BUCKY BROOKS......TOP 5 PER POSITION IN NFL DRAFT

[Bretsky]

https://www.nfl.com/news/bucky-brooks-top-five-2021-nfl-draft-prospects-by-position-2-0

BUCKS BROOKS TOP PLAYERS BY POSITION; this gives us a nice list to comment on and pick some of the faves if you choose; if not it's at least a cool list to refer to




Rank
1 Trevor Lawrence Clemson
2 Justin Fields- Ohio State
3 Zach Wilson= BYU
4 Trey Lance North Dakota State
5 Mac Jones Alabams

The 2021 QB class is loaded with intriguing options, and teams searching for QB1s will have to determine if they prefer to build around an athletic player or a classic pocket passer. Lawrence is an exceptional talent with a combination of physical tools, intangibles and playmaking skills that would make him a candidate to be the No. 1 overall pick in any draft. He is best described as "Justin Herbert-plus," given that he has comparable traits to the 2020 Offensive Rookie of the Year, but brings more sizzle. Fields is a five-star talent with outstanding athleticism and playmaking ability. He had an up-and-down 2020 campaign, but he put up big numbers in some of the Buckeyes' biggest games while looking like the best player on the field. Wilson is a natural passer with ridiculous arm talent and improvisational skills. He has the capacity to win a game of H-O-R-S-E with his off-platform throws -- and he also displays the poise and discipline to play a scripted game from the pocket.

[Bretsky]

Rank
1 Najee Harris Alabams
2 Travis Etienne Clemson
3 Javonte Williams North Carolina
4 Michael Carter North Carolina
5 Trey Sermon Ohio State

This crop of running backs features a number of quality players with RB1 potential, and the depth of the class could prompt teams to wait until Day 2 or Day 3 to try to snag a hidden gem. Harris is big, but with the skills of a scat back. He has the size, strength and power to run through defenses as a between-the-tackles grinder, but he also displays the soft hands and receiving skills to be a legitimate weapon in the passing game. Etienne is a one-cut runner with exceptional speed, acceleration and burst. He has improved as a pass catcher, evolving into a big-play threat in the mold of Jamaal Charles and CJ2K (Chris Johnson). Carter put on a show at the Senior Bowl, flashing an all-around game that could make him an explosive weapon as a change-of-pace back.

[Bretsky]

Rank
1 Ja'Marr Chase LSU
2 Jaylen Waddle Alabama
3 Devonta Smith Alabama
4 Kadarius Toney Florida
5 Rashod Bateman Minnesota

The explosion of the aerial game at the lower levels of football has enabled rookie pass catchers to make an immediate impact in Year 1. The 2021 class is stacked with polished receivers who have route-running skills and big-play ability. Chase opted out the 2020 season, but his spectacular play during the Tigers' championship run in 2019 provided scouts with a glimpse of his WR1 potential. As a natural receiver with exceptional hands and ball skills, he consistently wins against one-on-one coverage on the perimeter and has the capacity to anchor a passing game as a lead receiver. Waddle is the best catch-and-run specialist in the class. He has a knack for turning short passes into long gains with his electric running skills and cat-like stop-start quickness. Smith plays the game like a seasoned vet, with his patience and superb timing complementing his savvy route-running skills. The Heisman Trophy winner is not the biggest or fastest receiver in the class, but he is always open, and his jaw-dropping production against elite competition bodes well for his pro potential. Toney has the speed and explosiveness that make scouts drool over his playmaking potential. He could thrive in the wing back role that has re-emerged in some offensive systems. Bateman is an enticing mix of A.J. Brown and Michael Thomas on the perimeter; he's a physical pass catcher with the capacity to play out wide or in the slot. He is a true No. 1 receiver, and his underrated game could pop at the next level.

[Bretsky]

Rank
1 Kyle Pitts Florida
2 Pat Freiermuth Penn State
3 Hunter Loan Boston College
4 Brevin Jordan Miami
5.Tre' McKitty Georgia

The tight end position offers the most opportunity to create a mismatch on the field in the 2020s, and this group features an intriguing mix of playmakers with games reminiscent of George Kittle and Travis Kelce. Pitts is the ultimate offensive weapon. The ultra-athletic pass-catcher is a wide receiver in a tight end's body, boasting an array of skills that make him a nightmare matchup for defenders on the perimeter. Freiermuth is a rock-solid tight end with a game that is about as complete as they come. He is an effective pass catcher with the potential to thrive as a chain mover, while also displaying strong blocking skills in the running game. Long is a classic "Y" tight end, with size, length and athleticism to thrive as an in-line blocker or pass catcher from the slot or out wide. He has a Kyle Rudolph-like flair that could intrigue teams looking for a throwback at the position. Jordan is an athletic pass catcher with a game that makes him an intriguing prospect as an H-back playmaker. McKitty has all of the physical tools coaches covet in a flex tight end. Despite his limited production, the Georgia product's combination of size, speed and athleticism will make him a hot commodity in scouting circles.

[Bretsky]

1. Penei Sewell Oregon
2 Rashawn Slater Northwestern
3 Christian Darrisaw Virginia Tech
4 Jalen Mayfield Michigan
5 Teven Jenkins Oklahoma State

The 2021 offensive tackle class is packed with quality prospects who have plug-and-play potential. Sewell is the headliner, as a dancing bear with a powerful game and nimble feet. He is a natural left tackle with the athleticism and movement skills to snuff out elite pass rushers in pass protection and cut off edge defenders on perimeter runs. Slater is a five-star player with a nearly flawless technical game. He neutralizes pass rushers with his quick hands and superb footwork while displaying enough nastiness to finish off his run blocks with violence. Darrisaw plays the position like a bouncer at a nightclub. He bullies edge rushers with his physicality and finishes plays with a nastiness that will endear him to offensive line coaches around the league. Mayfield is a mauler/brawler at the point of attack. He mashes defenders in the running game while also displaying enough balance and body control to hold up in pass protection. Jenkins is climbing up the charts as evaluators begin to appreciate his aggressiveness at the line of scrimmage. He utilizes his combination of size, strength and explosiveness to throw defenders around on running plays while protecting quarterbacks like bodyguard. He doesn't mind escorting defenders out of the club, and his nastiness stands out on tape.

[Bretsky]

1 Alijah Vera-Tucker USC
2 Wyatt Davis Ohio State
3 Trey Smith Tennessee
4 Creed Humphrey Oklahoma
5 Landon Dickerson Alabama

A rock-solid collection of interior blockers could lead to an early run on offensive guards and centers on draft weekend. Vera-Tucker is a swing player with the potential to man four spots on the offensive line. He shined at offensive tackle for the Trojans, but he could earn all-star accolades as an interior blocker at the next level if a team were to kick him inside. Davis is a people mover at the point of attack with the combination of size, strength and power to overwhelm defenders on inside runs. He is a quick-setter in pass protection with the balance and body control to anchor against power rushers. Smith is a steady player capable of playing a mauler or brawler style at the point of attack. He has the potential to thrive as an interior blocker in a power-based offense. Humphrey is a classic pivot with a scrappy game and the demeanor of a junkyard dog. He uses all the tricks of the trade to neutralize defensive tackles at the point of attack. Dickerson's late-season knee injury will ding his draft stock, but the team that eventually pulls the trigger could land a longtime starter with a refined game that enables him to shine early in his career.

[Bretsky]

Edge defenders
1 Jaelan Phillips Miami
2 Kwity Pave Michigan
3 Gregory Rousseau Miami
4 Carlos Basham Jr Wake Forest
5 Jayson Oweh Penn State

Despite the lack of star power at the edge positions, there are several pass rushers with boom-or-bust potential who, if they land in the right spots, could emerge as double-digit sack masters early in their careers. Phillips shook up the scouting community with his exceptional pro-day performance. As a technician with outstanding hand skills, he mixes power with finesses to keep blockers off balance. Paye is a quick-twitch pass rusher with a non-stop motor and active hands. He doesn't play with heavy hands, but his activity and effort enable him to chalk up garbage sacks off the edge. Rousseau is a long, rangy pass rusher with natural instincts and skills. The Miami standout is still a work in progress, but his flashes will encourage teams to gamble on his upside as a disruptive edge defender. Basham is an athletic defender with twitch and explosiveness. He is capable of aligning at multiple spots to take advantage of a weak blocker with his first-step quickness and burst. Oweh is a freak athlete with a combination of physical tools that will make defensive coaches salivate at his upside and potential. He has the capacity to win with power or finesse, displaying an array of maneuvers that enable him to get home.

[Bretsky]

Defensive tackles
1 Levi Onwuzurike Washington
2 Christian Barmore Alabama
3. Daviyon Nixon Iowa
4 Osa Odighizuwa UCLA
5 Jay Tufele USC

A paucity of dominant interior defenders could prompt teams to overvalue flashers at the position during the evaluation process. Onwuzurike plays defensive tackle like Mr. Myagi, utilizing his extraordinary hand-to-hand combat skills to whip blockers at the point of attack. He combines his great hands with explosive athleticism and a non-stop motor to win against top competition. Barmore plays the game like a backyard bully, utilizing his size, strength and power to overwhelm blockers at the line of scrimmage. Although his motor runs a little hot and cold, the Alabama standout takes over games when he is motivated and inspired to bring his "A" game. Nixon is a war daddy at the line of scrimmage, with active hands and quick feet. He has a feel for shooting gaps, utilizing his strength and power to create space between blockers. Odighizuwa's first-step quickness and overall athleticism could make him a disruptive force in a one-gap defense. He is an upfield interior defender with a knack for slipping through cracks at the line of scrimmage. Tufele is a stout defender at the point with some pass-rush ability. He mixes power with finesse (arm-over) to disrupt plays as a playmaker at the point of attack

[Bretsky]

Linebackers
1 Micah Parsons Penn State
2 Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah Notre Dame
3 Nick Bolton Missouri
4 Jamin Davis Kentucky
5 Chazz Surratt North Carolina

There are a handful of off-ball linebackers with speed, instincts and playmaking ability this year. Parsons might emerge as the best defensive player in the draft when it is all said and done. He is a freak athlete with explosive strength, power and speed. As an A+ blitz specialist with a nasty disposition, Parsons could play at a superstar level early in his career in the right system. Owusu-Koramoah is a dynamic run-and-chase playmaker with the speed, quickness and instincts to create splash plays all over the field. Teams looking for an active space player will target the Notre Dame standout for his potential to make an impact on the second level. Bolton was a tackling machine in the middle of the Mizzou defense. He plays with reckless abandon but never appears out of control when approaching ball carriers. Davis is shooting up the charts as more evaluators dig into his game. The instinctive playmaker has a knack for finding the ball, and his penchant for creating turnovers stands out on tape. Surratt is a newbie at the position, but his combination of speed, athleticism and explosiveness has helped him emerge as a difference-maker while learning on the job.

[Bretsky]

Outside linebackers
1 Zaven Collins Tulsa
2 Azeez Ojulari Georgia
3. Joseph Ossai Texas
4 Chris Rumph Duke
5 Baron Browning Ohio State

The NFL's gradual shift towards positionless football has blurred the lines when it comes to linebackers. The position is essentially split between on-ball and off-ball linebackers, due to the multiplicity of defenses and how defensive coaches deploy outside linebackers as pass rushers. Collins is a chameleon at the position as a versatile defender capable of aligning between the tackles as a box defender or on the edges as a blitzer/pass rusher. The Tulsa product expands the playbook with his versatility and playmaking skills as an inside/outside defender on the second level. Ojulari is a twitchy athlete with an explosive first step and dynamic pass-rush skills. He is ideally suited to attack as a pass rusher off the edges, but a creative defensive coordinator could view him as a pass-rushing SAM linebacker in a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme. Ossai is an ultra-athletic defender with outstanding speed, quickness and burst. He is a crafty pass rusher off the edge, but his physical dimensions might make him better suited to play as an off-ball linebacker at the next level. Rumph's length, athleticism and motor will entice evaluators looking for an edge rusher with the capacity to attack quarterbacks from a stand-up position or three-point stance. He is a work in progress, but his impressive physical tools could make him an intriguing developmental prospect. Browning's speed and athleticism could make him an ideal nickel linebacker in sub-packages.

[Bretsky]

Cornerbacks
1 Patrick Surtain II Alabama
2. Jaycee Horn South Carolina
3 Caleb Farley Virginia Tech
4 Asante Samuel Jr. Florida State
5 Elijah Molden Washington

The depth and talent of this year's collection of long, athletic and versatile corners will enable teams to find starters outside of Day 1. Surtain is a polished cover corner with rock-solid fundamentals and exceptional instincts. He plays the game like a savvy vet, and his overall consistency in coverage is a testament to his diligent work on the practice field and in the film room. Horn is an explosive athlete with the tools to evolve into a shutdown corner. He has the ability to neutralize opponents with an aggressive bump-and-run style that also mixes in some shadowboxing techniques at the line of scrimmage. He isn't a finished product, but his potential makes him an easy pick for teams looking for a premier cover corner. Farley is a big-bodied corner with outstanding instincts, awareness and ball skills, particularly in zone coverage. He is a solid tackler in space, and his physicality makes him an ideal fit in a Seahawks-style Cover 3 scheme. But his injury history -- and recent back surgery -- could affect his draft stock. Samuel's instincts and ballhawking skills could make him a dominant corner, particularly as a nickel defender in the slot. Molden is a versatile defender with the capacity to play in the slot or out wide. He is a high-IQ playmaker with the instincts, awareness and competitiveness to thrive in his role as a Swiss Army Knife in a multi-faceted defense.

[Bretsky]

Safeties
1 Trevon Moehrig TCU
2 Jevon Holland Oregon
3 Jamar Johnson Indiana
4 Carden Sterns Texas
5 Hamsah Nasirildeen Florida State

It's hard to find safeties with the ability to thrive in coverage and run support, but the upcoming draft will offer plenty of enticing options at free safety and strong safety. Moehrig is a dynamic safety with corner-like coverage skills. He capably matches up with slot receivers in space while also flashing outstanding range as a deep-half player. Most importantly, the TCU standout is an exceptional open-field tackler with an aggressive read-and-reaction approach that enables him to blow up WR screens at the line of scrimmage. Holland is an instinctive ballhawk with terrific instincts and awareness. He reads quarterbacks like a base stealer swiping a bag off of a slow-throwing pitcher, and his ability to produce turnovers is a game-changer in a league where contests are routinely decided by seven points or fewer. Although his size could be an issue in run support, the Oregon product could thrive as a deep-middle player in a single-high defense. Johnson is a fast riser with outstanding instincts and thump ability. He is an active playmaker near the line of scrimmage but also displays solid skills in coverage. Sterns is an athletic safety with range, ball skills and instincts. Although his play dipped following an impressive freshman season, he possesses a nice set of tools for the position. Nasirildeen is a big, athletic box safety with a physical game. He specializes in plugging holes in run support, but also displays solid instincts, awareness and ball skills in coverage.

[Bretsky]

REALLY LIKE BATEMAN, the 5 OT's, and Zaven Collins

if history has it's say might as well mark them off the list :)))

[Joemailman]

Watched some tape of Collins. Tulsa played a 3-3-5. Collins usually lined up as OLB, off the line, sometimes left side, sometimes right. Occasionally lined up as edge defender or MLB. He has cover skills. I like him a lot.

[Upnorth]

Looking over this list I see the potential for some incredibly good players for us to chose from. If there is a run on guards and centers as is suggested we could have a difficult choice between dt and CB due to talent available.

[RashanGary]

It looks kind a deep draft. OT, InteriorOL, ILB, WR, CB..... most of our need spots are spots of depth. Maybe we could have good picks all the way to the 4th rounds with interior OL being a sweet spot in round 4.

[Bretsky]

It looks kind a deep draft. OT, InteriorOL, ILB, WR, CB..... most of our need spots are spots of depth. Maybe we could have good picks all the way to the 4th rounds with interior OL being a sweet spot in round 4.


Round 1- All Pro WR
Round 2- Solid started at CB or ILB
Round 3- Solid starter at CB or ILB
Round 4- OL
Round 4- OL



This would be a great start

[bobblehead]

Watched some tape of Collins. Tulsa played a 3-3-5. Collins usually lined up as OLB, off the line, sometimes left side, sometimes right. Occasionally lined up as edge defender or MLB. He has cover skills. I like him a lot.

Yep. If he slips I expect to be disappointed when we don't take him.

[bobblehead]

It looks kind a deep draft. OT, InteriorOL, ILB, WR, CB..... most of our need spots are spots of depth. Maybe we could have good picks all the way to the 4th rounds with interior OL being a sweet spot in round 4.

Its a draft where I could see dropping some capital to move from 3rd back into 2nd. Grab OL, DL, WR. Guys like Marshall could slip. There are probably 8 OL and 7 WR that deserve a late 1st round grade, but we know for certain that they won't all go in the 1st. I haven't done as much homework on DT, but I have read that 6-8 could easily go in the 2nd round.

Sadly I think its a weak CB draft so we won't likely get much help there. As always, BPA at every pick except QB and probably RB. By round 3 I wouldn't mind RB though.

[Bretsky]

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/packers-seven-round-2021-nfl-mock-draft-green-bay-bolsters-lb-unit-gives-aaron-rodgers-another-weapon/?fbclid=IwAR2TEeEBZL-7Joh1CzXq_-VsPuI3wXEvrSmaWr_HXV9KEM_AoBlyDU1SMTw


MOCK DRAFT
I'd TAKE THIS

[Jaire]

Yep. If he slips I expect to be disappointed when we don't take him.

It's really deep at ilb. Mcgrone might be straight up better than Collins and is likely available round 3. Best bet is OT with the first pick: Jenkins, Cosmi, Eichenberg.

[Bretsky]

It's really deep at ilb. Mcgrone might be straight up better than Collins and is likely available round 3. Best bet is OT with the first pick: Jenkins, Cosmi, Eichenberg.

You think more of Mcgrone than I do.

we'll have some nice options at OT if we choose to go there

[RashanGary]

I like Jabril Cox. He came from no where and had to earn his way to a transfer to LSU in his senior year. A highlight machine for interceptions and pass breakups (at least 10 interceptions in college.) He’s versatile enough to almost cover like a nickel backer (see raven Greene) but also big enough to be a true linebacker in base.

Maybe 2nd round.


First round take an OT

Third round, a receiver (deep receiver class and lots of third round receivers become 1,000 yard guys, so a sweet spot)

4th round interior OL (the sweet spot for draft hits over the years)

We’d be lookin good going into 2021. I like how most of our biggest needs are deep positions in the draft this year.

I hope the team needs fall in our lap. Of course I’ll take a future pro bowl tight end over a crappy OT, so it’s not all about need, but damn it, we need some luck to win a SB. Let’s get a lucky draft here.

[RashanGary]

OT drops off after round 1. Maybe one slips to us.
ILB drops off after round 2. Maybe one slips to us.
WR is deep and always produces gems in round 3. Maybe one slips to us
Interior OL is deep and we always draft well in R4. Scoop on there


The spots that this draft is strong, lines up with our needs. I’m kind of crossing my fingers for that magic draft class that puts us over the top. The shortened season and opt outs and lack of combine make doing your homework even more paramount. Gutey has a stable personnel department with everyone returning for a couple years. His system should be sharp and ready to lock in on this draft. Everyone knows their role and they should be able to churn out detail vs getting guys up to speed at their jobs.

We’re one lucky all star draft (plus some development) away from a title. Come on Gute, hit a home run this year!

[Bretsky]

OT drops off after round 1. Maybe one slips to us.
ILB drops off after round 2. Maybe one slips to us.
WR is deep and always produces gems in round 3. Maybe one slips to us
Interior OL is deep and we always draft well in R4. Scoop on there


The spots that this draft is strong, lines up with our needs. I’m kind of crossing my fingers for that magic draft class that puts us over the top. The shortened season and opt outs and lack of combine make doing your homework even more paramount. Gutey has a stable personnel department with everyone returning for a couple years. His system should be sharp and ready to lock in on this draft. Everyone knows their role and they should be able to churn out detail vs getting guys up to speed at their jobs.

We’re one lucky all star draft (plus some development) away from a title. Come on Gute, hit a home run this year!


You know me Rashan; I'm always living the Pipe Dream that Gutebag might surround Rodgers with talent at receiver instead of relying on him to make everybody better with thread the needle throws. Like last year, I don't see a ton of guys who really will help after about pick 50.
How many round 3 guys killed it last year ? Lots of R1 and R2 guys but those guys will probably be gone by pick 60

[wist43]

He's not going to take an ILB early, if at all... they like Barnes and Martin - and I do too - I would just prefer either one of them next to a game changer.

Besides, the Packers just don't care much about the position.

[RashanGary]

You know me Rashan; I'm always living the Pipe Dream that Gutebag might surround Rodgers with talent at receiver instead of relying on him to make everybody better with thread the needle throws. Like last year, I don't see a ton of guys who really will help after about pick 50.
How many round 3 guys killed it last year ? Lots of R1 and R2 guys but those guys will probably be gone by pick 60

Stefon Diggs 5th round
Tyreek Hill 5th round
Keenan Allen 3rd round
Tyler Lockett 3rd round
Robby Anderson undrafted

There are many others but I was just going off of last years receptions leaders list and didn’t want to keep going. But there are many. And many more 2nd rounders than 1st near the top as well. Rounds 2-3 is the money spot for receivers.

[RashanGary]

Cooper kupp 3rd round
Dionte Johnson 3rd round
Terry McClauren 3rd round

The list of 3rd or later WRs is long. And back to back deep drafts, one is bound to fall

[Bretsky]

Stefon Diggs 5th round
Tyreek Hill 5th round
Keenan Allen 3rd round
Tyler Lockett 3rd round
Robby Anderson undrafted

There are many others but I was just going off of last years receptions leaders list and didn’t want to keep going. But there are many. And many more 2nd rounders than 1st near the top as well. Rounds 2-3 is the money spot for receivers.



Game is changing; WR's are becoming move valuable and IMO are getting drafted higher.

I was trying to think of any WR who remotely killed it last year after round 2. I am probably missing somebody. Or year before. Some of those guys have been around a while; if you go back several years you can find gems at every position.

[RashanGary]

Game is changing; WR's are becoming move valuable and IMO are getting drafted higher.

I was trying to think of any WR who remotely killed it last year after round 2. I am probably missing somebody. Or year before. Some of those guys have been around a while; if you go back several years you can find gems at every position.

Terry McClauren 2019



Bretsky, if you go through the top 64 players (generally #1 or #2 WRs) half of them are taken 3rd round or later. It’s that common.

[bobblehead]

It's really deep at ilb. Mcgrone might be straight up better than Collins and is likely available round 3. Best bet is OT with the first pick: Jenkins, Cosmi, Eichenberg.

OL is definitely my preference. Saw that Bateman wasn't nearly as big as advertised at his pro day. A shade over 6' and under 190. That puts him more in the Ahman Ra St. Brown category.

[bobblehead]

Stefon Diggs 5th round
Tyreek Hill 5th round
Keenan Allen 3rd round
Tyler Lockett 3rd round
Robby Anderson undrafted

There are many others but I was just going off of last years receptions leaders list and didn’t want to keep going. But there are many. And many more 2nd rounders than 1st near the top as well. Rounds 2-3 is the money spot for receivers.

We actually have everything the Flower offense needs at the skill positions. I'll say it one more time. Adams, true #1. Lazard, possession guy who can run block. MVS, take the top off and surprisingly good run blocker. Jones, gamebreaker. Dillon, short yardage/all around. 4 functional TEs. Rodgers, the maestro that brings it all together. We can use another T.

[bobblehead]

Game is changing; WR's are becoming move valuable and IMO are getting drafted higher.

I was trying to think of any WR who remotely killed it last year after round 2. I am probably missing somebody. Or year before. Some of those guys have been around a while; if you go back several years you can find gems at every position.

They rarely do as rookies, but Gabriel Davis and Mooney come to mind.

edit: Scottie Miller. He should be etched in your memory.

[texaspackerbacker]

We actually have everything the Flower offense needs at the skill positions. I'll say it one more time. Adams, true #1. Lazard, possession guy who can run block. MVS, take the top off and surprisingly good run blocker. Jones, gamebreaker. Dillon, short yardage/all around. 4 functional TEs. Rodgers, the maestro that brings it all together. We can use another T.

When you're right, you're right. 13-3 the past two years, and with a little better D, we'd have gone all the way. Let's get that better D. I like the top five Corners listed here as well as at least two or three not listed. We should be able to get somebody there in the first and maybe even double up on Corner in the second round to do the job nearly as well as Jaire.

As four WR, in addition to the top three, St. Brown is a solid fourth, and either Taylor or Funchess is more than adequate to round out the group. I would like to get a kick returner, though.

[RashanGary]

Bretsky, I think first round receivers tend to play better in year 1, but over the course of a rookie contract or career, the 2nd-5th rounders do quite well. You just go down the list of top performing WR's and most don't come from the first round. I'm a pretty big believer in rounds 2-3 because when I go down the list, that's where the good ones come from, especially 2nd round. I believe in rarely taking a WR in the first round because it's the easiest position to fill later.

[RashanGary]

I think you try to get a big guy if you can in round 1, skill players in round 2 and interior OL after that. It's just when you look at where the quality players come from, you can get skill guys in rounds 2 and 3 and IOL in 3 and 4 so I just don't like picking WR's early.

Round 1 (in order) QB, LT, DT, EDGE, RT
Round 2 WR, CB, ILB, S, TE
Round 3 and 4 IOL, center, RB

[Bretsky]

Bretsky, I think first round receivers tend to play better in year 1, but over the course of a rookie contract or career, the 2nd-5th rounders do quite well. You just go down the list of top performing WR's and most don't come from the first round. I'm a pretty big believer in rounds 2-3 because when I go down the list, that's where the good ones come from, especially 2nd round. I believe in rarely taking a WR in the first round because it's the easiest position to fill later.


I do buy into the round 1 and 2

But I'd take it a step further. Nearly all of the round 2 come before us at the end of the round

I know there are occasional gems in round 3 to 5 but as a percentage my perception is way lower

[RashanGary]

I do buy into the round 1 and 2

But I'd take it a step further. Nearly all of the round 2 come before us at the end of the round

I know there are occasional gems in round 3 to 5 but as a percentage my perception is way lower

We are weirdly bad with those third round picks. A lot of teams are hitting receiver and corner gold there and we keep taking duds. It sure is weird that the Packers cant hit a third rounder. You look at a lot of the better players in the league and you see a lot of 3rd rounders.

We crush the 4th round though.


Rounds 1-2 best
Rounds 3-4 solid (packers crush 4s and miss on 3s, lots of good players league wide)
Rounds 5-7 total guessing game, but keke looks alright.

[RashanGary]

I would rather have 3 - 2nd round picks than a 1 2 3

[Bretsky]

I would rather have 3 - 2nd round picks than a 1 2 3


Completely 100 percent agree

[RashanGary]

Completely 100 percent agree

2nd round just doesn't give you big guys. That's the only problem. Rashan Gary, most LT's, Kenny Clark, Bulaga, etc.... Those big guys come in the first round. And it's crazy how hard it is to hit on them. I guess if you want stud big guys you need to get first round picks. Its a pick your poison situation

[call_me_ishmael]

1 Trevor Lawrence Clemson
2 Justin Fields- Ohio State
3 Zach Wilson= BYU
4 Trey Lance North Dakota State
5 Mac Jones Alabams

I have only watched a few games but I was so impressed with Justin Fields in the final four game. He was so good. People seem to really like Trey Lance as well.

[RashanGary]

I have only watched a few games but I was so impressed with Justin Fields in the final four game. He was so good. People seem to really like Trey Lance as well.

I watched an Ohio state game (don't watch a ton of college football) and he reminded me of culpepper. I don't know if I love his game, but he looked ok. I don't have an opinion on a lot of the other guys cuz haven't seen whole games. Fields might be a solid QB but I don't think he's special.

Comparing him to the other guy I've watched full games of, Jordan Love...... It's a tough comp because Love was constantly pressured and harassed, but I thought Love showed a little more with being able to get off good throws off platform and I thought Love was more competitive and gritty.

At the end of the day, the two quarterbacks I've watched full games of the last two years, I think they're about equal. I like fields size and arm. I like loves improvisation, calm under pressure and fire. I think.theyre about equal prospects with Fields safer and Love the upside player.

[HarveyWallbangers]

We actually have everything the Flower offense needs at the skill positions. I'll say it one more time. Adams, true #1. Lazard, possession guy who can run block. MVS, take the top off and surprisingly good run blocker. Jones, gamebreaker. Dillon, short yardage/all around. 4 functional TEs. Rodgers, the maestro that brings it all together. We can use another T.

This! All we need on offense is an OT. The rest is gravy. OT and defense. Take a WR, but it doesn’t have to be in the first two rounds. OT, CB, DL

[Fritz]

Seems like one of those "gadget" guys would be a great addition - someone who really can run the jet sweep and catch passes from the slot.

That, and an offensive tackle who can start from day one, and they've got the offense covered. Oh, and pick up your third running back along the way.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Bretsky, I think first round receivers tend to play better in year 1, but over the course of a rookie contract or career, the 2nd-5th rounders do quite well. You just go down the list of top performing WR's and most don't come from the first round. I'm a pretty big believer in rounds 2-3 because when I go down the list, that's where the good ones come from, especially 2nd round. I believe in rarely taking a WR in the first round because it's the easiest position to fill later.

Interesting stat:


Only 27% of 1st round receivers have made it to a second contract with the team drafting them.

[sharpe1027]

Interesting stat:

Does that exclude WRs that hit the open market? How does it compare to other positions? Not sure what to make of that number.

[Fritz]

Does that exclude WRs that hit the open market? How does it compare to other positions? Not sure what to make of that number.

This seems like a good spot for this article. It's from Acme Packing and is an analysis of which positions NFL scouts are best at evaluating in terms of first-round talent. Apparently, offensive tackle and cornerback evaluations (general, NFL scouting departments) are the most solid of all positions. The offensive tackles and corners drafted in the first round are the ones who most consistently become very successful starters. As the draft goes on the "hit" rate is lower.

You might be thinking "well, isn't that true of any position?" but the answer is no, it's not. There's a high wide receiver "hit" rate in the first round, but that level of scouting success does not drop as precipitously as it does at other positions. In other words, your chances of hitting on a wide receiver later in the draft are better than your odds of hitting on an offensive tackle or corner later.

The worst positions in terms of hitting in the first round? Defensive linemen. No surprise there. They are apparently the most difficult to evaluate.

Then, as the article points out, if you factor in how deep each position is in a draft, you can get a sense of where you might be best drafting a position. This year, according to the rankings, there are more corners than offensive tackles, so you'd think, all else being equal at #29 (as in, the players are rated equally), you'd go for the offensive tackle first.

https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/nfl-draft-2021/2021/4/9/22373950/putting-together-an-nfl-draft-playbook-plus-how-it-affects-the-packers

[sharpe1027]

The thing that is puzzling about those stats is that, ignoring the round and undrafted free agents, the hit rate would seem to necessarily follows the number of players drafted relative to how many starting positions open up.

Number of drafted/number of players exiting.

Maybe they're just drafting too many DL.

[RashanGary]

Over the years I’ve seen guys just drastically over perform and get better as the years go on. My 18 year old plays rugby. He’s 6’2” 175 lbs. he developed late. Some guys were all muscled out at 17 years old and my guy is just now starting to add weight. Some of these over performers are late bloomers. Some guys reach their full athletic profile at 21 years old and other guys are still getting better until 25 years old.

I think I’d be all about drafting late bloomer DL later in the draft every year. Maybe 1 in 3 or 1 in 4 pan out, but take them every single year and separate the wheat from the chaff.

If you have your finger on the pulse of body development timelines, I think you can draft those late bloomers and look lucky a lot of the time. Testing numbers at 21 years old might not be straight apples to apples when you account for genetic development timeline. The guys who came in small and skinny (bakhtiari, a 240 pound freshman tackle) can keep getting better in the league.

That's why I'm all for jalen mayfield, a 245 pound freshman tackle who's still coming into his athletic prime. I'll bet on him to get better when other guys are coming in mostly maxed out.

[RashanGary]

Watching bakhtiari over perform and seeing my sons development compared to his peers makes me start to account for genetics and development timelines and look for the signs that a guy is a late bloomer.

Go search “bakhtiari freshman” and look how small he was. Clearly he got better and better when other guys had already maxed out and I think him being a late bloomer is the reason why.

[texaspackerbacker]

I wonder how bulking up relatively late like that correlates with major knee injuries.

[sharpe1027]

I wonder how bulking up relatively late like that correlates with major knee injuries.

Or drug use.

[bobblehead]

I have only watched a few games but I was so impressed with Justin Fields in the final four game. He was so good. People seem to really like Trey Lance as well.

Lance is a Cam Newton type guy. Uber physical talent. Bigger than Lamar Jackson (thicker). But like Lamar he is raw. He needs to sit a year. Washington is my guess unless someone reaches. Riverboat Ron got the most out of Cam, and he has Fitzmagic for the upcoming season. That would be a nice fit.

[bobblehead]

I watched an Ohio state game (don't watch a ton of college football) and he reminded me of culpepper. I don't know if I love his game, but he looked ok. I don't have an opinion on a lot of the other guys cuz haven't seen whole games. Fields might be a solid QB but I don't think he's special.

Comparing him to the other guy I've watched full games of, Jordan Love...... It's a tough comp because Love was constantly pressured and harassed, but I thought Love showed a little more with being able to get off good throws off platform and I thought Love was more competitive and gritty.

At the end of the day, the two quarterbacks I've watched full games of the last two years, I think they're about equal. I like fields size and arm. I like loves improvisation, calm under pressure and fire. I think.theyre about equal prospects with Fields safer and Love the upside player.

Agree about Love being calm. I have gone back to watch him and try and give him a chance. McShay was in love with him, even predicting he goes before Herbert. Love doesn't really panic in the pocket and keeps his head downfield. I see why they liked him, still hate the pick...especially after Rodgers turned in an MVP season.

[run pMc]

I think Love is ok in the pocket -- needs to work on the internal clock, but he keeps his eyes downfield. His lower body mechanics/footwork are (if you look at his college tape) bad and I expect MLF went to work on that. His (upper) throwing mechanics look ok-to-good -- his arm is strong enough.
I noticed he played a LOT out of the shotgun, so I hope he's being well coached with played from under center -- again, footwork is important there. He's an above average athlete, but he's not Mahomes. Unlike some college QB's, you can find numerous examples of him going through his reads/progressions, which is good and tells me he can do that. His last year he made some poor decisions but I think his surrounding talent (OL, WR) was subpar and he felt pressure to make something happen. Still, that will need to be carefully coached if he wants to play in the pros. Didn't play great against top college competition, which is a concern too.

He's got talent and tools that a patient coach can work with but whether he will amount to anything remains to be seen. Two or three years of watching Rodgers and rebuilding his fundamentals and decision making could pan out. Or not.
I didn't like the pick because (a) it felt a year early based on Rodgers contract and (b) they gave up an R4 to do it. In a vacuum it's hard to fault a personnel department for drafting a successor to your starting QB when they are 37 and have been injured before.

I really hope for his sake he gets a lot of preseason snaps. I imagine some of it will be ugly, but as long as he makes progress from game 1 thru game 3 and shows enough that he could get them through a 2 game stretch that will be a good sign. If he rocks it a la Hasselbeck even better - he can either be trade bait or keep that shoulder chip/pressure on Rodgers.

[HarveyWallbangers]

I thought the Michigan State game was some of his best tape. He was awful against LSU, but he had no chance in that game. A team that lost 9 of 10 starters from the previous year on the road against the national champs. Huge talent disparity.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Lance is a Cam Newton type guy. Uber physical talent. Bigger than Lamar Jackson (thicker). But like Lamar he is raw. He needs to sit a year. Washington is my guess unless someone reaches. Riverboat Ron got the most out of Cam, and he has Fitzmagic for the upcoming season. That would be a nice fit.

My comp for Lance is a young Donovan McNabb. The one that ran for over 600 yards and 6 TDs in his second year. Similar arm talent and intelligence.

[Guiness]

When you're right, you're right. 13-3 the past two years, and with a little better D, we'd have gone all the way. Let's get that better D. I like the top five Corners listed here as well as at least two or three not listed. We should be able to get somebody there in the first and maybe even double up on Corner in the second round to do the job nearly as well as Jaire.

As four WR, in addition to the top three, St. Brown is a solid fourth, and either Taylor or Funchess is more than adequate to round out the group. I would like to get a kick returner, though.

What happened with Patterson? It was looking like a near done deal for a bit.

[RashanGary]

My comp for Lance is a young Donovan McNabb. The one that ran for over 600 yards and 6 TDs in his second year. Similar arm talent and intelligence.

Fields reminds me of Culpepper.

[smuggler]

I like Zaven. But I feel like it's a volatile position in terms of evaluation.