2014 NFL Draft Analysis: Packers Select Fresno St. WR Davante Adams

Once again, Packers GM Ted Thompson grabbed a wide receiver a year before he needed him. In the same way that Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb weren't "need" picks in their respective drafts, Davante Adams comes in to learn for a year and step into a bigger role down the road.

It was a foregone conclusion that the Packers would take a receiver early in the 2014 NFL Draft once James Jones departed for Oakland. Green Bay could have gone into the year with Nelson, Cobb, and third-year wideout Jarrett Boykin and still produced in the passing game, but with all three on expiring deals and little depth behind them Thompson adding the ultra-productive Adams to avoid a drop off.

At 6-1 212 lbs., Adams compares favorably to Michael Crabtree. Like the 49ers' top receiver, Adams doesn't have elite timed speed (4.56 at the combine, 4.51 at his pro day). However, Adams excels in winning jump balls as indicated by his 39.5" vertical.

Despite being one of the youngest players in the draft, Adams caught more passes (131) and touchdowns (24) than any other receiver in the nation last season. Most of that production came off fades and quick hitches, so refining his route running will be crucial to winning playing time in Green Bay.