(WFRV-TV) – The Green Bay Packers drafted safety/CB Damarious Randall with the 30th overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft Thursday night.
Randall played safety during his two seasons at Arizona State after transferring from Mesa Community College, but will likely begin as a corner for the Packers who lost Tramon Williams and Davon House to free agency this offseason.
"We think he’s a very versatile player. We’ll probably line him as a corner," general manager Ted Thompson said after making the pick.
The 5’11" 196 pound defensive back tallied 177 tackles (15 TFL), six interceptions, four forced fumbles, and 1 sack in two season with the Sun Devils.
Randall grew up playing both baseball and football, but after high school he first chose the diamond until a shoulder injury led him in the direction of football once again. He says some of his old center field skills still come in handy in the secondary.
"I mean, kind of playing center field and just kind of judging the ball," Randall said. "I think my ball skills are one of my better traits that I have."
This is the 8th time in the last 10 drafts the Packers have taken a defensive player with their first round pick.
The NFL Draft resumes Friday with the 2nd and 3rd rounds beginning at 6 PM. Green Bay has the 62nd overall pick in the second, and the 94th overall pick in the third round.
