Packers quietly find replacement for key free agent loss late in the draft in a move that could pay off bigger than expected
The Green Bay Packers feel comfortable with the top of their defensive tackle unit. But that didn't preclude them from making a move at the position, taking Georgia defensive tackle Warren Brinson with the 198th pick, in the sixth round of the NFL Draft.The decision to wait until the sixth round indicates that the Packers […]
The Green Bay Packers feel comfortable with the top of their defensive tackle unit. But that didn't preclude them from making a move at the position, taking Georgia defensive tackle Warren Brinson with the 198th pick, in the sixth round of the NFL Draft.
The decision to wait until the sixth round indicates that the Packers are probably fine with Kenny Clark's long-term outlook, and the team might even exercise Devonte Wyatt's fifth-year option.
"D-Wy was probably the most consistent pass rusher from the inside this year," general manager Brian Gutekunst said after last season was over. "There were some injuries, but we are proud of the way they attacked those and played through some things this year."
But Warren Brinson is a replacement for TJ Slaton, the interior defensive lineman the Packers lost in free agency to the Cincinnati Bengals. Brinson is a stout run defender, and his 10.1% pass rush win rate is viable.
Draft report by Dane Brugler, from The Athletic
A part-time starter at Georgia, Brinson played across the defensive line in head coach Kirby Smart’s hybrid fronts, lining up at the 4i-technique, sliding down to the nose in bear looks and aligning everywhere in between. His defensive snap count increased each of his five seasons in Athens, and he put steady play on tape — despite a stat sheet that won’t draw the eye.
Brinson is fairly stout against the run and works to keep his arms locked out to find the ball and create stuff. He has explosive moments when he is given the freedom to pursue the pocket, but he’ll need to be better with his hands and overall rush plan to get NFL blockers off balance. Overall, Brinson flashes NFL-level play with his ability to get off blocks and force his way through gaps, but excitement over his talent needs to be tempered by his sporadic impact. He offers intriguing tools in an NFL-ready body. — Dane Brugler
Why the Packers drafted him
With TJ Slaton gone to the Cincinnati Bengals in free agency, the rotational options were Karl Brooks and Colby Wooden. The depth has James Ester, Nesta Jade Silvera, Keith Randolph Jr., and Leonard Payne.
Under these circumstances, grabbing an interior defensive lineman always seemed like part of the plan.
"There's been a lot of talk about the offensive and defensive lines maybe being a little bit stronger than in some years," general manager Brian Gutekunst said at the NFL Combine. "It's a good draft overall, we're excited for it. We certainly think there's a bunch of opportunities to help our football team."
And with that premise, the Packers attacked the interior of the defensive line hoping that new DL coach DeMarcus Covington, the former New England Patriots defensive coordinator, can develop these young pieces and transform them into a dominant unit.
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