Film Review: T.J. Hockenson vs. Noah Fant

In today's film review we take a look at the two stud Iowa tight ends and review how each could fit in with the Green Bay Packers.

In the past six years, Green Bay has signed seven free agents in the month of March during the NFL’s prime free agency signing period. Two veteran cornerbacks (Tramon Williams and Davon House), one veteran defensive lineman (Ricky Jean-Francois), and incredibly, four tight ends (Jared Cook, Martellus Bennett, Lance Kendricks, and Jimmy Graham).

Add in the late free agent signing of Marcedes Lewis last year and it’s not difficult to see that Green Bay has absolutely prioritized the free agent position, especially within the past three years. The reason for this is that Green Bay has been unsuccessful in drafting or developing a tight end since the injury to Jermichael Finley.

Since losing Finley to injury during the 2013 season, Green Bay has drafted the following tight ends:

·         Richard Rodgers – 3rd round – 2014

·         Kennard Backman – 6th round – 2015

That’s it.

And with Green Bay not addressing the position via the draft, they’ve been forced to look to free agency with very mixed results. In fact it would be easy to argue that the only success Green Bay has found in the market was late in the 2016 season with Jared Cook, but let’s not forget that he finished the season with only 30 catches for 377 yards and one touchdown… not exactly Pro Bowl numbers.

With all that in mind, it’s easy to see why the Packers, with two first round draft picks, would be interested in acquiring the services of a franchise tight end the likes of Noah Fant or T.J. Hockenson. With picks 12 and 30 in the first round, Green Bay will have the opportunity to take a look at two tight end prospects who could immediately come in and help Green Bay, while also filling a long-term hole at a position that has been of critical importance to Aaron Rodgers and the passing game.

For today’s film review, I to a look at both Hockenson and Fant, two ultra-talented tight ends out of Iowa and determine which player is the better fit for Green Bay and how each could help the Packers moving forward.

T.J. Hockenson

I love digging into the tape of players like Tim Boyle, Robert Tonyan, Alex Light, and Raven Greene, and looking for traits that could potentially set them apart and make them worthy of an NFL roster spot. Going through the undrafted free agents and trying to find those gems is one of my favorite exercises every year. But there’s something so enjoyable and pleasing when you turn on the tape of a player and they do all the work for you.

That’s T.J. Hockenson. Hockenson is so good in all facets of the game that his tape tells the story for you. You don’t need to be a high-end NFL scout to recognize just how talented Hockenson is and what he can bring to an NFL offense. Hockenson probably isn’t going to test like Vernon Davis or Evan Engram but he will test well enough that it won’t matter because his play on the field is what does the talking.

Hockenson is an old school tight end with a modern day NFL skill set. He has more pancakes of defensive lineman on tape than almost any offensive lineman I’ve ever scouted. He will drive defenders 10+ yards down the field and play through the whistle. He has Gronk level plays after the catch where he will absolutely run through defenders. He’s physical, explosive, aggressive, and somehow only 21 years old.

Here are my full notes on Hockenson:

Measurables

6’5” – 243 pounds – 21 years old

Catching/Hands

Hockenson is a natural hands catcher and is able to adjust to the ball in air. He will catch everything around him and he’s not afraid to use his 6’5” frame to his advantage. It helps create a fantastic catch radius for his quarterback and if he’s in the vicinity he’s going to come down with the catch more often than not. He did have some concentration drops and fumbles on tape but they were very few and far between. While he tracked the ball well he could do a better job of consistently catching the ball at its highest point, although even in these scenarios he still came down with the football. He had one catch in which he barely got his head around to see the ball speeding at him and he still was able to pluck the ball with ease.

In 2018, TJ Hockenson converted 37/49 receptions into first downs, that's 75.5% of his receptions and 3rd highest 1st down % !!! (Min of 40 targets)

Separation

Hockenson is plenty fast with an explosive first step off the line. It seems as if he times his jump perfectly to gain an advantage off the line of scrimmage. Linebackers and safeties had an incredibly difficult time staying with him at all levels of the field. Because defenders needed to respect him deep it opened up plenty of opportunities for Hockenson underneath. This isn’t going to be a situation in which Hockenson will struggle to separate from NFL linebackers and even when he’s covered, he’s still open because of his size and catch radius. He is physical at the point of attack and has the ability to obliterate press coverage against smaller defenders.

Route Running

Hockenson is smooth in and out of his breaks but it won’t be a surprise that as a red-shirt sophomore, and at age 21, that he still has plenty of area to improve in this category. In honesty, this is what makes him scarier because he’s so good already and he’s not even a nuanced route runner yet. Hockenson can easily find holes in zones and separate with his natural athletic ability but will only continue to get better as a route runner. Iowa used Hockenson in-line, in the slot, outside, as an h-back and as a fullback. His versatility allowed him opportunities against all types of defenders and he will be used as a chess piece in the NFL. He has a great understanding of leverage both as a blocker and as a route runner, sets up defenders well, and can explode out of his breaks.

Athleticism

It’s going to be incredibly interesting to see how Hockenson tests at the combine and it very well could be the difference between him going above or below pick 20. I can’t envision a scenario in which he slips out of the 1st round barring a serious injury through the pre-draft process. On tape his speed, agility, explosion, vertical leap, and strength all play above average. I would expect him to test really, really well, but maybe not great. The truth is he’s a rare player where the physical measurables at the combine shouldn’t affect him too much unless he absolutely blows it.

Blocking

When he wants to be, he’s the most physical and dominating blocking tight end that I’ve ever scouted and he has the ability to be the best blocking tight end in the NFL. If I have one issue with Hockenson it’s that he can be inconsistent and over aggressive as a blocker. He almost seems on autopilot at times and needs to find a way to stay engaged. As mentioned above he has as many pancakes and dominating second level blocks as the best offensive linemen in the draft. He also will whiff on more blocks than you’d like, especially on the second level. Label this as a positive or a negative if you’d like but he’s a sneaky good holder. He holds fairly often but rarely if ever gets called for it. He does it in a fashion that understandably doesn’t draw flags… let’s call it high football IQ.

YAC

This is where Hockenson can be so fun to watch. Hockenson can win in a variety of different ways after the catch but it’s really enjoyable to see him run through defenders. He has fantastic contact balance and can run through the tackles of smaller players with ease. He’s shown that he can hurdle over defenders, run around them, past them, and through them. He doesn’t have any dynamic move in the open field but his ability to stiff arm and truck defenders to the ground will bring comparisons to Gronk at the next level.

Hockenson showing nice balance after the catch and some speed to take it to the house. Natural hands. pic.twitter.com/aLgSwLY0o9

Final Eval

Hockenson is a top 15 player in this draft and a unique talent at the position. He’d immediately come in and be the Packers best blocking tight end and would allow Jimmy Graham to work more as an oversized wide receiver. A lineup with MVS and Adams on the outside, Graham and Hockenson lined up all over the field, and Jones in the backfield could accomplish a lot and give defenses nightmares. Using a top 15 pick on a tight end is historically not great and Green Bay’s not exactly in a position to use a premium pick on a position that may be deemed as a bit of a luxury. That said, you can make a very strong argument that he would make Aaron Rodgers, Aaron Jones, Jimmy Graham and Davante Adams all better with his presence on the field and that’s something worth considering, even at pick 12.

Noah Fant

On my first watch through on Noah Fant, I really struggled to see the first round value, but the more and more I watched the more and more he stood out to me and made me a believer that he’s definitely in that first round conversation. Fant’s 2017 tape is really fun as he averaged 16.4 yards per catch, and collected 11 touchdowns on only 30 receptions. He showed exactly the type of explosive receiving tight end that he can be.

In 2018 he increased his reception and yardage totals, but took a step back to 13.3 yards per catch and seven touchdowns… still nothing to be ashamed of. His 18 touchdowns over his last 24 games speak to the type of touchdown and red zone threat that Fant can be.

What stood out to me most about Fant was his ability to win at all levels of the field, his box-out ability as the power-forward-esque possession tight end, and his consistency in all facets of the game. Fant may not be likely to drive a defender 10 yards down the field when blocking, but he’s a consistent blocker who gives good effort. He catches everything near him, and he is a consistent receiving threat game in and game out. Defenses need to be aware of where Fant is on the field.

Here are my full notes on Fant:

Measurables

6’4” – 232 – 21 years old

Catching/Hands

Fant is another natural hands catcher and he, like Hockenson, has displayed the ability to catch everything that comes near him. He showed the ability to get low to the ground, even at 6’4” to make multiple sliding catches, and also tracks the ball incredibly well. He can adjust to any pass thrown his way and can catch the ball through contact. He had no issues with drops in the games that I watched.

Separation

Fant’s an easy separator and it’s really what puts him in the first round conversation. He had a route against Indiana in which he was able to get open deep that showed off his ability to separate from defensive backs much smaller than him. He doesn’t have an elite get-off off the line of scrimmage, but he makes up for it through the route and linebackers really struggle to stay in stride with him, especially during intermediate crossing routes.

Route Running

Fant is not a detailed route runner and he will round his routes to the point where it looks lazy at times. He will absolutely need to get more precise on his digs, curls, and stick routes to gain trust form his quarterback. The fact that he can be used all over the field as a receiver gives offensive coaches a lot of options with how to use him and design mismatches for him. He ran a pretty solid route tree at Iowa which gives him an advantage as a rookie as well. He can get caught up in the muck at times and needs to use his natural athletic ability to explode through contact and keep his route on track.

Athleticism

He’s a natural athlete with well above average speed. If teams don’t respect his speed he will absolutely torch them deep and make them back off in coverage. His ability to be a vertical threat down the field is what separates him as a top tier tight end and gives him first round value. He isn’t afraid to mix it up as a blocker and when he’s able to double team a defensive lineman they don’t stand much of a chance. His mixture of size and speed should get everyone’s attention at the combine.

Blocking

As mentioned above, Hockenson gets the wow blocks but Fant is very consistent. He doesn’t quite get the credit he deserves as a blocker. He’s got solid technique, he’s a willing blocker, and he understands his role on the play. While Fant may never be a dominant blocker he can still be a usable blocker and that puts him well above the majority of tight ends who have the pass catching skills that Fant possesses.

YAC

When Fant wins after the catch it’s generally with his straight-line speed. He’s not going to juke anyone in the open field, hurdle over them and hasn’t been known to run through defenders, but he has enough speed where if he catches a pass with momentum he can turn up field and make defenses pay. He’s far from dynamic after the catch but he’s got speed. Iowa did a great job of using him on quick bubble screens and on quick passes to the flats, something that Green Bay has struggled to get any value out of in recent years. Fant has shown he can turn up field and take those quick passes and turn them into very positive plays for the offense.

Final Eval

Fant’s ability to make explosive plays down the field, use his body to shield defenders in the short passing game, and be more than serviceable as a blocker make him a really solid player overall. He’s going to be a tight end who plays in the league for a decade and is consistently one of the better tight ends in the league. He may not be an All-Pro but he has the upside to become a Pro Bowl tight end for a good portion of his career. Watching him get open deep and be used as a weapon in a variety of different ways should give Green Bay fans plenty to be excited about should he be the Packers selection sometime in the first two rounds. He needs to become a more nuanced route runner, but his athleticism and playmaking will make him a big time weapon for offenses for years to come.

It goes without saying that both Fant and Hockenson would fit well within Matt LaFleur’s new offense. Both would add a dimension to the team that Green Bay simply didn’t possess a season ago and they would give LaFleur another matchup problem for opposing defenses to think about.

Aaron Jones was able to run wild without the benefit of a consistent blocking tight end in 2018 and should benefit greatly if one of these two tight ends is in town in 2019. Aaron Rodgers would finally have a consistent target over the middle, and a tight end who could actually take a 3 yard pass and turn it into something more.

While Fant could make a lot of sense at 30 for Green Bay, it’s tough to imagine a situation in which Hockenson is drafted by the Packers. There’s starting to be buzz that he could become a top 10 pick, and if that’s the case there’s no chance Green Bay trades up for him. If he’s there at 12 Green Bay could easily decide they have more pressing needs, such as edge rusher, and there will be players available at 12 who fit those needs and also have the top end talent to be picked at 12.

Green Bay could move down from 12 to say 15 or 16 if they wanted to target him and think he could still be there, but there’s no sure bet he would be there or that Green Bay would want to move down in the first place. I would argue that the Packers’ best bet to get Hockenson would be if he lasted until pick 24(ish) and Green Bay was able to trade up from 30 to secure him.

Only time will tell if either of these talented tight ends will finally be the end of Green Bay’s beleaguered tight end search, but should Green Bay end up with either one, they should finally be out of the business of trying to acquire a new one year after year for the foreseeable future.

 

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__________________________

Andy is a graduate of UW-Oshkosh and owns & operates the Pack-A-Day Podcast. Andy has taken multiple courses in NFL scouting and is an Editor for Packer Report. Andy grew up in Green Bay and is a lifelong season ticket holder - follow him on Twitter @AndyHermanNFL!

__________________________

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6 points
 

Comments (67)

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

February 22, 2019 at 09:46 am

Outstanding assessment. With all of the Hockenson love, I feel Fant has been forgotten. Frankly, Fant's game translates well to the next level and he is a better blocker than given credit for. That being said all Rookie TEs struggle in blocking. Hockensen will not be knocking Leonard Floyd on his ass like a DE from Indiana. I think Fant goes late 1st, Hockensen mid to late 2nd. Big Ten defenses were more worried about Fant, watch the Wisconsin film, the Badgers tried to jam Fant at the line and doubled him at times too.

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MarkinMadison's picture

February 23, 2019 at 07:42 am

I think their draft positions will be influenced by combine numbers, and I expect them to look pretty similar - with maybe an edge for Fant in change-of-direction drills. I've been looking at the mocks for a while and Fant is consistently at the top of lists while Hockenson will be anywhere from 1-5, and I think superior athletic ability is probably the reason. I think your point about teams trying to jam/pay more attention to Fant in 2018 is very valid. I also think that if NFL teams are going to carefully look and see how much Hockenson was able to benefit from that attention paid to Fant. Some of you are going to be like, "Whoa, Mark that's stupid," but Fant has been hot for a couple of years now, while Hockenson came out of nowhere this year as he literally doubled his production over 2017. Fant at #30 is a safer pick for value than Hockeson at #12.

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jannes bjornson's picture

February 23, 2019 at 04:06 pm

As the article noted, Hockenson is a top 15 guy. He won't drop to round two.

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zoellner25's picture

February 22, 2019 at 10:13 am

Let's get crazy and draft em both! jk

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Matt Gonzales's picture

February 22, 2019 at 03:44 pm

I know you were joking, but while he was playing the Aaron Hernandez/Gronk combo has basically unstoppable.

I wouldn’t want to see GB use both 1st round picks on TEs but I wouldn’t be upset with a 1st and a Day 3 pick.

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Since'61's picture

February 22, 2019 at 10:41 am

If either is still available at pick # 30 or when we pick in the second round #44 (I think) we should take him. Either one looks like they could contribute almost immediately. Thanks, Since ‘61

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Lphill's picture

February 22, 2019 at 10:51 am

wow nice work, I agree with 61 , have to have one of them, if the Packers go Edge 12, TE 30 and safety 2nd round , that's a good draft already.

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Skip greenBayless's picture

February 22, 2019 at 10:57 am

Wow, incredible work Andrew Herman. I learned a lot about these two because of you.

Dash

P.S. Love the fact you looked at Boyle's tape.

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AgrippaLII's picture

February 22, 2019 at 11:00 am

You can bet Belichek is going to grab one of these guys as Gronk's replacement...with his first pick in the draft.

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Since'61's picture

February 22, 2019 at 11:20 am

Excellent point and probably correct. Thanks, Since ‘61

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pooch's picture

February 22, 2019 at 11:54 am

Do they have2 #1’s ‘this year

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Skip greenBayless's picture

February 22, 2019 at 12:39 pm

Just listening to Rush Limbaugh right now. It appears lots of grabbin' going on in New England lately including the owner. Trouble in paradise. It was bound to happen at some point. Oh well.

Dash

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

February 22, 2019 at 01:22 pm

What does 'grabbin' mean Dash?

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Skip greenBayless's picture

February 22, 2019 at 02:41 pm

I'm guessing something similar to what Josh Jackson does.

Dash

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

February 23, 2019 at 12:33 pm

Snort!

Think it was a little more than Jackson does!

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fastmoving's picture

February 22, 2019 at 02:14 pm

I bet Limbaugh knows everything about paying money for woman. Thats the only way how they got any kind of woman in these circles (grab them by the…. gang). Take a wig, have no moral and steal some money. so maybe you got a chance.
But I guess you know that way better than me.....

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Leatherhead's picture

February 22, 2019 at 05:49 pm

I couldn't possibly care less if some old guy is enjoying a happy ending, and it makes no difference to me if he's an OLB or an owner.

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Skip greenBayless's picture

February 22, 2019 at 06:11 pm

That was my first reaction as well Old School. The guy is 77 years old and lost his wife two or three years ago. He's lonely. If the old guy wants to pay a young beautiful woman for a happy ending who the hell cares.

Dash

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

February 23, 2019 at 03:41 am

That's what I thought at first too until the human trafficking was mentioned. It's not safe to assume these women where in control of thier own circumstances.

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MarkinMadison's picture

February 23, 2019 at 07:46 am

Human trafficking is no joke. Former Wisconsin Attorney General JB Van Hollen was pushing this as an issue seven years ago. All those pictures of missing teenagers, where do people think they end up?

4 points
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PeteK's picture

February 24, 2019 at 09:52 am

Thank you J, I was ready to throw up. Why would a billionaire go there?

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rstain99's picture

February 23, 2019 at 09:04 am

problem is the women are being held against their will working seven days a week (Kevin King couldn't work there) giving their best schnisle grabbing. Human trafficking, why not take your jet and fly to NV

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Rak43's picture

February 22, 2019 at 06:43 pm

And what of the women forced to suffer the old guys happy ending? Do they matter much?

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

February 23, 2019 at 03:35 am

Yeah, it's the probability of human trafficking here that is the biggest issue.

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

February 23, 2019 at 12:35 pm

The old guys are only able to look and talk thinking back to the good days. LOL!

Everyone is safe!

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CJ Bauckham's picture

February 22, 2019 at 11:36 am

They're both undeniably talented. I like the Smith's at TE this year, too (Kaden and Irv Jr.)

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

February 22, 2019 at 11:57 am

I would draft Hockenson and have him coach Jimmy Graham on how to block.

11 points
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Rak43's picture

February 22, 2019 at 06:48 pm

I knew Hockenson was a dominant blocker but never realized Fant was so good at it. I should've known coming out of Iowa, they make sure their players are well coached and well rounded. Iowa always puts out some very solid players. I'm sure now that I think about it Fant never wanted to be shown up by Hockenson and probably takes great pride in competing with him for bragging rights in the film room. Both of these guys are going to be fantastic pro's moving forward.

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rstain99's picture

February 23, 2019 at 09:10 am

Wow I ike them both Hockenson reminds me of Travis Kelce that can block Fant looks great as well lets get one of them.

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PAPackerbacker's picture

February 22, 2019 at 12:06 pm

Either one of these guys would be an asset to the Green Bay Packers. It's a tough decision on which one to take if either one is there at pick #30. Got to go edge with #12. I would use #30 to pick either one if they were available. If both were still there I'd take Hockenson. I like the fact that both these guys have good hands and can get open deep. Great work on the videos.

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Leatherhead's picture

February 22, 2019 at 04:07 pm

Right now, pre-combine and pre-Pro Day, it looks like we could certainly trade down from #12 to #21, and still take one of these TEs at #21 PLUS you'd get an extra pick in the 2nd round. For that matter, the TE from Alabama or Stanford might do just fine for us, too.

I'm totally on board with two small trade downs to give us 8 picks in the first 112. If we fill some spots in FA, we could really load up the roster in this draft.

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Skip greenBayless's picture

February 22, 2019 at 04:37 pm

I'm on board as well Old School. Why people want to put all their marbles in on one player when they can get an extra two maybe even three or more picks in the later 1st and 2nd rounds is beyond me. The Packers could do with this draft what Dallas did with trading Herschel Walker. I almost bet you Gute trades down. He'd be crazy not too if he's getting multiple offers from different teams.

Dash

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jannes bjornson's picture

February 22, 2019 at 04:26 pm

They have the ammo to move up from the #30 pick and try to bag Smith.
Hockenson would be there at #12 to#15(maybe). He is not dropping to the mid round. Get an Edge guy/BPA @ #12 and then go for Hockenson if he meets the Gronk criteria. Would they have the moxie to make that move?

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stockholder's picture

February 22, 2019 at 12:15 pm

You make this so easy to fall in Love with both of them. And yes even I'm sick of the revolving door at TE. I had Fant as my no brainer @ 30. earlier. And beating the Lions to him. Ebron had everything when the Lions took him. And he failed them. My main concern is this! Jackson DB Iowa, had such great film coming out last year too. I'm skeptical. We've had to many failures. Especially when the tape looks to good. I feel it might be a rush to judgement. Any rookie TE is going to sit the bench behind Graham. Surely that can't help him or us. The packers need every Down players. The pick has to be a no brainer.

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jww061356's picture

February 22, 2019 at 12:17 pm

Here's my fantasy first two rounds of the draft. 12-EDGE (There are 2 or 3) Hockenson @ 30, Nasir Adderly @ 44.

4 points
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dobber's picture

February 22, 2019 at 01:15 pm

An interesting take from a mock draft on how the Packers could deal down for more picks on days 1 and 2.

jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2019/02/22/packers-morning-buzz-how-green-bay-could-trade-down-extra-picks/2930324002/

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Skip greenBayless's picture

February 22, 2019 at 01:26 pm

I think it would be wise to move down the draft and gain more picks. You have much better chances of hitting if you have more picks. This team needs an influx of young talent. That no. 12 pick could enable them to do just that. I read your article and I love the idea. Makes sense.

Dash

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stockholder's picture

February 22, 2019 at 06:37 pm

I do not want to move down yet. CBS is having a problem with Logical picks. The Hype and Smoke is on. We all liked Polite. Look at him drop. Sweat is now in play after going up to 8, now back to 12. If edge is the pick, trade down. If Te is the pick. @12 I'm concerned for the future of the packers. Not that he'll be made into a good player. Just better are left on the board. The Rich will get Richer!!!! Especially After trading two picks for a underweight LB in Burks. Especially trading Randall, and dumping Monty and Dix. After hearing the excuses to trade picks for A. Brown. Ok it's time to Wreck the Cap. It's obvious Were in a full rebuild.

1 points
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Skip greenBayless's picture

February 22, 2019 at 07:30 pm

"It's obvious Were in a full rebuild."

I tend to agree stockholder. So if we are in full rebuild, wouldn't it make sense to trade down for more picks and more chances at hitting on three to four playmakers than just one? I have to tell you, if there's teams out there willing to move up to 12 for a qb etc I think it might pay off to trade down a few slots and gain more top picks. The Packers historically have done well in rounds 2 and 3. The first round? Not so much.

Dash

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stockholder's picture

February 22, 2019 at 07:57 pm

Not Yet . Allen may fall. Oliver, Williams. The packers won't be picking @12 next year. And they won't get a shot at DT, when Daniels leaves. Our def. Line. may have depth, but their not fantastic. If they trade a pick it should be #30. Why? their not locked into the 5 year guarantee. Moving down gives the club an option. Watch the Patriots or eagles trade up, with the comp picks. And the OL should be Fixed in the second rd. Not later. I just don't see defensive starters. The OL is deep into the 2nd. The safeties are bad. Nobody is a lock. The rebuild calls for guards and a new RT. The packers don't need traded picks after the 3rd round. They'll take maybes. And maybes don't start.

1 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

February 22, 2019 at 01:28 pm

I think many of us including myself are so desperate for talent that we watch video's like these and it is easy to fall in love with many of these players. Both players are very talented. While i have certain players and positions I'd like drafted at specific rounds I will likely be happy with whomever the Pack drafts.

Great job to writer of article!

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jannes bjornson's picture

February 22, 2019 at 04:36 pm

In this case Hockenson is the real deal. Just like Gronk was as he slipped into the second round for Belichick. He started to overtake Fant as the season went on for Iowa and has the long reach and big paws. He would be the complementary TE in the double set and there is a good chance he could be starting toward the end of the year and hopefully the Playoffs.

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Minniman's picture

February 22, 2019 at 02:22 pm

I know that this is such a re-hashed thing to say, but what happens in the first 2 weeks of FA will probably dictate the Packers draft strategy.

If they get some wins in FA at positions of need then they may feel bold enough to take a flyer on Hockenson at #12 - If they don't then they may take a more conservative approach.

It will obviously speak volumes to how MLF is planning the Offense for next year.

All things considered, I think that the Packers do take a TE in the first 2 rounds.

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jannes bjornson's picture

February 22, 2019 at 04:40 pm

Yes, see who they move on from and who they target in the free agency period, then speculate with your mock in Vegas.

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packerbackerjim's picture

February 22, 2019 at 03:05 pm

In my perfect scenario, Clooney signed as FA, Hockenson at 12, Cajuste at 30, Adderley at 46(please fall to GB).

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LambeauPlain's picture

February 23, 2019 at 08:27 am

I wish Adderley would fall to 46. After the senior bowl and his amazing highlights on tape, the Pack will need to draft him at 30.

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Roadrunner23's picture

February 22, 2019 at 03:10 pm

Well done Andrew! Your film work is the best!

I would not hesitate to take either one (or both) of these guys.

The Packers love Iowa players!

5 points
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BoHunter's picture

February 22, 2019 at 03:18 pm

I think I will cry if these 2 go off the board without one of them holding up a Packer jersey. Pull the trigger Gute!!
Cheers Bo

4 points
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Doug Niemczynski's picture

February 22, 2019 at 03:45 pm

If anything I like Hockensons grit, intensity, fire, hard worker and can CRUSH block anyone!!!

5 points
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0
TXCHEESE's picture

February 22, 2019 at 04:47 pm

I wished there was more film of them going against a stouter opponent. I've seen some DII guys down the road from here look pretty awesome against 4-7 teams. If you told me could get one of them at 30, I would be more than happy though. First priority though has to be edge, and if they went D with both first rounders, I would completely understand. Hochenson would definitely help the offense, and hopefully bring some attitude to the TE room.

3 points
3
0
jannes bjornson's picture

February 23, 2019 at 04:15 pm

They were playing BigTen opponents, Badgers D, Michigan State and the Ohio State Game was studied in the film review.

0 points
0
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cheesehead1's picture

February 22, 2019 at 06:31 pm

It all starts with the O and D lines as we need to fix these areas first. Hockenson the TE sounds great, but where will he be available? Confident Gute will make the right calls.

0 points
1
1
Packer_Fan's picture

February 22, 2019 at 06:59 pm

Both TE's look good. But what I want to show you is a mock draft for the Pack where two trade downs are done and GB get eight picks in the first four rounds. That is what we need. Here is the mock draft:

1.23: EDGE Brian Burns, Florida State
1.30: TE Noah Fant, Iowa
2.44: LB Devin Bush, Michigan
2.55: S Amani Hooker, Iowa
3.75: OL Beau Benzschawel, Wisconsin
3.76: DL Isaiah Buggs, Alabama
4.107: WR Andy Isabella, UMass
4.111: RB Justice Hill, Oklahoma State

1 points
1
0
stockholder's picture

February 22, 2019 at 07:18 pm

My board just changed with the comp picks awarded. 107 is now 114, 111 now 118 and it just gets worse. The NFL wasn't going to issue that many. They have out done themselves again.

1 points
1
0
rstain99's picture

February 23, 2019 at 09:23 am

Isabella in the 4th round? he is really good see him every week here in NE at Umass but team is so so. Love him as slot receiver (Cobb bye) tough punt returner sure BB is drooling at Gillette and not films of Kraft getting serviced. Was under impression he was going 7th round J Edelmen really sets the standard

1 points
1
0
Lambeau_West's picture

February 22, 2019 at 08:45 pm

What about Robert Tonyan? Why spend a high draft pick on one of these Iowa guys when we have Herman’s favorites in Tonyan. ?

0 points
1
1
Tundraboy's picture

February 23, 2019 at 12:52 am

The suspense and anticipation are killing me. I don't think I'm going to relax until OTAs. But it's good feeling too.

2 points
2
0
LambeauPlain's picture

February 23, 2019 at 08:31 am

If Hock is available at #12 it would be tempting....but would he be Gutey's BAP on his board at TE, OLB/Edge, DT, G/T, S?

There is going to be starting talent on the board at #12 and Hock may not be the highest rated player.

If he falls to #30...no brainer. If he falls to 21, 22 I'd trade up and draft him. #30 and 3rd rounder would get him there.

Fant has been mentioned as having some character issues. And his body of work is relatively small.

If Gutey sits tight Irv Smith Jr. may be available in the second.

He's the 2nd best TE in the draft IMO. Big, fast, catches well, 3 down TE. Also the fastest TE in the draft. And comes from an NFL family. And has a bunch more production than does Fant.

0 points
0
0
MarkinMadison's picture

February 23, 2019 at 12:05 pm

Fant's body of work is NOT small relative to Hockenson - it is the other way around.

1 points
1
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jannes bjornson's picture

February 23, 2019 at 04:18 pm

All three may go in the First.

0 points
0
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Doug Niemczynski's picture

February 23, 2019 at 12:36 pm

Hockenson is going to go in the 1st round come hell or high water, but he is going to go in the 1st round.
You want the best TE in the class or not. That simple.
Packers are FOOLS to pass on him another team will not.

2 points
2
0
TheBigCheeze's picture

February 23, 2019 at 03:30 pm

Doug......precisely......take him at #12.....there should still be very good edges at #30.....

1 points
1
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jannes bjornson's picture

February 23, 2019 at 04:21 pm

He is a valid pick at #12. The need for double TE sets is even more necessary with LeFleur installing an outside zone running game.
They can always move UP from #30 to the late teens/early 20s to try for Polite or Sweat if they fall. Interesting dilemma.

0 points
0
0
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

February 23, 2019 at 01:26 pm

Pass rushing outside linebackers are generally available only in the first round, and usually in the top half. We need one. Heck, we need two. This is a deep draft so maybe a good one can be found 15 to 32nd, but GB absolutely has to come away with an OLB in the first round.

2 points
2
0
jannes bjornson's picture

February 23, 2019 at 04:24 pm

Agreed. They will bag an EDGE guy by the early second rd. The key to their strategy is who they make a play for in free agency. They will need an Impact guy to come in and start. Which guy gets dumped, CMIII or Perry?

0 points
0
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TheBigCheeze's picture

February 23, 2019 at 03:27 pm

take Hock at #12......then an EDGE at #30.......the other way around won't work.....there will be very good edges available at #30, but Hock will be gone by then......

2 points
2
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Doug Niemczynski's picture

February 23, 2019 at 03:43 pm

Jamaal Reynolds #10 Florida State
Lol

1 points
1
0