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The Green Bay Packers came into the 2021 NFL Draft in a bit of a panic after reports broke right before the first round that superstar quarterback and reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers wants to be traded. More reports have come out since then that Rodgers has no plans to play another down for the Packers unless the team fires general manager Brian Gutekunst.
Despite all of the drama, the franchise was able to put together a very solid all-around draft.
From the beginning of the draft, many thought that Green Bay would go with a wide receiver in the first round. Instead, they opted to take Georgia cornerback Eric Stokes at No. 29 overall. Then, the Packers took Corey Linsley's replacement at center in the second round with Josh Myers out of Ohio State.
Gutekunst finally made the move to bring in a wideout in the third round by trading up for Clemson standout Amari Rodgers. He may not be viewed as one of the top wide receivers in the 2021 draft class, but he is a very good player. The main comparisons for him are former Packers star slot wideout Randall Cobb, although many believe that he will be a better player than Cobb was for the team.
If that does end up being the case, the Packers are going to be happy with their pick. Following the third round, they made a few more quality moves and added a lot of depth in many different areas of the roster. They should be very happy with what they were able to get done.
All of that being said, let's take a look at the draft class for the Packers and meet the prospects they decided to select.
Packers 2021 NFL Draft Class
Round 1, No. 29 Overall: Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
The decision to select Stokes was one that was met with many different reactions. Some fans were happy with the pick, while others were unhappy and thought that Green Bay should have gone to a different direction. No matter where you landed about the pick, Stokes is a good pickup at a position of need for the Packers.
Kevin King was torched in the NFC Championship Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While the Packers chose to re-sign him to a one-year deal, there is not a lot of confidence that he will be a long-term starter. Stokes could very well push for playing time right off the bat and he could end up being a starter sooner rather than later.
Packers 1st RD pick Eric Stokes ran a 4.25 40-yard dash at his Pro Day
— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 30, 2021
During the 2020 season with the Bulldogs, Stokes racked up 20 total tackles, four interceptions, two defensive touchdowns and four defended passes. He has a lot of work to do in his game, but his elite speed and athleticism makes this a very intriguing pick for the Packers.
Round 2, No. 62 Overall: Josh Myers, C, Ohio State
Josh Myers was another pick that some were unhappy with, while others were ecstatic about it. He is going to come in and instantly have a chance to start for the Packers. Corey Linsley was an All-Pro center for Green Bay over the last few seasons, but he ended up leaving in free agency to sign with the Los Angeles Chargers.
This is another quality pick at a position that Green Bay really needed to improve. Myers is a good prospect who is the definition of hard work and consistency.
Making sure that Aaron Rodgers or Jordan Love, whoever starts at quarterback, healthy and upright is a top priority. Gutekunst and the Packers made it clear that they are committed to achieving that goal with this pick in the second round.
Round 3, No. 85 Overall: Amari Rodgers, WR, Clemson
Finally, the Packers improved their wide receiver position in the first three rounds of the draft. Not to mention, they got themselves a player who could come in and start immediately. Amari Rodgers has the potential to come in and start in the slot right off the bat for Green Bay and be a major playmaker in Matt LaFleur's offense.
Rodgers put a big year in 2020 with Clemson, catching 77 passes for 1,020 yards and seven touchdowns. Before the NFL Draft, Rodgers openly said that a perfect scenario would be being drafted by the Packers. Well, that perfect scenario has become reality.
This is a pick that should make Aaron Rodgers happy if he sticks around in Green Bay. If he doesn't, Rodgers will be a great piece for Love to grow with.
Round 4, No. 142 Overall: Royce Newman, G, Ole Miss
#49ers scout seen front and center here at @OleMissFB Pro Day.
Players participating:
WR Elijah Moore 👀
OL Royce Newman
TE Kenny Yeboah
Ls Jack Propst
K Luke Logan
QB Chad Kelly (2017 class)pic.twitter.com/DXYny68BYU— Steph Sanchez (@Steph49K) March 25, 2021
After struggling with depth on the offensive line last season, the Packers made it clear that they aren't going to have that same issue in 2021. Bringing in Royce Newman was a great value pick in the fourth round, and he will be ready to see action as a rookie if his number is called.
Standing in at 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds, Newman is a big body on the line with solid athleticism. He can play both tackle and guard, which fits with the Packers' preference to have offensive linemen who can play multiple positions. It isn't likely that Newman will win a starting job, but he will be important depth as the season moves forward and players get banged up.
Round 5, No. 173 Overall: Tedarrell Slaton, DT, Florida
Next up, the Packers addressed their defensive line in the fifth round by picking up Tedarrell Slaton out of Florida. At 6-foot-5 and 340 pounds, Slaton will bring some run-stuffing ability to play alongside star defensive tackle Kenny Clark. Green Bay has been raring to find a legitimate running mate for Clark, and Slaton could very well end up being that guy.
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He racked up 38 total tackles to go along with 1.5 sacks during the 2020 season with the Gators. His size will help the Packers up front and he should be ready to play right away if needed. Green Bay isn't likely going to see Slaton develop into a star, but he does have the potential to become a quality starter on the defensive line.
Round 5, No. 178 Overall: Shemar Jean-Charles, CB, Appalachian State
Perhaps the biggest steal of the 2021 NFL Draft for the Packers came with this pick. Shemar Jean-Charles was a monster for Appalachian State in 2020, recording 35 tackles, one interception, and 16 defended passes. Those numbers jump out as a guy who could develop into being a legitimate starter one day.
Pro Football Focus also shared a very intriguing statistic about the new Packers' rookie cornerback.
Packers 5th-round pick: Shemar Jean-Charles, App State DB
Highest forced incompletion rate since 2019 (22.9%) pic.twitter.com/Fv9T3iVWLD
— PFF College (@PFF_College) May 1, 2021
Jean-Charles may not get much playing time as a rookie, but he will be quality depth. Over the next couple of years, if he works hard and develops his game, he could push his way into a big role for the Green Bay defense. This pick might end up being a massive win for the Packers.
Round 6, No. 214 Overall: Cole Van Lanen, G, Wisconsin
With their first pick in the sixth round, the Packers kept things close to home with the selection of Wisconsin offensive lineman Cole Van Lanen. Just like with Newman, Green Bay will be getting a versatile offensive lineman who can play either guard or tackle. He has a much more difficult route to a roster spot, but there is no question that he has the potential to develop into great depth.
Gutekunst and the Packers' front office is done with having few options for depth on the offensive line. Even if Van Lanen doesn't play a single snap, this is a good pick for the team. He is a hard worker and will be able to come in and play if injuries force that to become a situation.
Round 6, No. 220: Isaiah McDuffie, LB, Boston College
Some fans were surprised that the Packers didn't focus on bringing in a linebacker before this pick. However, the franchise did not view the linebacker position as one of their biggest needs. With this selection, they think they got a potential sleeper in Isaiah McDuffie out of Boston College.
McDuffie was a beast for Boston College last season, ending the year with 107 total tackles, three sacks, and one interception. He can make plays across the field and could have a chance to carve out a role for himself in 2021.
There is no doubting McDuffie's work ethic, and he could develop into a starter at some point in the future. Even though the Packers didn't bring in a ton of help at linebacker, they should still feel good about what they do have. McDuffie isn't someone we are going to predict will become a massive steal and a star in the future, but he is a quality player who was a good selection in the sixth round.
Round 7, No. 256 Overall: Kylin Hill, RB, Mississippi State
OFFICIAL Pro Day numbers for RB Kylin Hill:
5104, 214 pounds
4.57 40-yard dash (1.60 10-yard)
36 inch vertical
122 inch broad
4.35 20-yard shuttle
7.20 3-cone
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) March 30, 2021
With their final pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Packers went out and brought in a third running back to play behind Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. Kylin Hill was not expected to be available with this pick, so Green Bay was very happy that he was there.
Back in 2019, the last full season Hill played because of COVID-19, he carried the football 242 times for 1,350 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also caught 18 passes for 180 yards and a touchdown. Hill is a dual-threat back who will fit in perfectly with the Packers' offense.
Granted, he isn't going to see the field much. But if either Jones or Dillon gets hurt, Hill will be able to get some touches. He is a quality third running back and the Packers should be happy with this pick.
