Packers 2021 NFL Draft: Day Two Analysis
Green Bay continues drafting for need, selecting a center and wide receiver on Day 2.
By MaggieLoney
Round 2 (62) Josh Myers, C, Ohio State
Round 3 (85) Amari Rodgers, WR, Clemson
The Packers continued to get immediate impact players on Day 2 of the draft, first selecting center Josh Myers from Ohio State with the 62nd overall pick and then wide receiver Amari Rodgers in Round 3 at pick No. 85 after a trade up with the Titans.
After drafting departed center Corey Linsley in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft, the Packers found his successor from the same school seven years later (and both players wore No. 71 in college). Myers is not only a day one starter for the Packers, but he gives Green Bay tremendous versatility along the offensive line. With the center position solidified, it’s no longer a question whether Elgton Jenkins or Lucas Patrick will need to slide over from their starting guard spots. It’s possible Jenkins could start the season at either tackle spot now that his services won’t be needed at center.
Ian Cummings of Pro Football Network writes “The offensive line is important. By extension, careful and consistent maintenance of that line is just as important. Josh Myers is a good pick for teams looking to perform that maintenance. He can adequately start at center while also providing depth along the interior.”
This is perhaps an important note. While Myers is listed as a center, the Packers haven’t actually committed to him playing center for Green Bay. Rather, they reemphasized the versatility he brings to the line and his ability to also play either guard spot.
With Ohio State, Myers earned second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2019. Per Pro Football Focus, he played all 1,511 of his snaps at center in college and allowed only six sacks on 755 pass blocking snaps.
Interestingly, Myers missed out on the Senior Bowl with a toe injury, and that toe injury brought him to Green Bay to visit renowned foot surgeon Dr. Robert Anderson. While he was there, Myers definitely considered the possibility that he could end up getting drafted by the Packers, saying “I absolutely knew there was a chance, which was super exciting for me and my family to go there and see Lambeau Field.”
After shoring up the offensive line, the Packers turned to another position of need and grabbed receiver Amari Rodgers in the third round. The A. Rodgers to A. Rodgers jokes write themselves, so we don’t need to make another one here, though Amari did say “of course I want to catch passes from the reigning MVP.” He added the respect he has for new teammate Davante Adams and that he watches his film constantly as the best receiver in the league currently.
Per PFF, Amari Rodgers had 68 receptions from the slot last season, the most in college football. His NFL comp? Randall Cobb. While his relative athletic score (RAS) might not fit the traditional Brian Gutekunst pick with a 5.37, he's a dynamic fit to Matt LaFleur’s offense. The 5-9, 212lb receiver can immediately come in and fill the “Tyler Ervin” role in motion.
He’s productive after contact, going for 667 yards after contact in his last three seasons, which was good for second in college football behind only first-round pick Devonta Smith with 770 yards (Per Ben Fennell of NFL Network).
Rodgers led the ACC in receptions in 2020 with 77 and ranked second in the ACC in receiving yards with 1,020. He also averaged 13.2 yards per reception and posted seven touchdowns. Beyond his receiving ability, Rodgers also returned kickoffs and punts during his freshman and sophomore seasons, taking one punt for a touchdown in 2018. He led the NCAA and ACC in both punt returns and punt return yards during that 2018 season.
In an interview with Brandon Marshall at the House of Athlete Scouting Combine Showcase last month, Rodgers was asked his dream landing spot in the NFL. His response? Going to the Green Bay Packers. Rodgers is still young at only 21 years old and provides immediate depth at the receiver position. While a Davante Adams extension is likely, Rodgers is currently the only wide receiver under contract for 2022 and beyond.
In stark contrast from the 2020 NFL Draft where the Packers emphasized adding depth for the future, so far all three 2021 selections have been at positions of need where each draft pick has a chance to start right away. Green Bay has six picks remaining going into Day 3 of the draft after giving up a fourth as part of the trade up for Rodgers.
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Maggie Loney is a writer for Cheesehead TV and podcaster for the Pack-A-Day Podcast and Pack's What She Said. Find her on Twitter at @MaggieJLoney.
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Comments (52)
mrtundra
May 01, 2021 at 08:16 am
I really like the Packers's draft, so far. I can't wait to see ARod pass to ARod deep downfield. Who do you see us drafting on day 3? Gotta be a DT in there, somewhere.
LambeauPlain
May 01, 2021 at 10:12 am
My hope is the BAP at both ILB and DT are selected with the first two picks today and see if they are better than who is on the current roster.
Next 4 picks draft BAPs at WR, S, Edge, and QB (only one currently on the roster).
Gutey has been effective on his day 3 drafts. All of his picks on day 3 from the last two drafts are still on the roster. 2018 has seen Moore, Madison, Loony and Donnerson not make the 53.
MVS has been a good find, Keke and Runyon are probable good finds, Hollman contributing, and ESB and the others needing show they belong this year, especially Scott and Bradley...but most are contributing on STs.
In all, 14 day three players are still on the roster. 25% of the team.
Tex49
May 01, 2021 at 10:28 am
I wouldn’t hate an OT in the fourth, more talent in the trenches where the games are won is good in my opinion.
13TimeChamps
May 01, 2021 at 11:36 am
Last I checked there are currently two QBs on the roster.
MikeS
May 01, 2021 at 10:07 am
I hope, but only if ARod gets off his high horse.
MikeS
May 01, 2021 at 10:08 am
I hope, but only if ARod gets off his high horse.
HankScorpio
May 01, 2021 at 08:17 am
I like the player additions. While neither of the particular two names were on my pre-draft radar, I tend to think that is a good thing. If some schmoe on his couch that cannot devote the time and energy to a thorough evaluation is guessing the picks, that thorough evaluation might not be done properly. I don't believe in the righteousness of the collective evaluation of the DIC so I am willing to wait and see how these two turn out for realsies.
But yeah, give me OL and WR. I'll take it. OL was the secret sauce in the offense last season. It is important to maintain that high level of play. WR was a seasoning I thought was a bit lacking.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
May 01, 2021 at 09:07 am
Hank,
Agree with both of your posts.
Gutey has filled areas of need. We needed a CB, an OL, and a slot receiver. No problems with those positions being drafted early. Hopefully the three guys were the right ones at those positions. I am a little surprised they took a center vs an OT because the Packers have so many guys who can slide over to center. Wonder by time they were drafting if all the OT's they were considering were gone prompting them to take the center?
HankScorpio
May 01, 2021 at 09:44 am
That last little bit is probably right...abut the value in OT being gone by the time 62 went on the clock prompted them to look to replace Linsley instead of an OT.
HankScorpio
May 01, 2021 at 08:29 am
I get the point of saying Rodgers is in the Tyler Ervin role but that does not display enough vision to accurately describe the expectations I have. And I'm certain ML is seeing it the same way. Ervin was so limited in how he was used. Rodgers should not have many limits. If you have to use a player comp, I'll go with a hybrid between Ty Montgomery and Randall Cobb, both of whom we not around for ML.
For being small (5'9"), Rodgers is really big (212 lbs). They can line him up in the backfield, slot or wide. And move him around pre-snap. I'm sure ML is already working on creative ways to get Rodgers in match-ups they can exploit. Get the ball in his hands and let him go. I think he can do big things. I'm excited to see it.
Coldworld
May 01, 2021 at 08:42 am
I agree, we avoided the trap of the lightning fast tiny receiver, of whom an equally tiny percentage have succeeded. We instead went for a player who has a chance to be durable. A much rarer type. As a result, able to do more than Ervin and more often. Another distinctive piece in this offense at slot, option and able to return.
swisscheese
May 01, 2021 at 08:34 am
great picture maggie :)
NickPerry
May 01, 2021 at 08:37 am
So far so good in the 2021 draft for the Packers. I think Meyers was a solid pick and was close to where he was projected on most sites I've researched these players. Meyers is a big kid, strong, strong hands, AND has time in the zone blocking scheme.
I love the Amari Rodgers pick. A coaches son who fits the MLF scheme for days. This kid will be able to come in and make a impact right away. The fact his dream was to come to Green Bay and play for the Packers is pretty cool too.
This is off topic but I heard this on a Podcast yesterday morning and it really stuck with me... Players were lining up to play with Tom Brady and we've all heard a number of times of all the players who want to take less to play with Tom Brady...
Question....Have you EVER heard a player say he wants to come and play with Aaron Rodgers? Personally I think that speaks volumes about Rodgers. Seems the rest of the NFL knows full well what we've knowen for a long, long time...Rodgers is an arrogant A-Hole. He wanted to be a beloved Packers but his personality made it impossible. I love Aaron Rodgers the QB, but Aaron Rogers the person not so much. Maybe his family is right about him.
MITM
May 01, 2021 at 09:16 am
Maybe it has less to do with personality and more to do with the 7 super bowls? Maybe its because players would rather play in Florida than Wisconsin?
NickPerry
May 01, 2021 at 09:28 am
I considered ALL that but to NEVER hear of a player wanting to play with Rodgers? Not a SINGLE player??
BTW... They seemed to ne lining up in New England to play with him too. I get it, Applebee's on a Saturday night might not appeal to many players. BUT these guys play this game to win a SB. Rodgers gives them a chance to possibly do that because of his talent. I highly doubt 4 or 5 months in GB is going to detour EVERY player out there. Besides in the salary cap era only so many can join forces.
So...
You just never hear it is my point...
HankScorpio
May 01, 2021 at 09:48 am
Case in point...Allen Robinson. He was given a good offer to player in GB but not as good as Chicago offered. Rodgers vs whatever slug was under center for Chicago was not enough to sway things.
The consensus on Greg Jennings is that he's a tool. I think that is probably right. But maybe he and Finley are not as far off as I would have guessed before yesterday.
frankthefork
May 01, 2021 at 10:20 am
It is a question the staff asks all draft candidates. If they don't want to play football in Green Bay...that's a problem. Most of the players travel on their free time to Minneapolis, Milwaukee or Chicago. I don't think these cats know where "beansnappers" is and certainly the night life isn't the greatest up north. GB is a football camp and not where most reside permanently and raise a family. Beside that, players know how tough it is to stick beyond 3 or 4 years in the NFL, so mobility is on the minds of many.
marpag1
May 01, 2021 at 10:41 am
I don't think any sensible person denies that some players don't want to live in Green Bay (just like there are some players who don't want to live in LA or New York).
But here's something else that no sensible person can deny: Since the start of full-blown free agency in 1993, the Packers - even in sleepy Green Bay - have the second highest winning percentage of any team in football. So I'm not too worried about "players not wanting to come to Green Bay." It hasn't prevented the organization from acquiring the players that they needed to be extremely successful over three decades.
In fact, here are the teams with the top winning percentages since the start of free agency. How many of these places are lush garden paradises with red hot night life? Boston (Patriots), Green Bay, Pittsburgh, Indy, Denver, Kansas city, Seattle, Dallas, Philly and Minneapolis.
Check out this article about where players say the want to play: https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/03/12/best-worst-destinations-free-agents-da...
Kind of on those same lines, I don't doubt for a second that Rodgers truly is pissed and holds a grudge against the front office. (I'm not saying I think he has a good reason for this, but I don't doubt that he's pissed.) But that's certainly not the whole story here. Rodgers obviously loves the idea of hosting that silly game show, and ... oh yeah, the woman he plans to marry lives in LA, and she kind of has to for her work. It's pretty convenient for Rodgers to push the narrative that this is all because GB has shamefully disrespected him, and not because he wants to bug out in order for personal reasons and other employment.
I also think it's obvious that Rodgers is not especially beloved by teammates , or even by many fans, because they find his attitude to be a little off-putting.
NickPerry
May 01, 2021 at 11:09 am
I have a co-worker who is good friend with one of the Packers coaches. According to him Rodgers isn't exactly a beloved Packer in Green Bay. The fans don't like him much, at least compared to Brett Favre. He also doesn't do a hell of a lot for the community either. Then there's always the eyes toward the sky every time he feels someone didn't do something up to his standards.
Favre looked and probably was the type of player who would go sit on a bar stool in Northern Wisconsin during deer season and have a few Pabst or nowadays some lite beer. How MANY times have we heard Rodgers say he was going to go home and have a few shots of his finest shots of scotch... Probably by himself.
marpag1
May 01, 2021 at 11:19 am
Totally agree, NP. But be careful please. Scotch whisky happens to be the nectar of the gods. And I'll drink mine "neat" if you please. "Shots" are what you do on your 21st birthday with stuff that comes from a plastic jug.
lol. ;)
NickPerry
May 01, 2021 at 06:55 pm
Ugh!!! I remember that stuff in the plastic jug!...LOL
13TimeChamps
May 01, 2021 at 12:00 pm
"He also doesn't do a hell of a lot for the community either."
I understand he comes across as aloof, maybe even arrogant at times. We all have our individual personality traits and quirks.
But doesn't do much for the community? Now you're just making stuff up. He was the 2014 runnerup for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. He's also won the Bart Starr Athletes in Award for his contributions to Starr's Rawhide Boys Ranch. He has also raised money for childhood cancer as well numerous other charities.
Who the hell cares what he drinks and with who. At least he didn't send unsolicited photos of his junk to women who weren't his wife.
Ready for the onslaught of thumbs down from the Favre fanboys.
blondy45
May 01, 2021 at 10:08 am
New England is not a warm weather state, nor is it a tax friendly state either. I think Nick is on to something.
PearlyBakerBest
May 01, 2021 at 10:20 am
Do you ever see Brady looking up at the sky and shaking his head in disgust? Seems to be the only thing Rodgers does after every play. Also speaks volumes. He’s the greatest regular season QB ever.
PackEyedOptimist
May 01, 2021 at 08:39 am
I definitely would have picked Creed Humphrey over Myers, but I’m happy they picked a center.
LambeauPlain
May 01, 2021 at 09:35 am
I liked Humphries too, but I am partial for wrestlers who play football on the line. Scott Wells, Kenny Clark, Mike Daniels.
But after reading Maggie's background stats on Myers...only 6 sacks given up, makes all the calls, tough, plays hurt, Team Captain, and played for a top O program using zone...I hope he is another find AKA Jenkins.
blondy45
May 01, 2021 at 09:42 am
Creed Humphrey had a perfect 10 RAS score, but he played for Oklahoma. Landon Dickerson was the first "Center" selected (deserved) who played for Alabama. Josh Myers is just as large as Humphrey or Dickerson who played for Ohio State. Josh was team captain and made all the O-line calls. So far I see a theme for the Packers draft picks so far.
They have drafted players from big time elite college conferences, Georgia, Ohio State, and Clemson. They are battle tested against the better college programs. All three picks have high character traits. All three picks have little to no injury history. All three are super excited to be a Packer. All three fill a position of need, and are very versatile with their skill sets for their positions. All three should help the Pack now and in the future. I approve.
LambeauPlain
May 01, 2021 at 10:28 am
Good analysis, blondy. Dickerson would scare me...he has been injured A LOT. Both knees with ACLs and a bad ankle injury wrecked another college season.
Myers has made the calls pre snap in zone blocking so he is familiar with who needs to block where on specific ZBS plays. And he can slide to either G spot if needed. He is big enough to play T and has good feet but I think he stays on the interior and Runyon becomes the swing T.
Myers offers more permutations of flexibility for the front 5.
Galacticat
May 01, 2021 at 10:06 am
It’s all about scheme fit. Creed dominates in limited space within the first level. A power scheme guy that’s not asked to move outside his small area much. Josh is a plus blocker on the first level but also excels at getting to the second level and taking dudes OUT. Great fit for Matt’s scheme. And there’s Josh’s superior position versatility on the interior, which is a factor the Packers clearly covet and know how to take advantage of. Great pick!
greengold
May 01, 2021 at 09:03 am
What I like about Amari is his prolific production and his cut. The guy is going to be a challenge for DBs and LBs to takedown. He’s got 4.51 speed and is adept at running through traffic. Add in the diversity he brings on jet sweeps and as a PR/KR, and he’s a perfect fit.
Myers is SOLID plug & play at C. Again, perfect fit with his pro style zone blocking experience and his ability to easily work into the 2nd level. He’s also versatile enough to readily handle multiple positions on the line. Quality add.
Both players with GB as their dream teams to play for is super cool.
MITM
May 01, 2021 at 09:21 am
Heres a list of players we needed and could have had that went to other NFC North Teams
Teven Jekins OT - Bears (this one hurt)
Alim Mcneill DT - Lions (so did this one)
Chazz Surratt LB - Vikings
Wade Davis G - Vikings (Grandson of Willie Davis)
Packers NEED to trade up for Jabril Cox now
NickPerry
May 01, 2021 at 09:37 am
Here's a list of players the Packers DID get who are all good fits and filled HUGE needs without reaching...
Eric Stokes CB...Maybe taken a few spots early but all in all a great pick
Josh Meyers C... The dude is large, can move well and get to all levels, and he can play Center or Guard.
Amari Rodgers... WANTED to pay for the Packers and is IDEAL for MLF's offense.
I get your point MITM...We can always look at players after the Packers selected and say should have, could have, would have. But IMO the Packers have done a good job filling needs without reaching.
dobber
May 01, 2021 at 09:47 am
There are always far more players you don't get than ones you do. Always.
Focus on the ones you do.
Galacticat
May 01, 2021 at 09:29 am
Nitpicking here obviously, but I had to look twice when I saw the Packers gave up the better of their two 4th rounders to move up a handful of spots in the 3rd round. They only gave up a 4th to move up for Love in the freaking FIRST round last year! I’m all in on Amari Rodgers but I just thought was odd.
LambeauPlain
May 01, 2021 at 09:48 am
He had to move up 7 spots in the third to grab Rodgers and I doubt he would be a Packer today had he not done this.
On the draft value chart, the Packers 92 is worth 132 pts in draft capital and their 135 is 38.5....or 170.5 traded for TN's #85 valued at 165 pts. So yes, 5 pts in TN's favor but not a huge deficit. Ideally TN would have also given up their #215 valued at 3.8 pts, but no go. And MN was picking right after TN. What would fans be saying today if Gutey did not trade up with TN for Rodgers only to see him go to MN. Yikes!
Gute had two players at the top of his board yesterday, Myers and Rodgers and he got them both.
HankScorpio
May 01, 2021 at 10:00 am
I think a consensus is formed that Rich Hill's chart is more accurate than Jimmie Johnson chart. Hill's chart says 43 + 18 = 61 given up and 50 returned. Hill's chart says the 2nd of the two 5ths (7 pts) should have done it. Or Tenn should have thrown in their 5th (8 points).
Even Gute acknowledges he paid an extra heavy price. He justified it just like your summary...he got two guys his board said should go at 62. From that stand point, he did pull off a steal. The problem is that stand point is not reality. Rodgers was not the 62nd pick, he was the 85th. He had already made it most of the way. He might have made it all the way to 92.
blondy45
May 01, 2021 at 10:24 am
I have read that Gute wanted to trade up to get Rodgers shortly after selecting Josh Meyers. Gute's staff advised him to not trade earlier, which Gute wanted to do. Thank you to the cooler minds that made this trade up to get Rodgers, not as bad as it could have been.
I do not know if Rodgers would have made it to #92, but I am still not fond of Gute's impatience. Hindsite is 20-20, and I am thrilled we got Rodgers, but that lost 4th round pick could have filled an other need for the future. Be happy for what we were able to pick, and hope springs eternal for today's selections.
HankScorpio
May 01, 2021 at 10:35 am
Well said, Blondy
4thand10
May 01, 2021 at 09:32 am
I’ve been screaming for a DL, but I totally forgot about the glaring need for center. Jenkins won’t have to rotate and continue to be a bulldozer. Solid pick.
stockholder
May 01, 2021 at 09:55 am
If your happy. I'm happy. That just isn't going to win a super-bowl.
LambeauPlain
May 01, 2021 at 10:09 am
Great analysis, Maggie. I really like these two picks. Safe, solid, great value and immediate production in likely starting roles.
There is hope Myers could be Linsley 2.0 and maybe like Jenks...a rising NFL O lineman. Only 6 sacks given up in his entire collegiate career? That's Jenkins territory...and he played zone at OSU. He's ready to step in and keeps Jenks in his LG spot springing Jones for chunk plays.
And Rodgers was the top receiver in college in terms snaps from the slot and #2 in college in YAC? Snatches the ball effortlessly while catching a ton of passes. And speaking of Jones...he is the same size and speed and like Jones, is elusive, making tacklers miss. ML is probably already drawing up plays with Hackett how to scheme him in slot plays to open up area for Adams, Lazard, MVS, Tonyan, and make D's hesitate on jet sweeps by not keying on Jones at the snap, letting him hit daylight.
Gutey's best day two draft on paper. Now let them play with last year's day 2 draft class, Dillon and Deguara.
Swisch
May 01, 2021 at 10:10 am
With the recent departures of Bulaga and Linsley, and the injury to Bakh, it seems like drafting just one premier offensive lineman has made the whole unit of blockers seem a lot more solid going into this season.
It could be good to get another blocker today, plus it seems there are at least a couple of guys already on the roster who could be very good going forward.
At the most, maybe the Packers of the next couple of season will be overflowing with top offensive linemen. At the least, however, getting this one guy, Josh Myers, seems to be a really important piece to stabilize things right now -- giving us a lot more hope the Packers will again be among the best of blocking teams in the NFL.
As probably a center, it seems the other positions of the line are much more likely to fall into place. At least this is my hunch.
ricky
May 01, 2021 at 10:29 am
The players drafted so far by the Packers show lots of potential. Whether that will translate to the pros is the real question. And whether the reigning MVP will still be with the team after June 1 is the biggest "still to be determined" factor for the team. So, I'm hopeful but trying to stay grounded.
Fabio
May 01, 2021 at 10:43 am
The best draft pick can be made by Mark Murphy by firing Gute and extending Rodgers .....
If AR leaves we will see the true value of the team as a whole ...... (MODEST) ..... let's get ready for the return to the 70s
stockholder
May 01, 2021 at 12:02 pm
Gutes biggest Blunder of the draft was the trade up. By trading the 4th pick. It took him out of trading up in the 4th round. This isn't a knock on Rogers. It's a knock on the wrong pick included in the trade.
Packers0808
May 01, 2021 at 10:58 am
I wrote yesterday that I would almost bet that Gute would get the boot before Rodgers and got a bunch of thumbs down. Just read article on Yahoo that says Rodgers will not come back as long as Gute is around and Murphy knows it. Wonder who will win out, keep which one and which one will be gone!
HankScorpio
May 01, 2021 at 11:12 am
The hay is in the barn on 2021 roster building now. No time like the present to make a move. I sure as hell don't want them to promote Russ Ball. But I'm fine with making a move tomorrow. Maybe Milt Hendrickson. Or someone outside the organization. Not to appease Rodgers. The inmates should not run the asylum.
I think Gute is in over his head. They have a team that has too many holes for the cap hell they are in. I think ML has done a remarkable job with what he's been given. I think he'd do even better if they found a guy that could give ML more.
NickPerry
May 01, 2021 at 11:14 am
LOL...Yahoo? Really?? Isn't that yahoo sports department the "Click-Bait" kings of the internet? Just saying friend, 98% of what were getting right now is BS!
Packers0808
May 01, 2021 at 11:18 am
If you say so! Yahoo Sports is no worse or better than any other. Read same stuff elsewhere but yahoo has it right on full web site right now, why I cited it!
stockholder
May 01, 2021 at 12:08 pm
The Fan Base on this site is backing Gute, Not Rodgers. So anything you say against Gute is going to get you a negative. Their trying to look what they can get with Rodgers Gone. The problem is this. The missing Pieces. The only way a Free Agent will come to Green Bay is for the money. They will go to New England to win. Because that Franchise Goes All IN.
Packers0808
May 01, 2021 at 12:47 pm
I am glad you think the fan base is for Gute, haven't seen ant evidence to speak of backing either of these guys! Base beliefs on Packers and fans want to win NOW and you will do that WITH PLAYERS not GMs! GMS are a dollar a dozen, talent like Rodgers is what wins games! Personally not taking sides just believe in long run Packers keep player over GM in this case if it goes that far! Remember Rodgers got McCarthy gone.
Leatherhead
May 01, 2021 at 01:20 pm
Myers is a solid pick who should start early, whether at center or guard.
Amari Rodgers ......I don't think he'll get 50 targets this year, or 50 touches. There were multiple guys on the board I'd have taken at that spot besides him. I like that he's stumpy and quick, like that sawed-off Darren Sproles (who I always hated when we played against him., but always wished he were a Packer). And he can obviously catch. But I don't see him getting on the field much if other players are healthy.
And of course, I think you shouldn't return punts and kicks, so he has no appeal to me in that regard. We'll see if we're helped, or hurt, more by our return attempts this year.