Packers 2020 NFL Draft Day 2 Targets

It's Day 2 of the NFL Draft, and here are some prospects for the Green Bay Packers to keep your eyes on. 

Well, round one was certainly interesting, wasn't it? While many Green Bay Packers fans had hoped that the team would add a receiver, linebacker, tackle or an interior defensive lineman to the mix for the 2020 season, GM Brian Gutekunst instead traded up and chose quarterback Jordan Love from Utah State. 

Although it is easy to get fixated on addressing immediate needs in the draft, the good teams are always keeping a good balance between short-term and long-term needs. But with that said, despite having eight picks remaining, if the Packers are going to find some immediate impact players for the 2020 season, it is likely going to happen on Day 2 of the draft. With the other six picks taking place in rounds five, six, and seven, they simply can't bank on those prospects becoming contributors right away, if at all. 

The good news is that there is still a lot of talent on the board and of course, I'm sure that was a big factor in Gutey's decision to trade up and select Love. So while these players below aren't the only ones that might be on Green Bay's radar, they are my favorites at positions of need. 

Wide Receiver

Laviska Shenault - Colorado

The Packers have a roster full of big-bodied receivers, so adding a different skill-set to the mix should absolutely be on their radar. While Shenault has battled injuries in his career, he was a jack of all trades at Colorado and he would give this Green Bay offense a dynamic presence that they just did not have in 2019. 

Antonio Gibson - Memphis

Gibson only has one year of production at Memphis but he can be a gadget player in Matt LaFleur's offense that helps create some serious mismatches. Last season, Gibson would total 735 receiving yards at a whopping 19.3 yards per catch with most of the damage coming from the slot. Meanwhile, as a runner, he totaled 369 yards on the ground at over 11 yards per carry. 

Devin Duvernay - Texas

In this loaded wide receiver class, Duvernay has been a bit forgotten about, however, he is one of the best slot receivers in this class. With reliable hands and an ability to pick up yards after the catch - something this Packer offense desperately needs - he could potentially give Green Bay a presence in the slot that they haven't really had since the days of prime Randall Cobb. With that said, I do need to point out that he is a bit shorter than the typical receiver that Green Bay targets, but we've seen them make exceptions in the past. The most notable being the aforementioned Cobb. 

Michael Pittman Jr. - USC

Of this group it is Pittman who seems most likely to become a Packer if he's available. He's a big bodied receiver that can high point the football and he gives Rodgers another big target. Not to mention that he and Rodgers could become quite the red zone duo. 

Offensive Tackle 

Josh Jones - Houston 

For me, Jones is the fifth best tackle in this class and I believe he could start Week 1 if needed. So if Green Bay could somehow land him in round two, it would be quite a steal. Admittedly, they'll likely have to trade up to do so. 

Ben Bartch - St. John

A Division III prospect, but don't let that label fool you, Ben Bartch can play. He has the size and athleticism that NFL teams look for in their starting tackles and at the Senior Bowl he performed very well against some elite competition. While he still has areas to develop, a year of learning behind David Bakhtiari and Rick Wagner could do wonders for his game.

Jack Driscoll - Auburn

Driscoll is another prospect who has flown under the radar but his athleticism pops on the tape and he is one of the more technically sound tackles in this class. 

Linebacker

Willie Gay Jr. - Mississippi

Gay comes with some off the field questions but when it comes to his play on the field, he has the athleticism, speed, and coverage ability to give the Green Bay Packers a potential game-changer in the middle of their defense.

Zack Baun - Wisconsin

It's Baun's versatility that has helped him sky-rocket up draft boards the past few months. At Wisconsin he had shown that he can rush the passer, defend against the run, while also dropping into coverage. That ability to play multiple roles would make him a good fit for Mike Pettine's defense. 

Troy Dye - Oregon

At 6'4" - 224 pounds, Dye has very good size and the athleticism to match. He would add some much-needed speed to the middle of this defense and at Oregon, he has shown that he can handle his own in coverage against running backs and tight ends. 

Interior Defensive Lineman

Ross Blacklock - TCU

Although Blacklock may not make a huge impact immediately, he has the athleticism and tools to turn into a dominant player alongside of Kenny Clark. Not to mention that his scheme versatility is an added bonus. 

Justin Madubuike - Texas A&M

Another versatile player, Madubuike line up at 0-tech, 3-tech, and defensive end while at Texas A&M and he knows how to make his way into the backfield from all three alignments. 

Jordan Elliott - Missouri

While at the NFL level, Elliott may be more of a pass-rusher than a run-stopper, at Missouri last season against SEC competition, he did it all. 

Leki Fotu - Utah 

Early on in his career, Fotu will primarily be a run-stuffer that hopefully improves as a pass-rusher. However, it's against the run that this Packer defensive front needs the most help. 

Cornerback

Bryce Hall - Virginia

If it wasn't for an injury last season, Hall was considered a first-round talent among many draft analysts. He has a huge wing-span, very good ball skills, and had multiple coverage responsibilities while at Virginia.

Tony Pride Jr. - Notre Dame

Pride has track star speed and can hold his own quite well in man coverage, which is a requirement to be a successful cornerback in Pettine's system. On the flip side, he needs some serious work on his ball skills but overall he is quite sticky in coverage. 

Jaylon Johnson - Utah

Johnson is a physical player with good ball skills and very good instincts that would set him up for success as a press coverage corner in this league. 

Kristian Fulton - LSU

Like any prospect, there are areas for Fulton to improve, but he held his own against SEC receivers on a regular basis and he has the ability to fit into just about any defensive scheme. 

In no particular order, those are my top-5 positions that Green Bay should strongly consider addressing at some point in the remainder of this draft. However as we've seen, Gutey is a bit of a wildcard, so here are some other notable players at a few other positions. 

Safety

  • Antoine Winfield
  • Kyle Dugger
  • Jeremy Chinn
  • Grant Delpit
  • Xavier McKinney
  • Ashtyn Davis
  • Terrell Burgess

Tight End

  • Cole Kmet
  • Brycen Hopkins
  • Adam Trautman
  • Hunter Bryant
  • Devin Asiasi
  • Harrison Bryant

Running back

  • Jonathan Taylor
  • J.K. Dobbins
  • D'Andre Swift
  • Cam Akers

 

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__________________________

Born and raised in Green Bay, WI and I still call it home. After my family, watching the Packers, sharing my opinions on the team through my writing and interacting with other fans is my greatest passion. You can find me on Twitter at @Paul_Bretl. 
 

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Comments (61)

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

April 24, 2020 at 01:05 pm

Shenault fits well with Lefleur's offense, I would be tempted by Swift, JT23 or Dobbins if available

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

April 24, 2020 at 01:06 pm

I want a player who can catch the ball over the middle. Whether it's a TE, WR or RB I don't care. I don't think Rodgers can afford to ignore the middle of the field anymore with a legitimate QB prospect on the bench.

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Alberta_Packer's picture

April 24, 2020 at 01:11 pm

I would add:
WR - Bryan Edwards
OT - Lucas Niang, Matt Peart, Robert Hunt
Interior DT - Davon Hamilton
RB - Darrynton Evans
ILB - Jordyn Brooks

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PackFlip's picture

April 24, 2020 at 01:14 pm

Brooks gone to SEA at 27...

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Alberta_Packer's picture

April 24, 2020 at 01:35 pm

Tx. - tuned out after 26.

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PackFlip's picture

April 24, 2020 at 01:39 pm

Lol nearly thru my phone thru my flatscreen

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 24, 2020 at 02:27 pm

Brooks was drafted by Seattle in the first rd.

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Cubbygold's picture

April 24, 2020 at 01:19 pm

Given what developed yesterday, I'd be trading up for Josh Jones. I don't think Bakhtiari's future is certain in GB anymore like it would be if they were in 'win-now' mode.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

April 24, 2020 at 03:32 pm

In a draft that is very deep, trading up in both the first and second rounds, particularly if it is 10 or 20 spots in the 2nd, seems inadvisable.

The idea was to generate more picks in rounds 2, 3 and 4, not fewer. Not that I wouldn't like to nab Josh Jones, but I think Gute has to let the draft come to him now, and then be true to his board.

"Being true to his board" is rant-worthy. I haven't had a good rant since GB draft Richard Rodgers (and another after his first season, and another after his second season). Gute insults my intelligence when he said that.

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fordguy's picture

April 24, 2020 at 08:35 pm

.

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fordguy's picture

April 24, 2020 at 08:38 pm

Why in the hell can't you delete your own comment when it posts 3 of them?

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fordguy's picture

April 24, 2020 at 08:34 pm

If the idiot running the ship is on his game tonight he should draft a backup to the backup QB.

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frankthefork's picture

April 24, 2020 at 01:31 pm

Ok we needed a back-up and future starting qb. But to trade up...ouch. Boyle is now unproven trade bait.
We have 3 good years of ARod left, so let's get some offensive ballers and mallers.
I really think this was a Covid induced insurance pick. No college ball in 202o will kill next year's draft and expected 4 comps.
Let's face the facts; sports will be at least every other seat or worse for the next 2 years! Use our 2021 picks as leverage.
I say go big on offense, and let's out score them all! GPG.

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The_Justicar's picture

April 24, 2020 at 03:10 pm

Boyle as absolutely zero trade value. Nada. Maybe for a ham sandwich. If Green Bay cuts him he will have to get a job outside of playing football.

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Jonathan Spader's picture

April 24, 2020 at 05:52 pm

People said the same thing about Brett Hundley. Who got us a pick and is still in the NFL.

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ricky's picture

April 24, 2020 at 01:40 pm

What? There are more players that can be drafted? From the reaction from last night, I thought the draft was over for the Packers. Thanks for the update!

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gkarl's picture

April 24, 2020 at 02:15 pm

2 days to get the crazy train back on the tracks

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edp1959's picture

April 24, 2020 at 08:35 pm

Too late, no getting this train back on track after round 2 pick.

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gkarl's picture

April 24, 2020 at 02:21 pm

I think we are curious as to what tonight's picks will bring. More BPA and RAS if form holds true. Gotta like it, right.

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RickInCali's picture

April 24, 2020 at 01:48 pm

Shenault and a ton of others on this list do NOT meet RAS numbers they have adhered to before. I am going to say LB Gay and Baun WRs Claypool and Peoples-Jones are likely High on their remaining board. If I had to pick from that list....it is in the order I’d go. They’ll all probably go in the second.

I personally like WR Bryan Edwards in the third or the Wyoming LB. Later on.... CB Madre Harper, WR John Hightower and LB Walker from Fresno, Olson from Montana and Francis Bernard from Utah are all guys who should be on our radar. Losing that 4th hurts some. There were likely to be good guys there for us.

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Bure9620's picture

April 24, 2020 at 02:20 pm

I like Edwards as well, tough player

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 24, 2020 at 02:29 pm

He would be taken in the first , if he didn't sustain the injuries.

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Mike Rossmeier's picture

April 24, 2020 at 02:05 pm

Good list, but no chance of half of these players being available at the end of the round.
I think this is where Gutekunst's stategy has a weak spot.
If they were drafting in the top 25-33%, he could much easier afford to go after Love.

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Mike Rossmeier's picture

April 24, 2020 at 02:09 pm

Looking at prospects again - if they intend to get Rodgers some help, I bet they go after Bryan Edwards. Reports say totally reliable and mature. Other teams might pass for more dynamic WRs.

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 24, 2020 at 02:31 pm

They may target defense in the second. I would shoot for Willie Gay and go for a CB or Wr in the third.

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Alberta_Packer's picture

April 24, 2020 at 04:03 pm

I like Edwards a great deal. And he's more dynamic that most people realize. For 6'-3'' he's quick, strong and very physical. And he can get off the line like Davante Adams - plus a YAC receiver. Also he has decent speed (4.45 - 40). The only problem may be that he is seen as too early for a 2nd round pick and too late as a 3rd. Still I view him as a top 50 prospect and would select him in the 2nd.

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SugarCain's picture

April 24, 2020 at 02:15 pm

A lot of talented wide receivers left: Claypool, Mims, Pittman, Duvernay, Shanault are all ahead of Cee Dee Lamb in RAS scores!

Watched a Patrick Queen get pushed around by Alabama in the 2nd half yesterday in the 2nd half of the week 9 replay on SEC channel and I am now looking at other true inside Linebackers: Harrison, Wilson, Gay who also have higher RAS scores then Queen.

The Draft Board told Gutey to get Jordan Love as he is a better QB prospect then he has seen in a long while and better then what is coming along next yr or the year after! Every new coach wants his own QB to groom and mold. Holmgren has Favre, Mccarthy had Rodgers Lefluer has Love now. The big test for Gutey is what talent can get get in the remaining rounds.

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 24, 2020 at 02:33 pm

Queen's film looked like Burks vs SEC top linemen.

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gkarl's picture

April 24, 2020 at 02:23 pm

I'm curious as to what tonight's picks bring. More BPA and RAS if form hold true. Gotta LOVE it right!

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Lphill's picture

April 24, 2020 at 02:26 pm

2 picks out of the next 140 ? Probably O tackle and receiver don’t expect any playmakers for the defense.

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ShooterMcGee's picture

April 24, 2020 at 03:12 pm

So really just 2 picks out of the top 172 to help our team this upcoming season since Love will be on the bench. How in the world can the team be better than last year?

I have always liked Minnesota 's draft philosophy which seems to be the more picks the better. They usually trade back acquiring many mid to late round picks. Some of which they hit on.

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ShooterMcGee's picture

April 24, 2020 at 02:58 pm

After the shock of last night are there any punters or long snappers we should keep an eye on?

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Lare's picture

April 24, 2020 at 04:40 pm

Gutekunst may trade all his remaining picks to move up and get the kid that hands out the Gatorade.

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Fubared's picture

April 24, 2020 at 06:02 pm

There are some water boys and a blind ot gut is interested in. I knew spielman would not pass on the wide receiver the pack coveted. They have 12 picks left.

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nygary's picture

April 24, 2020 at 07:07 pm

Shooter that was great. Very funny.

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nygary's picture

April 24, 2020 at 07:08 pm

Shooter that was great Very funny.

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Rudedawg67's picture

April 24, 2020 at 03:02 pm

I think Chase Claypool is an interesting prospect also. Great size and speed. 6’4, 238lbs, and 4.42 speed. He is already a good run blocker. If he added 10lbs he could be an option at TE.

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stockholder's picture

April 24, 2020 at 03:12 pm

Wouldn't surprise me if it was Jalen Hurts. Isn't the later rounds when you should pick a back-up? Well somebody has to back up Luck.

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Lare's picture

April 24, 2020 at 04:44 pm

Luck?

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wildbill's picture

April 24, 2020 at 03:25 pm

There will be some decent veterans cut after the draft, if we had any cap money we could pick up some value there. Sadly we are cap strapped and will be shopping the bargain bin

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@ballark's picture

April 24, 2020 at 04:14 pm

Denzel Mims? KJ Hamler? Michael Pittman Jr? Those are my top 3...

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4thand1's picture

April 24, 2020 at 04:28 pm

Well the Pack has had success drafting WR's in the 2nd round. They've also done well in the middle rounds. Hit tonight and tomorrow on 2,3, or maybe 4 players. GOPACKGO

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Lphill's picture

April 24, 2020 at 04:39 pm

Had Gute taken Patrick Queen instead of Love then the rest would be smooth sailing , that’s not the case , don’t expect him to draft anyone to help this season, don’t forget it was Rodgers giving up all those rushing yards to the 49 ers and it was Rodgers fault he was running for his life with no time to lock on his receivers , but it’s all better now , right?

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Brandip's picture

April 24, 2020 at 04:40 pm

Round one is what it is. can we please move on with our lives and round out the rest of the draft?

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Johnblood27's picture

April 24, 2020 at 09:44 pm

You blind fool.

Ignoring the stoopidity of the GB "brain-trust" will NOT make them smarter!

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Lare's picture

April 24, 2020 at 05:15 pm

I'd feel better if Gutekunst wasn't the one making the draft decisions.

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Fubared's picture

April 24, 2020 at 06:15 pm

Id feel better if he was cooking burgers at mcdonalds?

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Johnblood27's picture

April 24, 2020 at 09:46 pm

I wouldnt eat there no matter how cheap the food was.

GVut is a brain dead fool with an ego that has ruined this franchise.

Look back at the 70's and 80's folks, this idiot has on on the Tom Braatz track.

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Comfortking's picture

April 24, 2020 at 05:32 pm

Move up

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Comfortking's picture

April 24, 2020 at 05:26 pm

Tech breakdown: Wilson from Wyoming LB and Gibson WR/RB Memphis intriguing

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Fubared's picture

April 24, 2020 at 06:11 pm

I see some real talent from Furman, rutgers and East Tennessee State available at 62. Not to mention our big options in round 5 6 and 7? Can hardly wait to add those stud muffuns to our laded team of play makers.
Oh and our nemesis vikings have 12 more picks and will bundle to move up for playmakers not six rounders.

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stockholder's picture

April 24, 2020 at 07:20 pm

Tee Higgins went #33. NOT BAD! He'll make the All -Rookie Team.

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Daren726's picture

April 24, 2020 at 08:33 pm

Oh boy. What is Gute thinking. Guess we won’t be able to resign Aaron Jones once his contract is up.

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stockholder's picture

April 24, 2020 at 08:50 pm

He isn't thinking. He doesn't know how to draft. Players are going earlier now. People, Bet Dillion gets Tuff Toe They need weight Bonuses on this guy.

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edp1959's picture

April 24, 2020 at 08:29 pm

RB in round 2 WTF!!!!!

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nygary's picture

April 24, 2020 at 08:40 pm

Almost the total opposite of what i thought we needed so far. Without Adams our wr's are a total mess. I guess management feels we can't win it all next year, and is already looking to the future. If they weren't going to go all in to win with Rodgers, then why not trade him . Who knows I don't

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NickPerry's picture

April 24, 2020 at 08:52 pm

I don't know where Old School is but I'm actually leaning towards his idea GB is going to be a running team in 2020. They take AJ Dillion, a RB with a TON of mileage but is actually a nice compliment to Aaron Jones I suppose but not really very versatile. 3 yards and a cloud of dust...Literally.

But with Josh Jones there, Zack Buan, Zack Moss, hell even Antonio Gibson, this draft might turn out as bad as Thompsons 2015 draft.

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Fubared's picture

April 24, 2020 at 10:32 pm

You are so correct. I miss Ted now. I lost it with the Gary pick and Gut didnt disappoint on being a moron GM again this year.

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Leatherhead's picture

April 24, 2020 at 08:54 pm

A meat hammer. Excellent.

Run more, pass less. Protect your QB. Keep your defense off the field. Genius.

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Johnblood27's picture

April 24, 2020 at 09:51 pm

you forgot the $30 million term after QB.

That is what makes this management team so STOOPID!!!

If they had no faith in AR they could have waited a year to put his contract together after his injury.

They could have used the franchise on him for 2 more years if they had a freakin brain.

Instead they gave him the entire franchise and then wasted the entire 2020 draft by drafting his replacement in round 1 and shifting the value chain down out of their reach for the entire draft.

Another total ZERO of a draft by Gut.

Just let this clown go.

I am absolutely sick with this non-sense.

I like AJ Dillon, but in rd 2 after the clusterf*ck of round 1?

This management team has NO CLUE whatsoever.

I vote NO CONFIDENCE and thats all for me.

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CaliBucky's picture

April 24, 2020 at 11:19 pm

Nice article. Too bad the two selections the Packers made were out of the bottom two position categories in the article, and neither player was even listed. I guess that qualifies both picks as "surprises" (at best).

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