The Packers have two solid edge players in Rashan Gary and Preston smith. Outside of those two edge is an issue. They lost ZaDarius Smith and Whitney Mercelis this offseason. They should look to add an edge player since their outside linebacker coach said he wants a rotation of “4 guys”. Some players the Packers should target in the NFL Draft are;
Round 1 George Karlaftis Purdue 6’4” 266 RAS 9.21 View Highlights
2021 stats: 70 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles.
Strengths: Strong and powerful defensive end. Has incredible hand strength and speed to bat away opposing lineman. The first punch is the best in the draft. A motor guy who doesn’t give up on plays. Quickly diagnoses plays and is in the right position.
Weaknesses: High RAS but a rather stiff athlete. Struggles to bend on the edge when rushing. He needs to work on speed and bend at the next level. Profiles as a strict power rusher. Needs to work on a counter when rushing, if his initial move doesn’t work he usually doesn’t get pressure.
Round 2-3 Boye Mafe Minnesota 6’4” 261 RAS 9.92 View Highlights
2021 stats 34 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 1 forced fumble
Strengths: Explosive edge player with a great first step. Understands outside angles and how to set them up for him to take advantage of. Has a few pass rush moves that he has really worked to perfect. Showed an ability to drop into coverage.
Weaknesses: Has shorter arms and allows tackles to get into his chest. Doesn’t have much bend to his game when coming off the edge. Wins mostly with power and rip moves. Size profiles as an in-between player, slightly too large for stand-up linebacker and too small to go down into a 3-point stance.
The University of Minnesota Gophers played the Miami (Oh) Redhawks on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021 at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn.
Round 2-3 Drake Jackson USC 6’ 3” 254 RAS 8.59 View Highlights
2021 stats 37 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 1 forced fumble
Strengths: Has good length and understands how to use it. One of the younger players in the draft with a lot of room to develop. Solid bend when coming off the edge. Can be a gap shooter when playing the run. Has the versatility and strength to move around a defense and create mismatches.
Weaknesses: Potential outranks actual production. Gets too far upfield and doesn’t have the ability to correct at the moment. Will need to work on a pass rush plan and counters. He needs to develop into potential.
Round 4-7 Dominique Robinson Miami of Ohio 6’5” 253 RAS 9.74 View Highlights
2021 stats 37 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks
Strengths: Has every trait you want in an edge defender. An explosive player with an ability to turn explosion into strength. Has bend and good fluidity when turning the edge. Can win with speed or power.
Weaknesses: New to the position and it shows on tape. Lacks the ability to quickly diagnose plays. Needs to work on hand placement and initial punch.
Round 4-7 Deangelo Malone Western Kentucky 6’3” 243 RAS 9.04 View Highlights
2021 stats 94 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 4 forced fumbles
Strengths: A highly explosive player that turns that explosion into stats. Solid first step that he uses to his advantage. Has a wide arsenal of pass rush moves that he uses well and sets up.
Weaknesses: Doesn’t have incredible bend when coming around the edge. Lacks power when coming off the edge. Will need to get stronger at the next level. Does not hold up well at the point of attack.
Round 4-7 Mike Tafua Utah 6’2” 249 RAS 9.03 View Highlights
2021 stats 48 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble
Strengths: Strong edge player that could be flexed inside occasionally. Has pass rush moves that he likes and has the ability to set them up. Is known as a high motor guy.
Weaknesses: Will need to add size and strength at the next level. Doesn’t have exceptional bend and will need those pass rush moves to win. Could be seen as a tweener, too large for outside, and too small for inside.
Check out other Packer targets at other positions:
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