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Green Bay Packers select Damarious Randall No. 30 in 2015 NFL draft
A year after taking HaHa Clinton-Dix in Round 1, the Green Bay Packers doubled down at safety—in rather surprising fashion—by taking Arizona State's Damarious Randall at No. 30. Not only did Randall overtake Alabama's Landon Collins as the first safety selected, but he joined a relatively crowded spot on the Packers' depth chart. Clinton-Dix and Morgan Burnett played more than 1,900 snaps combined last season, while Micah Hyde took on another 700.
That said, because of Randall's experience playing man coverage against receivers and tight ends could allow the Packers to shift him to cornerback. If nothing else, he'll help Green Bay match up down the middle of the field, as Clinton-Dix has since his arrival. The league, and especially Green Bay's division, makes having players of that ilk a necessity. We'll have to wait and see how it all fits.
• 2015 NFL draft grades: Pick-by-pick analysis and scouting reports
Strengths: An explosive tackler with good speed, Randall covers ground quickly. Never quits on plays. Often seen running down ballcarriers from the opposite side of the field. A true non-stop motor. Decent hands (pulled in two interceptions for touchdowns while at ASU). Active on special teams, both in coverage and as a returner. Very good at diagnosing crossers and breaking on the throw. Has a knack for disrupting the ball. A bit of a ball-hawk. Doesn't let up if he misses on a play. Has some range from center field.
Weaknesses: Smaller than you would like for the position. Can be caught taking the bait on play-action. Can have trouble bringing down bigger targets. Sometimes late to turn his hips/lets receivers eat up his cushion. Needs technique work in most phases of the game. Teams will target/specifically scheme for his over-aggressiveness. Too easily washed out in the run game when lined up in the box. Has a bad habit of throwing himself at the feet of a ballcarrier hoping to trip him up.
Player Comparison: C.J. Spillman
Grade: B
GALLERY: SCENES FROM THE NFL DRAFT
2015 NFL Draft in Pictures
The stage prior to the start of the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University in Chicago.
Jameis Winston takes the call from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who made him the first pick.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans react after their team drafted former Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston with the first overall pick during the NFL draft party in Tampa, Fla.
Jameis Winston posed for SI in his new team's jersey after he was taken No. 1.
Jameis Winston posed for SI in his new team's jersey after he was taken No. 1.
Marcus Mariota at his draft party in Honolulu.
Marcus Mariota at his draft party in Honolulu.
Washington defensive lineman Danny Shelton picks up NFL commissioner Roger Goodell as he celebrates after being selected by the Cleveland Browns as the 12th pick.
Fans cheer after Kevin White of the West Virginia Mountaineers was picked seventh by the Chicago Bears.
Bears fans cheer Chicago's selection of Kevin White of West Virginia Mountaineers.
Dante Fowler with commissioner Roger Goodell after being drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Stanford offensive lineman Andrus Peat, right, talks to Deion Sanders after being selected by the New Orleans Saints as the 13th pick in the first round.
Green Bay Packers fans cheer during the first round of the draft.
A look at some of the NFL team representatives at the draft.
Kentucky linebacker Bud Dupree celebrates after being selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers as the 22nd pick in the first round.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans Keith Kunzig and David Miller are excited to have traveled from Florida to be at the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
Shane Ray checks out his threads.
Leonard Williams is interviewed outside the draft venue before being taken by the New York Jets.
Jameis Winston waiting for the call.
The scene inside the Jameis Winston draft gathering.
Marcus Mariotta in Hawaii before the first round began.
Two Patriots fans in Chicago.
Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly arriving at the NFL Draft.
Chicago mounted police before the first round commenced.
Dante Fowler's shoes on draft night.
Chicago welcomed the NFL Draft with open arms.
The view from outside Roosevelt University Auditorium Theatre.
NFL prospect Trae Waynes of Michigan State talks to pediatric patient Alec Cabacungan while doing a mock interview during the NFL PLAY 60 activities at Shriners Hospital for Children on Thursday, April 30 in Chicago.
Chris Burke covers the NFL for Sports Illustrated and is SI.com’s lead NFL draft expert. He joined SI in 2011 and lives in Ann Arbor, Mich.