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The Packers finished top ten in 2016 in both rushing defense (by yards) and sacks. On Friday night, the Packers used pick number 93 to add Montravius Adams out of Auburn.
Adams gives the Packers another defensive lineman who has some pass rush ability. Adams will likely be a depth pick as the Packers added Ricky Jean Francois to the mix with Kenny Clark and Mike Daniels. Adams played primarily as a one-gap rusher at Auburn and showed a a good ability to pressure the quarterback.
The first issue that people point to with Adams is the fact he was far more consistent in 2016 than he was in 2015. The argument has been made that he was treating his senior season as a “contract year” in terms of effort. Since the Packers will be looking for him as a rotational player, it seems this could be mitigated some.
The 2016 draft made it clear that the Packers are placing a priority on pass rushing defensive linemen. Kenny Clark’s final season at UCLA showed his ability to penetrate in pass rush. Adams might grow into a three-down lineman, but he should be a situational pass rusher in the early going. At 6’4” and 304 pounds, he will likely find himself at the defensive end position in pass rush situations. His lateral quickness might not make him an ideal run defender, but he will have some time to develop while playing as a pass rush sub package guy early in his career.
Adams is a serious raw talent. He is a fast rusher, great first step, a great penetrating force and disruptor in the pass game. The question will be how much the 2016 season was a change in dedication or just a push to make sure he found a place on draft day. Still, this pick will provide value as a situational pass rusher from the defensive line position and combined with the signing of Jean-Francois, it could spell the end for Letroy Guion in Green Bay.