The 2021 NFL Draft is complete. In all, the Green Bay Packers added nine new players to the organization. Now it is time to hand out Packers Draft Grades.
Round 1
Eric Stokes – CB – Georgia
Just what the doctor ordered. Green Bay had a major need at cornerback both now and in the future.
Eric Stokes is a long corner with elite athletic traits. He is a track speed player with fluid hips and Leadership qualities. Some had Stokes as an early day two prospect. I felt there were a few players on the board ahead of him but the pic just makes sense. If the Packers can unlock the potential this kid could be a headache for quarterbacks.
Grade: B
Round 2
Josh Myers – C – Ohio State
Another position of need filled with a big school, hard-nosed grinder. Corey Linsley is gone and Green Bay selects Josh Myers from the same alma mater, and likely playing in the same spot. Not a sexy selection, but Myers could be the day one starter at center. If that happens, the center position is covered for a long time. Myers was a safe pick with a high floor.
Grade: B
Round 3
Amari Rodgers – WR – Clemson
Green Bay trades up using their third and a fourth to get a weapon in Amari Rodgers. My favorite Packers pick in the draft will allow the team to completely open up Matt Lafleur‘s playbook. Listed as a wide receiver but built like a running back, get Rodgers touches and good things will happen. A dog of a player this guy could be special.
Grade: A+
Round 4
Royce Newman – OL – Ole Miss
This pick just screams typical Green Bay offensive lineman pick. Royce Newman is a versatile G/T prospect with good lateral movement and plays to the whistle. He comes from the SEC and handled some elite talent. Newman looked good at the Senior Bowl and the Packers liked what they saw. He’s probably a depth player now but if Green Bay can work their mid-round OL magic he could hold down a starting role. He reminds me of Bryan Bulaga type in size and movement.
Grade: B-
Round 5
Tedarrell Slaton – DT – Florida
The Packers had to be stoked Tedarrell Slaton was still on the board. A huge human to help on the defensive line. For Slaton’s size, he moves well and can push the pocket. He needs to get better in the run game and on double teams but he should free up Kenny Clark to move around the trenches. With his violent hands and explosive first step Slaton has a lot to work with.
Grade: B+
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Shemar Jean-Charles -CB – Appalachian State
What Shemar Jean-Charles lacks in size he makes up for in ball skills and work ethic. Over the last two seasons, he has been as good as any corner in pass breakups. His future is competing for the nickel-and-dime cornerback spots but could help on special teams right away. Small school guy with a chip on his shoulder.
Grade: B
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Round 6
Cole Van Lanen – OL – Wisconsin
Cole Van Lanen is a Green Bay native and former Wisconsin Badger. He’s a two-time All-Big Ten left tackle and a three-year starter. Van Lanen might project better bouncing inside to guard but Green Bay is attacking the offensive line again for the second year in a row. He is already 23 with some injury concerns.
Grade: C
Isaiah McDuffie – LB – Boston College
Isaiah McDuffie is an undersized linebacker but is a tackling machine that can range sideline-to-sideline. Defensive coordinator Joe Barry has a track record of turning the smaller linebackers into highly productive players. McDuffie was the second-team All-ACC in 2020. Another pick that will add competition to a young linebacker group.
Grade: C+
Round 7
Kylin Hill – RB – Mississippi State
Kylin Hill was a prospect many felt should have gone earlier. He is a perfect fit for Matt LaFleur’s scheme and certainly a steal here. A bigger back who has the burst to cut-and-go. Hill doesn’t go down easy he is always falling forward. Also, he has 67 career catches with only one fumble to his credit. Hill fits in nicely with Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon.
Grade: B+
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– Jesse Hall is a writer for Full Press Coverage Packers. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @hall_jhall1212 Follow @FPCoverage and Facebook.
– Kyle Senra is the managing editor for Full Press Coverage Packers. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @SenraSays Follow @FPC_Packers and Facebook.