Grade the 2016 draft

[3irty1]

Post your grades here rats. Either overall grade, or grade for each pick. Explanations optional.

Please submit all grades in emoji form.

[George Cumby]

B+

This was a quality over quantity draft. Ted apparently likes his team's depth and was specifically targeting certain positions. He no longer feels the need to gather draft picks the way he used to.

As Patler mentioned in another thread, Ted's use of free agency prevented the creation of new holes in the roster and filled the hole at TE.

Once again, the players drafted are a bunch of Ted types as I mentioned in a previous thread.

Good draft.

[gbgary]

oh...b+ i guess. tt certainly didn't go "the best player available" route and drafted for need. speed, high energy, toughness, brains, seemed to be a focus. let's hope they all pan out.

[texaspackerbacker]

C+ I don't see a star quality player in the bunch - but it's still early - who knows.

Clark B- I wish it hadn't been a D Lineman; Clark is at least not a big clod (apparently).

Spriggs B+ possibly a move toward size and strength

Fackrell B- I was hoping for a future Clay Matthews in the first round; I guess there's a slim chance Fackrell is that.

Martinez A- It sounds like he is good and ready to play/not a project - Maybe.

Lowery D+ Another D Lineman, and one with a low ceiling to boot - apparently

Davis C- I really didn't want the Packers to draft a WR; Davis, however, sounds like he might be a good one. Maybe they cut Davante Adams and keep him - yeah right.

Murphy C He sounds OK for a 6th rounder.

[Joemailman]

I'd say B+.:smile: I thought getting Martinez in 4th was really good value.:glug: As things developed Friday night, I was hoping TT would take him in the 3rd. Spriggs and Davis are the wildcards.:???: If Spriggs can get stronger, he has the ability to be an upgrade at LT.:D Davis has the ability to give the Packers some much needed speed at WR.:D:: If not though, the Packers used a lot of picks on these guys.:doh: I like Clark better than a lot of people here.:D He'a only 20 years old, and may have some growing to do.

[Farley Face]

Clark: B+
Spriggs: C-
Fackrell: B
Martinez: B+
Lowry: B-
Davis: A-
Murphy: C

[red]

C

i like the two o-lineman picks, thats about it

[Patler]

Overall - A

It has nothing to do with my opinions on the players or comparisons to other players who might've been available at the time the picks were made. My grade is based solely on the following:

Each pick addressed a need or concern about the existing roster and the performances during 2015.

Each pick acquired a player that seemed well-regarded at that point in the draft.

There wee no unreasonable longshots. There were no luxury pics for a position without a need. There were no duplications, multiple picks addressing a single roster issue.

For those reasons, this draft is an "A".

[gbgary]

Each pick addressed a need or concern about the existing roster and the performances during 2015.

Each pick acquired a player that seemed well-regarded at that point in the draft.

There wee no unreasonable longshots. There were no luxury pics for a position without a need. There were no duplications, multiple picks addressing a single roster issue.




yup

[3irty1]

Kenny Clark
Grade: :-|

I don't know how this pick manages to be boring. He already appears to have all the traits of the few guys who've actually thrived with us in the Capers era and he's the youngest NFL player I've ever seen. While the game is slowing down for him, he'll still be getting bigger and faster. I blame Raji, for making this pick feel contrived.

Jason Spriggs
Grade::mrgreen:

Good value at a need position and he's already giving the Bears the bird before he even set foot on the field. Its also a bit exciting to have a real physical specimen at OT.

Kyler Fackrell
Grade: :-|

Guy in the athletic lengthy mold where Ted has managed to find guys who make much better pros than they ever were in college. Reason to believe he might have versatility too. But he's old.

Blake Martinez
Grade: :-)

Fresh horse for the infamous ILB competition. We should get plenty of opportunities to see what he can do. Seems to have some coverage ability. Probably a good idea to give the Stanford guy the radio helmet.

Dean Lowry
Grade: :-|

Goofy DE who gets described as "try hard" and "lunch pail" and "white" but proves a great athlete at the combine. Doesn't look like he could touch the top of his head.

Trevor Davis
Grade: :D

Wish we had this guy last year. Blazing fast with big gluey hands and the ability to track it over his shoulder. Has a kick returner's wiggle. Listening to Packers brass they seem proud of themselves with this one. Should dramatically up the level of competition in camp.

Kyle Murphy
Grade: ;-)

Another smartypants from Stanford to compete for the jobs of our backup OL who underperformed when needed last year. Certainly looks the part and seems like good value. Probably the new Barclay.

[HarveyWallbangers]

3irty1 pretty much nailed it for me.

[Maxie the Taxi]

I don't know about no damn emojis, but I do have some training camp room assignments to recommend:

Kyler Fackrell and Clay Matthews -- This is a no brainer. Fackrell needs to lose his Mormon nice guy image and grow some fangs. A few weeks with the Claymaker and Fackrell will be breathing fire and growing hair through his helmet.

Kenny Clark and Mike Daniels -- Another no brainer. Daniels is a Jersey boy playing his football in the Midwest. Daniels will show the namby-pamby kid from UCLA how to play defense like a "buzz saw." Just keep Clark way the hell away from Datone Jones!

Dean Lowry and Julius Peppers -- Probably another natural arrangement. Both guys are about the same size. Peppers started out as a DE. If half of what Peppers knows rubs off on Lowry, we'll have a probowler on our hands.

Trevor Davis and Aaron Rodgers -- We all know that Arod won't throw to any new turds unless he trusts them...alot! So what better way to generate trust between these two guys than to put Davis in a position to overhear Arod's phone calls to Olivia?

Jason Spriggs and TJ Lang -- Spriggs is got the body type just not the attitude. Lang has a mean streak from here to Chicago. After rooming with Lang for a few weeks, Spriggs will be in the mood to tear the facemask off of Nkamakin Suh.

Kyle Murphy and Josh Sitton -- Murphy's got a lot to learn before he can contribute and Sitton has the best incentive in the world to train him no matter how long it takes. Sitton doesn't want to play OT ever again.

Blake Martinez and Dom Capers -- Who else? If Martinez is going to play ILB and wear the wired helmet, he's gonna have to learn the defense backwards and forwards. Who better to learn it from if Wist can't spend a few weeks away from home?

[woodbuck27]

Here's what Chad Reuter (NFL.Com) put down as a Grade for the Packers. In the LINK at the bottom of this post...you can see how the Packers Grade by Reuter, compares to every other NFL team:

Green Bay Packers

Draft picks: Kenny Clark (No. 27 overall), Jason Spriggs (No. 48 overall), Kyler Fackrell (No. 88 overall), Blake Martinez (No. 131), Dean Lowry (No. 137), Trevor Davis (No. 163), Kyle Murphy (No. 200)

Day 1 grade: B+
Day 2 grade: B
Day 3 grade: B+

Overall grade: B+

The skinny:

" There wasn't much question that the Packers were going to bolster their front seven with their opening pick. Another no-brainer will be fan comparisons of the careers of their selection, Clark, and two available Alabama studs: linebacker Reggie Ragland and nose tackle Jarran Reed.

Green Bay desperately needed help at the tackle position, and trading up for Spriggs filled that hole. It was an atypical move for Ted Thompson, giving up a mid-round choice for a nine-spot move upwards. Fackrell has good potential to help rush the passer on the outside.

The Packers needed an inside linebacker, and they got one with athleticism and intelligence in Martinez. Lowry is a five-technique who will be part of the rotation. Davis is a probable returner who showed the best hands at the combine. Murphy gives more depth at the tackle, though fans are hoping the team gets a good tight end as an undrafted free agent." Chad Reuter


NFC Teams:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000657506/article/2016-nfl-draft-quicksnap-grades-for-nfc-teams


AFC Teams:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000657476/article/2016-nfl-draft-quicksnap-grades-for-afc-teams

[mraynrand]

fans are hoping the team gets a good tight end as an undrafted free agent." Chad Reuter


:oops:

[MadScientist]

Clark - A - The best NT in the draft. The big man fills a big need
Spriggs - D - Looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane. Definitely not worth trading up to get the second coming of Alan Barbe. If the Packers had a good O-line coach, I might be more hopeful of this pick.
Fackrell - C - Old and coming off an injury
Martinez - A- - Good value pick at a position of dire need.
Lowry - A- - 296 pounds and runs a 4.85!? That and high motor are worth a late 4th easily.
Davis - B+ - Speed and return ability, but which returning WR does not make the team?
Murphy - C - Needs strength and coaching to be a player, so he won't amount to much here.

Overall C+ Not a great draft, but not likely to be a disaster.

[Fritz]

I don't know about grades, but I like the positoinal holes that were filled (I also recently wrote this very comment about Holly Halston).

I do notice that most of these guys tested really well - the one thing that stands out is the speed. Frackwell or Factwell or whoever that is turns out to have decent speed. Martinez is the god of my favorite drill, the 3 cone, and Davis is the speed demon that so many on this board wished for (albeit a project).

So I like it at this point. And I expect two UDFA's to make the team, too.

[pbmax]

Clark: :huh:

19 turning 20 this year? He could become a monster as he still has time to grow. Unlike other need picks (thanks BJ!) Packers had the pick of the NT litter at 27. Their record with DL early isn't fantabulous, but given they had the first NT off the board, I am hopeful they projected this right.

Spriggs: :clap:

Physically everything you want in a left tackle but not yet showing all that talent on the field. Clifton was more accomplished though by no means a devastating blocker. Wahle was unfinished and astoundingly athletic. He needs to deliver more of his ability on the field but the Packers have made this work before. He's athletic like they prefer and you have to think his pass blocking will be ahead of his run blocking, which will help keep Rodgers upright. I get a whiff a Colledge when I read that he can whiff on inside rushes. We'll see.

Fackrell: :shock:

The new LeRoy Butler. I'm serious. Rush the passer with speed from edge, stout though not an anchor like Perry, has safety experience and has demonstrated fluidity in coverage. Mr. Fix-It. He's a Swiss Army Knife, Batman's utility belt and restarting your computer all at once. Everyone else was looking for hybrid safety/ILBs like the dude from the Cardinals. Ted showed those new to coveting athleticism that they know nothing. Will be third to Matthews and Peppers in number of spots he lines up. Would cause John Madden's Reggie White position tracker to breakdown. Meet your safety/Elephant hybrid. A Selephant.

Martinez: :cry:

If he turns up in early camp reports as being the least bit athletic compared to his compatriots, I will literally start to cry. He has instincts that I am not sure Ryan has had the time to develop being new to position.

Lowry: :satan:

Finally, a showdown between Patler and I about whether arm length can make the player. Either this guy stinks or I have to repost all of Patler's material followed by a +1 for a week.

Davis: :mrgreen:

Someone paid to write about the NFL said the closest thing to Emmanuel Sanders or Mike Wallace in this draft. Given the track record of the Packers and drafting receivers, I am beyond excited. The only pitfall is that he has had some issues with his hands. But his testing at the Combine and Pro Day apparently showed his hands weren't completely useless. A legit speedster would make this offense frightening to behold.

Murphy: :D

Meet your new Right Tackle. I think he sticks. Stanford is a good training ground these days.


Overall :confused:

I don't like need based drafts. Ted had bad luck with them in 2011 and 2012. Difference here is that unlike Worthy types, these players seem to fit the profile that have had success before with Green Bay. And Clark should have a very good shot at excelling based on youth, position match, available reps and the first NT off the board.

[Deputy Nutz]

The interesting thing about Ted Thompson is he always says he take the top value on his draft board and doesn't necessarily draft for need, but he is full of shit. He always drafts for need. The only pick I can remember that wasn't a need pick was Aaron Rodgers. So it was a no brainer that he was going defense front seven in the first round and it wasn't a real shocker that he took a defensive tackle. I have also learned over the years that it is really hard to figure out the draft two days after it is completed. Talent is really hard to sort out. I don't think you need three years to judge a draft, but you need a season or two.

Kenny Clark: :whist:
As far as the defensive tackles go he was by far one of the more underrated top tier guys. I thought the Packers were interested but in the second round of the draft. He probably wouldn't have made it that far. After watching tape on some of the other guys he had more of impact for his team at the position. If Raji would have signed his contract maybe Thompson would have gone a different direction, but I think as the draft played out on day 1 this was the guy that Thompson wanted. He offered no medical risk and Thompson isn't the type to get stuck behind the 8 ball with injuries out of the gate. Justin Harrell taught him that lesson. Clark is a strong kid that seems to be pretty dedicated. I love the fact that he was an elite wrestler in high school. He offers a bit more pass rush than the other top tier guys.

Jason Spriggs: ;-)
Not a bad pick, seems to be a finesse guy instead of a mauler and that isn't exactly a bad thing as a tackle. Offensive linemen have to be able to move their feet in the NFL and this guy is probably the most athletic tackle in the draft outside of Tunsil. He was the last of the Top Tier guys on my list and the Packers made the right move to go up and get him. He is tackle, but you know the Packers are going to try and work him all over the place. If he has a good camp he could probably push Baktiari.

Kyler Frackrell: :-|
Big kid that times good. After watching some film on him I think he lacks that instinct that will allow him to play aggressively. His play sort of reminds me of AJ Hawk. Assignment sure and can make plays when he is in position but lacks dynamic instincts. He will struggle to be a play maker in the NFL.

Blake Martinez:wink:
Sorry Blake for forgetting you. I am sure on some thread months back I mentioned this guy. He is built for the position and has solid workout numbers along with solid statistics. He was a tackling machine in college and he likes to work out and take care of his body. Other than that I couldn't find any meaningful film on him so I apologize.

Dean Lowry: ;-)
He holds the point of attack really well as long as his technique holds and he doesn't get high. He has a really quick first step and if he is shooting gaps he is in the backfield. He moves well for a man his size, really well. Issue with him is his short arms, he usually beats the offensive linemen off the ball but he can't disengage, in one on one pass rushing situations he gets stood up because the offensive linemen can extend his arms. I love his movement off the snap. He has a great stance, powerful I just really worry that he is going to constantly get hung up at the next level. In terms of value of the pick he could surprise some people and be a mainstay on the defensive line.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znUltnvaC5c

Trevor Davis: :-|
This kid can fly, his highlight tape looks like a video game. I just question his route running if he is not running bubble screens, and go routes. I think his kick returning abilities have something to do with his selection here and his workout numbers are hard to deny, but he was drafted because his numbers say he has potential and this late in the draft Thompson was willing to gamble a little bit. I don't love the pick and think he will be more comparable to David Clowney than a receiver that is going to contribute to this roster. He is going to frustrate coaches because he flashes big time, he makes ridiculous catches, but then he will disappear and struggle with the route tree.

Kyle Murphy: :lol: I think this kid offers some great value and has been coached up at Stanford. He isn't a great athlete, He could probably play guard or right tackle but he doesn't really move well enough as left tackle to protect in pass pro. He is pretty sound with foot work and technique but he just isn't a great athlete. He gets a good jump on the snap count and that is what saves him in pass pro.

[3irty1]

Lowry: :satan:

Finally, a showdown between Patler and I about whether arm length can make the player. Either this guy stinks or I have to repost all of Patler's material followed by a +1 for a week.

I think Patler at least agrees that you need arms. Lowry is maybe the first player I've watched where you really notice the lack of length. So many impact plays seem to slip through his alligator arms. Its not just the arms either, its the combination of short arms, wide chest, and long torso. He's shaped like three midgets in a trench coat. To finish plays his sternum has to touch who he's trying to tackle which leads to lots of lunging and an inordinate amount of time on the ground for a guy as athletic as he is.

[HarveyWallbangers]

The interesting thing about Ted Thompson is he always says he take the top value on his draft board and doesn't necessarily draft for need, but he is full of shit. He always drafts for need. The only pick I can remember that wasn't a need pick was Aaron Rodgers. So it was a no brainer that he was going defense front seven in the first round and it wasn't a real shocker that he took a defensive tackle. I have also learned over the years that it is really hard to figure out the draft two days after it is completed. Talent is really hard to sort out. I don't think you need three years to judge a draft, but you need a season or two.

Kenny Clark: :whist:
As far as the defensive tackles go he was by far one of the more underrated top tier guys. I thought the Packers were interested but in the second round of the draft. He probably wouldn't have made it that far. After watching tape on some of the other guys he had more of impact for his team at the position. If Raji would have signed his contract maybe Thompson would have gone a different direction, but I think as the draft played out on day 1 this was the guy that Thompson wanted. He offered no medical risk and Thompson isn't the type to get stuck behind the 8 ball with injuries out of the gate. Justin Harrell taught him that lesson. Clark is a strong kid that seems to be pretty dedicated. I love the fact that he was an elite wrestler in high school. He offers a bit more pass rush than the other top tier guys.

Jason Spriggs: ;-)
Not a bad pick, seems to be a finesse guy instead of a mauler and that isn't exactly a bad thing as a tackle. Offensive linemen have to be able to move their feet in the NFL and this guy is probably the most athletic tackle in the draft outside of Tunsil. He was the last of the Top Tier guys on my list and the Packers made the right move to go up and get him. He is tackle, but you know the Packers are going to try and work him all over the place. If he has a good camp he could probably push Baktiari.

Kyler Frackrell: :-|
Big kid that times good. After watching some film on him I think he lacks that instinct that will allow him to play aggressively. His play sort of reminds me of AJ Hawk. Assignment sure and can make plays when he is in position but lacks dynamic instincts. He will struggle to be a play maker in the NFL.

Dean Lowry: ;-)
He holds the point of attack really well as long as his technique holds and he doesn't get high. He has a really quick first step and if he is shooting gaps he is in the backfield. He moves well for a man his size, really well. Issue with him is his short arms, he usually beats the offensive linemen off the ball but he can't disengage, in one on one pass rushing situations he gets stood up because the offensive linemen can extend his arms. I love his movement off the snap. He has a great stance, powerful I just really worry that he is going to constantly get hung up at the next level. In terms of value of the pick he could surprise some people and be a mainstay on the defensive line.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znUltnvaC5c

Trevor Davis: :-|
This kid can fly, his highlight tape looks like a video game. I just question his route running if he is not running bubble screens, and go routes. I think his kick returning abilities have something to do with his selection here and his workout numbers are hard to deny, but he was drafted because his numbers say he has potential and this late in the draft Thompson was willing to gamble a little bit. I don't love the pick and think he will be more comparable to David Clowney than a receiver that is going to contribute to this roster. He is going to frustrate coaches because he flashes big time, he makes ridiculous catches, but then he will disappear and struggle with the route tree.

Kyle Murphy: :lol: I think this kid offers some great value and has been coached up at Stanford. He isn't a great athlete, He could probably play guard or right tackle but he doesn't really move well enough as left tackle to protect in pass pro. He is pretty sound with foot work and technique but he just isn't a great athlete. He gets a good jump on the snap count and that is what saves him in pass pro.

Blake Martinez gets the silent treatment.

[Fritz]

I think Patler at least agrees that you need arms. Lowry is maybe the first player I've watched where you really notice the lack of length. So many impact plays seem to slip through his alligator arms. Its not just the arms either, its the combination of short arms, wide chest, and long torso. He's shaped like three midgets in a trench coat. To finish plays his sternum has to touch who he's trying to tackle which leads to lots of lunging and an inordinate amount of time on the ground for a guy as athletic as he is.


That's some funny stuff right there.

[pbmax]

I think Patler at least agrees that you need arms. Lowry is maybe the first player I've watched where you really notice the lack of length. So many impact plays seem to slip through his alligator arms. Its not just the arms either, its the combination of short arms, wide chest, and long torso. He's shaped like three midgets in a trench coat. To finish plays his sternum has to touch who he's trying to tackle which leads to lots of lunging and an inordinate amount of time on the ground for a guy as athletic as he is.

Agreed, both of us do accept that you need arms. This will just help narrow down how long they need to be.

[Maxie the Taxi]

I think Patler at least agrees that you need arms. Lowry is maybe the first player I've watched where you really notice the lack of length. So many impact plays seem to slip through his alligator arms. Its not just the arms either, its the combination of short arms, wide chest, and long torso. He's shaped like three midgets in a trench coat. To finish plays his sternum has to touch who he's trying to tackle which leads to lots of lunging and an inordinate amount of time on the ground for a guy as athletic as he is.

http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view1/2370047/austin-powers-robot-walk-o.gif

[Patler]

I think Patler at least agrees that you need arms. Lowry is maybe the first player I've watched where you really notice the lack of length. So many impact plays seem to slip through his alligator arms. Its not just the arms either, its the combination of short arms, wide chest, and long torso. He's shaped like three midgets in a trench coat. To finish plays his sternum has to touch who he's trying to tackle which leads to lots of lunging and an inordinate amount of time on the ground for a guy as athletic as he is.


Agreed, both of us do accept that you need arms. This will just help narrow down how long they need to be.

As a minimum, I think the guy should have arms long enough so that he can touch his palms together in front of his chest. Does Lowry meet this requirement?

[3irty1]

As a minimum, I think the guy should have arms long enough so that he can touch his palms together in front of his chest. Does Lowry meet this requirement?

https://www.profootballfocus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/GettyImages-514429670.jpg

I think he could manage that. But f he stood straight up I doubt he reach the change in his pocket.

[gbgary]

lol

[pbmax]

There have to be PEDs for that. They can go without him for four games.

Maybe splice in frog DNA?

[Cheesehead Craig]

I give this draft a:

l

This is the festivus pole. It stands unadorned with no tinsel or flash. Just like the Packers draft. No wow picks, nothing fancy. Just a straight up solid draft with a good strength to weight ratio.

[Joemailman]

I'll bet Lowry never picks up the check.

[Fritz]

https://www.profootballfocus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/GettyImages-514429670.jpg

I think he could manage that. But f he stood straight up I doubt he reach the change in his pocket.

I hope he has a girlfriend because it looks like his arms are so short he can't even beat off.

[Freak Out]

Why is he wearing gloves?

[esoxx]

https://www.profootballfocus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/GettyImages-514429670.jpg

I think he could manage that. But f he stood straight up I doubt he reach the change in his pocket.

Can someone photoshop an alligator head on him? We'll name him Wally.

[Maxie the Taxi]

Why is he wearing gloves?So when he runs he doesn't scrape his knuckles on his rib cage?

[mraynrand]

So when he runs he doesn't scrape his knuckles on his rib cage?

poor guy, he's just getting abused!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4krdOhpwME

[Cheesehead Craig]

Can someone photoshop an alligator head on him? We'll name him Wally.

http://i68.tinypic.com/2pql6ys.png

[esoxx]

I'm at work and busted out laughing when I saw this ^^^^

Thanks Craig!

[pbmax]

Love that Wally.

[swede]

I give this draft a:

l

This is the festivus pole. It stands unadorned with no tinsel or flash. Just like the Packers draft. No wow picks, nothing fancy. Just a straight up solid draft with a good strength to weight ratio.

I'm unfamiliar with your sense of humor. Is this like a Harlan boner reference?

[mraynrand]

I'm unfamiliar with your sense of humor. Is this like a Harlan boner reference?

then it would be an i

[Cheesehead Craig]

I'm unfamiliar with your sense of humor. Is this like a Harlan boner reference?

We were to grade the draft with an emoji. I chose the festivus pole. If you are unfamiliar with it, feel free to google festivus, or just wait a while and I'm sure woody will be happy to provide you with some links.

[swede]

Best to Not Best format:

Overall Grade: B+ I felt the Packers navigated the draft pretty well. We will look back on this draft fondly in a few years. Davis needs to shine or he won't make the team, but everyone else needs to find an apartment and sign a two year lease.

(2nd) Spriggs: A; A first round talent in the second, stolen from a divisional opponent for the cost of a measly late fourth rounder when we still had two measly fourth rounders left.

(1st) Clark: B+; A late first round talent that--possibly--could have been had along with an extra pick with a trade down. TT admits to being afraid to risk the object of his heart's desire.

(4a) Lowry: B+; The short arms brought us a very fine DE that managed to get his hands on 14 passes in his career. Long arms don't do you any good if you don't put 'em up like he does.

(6) Murphy: B-; Good value, but the Packers may have to burn a roster spot for a year as he gets his body NFL ready. He had a 97% pass pro efficiency rating in his senior year.

(3rd) Fackrell: B-; This is the one pick that may very well be a star...should be good...and yet I fear the 25 year old will bust. (I get a D- for draft insight on this one so he's doing better than me.)

(4th) Blake Martinez: C; I wanted Nick Vigil, but the Bungles swooped ahead of us and snatched him. Now I will never know if he was on our board ahead of Bla-ake (said in snotty tone).

(5th) Davis: C; The talent is there, but why the lack of productivity with a QB like Goff?

Sorry about the lack of emojis, but I don't even know what they are.:x:bang:

[Fritz]

Me, I think Blake Martinez is going to turn out to be a very good inside linebacker. Maybe not his first year, but possibly by mid-year that guy will be starting, methinks.

[Patler]

Me, I think Blake Martinez is going to turn out to be a very good inside linebacker. Maybe not his first year, but possibly by mid-year that guy will be starting, methinks.

In place of Barrington or Ryan?

[woodbuck27]

http://i68.tinypic.com/2pql6ys.png


The new look Packers:

Mean...tough.

[RashanGary]

Clark (B+) Big guy. Good player. Good athlete.

Spriggs (C) Big guy, OK player. Great athlete. Too much to give up. Inconsistent OL get Qbs killed.

Fackrell (A) I like the pick. He's a really good pass defender. I see him inside. I see his arrow pointing up with health and with playing in the pass heavy NFL.

Martinez (B-) blah.

Lowry (B) I like him. Good player. Good athlete. Has a shot.

Davis (A) I like the pick. Fast. Good hands.

Murphy (C) blah


Average B It's Ted Thompson. He'll do alright and he'll get an undrafted guy or two to put the class over the top. We're one of the top 2 or 3 teams in the last 10 years for a reason.

[Pugger]

Clark (B+) Big guy. Good player. Good athlete.

Spriggs (C) Big guy, OK player. Great athlete. Too much to give up. Inconsistent OL get Qbs killed.

Fackrell (A) I like the pick. He's a really good pass defender. I see him inside. I see his arrow pointing up with health and with playing in the pass heavy NFL.

Martinez (B-) blah.

Lowry (B) I like him. Good player. Good athlete. Has a shot.

Davis (A) I like the pick. Fast. Good hands.

Murphy (C) blah


Average B It's Ted Thompson. He'll do alright and he'll get an undrafted guy or two to put the class over the top. We're one of the top 2 or 3 teams in the last 10 years for a reason.

Are you saying we gave up to move up and get Spriggs?

[Smidgeon]

A well thought out and well written article on the draft:

http://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/seeing-the-draft-through-ted-thompsons-eyes-part-iii-draft-review

[3irty1]

A well thought out and well written article on the draft:

http://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/seeing-the-draft-through-ted-thompsons-eyes-part-iii-draft-review

That was probably the best piece of Packer writing I've ever read.

[Patler]

That was probably the best piece of Packer writing I've ever read.

I, on the other hand, thought it was exceptionally long-winded with its content of superficiality.
Believe me, I know a lot about long-winded superficiality!

[swede]

That was probably the best piece of Packer writing I've ever read.

I agree. But I also couldn't help but feel that underneath the continual confirmations of the author's foresight lay the real article's real foundation: hindsight, pure and simple, woven into an informed narrative.

[Smidgeon]

I agree. But I also couldn't help but feel that underneath the continual confirmations of the author's foresight lay the real article's real foundation: hindsight, pure and simple, woven into an informed narrative.

Yes, but if you get past the hindsight back-patting, the reasonings seem pretty logical. By that, I mean, the author is darn good at justifying what has already happened and identifying the rosiest of rosy perspectives on the ceiling of the picks without it sounding like you're drinking the most potent of Kool-Aids.

[Fritz]

In place of Barrington or Ryan?


Whichever one isn't lost to a season-ending injury!

If everyone's healthy? In place of Ryan.

[3irty1]

I appreciate the author's exploring the strategy of building an NFL team through the eyes of a GM. For me the best parts weren't the insights of the draft class, although I think those were fine examples. It struck me as eminently level-headed in its approach of both recognizing the incredible luck to which TT owes his success as well as the luck he makes for himself through well measured opportunity. Since Packers aren't real news, articles like this usually read like an authors outlet for sensation.

Yet this piece throws cold water at our most extreme fans who are adamant about Ted's ego and spending habits as well as any fans who think he is a genius time-lord whose scouting and drafting are irreplaceable.

[Smidgeon]

+1

[RashanGary]

Are you saying we gave up to move up and get Spriggs?

Yeah. I don't think the three picks we gave up to get a lineman that wasn't said to be rock solid was worth it.

[pbmax]

Yeah. I don't think the three picks we gave up to get a lineman that wasn't said to be rock solid was worth it.

Gave up 2 picks (R4 and R7). The other is swapped for a replacement.

[RashanGary]

Gave up 2 picks (R4 and R7). The other is swapped for a replacement.

The total cost for spriggs was a 2nd, 4th and 7th round pick. 3 picks for one player.

[pbmax]

The total cost for spriggs was a 2nd, 4th and 7th round pick. 3 picks for one player.

Did the Packers give up a Round 1 pick for Clark?

[RashanGary]

Did the Packers give up a Round 1 pick for Clark?

Clark isn't a so/so OLman. Not many reports thought spriggs was a rock solid player. Sounded like he was an ok player and a great athlete.

He might be ok though. He's not coming from a school known to produce NFL lineman so it's guesswork on how quickly he'll pick up on NFL technique. He's probably a wait one year player at best, but I'll stay hopeful. I don't like the pick at first blush, but I'll be happy to eat my words if he steps up and pans out.

[HarveyWallbangers]

I don't get the angst about Spriggs. It's not like he's all potential and wasn't that good in college.

NFL.com


Spriggs excelled in his senior season, catching second-team All-Big Ten accolades along with the eyes of scouts. The four-year starter also was named first team All-American by the Football Writers Association of America and third-team honors by the Associated Press. Spriggs had a scary moment on the field in 2014 against Michigan State, as he was taken to the hospital after suffering a helmet-to-helmet blow. But since them he has shown the build (6-foot-7, 307 pounds), anchor in pass protection and willingness to block through the whistle to be the type of prospect NFL offensive line coaches will covet at left tackle.

CBS Sports


A former tight end, Spriggs was a four-year starter at left tackle for the Hoosiers and showed steady development each season, filling out his frame and holding his own against the Big Ten's top rushers like Joey Bosa and Shilique Calhoun.
He was named second team All-Big Ten in 2015 by the coaches and media and one of six semifinalists for the Outland Trophy. Spriggs was charged with only two sacks allowed in 431 called pass attempts.

In 10 starts in 2014, he allowed just two sacks and was a consistent force in the run game, helping Tevin Coleman rush for over 2,000 yards. Spriggs did not redshirt and missed only one game for the Hoosiers because of injury.

ESPN


Overall Football Traits
Production 1

1 = EXCEPTIONAL, 2 = ABOVE AVERAGE, 3 = AVERAGE, 4 = BELOW AVERAGE, 5 = MARGINAL

[Bretsky]

I don't get the Spriggs concern at all. I was worried TT would grab him round one. I think he's a great pick where we got him. He was a VERY solid college players and played very well at the Senior Bowl. And y'll know I'm not a TT worshipper but to me that pick was stellar

[Bretsky]

I give this draft a B. It has the blessing of Bretsky. To me this was "smart" draft. Some very needed spots address. Still ignoring my Darren Sproles threat but it gives me something besides the Fresno Fraud to complain about.

Back to smart. Tretter from Cornell...he's a guy who mentally picked up all of the positions very fast per the Packer beat guys. Last year...Stanford guy...Montgomery...reportedly learned the offense heads and heals faster than other rooks. Did we grab two Stanford guys this year ? Smart dudes.......

We have Aaron Rodgers, who gets us 6=8 wins unless we have utter incompetence all around him. So TT does what he does.....drafted a lot of decent guys...probably no stars....to surround Rodgers and the Claymaker.

Sounds like another 10-12 win season is coming.........

[Striker]

This was a solid B draft.

Helps solidify the lines. Provides a potential returner. Maybe a coverage ILB. Nothing flashy but solid overall.

[bobblehead]

I don't get the Spriggs concern at all. I was worried TT would grab him round one. I think he's a great pick where we got him. He was a VERY solid college players and played very well at the Senior Bowl. And y'll know I'm not a TT worshipper but to me that pick was stellar

Spriggs has all the measurable except size. Can he bulk up to 330 by next year and develop the punch you need in the NFL. This draft grade lives and dies by what spriggs weighs July 1st 2017.

[woodbuck27]

Spriggs has all the measurable except size. Can he bulk up to 330 by next year and develop the punch you need in the NFL. This draft grade lives and dies by what spriggs weighs July 1st 2017.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ChoRPdTXIAA10TZ.jpg:large

[woodbuck27]

Comment From Ryan

" ...In 10 years how many of these 7 picks do you think we will be able to look back on and say Ted was right and how many you think will be a bust? .."

Response from a chat:

" That's what makes grading drafts a fruitless endeavor. I hear guys say this was a great pick or that was a great pick, or this team had a good draft, and it's always based on either they made big-news trades for big-name players or used early picks on big needs. But that doesn't mean those players are going to pan out. If three of them turn out to be good picks Thompson will have done well. If it turns out he found a Hall of Famer, or a near Hall of Famer, he'll have had a great draft... " Pete Dougherty

[Patler]

I am loath to do this sort of thing, because I do not know college players well, and what do I know about what it takes to be an NFL player? But, what the heck, might as well try it one time.

I do very little about studying players before the draft, but find out as much as I can about the Packers picks after the draft, So here are my grades based on my perceived value for the spot the player was taken. For example, a late round "A" means it was a great pick at that time, not that the player is a better player than an early round "C". It also doesn't mean that I think he has a better chance for a long NFL career than the early round "C". It does mean that I think he has a better chance than a typical late round pick. My grades factor in need. A good pick at a position of need is graded higher than an equally good pick at a position of lesser need.

Here goes:

Clark (B+) - young, lots of potential, hit a serious need for GB. Perhaps more importamtly, I think he has little "bust potential". May not be great, but likely to be a solid player for a long time. Very good pick for late in the 1st round.

Spriggs (B+) - I want to give this pick an A because of how badly GB apparently wanted him, giving up two picks to move up. A lot of what has been said about him could have been said about Clifton, with one exception that I think is huge. Spriggs is said to not have a good punch, Clifton's was outstanding. Clifton's punch is what made his pass pro so good. I remember an article about Clifton in which rival pass rushers said his punch stunned them at times, made them stop dead just to retain balance. Great feet keep you in the rushers way, a great punch keeps them well away from the QB. Clifton had both. I hope Spriggs can be taught that.

Fackrell (B) - I like the pick, but I'm not sure it was a special pick at that spot in the draft.

Martinez (A) - I don't know why completely, but I think this guy might be viewed in the future like the pick of Linsley. This pick hit a big need for GB with one of the better prepared candidates in this draft to fit that need. At this point of the draft, it is a great pick. Martinez sure has his coaches' support for his work in coverage. One noted that while his 40 time wasn't great, his 3-cone and shuttle times were very good, and he felt those better indicated what he does in coverage. The guy is all football and maximum effort. If he fails, it won't be from lack of preparation or poor effort. Great pick at that spot. Need + players suitability to meet that need relative to other players in the draft bumps the grade on this pick way up, even if Martinez isn't exactly what you want at the position.

Lowry (C+) - I like him, size gives him the "+" in spite of the fact he was apparently born without arms. Otherwise, just a run-of-the-mill pick for that spot.

Davis (C+) - I think he has some things going for him, speed and hands give him a "+"; but I'm not sure the roster has a spot for him. If GB had a big hole in the 4th or 5th WR spot, I would rate this pick a lot higher.

Murphy (B) - Real solid pick for the 6th round. May never become a player, most 6th rounders don't. But I think he has a lot to work with, it matched a position of need, so a real good pick for that spot in the draft.

Overall, I still grade the draft an "A" for the reasons stated in my earlier post. The total is really more than the average of its parts. No weak picks, no "who?" picks, no picks not directed at a need. All picks were players with perceived shots to contribute in some way.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Spriggs has all the measurable except size. Can he bulk up to 330 by next year and develop the punch you need in the NFL. This draft grade lives and dies by what spriggs weighs July 1st 2017.

He won't and shouldn't be 330 by next year or ever. He has good lower body strength. Despite 31 bench presses, he needs to improve upper body strength. Not to the tune of an extra 30 pounds. My guess is he'll settle in at around 315, maybe 320 in his prime.

[bobblehead]

He won't and shouldn't be 330 by next year or ever. He has good lower body strength. Despite 31 bench presses, he needs to improve upper body strength. Not to the tune of an extra 30 pounds. My guess is he'll settle in at around 315, maybe 320 in his prime.

Then he should make a fine RT someday. And lower body strength is what matters for linemen, not upper (with the rare exception of former Greco Roman wrestlers who translate upper body into balance and leverage).

He needs the size so that the bulls don't run through him. He seems to have good feet, and understands the angles, but if you get run over it doesn't matter.

[HarveyWallbangers]

330lbs is too strict for a minimum requirement for a LT. Plenty of LTs that are 320lbs or less: Tyron Smith, Joe Staley, Jason Matthews, Terron Armstead, Branden Albert, Eric Fisher, Donald Penn, Eugene Monroe, Joe Thomas, Duane Brown, Anthony Constanzo, Luke Joeckel, Taylor Lewan. There are more, but I listed some bigger names. Many are under 310lbs. I think a good weight for Spriggs will be 315-320lbs. I don't see him putting on almost 30 pounds. He's got LT feet, so he doesn't need to be 330lbs. He might lose some of the athleticism at that weight.

[swede]

I would amend my grades slightly to reflect that the Blake Martinez pick has been growing on me as I learn more about him. Picks like Khyri Thornton fail because they lack the effort or ability to learn the job or refine their skills to compete at the next level. According to his coaches, Martinez gives maximum physical and mental effort and prepares incessantly.

I would also add even more to my enthusiasm for the Lowry pick. He has the size and motor and intelligence to be a very, very good DE for us.

The last few years the draft seemed to have fallen badly for us. This year, things may have worked out to such a degree that Ted was still grabbing his fourth rounders in the fifth and sixth round.

[3irty1]

The WR Davis is grown on me the most since I posted my grades. Shades of Greg Jennings in him. Seems like a smart guy too. Wouldn't surprise me if he pulled a Montgomery and made leaps in his game before even stepping on a pro field.

[mraynrand]

I have an unidentified fungus growing on me. Does that count?

[pbmax]

I have an unidentified fungus growing on me. Does that count?

Can it rush the passer?

[mraynrand]

Can it rush the passer?

Let it evolve for a few more months and maybe, just maybe.

[pbmax]

Idea for a poll: say there is a fungal infection or alien symbiote that you can have grafted/applied to your body.

Upside is greater athletic performance all around. Downside is sharing a consciousness or shortening your life.

How much would you pay for this procedure?

[mraynrand]

Idea for a poll: say there is a fungal infection or alien symbiote that you can have grafted/applied to your body.

Upside is greater athletic performance all around. Downside is sharing a consciousness or shortening your life.

How much would you pay for this procedure?



Where is Mike Neal when you need him?

http://packerrats.com/showthread.php?28772-Questions-Needing-Answers

[wootah]

Nothing a little fish antibiotics can't handle.

[Smidgeon]

Yes, the draft picks all look good and as if they're a perfect fit. But I can't help but remember the draft a couple of years back where TT went defense with the first six picks. I was excited about all that talent. Now, they're mostly out of the league.

I am hoping this is the other side of the luck coin. You win some, you lose some. These guys better show when the pads go on.

[mraynrand]

Nothing a little fish antibiotics can't handle.

beautiful. repped.

[mraynrand]

Yes, the draft picks all look good and as if they're a perfect fit. But I can't help but remember the draft a couple of years back where TT went defense with the first six picks. I was excited about all that talent. Now, they're mostly out of the league.

I am hoping this is the other side of the luck coin. You win some, you lose some. These guys better show when the pads go on.

Nah, Perry and Daniels are still with the pack, and Hayward just left. That wasn't too bad. The injuries to Hayward and Perry were annoying. Worthy McMillan and Manning were busts. 50%

[woodbuck27]

Comment woodbuck27:

The Packers have this team on their regular season Schedule ...Sun, Sep 11 @ Jaguars 1:00 PM

I discovered this article RE: The Jags and the outstanding Draft Grade this team has been awarded by experts in this area. I decided to drop it here rather than on the Packer Schedule thread.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2639060-despite-top-draft-position-jaguars-must-temper-expectations-for-dante-fowler?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=nfl

Despite Top Draft Position, Jaguars Must Temper Expectations for Dante Fowler

By Justis Mosqueda , Featured Columnist May 10, 2016

[pbmax]

Nah, Perry and Daniels are still with the pack, and Hayward just left. That wasn't too bad. The injuries to Hayward and Perry were annoying. Worthy McMillan and Manning were busts. 50%

And Hayward left for a good sized deal. Packers were willing to bring him back at a lower price. No bust in that.

[Guiness]

Nah, Perry and Daniels are still with the pack, and Hayward just left. That wasn't too bad. The injuries to Hayward and Perry were annoying. Worthy McMillan and Manning were busts. 50%

Worthy, McMillian and Terrell Manning were the ones that didn't work out, so 50% hit rate which is pretty good to be sure. Surprisingly, the one that the Pack cut ties with first, Manning, is the only one of the 3 still in the league. From Wikipedia

Green Bay Packers (2012)
San Diego Chargers (2013)
Minnesota Vikings (2014)*
New York Giants (2014)*
Miami Dolphins (2014)*
Chicago Bears (2014)
New York Giants (2014)
Atlanta Falcons (2015)*
Miami Dolphins (2015–2016)*

5 teams in '14!

[Patler]

Worthy, McMillian and Terrell Manning were the ones that didn't work out, so 50% hit rate which is pretty good to be sure. Surprisingly, the one that the Pack cut ties with first, Manning, is the only one of the 3 still in the league. From Wikipedia


Worthy is on the Bills roster. He has bounced around a few teams, spending time on practice squads, too. The Bills signed him last year for a couple games at the end of the season, and kept him this off season.

[mraynrand]

5 teams in '14!

I bet there were a lot of days where he woke up not knowing who he was or where he was. Kinda like The Skinbasket and Nutz.

[wist43]

I had given this draft a C in another thread I think... but the more I look at it, the more I think it'll be okayish. Still not wowed by any means. Still, I think some of the guys will contribute as role players - and I like Spriggs long term. He might get Rodgers killed this year if he ends up starting at LT, but long term I think he'll be a good player.

Round 1 - Kenny Clark, Grade C

I'm okay with Clark as a player, but think he is too limited to be a 1st round pick (the supposed rationale for Billings dropping apparently), I thought he belonged in the 2nd round. He's a run-stuffer, and I didn't think he was even the best run-stuffer still on the board. Robinson was still there, Billings (whom I still think will be - or perhaps would have been had he not gone to Cincy, better than Clark)

Round 2 - Jason Spriggs, Grade A-

I didn't want him in the 1st round all the way thru til after the draft, but have since changed my mind on him... I think he's a 1st round value. He's going to take a couple of years to get stronger, and hopefully fix that ugly redirect, but long-term I think he'll be fine.

Round 3 - Kyler Fackrell, Grade C

He does some things very well, and he might be an asset in underneath zone coverage - if we ever ran it much. Overall, he's kind of an awkward player, and I suspect teams will run right at him.

Round 4 - Blake Martinez, Grade B

I think he will be better than both Barrington and Ryan, and won't be as much of a liability in coverage. Still, I would prefer to see him be our #2 ILB instead of our #1. We're still pathetically weak at the position. Long term, don't think that will ever change. TT is likely done trying to invest in the position for a while.

Round 4 - Dean Lowry, Grade C+

He's pretty limited, and has shorter arms than Herve Villechaize; but, I think he can hold the point of attack pretty well, and will be a functional DE rotation guy - the 20% of the time we run base.

Round 5 - Trevor Davis, Grade C+

Think this guy has upside, and that's what I want to see from a 5th round pick. He's got speed - which is something we are sorely lacking at WR. He returns kicks. Hopefully he'll develop.

Round 6 - Kyle Murphy, Grade A

Love this pick in the 6th round. Think he's lightyears better than Barclay. He should be a starter on the line within a couple 2-3 years. Don't know why he dropped... some people had him as a possible 1st round pick; one site had him as a 3rd rounder.

Overall, B-

[run pMc]

R1 Clark: B+ solid player, athletic, good run defender, reportedly a natural 3-4 NT, never hurt, 20 years old with lots of room to grow. Doubt he's a playmaker, but I think he's a very solid pick at a need position.

R2 Spriggs: B like the pick, especially in R2. Finesse player, athletic. I worry about some of the 'looks like Tarzan' stuff, but I think if he puts in a solid year of work in an NFL weight room and Campen can teach him to punch nasty they'll have something. Insurance/leverage for Bahktiari's free agency.

R3 Fackrell: C+ Intriguing size, speed. Supposed to be decent in (short) coverage. Won in college with speed, will need to get a lot stronger. Boom/bust guy; I don't have high expectations for him but they had to take a flier on an edge rusher, and he's played in a 3-4. The age thing isn't really an issue IMO.

R4 Martinez: B+ Similar to Jake Ryan in many ways, but I think his potential coverage ability is better. I think he becomes a ST demon while learning the backup ILB role. With TT investing picks at ILB for Bradford, Barrington, Ryan, Palmer (since released), and Martinez, they better have a pair of ILBs to line up on Sundays by now.

R4 Lowry: C+ Who? Seriously, I like his size except for the alligator arms. Good motor, athletic, smart, can play the 5-tech. Depth pick and I don't expect much from him beyond that.

R5 Davis: B Offers pure speed and good agility. If he can run good routes and doesn't develop the dropsies he nudges Abby off the roster. I wasn't expecting a WR pick but the more I think about it the more I like it. Measurables compare to Emmanuel Sanders.

R6 Murphy: C- Maybe he can compete at G or RT in a year. I think Campen and TT try to stash him on the PS and next year could provide insurance in case of Sitton/Lang leaving. This guy is a long term investment.

Overall I give the draft a B, knowing that this is a silly but entertaining exercise and we won't really know until about 2018.