The draft served as a good distraction following an emotionally charged day for Green Bay Packers fans. After addressing arguably their biggest need by taking Eric Stokes, the speedy corner from the University of Georgia, the Packers find themselves in a good spot to potentially capitalize on Day 2 and add some more immediate contributors to the team.
With plenty of talented players still left on the board, here are some players the Packers should look to take in Rounds 2 and 3 to fill out the roster.
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame, LB
Since Christian Kirksey became a cap casualty, the Packers have done nothing to fill the void in the middle of their defense. While Krys Barnes and Kamal Martin showed flashes of the players they could be, the Packers should still look to add a linebacker to this emerging defensive unit.
Owusu-Koramoah could be the perfect fit in the Packers defense with his ability to cover in both man and zone coverage. He can even cover smaller wideouts and tight ends in the slot.
He is also a great blitzer and can win off the edge with his length and explosive speed. He would be an asset when the Packers dial up extra pressure in passing situations. He can also help the Green and Gold immensely against the run as he gets to the ball carrier with ferocity.
Dillon Radunz, NDSU, OT
The Packers still need an offensive lineman to solidify the unit after the losses of Corey Linsley and Ricky Wagner this past season. With plenty of capable linemen falling to Day 2, it makes sense for Green Bay to grab one and try to keep whoever is under center next year protected.
Dillion Radunz is a skilled left tackle who is good in pass protection and looks to redirect opposing rushers from his wide stance. He also shows a good anchor and the ability to stop a bull rush.
Radunz excels in combo blocks in the run game and gets to the point of attack to finish off opposing linebackers and defensive ends. He looks capable of being a starting right tackle in the NFL.
Rondale Moore, Purdue, WR
Rondale Moore is another potential player the Packers could move up for. When the explosive receiver from Purdue is healthy, he is potentially the best wideout of this class. His athleticism is reminiscent of Percy Harvin in his prime.
So why is he still on the board? He has an injury history which includes finger surgery and multiple hamstring injuries. He’s also a bit undersized, standing just 5’9”, 181 lbs. But Moore can do it all; whether as a pass catcher or a returner, he offers a level of explosiveness that the Packers would love to pair with Davante Adams.
This pick could be a play to entice Rodgers to stay in Green Bay.
Landon Dickerson, Alabama, C
With Corey Lindsley departing and Elgton Jenkins doing what he can at guard, it makes a lot of sense for the Packers to grab a center to fill their need in the middle of the line.
Landon Dickerson is a space-eating offensive lineman who can play both center and guard. He has a wide base that makes it hard for any defensive tackle to overpower him. While he has some issues with redirecting pass rushers, that can be cleaned up.
In the run game, he has a mean streak with the ability to create movement at the point of attack. His only issue is durability. He was frequently injured at Florida State before transferring to Alabama and tore his ACL in the SEC Championship Game last year.
Chazz Surratt, North Carolina, LB
The Packers need someone to man the linebacker position for years to come and be the heartbeat of the defense. It’s a lesson they should have learned from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, whose linebackers showed out in the NFC Championship game.
Chazz Surratt is the embodiment of speed at the linebacker position with his ability to get to the point of attack as soon as the play opens up. He can get to the ball carrier almost as soon as they hit the hole. Surratt has demonstrated the ability to be decent in coverage with his understanding of zones and his duties. He can also blitz when asked and uses his elite speed to beat opposing offensive linemen on his path to the quarterback.
He could be an excellent target for the Packers in the third round.
Elijah Moore, Ole Miss, WR
Not to be confused with Rondale Moore, Ole Miss’s Elijah Moore is yet another undersized wideout with explosive capabilities. He had one of the best seasons in college football last year that nobody talked about, averaging 149 yards per game against SEC competition.
Moore is elusive after the catch. Despite his size at 5’9″, he can play on the outside and in the slot, turning short passes into big gains with his top-end speed.
He could also get behind defenders and take the top off of the defense when they focus on Adams. His 4.35 40-yard dash speed is similar to that of their first-round selection, Eric Stokes.
