Draft: WRs

[HarveyWallbangers]

Good draft with solid depth. I'm not sure it's as deep as people say for what Thompson looks for in a WR. There seems to be an overabundance of short, slot type WRs.

Packer traits: Outside of Randall Cobb, Thompson's WRs have been 5'11" to 6'3". Outside of Jarrett Boykin (UDFA), Thompson's WRs have had solid speed (4.54 or less in the 40), decent SAA (combination of speed, acceleration, and agility), and decent Explosion (vertical and broad jump). Outside of measurables, I'd say a Thompson WR also has to have decent route running.

My top 20 WRs:
1 Sammy Watkins - reminds me of Sterling Sharpe
2 Mike Evans - I'm not quite as high on him as others, but still have him at #2
3 Odell Beckham - reminds me of Greg Jennings
4 Brandin Cooks - reminds me of DeSean Jackson
5 Marqise Lee - I'm not quite as high on him as others (2nd round grade), but still have him at #5.
6 Jordan Matthews - reminds me of Jordy Nelson
7 Davante Adams
8 Cody Latimer
9 Donte Moncrief
10 Kelvin Benjamin
11 Allen Robinson
12 Martavis Bryant
13 Bruce Ellington
14 Jarvis Landry
15 Paul Richardson
16 Dri Archer
17 Kevin Norwood
18 Devin Street
19 Jared Abbrederis
20 Brandon Coleman

Other later round guys that I like are T.J. Jones, Josh Huff, and Shaquelle Evans (reminds me of James Jones). I couldn't find highlights for two guys that I liked on measurables (Torrence Allen and Kevin Smith).

The WRs in this draft that fit these criteria:
Sammy Watkins, Odell Beckham, Marqise Lee, Jordan Matthews, Cody Latimer, Donte Moncrief (although route running would be a question mark), Martavis Bryant (same on route running), Paul Richardson, Kevin Norwood, T.J. Jones, Josh Huff, Shaquelle Evans, Mike Davis, Matt Hazel, Kevin Smith. Davante Adams just misses out on 40 time, but I like him.

[red]

like i've said in other threads, with there being so many good prospects at WR this year, i wouldn't jump on 1 in the first 2 rounds. i think theres going to be some very good prospects (like 2nd round quality) that are going to be had in the 3rd and 4th rounds

[RashanGary]

The only two players i really looked closely att were beckham jr and cooks. Beckham is one of the most natural returners ive seen coming out. Id be shocked if hes not a great returner. As a receiver, Im not as certain. His route running seems ok, but weve had so much success with great route runners, im not so sure he excites me as much.

Cooks, to me he's a truly special talent as a WR. Hes really not that small at 190. He has little jab steps and head fakes in his route running that show how comfortable with the game. Aaron Rodgers loves guys who know what they're doing and i think Cooks is a guy who really knows what hes doing. He has the best drop rate in this draft 4.1% (and to me, drop rate shows more than just hands, it shows the ball is coming where he expects it, when he expects it) so he's on the same page as his QB) and he has elite speed. He gets open all the time as his 1,700 yards would indicate and even when hes not, despite his size, he high points and wins competitive ball situations. When the ball is in the air he adjusts his body and makes great plays on the ball.

To me, he's an elite player. Underneith, over the top and from the slot, he does everything well. hes not 170 lbs like desean jackson. He's much bigger and has been supremely durable.

I think he'll be a great player in the NFL. i think he'd fit well with Aaron Rodgers and be a special big-play piece for our offense.

[Carolina_Packer]

like i've said in other threads, with there being so many good prospects at WR this year, i wouldn't jump on 1 in the first 2 rounds. i think theres going to be some very good prospects (like 2nd round quality) that are going to be had in the 3rd and 4th rounds

I mean, seriously! There's plenty of talent available at WR, especially talent to be developed behind our current core guys.

Check out Jeff Janis from Saginaw Valley State. He sort of reminds me of Charles Johnson from Grand Valley last year, who we unfortunately could not hold onto, as the Browns snagged him off the practice squad. Here is a profile of Janis, including highlight reel:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1995830-jeff-janis-scouting-report-nfl-outlook-for-saginaw-valley-state-wr

This is the kind of guy you could get late in the draft or as a priority free agent and develop him.

That said, I'd take a Kevin Norwood in the late rounds too! :-)

If we were willing to spend a higher pick on WR, I'd love to see Jordan Matthews in a Packer uniform. I have ties to seeing Vandy games live and have watched him the last few years on a few occasions, and seen his games on TV. That dude can ball, and he's very bright. He also happens to be related to Jerry Rice: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000218974/article/vanderbilts-jordan-matthews-a-distant-relative-of-jerry-rice

[HarveyWallbangers]

Looks like Janis will go around the 5th round now. It's funny that you mentioned Charles Johnson. When I watched Janis, that is who I thought of--which actually made me like him less. I had hopes for Johnson last year. He had measurables and he similarly dominated small college competition, but he didn't look that good once he got to camp.

[vince]

The only two players i really looked closely att were beckham jr and cooks. Beckham is one of the most natural returners ive seen coming out. Id be shocked if hes not a great returner. As a receiver, Im not as certain. His route running seems ok, but weve had so much success with great route runners, im not so sure he excites me as much.

Cooks, to me he's a truly special talent as a WR. Hes really not that small at 190. He has little jab steps and head fakes in his route running that show how comfortable with the game. Aaron Rodgers loves guys who know what they're doing and i think Cooks is a guy who really knows what hes doing. He has the best drop rate in this draft 4.1% (and to me, drop rate shows more than just hands, it shows the ball is coming where he expects it, when he expects it) so he's on the same page as his QB) and he has elite speed. He gets open all the time as his 1,700 yards would indicate and even when hes not, despite his size, he high points and wins competitive ball situations. When the ball is in the air he adjusts his body and makes great plays on the ball.

To me, he's an elite player. Underneith, over the top and from the slot, he does everything well. hes not 170 lbs like desean jackson. He's much bigger and has been supremely durable.

I think he'll be a great player in the NFL. i think he'd fit well with Aaron Rodgers and be a special big-play piece for our offense.
Well said and I agree. There is a lot of depth in the WR pool this year but there isn't a lot of depth when it comes to great football players with track star speed. That list goes one guy deep. Beckham may be comparable but he doesn't have the quicks Cooks has. When you combine that kind of speed with physicality, aggressiveness, sharp route running, great hands and elite production you're looking at unique potential.

That said, Rodgers can make a lot of guys fit in and be productive so there are a lot of guys from this draft can be added into the mix and help the offense.

[Carolina_Packer]

Looks like Janis will go around the 5th round now. It's funny that you mentioned Charles Johnson. When I watched Janis, that is who I thought of--which actually made me like him less. I had hopes for Johnson last year. He had measurables and he similarly dominated small college competition, but he didn't look that good once he got to camp.

Harv, it's impressive to watch them play against competition at their level, but unless they really stand out/dominate, it's probably not likely they make it, but worth a flyer. Don Beebe went to Chadron State and then played 9 years. Let's hope Janis is more like that. It helps that Beebe ran a 4.21 40 time. Good article on him: http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-02-09/sports/ct-spt-0209-mitchell-chicago--20130209_1_andre-reed-40-yard-dash-western-illinois

[woodbuck27]

The Green Bay Packers have one shot at a Brandin Cooks. They must pick him (if he's available) with pick NO. 21.

Otherwise ... the outstanding talented Brandin Cooks will be off the board by Pick NO. 23 (Kansas City) and certainly by pick NO. 28 ( Carolina).

A large part of me now hopes that Brandin Cooks is TT's BPA at Pick NO. 21. If it's some other prospect and TT's board is solid that pick will be super.

WR isn't among our priority needs.

We have more pressing needs on defense at Safety (SS); ILB; DE/OLB and on offense ... TE and OL/center.

[woodbuck27]

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20140503/PKR01/305030420/Packers-draft-preview-Top-wide-receivers?odyssey=obinsite

Packers draft preview: Top wide receivers

May 3, 2014

4. Brandin Cooks, Oregon State ** 5-9¾, 189, Round 1

** Comment woodbuck27:

Is that or his height a concern and considering his talent?

If I was TT I'd ask myself this question:

How well did he compete with the best DB's in College?

" At the combine the junior draft entry had the second-fastest 40 (4.33 seconds) of all participants and the fastest short shuttle (3.81 seconds). Also had a 36-inch vertical. “You can see that 20(-yard) shuttle in the way he plays,” a second scout said. “He’s good on those option routes where they can get him the ball quickly in space." Fr. LINK

[HarveyWallbangers]

Final Consensus Rankings of the 50 WRs I took a look at:


CRk Player School CRd CPR
1 Sammy Watkins Clemson 1 1-1
2 Mike Evans Texas A&M 1 2-2
3 Odell Beckham LSU 1 3-3
4 Brandin Cooks Oregon State 1-2 4-6
5 Marqise Lee USC 1-2 4-5
6 Cody Latimer Indiana 1-3 6-10
7 Kelvin Benjamin Florida State 1-2 5-13
8 Jordan Matthews Vanderbilt 2-3 6-11
9 Davante Adams Fresno State 2-3 7-11
10 Allen Robinson Penn State 1-3 6-11
11 Donte Moncrief Mississippi 2-4 8-16
12 Jarvis Landry LSU 2-4 8-14
13 Martavis Bryant Clemson 2-4 12-14
14 Bruce Ellington South Carolina 2-4 10-17
15 Paul Richardson Colorado 3-4 14-15
16 Kevin Norwood Alabama 3-6 16-23
17 Brandon Coleman Rutgers 3-6 15-23
18 Jared Abbrederis Wisconsin 3-6 16-29
19 Josh Huff Oregon 4-6 17-23
20 Shaquelle Evans UCLA 3-6 15-26
21 T.J. Jones Notre Dame 4-6 19-27
22 Robert Herron Wyoming 3-7 17-31
23 Jeff Janis Saginaw Valley State 4-6 19-27
24 Devin Street Pittsburgh 4-6 20-32
25 Jalen Saunders Oklahoma 4-7 19-37
26 Mike Davis Texas 5-7 22-31
27 Ryan Grant Tulane 4-7 24-30
28 Matt Hazel Coastal Carolina 5-7 22-31
29 L'Damian Washington Missouri 5-7 24-33
30 John Brown Pittsburg State (Ka) 5-7 21-36
31 Michael Campanaro Wake Forest 5-7 26-32
32 Tevin Reese Baylor 6-FA 28-39
33 Kain Colter Northwestern 6-FA 24-46
34 Cody Hoffman BYU 7-FA 33-40
35 Chandler Jones San Jose State 5-FA 25-46
36 Quincy Enunwa Nebraska 7-FA 33-46
37 Damian Copeland Louisville 5-FA 24-48
38 Solomon Patton Florida 7-FA 35-42
39 Bennie Fowler Michigan State 7-FA 35-43
40 Allen Hurns Miami (Fla) 7-FA 37-44
41 Albert Wilson Georgia State 7-FA 27-45
42 Isaiah Burse Fresno State 6-FA 35-50
43 Torrence Allen West Texas A&M 7-FA 32-50
44 Willie Snead Ball State 7-FA 37-50
45 Austin Franklin New Mexico State 7-FA 37-50
46 Eric Lora Eastern Illinois 7-FA 34-50
47 Jeremy Gallon Michigan FA 37-50
48 Marcus Lucas Missouri FA 37-50
49 Jeremy Butler Tennessee-Martin 7-FA 30-50
50 Taylor Martinez Nebraska FA 37-50

[HarveyWallbangers]

My Final Rankings


Rk Rd Player School
1 1 Sammy Watkins Clemson
2 1 Mike Evans Texas A&M
3 1 Odell Beckham LSU
4 1 Brandin Cooks Oregon State
5 2 Marqise Lee USC
6 2 Jordan Matthews Vanderbilt
7 2 Davante Adams Fresno State
8 2 Cody Latimer Indiana
9 2 Kelvin Benjamin Florida State
10 2-3 Allen Robinson Penn State
11 2-3 Donte Moncrief Mississippi
12 3 Martavis Bryant Clemson
13 3 Bruce Ellington South Carolina
14 3-4 Jarvis Landry LSU
15 3-4 Paul Richardson Colorado
16 3-4 Kevin Norwood Alabama
17 4 Shaquelle Evans UCLA
18 4 Jared Abbrederis Wisconsin
19 4 Brandon Coleman Rutgers
20 4-5 T.J. Jones Notre Dame
21 4-5 Devin Street Pittsburgh
22 4-5 Josh Huff Oregon
23 5 Jeff Janis Saginaw Valley State
24 5 Robert Herron Wyoming
25 5-6 Jalen Saunders Oklahoma
26 5-6 Michael Campanaro Wake Forest
27 6 Matt Hazel Coastal Carolina
28 6 Mike Davis Texas
29 6-7 Ryan Grant Tulane
30 7 John Brown Pittsburg State (Ka)
31 7 Damian Copeland Louisville
32 7 L'Damian Washington Missouri
33 7-FA Tevin Reese Baylor
34 7-FA Chandler Jones San Jose State
35 7-FA Albert Wilson Georgia State
36 7-FA Cody Hoffman BYU
37 PFA Bennie Fowler Michigan State
38 PFA Jeremy Butler Tennessee-Martin
39 PFA Torrence Allen West Texas A&M
40 PFA Solomon Patton Florida
41 PFA Quincy Enunwa Nebraska
42 PFA Allen Hurns Miami (Fla)
43 PFA Taylor Martinez Nebraska
44 FA Austin Franklin New Mexico State
45 FA Marcus Lucas Missouri
46 FA Eric Lora Eastern Illinois
47 FA Isaiah Burse Fresno State
48 FA Willie Snead Ball State
49 FA Jeremy Gallon Michigan
50 FA Kain Colter Northwestern

[HarveyWallbangers]

These forum issues are making things difficult. I'm done for the night. Probably won't be back on before the draft unfortunately.

[Bretsky]

THX

[RashanGary]

Marquise Lee looks like a first rounder to me. Guy has elite long speed and is sort of a natural on the field.

[Brandon494]

Marquise Lee looks like a first rounder to me. Guy has elite long speed and is sort of a natural on the field.

At least provide a link after you read something.

http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2014-nfl-draft-packers/2014/5/8/5696276/packers-2014-nfl-draft-rumors-ted-thompson-marqise-lee

[pbmax]

Marquise Lee looks like a first rounder to me. Guy has elite long speed and is sort of a natural on the field.

There is a rumor on the internets right now that he is the Packer target. Its driving a couple of bloggers mad.

[Brandon494]

There is a rumor on the internets right now that he is the Packer target. Its driving a couple of bloggers mad.

Its funny how people haven't figured out how TT drafts yet...hes not going to take an injury prone WR with the 1st pick in a WR heavy draft.

[red]

Marquise Lee looks like a first rounder to me. Guy has elite long speed and is sort of a natural on the field.

except that he's from USC and most "can't miss" wr's out of USC go on to be massive flops in the pros