NFL Draft 2018: Analysis of NFC North division teams' draft picks
The NFC North is one of the most exciting and closely fought divisions in the NFL and the acquisition of Kirk Cousins by the Minnesota Vikings during free agency makes this division even more electrifying. The Quarterback-battles between Cousins, Trubisky, Stafford and Rogers will be mouth-watering for years to come.
As always, the NFL Draft gave the teams an opportunity to strengthen their present and future with the most talented prospects from College Football. Therefore, we are taking an in-depth look at each NFC North team's drafts.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers have had some problems with their defense for the past two seasons, finishing 31st and 23rd in passing defense. They have tried to rectify this problem in the past five drafts, drafting an NFL-leading seven defensive backs in the first two rounds.
This year they have tried to continue with the same strategy, drafting 2 corners and 1 outside linebacker with their first three picks in an attempt to solidify their secondary once and for all.
With the 18th overall pick, they drafted Louisville CB Jaire Alexander and with the 45th overall pick they drafted Iowa CB Josh Jackson.
Both complement each other in their own unique way. Alexander measured in at 5ft 10in at the combine, a shade shorter than Jackson's height of 6ft 0in but he makes up for his lack of height with his speed (4.38s 40-yard dash) which is faster than Jackson's (4.56s 40-yard dash).
While Alexander has elite speed, he lacks the playmaking skills of Jackson who had an impressive eight interceptions last year compared to Alexander's seven in the last three years combined. Overall, the Packers left Texas with two of the top six corners in the draft.
With the 88th overall pick, they drafted LB Oren Burks from Vanderbilt, he will most probably feature at the inside linebacker position where his coverage skills could turn him into an ideal dime linebacker.
After addressing their biggest needs on defense in the first three rounds, the Packers set on improving their offense in the later rounds drafting Missouri WR J'on Moore (No. 133 overall), Washington State OG Cole Madison (No. 138 overall),South Florida WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (No. 174 overall), Notre Dame WR Equanimeous St Brown (No. 207 overall).
After Jordy Nelson's departure improving the depth of the wide receiver corps as well as the protection of the recently injury-prone Aaron Rodgers was the prime goal for the Packers in the later rounds the Draft.
The Packers also drafted punter JK Scott and long snapper Hunter Bradley in the 5th and 7th round respectively.