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Packers cap draft with Jeff Janis, third wide receiver

GREEN BAY–The Packers capped their 2014 draft with another wide receiver, Jeff Janis of Sagnaw Valley State. Janis, 6-3, 219, is a big-body pass catcher and the last of three wide receivers selected by the Packers in this draft,

Janis turned a 4.42 40 at the combine and was projected by most draftniks to be drafted earlier than the final round. The lower level of competition in which Janis played, combined with the wealth of wide receiver talent in this draft, likely dropped Janis’ stock.

He caught 189 passes for more than 3,000 yards and including 31 touchdowns the past two seasons.

“Physical specimen. Looks the part. Can dominate but needs to improve his consistency,” packers.com draft analyst Tony Pauline said of Janis.

Packers.com has posted a more complete version of this story.

Baylor cornerback Packers’ sixth-round pick

GREEN BAY–Baylor cornerback Demetri Goodson is the Packers’ sixth-round draft choice.

Goodson, 5-11, 194, twice suffered season-ending injuries. The most recent was in 2012.

He made 43 tackles (38 solo), 19 passes defensed and four interceptions in 19 career games played. He’s a former basketball player that transferred to Baylor from Gonzaga.

Goodson ran a 4.52 40 at the combine in Feb.

“Tough, athletic corner with nice size and speed and good mechanics. Fluid, quick and rangy. Special teams type,” packers.com draft analyst Tony Pauline said.

His older brother, Mike, has played running back with the Panthers, Raiders and Jets.

Packers.com has posted a more complete version of this story.

Packers please fans with selection of Jared Abbrederis

GREEN BAY–The Packers’ second of two fifth-round picks will meet with a lot of fan popularity. Wisconsin wide receiver Jared Abbrederis was selected with the 176th overall pick, the final pick of the draft’s fifth round and the Packers’ second selection of a wide receiver in this draft. Abbrederis, 6-1, 195, is a favorite of Badgers fans.

He won the 2013 Burlsworth Trophy as the nation’s top player who began his career as a walk-on, and finished his career tied for the school record for receptions (202) and ranked No. 2 all-time at Wisconsin in receiving yards (3,140) and touchdown receptions (23). In 2013, Abbrederis had 78 catches, 1,081 yards and seven TDs. He was first-team All-Big 10 the last two years and had nine 100-yard games in his career, including one 200-yard game vs. Ohio State (Bradley Roby) last season. Abbrederis ran 4.50 at the combine this past February and would seem to fit best as a slot receiver.

“Smart, efficient and tough. Reads the defense, finds the seam and catches the ball. Destroyed Bradley Roby this season,” packers.com draft analyst Tony Pauline said of Abbrederis.

Packers.com has updated this story with a more complete version.

Packers draft center from Ohio State in fifth round

GREEN BAY–Ohio State’s Corey Linsley addresses what some would say is a dire need for a center. The Packers selected Linsley, 6-2, 296, with their first of two picks in the fifth round, the 161st pick overall.

Linsley started all 26 games at center the last two years, after having been a reserve guard and tackle. He was a first team All-Big 10 selection and team captain.

The Packers lost starting center Evan Dietrich-Smith in free agency. JC Tretter, a fourth-round pick last year, is a likely challenger to replace Dietrich-Smith.

“Solid, workmanlike, tough and intelligent, but not really big or overly athletic,” packers.com draft analyst Tony Pauline said of Linsley.

Packers.com has posted a more complete version of this story.

Packers pick linebacker with their first pick of third day

GREEN BAY–The Packers addressed need at linebacker with their first pick of the third day of the draft. Arizona State linebacker Carl Bradford, 6-1, 250, joined the Packers on the 121st pick of the draft.

Bradford is a strong value pick. He was listed by several draftnik publications to be a second or third-round prospect. He recorded 21 1/2 sacks in his college career and was first team All-PAC 12 last year.

“Plays like his hair is on fire. Very good making plays up the field. Solid pass rusher,” packers.com draft analyst Tony Pauline said of Bradford.

Packers.com has provided a complete story.

Packers invest in Cal tight end Richard Rodgers

GREEN BAY–Richard Rodgers is a tight end loaded with upside, and he’ll have a chance to develop his talents in an offense famous for developing tight ends.

Rodgers, 6-4, 257, made a position switch from tight end to wide receiver while at California. He made the move seamlessly enough to vault into the third round of the NFL draft, but as a tight end. Rodgers was selected by the Packers on Thursday night with the 98th overall pick, the Packers’ second of two third-round picks and the team’s final pick of the second day of the draft.

“His father is the special teams coach of the Carolina Panthers. Played wide receiver at 245 pounds last season. Was a 270-pound blocking tight end the year before. Shows flashes but he’s green as grass. Has skill but needs time,” packers.com draft analyst Tony Pauline said of Rodgers.

Packers.com has provided a full report on the third round.

Khyri Thornton added to talent on defensive line

GREEN BAY–The Packers addressed an ongoing need for defensive linemen by selecting Khyri Thornton of Southern Mississippi with their first of two third-round draft choices on Thursday. Thornton, 6-3, 304, was selected with the 85th overall pick.

Thornton is a defensive tackle that will likely play defensive end in the Packers’ 3-4 defensive scheme.

“Classic three-technique tackle. Quick, explosive. Probably a two-gap end,” packers.com draft analyst Tony Pauline said of Thornton.

Thornton has been described as one of the most underrated players in the draft.

Packers.com has provided a full report on the third round.

Packers fortify wide receiver with selection of Davante Adams

GREEN BAY–The Packers turned their attention to offense and the loss of James Jones in free agency by selecting Fresno State wide receiver Davante Adams with the 53rd pick of the 2014 NFL draft on Friday. Adams, 6-1, 212, is the Packers’ first pick of day two of the draft, after having selected safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix in the first round on Thursday.

“Nice-sized possession wide out,” packers.com draft analyst Tony Pauline said of Adams. “Competes and wins out for contested balls. Strong and tough.”

Tight ends Troy Niklas and Jace Amaro came off the board within the previous four picks, and center Weston Richburg was selected 43rd overall by the Giants. Tight end, center and inside linebacker are considered to be positions of need for the Packers, but so were safety and wide receiver.

Adams ran a 4.56 40 at the combine.

Packers.com has updated this story with a more complete version.

Packers NFL Draft 2014: Meet the draft class

Mike McCarthy makes ‘big letters’ promise about defense

Packers draft class is reason to feel betterRead More

DRAFT RECAP VIDEOS

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  How will we look back at the 2014 NFL Draft?

  Packers.com’s Vic Ketchman and Mike Spofford recap the third and final day of the 2014 NFL Draft.

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  Ted Thompson Ted Thompson has added speed to the 2014 Packers

  Packers General Manager Ted Thompson talks about the team’s selections in the 2014 NFL Draft.

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  Mike McCarthy promises improved defense in 2014

  Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy talks about the team’s selections in the 2014 NFL Draft.

Meet the players

1. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama
2. Davante Adams, WR, Fresno State
3a. Khyri Thornton, DE, Southern Mississippi
3b. Richard Rodgers, TE, California
4. Carl Bradford, LB, Arizona State
5a. Corey Linsley, C, Ohio State
5b. Jared Abbrederis, WR, Wisconsin
6. Demetri Goodson, CB, Baylor
7. Jeff Janis, WR, Saginaw Valley State

#21 HA HA CLINTON-DIXS – ALABAMA – HT: 6-1 – WT: 208 – 1st Round, #21 Overall

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    Darren Perry says ‘We have to be better’

    Selection of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix addresses need at safetyREAD MORE

• • 
    

    Congratulations, Packers fans; you were right

    Ha Ha mania in full swing after Packers pick safety in first roundRead More

AUDIO/VIDEO

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  • Clinton-Dix blessed, talks Packers’ loyal fans(4:36)

    Packers.com’s Vic Ketchman sat down with Packers safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix in a one-on-one video conference interview. Clinton-Dix talked about being drafted in the first round and what it means to be a Packer.

• • 

  • Packers have an answer at safety(3:14)

    Packers.com’s Vic Ketchman and Mike Spofford recap the first day of the 2014 NFL Draft.

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  • Ha Ha Clinton-Dix: Behind the scenes on draft day(1:29)

    Go behind the scenes with Ha Ha Clinton-Dix as he becomes the newest member of the Green Bay Packers and realizes his lifelong dream.

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  • S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix speaks to local media(5:33)

    Green Bay Packers safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix gives his reaction to being selected by Green Bay in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

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  • Packers select Ha Ha Clinton-Dix with #21 pick(2:07)

    Watch NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announce Green Bay’s selection of Clinton-Dix.

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  • Darren Perry: Clinton-Dix opened our eyes(8:58)

    Packers secondaries coach Darren Perry talks about the team’s selection of S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix in Round 1 of the 2014 NFL Draft.

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  • Ha Ha Clinton-Dix: I’m glad to be a Green Bay Packer(0:30)

    Ha Ha Clinton-Dix joins Deion Sanders to express his excitement and appreciation to become a new member of the Green Bay Packers.

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  • Thompson: Clinton-Dix is a real all-purpose safety(4:15)

    Packers general manager Ted Thompson talks about the team’s selection of S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix in Round 1 of the 2014 NFL Draft.

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  • Prospect Primer: S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Alabama(2:00)

    Packers.com presents ‘Prospect Primer,’ a video look at Alabama safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.

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  • Combine Confessionals: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix(4:44)

    Find out what NFL Draft prospect Ha Ha Clinton-Dix likes to do when he is not on the football field.

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  • 2014 Combine workout: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix(1:41)

    Watch Alabama DB Ha Ha Clinton-Dix work out at the 2014 NFL Scouting Combine.

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  • Ha Ha Clinton-Dix runs 40-yard dash(1:54)

    Alabama safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix runs an unofficial time of 4.50 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine.

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  • Clinton-Dix tours New York City(3:32)

    Taylor Lewan and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix join the rest of the draft prospects on a tour of New York City.

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  • Ha Ha Clinton-Dix happy with combine performance(5:33)

    Alabama safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix analyzes his performance at the NFL Scouting Combine.

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  • Clinton-Dix’s draft journey kicks off in NYC(1:33)

    Alabama safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix reflects on his lifelong dream of being a professional football player upon arrival in New York city for the 2014 NFL Draft.

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  • 2014 Draft profile: S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Alabama(1:49)

    Take a look at the college highlights of Alabama safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.

additional coverage

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  • Photo gallery: The best of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
    

    Alabama’s Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is the instant frontrunner to start alongside veteran Morgan Burnett at safety

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  • Bio: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix

    Read S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix’s bio from his time at Alabama

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  • Packers.com’s NFL Draft Chat – Day 1

    Read the transcript of Packers.com’s Thursday live chat with fans

Back to top

#17 DAVANTE ADAMSWR – FRESNO STATE – HT: 6-1 – WT: 212 – 2nd Round, #53 Overall

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    Packers add to DL stable; select developmental TE

    Third-round picks cap second day of the draftREAD MORE

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    Time will tell who had the better board

    Second-day draft picks are Packer-type playersRead More

AUDIO/VIDEO

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  • Davante Adams is ready for the cold of Green Bay(12:28)

    Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams gives his reaction to being selected by Green Bay in the 2nd round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

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  • Packers like what they saw in Day Two(4:41)

    Packers.com’s Vic Ketchman and Mike Spofford recap the second day of the 2014 NFL Draft.

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  • Edgar Bennett: Davante Adams attacks the football(9:23)

    Packers wide receivers coach Edgar Bennett talks about the team’s selection of WR Davante Adams in Round 2 of the 2014 NFL Draft.

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  • Prospect Primer: WR Davante Adams, Fresno State(2:52)

    Adams led the nation in receptions in 2013 with 131 catches, producing 1,718 yards and 24 touchdowns.

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  • Green Bay Packers select Davante Adams with No. 53 pick(1:48)

    The Green Bay Packers select Fresno State wide receiver Davante Adams with the No. 53 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, as announced by James Lofton.

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  • Ted Thompson stayed true to best player available(10:30)

    Packers GM Ted Thompson talks about the team’s selection of WR Davante Adams, DE Khyri Thornton, and TE Richard Rodgers in the 2nd and 3rd rounds of the 2014 NFL Draft.

additional coverage

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  • Photo gallery: The best of Davante Adams

    The Packers turned their attention to offense and the loss of James Jones in free agency by selecting Fresno State wide receiver Davante Adams with the 53rd pick of the 2014 NFL Draft.
• • 

  • Bio: Davante Adams

    Read WR Davante Adams’ bio from his time at Fresno State

Back to top

#94 KHYRI THORNTONDE – SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI – HT: 6-3 – WT: 304 – 3rd Round, #85 Overall

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    Packers add to DL stable; select developmental TE

    Third-round picks cap second day of the draftREAD MORE

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    Bio: Khyri Thornton

    Read DE Khyri Thornton’s bio from his time at Southern MississippiMore

AUDIO/VIDEO

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  • Mike Trgovac: Thornton has explosion for his size(5:04)

    Packers defensive line coach Mike Trgovac talks about the team’s selection of DE Khyri Thornton in Round 3 (85th overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft.

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  • DE Khyri Thornton to learn from Julius Peppers(6:50)

    Green Bay Packers defensive end Khyri Thornton gives his reaction to being selected by Green Bay in the third round (85th overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft.

ADDITIONAL COVERAGE

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  • Photo gallery: The best of DE Khyri Thornton, Southern Mississippi

    Thornton has been described as one of the most underrated players in the draft.

Back to top

#89 RICHARD RODGERSTE – CALIFORNIA – HT: 6-4 – WT: 257 – 3rd Round, #98 Overall

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    Packers add to DL stable; select developmental TE

    Third-round picks cap second day of the draftREAD MORE

• • 
    

    Bio: Richard Rodgers

    Read TE Richard Rodgers’ bio from his time at CaliforniaRead More

AUDIO/VIDEO

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  • Jerry Fontenot expects more production from TEs(5:26)

    Packers tight ends coach Jerry Fontenot talks about the team’s selection of TE Richard Rodgers in Round 3 (98th overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft.

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  • TE Richard Rodgers is confident in blocking(8:19)

    Green Bay Packers tight end Richard Rodgers gives his reaction to being selected by Green Bay in the third round (98th overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft.

Additional coverage

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  • Photo gallery: The best of TE Richard Rodgers, California

    The selection of Cal tight end Richard Rodgers was the first Packers draft pick at that position since 2011.

Back to top

CARL BRADFORDLB – ARIZONA STATE – HT: 6-1 – WT: 252 – 4th Round, #121 Overall

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    Packers think they found pass-rusher in fourth round

    Arizona State’s Carl Bradford played through heavy heartREAD MORE

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    Bio: Carl Bradford

    Read LB Carl Bradford’s bio from his time at Arizona State More

AUDIO/VIDEO

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  • LB Carl Bradford can play wherever needed(8:28)

    Green Bay Packers linebacker Carl Bradford gives his reaction to being selected by Green Bay in the fourth round (121st overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft.

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  • Brian Gutekunst: Fortunate Bradford was there(4:45)

    Packers Director of College Scouting Brian Gutekunst talks about the team’s selection of LB Carl Bradford in Round 4 (121st overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft.

Additional coverage

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  • Photo gallery: The best of LB Carl Bradford, Arizona State

    In his two years as a starter for the Sun Devils, Bradford recorded 20 sacks among 39 ½ tackles for loss, and he’ll get a first look as an outside linebacker in the Packers’ 3-4 scheme.

Back to top

COREY LINSLEYC – OHIO STATE – HT: 6-3 – WT: 301 – 5th Round, #161 Overall

• • 
    

    Ohio State’s Linsley joins competition at center

    Packers use first of two fifth-round picks on All-Big 10 pivot manREAD MORE

• • 
    

    Bio: Corey Linsley

    Read C Corey Linsley’s bio from his time at Ohio State More

AUDIO/VIDEO

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  • C Corey Linsley: Packers were my childhood team(6:16)

    Green Bay Packers center Corey Linsley gives his reaction to being selected by Green Bay in the fifth round (161st overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft.

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  • James Campen see a competitive camp for o-line(8:13)

    Packers offensive line coach James Campen talks about the team’s selection of center Corey Linsley in Round 5 (161st overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft.

Additional coverage

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  • Photo gallery: The best of C Corey Linsley, Ohio State

    Green Bay drafted Ohio State center Corey Linsley in the fifth round on Saturday with the 161st overall pick.

Back to top

JARED ABBREDERISWR – WISCONSIN – HT: 6-1 – WT: 195 – 5th Round, #176 Overall

• • 
    

    Packers make Jared Abbrederis’ dream come true

    Badgers wide receiver drafted in fifth roundREAD MORE

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    Bio: Jared Abbrederis

    Read WR Jared Abbrederis’ bio from his time at Wisconsin More

AUDIO/VIDEO

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  • WR Jared Abbrederis excited to get work with Packers(7:33)

    Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jared Abbrederis gives his reaction to being selected by Green Bay in the fifth round (176th overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft.

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  • Edgar Bennett: Abbrederis is a savvy route runner(5:41)

    Packers wide receivers coach Edgar Bennett talks about the team’s selection of wide receiver Jared Abbrederis in Round 5 (176th overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft.

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  • Prospect Primer: WR Jared Abbrederis, Wisconsin(4:03)

    Abbrederis won the Burlsworth Trophy in 2013 as the nation’s top player who began his career as a walk-on.

Additional coverage

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  • Photo gallery: The best of WR Jared Abbrederis, Wisconsin

    Wisconsin wide receiver Jared Abbrederis was selected with the 176th overall pick.

Back to top

DEMETRI GOODSONCB – BAYLOR – HT: 5-11 – WT: 197 – 6th Round, #197 Overall

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    Demetri Goodson left basketball for future in football

    Packers’ sixth-round draft pick possesses cornerback instinctsREAD MORE

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    Bio: Demetri Goodson

    Read CB Demetri Goodson’s bio from his time at BaylorMore

AUDIO/VIDEO

• • 

  • CB Demetri Goodson has always been physical(8:15)

    Green Bay Packers cornerback Demetri Goodson gives his reaction to being selected by Green Bay in the sixth round (197th overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft.

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  • Joe Whitt Jr.: Goodson is real instinctive(4:11)

    Packers cornerbacks coach Joe Whitt Jr. talks about the team’s selection of cornerback Demetri Goodson in Round 6 (197th overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft.

Additional coverage

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  • Photo gallery: The best of CB Demetri Goodson, Baylor

    The best photos from cornerback Demetri Goodson’s time at Baylor.

Back to top

JEFF JANISWR – SAGINAW VALLEY STATE – HT: 6-3 – WT: 219 – 7th Round, #236 Overall

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    Packers add third wide receiver with final draft pick

    Saginaw Valley State’s Jeff Janis ‘dominated’ at Division II levelREAD MORE

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    Bio: Jeff Janis

    Read WR Jeff Janis’ bio from his time at Saginaw Valley StateMore

AUDIO/VIDEO

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  • Jeff Janis is ready to play for the Packers(7:10)

    Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jeff Janis gives his reaction to being selected by Green Bay in the seventh round (236th overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft.

Additional coverage

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  • Photo gallery: The best of WR Jeff Janis, Saginaw Valley State

    Thompson said that Janis ranked second of all the receivers on the Packers’ board in terms of his athletic testing numbers, which included a 4.42-second 40-yard dash, 20 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press and a 37 ½-inch vertical jump.

It’s Ha Ha time in Green Bay; Packers pick Clinton-Dix

GREEN BAY–The fans’ pick is the Packers’ pick.

Safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is the Packers’ first pick of the 2014 NFL draft. The Alabama star was selected with the No. 21 overall choice. The pick will no doubt be met with favor among Packers fans who began a campaign to draft Clinton-Dix shortly after last season ended with a Packers safety failing to have intercepted a pass.

Clinton-Dix, 6-1, 208, is the second safety selected in this draft. Louisville’s Calvin Pryor was chosen 18th overall by the Jets.

“Smart, instinctive, good anticipation. More of a true centerfielder,” packers.com draft analyst Tony Pauline said of Clinton-Dix.

Packers.com has updated this story with a more complete version.