Football fans should get a day off work this time of year for the NFL Draft. It’s a ritual steeped in history and intrigue…along with the talent.
The Green Bay Packers did pretty well in my humble opinion, even though the six selections were the least amount taken in nine years. They didn’t have a pick in the first round so we had to wait in angst another day. But they made up for it. I’ll touch on those but there’s another I’ll end with that makes it all worth it.
The Pack needed defensive help, no doubt. Jordan Love would get a lead but the other side of the ball couldn’t maintain it, hence another playoff loss. They started with South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse. Not big but proven. He was the 52nd pick in round two.
Round three opened with DT Chris McClennan from Missouri at number 77. All you have to do is look at this man’s hands to understand how big he is. I mean his HANDS measure 11-inches! Strong, punishing.
With the 120th pick in Round four, Penn State’s Dani Dennis-Sutton. Another big edge rusher and the Pack was glad he was still available this deep in draft.
Moving to Round five with the 153rd pick, Kentucky center Jager Burton. Big, disarmingly fast and available if needed for multiple line positions.
Alabama cornerback Domani Jackson was the 201st choice in the sixth round. Reports indicate he’d be a help on special teams with his speed and nose for the ball.
Finally, the team’s faith in kicker Brandon McManus is on shaky ground after last season, so in comes Trey Smack from Florida. He doesn’t have a problem from 50 yards or better. In 2024 he nailed all 44 of his PATs and missed only 3 of his field goal attempts. Oh, he was also perfect on his PATs in 2023, too.
That’s the nuts and bolts. What people sometimes didn’t see or read about were the kids, and face it, they’re kids reactions. Fielding the phone calls from Packers management and staff…saying “coach” or “sir” while unsuccessfully fighting off tears. They all know the legacy. They all know the attitude inside that locker room. They all know what’s going to be expected of them when they wear the Green and Gold. It’s that human part of football that gets forgotten too often. It was great seeing and hearing their reactions. I don’t think we’ll be disappointed with this class of rookies. The NFC North is again on notice…
MM