Packers 2023 NFL Draft: Day 2 Analysis
By DanDahlke
Round 2 (42): Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
6’6’’ 253 lbs.; 4.61 forty; 36” vertical; 125” broad jump; 4.41 sec. shuttle; 7.09 sec. three-cone; 19 bench reps; *9.78 RAS
Career Notes
A Pacific Northwest kid, who will now make the long journey to the Frozen Tundra, Luke Musgrave spent four seasons at Oregon State. Having grown up in Bend, OR, Musgrave was a multi-sport athlete in high school, including track and skiing in addition to being a football standout. After playing a rotational role in the offense his first two seasons, Musgrave emerged as the Beavers' starting tight end his junior season, where he recorded 22 receptions for 304 yards and a touchdown—his best game coming against state-rival Oregon late in the season. Musgrave then began his senior year with two stellar performances against Boise State and Fresno State, where he caught 11 passes for 169 yards and a touchdown. Unfortunately, his 2022 season was cut short because of a knee injury. While recovery kept him sidelined for the rest of his senior season, Musgrave was able to return to the field to participate in the 2023 Senior Bowl and NFL Combine, where he proved to teams the injury is behind him and he is every bit of an elite athlete as he appeared on tape.
Scouting Reports
“Between the abbreviated 2020 season and an injury-shortened 2022 campaign, Musgrave’s snaps have been somewhat limited, but it’s easy to like what he’s put on tape. His route running harkens back to his slalom days with nimble feet and smooth hips helping to generate rhythm and separation in and out of breaks. He needs a little more bulk for combat in the trenches, but he offers what evaluators are looking for in technique, strain and demeanor. Musgrave has starter potential and should gain a coveted slot on draft boards from teams looking to add versatility to their 12 personnel (two tight ends) packages.” – Lance Zierlein from NFL.com
“An impressive size/speed athlete, Musgrave runs like a gazelle (elite high school track numbers for his size), and his lacrosse and skiing backgrounds translate to football with his core strength and hip fluidity as both a pass catcher and blocker. He blocks with outstanding body control and leverage to be a physical edge setter and engage defenders at the second and third levels, although he still needs to improve his sustain skills and steadiness as a pass blocker . . . Overall, Musgrave must continue to build up his football resume and overall consistency, but he is a high-level athlete with the route running and blocking talent to be a productive starting combo tight end in the NFL.” -- Dane Brugler from The Athletic
“Musgrave has everything you would want in a prospect on paper. His frame and athletic traits are showcased in the pass game as he can win with speed and body position as a receiver. His long strides allow him to break the cushion of defenders. He excels with the ball in his hand and can run away from defenders in space. As a blocker, he needs work but plays with effort and has physicality. He is a raw prospect in a lot of phases but flashes elite skills which will be his calling card throughout the draft process.” – from the CheeseheadTV Draft Guide
Other Options on the Board
The Packers had plenty of options to address positions of need with their first pick on Day 2. To the surprise of many, Green Bay passed on Georgia tight end Darnell Washington, who slid down to the Steelers at the end of the third round. There has been some buzz that teams have medical concerns with Washington, which could be a cause of the slide. Speedy wideout Jalin Hyatt was also sitting on the board at pick No. 42, as well as former Alabama safety Brian Branch and Georgia Tech edge rusher Keion White. All three players were frequently linked to the Packers leading up to draft by many analysts. Branch and White would get selected only a few picks after Musgrave, but Hyatt wouldn’t hear his name called until the middle of the third round.
Why They Went with Musgrave
It is not surprising in the least the Packers chose to address tight end early in the draft. After losing Mercedes Lewis and Robert Tonyan, they began this offseason without a bonafide starter at the position. However, instead of reaching for one in the first round, Gutekunst and company seemed to find the sweet spot in the draft for where value meets need. Musgrave is an athletic freak with huge upside—sounds like a player the Packers typically target. The real surprise, however, is that they selected the Oregon State product over Washington, who is an athletic anomaly in his own right. However, if the medical concerns are legitimate then it would make sense the Packers with their conservative medical staff would pass on him, despite the intriguing physical tools.
Musgrave seems to be the type of player they covet. He offers exciting potential as a receiver over the middle of the field and possesses field-stretching speed to make plays down the seam. He also has the size and length to make contested catches over defenders. The Packers haven’t had a young athletic receiving threat at the tight end position since Jermichael Finley. Long gone are the days of dumping money on veteran options, like Jimmy Graham and Martellus Bennett, whose best days were behind them when they arrived in Green Bay. Musgrave is an exciting player who still has his best football ahead of him. Along with last year's additions--Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, he could develop into a core piece of a young and ascending offense with Jordan Love at the helm.
Round 2 (50): Jayden Reed, WR, Michigan State
5’11’’ 191 lbs.; 4.45 forty; 33.5” vertical; 121” broad jump; 4.29 sec. shuttle; 13 bench reps; *6.73 RAS
Career Notes
Reed is a Chicago native who played one season at Western Michigan before transferring to Michigan State to play with his former high school quarterback, Payton Thorne. After sitting out the 2019 season because of transfer rules, Reed started three straight seasons for the Spartans, hauling in 147 passes for 2,069 yards and 18 touchdowns. In 2021 alone, he led the team in receiving, while also returning two punts for touchdowns, earning his first of two Second Team All-Big Ten honors. Reed's senior campaign was a little underwhelming statistically, but he was also dealing with a few nagging injuries that limited his production. When healthy, he still showed he was the same player on tape as his junior season.
Scouting Reports
“Utility wideout with the ability to take snaps at multiple receiver positions while offering both kickoff and punt return talent. Reed looks smaller in many of his matchups, but he is rarely deterred by size. He’s too tight-hipped for stop-start routes on the tree, but he operates with good route speed and should improve his ability to separate with additional development and experience on the next level. His ball skills and feel for positioning on deep throws and jump balls are unquestioned. Limiting his focus drops on short and intermediate throws will be critical to becoming a long-term NFL contributor.” – Lance Zierlein from NFL.com.
“Reed has outstanding foot quickness and skillfully throttles his route speed to separate from coverage. Despite dropping too many easy ones, his focus is heightened on contested windows, and he shows a knack for timing his leaps and snatching the football off the helmets of defensive backs. Overall, Reed will have a tougher time overcoming his slight size vs. NFL defensive backs, but his speed, route tempo and downfield ball skills are the ingredients of a potential NFL playmaker. With a few technical tweaks to his game, he has NFL starting ability (slot and outside) and adds value as a return man.” -- Dane Brugler from The Athletic
“Another twitched-up speedster, Jayden Reed combines the art of route running with arrogant speed and acceleration. His speed is tough to handle. If he gains an inch vertically, it’s over. If he gains any bit of leverage on crossers, he isn’t getting caught. His confidence in his speed is evidenced by taking improbable paths to gain extra yardage rather than getting a few extra the easy way. His burst out of efficient breaks is startling to defenders if they don’t get their hands on him. Not to mention, Reed also can win at the catch point, tracking the football well and finding a way to bring passes down through contact.” – from the CheeseheadTV Draft Guide
Other Options on the Board
There were still plenty of wide receiver options on the board when the Packers picked at No. 50 in the second round. SMU standout Rashee Rice was selected five spots later by the Kansas City Chiefs. Marvin Mims went in the last selection of the second round to the Denver Broncos, and Tank Dell, Jalin Hyatt, and Cedric Tillman all went in the first half of the third round. Illinois safety Sydney Brown was also available if the Packers would have wanted to address the safety position. They could have also selected tackle Tyler Steen or former Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker to address other positions of need on offense. Steen is a stout tackle out of Alabama, and Hooker would have been an interesting backup quarterback to develop behind Jordan Love. However, the second round is a bit rich for a player that will most likely be relegated to a backup role.
Why They Went with Reed
Reed is not the fastest, biggest, or strongest of the wide receiver options available on Day 2, but he might be the best route runner. And in Green Bay, that counts for something. Reed is a fantastic separator, especially in short and intermediate routes—something he shows better on film than either Tennessee wide receiver products. His speed is good for the position (4.45) and an underrated part of this game. He is also a tenacious finisher, especially in contested catch situations, and the same can’t be said for the undersized Tank Dell and Marvin Mims, despite being great athletes in their own right. Michael Wilson out of Stanford would have been another intriguing option for the Packers in the second round, but there are a lot of red flags with his injury history. He also wouldn’t offer the big-play ability of Reed, nor the potential as a punt returner. There were also some off-field character concerns with Rice, which is why Reed may have had the edge over him when it comes to the Packers board.
While just about every Green Bay fan wanted the Packers to address the wide receiver depth, some may not be happy with the one they chose. Everyone seems to have “their guy” at the wide receiver position heading into the draft, but I encourage you to find reasons to make Reed “your guy” to root for on this Packers team. Because there are plenty of reasons to. For one, 46 explosive plays over 20 yards in his past two seasons. Three punt return touchdowns, while averaging 14.9 yards per return. 26 collegiate receiving touchdowns and 14.1 yards per catch average. This kid is an exciting playmaker, and that is something the Packers offense desperately needs.
Round 3 (78): Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State
6’5’’ 254 lbs.; 4.69 forty; 34” vertical; 122” broad jump; 4.29 sec. shuttle; 7.08 sec. three-cone; 23 bench reps; *9.68 RAS
Career Notes
From a small town in South Dakota, Tucker Kraft seems like a natural fit in Green Bay. Kraft is a versatile athlete who played quarterback, running back, tight end, linebacker, and defensive end in high school, all while lettering in basketball as well. The Timber Lake native started three seasons at South Dakota State after redshirting his freshman year. He recorded 99 receptions for 1,218 yards and nine touchdowns in his collegiate career, and was a third-team All-American his senior year, despite missing six games due to an ankle injury. In fact, Kraft suffered the injury in the opening game against Iowa in the 2022 season, and while many thought his year was over, he battled back to return to the field and help his team to win the FCS Championship.
Scouting Reports
“Combination tight end with the projectable skill set to handle pass-catching and run-blocking duties at the next level. Currently, he’s a more effective blocker in space than in-line, but that is correctable with better hand usage and proper angles of entry into his base blocks. Kraft provides formational versatility that will be appealing for teams that make heavy use of 12 personnel (two tight ends). He has the body control and catch toughness to be more than just a traditional Y tight end. Kraft has Day 2 talent and should see the field early with a chance to become a TE1.” – Lance Zierlein from NFL.com
“As a pass catcher, Kraft is an outstanding catch-and-go creator with fluid adjustment skills and balanced feet. As a blocker, he might not be polished, but he gets after it with the body control and desire to sustain and finish blocks . . . Overall, Kraft needs development time to refine his route running and blocking techniques, but he is big, strong and athletic with the ball skills and blocking tenacity to evolve into an NFL starter. His play style and talent are reminiscent of Foster Moreau.” -- Dane Brugler from The Athletic
“Kraft is a solid overall prospect who stands out on tape with his route running, run-after-catch ability, and solid hands. His size and athleticism make him a solid prospect for the Packers, and he could develop into a full-time starter. While at South Dakota State, he played primarily as a true in-line Y but showed the versatility that has become a staple of the position within the Packers offense. Kraft is a solid pick with upside that the Packers should strongly consider on Day 2.” – from the CheeseheadTV Draft Guide
Other Options on the Board
Surprisingly, Darnell Washington was still available at pick No. 78. Safeties Ji’ayer Brown and Jordan Battle were also still waiting to hear their names called. All three would go later in the third round. The Packers have yet to address the offensive line, and tackles Wanya Morris and Blake Freeland were still available. There was a short run on running backs after the Packers third-round selection. Tyjae Spears, Devon Achane, and Tank Bigsby could have all been options for Green Bay at the position, but they still have the luxury to wait well into Day 3 of the draft before they start looking for a third tailback to put on their roster.
Why They Went with Kraft
It comes to no surprise that the Packers doubled-down at the tight end position. While Musgrave is an exciting athlete with a lot of receiving ability, Kraft brings a hard-nosed play style as he isn’t afraid to get physical in the trenches as a run blocker. Both players complement each other, and they both have the size and strength to line up as traditional Y tight ends. However, they both can also line up in the slot and play detached. Having two players at the position with versatility will give the Packers plenty of options on Sundays. Tight end was also a very depleted position on their roster before the draft, so grabbing two in the early rounds is just smart business. Both Musgrave and Kraft played in run-heavy schemes in college, which will make them nice fits in the Matt LaFleur offense. And while Green Bay has yet to address other needs like safety, offensive tackle, or defensive line, they also need to fit the value with the need at where they are picking . . . and Kraft and Musgrave are prime examples of this.
Comments (62)
murf7777
April 29, 2023 at 08:14 am
Very surprising type of WR in Reed that the Packers selected. Not the normal above 6’ and over 200lbs. I read a report that he is very fast and was timed at 4.37 by the Packers Scout. I’m not sure if this is the right guy, but I’m happy they are getting a WR that is different from what they currently have on the team. You watch KC’s offense and they have some quick twitch, fast players on the offense, that’s the type I was hoping the Packers would move to. Hope Reed is the right man even thou he was projected much higher.
In watching his film breakdown I started to see why the Packers fell in love with him. He is a very good route runner and even thou shorter than 6’ he is good at the catch point. Quick and elusive.
Bitternotsour
April 29, 2023 at 08:37 am
They've had some luck with 2nd round wideouts from michigan...
BradHTX
April 29, 2023 at 08:57 am
Jeff Janis was taken in the 7th. ;)
nagawicka
April 29, 2023 at 02:25 pm
Greg Jennings
nagawicka
April 29, 2023 at 02:25 pm
Greg Jennings
Bitternotsour
April 29, 2023 at 03:31 pm
HOW CAN ANYONE DOWNVOTE A JEFF JANIS REFERENCE? HERETICS!
jannesbjornson
April 29, 2023 at 10:00 am
One commenter remarked that he thought he resembled Jennings profile and he is close to the assessment. He has 190 lbs on the 5'-11 frame. He will get open in space fast and is a clean route runner. He built up his body as he matured physically, no worries.
dobber
April 29, 2023 at 10:09 am
Jennings was a beast on the quick slants and "slant-go" routes. Adams did a lot of that, too, but they didn't have that in 2022. If Reed can fill that role, being able to get the ball out fast will be a help for Love.
greengold
April 29, 2023 at 10:56 am
Yep. I’ll add one of Jordan Love’s favorite targets at Utah State was 2018s 1000+ yd WR Deven Thompkins, who is 5-8!!!
Reed is never too small a target for Love.
dobber
April 29, 2023 at 10:01 am
He's caught a lot of passes in four years. While I'm not an MSU fan, we see them quite a bit. He looked way better and far more dynamic in 2021 (the whole team did) but was still very productive in 2022 when he had ankle injuries and such.
https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jayden-reed-1.html
He adds something different to the WR room compared to what they already have, but the Packers seem to prefer bigger slots (Musgrave steps right in there). I'll admit that I'm not excited about the pick, but I think he'll play right away. Hopefully he'll prove me wrong.
greengold
April 29, 2023 at 10:18 am
Reed also had less than stellar QB play factoring in.
dobber
April 29, 2023 at 10:31 am
Walker really opened up that offense from the RB position...they didn't have anyone remotely close to him last year. Thorne wasn't bad in 2021, but he was exposed in 2022.
Irish_Cheesehead
April 29, 2023 at 08:29 am
I'm liking this draft! LaFleur has talked about the advantages of a diverse group of receivers. There's certainly a lot of young talent on the offensive side of the ball (finally!) to develop with Love, along with a couple veteran backs when they need to pound the ball. It's going to be exciting to see how they all gel. It's definitely a new era in Green Bay!
PeteK
April 29, 2023 at 08:33 am
I like the draft except for Musgrave. While I know he tested very well and started off hot last season, but he only caught 47 passes in 4 yrs. He would have been available later in the draft, while Benton and Branch, I thought, had more value and were available. I'll give way to the pro scouts and hope for the best.
dobber
April 29, 2023 at 10:07 am
I think they're gambling on his ceiling. I'm not sure when he would've gone otherwise, but he's an outstanding athlete. I think he's mostly a big slot in GB right away, and I hope his blocking catches up. He'll eventually absorb the majority of the Tonyan snaps.
DoubleJ
April 29, 2023 at 11:31 am
People said the same thing about Gary. He didn't have a lot of production but his ceiling was sky high. I see that in Musgrave. If he doesn't get hurt in 2022 he probably is a top 15 pick in this draft.
Guam
April 29, 2023 at 08:40 am
I expected the Packers to take two TEs, but I did not expect them to use high picks for both of them. I expected the second TE would come on day three. Like picking Dillon and Deguara a couple of years ago, I wonder if this was a nod to LaFLeur's requirements for his style of offense and if this means the TE will be featured more in the passing game now that Rodgers has moved on.
I also think the lack of an offensive lineman in the first three rounds means the Packers are fairly happy with not only their starters but with the expected development of Rhyan/Walker/Jones/Newman as reserves. I will shocked if the Packers don't take an O-lineman or two on day three, but they will be more developmental picks than expected starters or reserves.
Ilike what I have seen so far, but day three will be big for Gute as he has a raft of choices and still has some holes to address (kicker being one of them and Moody is gone).
SicSemperTyrannis
April 29, 2023 at 09:09 am
I didn't realize the number 1 kicker got picked already. That sucks but thanks for that. People were predicting he'd still be available in round 6.
Guam
April 29, 2023 at 09:20 am
I think the 49ers got him in R3.
DoubleJ
April 29, 2023 at 11:32 am
Correct the 49ers got him with pick 99.
BirdDogUni
April 29, 2023 at 09:34 am
Agree Guam. The last Decade it seemed AR12 had an aversion to throwing in the middle of the field, which I do understand. Just seems to give the defense an unnecessary advantage. Will be interesting to see what MaLF schemes up.
Guam
April 29, 2023 at 10:11 am
I will be very interested to see what MLF does offensively this year. I have long suspected that this was Rodgers' offense, not MLF's (looked too much like McCarthy's offense to come from the Shanahan tree). I don't know if it will be better or worse, but it should be different.
I also hope we have some patience with the young TE's. Historically it takes young TEs a couple of years to be effective in the NFL.
jannesbjornson
April 29, 2023 at 10:03 am
Schoonmaker went to Dallas in the second rd. Teams saw the talent in this deep TE class and didn't sit on their hands to snag their guy.
greengold
April 29, 2023 at 10:36 am
Schoony an R5 talent. Nothing wrong with him but DAL over drafted him.
They could likely say same about our pick Reed tho. Brought it up because every team is different, their boards their own. These areas of the draft don’t have to follow any rules other than do your absolute best with every pick.
Gutekunst should always try to add more R4s. Early ones. Ron Wolf made it a point to do so:
Na’il Diggs
Aaron Brooks
Josh Bidwell
Roosevelt Blackmon
Gave Wilkins
Edgar Bennett
DoubleJ
April 29, 2023 at 11:41 am
Luke Schoonmaker is more than an R5 talent. NFL.com has him as TE5 and an R2/3 prospect. Bob McGinn has him as TE6 in his top 100. For reference Kraft is TE6 & TE7 respectively on those boards. I'd say Schoonmaker was not overdrafted at all.
greengold
April 29, 2023 at 10:28 am
Big value with Gutekunst getting Athlon’s #23 &18 Overall Top 100 Players with picks 42 & 78 respectively. Musgrave & Kraft.
Both players worthy of R2.
Coldworld
April 29, 2023 at 10:47 am
I honestly view Musgrave as a WR who will fill and expand the threat from the Lazard role. It would not shock me if they took another true TE late, unless they genuinely like Austin.
ShivaJim
April 29, 2023 at 08:43 am
Wanted D. Washington for weeks based on film, Senior Bowl, combine, and RAS. Looked like superman. Apparently they are worried about his knees which showed up swollen. Would hate to see his knees go out so young, he is a big guy, but his poor knees didn't seem to slow him down at the combine. I think the Steelers may have gotten a steal of a deal. We'll see.
BradHTX
April 29, 2023 at 09:02 am
Washington was one of my crushes as well, and I was also very surprised not that they took two TEs, but that it was Kraft when Washington was still on the board. But if there’s a medical issue with him, it makes more sense.
Reed was also a surprise, but he sounds like a perfect fit, and a dude with the kind of attitude we need on the team.
jannesbjornson
April 29, 2023 at 10:08 am
Kraft is better.
Coldworld
April 29, 2023 at 10:50 am
I read today that he had a persistent foot problem through college. He may just have been off the board medically for a number of teams.
I wanted him too. However, I’m very happy with Kraft, who will willingly block and will only improve as he improves his technique. Musgrave’s upside is huge. If he’s truly healthy, one of the highest upsides in the draft as a big slot WR “TE”.
Reed had me flummoxed, but it’s very clear that the Packers scouting people think he’s a lot faster and more agile than his combine suggested. Alberta Packers comparison to Jennings immediately after the pick seems much more plausible if that’s true. I don’t think we will use him as a pure slot. I think he allows us to move people around much more if he’s really that athletic.
LambeauPlain
April 29, 2023 at 08:51 am
All three prospects have great potential to contribute as rookies and grow into their high ceilings along with their QB.
I did some quick research on Reed last night and the similarities to Greg Jennings are abundant. Except Reed also has impressive and productive return ability.
What made Greg special was his impeccable route running. Now reading Reed has honed his route tree impressively during his college career. That's a goodie!
Reed at his pick was a "Who?? Good Grief!" from me. As in all things great and small, context does matter. So now, contextually, Reed could be a steal. Could be.
golfpacker1
April 29, 2023 at 08:51 am
Man, I was shocked when GB picked Reed with Rice and Tillman sitting there too. I expected the pick to be Rice. Since the Packers have WR "Requirements", I really passed over Reed altogether so I was uninformed on him.
He is apparently a WR that can play from anywhere, is fast (like 4.37 at his pro day?), and the big bonus is his returner skills. Now we have 2 really good ones. Now if we can add Iosivas, Elijah Higgins, Donte Demus, or my draft crush, Matt Landers later, Mission Accomplished on rebuilding the WR room into a young, dangerous strength.
Same thing with the TE room. GB really took a huge step to rebuilding the TE room with Musgrave and Kraft. While Kraft was at the bottom of the top 5 to 7 TEs, my opinion was he is the best fit for GB if we didn't pick a TE with our first pick. He is a steal. Sims or Durham late will make this position a strength too.
The biggest problems for GB going forward are what to do with Safety and especially DT. We still have options at Safety with our next pick or later in the draft with Daniel Scott, Jason Taylor, Anthony Johnson, and Owens from Houston, Otherwise maybe a late FA cut can be signed. I saw something in 2 articles about GB gaining from the Rodgers contract redo. Does anyone know if that is true?
The DT position is really thin for the rest of the draft unless GB has some "Sleepers" that nobody knows about. I did read about a big run stopper from Mich State, Slade? Otherwise a FA cast out?
I was shocked when the Niners took our K, Moody in the 3rd round. The advantage of being a top team. Ryland-Maryland is still a good option.
Today is going to be a blast. I wish we had another 4th rounder. Maybe Gute will work some more magic with a team desperate to move up.
BradHTX
April 29, 2023 at 09:05 am
Totally on board with a DT named Slade. He, Slaton and Slayton can get matching “Slay All Day” t-shirts.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 29, 2023 at 09:15 am
AR12 gave us $14MM in relief with his trade. I still don't think that gives us any budget to pick up a veteran free agent, but next year should be ok.
dobber
April 29, 2023 at 10:16 am
I was thinking that if the TE board got away from the Packers, that they could do very well with a guy like Higgins filling that big slot/move TE role. With Musgrave and Kraft, I don't know if they look at him.
"Today is going to be a blast. I wish we had another 4th rounder. "
8 picks for the Packers on day 3, and they could easily package two to move up into the latter parts of round 4. Like Trader Ted, Gute's not afraid to move on day 3.
greengold
April 29, 2023 at 10:25 am
Yeppers.
DoubleJ
April 29, 2023 at 12:02 pm
I'd like to see Hunter Luepke in R6 or R7. He can be a RB/FB/H-Back. Basically kill multiple positions with one player.
MooPack
April 29, 2023 at 08:56 am
I'm somewhat skeptical of the Darnell Washington slide because of a medical. SI had a story yesterday that said it was his foot and then another person further down said it was his knee. Which is it? both? When did it happen, because it certainly didn't hinder him from putting up big numbers at the combine and destroying the blocking sled. Other players were taken with injury histories like Kincaid and Musgrave. Why was it suddenly revealed at such a late hour in the draft when an excuse was needed for the slide? Other players medical history were disclosed. Doesn't seem to pass the smell test. It's a smelly smell that smells...smelly. Maybe he is just dumber than a bag of hammers. Intelligence reports are no longer publicly tested or revealed. That seems more likely and probably not something teams and player PR teams want to have hanging on a player. I could be wrong, but it just doesn't sit right.
I loved the Musgrave pick. I had him as my TE2. Hopefully his injury history is behind him. Tucker Kraft excellent as well. TE room might have just become a strength. Still some TE's left like Kuntz if they really wanted to shore up the position.
Jayden Reed will probably start out as the punt returner. His quickness and fearlessness is a plus there. Punt returner is a different animal than kick returner in that respect. With Nixon returning kicks this is another team room that is now a strength.
Lots of picks left and lots of good players left. My day 3 crush is RB Evan Hull. Dynamic pass catching back. Hard runner. Good pocket blocker. He would make a great 3rd rotational RB.
Usually don't care much about day 3, but with 9 picks to work with this should be a good day.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 29, 2023 at 09:18 am
Notice that of all the pre-draft visits, all of them have been avoided so far. This includes the top 3 TEs. Hopefully Muskgrave proves to be a steal! He was apparently #1 on Gutey's board.
StarrtoRodgers
April 29, 2023 at 08:58 am
jannesbjornson
April 28, 2023 at 07:00 pm
Now he whiffs on damaged goods@ the TE spot. This StarrtoRodgers dude is pretty reliable in his assessments.
Thanks Jannesbjornson,
Instead of Jaxon Smith-Njigba at 13 - ranked 19th overall by NFL.com and 10th by NFL Draft Buzz at Wide Receiver in the slot we end up with Jayden Reed ranked 170 by NFL.com and ranked 133 by NFL Draft Buzz
Jaxon Smith-Njiba had the best times of all positions at the 2023 NFL in the 3 cone drill which was 6.57 vs, 6.82 for Davante Adams in 2014 and 20 yard shuttle which was 3.93 vs. 4.3 for Adams in 2014 and also at Ohio State's pro day ran a faster 4.48 40 than Davante Adams' combine 4.56 40. JSN's 20 yard shuttle time was the 4 best of wide receivers since 2007 and the 12th best 3 cone drill time of wide receivers since 2007. Reed was 4.29 in the 20 yard shuttle vs. JSN's 3.93 and Reed did not run the 3 cone drill at the Combine.
Instead of Darnell Washington at 42, ranked 37 by NFL.com and 27 by NFL Draft Buzz, and who dominated as a blocker in the National Championship game and in pass catching drills at the NFL Combine, we end up with an injured - knee injury (MCL surgery) - tight end in Oregon State's Luke Musgrave who played but 2 games in 2022 and had little experience before that. (NFL.com had him ranked 12th behind Brian Branch at 11 and and ahead of Dalton Kincaid at 13 - must have been early rankings as they had Jalen Carter 1, Will Anderson 2, Bijan Robinson 3, Bryce Young 4 - and NFL Draft Buzz at 47th - 6 other sites had him at between 23 and 58 for an average of 47)
"General manager Brian Gutekunst and the rest of Green Bay's braintrust is clearly aware that it's well past time to add more juice to their offense. When Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, a likely first round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, was asked what stood out about his formal interview with the Green and Gold, he said the team's desire to add playmaking to their passing game.
'They are definitely looking for a receiver,' Smith-Njigba said Friday at the NFL Scouting Combine, via Gery Woelfel."
I guess Jaxon Smith-Njigba was misled by Packer Management as well.
My Summary of Thursday Night's day 1, which set up day 2 and the inferior choices at wide receiver and tight end: :
In sum, the Packers would have been fine and better off choosing Jaxon Smith Njigba with the 13th pick and then choosing a tight end with pick #42 and fine adding an edge rusher with pick #45, the 2nd of their 2 second round picks, or even selecting an edge in the third round.
The Packers need premier offensive play makers more than an premier edge rusher - which I don't think they got with Van Ness.
Hopefully now - with this unnecessary use of pick #13 on an Van Ness , a "tweener" - the Packers get tight end Darnell Washington at 42 and a wide receiver at 45 and another wide receiver at 78.
None of the 14 Packer Cheese Head TV writers chose Van Ness as their first pick - 5 made the most logical choice of Jaxon Smith Njigba, which was also the choice I had written several times in the last couple weeks - instead Seahawks got him at #20. .
12 out of 14 of the Packer Cheese Head TV writers had the Packer choosing offense and
15 of the 31 picks in the first round were offense, including 10 at the skill positions: 3 QBs, 2 RBs, 1 TE, and 4 WRs.
In the Packers last 12 drafts, 11 times Brian and Thompson before him, picked defense with the 1st choice - only the pick of Love was an offense 1st pick.
Beyond the illogical choice of defense again, when Brian has been destroying the offense's weapons - loss of Davante, MVS, Lazard, Tonyan, Lewis, Cobb - if the Packers were not going to pick Jaxon Smith-Njigba with #13 with such a deep draft for edge rushers, couldn't Green Bay have traded down into the 1st round - maybe with a team in #14, 15, 16, 17, 18 or 19 and still chosen Jaxon Smith-Njigba - and picked up another pick, maybe a 2nd rounder (or a 3rd) and still drafted a good edge rusher?
Given Packers faux "Salary Cap Hell" and "Aaron's the problem", blah blah blah Propaganda to hide Brian's alienation and loss of Davante and MVS and to help get rid of the longest tenured 18 year Packer Rodgers - and his friends Tonyan, Lazard, Lewis and cobb -- the main reason the Packers were even in the playoffs 11 of the last 15 years, pressing needs were created by Brian:
1) the need for receivers for Love
along with:
2) an edge rusher and some might say 3) safety and 4) a QB as a backup - or alternative - to Love should Jordan be a failure.
Was Lukas Van Ness even the best choice at Edge rusher , which is what the Packers needed?
Is Van Ness even an "edge rusher"?
NFL Draft Buzz had Van Ness as the 5th ranked defensive lineman behind Jalen Carter (1st d lineman, 4th overall, drafted 9th by the Eagles at ), Myles Murphy(2nd d lineman, 6th overall, drafted 28th by the Bengals),, Bryan Bresee (3rd d llneman, 19th overall, drafted 29th by the Saints) , and Calijah Kancey (4th d lineman, 21st overall), and ranked 26th overall.
At Edge Rusher NFL Draft Buzz ranks Van Ness as the 5th ranked player behind Will Anderson (1st edge rush, 2nd overall, drafted 3rd by the Texans), Myles Murphy (2nd edge rush, 6th overall, drafted 29thh by the Bengals), Tyree Wilson (3rd edge rusher, 11th overall, drafted 7th by the Raiders), Nolan Smith (4th edge rusher, 20th overall, drafted 30th by the Eagles)
The Packers would have been fine and better off choosing Jaxon Smith Njigba with the 13th pick and then choosing a tight end with pick #43 fine adding an edge rusher with pick #45, the 2nd of their 2 second round picks, or even selecting an edge in the third round. The Packers need offensive play makers more than an premier edge rusher - which I don't think they got with Van Ness.
After Nolan Smith for edge rusher there still was or is Will McDonald (6th edge, 39 overall) , BJ Qjulari (7th edge, 41 overall), Keion White (8th edge, 48th overall, , Isaiah Foskey (9th edge, 49th overall), Felix Anudike-Uzomah (10th edge, 51st overall), drafted 31st by the Chiefs), Adetomiwa Adebawore (11th edge, 52nd overall) , Derick Hall (12th edge, 56th overall), Andre Carter (13th edge, 69th overall) , Drew Sanders (14th edge, 70th overall), Byron Young (15th edge, 76h overall), Zach Harrison (16th overall, 80th overall), Nick Herbig,(17th edge, 84th overall) and my pick USC's Tuli Tuipulotu (18th ranked Edge, 95th overall) - who led the Nation in sacks with 13 and had 22 tackles for a loss in 2022 - in the 2nd or 3rd round after the Packers had secured a WR (had hoped Jaxon Smith-Njigba) and TE. Darnell Washington.
Or is Van Ness neither a D lineman or a edge rusher, but an outside/inside "tweener" DE/DT as Gutekunst in his interview seems to think the Packers are going to use Van Ness inside and outside?
Do the Packers need a jack of all trades "tweener" and is it realistic to think Van Ness can excel inside as a pass rusher and run stopper?
And Van Ness' coming in 24th among Edge Rushers in the bench press with 17 reps - relative to Rashan Gary's 26 reps in 2019 - is NOT due to Van Ness arm length as Ven Ness 34 inch am length is shorter than Gary's 34 and 1/8 inch arms and Keion White with the same 34 inch arms did 30 reps, coming in tied for 2nd.
No excuse for Van Ness' 31 inch vertical leap either vs. Rashan Gary's 38 inch vertical.
This interview of Lukas Van Ness though is interesting because I think it is the PRE DOMINANT REASON that Brian chose Van Ness::
https://www.hawkcentral.com/videos/sports/college/iowa/football/2022/09/...
Brian sure got what he wanted in one way - he got a young, relatively ignorant, malleable, company man, a yes man, that is going to follow orders, not think or question much. A TRUE "COMPANY MAN" and Order Taker and OBEDIENT YES MAN who will ALWYAYS stick to the Company Line SCRIPT.
Brian (and Russ too I am sure) is intimidated - intellectually and other wise - by veterans that have been around the block and the know the game of football much better than Brian does and also know the business side.
Brian clearly from his words and body language views the VETERAN players as THE ENEMY.
It was clear early that Murphy was put in a tough spot with GM Ted Thompson - who like Murphy had played for years in the NFL and knew his way around the block - sudden terminal illness diagnosis.
Mark did not see Brian or Russ Ball as having the skills or presence or gravitas to fill Ted Thompson's position as GM, so Murphy divided responsibility for their duties and kept them both on the same level and put Lafleur at the same level too in the Packer organizational chart, all reporting to Murphy.
The more you watch and listen to Brian, not only his actions, but words and body language you see why Murphy made the choice he did in 2018 to divide up responsibilities keep Brian and Russ on the same level and have Lafleur and Ball AND Brian report directly to him. .
From the start Brian was insecure in his position as GM and viewed experienced solid and star veteran players and leaders in the locker room as his enemies, especially Aaron Rogers.
And in Brian's early choices of Jaire in 2018, as good as he is, rather than offensive playmaking receivers like tight end Hayden Hurst or wide receivers DJ Moore or Calvin Ridley, and Rashan with the 12th pick in 2019 rather than trading up for TE TJ Hockenson or trading down for TE Noah Fant, WR Marquise Brown, WR N'Keal Harry, WR Deebo Samuel, WR AJ Brown, WR Mecole Hardman, and especially in 2020 with the choice of Love rather than trading up for Justin Jefferson or staying in place and drafting Tee Higgins or Michael Pittman Jr.,Brian spited Aaron and spited the Packers organization and players and spited the Packers' TRUE fans/shareholders.
With Ted terminally ill and sick in 2017 - and not functioning well probably much earlier:
"Late in the 2017 season, Mark Murphy and I had a conversation about my health and future with the Packers," he said. "At that time, we mutually agreed that it was in the best interests of myself and the organization to step away from my role as general manager. In consultation with team physician Dr. John Gray, I began a complete health evaluation that has included second opinions over the last year from the Medical College of Wisconsin, the Mayo Clinic and the UT Southwestern Medical Center.
"I have been diagnosed with an autonomic disorder. I feel that it’s important to mention that based on the test results and opinions of medical specialists, they feel that I do not fit the profile of someone suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)."
the 2017 draft - with the Packers with pick #29 and ignoring TJ Watt (picked 30th by the Steeler) or an offensive playmaker (TE Njoko, WR Zay Jones, WR Curtis Samuel, RB Dalvin Cook) - and trading down 2 slots to pick Kevin King - and then picking Josh Jones in the 2nd round with pick #61 with Ju Ju Smith Schuster being taken neXt by the Steelers, has Brian's fingerprints all over it.
Brian is a contrarian, in his actions and the source of that contrary behavior is worrisome as it seems to be based on Brian's insecurities.
When the players and fans or anyone that is logical thinker, think through the situation and make their wishes publicly known, Brian does the opposite.
And if a player or fan or anyone QUESTIIONS Brian, Brian's youth and inexperience as a GM is magnified PUBLICLY by his REACTIONARY and impulsive actions.
I view Brian as A SPITEFUL and insecure GM that is in over his head
All you have to do is go back and listen to the various Packer Press Conference interviews of Aaron and Brian - this year go listen to the January 8, 2023 Rodgers press conference following the Lions game, then listen to Brian's press conference on January 13, February 28th and Aaron Rodgers appearance on Pat McAfee from January through February 2023 and then Brian March 28th and April 24, and Aaron and Brian on April 26th. .
For any TRUE Packer Fan - those who, unlike the 31 Billionaire Parasite NFL owners, purchase Packer Shares wanting to help the team knowing full well that that not only are they not going to profit from their shares, but they are also not going to ever get their money back - it is VERY IMPORTANT to listen to the actual press conferences and interviews, NOT the Media's reporting of the press conferences, as the NFL Media is owned by the NFL and its 31 Billionaire Owners' and their talking heads deliberately turn reality on its head to demonize charismatic veteran players that are showing other players that they have the keys to their chains and there is power in numbers.
Rodgers EXCELLENCE hid Packer Management's shortcomings and insecurities in Brian and incompetence in the case of Brian and Russ and now we are going to see the realities as the next 4 years of Aaron Rodgers contract - hopefully the Jets/Giants disastrous artificial turf (still artificial turf despite the Billionaires changes this year) does spell Aaron non contact leg injuries or end Aaron's career as it has so many other NFL players - and Jordan's time as starter with the Packers play out.
Now Brian knows that his drafting of a wide receiver, running back or tight end, in the first round, for Jordan's first year as a starter - WHICH IS THE LOGICAL THING TO DO - will be perceived CORRECTLY as Brian having been SCREWING the longest tenured Packer - AND THE PACKER TEAM AND THEIR FANS - over the last several years.
So Brian doesn't draft an offensive play maker in the first round.
Now Love gets screwed too.
hacksaw61
April 29, 2023 at 09:21 am
OMG
SicSemperTyrannis
April 29, 2023 at 09:34 am
Look at the pre-draft visits. All were avoided in the picks so far. Apparently Muskgrave was #1 TE on Gutey's board.
With this offensive scheme TE makes more sense than WR. I'm hoping they don't spend any picks on QB or RB but wait til next year for those. Too bad SF already took the #1 kicker.
DoubleJ
April 29, 2023 at 12:13 pm
Stop writing books in the comment section. Do you do this just because you can throw whatever moronic ideas into the post and know people won't read the entire thing?
MooPack
April 29, 2023 at 09:05 am
scrolling, scrolling, scrolling.....
BradHTX
April 29, 2023 at 09:08 am
Right? Did I miss a rumor that Aaron, Corey and Al started paying by the word?
fair_weather
April 29, 2023 at 09:47 am
Keep those doggies scrolling…
dobber
April 29, 2023 at 10:19 am
I think you need to add about four more "scrollings".
StarrtoRodgers
April 29, 2023 at 09:34 am
First time the Packers have drafted 2 tight ends in a year since D.J. Williams (5th round, 141st pick ) and Ryan Taylor (7th round, 218th pick) in 2011 - remember them? . Probably not - 9 total career receptions for Williams and 8 for Taylor - I actually do remember them.
Musgrave (42nd) and Kraft (78th) are both picked much higher than Williams (141st) and Taylor (218th).
For pick # 78, Kraft is not a disaster if you believe these draft ranking websites as NFL.com had him as 3rd round pick and ranked him at 61 and NFL Draft Buzz had him ranked 89th
Strange what went on with Darnell Washington, who ran a faster 4.64 at the Combine and dominated pass catching drills. And anyone that watched him play in the SEC this year and the National Championship game knows he is the best all around blocking and catching tight end in this draft with the highest ceiling.
Steelers picked Darnell at 93 and Darnell will dominate in the red zone - one of the biggest problems last year for Green Bay on offense was in the red zone - as a target and blocking.
So our priority with a 13th and 42nd pick - and a 45th pick to use to trade up - was a TOP POTENTIAL ALL PRO tight end and/or TOP POTENTIAL ALL PRO wide receiver and we instead got we got with our 4 picks:
PICK #1 AT 13) in the 1ST ROUND - a "tweener edge" rusher defensive lineman - according to Brian - in Van Ness with the 13th pick who was projected to go in the 20s - NFL.com had him ranked 27th and NFL Draft Buzz had him ranked 26th.
Ohio State's Zach Harrison went at pick 75 (NFL.com had him at 171 and NFL Draft Buzz at 80th) to the Falcons and would have sufficed and filled the Packer reserve edge rusher need behind Gary, Smith and Enagbare at pick 78 and will probably end up being a better edge rusher, which is what we were looking for AFTER tight end and wide receiver.
PICK #2 AT 42 IN EARLY 2ND ROUND- we got an injured - knee injury (MCL surgery) - tight end in Oregon State's Luke Musgrave (NFL.com had him ranked 12th behind Brian Branch at 11 and and ahead of Dalton Kincaid at 13 - must have been early rankings as they had Jalen Carter 1, Will Anderson 2, Bijan Robinson 3, Bryce Young 4 - and NFL Draft Buzz at 47th - 6 other sites had him at between 23 and 58 for an average of 47)
DRAFTED AFTER:
1) wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (ranked 19thh by NFL.com and 10th by NFL Draft Buzz) was drafted by Seattle at pick #20
2) wide receiver Quentin Johnston (ranked 31 by NFL.com and 9th by NFL Draft Buzz) was drafted by the Chargers at pick #21
3) wide receiver Zay Flowers (ranked 15 by NFL.com and 36 by NFL Draft Buzz)was drafted by the Ravens at pick #22
4) wide receiver Jordan Addison (ranked 41 by NFL.com and 30 by NFL Draft Buzz)was drafted by the Vikings at pick #23
5) tight end Dalton Kincaid (ranked 13 by NFL.com and 38 by NFL Draft Buzz) of Utah was drafted by the Bills at pick #25
6) tight end Sam La Porta (ranked 104 by NFL.com and 94 by NFL Draft Buzz) of Iowa was drafted by the Lions at pick #34
7) tight end Michael Mayer (ranked by 18 by NFL.com and 18 by NFL Draft Buzz)of Notre Dame was drafted by the Raiders at pick #35
8) wide receiver Jonathan Mingo (ranked by 64 by NFL.com and 126 by NFL Draft Buzz) of Mississippi was drafted by the Panthers at pick #39
Would the Packers have chose any of these 8 offensive weapons instead of Musgrave if they were still there at 42?
Given all 8 of these players were available at pick #13, the Packers could have had any of them over Musgrave.
Luke Musgrave scout report:.
He’s a huge work in progress as a blocker, often playing too high and getting overpowered at the point of attack
Massively inexperienced has had only a single season where he's been on the field for more than 350 snaps (in 2021) and in his best season he still made just 304 yards through the air.
Not a powerful blocker - and doesn't drive defenders backward as you expect for a man of his size
Musgrave doesn't create the kind of separation you would hope given his elite timed speed
Musgrave didn't blow anyone out of the water at the NFL Combine either, that was Zack Kuntz of Old Dominion and didn't bench press at the Combine either - his 19 reps at Oregon State's pro day would have placed him 8th among tight ends at the Combine.
Musgrave best game was in 2021 vs. Oregon where he caught 7 passes for 85 yards.
Only played 2 games in 2022 vs. Jordan Love's Mountain West Conference teams Fresno State (Davante Adams' college) and Boise State.
On tape Musgrave falls before ever getting tackled and on first contact.
Not much yards after contact unless a defensive breakdown and he is all alone.
Watch Darnell Washington tape and compare. Washington is NIGHT AND DAY stronger in yards after the catch and blocking.
Kraft - although he is playing for an FCS school rather than FBS school like Musgrave and Washington - also looks much better in YAC and blocking.
Musgrave does get open and seems coordinated - other than looking off balance and falling down before contact - and sure handed, but his films are not going to show his drops.
3) PICK # 3 AT 50 IN THE MID 2ND ROUND - after trading down from 45 and then 49 - we got Jayden Reed who was projected to go in the 4th or 5th round by NFL.com and was the 133 ranked player by NFL Draft buzz.
To draft Jayden - ranked 170 by NFL.com and ranked 133 by NFL Draft Buzz - we passed on:
a) USC's Tuli Tulpulotu edge rusher (ranked 36 by NFL.com and 95th by NFL Draft Buzz and my pick for 45th pick after choosing Jaxon Smith-Njigba at 13 - ranked by 19 NFL.com and 10th by NFL Draft Buzz) - and Darnlell Washington at 42, ranked 37 by NFL.com and 27 by NFL Draft Buzz) who was picked 54th by the Chargers ,
b) Rashee Rice WR (ranked 157 by NFL.com and 73rd by NFL Draft Buzz) picked at 55th by the Chiefs,
c) Luke Schoonmaker TE( ranked 44 by NFL.com and 107 by NFL Draft Buzz)TE Michigan picked at 58th by the Cowboys,
d) Brenton Strange TE, Penn State (ranked 89 by NFL.com and 166 by NFL Draft Buzz) picked by the Jaguars at 61,
e) Marvin Mims WR (ranked 62 by NFL.com and 61 by NFL Draft Buzz) of Oklahoma, picked by the Broncos at 63,
f) Tank Dell WR (ranked 58 by NFL.com and 46 by NFL Draft Buzz) of Houston picked 69th by Houston and
g) Jalin Hyatt WR (ranked 9th by NFL.com and 15 by NFL Draft Buzz ) and Cedric Tillman (ranked 34 by NFL.com and 54 by NFL Draft Buzz) from Tennessee, picked at 73 and 74 by the Giants and Browns.
Jayden, small 5 foot 11, 187 pound wide receiver (Greg Jennings - picked in 2006 at 52 vs. Jayden at 50 - was 5 foot 11 and 197 pounds and never made the All Pro Team but did make the pro bowl in 2010 and 2011 when Aaron Rodgers was throwing to him) who is not a burner by any means - had the 16th fastest forty in the wide receiver category at 4.45 wide receiver. - Jennings ran a 4.46 at the Combine, Jennings 4.16 in the 20 yard shuttle, Reed 4.29, Jennings 6.68 in the 3 cone drill, Reed didn't run it, Jennings 36.5 vertical jump, Reed 33.5, Jennings 9 foot 9 broad jump, Reed 10 foot 1, Jennings 1.56 in the 10 yards split, Reed 1.57.
Good punt return numbers and receiving numbers were good at Michigan State and played at Western Michigan University - where Matt Lafleur playing wide receiver - before transferring to Michigan State, so that Western Michigan conntection probably has something to do with this pick - probably a relative of some player that Matt Lafleur played with at Central Michigan. .
Watched the 2 punt returns for a TD - 1 against Nebraska, where Nebraska's coverage was all to the left and Jayden just ran down the right side of the field = and 1 against Western Kentucky where Michigan State's blockers just pushed the slow Western Kentucky coverage team out of the picture. Don't expect Jayden to be able to to this in the NFL.
Big receiving game for receptions against Rutgers and yards against Youngtown State, but very little against Ohio State (though 1 impressive contested catch for a TD), Michigan, and Penn State. Good game against Wisconsin.
To his credit Jayden gets open and catches the ball in traffic (game winner against Wisconsin) and in the snow (Penn State game) and Lafleur will use him on jet sweeps and in motion plays, which you can see on his tapes. Some see so many contested catches as an indication the receiver can't get open - Doubs last year during the regular season - but I don't think that is the case with Reed, looks like this QB just didn't lead him and he had to wait for the ball several times - not many Aaron Rodgers around.
4) PICK # 4 AT 78 IN THE MIDDLE 3RD ROUND we chose Tucker Kraft (ranked 61st by NFL.com and 89 by NFL Draft Buzz) tight end and we passed on:
a) Josh Downs WR (ranked 16 by NFL.com and 43 by NFL Draft Buzz), picked 79th by the Colts and
b) Darnell Washington TE from Georgia (ranked 37 by NFL.com and 27th by NFL Draft Buzz), picked by Steelers at 93, and
c) Michael Wilson WR (ranked 159 by NFL.com and 113 by NFL Draft Buzz) from Stanford, picked by the Cardinals at 94, and
d) Tre Tucker WR (ranked 136 by NFL.com and 366 by NFL Draft Buzz) from Cincinnati, picked 100th, and
e) Cameron Latu TE (ranked 139 by NFL.com and 185 by NFL Draft Buzz), picked by the 49ers out of Alabama at pick 101.
Tucker Kraft was also injured and missed 6 games with a ankle injury. Played small school competition - other than Van Ness' Iowa in the first game of the season where Kraft got injured.
Kraft on film looks like a better blocker and YAC player than Musgrave.
Last year Christian Watson's film SCREAMS OUT AT YOU AND BLOWS YOU AWAY - nothing like that in Musgrave, Kraft, or Reed's film.
But now after this relative disaster of wounded and/or 5TH ROUND PICKED IN THE 2ND ROUND small "weapons" for Love - and a "Tweener" for the 13th overall pick at a less urgent edge rusher need - we have an extra 5th (159th) and 6th (179th) round pick - OH BOY!! - to go with ONE 4TH at 116, ONE 5TH at 149, ONE 6TH AT 207 AND FOUR 7THS at 232, 235, 242 and 256 - 3 short of this year's Brock Purdy, "Mr. Irrelevant".
So barring more trades, Saturday, we have 9 more picks::
1 - 116
2 - 149
3 - 159
4- 179
5- 207
6 - 232
7 - 235
8- 242
9 - 256
1. How many of these 9 picks will still be on the Packer Regular season 53 man roster at the start of the 2025-26 season (i.e. 2 years from now)?
2. What is the over/under?
I say two unless Brian and Russ get real CHEAP.
3. How many of the 9 chosen with salary cap hits of between $941,982 (pick 179) to $769,444 (pick 256) will play better than the relatively cheap lower salary cap hit signings of:
1) Kyrs Barnes $1,035,000 2023 cap hit Cardinals
2) Bob Tonyan $2,650,000 cap hit Bears
3) Jarran Reed $3,030,000 cap hit Seahawks
4) Allen Lazard $3,264,000 cap hit Jets
5) Mason Crosby estimate $3,000,000 cap hit for whomever signs him
6) Mercedes Lewis estimate $2,500,000 cap hit for whomever signs him
7) Randall Cobb estimate $2,500,000 cap hit for whomever signs him
4. Anyone that listened to the Aaron Rodgers January 8, 2023 press conference following the Lions game and the Aaron Rodgers appearances on Pat McAfee show in January and February 2023 - rather than EATING THE PACKER MANAGEMENT "SKY IS FALLING", SALARY CAP HELL" "DUE TO AARON RODGERS" knows that Aaron Rodgers said that we would be looking to restructure his contract with the Packers in 2023 so the Packers could sign their free agents with Aaron specifically naming Tonyan, Lazard, Lewis, and Cobb.
Packers Salary Cap Space for 2023 was $22.4 M (1st 51 players) assuming Aaron Rodgers played for the Packers in 2023.
That $22.4 Million in Salary Cap Space was the 4th most of the 32 NFL teams and approximately $8 M more in salary cap space could be added by the Packers converting workout and game day active bonuses to signing bonuses, giving the Packers approximately $30.4 M in salary cap space. .
Because of the trade of Aaron Rodgers, the Packers cap hit for Aaron for 2023 increased from $31.6 M to $40.3 - by approximately $8.7M (as the net effect of recognizing the entire remaining 2022 bonus in 2023 minus the savings of the 2023 1/4th pro ration of the $58.3 option and minimum 2023 veteran minimum league salary is greater by $8.7M).
This trade of Rodgers thus lowers the Packers $22.4 M in salary cap space - which was the 4th most salary cap space in the NFL - to approximately $13.8 and the additional pick #42 and exchange of Jets 6th for Packers 5th round choice lowered the Packers cap space for 1st 51 players further to approximately $12.7M.
Now Aaron has done for the Jets exactly what he said that he would do for the Packers
"Before the trade, Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers converted a $58.3 million option bonus, payable in 2023, into a 2024 base salary, a source told ESPN's Dan Graziano. As a result, he's making only $1.165 million this season -- the base-salary minimum. That also represents his cap charge.
Under his previous contract -- the three-year, $150 million extension from last year -- the Jets would've inherited a $15.8 million cap charge. That's relatively low for a player of his stature, but it would've put the Jets several million dollars over the cap."
In the Packers case the same change Aaron made with the Jets would have decreased the $31. 6M cap hit from Aaron playing for the Packers in 2023 to $31.6M minus $14.6 ($58.3 M divided by 4 years) to approximately $17 M.
That additional $14M in cap savings by Aaron's restructure would have given the Packers $30.4 + $14M = $44.4M in salary cap space to sign the aforementioned Packer 2023 free agents and other free agents too.
One thing for sure, just like the acting in a B Movie relative to a Classic, the NFL entertainment (i.e. football games) are ever more inferior - with these rookies replacing quality veterans on the Packers ESPECIALLY due to Brian's insecurities and fear of Packer Veteran players and decision to attempt to intimidate and threaten them rather than communicate with them - and to a smaller extent across the league - the more REVENUE the 31 Billionaire Parasites take of the total shared with the players.
Below is more on Aaron's new contract with the Jets which now has been extended beyond 2026, the 4 years remaining with the Packers to 2027.
Rodgers will end up playing through at least the 2026 season and lead the Jets to playoffs those 4 years while are Packers are cursed by Brian and Russ.
ESPN:
"By pushing the $58.3 million option bonus into next year -- the bonus is fully guaranteed -- Rodgers' 2024 compensation balloons to $107.55 million. That consists of an original $47 million option bonus, plus $1.21 million in minimum salary, plus the $58.3 million bonus from this year.
Once the Jets exercise the $47 million option bonus, they can spread the cap hit over the remainder of the contract, which runs through 2027. They could add a void year to spread it over five, lowering the cap charges. If they do nothing other than pick up the $47 million option bonus, his 2024 cap hit would be $71.26 million.
The Jets and Rodgers' agent, David Dunn, already are having discussions about restructuring the deal again, Rodgers confirmed after Wednesday's news conference. Chances are he will have a new deal in place by training camp.
Rodgers, 39, didn't commit to playing in 2024, but he strongly hinted that he plans to, saying, 'They definitely gave up some picks for me to be here, so this isn't like one-and-done in my mind.'
The compensation package included a 2023 second-round pick and a 2024 conditional second-rounder that improves to a first-rounder if he plays at least 65% of the offensive snaps."
For now, though, the placeholder contract allows the Jets cap room to sign draft picks and pursue free agents. They are $7.4 million under the cap, according to NFLPA data. On Wednesday, they created about $3.5 million in space by tweaking defensive end John Franklin-Myers' contract, a source told ESPN's Field Yates."
Rodgers and the Jets will convert the now 2004 $58.3 in guaranteed salary and $47 Jets option (which they have to exercise before the 1st game in September 2024) , totaling $105.3M to signing bonus and spread it over 5 years through 2008 at a salary cap hit of about $20M a year and if necessary Aaron will renegotiate (lower his salary)/restructure the contract again.
THE KEY IS A MATURE, SECURE, COMMUNICATIVE, GENERAL MANAGER THT TREATS THEIR VETERAN PLAYERS AS COMRADES RATHER THAN ENEMIES.
Oppy
April 29, 2023 at 09:47 am
Stop.. just.. stop.
I'm long winded, but this is something else.
Comments sections aren't intended to be your own personal blog for feature length articles.
good gravy, man.
Just. Stop.
Coldworld
April 29, 2023 at 11:03 am
It’s not a blog, it’s a series of therapy sessions continually imposed on us, often repeatedly. This isn’t about football in any true sense, it’s his psychosis.
Oppy
April 29, 2023 at 09:53 am
For what it's worth, your post is 3,045 words. 16,282 characters.
This last edition of Jersey Al's "Confessions of a Polluted Mindset" clocked in at 1,136 words.. 6,295 characters.
Do you understand how this might be seen as problematic?
greengold
April 29, 2023 at 09:58 am
Can we get this fuckhead outta here? Al? Aaron? Corey?
Please?
MooPack
April 29, 2023 at 10:01 am
GG, I've never down voted anyone, but holy crap I was tempted. He's now on a mission to just cut and paste to piss people off.
greengold
April 29, 2023 at 10:02 am
Yeah, this is a bridge too far.
Qoojo
April 29, 2023 at 10:04 am
You have some personal issues to work out. No one is going to read all that especially when the first paragraph or two makes it clear that it is not worth it.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 29, 2023 at 09:45 am
Notice that all the pre-draft visits have been avoided in the first 3 picks. This includes the 3 top rated TEs. Apparently Muskgrave was Gutey's #1 TE.
Hopefully he and Van Ness prove to be steals! I like the priority of positions so far and won't claim to know as much as the pros.
I'm hoping they wait til next year to draft QB and RB. We have 2 backup QBs already and the "if JL 10 doesn't work out" ship has already sailed. We're committed to him for at least this year and aren't going to get anyone better anyway. The only real miss is the #1 kicker got snatched up early by SF.
dobber
April 29, 2023 at 10:24 am
Sometimes predraft visits help confirm that a guy just ain't worth it.
Sometimes they're smokescreens.
JohnnyLogan
April 29, 2023 at 09:57 am
After reading the previous post I forgot what I was going to write. I just woke up and now feel like taking a nap. Oh, I remember what I wanted to say. I posted right after the Jayden Reed pick that I couldn't understand it. Well, having watched a lot of tape I've changed my mind entirely. He's faster than the listed 4.45, never saw him caught from behind, he gets open, seems to have terrific hands, and is hard to bring down. He looks like he'll be an excellent slot and someone who can also be put wide. Then I saw this video and I was completely sold. What a terrific young man. I'm now a big fan. https://youtu.be/yQLmrnFPSzI
Cubbygold
April 29, 2023 at 10:01 am
His feet just look so quick and I love that he's not scared of contact... Guy wants to play and get after it. I think he's going to help open up a lot of plays for Watson
Oppy
April 29, 2023 at 10:30 am
Yeah, his highlight reel is strong.
WIth that said, I am uncertain if he will be the type of receiver I think most people envision. Random samplings of player analysis mention tight hips and a difficultly running stop-go-COD type routes- a lot of the types of things people normally think of when they think slot WR.
We see a guy at 5'10 and 185 we immediately think classic slot guy, but he plays the game with the skill set of the deep threat receiver. He plays the game like you'd expect the 6'5 WR out on the perimeter to play.
Can he run the hitches, curls, drags, etc? Does he have a feel for finding the soft spots in the zone underneath?
Will he be given slot duty? Or will the Packers just go ahead and put him out on the edge opposite Watson and let Doubs and Toure (or ??) man the slot on 3 wide formations?
Im certainly open to whatever.. I just think people see the body type and will be expecting something entirely different from what he may be.
Cubbygold
April 29, 2023 at 10:00 am
I'm not a scout or an analyst, just a fan. Love that Gute went EDGE and then three offensive weapons. Love it even more that they're not slower guys with great blocking skills... These guys look fun to watch.
Now I just wonder what the plan is at safety...