Chicago Bears: Comparing 2019 NFL Draft to NFC North rivals
Green Bay Packers
I am not in love with what the Packers did this year in the draft. People are going to accuse me of being a homer or a Green Bay Packers basher. That is okay with me. Overall, I like three guys the Packers drafted, but only one of them I like the value involved.
The Packers had two picks in the first round. At No. 12, the team selected Rashan Gary. Although I do like Gary and think he will be a solid NFL starter, I struggle with when they picked him. If they drafted Gary at No. 21, I could understand it more. He is a bull rusher with very few counter moves. He is also dealing with a torn labrum, not good for his skillset. I see him struggling to succeed at a consistent level as a pass rusher in the NFL.
I had guys like Montez Sweat and Brian Burns ranked higher. As a Bears fan, I am glad neither are in green and yellow. This brings us to No. 21 where they took ascending safety, Darnell Savage. Savage was a guy a few weeks ago I was hoping the Bears could grab in the third or fourth round. Unfortunately, his draft value skyrocketed. A first though? Very aggressive.
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Elgton Jenkins, center out of Mississippi State was a solid pick. The Packers offensive line needed help and Jenkins should be able to provide that. Jenkins has versatility and will slide over to the guard position for the Packers. This pick does not excite anyone other than maybe Aaron Rodgers though.
Snagging Jace Sternberger in the third round was a great value. Many started talking about him as a late first or early second-round pick. To get him at No. 75 in the third round is a great value. The thing is, drafting Sternberger might not matter. I know it is a new coach and everything, but tight end has not been a factor in Green Bay for years. Will this work out? Who knows.
Notable mentions for the Packers include Kingsley Keke and Dexter Williams. Keke has great upside and can play anywhere on the defensive line. I should probably be higher on him. He will be a rotational guy early on in his career and has the potential to become a starter. With another knee injury to Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams being an average running back, Williams could see significant playing time early on.
Grade: C