meaning top rated prospect Maxx Williams is still available, but there have been some rumors of poor work ethic and suspect interviews that may turn the Packers away.  The other big name tight end is Clive Walford, who is seen as more of a complete tight end who can block and catch equally well but isn’t stellar in either.

Finally quarterback is a fringe possibility with everyone outside of Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota still available.  Would drafting a player like Bryce Petty or Brett Hundley make much sense?  No, but the Packers have seen what kind of team they are without a star quarterback and Scott Tolzien may or may not be the answer there.

Even though the Packers selecting Randall was a little bit out of left field (though people will probably calm down when the start to realize that he’s going to be a corner), the Packers do have a lot of options and plenty of great player will be available in the 2nd and 3rd rounds.

Thomas Hobbes is a staff writer for Jersey Al’s AllGreenBayPackers.com.

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