Friday night was the second day of the 2020 NFL Draft, with Rounds 2 and 3 taking place. In the first round, the Green Bay Packers took QB Jordan Love, to very mixed reviews from fans and analysts. How would the Packers’ draft results on the second day fare?
Green Bay Packers Draft Results
AJ Dillon, RB (Boston College)
Second round, 62nd Overall
If you thought the Love selection was a head-scratcher, AJ Dillon in Round 2 is really puzzling. Logically speaking, the Packers running back depth chart is pretty set at the top with Aaron Jones. Jamaal Williams has been the compliment to Jones in LaFleur’s offense, serving as the power to Jones’ speed. Listed third is Tyler Ervin, although his main responsibility is a return specialist. Ervin saw the field in the late season as an end around option. Both Jones and Williams are entering contract seasons, as they both enter their fourth season, resulting in the Packers taking Dillon to add some extra depth.
A.J. Dillon Scouting Report
In college, AJ Dillon was a workhorse for the Boston College Eagles. He ran a 4.53-second 40-yard dash at the combine and has surprising athleticism for a bigger back. Dillon can power through tackles and is a one-cut back to gain extra yards. In his three seasons at Boston College, Dillon finished with 4,382 yards on 845 carries (5.2 yards per carry) and 38 touchdowns. Given his size, it is natural to compare him to a player in LaFleur’s past—Derrick Henry—although most scouts compare him more to James Conner.
Concerns about long term durability, due to high usage in college, and a potential to lose some weight to gain some quickness are the main concerns with Dillon. The running back is also not a natural pass-catching option, as he only had 21 receptions for 236 yards in three seasons, which can lead defenses to key on him when he is on the field.
Josiah Deguara, TE (Cincinnati)
Third Round, 94th Overall
Aaron Rodgers finally gets a receiving option (kind of). With the 94th pick, the Packers selected Josiah Deguara from Cincinnati. This is another interesting pick, to say the least. Deguara is the all-time receptions leader for a tight end at Cincinnati and is second behind only Brent Celek in tight end touchdowns (92 catches, 1,117 yards, and 12 TDs). The Packers moved on from Jimmy Graham after the 2019 season, and 2019 third-round pick Jace Sternberger is projected to move into the main receiving tight end role.
Also on the depth chart is blocking excelsior Marcedes Lewis and the athletic Robert Tonyan. Snaps may initially be limited for Deguara, nothing new from the Bearcat alum. Deguara found himself playing a prominent role on special teams early in college and could also find the field as a fullback/H-Back hybrid.
Josiah Deguara Scouting Report
Deguara seems to fit as the heir apparent for Marcedes Lewis. Like Lewis, he is a dedicated run blocker and is a fluid route runner. Deguara does not drop the ball, which should be a refreshing change of pace for the Packers over the last few years. He also has a keen ability to find soft spots in zone defenses, which will work very well with Rodgers’ ability to scramble and extend plays. Deguara will also benefit from the accuracy of Rodgers at quarterback, as his height and limited catch radius may hold him back. He ran a 4.72-second 40 time, but his quickness is concern and he may struggle get open against NFL defenses. He will need to sharpen his route running to be more efficient.
Packers Day 2 Draft Reaction
Another day full of surprises for Green Bay, as the Packers managed to avoid its biggest perceived needs of wide receiver, inside linebacker and offensive line. Meanwhile, the Packers bolstered one of its strongest position groups, with AJ Dillon, and added a tight end that many projected as a Day 3 pick. It really muddies the water of where the Packers front office thinks the franchise is at, as the team was just one game away from the Super Bowl. However, the first three picks don’t necessarily match a win-now philosophy. Rather, they are actually more in line with LaFleur’s run-heavy offensive mindset.
We could be seeing the beginning of a new era. With one more day left in the draft, Green Bay still holds six picks over the last four rounds, with their fourth-round pick being traded to Miami in order to move up for Love.
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