2014 NFL Draft grades: Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers were believed to address the defense early in the draft and look for some weapons for Aaron Rodgers later, and that’s exactly what the Packers did during the draft.

Best pick: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix

Worst pick: Khyri Thornton

Analysis: The Packers got a player who arguably was the top safety in the draft in Clinton-Dix and fills a position of need. He could have gone as high as No. 1o so this is a nice value as well in the first. Second round pick Davante Adams was ultra-productive at Fresno State as Derek Carr‘s go-to receiver and will fill the void left by James Jones leaving in free agency.

I named Thornton as the worst pick because I thought he was a major reach in the third. I see him as a fifth round player who has some off-the-field concerns that will need to be monitored and I worry about big guys who have concerns over their motors. Still, he has some nice attributes and if he’s motivated and dedicated to his craft, he could give the Packers defensive line some much-needed help along the interior of the defensive line.

Their second third round pick Richard Rodgers is insurance in case Jermichael Finley is not re-signed and is a project. Carl Bradford is a player who will make an impact more on special teams than in rushing the passer as a 3-4 OLB. Corey Lindsley is a player who could one day compete for a starting spot at center, but now gives the team some depth. Jared Abbrederis is a local kid from Wisconsin who will be a fan favorite, but can he get separation at the next level?

Demetri Goodson is a developmental prospect at cornerback I like in the seventh.

Grade: C+