Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - Offseason 3-25-20

The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.

Well, I finally have some room in my brain to think about some things other than getting the CHTV Draft Guide edited and completed, so Polluted Mindset is back. Here are my random ramblings:

DEVIN FUNCHESS is now a Green Bay Packer. What? You're not jumping up and down with glee? Rightfully so. The way to look at it though, is, even though they play different positions, think of him as a replacement in production for Jimmy Graham. Or, a direct replacement for Geronimo Allison. Either way, depending on the contract terms (my guess is a one year prove it deal), it's an unexciting move but a roster improvement nonetheless.

CHRISTIAN KIRKSEY - This could be a steal of a signing depending on one factor - health. If Kirksey can go back to his form before injuries interrupted his last two seasons, he will be a big improvement for the Packers at the inside linebacker position. Kirksey will bring a more aggressive style to the position than Blake Martinez ever could and all reports of him as a team leader and positive influence are equally encouraging. And as you've probably read or heard, I'm not the only one who thinks he could be a steal for the Packers.

RICK WAGNER - Yes, the Packers got weaker on this one. There was no way to afford Bulaga with their limited cap space and impending contract extensions they will need to get done. Wagner was my 15th ranked OT in the 2013 draft class and my short summary of him was, "Wagner was an above average performer at Wisconsin, but struggled against better competition where his lack of elite athleticism was a negative factor.  Wagner is strictly a right tackle or guard prospect and does not appear to have a high ceiling." That's been pretty much on the mark - Wagner has been a serviceable middle-of-the pack player for the Ravens and Lions, but is coming off a down year, according to Pro Football Focus. If he can return to 2018 form, the drop off from Bulaga will not be as noticeable.

NFL DRAFT- Regardless of what form it takes or when it occurs, it will go on. Nothing stops the NFL. And so our CHTV Draft Guide project went on as planned. My contributions to the guide (besides editing it) is the position rankings for the Offensive Tackles and a seven round Packers Mock Draft.

OFFENSIVE TACKLES- In the almost 10 years I've been covering this position for the guide, this was the hardest time I've ever had picking my top three. There are easily six players that could have found themselves in my top three. Having said that, there isn't one that I would consider a sure bet to reach All-Pro status, as I felt about Tyron Smith, for example (although I do think if Tristan Wirfs moved to guard, he has a very good chance). But all six of my top tackles are Pro Bowl worthy.

An OT selection in the first round makes all the sense in the world, but, alas, I think my top 6 will all be taken by pick 30. I see a tackle being taken in the second round - a player I'd be happy to see them land there would be Louis Niang. If his torn hip labrum is fully healed (medical reports are optimistic), I think he has first year starting potential. Matt Peart would be another possibility, but he would likely require a year of development before achieving starting status. Ezra Cleveland I think will be over drafted, much like Jason Spriggs was. I see similarities in their game but I do think Cleveland has more of a work ethic and thus a higher chance for success than Spriggs. My later round sleeper pick is small schooler Robert Hunt. He has played both guard and tackle, and shows a decent combination of athleticism and power. Can handle RT or move inside comfortably.

INSIDE LINEBACKERS - We all know that the Packers do not value this position that highly. Add the Kirksey signing and the reasonable, expectation that Murray and Queen will be off the board and I think the chance of a RD1 ILB selection is minimal.

WIDE RECEIVERS - So that brings me to the WR position. Because of the circumstances described above, my prediction is the Packers will shock the masses and do what they haven't done since 2002 - draft a WR in round one. Who will that player be? I have three possibilities - my Packers mock in the Draft Guide will tell you which one I chose.

 

 

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__________________________

"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of many hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He is also a recovering Mason Crosby truther.  Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP

__________________________

5 points
 

Comments (83)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
jeremyjjbrown's picture

March 25, 2020 at 10:03 am

Cool, Al. You didn't mention DL as a possibility for round 1. It seams like a big need. Do you think the Packers like their DL. Or are there just better players at other positions than DL when the Packers pick?

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JerseyAl's picture

March 25, 2020 at 10:10 am

I've been one that has been trumpeting that DL help is more important than ILB help, but there's no comparison to the value that will be available at WR vs. DL at pick 30. Plus, what the Packers need is a pure run stopper, not typically a RD1 type of selection.

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greengold's picture

March 26, 2020 at 08:33 am

THIS cannot be understated! You're right ON, Al.

Anyone thinking we just won't be able to add a starter past the #30 pick at WR is nuts, and doesn't understand this year's class at the position. There are instant starters who will prove to be outstanding players that can be had at WR into Day 3. However, there are insanely dynamic WRs to be had Day 1 that will be game changers for the Packers. WR is our TOP need to address, as is RUN STOP.

That being said, we can draft the bpa at 30, even if he's a RB!!! I'll be happy if we go ILB, DE, NT or WR, ... f'in A, any position other than QB or P/K.

Trade up with the capital earned at the back end of your draft to jump in for an extra R2 or R3. Run stop is a huge need, requiring at least 2 more players added this draft. Gonna have to draft smart if we jump WR at 30 to fill those holes and improve the team. The Kirksey signing gives us a little lee-way to fire away at WR in R1.

The speed doesn't stop at Reagor. The size and fluidity doesn't stop with Mims. The power is not all Shenault.... This is an exceptionally deep class of WR additions where we need them, with plenty of options to chose from. DL and ILB are both classes with fewer top talents. If Gutekunst taps WR at the 30? Know that player will be dynamic as hell, and we will be in for a ride watching Aaron driving a Ferarri...

The talent Gutekunst nabs at 30 if he does go WR will be trumping his run stop need, and will prove one hell of a gauge as to the positives that player will bring alongside Davante Adams.

I really can't wait to see how they attack this draft next month.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

March 25, 2020 at 07:38 pm

I don't love the high prospects at DL. I, too, think it can wait until day two and more likely day three. It is the biggest gripe I have with Gute's offseason decisions. Seeing Billings sign for $3.5M annoys me. Great value at a position of need. Sadly, GB probably can't afford anyone who is both stout and has some juice.

There are still a couple of players who might suffice in free agency, so I think grading Gute's offseason free agency dealings is premature.

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mrtundra's picture

March 25, 2020 at 09:08 pm

I think if IDL Neville Gallimore or Javon Kinlaw, are available at the Packers pick in the first round, Gute jumps on one of them. I also think that WR Mims may get targeted by the vikings at their pick as they need someone to replace Diggs. I think Tajae Sharpe isn't going to be the guy to pair with Theilen. I'd also take a solid WR at the Packer's pick in the first round, too. We need a difference maker to pair up with Adams at WR.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

March 26, 2020 at 02:12 am

Well, you can't jump on Kinlaw and take a solid WR at the packers pick in the first round. One or the other. I'd be very disappointed if GB drafts Gallimore at #30. Kinlaw is more understandable as he arguably might be the best available player, and is a better fit for a 3-4.

I've written many times that GB needs three solid receiving options. They have one. I don't think Punchless will prove to be more than a #3 WR. GB absolutely, positively, must come away with a #2 WR in this draft.

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Coldworld's picture

March 25, 2020 at 10:16 am

I agree with your take on activity to date. Kirksey could be gold if he returns to health.

As to the draft, I think a receiver is a possibility in round one. Which leads me to my main thought that you prompted.

When Gute took over we had a plethora of needs. He has done a good job of BPA early (at least in his view) as I see it and of filling holes by means other than the draft where opportunities allowed.
That need however, means it’s hard to be certain what value he placed on positions such as WR/DL/ILB.

He went for volume at WR in year one. He went elsewhere last year. ILB was not great but we had gaping holes on the D that screamed more loudly. So while we know what TT thought later on, I don’t know that we know what value Gute puts on ILB etc. Capers is gone and Pettine May feel differently if given a say on what he wants and LaFleur isn’t MM ( even if TT was still listening to him).

As a result I don’t rule out taking an ILB, let alone a WR or DL if the right one falls to us (that’s a big if where we draft). I think all assumptions as to positional value may be outdated legacy. I just hope we take a good player with our first pick.

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flackcatcher's picture

March 25, 2020 at 11:07 am

I agree on Gute's team building to date. While we may think we know what the Packers needs are, only the front office knows for sure. And while it is said often enough, it needs repeating. The draft is its own animal, with a flow that surprises outsiders and insiders alike. My only other point is the coaches are included in player selection and valuation. Pettine was heavily involved in the Smith's and T. Williams signings. So expect LaFleur to be equally involved and will be on draft day. (How much on the final decisions only Gute knows) One hint is how quickly LaFleur had to back down when stories started coming out about Pettine's removable as DC right after the NFC champ game. This is going to be an important and maybe a pivotal draft for the Packers. Looking forward to it.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

March 25, 2020 at 08:00 pm

"One hint is how quickly LaFleur had to back down when stories started coming out about Pettine's removable as DC right after the NFC champ game."

One has to wonder how much authority LaFleur has, or Gute for that matter, over Pettine. So far, Pettine has done enough to stay.

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flackcatcher's picture

March 26, 2020 at 06:02 pm

Good question TGR. The power shift with Mark Murphy being cut out of player personal and coaching decisions has yet to be seen by us. We do know that it was Gute who had the presser addressing the Pettine situation as GM. My guess is Pettine's experience as a head coach and a top flight DC vs an inexperience first time HC made Gute's call an easy one. And remember that Gute's first choice as Mike McCarthy's replacement was Pettine. It's no wonder that MLF is looking over his shoulder...

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

March 26, 2020 at 01:22 pm

The CW I recall! :)

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stockholder's picture

March 25, 2020 at 10:49 am

AL very nice Article. But I still think you danced around CB, in your ramblings. So would you sign Williams? Also your take on CM3 to replace Goodson? I like BPA. Your Wr pick, justifies that prediction.

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JerseyAl's picture

March 25, 2020 at 10:57 am

I would be very much in favor of Williams back for one more year and a CB pick in the middle rounds. My discussion was centered mostly around the first pick. I do realize CB is ALWAYS a possibility there if the right one drops. For me, I just want a first-round talent receiver on this team.

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Coldworld's picture

March 25, 2020 at 11:41 am

Ento coming through would be even better than a mid round pick. He looked really intriguing as a conversion before injury.

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PeteK's picture

March 25, 2020 at 03:22 pm

I forgot about him, intriguing player.

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RCPackerFan's picture

March 25, 2020 at 11:03 am

DEVIN FUNCHESS -
I view this signing as taking a flier on a guy who has talent. More talent then Allison. So essentially you are replacing Allison with a player who has a lot higher of a ceiling. Also he is a guy who needed a fresh start. Maybe a new environment with the best QB he will have played with could make a huge difference. At the very least he brings veteran competitiveness and could be a good #3/4 WR.

CHRISTIAN KIRKSEY -
If he can stay healthy this could be a really good signing. That is the question though. Can he stay healthy. Like Funchess, health is the key.

RICK WAGNER -
Wagner is a good stop gap player. He isn't as good as Bulaga, but honestly not many are. This signing to me tells me that they are going to try and draft an OT high and have Wagner incase that guy isn't ready.

NFL DRAFT-
I appreciate your work on this.
I can't wait for the draft. But can if that makes sense. With everything that is going on, that is the 1 thing I have to really look forward to at this point. But as soon as that comes and goes, whats next?

OFFENSIVE TACKLES-
I would not be surprised if the Packers draft an OT within the first 2 rounds this year.

INSIDE LINEBACKERS -
I could see the Packers drafting an ILB in the first round. Murray, Queen or maybe even Baun. I think signing Kirksey is a bit of making sure they have someone incase they can't get who they want in the draft.

WIDE RECEIVERS -
I can see them drafting a WR in the first round. Will they? I don't know. I could see them trying to make a move like they did in 2008, where they dropped 5-10 spots and drafted a WR, while picking up an extra 4th round pick.

As of right now I can see the Packers drafting any of the 3 positions in the first round. They could also draft from another position. But right now I think they will chose someone from one of these 3 positions in the first round.

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dobber's picture

March 25, 2020 at 11:09 am

"OFFENSIVE TACKLES-
I would not be surprised if the Packers draft an OT within the first 2 rounds this year."

I would argue the Packers don't have a swing tackle right now. I think they'll draft a player who can fill that role in 2020 and move into a starting role later, depending on what happens with Bakhtiari. Wagner can't play on the left side, so if he's displaced by a draft pick, they still need a body who can effectively play on that side in a pinch.

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RCPackerFan's picture

March 25, 2020 at 11:23 am

You are right. They do need a good backup for both sides. And they aren't easy to find.

I'm still really curious about what they are going to do with OT.

Do they sign Veldheer also? Or are they going to wait until the draft and if he is still available, they bring him back? He would be a great swing tackle to have.
They could always consider moving Turner outside if needed. I still think that is partly why they signed him.

They may wait longer in the draft. Maybe round 3/4 to get an OT. But I think they will be drafting one.

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PeteK's picture

March 25, 2020 at 03:25 pm

I would bring Veldheer back after the draft only if we don't pick a T in the first two rounds.

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Coldworld's picture

March 25, 2020 at 11:39 am

Possibly, but perhaps they see Turner and Jenkins in that role. Madison is already around as is Patrick and Leglue might be worth watching. So our swings might be our starting guards (if Taylor isn’t cut then that is perhaps why).

The Saints liked Leglue enough to pay him well over base PS rates and he played all 5 positions in college. he started 15 games at Right Tackle, 13 at Right Guard, 9 at Center and 1 at Left Tackle. He is less technically raw than Nyman, who is a true physical specimen, and played at a small school with an option offense, meaning he was pure pass pro (and highly rated) but is not experienced as an nfl blocker. He also needed to work on his strength. If he has, he may be our next utility lineman. If Nyman puts it together, then we really hit the jackpot but that’s a big if and likely to early anyway.

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greengold's picture

March 26, 2020 at 09:30 am

Hey Coldworld. All the best to you bud.

Personally, I look at moves Gutekunst made to put both Yosh Nijman and John Leglue onto the roster/IR at various times later in the season as protecting them from other teams, and that was purposeful.

Had they not seen anything in their development, they wouldn't have bothered.

Nijman 6-7 324 played both LT and RT in his 4 year career at VT, holding ACC top pass rushers Ferrell, Allen, Burns, Wilkins and Lawrence, players chosen between 1-17 in Round 1 of last years draft, to ZERO sacks. There's your swing Tackle.

Leglue at 6-6 301 got his MBA in just 5 years. Earned 39 starts in 49 games played, and plays every position on OL. Leglue started 15 games at RT at Tulane.

Both Nijman and Leglue needed a year's development into the NFL standard body types/strength and in NFL technique coaching hands/footwork/concepts. They now have a full year's development in LaFleur's system, and I really wonder how much they will impact decisions made by GB at OT in this draft?

Could be interesting, and I hope my beating that drum for Nijman made you laugh... I'm, if anything, a tenacious MF.

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TheKanataThrilla's picture

March 25, 2020 at 12:01 pm

I am thinking we might draft 2 OTs fairly high. One as Wagner is a bit of a bandaid at RT and one just in case Bakh isn't retained.

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jannes bjornson's picture

March 25, 2020 at 01:38 pm

I would move up in the #22-24 range and try to get an OT if one of the six slides.

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JerseyAl's picture

March 25, 2020 at 02:03 pm

by the trade value chart, moving to 22 would require the Packers' 1st, 3rd and 4th round picks at the minimum. Would you be happy with that?

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jannes bjornson's picture

March 25, 2020 at 05:01 pm

Well if the guy is Jackson. What have they done with those picks recently beside bringing in Sternberger. You can always toss a 2021 pick at them if necessary. Maybe they believe Wagner can hold up? There are WRs at the #30 that fill the spot, no doubt, but OT is still coming up in my dreams, especially if Wagner went down during the season.

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JerseyAl's picture

March 26, 2020 at 09:41 am

They cannot afford to throw all those picks into one player. Other needs have to be filled. In addition, Jackson would not be the choice for me. He's young, needs refinement and I don't know how much he wants it based on effort level shown on tape. That can all change, sure, but would I take a trade-up risk like that? no way.

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greengold's picture

March 26, 2020 at 09:48 am

Hell no! I'm not for a trade up in R1. A move just to 26 would cost GB their R1 R4, R5 and two R6. There are great players to be had in those rounds. This is a very deep draft, both at WR and OL. Dynamic players at other positions we need to fill will also be available Day 3. We have many holes to fill, not to mention positions that should be shored up looking ahead to players we could be losing next year in FA.

We will see though....

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murf7777's picture

March 25, 2020 at 11:14 am

Good assessment RC. One thing I was hoping for is a FA DLine. It could possibly still happen as players are cut during training etc...I suspect to see one or two draft picks in the DL in round 4 or later.

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RCPackerFan's picture

March 25, 2020 at 11:44 am

Thanks,

I agree. I was hoping for the same thing.
I do think there are some cheaper options available right now. Snacks Harrison is one guy. I am not completely sure who else, but if they can add to the DL, that would be really nice!

I can definitely see a DL draft pick.

I think Keke will emerge more next year, but I think they need to upgrade over Lancaster, or over his play from last year. He was much better as a rookie. But dropped off last year.
Adding a guy who could be a dominating run stuffer would be a great addition.

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PeteK's picture

March 25, 2020 at 03:46 pm

I think Harrison would be a great fit and hope we didn't spend money on Funchess that could have gone to signing Snacks.

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jannes bjornson's picture

March 25, 2020 at 01:44 pm

Maybe by round three. They have to get a guy at minimum to stop the run as a DE. Montravious and Lancaster are lost
at the position. I would try to bag a DT/DE in the third , unless a solid CB shows up. Tramon at age 37 is tough to get a
positive vibe around. Newman started getting burned as he aged for the vikes. A lot of outside -in routes run on Tramon last year, second half to expose his declining foot speed and they turned into big gainers or first downs. Not a strong suit for the run stop either.

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PeteK's picture

March 25, 2020 at 03:31 pm

Williams is also a liability versus the run as his tackling skills have diminished.

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splitpea1's picture

March 25, 2020 at 03:20 pm

I'm definitely in favor of drafting one of the two ILBs you mentioned if the opportunity presents itself. Right now we only have Kirksey...and Burks, predominately a special teams player. It's a shame the Packers haven't valued the position as much as they should. Maybe it's time for a change. Pair this pick with a solid D-line pick and it should make quite a bit of difference as the season progresses.

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Leatherhead's picture

March 25, 2020 at 05:29 pm

Funchess......a physical mismatch against corners, he and Lazard will take most of the snaps at #2 WR.

Kirksey.....if he stays healthy.

Wagner....the strongest part of his game is run blocking, and he’s a strong run blocker. Another sign.

Draft......I think we’ll be trying to strengthen all three levels on defense. DL, CB, and ILB.

OT: Prior to the acquisition of Wagner, I would have agreed, and I like Niang too. But we’re not taking an OT early.

ILB......if we could get one of the Top. 5 ILB’s, we should do that. We could maybe trade down and still get a big improvement over Oren Burks.

WR......I’d be stunned if we drafted a WR in the first round

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

March 28, 2020 at 04:05 pm

I am not familiar with Funchess game. Sounds like a good pickup depending on cost.

I admit I am a fan of ESB and Lazard. These 2 WR's are tough, good blockers, big catch radios, can use their size to box out, and good ST players. Somewhere there is MVS and his story is far from finished, however his game is different than the others.

Funchess, Lazard, and ESB's game and talents seem very similar to me. Anyone disagree and if so why?

These players are all very young and talented including MVS, however though they will continue to improve they seem to me to like #2's and #3's to me.

The Pack needs a talented and starting quality slot WR if they do not want to slide Adam's there.

They pick up a decent RB and a OT this offense is for real. I think they already have good TE talent that just needs experience.

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dobber's picture

March 25, 2020 at 11:06 am

"DEVIN FUNCHESS is now a Green Bay Packer....depending on the contract terms (my guess is a one year prove it deal), it's an unexciting move but a roster improvement nonetheless."

Ding, ding, ding! Nothing to be excited about, but makes the WR position better...especially given there will be virtually no off-season program/OTAs/minicamps to bring a rookie along.

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flackcatcher's picture

March 25, 2020 at 11:20 am

"Ding, ding, ding! Nothing to be excited about, but makes the WR position better...especially given there will be virtually no off-season program/OTAs/minicamps to bring a rookie along." Can not be said often enough. The current and future CBA has done nothing to fix the decline in play in the NFL. It is the single biggest time bomb waiting to go off in what is a team game.

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jannes bjornson's picture

March 25, 2020 at 01:49 pm

With declining OTAs, we see a number of second party training facilities and tutorials for prospects and veterans to work on their game. The repetitions on basic NFL route trees can help groom these greenhorns.

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Since'61's picture

March 25, 2020 at 02:16 pm

Dobber -- at this rate we may not even have a season, never mind the off-season. However, I have noted that it is much easier to find cookies during this crisis than it is to find bathroom tissue.
Thanks, Since '61

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Demon's picture

March 25, 2020 at 03:43 pm

Smartest post ive read on here in a long time dobber!!

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Lare's picture

March 25, 2020 at 11:21 am

I went and looked, and as you say Al most mock drafts have 6 OTs being selected before the Packers pick at 30. That said, they've had pretty good luck finding starting OL in the middle rounds.

If there's no off-season programs I think they can get more earlier bang for their buck by selecting a run-stuffing DL with the first pick. WRs usually take a few years to adapt to the NFL.

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Coldworld's picture

March 25, 2020 at 11:47 am

If we are looking for a pure run stuffer, they don’t generally go in the early rounds as Al pointed out.

I’m not a draftnik, but unless a 3 down DL similar to Clark falls (and they rarely get past 20), we should be able to pick up a pure run stuffer on day 3.

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greengold's picture

March 26, 2020 at 09:26 am

I've been studying this thing pretty well, and feel the Packers would be best served snapping a legit DL Day 2. That is not a deep group.

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PackfanNY's picture

March 25, 2020 at 11:34 am

I just don’t think we have addressed our run defense. Everything is still the same. Expecting ready to play run stoppers in the draft is not going to happen. They take time to develop. The SF game should have been eye opening. I still have faith in Gute but the weakness cannot be ignored. I just haven’t got the sense yet that they are as concerned. They don’t play tomorrow but I am concerned. Hopefully they have a plan to address it.

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splitpea1's picture

March 25, 2020 at 08:02 pm

I'll admit to not knowing much about D-lineman other than the fact that they all have tremendous appetites. But right now we can start with somebody who at least has the prerequisites not to easily get pushed out of the way, and over time, can more add bulk and strength. I would have to think the FO is concerned, but just haven't said much about it.

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Razer's picture

March 25, 2020 at 12:18 pm

Sorry Al - you had me until you mentioned a WR in the first round. Given our glut of tall, wide wingspan receivers, we should be able to get a quick slot guy by the end of the 3rd round. Sign back Tyler Ervin and that is good enough. The two things that we can't afford to ignore this year are the trenches. We need another stud and some real depth on the D-line or we will be embarassed by every team that can run the ball. And let's face it, the right side of our O-line may be the weakest it has been in almost a decade. No point in getting targets that Rodgers will not have a chance to hit.

If the board doesn't give us the value at 30, then we need to move back (if there is the opportunity) to get players that give us value and depth in areas that are obvious weakness for this team.

5 points
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JerseyAl's picture

March 25, 2020 at 12:32 pm

haha. I knew I would lose some people with that, but sometimes you have to take your shot on a different approach. I'm rolling the dice...

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Slim11's picture

March 25, 2020 at 05:04 pm

The first choice, IMO, will be o-line or d- line. Some players will fall. That’s a historical fact.

Bulaga fell to Green Bay. IIRC, he was a top 5 as an OT when he was drafted. I won’t be unhappy if a DT falls to the Packers at #30. Clark is now experienced enough to be to a rookie DT what Mike Daniels was to him in his rookie season.

If the choice is a WR at #30 or trading back for some extra choices, I’m ambivalent. Either way is tolerable. There will be some WRs with first round grades falling into the second round.

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Lphill's picture

March 25, 2020 at 12:40 pm

Three moves that improve nothing, the 49 ers only threw 9 passes to beat the Packers in the NFC game because they said the Packers run defense is awful so we will run all day on them and they did, the run defense is not fixed and so it looks like more of the same this year. But I will get all down votes for telling the truth.

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JerseyAl's picture

March 25, 2020 at 01:00 pm

No, you will get downvotes for being repetitious and not having anything else to say. When I read this comment in my email notification (which doesn't tell me who made the comment), I knew immediately without looking it was you. So you see, we've heard the same thing from you a dozen or more times now. I think we all know what you think. I know I'm being hard on you but please try something different.

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Lphill's picture

March 25, 2020 at 06:37 pm

Al the Packers did not go to the Super Bowl last year because of their run defense, it was not addressed so I have a right to bitch about it, I am not looking forward to seeing Oren Burks getting run over this season and I don’t think you are either.

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JerseyAl's picture

March 26, 2020 at 12:12 pm

It's pointless bitching though. You are bitching about why something that couldn't didn't happen. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, read this article and maybe you will understand what we are trying to tell you.

https://www.espn.com/blog/green-bay-packers/post/_/id/48787/packers-2021...

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Lare's picture

March 25, 2020 at 01:15 pm

Deleted

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PatrickGB's picture

March 25, 2020 at 01:34 pm

Ok, I get that the team was practically demolished playing against the miners. They ran all over us. But that doesn’t mean that the team has to focus solely on stopping the run. Everyone else we played tried to beat us with the pass. We got to the playoffs by limiting the pass. Sure, I think that one big body might help but don’t think we ought to overreact. I am sure that one of those guys will be available on the cheap by cutdown day.
This year we will face a plethora of big name highly regarded QBs. So let’s not throw the baby out with the bath water.

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Lphill's picture

March 25, 2020 at 06:51 pm

Patrick most of those big bodies are gone, the 49 ers set a record for rushing yards in the nfc game, and nothing was done to fix the run defense , I am tired of seeing the Packers getting destroyed in the middle of the field , I guess the Psckers are ok with being embarrassed on national TV in big games.

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Since'61's picture

March 25, 2020 at 02:24 pm

LP - I think the 49ers game plan was to keep the ball out of Garapolo's hands. They went with their strength and it worked great against us. They kept running it because we couldn't stop it. I agree with Al. We can use our first round pick to get a WR who could start right away and make an impact.

A first round DL could take 2-3 seasons to have an impact, e.g., Ken Clark. We need weapons to keep our offense on the field and score points. That will help the defense until we can find a player or 2 to shore up the DL.
Thanks, Since '61

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stockholder's picture

March 25, 2020 at 03:28 pm

I believe Gute's plan to replace Martinez and Bulaga can work. Your right about a first Round DL. But a DL such as Suh or Poe would have solved a glaring need. Gute needed to come up with more money. He seems to content; NOT TO FINISH THE JOB. Example Goodson and Frackrell. Spending more money on a WR position, that they could draft. " Is cutting into the piggy bank. " And it will cut into the reloading of the offense this draft. Which is about to loose Bahk and Linsley. Gute had to come up with the players and money this year. And that is LPs warning.

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Since'61's picture

March 26, 2020 at 09:43 am

Signing Suh or Poe may have been an answer but they may also have been too expensive given our current cap situation. Also I don't think that Gute is done making moves yet. We'll see a few more after the draft and the cutdowns over the summer. If we actually have a TC this year. Thanks, Since '61

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Lphill's picture

March 25, 2020 at 03:42 pm

Since61 a guy like Kwitnikowski or Michael Pierce were there for the taking which would have shored up the run defense, everyone is worried about a receiver when we let no name backs have career days against us, the off season priority should have been the Achilles heel the run defense and Kirksey is not the answer , be prepared to watch Oren Burks getting run over this season. Thanks since 59.

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stockholder's picture

March 25, 2020 at 04:28 pm

Yes - Burks will get run over! I was watching Film on Albert Okwuegbunam TE. Burks got burned! To fix the DL. Davis. (Tarzan) rd.2 or Fotu rd 3. Forget the LB as normal. I see a lot offensive value going down the drain in 2 and 3.

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Guam's picture

March 25, 2020 at 05:48 pm

Kwiatkowski and Kirksey are interchangeable - as long as we got one of them I am happy. The IDL still needs to be addressed. Pierce went for a lot more than originally thought and was out of the Packer's price range. There are still others out there (Suh, etc.) who could fill the roll. Hopefully Gute can find the resources (code for cut Taylor) to sign someone.

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Since'61's picture

March 26, 2020 at 09:49 am

LP, maybe Gute made on offer on Pierce or Kwitnikowski but was out bid. Maybe neither wanted to come to GB.
Or maybe Gute didn't want either for some reason. I do agree that Burks is not an answer. Kirksey I'm willing to give him a shot. As for this season I'm not so sure that we are going to be watching anyone get run over on any team. Stay well. Thanks, Since '61

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splitpea1's picture

March 25, 2020 at 04:31 pm

If it takes that long for a D-lineman to make an impact, we'd better draft one now, along with an ILB, so we can add to the foundation of our defense. We're never going to get over the hump until we can stop teams from running wild on us.

I'm not saying WRs are a dime a dozen, but they can certainly wait until at least the third round given our needs on defense. And make sure they can catch!

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Since'61's picture

March 25, 2020 at 02:32 pm

Al - good to see that you are back. Appreciate all of your hard work on the draft guide. Kirksey is our best signing so far this off-season. If he can remain healthy he will be steal. I hate losing Bulaga but such is the reality of the salary cap world. Wagner is a step down. Hopefully he is just a stop gap until we can draft an OT who can take over for Bulaga.

First round WR.
Second round best available from either WR, DL, or OL.
Third round same depending on player taken in round 2.
Fourth round best player available at position not yet drafted in rounds 1-3.
After that, depth at ILB, RB, TE, CB

Everyone stay well. Thanks, Since '61

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greengold's picture

March 26, 2020 at 09:09 am

Hey Since! Good to hear from you!

I don't look at Wagner as a step down, rather just a different player with different strengths. Sure, he may be a step down from Bryan Bulaga in pass protection, but it is a marginal drop. Wagner offers better outside zone blocking in the run game than Bulaga, which I think adds a bit more balance to the switch.

Wagner is really good at search & destroy at the 2nd level, with an uncanny knack for finding the right defender to demolish, and the speed and technique to negate them for the RB. Bulaga just couldn't do that, as he lacked the speed.

From a pure scheme perspective, it might be that Rick Wagner is the better fit.

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greengold's picture

March 26, 2020 at 09:20 am

I like the WR at 30 and 62 takes as well.

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greengold's picture

March 26, 2020 at 09:22 am

Since, pretty sure you and I have been posting together since the early 90s...

Be safe & stay healthy. All my best to your and to all of my other Packers brothers & sisters out there. Cheers!

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Since'61's picture

March 27, 2020 at 06:48 pm

We have definitely been posting together for a while now. I like your avatar. If I am correct it comes from the NFL book, “The First 50 Years.” It’s the page with The write up on Nitschke being named as the MLB of the All NFL First 50 years team.

Stay well. Thanks, Since ‘61

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cheesehead1's picture

March 25, 2020 at 02:59 pm

It’s be said for years that it all starts on the O Line and the D Line and I agree. Without that, any team is in trouble. I believe our D under Pettine has slightly improved each year, but as we see against very good teams we get overwhelmed. For the most part I like what Gute has done except for a couple of disappointments and the same can be said for every GM. Here’s hoping the draft can find us some later round gems. ILB is still a big concern as I don’t believe Murray or Queen will be available. If Kirksey is injured again, then we’re treading on thin ice. Burks until this point doesn’t seem to be the answer, hope I’m wrong. Go Pack and look forward to the draft in these unusual times. Stay safe everyone.

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PeteK's picture

March 25, 2020 at 04:06 pm

The WR I want is Reagor because he fits perfectly in the slot and returner positions. However, all predictions have him lasting into the second round. So do we trade out of the first for a higher second round pick, then pick BPA at ILB or T?

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Slim11's picture

March 25, 2020 at 04:53 pm

Reagor is a TCU product and most of have not done well after leaving for the NFL. Green Bay has some experience with this in Marshall Newhouse. I am not impressed with TCU players.

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PeteK's picture

March 25, 2020 at 07:20 pm

Tomlinson might disagree with you. Also, I hope you're wrong for our benefit as Summers could be one of our main ILBs next season.

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Slim11's picture

March 26, 2020 at 10:04 am

For Green Bay, TCU players haven’t worked out real well. Like you, I hope I’m wrong regarding Summers.

Tomlinson, while a great RB and TCU player, wasn’t a product of the Gary Patterson era. Patterson was the DC before being named the HC. On paper, Patterson was the HC for Tomlinson’s final season. So it seems my problem is more with Patterson offensive players than TCU overall. Still don’t want Reagor.

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NickPerry's picture

March 25, 2020 at 04:27 pm

Sorry guys' but I'm ALL IN on fixing the offense and throwing them a few bones this year. I think if the Packers wait till pick 62, they'll miss out on one of the top WR's and one that could really help them in 2020. Remember, this isn't McCarthy's offense so taking 3 years to learn it probably doesn't apply. Just look at Cooper Kupp for the Rams or Debo Samuels for the 49ers. Both had damn fine rookies seasons in an offense similar to the Packers.

Draft a DT in the 2nd round or maybe an ILB and then draft your OT for the future in the 3rd.

Our #1 cap charge is for Aaron Rodgers. Contrary to what some may think, the Packers aren't paying him THAT kind of money to be a running team and hand off the rock. I also don't believe Rodgers can't do it anymore as some have also shared on CHTV and other sites. GET THE MAN SOMEONE TO THROW THE BALL TO!! I think you'll be back on his bandwagon real quickly if they do.

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Since'61's picture

March 26, 2020 at 09:53 am

Nick a good post as usual. I agree on getting Rodgers a legit WR weapon with our first round pick. Stay well. Thanks, Since '61

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Cartwright's picture

March 25, 2020 at 05:35 pm

For what it's worth, I had Funchess on my fantasy team a couple of years ago and he gave me diddly... I'll put the blame on Cam Newton for that and hope for the best.

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ShooterMcGee's picture

March 25, 2020 at 06:50 pm

I hope either Mims or Jefferson will be available at 30. Otherwise it is a very deep draft at wr so perhaps we can wait. Let's not forget we signed that wr from the CFL who's name I can't recall.

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CoachDino's picture

March 25, 2020 at 07:11 pm

Looks like you studied the board. I say this because between the prospects talents, teams needs and history it should fall a certain way.

Odds are, the highest value player at #30 for the Packers will be a WR. The OT position, which is critical, I'd say the most important this year, will break into a few tiers with a big drop after the top tier. All drafted by 30. DO not trade up!! - Back - sure if its the right deal, but up, in a draft this deep? see little value there. It's why they signed Wagner, Kirksey and even the WR. They now don't need to reach. The top tier 2 OT's may be gone by the 62 pick - tough to draft so far down each round in the draft. If ones there grab him (Niang for example) and maybe even reach a bit if needed. I like Ben Bartech myself - Will he or one of the others be there in rd 3?.
Round 3 is the ILB - better put a Coverage ILB. Some might be drafted sooner but I think there might be one there and even in rd 4. (Logan Wilson, Kid from Colorado, Gay, Appalachian St kid and others. Some might go in rd 2.)

The Packers have a good chance to come away wit good players who play a position of need and value.

Now what is going to happen to blow up Plan A? Thta's why the draft is so fun and never predictable as I like to think.

IDL,CB,IOL prospect might be to good to pass by.

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Bure9620's picture

March 25, 2020 at 08:15 pm

Here is my pipedream draft: volume 1

Round 2 Pick 6 (CAR): Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma (A)
Round 3 Pick 3 (DET): Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin (A+)
Round 3 Pick 4 (NYJ): Michael Pittman, WR, USC (A+)
Round 3 Pick 5 (CAR): Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame (A+)
Round 3 Pick 26 (HOU): Jordyn Brooks, ILB, Texas Tech (A+)
Round 3 Pick 37 (SEA): Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State (A+)
Round 4 Pick 30: Jauan Jennings, WR, Tennessee (A+)
Round 5 Pick 29: Joe Gaziano, DE/OLB, Northwestern (A+)
Round 6 Pick 13: Chris Miller, FS/SS, Baylor (A+)
Round 6 Pick 30: Benito Jones, DT, Mississippi (A+)
Round 7 Pick 22: Brian Lewerke, QB, Michigan State (A)
Round 7 Pick 28: TJ Brunson, OLB, South Carolina (A+

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Handsback's picture

March 25, 2020 at 10:16 pm

I'm not a scout but if the best RB in the draft is sitting there at 30 and a marginal 1st round WR...I hope the Pack takes the RB.
The RB will get many more touches and start/share duties immediately verses a late 1st round WR. A couple of discussions lead me to the fact Green Green Bay may have the pick of RBs and if he's another Elliott then grab him.

Personally...I hope they grab an OT or DT, just my opinion.

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Handsback's picture

March 25, 2020 at 10:16 pm

I'm not a scout but if the best RB in the draft is sitting there at 30 and a marginal 1st round WR...I hope the Pack takes the RB.
The RB will get many more touches and start/share duties immediately verses a late 1st round WR. A couple of discussions lead me to the fact Green Green Bay may have the pick of RBs and if he's another Elliott then grab him.

Personally...I hope they grab an OT or DT, just my opinion.

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stockholder's picture

March 25, 2020 at 11:13 pm

Listen to Kiper , Listen to Al. No OT will drop. Were Not desparate for a OT. So Take Reagor WR @30. He's the fastest off the OL. 2. Forget your DT. Most forgot about Jerel Worthy. And this draft is full of Worthy Dts. TT traded up. Yes and so would I this draft . #62 and a forth. I'm going after Lewis LB/edge, (somebody has to replace Frackrell and Goodson) or A Rb,WR,Qb. A 3rd and a 5 gets you a CB at the end of the second. Even a I LB. If I'm Gute trade up in the second. Clarke Dt Georgia , with Heck Ot. will give you back up later depending on the moves.

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greengold's picture

March 26, 2020 at 12:51 pm

Think it would be smart in all of this to consider a RB at 30 if the right one they want is there, especially with both Aaron Jones & Jamaal Williams hitting FA next year. Even more so knowing all the WRs that will be snapped up early, dropping great talents down to us. Rick Wagner specializes in outside zone blocking. Aaron Rodgers isn't getting any younger. If GB decides they need to run more, and LaFleur still has tire tracks on his back from SF... that would not surprise me, and it would not be a bad play.

A more dedicated rushing attack, keeping drives going by chewing up clock in the run game, with any high powered opposing O stuck on their sidelines will add a lot in the W column. I'm sure LaFleur got that message. I'd love to see it, as it would open up all the play action passing for Rodgers, who would not have to face pass rushers with their ears pinned back 80% + of the time. Running the rock more will keep opposing Ds honest, while exposing AR to less risk.

So many WRs to be had R2 and later.

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