Cory's Corner: Who Is Marcus Davenport?
Ever since ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper projected Davenport to the Packers at No. 14, people have been asking that question in unison.
So who exactly is Marcus Davenport?
Ever since ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper projected Davenport to the Packers at No. 14, people have been asking that question in unison.
But the position is a dire need because Clay Matthews and Nick Perry didn’t provide much of a pass rushing charge last season. Matthews was ranked No. 27 and Perry was ranked No. 38 as edge rushers according to Pro Football Focus. Matthews will be 32 next season and since his last double-digit sack year was 2014 and since the Packers owe him nothing if they cut him, he may not even be on the roster. Perry has never played in all 16 games in his career and in 2018, he will be coming back from breaking a bone in his right hand that required surgery.
The ineffectiveness of those two was the main reason the secondary was exposed. Fix the leaky pass rush and the secondary improves by leaps and bounds.
Which brings us back to Davenport. He’s a huge edge rusher that played for the University of Texas-San Antonio. The reason why that school is confusing is because it has only been playing Division I football since 2011. Davenport is a mountain of a man at 6-foot-7, 255 pounds and has bull rushed unassuming offensive linemen and even if he cannot get to the passer he can still make a pass deflection.
The problem is the competition. The best opponent the Road Runners faced this past year was an 8-5 UAB team that finished its first season this year since putting the program on pause in 2014.
That’s why you should pay attention to the Senior Bowl. Take note of how fast and strong Davenport is when he’s going up against guys from Power Five conferences.
I don’t have a problem with taking a pass rusher at No. 14 from unknown school. The great thing about Davenport is that he can play standing up or with his hand in the ground. He’s already versatile and will only get better. And the reason is because he started his football career as a high school receiver and weighed 198 pounds. He completely transformed his body and will soon transform his lifestyle the farther up he goes in the first round.
“It wasn’t that long ago that this wasn’t even a thought or on my radar,” said Davenport to the Chicago Sun-Times.
If Davenport has an impressive showing in the Senior Bowl, the Packers will likely have to move up to get him. Pass rushers are at a premium in this league. You either have a quarterback or you disrupt the quarterback. It makes even more sense to move up because this is a thin free agent field at edge rusher.
With Mike Pettine’s bevy of blitzes, Davenport could be a foundational player for the Packers’ defense. The only question is, if he can bring the same electricity against the big boys.
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__________________________
Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
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Comments (123)
PackEyedOptimist
January 23, 2018 at 06:16 am
That's exactly right; it's all going to be about the Senior Bowl and any one-on-one practices against quality pass blockers. Adding to the question of Davenport's level of competition and inexperience, is the general lack of impact which rookie defensive linemen and pass-rushers make.
Honestly, at this point, I'd prefer a good trade-down out of 14; I'm not convinced there will be a worthy player available, but I really like quite a few prospects as late first-round and second round picks.
Razer
January 23, 2018 at 07:05 am
I like this move down strategy, especially if there are a bunch of potential picks that could fit the bill. I think the Bills have picks 21 and 22. Of course, you need a willing trade partner that can give you good value for number 14. We don't really need to stockpile a bunch of low round picks.
dobber
January 23, 2018 at 09:08 am
The pile of decent QBs (at least, they're viewed that way now) in this draft could create a scenario where a short trade-down becomes possible or even likely. I like that notion, too, especially if it nets an additional day 2 pick (I think the value chart indicates that moving down to about #18 is a late 3rd), there are still multiple players on the board the Packers covet, and it doesn't force the Packers past about #20.
carlos
January 23, 2018 at 03:26 pm
Then your back picking where you do every year. Not saying it’s the wrong thing to move down,if the board will still get a targeted player, but I like the idea of having a high pick.
carlos
January 23, 2018 at 03:27 pm
Moving to 18 Dobber I could live with.
TKWorldWide
January 24, 2018 at 06:38 am
You’re
NickPerry
January 23, 2018 at 07:14 am
NO!...No offense PackEyedOptimist but if the run on QB's were to happen as some believe then the Packers could actually get a real difference maker for the defense. Even if that doesn't happen I think they can still find a difference maker at #14, especially with the number of needs. As long as Rodgers stays healthy we won't be picking here for at least the next 5 years again. If anything lets pick at #14 and move up again to the bottom of the first or top of the second and get another difference maker or a kid who could actually start from day one.
Please NO MORE TRADING BACK....Lets be aggressive and move forward!
Razer
January 23, 2018 at 07:44 am
Nick. Depending on the board, we would wait until our pick to trade back. If there are a handful of players of similar value that could work, why not maximize the potential picks. Afterall, Buffalo needs a QB and their man may be sitting at 14 and ours may not.
dobber
January 23, 2018 at 09:09 am
yup yup yup
Let the flow of the draft dictate what you do, grasshopper...
rdent
January 23, 2018 at 09:21 am
Yup, the draft always has twists and turns and teams have to adjust as it goes.
TheVOR
January 23, 2018 at 09:22 am
Totally agree dude, they can't screw this up. If the no brainer best player at 14 is a can't miss TE or RB, take that! We need another DL project like a hole in the head. This whole thing reeks of another Typical Ted Thompson like pick!
NickPerry
January 27, 2018 at 05:02 am
I get it Razor but I'm still licking my wounds from missing out on TJ Watt for this exact type of thinking. Now maybe Kevin King will turn out to be the "Shut-Down" CB the Packers have needed for years but the Packers NEED a few difference makers. The further from the top pick you go, the harder it is to get that guy.
Coldworld
January 23, 2018 at 08:31 am
Back and then back in worked for TT in his first draft. I would not rule it out if it works for our board, but just acquiring more picks is a no no this year for me.
With the player discussed this will either be a massive reach or he will likely be gone if he performs in the interim. The sweet spot is incredibly narrow on these types. He is a classic reach threat at the moment and could be top 5 or round 5 for all we know. Scouts have little to go on due to opposition.
dobber
January 23, 2018 at 10:25 am
I agree: just because GM X used a particular tactic or avoided a particular tactic shouldn't prejudice Gutekunst for or against it. He needs to be smart, and being smart sometimes means you deal up and sometimes it means you deal back. He needs to play the whole draft, not just the present pick.
" Scouts have little to go on due to opposition."
They can observe whether he dominates lesser opposition (that's commonly a knock against workout warriors who come from non-power conferences). They can see if his technique is refined and whether he shows smarts and presence on the field. If this guy has only a bull-rush, that's a knock against him now, but does he use his hands well? There are many things they can look for even though he's playing at a notch or two below the power conferences.
Tundraboy
January 24, 2018 at 01:22 am
1000 likes for you RC. Do not blow this rare high pick. Hopefully we don't see another one for a long time. In fact, where possible I'm all for trading up using all the late round and comp picks. We need quality not quantity and we need to make hay in the first 3 rounds.
Minniman
January 23, 2018 at 03:22 pm
Amen!
HankScorpio
January 23, 2018 at 07:49 am
I don't know if this kid is any good. That's the job of the college scouts and Gute to figure out. If they think he can be a superstar but will need a year or two to develop, I am 100% on board with taking him at #14. You never pass up a guy with superstar pass rush ability in order to get a lesser player that is more ready today. It's just too hard to find superstar pass rushers.
fthisJack
January 23, 2018 at 09:09 am
wow...i think this would be another huge reach for the Packers. another bball player that doesn't have much experience. people get too hyped up about measurables and potential. think about Rollins and Goodson. take a guy with experience and production in a big conference with big time game experience not someone that has potential! we need someone to come in and be a difference maker from day #1 not a project that has to be developed!
Tundraboy
January 23, 2018 at 10:58 am
Yup
carlos
January 23, 2018 at 03:34 pm
Just pick football players. No more basketball projects. Get some guys who have some speed if possible and a reputation for being durable.
TheVOR
January 23, 2018 at 09:19 am
It sounds like another "TYPICAL" Ted Thompson like pick. Sounds like another guy who will come into his own just about the time he gets to UFA and we won't be able to afford him, or worse yet become another Dantone Jones. Look, I don't know the kid, but if he had "It" he would have been playing for a major university.
I know this much, they simply cannot afford to screw this up! No risk Picks, I'd rather they pick a no brainer Blue Chip TE or Running back, than waste another pick on a DL "project". Knowing GB, they'll take this guy and he'll have to have immediate ankle surgery in the offseason, they'll claim he'll be ready for mini camp, then you won't see him until week 4, where he'll re-injure the ankle and be put on IR.
carlos
January 23, 2018 at 03:38 pm
I have the same fear Vot.
carlos
January 23, 2018 at 03:39 pm
Meant Vor. Sorry.
TKWorldWide
January 24, 2018 at 06:39 am
But what I really want to know is, has he ever soiled a closet?
NickPerry
January 23, 2018 at 06:57 am
Davenport was mocked going to the Bucs in Jeremiah's latest mock at 7th overall. He's being knocked a bit because of where he played but hey didn't Mean Joe Greene play at a very small Texas School?? It will be interesting to watch him in the Senior Bowl and also to watch if he has another move other than a bull rush.
The absolute best thing that could happen for GB is all those QB's are taken before pick #14. If Daniel Jeremiah is correct I'll be doing back-flips because he has 4 QB's going in the first 13 picks. Then again he also has the Packers taking CB Mike Hughes from UCF INSTEAD of CB Josh Jackson from Iowa...HUH??? He also has Arden Key dropping to the Vikings at 30. NO, just HELL NO!!!
These Mock Drafts drive me nuts. One site will have a guy going top 20 and another site has em in the bottom of the 3rd round. I've come to realize most of these guys probably really do know LESS than me who are writing them.
Edit.... Just thinking guys...The Packers could really take the absolute BPA and still hit a need. I think we could make strong arguments for OT, WR, OLB or DE, or CB in no particular order. Pass rush is priority one but they could address a number of other needs if the premium pass rushers are gone.
croatpackfan
January 23, 2018 at 06:57 am
Nick, I'm sure you knows a lot about football. But that diferences are all about boards. All Mock drafts are made by teams needs and it depends how different people see what position is posiition of need for 32 teams.
Regarding 1st round I think Packers will have several OLB/DE available for pick. I think Packers can wait 2nd round, even 3rd round for good CB or TE.
I would like Packers to pick OLB/DE in the 1st round, TE in the 2nd round, than CB, another OLB/DE and WR or another TE in the 3rd round...
I know many wants WR to be picked high, but, I still think Packers are pretty loaded on WR level, there will be some very speed FA WR and, for Packers offense TE are (more than 1) essential.
But, who knows how cards will fall and who will be available at 14 and who will be available later...
NickPerry
January 23, 2018 at 07:08 am
Croat i agree with this 100%. I think pass rusher is priority one and I also agree the WR position could be addressed in FA. It would actually be BETTER if the Packers addressed the "Speed WR" they need in Free Agency opposed to the draft because a FA could come and contribute much quicker.
I also agree with TE in round 2. I started to post what position and what round I'd like to see the position addressed but the post was way to long. With all the extra picks I'd like to see Gutekunst move up in the 2nd round if Mark Andrews is still there.
I'd much rather Gutekunst try to move UP with all these picks instead of actually just staying put each round. Being able to trade Comp Picks this year will make it all very interesting.
BTW... It was more less a joke about knowing more than the "Experts". There's a few of those "Experst" who are actually pretty good. But some of these Mock Draft Sites are guys like you and I making up those drafts. They go to work from 8-5 and come home and play GM...LOL
rdent
January 23, 2018 at 07:46 am
I agree with not trading back, they got 12 picks right? Like I said in an earlier post I doubt GB will bring in 12 new players and I would like to see Gute deal some picks to move up as much as possible, they may not get this chance to pick this high for a long time.
dobber
January 23, 2018 at 10:27 am
I've heard it said many times that the difference between a 6th round pick and a UDFA is preference.
rdent
January 23, 2018 at 10:39 am
dobber, right on. Although it is true gems have been found in late rounds I have always believed after the 5th rd it is like picking marbles on the playground.
Coldworld
January 23, 2018 at 08:33 am
I agree on all points other than us being loaded at WR. In my view we are extremely thin except for Adams.
cuervo
January 23, 2018 at 08:50 am
"I agree on all points other than us being loaded at WR. In my view we are extremely thin except for Adams."
Agree 100%...out current receiver corps is the the thinnest it's been in the last 20 years. Other than Adams, anyone on the roster could be replaced. Love Nelson and Cobb, but their better days are long gone. Free agency is a must for the receiver group this year.
HankScorpio
January 23, 2018 at 07:54 am
"The Packers could really take the absolute BPA and still hit a need."
This is virtually always true. It's the NFL. Strengths turn to weaknesses at the drop of a hat. Not too long ago, the Packers were so deep at CB that they could let Casey Hayward walk. There was little disagreement with the choice at the time. Now, in hindsight, it is seen as a huge mistake.
The best player is always the one you need. Because it is good players that help you win.
RCPackerFan
January 23, 2018 at 08:53 am
"Edit.... Just thinking guys...The Packers could really take the absolute BPA and still hit a need. I think we could make strong arguments for OT, WR, OLB or DE, or CB in no particular order. Pass rush is priority one but they could address a number of other needs if the premium pass rushers are gone."
In all honesty, with the 14th pick, they could easily go just about any position. RB, TE, WR, OL, DL, OLB, ILB, CB, S.
I think an argument could be made for any of the positions.
Obviously RB isn't a need and the odds of them drafting a RB are very low, but if you get a star there it could change the offense. For example, if Barkley fell to them, it would be tough to not take him (especially if the other players aren't as highly rated). Adding a star to me is what they need. Regardless of what position he plays. Again, I really don't see them drafting a RB, just making an argument that it is in the realm of possibilities.
Ideally they will get a pass rusher or CB with their first pick. But an ILB like Smith could change the defense too.
OrganLeroy
January 23, 2018 at 02:41 pm
As much as we need to upgrade TE, we DO NOT need to waste the #14 pick on a TE, do you realize how few Rookie TE's make an impact? Especially in MM's system where a TE has so many responsibilities you just can't count on one that early. TE should be addressed in free agency and no earlier than the 3rd round. We're likely to have 2-3rd round picks and 4-5th round picks. Gesicki & Fumigali can probably be had in the 3rd as well as Schultz from Stanford, it'll take these guys 2-3 years to really contribute. Get the pass rushers we need, the right tackle we need, another CB, a Speed WR, and another ILB. If the comp pick projections are correct, we can get OLB, CB, WR & TE with our 1st 4 picks and maybe even ILB instead of WR.
carlos
January 23, 2018 at 03:46 pm
If it’s a top notch player and a BPA pick who can stay healthy it doesn’t matter what position it is. We need good players at any position. Creates competition and depth.
Doug Niemczynski
January 23, 2018 at 04:36 pm
We need to focus on the free agents if we keep concentrating on the draft you will drive yourself nuts with all these different mock drafts that will constantly keep changing all the way up until draft day so let's focus on what we can do and that is a value with our players get contracts negotiated start getting ready to put out the money for some big-time free agents. Once we get that done then we can put a hundred percent of our focus on the draft.
TKWorldWide
January 24, 2018 at 06:47 am
I agree with that “edit” part.
If a guy is BPA but is only at your #5 position of “need”, you still have to take him. Very few positions on the GB roster are without some degree of need, and you’re only a torn ACL from having a need at those spots too.
worztik
January 23, 2018 at 07:21 am
If after the combine we still feel the way we now do, not knowing what FA will bring, I believe CB is still our #1 priority. I won’t disagree one iota that we need an upgrade at our pass rush position, however, I also believe, based on average salaries and game changing plays, that a TOP CB is second only to a TOP QB! I don’t follow many stats and I’m lucky, lately, to even remember what I had for dinner last night but, I have been “into” football fanatically for almost sixty years! The players that get most of the accolades are the “Primetime” players if you follow me. I could write a book about the past Packer stars and the ones I remember the best are the DBs, along with the Paup, Nitchzke, White and others. Wood, Adderly, Butler, Collins and ALL the rest are the ones that stick with me! I just HOPE that TT is out of any player decision making scenarios and whomever we choose in FA or the draft will be an instant contributor at whichever position he plays! Just sayin’...
Razer
January 23, 2018 at 07:38 am
...I believe CB is still our #1 priority...
Totally agree Wortik. At this point we are still hoping that King recovers and Randall keeps improving. Either way, we don't have enough talent in our secondary and we are one injury away from continued poor play. A shutdown corner is key in this day and age. Add some more pocket collapsing D-line and the need for a pure pass rusher is less dire.
rdent
January 23, 2018 at 08:01 am
Razer, I was thinking pass rush first but for some reason I now find myself leaning towards CB. If Josh Jackson is gone before 14 there are still a few CB's with similar size and wheels. Josh Jackson is 6'1" 4.51 then I noticed Penn States Christian Campbell 6'1" 4.48 and JC Jackson 6'1" 4.49 that are projected as 2nd 3rd rd. This draft for GB will be a welcome change from the predictable TT drafts and UDFA's.
stockholder
January 23, 2018 at 08:10 am
How many times have you written IN TED WE TRUST. I know don't remind you or others.
Razer
January 23, 2018 at 08:23 am
I have never written in 'Ted we Trust'. I appreciate what Ted did for us but I think the NFL moved past TT and his method. The Packer needed to move to a new way. Just look at what Howie Roseman has done in Philly with a combination of draft and FA pickups.
rdent
January 23, 2018 at 09:32 am
From the start I thought TT was a good hire and after the SB win a lot of people jumped on that bandwagon including myself but it seemed as the years went by his high picks left me scratching my head.
Razer
January 23, 2018 at 08:16 am
Philly's formula for getting pressure with four and better coverage athletes appeals to me. Add in some good blitz personnel and you will hurry many QB's. However, you absolutely need the corners who can cover and give your pressure a chance to collapse the pocket or get to the QB. Based on our current roster, I still think we are a talented CB short.
OrganLeroy
January 23, 2018 at 02:47 pm
I completely disagree, and the proof lys all over the league, a dominant pass rush helps a weaker secondary MUCH MORE than the opposite. Our secondary needs depth, but our pass rush needs starters and talent. CMIII is 32 and his days as an OLB are nearing the end, Perry can't stay health, Biegel is unproven (redshirt rookie season) and the we have NOBODY. We don't need a CB before the 3rd round but we do need a veteran FA or 2 and another talented rookie to bring along slowly instead of expecting him to be the Savior of our secondary.
carlos
January 23, 2018 at 03:57 pm
Worried about Jackson’s speed. Need aggressive fast, preferably tall, corners. I wonder if Randall would be a better free safety. Just a thought.
TKWorldWide
January 24, 2018 at 08:16 pm
I see it like this: if the BPA at #14 is a pass rusher, you take him. If he’s a cornerback, you take him. If they are graded equally...
Funny to me how players’ draft grades (on draft day) can be tightly clustered. I’d bet that those same players after a few years in the league wouldn’t be so tightly clustered in terms of their success. And the good (or lucky?) teams are the ones who get it right.
Remember how it was so hotly debated between Peyton Manning and Ryan Leaf at draft time? A couple years later there sure was no argument.
Hell, even Jimmy Johnson said that Dallas seriously considered Mandarich before deciding on Aikman. Wow.
Coldworld
January 23, 2018 at 09:36 am
Re Cornerbacks in round one: generally I would agree, but not this year for this team. Next year perhaps.
stockholder
January 23, 2018 at 07:37 am
I think this draft is the most dangerous in years for the Packers. Truthfully its scary. These are not household names were talking about. A new Gm will be making the call. The players have all the markings of Justin Harrell and Derek Sherod. We need a better back-up QB. But yet someone will want the #14 pick if they fall. A trade down is always great for an extra pick. I for one think we need to take that CAN"T MISS PLAYER. @14. Proven in competition, muscle, and smarts. Regardless how people feel about an edge rusher. Datone Jones was suppose to be that guy. This is the NFL. Not college. Players are stronger and faster. I would much rather have a can't miss Safety, NT, even CB, than a player with projection to be drafted in the first round. There is no guarantee any will make it. Just look at Datone Jones at De. But a proven track record is still the better way to go. You cannot have enough game changers. But it only makes good sense to take the BPA. THIS TIME! I can only say that the packers better stay away from NEED this draft. Take the Name player! The conscious player pick.
OrganLeroy
January 23, 2018 at 02:50 pm
Completely unfair to diss Sherrod when he was a highly rated tackle who suffered a horrific broken leg while he was a member of the team. Harrell had an injury history going back to high school and was injured when Ted drafted him!
RCPackerFan
January 23, 2018 at 07:37 am
I'm really looking forward to seeing Davenport this week at the senior bowl. I knew nothing about him until Kiper Mocked him to the Packers.
As far as the small school thing, this week is perfect to see where they fit in.
I can't wait for the senior bowl on saturday. Its honestly my favorite thing between end of the season and the draft.
Thegreatreynoldo
January 23, 2018 at 07:39 am
Davenport is the perfect TT prospect. Tiny school that played no one. Looks like he needs a year in the weight room. If he does well in the Senior bowl, he will be a one game wonder. But he appears to have lots of talent.
Move up for him, indeed.
Razer
January 23, 2018 at 07:49 am
I don't know anything about Davenport. Via the mocks, he sounds like a guy that someone is trying to promote. If he is a situational guy then I don't think he is good 1st round value. If he needs work to maybe make the leap to the NFL, then he sounds like a project. Unless his tape supports the pick, I wouldn't go there.
rdent
January 23, 2018 at 08:12 am
Every year Kiper finds this obscure college player that he thinks will go in the 1st rd. Who knows Davenport could easily be around in later rounds and that has been the kind of guy TT would pull the trigger on in the 1st rd. I never heard of Randall or Rollins before Ted picked them 1&2 but I am not a scout or draftnick I go for the safe pick.
stockholder
January 23, 2018 at 08:04 am
Move -up for him. No way! In 2016 people wanted Butler and others over Clark. (even Jersey) They liked what they saw in the senior Bowl. I liked Clark! Said he would be better for the Packers. I'm saying this years Butler is Davenport. He's not that game changer. He's a trench player. Get the game changer.
fthisJack
January 23, 2018 at 09:23 am
davenport is unproven and probably needs some time to develop if he develops at all. we need someone that can come in and make an immediate impact!!!! let someone else take a flyer on him!
dobber
January 23, 2018 at 10:29 am
There are probably more than a dozen Davenport's in this draft: guys that have small-school resumes, power conference attributes, and plenty of speculation. In my mind, it's too early to talk about any of them.
RCPackerFan
January 23, 2018 at 07:55 am
To go along with this article, i saw this on NFL.com this morning.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/the-aftermath/0ap3000000909572/Mayock-Jeremiah...
Worth a watch.
OldTimer
January 23, 2018 at 08:07 am
Just to stir the pot a little, what's wrong with trading up in the first to get a real impact player. We should have a ton of picks, and 14th overall is still a good pick, so there should be a few teams ahead of us willing to trade down to it. As stated, getting a pick this high probably won't happen again for a long time. Let's go get a franchise quality player for at least the next five years at a rookie price point.
Thegreatreynoldo
January 23, 2018 at 08:20 am
Moving up from 14 to 10 costs us our 3rd (#78). We see a lot of nice players on the board at #78. Maybe 11th would work (it is much better for cap reasons due to differences in the 5th yr option, which is much cheaper for first rounders taken 11-32nd). 11 takes our 3rd rd comp and probably our 4th.
The guy we'd get at 10 or 11 has to be good.
RCPackerFan
January 23, 2018 at 08:25 am
You do bring up a great point TGR.
The Packers from what I have heard will have a 3rd and 3 - 5th round comp picks. I wouldn't be surprised at all if they use those to help trade up in the draft.
snowdog
January 23, 2018 at 05:46 pm
Sprinkle in some & 7th rounders for grins
RCPackerFan
January 23, 2018 at 08:21 am
Nothing wrong with trading up for a player. But there is risk involved.
You're trading away picks that could turn out to be good players, and that puts more pressure on that player to play well. Trading away mid round picks means you may miss out on the next Jamaal Williams, Aaron Jones, Mike Daniels, David Bakhtiari, Blake Martinez...
Now if you're trading up and getting a Clay Mathews, Demarcus Ware, or a Von Miller type of player, its definitely worth that. But for every one of those guys there is a Jamaal Reynolds or Dion Jordan type of player.
Can trade up, but it can be risky.
fthisJack
January 23, 2018 at 09:28 am
like TT trade up to get Spriggs in the second.
worztik
January 23, 2018 at 09:29 am
I thought that was just a bad dream I had...
rdent
January 23, 2018 at 09:38 am
If Spriggs doesn't show improvement this season he could be on the verge of being labeled a bust.
RCPackerFan
January 23, 2018 at 09:57 am
To be fair to Spriggs, he showed a lot of improvement last year. From where he was at in preseason to how he was playing late in the year, he did improve.
To me its a question of whether he can be a full time starter, or if he will simply be a backup.
rdent
January 23, 2018 at 10:46 am
RC, exactly. With the injuries they had they could always use good backups. I believe McCray could turn out to be valuable.
RCPackerFan
January 23, 2018 at 11:42 am
I really like McCray as a 6th OL. He can basically play all 5 spots. Not all of them he is great at, but he can play them. If he moves into a starting position I think it will be RG. He is a better OG then OT. But I honestly like him as one of the top backups. With injuries he can come in and the offense can keep going.
Turophile
January 23, 2018 at 08:11 am
As someone on Football's Future analysed, you can go with Davenport, who likes to bullrush much more then running the arc, or you can go with Arden Key, who can really bend around the corner but who you don't see bullrushing.
On balance, I like both equally on the field, but Key may have a character red flag that needs looking at.
Of course there is also Harold Landry, Tremaine Edmunds and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (some like Dorance Armstrong as well).......Decisions decisions.
Coldworld
January 23, 2018 at 08:39 am
A top pick must be expected to be able to do both, at least physically and thus with training. One dimensional rushers are part time players.
croatpackfan
January 24, 2018 at 02:42 am
Marcus Davenport is really intriging player, but I agree with you. He is too big risk for 1st round that high... He might be available in the 3rd round and I would take him there...
There is at least 6 or 7 OLB/DE which i put in front of Davenport and they will not be picked up before Packers, at least not all of them...
Chris Vachio
January 23, 2018 at 08:23 am
I'm just not sold on the kid. He was very good and has great measurables, but he did not dominate the lower level of competition. I'd have expected him to look like a man among boys based on his lofty draft projection and I just didn't see it watching the videos out there.
I'd rather see at CB who can stay on the field at #14 or a stud ILB, then Dorance Armstrong in the late 1st, early 2nd (assuming we make trades to get into position for him).
Razer
January 23, 2018 at 08:27 am
We said.
Handsback
January 23, 2018 at 08:26 am
Davenport made his mark when UTSA played Texas A&M and he played really well. I have doubts that he's the next Khalil Mack, and taking that chance at 14 is risky. Green Bay needs a pass rusher, but that pass rusher may not be the BPA and I could see them go another way. Until the Combine, a lot of these guys are going to be up and down on the different Mock Drafts presented out there.
Let's see how Davenport does in the Senior Bowl, then have a better idea about his capability.
dobber
January 23, 2018 at 09:21 am
" Until the Combine, a lot of these guys are going to be up and down on the different Mock Drafts presented out there."
You hit on an important point in that there will be tremendous tidal shifts in players in mock drafts after the Combine. Why? Because draftniks are not GMs. Draftniks are more easily swayed by 40 times and bench press numbers. I can't remember which former GMs I was listening to a couple years ago...it was more than one. They said that the Combine doesn't sway many GMs, especially on early picks. The scouts, who the GMs listen to, don't tend to base their assessments on the underwear olympics, they do it on tape. In the end, the draftniks end up crying about how GMs reach and how they passed up "great players" because their eyes aren't seeing the same things.
Mocks are nice, if only because they give you some idea for how other people see the weaknesses and needs of the Packers. But in the end, once you get outside those top few picks, the mocks and reality tend to diverge dramatically...and it's really motivated by the Combine.
rdent
January 23, 2018 at 09:44 am
Look at Howie Long, I remember years ago he was talking about how he had a workout for a team I can't recall and they wanted him to do chin ups and he said he couldn't one but turns out he was a good football player.
4thand1
January 23, 2018 at 08:38 am
Marcus Davenport, hmmmmm. Is he a project that will make a impact in 2 or 3 years? Will he kill it at the senior bowl and combine and have teams drooling over him. The combine, oh the dreaded combine, didn't Donte Jones have great combine numbers? If Baker Mayfield is there what do you do at 14? He looks like a AR clone. They could cut Hundley have a great back up and trade bait. If Ridley is there take him I say BAP by far. These loser teams that always draft in the top 10 will do crazy and stupid things and really good players fall early. There will be a difference maker at 14 .
RCPackerFan
January 23, 2018 at 09:02 am
'These loser teams that always draft in the top 10 will do crazy and stupid things and really good players fall early. There will be a difference maker at 14 .'
The early projections have Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen, Josh Allen, Baker Mayfield as virtual locks to be top 15 picks. Lamar Jackson, Mason Rudolf are also guys that could sneak into the top 15.
The one thing I know. The more QB's that go in the top 13, the better it is for GB. That means that a better position player will drop to GB at 14.
My hope is the QB's stand out!
Art
January 23, 2018 at 09:19 am
I'm not ready to write off Nelson and Cobb especially based on production with Hundley as QB. Bring them back with ARodg and then evaluate. Hundley is terrible and can't complete any passes more than 10 yards down field. So how's that on Cobb or Nelson? Secondly McCarthy's slow banana pass routes provide no separation for our receivers, watch no sharp cuts, very few crossing route off "picks" that other teams are successfully implementing, or quick square outs. Is it the receivers coach. or McCarthys playbook that hinders us. perhaps have lived successfully off Rodgers ability to buy time and get receivers open after breaking off their routes and running to open spots. Lets hold off cutting up our receiver squad based on Hundley's short comings. Adams. Cobb. and Nelson with ARodg can still be a problem for opposing defenses.
Coldworld
January 23, 2018 at 10:32 am
While our pass patterns are so predictable it doesn’t help, nevertheless if the receivers have suddenness and or speed they should be able to get separation. Others do and we used to.
A good TE would help. A credible deep threat more so. Stretch the defense vertically. Force them to cover a TE 10-15 yards down field. This helps but it doesn’t take away from the fact that Nelson and Cobb rarely got open without a scheme mismatch or break down last year before Rodgers got hurt.
One might argue that part of the reason Rodgers got hit so much is due to the lack of receivers getting open until the coverage collapses. This also puts pressure on the O line.
Hundley’s ineffectual performance should not blind us to the fact that our receivers were the slowest in the league. That means LBs and box safeties, reducing slot opportunities still further and increasing blitz variety and threat. It is a vicious circle.
PETER MAIZ
January 23, 2018 at 12:44 pm
Yup, our receivers are the slowest in the league which is a non-sequitur considering that we have Rodgers. A deep threat is needed to keep defenses honest and Jordy has lost a step and Cobb I think is overpaid and not as effective as he used to be.
Having said this, a pass rush would disrupt quarterbacks and this is essential. Whoever we pick, can't be a 3-year project because what do we do in the meantime?
4thand1
January 23, 2018 at 02:50 pm
If the Packers let Jordy go, he'll be gone the next day. Brady will be throwing him passes most likely.
Colin_C
January 23, 2018 at 10:16 am
I have watched a pretty good amount of film on him, and I'm still unsure if I'd consider him at 14. He certainly has a high ceiling, but I'd rather not gamble with a pick like that.
If you want a sleeper EDGE guy, look at Olasunkanmi Adeniyi. 8.5 Sacks and 20 TFL this year, which are very similar stats to Davenport. Watching his tape, Adeniyi has a strong first step, paired with violent hands. Doesn't have the bend of Landry, but can anchor the point of attack better against the run. I know he had less than 10 sacks, but so many plays he was really close to getting to the QB. He just needs to dip under the corner better at times. There's hardly any tape of just him, so I had to find the actual Toledo games to see him in action. In the third round, this guy would be a steal.
CAG123
January 23, 2018 at 11:00 am
Y’all need to watch some UTSA games. I made a comment about this kid on another post and ever since he was mocked to the Packers at 14 I’ve wondered why? Drafting this kid will be like taking Nick Perry and Datone Jones into one. Does he have potential? Of course he does but this kid is not an OLB he’s a 4-3 DE. He’s very raw and doesn’t have any lateral quickness so he’ll be a lot easier to take out of plays. The Packers need difference makers now and MD may be 1-2 years away from where the Packers want him. Unless the Packers are moving to a base 4-3 I don’t feel like they should draft him.
Chuck Farley
January 23, 2018 at 11:12 am
This team needs play makers all right and this kid sounds like a one trick pony playing well against lesser talent. If he is so good how come he wasnt in div i big league teams? Those coaches know talent and he wasnt one they wanted
CAG123
January 23, 2018 at 11:59 am
Exactly I’m not saying he can’t be great but I just feel like he needs way more polish than the other EDGE rushing prospects and bigger isn’t always better at 6’7 I can see a lot of leg related injuries
freddisch
January 23, 2018 at 11:08 am
Chill. These mock drafts don't mean crap
4thand1
January 23, 2018 at 11:24 am
Bart Star at 17.
Chuck Farley
January 23, 2018 at 11:10 am
Gee whats wrong with one from O, lets say Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, USC where they actually would go up against the same guys in the pro's.
This guy sounds like a second round or late first at best. 14th, you get to get a play maker but I agree pass rush needs help.
I still like the 4 3 defense but our current line backers are too slow to cover that much ground
EdsLaces
January 23, 2018 at 11:15 am
If we get this guy I quit. He is not impressive at all. If you play at a school that small you should absolutely dominate like Mack did if you are gonna go that high in the draft. My opinion only ofcourse. A proven guy for a good school please. Key isn't that impressive to neither. Edmunds or Smith please . I don't care if they are middle or outside they are both quick.
4thand1
January 23, 2018 at 11:28 am
Yes Ed, they always give you examples of players that shined from small schools in the NFL. They don't tell you all the small school busts that get drafted that were total reaches and busts. I'm a big school guy too, they get recruited and play at big schools for a reason, they're already good.
marpag1
January 23, 2018 at 11:40 am
I refuse to get worked up about Mel Sniper's January mock draft.... or any other mock draft for that matter.
Packmaniac
January 23, 2018 at 11:43 am
Hard for me to comment on who they should or shouldn’t take until after we see what they do in free agency. With Ted, the draft speculation could realistically begin the second after a Pack playoff loss. We’ll see Gute does. If FA doesn’t somehow influence the draft, I feel that’ll mean we didn’t do enough in FA. The potential impact of rookies as a whole is way over-hyped because the draft is so heavily hyped.
Handsback
January 23, 2018 at 11:54 am
Compare the mock drafts before the Combine to after the Combine and see which ones are more accurate. It's been said earlier, the underwear olympics don't affect the top tier guys. Well the actual workouts probably have little affect....the interviews and the medicals have YUGE meaning to the league's GMs. Recently remember Myles Jack, the LB that went all the way to the second round?
RCPackerFan
January 23, 2018 at 12:31 pm
Miles Jack mostly fell due to injury. Had he not been injured most speculated he would have been around a top 10 pick.
Since'61
January 23, 2018 at 01:14 pm
We have 3 positions where we need a difference maker. One is pass rusher, one is CB and one is a breakout WR. Maybe a 4th for an OT that we can put at RT for the next 12-15 seasons.
My point is that any quality pick for an immediate impact/starting player is what we should go for. Davenport does not sound like that type of player to me.
He could become that type of player but we can't keep waiting 2-3 seasons for players to make a difference. We've been doing that since the 2010 SB.
If there is an OBJ type WR at 14 take him (without the stupid antics preferably). If there is a Darrell Revis type CB take him. We need better players not more projects with potential and alleged talent.
Gute, get some playmakers!!! FAs, draft picks, off the street, wherever, let's get it done. Thanks, Since '61
RCPackerFan
January 23, 2018 at 12:57 pm
Completely agree Since '61. They have to find playmakers. IMO, it doesn't matter what position. They just need guys that can change games. Preferably on the defense, but honestly they could use a playmaker or 2 on offense also.
I'm just starting to dive into the draft and study players, but from watching them live right now one player I would take in a heartbeat is Roquan Smith. I think he is in the Patrick Willis, Bobby Wagner type. A guy who will immediately improve the middle of the defense.
They need players to come in and have a Saints like impact in their rookie year.
Since'61
January 23, 2018 at 01:18 pm
Agree that Smith looks good. Rather take him than Davenport. We need a pass rusher, a player like Smith for ILB and a good CB. Three defensive players that can make an impact and our defense is vastly improved for 2018. A breakout WR and a real NFL TE and we're on our way. Providing AR stays healthy. We should be able to get these players between FAs and the draft. Thanks, Since '61
Doug Niemczynski
January 23, 2018 at 01:55 pm
Yeah..yeah and the day before the draft he is caught doing cocaine with his buddies or some girl comes up with a sexual harassment lawsuit against him a week before the draft. Screw the draft . Evaluate our players and the free agent players we need to pursue. Free agency starts in March.
OrganLeroy
January 23, 2018 at 03:02 pm
Roquan Smith will be long gone by #14, he'd be great, but Tremaine Edmunds would be an excellent consolation prize.
croatpackfan
January 24, 2018 at 02:44 am
I think that TE is much more important position for Packers O than WR. So, I think TE should be in front of WR when we are talking about need...
Doug Niemczynski
January 23, 2018 at 01:50 pm
The DRAFT means ABSOLUTELY NOTHING at this point. Its senseless and a waste of time.
1. I don't know if the coaching staff is all settled in or not or are they still making changes?
2. Offensive and Defensive Schemes have to be finalized and current player evaluations have to be taken into consideration especially the age of the players do we keep them or let them go. The money situation is huge in that we know that Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Bryan bulaga, Clay Matthews and Morgan Burnett are just some of the players that will have to take pay cuts and obviously if none of them will take pay cuts which I would hope they would then they will want to leave that means just right there you're missing two wide receivers ,a right tackle an outside linebacker and a safety, so negotiations with those players are hopefully taking place.
3. The main thing from there is an evaluation of free agents as free agency I believe begins in March and the draft is not until April. So, just for example if the packers want to draft Calvin Ridley with the 14th pick would they still draft him on draft day if they pick up Allen Robinson or Paul Richardson in March no I don't think they would, so we are putting the cart before the horse. You don't know who is staying with the Packers you don't know who is going to be cut with the Packers you don't know what free agents the Packers have in mind of pursuing and they have to do that fast they can't drag around until after the draft.
4. So 80% of our time at this moment needs to be addressing numbers 1,2,3 and just 20% of time towards the draft. And as time moves forward this will change to 80% of the draft and 20% free agency. Heck they haven't even had the combines yet and they've had players move up so high and other player's so low before the draft even happens. There will be players picked as the 32nd best pick but by the time the draft comes around he's the number 15th best pick and the guy who was a number 15th pick drops to the third round because of an injury or drug possession or something comes up , so let's focus on what we need to right now.
worztik
January 23, 2018 at 01:53 pm
That’s why we’re all talking about it... just to annoy you by having you read things that mean NOTHING!!! Your negativity is contagious to lesser minds and I guess you enjoy your ability to irritate a number of people!!! Keep up the negative work Doug... your always good for a chuckle!!!! Are you a Queens fan Doug masquerading as a caring Pack fan? Are you Wes Hodkowicz in drag??? Actually, Wes is no football writer...! He prefers women’s tennis (girls actually)... so sad... soccer, too!
Coldworld
January 23, 2018 at 02:34 pm
Best post of the day. Nothing matters here. We affect no one who matters. It’s just fun to discuss. R-E-L-A-X
Doug Niemczynski
January 23, 2018 at 01:59 pm
Yeah..yeah and the day before the draft when your 100% sure of the guy you want to draft gets caught doing cocaine with his buddies or some girl comes up with a sexual harassment lawsuit against him a week before the draft, then your screwed and you have wasted all this precious time . Evaluate our players and the free agent players we need to pursue. Free agency starts in march.
Doug Niemczynski
January 23, 2018 at 04:30 pm
If there is one player the Packers should retain it would be Jordy Nelson him as Aaron Rodgers and Jordy are always on the same page. Jordy Nelson may not be the number one receiver but he definitely is a number 2 or number 3. Everyone in the league respects Jordy Nelson whether you think he's good or not just having him step on the field raises eyebrows because players know what a player like Jordy can do On Any Given Sunday. So I would negotiate very carefully with Jordy Nelson in regards to his salary. Having said that we still need to get a number 1 receiver and I don't know if that will be by pursuing Allen Robinson or pursuing Paul Richardson or Jarvis Landry.
Coldworld
January 23, 2018 at 02:40 pm
Or number 4 or even number 5 if we bring in a FA. Respect for past exploits is found in Canton Ohio. Football is all about the now. Jordy is almost Driver-like but this time realism has to take precedence over sentiment if Jordy is in decline.
OrganLeroy
January 23, 2018 at 03:05 pm
Richardson makes the most sense, deep speed, really improved as a WR the last year and will be much cheaper than Robinson. Robinson will resign with Jacksonville on a 'prove it' deal because of the ACL tear. Landry is a head case , stay away from Landry.
4thand1
January 23, 2018 at 02:04 pm
Watching the senior bowl practice and they say Davenport could be a top 10 pick. Tampa will sign him probably, and maybe 4 QB's go before 14. I like a lot people would love to see R. Smith.
Coldworld
January 23, 2018 at 02:35 pm
Silly. We haven’t had the underwear olympics yet. Don’t get caught up in something as irrelevant as a game or considered thought
4thand1
January 23, 2018 at 02:46 pm
Combine pppffffft, guys are training for 40 times and 3 cone drills to raise eyebrows. Show me game tape and guys who make football plays. Cones and stop watches don't hit back.
RCPackerFan
January 23, 2018 at 03:31 pm
That's why I really like the Senior Bowl. This is the last time you get to get a real evaluation for these players.
I wish they would have something that allowed the Juniors to play.
4thand1
January 23, 2018 at 05:57 pm
I'm surprised any of these guys play at all. The risk of injury a few months before the draft?
RCPackerFan
January 24, 2018 at 07:10 am
Yeah, a quite a few guys don't. I think the reward is greater then the risk though for most players. Especially some of the smaller school players. Its their time to shine against higher competition.
dobber
January 24, 2018 at 07:22 am
Some of these guys earn a lot of money by playing in that game...
stockholder
January 23, 2018 at 03:56 pm
For those who want a CB. Last year was the year for CBs. Players came out early. For those who Question Randall,King ,House, Rollins. What Cb is a top 14 pick? What CB has 4.3 speed. Lets get serious. You have the same question marks at SS and FS. Ha Ha Dix Regressed. He'll want more money next year. Just like the Burnett situation this year. If Burnett is not signed like planned. That leaves Jones. jones got moved around. I feel Safety is a better option than CB. We used a #1 on Dix. There just aren't good safeties out there. How many wanted TT to spend the money on Ward? James was compared to sean Taylor and is the best safety in this class. Lets not get to carried away with CB.
Doug Niemczynski
January 23, 2018 at 04:46 pm
Jordy Nelson maybe in decline but he can still put up over a thousand yards in each of the next two years and maybe only half of that his 3rd year at age 35 , so don't discount what Jordy Nelson can still do at age 33. He's not in a wheelchair people. Maybe he's not a number 1 receiver but I would take him over a lot of number one and number two receivers out there. Randall Cobb on the other hand he would have to take a huge pay cut and or go. I would like to put Jordy in the slot and get a number 1 receiver like Paul Richardson or Allen Robinson number 2 Can be Davante Adams and number 3 will be Jordy Nelson. There you have three fantastic receivers and you still have Geronimo Allison, Michael Clark and Ty Montgomery as a backup if you want to put him back at wide receiver or you can also draft a wide receiver in the fourth round and you still have Trevor Davis you can use. So, that takes care of the wide receiver position but we have to act fast .
flackcatcher
January 23, 2018 at 08:01 pm
We will have a better idea when the Packers start signing their veterans on what they think their needs are. Personally, after seeing the secondary implode (mostly due to injury) I think that is a need along with OL. If the Packers can't keep QB1 upright, then well you know.... The other big need is finding players who can play thru and with injuries. But that is mostly a depth issue on the roster for next year.
ScaryGary
January 24, 2018 at 04:27 pm
and with the 14th selection the green bay packers select derwin james S florida st.
Rossonero
January 25, 2018 at 08:13 pm
Everybody needs to chill on Davenport unless he dominates the Sr. Bowl and Combine. He might be good, but it'll take a year or two.
Take Derek Rivers for example. A 2017 3rd rounder out of Youngstown State who went to New England. He had 55 tackles for loss and 38 sacks, both comfortably more than Davenport, yet didn't do anything (and was injured).
dobber
January 25, 2018 at 08:50 pm
True, but they're still playing in the SB, and IF (I'll point out that word) he develops into their next generation of young defensive stalwarts, BB will end up looking pretty good.