2014 Draft Grade: Green Bay Packers Select Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
By Erik Lambert
Sep 14, 2013; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Mike Evans (13) runs after a catch against Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (6) during the first half at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports
The Green Bay Packers selected safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix with the 21st in the 2014 NFL draft.
Scheme Fit
The key to any 3-4 defense is a centerfield type safety who can make plays on the back end. The Green Bay Packers knew what that was like with Nick Collins before he suffered a tragic neck injury. After watching M.D. Jennings for too long, adding a talent like Ha Ha Clinton-Dix seemed like destiny. The Alabama product is the best coverage player at his position in 2014. He’s big at 6’1”, shows great vision on the quarterback and has the speed and fluidity to make hard breaks on the football. The better the pass rush, the more dangerous he’ll become.
My Reaction
I expected this pick with a look at the board. Safety was one of the top needs for Green Bay and with Pryor off the board, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix made a ton of sense. He’ll compete right away for a starting job and with time can become a consistent threat to make the Pro Bowl provided the Packers don’t shake things up from a scheme perspective. Dom Capers should be able to find all sorts of uses for him. I do question his durability, but not that much. It’s a solid, quality pick.
Grade: B+