It's finally April and sports nation is well-versed in the top talents at each position in the forthcoming NFL draft.
The media's draft experts have done their job in anchoring the potential draft spot of certain players within a 1-2 pick radius. And, while our mock drafts can't possibly imagine Jordan Davis making it past 20 or Chris Olave ultimately not in a Packers uniform, we'll soon be stunned to see half a dozen elite players fall out of the first round and another half dozen selected "a round or two early."
Interestingly enough, it's this latter group of dark horses that often lives up to their draft spot. David Bakhtiari, Mike Daniels, Micah Hyde and Aaron Jones are just a few that have worked out well for the Packers. So, who are these players currently flying under the radar? Let's examine five of the most intriguing names you've never heard of.
Danny Gray (WR, SMU)
The Ohio State duo and other Power-5 phenoms like Drake London and Treylon Burks have stolen the limelight as this year's premier group of wide outs. But, don't underestimate the middle tier of this year's class, beginning with SMU's Danny Gray. The explosive Gray tore it up with the Mustangs last season, recording 830 yards receiving and hauling in nine touchdowns on the year.
At 6'1" and 180 pounds, Gray is a hair undersized for the Packers' liking, but he sure can fly: at the combine this past February, Gray ran a blazing 4.33 in the 40-yard dash. For a team that's committed to finding speed at the position this offseason, Gray could be great value in Round 3 or 4. Plus, he brings the added benefit of experience as a return specialist.
Charlie Kolar (TE, Iowa State)
While a tight end is unlikely to come off the board until midway through Round 2, this year's class is deeper than in recent years. Amongst the mid-round, value picks is Iowa State's Charlie Kolar, who was on the receiving end of plenty of Brock Purdy touchdown passes over the past four seasons. Standing six feet, six inches tall and weighing over 250 pounds, Kolar is a big target and one that is dangerous after the catch.
It's been quite some time since the Packers struck gold on a tight end in the draft (yes, we're dating back to Jermichael Finley in 2008). And, with Robert Tonyan's availability for the start of the 2022 season in question, the Packers quite simply must find at least one tight end in the draft. If he's still on the board come Round 4, Kolar is a solid candidate to be taken with one of the Packers' two picks that round.
Channing Tindall (LB, Georgia)
Like this year's tight end class, inside linebacker isn't exactly laden with early-round talent. Georgia's Nakobe Dean projects as one of the first backers to come off the board, the backbone of a Bulldog defense that could see seven players taken before Day 3. However, it's Dean's counterpart, Channing Tindall, that could translate into the better pro. Tindall is a tackling machine, with the kind of physicality that NFL defensive coordinators yearn for. Plus, he's built to play in either a 4-3 or 3-4 defense.
The Packers just locked up veteran De'Vondre Campbell on a five-year deal and have a capable starter in Krys Barnes beside Dre. However, Barnes has had trouble staying healthy in two seasons as a pro and the 28 year-old Campbell may age out of a starting position before his contract is up. With that said, the Packers should be furiously adding depth at a position that has been neglected since they transitioned to a 3-4 defense.
Sean Rhyan (OL, UCLA)
Most teams looking for a tackle early in the draft have their eyes on the prototypical blindside build, with hard requirements around height and arm length. That's why Rhyan, a tackle at the college level, could be a good value for teams interested in more of a hybrid O-lineman, capable of shifting between right tackle and guard.
The Packers already have plenty of these versatile linemen on the roster (if you don't believe me, just compare their starting O-line from week to week last season). But, OL Elgton Jenkins isn't scheduled to return until mid-fall at the earliest and Green Bay lost two starters in Billy Turner and Lucas Patrick this offseason. An NFL-ready lineman like Rhyan - flexible to backfill at three of the five starting O-line positions - could be quite the steal in the third round.
Josh Paschal (EDGE, Kentucky)
Owners of the 22nd and 28th overall picks, it’s no secret that the Packers will have their choice of elite pass rushers in this year’s loaded class. However, if they can shrug off such temptations in Round 1, they may be able to capture even better value on Day 2. Amongst the rushers that could leak into the late second or early third round is Kentucky's Josh Paschal, who made plenty of noise on one of the SEC's stingier defenses last season.
However, in the eyes of the Packers' personnel development, not all pass rushers are alike. When it comes to EDGE, they have a type, favoring 270-pound players that are accustomed to playing in a down stance at the college level, but have the athleticism to transition to outside linebacker in a 3-4 system. Paschal could be next to join a list of converted D-ends that includes Mike Neal, Nick Perry and Rashan Gary.
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