Green Bay Packers left the 2016 draft filling in its needs

by Jacob Guerrero

The Green Bay Packers left the 2016 draft filling in its needs, beginning with the first round pick, defensive tackle Kenny Clark from UCLA. Taken #27 overall, the 6'3” linemen runs a 5.06 40-yard dash and is looking to fill the gap left after B.J. Raji's retirement. Clark's athleticism is most likely what drove Ted Thompson to select him. Green Bay was faced with the decision of picking another UCLA stud in Myles Jack, which would have filled the need of inside linebacker, but chose the safer, injury-free Clark instead.

Thompson continued with a draft to beef up the trenches in day two, this time tading up a few spots to draft offensive tackle Jason Spriggs from Indiana. Considering how depleted Green Bay's offensive line was last year, this pick makes perfect sense, especially with Aaron Rodgers being the quarterback. Also the fact that three starters and backup JC Tretter will be up for free agency next year justifies Green Bay trading up to get the guy they wanted at this position. Spriggs stands at 6'6” weighing 301 pounds and fits the mold of the Packers offense and could be the blindside protector of the Packer's most valuable player. Inside linebacker from Utah State, Kyle Fackrell, rounded out the second day of the draft. Athleticism and physicality describe Fackrell best. The linebacker is 6'5” and has the ability to rush the passer. If he is able to take over and solidify his spot as inside linebacker, elite pass rusher Clay Matthews would be able to move outside and rush the passer off the edge, which would help the defense tremendously.

Day three ended the Packer's draft with two fourth round picks, inside linebacker Blake Martinez from Stanford and defensive end Dean Lowry from Northwetern, a fifth round pick, wide receiver Trevor Davis from California, and a sixth round pick, offensive tackle Kyle Murphy from Stanford. Martinez could prove to be a solid linebacker for the Packers who went into the draft needing help at the position. Lowry provides the presence of another pass rusher, something the Packers did not exactly lack but could have definitely used more of last season. Trevor Davis is a speedy wide receiver, something Green Bay could use to open up the passing game more, especially when combined with the return of Jordy Nelson. Davis could develop into a starting WR but could make an immediate impact on special teams as a returner. Murphy provides more depth at the offensive line which, as stated earlier, is something vital to the Packer's success.

Green Bay was adamant on adding depth to the offensive line and enhancing the front seven, which comes at no surprise. With a young, developing secondary and new additions to the team, the Packer's should be a team to look out for this upcoming season.