As the NFL Draft looms, Green Bay Packers fans are buzzing with anticipation and speculation. One of the most unexpected yet intriguing potential picks is Brian Thomas Jr., a standout receiver who could dramatically alter the Packers’ offensive strategy.
Despite having a deep roster of receivers, Thomas’s exceptional speed and deep-threat capability set him apart as a top draft prospect. Brian Thomas Jr. boasts a remarkable 9.97 Relative Athletic Score (RAS), highlighting his superior athletic prowess.
His record-breaking speed in the flying twenty, covering yards 21-40 in the 40-yard dash faster than any other receiver, has solidified his reputation as one of the draft’s premier talents.
Comparisons to Christian Watson underscore Thomas’s potential to become a leading receiver, capable of drawing defensive attention away from the run game and providing Josh Jacobs more space to maneuver.
“Thomas is the way to get a potential number one receiver who will force the other team to keep a safety over the top and not in the box harassing Josh Jacobs,” noted draft analyst Mike Price. This strategic advantage could be vital as the Packers look to diversify their offensive threats.
Marshawn Kneeland A Rising Star on Defense
On the defensive side, Marshawn Kneeland emerges as a surprising yet promising first-round candidate. Kneeland, an edge rusher with a RAS above 9, has been climbing draft boards, reminiscent of past Packers picks like Quay Walker and Darnell Savage. His potential to fill in for Kingsley Enagbare and eventually succeed Preston Smith highlights his long-term value to the team.
“Kneeland could be the best option at the end of the first round,” said Mike Price, emphasizing his ability to adapt and potentially transition into a formidable speed rusher. This pick would address immediate needs while also securing a cornerstone for the Packers’ defensive future.
Junior Colson The Underdog with Instincts
Perhaps the most intriguing and unexpected prospect is Junior Colson, a linebacker known more for his instincts and intelligence than his physical attributes. Colson, who did not participate in athletic testing and is below the 50th percentile in weight for his position, represents a departure from the typical high-RAS targets favored by the Packers.
🚨NFL Unbreakable Record?🚨
🏈🏈🏈
👉29 points in 1 Quarter!🏈 Green Bay Packers Wide Receiver Don Hutson scored the most points in one quarter in NFL history with 29.
🏈 Hutson scored 4 TDs and kicked 5 extra points in one single quarter Oct 7, 1945.
🏈… pic.twitter.com/odB27kDS63— Cowboy Regg ✭ 🎙️ (@Cowboy_Regg) April 24, 2024
Colson’s knack for making the right plays and fitting into defensive gaps makes him an ideal fit for Jeff Hafley’s new defensive scheme.
“He fits the correct gap, he communicates, he knows what he’s doing, and he plays aggressively,” praised Mike Price, highlighting the traits that could make Colson a valuable asset for the Packers’ defense.
Green Bay Packers Embracing the Unexpected
As the draft approaches, the Packers are poised to make some potentially shocking decisions. Whether it’s securing a game-changing receiver, bolstering the defensive line, or adding a smart, instinctual linebacker, Green Bay’s first-round picks are set to surprise and excite.
With a strategy that could include unexpected choices, the Packers are looking to build a team that can adapt, evolve, and compete at the highest levels.
Source: yardbarker
