NFL Draft: Second Round Recap: Packers double down on secondary

Kevin King. Photo: Getty Images

By Jimmie Kaska

Here in Green Bay, you won't find much argument for how the Green Bay Packers went about their business in the first round of the NFL Draft.

After each pick, the Green Bay Packers' front office announced that they liked the size, speed, and versatility of the players they were bringing in. 6'3" Washington defensive back Kevin King ran a 4.43 40-yard dash, while 6'2" NC State defensive back Josh Jones ran a 4.41. Both players have started at multiple positions in college. King started at safety as a sophomore before moving to cornerback later on, including starting 14 of 14 games at corner during his senior season. Jones began his career as a strong safety, before switching to free safety for his junior season in 2016.

In addressing the secondary, Green Bay adds to a stable of experienced and talented young players. Morgan Burnett still roams in the defensive backfield, as does former first-round pick in 2014 Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. At cornerback, the Packers roll out 2015 draftees Quinten Rollins and Damarious Randall, who had to learn the starting roles on the fly in the latter portion of 2016. They also brought back Davon House, and include LaDarius Gunter on their depth chart.

Under Ted Thompson, the Packers have drafted 17 defensive backs, and none in 2016.

The process in drafting the two players is pretty simple: size, speed, and versatility. Those are the overwhelming factors that brought King and Jones to Green Bay. King adds character to the team, winning Washington's community service award for the Huskies, while also earning all-Pac 12 honorable mention for academics.

If the Packers were seeking to address an area of need, they certainly doubled down on it in this year's class, picking up two players that will likely contribute from day one.