The Lass Word: Dejean Just Feels Like a Green Bay Packer
Iowa DB seems like a good fit.
By KenLass
Cooper Dejean was that kid. You know, that kid that immediately takes to sports and athletic achievement the moment he first steps on to a field or walks into a gym. While other children his age were just trying to figure out how to swing a bat or dribble a basketball, Dejean was stroking base hits and draining jump shots.
He is a high school legend back in his hometown of Odebolt, Iowa. In the 2020 census the population of Odebolt was listed as 996 people. It is fair to say Dejean is the biggest thing ever to come out of the little town. In fact, if you look up Odebolt on Wikipedia, it is described as “hometown of Iowa Hawkeyes star cornerback Cooper Dejean.”
Immensely gifted and extraordinarily competitive, Dejean was a statewide force in three different sports in high school. He scored over 1,800 career points in basketball, averaging over 25 per game, and his 218 steals rank close to the top on the state’s all time list. He was a state champion in the 100 meter dash and the long jump. But football was his first love.
And what a football player he was. Dejean starred at quarterback and defensive back. As a senior, he passed for 3,447 yards and 35 touchdowns, and ran for 1,235 more yards and 24 more scores. In a two minute span of the state championship game, DeJean recorded two tackles, returned a punt 14 yards, completed two passes for 52 yards, rushed three times for 22 yards and scored two touchdowns and a two-point conversion.
He was so good at both positions, he couldn’t decide which one to pursue at the college level. South Dakota State offered him a scholarship to play quarterback. But Dejean grew up an Iowa fan, and when the Big Ten school offered him a ride, but only as a defensive back, the decision was made for him.
To the surprise of no one, the 21 year old became one of the top corners in the nation. He is a consensus first team All American, Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year, and a finalist for the Jim Thorpe award. Wisconsin fans will remember him dominating Iowa’s game against the Badgers, including intercepting a Graham Mertz pass and returning it 32 yards for a touchdown, recording ten tackles, forcing a fumble, and returning four punts for 80 yards.
He was on a path to be the top defensive back selected in the 2024 NFL draft. But on November 15 last fall, four days after the Hawkeyes had defeated Rutgers, Dejean was involved in a freak play at practice on a Wednesday morning and broke his tibia. His season was over.
Rehab has been gradual, but steady. The college junior was not able to perform at the NFL Combine, nor at Iowa’s Pro Day. He is giving his injured leg as long as possible to heal before showing scouts what he can do. He has scheduled his own private pro day for April 15, just ten days before the draft. He told The Iowan newspaper that he is “pretty close to 100 percent.”
Cooper Dejean feels like a Green Bay Packer. Small town kid, midwestern background, hard worker, team oriented. And, as a defensive back, he just happens to meet one of the team’s most urgent needs. Dejean played mostly corner in college, but did have a handful of starts at the safety/linebacker hybrid position. He has the versatility to play anywhere in the secondary.
Apparently many draft gurus see the Green Bay fit as well. Dejean is, by far, the most commonly projected pick to the Packers at number 25 in the first round. He also seems to be the draft crush of many Packer fans. The only question is, will he still be there at 25? Mel Kiper Jr. ranks him as the 13th overall prospect. But in the draft frenzy that figures to unfold over quarterbacks, tackles and linebackers, there is a decent chance Dejean could fall to the green and gold.
It would be a match that just feels right.
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Ken Lass is a former Green Bay television sports anchor and 43 year media veteran, a lifelong Packers fan, and a shareholder.
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Comments (232)
Bearmeat
March 25, 2024 at 06:17 am
Yeah, he looks like he will be a great player. But signing McKinney and re-signing all those CBs does make me think Gute is going to go after an OT at 25 or trade back, and DeJean won’t be there in round 2. Maybe they take him to play the other safety position? MLB, SS, IOL, OT and RB are still pretty big needs.
Cheezehead72
March 25, 2024 at 06:40 am
It appears that when the Packers pick at 25 the OTs graded as 1st round will be gone. I can agree that we need an OT but if DeJean is still there at 25 I believe we grab him because we need a in the box safety/nickel back.
I see the Packers trading down to get more draft capital to move up later.
HawkPacker
March 25, 2024 at 06:49 am
You could be right Bearmeat but I don't see OT as a need as much as some. IOL yes, but tackle no, unless the plan is to move that person inside. We have three other tackles backing up the two we have starting but we don't know how the coaches feel about them, I would admit. I think the two starting tackles we have now are adequate. Could we use an upgrade? Sure, as we can at a lot of positions.
I just don't see this as a position of need ahead of the other positions you have listed.
T7Steve
March 25, 2024 at 07:15 am
Remember, if you don't get better in the NFL you get worse. You never stay the same.
They need better run blocking, so if one of the first rounders fall to us they have to jump. Not reach, however.
Have to build from the line out and KEEP improving. Love (actually all QBs) needs a running game as we saw what happened last season the difference was night and day.
I agree IOL needs help the most, but are there any first-round grade players?
mrtundra
March 25, 2024 at 07:34 am
We need depth at OL. Whether it be at OT, OG or C. I feel that Gute will draft at least two OL guys, this Draft. I also think he drafts a DT. I feel he drafts OL and DT before he drafts a DB guy, like DeJean.
DoubleJ
March 25, 2024 at 08:23 am
I think Khristian Boyd NT from Northern Iowa could be an interesting selection in R4/5.
SicSemperTyrannis
March 26, 2024 at 10:16 am
We need to lose Royce Newman. Drafting only 2 O linemen would be a disaster.
dobber
March 25, 2024 at 08:52 am
They have four guys under contract who finished the season in GB and have played OT in an actual NFL game: one is an OT only, one people think should be playing C, one is an all-pro LG, and one is someone we agree can't be washed off the roster quickly enough. They then have a pile of Milt Hendrickson tall-long OTs in the wings...only one has played an NFL snap (Jones) and that was one snap on STs. They would be foolish to sit on that. I think OT is a money position and every bit as important a need as S, LB, or CB.
Coldworld
March 25, 2024 at 09:28 am
I think with the end of the season, coupled with Myers entering the last year of his contract, it’s time to get a true long term C competition going in earnest.
Tom could be part of that, but unlike last season, when opportunities were limited to find alternatives, I would not see moving him from tackle as the optimal direction to take. Centers are historically easier to find than elite level tackles and require less draft capital.
Since I’m not ready to anoint Rhyan as a proven starter, that means finding a C and an OG that are credibly ready to compete just to ensure we have legitimate competition inside from the start of the summer. A third IOL later wouldn’t hurt as I do not trust Newman and injuries happen.
As to T, I think we will take a developmental guy. Walker’s play improved dramatically over the season. I think they plan to run with him, and if he maintains that level then that’s undoubtedly a sound decision. Walker was a possible first round pick before his last year in college. Last year showed that his final collegiate year was something of am aberration.
I expect us to draft a T, but I’m not sure it will be in the first round or two unless they love one who drops unexpectedly. If that happens, you don’t pass on elite prospects at premier positions. However, you also don’t reach for those on the next level either. We have other needs.
T7Steve
March 25, 2024 at 10:05 am
Every season I fall into the trap of the Packers developing the O-line into a strength / top 5 unit. When I see Newman still mentioned as depth and next man up, I realize how far we have to go to just become even a serviceable unit.
Even discussing moving our best tackle to center is very telling.
WestCoastPackerBacker
March 25, 2024 at 01:21 pm
It's just the fans talking about moving the RT to center, not the team. They've not seriously discussed that anywhere I have seen. Aaron Nagler keeps reporting that GB likes Myers.
And GB HAS had a strong offensive line most years, with top talent. The challenges have come from the injuries to all pros Bahktiari and Jenkins. The unit is more than serviceable with the starters they have (assuming Rhyan plays at least as well as Runyan). They were rough at the beginning of the year with a new LT, but they rounded in to good form later in the season, as evidenced by their strong play in the playoffs. From the season ending Stat sheet provided by the team:
For the first time in team history, Green Bay did not allow a sack in back-to-back playoff games in a single postseason. If you include the regular season, the Packers gave up two sacks over their final five games, the fewest allowed over a five-game span by Green Bay since giving up two sacks in five games in 2004 (Oct. 24 - Nov. 29), per Elias. RB Aaron Jones posted 100-plus rushing yards and an average of 5.6-plus yards per carry in back-to-back playoff games, tied for the second-longest streak in NFL postseason history behind only RB Marcus Allen's three-game streak in the 1983 postseason.
I don't know what you're seeing, but the line got better later in the year. Yes, they need more guys at tackle and the interior, but they are not a poorly performing group. If you spend too much money or draft capital on that position group, then you're taking it away from another position group that might need a bigger infusion of talent to make a difference in games.
T7Steve
March 25, 2024 at 01:57 pm
They did end up better than they started, but still need to improve in the run game and get out of the gates at the beginning of the season.
There is no more important position group. Even a franchise QB is worthless without an O-line. The only groups close are the QBs followed by the D-line.
I can't get myself to settle for even an average O-line. I want one that can get that yard when you need it, when the D knows what you're going to do.
I'm sure it's wishful thinking on my part, but that's what it will take to score more points this season regardless of what other group improves. Starters with stiff competition that are great backups and future starters.
Leatherhead
March 25, 2024 at 06:15 pm
I did not know that.
'' Green Bay did not allow a sack in back-to-back playoff games in a single postseason. If you include the regular season, the Packers gave up two sacks over their final five games, ''''
Offensive lines need to practice and play together, and that wasn't happening early in the season. Obviously, the Bakhtiari disappointment was huge, but we also had injuries to Runyan and Jenkins. And Walker was struggling early, but the coaches stuck with him because they knew he'd be back this year and Nijman wouldn't.
But now, if you just look at the Walker-Jenkins-Myers-Rhyan-Tom line, that's a good line. That's the line that was on the field during those five games.
I'd be investing in the Love Window, and get some good, versatile guys who'll help protect our QB for the next 4 years. Premium guys, not some Day 3/UDFA guy that you "hope" can be ready to protect Love when the season starts. We could have the #1 offense in the NFC, but it's not going to happen without blocking and after our starters, there's not a lot to be happy about.
SicSemperTyrannis
March 26, 2024 at 10:21 am
Why have your best OT at 6'4" when you've got much bigger guys on the roster? More size is certainly an injury risk, and if it doesn't help even at OT why give them a roster spot?
This seems like a conundrum to me. Hopefully they figure the O line out this season, and before week 6. I don't know if Zach Tom's experience at RT now means he could never be his best at C?
dblbogey
March 25, 2024 at 09:40 am
I keep reading how we lost two tackles, Bakh and Nijman, yet Bakh didn't play, and Yosh hardly played and was below average when he did play. We need inside help. Now, draft Cooper DeJean because he's going to be very good for a long time, but not sure he lasts until pick 25. Love those Iowa boys coming to Green Bay.
SicSemperTyrannis
March 26, 2024 at 10:14 am
Hawk,
+1 from me.
I saw Mt Caleb as dominant in TC. This will be what, his third season, right? 4 OTs at 6'6", 6'7", 6'8" and 6'9". It's still an experiment with humans that huge and I'm curious how it turns out. It would seem like a waste to never play any of them except the smallest one.
Tundraboy
March 28, 2024 at 04:06 pm
I don't know. Look what happened after Tom went out of the SF game. To me that highlights the need to bolster the OL. Everything will be that much better for Love if they do.
dobber
March 25, 2024 at 08:56 am
There are playable box safeties on the street and more will be available after the draft. Even if they don't pick one in their 11 selections, they'll be able to find someone who can play SS.
I think Gute's moves have been mostly to free his hand at 25 so he can follow opportunities. The CB room has bodies and depth. RB has guys who can play--they just don't have a dynamic speed element. I think the key positions to fill day 1 and 2 are on the OL and LB. Five picks in those two days mean they should be able to find playable talent at those spots and leave room in other picks to address those other needs.
Bearmeat
March 25, 2024 at 11:02 am
Yeah. IOL I think you’re right. And maybe OT too. But rookie off ball LBs don’t historically play well. I think banking on one to do so as a starter is unwise. But that ship has already left the dock: it’s what we’re left with. So maybe it is DeJean and two day two LBs and OL…
SicSemperTyrannis
March 26, 2024 at 10:24 am
#31 Wilson is certainly a "dynamic speed element" at RB, and Josh Jacobs is not slow, and is as dynamic as anyone.
We're not drafting a RB with 4.33 speed; not this year anyway...
Coldworld
March 25, 2024 at 02:48 pm
Most of the signings, beyond McKinney and Nixon are near minimums with low or no guarantees. The Packers can keep or move on from any of them depending on how the summer progresses. I don’t think we should read too much into that. There really weren’t obvious former Packers to bring back at other positions as cheap this year, notably OL.
stockholder
March 25, 2024 at 06:30 am
If Gute doesn't get him he should be Fired.
It's about Time we get some
All Americans on this team.
DoubleJ
March 25, 2024 at 07:20 am
What happen if he goes in the top 7? The Packers would have to give all their picks in the first 3 rounds just to have a shot of getting him. Mortgaging the future of the team on a single pick that isn't a QB is how teams wind up like the Saints in 1999 with the Ricky Williams trade. If Gute did this he should be fired. Luckily we have a GM who understand the draft and navigates it quite well.
Crazytim87
March 25, 2024 at 08:05 am
EXACTLY!!!
PeteK
March 25, 2024 at 08:31 am
It's not too late to whip it, whip it good. Stock you're the best. LOL
TKWorldWide
March 25, 2024 at 08:55 am
A dead horse, I know, but why the random capital letters? I doubt you believe me, but, I’m not trying to be an arse; just honestly curious.
dobber
March 25, 2024 at 09:00 am
They're not random. Stockholder is a spy and he's using code to relay the dropoff location to his Hungarian connection for the Russian launch codes.
TKWorldWide
March 25, 2024 at 09:27 am
In that case, he ought to just ADMIT IT. I swear we’ll all keep it quiet!
dobber
March 25, 2024 at 09:37 am
"ADMIT IT."
Contact has been made!!!
LLCHESTY
March 25, 2024 at 09:41 am
I think it's more likely that he has too much coffee,like Tweak from South Park, and his shaking fingers randomly hit the Shift key once in awhile.
https://youtu.be/guTEwiWE8-o?si=0vXhcB4O9PNz9iO8
SicSemperTyrannis
March 26, 2024 at 10:30 am
Being a tweaker does not indicate too much coffee.
SicSemperTyrannis
March 26, 2024 at 10:27 am
Dobber,
that's the most plausible explanation I've seen yet.
dblbogey
March 25, 2024 at 09:45 am
I think he has a lot of issues.
stockholder
March 25, 2024 at 09:52 am
Get him- (IF It's within reason.)
You guys really are Diving off the deep end.
Bitternotsour
March 25, 2024 at 10:01 am
I just really don't think you're in a position to question how American any of our picks or players are.
All American, half-American whatever, we're a country of immigrants.
stockholder
March 25, 2024 at 10:11 am
You're entitled to your opinion.
But I'm more right than wrong.
Coldworld
March 25, 2024 at 10:39 am
“The Overconfidence Effect is a well-established bias in which a person's subjective confidence in their judgments is reliably greater than the objective accuracy of those judgments.
Overconfidence is one example of a miscalibration of subjective probabilities … defined in three distinct ways: (1) overestimation of one's actual performance; (2) overplacement of one's performance relative to others; and (3) overprecision in expressing unwarranted certainty in the accuracy of one's beliefs.”
Wikipedia
stockholder
March 25, 2024 at 10:48 am
You read to many spy novels -
Agent Bishop is a better read
jannesbjornson
March 25, 2024 at 12:38 pm
As mentioned in a previous posting, it is time to put some Money in the kitty as the Fans submit their Final Mock Drafts and see who comes up with the winning choices. At this point in time, we're Hamsters spinning the Wheel.
stockholder
March 25, 2024 at 05:20 pm
Who holds the money?.
I don't believe it's a wheel.
Super-Bowl vs. Winning Pct.
There is those he should and those he will.
The back end keeps changing for me.
The college pro days aren't done yet.
And then there is Facebook.
jannesbjornson
March 26, 2024 at 12:10 pm
No doubt, a game of Roulette with this guy. RAS won't get you there. Find Players.
Alberta_Packer
March 25, 2024 at 11:33 am
What/Who are "All Americans"? Also what/who are not "All Americans"?
WestCoastPackerBacker
March 25, 2024 at 01:23 pm
Sure, it's always good for a team to fire a guy over one draft pick. You should be running the Carolina Panthers. That's how they do business. They do their best to keep from any continuity or having enough time to have one GM or HC's plans come to fruition.
This might be the worst comment I've heard from you, sir (or ma'am).
stockholder
March 25, 2024 at 05:41 pm
I think you and others need to keep an open mind he could draft a bad player.
Look what savage costs and how did that turn out.
The conscious here think he walks on water
because he traded Rodgers and Adams.
My point is how many years do you give him before the Lombardi comes back home.
NickPerry
March 25, 2024 at 06:40 am
Count me as one of those who have a draft crush on Dejean. I like him because of his versatility, he could play ANYWHERE in the secondary and actually do it well. He's a State Champion in the 100 meter and long jump so he's both fast and explosive, and that was in High School.
If this kid was to fall to 25 I sure in the hell wouldn't be mad at Gutey for taking him. Unless one of those Tackles projected to go in the top 15 picks or so were to fall then maybe, but the Packers are the MASTERS of finding O-Linemen later in the draft.
As long as he passes all the medicals and his broken leg won't hinder him in the future, I'd love to see this kid carrying the G! He's a Midwestern kid which makes him a good solid person, at least IMO. I speak from experience growing up in the Midwest. If he's there take him Gute.
DoubleJ
March 25, 2024 at 07:23 am
Mike Wahle had a video talking about Rasheed Walker a couple of day ago. He went on and said that outside of Joe Alt there isn't an OT in the class that he thinks is better than Walker is right now. Walker's weaknesses are also things that can be coached to make him a top 10 maybe top 5 LT in the NFL. Therefore I don't see the need for an OT in R1. Maybe in R3 is the guy from Yale drops that far. Otherwise I see R4/5 as the time to get an OT.
LambeauPlain
March 25, 2024 at 09:30 am
I really like Wahle's analysis. I am skeptical, Walker, 7th round OT who didn't start until his second year...and even then rotating with Nijman...is better than all but one OT in one of the best OT drafts in memory.
In fact, if a T is drafted high, there is little guarantee Walker is the locked in starter like Bakhtiari was after his rookie season. Far from it. Stenovich even implied this after the season calling Walker far from a finished T.
Walker as a top 10 LT making him Bakhtiari 2.0? That would be nice but I'm not there. I just want him to improve in his Junior season.
dobber
March 25, 2024 at 09:36 am
Therein lies the other part of this draft calculus: they might have to decide whether to pay two starting OTs after 2025. Succession plan must be in place.
Bitternotsour
March 25, 2024 at 10:04 am
The good news is the Packers have plans. They draft for succession. They draft for growth.
People make the mistake of thinking this years draft was conceived this offseason, the front office has a much broader horizon than a fan does.
Duhawk_47
March 25, 2024 at 03:45 pm
CHTV should pin this to the top of every comment section lol
Coldworld
March 25, 2024 at 10:44 am
By then you’ve got one we already pay as a T but currently playing G starting to be a cap issue in Jenkins. His 2026 cap hit is 25 million, by which time he will be 30 going into that year and 31 by the end of it. That could add extra impetus to the G not T need. It all depends on how they look at things.
jannesbjornson
March 25, 2024 at 12:53 pm
LT and two Guards, minimum from this draft. If they bag Beebe early, Jenkins loses leverage. The tea shades most Pack Fans wear are not recommended to view the sun. It would not be a surprise if he took four O linemen.
SicSemperTyrannis
March 26, 2024 at 10:35 am
Need legitimate competition at C. There is NONE. At OT we have 4, not including Zach Tom. If Meyers wins the starting position that's fine, we still need both depth and a succession plan. Plus run blocking is even more important this year.
Tundraboy
March 25, 2024 at 12:54 pm
Hadn't thought of that. Excellent point. That makes it almost certain for me that they will draft at least 2 OL, maybe 3.
Coldworld
March 25, 2024 at 09:58 am
Your inference that Walker isn’t seen as a potential long term starter is not what Stenovich was implying. Quite the opposite. What he was saying about Walker is that we haven’t seen the finished article yet: that he believes he Walker has the tools to continue to get better and is still ascending and learning to be a true pro in terms of the mental aspects.
“Yeah, he’s done a great job,” Stenavich said of Walker. “I think you can see he’s got the physical tools, the athleticism, moves well in space. I just think he needs to be more consistent with his mental approach, but there’s a lot of growth there still with Rasheed. But you can definitely see he has the tools to play on the edge and be pretty effective.”
DoubleJ
March 25, 2024 at 10:05 am
So what if he was drafted in the 7th round, he was probably an R2 had he come out in 2021 and even in 2022 lots of people had him as a late R2 early R3 grade. He can still play and is an ascending play. IIRC PFF had him graded as a top 15-20 OT (that included RT and LT) over the final 6 games of the season. His season long grade was 66.4 which is slightly above average. Don't forget that Walker just turned 24 in February and he started ahead of Fashanu at OT when the two were on the team together. I understand drafting an OT in this draft, however, I don't think R1 makes sense.
golfpacker1
March 25, 2024 at 11:13 am
I am in agreement DoubleJ, on all of that. Walker was projected on multiple draft prognostication services to be drafted as high as 3rd round when he came out. I don't know why he fell but who cares, we got him.
It's easily possible some OTs fall to #25 that could start in GB. Fautanu, Suamataia, or Morgan. Drafting a player who can start @ multiple inside positions would be better for GB than a guy who can play OT/OG. Powers-Johnson or Barton would be the best picks.
What you said about taking one with a 4th/5th round pick is important. All of GBs picks from the 3rd round on come late in the round, making them essentially a next round pick. Like 3rd round pick # 91 is really an early 4th rounder.
Having 2 more extra 4th & 5th round picks would be a huge opportunity to add upgrade depth to weaker position groups, and we could get them 2 ways. Give away 3 or 4 late picks to move up. or better yet make slight trades back from #58 and #91an gain those picks.
TKWorldWide
March 25, 2024 at 08:59 am
I’ve read conflicting reports on whether he can play corner in the NFL. To me, if he plays in the secondary AT ALL, he’ll occasionally have to cover a receiver one on one anyway. (Even with JB gone. Preston Smith insisted I mention that, for some reason.)
porupack
March 25, 2024 at 09:23 am
nice, TKW. Your comment is Light and fluffy, but full of vitamins.
TKWorldWide
March 25, 2024 at 09:29 am
I wrestled on the indy circuit for a few years as part of a tag team called “Light and Fluffy”. How did you know that?
T7Steve
March 25, 2024 at 10:27 am
Are you trying to replace Pantsburp today? HA!
Tundraboy
March 25, 2024 at 12:57 pm
Lmao. Thought it was him!
dblbogey
March 25, 2024 at 09:50 am
I think he can play anywhere in the secondary. The kids a player, an athlete, set the state record in the 100 meters in track, basketball star, plays hard, intuitive, very competitive and a great kid. I love him and would trade up to 20 to get him, because he's going to be a player.
LLCHESTY
March 25, 2024 at 09:50 am
Are we pretending winning the 100 meters dash in Iowa means something now? How would his numbers stack up against winners in Florida, Louisiana or Texas?
T7Steve
March 25, 2024 at 10:19 am
And how'd he do in the shotput?
DoubleJ
March 25, 2024 at 10:48 am
His PR was 10.71 in the 100 and won state with an 11.16 in the 100. He also ran the 200 with a PR of 21.92 and won state with a 22.12 time.
https://www.athletic.net/athlete/13903182/track-and-field/high-school
Overall those are good times.
His PR time would have won the WIAA state title at any level of competition in 2023.
HawkPacker
March 25, 2024 at 06:42 am
Yeah, I have been a Hawkeye fan for like forever. I really like Dejean and I believe, the way he carries himself, he is an even better person. He would be a great teammate and a good locker room presence.
I like how he plays plus his humility.
I hope he is what we need in the secondary and we get him at pick 25.
RCPackerFan
March 25, 2024 at 07:11 am
Since you are an Iowa Fan (sorry but eww, jk lol), Where do you think Dejean would be the best in the pros?
crayzpackfan
March 25, 2024 at 07:58 am
He would be best playing corner
Cheezehead72
March 25, 2024 at 08:17 am
Let me chime in. I like him as an in the box safety that can play nickel if needed due to shifts.
RCPackerFan
March 25, 2024 at 09:15 am
Kind of funny to me. The 2 responses I got so far say opposite things.
This is why I'm intrigued with Dejean. I am curious to see how the Packers would play him.
The great mystery right now is Hafley. We have an idea of what the defense he wants to run. But we don't know how he will view players.
As for needs on defense GB needs another Safety and more at CB.
But here is a side question with Hafley. How does he view Nixon? Does he view him as a Nickel CB or does he view him as a S? I could see him being a potential S.
Coldworld
March 25, 2024 at 10:18 am
On top of that, we don’t really know how he views either role. What is his perfect template for SS or slot? DeJean might fit both, but equally neither ideally. We know Nixon fits something due to his contract, but what that is remains unclear. It could well be he’s seen as a slot/S depending on package and return specialist, not as a true slot that he was last year.
It’s like those calling to pick a DE or DT. None of us know whether we have what he wants and if we do who is supplying it and if we don’t, what exactly is missing it. It’s just us guessing based on our suppositions of what this D will be. All we know is we need more bodies and talent on D.
RCPackerFan
March 25, 2024 at 10:52 am
This mystery around Hafley is about to be revealed I believe in this draft. I think we will see the type of players he wants to run his defense.
I am looking forward to seeing what he brings in to the defense. We have a lot of good core pieces already. But we need to add the players for the scheme he wants to run and need to upgrade a few spots.
DoubleJ
March 25, 2024 at 11:09 am
Earlier in the off season I was saying that I think Nixon would be better as a S. Now that we have Hafley who runs a lot of single high it makes even more sense. Nixon has the speed and hands to be able to erase the deep middle quite easily. His tackling is above average and he gets to keep his eyes on the QB. In a pinch he can be your slot coverage guy as well.
dblbogey
March 25, 2024 at 09:53 am
Iowa Hawkeyes. Grew up in Iowa, but been in Texas 44 years but Hawkeyes are still my team for college football. Yes, I love DeJean. I loved TJ Hockenson, Sam Laporta, even going back to Bulaga. It was obvious these guys were going to be good pros and the same goes for DeJean.
RCPackerFan
March 25, 2024 at 10:01 am
One Iowa player that I loved was Tyler Goodson. I thought he was going to be a great fit in GB's offense. I viewed him similar to how they used Tyler Ervin. I wish they would have been able to hold onto him.
Coldworld
March 25, 2024 at 10:26 am
LaFleur wouldn’t play him because of his protection issues. That’s always going to be an issue for incoming RBs under LaFleur. It isn’t enough to flash ability, as we learned from Wilson, he has to trust. He’d rather play Taylor for a few snaps than use Goodson to reopen an O missing Jones. I think that’s why we see Dillon back in large part. That’s not meant to criticize LaFleur, I can understand it though I truly wish he could have used Goodson, but it is a well affirmed reality.
RCPackerFan
March 25, 2024 at 11:12 am
Yeah you are correct.
I loved it when he used Ervin in the offense though. Yes it was more of a gadget type of piece, but I loved the creativity he used and what that gave to the offense.
I get why he wants the guy who can pass protect, but at the same time I really like it when they find ways to use the players they have and put them in the best position to succeed. Mean if Goodson couldn't pass block, then find another role for him.
jannesbjornson
March 25, 2024 at 01:11 pm
Safety. Manage him like the viqueens use Harrison Smith.
Leatherhead
March 25, 2024 at 06:22 pm
Since CBs are more valuable than Safeties, you play him at Corner.
Look at where the players get drafted. Look at how much money they command. CBs are more valuable. If you've got a player who can help control one of your opponent's top weapons, that tilts the field.
As Bearmeat mentioned, looking at all the CBs we've resigned, it doesn't look like they're planning to take a CB at #25, but the team does have the freedom to take who they want, not who they think they need. He'd help the defense.
dobber
March 25, 2024 at 09:02 am
As much as I dislike Iowa, there's a reason why Kirk Ferentz has been around as long as he has and has been as successful as he has. He gets the right kids and he coaches the right things.
dblbogey
March 25, 2024 at 09:56 am
But he made the mistake of hiring his son as offensive coordinator, resulting in a bottom 5 offense for the last several years. They finally forced his son out, but yes, Kirk gets good kids and coaches them up.
LLCHESTY
March 25, 2024 at 04:47 pm
"there's a reason why Kirk Ferentz has been around as long as he has"
Iowans hate offense?
golfpacker1
March 25, 2024 at 11:44 am
HawkPacker, I will tell one of the many reasons I love DeJean is because he is a no nonsense, great player who never screams "LOOK AT ME!" I am also a longtime Hawkeye fan as you are and one thing I do like about Kirk Ferentz is that he teaches his players humility. Hawk players don't cause or start trouble either. They just do their job, usually very well too. Josey Jewell would have been a great fit in GB too.
You won't see Cooper participating in some stupid, choreographed, end zone celebration ever. He just goes about his business, which is really refreshing.
Think if DeJean would have taken that offer from S Dakota State, Hawk fans would have missed out bigtime on DeJean. And he probably would have been a great QB too.
HawkPacker
March 25, 2024 at 01:00 pm
Totally agree golfpacker1.
I am an Iowan as well just outside of Dubuque. I split time between there and Florida. In Florida now but back in Iowa end of May.
Cheezehead72
March 25, 2024 at 06:42 am
I am not totally on board with drafting DeJean. Yes I believe he is and will be a good player but we need to see how the draft goes. One thing I like about him is his small town upbringing which usually comes with humility. He seems to have worked for where he is and is willing to do what he needs to do to better the team.
T7Steve
March 25, 2024 at 06:54 am
He meets one of the two major criteria to be a first round Packer pick lately, either from Gorgia or Iowa.
Being from small town Midwest myself I love the guy and he represents all of us small town kids at heart.
Is it too good a story to be true? In Gute we trust! GPG!
GregC
March 25, 2024 at 07:07 am
Some mocks have the Eagles taking him at #22. Would Gute try to move ahead of the Eagles and grab him? And should he? Probably not. But you never know what he's thinking. Pairing him with McKinney at safety could potentially give our defense something it has lacked for awhile: an identity.
Cheezehead72
March 25, 2024 at 08:33 am
I doubt it. To move up to 21 they would have to give up their 4th and every pick after that and then Miami would be taking a discount. They could give a 4th this year and a 4th next year but I do not think Miami would want that. The only option is to give up their second third and hope the other team is willing to give up a late round pick.
Remember it takes two to tango. Solitaire tangos do not work plus they look bad.
dobber
March 25, 2024 at 09:04 am
A lot of mocks have him going to the Packers and there seems to be legit mutual interest, so anyone behind the Packers who like him know they've got to get to at least 24.
13TimeChamps
March 25, 2024 at 09:39 am
Minnesota is currently at #23 if they stay put. I wouldn't put it past them to take DeJean if he is still there just to screw GB.
Coldworld
March 25, 2024 at 09:10 am
DeJean with our first pick would not upset me. He’s a guy we get better with athletically. My only doubt is whether we see him as falling in between what Hafley wants in a box S and at slot.
I do not see him as an ideal perimeter corner. I do not believe that taking a first rounder as a nickel is a justifiable luxury for us this year.
I certainly wouldn’t spend draft capital to trade up though. We have a lot of other needs to fill with genuine sources of competition from early picks in the draft.
GregC
March 25, 2024 at 10:01 am
The fact that DeJean's best positional fit is unclear complicates things. I've heard that, at least in theory, the two safeties and the slot CB in this defense should be interchangeable to some degree. That would seem to point toward getting a player who has some versatility, which maybe DeJean does.
Bitternotsour
March 25, 2024 at 10:10 am
There are 3 positions you trade up for. Shutdown corners, day one starting tackles and youthful edge. They got the youth on the edge last year, so, if they go up they go up for either corner or tackle. If history is a guide it would only be for a corner, as tackle has been well-served in later rounds.
DoubleJ
March 25, 2024 at 10:50 am
I'd say that they already have their starting OTs as well. Therefore only CB is what you would want to trade up for. Granted someone like Murphy II could be worth a trade up as well.
GregC
March 25, 2024 at 11:04 am
I don't understand this rule. If a player is worth taking, he's worth trading up for, regardless of position.
DoubleJ
March 25, 2024 at 11:12 am
Positional value is a real thing. Not to mention what round you are in makes a difference as well. Would you trade up in R5 for a punter? No. Would you trade up in R5 for a CB? Sure. At the same time would you trade up in R1 for a RB? Not usually. Would you trade up in R1 for an OT? Yes. Basically positions that are easy to get later in the draft OR that are historically bad at being ordered (off ball LB and TE) you don't want to trade up for.
GregC
March 25, 2024 at 11:52 am
The reason you wouldn't trade up in round 5 for a punter is that you probably wouldn't draft a punter in round 5, period. But I would sure as hell trade up in round 6 or 7 for a punter. And I would trade up in round 1 for an RB if he was good enough.
Elgton Jenkins, a guard, was drafted at #44 overall by the Packers, and he's been a very good player. Do you think that if the Packers had, say, the #47 pick in that draft, and they had traded up to #44 to get Jenkins, it would've been a bad pick?
Bitternotsour
March 25, 2024 at 12:10 pm
Trading up for a punter is a purely polluted mindset. wasting draft capital for punters is ridiculous.
Also, trading up for Jenkins would mean giving something away - it's a slippery slope. Jenkins is a really good player, and he is getting paid as though he's a starting tackle in the league. Would it shock anyone if he got moved to tackle now that Bakhtiari is gone? I always thought he was the succession plan. If he's not, they better get on replacing him, because paying guards as tackles is bad business.
DoubleJ
March 25, 2024 at 12:15 pm
Going from 47 > 44 is the cost of an R5 pick. In R2 for a top IOL that is a fair trade. Trading up in R1 for a RB just doesn't make sense anymore. I don't care if the RB is a combination of Barry Sanders, Walter Payton, Jim Brown, Adrian Peterson, and LaDainian Tomlinson. The value of R1 RBs just isn't there any more. Remember Jonathan Taylor was a mid R2 pick and he is one of the top RBs in the league. Or how about all the UDFAs (Priest Holmes for example) that ended up being some of the best RBs in the league. Using an R1 on a RB is a bad idea only made worse by spending capital to trade up to get a RB.
GregC
March 25, 2024 at 02:01 pm
Well of course if you think no RB is worth taking in the first round, then you should not trade up to get one in the first round. The original statement I was replying to was that certain positions aren't worth trading up for, period. This doesn't make sense to me. Every draft position has a certain value which can be converted into two or more lower draft picks. The formula holds true regardless of which position group you are selecting for.
Leatherhead
March 25, 2024 at 12:20 pm
Let's look at the punter, or as I like to call him, the Holder/punter.
We punted 57 times last year, about 3 times per game. We also kicked 33 FGs and had 39 extra point attempts. So he was on the field as our punter 57 times, and he was on the field as our holder 72 times, and each one of those times points were on the table.
There's no reason to trade up for a holder.
Tundraboy
March 25, 2024 at 01:06 pm
it's called hedging your bets covering your butt, but I agree when it comes to a clear BPA that's what we would have to do. Not convinced this is that year.
golfpacker1
March 25, 2024 at 11:54 am
Draft 2 later CBs instead of trading up or taking one in the first round altogether. Get one of Jackson, Hart, Green, or Elijah Jones late 3rd. Then pick another in last 2 rounds like Jarrian Jones, DeCammerion Richardson, Kamal Haddin, Myles Hardin or Storm Duck.
GB has struck out a lot by picking the highest rated CBs in the 1st and 2nd round. Stokes looks more and more like a bust, and Alexander is expensive and hurt a lot. I can easily see both of them not being in GB in 2025.
jannesbjornson
March 25, 2024 at 01:25 pm
Q. Mitchell is the only guy in this draft to make a move Up. He probably goes between # 11-15.
RCPackerFan
March 25, 2024 at 07:09 am
Dejean would be a really good fit for GB. Gutey did go back to the same school previously with Georgia back to back years with Stokes then Walker/Wyatt the next year. Last year Van Ness, perhaps Dejean will be the guy this year.
One thing that I'd be interested in, is how would Hafley play Dejean in his defense. Does he view him as CB or S. I have seen some talks that some people view him as a Safety more then CB. We don't really know what Hafley wants for his defense, but we will soon find out.
I would not be surprised if 2 of our first 3 picks are on defense. And maybe 3 of our first 5. I could see them trying to get the pieces that Hafley wants to run his defense.
I'm kind of envisioning the first 5 players being (in no particular order), S, LB, DL/Edge or CB, 2 - OL.
Safety is a given that they need more players and an upgrade from last year.
LB also is a need with the switch to 4-3 and with losing Campbell.
They need at least 2 OL out of this draft. I could see them going after multiple OL early in the draft. If they don't go 2 OL in the first 5 picks, then I could see 1 OL and 1 of DL/CB.
With the 5th pick, I think they will either go CB or someone on the defensive front. While I like our defensive front, I don't know if Hafley will want a big NT, or a different type of DE.
PackEyedOptimist
March 25, 2024 at 07:15 am
I see the top 5 the same way, RC.
Guam
March 25, 2024 at 08:01 am
Pretty similar feelings about the upcoming draft RCPF. I don't see a DL/Edge in the mix but agree on the other four. I'm leaning toward S, LB, 2OL, and CB/LB for the top five picks. I think the Packers need to choose at least two linebackers in this draft - one in the top five picks and another in the top seven. Walker, McDuffie and Wilson need reinforcements.
RCPackerFan
March 25, 2024 at 08:48 am
I really don't see DL/Edge as a great need either, but also you have to add in a couple of factors for this position.
First we don't know what Hafley will want for his DL. I could see him wanting a Gilbert Brown NT. Maybe he wants another big DE. In the 2nd-3rd round maybe they look at a guy like T'Vondre Sweat for NT. Being 362 lbs he would provide something they don't have right now.
Second, we know Gutey comes from the mindset that you draft for the future not just this year. We know that Preston Smith is nearing his end time in GB. Enagbare will be gone most of the season. DE could be higher on the want list then we know.
As for a "surprise" position, I could see a couple. I could see RB and/or TE.
RB I think they are going to try and find the homerun threat. Someone that can be a weapon in the passing game as well as run game. Jaylen Wright could be a guy they are looking at.
TE a guy that I think might really intrigue them is Ben Sinnott. He would be an upgrade over Deguara. That is a position that I think LaFleur really wants on the roster. That HB player.
Guam
March 25, 2024 at 11:27 am
I think they do the DL/Edge next year. Smith's contract gets pretty steep in 2025 and 2026 and that coupled with his age puts him at risk of replacement. Gute will also want to see what kind of second year jump Wooden and Brooks make before deciding on their future with the Packers.
I said all this before so I won't belabor it, but if the Packers draft someone this year, they will have to cut someone they currently have. It is just a numbers game from collapsing DT's and OLBs into a DL. That coupled with Hafley's previous preference for penetrating, disruptive tackles makes me think they won't draft a big run stuffer, at least not this year. They will give Hafley a year to sort out what they currently have and then make a move if needed next year. BTW, preliminary reports have the DL class in 2025 pegged as a pretty good one.
I also wouldn't be surprised to see them pick a RB at all. They need to add some speed to the RB room.
Cheezehead72
March 25, 2024 at 08:22 am
I see the top 5 as the BAP of those positions
RCPackerFan
March 25, 2024 at 08:49 am
Yeah definitely.
I'm hoping they keep all 5 picks though. Having 5 picks in the first 3 rounds could really add to the team.
golfpacker1
March 25, 2024 at 12:04 pm
RC, with the way the 2024 FA LB market went, so far, LB is tied with interior OL is tied for biggest draft need right now. The only way we can justify taking a LB with our first pick is to trade back. #25 is just way too high to draft any of this year's LBs. Even with as big of a need as it is, it would be a terrible business decision to not try to trade back before choosing one. Even if it was only 5-7 spots and gaining only an extra 3rd or 4th rounder.
Cooper, Colson, and Wilson should all be there as late as #40 unless some team really reaches to fill a need. Dallas could do that and I hope they do reach for Cooper. That means Powers-Johnson falls to us, and we take Colson or Wilson @ #41.
SicSemperTyrannis
March 26, 2024 at 11:02 am
You can't possibly consider LB as important as IOL because LB does not protect your star QB. One play like we had a zillion of last season and JL10 could go out for the season, or end his career. He never had time for a coke and a smoke, and almost always was a fraction of a second away from being hit before he got rid of the ball.
If D has to wait for 2025 to be completed, so be it. O needs to be prioritized and now. An O line that is dominant all the way across makes this entire offense a juggernaut, possibly able to have a great season and a legitimate shot in the off-season even without more infusion of talent on D. Certainly defensive talent to continue developing is already on the roster, and much of that is from late round picks.
SicSemperTyrannis
March 26, 2024 at 10:53 am
RC, we're losing 4 O linemen assuming Royce Newman gets pushed out. We simply cannot afford to draft any fewer than 3 O linemen, and they all need to be good. With 4, you can afford one to be a flier.
PackEyedOptimist
March 25, 2024 at 07:22 am
Of the "reasonable to think they might drop to us" players, DeJean is maybe my #1.
It's close between him and OL Powers-Johnson, but I have some hope that Zach Frazier or Sedrick VanPran might be able to be picked up in one of those other top 5 picks.
I see him as the "usually-box" safety, and I think he has one of the highest floors of any DB in my memory--he'd be perfect to pair with Xavier McKinney.
Unfortunately, my greatest dread is that Gute will trade one of those other Top-5 picks to move up to get him. I'd rather have two top 100 players than get DeJean. I'd rather have Cole Bishop AND Kingsley Suamataia, for instance.
DoubleJ
March 25, 2024 at 07:29 am
JPL is an interesting player but would need to use an R1 on him most likely. We could probably get Frazier in R2 and his wresting background makes it such that he know leverage VERY well. IIRC Scott Wells was a high school wrestler and he turned into a very good C. Mike Wahle actually has Frazier rated higher than JPL after watching tape from all of them.
Tundraboy
March 25, 2024 at 10:12 am
Kenny Clark too. Wrestling is a great prep for the NFL.
SicSemperTyrannis
March 26, 2024 at 11:05 am
Heh. The football coach at my HS hated wrestlers. We won one game per year, tops.
GregC
March 25, 2024 at 07:54 am
Watch DeJean and JPL both drop to us....and Gute pick someone else. Hah!
DoubleJ
March 25, 2024 at 08:29 am
To be honest if the choice is Murphy II, DeJean, or JPL I would go with Murphy II. JPL is interesting but IOL in R1 isn't a good use of R1 pick. If JPL and Frazier are there at 41 then I could see using a pick on one of them at 41. DeJean could be a Swiss Army Knife type player, however, there are more people like DeJean in the world than Murphy II. Interior pass rush is huge and Murphy is good at run D as well.
PackEyedOptimist
March 25, 2024 at 11:54 am
That's my three top guys at #25: Dejean, JPL, Murphy. I doubt any of them make it to us, but all of them potentially COULD.
I think JPL and Frazier are both going to be picked before #41.
In mocks, I've picked JPL at 25 AND Frazier at 41 a few times, and the results haven't disappointed me (both can play C or OG).
SicSemperTyrannis
March 26, 2024 at 11:13 am
IOL is our single greatest need, I don't see a round 1 pick there as a waste even if it breaks rules. Both Frazier and JPL are both that good.
stockholder
March 25, 2024 at 09:56 am
This is why I said he should be Gone.
WE deserve a logical choice for once.
Not some guy who only has a high RAS.
DoubleJ
March 25, 2024 at 10:08 am
This is why you shouldn't comment about the NFL draft. If you were the GM the Packers would go 3-14 because you would reach all over the place and trade away picks. Mike Sherman was the worst GM the Packers have had in 30 years. You would make Sherman look like a genius.
stockholder
March 25, 2024 at 10:22 am
But he got you to the playoffs 4 out of 5 yrs.
.His biggest problem was wanting to
give away picks.
Instead of helping #4.
It became about him.
.
DoubleJ
March 25, 2024 at 10:57 am
It wasn't his drafting that got them to the playoffs 4 out of 5 years. That was because of the players that Wolf had drafted. By his last year with a winning record the cupboard was devoid of talent and the team was lucky to go 10-6. The next year they went 4-12 and the team was bad. The next year after getting a lot of rookies the team did slightly better at 8-8. Overall it took several years to fix the mess that Sherman made on the team and you would do it all over again.
Bitternotsour
March 25, 2024 at 10:13 am
Yes, that high RAS - who needs athletic players. I want a team full of Blake Martinez-type guys.
stockholder
March 25, 2024 at 10:29 am
I wouldn't have picked him.
In fact I got booted from Acme
Because I knew TT was wrong.
And he could have had Clark and KCs Jones too.
Instead I got caught in a argument about a DE.
So now I'm more polite.
DoubleJ
March 25, 2024 at 10:58 am
Even a blind squirrel can find a nut. You being right once doesn't mean jack.
golfpacker1
March 25, 2024 at 12:12 pm
Great post PAO, that makes so much more sense for GB than to trade up and throw away a huge opportunity by wasting at least 1 of our top 5 picks. Teams trying to trade up rarely give away too little draft capitol, it's usually more in the favor of the trade back team. J Love was a huge exception to that.
Or we could do this instead.
Does this seem like as easy of a fix as it seems you guys? Hear me out on signing another FA safety, thus getting a player GB 100% knows is going to solve/fix/upgrade our big Safety hole/question mark.
GB still has a big hole to fill @ Safety. We would assume they will draft one this year and with a pretty high pick. That's a really good idea and it's also planning for the future. What if instead the Packers sign one of the remaining FA Safeties, Like Kam Curl or Julian Blackmon or whoever? Yes, it will cost more, although other projected targets like Jordan Whitehead, Jordan Fuller, Jeremy Chinn have been fairly cheap signings compared to McKinney. The Big picture factor is it fills the hole with an already successful NFL player that is guaranteed to play well and upgrade the Packers Safety room to an absolute team strength.
The extra benefit is now we wouldn't have to spend a high pick on a Safety, likely a 2nd rounder, and we could use it instead on say a run stopping D-lineman. I haven't been on The TeVondre Sweat train at all, but that becomes a possibility in this scenario.
We could still address Safety in the 3rd, 4th or 5th rounds instead. If we could fill the Safety hole with the perfect fit player for $5 million per year for a couple years, WHY NOT?
Llew
March 25, 2024 at 07:26 am
I don't think we should get too exited. He's probably not going to be there at 25. If he's still there at 20, maybe use some draft capital and move up. He is a special player, and I like the fit too...but players with his ability, versatility, and intangibles won't last too long in this particular draft.
dobber
March 25, 2024 at 09:09 am
Every college player is a projection, but DeJean might be enough of a projection (S? Can he play CB?) that teams might not want to burn a top 20 pick on him.
crayzpackfan
March 25, 2024 at 10:05 am
Dobber - His natural position is CB. It's all he played in college. Is he smart enough, athletic enough, and hard working enough to play safety? I think he is. But the NFL has always had a way with chewing up and spitting out players. If safety is his best shot, that's fine. I would just hate to see coaches with big egos turn their backs on him if CB is indeed his best opportunity.
golfpacker1
March 25, 2024 at 12:21 pm
Do not trade up, because we will lose at least one of #41 or #58, plus another pick. DeJean is good, but at this point in the draft, no available player is worth that much draft capitol.
Stay put and if Safety is the position we draft, then choose the next best player. The next guy is rated just as high and might be a better fit.
GBs 2 biggest needs are really equal at this point, and Safety is not one of them. Interior OL and LB are neck and neck. And fortunately, we shouldn't have to spend more than #41 to get a TOP 3 LB.
Don't reach, let the draft come to us.
SicSemperTyrannis
March 26, 2024 at 11:16 am
Do NOT move up in early rounds, at least not in the first!
Boneman
March 25, 2024 at 08:50 am
I think the chances are small, very small, that we get CD. We never get what we want from Packers. One thing we know for sure, we are going to be shocked and angry initially but after some time we'll all come around and try our best to get behind Gutes plan. I will be shocked if we don't trade back and get some extra picks for next year. It's the Packer thing to do. I just hope, hope, hope that we don't pass on TJ Watt and trade back for Kevin King. Wait, that already happened! Sorry I'm still suffering a bit of PTSD from that day. Anyway look for something like Cooper Beebe, Junior Colson, Roger Rosengarten, Tykee Smith, Dillon Johnson and Kyle Hergl as our new Packers and two or three more picks next year.
Doug_In_Sandpoint
March 25, 2024 at 09:26 am
Only reason I can think of to trade down for picks next year is making a big splash at the draft party in Lambeau.
Bitternotsour
March 25, 2024 at 05:25 pm
That is a very interesting angle. Why host the draft if you can't play in the event.
golfpacker1
March 25, 2024 at 12:24 pm
Green Bay would be thrilled with Cooper Beebe and Junior Colson to be Packers next year as they both fill big holes with upgrade players who could start from Day 1.
Dillon Johson is very underrated and would be a super 6th round pick.
Strat
March 25, 2024 at 12:51 pm
You can bring up the massive screw up not picking TJW all you want. They should keep hearing it. Everyone on the planet knew that was pick...except the guys that were supposed to know. This defense would've been what we keep thinking it should be already, but it isn't.
Postman
March 25, 2024 at 09:01 am
After reading his bio he does sound like a Packer that fits the Iowa pipeline. The kid sounds smart, driven and athletic. Aaron Kampman like and would become a Pro Bowler. Wonder if the Bears or Vikings would be smart enough to draft him before he falls to the Packers?
PackEyedOptimist
March 25, 2024 at 11:28 am
When the Vikings traded to get above u.s, everyone said "it's to get a QB," but my first thought was that they did it to take Cooper DeJean. He has a lot of Harrison Smith to his game
golfpacker1
March 25, 2024 at 12:27 pm
The Vikings are going to trade both of those 1st round picks to move up for a QB. Book it.
The Bears will trade down from #9 for more picks because they are very light on draft capitol. I could see them picking DeJean though.
LambeauPlain
March 25, 2024 at 09:17 am
If Hafley covets versatile playmakers on his D...and I believe he does...DeJean would be hand in glove for the Pack and certainly not a reach. He's a plug and play DB and a match up problem for offenses. Box, Hybrid LB, Perimeter, Post Safety, PR, ST coverage teams are all in his wheel house.
Of course his college video (like most) highlight top plays...but what jumps out is his efficiency getting to the ball carrier and his effectiveness making the tackle. Just great angles and no missed tackles by Cooper.
And unlike fellow Hawkeye Jackson who had just one breakout year, DeJean was contributing early and often.
While both played heavy zone CB at Iowa, Jackson came to Green Bay and was a square peg in a round man to man CB hole (always felt Jackson should have been moved to FS for his zone skills).
And while Iowa terms their zone coverages as "read and react" it sounds very similar to Hafley's "vision and break" discipline he wants to instill.
And the likelihood is Cooper and Xavier could be used both at post and box...and both can play slot...it fits what Hafley wants in his Safeties and slot CB...be interchangeable. Nixon should fit that vision too. More match up problems for opposing offenses.
In the first 6 picks (4 rounds)...2 DB (S & CB), 2 OL (T, C/G), LB, RB make sense to me. And DeJean would fill two positions right out of the gate at 25.
jannesbjornson
March 25, 2024 at 01:36 pm
He stoned Allen a couple times in the Badger's game and forced a fumble on a key 3rd down conversion. He knows the game and is not afraid to plug the gaps. See how he performs at his private workout...
Leatherhead
March 25, 2024 at 09:20 am
We dress 5 CBs. Alexander, Stokes, Nixon, Valentine, Ballantine are all under contract. We also acquired Rochelle and we have two guys named Anthony Johnson. Cooper Dejean is a very good player, and would probably start ahead of several of these guys. On the other hand, the Packers might think that they're in good enough shape at CB that they don't have to take one in the first round, and that we could take a shot at one later.
We only have 5 decent OL, and we dress 9. Given the lack of interest in acquiring any FA linemen, and given that Bakhtiari, Nijman, and Runyan are all gone, I'm pretty sure the Packers are looking at that more than they're thinking about Dejean.
#25 Graham Barton
#41 Edgerrin Cooper
#58 Kiran Amegadajie
#88 Max Melton
#91 Jaylon Wright.
Two linemen, a RB, a CB, and a LB.
porupack
March 25, 2024 at 09:37 am
L'head, very fine argument and presentation. You sold me. I've vacillated on whether a team strategy to pick among the strength of the draft (OL, CB, QB) or allow other teams their runs on the strength, and then pick the best among weaker positions represented....and get a the OL, CB, QB among the remainder of the strength positions yet available in the draft in later rounds. You kind of do both, going for strenght in R1, still grabbing the few LB yet available earliest opp, and CB Melton, a premium position is still a high quality pick in any other draft in the 3rd round. I like that one if you can pull it off.
Leatherhead
March 25, 2024 at 09:49 am
We're going to be in the Super Bowl hunt for the next several years. This is the Love Window. We should be trying to put the league's best offensive line on the field during that stretch. If Love is protected, our skill position guys will put enough points on the board.
Barton is a backup at 5 spots, and could become our starting Center eventually. We already have two plus players on the offensive line and he would make three. If anybody else....Walker, Rhyan, Amegadajie becomes a plus player, that's a very formidable offensive line for the next several years.
The Packers scored 123 points less than league leading Dallas, and 78 points less than Detroit. SF led the NFC with only 298 allowed, and we were at 350. It seems like we have greater opportunity for growth on offense than we do on defense, and that would be my goal in the draft: Get the best offense around Love that we can. The best scoring teams go to the playoffs.
stockholder
March 25, 2024 at 10:04 am
Barton is a bust .Forecast is IOL
Take your OL in the third.
Zak Zinter G all-American.
Sedrick Van Pran, C Georgia
All American Runner-up is there.
Beebe was an All - American
You either need a Guard or back-up OT.
Mason McCormick LG /LT is now rd 3
And why not take a shot a Cory Schrader at RB
Another All American.
Leatherhead
March 25, 2024 at 10:21 am
Barton is a bust, that's why he's consistently projected as a Top 40 pick. And he's an interior OL, which is why he's played LT for three years.
We need backups at every spot.
stockholder
March 25, 2024 at 10:33 am
His feet are not where they should be.
Trust me; his Knee will blow out.
And he'll be done like Jerel Worthy.
Leatherhead
March 25, 2024 at 11:18 am
I am astounded that you have watched every single play that Barton has played in college. Because the guys in the scouting departments around the league have, and their opinion on Barton seems to be different from yours.
I should "trust you" that he'll blow out his knee because.........? You can see the future? You're an ergonometrist? Why? Did he miss time in college with injury (No. I went ahead and answered that one for you).
For the next 4 or 5 years, or longer, this guy will be a plus starter on the offensive line. We don't know where the first injury will hit, but Barton covers all of them. If Tom or Jenkins or Myers get hurt, we've got a quality replacement.
In the future, he could end up replacing Myers, who is in the last year of his contract, or playing RT or LG because we moved people around. He's the only guy in the draft this year that is this versatile. He's a bigger, more talented version of Tom or Jenkins, IMO, with unmatched versatility . We'd be fortunate to add him.
stockholder
March 25, 2024 at 12:01 pm
PFF OVERALL GRADE
75.9 isn't rd. 1
Compare - only 496 snaps to SHH ??— —
GAMES PLAYED 9 13 12
OFFENSE SNAPS 496 896 747
RUN BLOCK SNAPS 238 409 355
PASS BLOCK SNAPS 258 487 392
SACKS 2 2 6
HITS 0 0 4
HURRIES 9 8 10.
Leatherhead
March 25, 2024 at 12:23 pm
Ah yes, the Great God PFF. I remember back in the olden days when you had to figure things out for himself. Now, we have Google and PFF and DVOA and we really don't have to do any thinking about it because there are people ready to tell us what we should think.
You do realize that PFF is a SUBJECTIVE scoring system,right?
Bitternotsour
March 25, 2024 at 12:38 pm
When you roll in the mud, you get muddy.
Try to keep your uniform clean. It's not personal Sonny, it's a chat room. You'll be better served mocking stupidity than trying to reason with it.
T7Steve
March 25, 2024 at 01:07 pm
LH, I'm proud you were able to carry on that long. You took the bullet for us CHTVers. I'm nominating you for the Cheez Medallion of Honor.
jannesbjornson
March 25, 2024 at 01:56 pm
The same guys drafted Newman and pegged Nijman as a starting OT as he pulled in 4.3 M to ride the pine.
Beebe is a guy to go inside, as well as Coleman from TCU. Both guys can play the RT spot in a pinch. Tom controls guys like Bosa with his footwork. I still push for Morgan as the future LT.
stockholder
March 25, 2024 at 05:56 pm
I had #58 in one of my mocks.
Remember Nubin, King Sua, Kiren , And another S.
I still feel 2 safeties are needed.
But Gute won't take the top 2, with so many NFL teams
Dumping their safeties.
So DeJean' versatility is a must.
SicSemperTyrannis
March 26, 2024 at 11:24 am
You say Barton is a bust - over a month before the draft.
I do not understand how you can sleep at night.
Maybe that's your #1 problem.
Tundraboy
March 25, 2024 at 10:35 am
I have been in that camp as well, but Dejean is the bpa that would change things if he's still around. But ever since the end of the season I felt we just have to build a wall around Love and start being able to run whenever we choose. Powers Johnson would be a great add.
stockholder
March 25, 2024 at 05:47 pm
I like powers Johnson more than any OL.
But look at all the lions picks in their OL.
It helps; but it doesn't get you to the super-bowl without a Defense.
Something Rodgers never had later.? just saying.
RCPackerFan
March 25, 2024 at 09:58 am
I think GB feels great about Alexander and Valentine. Stokes I have to think they are concerned with his injury history, and probably feel like they can't fully trust he is there until he proves it. I do wonder if they would view Nixon as a possible option at S, but at the very least he is a nickel CB.
I can see them wanting to go CB early, especially if they would view Nixon as a Safety.
I also agree about the OL. I think they love Jenkins and Tom. I think they like Myers more then the average fan does. I think they like Walker but aren't 100% sold on him, and I think they would be "ok" if Rhyan wins the RG spot but also don't want to rely solely on him. So I think they will be looking at OT and OG in the first 4 rounds.
Leatherhead
March 25, 2024 at 10:23 am
Well, it's Stokes' 4thyear, and I don't think we exercised the 5th year option.
Nixon is not a safety. And corners are more valuable than safeties, so if you've got a guy who can play corner, let him play corner and find somebody else for safety, which I'm pretty sure we will.
dobber
March 25, 2024 at 02:19 pm
They'll have to exercise the option around May 1. I'd be surprised if they do.
DoubleJ
March 25, 2024 at 10:18 am
I don't see the value in drafting a IOL in R1. Could probably get someone like Frazier at 41 (Mike Wahle's top C) or another top IOL at 91. At 25 I'd see what is available and trade down if need be.
I do like Amegadajie as he could be a swing player across the board.
I'm not as high on Cooper as other people. His missed tackle rate is seriously bad (like worse than Savage's) and he is easily manipulated in zone coverage. I'd prefer Colson in late R2. He is probably the best coverage ILB in the draft and doesn't miss tackles. Otherwise Gray in R3 could be in play as well.
I don't think Melton is going to make it to R3. Could probably get Sainristil at 88 though and he is the top slot CB in the draft according to a lot of draftniks.
Wright looks like Kamara but faster. I'd rather have him than Benson.
Leatherhead
March 25, 2024 at 10:24 am
Do you see the value in protecting Love and opening holes for Jacobs for the next four years?
T7Steve
March 25, 2024 at 10:47 am
Opening holes for Jacobs IS protecting Love for the next four years.
Run to pass. Then pass to run. And vice versa.
Have to shore up the line for now and the future. Today's depth = tomorrows future.
Leatherhead
March 25, 2024 at 11:08 am
I think that protecting the QB is always your #1 goal. Losing your QB to injury frequently wrecks the season. Having a QB playing hurt slows down the offense. You can't pass the ball unless you can protect your QB, and that means over 17 games plus the playoffs, you've got to be able to stop teams that will try everything to pressure and hit Love.
I get that people want defensive players. We gave up 350 points last year, and that's over 50 more than SF, who led the NFC. Offensively, we were more than 100 points behind NFC leading Dallas. That's where our greatest opportunity for growth is, IMO. If we just stay nearly the same defensively, but score on one more possession/game than last year, we'd probably be the best team in the NFC this year.
And that's why I want blocking, because nothing good happens on offense unless people get blocked, and I'm aware that behind a decent group of starters, we have squat. There's no way we can go into the season like this.
T7Steve
March 25, 2024 at 11:27 am
We have adequate starters. We need them better and not wait half the season for it to happen.
We had first year staters and part time starters. We can hope for improvement and second year jumps but really need competition for starting jobs.
That's the best way to actually have depth.
DoubleJ
March 25, 2024 at 11:16 am
Did you not see me saying Frazier (Mike Wahle's top C) at 41 or another top IOL at 91? Rasheed Walker is an ascending player so we are only looking for a swing tackle. I like where you had Amegadajie and he could play across the line.
Leatherhead
March 25, 2024 at 11:27 am
Well, that gives us a backup at one spot, Center. Barton gives us a backup at 5. Rasheed Walker could get hurt. So could Tom. We could probably use a guy who could fill in at different spots, and play well.
Amegadjie, the more I study him, is a Gutekunst-type selection in the sense that he had a better junior season than senior season, and this is a theme that you see often with Gutekunst. Love, for example, declined his senior season. And he's versatile. And he's smart. I think he's going to be taken early in the 3rd round, so if we want him, it almost certainly means #58.
DoubleJ
March 25, 2024 at 12:18 pm
"Well, that gives us a backup at one spot, Center."
Frazier can play any of the IOL spots so that is 3 spots. Throw in Amegadjie and you have all 5 spots available AND you didn't have to spend an R1 on a backup. We also don't know how the view Caleb Jones and Luke Tenuta either. Perhaps they are high enough on them as viable OTs that they will only draft for IOL.
Leatherhead
March 25, 2024 at 12:27 pm
Yes, Frazier can play those spots, but probably not any better than Barton.
When you say IOL, are you talking about Jenkins at LG? Or the least important spot,RG? Or Myers, who will undoubtedly start just like he has his three previous seasons.?
Here's the deal with Barton. You can play him at LT in Week 2, RT Week 4, Center at Week 6. You can move him around, and that's damn useful when you don't know where the next injury is going to hit.
Nothing against Frazier, but Barton is a better player for what our situation is.
DoubleJ
March 25, 2024 at 01:32 pm
IOL = Interior Offensive Line that is LG, C, RG.
OT = Offensive Tackle that is LT & RT
I'd put money on Frazier being a better C than Barton and the LG/RG play being pretty equal between them. Don't forget that Frazier was a wrestler in high school. Quite often the "phone booth" players (DT and IOL) who were wrestlers end up being top flight interior players. They know leverage better than those who weren't. That gives Frazier a huge leg up on Barton in the interior. Also don't forget that Barton only played 6 games at C and all the rest were at LT. He is projected as an IOL due to arm length. That doesn't mean he will be able to make the transition. Sure the Packers seem better able to have players transition from OT > IOL but for every Josh Sitton there are 50 Royce Newman transitions in the NFL.
I'm not saying that Barton won't be a good player. Just historically there isn't value in drafting someone who is going to be IOL in R1. Those are players that you can usually get later in the draft and the drop off isn't huge. Sure you could get a HOF IOL like Steve Hutchinson but how much of a drop off is it from Hutchinson (R1) to Marco Rivera (R6)? In reality the difference isn't nearly as big as it is from Joe Thomas > typical R6 LT.
Leatherhead
March 25, 2024 at 07:53 pm
'''''. Just historically there isn't value in drafting someone who is going to be IOL in R1. """"
Yeah. I can't poke a hole in that. It's true, and I've said as much myself many times. I think Barton should be an exception because of our situation right now. He gives us a backup at every spot right now as well as a future very good Center. Maybe he's not a long term answer at OT, but he can play there a game or two in a pinch without us having to shuffle people around.
You are correct that he'll probably end up as an IOL, a Center, and he'll be very good at that. But for this year, he solves more problems on our offensive line than anybody else we could pick.
LLCHESTY
March 25, 2024 at 12:29 pm
Barton isn't a tackle. He gave up 10 sacks over three years at tackle and his arms are short. The only other tackle in PFF's top 150 to give up that many sacks is Adams from Illinois at #138. The other players predicted to go in the 1st round gave up less than 5 sacks over the last three years.
I'd rather have Beaux Limmer in the 3rd or 4th round to compete at C or G than spend a 1st on Barton. Much rather have Frazier at 41 than Barton at 25.
Leatherhead
March 25, 2024 at 12:46 pm
He isn't a tackle, even though that's where he played the last three years.
Beaux Limmer would be great. We can play him at RT if Tom gets injured. Oh, wait a minute......
His arms are 3/8" shorter than Tom. Mark Tauscher was 32 1/4", so that makes Barton a full inch ahead of Tauscher, and he was an OK player for us. Walker is 33 and 5/8". Bryan Bulaga was 33 1/4, just like Barton, and self-appointed cognoscenti said his arms were too short, and he was a pretty good player for us.
DoubleJ
March 25, 2024 at 01:36 pm
"Mark Tauscher was 32 1/4", so that makes Barton a full inch ahead of Tauscher, and he was an OK player for us."
Barton's arms were measured at 32 7/8" at the combine so only 5/8" shorter not a full inch. Most teams have 34" arms as their cutoff point for LT (not sure about RT). The Packers since TT have used 33" as their cutoff point for LT arm length.
Leatherhead
March 26, 2024 at 11:20 am
If we were drafting him to be our starting LT for the next 8 years, I'd be more concerned about a fraction of an inch. But if we were to draft him this year, it would be for spot duty at tackle. As you and others have stated, his ultimate destination is probably Center, and as it was pointed out to me, there's just not a good reason to invest a first round pick in an interior lineman.
So, I'm officially off the "Draft Barton at #25" bandwagon. If we can trade down a little and still get him, that would be OK. My mock this morning had Kool Aid at #27 after a small trade down.
LLCHESTY
March 25, 2024 at 04:59 pm
Yes, he was a tackle in college like tons of other NFL guards. And he gave up 10 sacks at tackle in college so he wasn't outstanding at it.
golfpacker1
March 25, 2024 at 12:54 pm
I really think, Doublej, that to have a realistic chance to fill the CO #1 need, LB has to be picked @ #41. #25 is way too rich for these LBs. Unless we get the OL we want @ #25, the best move is a trade back.
DoubleJ
March 25, 2024 at 01:38 pm
"LB has to be picked @ #41"
Only if you want Cooper IMO. I think Wilson (injury concerns) or Colson will make it to 58. Gray might even make it to 91. I like Colson the most of all the LBs in this draft.
golfpacker1
March 25, 2024 at 04:55 pm
I like Colson too DJ. He is a more well-rounded LB, tackles better, and his coverage skills are better. Where Cooper excels is the splash plays, like sacks and tackles for loss, when he doesn't overrun the plays. Since GB failed to sign a FA LB, drafting a starting caliber LB becomes the most important position we draft. Definitely not @ #25, but I don't believe we can wait past #41 if we want a shot @ one of the TOP 3.
I would take any of Cooper, Colson, or Wilson, in fact include Wallace too. I just don't want to miss out on all of them like we did the FA LBs.
As far as the which OL is best for GB, the playing tackle aspect is not as important as OG/OC first and foremost. Powers-Johnson should be the top choice for GB unless something crazy happens and Fantanu falls that far. That would be a shock because Dallas needs OT more than OC.
Cooper Beebe can play all 3 positions better than JPJ and Frazier. Mason McCormick plays all three as well. Zinter has played OG/OC too. Brandon Coleman has played LT but will be a better guard.
Someone mentioned Frazier wrestled too. I would have to bet that 90% of the OL and DL have been successful wrestlers, so thats not a big factor.
Guam
March 25, 2024 at 11:41 am
Absolutely agree that the Packers need reinforcements on the OL. The Packers have three good starters, an average to slightly below average center and a question mark at RG. And almost no depth whatsoever. That is a prescription to get your QB killed unless significant additions are made. I expect Gute to spend two of the top five draft choices and likely two later draft choices on OL.
Tundraboy
March 25, 2024 at 01:34 pm
And I absolutely agree with this. After last year the best move is one that best keeps the teams development moving forward. Build a wall around Love. It is priority number one. Why regress? It's the best hedge against taking a step back and teams certainly will be gunning for us and Love next season.
jannesbjornson
March 25, 2024 at 02:10 pm
Rhyan didn't give up a sack in limited exposure and will be Gutey's guy to fill the RG spot, until the competition arrives. This is a draft with some sound offensive linemen and they need four more guys to get better. Maybe they want the tall timber with little bend to backup the edges, but I do not see the benefit posting
P-squad people at the wall.
golfpacker1
March 25, 2024 at 12:39 pm
That lineup of those positions and those players you chose makes perfect sense Leatherhead. GB would be thrilled with that start to the draft. We could argue about Amegadjie but he has great potential to play well at OT/OG
If Stokes does not take a big step up this year in availability and regaining his playing form, he will not be a Packer in 2025. So we are going to need his potential replacement on the team this year. But not in the 1st or 2nd round. We have sucked taking CBs that early by trying to get one of the Top 5 rated guys.
Where you picked one gives us options of probably, Melton, Jackson, Hart, Green, Philipps, Elijah or Jarrian Jones. One of them and a later round pick of DeCammerion Richardson, Myles Hardin, Kamal Haddin or ? That would reload for the looming Stokes and Alexander possible departures in the next 2 years.
jannesbjornson
March 25, 2024 at 01:44 pm
I don't believe Hafley is going to be playing an Umbrella zone cover scheme. This squad needs two more safeties and a higher pick at CB to cover the perimeter. Melton could be the guy. He will be going early in Rd Two, or a physical CB like Caelen Carson. Maybe Cam Hart later on. A guy similar to Doug Evans. Stokes remains a question mark. Jaire has to prove he can stay healthy for the season, etc. They need Quality depth pieces in the secondary. This group only pulled in Seven INTs last season. Not good enough.
WD
March 25, 2024 at 02:16 pm
I think there is a very good chance that De jean and Barton will be there at 25 because there will likely be an extraordinary number of QB's and OL taken in the top 25. I think De jean will definitely be used to compete with Rudy ford as safety to pair with McKinney. That said, I would be happy with these Leatherhead picks, particularly if Edgerrin Cooper or even Payton Wilson are there at 41. Also love Max Melton and Jaylon Wright If available there. May the draft Gods be with us.
porupack
March 25, 2024 at 09:50 am
Seems like there is a consensus, if I may summarize the input above from the advisory council for the meeting minutes. How about this;
There are multiple possibilities to upgrade the team in different ways, and we all agree that the priority is to get the BPA in round one; no particular order; OL, CB, S, LB or DL because there is likely to be a key target for GB that surprisingly, and hopefully falls to #25, and we generally agree that the advantages of trading up for any one player, including CDejean have more disadvantages in losing one of 5 picks to fill other team needs considering the depth of talent throughout day 2 in the draft. So stay put, capture the value in any of the key areas where an upgrade will make the biggest impact on the team (pass defense backfield, run defense, run blocking).
Any additions, deletions or edits before we send the final draft to Gute?
Thanks,
CHTV Notetaker 1
Tundraboy
March 25, 2024 at 10:37 am
Confirmed
golfpacker1
March 26, 2024 at 08:59 am
Wrong on the BPA @ all the positions you mentioned Porupak. Drafting a DL, S, or LB is a big overreach @ #25. Even though LB has become the same level of biggest need that interior OL is, we still need to recognize no LBs in this class are 1st round talents. If any of the OL that the Packers want are not available @ #25, they should aggressively trade back. #41 should see all 4 of the Top LB available and that's where one should be grabbed with both hands.
Dream draft
#25- JPJ
#41-Cooper or Colson
#58-Nubin or Kinchen
#88-Melton, Jackson, Hart or ?
#91-Wright, Irving, Guerendo or ?
But this all get scrubbed if GB intelligently signs another FA Safety & fills that hole.
Or if Gutey is offered any great deals to trade back, #25 would be prime, #58 and #91 could be attractive too, but not far back, especially to gain extra picks in 3rd, 4th, and 5th rounds. Use the 7th rounders to sign any potential UFDAs that we don't want to lose out on.
SicSemperTyrannis
March 26, 2024 at 11:42 am
Trading draft picks for UDFA is bad business, the UDFA is more expensive.
MooPack
March 25, 2024 at 10:00 am
I'd love to get DeJean, but the CHTV draft cover already jinxed us.
WD
March 25, 2024 at 02:18 pm
LOL
Tundraboy
March 25, 2024 at 10:09 am
I'm in. And I'm highly suspicious of anyone with any type of injury history, with our track record of late. Prefer an OL with first but we need a football player like him .
Bitternotsour
March 25, 2024 at 10:15 am
Yes, on that injury front. He got injured in some mysterious freak way, is he prone to mysterious freakish injury?
golfpacker1
March 25, 2024 at 12:41 pm
I don't think we get DeJean anyway, but his injury was a minor, if that's possible, broken tibia, and its already healed. He has not missed any other starts @ Iowa.
SicSemperTyrannis
March 26, 2024 at 11:43 am
Broken bones are minor injuries?!?
I've never broken a bone and I've taken all sorts of hellatious hits.
Ferrari-Driver
March 25, 2024 at 10:14 am
Years back in 2018 I was a big Derwin James fan and was hoping no one would select him before the Packers had their first round pick. James fell to the Packers, but they traded their 14 slot to New Orleans and got the 18 slot. The Chargers grabbed James with the 17th pick and made me sick. However, the Packers did land Jaire Alexander so we still got and super player that year. Much better than the draft in 2017 when I was hoping TJ Watt who was a Badger would be there for the Packers when they picked. TJ fell and to us at slot 29 only to have the Packers pass on TJ and trade that 29th pick to the Browns and Watt was picked by the Steelers on pick 30. We got the Browns 33 pick in the trade which was at the top of the 2nd round and drafted Kevin King (no comment necessary).
I feel somewhat the same about Cooper Dejean as I did about Derwin James and I'm hoping he will be there when Green Bay picks and they don't pass on him. I know I'm no expert, but everything I've read and watched during a few games has me excited to see him in a Green Bay Packers uniform.
PackEyedOptimist
March 25, 2024 at 11:47 am
I, too, was super pumped when Derwin James was available on our pick! He was the perfect player for what I felt were our greatest needs (safety and leadership), and I was horrified when we traded the pick away.
I also "chose" TJ Watt, but with trepidation...I worried about his injury history. People seem to have forgotten that. Nonetheless, I picked him. Additionally annoying, I had talked before that draft about how the one guy I DIDN'T want was Kevin King. :-(
*Requisite comment about how I had constantly talked about how I wanted Creed Humphrey before THAT draft...
Ferrari-Driver
March 25, 2024 at 06:07 pm
You, I, and most others who followed that draft were surprised by the Packer passing on Humphrey and selecting Myers. At the time, I thought Myers may have a good head on his shoulders based upon the Packers pre-draft information that we don't get, but I felt Humphrey was just a beast in the center of the line and had a dose of "MEAN" in him as opposed to how I viewed Myers who at the time I thought of more like a "Gentleman" and a technician.
I didn't really know much abou Kevin King at the time and had no feelings one way or the other. However, it didn't take too long before most of us developed feelings about the guy and most of them weren't good.
golfpacker1
March 25, 2024 at 12:44 pm
Maybe the 2nd round is a bad spot to pick CB. King and Josh Jackson. Both busts.
jannesbjornson
March 25, 2024 at 02:27 pm
Josh Jackson,
golfpacker1
March 26, 2024 at 09:02 am
Thanks Jannes, I fixed it.
golfpacker1
March 25, 2024 at 10:40 am
Does this seem like as easy of a fix as it seems you guys? Hear me out on signing another FA safety, thus getting a player GB 100% knows is going to solve/fix/upgrade our big Safety hole/question mark.
GB still has a big hole to fill @ Safety. We would assume they will draft one this year and with a pretty high pick. That's a really good idea and it's also planning for the future. What if instead the Packers sign one of the remaining FA Safeties, Like Kam Curl or Julian Blackmon or whoever? Yes, it will cost more, although other projected targets like Jordan Whitehead, Jordan Fuller, Jeremy Chinn have been fairly cheap signings compared to McKinney. The Big picture factor is it fills the hole with an already successful NFL player that is guaranteed to play well and upgrade the Packers Safety room to an absolute team strength.
The extra benefit is now we wouldn't have to spend a high pick on a Safety, likely a 2nd rounder, and we could use it instead on say a run stopping D-lineman. I haven't been on The TeVondre Sweat train at all, but that is a possibility opened. We could still address Safety in the 3rd, 4th or 5th rounds instead. All the Safeties other than Nubin, Kinchen, and Bullard should still be on the board.
If we could fill the Safety hole with the perfect fit player for $5 million per year for a couple years, WHY NOT?
GregC
March 25, 2024 at 10:54 am
Sounds like a good idea, and they still have the cap room to do this. I was hoping the devaluation of the safety position would work in the Packers' favor this year. Instead they signed the most expensive one, which is fine, but maybe they could get a bargain with one of the remaining safeties.
Kam Curl signed with the Rams, by the way.
golfpacker1
March 25, 2024 at 12:59 pm
Thanks Greg, and it looks like his contract is between $5 and $6 million per year. To me that seems like a bargain and would have given GB the best Safety tandem in the NFL. Well worth the $$$.
porupack
March 25, 2024 at 03:42 pm
Yep. Easy fix. Never fill a glaring need by draft pick only. It is simply a percentages thing. FAs are not risk free either. Just get Safety #2 FA; basic, sufficient replacement player that would compete with current Safety room, and then draft at least one for the high ceiling. Lots of upside, and hedge against downside.
The GM thing isn't so hard, right GolfPacker? I think we got it figured out.
golfpacker1
March 25, 2024 at 05:02 pm
What does it pay? Do we get weekends and nights off? And every other Wednesday? And leave every day @ 2pm?
gsd3
March 25, 2024 at 12:15 pm
Hoping there is a QB and WR run in the 1st. The more that are taken pushes quality toward #25. Dejean would be on my wish list at 25. Would I take him there? Depends on who else falls. He would be a bang for the buck addition.
Bitternotsour
March 25, 2024 at 05:33 pm
I expect 6 QBs off the board by the packers pick. If not, the 25th pick could be pretty valuable for that 6th QB.
Alberta_Packer
March 25, 2024 at 12:33 pm
Yes DeJean is a marvelous athlete but I would not hyperventilate if he is not selected by Gutekunst (if available).
First - much has been made of his sprinting prowess. Apparently he recorded a 10.71 for 100m. By comparison Jordy Nelson recorded a 10.63. He is fast - but there are many NFL WRs who will be as fast - if not faster than him.
Secondly - Dejean is not a pure cover corner. His hip tightness and lack of fluidity will put him at a disadvantage against fluid, fast and quick out-of-the- break WRs. It seems that he is best as a zone coverage CB.
Now would I be disappointed if we selected him at 25? No. He is a unique DB and all around playmaker who would probably pair very well with McKinney. However if Gutekunst drafted a pure outside CB plus a good Safety - I would also be pleased with this result.
Bitternotsour
March 25, 2024 at 12:41 pm
your description of DeJean sounds a LOT like Micah Hyde. A 5th round pick. Very nice player.
Alberta_Packer
March 25, 2024 at 01:02 pm
I think that is an apt comparison. Micah Hyde 2.0 would certainly be worthy of a #25 pick.
Bitternotsour
March 25, 2024 at 05:34 pm
but a better day 3 pick (just saying)
Alberta_Packer
March 25, 2024 at 06:13 pm
Dejean is very likely a Day 1 pick. However it is very possible to select a good Safety on Day 3. That is why I would not be upset if the Packers missed out / bypassed on DeJean.
Tundraboy
March 26, 2024 at 12:08 am
Especially if a premiere OL is available at 25.
PhantomII
March 25, 2024 at 12:57 pm
A lot of talk on here of Dejean at #25 or OT....What I know is this: Get the best road grader OT available and 2-IOL road graders and RB-Wright out of Tenn with the high 2nd rounder pick....We can burn 2025 #1-2 picks if Dejean is your flavor also. This is the year we are going to the show. Get the OL we need for it, a RB with speed and vision and wiggle and some secondary help. Do all this and we not only make it, we cruise thru the playoffs. SF lost their best DL, the Bills are cutting players left and right and it looks like Kelce is retiring from KC... That's a champ and 2 playoff contenders that will be hard to repeat last season. We are on the up-swing and getting better... GPG
SicSemperTyrannis
March 26, 2024 at 11:50 am
I downgrade RB need because wiggle vision and speed are all things Jacobs has. He needs a lead blocker though, and a dominant O line.
marpag1
March 25, 2024 at 03:23 pm
A tweener recovering from a broken leg. Doesn't look great in man coverage to me. I don't want him in round 1.
And since I don't want him, that means that we probably will, and should, draft him.
But I wouldn't.
golfpacker1
March 25, 2024 at 05:07 pm
I don't think we will have to worry about picking DeJean as he will be gone. That and the fact that 5 QBs will be picked before us will push multiple players on our board down to us @ #25.
I am still for spending $5 million per year on an established, good, NFL vet Safety who can start and give the rookie time to adapt. We have already missed on several that would have made our Safety room a strength. And they were cheap. Don't wait like we did with the LBs.
Bitternotsour
March 25, 2024 at 05:38 pm
Marpag, that's exactly why I try not to get attached to any draft evaluations or evaluators.
As an Oregonian, I'm delighted when we pick guys from Oregon State and Oregon, but otherwise I trust the front office. I'm not much of a fan of guys who got freak injuries though - but if the Packers pick him, I'm all in.
BAMABADGER
March 25, 2024 at 06:34 pm
BPA in the first.... One of the quality OT or Oregon center will fall to GB's pick. ILB and Beebe in the second. RB in the 3rd. CB. safety. and another RB after that.
Hafley will have our current high draft choice D playing more aggressive with improved tackling. GPG!!!
BuckyBadger
March 26, 2024 at 06:56 am
You don't cover a lot of speedsters playing in the B1G West. The last Iowa DB didn't turn out so well and he was great in college as well.
golfpacker1
March 26, 2024 at 09:11 am
If you mean Josh Jackson, Bucky, I think he was more of a one year wonder @ Iowa. Since we have one of the best DB coaches @ Iowa in DC Phil Parker, I would have thought Jackson would have been so fundamentally sound that at worst he would have been a really solid backup with starting potential. Nope. He wasn't. I think he is still bouncing around the NFL.
Leatherhead
March 26, 2024 at 11:23 am
Nope. After the Packers released him, he bounced around and appeared in 7 more games. He was not in a uniform in 2023.
Lots of people missed badly on him. He was a consensus Top 100 player coming out of college.
BuckyBadger
March 27, 2024 at 08:33 am
Consensus to whom? I never thought he was because he never showed the speed to play the position. I know several other reports that confirmed that.
BuckyBadger
March 27, 2024 at 08:32 am
I would have taken off my board completely after he ran at the combine and confirmed my thought that he was too slow to play at the NFL.
gsd3
March 27, 2024 at 05:44 am
I have a gut feeling that he is going to end up in Detroit.
Johnkrash
March 27, 2024 at 07:57 pm
If he is healthy I love the kid as a safety who could drop into the slot on occasion. DeJean and McKinney could solidify what has been a problem position for the next 4-5 years, assuming health of course.