The Green Bay Packers struggled again defensively last season, but through the first four picks in the 2014 NFL Draft, the
GM Ted Thompson recaps Day 2
Packers picked two offensive players and two defensive players.
After using the 1st round pick on safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix on day 1, General Manager Ted Thompson followed up by going with offense in two of the three selections on day 2.
First up, wide receiver Davante Adams with the 53rd overall selection in round 2. Adams became the ninth wide receiver selected in the 2014 draft. Adams played just two seasons at Fresno State and wound up catching 233 passes for 3,030 yards and 38 touchdowns. This past season alone, Adams caught 131 passes for 1.718 yards and 24 touchdowns in 13 games played.
At the combine, Adams ran a 4.59 40-yard dash, but both he and his position coach Edgar Bennett both said speed isn’t the only factor in determining the quality of receiver he is.
AUDIO: Edgar Bennett says it’s not all about straight line speed. :18
AUDIO: Ted Thompson asked what stands out about Adams :18
Adams is expected to compete with Jarrett Boykin for the 3rd receiver slot for the Packers in training camp.
In the third round, the Packers used their first pick (85th) on Southern Miss DT Khyri Thornton. Ted Thompson said, “He’s extraordinarily quick off the ball. He has the ability to penetrate and get in the backfield and pursue laterally. we think he gives us a chance to add a little juice.”
Thornton will compete for playing time with current tackles Mike Daniels, Datone Jones and Jerel Worthy.
The Packers closed out the third round by selecting California tight end Richard Rodgers. Rodgers went from a traditional tight end in his first two seasons, but a coaching change forced him to lose weight and to split out in a receiver role. He caught 39 passes after losing roughly 20 pounds.
Football is in the Rodgers family. His father, Richard Sr., played at California and now coaches. He will be in his third season at special teams coach for the Carolina Panthers.
The Packers will head to the third and final day of the draft later today. They’ll have five more picks to go and can use help yet at inside linebacker. Today’s action gets underway at 11am.
