Green Bay Packers 2021 NFL Draft grades: Needs addressed very well
Offensive Line. 214. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Wisconsin. Cole Van Lanen. 49
The offensive line barrage finished in round six for the Green Bay Packers, as they didn’t look far, selecting a hometown player from the Wisconsin Badgers in Cole Van Lanen. Once again, they selected a lineman with experience at tackle.
Van Lanen played in 45 contests with the Badgers, starting in 19 of them at left tackle. He anchored a very good (as usual) group up front that dominated in the run game. Van Lanen brings good power and the ability to down block, but his lack of top-end quickness may hurt a bit in pass protection. Depth on the interior is fine, but with so much already, this was an odd selection.
Grade: C
player. Pick Analysis. Boston College. Isaiah McDuffie. 220. Scouting Report. Linebacker. 49
It’s no secret that the Green Bay Packers don’t value the linebacker position, as they got a large percentage of production from a day three pick and UDFA last season. Kamal Martin and Krys Barnes should be favorites to start in 2021, but sixth round pick Isaiah McDuffie could crash the party.
McDuffie was top five in the country with 107 tackles in 2020 and added in 6.5 tackles for loss and three sacks for good measure. He even added an interception to the stat sheet. McDuffie possesses the toughness and trigger to get downhill quickly and has a motor that runs hot. He needs to work on getting around blocks efficiently, as his size and strength to get off blockers is lacking. He can become a core special teamer.
Grade: B-