How will the Green Bay Packers address their linebacker need?
The position is currently thin.
By rex.sheild
The first and second waves of NFL free agency have come and gone, which saw general manager Brian Gutekunst and the Green Bay Packers sign two marquee free agents: safety Xavier McKinney and running back Josh Jacobs. (The team also re-signed Keisean Nixon and A.J. Dillon, among others.) On the flip side, Green Bay parted ways with linebacker De’Vondre Campbell, among others, paving the way for Quay Walker to take over at LB1 while also leaving the position thin. Where do the Packers go from here?
The modern NFL defense is predominantly 4-2-5 (four down linemen, two linebackers, and five defensive backs), otherwise known as nickel. The most obvious choice to man the second linebacker position is Isaiah McDuffie. For starters, McDuffie played in new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s scheme while the two were together at Boston College. During their lone year together in 2020, McDuffie totaled 107 tackles, three sacks, and 6.5 tackles for loss, so Hafley is familiar with McDuffie’s strengths and weaknesses, and you would think he would be able to bring out the best in McDuffie. The fourth-year pro also performed well last season when starting in spot duty when either Walker or Campbell missed time due to injuries. McDuffie, in eight starts, finished with 86 total tackles, good for second on the team. However, he struggled in pass coverage as a whole, allowing 11.4 yards per completion, a 77.4% completion percentage, and a 103.4 passer rating. So while McDuffie didn’t exactly shine in pass coverage, he still showed last season that he is a more than serviceable NFL linebacker.
Even if the Packers opt to go with McDuffie as LB2, they still need depth. I don’t think you can have only two ready-to-play linebackers on your roster. Could they look to the free agent market to alleviate that concern? One name that was mentioned frequently as a potential addition was Jerome Baker, but he signed a one-year contract with the Seattle Seahawks late last week. Another name was Devin White, who was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ahead of the new league year, but he is now off the board after signing with the Philadelphia Eagles. Isaiah Simmons, a former top-ten pick and an athletic freak by most accounts, is likely the best name left on the open market, but he is a situational linebacker – stout against the pass, awful against the run. I would be surprised if Green Bay addresses the linebacker need via free agency, but never say never in this business.
Could Hafley and the Packers keep McDuffie as LB3 and trade for an LB2? It is not out of the realm of possibilities. Green Bay has 11 total draft picks, including five in the first 100 selections, and Gutekunst previously acknowledged that he would not be afraid to use one or more of those draft picks to acquire the services of a player via trade.
Last but not least as an option to upgrade the linebacker room is the NFL draft. This year’s class isn’t particularly deep, especially in terms of starting-level players in Year 1, but two players stand out above the rest – former NC State linebacker Payton Wilson and former Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, who the Packers have brought in for a top-30 visit.
CHTV’S PRO FOOTBALL DRAFT GUIDE GOES ON SALE APRIL 3.
With where the linebacker room stands today, below is what I think is the most likely to happen.
- Draft an off-ball linebacker with one of their first three picks in the top 60
- Trade for an off-ball linebacker
- Draft two off-ball linebackers in the NFL Draft
- Sign an off-ball linebacker free agent
But, to quote CHTV boss Aaron Nagler (with a twist), lotta offseason left to figure things out.
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Rex is a lifelong Packers fan but was sick of the cold, so he moved to the heart of Cowboys country. Follow him on Twitter (@Sheild92) and Instagram (@rex.sheild).
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Comments (76)
Leatherhead
March 18, 2024 at 01:19 pm
They'll draft Cooper at #41
T7Steve
March 18, 2024 at 01:26 pm
Who's the LB from the U of Minnesota that we let go last season? I thought he had promise. Barns or something?
TKWorldWide
March 18, 2024 at 01:38 pm
Kamal Martin? Kris Barnes? (I think KB was UCLA)
T7Steve
March 18, 2024 at 01:41 pm
Thanks. Don't ever get old!
Those guys seemed like good depth (I remember a couple splash plays), and played a lot of STs didn't they?
skydancer506
March 18, 2024 at 03:03 pm
They're eyeing Cooper at #25. He will probably be off the board, either a Buccaneer, Cowboy or Eagle, by the time they get to #41. It's a stretch, but probably the only stretch that could pay dividends for the Packers in the whole draft.
golfpacker1
March 18, 2024 at 03:15 pm
I hope Cooper is gone before we pick @ #25 because we can get our choice of multiple really good O-linemen @ that pick. We need a strong OL to open holes for Jacobs and protect Love first and foremost.
I would take Trevin Wallace-LB-Kentucky or Junior Colson-Michigan instead @ #58. Just as fast, bigger, and better in coverage.
Racingdad
March 18, 2024 at 04:15 pm
I agree on colson at 58. Wallace a little later Also what about calling Chicago about jack sanborn ? They picked him up as a Udfa out of Iowa He played well for them in 22 than they spent on high priced fa’s in 23 might only take like a 6 or7 pick to get him ?still very young and maybe worth a shot
jannesbjornson
March 18, 2024 at 04:59 pm
He's a Badger.
LLCHESTY
March 18, 2024 at 05:01 pm
Why would they want to trade a guy that's played well for them and is as cheap as it gets?
jannesbjornson
March 19, 2024 at 11:38 am
The Pack could have snagged him in Rd seven, 2022, twice. They had the Vision for Carpenter and Ford....
Turophile
March 18, 2024 at 03:15 pm
I'm disagreeing with Leatherhead here.
I think they they get Colson at pick 58 (he is 6'2", 238, 4.58 40). Why ? Tackling - the one thing an off-ball linebacker absolutely must do well.
His stats on Draft Buzz were:
Run defense 84%
Coverage 85%
TACKLING 97%
The only guy I've seen better than him at tackling is Nathaniel Watson (6'2", 233, 4.63 40). He would probably be a 5th-7th round pick and has a 99% grade tackling.
That would make a very nice pair of linebackers that the Packers absolutely could get. Pick 58 (2nd round) and (say) 202 (6th round) is a good price to (potentially) upgrade the linebacker room into something much nastier than it has had in many years.
One recurring theme with complaints about the defense is tackling. This addresses that shortcoming very nicely.
Pair those linebackers with a real football savvy safety like Bullard (tackling 88%, and coverage 97%) along with the new Packers DC - and the defense could be unrecognizable from what is was, in a very good way.
splitpea1
March 18, 2024 at 04:04 pm
Colson is also a little bigger--but he's not overly physical as far as delivering a pop goes. I've read he doesn't have great instincts and ends up guessing sometimes. But as you pointed out, he's still an excellent tackler and a good defender in coverage and the flat.
The big concern about Cooper seems to be his wiry frame and need to bulk up; how well would he hold up against a back like Henry, or even Dillon? I seen a couple comparisons of Cooper to Fred Warner (potentially), I guess because of athletic ability and similar body profile--(which doesn't seem the hinder the latter from the All-Pro team.)
I know we're kind of needy at the position, but I would hate to see a reach in the first round. It's a tricky situation for Gute. So I'll just remain non-committal and wait for the selection here.
LLCHESTY
March 18, 2024 at 05:13 pm
I think it comes down to how much Hafley wants to blitz the LBs and how they feel about Wilson's health. I've seen Cooper compared to Walker, an uber athletic guy that's not super instinctive and not sure if you want two guys like that next to each other. He's also got a 20% missed tackle rate where Wilson had a 6.5% MTR last year. But if he wants to blitz a LB a lot Cooper is that guy.
Colson also is a solid Tackler. Another guy to keep an eye on late is Nathaniel Watson from Mississippi State. He'd be a thumper at MLB that could come off the field in nickel. He weighed 233 at the combine but was listed at 245 and probably dropped 10 lbs to run well, which he did. 8.4% missed tackle rate. Played 52 snaps in the slot and over 150 over the last three years so it's not like pass coverage would be an alien concept to him.
stockholder
March 18, 2024 at 06:18 pm
I say if Bo Nix is there at #41.
A trade will happen.
cdoemel
March 18, 2024 at 07:08 pm
Absolutely! Trade down a bit and gets more picks! 👍
T7Steve
March 18, 2024 at 01:23 pm
#s 3 & 4. With one of the drafts a promising depth/develop player on day three. Have to get one more FA that's ready to play because they will occasionally line up in the 4-3, I hope.
LambeauPlain
March 18, 2024 at 01:37 pm
Cooper and Wilson would be viewed reaches at #25 by the intelligentsia in Draft World...but Walker worked out well as a first rounder LB.
Cooper is the safer pick, productive, tremendous off ball LB skills and a leader. Wilson is an amazing athlete and player too. Two ACLs would scare the sand out of me, however.
I would not be shocked in the least to see the Packers select Cooper at 25 and I don't think he would last until 41.
Always better to take a player high on your board 15 spots too early than one pick too late.
TKWorldWide
March 18, 2024 at 01:39 pm
Or they might maneuver between 25 and 41. Gute is very well known for moves like that.
Alberta_Packer
March 18, 2024 at 02:53 pm
Thinking that OL and CB will be a higher priority at #25.
skydancer506
March 18, 2024 at 03:07 pm
There are a lot of qualified OLs and CBs available in later rounds of the draft. This year, the LB class is fairly weak, while that remains one of the team's greatest positions of need.
I'd love to see Jackson Powers-Johnson selected at 25, with Gutey magic moving up the board to select Cooper between 25 and 41, but that's merely wishful thinking. Realistically, they will probably stretch to get Cooper at 25, a safety with 41 (Nubin or Bullard if they are still on the board) with a CB at 58 or later. Gutey tends to draft linemen in the later rounds of the draft, so I'd expect to see that continue here.
golfpacker1
March 18, 2024 at 03:51 pm
JPJ would be a great pick @ #25. He could excel @ 2 positions of need. Please, no trades up in early rounds because it costs too much. Nubin will be there @ #41. And we can pick between Junior Colson and Trevin Wallace for LB @ #58.
Nathaniel Watson-Miss. State looks like a decent "Sleeper" LB later in the draft.
Mississippi State usually has good defenses.
They also have a CB that we could target later in DeCamerrion Richardson, 6'2 190 lbs
runs low 4.3s and RAS 9.80
Alberta_Packer
March 18, 2024 at 05:10 pm
I think that there a number of scenarios in play for #25:
A. If a top 5 CB is available - like a Wiggins or a McKinstry. If not then:
B. A top tier O-lineman -Fautanu, Barton, JPJ. I wonder what the Packers also think about Latham, Mims and Guyton?
C. If not A. or B. - then trade down several places in order to add another 3rd round pick.
D. If not A, B, or C - a pick who falls such as a Brock Bowers, Laitu Lata or Byron Murphy?
LLCHESTY
March 18, 2024 at 05:15 pm
I wouldn't move up for a player that misses as many tackles as Cooper unless you plan on blitzing him a ton.
SicSemperTyrannis
March 19, 2024 at 01:22 pm
"There are only so many big guys."
Coldworld
March 18, 2024 at 03:15 pm
If Cooper is genuinely recovered, I think he is gone before 41. Unfortunately I think that ILB will be over drafted too. Too many teams still needing and too few obvious starters. We are going to have to make some tough choices.
TKWorldWide
March 18, 2024 at 04:15 pm
That’s why I limit my choices to the mocks/simulations!
SicSemperTyrannis
March 19, 2024 at 01:24 pm
Prioritize the O line. The entire offense depends on it, especially the star QB.
BA4Pack
March 18, 2024 at 02:03 pm
Most teams play mostly
nickel as will the Packers. If they can’t find their LB they could stick with the 3-4 base on running downs vs the 4-3 until they have the personnel they prefer.
Flexibilty was mentioned many times in recent press conferences. I think this could be a possibility if things don’t work out for them just yet.
They really could use an upgrade at box safety to help the cause either way.
stockholder
March 18, 2024 at 02:22 pm
I'm going to say Trotter @ 58
Coldworld
March 18, 2024 at 03:24 pm
I like Trotter in some ways. He’s fast with high energy but smaller at under 230. His best attribute is speed. He’s not strong. He struggled in run support in college and has technical issues when tackling , which are both big red flags. As a blitz/cover type maybe, but that’s likely his upside. Do we need a WILL?
stockholder
March 18, 2024 at 05:43 pm
He led all lbs at the Combine with 21 reps.
Coldworld
March 19, 2024 at 01:16 am
Only 7 ILB lifted this year. Of those, Trotter is by far the highest profile. He tied for top with 21 with Tyrice Knight. None of the others discussed frequently to part. The historical average for the position is around 23 for pure ILB. Walker pressed 23, McDuffie 25.
Trotter doesn’t play strong. He struggles to shed blocks and gets held up. He has a tendency to try to duck them. I should have said “he doesn’t play strong”, not that he “isn't strong “, but he’s historically less so than most in prior years.
stockholder
March 19, 2024 at 06:43 am
By Lance Zierlein
* Talented in slipping blocks with no wasted motion.
compared to Nick Bolton
Don't judge him per ND game.
I only said he was a fit
I would take Wilson first @ilb.
I'm not afraid of his injuries
Coldworld
March 19, 2024 at 10:05 am
I said I liked him in some ways, I’m just not sure he is a second rounder or how well he fits.
golfpacker1
March 18, 2024 at 03:54 pm
Trotter sure doesn't get much love from the draft pundits Stock. Why do you like him over Colson or Wallace?
stockholder
March 18, 2024 at 05:31 pm
His numbers at the combine. Need.
And the fit at #58. He does have Bench press strength.
And a 7.13 three cone. Plus a nice 40.
it's his lack of height / Length that is concerning ( for a plug guy.)
But whats two inches if you get low. And he can read a offense.
I like Nat Watson later also Soloman outside
.
jannesbjornson
March 18, 2024 at 04:52 pm
He fits at #58, or a CB, which I prefer. The other option is Guard. Repair the Wall.
stockholder
March 18, 2024 at 05:51 pm
No way to CB, take T, Sweat. DL.
(If he takes a ilb earlier.)
He'll trade this pick.
rd. 3 BPA per Need
jannesbjornson
March 19, 2024 at 11:44 am
You know I have T. Sweat @ #41.
LLCHESTY
March 19, 2024 at 01:00 pm
Hard pass on Trotter and his almost 30% missed tackle rate. For comparison De'Vondre Campbell had a 3.8% MTR last season AND was playing against NFL players. Trotter will slide to the 5th round.
SicSemperTyrannis
March 20, 2024 at 04:44 am
Campbell, Zadarius, and Rasul - the three that got away.
golfpacker1
March 18, 2024 at 02:48 pm
Wow for being a guy who can't tackle, I will offer this as evidence that Isaiah Simmons CAN and DOES pretty well. The biggest problem I see is that the Cardinals and then the Giants had him playing a lot of Safety @ 6'4 and 235 lbs. He does run in the 4.3s, but he is not a Safety. I would try to play him in the same role as the Cowboys use Micah Parsons. They could be athletic twins.
B/S Isaiah Simmons: Who knows how Simmons would fit in Jeff Hafley’s defense, but the eighth pick of the 2020 draft has put up some impressive numbers, including 105 tackles, seven passes defensed and four forced fumbles in 2021 and 99 tackles, four sacks and seven passes defensed in 2022. Traded to the Giants for a seventh-round pick, he had 50 tackles in 17 games (four starts) in 2023. According to PFF, he played 166 snaps in the box, 137 on the defensive line and 65 in the slot.
Alberta_Packer
March 18, 2024 at 03:29 pm
Still relatively young, very athletic and perhaps misplayed. Also known for his versatility while in College. I wonder if Xavier McKinney has any useful insights on Simmons? Perhaps an intriguing coaching and transformation project - that shouldn't cost much.
golfpacker1
March 18, 2024 at 04:27 pm
Yeah Alberta, supposedly Simmons played both LB spots, both Safety spots, and both CB spots while at Clemson. He is too big for S & CB, but if this dude would sign for less than $5 million per year for 4 years, I would sign him and play him like Dallas plays Micah Parsons. I think he is better than Edgerrin Cooper, this years #1 LB.
Sadly, we will probably ignore him too.
LLCHESTY
March 18, 2024 at 05:18 pm
The difference is Parsons goes hard every snap, or at least does until Aaron Jones cracks his ribs. Simmons is considered a soft player. Great athletes drop out of the NFL all the time without making a peep, especially the soft ones. There's a reason he was traded for a 6th round pick while he was still on a cheap rookie contract and why he's still available now.
golfpacker1
March 18, 2024 at 07:20 pm
Do you know that for a fact LL? Could the fact that he was traded have anything to do with the Arizona Cardinals are a terrible organization? And are the New York Giants any better?
I don't think Simmons will drop out of the NFL. Who is to say that if Simmons was used like Parsons that his career wouldn't take off. For the right price GB should sign him because he is better than at least 3 of the Packers LBs now. Maybe Walker too.
GregC
March 18, 2024 at 06:52 pm
I wonder if Simmons is getting all of those tackles because opposing teams are running the ball in his direction, knowing that he is the weak link in the run defense. I'm not trying to be snotty, I'm just looking for an explanation for why he seems to be in such low demand.
Coldworld
March 19, 2024 at 12:29 am
He played spy a lot last year, so that is likely part of it. Simmons hasn’t produced much as a rusher with either Arizona or the Giants. He was apparently not seen as a physical tackler in a LB context by either team.
The Giants seem to have viewed him as a liability against the run and kept him off the field in obvious running situations, but he does seem to offer something in coverage. He played 60 snaps in the slot. He could offer something as passing down ILB/slot/SS option.
The Cardinals were never really sure but were officially moving him to safety full time (box type) in summer 2023 before they decided to trade him. They had used him mostly in the secondary, not as a true ILB in 2022.
While in Arizona he told the team he didn’t ideally want to play ILB but wanted to return to safety: "I told them I didn't want to play linebacker," Simmons said after Monday's practice. "I felt more comfortable getting back to things I had done in the past." He did say he would play ILB if the team needed it. That’s part of the issue with Simmons. What is he? He’s built like an ILB at 6’4, 238, but plays like a DB.
In a Haffley type system he might be a SS with ILB size who can play heavy slot too. The Giants used him in a limited role somewhat like that, but decided to move on.
He may have been miscast initially, but he may well be a classic neither fish nor fowl tweener: a CB in an ILB body. As an ILB, I don’t see it, perhaps he’d be worth a low risk flyer to see if he could help at SS.
GregC
March 19, 2024 at 04:37 am
Thanks for the info. The Packers have tried out a couple of hybrid-type players--Tariq Campbell and I'm thinking there was another one a few years ago--but they were borderline roster guys, so it never felt like anything serious. It would be more interesting to try a player who has more talent in that kind of role, but it's probably not worth it.
Alberta_Packer
March 19, 2024 at 12:04 pm
Upon further review - it seems that Simmons may be better suited playing in the FFL (Flag Football League) than the NFL.
LLCHESTY
March 19, 2024 at 01:09 pm
His 13.8% missed tackle rate says you might be on to something there. That's a higher rate than Savage had last year. He also allowed an 81% completion percentage. Only allowed 37 air yards on the completions but 162 yards after the catch. That's the worst ratio I've ever seen, over 4 to 1.
He did play over 200 STs snaps so might be worth a vet minimum deal and a couple quarters but counting on him to be a help on defense would be a no no.
gsd3
March 19, 2024 at 05:39 am
Might be a good idea to get McKinney's thoughts on Simmons as they spent last year together.
Alberta_Packer
March 18, 2024 at 02:49 pm
Only slim pickings left in free agency - so I think that the Packers LB group will end up as an amalagam of: 2 current players (Walker and McDuffie) + 2 draft choices (1 Day 2 and 1 Day 3) + 1 practice roster promotion + a couple of UDFAs + dumpster diving finds - perhaps 2 - off of June 1st and training camp cuts. In other words, a multi-month work-in- progress.
golfpacker1
March 18, 2024 at 02:53 pm
Barring trading for a backup from another team, I have been scouring the Practice Squad rosters and see 3 potential LB upgrades we could steal for nothing:
Brandon Smith-Eagles via Penn State- 6'4 250lbs 4.5 @ combine in 2022, he was the #3 LB in 2022 and has sky high potential- as good or better LB than anyone in the 2024 draft-perfect fit for GBs need this year.
Smith was rated higher than Quay Walker in the 2022 draft. He is better than Cooper too.
Shaka Heyward-Bengals via Duke- 6'3 240 4.5 @ combine in 2023, more tackles senior year than Edggerin Cooper had his last year, is better in coverage than Cooper too. Shaka would be a Top 5 LB in the 2024 draft, another perfect fit for GBs needs @ LB this year.
Malik Jefferson-Cowboys via Texas 6'3 240lbs 4.5 @ combine in 2019-3rd round pick by Bengals strong tackler and good in coverage.
All 3 are potentially as good as the top LB in this draft-E Cooper. At the worst they are better than the depth we have at LB now.
Coldworld
March 19, 2024 at 12:48 am
Heyward was a UDFA last year and spent the entire season on their PS, from whence we and every other team could have poached him. Yet “he would be a top 5 ILB in this draft”?
Jefferson is an athlete who has never convinced any of the 5 or 6 teams he’s played on that he can actually play. He played in 3 games last year for Dallas. They haven’t brought him back so he’s a FA.
Smith is entering his third year having failed to make the Panthers for a second season after they traded up to get him as a 4th round pick. He did have a notable ankle injury, but his prior play was a big disappointment. He was then picked up as SFA by the Eagles for their PS and remains on a futures contract.
Just picking out athletes who haven’t succeeded? This isn’t play based for certain. None of these are an upgrade over anyone at this point. They are depth fliers at best and all 3 could be available on minimums before September.
Racingdad
March 18, 2024 at 04:25 pm
Golf what about jack sanborn from bears ? Also practice squad does not exist right now ? So would need to trade a pick ?
golfpacker1
March 18, 2024 at 07:29 pm
I looked this up to see how it works when one team claims a player off another team's practice squad. The player that gets claimed has to go on the 53-man roster immediately. They can't go from practice squad to practice squad.
I am not familiar with the majority of the LBs that were on the other teams' squads. I recognized all 3 of the guys I listed because they were all really highly rated in their draft classes and Green Bay had been looking for LBs forever. The Penn State player, Smith, was projected to be a first-round pick in 2022 and was rated higher than Quay Walker.
I also looked at practice squad OL but didn't see any that stood out.
Coldworld
March 19, 2024 at 01:00 am
There is no practice squad at this time of year. All contracted players are on the 90. Former practice squad players have either been offered and accepted a futures contact (effectively a no team risk deal to put them in the 90) or are free agents if that was not tendered or accepted.
Bearmeat
March 18, 2024 at 04:49 pm
I think it likely that MLB or LB2 in nickel defense is the Achilles heel of this defense this coming year. Especially if/when injuries hit. That said, if MLB is the worst spot on your team, you’re doing ok. They’ll draft one high, one low I’d bet. And then bring in a few athletic freaks with potential as UDFAs. And may the best man win.
I hope it works out better than the safety mess last year…
MooPack
March 18, 2024 at 04:54 pm
LB is very seldom taken in the 1st round. As with Safety and RB, LB's tend to go in the 2nd-3rd. The value of the position has declined. Exceptions of course happen, but not this year. QB, OT, CB, Edge tend to be of more value in the 1st. Every Moc I've done has Edgerrin Cooper (or other LB) available at #41 and some Moc's at #58. If the Packers want a LB, and see the value, they'll be able to get one at #41, imo. My guess is they'll grab a couple throughout the draft.
golfpacker1
March 18, 2024 at 07:37 pm
My mocks and the ones I have looked at also showed the same results MooPack. I have only seen one mock with Cooper in the first round. I don't know if anyone else has noticed this, but when Packer fans do mocks, we consider the positions of need and try to fill them.
When draft pundits do mocks, I swear they have no clue what the Packers actually need or they don't care. They just pick anybody to get it done. I especially despise the so called "DREAM DRAFTS FOR THE PACKERS." Usually after the 2nd or 3rd ridiculous pick I just $hitcan it.
I will admit I am not sold on Cooper as the best LB for the Packers. I would love Wilson, but he has so many injuries and sugeries.. I like Colson and Wallace the best. I am convinced GB can't wait past #58 to pick a LB, the top 5 will be gone. The only later LBs that look decent to me are Watson from Miss State and Jordan McGee-Temple.
GregC
March 18, 2024 at 06:39 pm
I found it odd that this article treats the 3rd LB solely as a depth piece. There is no mention of the 4-3 defense. But if the Packers actually do play a 4-3, as they say they will, that 3rd LB is going to be on the field something like 30% of snaps, including most short yardage and goal line situations. It's a position that is about as important as the #3 CB used to be before the 4-2-5 alignment became predominant. You want to have a fairly high quality guy in there, or he's going to get exploited. So I think they actually need two more LBs: one as the #3 guy and another for depth and/or a possible upgrade over McDuffie. Because of that, I am going with option #3: "Draft two off-ball linebackers in the NFL draft," and I think both of them should be at least fifth round or higher picks, and one of them should be in the first three rounds if the talent matches the draft position. Remember also that LBs are often valuable special teams players.
Leatherhead
March 18, 2024 at 07:07 pm
I get your point about how we'll play 3 LBs. In reality about half of the snaps are on first down and only maybe 20% are on 3rd down.
As regards McDuffie, he did a good job for us last year with Campbell hurt. He played well in the playoffs, which I've been scrutinizing obsessively since the season ended. If you believe the coaches, they think he's a part of the future here along with Quay Walker, who's going to be a 'featured' defender.
I keep getting Cooper at #41 or later in my simulations.
Barton at #25
Cooper at #41
Nubin at #58
Van Pran at #88
Wright at #91
golfpacker1
March 18, 2024 at 07:44 pm
Leather, does Van Pran play OG as well as OC?
LLCHESTY
March 18, 2024 at 10:33 pm
I'd much rather see them draft Beaux Limmer in the 3rd or 4th than Barton in the 1st. At least he bothered to test at the combine. Limmer did all the tests at the combine, excelled, and is stronger than a Govt mule.
Also Frazier>>>Van Pran.
Leatherhead
March 19, 2024 at 08:46 am
Nothing against Limmer, but Barton is a five position upgrade. You never know where the injury is going to hit. He’s versatile, smart, and durable. This is a great fit for an Oline without any backups anywhere.
Justpack
March 19, 2024 at 05:45 pm
McDuffie has been solid being thrown in the fire he's more than prove he's a capable backer Walker has More playing experience and it's arguable McDuffie has outshine him with hafley coming in I think McDuffie upside is very bright stats and film dnt lie let's not forget he was a 6 Rd pick still growing not to mention u never no if first rounders will be a success at the NFL level because Walker should be way more ahead the curve
Packers0808
March 18, 2024 at 06:45 pm
Njiman to Panthers.
brenner
March 18, 2024 at 07:43 pm
I would hope for Cooper at 41... then maybe again at 91 with James Williams out of Miami. 6'5 230lb converted safety to play the weak side.
Johnblood27
March 18, 2024 at 08:33 pm
I think it was golfpacker who wrote this...
"June 1st and training camp cuts" - this has gotten overlooked. There may very well be LB cut loose that are better than any that have entered FA thus far.
Yup, I agree here. There will be some NFL quality LB cut loose as the off-season wears on.
The draft is an OK source, but not great this year for LB unless overdrafted.
Look to back fill with some NFL cuts and supplement with one draft pick and maybe a late day 3 flyer.
harleycops
March 18, 2024 at 09:06 pm
Two huge pickups, a few resigns, and now crickets! That's Guter's way! One thing's for sure ---- he better hit a HR in the draft
NoNonsense
March 19, 2024 at 04:15 am
I would sign Shaquille Leonard if hes still available and I think he is. Former all pro for the Colts but seems to have fallen off a cliff, maybe due to injuries. He's been damn good before and could be again in the right defense I think.
Dream draft for me
CB/S Cooper DeJean at 25
DT T'Vondre Sweat at 41
LB Junior Colston at 58
Slot CB Mike Sainristil at 88
OC Tanor Bortolini at 91
RB Issac Guerendo at 126
LB Tommy Eichenberg at 169
OT Caeden Wallace at 202
TE Brevyn Spann-Ford at 219
OG Jacob Monk at 245
QB Kendon Slovis at 255
Based on Pro Football Network mock draft site rankings.
porupack
March 19, 2024 at 07:22 am
I like your prioritizations, Nononense. Makes sense to me. Focus on premium positions, with an eye toward need (LB). With Nijman gone, OT might have to get bumped up to #41 though. What do you think? If that OL regresses next year, that neutralizes the investment in JLove and JJacobs.
SicSemperTyrannis
March 19, 2024 at 01:47 pm
Exactly. Nothing is more important than our O line. He took 3, but what would it look like?
WD
March 19, 2024 at 01:59 pm
Luckily for the Packers Gute does not do a head count of the fans before making his draft choices. There seems to be a common agreement of the need for a starting ILB. From a general survey of various so called draft experts I see Cooper as the highest rated. It looks like he will be drafted in the latter part of the Ist round (21-31) Considering the current ILB roster taking a ILB at 25 will not be a reach in any way. I would consider it lucky if our highest rated LB is there at 25. It it is reasonable to think that is what they will do. Unless; they would sign an expensive free agent who they feel would be better. I think if Cooper is gone Payton Wilson when healthy is probably the best ILB on the board. He obviously would have to have his medical records reviewed first. The fact he ran one of the best combines in history just recently should tell you all you need to know. With the second round two picks take a look at O-Line and Safety. From the third round on just take the best players available regardless of position. And, if no one is watching I wouldn't mind it if in the 5-6 round they take one of the top kickers coming out of college. We obviously need competition there.
SicSemperTyrannis
March 20, 2024 at 09:08 am
I'm not sure of the difference between bringing a player in for a workout vs a top 30 visit, but it seems to me that after film study a kicker could be evaluated in 30 minutes, for both ability to kick and how they receive coaching. This should be able to take a LOT of the guesswork out of it.