Packers 2016 NFL Draft: Day 3 Analysis

The Green Bay Packers select ILB Blake Martinez, DE Dean Lowry, WR Trevor Davis, and OT Kyle Murphy with their four picks on the third day of the 2016 NFL Draft.

With their final four selections the Green Bay Packers addressed several needs on their roster on day three of the NFL Draft.

Round 4 (131): Blake Martinez, ILB, Stanford

After watching a run of inside linebackers come off the board in the fourth round, the Green Bay Packers finally get their guy with the 131st overall pick in former Stanford standout Blake Martinez.

Martinez was a highly productive two-year starter in the middle of the Cardinals defense, establishing himself as a leader and playmaker at the position. His football IQ, instincts, and character are all off the charts, which is easy to see why the Packers would like the 6-foot-2, 237-pound linebacker in the middle of the draft. His football instincts and ability to read and anticipate on the field helped him finish near the top of the FBS in tackles in 2015 with 140 stops, along with 6.5 tackles for loss.

Even more impressively, Martinez showed the ability to drop in coverage and make plays on the ball in college. In his two years starting, he recorded four interceptions and eight pass breakups. He also finished near the top amongst the linebackers in all agility drills at the NFL combine, recording 6.98 three-cone and 4.20 20-yard shuttle, which finished second and third at his position respectively. Martinez also improved his forty from 4.71 at the combine to 4.62 at his pro day, making him one of the faster inside linebackers in the 2016 draft class.

What They’re Saying:

“This is one of the better picks of the 4th round. Martinez addresses a need at inside linebacker as an instinctive, thumping tackler with a motor that rivals his running mate in Clay Matthews Jr.” --Mark Dulgerian from NFL.com

A fearless and tough MLB with a non-stop motor. Lacks ideal speed and coverage skills, though a ‘football player’ in every sense of the word.” – CBS Sports

“Full-­time starter over the last two years who plays with the temperament and ruggedness that Stanford wants in the middle of their defense. Martinez is a muscled-­up, throwback linebacker in a league that covets twitch and play speed over throwback traits. His special teams ability and overall tackle production is a big plus, but his draft stock might not match up with his elevated college production due to concerns over his quickness.” – Lane Zierlein from NFL.com

Highly aggressive run defender who attacks the line of scrimmage, showing no hesitation to take on blockers at the point of attack. Balanced, coordinated athlete who shows creativity in slipping under or spinning through would-be blocks. Generally reliable open-field tackler, lassoing ballcarriers with his long arms and strong hands. Possesses the agility and awareness to handle coverage responsibilities, showing light feet and fluidity when changing directions. Locates the ball quickly and accelerates smoothly.” – Rob Rang from CBS Sports

Other Options on the Board:

There were still a few notable linebackers on the board when the Packers selected Martinez at the end of the fourth round. Former Missouri tackling machine Kentrell Brothers went to Minnesota in the fifth round with the 160th pick. Akron’s Jatavis Brown is an interesting linebacker prospect, who eventually came off the board to San Diego with the last pick in the fifth round.

Why they went with Martinez:

With linebackers flying off the board early on day three, Martinez seemed to be the best value at pick 131. He was a reliable starter at inside linebacker in Stanford’s 3-4 defense, and with the Packers running similar concepts, Martinez’s transition to Green Bay’s defense may be smoother than other prospects on the board. The tough inside linebacker also boasts a well-rounded game. Many will see all of his tackle production and ability to swarm to the ball and label him two-down run stopper in the NFL. However, he’s an underrated defender in coverage. He can drop in zone and cover the middle of the field and he also has the speed and quick change of direction ability to turn and run with tight ends down the seam or keep pace with halfbacks out in space. Martinez has all of the intangibles to compete for a starting job in the Packers defense. His leadership skills and ability to diagnose plays on the field would also bring a cerebral presence to the middle of the Packers defense.

 

 

Round 4 (137): Dean Lowry, DE, Northwestern

The Packers finally land their five-technique defensive end with their second fourth-round pick. The 6-foot-6, 296-pound defensive end out of Northwestern has an ideal build and frame to play 3-4 defensive end.

The only knocks on him seem to be his arm length (31 inches) and average pass rushing ability. However, he may be one of the stouter run defenders among the defensive end prospects in this class. As a senior, Lowry was very active against the run, recording 52 tackles in 2015. He was also very disruptive behind the line of scrimmage, registering 13.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and eight quarterback hurries.

As a three-year starter, Lowry finished with 11.5 sacks, 28.5 tackles for loss, and a whopping 17 passes batted down at the line of scrimmage. Lowry’s long frame and size allow him to hold the point of attack and take on double-teams. Overall, he’s a solid two-gapping defensive end that may have been lower on draft boards for teams running a 4-3 front.

What They’re Saying:

“This is a strong defensive line class, and Ted Thompson is capitalizing. Lowry is built for the 3-4 and he has starting upside in the NFL. They should have a nice rotation up front next season.” --Mark Dulgerian from NFL.com.

“Fills a need at DE for Green Bay. Lowry is big, athletic left DE that can move inside to DT on passing downs. Will be a depth DL.” – CBS Sports

“Performance against Wisconsin was the fifth-highest of any interior player against a Power-5 school all year. Offers positional diversity. Lined up all over Northwestern’s defensive front. 55 percent of his snaps came outside the tackle and 45 percent came inside the tackles. Lowry is an elite athlete, but little more at this point. His odd build (very short arms for his height) and lack of pass rushing moves make him a mid-rounder.” – Pro Football Focus

Other Options on the Board:

If the Packers were thinking defensive lineman with this pick, they could have also considered Temple’s Matt Ioannidis, who went at the top of the fifth round to Washington, or Clemson nose tackle D.J. Reader, who fell to the Houston Texans with the 166th overall pick. The Packers could have also added another skill player on offense. Dynamic UCLA running back Paul Perkins was still available, as well as athletic tight end Jerell Adams, who fell to the Giants in the sixth round.

Why they went with Lowry:

The fact the Packers already addressed nose tackle by taking Kenny Clark in the first round made Reader less enticing. Green Bay also signed Jared Cook in the offseason, so tight end was no longer an immediate need and they could pass on Adams. However, the Packers still could have used a true five-technique defensive end, and that’s what they went with Dean Lowry. There may not be a better defensive end in this class at setting the edge against the run. He’s a tough competitor and an outstanding run stopper as a two-gapper. His game against Nebraska, where he recorded six tackles for loss, is one of the more impressive games to watch of any defensive lineman in this group. He also gives the Packers a different body type than what they currently have on the roster at defensive line, and seems like a nice fit in Dom Caper’s 3-4 defense. It’s the fit that makes the most sense, even though this pick may cause some viewing from the outside to scratch their heads.

 

Round 5 (163): Trevor Davis, WR, California

Davis was on few people’s radar when he came off the board to the Green Bay Packers near the end of the fifth round. Many viewed the former Cal wideout as a seventh-round or undrafted free agent talent. However, the Packers have their own evaluation approach, and it was clear when they selected the 6-foot-1, 188-pound wideout from Hawaii that they wanted to add speed to their offense.

Davis ran a blazing 4.42 forty at the NFL Combine, which was the third fastest time among all wide receivers in Indianapolis. Davis also had the fourth highest vertical (38.5”), second fastest three-cone time (6.60), and second fastest 60-yard shuttle (10.94) at his position.

Davis is still a bit a raw as a receiver prospect, but he’s a guy the Packer feel they can mold and develop into a big-time playmaker who can stretch the field in their offense. In his two years at Cal, Davis averaged around 16 yards per reception and finished his career with 64 receptions, 1,061 yards, and seven receiving touchdowns. He was also a dynamic kick returner and even returned two kicks for touchdowns his junior season.

What They’re Saying:

The Packers are on to this ascending player who only started 1 year at Cal. He opened some eyes at the Combine with his speed and hands. He can help stretch the field in some of Green Bay's spread sets.” -- Mark Dulgerian from NFL.com.

“A raw, one-year starter at WR with some good speed, experience as a returner, though needs some polish and development to his route tree.” – CBS Sports

“A one-year starter at Cal, Davis lined up all over the formation and was a dangerous deep threat for Jared Goff and the Bear-raid offensive attack, also making his presence felt as a reliable return man. He has an instant accelerator and easy gas to motor away from defenders in pursuit, doing an excellent job on straight-line patterns, but requires polish on the rest of his route tree.” – Dane Brugler from CBS Sports

Other Options on the Board:

There were still quite a few interesting receivers on the board when the Packers selected Davis with the 163rd overall pick. Clemson’s Charone Peake, Baylor’s Jay Lee, Tulsa’s Keyarris Garrett, and Notre Dame’s Chris Brown all have better size than Davis and also ran well in the forty. The Packers could have also taken a third-down back like Illinois’s Josh Ferguson at this spot, or added a versatile defensive back like William & Mary’s DeAndre Houston-Carson.

Why they went with Davis:

The Packers ultimately went with Davis because of his blazing downfield speed and capabilities as a returner. Even though he could serve to add weight and get stronger, as well as polish his route running and be more consistent with his hands, his athletic traits are rare and worth a draft selection. And it’s not only the fast forty time that makes Davis intriguing. His impressive vertical allows him to high-point the ball and make plays over defenders, and his quickness and agility give him some juice to make guys miss in the openfield. He should immediately compete with Jared Abbrederis and Jeff Janis for a roster spot and playing team on the Packers roster.

 

Round 6 (200): Kyle Murphy, OT, Stanford

The Packers continue to shore up things on their offensive line and plan for the future with their final pick in the draft. Murphy is a tough road grader and helped pave the way for Christian McCaffrey’s incredibly productive 2015 season. Measuring in at 6-foot-6 and 305 pounds, Murphy started three consecutive seasons in the Cardinals offensive line, splitting time between right and left tackle. However, many believe Murphy lacks the athleticism and quickness to hold up at left tackle at the next level. He’ll most likely move to right tackle or guard in the NFL.

What They’re Saying:

“After the top tier of tackles in this class no one has a higher floor than Murphy. He definitely needs to get stronger, but he’ll be a starter in the NFL.” – Pro Football Focus

“Swing tackle with two years of starting experience. Will likely provide depth at OL for the Packers this year with the potential to develop into a starter one day.” – CBS Sports

“Green Bay likes length and mobility in their tackles and they took two this year that they can develop into contributors should there be changes to their current unit. Murphy has some core strength deficiencies but he is crisp and pro-ready in the run game.” -- Mark Dulgerian from NFL.com.

Other Options on the Board:

The Packers could have gone any number of ways with their final pick. I personally liked the idea of them taking a chance on Houston linebacker Elandon Roberts in the sixth round. He’s a speedy, athletic downhill linebacker who led the FBS in solo tackles in 2015. They could have also taken physical Duke safety Jeremy Cash and experimented with him as a dime or nickel linebacker. Dynamic running backs Josh Ferguson and Daniel Lasco out of Cal could have also been options with the 200th overall pick.

Why they went with Murphy:

The Packers have four key members of their offensive line, including three starters, with expiring contracts after the 2016 season. Now, is the time to address the position, so they can put a contingency plan in place if they happen to lose either David Bakhtiari, Josh Sitton, T.J. Lang, or JC Tretter to free agency. Chances are, at least two of the four will move on after the 2016 season. The Packers got a solid tackle prospect in Jason Spriggs in the second round; now Murphy gives them a physical offensive lineman to develop at either guard spot. Overall, Spriggs and Murphy are more promising prospects for the future than current backups Don Barclay and Lane Taylor.

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Comments (17)

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NickPerry's picture

April 30, 2016 at 07:51 pm

I'm not as happy as I was over the first 3 picks but I like Martinez and I remember watching Lowry for NW, the kid does play the run well. Murphy had a 3rd to 4th round grade and I thought Ted would address the O-Line with 2 picks and he did, quite well actually.

What I don't understand is why the Packers drafted Trevor Davis and passed on a TE like Jerrell Adams and others.

Like to see TT sign Ben Brauneker the TE from Harvard as a UDFA.

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RCPackerFan's picture

April 30, 2016 at 08:23 pm

I pretty much feel exactly the same way.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

April 30, 2016 at 08:25 pm

I'm beginning to lean toward MM and the coaches trusting Jared Cook to be that compliment the offense needs. Reports say that TT tried to trade for him (which is quite rare), so the belief in his talent(s) must be high.

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NickPerry's picture

May 01, 2016 at 05:48 am

I agree with you there but there's no promisies past 2016 we keep Cook. What if Cook is great and chases the Money or was injured. I'd just like to see more depth behind Cook and Rodgers. Maybe the guy the grabbed in the 6th round (Henry was it?) has developed somewhat. Sounds like this kid is a faster Abby who doesn't run routes as well as Abby. Nelson, Cobb, and Monty should be the top 3, maybe Adams who I thought was playing etter in weks 16 and 17 before he was hurt in the playoffs. I guess we'll see, TT normally has a huge Brain Fart in the 6th round, maybe this year it happened in the 5th becuase I just don't see this guy as a better value than what was on the board.

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4thand1's picture

April 30, 2016 at 09:04 pm

ok, that's over, now 3 months of waiting again.

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croatpackfan's picture

May 01, 2016 at 02:00 am

I understand the feeling. Same here... Now we will fight each other who is which day hero of the training camps or OTAs or whatsoever---

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

April 30, 2016 at 09:32 pm

I like that they drafted players who know how to play a 3-4. Most of these conversion projects are rough to witness.

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DrPacker's picture

April 30, 2016 at 09:47 pm

Loved TT's draft....The game today is all about week to week adjustments. We now finally have that ability: On offense: Road graders versus tossing it all over the field. On defense; Coverage/pressure packages versus stout/big bodies packages.

No one else close in the draft. to Jared Cook. If he performs, he can get paid...by the Packers.

Shocked they didn't select a punter, our weakest position last season. I've got to believe TT has someone in mind.

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slit's picture

April 30, 2016 at 10:48 pm

Like the Martinez pick. Love the Murphy pick. TT crapped the bed on the other 2 picks, more notably the Lowry pick because of who was still available. Paul Perkins would have immediately been the 2nd best RB in GB, and a nice insurance policy for Lacy. Westerman is going to be an All-Pro G in a couple years; guy is a beast.

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KenEllis's picture

April 30, 2016 at 11:20 pm

Love Martinez & Murphy picks.

Jury still out on Lowry & Davis.

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NickPerry's picture

May 01, 2016 at 07:04 am

I think you'll like the Lowry pick KenEllis. If you like PPF Grades for College Players Lowry was one of the best DE against the run and Fackrell and Martinez were both ranked highly as well.

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Turophile's picture

May 01, 2016 at 12:39 am

Loved RB Perkins, but the picks cry out value. Lowry was the surprise, but he sounds a good player.

When I got home from work (three picks away from the Packers first day 3 pick), I posted "Is Martinez still available ? on a popular packer board ....about a minute later the Packers picked him. "Not any more" was the reply to my comment. Good pick !

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DrealynWilliams's picture

May 01, 2016 at 12:59 am

Draft Grades according to PFF. Take it with a grain......

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2016/04/30/draft-2016-nfl-draft-gr...

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zeke's picture

May 01, 2016 at 01:35 am

Grading a draft the day after it happens is like reviewing a movie before it's been released. But I still click on them...

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dobber's picture

May 01, 2016 at 06:56 am

NFL.com draft grades...no team gets less than a C overall. What does that tell you?

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croatpackfan's picture

May 01, 2016 at 04:40 am

All together, as I predicted, Ted Thompson surprised most of us with his picks. Hats off for Al who saw correctly what will happen...

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 01, 2016 at 08:02 am

One thing to keep in mind: TT rarely drafts the player that I thought made the most sense at a particular round. Just because TT didn't take the guy I liked best doesn't mean his choice wasn't a good pick. W/O further ado....

Clark: solid pick. Replaces Raji. Plays 300 - 500 snaps this yr. Issue for me is does the team want him to play NT & 3 Tech at 313 lbs (I don't think he can play 5 Tech), or bulk up to 330 or so and be a true NT? [Preferred course: Trade Back to #31 or #37, net 3rd/4th Rder - tons of prospect I liked just as well - Austin Johnson would have been similar player.] Grade B.

Spriggs: A swing for the fences. High ceiling, possible 10 yr LT. Reasonable pick. Needs a year. I like Coleman almost as well, more as a RT, lower chance of him being a LT, and he wouldn't have required a trade up. No one else too enticing: Bullard, Correa, Hooper? Not a D. Jones fan. Grade B+

Fackrell: Good pick, one I predicted while on the clock. Need met one of the best remaining guys. Billings, Ridgway (boom/bust), Day, Vannett, Perry, Simmons were alternatives. Should get on the field some this year. Grade A

Martinez: Solid pick. He can cover and still handle the run. Several alternatives I liked better: Westerman, McGovern, maybe Adams, etc. Like Martinez > J. Brown. Still, Martinez should help GB in 2016. Grade B

Lowry: Swing for a triple. Okay pick. Massive need met a guy w great measurables. He fills the abyss at 5 tech now that GB acknowledged that Datone can't play DE and they have no 5 Tech (Ringo?). Lowry can play the run; thus he can get on the field. He has a chance to be a pass rusher in time. Alernatives see Martinez. Grade B

Davis: Inc. but a swing for the fences. Watched Goff tape. Saw one bad drop, one great catch. He is okay about contact. Limited route tree. Didn't see great burst. Not enough to judge Davis. Alternatives inc. Jatavis Brown, Boehringer, Jurell Adams, Travis Feeney (medical?). Grade: Incomplete.

Murphy: Good pick. Thought before the draft he would be a good pick in the 6th or 7th as a RT, possibly RG. Needs a year, but he will start of be an excellent back up. Grade B.

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