Green Bay Packers 2014 Draft: Hits, Misses and Maybes

Jan 11, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and center Corey Linsley (63) react after a turnover against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half in the 2014 NFC Divisional playoff football game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Hits

Round 1 (21)  –  S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Alabama

Clinton-Dix still has some kinks to iron out in his game, but is already looking to be the longterm answer in Green Bay’s young secondary. The Alabama star appeared in all 16 games last season, starting 10, recording 74 tackles with one interception and one sack. For someone with his frame, I’d like to see Clinton-Dix continue to develop his tackling fundamentals, which could help him grow into a dominant box safety against the run game. That’s an area where Green Bay will need all hands on deck in 2015.

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Round 2 (53)  –  WR Davante Adams, Fresno State

I’ll admit that I hesitated to label Adams a hit before seeing him back in regular season action starting this weekend, but my confidence in the young receiver is sky-high. That’s something I often stray from until a player becomes more established, but Adams’ advanced route tree and abilities after the catch should help him to step into a starting role without much trouble this season.

It took Adams some time to surpass Jarrett Boykin and earn the eyes of Aaron Rodgers in his rookie campaign, but he would finish the year with 38 receptions for 446 yards and three touchdowns. Now filling a hole left by the injury to Jordy Nelson, he has every opportunity to surpass 1,000 yards and six touchdowns.

Round 5 (161)  –  C Corey Linsley, Ohio State

This is the type of pick that makes Ted Thompson who he is. Linsley was an afterthought in this draft as Thompson seemingly selects a fourth-or-fifth round offensive lineman in every class, but he soon became one of the Packers most important players on offense. Now solidified as the starting centre, Linsley will continue to power the run and pass games reliably and has fringe Pro Bowl potential in the future.

Next: The Misses: Two that Ted regrets