Grade the 2016 draft

[Fritz]

I don't know about grades, but I like the positoinal holes that were filled (I also recently wrote this very comment about Holly Halston).

I do notice that most of these guys tested really well - the one thing that stands out is the speed. Frackwell or Factwell or whoever that is turns out to have decent speed. Martinez is the god of my favorite drill, the 3 cone, and Davis is the speed demon that so many on this board wished for (albeit a project).

So I like it at this point. And I expect two UDFA's to make the team, too.

[pbmax]

Clark:

19 turning 20 this year? He could become a monster as he still has time to grow. Unlike other need picks (thanks BJ!) Packers had the pick of the NT litter at 27. Their record with DL early isn't fantabulous, but given they had the first NT off the board, I am hopeful they projected this right.

Spriggs:

Physically everything you want in a left tackle but not yet showing all that talent on the field. Clifton was more accomplished though by no means a devastating blocker. Wahle was unfinished and astoundingly athletic. He needs to deliver more of his ability on the field but the Packers have made this work before. He's athletic like they prefer and you have to think his pass blocking will be ahead of his run blocking, which will help keep Rodgers upright. I get a whiff a Colledge when I read that he can whiff on inside rushes. We'll see.

Fackrell:

The new LeRoy Butler. I'm serious. Rush the passer with speed from edge, stout though not an anchor like Perry, has safety experience and has demonstrated fluidity in coverage. Mr. Fix-It. He's a Swiss Army Knife, Batman's utility belt and restarting your computer all at once. Everyone else was looking for hybrid safety/ILBs like the dude from the Cardinals. Ted showed those new to coveting athleticism that they know nothing. Will be third to Matthews and Peppers in number of spots he lines up. Would cause John Madden's Reggie White position tracker to breakdown. Meet your safety/Elephant hybrid. A Selephant.

Martinez:

If he turns up in early camp reports as being the least bit athletic compared to his compatriots, I will literally start to cry. He has instincts that I am not sure Ryan has had the time to develop being new to position.

Lowry:

Finally, a showdown between Patler and I about whether arm length can make the player. Either this guy stinks or I have to repost all of Patler's material followed by a +1 for a week.

Davis:

Someone paid to write about the NFL said the closest thing to Emmanuel Sanders or Mike Wallace in this draft. Given the track record of the Packers and drafting receivers, I am beyond excited. The only pitfall is that he has had some issues with his hands. But his testing at the Combine and Pro Day apparently showed his hands weren't completely useless. A legit speedster would make this offense frightening to behold.

Murphy:

Meet your new Right Tackle. I think he sticks. Stanford is a good training ground these days.


Overall

I don't like need based drafts. Ted had bad luck with them in 2011 and 2012. Difference here is that unlike Worthy types, these players seem to fit the profile that have had success before with Green Bay. And Clark should have a very good shot at excelling based on youth, position match, available reps and the first NT off the board.

[Deputy Nutz]

The interesting thing about Ted Thompson is he always says he take the top value on his draft board and doesn't necessarily draft for need, but he is full of shit. He always drafts for need. The only pick I can remember that wasn't a need pick was Aaron Rodgers. So it was a no brainer that he was going defense front seven in the first round and it wasn't a real shocker that he took a defensive tackle. I have also learned over the years that it is really hard to figure out the draft two days after it is completed. Talent is really hard to sort out. I don't think you need three years to judge a draft, but you need a season or two.

Kenny Clark:
As far as the defensive tackles go he was by far one of the more underrated top tier guys. I thought the Packers were interested but in the second round of the draft. He probably wouldn't have made it that far. After watching tape on some of the other guys he had more of impact for his team at the position. If Raji would have signed his contract maybe Thompson would have gone a different direction, but I think as the draft played out on day 1 this was the guy that Thompson wanted. He offered no medical risk and Thompson isn't the type to get stuck behind the 8 ball with injuries out of the gate. Justin Harrell taught him that lesson. Clark is a strong kid that seems to be pretty dedicated. I love the fact that he was an elite wrestler in high school. He offers a bit more pass rush than the other top tier guys.

Jason Spriggs:
Not a bad pick, seems to be a finesse guy instead of a mauler and that isn't exactly a bad thing as a tackle. Offensive linemen have to be able to move their feet in the NFL and this guy is probably the most athletic tackle in the draft outside of Tunsil. He was the last of the Top Tier guys on my list and the Packers made the right move to go up and get him. He is tackle, but you know the Packers are going to try and work him all over the place. If he has a good camp he could probably push Baktiari.

Kyler Frackrell:
Big kid that times good. After watching some film on him I think he lacks that instinct that will allow him to play aggressively. His play sort of reminds me of AJ Hawk. Assignment sure and can make plays when he is in position but lacks dynamic instincts. He will struggle to be a play maker in the NFL.

Blake Martinez
Sorry Blake for forgetting you. I am sure on some thread months back I mentioned this guy. He is built for the position and has solid workout numbers along with solid statistics. He was a tackling machine in college and he likes to work out and take care of his body. Other than that I couldn't find any meaningful film on him so I apologize.

Dean Lowry:
He holds the point of attack really well as long as his technique holds and he doesn't get high. He has a really quick first step and if he is shooting gaps he is in the backfield. He moves well for a man his size, really well. Issue with him is his short arms, he usually beats the offensive linemen off the ball but he can't disengage, in one on one pass rushing situations he gets stood up because the offensive linemen can extend his arms. I love his movement off the snap. He has a great stance, powerful I just really worry that he is going to constantly get hung up at the next level. In terms of value of the pick he could surprise some people and be a mainstay on the defensive line.

Trevor Davis:
This kid can fly, his highlight tape looks like a video game. I just question his route running if he is not running bubble screens, and go routes. I think his kick returning abilities have something to do with his selection here and his workout numbers are hard to deny, but he was drafted because his numbers say he has potential and this late in the draft Thompson was willing to gamble a little bit. I don't love the pick and think he will be more comparable to David Clowney than a receiver that is going to contribute to this roster. He is going to frustrate coaches because he flashes big time, he makes ridiculous catches, but then he will disappear and struggle with the route tree.

Kyle Murphy: I think this kid offers some great value and has been coached up at Stanford. He isn't a great athlete, He could probably play guard or right tackle but he doesn't really move well enough as left tackle to protect in pass pro. He is pretty sound with foot work and technique but he just isn't a great athlete. He gets a good jump on the snap count and that is what saves him in pass pro.

[3irty1]

Lowry:

Finally, a showdown between Patler and I about whether arm length can make the player. Either this guy stinks or I have to repost all of Patler's material followed by a +1 for a week.

I think Patler at least agrees that you need arms. Lowry is maybe the first player I've watched where you really notice the lack of length. So many impact plays seem to slip through his alligator arms. Its not just the arms either, its the combination of short arms, wide chest, and long torso. He's shaped like three midgets in a trench coat. To finish plays his sternum has to touch who he's trying to tackle which leads to lots of lunging and an inordinate amount of time on the ground for a guy as athletic as he is.

[HarveyWallbangers]

The interesting thing about Ted Thompson is he always says he take the top value on his draft board and doesn't necessarily draft for need, but he is full of shit. He always drafts for need. The only pick I can remember that wasn't a need pick was Aaron Rodgers. So it was a no brainer that he was going defense front seven in the first round and it wasn't a real shocker that he took a defensive tackle. I have also learned over the years that it is really hard to figure out the draft two days after it is completed. Talent is really hard to sort out. I don't think you need three years to judge a draft, but you need a season or two.

Kenny Clark:
As far as the defensive tackles go he was by far one of the more underrated top tier guys. I thought the Packers were interested but in the second round of the draft. He probably wouldn't have made it that far. After watching tape on some of the other guys he had more of impact for his team at the position. If Raji would have signed his contract maybe Thompson would have gone a different direction, but I think as the draft played out on day 1 this was the guy that Thompson wanted. He offered no medical risk and Thompson isn't the type to get stuck behind the 8 ball with injuries out of the gate. Justin Harrell taught him that lesson. Clark is a strong kid that seems to be pretty dedicated. I love the fact that he was an elite wrestler in high school. He offers a bit more pass rush than the other top tier guys.

Jason Spriggs:
Not a bad pick, seems to be a finesse guy instead of a mauler and that isn't exactly a bad thing as a tackle. Offensive linemen have to be able to move their feet in the NFL and this guy is probably the most athletic tackle in the draft outside of Tunsil. He was the last of the Top Tier guys on my list and the Packers made the right move to go up and get him. He is tackle, but you know the Packers are going to try and work him all over the place. If he has a good camp he could probably push Baktiari.

Kyler Frackrell:
Big kid that times good. After watching some film on him I think he lacks that instinct that will allow him to play aggressively. His play sort of reminds me of AJ Hawk. Assignment sure and can make plays when he is in position but lacks dynamic instincts. He will struggle to be a play maker in the NFL.

Dean Lowry:
He holds the point of attack really well as long as his technique holds and he doesn't get high. He has a really quick first step and if he is shooting gaps he is in the backfield. He moves well for a man his size, really well. Issue with him is his short arms, he usually beats the offensive linemen off the ball but he can't disengage, in one on one pass rushing situations he gets stood up because the offensive linemen can extend his arms. I love his movement off the snap. He has a great stance, powerful I just really worry that he is going to constantly get hung up at the next level. In terms of value of the pick he could surprise some people and be a mainstay on the defensive line.

Trevor Davis:
This kid can fly, his highlight tape looks like a video game. I just question his route running if he is not running bubble screens, and go routes. I think his kick returning abilities have something to do with his selection here and his workout numbers are hard to deny, but he was drafted because his numbers say he has potential and this late in the draft Thompson was willing to gamble a little bit. I don't love the pick and think he will be more comparable to David Clowney than a receiver that is going to contribute to this roster. He is going to frustrate coaches because he flashes big time, he makes ridiculous catches, but then he will disappear and struggle with the route tree.

Kyle Murphy: I think this kid offers some great value and has been coached up at Stanford. He isn't a great athlete, He could probably play guard or right tackle but he doesn't really move well enough as left tackle to protect in pass pro. He is pretty sound with foot work and technique but he just isn't a great athlete. He gets a good jump on the snap count and that is what saves him in pass pro.

Blake Martinez gets the silent treatment.

[Fritz]

I think Patler at least agrees that you need arms. Lowry is maybe the first player I've watched where you really notice the lack of length. So many impact plays seem to slip through his alligator arms. Its not just the arms either, its the combination of short arms, wide chest, and long torso. He's shaped like three midgets in a trench coat. To finish plays his sternum has to touch who he's trying to tackle which leads to lots of lunging and an inordinate amount of time on the ground for a guy as athletic as he is.

That's some funny stuff right there.

[pbmax]

I think Patler at least agrees that you need arms. Lowry is maybe the first player I've watched where you really notice the lack of length. So many impact plays seem to slip through his alligator arms. Its not just the arms either, its the combination of short arms, wide chest, and long torso. He's shaped like three midgets in a trench coat. To finish plays his sternum has to touch who he's trying to tackle which leads to lots of lunging and an inordinate amount of time on the ground for a guy as athletic as he is.

Agreed, both of us do accept that you need arms. This will just help narrow down how long they need to be.

[Maxie the Taxi]

I think Patler at least agrees that you need arms. Lowry is maybe the first player I've watched where you really notice the lack of length. So many impact plays seem to slip through his alligator arms. Its not just the arms either, its the combination of short arms, wide chest, and long torso. He's shaped like three midgets in a trench coat. To finish plays his sternum has to touch who he's trying to tackle which leads to lots of lunging and an inordinate amount of time on the ground for a guy as athletic as he is.

[Patler]

I think Patler at least agrees that you need arms. Lowry is maybe the first player I've watched where you really notice the lack of length. So many impact plays seem to slip through his alligator arms. Its not just the arms either, its the combination of short arms, wide chest, and long torso. He's shaped like three midgets in a trench coat. To finish plays his sternum has to touch who he's trying to tackle which leads to lots of lunging and an inordinate amount of time on the ground for a guy as athletic as he is.

Agreed, both of us do accept that you need arms. This will just help narrow down how long they need to be.

As a minimum, I think the guy should have arms long enough so that he can touch his palms together in front of his chest. Does Lowry meet this requirement?

[3irty1]

As a minimum, I think the guy should have arms long enough so that he can touch his palms together in front of his chest. Does Lowry meet this requirement?

I think he could manage that. But f he stood straight up I doubt he reach the change in his pocket.

[gbgary]

lol

[pbmax]

There have to be PEDs for that. They can go without him for four games.

Maybe splice in frog DNA?

[Cheesehead Craig]

I give this draft a:

l

This is the festivus pole. It stands unadorned with no tinsel or flash. Just like the Packers draft. No wow picks, nothing fancy. Just a straight up solid draft with a good strength to weight ratio.

[Joemailman]

I'll bet Lowry never picks up the check.

[Fritz]

I think he could manage that. But f he stood straight up I doubt he reach the change in his pocket.

I hope he has a girlfriend because it looks like his arms are so short he can't even beat off.