2022 NFL Draft Talk

[HarveyWallbangers]

I did my initial look at the QB prospects. This QB class really is not very good. Kenny Pickett is probably the safe, Derek Carr-type pick. Even he has question marks with his tiny hands. I want to like others, but I'm just not seeing it. Malik Willis is like a Trey Lance-lite, but he's 6'0" instead of 6'4", doesn't have the arm strength Lance has (Lance has one of the strongest arms in the NFL), and is even less accurate. Not a fan of Corrall. Strong is a statue. I'm not feeling Ridder. Shades of Deshone Kizer. I sort of like Howell in the 2nd or 3rd round. About the only late guy that caught my eye is Chase Garbers of Cal. I hope he gets an invite to the combine. E.J. Perry sounds intriguing, but there's like no tape on him--except a 4 minute highlight video.

[Upnorth]

If we lose12 Howell in the 2nd is a great start to back up love for a couple years. As Gumby and others have mentioned wolf got a qb every year. We should as well. We have been very lucky i. Terms of low injuries to our starting an for 3 decades. That is not normal (I think).

[run pMc]

Howell is on the short side also at a shade under 6'1" and I'm not convinced he's any better than Jordan Love. Just my opinion, but he doesn't wow me as a pro prospect. Pass and wait for the 2023 draft for QB. Agree this draft class is not good at QB.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Almost every QB in this draft is short. It’s the shortest class I’ve ever seen.

[Joemailman]

Almost every QB in this draft is short. It’s the shortest class I’ve ever seen.

I noticed that too. Lots of guys 6-1 or shorter. Bad year for teams drafting early who really need a QB. Not sure there's anybody worth taking in top 16.

[call_me_ishmael]

Sell JLo to the highest suitor :) I kid I kid (kinda)

[Fritz]

If we lose12 Howell in the 2nd is a great start to back up love for a couple years. As Gumby and others have mentioned wolf got a qb every year. We should as well. We have been very lucky i. Terms of low injuries to our starting an for 3 decades. That is not normal (I think).

Wolf did draft QB's a lot, but to be clear, they were often late-round picks. A guy named Ronnie McAda from Army, I think, in the seventh round. Hasselback was a sixth-rounder. Brunell, fifth round. Aaron Brooks, fourth. Ty Detmer.

Of those, Brunell and Hasselbeck became good NFL QB's, and if I recall correctly, he was able to trade Brooks to New Orleans.

So it might be good to draft QB's every year, but maybe you don't have to look in the first or second round or even the third.

But I wonder if the position has changed and if teams are so much sharper now that the likelihood of a Hasselbeck in the sixth has been diminished.

Still, an impressive list.

[Tony Oday]

2 WRs in the top 4 rounds and a TE in the 5th.

[Joemailman]

NFL Combine invitees by position

Quarterbacks

Jack Coan, Notre Dame
Matt Corral, Mississippi
Dustin Crum, Kent State
Kaleb Eleby, Western Michigan
Sam Howell, North Carolina
Cole Kelley, Southeastern Louisiana
D'Eriq King, Miami
EJ Perry, Brown
Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh
Brock Purdy, Iowa State
Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati
Carson Strong, Nevada
Skylar Thompson, Kansas State
Malik Willis, Liberty
Bailey Zappe, Western Kentucky

Running backs

Tyler Allgeier, BYU
Tyler Badie, Missouri
Greg Bell, San Diego State
Max Borghi, Washington State
Kennedy Brooks, Oklahoma
Leddie Brown, West Virginia
Ty Chandler, North Carolina
Snoop Conner, Mississippi
James Cook, Georgia
Jashaun Corbin, Florida State
Ty Davis-Price, LSU
Jerrion Ealy, Mississippi
Trestan Ebner, Baylor
Jerome Ford, Cincinnati
Tyler Goodson, Iowa
Breece Hall, Iowa State
Kevin Harris, South Carolina
Hassan Haskins, Michigan
Keaontay Ingram, USC
Bam Knight, N.C. State
Sincere McCormick, UTSA
Isaih Pacheco, Rutgers
Dameon Pierce, Florida
D'vonte Price, Florida International
Ronnie Rivers, Fresno State
Brian Robinson, Alabama
Abram Smith, Baylor
Isaiah Spiller, Texas A&M
Pierre Strong, South Dakota State
CJ Verdell, Oregon
Kenny Walker III, Michigan State
Jaylen Warren, Oklahoma State
Rachaad White, Arizona State
Zamir White, Georgia
ZaQuandre White, South Carolina
Kyren Williams, Notre Dame

Wide receivers

Calvin Austin, Memphis
Kevin Austin Jr., Notre Dame
David Bell, Purdue
Slade Bolden, Alabama
Treylon Burks, Arkansas
Dai'Jean Dixon, Nicholls State
Jahan Dotson, Penn State
Romeo Doubs, Nevada
Dontario Drummond, Mississippi
Erik Ezukanma, Texas Tech
Ty Fryfogle, Indiana
Danny Gray, SMU
Johnny Johnson III, Oregon
Josh Johnson, Tulsa
Velus Jones, Tennessee
Drake London, USC
Bo Melton, Rutgers
John Metchie, Alabama
Skyy Moore, Western Michigan
Jalen Nailor, Michigan State
Chris Olave, Ohio State
Kyle Philips, UCLA
George Pickens, Georgia
Alec Pierce, Cincinnati
Makai Polk, Mississippi State
Charleston Rambo, Miami
Reggie Roberson Jr., SMU
Wan'Dale Robinson, Kentucky
Justyn Ross, Clemson
Braylon Sanders, Mississippi
Khalil Shakir, Boise State
Tyquan Thornton, Baylor
Jalen Tolbert, South Alabama
Tré Turner, Virginia Tech
Christian Watson, North Dakota State
Isaiah Weston, Northern Iowa
Devon Williams, Oregon
Jameson Williams, Alabama
Garrett Wilson, Ohio State
Mike Woods, Oklahoma

Tight ends

Austin Allen, Nebraska
Chase Allen, Iowa State
Daniel Bellinger, San Diego State
Grant Calcattera, SMU
Greg Dulcich, UCLA
Jake Ferguson, Wisconsin
Jeremiah Hall, Oklahoma
Peyton Hendershot, Indiana
Connor Heyward, Michigan State
Curtis Hodges, Arizona State
Charlie Kolar, Iowa State
Isaiah Likely, Coastal Carolina
Trey McBride, Colorado State
James Mitchell, Virginia Tech
Chig Okonkwo, Maryland
Cade Otton, Washington
Teagan Quitoriano, Oregon State
Jeremy Ruckert, Ohio State
Cole Turner, Nevada
Jelani Woods, Virginia
Jalen Wydermyer, Texas A&M

Offensive linemen

Blaise Andries, Minnesota
Ben Brown, Mississippi
Logan Bruss, Wisconsin
Spencer Burford, UTSA
Ja'Tyre Carter, Southern
Charles Cross, Mississippi State
Myron Cunningham, Arkansas
Dawson Deaton, Texas Tech
Austin Deculus, LSU
Kellen Diesch, Arizona State
Bill Dunkle, San Diego State
Ickey Ekwonu, N.C. State
Obinna Eze, TCU
Joshua Ezeudu, North Carolina
Daniel Faalele, Minnesota
Luke Fortner, Kentucky
Luke Goedeke, Central Michigan
Kenyon Green, Texas A&M
Marquis Hayes, Oklahoma
Chasen Hines, LSU
Ed Ingram, LSU
Zion Johnson, Boston College
Braxton Jones, Southern Utah
Cam Jurgens, Nebraska
Darian Kinnard, Kentucky
Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa
Alec Lindstrom, Boston College
Vederian Lowe, Illinois
Abraham Lucas, Washington State
Cade Mays, Tennessee
Marcus McKethan, North Carolina
Max Mitchell, Louisiana
Thayer Munford Jr., Ohio State
Evan Neal, Alabama
Dylan Parham, Memphis
Chris Paul, Tulsa
Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa
Nick Petit-Frere, Ohio State
Bernhard Raimann, Central Michigan
Sean Rhyan, UCLA
Tyrese Robinson, Oklahoma
Dare Rosenthal, Kentucky
Andrew Rupcich, Culver-Stockton
Jamaree Salyer, Georgia
Justin Shaffer, Georgia
Lecitus Smith, Virginia Tech
Tyler Smith, Tulsa
Cole Strange, Tennessee-Chattanooga
Andrew Stueber, Michigan
Luke Tenuta, Virginia Tech
Zach Thomas, San Diego State
Zach Tom, Wake Forest
Cordell Volson, North Dakota State
Matt Waletzko, North Dakota
Rasheed Walker, Penn State
Luke Wattenberg, Washington
Dohnovan West, Arizona State
Nick Zakelj, Fordham

[Joemailman]

Defensive linemen

Amaré Barno, Virginia Tech
Nik Bonitto, Oklahoma
Thomas Booker, Stanford
Matthew Butler, Tennessee
Zach Carter, Florida
Micheal Clemons, Texas A&M
DJ Davidson, Arizona State
Jordan Davis, Georgia
Kalia Davis, UCF
Arnold Ebiketie, Penn State
Noah Elliss, Idaho
Kingsley Enagbare, South Carolina
Neil Farrell, LSU
Jonathan Ford, Miami
Haskell Garrett, Ohio State
Jeffrey Gunter, Coastal Carolina
Logan Hall, Houston
Chris Hinton, Michigan
Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan
Jordan Jackson, Air Force
Tyree Johnson, Texas A&M
Travis Jones, Connecticut
George Karlaftis, Purdue
DeMarvin Leal, Texas A&M
Jesse Luketa, Penn State
DeAngelo Malone, Western Kentucky
Phidarian Mathis, Alabama
Marquan McCall, Kentucky
Otito Ogbonnia, UCLA
David Ojabo, Michigan
Esezi Otomewo, Minnesota
Joshua Paschal, Kentucky
Jayden Peevy, Texas A&M
LaBryan Ray, Alabama
John Ridgeway, Arkansas
Dominique Robinson, Miami (Ohio)
Myjai Sanders, Cincinnati
Tyreke Smith, Ohio State
Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa, Notre Dame
Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon
Cameron Thomas, San Diego State
Isaiah Thomas, Oklahoma
Eyioma Uwazurike, Iowa State
Travon Walker, Georgia
Sam Williams, Mississippi
Perrion Winfrey, Oklahoma
Alex Wright, UAB
Devonte Wyatt, Georgia

Linebackers

Christopher Allen, Alabama
Troy Andersen, Montana State
Brian Asamoah, Oklahoma
Darrian Beavers, Cincinnati
Terrel Bernard, Baylor
Darien Butler, Arizona State
Chance Campbell, Mississippi
Leo Chenal, Wisconsin
Damone Clark, LSU
Nakobe Dean, Georgia
JoJo Domann, Nebraska
Jeremiah Gemmel, North Carolina
Isaiah Graham-Mobley, Boston College
Jake Hansen, Illinois
Aaron Hansford, Texas A&M
Christian Harris, Alabama
D'Marco Jackson, Appalachian State
Drake Jackson, USC
Jermaine Johnson II, Florida State
Nate Landman, Colorado
Devin Lloyd, Utah
Boye Mafe, Minnesota
Zakoby McClain, Auburn
Micah McFadden, Indiana
Jeremiah Moon, Florida
Chad Muma, Wyoming
Malcolm Rodriguez, Oklahoma State
Mike Rose, Iowa State
Josh Ross, Michigan
Jack Sanborn, Wisconsin
Nephi Sewell, Utah
Brandon Smith, Penn State
Baylon Spector, Clemson
Channing Tindall, Georgia
Quay Walker, Georgia
Tre Williams, Arkansas

Defensive backs

Tycen Anderson, Toledo
Jalyn Armour-Davis, Alabama
Kalon Barnes, Baylor
Markquese Bell, Florida A&M
Dane Belton, Iowa
Bubba Bolden, Miami
Andrew Booth, Clemson
Jaquan Brisker, Penn State
Montaric Brown, Arkansas
Coby Bryant, Cincinnati
Percy Butler, Louisiana
Tariq Castro-Fields, Penn State
Lewis Cine, Georgia
Qwynnterrio Cole, Louisville
Bryan Cook, Cincinnati
Yusuf Corker, Kentucky
Nick Cross, Maryland
Cobie Durant, South Carolina State
Kaiir Elam, Florida
MJ Emerson, Mississippi State
Akayleb Evans, Missouri
DaMarcus Fields, Texas Tech
Cordale Flott, LSU
Sauce Gardner, Cincinnati
Mario Goodrich, Clemson
Kyler Gordon, Washington
Vincent Gray, Michigan
Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame
Kolby Harvell-Peel, Oklahoma State
Dax Hill, Michigan
Joshua Jobe, Alabama
Jack Jones, Arizona State
Marcus Jones, Houston
Kerby Joseph, Illinois
Derion Kendrick, Georgia
Quentin Lake, UCLA
Chase Lucas, Arizona State
Damarri Mathis, Pittsburgh
Zyon McCollum, Sam Houston State
Roger McCreary, Auburn
Trent McDuffie, Washington
Verone McKinley III, Oregon
Smoke Monday, Auburn
Leon O'Neal, Texas A&M
Jalen Pitre, Baylor
Chris Steele, USC
Derek Stingley Jr., LSU
Alontae Taylor, Tennessee
Cam Taylor-Britt, Nebraska
Isaac Taylor-Stuart, USC
Juanyeh Thomas, Georgia Tech
Josh Thompson, Texas
Delarrin Turner-Yell, Oklahoma
Jermaine Waller, Virginia Tech
Jaylen Watson, Washington State
Sam Webb, Missouri Western State
Joshua Williams, Fayetteville State
Pepe Williams, Houston
JT Woods, Baylor
Tariq Woolen, UTSA
Mykael Wright, Oregon

Specialists

Cal Adomitis, LS, Pittsburgh
Matt Araiza, P, San Diego State
Gabe Brkic, K, Oklahoma
Jake Camarda, P, Georgia
Cameron Dicker, K, Texas
Trenton Gill, P, N.C. State
Blake Hayes, P, Illinois
Jordan Stout, P, Penn State
Cade York, K, LSU

[wthigoot]

Wolf did draft QB's a lot, but to be clear, they were often late-round picks. A guy named Ronnie McAda from Army, I think, in the seventh round. Hasselback was a sixth-rounder. Brunell, fifth round. Aaron Brooks, fourth. Ty Detmer.

Of those, Brunell and Hasselbeck became good NFL QB's, and if I recall correctly, he was able to trade Brooks to New Orleans.

So it might be good to draft QB's every year, but maybe you don't have to look in the first or second round or even the third.

But I wonder if the position has changed and if teams are so much sharper now that the likelihood of a Hasselbeck in the sixth has been diminished.

Still, an impressive list.

Didn't the teams usually keep 3 QBs on the main roster most of the time in the Wolf days?

Since it is generally 2 active now, maybe don't draft them quite as often. Or maybe take more 6th and 7th rounders and keep them on the taxi squad.

Wondering if there is a late round guy out there this year that is better than Etling or Benkert.

[Upnorth]

Wolf did draft QB's a lot, but to be clear, they were often late-round picks. A guy named Ronnie McAda from Army, I think, in the seventh round. Hasselback was a sixth-rounder. Brunell, fifth round. Aaron Brooks, fourth. Ty Detmer.

Of those, Brunell and Hasselbeck became good NFL QB's, and if I recall correctly, he was able to trade Brooks to New Orleans.

So it might be good to draft QB's every year, but maybe you don't have to look in the first or second round or even the third.

But I wonder if the position has changed and if teams are so much sharper now that the likelihood of a Hasselbeck in the sixth has been diminished.

Still, an impressive list.

Until we are settled at qb 1 I dont think we can wait and hope for talent in late rounds. If 12 goes we need someone and love is only a 50/50 shot imo.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Weak QB class and weak RB class. Before seeing what they do at the combine, I probably like Breece Hall the most. Big RB, not very explosive, has some deep speed, but kind of does everything well. Prototypical Bears RB that isn't very explosive, but is solid in all phases (Matt Forte, David Montgomery type). I like Jerome Ford a bit more than most. I like James Cook as a third down RB, but he doesn't have his brother's chops as a runner (has little power and doesn't break many tackles). I like Tyler Badie as a third down RB a bit more than most. There is some size to this RB crop, but not much speed. There were a lot of RBs invited to the combine. Around 20 RBs are drafted on average, and there were 35+ RBs invited to the combine. That tells me there are a lot of question marks at the position. I'm about halfway through those invited to the combine. No one stands out like Javonte Williams did for me last year.

[Joemailman]

I took Draft Network's Top 100 and broke it down. Number of top 100 players at each position, and their individual big board position. WR, Edge and CB the big winners.

QB: (6) 20, 34, 35, 40, 42, 49

RB: (6) 38, 51, 76, 80, 89, 96

WR: (15) 13, 17, 24, 26, 27, 30, 36, 39, 52, 61, 83, 86, 93, 94, 98

TE: (5) 43, 57, 65, 78, 82

OT: (9) 4, 7, 12, 21, 28, 47, 75, 95, 99

IOL: (8) 10,11, 32, 50, 54, 58, 70, 73

IDL: (6) 14, 16, 46, 48, 62, 64

Edge: (16) 1, 3, 8, 15, 19, 29, 37, 44, 55, 56, 60, 63, 67, 81, 87, 91

LB: (10) 9, 23, 45, 59, 66, 68, 72, 74, 88, 100

CB: (15) 5, 6, 18, 22, 33, 41, 53, 71, 77, 79, 84, 85, 90, 92, 97

S: (4) 2, 25, 31, 69

[HarveyWallbangers]

I found a sleeper RB that I like in Ty Chandler of North Carolina. Reminds me of Elijah Mitchell.

[RashanGary]

I found a sleeper RB that I like in Ty Chandler of North Carolina. Reminds me of Elijah Mitchell.

Javonte Williams looked pretty good for Denver.

[HarveyWallbangers]

There were quite a few guys that weren't on my list to scout (meaning none of the big boards that I looked at had them getting drafted) that got invited to the Combine. I'm intrigued by a couple of them - Snoop Conner of Ole Miss and Greg Bell of San Diego State. Conner is a physical specimen that had to share carries in a loaded backfield. Despite being a part time player, he came out early, so he could support his daughter. Bell is a do it all back. I'll be interested in watching them at the Combine.

[Joemailman]

James Cook of Georgia is the younger brother of Dalvin Cook. Not as physical a runner as Dalvin, but a good runner and excellent receiver. Probably a 3rd round pick.

[HarveyWallbangers]

James Cook of Georgia is the younger brother of Dalvin Cook. Not as physical a runner as Dalvin, but a good runner and excellent receiver. Probably a 3rd round pick.

There are three RBs with exceptional receiving skills - Cook, Kyren Williams of Notre Dame, and late rounder Max Borghi of Washington State.

[run pMc]

I suspect Gute & Co. feel pretty set at RB with Jones, Dillon, Hill and Taylor, and aren't likely to spend anything higher than a mid Day 3 pick on a RB unless a good one drops down the board like an anvil. Despite that, I do expect them to invite a few to camp so it never hurts to scout them.

Breece Hall has a lot of miles on him...almost as many as Dillon did. Not very shifty but runs with power. I could see him doing well in a power scheme, or a team like BAL taking him about R3 or R4.
Not a big fan of him in GB's scheme, which means GUte will pick him in R2 and when we're all be screaming for him to take a WR.

(I should be kinder to Gute, a good number of his moves have panned out.)

[HarveyWallbangers]

I suspect Gute & Co. feel pretty set at RB with Jones, Dillon, Hill and Taylor, and aren't likely to spend anything higher than a mid Day 3 pick on a RB unless a good one drops down the board like an anvil. Despite that, I do expect them to invite a few to camp so it never hurts to scout them.

Breece Hall has a lot of miles on him...almost as many as Dillon did. Not very shifty but runs with power. I could see him doing well in a power scheme, or a team like BAL taking him about R3 or R4.
Not a big fan of him in GB's scheme, which means GUte will pick him in R2 and when we're all be screaming for him to take a WR.

(I should be kinder to Gute, a good number of his moves have panned out.)

I like Hall a bit more than that. I think he's fairly scheme versatile. I don't like him as much as Javonte Williams last year and Jonathan Taylor the year before, but he reminds me a bit of Curtis Martin. I'd be shocked if he wasn't gone by the end of round 2.

This RB class isn't stellar, but there are quite few guys that I like in the mid to late rounds. It seems like a deep draft, so that's good for the Packers. Some of these guys are going to drop into the UDFA pool. No need for the Packers to use a draft pick on RB. To be honest, I like some of the guys projected to go mid to late more than some of the guys projected to go early (Rachaad White, Hassan Haskins, Jerrion Ealy). I think this is a year where the combine tests and drills could shake up rankings. If guys like Pierre Strong, Ty Chandler, Tyler Badie, Max Borghi, Snoop Conner, Greg Bell, D'Vonte Price, etc. test well, they could move up. There are just an incredible amount of guys that I gave 4th-5th round grades to.

I gave 4th-5th round grades on 6 RBs in 2020. 5 RBs were drafted in rounds 4-5.
I gave 4th-5th round grades on 6 RBs in 2021. 5 RBs were drafted in rounds 4-5.
Currently, I have 4th-5th round grades on 11 RBs in 2022.

[RashanGary]

I like Hall a bit more than that. I think he's fairly scheme versatile. I don't like him as much as Javonte Williams last year and Jonathan Taylor the year before, but he reminds me a bit of Curtis Martin. I'd be shocked if he wasn't gone by the end of round 2.

This RB class isn't stellar, but there are quite few guys that I like in the mid to late rounds. It seems like a deep draft, so that's good for the Packers. Some of these guys are going to drop into the UDFA pool. No need for the Packers to use a draft pick on RB. To be honest, I like some of the guys projected to go mid to late more than some of the guys projected to go early (Rachaad White, Hassan Haskins, Jerrion Ealy). I think this is a year where the combine tests and drills could shake up rankings. If guys like Pierre Strong, Ty Chandler, Tyler Badie, Max Borghi, Snoop Conner, Greg Bell, D'Vonte Price, etc. test well, they could move up. There are just an incredible amount of guys that I gave 4th-5th round grades to.

I gave 4th-5th round grades on 6 RBs in 2020. 5 RBs were drafted in rounds 4-5.
I gave 4th-5th round grades on 6 RBs in 2021. 5 RBs were drafted in rounds 4-5.
Currently, I have 4th-5th round grades on 11 RBs in 2022.

After 2020, seniors were given a 5th year of college eligibility because of Covid. A bunch of players with later round grades stayed in school to raise their stock. It’s supposed to be a deep draft with all the additional 5th year seniors.

[Bretsky]

I'm going to be home watching the Combine this year so I'll be giving you all kinds of bad predictions about whose going to excel in the NFL :)

[HarveyWallbangers]

Onto WRs. I'm pretty sure I'm going to have a man crush on Drake London of USC. Huge dude (6'5"), INCREDIBLE ball skills (the best I've seen since Mike Evans), great blocker, and more athletic than most big dudes. He's like a cross between Mike Evans and Michael Pittman. Or a skinnier Travis Kelce. I hope this dude gets into the range where we can draft him, but I doubt it. He'd be a great fit. After looking at the top 5, he's my #1 WR right now.

Dude only played 8 games this year and had 88 receptions for 1084 yards--averaging 11 receptions and 135 yards/game.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68wWtvtLE5s

[run pMc]

Onto WRs. I'm pretty sure I'm going to have a man crush on Drake London of USC. Huge dude (6'5"), INCREDIBLE ball skills (the best I've seen since Mike Evans), great blocker, and more athletic than most big dudes. He's like a cross between Mike Evans and Michael Pittman. Or a skinnier Travis Kelce. I hope this dude gets into the range where we can draft him, but I doubt it. He'd be a great fit. After looking at the top 5, he's my #1 WR right now.

Dude only played 8 games this year and had 88 receptions for 1084 yards--averaging 11 receptions and 135 yards/game.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68wWtvtLE5s

Haven't seen enough of London, but he's big and competitive. They threw him the ball a LOT and it's not hard to see why. The medical on his ankle will be important; not sure if he had an injury the year before... if so that's an issue. 6'5" and 210 is basketball player size. I'll be curious to read what you think about the WRs

[Joemailman]

Onto WRs. I'm pretty sure I'm going to have a man crush on Drake London of USC. Huge dude (6'5"), INCREDIBLE ball skills (the best I've seen since Mike Evans), great blocker, and more athletic than most big dudes. He's like a cross between Mike Evans and Michael Pittman. Or a skinnier Travis Kelce. I hope this dude gets into the range where we can draft him, but I doubt it. He'd be a great fit. After looking at the top 5, he's my #1 WR right now.

Dude only played 8 games this year and had 88 receptions for 1084 yards--averaging 11 receptions and 135 yards/game.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68wWtvtLE5s

Draft Network and Pro Football Network have him listed 27 and 28 on their big boards. If he runs well at the combine though, he'll go higher than that because of his ball skills. I would guess Packers will have him as the top WR on their board.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Draft Network and Pro Football Network have him listed 27 and 28 on their big boards. If he runs well at the combine though, he'll go higher than that because of his ball skills. I would guess Packers will have him as the top WR on their board.

ESPN (I think McShay) has him #1 at WR and #9 overall.
Daniel Jeremiah has him #2 at WR and #10 overall.
PFF has him #2 at WR and #12 overall.

Most of the rest have him #5 at WR and near the bottom of the first round. If he runs in the mid 4.5s or better at the combine (like Mike Evans did), he'll go in the top 1/2 of the 1st round.

Imagine Drake London filling Allen Lazard's role and Christian Watson (6'4", 4.4 or better speed, jet motion/kick returner, solid blocker) filling MVS's role.

[run pMc]

ESPN (I think McShay) has him #1 at WR and #9 overall.
Daniel Jeremiah has him #2 at WR and #10 overall.
PFF has him #2 at WR and #12 overall.

Most of the rest have him #5 at WR and near the bottom of the first round. If he runs in the mid 4.5s or better at the combine (like Mike Evans did), he'll go in the top 1/2 of the 1st round.

Imagine Drake London filling Allen Lazard's role and Christian Watson (6'4", 4.4 or better speed, jet motion/kick returner, solid blocker) filling MVS's role.

I could imagine it. I think they'd bring Lazard back too since he's an RFA and they can just tender him.
All that said, I think Gute will go with a DL or OLB early before a WR. Just a hunch. In February. What happens between now and March 16 influences their draft strategy, but I've been yelling for them to draft more WRs. I think you have to draft at least one every other year.

[call_me_ishmael]

Does any team have two second rounders (that aren't totally at the bottom)? I wouldn't mind trading our R1 for 2 R2s and an R3/R4 this year. We need some new young players.

[run pMc]

Does any team have two second rounders (that aren't totally at the bottom)? I wouldn't mind trading our R1 for 2 R2s and an R3/R4 this year. We need some new young players.

Denver has two R2s and two R3s.
I think if you trade down you're likely to get an R2 and an R4; maybe a late R3. Getting two R2s would require a higher pick in the draft order than where GB is in R1. Still, there's often not a lot of difference in talent between late R1 and early-mid R2, and if it means adding more picks within the top 100 then it's not a bad move IMO unless there's a too-good-to-pass-up player sitting there when it's your time in R1.

[Joemailman]

Nakobe Dean has been a popular choice as Packers 1st round pick in mock drafts. Undersized (6-0, 225) but explosive linebacker, good in coverage. Some though say his best fit is as Will in 4-3.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG4RLmAyOrA

[call_me_ishmael]

Nakobe Dean has been a popular choice as Packers 1st round pick in mock drafts. Undersized (6-0, 225) but explosive linebacker, good in coverage. Some though say his best fit is as Will in 4-3.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG4RLmAyOrA

That is very short, wow. Feels more like a safety to me. I bet there are a lot more tweeners this year than ever before. Up and coming position in position-less football.

[HarveyWallbangers]

That is very short, wow. Feels more like a safety to me. I bet there are a lot more tweeners this year than ever before. Up and coming position in position-less football.

This year's group is the smallest since I've started keeping stats. It's been trending that way for awhile. Last year, about the only big ILBs were Micah Parsons (6'3" 246), Zaven Collins (6'5" 259), Baron Browning (6'3" 245). Parsons ended up playing the edge a lot. The days of big, thumping ILBs is about over. This year, the biggest ILBs among the top prospects are Chad Muma (6'2" 241), Damone Clark (6'2" 240), Brandon Smith (6'3" 241), and Quay Walker (6'4" 240). Other guys (Leo Chenal, Darrian Beavers) that may be able to play ILB in a 3-4 are probably better fits as 4-3 SLB. Troy Andersen from Montana State might fit in the category. He's relatively big (and athletic). He's 6'3" 243. Not sure if he's a better fit in a 4-3 or 3-4 yet. I haven't looked at ILB too much.

[HarveyWallbangers]

I'm about halfway through the TEs. I'm off work and don't have my kids, so I've been pouring over video pretty much all day every day. :) I think this is a solid TE group. There aren't any that I would pick in the 1st round. I wanted to dislike Tre McBride because he lacks a bit of size and isn't a great athlete, but he's really solid all around. I think he blocks better than most scouting reports say. He was clean in the two games that I watched.

I see Jeremy Ruckert and Cade Otton as fairly unexciting midround picks, and I don't understand how they are rated more highly than Charlie Kolar. I like Kolar a lot more than the consensus (7th ranked TE on average). Isaiah Likely and Cole Turner are intriguing. Likely is weirdly shaped, but he catches the ball like a WR and is a surprisingly solid blocker. Turner has outstanding potential as a pass catcher (think Tyler Higbee), but he's an awful run blocker. I thought I'd like Jake Ferguson (for some reason I tend to overrate Wisconsin players), but I was slightly disappointed in his tape. There's potential (solid athlete, good receiver), but I had read he was a good blocker, and I thought he was pretty average there.

[texaspackerbacker]

I would tend to think it is easier and maybe requires less athleticism to play ILB in a 3-4 than to play MLB in a 4-3 - half the field compared to sideline to sideline.

[HarveyWallbangers]

I find it funny that there is a Zach Tom and a Zachary Thomas in this draft class. Both are OL that were invited to the combine.

[Freak Out]

We need to buy Harv a drink...or two.

[Freak Out]

I'm super appreciative of all the work some of you guys do in posting this draft stuff. Any decent Washington Huskies in the draft this year?

[HarveyWallbangers]

I'm super appreciative of all the work some of you guys do in posting this draft stuff. Any decent Washington Huskies in the draft this year?

CB Trent McDuffie should go late 1st or early 2nd.
CB Kyler Gordon should go 2nd or 3rd.
TE Cade Outten should be a mid round pick.
OL Luke Wattenberg should be a late round pick.

[Fritz]

Dang, Harv, I think you ought to be sending these reports to Gutekunst.

Or, wait . . . ARE you Gutekunst? Oh, you wouldn't reveal that if you were. Got it.

Wait . . . you're a scout who's frustrated that Gutekunst won't listen to you, so you're leaking your knowledge to us so the fanbase will put more pressure on Gutes.

Ah, so that's it. Good work, "Harvey." Keep it going.

[Joemailman]

Packers have met with Maryland TE Chigoziem Okonkwo. At 6-2, 244 similar in size to DeGuara, so not a guy who will likely line up as inline TE. Currently looks like a 5th round pick.

https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/chigoziem-okonkwo/h46lT2UXF1

[Fritz]

It'd be cool if it got reported that they were meeting with Shailene Woodley.

[Joemailman]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FMKeFfeWYAAOLTi?format=jpg&name=medium

[HarveyWallbangers]

I'm through my initial evaluation of the skill positions. I watched 2-3 games of each prospect invited to the combine. These are guys that I'm higher than the consensus:

QB

Just watching the film, Kenny Pickett is the best QB in this draft. If you didn't know his hands were tiny, you'd say he's easily a mid 1st round pick. He's a safe pick to me. Think Derek Carr. Carr was an easy eval for me, and I had him as my top rated QB in a 2014 draft that included Blake Bortles, Johnny Manziel, and Teddy Bridgewater that were drafted before him and Jimmy G right after him.

Sam Howell and Matt Corral are hard evals because they were one read and run QBs this year. Both guys ran for 600-850 yards and 11 TDs this year, and they should be guys that run for 300-400 yards/year in the NFL. There is a lot of bad tape on Corral.

Outside of the top 6, my favorite is Cole Kelley from SE Louisiana right now. I like him more than Bailey Zappe.

RB

Breece Hall remains my #1 RB. I like Jerome Ford a bit more than most. I have him higher than Kyren Williams. Tyler Badie is a guy I like much better than consensus. I like Kennedy Brooks higher than most also. Ty Chandler and Snoop Conner are a couple of deep sleepers I like.

WR

WR #1 is probably going to come down to Drake London and Treylon Burks for me--maybe Garrett Wilson. I'm not much higher or lower than consensus on too many WRs right now. Romeo Doubs and Wan'Dale Robinson are a couple of guys that get a lot of buzz, but I just don't see it. Robinson is kind of a gadget guy and Doubs has poor hands. Jahan Dotson is right there with the top five. I'm interested to see how George Pickens and Justyn Ross look at the combine. Consensus has Danny Gray is slightly better than Reggie Roberson between the two SMU WRs, but I like Roberson more.

TE

I like Charlie Kolar and Cole Turner more than the consensus.

[run pMc]

I'm through my initial evaluation of the skill positions. I watched 2-3 games of each prospect invited to the combine. These are guys that I'm higher than the consensus:

QB

Just watching the film, Kenny Pickett is the best QB in this draft. If you didn't know his hands were tiny, you'd say he's easily a mid 1st round pick. He's a safe pick to me. Think Derek Carr. Carr was an easy eval for me, and I had him as my top rated QB in a 2014 draft that included Blake Bortles, Johnny Manziel, and Teddy Bridgewater that were drafted before him and Jimmy G right after him.

Sam Howell and Matt Corral are hard evals because they were one read and run QBs this year. Both guys ran for 600-850 yards and 11 TDs this year, and they should be guys that run for 300-400 yards/year in the NFL. There is a lot of bad tape on Corral.

Outside of the top 6, my favorite is Cole Kelley from SE Louisiana right now. I like him more than Bailey Zappe.

RB

Breece Hall remains my #1 RB. I like Jerome Ford a bit more than most. I have him higher than Kyren Williams. Tyler Badie is a guy I like much better than consensus. I like Kennedy Brooks higher than most also. Ty Chandler and Snoop Conner are a couple of deep sleepers I like.

WR

WR #1 is probably going to come down to Drake London and Treylon Burks for me--maybe Garrett Wilson. I'm not much higher or lower than consensus on too many WRs right now. Romeo Doubs and Wan'Dale Robinson are a couple of guys that get a lot of buzz, but I just don't see it. Robinson is kind of a gadget guy and Doubs has poor hands. Jahan Dotson is right there with the top five. I'm interested to see how George Pickens and Justyn Ross look at the combine. Consensus has Danny Gray is slightly better than Reggie Roberson between the two SMU WRs, but I like Roberson more.

TE

I like Charlie Kolar and Cole Turner more than the consensus.

Thanks for doing this. Drake London does remind of Mike Evans, although I think Evans was better. Burks is interesting - big body, decent long speed, needs some polishing. Wouldn't be upset if GB picked either.
Garrett Wilson is a freak athlete but I'm not sure he's better than Parris Campbell. He could be an upgrade over MVS but I don't get future WR1 vibes from him.

Speaking of OSU WRs, I wanted to like Olave more than I did. I still think he's good but somewhere between #5-8 among the WRs in the draft.

[Upnorth]

If a trade happens I think this outcome is very solid.

https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2022-two-round-nfl-mock-draft-russell-wilson-derek-carr-aaron-rodgers-trades-aidan-hutchinson-first-overall

However a lb???? It's the packers.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Previously, I watched Malik Willis against the likes of Syracuse and Ole Miss. I just watched him against UAB and ODU, and he looks much better when he's not running for his life. There might be something there. Makes me want to watch more. He showed much better accuracy in those two games. He looks a bit like a short version of Trey Lance. He's probably a better runner. He's not super fast like Vick and Lamar, but more in the relatively fast and physical mode--like Lance. Lance is obviously much bigger (6'4" vs 6'0") and has elite arm strength.

Then, he looked awful against Louisiana. :)

[run pMc]

If a trade happens I think this outcome is very solid.

https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2022-two-round-nfl-mock-draft-russell-wilson-derek-carr-aaron-rodgers-trades-aidan-hutchinson-first-overall

However a lb???? It's the packers.

Not only a LB in R1, but another in R2. I don't see it.

The USC WR pick isn't bad, but honestly I think if GB is getting a top10 pick they are more likely to use it on a stud OL or DL.
I appreciate what PFF attempts to do, but sometimes they are just flat out wrong.

[Joemailman]

Watch the RAS scores after the combine. Gute's 1st round picks always have high RAS scores.

Gute said in his PC this is a deep draft due to college players being allowed to return for another year in 2021. Depth is especially good in 2nd half of draft. Positions he mention as strong were Edge, OL and skill positions on offense.

[call_me_ishmael]

Watch the RAS scores after the combine. Gute's 1st round picks always have high RAS scores.

Gute said in his PC this is a deep draft due to college players being allowed to return for another year in 2021. Depth is especially good in 2nd half of draft. Positions he mention as strong were Edge, OL and skill positions on offense.

I would love to see them find a way to get 10 picks or so early TT style and load up on new players.

[Fritz]

Except for third round picks. Both TT and Gute seem snakebit on those.

[Joemailman]

Except for third round picks. Both TT and Gute seem snakebit on those.

Can't run from your demons. Have to exorcise them. Gute should trade down and acquire as many 3rd round picks as possible.

[bobblehead]

Just came across this in a click bait article of top 10 combines ever. Fun times:

2. Tony Mandarich, OT, Michigan State – 1989
In hindsight, the most impressive thing the “Incredible Bulk” did was pass his steroid drug screening during the Combine. At 304 pounds, Mandarich ran a 4.65 in the 40, exploded for a 30” vertical and 10’3” broad jump, and ripped off 39 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press.


Honestly though....who can blame the packers for making that pick....simply insane!! That in an era where a 300 pound dude was MONSTOROUS.

[SudsMcBucky]

Just came across this in a click bait article of top 10 combines ever. Fun times:

Honestly though....who can blame the packers for making that pick....simply insane!! That in an era where a 300 pound dude was MONSTOROUS.

Nobody. Anybody who DOES is simply looking at it in hindsight.

[Fritz]

Nobody. Anybody who DOES is simply looking at it in hindsight.

Not quite. Being from Michigan and following things closely back then, I had heard the rumors from friends at State (I was only a few years out of college by then) that Mandarich was a pompous A-hole who was all over the steroids. It was almost an open secret.

Thus, I did not at all like the pick at the time. First, I was really disappointed watching the Packers beat the Dolphins (I think it was the Dolphins) in the last game and lost out on the Troy Aikman sweepstakes. But I liked a couple of other players except Deion Sanders, just because he was so arrogant. I remember liking Derrick Thomas particularly.

[Joemailman]

Daniel Jeremiah just had a mock draft where he had Boye Mafe - Edge - Minnesota as Packers 1st round pick. Haven't seen anyone else rating Mafe that high. However, he's a very athletic guy who has run a 40 at 4.57 at 260 pounds. Will likely have the kind of RAS score that Gute likes. Definitely a guy to watch at the Combine and beyond.

[Freak Out]

Not quite. Being from Michigan and following things closely back then, I had heard the rumors from friends at State (I was only a few years out of college by then) that Mandarich was a pompous A-hole who was all over the steroids. It was almost an open secret.

Thus, I did not at all like the pick at the time. First, I was really disappointed watching the Packers beat the Dolphins (I think it was the Dolphins) in the last game and lost out on the Troy Aikman sweepstakes. But I liked a couple of other players except Deion Sanders, just because he was so arrogant. I remember liking Derrick Thomas particularly.

I'm no NFL scout but I was all in on Sanders with that pick. I hated the hype train that was "Bulk". You can find decent LTs in the later rounds if you work hard enough. I just wasn't sold on the guy as a player...seemed more like a workout guy than anything else.

[oldbutnotdeadyet]

The biggest problem is EVERYTHING hinges on the Rodgers trade or no trade..hard to excited about the draft until we know for sure..

[Upnorth]

The biggest problem is EVERYTHING hinges on the Rodgers trade or no trade..hard to excited about the draft until we know for sure..

Fuck it rodgers and Adams to eagles for hurts #15,16,19 and 51.
Then we resign Douglas and Campbell. And probably z.
Then drama ends and we don't have to worry about losing nfccg anymore

[texaspackerbacker]

Yeah right. I suppose for some of ya'all, it's all about not losing in the playoffs. Well, any of these idiotic get rid of Rodgers scenarios would certainly accomplish that. You can't lose in the playoffs if you're not in the playoffs, and not having Rodgers would likely seal that situation for a decade or so.

[oldbutnotdeadyet]

Yeah right. I suppose for some of ya'all, it's all about not losing in the playoffs. Well, any of these idiotic get rid of Rodgers scenarios would certainly accomplish that. You can't lose in the playoffs if you're not in the playoffs, and not having Rodgers would likely seal that situation for a decade or so.

Maybe, but from where I am looking, it is better to play for the future than play for 1 year out, and I am old so may not see the next super bowl run..

[jklowan]

Fuck it rodgers and Adams to eagles for hurts #15,16,19 and 51.
Then we resign Douglas and Campbell. And probably z.
Then drama ends and we don't have to worry about losing nfccg anymore

This is where I'm at, that is a fantastic haul. You could fix alot of problems, roll with Love for a year if he's not the answer you have a ton of draft capitol to get the next guy in 2023.

[SudsMcBucky]

This is where I'm at, that is a fantastic haul. You could fix alot of problems, roll with Love for a year if he's not the answer you have a ton of draft capitol to get the next guy in 2023.

If we ARE forced to trade Rodgers, no way I want a package that includes fucking Jalen Hurts. I'd rather roll with the Love Machine for a year and see what he truly has.

[Upnorth]

How could you not want love hurts!

[Joemailman]

RAS scores of Gute's 1st round picks:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ExUvWk5XAAAy3vc.png
https://ras.football/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/rashan-gary-ras-19373.png
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D5C9W71WkAACH8r.png
https://i0.wp.com/ras.football/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Jordan-Love-RAS-12243.png?resize=806%2C522&ssl=1
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E0MUeYOWEAQEW4l.png

[HarveyWallbangers]

Post Christian Watson's RAS score. My guy from NDSU showed out.

He is 6'4" and ran 4.36 40 with 38.5" vertical and 11'4" broad jump. He also looked good in the drills. After being named the top WR at the Senior Bowl, he could be taken in the first round. He actually fits what the Packers like. They just don't take WRs in the round 1.

[Joemailman]

Post Christian Watson's RAS score. My guy from NDSU showed out.

He is 6'4" and ran 4.36 40 with 38.5" vertical and 11'4" broad jump. He also looked good in the drills. After being named the top WR at the Senior Bowl, he could be taken in the first round. He actually fits what the Packers like. They just don't take WRs in the round 1.Elite, but incomplete. Did he not run agility drills, or did hey not post results yet?

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FM9_2N0XsCIFaIb.png

[HarveyWallbangers]

He didn't run the agility drills. A lot of guys skipped various tests this year. It was weird. I think only 13 WRs / TEs did all of the testing yesterday.

[Joemailman]

He didn't run the agility drills. A lot of guys skipped various tests this year. It was weird. I think only 13 WRs / TEs did all of the testing yesterday.

David Bell of Purdue should have skipped everything. I think he was seen as a 2nd round pick. Wonder how much he'll drop.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FNA73ZwXMAYCYHM?format=png&name=small

[call_me_ishmael]

Brian Gutekunst is going to have an orgasm over Christian Watson. I am not a big R1 receiver guy I have little doubt if he's there Gooter will strongly consider it. He sounds like a more athletic MVS to me. On the other hand, there's this, where he tests almost identical to Denzel Mims. I don't watch (m)any games etc so I have no idea. I lean on Joe and Harvey :) https://twitter.com/MathBomb/status/1499774107772149768

Here is some context on receivers opting out of agility drills.
https://twitter.com/BenFennell_NFL/status/1499769507539304454

[Joemailman]

It's like Charlie Brown running up to kick the football. Packer fans thinking Packers will draft a wide receiver in the 1st round.
https://i.makeagif.com/media/12-01-2015/mmybLw.gif

[HarveyWallbangers]

Brian Gutekunst is going to have an orgasm over Christian Watson. I am not a big R1 receiver guy I have little doubt if he's there Gooter will strongly consider it. He sounds like a more athletic MVS to me. On the other hand, there's this, where he tests almost identical to Denzel Mims. I don't watch (m)any games etc so I have no idea. I lean on Joe and Harvey :) https://twitter.com/MathBomb/status/1499774107772149768

Here is some context on receivers opting out of agility drills.
https://twitter.com/BenFennell_NFL/status/1499769507539304454

Mims and Watson are really comparable athletically (Watson has him slightly beat in the things he tested in), but I think they are different players. I saw Mims as more of a contested catch guy. Watson really showed some route running chops at the Senior Bowl. He's able to sink his hips in and out of breaks like a smaller player. Watson could replace MVS's deep speed. He also ran a lot of the jet sweeps that MLF likes. He was a really good kick returner in college. And the dude is a willing blocker--another trait that MLF values. I'm not holding my breath that the Packers would get him though.

[Joemailman]

Chad Reuter at NFL.com had Packers taking Watson in 3rd round in his last pre-combine draft. That's probably a pipedream now. Will be interesting to see where people list him post-combine.

[run pMc]

I think they will go OLB or DL in R1. I don't think WR is the pick unless someone falls to them. I do think they'll take a WR on Day 2 and 3, cut Cobb, and let MVS walk.

With or without Davante, they need to draft and develop better talent at receiver.

As for Watson, he's a bit of a raw project and I have trouble seeing him as a R1 pick. Lots of potential, but his tape is a little inconsistent and that's against FCS level. I think he fits what MLF likes to do and would be a viable replacement if not upgrade for MVS.
The combine results help but I think he's a R2 at best and an R5 at worst. If you're on the clock and Treylon Burks is available I'm taking Burks over him.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Watson seems like a likeable, intelligent young man.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmnB4XAPQfY

[Joemailman]

Jordan Davis at 6-6, 341 lbs ran a 4.82 40. Devonte Wyatt at 6-3, 304 ran a 4.84. For comparison, Kenny Clark ran a 5.06. I've seen Wyatt mocked to Packers in 1st.

[call_me_ishmael]

Jordan Davis at 6-6, 341 lbs ran a 4.82 40. Devonte Wyatt at 6-3, 304 ran a 4.84. For comparison, Kenny Clark ran a 5.06. I've seen Wyatt mocked to Packers in 1st.

Wow, this is freaky for his size.

[Joemailman]

Daniel Jeremiah just had a mock draft where he had Boye Mafe - Edge - Minnesota as Packers 1st round pick. Haven't seen anyone else rating Mafe that high. However, he's a very athletic guy who has run a 40 at 4.57 at 260 pounds. Will likely have the kind of RAS score that Gute likes. Definitely a guy to watch at the Combine and beyond.

Mafe ran a 4.53 at 261 pounds.

[call_me_ishmael]

The DE/OLB from Georgia was equally freaky. How wild is it that they have the two best athletes in the draft in their front 7?

[Joemailman]

The DE/OLB from Georgia was equally freaky. How wild is it that they have the two best athletes in the draft in their front 7?

There could be 4 players from that Georgia defense drafted in the 1st round: Edge Travon Walker, LB Nakobe Dean, DL Devonte Wyatt and NT Jordan Davis.

[RashanGary]

Few nose tackles make it in the NFL at that height. Leverage. You wonder if he could slim down and play 3 technique? Or just play it at a heavier weight.

[Joemailman]

With so many players skipping some of the drills, especially agility drills, not sure how much teams are actually learning about the players from the drills. A lot of really high RAS scores, which you would expect if players are going to skip the drills that might expose their weak point.

[call_me_ishmael]

Yeah I was thinking the same. Leo Chenel does not strike me as an elite athlete but I could be wrong.

[bobblehead]

Jordan Davis at 6-6, 341 lbs ran a 4.82 40. Devonte Wyatt at 6-3, 304 ran a 4.84. For comparison, Kenny Clark ran a 5.06. I've seen Wyatt mocked to Packers in 1st.

I think he had a 1.68 10 yard split as well. Simply obscene.

[run pMc]

Erik Ezukanma is kind of growing on me as a sleeper WR pick.
Kevin Austin is an athlete, but his production scares me.

Very curious about the medical on Justyn Ross. If his neck checks out, he's got the size GB likes as well. (I'm assuming Gute/MLF don't want anyone under 6' & 195 lbs as rough size benchmarks for WRs)

[run pMc]

I think he had a 1.68 10 yard split as well. Simply obscene.

Yeah, Jordan Davis had an unbelievable workout. He was very disruptive on the college level, I haven't watched him closely but I could easily see him being a top 10 pick (and disruptive in the pros too).

Agree with others about how players are probably gaming things by not running certain drills. To me the combine is basically just a pressurized litmus test of whether you're an athlete or not, vs. being a good football player. Not doing all the drills certainly hides any athletic weakspots and players used to get dinged for it. Maybe that's ok, but I'd want to get a decent measurement on agility drills for prospects -- generally speaking having common denominator measurements like those are pretty important for most positions.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Blame the NFL. They changed things this year, so that all of the tests (including bench) and workouts are on the same day. Previously, the tests were one day and the workouts the next day. I hope the NFL learned a lesson because it stinks not getting a full athletic profile of these guys at the combine. Pro Day results are notoriously flawed.

[Joemailman]

A darkhorse late round WR prospect might be Isaiah Weston from Northern Iowa. 6-3, 214. Ran a 4.42 at combine and did 20 reps on bench which was best among WR's. Needs work on route running so a bit of a project. Could be a ST stud with his size/speed combo.

[call_me_ishmael]

A darkhorse late round WR prospect might be Isaiah Weston from Northern Iowa. 6-3, 214. Ran a 4.42 at combine and did 20 reps on bench which was best among WR's. Needs work on route running so a bit of a project. Could be a ST stud with his size/speed combo.

MVS 2.0.

[HarveyWallbangers]

MVS 2.0.

He plays nothing like MVS. He's more Jeff Janis with better ball skills. I was surprised he ran that well. Like Janis, I think he's a better tester than football player, but he does have good hands and great ball skills. Kind of lumbering for testing that well. I didn't love his tape, but based on athleticism alone, he'll get a look late in the draft.

[bobblehead]

I'm starting to eyeball who we might get with the #9 pick.

[Joemailman]

I'm starting to eyeball who we might get with the #9 pick.

I think Jermaine Johnson is everything Packers want in an edge rusher.

[Fritz]

I think Jermaine Johnson is everything Packers want in an edge rusher.

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71XozZGLScS._AC_SL1500_.jpg

[wthigoot]

https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/nfl-draft-2022-packers/2022/3/15/22979974/2022-nfl-draft-packers-compensatory-picks-in-4th-and-7th-rounds

Packers get 4th and 7th round picks for losing Linsley and J. Williams. Have 3 7th rounders now. Gute like Ted monopolizing the 7th round. I actually like to have the extra lottery tickets.

Looks like the draft contest strategy will be to focus on 7th rounders again this year.

[Bretsky]

https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/nfl-draft-2022-packers/2022/3/15/22979974/2022-nfl-draft-packers-compensatory-picks-in-4th-and-7th-rounds

Packers get 4th and 7th round picks for losing Linsley and J. Williams. Have 3 7th rounders now. Gute like Ted monopolizing the 7th round. I actually like to have the extra lottery tickets.

Looks like the draft contest strategy will be to focus on 7th rounders again this year.


shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

that strategy got me the win two years ago :))

[Fritz]

https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/nfl-draft-2022-packers/2022/3/15/22979974/2022-nfl-draft-packers-compensatory-picks-in-4th-and-7th-rounds

Packers get 4th and 7th round picks for losing Linsley and J. Williams. Have 3 7th rounders now. Gute like Ted monopolizing the 7th round. I actually like to have the extra lottery tickets.

Looks like the draft contest strategy will be to focus on 7th rounders again this year.


With three seventh round picks, I wonder if the Packers will take a flyer on a kicker to compete with the two guys they already have (not counting Crosby).

I do wonder if Crosby is going to try to keep playing, and I wonder why the Pack hasn't cut him. I like him as the kicker - he doesn't have the leg strength, but a lot of his troubles were not of his doing.

I also wonder if they're going to try to keep Bojorquez. He was lights-out early on but got worse and worse as the season wore on.

[George Cumby]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71XozZGLScS._AC_SL1500_.jpg

For those who don't know the Rest of the Story of Jeremiah Johnson, Crow Killer, Liver-Eating Johnson:

https://www.amazon.com/Crow-Killer-New-Liver-Eating-Johnson/dp/0253020832

[Joemailman]

Packers picks:

R1: 28th overall
R2: 59
R3: 92
R4: 132
R4: 140 (compensatory)
R5: 171
R7: 228 (from HOU in Hollman trade)
R7: 249
R7: 258 (compensatory)

[call_me_ishmael]

What happened to the 6th round? Personally, I'd like to have about 10 or more picks TT style. They need to hit on 3 players here, so the more shots the better. Trade down from 28 please! The positions of need as I see it are DL, DL, more DL, OL, more OL, and WR.

[Joemailman]

What happened to the 6th round? Personally, I'd like to have about 10 or more picks TT style. They need to hit on 3 players here, so the more shots the better. Trade down from 28 please! The positions of need as I see it are DL, DL, more DL, OL, more OL, and WR.

Traded it for Cobb.

[bobblehead]

Few nose tackles make it in the NFL at that height. Leverage. You wonder if he could slim down and play 3 technique? Or just play it at a heavier weight.

You have come a long way since you first started posting. This is a very good analysis.

[Joemailman]

Davis played both 1 and 3 tech. Impressive guy. Manages to get a push even when upright. Maybe he's the exception to the rule.

Tape vs. Alabama:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmNhVqZ52JQ

[Bretsky]

Traded it for Cobb.


Can we have a do over ? :))

[HarveyWallbangers]

Can we have a do over ? :))

We got a 6th for Ka'dar Holman from the Texans, so the trade was basically Holman for Cobb. That seems fair.

[Fritz]

I'd like to see them get someone early on (1st, 2nd, or 3rd round) to play on the defensive line at the 3 or 5 technique, to help out Clark. I'd like a wide receiver in the 1st or 2nd, and an outside linebacker (I guess they are called edge rushers now) somewhere in the first three rounds. You can get a tight end later if you re-sign Tonyan, and draft some offensive linemen later. And take a flyer on a safety later, and a corner.

[Joemailman]

Packers now with the 9th most draft capital. https://www.tankathon.com/nfl/power_rankings

[HarveyWallbangers]

Packers now with the 9th most draft capital. https://www.tankathon.com/nfl/power_rankings

Those high picks are sometimes overvalued--especially in a draft like this.

For example, if you take away pick #8 from Atlanta and pick #22 from Green Bay, Green Bay has a higher pick every selection after that.

Green Bay's 2nd pick is 15 spots higher than Atlanta's 2nd pick.
Their 3rd pick is 5 spots higher than Atlanta.
Their 4th pick is 15 spots higher than Atlanta.
Their 5th pick is 22 spots higher than Atlanta.
Their 6th pick is 19 spots higher than Atlanta.
Their 7th pick is 50 spots higher than Atlanta.
Their 8th pick is 43 spots higher than Atlanta.

Atlanta only has 9 picks, so add the three 7th round picks as extra picks for Green Bay. Quite honestly, I'd take Green Bay's draft capital.

[bobblehead]

Given Gutes history, can anyone see him staying put in the first round? He has 2 fourths at his disposal to improve both of his 1s. I expect him to do what he has always done.

[Fritz]

Probably. Once he targets someone as a first that he wants, he tends to go get them. I'd guess he'll move up a bit in the first.

It would flip us all out if he pulled a Ted Thompson and traded down.

Saw an article in Acme this morning that using another draft capital metric the Packers now rank sixth in draft capital. The article mentions Harv's point - that early picks in other metrics are often overvalued.

https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2022/3/18/22984375/green-bay-packers-now-sixth-in-2022-nfl-draft-capital-after-davante-adams-trade

[Joemailman]

Michigan OLB David Ojabo suffered leg injury at Pro Day and had to be helped off field. Draft Network had him at #24 on their big board.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Hate to say it, but I wasn't a fan of us drafting Ojabo. I think he'll need to time to develop, and that doesn't fit our window with Rodgers.

[Fritz]

Hate to say it, but I wasn't a fan of us drafting Ojabo. I think he'll need to time to develop, and that doesn't fit our window with Rodgers.

Agreed, Harv. Saw him a little bit this year, and he's a speed move guy without much else.

[Upnorth]

Agreed, Harv. Saw him a little bit this year, and he's a speed move guy without much else.

Then maybe with the injury he falls to third round and can be our combo breaker.

Or did I just curse the poor guy...

[Fritz]

Speed is his one great asset, and if he effed up his leg that badly at his pro day, he probably will never be the player he was, much less develop. Believe me, I know what I'm talking about when it comes to hyped U of M players . . .

As for all the talk about the Packers "having" to take a WR at #22 (https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2022/3/18/22985085/can-the-green-bay-packers-afford-to-not-take-a-receiver-at-22-2022-nfl-draft), I do not agree. What not many people have talked about is how badly Kenny Clark needs a running buddy on the D-line. They got nothing other than him and occasionally-good Lowry. Slaton is a NT, and the defense needs someone at the 3 and/or 5 to take the heat off Clark. And everyone knows big guys are harder to find. So if there is that guy at #22, take him, period. You need a WR bad after that, then trade up from #28.

[Joemailman]

Speed is his one great asset, and if he effed up his leg that badly at his pro day, he probably will never be the player he was, much less develop. Believe me, I know what I'm talking about when it comes to hyped U of M players . . .

As for all the talk about the Packers "having" to take a WR at #22 (https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2022/3/18/22985085/can-the-green-bay-packers-afford-to-not-take-a-receiver-at-22-2022-nfl-draft), I do not agree. What not many people have talked about is how badly Kenny Clark needs a running buddy on the D-line. They got nothing other than him and occasionally-good Lowry. Slaton is a NT, and the defense needs someone at the 3 and/or 5 to take the heat off Clark. And everyone knows big guys are harder to find. So if there is that guy at #22, take him, period. You need a WR bad after that, then trade up from #28.

I don't disagree. However, I'm thinking more and more that the DL worth taking at 22 (Devonte Wyatt, Jordan Davis) will be gone but there will be WR's worth taking there. Guys like Olave and Treylon Burks. There are simply more 1st round prospects at WR than at DL. Now having diagnosed all that, Gute will probably draft a Safety.

Edit: Ojabo tore his achilles. Terrible injury for a speed rusher.

[Fritz]

I don't disagree. However, I'm thinking more and more that the DL worth taking at 22 (Devonte Wyatt, Jordan Davis) will be gone but there will be WR's worth taking there. Guys like Olave and Treylon Burks. There are simply more 1st round prospects at WR than at DL. Now having diagnosed all that, Gute will probably draft a Safety.

Edit: Ojabo tore his achilles. Terrible injury for a speed rusher.

No, you don't reach, but if one of those two are sitting there when you're up, and so is your favorite wide receiver, take the defensive lineman.

[bobblehead]

I somehow see Gutes trading from 28 up to 21. It will be one of those things where he doesn't want to choose between 2 guys.

[texaspackerbacker]

Trading up would make sense this year. We don't need quantity, but we could use a few future stars.

[run pMc]

We got a 6th for Ka'dar Holman from the Texans, so the trade was basically Holman for Cobb. That seems fair.

I thought it was a R7 for Hollman? Didn't they give up a R6 for Bojorquez?

[run pMc]

Speed is his one great asset, and if he effed up his leg that badly at his pro day, he probably will never be the player he was, much less develop. Believe me, I know what I'm talking about when it comes to hyped U of M players . . .

As for all the talk about the Packers "having" to take a WR at #22 (https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2022/3/18/22985085/can-the-green-bay-packers-afford-to-not-take-a-receiver-at-22-2022-nfl-draft), I do not agree. What not many people have talked about is how badly Kenny Clark needs a running buddy on the D-line. They got nothing other than him and occasionally-good Lowry. Slaton is a NT, and the defense needs someone at the 3 and/or 5 to take the heat off Clark. And everyone knows big guys are harder to find. So if there is that guy at #22, take him, period. You need a WR bad after that, then trade up from #28.

Not a fan of Ojabo, not in R1, and certainly not if he has a major leg injury to stunt his development. Achilles injuries are really bad news.
If they don't trade the picks I strongly believe they will use at least 2 of their first 4 picks on either EDGE, DL or OT. Kenny needs help and the DL plays worse without him, the EDGE group needs depth, and even if they play Jenkins/Njiman at RT I think they want someone who can play swing tackle and eventually push those guys back to their original spots (LG, bench).

They will almost certainly use a high pick on a WR unless the value isn't there. This is a very good EDGE class. Bisaccia will impress on Gute that they need bodies to improve their ST as well - oh yeah, Oren Burks is a 49er. A middle round LB? A TE to replace Dafney/Lewis?
They could use a guy to play slot corner, and third safety. Sullivan isn't a tire fire, but he got picked on at times. Maybe they put Jaire there?
The Brisker kid out of PSU has slid a bit, I think he'd be a nice upgrade over Henry Black. Savage had a tough year and if they lose Amos (who is quietly very good) that safety group is a weakness.

[Joemailman]

Nice writeup on Olave, who has become my favorite. https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2022/03/20/packers-film-room-ohio-state-wr-chris-olave-is-a-first-round-fit/?taid=6237862252440400013b7e41&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=trueanthem&utm_source=twitterWant a rookie WR who Rodgers will actually throw to? Draft the best route runner in the draft who also happens to have 4.39 speed.

[RashanGary]

My guy is skyy Moore in the 2nd or 3rd round. Highly productive, athletic, maybe not big but plays tough.

[Bretsky]

Is HW still one of the few Ohio State Football fans in the Universe that doesn't like in Ohio and cheers for them :) ??

HW, you love Olave ???

[Upnorth]

What do you guts think of a team like the Jets or giants giving us next year's 1 and 3 for this year's 28?

I think that could pay big dividends.

Or this year's 28 for this year's 2 and next year's 2?

[Joemailman]

Given the Packers cap situation, I think they want high picks now, rather than stockpiling picks for next year. Maybe trade 28 to Jets for 2022 35 and 38.

[King Friday]

I like Olave better than Wilson at the next level. I live in central Ohio and see and hear plenty on the Buckeyes. Olave is one of the best route runners to come out of the draft in several years. He also has excellent hands, but so does Wilson. I don't think you'd go wrong with either, but I would rather have Olave since I think his immediate impact will be greater.

[Joemailman]

My guy is skyy Moore in the 2nd or 3rd round. Highly productive, athletic, maybe not big but plays tough.

Not sure Packers want three 5'-9" wide receivers.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Not sure Packers want three 5'-9" wide receivers.

True--although I'm really digging Calvin Austin's tape. A bit like Elijah Moore--who went in round 2 last year. At the Senior Bowl Christian Watson and Austin were the best WRs in 1 on 1 drills. Jalen Tolbert was a distant 3rd.

[HarveyWallbangers]

I watched a bit more of Olave vs Wilson at OSU. I'm leaning towards Wilson. He's the one who drew the most attention from opposing teams. I had studied WRs awhile back, but with the Packers trading Davante, I've started rewatching. :) I've gone back through the top 15. Right now, I have them ranked like this.

Tier 1 (have the potential to be #1 WRs)

Drake London
Treylon Burks
Jameson Williams
Garrett Wilson

Tier 2 (technicians, smaller guys, great route runners, probably will be good #2 WRs in the NFL)

Chris Olave
Jahan Dotson
Skyy Moore

Tier 3 (round 2 players, great potential but not as safe as Tier 1)

George Pickens
Christian Watson
Alec Pierce
John Metchie
Calvin Austin
Jalen Tolbert

I'd love to get any two of these guys in this draft.

A few guys that I wasn't as high on as others after the first time through that I'm going to rewatch:

Khalil Shakur
David Bell (I was sour on him even before his poor combine)
Wan'Dale Robinson
Romeo Doubs

Guys that I was intrigued by after the first time through:

Erik Ezukanma
Reggie Roberson
Josh Johnson
Velus Jones
Danny Gray

Guys that tested great at the combine that I'd like to study again:

Bo Melton
Tyquan Thornton
Kevin Austin
Isaiah Weston

Finally, Kyle Phillips and Mike Woods. After watching their film and not thinking that much of them, I was impressed with Phillips at the Senior Bowl and I was impressed with Woods at the combine.

[Joemailman]

QB Kenny Pickett's hand measured 1/8" bigger at Pittsburgh's Pro Day than ot did at the Combine. That should send him shooting up draft boards.

[Fritz]

QB Kenny Pickett's hand measured 1/8" bigger at Pittsburgh's Pro Day than ot did at the Combine. That should send him shooting up draft boards.

Must have been a hot woman on the sidelines in Pittsburgh.

[RashanGary]

The draft is going to be a lot more fun with the Adams ammo. We have a really good chance to land a star player. And a good chance to get 4 more starters from a deep draft.

[call_me_ishmael]

The draft is going to be a lot more fun with the Adams ammo. We have a really good chance to land a star player. And a good chance to get 4 more starters from a deep draft.

This is an example of getting carried away. If they get three quality starters, it would be amazing. 5?? Unheard of. Most of the drafts in the early 2010s they got _1_ starter from if they were lucky.

[RashanGary]

This is an example of getting carried away. If they get three quality starters, it would be amazing. 5?? Unheard of. Most of the drafts in the early 2010s they got _1_ starter from if they were lucky.

Probably true.

[HarveyWallbangers]

This is an example of getting carried away. If they get three quality starters, it would be amazing. 5?? Unheard of. Most of the drafts in the early 2010s they got _1_ starter from if they were lucky.

How often do you have 4 picks in the first 2 rounds and 11 picks total? A good draft is 3 starters, but with this draft capital they should get 4 starters.

[RashanGary]

How often do you have 4 picks in the first 2 rounds and 11 picks total? A good draft is 3 starters, but with this draft capital they should get 4 starters.

And it is supposed to be a deep draft with the Covid 5th year seniors. That could account for one extra starter.

[call_me_ishmael]

^ Fair points to both of the above.

[run pMc]

You mean starting on/before Year 3 Game 1? If you keep all 11 picks I'd think 4-5 wouldn't be out of the question, especially given it's 2 R1, 2 R2 and 2 R4 picks. (They might not be good starters)

If you mean starting next season, there are only a few spots open and a couple where they have people now but could face competition. Either way, it's best to slow down. Rookies rarely make a big impacts starting game 1, and in fact are more often liabilities teams exploit.

The draft is exciting because of the possibility and potential, but usually it takes a few years to see if it's been realized.

[RashanGary]

You mean starting on/before Year 3 Game 1? If you keep all 11 picks I'd think 4-5 wouldn't be out of the question, especially given it's 2 R1, 2 R2 and 2 R4 picks. (They might not be good starters)

If you mean starting next season, there are only a few spots open and a couple where they have people now but could face competition. Either way, it's best to slow down. Rookies rarely make a big impacts starting game 1, and in fact are more often liabilities teams exploit.

The draft is exciting because of the possibility and potential, but usually it takes a few years to see if it's been realized.

Yep. It is still exciting tho. 4 picks in the top 2 rounds. We never get this!

[run pMc]

What do you guts think of a team like the Jets or giants giving us next year's 1 and 3 for this year's 28?

I think that could pay big dividends.

Or this year's 28 for this year's 2 and next year's 2?

I'd be fine with this. They have a few players on big contracts and then... not much else. They redid basically everyone's contract they could (Bahk, Preston, Amos, Clark, AJones) who wasn't on a rookie deal for cap space except maybe Lowry. They will have to depend on the draft for cheap labor (oops, I mean talent). Despite that, I'm not sure they have enough open roster spots for 11 players this year, I could see them using a few to trade up or (my preference) turn into future picks.

With the #22 pick I'd be ok trading the #28 for a 2022 and 2023 R2, or trading one of their current R2 picks for a R1 next year.

[Joemailman]

Packers trade Davante Adams. Chiefs trade Tyreek Hill. Packers pick 22 and 28. Chiefs pick 29 and 30. I wonder if these teams will be hacking into the other's communications to know what they're thinking. I wonder if there is a WR Gute likes so much he would trade up. He has traded up in the 1st round 3 times.

MVS visiting the Chiefs today.

[call_me_ishmael]

Man I kinda want the Packers to get Olave (Greg Jenning 2.0 from the sounds o fit) and get the Big Bison Bomber.

[Joemailman]

Who is the Big Bison Bomber?:huh:

[Jaire]

I think receivers will fall this year with the depth of this draft. Kind of like 2019.

It's a good year to pick up another edge. I think WR can wait til the second pick or a move up in round two.

[run pMc]

Who is the Big Bison Bomber?:huh:

NDSU Bison - the Watson kid who blew up at the Combine

[run pMc]

I think receivers will fall this year with the depth of this draft. Kind of like 2019.

It's a good year to pick up another edge. I think WR can wait til the second pick or a move up in round two.

Agree it's a good year to pick up an EDGE if not 2. This is a very good/deep class for them, GB doesn't have great depth behind Gary/Smith, and you have to rotate guys to keep them fresh enough to take on 320 pound OL.
That said, I don't want them to wait too long to pick a WR, and I think the trades of Adams and Hill will force their hand a bit. I'm hoping they take 2 WRs: one early and another late. They can do better than Malik Taylor and Juwann Winfree, and Cobb/Lazard as your presumptive starters isn't ideal.

[Bretsky]

I think receivers will fall this year with the depth of this draft. Kind of like 2019.

It's a good year to pick up another edge. I think WR can wait til the second pick or a move up in round two.


By the end of round two there wasn't much left in 2019. And when we picked in round two...the same

I remember watching them get plucked one after the other ahead of our pick.

If I'm thinking of the names right Michael Pittman and TJ Higgins would have been there if we sat instead of trading up for the LoveWreck. Claypool went middle of round two I think

Denzel Mims was picked right ahead of us and then there was a big fall.

We need one of the top 5 IMO. Rodgers has been going years w/o a #2 but he had one of the elite WR's in the game. Right now we don't have a 1 or 2 on the roster. We need something.

[Upnorth]

Packers trade Davante Adams. Chiefs trade Tyreek Hill. Packers pick 22 and 28. Chiefs pick 29 and 30. I wonder if these teams will be hacking into the other's communications to know what they're thinking. I wonder if there is a WR Gute likes so much he would trade up. He has traded up in the 1st round 3 times.

MVS visiting the Chiefs today.

If he uses a 3rd to trade up no loss

[HarveyWallbangers]

I think receivers will fall this year with the depth of this draft. Kind of like 2019.

It's a good year to pick up another edge. I think WR can wait til the second pick or a move up in round two.

I don't know if it's as deep as it's reported to be. I have 15-16 that I like. Since 2014 14 WRs go in the first 3 rounds on average. The most is 17. The last two years there have been 15 and 16. I think there's a similar amount of talent this year.

In 2019 there were 13 WRs to go in the first 3 rounds, but it wasn't because teams waited on WRs. There were only 28 WRs drafted that year--which was the fewest in my 11 years of tracking. On average 32 WRs are drafted.

[HarveyWallbangers]

NDSU Bison - the Watson kid who blew up at the Combine

When I watch him, I get a bit of a Javon Walker vibe. I looked up their measurables:

Christian Watson = 6'4" 208 with 4.36 40, 1.45 10yd split, 38.5" vertical, 136" broad jump
Javon Walker = 6'3" 210 with 4.35 40, 1.50 10 yd split, 39.5" vertical, 128" broad jump

[texaspackerbacker]

All that kinda says Valdez-Scantling to me - good straight ahead speed. If he can catch and if he has some moves and if his head is on right to learn to run patterns, then he's special. Maybe his shuttle times show more about his moves/pattern running ability.

[Jaire]

By the end of round two there wasn't much left in 2019. And when we picked in round two...the same

I remember watching them get plucked one after the other ahead of our pick.

If I'm thinking of the names right Michael Pittman and TJ Higgins would have been there if we sat instead of trading up for the LoveWreck. Claypool went middle of round two I think

Denzel Mims was picked right ahead of us and then there was a big fall.

We need one of the top 5 IMO. Rodgers has been going years w/o a #2 but he had one of the elite WR's in the game. Right now we don't have a 1 or 2 on the roster. We need something.

That's the wrong year. The 2020 class was very weak overall but strong at WR.

In 2019 the first WR was taken at round one pick 25 and A.J. Brown lasted to 51, Metcalf to 64.

This is a deep class imo at WR -- a lot of prospects and several good fits for GB -- but the DE, ILB, and db's are so deep and a few decent DL too. Not too mention that the OL looks very solid. WR's are going to fall.

[call_me_ishmael]

https://twitter.com/BenFennell_NFL/status/1506731074868727813

Sounds like a milf dude.

[run pMc]

https://twitter.com/BenFennell_NFL/status/1506731074868727813

Sounds like a milf dude.

I'd be ok with him as a Day 3 pick. The last play in that clip was what I wanted to see -- how he held up vs. a DL (the first two looked like S/LB blocks even Tonyan could do). He's a big athletic dude you could develop into something, and the Packers are going to need TE depth and it takes a while for those guys to develop anyway. I wouldn't be shocked at all if they took a TE in the mid-to-late rounds... I'm kind of expecting it actually. A 6'7" guy with a sub 4.7 40 running down the seam against a safety is a pretty good matchup for the offense.

[HarveyWallbangers]

When I watch him, I get a bit of a Javon Walker vibe. I looked up their measurables:

Christian Watson = 6'4" 208 with 4.36 40, 1.45 10yd split, 38.5" vertical, 136" broad jump
Javon Walker = 6'3" 210 with 4.35 40, 1.50 10 yd split, 39.5" vertical, 128" broad jump

Watson = 4.21 shuttle, 6.85 3 Cone, 18 bench reps (which was second most by the WRs who have tested so far)
Walker = 4.05 shuttle, 6.86 3 Cone, DNP bench reps

Watson = 6'4 1/8" height, 32 1/2" arm length, 10 1/8" hands
Walker = 6'2 3/4" height, 32 1/2" arm length, 9 3/4" hands

Very similar athletes.

[Jaire]

Just glancing at the receivers, I like this class a lot more than the last two. A lot of interesting guys.

George Pickens and Watson are super special. I can't remember the last prospects I saw that popped out like these two, esp Pickens. And I think the Pack is gonna go after some bigger guys this draft -- I don't see them drafting small unless someone like Shakir in the later rounds.

I don't like the 1st round guys as projected except Burks (considering Williams is injured).

Even more than before, I'd like to see our first two picks used on front seven or OL.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Problem is that we won’t be able to get Pickens or Watson with our 2nd round picks. I’ve come around to the idea of going BPA at #22 and then Pickens or Watson later in the 1st.

[Upnorth]

Problem is that we won’t be able to get Pickens or Watson with our 2nd round picks. I’ve come around to the idea of going BPA at #22 and then Pickens or Watson later in the 1st.

Or trade back into the early 2nd and get a 4th

[Joemailman]

Or trade back into the early 2nd and get a 4th

Gute's track record would suggest he would he would trade both 4th's he has to move up in the 2nd. I'm hoping this year is different.

[Jaire]

Problem is that we won’t be able to get Pickens or Watson with our 2nd round picks. I’ve come around to the idea of going BPA at #22 and then Pickens or Watson later in the 1st.

Now I've watched a bit more Watson and Pickens. I think I'll be "ok" with Watson at 22. He'd be top ten if he were in the SEC. If there are 10 receivers better than him, this will be the best WR draft all time.

[Fritz]

Gute's track record would suggest he would he would trade both 4th's he has to move up in the 2nd. I'm hoping this year is different.

Me too. Trade the third rounder and really move up. Keep the fourths. His and Ted's third-round records are pretty miserable.

[run pMc]

I heard someone throw out the theory that R3 is where they tend to make a need-based pick, or Gute lets someone else make that pick. Anyway, their R3 track record is not good.

I realize trading up worked for picking CMIII and Jaire, but there are too more examples where it really didn't (Spriggs, Jordan Love, Oren Burks) that stick out in my head. For that reason I'd prefer they didn't trade up. With 11 picks they have the ammo. They certainly don't need to trade down... they could just let the board fall and take BPA and probably do just fine.

[HarveyWallbangers]

I heard someone throw out the theory that R3 is where they tend to make a need-based pick, or Gute lets someone else make that pick. Anyway, their R3 track record is not good.

I realize trading up worked for picking CMIII and Jaire, but there are too more examples where it really didn't (Spriggs, Jordan Love, Oren Burks) that stick out in my head. For that reason I'd prefer they didn't trade up. With 11 picks they have the ammo. They certainly don't need to trade down... they could just let the board fall and take BPA and probably do just fine.

Agree

[HarveyWallbangers]

Of the OTs at the combine here are the ones that meet the athletic threshold that I think the Packers have:

Ikem Ekwonu, NC State
Charles Cross, Mississippi St
Trevor Penning, No Iowa
Bernhard Raimann, Cent Michigan (old rookie, so this would seem to rule him out for the 1st round)
Tyler Smith, Tulsa
Abraham Lucas, Washington St
Kellen Diesch, Arizona St
Logan Bruss, Wisconsin
Nick Zakelj, Fordham
Zach Thomas, San Diego St

These guys don't have testing for 40, shuttle, and/or 3 cone:

Rasheed Walker, Penn St
Spencer Burford, UTSA
Matt Waletzko, North Dakota

The last two will likely meet the threshold based off their results from other drills. No idea on Walker since he hasn't tested at all.

[HarveyWallbangers]

If one of the top 3 drops to #22, the Packers will take one of them over a WR. It's unlikely they will drop.

Smith or Lucas could be the Packers pick in round 2, Diesch in round 3, Bruss or Burford in round 4, and the rest probably later.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Notable interior OL that don't meet the Packers athletic threshold: Kenyon Green, Darian Kinnard, Dohnovan West, Luke Fortner, Thayer Munford, Justin Shaffer

[run pMc]

If one of the top 3 drops to #22, the Packers will take one of them over a WR. It's unlikely they will drop.

Smith or Lucas could be the Packers pick in round 2, Diesch in round 3, Bruss or Burford in round 4, and the rest probably later.

This was posted a little while back, be curious how the pro days impact the list. Starting to think they take an OL or two mid-rounds unless a top one falls.
https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2022/3/5/22962703/2022-nfl-draft-combine-friday-measurables-notebook-rb-ol-edition-green-bay-packers-cone-shuttle

As good as Zion Johnson is, if he's there at 28 I don't know if you want to pull the trigger on a guy who will likely play inside. That's a big investment for an IOL when you have bigger needs. Then again, if he's Elgton Jenkins 2.0 and he can play anywhere it might be worth it (IDK if Bahk's contract has a decent out for GB).

[Joemailman]

This was posted a little while back, be curious how the pro days impact the list. Starting to think they take an OL or two mid-rounds unless a top one falls.
https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2022/3/5/22962703/2022-nfl-draft-combine-friday-measurables-notebook-rb-ol-edition-green-bay-packers-cone-shuttle

As good as Zion Johnson is, if he's there at 28 I don't know if you want to pull the trigger on a guy who will likely play inside. That's a big investment for an IOL when you have bigger needs. Then again, if he's Elgton Jenkins 2.0 and he can play anywhere it might be worth it (IDK if Bahk's contract has a decent out for GB).

Packers haven't drafted an IOL since Aaron Taylor in 1994. He would have to be a generational player for the Packers to take him. Packers can get out of Bakh's contract in 2023.

[run pMc]

https://steelersdepot.com/2022/03/2022-draft-offensive-tackle-prospects-relative-athletic-scores-ras/

Not a bad roundup if you're into RAS scores.

[Jaire]

This is the deepest draft I've seen and it's not just WR, and by that I mean deep for quality, high end, developmental starters. Three of my favorite receivers, given injuries to some of the top guys here, aren't top nine. I can think of no class that has such depth at every position, except QB. Also it's one of those classes where every team will have a very different board imo. Should be a very interesting draft. Honestly, there will be some stud receivers at the 53 spot, much like the year we drafted Davante Adams.

https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/2022-nfl-draft-wr-rankings-crabbs-nov

edit: this is not nearly the quality WR class as Davante's. but it is pretty deep still.

[Tony Oday]

First round RB is my guess.

[Joemailman]

A WR who doesn't get mentioned much is Kevin Austin of Notre Dame. 6-2, 200 pounds ran a 4.43 40 at the combine. Had a great combine overall. But there are questions as to how soon he'll be drafted. He was suspended 2019 season for violating team rules. Missed 2020 with foot injuries. Had a great 2021 season with 48 catches for 888 yards and 7 Td's. So there's 1 season to evaluate him on. Draft Network has him rated a late round pick. Pro Football Network has him rated a 2-3 round pick. LaFleur has worked with ND coach Brian Kelly. Wouldn't doubt LaFleur has contacted Kelly about Austin's character.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FM-ovF5WYCAj0ZV.png

[SudsMcBucky]

A WR who doesn't get mentioned much is Kevin Austin of Notre Dame. 6-2, 200 pounds ran a 4.43 40 at the combine. Had a great combine overall. But there are questions as to how soon he'll be drafted. He was suspended 2019 season for violating team rules. Missed 2020 with foot injuries. Had a great 2021 season with 48 catches for 888 yards and 7 Td's. So there's 1 season to evaluate him on. Draft Network has him rated a late round pick. Pro Football Network has him rated a 2-3 round pick. LaFleur has worked with ND coach Brian Kelly. Wouldn't doubt LaFleur has contacted Kelly about Austin's character.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FM-ovF5WYCAj0ZV.png

We've gotten to the point where we're relying on Kelly's input about someone's character? Lord help us all.

[RashanGary]

A WR who doesn't get mentioned much is Kevin Austin of Notre Dame. 6-2, 200 pounds ran a 4.43 40 at the combine. Had a great combine overall. But there are questions as to how soon he'll be drafted. He was suspended 2019 season for violating team rules. Missed 2020 with foot injuries. Had a great 2021 season with 48 catches for 888 yards and 7 Td's. So there's 1 season to evaluate him on. Draft Network has him rated a late round pick. Pro Football Network has him rated a 2-3 round pick. LaFleur has worked with ND coach Brian Kelly. Wouldn't doubt LaFleur has contacted Kelly about Austin's character.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FM-ovF5WYCAj0ZV.png

Interesting. There are middle round gems every year at WR. This could be that guy.

[call_me_ishmael]

Harveyton, what do you think of George Karlafatis?

[HarveyWallbangers]

Harveyton, what do you think of George Karlafatis?

I'm on OL right now. I like to watch OTs against prospects at EDGE and OGs against prospects at DT. So far, all I've watched is the Ohio State vs. Purdue game. I was underwhelmed. I had heard he was unproductive this year because he was doubled a lot. I think he was doubled once in the first quarter against Ohio State and not much after that. He seems like a better fit at 4-3 DE than 3-4 OLB. He does have the size the Packers like, and he's really young, so he has a chance to develop.

[HarveyWallbangers]

I always like giving comps to guys as I'm evaluating them. Some are perfect. Some are based more on play style. Some are based more on measurables. I always find it fun when I find somebody to comp to a Packers player. So far, I have:

WR Christian Watson = Javon Walker
WR Alec Pierce = Jordy Nelson
WR Makai Polk = Malachi Dupre
WR Isaiah Weston = Jeff Janis

TE Jelani Woods = Marcedes Lewis
TE Grant Calcaterra = Tyler Davis

OT Kellen Diesch = Jason Spriggs
OT Braxton Jones = Billy Turner

OG Zion Johnson = Elgton Jenkins

EDGE Travon Walker = Rashan Gary (don't love this comp because Gary has more power, but size, traits, and "unproductiveness" in college are similar)
EDGE Sam Williams = Whitney Mercilus

LB Quay Walker = De'Vondre Campbell
LB Nate Landman = Jake Ryan

S/CB Daxton Hill = a good Damarious Randall
S Delarrin Turner-Yell = Kentrell Brice

[Fritz]

I always like giving comps to guys as I'm evaluating them. Some are perfect. Some are based more on play style. Some are based more on measurables. I always find it fun when I find somebody to comp to a Packers player. So far, I have:

WR Christian Watson = Javon Walker
WR Alec Pierce = Jordy Nelson
WR Makai Polk = Malachi Dupre
WR Isaiah Weston = Jeff Janis

TE Jelani Woods = Marcedes Lewis
TE Grant Calcaterra = Tyler Davis

OT Kellen Diesch = Jason Spriggs
OT Braxton Jones = Billy Turner

OG Zion Johnson = Elgton Jenkins

EDGE Travon Walker = Rashan Gary (don't love this comp because Gary has more power, but size, traits, and "unproductiveness" in college are similar)
EDGE Sam Williams = Whitney Mercilus

LB Quay Walker = De'Vondre Campbell
LB Nate Landman = Jake Ryan

S/CB Daxton Hill = a good Damarious Randall
S Delarrin Turner-Yell = Kentrell Brice


Ewww. Let's not draft THAT guy.

[Bretsky]

THIS WOULD BE AWESOME !!!!

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2022-nfl-two-round-mock-draft-packers-double-dip-at-wide-receiver-eagles-take-three-on-defense/

[Joemailman]

THIS WOULD BE AWESOME !!!!

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2022-nfl-two-round-mock-draft-packers-double-dip-at-wide-receiver-eagles-take-three-on-defense/

Not bad, put I would take Christian Watson over Burks.

[Bretsky]

Not bad, put I would take Christian Watson over Burks.


Still think I'd take Burks but I'd be ok with either

Dotson from Penn State getting lots of love lately as I've seen several predict GB nabe him R1

[HarveyWallbangers]

https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/nfl-draft-prospect-best-fits-teams-schemes-2022

BEST 2022 NFL DRAFT PROSPECT SCHEME FITS

NORTH DAKOTA STATE WR CHRISTIAN WATSON - GREEN BAY PACKERS

After trading Davante Adams to Las Vegas, quarterback Aaron Rodgers has quickly seen his wideouts room empty out with little high-end talent remaining. While there are many options for a true top receiver in this class, you’d be hard-pressed to find one with the potential of Watson. One of the most fluid athletes in the class, similarly to Adams, Watson would undoubtedly holster the majority of Rodgers' targets without a hiccup. A high-flying aerial attack led by the future first-ballot Hall of Famer, Watson’s multiple seasons of work in the frozen tundra of North Dakota should translate nicely to the bitter cold of Green Bay. If he’s on the board come the No. 22 overall pick, I would be surprised if he’s not the pick by General Manager Brian Gutekunst. Size, speed and playmaking ability in the twitched-up frame of Watson doesn’t grow on trees.

[Bretsky]

https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/nfl-draft-prospect-best-fits-teams-schemes-2022

BEST 2022 NFL DRAFT PROSPECT SCHEME FITS

NORTH DAKOTA STATE WR CHRISTIAN WATSON - GREEN BAY PACKERS

After trading Davante Adams to Las Vegas, quarterback Aaron Rodgers has quickly seen his wideouts room empty out with little high-end talent remaining. While there are many options for a true top receiver in this class, you’d be hard-pressed to find one with the potential of Watson. One of the most fluid athletes in the class, similarly to Adams, Watson would undoubtedly holster the majority of Rodgers' targets without a hiccup. A high-flying aerial attack led by the future first-ballot Hall of Famer, Watson’s multiple seasons of work in the frozen tundra of North Dakota should translate nicely to the bitter cold of Green Bay. If he’s on the board come the No. 22 overall pick, I would be surprised if he’s not the pick by General Manager Brian Gutekunst. Size, speed and playmaking ability in the twitched-up frame of Watson doesn’t grow on trees.




Which WR's would you select Watson over ?

Are Watson and Williams too much alike to have on same team ? NFL Network was all over the idea that the smarter teams are going to be really looking at the Alabama Superstar. They felt Hoody Genius and Andy Reid would be all over this guy. Mentioned GB as the third team that might jump for him at 28.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Which WR's would you select Watson over ?

Are Watson and Williams too much alike to have on same team ? NFL Network was all over the idea that the smarter teams are going to be really looking at the Alabama Superstar. They felt Hoody Genius and Andy Reid would be all over this guy. Mentioned GB as the third team that might jump for him at 28.

For the Packers scheme, Drake London is the only no doubter for me. Jameson Williams would be w/o the torn ACL. Maybe Garrett Wilson and George Pickens. Watson is the perfect fit for us. He has the deep speed to replace MVS. He's a good blocker--which MLF loves. He can run the jet motions, so no need to carry a guy like Tyler Ervin. He's a kick returner. He is not a bad route runner. He looked good at the Senior Bowl running routes--certainly better than Jalen Tolbert. He's "Packer People." He has some swag. My biggest concern is his hands, but I don't think they are MVS bad. I don't think he'll be a big contested catch guy in the NFL, but neither is Chris Olave.

I like Treylon Burks, but the fact that 70% of his snaps in college were in the slot is worrisome. If the Packers draft him, I'll be okay with it--because that would tell me the Packers think he can play outside. When watching film, remember that just because he hasn't doesn't mean he can't (ala A.J. Dillon and his receiving ability).

I really want one of these guys: London, Williams, Pickens, Watson, Alec Pierce, and/or Tolbert. Williams and one of the other guys would be tremendous, but I think that's a pipe dream.

[HarveyWallbangers]

I've heard comments about Watson not being productive in college. That tells me people haven't really dug into Watson. NDSU had 700 rushing attempts and 255 passing attempts last year. They play like they are still running the veer offense from the 80s. The teams for most of the other top WRs threw it 450 times or more. Basically, Watson's 800 receiving yards came in a half season worth of passing attempts for the other guys. NDSU's second leading receiver (Phoenix Sproles, Darren's cousin) had 284 yards. 284 yards! :)

[HarveyWallbangers]

Wisconsin's OL made Hutchinson, Ojabo, and Ebiketie look like All-Pros last year. I'm watching film on Logan Bruss. I don't know if Wisconsin's OL was terrible yet or if those guys are just really good. Ojabo and Ebiketie are impressive pass rushers. Ebiketie looks really light in the pants though.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Ewww. Let's not draft THAT guy.

To be fair, the athletic types do hit quite often. Diesch's athleticism immediately stands out, but his tape isn't great. He has a decent anchor, but little power at the POA in the run game. He needs a lot of improvement with his hands. I took a look at his measurables and they are eerily similar to Spriggs:

Diesch = 6'7" 301 4.89 40, 4.43 shuttle, 7.77 3 cone, 32.5" vertical, 110" broad jump
Spriggs = 6'6" 301 4.94 40, 4.44 shuttle, 7.70 3 cone, 31.5" vertical, 115" broad jump

[HarveyWallbangers]

Bruss looked a heck of a lot better in the second half of the Penn State game and in the Notre Dame game, so maybe those other guys are just that good.

[Joemailman]

Luke Goedeke is an offensive lineman who has Packer written all over him. Tight End turned Tackle started his college career at UW Stevens Point. Transferred to Central Michigan and started 25 games at RT in zone heavy scheme despite missing 2020 with injury. Probably will play Guard in the NFL. Likely Day 3 pick.

[run pMc]

For the Packers scheme, Drake London is the only no doubter for me. Jameson Williams would be w/o the torn ACL. Maybe Garrett Wilson and George Pickens. Watson is the perfect fit for us. He has the deep speed to replace MVS. He's a good blocker--which MLF loves. He can run the jet motions, so no need to carry a guy like Tyler Ervin. He's a kick returner. He is not a bad route runner. He looked good at the Senior Bowl running routes--certainly better than Jalen Tolbert. He's "Packer People." He has some swag. My biggest concern is his hands, but I don't think they are MVS bad. I don't think he'll be a big contested catch guy in the NFL, but neither is Chris Olave.

I like Treylon Burks, but the fact that 70% of his snaps in college were in the slot is worrisome. If the Packers draft him, I'll be okay with it--because that would tell me the Packers think he can play outside. When watching film, remember that just because he hasn't doesn't mean he can't (ala A.J. Dillon and his receiving ability).

I really want one of these guys: London, Williams, Pickens, Watson, Alec Pierce, and/or Tolbert. Williams and one of the other guys would be tremendous, but I think that's a pipe dream.

Burks is a thick dude and his reduced splits might appear to MLF given how close they often have the WRs to the ends. While not a burner I think his play speed is fine and he gives off Anquan Boldin vibes. He gave Alabama a pretty good fight and I think he has certainly potential to be a good player. I'm not sure he's AJ Brown good, and I don't think he's Deebo either.

I like Pickens a little better than Watson. For some reason there's just something about Watson that feels boom-or-bust to me and I'd be nervous picking him before late R2. I could see where he's an MVS replacement, although part of me feels like he's almost an ESB replacement. If Gute keeps all his picks I'd be fine if they spent one of them on Watson, but everyone has their draft crushes so I guess it depends on when/where and who else is available.

Agree Drake London seems like a player GB would target. Not sure how I'd feel about them packaging both picks to move up and get him. There's plenty of WR depth and I think they have roster needs. If it was a question of trading 2 R1 to get London or taking Watson at 59 I'd probably take Watson.
This is a deep draft more than a top-heavy draft, so the whole "more bites at the apple" stuff is probably the way I'd prefer.

I think they would be ok if they took Olave or Burks too. Wilson will likely be gone, Williams and the ACL would be a maybe. I like Metchie but he has the ACL and I think he's a bit more high-floor/low-ceiling guy who will be there late Day 2/early Day 3.

Still feels like they will go DL or EDGE to me, with an outside shot at an OL if a good one falls out of the top 15 to them. RT is a sneaky need for them, they don't have much depth at EDGE, and after this season it's Clark and Slaton under contract on the DL.

[run pMc]

Damone Clark out for 2022 with a spinal fusion to repair a herniated disk.
That's gonna hurt his draft stock.

https://www.nfl.com/news/top-lb-prospect-damone-clark-undergoing-spinal-fusion-surgery-likely-to-miss-202

[Fritz]

Burks is a thick dude and his reduced splits might appear to MLF given how close they often have the WRs to the ends. While not a burner I think his play speed is fine and he gives off Anquan Boldin vibes. He gave Alabama a pretty good fight and I think he has certainly potential to be a good player. I'm not sure he's AJ Brown good, and I don't think he's Deebo either.

I like Pickens a little better than Watson. For some reason there's just something about Watson that feels boom-or-bust to me and I'd be nervous picking him before late R2. I could see where he's an MVS replacement, although part of me feels like he's almost an ESB replacement. If Gute keeps all his picks I'd be fine if they spent one of them on Watson, but everyone has their draft crushes so I guess it depends on when/where and who else is available.

Agree Drake London seems like a player GB would target. Not sure how I'd feel about them packaging both picks to move up and get him. There's plenty of WR depth and I think they have roster needs. If it was a question of trading 2 R1 to get London or taking Watson at 59 I'd probably take Watson.
This is a deep draft more than a top-heavy draft, so the whole "more bites at the apple" stuff is probably the way I'd prefer.

I think they would be ok if they took Olave or Burks too. Wilson will likely be gone, Williams and the ACL would be a maybe. I like Metchie but he has the ACL and I think he's a bit more high-floor/low-ceiling guy who will be there late Day 2/early Day 3.

Still feels like they will go DL or EDGE to me, with an outside shot at an OL if a good one falls out of the top 15 to them. RT is a sneaky need for them, they don't have much depth at EDGE, and after this season it's Clark and Slaton under contract on the DL.

I would tend to agree about keeping the picks, but of course it always depends on how the guys they take end up working out. Last time they had four picks in the first two rounds was 1967, with Lombardi at the helm, and according to ACME, "In that 1967 draft, Green Bay chose offensive lineman Bob Hyland and quarterback Don Horn in round one, before taking wide receiver Dave Dunaway and linebacker Jim Flanigan in round two."

I was just beginning my love affair with the Packers back in '67, so my vague memory is that Don Horn never did much at all, except I think he had one good game. That was not a good pick. I think Bob Hyland left after a few years, did little in GB. Very little. Flanigan never amounted to anything, as I recall. No memory of Dave Dunaway. So that draft sucked. Just badly. That was as bad a draft as Ted's 2015 draft, which was his worst - that was the Damarious Randall/Quinten Rollins/Ty Montgomery/Brett Hundley draft. Ugh.

So let's hope that Gutekunst is far superior as a talent evaluator than Vince Lombardi in 1967 and Ted Thompson in 2015.

[run pMc]

TT lost his fastball toward the end there.
Randall shoulda been a safety, I actually think a player like him would be good in Barry's star role on defense.
Rollins was the head scratcher to me; not a great athlete, played one year of CFB after playing PG for the basketball team at Miami of Ohio. That's a R2 reach if one existed, and in retrospect a really bad pick.
Ty was more of a gadget player and an old pick, but he was also misused (or injured). He wasn't really a pure WR but more of a guy you have to manufacture a few touches for, and I actually think in MLF's offense he'd be pretty fun (not quite Deebo but still a weapon).
I'm not sure MM knew what to do with him or how to use him properly. Hundley was a late round pick and I think taking flyers on QBs to develop as backups a la Matt Flynn is fine.

I guess in a vacuum I can understand most of those picks but they sure didn't turn out. Randall and Ty were head cases, Rollins lasted 3 years(?) and wasn't very good. Bad drafting can really set you back and it hurt GB.

So far Gute's been ok except for R3. Jaire, Rashan and Stokes look like good picks. Savage is so-so, and then of course Jordan Love. He's found some other good players on Day 2 & 3 as well, so I think he's a decent talent evaluator in general. They've been very sharp on their FA and pro player acquisitions - Smiths, Turner, Amos, Campbell, Rasul, Tyler Ervin, etc. were pretty good.

[Fritz]

Agree on TT. He did have Kenny Clark, Dean Lowry, Jamaal Williams and Aaron Jones in his last two drafts, but he also had Kevin King, Josh Jones, Montravius Adams, and Jason Spriggs in the first three rounds of his last two drafts. Ugh.

I wonder sometimes if the organization saw him becoming ill but was too paralyzed to act on it.

Agree with your Ty Montgomery comments,too, and about Rollins. That was just weird, that one.

[Joemailman]

The year they drafted Randall and Rollins, they were talking about how those these guys had excelled at other sports. Rollins played basketball at Miami and Randall had played baseball. Not sure why that was an emphasis. Rollins played 1 year of college football, and was MAC defensive player of the year. TT seemed to be sold on 1 year of great production and ignored lack of athleticism. Rollins' RAS score was shockingly low for a 2nd round pick.

https://i0.wp.com/ras.football/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/quinten-rollins-ras-12139.png?resize=806%2C522&ssl=1

[Fritz]

]The year they drafted Randall and Rollins, they were talking about how those these guys had excelled at other sports.[/B] Rollins played basketball at Miami and Randall had played baseball. Not sure why that was an emphasis. Rollins played 1 year of college football, and was MAC defensive player of the year. TT seemed to be sold on 1 year of great production and ignored lack of athleticism. Rollins' RAS score was shockingly low for a 2nd round pick.

https://i0.wp.com/ras.football/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/quinten-rollins-ras-12139.png?resize=806%2C522&ssl=1

The way they played in the NFL, I think they were college golfers.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Under 6', slow, poor agility, and shorter arms. Not a recipe for success. Shemar seems like a similar pick--albeit later in the draft.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Randall shoulda been a safety, I actually think a player like him would be good in Barry's star role on defense.

Daxton Hill is going to be our surprise pick at #28.

[Joemailman]

Under 6', slow, poor agility, and shorter arms. Not a recipe for success. Shemar seems like a similar pick--albeit later in the draft.

I'm okay with picking SJC where they did (5th round?) because you never know when a guy who's a good football player might rise above his athletic limitations.

https://i0.wp.com/ras.football/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/micah-hyde-ras-10749.png?resize=806%2C522&ssl=1

[Joemailman]

I think one of the big stories of draft night will be how far Jameson Williams slides. I'm thinking he doesn't get past Philly who has picks 15, 16 and 19.

Another interesting thing is you have 8 teams without a 1st round pick. 7 teams with 2 or more picks. Could be a lot of trades.

[run pMc]

Daxton Hill is going to be our surprise pick at #28.

I could see it, and while taking a S in the first round isn't often smart, late R1 for his skills and potential scheme fit might work.
I think Savage isn't a lock to stay on the roster and he needs competition. Also, some are talking about making Hill a corner (i.e., giving him the Damarious Randall treatment). I think that would probably be a mistake -- seems to me he'd be better in that star role, or a nickel slot or three safety look vs. making him cover outside receivers.

Right now SJC or Jaire are most likely to play inside, but Jaire is a pretty good CB outside and you worry about that shoulder in a contract year. SJC basically played ST, and what he showed playing CB in preseason wasn't pretty. Maybe he'll make a jump, but I don't have a lot of confidence in him taking over Chandon Sullivan's spot. They also need someone to play the Henry Black role. So... that kind of boils down to having a S who can play near the LOS but also cover. Savage either doesn't have the intuition or the confidence of the coaches there, not sure which. (Or maybe they want him playing deep with his speed.)
I figure they will take a CB/S type to play there and provide depth.

Honestly, Gute and Co are gonna zag when everyone expects them to zig. I'm just assuming that will happen.

[run pMc]

I think one of the big stories of draft night will be how far Jameson Williams slides. I'm thinking he doesn't get past Philly who has picks 15, 16 and 19.

Another interesting thing is you have 8 teams without a 1st round pick. 7 teams with 2 or more picks. Could be a lot of trades.

I find myself hoping more and more they don't trade up. If they do trade, I'd rather they trade down for extra picks. More bites at the apple, more young talent on cost-controlled contracts to help their cap situation.

[texaspackerbacker]

That's a sign there already have been a lot of trades, not necessarily there are gonna be a lot hahahaha.

I have now come around to agreeing that there should be and will be a WR taken by the Packers among those 4 first and second round picks. As for who, all I can say is I want somebody fast I generally trust Gutekunst et al to give us somebody good. It's hard to name names, but I don't want Burks who is primarily a slot receiver and isn't very fast. I also don't want Jameson Williams, assuming he won't be ready to play early in the season. I also don't want the Packers to trade down. We do not need extra picks. We need a few quality players.

[Joemailman]

Packers hosted Baylor WR Tyquan Thornton on a visit. 6-2, 181 lbs. Had the fastest 40 at the combine at 4.28. Had a big year in 2021 with 60 receptions and 10 TD's. Projected 4th round pick.

[texaspackerbacker]

Yeah, a quality WR early and then this Baylor guy around the 4th would be just about right IMO.

[RashanGary]

Packers hosted Baylor WR Tyquan Thornton on a visit. 6-2, 181 lbs. Had the fastest 40 at the combine at 4.28. Had a big year in 2021 with 60 receptions and 10 TD's. Projected 4th round pick.

Packer fans are going to lose their shit if we wait until the 4th round to grab a WR.

Lets say we do not take a WR until the 4th round, but we end up with three probowl players with the first 5 picks. Is it worth it to get such quality players while ignoring the WR hole?

[texaspackerbacker]

It could happen hahahahaha - especially if we get Will Fuller or another of the decent FA WRs.

I really think we could go into the season with what we have right now and with Aaron Rodgers still win 12-14 games. And the draft is still coming along with a lot more cap space for FAs.

Great as Davante was, we won a lot of games without him. We also did fine when MVS wasn't available.

[Joemailman]

Packer fans are going to lose their shit if we wait until the 4th round to grab a WR.

Lets say we do not take a WR until the 4th round, but we end up with three probowl players with the first 5 picks. Is it worth it to get such quality players while ignoring the WR hole?

Absolutely. More important to have great defense and great offensive line than great WR's. That said, I'll be shocked if they don't draft a WR in the first 3 rounds.

[Upnorth]

Packer fans are going to lose their shit if we wait until the 4th round to grab a WR.

Lets say we do not take a WR until the 4th round, but we end up with three probowl players with the first 5 picks. Is it worth it to get such quality players while ignoring the WR hole?

Depends on position.
If it's long snapper kick returner and safety I bet people would say what a wasted draft.
I think i would be ok with that though, so long as dillion doesnt get injured again.
If dillion is in, jones is a mismatch outside, then tonyon and Lewis can maul the middle. Lazard will come out like a solid 2.
Amari isn't as bad as we think because rodgers will have to use him.
Our passing game would not be what we are used to, but the oppising secondary would be in fear of there lives most of the game. Rodgers is forced to throw quick on rhythm passes, gets hit less.
Our d should improve and if we had a better kr special teams improves.

[George Cumby]

Packer fans are going to lose their shit if we wait until the 4th round to grab a WR.

Lets say we do not take a WR until the 4th round, but we end up with three probowl players with the first 5 picks. Is it worth it to get such quality players while ignoring the WR hole?

Fuck yes.

[RashanGary]

You hate to see the team reach to fill a hole. WR is an obvious hole right now. If there is a prospect along the DL or OL that they have rated higher than whoever is left at WR, do you reach and take the lesser prospect because of need?

Or is that a reason to move up and insure you get your guy at WR?

I could easily see Gute move up to take a WR in either the first or second rounds. The need is so strong it is hard to ignore.

[Bretsky]

You hate to see the team reach to fill a hole. WR is an obvious hole right now. If there is a prospect along the DL or OL that they have rated higher than whoever is left at WR, do you reach and take the lesser prospect because of need?

Or is that a reason to move up and insure you get your guy at WR?

I could easily see Gute move up to take a WR in either the first or second rounds. The need is so strong it is hard to ignore.



I think you have ratings and tiers on groups of players; our need at WR is so great I'd bet we might overdraft a WR if we feared one was not going to be around for the next pick.

I'd feel better if they signed Fuller or Julio; but for that matter maybe Gutes knows exactly where both of them stand. Maybe Julio or Fuller would sign tomorrow for 10 MIL/year and we know that, but we're waiting for the price to go down. OR maybe neither wanna come to GB.
Who knows.

[Joemailman]

I think you have ratings and tiers on groups of players; our need at WR is so great I'd bet we might overdraft a WR if we feared one was not going to be around for the next pick.



Gute's past record would suggest he would trade up to get the WR he wanted rather than draft a WR in the 1st round that he has a 2nd round grade on.

[texaspackerbacker]

You beat me to saying it, Joe. I think they are more likely to pull the trigger on a trade up than they are to "reach" for a WR. My only problem with that is that better work out - too many times WRs early in the draft are disappointment. I do tend to trust Gutekunst and the team, though, to get us somebody good.

[RashanGary]

Yeah, there sure is risk in moving up. You never know how these guys will pan out. Teams hit about 50% of the time on 1st round picks and it only goes down from there. So there is a 50% chance of moving up for a bust.

You have the best odds of hitting with more picks and by taking BPA. TT was notorious for being stubborn to that philosophy. He won one SB with that approach and got close a bunch of other times. It was a winning approach. It is the reason we ended up with Aaron Rodgers in the first place.

[call_me_ishmael]

I genuinely do not understand what the Eagles is doin'. Am I wrong to think they lost big time on that trade on paper?

[Bretsky]

Gute's past record would suggest he would trade up to get the WR he wanted rather than draft a WR in the 1st round that he has a 2nd round grade on.


He'll have a WR at 22 that has a 1st round grade IMO

[Bretsky]

I genuinely do not understand what the Eagles is doin'. Am I wrong to think they lost big time on that trade on paper?


Thought it was a fair deal; Eagles want another year to look at Hurst.

THey want two 1sts next year when more QB's will be ready and this gives capital to move up

And a 2nd in 2 years.

[Joemailman]

He'll have a WR at 22 that has a 1st round grade IMO

I think it's 50/50. There's 5-6 rated by most sites as 1st round picks. 6 if you include Jahan Dotson.

One thing I find interesting is that I don't know of any site that has Christian Watson rated as a 1st round pick. Yet a lot of people have the Packers taking him in their mocks at 28. I just wonder if he is being overhyped.

[call_me_ishmael]

Thought it was a fair deal; Eagles want another year to look at Hurst.

THey want two 1sts next year when more QB's will be ready and this gives capital to move up

And a 2nd in 2 years.

They gave up two firsts for one first this year, then a two and a three if you subtract a round for the year away. I see what you’re saying and maybe it speaks to this draft more than anything.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Somebody is reading this site and stealing my player comps. :) I had Breece Hall comped to Curtis Martin a month ago.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mLnKMKqz85I

[RashanGary]

Somebody is reading this site and stealing my player comps. :) I had Breece Hall comped to Curtis Martin a month ago.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mLnKMKqz85I

Not a bad comp. I forget what kind of running style Martin had but I went back and watched some highlights. He had a really natural way of changing pace and being patient. Breece Hall does a little of that too, but in the highlights I saw, Martin did it a little more.

[Bretsky]

I think it's 50/50. There's 5-6 rated by most sites as 1st round picks. 6 if you include Jahan Dotson.

One thing I find interesting is that I don't know of any site that has Christian Watson rated as a 1st round pick. Yet a lot of people have the Packers taking him in their mocks at 28. I just wonder if he is being overhyped.


If he's Javon Walker I'll be happy to take him at pick 28.

Most mocks have him in round two but well before our round 2 selection

[Upnorth]

I don't know. Jahan Dotson is projected late 1st. Sky Moore late 2nd.

To me I don't see a difference. I'll take Moore.

[King Friday]

I think a very good WR will fall to 22. It always seems like pre draft mocks throw WRs to any team that doesn't have 2 firmly entrenched starters.

[Upnorth]

The more I think about it the more I want to trade 28 away for a second and next year's 1st.
Wr is a big gamble and supposedly deep class. 3 2nd round shots would probably stock the cupboard. In the 1st we go ot

[HarveyWallbangers]

I don't know. Jahan Dotson is projected late 1st. Sky Moore late 2nd.

To me I don't see a difference. I'll take Moore.

I have Moore higher, and I have a 2nd round grade on both.

[RashanGary]

So who are we hoping for, Olave??

[Joemailman]

So who are we hoping for, Olave??

Of the top WR's, NFL Mock Draft Database has Treylon Burks with the best chance of being available at #22.

https://www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com/players/2022/garrett-wilson
https://www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com/players/2022/jameson-williams
https://www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com/players/2022/drake-london
https://www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com/players/2022/chris-olave
https://www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com/players/2022/treylon-burks

It suggests Dotson would be available with 28th pick.

https://www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com/players/2022/jahan-dotson

[call_me_ishmael]

Harvey and Joe what do you all think of Travis Jones from UConn? I am seeing some buzz building about him. Play him at DE to take some pressure off of Kenny?
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/travis-jones/32004a4f-4e76-8782-163c-8d9db29f5ca9

[Joemailman]

Harvey and Joe what do you all think of Travis Jones from UConn? I am seeing some buzz building about him. Play him at DE to take some pressure off of Kenny?
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/travis-jones/32004a4f-4e76-8782-163c-8d9db29f5ca9

Definitely been hearing a lot about him lately. Very athletic for his size. Probably a 2nd round pick. Not sure he has enough pass rush to go in the 1st.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FNK1oM7WYAEm-RZ.png

[HarveyWallbangers]

Harvey and Joe what do you all think of Travis Jones from UConn? I am seeing some buzz building about him. Play him at DE to take some pressure off of Kenny?
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/travis-jones/32004a4f-4e76-8782-163c-8d9db29f5ca9

I really like him. I thought he and Daxton Hill might be surprise picks for us at #28. I think he's the player that is the most like Kenny Clark in this draft. He'll be a good run defender, but I think he has pass rush ability. He played really well at the Senior Bowl.

[Joemailman]

Pretty good writeup on the top WR's in the draft. https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/2022-nfl-draft-drake-london-chris-olave-jameson-williams/

[call_me_ishmael]

I am that guy that wants 5 first round picks and longs for a world where we draft an edge, a DE, two receivers, and an OT in the top 20. I am way too into this stuff and living in a dream world.

Edge is the best position in the draft apparently, so I'd like to see them feast where the talent is and get the BPA.

Personally, I like the idea of landing a Greg Jennings type of silky smooth dude, and that sounds like The Olive. I also kinda like the idea of Jameson even thought he won't contribute for a bit. You get those two, and I feel good about it. For some reason, I just don't like big receivers that aren't elite speed guys too. 6'3"+ and running a 4.5? Nah. 6'3"+ running a 4.4? Hells yes. I should be picking in the top 5 I guess.

I also really like the idea of adding a great DE or another edge if the right one is available. I kind of like that boy from Minneapolis. I also like the idea of UConn Jack coming in here and creating a dominant line with Kenny.

I also think the Packers could consider an OT. With the Bak contract refactor, I am imagining that he sticks around for awhile since it's be cost prohibitive to move him, so Elgton may not be the LT of the future after all and will have to settle for RT money or hit the open market. Will he accept a position at RT? Time will tell. Either way I imagine they will franchise him if they can't work out a deal. Can you imagine a 26-27 year old best-OL-in-the-league haul? It'd be bigger than the Adams haul. Hopefully they resign him.

I guess I also believe that Rodgers should be good enough to NOT require two R1 receivers.

Anyway, these are my random thoughts.

[Joemailman]

I've moved my preference for WR to Burks. I think if you're going to use a 1st round pick on a WR, it has to be someone you want out there in any situation. Burks can line up outside, inside as a power slot, and be a force in the running game.

OT is a definite possibility with Bakh and Jenkins coming off ACL's. We still don't know if Bakh can go out there and play without his knee filling up with fluid.

This is a good year to pick up an Edge. You really don't want those guys playing more than 70% of snaps, so you need 3.

[bobblehead]

So who are we hoping for, Olave??

I'm on the olave hype train, but the #1 factor of success for a rookie WR is landing with a good QB. So bottom line, we can take 2 guys in the 2nd and we will be fine. Sign a couple vets who know the NFL game and we will be fine. For my money Olave reminds me of 2 of my favorite prospects the last 2 years. Jeudy and Bateman. Both "flopped" by what I consider their talent levels. They share one thing in common. Neither has a QB that passes exceptionally well.

[RashanGary]

Imagine an edge and the Travis Jones DT. The defense would be looking good. Two second round receivers. It would feel like a good haul.

[RashanGary]

There are a bunch of 2nd and 3rd round receivers who look promising.

I think we need to take one in the first 4 picks.

[HarveyWallbangers]

There are a bunch of 2nd and 3rd round receivers who look promising.

I think we need to take one in the first 4 picks.

I don't know how many are that promising, and it could be like 2020--when there was a big run on WRs early in the second round and we were left holding the bag. I want at least one, and preferrably 2, of the top 11 WRs. Jalen Tolbert or above, and Tolbert is iffy. I think there's a chance that all 10 of the other WRs (London, Williams, Burks, Wilson, Olave, Watson, Pickens, Moore, Dotson, and Pierce) are gone by mid round 2. Most sites have Pierce going in round 3, but I expect him to go before the late 2nd round. Metchie has an ACL injury. Austin doesn't fit our mold. I'm lukewarm on Shakir. Velus Jones is 25 years old. David Bell and Justyn Ross are slow as molasses. Romeo Doubs and Danny Gray have MVS caliber hands.

It would be great if we could get EDGE and Travis Jones in round 1 and two of those 11 in round 2, but probably unlikely. It feels like we're going to have to take a WR in round 1 and then hope one of those top 11 is available in round 2.

[Joemailman]

I think a very good WR will fall to 22. It always seems like pre draft mocks throw WRs to any team that doesn't have 2 firmly entrenched starters.

Recent history agrees.

WR's taken in top 21 picks:

2021: 4 (Ja'Marr Chase, Jalen Waddle, DeVonta Smith, Kadarius Toney)

2020: 4 (Henry Ruggs III, Jerry Jeudy, CeeDee Lamb, Jalen Reagor) Justin Jefferson was 22.

2019: 0

2018: 0

2017: 3 (Corey Davis, Mike Williams, John Ross)

[texaspackerbacker]

I've been saying, a lot of disappointments (I'll stop short of saying busts) among high draft pick WRs. About half that list fits that description. I prefer that at least one of our new top two WRs be somebody already playing at a high level.

[call_me_ishmael]

How do folks feel about Boye Mafe? His comp is Rashan Gary.

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/boye-mafe/32004d41-4641-5291-9981-cb7520c897a8

[HarveyWallbangers]

How do folks feel about Boye Mafe? His comp is Rashan Gary.

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/boye-mafe/32004d41-4641-5291-9981-cb7520c897a8

I haven't watch much of him yet. I've heard good and bad about him, but he was absolutely dominant at the Senior Bowl. Mafe is likely in play for the Packers at #28.

I'm almost through all of the offensive players, so I'll be moving onto DL/EDGE next. I have seen some of these guys while watching OL prospects. I saw Karlaftis against Ohio State while watching Nicholas Petit-Frere, and he wasn't good (and he wasn't double teamed nearly as much as people claimed). Then, I watched him against Iowa while watching Tyler Linderbaum, and he was much better. Iowa ended up doubling him a lot in the second half.

[Joemailman]

A lot of people see Mafe as a guy with a ton of athleticism who will need some development. I'm okay with that. Packers don't need him to come in and be an every down player right away. They need someone who provide some pass rush when Gary or Preston are on the sidelines. Like a lot of players in this draft he'll be 23 at the start of the season. 24 before it's over. Picking him at 28 seems like a reach to me, and 53 is probably too late. https://www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com/players/2022/boye-mafe

[RashanGary]

3 weeks till day one of the draft. 2 first round picks. Woot!

[red]

3 weeks till day one of the draft. 2 first round picks. Woot!

DO NOT get excited about our first round picks. we are packer fans

if we all start getting excited about our 2 picks you know damn well the team will end up trading both of them for 1st round picks in 2025 or some damn thing

[Fritz]

I haven't watch much of him yet. I've heard good and bad about him, but he was absolutely dominant at the Senior Bowl. Mafe is likely in play for the Packers at #28.

I'm almost through all of the offensive players, so I'll be moving onto DL/EDGE next. I have seen some of these guys while watching OL prospects. I saw Karlaftis against Ohio State while watching Nicholas Petit-Frere, and he wasn't good (and he wasn't double teamed nearly as much as people claimed). Then, I watched him against Iowa while watching Tyler Linderbaum, and he was much better. Iowa ended up doubling him a lot in the second half.

I only watched about three Michigan games this year; Braxton Hill did not particularly stand out to me. One player who did, that I've read nothing about, is Josh Ross. He was always making plays, it seemed. Does anybody have any idea if he's got any NFL potential? I don't keep up these days so much.

[Joemailman]

I only watched about three Michigan games this year; Braxton Hill did not particularly stand out to me. One player who did, that I've read nothing about, is Josh Ross. He was always making plays, it seemed. Does anybody have any idea if he's got any NFL potential? I don't keep up these days so much.

Bases on a couple sites a looked at, probably would be drafted in rounds 6-7. Could be seen as an upgrade to a guy like Ty Summers.


LB JOSH ROSS
PROS: What Ross does best wasn't going to show up at the combine. Ross is a leader, on and off the field. His work ethic, and expectations of others, are what sets him apart. He's a great MIKE because his football IQ makes him a great QB of the defense. Hopefully he won over a front office or two during interviews.

CONS: Ross did not test well in the three events he participated. His 40 time was one of the slowest among linebackers, while his vertical and broad jumps were literally the lowest. He also came in at only 6'0" after being listed at 6'2" on the Michigan roster.

[HarveyWallbangers]

I only watched about three Michigan games this year; Braxton Hill did not particularly stand out to me. One player who did, that I've read nothing about, is Josh Ross. He was always making plays, it seemed. Does anybody have any idea if he's got any NFL potential? I don't keep up these days so much.

Ross made a ton of plays in college, but he's small and slow. Not a recipe for success in the NFL. He's 6'0" 227 and ran 4.79 in the 40. His other measurables were even worse. His RAS score of 1.62 was the worst among all LBs at the combine--which probably takes him off the Packers draft board.

Hill tested incredibly well. I've read that he would be a good fit for the star role in Barry's defense. A comparison I've heard is what Damarious Randall should have become. I haven't watched much film on the DBs yet though.

[Joemailman]

Aaron Wilson
@AaronWilson_NFL

Wisconsin safety Scott Nelson, who ran 4.38 at Wisconsin Pro Day and vertical 39.5 inches is working out today for Green Bay Packers and is regarded as a rising draft prospect, according to league source.