Each year, football fans gather in anticipation of the NFL draft. It’s the equivalent to Christmas morning for the devoted fan as the decisions are being made. Many fans hope that certain players will be selected because they were impressed by their college careers. Others may just watch to see who their team picks. Being a Packers fan is no different. This year’s draft class was definitely a head scratcher for sure. There is some promising young talent that could bring a brighter future to the franchise and organization.
However, one may look over the draft classes in previous years and wonder, “this team would be a whole lot better if…” and they’d be right to wonder all the possibilities. The entire landscape of the organization would have changed had these next two draft picks been chosen.
2017 Draft: TJ Watt (Wisconsin)
The Packers entered the 2017 draft with big holes to fill on defense, specifically a defensive edge rusher. At the 29th pick the Packers were on the clock with TJ Watt handed to them on a silver platter. Instead, the organization traded out of the 1st round with the Cleveland Browns, and received the 33rd overall pick. The Pittsburgh Steelers then drafted TJ Watt with the 30th pick. With Watt gone, the Packers ended up drafting Kevin King in the 2nd round. Looking back at the pick today, it worked out favorably for the Packers. Kevin King had a breakout 2019 season where he recorded 5 interceptions, one forced fumble, and was ranked third on the team in tackles (66). King is now playing for a contract extension this coming season.
However, TJ Watt, in his first career NFL game, recorded 2 sacks, one interception, two tackles for loss, and seven total tackles. In just his rookie season, he recorded seven total sacks, 13 total QB hits, 54 combined tackles, and 10 tackles for loss. He made the Pro Bowl the last two seasons, and has 34.5 career sacks.
How would drafting TJ Watt have changed the Packers organization? The defense has been desperate for help these last few seasons. Signing the Wisconsin native in 2017 would’ve brought a powerful dynamic to the defense, causing havoc on opposing teams.
In the 2019 offseason, the Packers made a free agency splash and signed Za’darius Smith (Baltimore) and Preston Smith (Washington). An alternate solution would be that the team could’ve just signed Za’darius Smith. Then, they could spent that extra $52 million on defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson to boost their subpar run defense. Inside linebacker Kwon Alexander and Randall Cobb could have been options as well.
2016 Draft: Tyreek Hill (West Alabama)
Going into the 2016 NFL season, the wide receiver position was stacked with Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, and Davante Adams. With the trio still intact, the Packers were looking to draft an offensive or defensive linemen, inside or outside linebacker, and a tight end. At the 163rd pick (5th round), the Packers selected wide receiver Trevor Davis for returns/special teams and receiver depth. In his three years as a Packer, he racked up only 37 punt returns for 448 yards, and 35 kickoff returns for 791 yards. Davis is now on the Chicago Bears roster, his 4th team in the last two seasons.
Two picks later, the Kansas City Chiefs selected wide receiver Tyreek Hill out of West Alabama at the 165th overall pick. Hill fell down the draft board because of some off the field issues, but was still an explosive wide receiver. In his rookie season alone, he racked up 61 receptions from 83 targets for 593 yards and 6 touchdowns. In his four years as a Kansas City Chief, he has over 280 receptions, over 4,000 yards, and 32 touchdowns. Hill was a big part of the 2019 Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs.
If the Packers drafted Hill for special teams, his natural speed and agility would have granted him a spot on the Packers roster as a wide receiver for the following season. His impressive field stretching capability would’ve tremendously improved their offense. Tyreek Hill would be a natural fit in Green Bay’s offense as Kansas City QB Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers are similar style quarterbacks. Going into the 2020 season, Aaron Rodgers would have had two elite wide receivers in Tyreek Hill and Davante Adams. Had Hill been on the team last year, there’s a chance the Packers would’ve made it to the Superbowl.
Honorable Mention- 2020 Draft: Patrick Queen (LSU)
The 2020 NFL draft was definitely a confusing and frustrating experience. Packer fans witnessed the team trading up four picks to select Utah State QB Jordan Love at 26th overall. The 2019 season showed that the Packers were weak in the middle, and had a mediocre run defense. Specifically, it was apparent during the NFC Championship game where the 49ers rushed for a total of 285 yards, and four touchdowns (220 by Raheem Mostert).
The Packers added depth at linebacker in March, by signing Christian Kirksley from the Cleveland Browns on a two year $16M contract. However, given his health history, the position might still need some work. If the Packers would’ve traded up and select Patrick Queen instead, the team would’ve had a legitimate starting talent at middle linebacker. In his career at LSU, Patrick Queen compiled 131 total tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, and one interception. With his rare athleticism, he’s one of the best sideline-to-sideline defenders in the SEC conference. The NFC North is becoming a more run heavy division, and the Packers could’ve used a talent like Patrick Queen to upgrade their run defense.
Overall, If these two picks were made in the previous years by the Packers organization, they would have made the offense and defense better. That might mean another Lombardi trophy during Aaron Rodgers’ career.
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