Cory's Corner: This Draft Is Wideout Or Bust

I was against it at first. I thought that adding two wide receivers in the first and second round of the upcoming NFL Draft wouldn’t be that valuable.

However, the argument to that statement is simply: How valuable is a quarterback with hardly anyone to throw to?

The Packers have Davante Adams, arguably a top three wideout, but after that it’s pretty flimsy. Among Packers wide receivers, the team ranks according to 2019 receptions are as follows: Davante Adams (1), Allen Lazard (5), Geronimo Allison (6), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (7) and Jake Kumerow (9).

Complement that with a questionable tight end group and you’ve got a serious problem.

Many will say that Aaron Rodgers doesn’t need top-notch pass catchers in order to succeed; his talents will supersede anything. Yet, Rodgers cannot overcome poor route running, questionable hands or no confidence.

It’s time the Packers re-invested in the specialists of this team. Green Bay gave Rodgers a $134 million extension in 2018 and now it’s time this team invested in some quality around him. The last time the Packers took a wideout in the first round was in 2002 when they drafted Javon Walker 20th. Before that, you’ve got to go all the way back to 1988 when Green Bay took Sterling Sharpe with the seventh overall pick.

The Packers could easily go safe and take a defensive lineman or a linebacker. Both would fill voids that are desperately needed for a defense that couldn’t stop the run last year.

But even if the Packers add a rookie tight end in this draft, that entire unit has a Lambeau-sized question mark on it. Can Jace Sternberger hold up the entire season and can Sternberger take pressure off the receivers on the outside?

If Jerry Jeudy, who is the player I like the most in this draft aside from Chase Young, falls to No. 20, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst should be on the phone to move up. Trading the 30th overall and the 62nd overall picks would seem like a steep price, but it would be worth it for a transformational talent. And the reason that No. 20 is imperative is because Philadelphia needs receivers and they are sitting at No. 21.

But even if the Packers stay at 30, Baylor’s Denzel Mims would be perfect because of how much this team prefers big targets. He’s 6-foot-3, but is shifty and speedy like a much smaller player. He can do damage underneath as well as be a home run threat. Then, with the 62nd pick, the Packers can double down on size by taking 6-foot-4 Notre Dame wideout Chase Claypool. He fits the versatility mold that Gutekunst covets so much because he can even give you tight end snaps.

“I think I’ve proved I can be versatile in terms of inside, outside, No. 3 receiver, tight end,” Claypool told the media at the combine. “So I think I can be one of those rare guys who can line up at all positions on the field and do well, especially because I did that in my college career.”

It’s receiver or bust for the Packers in this draft. That’s how crazy that entire unit is. For a team that has Adams and a solid running game with Aaron Jones, it’s time to finally give Rodgers some quality pass-catching weapons.  

 

 

 

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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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7 points
 

Comments (76)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Bure9620's picture

April 18, 2020 at 06:48 am

I just disagree completely with this article. This is not McMuffin's offense anymore. Lefleur wants to emphasize the run and PA. 12 Personnel is the base set. We have a bona fide number 1 target. Lazard will mature and we added a vet in Funchess. MVS can stretch the field when required. If we break out into 11 personnel, many times the slot receiver will be Aaron Jones or Sternberger. Oline, D line, corner, off ball backer and RB are bigger needs. I would not be unhappy if we tried to grab Akers, JT or Dobbins. This is a deep receiver draft and they can find a Pittman or Gibson, but to simply chase WR and not draft BPA is a huge mistake. Most pass catchers do squat as rookies. I would not be disappointed if we draft a WR but the "more weapons, more weapons" crowd are not very good fake GMs. With Adams in the mix, how many WRs do you think are on the field at one time??

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Leatherhead's picture

April 18, 2020 at 09:51 am

We will never pass our way to the Super Bowl.

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13TimeChamps's picture

April 18, 2020 at 09:58 am

You think we should "run more and pass less"?

Sorry, couldn't resist. Lol

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dobber's picture

April 18, 2020 at 11:09 am

In the end, a 13 win team ran the ball 41% of the time. You'd like to think a team that won that many games would truly show its identity in how it wants to parse out run and pass calls.

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Leatherhead's picture

April 18, 2020 at 11:46 am

Dobber......what is the AVERAGE run% for playoff teams? I guarantee that we were one of the lowest. Only two playoff teams ran less than the Packers. He’ll, three teams ran more than they passed and they all made the playoffs Still, a big improvement from the previous season. But this is a trend that’ll continue. I predict we’ll pass about 540 times this season.....about two less passes per game. And we’ll run about 2 more times to bring us to around 440 rushing attempts..

Not a huge shift, but a big difference from what LeFleur inherited. Run more, pass less. Teams that pass the least make the playoffs , and teams that run the most go to the playoffs. Not that hard to understand why I want to run the rock and keep Rodgers healthy for the playoffs.
.

2 points
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dobber's picture

April 19, 2020 at 08:25 am

I suspect you'll probably be right on skewing more toward the run. My point is that teams that win a lot tend to skew more toward run calls because they kill clock late. That might average out over the course of the season to 4-6 snaps per game as run calls. Losing teams have to throw more. Still, this Packers team--with a good OL and one really good (and one better than average) RB--only ran the ball 41% of the time...winning 13 games. Even MM's playoff teams ran more than this (see below). The question is: if they're so hell-bent on running a lot, why didn't they?

And if this is just a transitioning team, why would they not make moves to bolster the depth of the OL and make sure they had the personnel they need in the run game?

2 points
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Leatherhead's picture

April 18, 2020 at 11:29 am

I think we WILL pass less and throw more, just like we did last year, just like about every playoff team.

And that’s why the obsession with wide receivers and passing makes me laugh. It’s like you are talking about selecting fullbacks early in the draft, because in this offense, that number two receivers job is to block and catch a couple passes......just like William Henderson or John Kuhn.

The coach who liked to line up multiple WRs and have Rodgers throw a lot got fired. The new coach runs more and throws less. I’m not really sure why so many are having such are hard time with this. Run more, pass less, play defense, win the turnover battle....our moves in FA have been in that direction and our draft will be too.

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dobber's picture

April 18, 2020 at 11:42 am

"I just disagree completely with this article. This is not McMuffin's offense anymore. Lefleur wants to emphasize the run and PA."

Every Packers team from 2008-2015 ran the ball at roughly the same % or meaningfully more than the 2019 13-win team. Mostly more. Hero-ball #12 in 2016 was much lower, and I don't recognize the 2017-2018 as being Packers teams.

Just sayin'.... (OH, TK! Where have you gone!?!)

4 points
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Bure9620's picture

April 18, 2020 at 10:09 pm

The super bowl year we ran very little, barely ran in the Super Bowl

2 points
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Z-Smith's picture

April 18, 2020 at 04:37 pm

I completely agree with this article because I'm tired of hearing excuses for Rodgers. Let's get the man some weapons and see if he still has it in him. If we want to run the ball more that's fine, I love running the ball, but have you considered that it'd be nice to be able to do two things? Let's create some actual competition in that room for once.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

April 19, 2020 at 07:48 am

I was going to write something more, er, decisive. Unless I love the players Gute gets in rounds 1 - 3 so much that they were fairly obvious to be BPA, he had better draft a good WR high.

I am not going to be happy with Duvernay or Gibson as the only WR selected.

0 points
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dobber's picture

April 19, 2020 at 08:19 am

It depends on what he pairs with it. Certainly a pick (or picks) of those type paired with an investment in supporting the DL and run game would signal a continued change in priorities in GB.

While we have our own projections on what the Packers need, we don't have true inside knowledge on any long--or even short--term roster planning at 1265 that will guide how they approach this draft. This is a draft that we'll have to watch unfold in its entirety to really have a feel for what the priorities are going to be.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

April 20, 2020 at 02:36 am

I agree. I wrote something elsewhere about GB's philosophy when selecting certain players in the first three rounds as to immediate impact types and players who might need a year. That issue and the positions selected as you mentioned are both worth watching.

Unless of course there is a prospect who is unexpectedly still available and constitutes a "no-brainer" selection. But otherwise, this draft should reveal quite a bit.

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stockholder's picture

April 18, 2020 at 06:52 am

Yes Cory ! You are correct. IT's Time! For the Love of Packer Football, Team, Spirit. It's Time!

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arthurl's picture

April 18, 2020 at 06:59 am

I am excited to see how this plays out next week. For one I wouldn't be too disappointed if one of those top LBs like either Murray or Queen were still there at #30. GB has a history hitting gold at WR in the 2nd round and even if we have to move up to get that player, it would be worth it. I also have no problem taking OL in the 1st round. I definitely feel team taking a gamble that Sternberger can make the jump. I feel he can, but if he goes down who is backup? Then there's DL, we have Clark and that's about all.

2 points
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Duneslick's picture

April 18, 2020 at 11:20 am

May have a history of hitting on 2nd rd WR. But that does not mean much. Each draft is new and does not care about history

4 points
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egbertsouse's picture

April 18, 2020 at 07:16 am

I don’t see him going for a WR in the 1st, it’s not in his DNA. I would predict he picks a CB or S or some tweener DL/LB or S/LB. Gute and Uncle Ted love those tweeners!

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justjan's picture

April 18, 2020 at 11:31 am

He's only had two drafts. "Not in his DNA"? Are you the Gutey whisperer?

5 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

April 18, 2020 at 09:57 am

If he follows the Ted rules he may be out of a job sooner than later. I would not be surprised if he didn't trade up in the first if his guy was within striking distance.

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dobber's picture

April 18, 2020 at 11:16 am

If he follows Ted rules but is a better talent evaluator and has better injury luck on some picks, he'll be Ted circa 2005-2010 and not Ted 2012-2018. Early Ted ('05-'10) was much better than later Ted.

9 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

April 18, 2020 at 02:58 pm

There is no doubt about that. He had a good group with Schneider and Dorsey.

1 points
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egbertsouse's picture

April 18, 2020 at 01:00 pm

No, If I were a Gute whisperer I’d train him to draft a WR.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

April 18, 2020 at 07:24 am

Rookie WRs historically rarely make an impact. It's been really very rare. But, last year was different with rookies having fine seasons. AJ Brown, DJ Metcalf, Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel and a bunch of others. I'm for grabbing a WR in one of the first 3 rounds. But 2, IDK. This team has a lot of issues to patch, and the 2018 draft is looking pretty bad in terms of filling them.

6 points
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TheVOR's picture

April 18, 2020 at 09:24 am

Totally agree, WR in round 1 is a waste of time. I'll say something very unpopular, but Rodgers is not a WR developer like a Brett was. Rodgers is constantly wanking on his WR's except for Adams, we always have the discussions around chemistry that rarely develops, I just think you could draft a guy in the 2nd or 3rd rounds and the results would be identical, and the impact will be minimal. This draft needs to be about ILB, DL, OL, RB, WR and maybe if the right QB is sitting there in the 2nd round, even a QB at this point.

IMO Rodgers will not retire a Packer, and until the organization addresses that, this team won't win another one. Becoming less of an Aaron Rodgers fan by the day. Very disappointing offense last year, that team could have made the Superbowl if they had done anything on offense all year long. Dude missed a ton of open receivers and long deep throws. Not the same Aaron Rodgers since the injuries..

-7 points
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murf7777's picture

April 18, 2020 at 07:25 am

I’ m in the build the trenches and become a more physical team crowd, so, NO not in round 1&2. There will be starter quality in round 2. Take BPA in round 1.

10 points
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Harold Drake's picture

April 18, 2020 at 07:42 am

Finally someone gets it right on this website. Unlike Mr Nagler who seems fine with drafting a ILB or DL with our first draft pick, Cory has seen the light and identified the most glaring weakness on the Packers - the lack of a solid No. 2 WR. What is the point of paying Rodgers a four-year $135 million contract ($100 million guaranteed) and giving him a sub-elite group of receivers in the aggregate? Opposing secondaries are much more able to key on Davante Adams if they don't have to worry about the other wideouts. Look at what Peyton Manning (hardly the best pure thrower in NFL history, albeit a very smart and cool QB) was able to do at Indianapolis with Harrison and co.! Or Matt Ryan at Atlanta. Or, first and foremost, Drew Brees with his outstanding receiving corps.

This year the Pack needs to draft a top WR in a deep and outstanding class of wideouts that includes Justin Jefferson, Tee Higgins and Denzel Mims as three very attractive choices one of whom will almost certainly be available at pick 30. Waiting until the second round in the hope that an elite WR will still be undrafted is pure folly. The Packers should still have enough good options remaining to take an ILB or lineman in the second round.

So let's stop this collective idiocy about not giving the Packers (and their $134 million man Rodgers) a badly needed additional WR weapon. It is laughable to suggest that Allen Lazard or an improved MVS can provide AR with a reliable second passing option after DA.

-2 points
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Hematite's picture

April 18, 2020 at 08:54 am

Tee Higgins is Devin Funchess 2.0, so why take him when we just signed Funchess?

3 points
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dobber's picture

April 18, 2020 at 11:06 am

When Funchess walks after 2020, they'll still have Higgins?

2 points
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fastmoving's picture

April 18, 2020 at 11:47 am

If you pay that much money he should make the other players better. By a lot. You cant put over 50% of the SC in the passing unit.
Other than that, we had one of the better WRs in the NFL with ever further upside potential. But you need a QB who hits them and they were open a lot in 2018 and 2019. Other top QBs do way more with less. But Im not so sure if we still have a top one. In the last 5 years he was more off than on, thats fore sure......

1 points
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MWendlandt's picture

April 18, 2020 at 02:28 pm

That Drew Brees and his receiving corps that won four playoff games the past decade? Matt Ryan and the biggest failure in Super Bowl history? And Manning is absolutely one of the very best pure passers ever. His release and anticipation were second to none in his prime.

This is a historically deep receiver class. I won't be upset with one at 30, but it shouldn't be forced. If there's a great DL or ILB there, or even one of the top OT, then pull the trigger on them. A good receiver can be had in the second (Aiyuk, DPJ, Higgins, Pittman, etc). Pigeonholing a position in the first round is a recipe for failure.

3 points
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MarkinMadison's picture

April 18, 2020 at 07:54 am

If Jerry Jeudy makes it to 20 there will be at least 10 GMs who should be fired. He is the #1 WR in the most stacked WR class we have seen in over a decade. I'd say you're smoking crack but Aaron Rodgers fell to the end of the first round. So there is that.

It's not 2014 anymore. Aaron Rodgers is entering his later years. The formula for success with older QBs is to give them a great running game, knowing that they KNOW how to make the special play at crunch time if they can get there without getting beat up. What does that mean? It means the Packers now run 12 personnel over 50% of the time. You've got Adams under contract. Lazard is looking good. You bought Funchess as an insurance policy. Get one high (and you could even survive without that); going high with WRs not once, but twice, is a waste. Don't get me wrong, I expect the Packers to get a WR in the first two rounds because there are some special players in this group and it would be short-term thinking to pass on all of them. But doubling down would be a waste of draft capital. I'd rather see Dobbins picked at the end of the 2nd to help Rodgers than doubling down at the WR position.

BTW, I really like Dobbins. He put up more meaningful yards in head-to-head games v. JT, and he doesn't fumble so much.

1 points
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Harold Drake's picture

April 18, 2020 at 08:06 am

Oh sure, let Rodgers hand off the ball. I'm sure that's how Drew Brees and Tom Brady and Peyton Manning did so well in their later years!

1 points
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Guam's picture

April 18, 2020 at 08:37 am

Actually all three of them use/d play action really well and that only works if you have a running game. They are all outstanding passers, but they work better when they have a complimentary running game and balance in their offense.

10 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

April 18, 2020 at 10:22 am

They have Jones and Williams for another year. There is the running game and maybe secure a power back in the 4th or 5th like Dillon. I believe Cory was looking at Claypool as a TE prospect on the two pick. The #30 pick they can get a game changer with fast feet and returner ability. These are guys that shift field position. Swift will not fall to #30, Taylor may be there. Which OT will fall? Clevland has boom/bust grades. Still WR at one and a move up in the second to bag an OT. They can use 2021 picks to deal if he wants to. Next priority is CB and another ILB.

1 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

April 18, 2020 at 10:47 am

Farve had Peterson in 2009 to help him along, but he single-handedly won 3-4 games for the Vikes with his passing and hitting the WRs for game winning TDs.

3 points
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MWendlandt's picture

April 18, 2020 at 02:31 pm

Brees has been empty numbers the past years and has been a failure in the playoffs the past decade. Manning got a Super Bowl thanks to his defense and running game (combined with being bailed out by Brock Osweiler a few times). Brady is the only exception, and he also has the greatest coach of the post-merger era on his sideline.

2 points
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MarkinMadison's picture

April 18, 2020 at 08:01 pm

Broken collarbones didn't teach you anything? Rodgers cannot take the beating. Did you even watch Peyton Manning's final Super Bowl? He threw the ball about as effectively as my dog.

1 points
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Guam's picture

April 18, 2020 at 04:14 pm

Nailed it MinM!

Cory conveniently forgot about Funchess in his article. Funchess was a second round draft choice who played well enough with Carolina to earn a $10 million contract last year with Indy. His injury was unfortunate, but allowed the Packer to get a quality veteran for a discount. The Pack still need to add one good WR from this draft, but two high picks would be an unfortunate use of draft capital given the other serious needs.

I prefer JT over Dobbins, but I am also a UW grad and an OSU hater so my opinion is a bit colored.

3 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

April 18, 2020 at 10:19 am

Is Funchess an ascending or descending player? We will see if he still has it. A perimeter guy who will have to fight Lazard for snaps.

2 points
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Guam's picture

April 18, 2020 at 02:08 pm

I agree Funchess is a bit of an unknown for the Packers, but I will be surprised if he is fighting Lazard for snaps. Hopefully he is fighting a high draft choice for playing time. I have higher hopes for ESB than I do for Lazard and would not be surprised to see Lazard at #4 or #5 WR. Lazard just doesn't get much separation.

1 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

April 20, 2020 at 02:54 am

If Funchess breaks out in a big way in 2020, it will be difficult to impossible to pay him in 2021. Of course, GB will prioritize. Still have Bakh, Clark, Linsley, Jones, Jamaal Williams and others to pay.

0 points
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splitpea1's picture

April 18, 2020 at 11:29 am

I agree that they need to spend one premium pick on a WR, but they can also afford to spend one of their extra lower-round picks here if they find someone to their liking. There's definitely no need to do any moving up or use multiple high-round selections for this area--that's crazy.

4 points
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Lphill's picture

April 18, 2020 at 08:14 am

Yes a dynamic receiver is a need but getting off the field on 3 rd down is big too , if the offense is gonna get in a groove we can’t have long drives burning up the clock and Rodgers sitting on the bench . Stop the run , force a punt and keep feeding the offense the ball . If the defense can’t get off the field what difference does it make who’s catching the ball on offense .

8 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

April 18, 2020 at 10:31 am

They gave Lowry an extension, drafted Keke and have Clark set to pull in big bucks. There are DT targets in the fourth and fifth. Kinlaw and Brown will be gone. Gross-Matos and Epenesa are likely not to fall past Zimmer. The other guys seem to match what they already have on the squad. If they want a plugger , target Fotu or Benito Jones.

1 points
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dobber's picture

April 18, 2020 at 11:14 am

The Vikes will be forced to reach for OL, WR, and CB talent. They're desperately thin at all 3 positions.

4 points
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CDCDAVEretired's picture

April 18, 2020 at 08:50 am

When I saw Russell Wilson in his senior season with the Badgers I knew he would be an exceptional quarterback in the NFL.
When I saw Jonathan Taylor run for 3 years with the Badgers I know he will be an exceptional running back in the NFL. His excellent patience, vision, and speed are even more impressive than Melvin Gordon.
Moreover: he can contribute immediately in his first year while a receiver rarely excels in their first year.
Aaron Jones injuries: (2)2017 knee mcl sprains , 2018 thigh/hamstring pull, and 2018 knee mcl sprain.
This will be his 4th year in the league.Time to move on.
If the Packers do not choose JT with the 30th pick: I promise you Gutekunst and LaFleur will regret it for the rest of their professional lives!
That's a fact Jack!
Round 2 and round 3 WR and OT.

5 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

April 18, 2020 at 10:44 am

We saw Taylor getting more looks in the passing game his senior year. If he is around @ #30, LaFleur would be tempted. His fumbling issues can be corrected,.He doesn't seem to lack strength in the upper body. They would have to move up in the second to get a playmaker WR. They cannot field guys like MVS and Kumerow uness it is a four wide set and iso them. THey cannot create separation.

3 points
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Demon's picture

April 18, 2020 at 01:54 pm

Yeah we understood your misguided post the first 3 times you posted it. No need to post it again.

-6 points
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PeteK's picture

April 19, 2020 at 08:43 am

You're just a cute little cherub.

-2 points
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Ryan3468's picture

April 18, 2020 at 11:32 pm

JT in the backfield with Aaron Jones. The offense immediately would be better and more explosive. Depth at running back. He is a better player than both Jones and Williams and if available the best player for the Packers. Wide Receiver is deep in this years Draft. Can’t wait to see what shakes out. JT would be epic and with Jones and Williams free agents after this year would easily be a return right away, and for the future.

0 points
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PackEyedOptimist's picture

April 18, 2020 at 08:51 am

#1 = Adams, #2 = Funchess (and ABSOLUTELY a good #2), #3 Lazard (and ABSOLUTELY a good #3), and you still have St Brown and Begelton who are potentially #2 quality players. In the meantime, we have lost our starting RT and ILB and haven't had a starter-quality #2 DL for several years. Additionally, our run-first offense has a quality #1 with an injury history, and an adequate #2 but both have their contracts ending after this year.
This draft is not only deep at WR, it also has some difference-makers at RB. I love Dobbins, he's a beast-mode runner who can catch; I also love Clyde Edwards-Helaire who has amazing running and receiving skills.
Hey, I love a bunch of this year's WRs too, but I believe a great RB is the far wiser pick. I'm also totally on board with an OT, DL, or ILB if Gute&Co. feel one will be great.

-1 points
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blacke00's picture

April 18, 2020 at 08:52 am

I'm definitely a "trenches" guy! Build the best on both sides of the ball and your other positions look a lot better.

That being said this draft maybe one of those BPA situations. As I've mention before that's almost never the case but people love to claim it. It's so silly. What most people really mean is "Best player that you need that's available"! Need is always in the mix whether the Packers or any other team wants to admit it.

6 points
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Packman60's picture

April 18, 2020 at 09:13 am

I would love the Packers to take two wide receivers in their 1st 5 picks, however with needs at DT, OT, ILB, and CB taking wide outs with their 1st 2 picks is a luxury they can't afford.

7 points
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13TimeChamps's picture

April 18, 2020 at 09:32 am

"If Jerry Jeudy, who is the player I like the most in this draft aside from Chase Young, falls to No. 20...."

This article lost all credibilty for me after that comment.

5 points
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TXCHEESE's picture

April 18, 2020 at 09:34 am

All these "Must" and "Bust" articles. LOL. I think the days are gone when we get the head scratcher pick (square peg/round hole) of TT's liking. Gute will build OL and DL, and find the needed talent for the receiver and ILB corps. This draft will separate the men from boys as far as scouting departments, and GM savvy, due to the lack of pro days, etc. I would not complain if they use a second rounder on the next Randall Cobb though.

2 points
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flackcatcher's picture

April 18, 2020 at 10:34 am

" This draft will separate the men from boys as far as scouting departments, and GM savvy, due to the lack of pro days, etc." Should be pounded into every draftniks head. This draft is about the GM and his teams judgement. Nothing else matters. Especially in this year...

0 points
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Packer_Fan's picture

April 18, 2020 at 10:03 am

The draft is deep with WR and OT depth. I thought after not signing an impact WR FA, picking a WR in the first round makes sense. Especially after Gute said he was going to add a playmaker on offense. But it doesn't have to go that way. If their desired player is not available at 30, then trade down, still pick up a good WR and another player within the first three rounds. My thought is to get more players in the first three rounds and hopefully getting two starters like last year. Moving up makes no sense unless you can get a sure starter for this year. And then trade some 4 - 7 round picks for a veteran.

5 points
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greengold's picture

April 18, 2020 at 11:04 am

I TOTALLY agree with this article. Aaron Rodgers held onto the ball last year, often. WHY? Because Davante was nearly always double teamed, and the other WRs couldn't get open until Rodgers specifically asked the sidelines to put Alan Lazard in mid season during a game.

What does that say? I am a HUGE Lazard fan, and I think he could explode this year from the Z or Y. However, our depth behind Lazard and Adams has not been reliable. Adding two top talents, a dedicated SLOT god, and another high quality Flanker who can also play the split end to give Davante a break, or some HUGE outside speed to take the top off of opposing defenses would be a nice gift to Aaron Rodgers, and that would IMMEDIATELY start to pay dividends.

Add top talents that can consistently get separation and this offense will explode on opposing teams. Rodgers deserves to have some top talents added as targets to make life easier. Would save him being able to throw to an OPEN WR, on time! Less scrambling. Fewer busted plays. Minimize risk to his health in avoiding the rush.

WE ALL SAW IT. The timing was off through most of 2019 because we had too many guys who couldn't get open, couldn't get separation, couldn't complete the plays outside of Adams, and later, Lazard. GIVE AARON THE WEAPONS HE IS DUE.

-1 points
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Harold Drake's picture

April 18, 2020 at 11:51 am

Yes! I am puzzled by how so many of the comments are arguing against the article. One poor soul wants to draft a running back at No.1 ????????????????
How obvious does it have to be that if you have one of the NFL's top QBs in Rodgers then you need to have an elite receiving corps to allow him to be most effective? And you are ABSOLUTELY on target when you point out that if Rodgers had better receivers who are getting separation then he wouldn't have to hold onto the ball so long which has become his greatest flaw.

-2 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

April 18, 2020 at 11:26 am

If one was to take a realistic view and assessment of the Packers receiving group, you would find it hard to deny that better can easily be found on day two of the draft.

7 points
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Archie's picture

April 18, 2020 at 12:23 pm

I still say the following re: draft strategy:

1 - trade down (pick up 4A)
2A - take best WR
2b - trade up and take Claypool (give up 4A) else grab a very good ot/rb.
3 - OT (Bartch or Peart) or rb if 2b = ot
4 - 2 down ilb
5 - 2 down dt
6 - rb/ilb/dt/ot any order
7 - rb/ilb/dt/ot any order

I also assume Gute will take a S and CB somewhere along the way.

If ya got a Rolls Royce in the garage ya gotta use it on Sundays. Give Rodgers 2 great WR prospects and let him finish his career with another SB win (or two).

3 points
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Dzehren's picture

April 18, 2020 at 01:46 pm

There are about 6 realistic WR’s that fit GB’s draft profile metrics. Mims, Jefferson, Pittman Brandon Aiyuk Laviska Shenault (injury history) & Jaelan Reagor.
Do what it takes to draft 1 of these guys. Take 1 at 30, or trade back to pick 40 or if another need is taken at 30 GB may need to move from 62 to the 50’s to get 1 of these WR’s.

1 points
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PeteK's picture

April 18, 2020 at 02:11 pm

We were 21st in 3rd down percentage, and a receiver can help us improve on that which will in turn help the defense. I believe we can trade down for an extra higher 2nd round pick and get a solid WR, and then a solid ILB with our 2nd rounder.

3 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

April 18, 2020 at 03:11 pm

Third and 7, Move the chains, keep the defense fresh.

3 points
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PeteK's picture

April 18, 2020 at 02:20 pm

"Why do we never get an answer, when we're knocking at the door, with a thousand million questions"

1 points
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Dzehren's picture

April 18, 2020 at 03:16 pm

The Moody Blues

5 points
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PeteK's picture

April 18, 2020 at 06:35 pm

Yes, A Question of BALANCE , as to our team's goal

0 points
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TheBigCheeze's picture

April 18, 2020 at 03:02 pm

what about minnesota?.....I'm thinkin' they're gonna grab mims at #22 or #25.....

0 points
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dobber's picture

April 19, 2020 at 08:29 am

Spielman's track record for drafting O in Minnesota is about like TTs track record for drafting defense (after the SB win). A couple hits, but a lot of raw misses. Let him knock himself out.

1 points
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Gman1976's picture

April 18, 2020 at 03:52 pm

This past week, I watched the 2010 NFC Championship in which the Packers beat the Bears. We had 3 very good WRs: Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, & Jordy Nelson. 2010 was the last year we won the Superbowl. We need to get 1 very good WR this year.

3 points
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PeteK's picture

April 18, 2020 at 05:28 pm

At least a solid one because our running game is better now.

0 points
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wildbill's picture

April 19, 2020 at 12:02 am

Don’t forget James Jones

0 points
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Packman60's picture

April 19, 2020 at 11:55 am

I've seen multiple mocks that show Jefferson dropping to the Packers at #30, if he does they should run the pick up to the podium.I would then look for s field stretcher at pick 5 or 6 like Hightower from Boise State, or Quez Watkins from Ole Miss.

0 points
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hobowilly's picture

April 19, 2020 at 02:25 pm

fine subject even though i basically disagree with Cory for many of the replies written. Please, let's not forget we no longer have to deal with the ineptitude of McMuffin (cute name) to deliver GB to at least 2 SB's; who doesn't agree that in his rookie effort, MLF has shown he has perhaps better concepts already wherein McMuff had better receivers and had 13 years to go to 1 SB with Mr. Rodgers. Right?! So, TT is gone too, admittedly i'm a big Gutey fan getting GB back to the NFCCG within his first 3 years. Thus, let's see what Gutey & Co. conjure up...personally, i have a good vibe he'll work the draft early to secure a very good contributor and may well hit on 2 of his first 3 picks (hint, THAT WOULD BE A HOMERUN). Let's just see in the crap shoot, for nothing is guaranteed, just a wing & a prayer!

p.s. given his FA success %, even if he's 33% (1 for 3) Kirksey/Wagner/Funchess he'd still be "ahead" of the "trade game". Shoot, arguably he was 3 for 4 last year (Smiths/Amos).

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CoachDino's picture

April 19, 2020 at 07:11 pm

I'm not saying Don't take a WR at 30. But trading up? Ok- the positives are obvious but you didn't get into the negatives.

Do the Packers need a #1 WR...? No - not even close.
Can the packers afford to give up their second plus - It's going to cost a lot more than the near to last pick in the second round to move up 10 spots in RD 1
How does that move play into the next 2-3 years as far as cap space? Not well because you just lost 2 cheaper slots so FA is now required to get them.

They Packers MUST Draft A WR!! I agree. But it can be a role playing WR. A specialist. They need a specialist. They have a Top WR already. Plus a solid 3,4 & 5 Receivers.

Due to MVS they need to find a deep threat. Speed Receiver. I would even go so far as to say a "Offensive Weapon" Antonio Gibson? Lynn Dowden? there's others. KJ Hammer would work if he drops to the 3rd and you haven't taken a WR.

Your #! receivers are not heavy in this draft. What is are JR WR that can develop or are specialists. This draft is soooo deep with those guys.

Best way to help AR is to establish your team as a run first squad with a speed receiver that keeps the safety back. So they can't crowd the box and might break the wrong way more often on Play action.

There are serious cap issues and if the Packers don't address them ahead of time this team is going to drop fast. #! Reason - Because AR can't do it on his own. He needs a Running Game and defense before another WR. I lean this way (because I agree he needed weapons last year) I going to depend on Jace, Tonyan,EQS, Lizard and Fuchess to help this year where they weren't there most of last year (Injuries)

The other guys I could put faith in are Light,Turner, Burks, Montrevious, Colton.

I'll take the first group and base my draft on that....

Fun article.. Creates debate!!

-1 points
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Dagger's picture

April 19, 2020 at 08:49 pm

I think our offense besides a WR could use a RB with some juice like the RB from LSU Edwards-Helaire. We also could use an ILB like Malik Harrison of Ohio st, Logan Wilson from Wyoming or Jordan Brooks from Texas. We also need an OT like Preat from Connecticut or Isaiah Wilson of Georgia. We also could use a CB like Tony Pride JR of Notre dame. WE NEED a DT who can plug up the middle of that porous defense. First round needs to be a stud DT. If Murray or Queen was there that would rock but I doubt it. All in all trade down for more picks because clearly we need alot of players.

0 points
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