Packers Must Find a Defensive Playmaker in Round One

What do the Packers need to accomplish Thursday night?

The 2019 NFL draft is getting closer and closer. We are now just one day away from the NFL's annual selection meeting and with the Packers owning two first-round picks, Thursday should be an exciting night.

As far as what the Packers need to accomplish Thursday, it's pretty simple. They need to pick good players. 

For all the hoopla surrounding the draft and all the talk about drafting for need or best player available -- the simple truth is that the Packers need to find good players. 

And one of those guys needs to be an impact player on defense, because even after signing three big-money free agents, the defense still lacks playmaking.

Jaire Alexander certainly looks like a guy that can provide it. Kenny Clark does too. Blake Martinez and Mike Daniels, when healthy, have their moments, while Green Bay still has high hopes for young talents like Kevin King, Josh Jackson and Kyler Fackrell, who prodcued double-digit sacks last season.

With Preston Smith, Zadarius Smith and Fackrell, that should be enough pass rush, especially with Clark and Daniels on the inside. But, the Packers could still use another explosive edge rusher and they also need a playmaking linebacker.

Don't get me wrong, Martinez is a good player. Heck, I'd say he deserves a second contract. But his pass coverage skills will always leave something to be desired.

There was a reason he was a fourth-round pick. He's simply not as athletic as a guy like Devon White of LSU or Devin Bush of Michigan, two of the top defenders available in the draft.

Certainly, White seems out of reach for the Packers, unless they trade up. The LSU linebacker has been a top-10 pick in just about every mock draft known to man and in most of them, he's off the board within the first 5-6 picks.

Of course, he's worth it. White is one of the guys you expect to make an immediate impact next season. Both he and Bush are 4.4 guys that can tackle, cover, blitz and basically, do it all.

In today's NFL, that is exactly what the Packers need. They need a guy like Devin Bush and if fortunes favor Green Bay, the Michigan linebacker will slide down to No. 12.

Unfortunately, Bush seems to be moving up draft boards and not down. Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN said earlier this week he expected Bush to last no later than the 11th pick. 

Since many have started rating Bush as equal to White or in some cases, even higher, it's not surprising. He's a true three-down linebacker that had 18.5 TFL and 10 sacks the last two seasons.

Another thing this Green Bay defense needs is attitude and Bush has that in abundance. 

Have you seen the video of him tearning up the Spartan logo with his cleats at midfield prior to the Wolverines win over Michigan State last fall? 

If not, you should check it out. It wasn't sportsmanlike at all, but let's get real -- this is the NFL and the Packers could use a mean SOB in the middle.

Honestly, if Green Bay had to trade up to acquire Bush or White, it would be worth it. At least then you know you are getting one of the elite defenders in this draft.

That more than anything, is what the Packers need and if they don't come away with that in this draft, it'll be hard to call it a success. 

__________________________

Chris is a sports journalist from Montana and has been blogging about the Packers since 2011. Chris has been a staff writer for CheeseheadTV since 2017 and looks forward to the day when Aaron Rodgers wins his second Super Bowl. Follow him @thepackersguru

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Comments (101)

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

April 24, 2019 at 12:08 pm

Bush please

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PackEyedOptimist's picture

April 24, 2019 at 12:16 pm

I disagree with the premise that the Packers "must" find a defensive playmaker in round one. I'd be just as happy with offensive playmakers. What if they take, say, DK Metcalf at 12 and a TE or RB at 30, and those guys turn out to be Pro-Bowl quality impact players? What if they pick Hockenson and an OT and the offense becomes a time-sucking drive machine? That would greatly help the defense.

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leche's picture

April 24, 2019 at 12:24 pm

I'd hard pass on Metcalf at #12... He isn't an elite WR prospect the way Julio, AJ Green, Mike Evans, etc. all were... But there's tons of really good WRs to be had from late R1 thru R3. No need to take the first guy when the 12th one is almost just as good

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NickPerry's picture

April 25, 2019 at 05:51 am

Not to mention he can run one route and he's always hurt...Can you say Justin Harrell...HARD, HARD pass on Metcalf.

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sonomaca's picture

April 25, 2019 at 06:03 am

Worried about the neck. Pack have been super cautious in the past on spinal injury situations.

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kevgk's picture

April 24, 2019 at 12:38 pm

I agree. This defense with a little more depth can be more than enough. Lets stop neglecting offensive players in the draft and forcing Rodgers to throw to low round players and FA TEs past their prime. The whole need-this need-that narrative is overblown, we already have a roster that can compete. Lets grab whatever helps us compete the most.

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albert999's picture

April 24, 2019 at 12:42 pm

Metcalf is great in a straight line but that’s it
laterally he’s one of the worst

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bartstarrfan's picture

April 24, 2019 at 09:16 pm

Agreed. I think he might easily walk away with the most over-hyped, over-rated player in this years draft. I'd take Hakeem Butler over him every day of the week.

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dblbogey's picture

April 24, 2019 at 12:53 pm

Hockenson and OT would be good by me, but Metcalf at #12? Nope.

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bartstarrfan's picture

April 24, 2019 at 09:17 pm

Agree on Metcalf, but honestly, I'd rather have Fant than Hockenson.

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NickPerry's picture

April 25, 2019 at 05:53 am

Have you watched Fant block... Do that and then watch Hock and let me know what you think then. I'd also take a look at all the drops Fant had just last year compared to Hock's...Not even close.

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sonomaca's picture

April 25, 2019 at 06:04 am

Hock not getting out of top 10. Buffalo wants him in the worst way.

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

April 25, 2019 at 07:31 am

Bartstarrfan,
Agreed on Fant! He is stronger, more explosive, and definitely more athletic than Hock. Fant is a good blocker but obviously does not work at blocking like Hock but for a reason. Hock runs the 40 yards much slower at over 4.7, so he needs to block! Fant is explosive and his value is more about running his route tree blowing the top off a defense opening things underneath for guys like Hock, and creating mismatches than being a blocker. Not much different than Graham in his prime whose value was receiving over blocking.

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sonomaca's picture

April 25, 2019 at 06:10 am

Hock going to Buffalo. In fact, Bills might have to trade up for him. Run-pass option with Hock and Josh Allen. That even makes Belichick sweat.

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Demon's picture

April 24, 2019 at 01:02 pm

What do Tim Lewis, sterling Sharpe, jeremy thompson, nick collins, jermichael finley and dk metcalf all have in common? Answer, neck injuries sustained playing football. The difference between Metcalf and the others is the others were all forced to retire. You are telling me you want to use a high draft pick on a guy that the first time he gets hit may be forced to retire? NO WAY.

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ILPackerBacker's picture

April 24, 2019 at 01:17 pm

One other thing they have in common

The packer medical staff and trainers. Compare injuries across teams/ages.

Compare terrible, not just bad but terrible draft choices top ten.

Without a Wolf in charge the packer organization is really bad. Set up to keep the status quo and prone to hero worship

I don't see any other team that comes close to GB in terms of out right terrible picks and wasted opportunities

Recall packer coaches saying Lott could not play the packer defense?
What does that say about the coaching leaving aside the idiot got his way in the draft

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 24, 2019 at 01:23 pm

Passed over Joe Montana three times etc. Let Ted Hendricks walk because they couldn't low-ball him. Wolf was great from week one. Just rattled their
museum.

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Leatherhead's picture

April 24, 2019 at 03:22 pm

Hendricks didn't want to play in Green Bay. What should we have done?

The Montana stuff.....we passed him over a couple of times. So did everybody else. Just like Brady. Or Starr. Scouting has gotten better since then, no doubt. And the organization has a better process for making multimillion dollar decisions.

But Wolf was one of the Greatest GMs ever, no doubt. Lambeau...Lombardi...Wolf...Definitely the Top 3 in our first 100 years.

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 25, 2019 at 11:15 am

On Hendricks, who was acquired by Devine in 1974 and traded by Starr a year later over contract issues: “Nobody made more big plays. He played one year. We didn’t keep him and I think it was over something like $12,000, $14,000, $16,000, a ridiculous amount compared to today.”
On the special relationship between Hendricks and Carr: “That year, late in the season, Freddie got the flu and was sent home by the trainers. Freddie didn’t come to the meeting, so I took the projector and the game film over to his apartment. I’m sitting there breaking the game down and critiquing Freddie’s game. The doorbell rings. I say, ‘Freddie don’t worry, I’ll get it.’ I open the door and there stands Ted Hendricks. He has a case of Budweiser under each arm. I said, ‘What are you doing here Ted?’ He says, ‘Freddie is sick. I’m here to watch the game with him.’”
On what the Packers lost when Hendricks signed with Oakland: “With his height and arm reach, nobody could get to him to block him. If you looked at film when he went to Oakland, on third down, he was freelance. In fact, Al (Davis) himself told me this. When I was pro personnel director, I saw Al a lot. He told me, (Hendricks) could go line up in any gap he wanted.”

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 25, 2019 at 11:24 am

“Joe didn’t know where he was going to end up. And there he was still available in the third round. Red Cochran, who was the area scout in that area, absolutely loved Joe. Back then, when we were thinking of taking a quarterback, the quarterbacks coach would come in the draft room and answer questions. Bart told me to go back and look at that film that we took of Joe.

“I watched the film and then came back and I still had the same feeling about Joe and told them that. I said that we had to give a lot of thought about taking him. When we took the nose tackle [Charles Johnson] instead, Red Cochran almost committed suicide.”

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 25, 2019 at 11:24 am

Three times.

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Adorabelle's picture

April 24, 2019 at 09:07 pm

Giggles. ILPB, I am sure your post wasn't meant to make me laugh but I am sorry it did. Your example of how bad they did is from before i was born. That must just be a personal grudge you hold.

I mean of course there are misses. Every team has so many misses. But a team that historically eschewed free agents how do you think they got the players that led them to so many wins?

So say all you want about what has happened over the last few years and caused the big downhill slide of this team - thats old news by now. But there's little doubt that the Packers draft have been better than most historically. Just off the top of my head the 2013 draft had three pro bowlers and rookie of the year Lacy. The 2014 had Davante Adams and Clinton-Dix.

And this GM has one draft. So why would we compare him to the past anyway? So far in one draft Alexander looks to be something and enough other parts are still interesting enough that it might have been a good draft.

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Turophile's picture

April 24, 2019 at 05:23 pm

@Demon.
A lot depends on which vertebra has suffered damage. The higher in the neck it is, the worse it is. The highest 'classic' vertebra is the C3, the one that ended Nick Collins career. Damage to C6 or 7, is normally less dangerous (as a career-ender) than the lower numbers (there's more to it than this but it gives you an idea).

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

April 25, 2019 at 07:37 am

Demon,
You forgot another Packer WR named Terry something or another who never even was able to play after being drafted due to a neck injury. Plus, that promising UCLA RB about 4 years ago (was he drafted 4th round same year as Lacey?) who wanted to be the Mayor of LA someday. Lots of talent lost because of neck injuries. Wasnt Johnny Jolly's career ended also because of a neck injury?

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Demon's picture

April 25, 2019 at 08:21 am

Your right i did forget a few
The running back was jonathan franklin
The receiver was a 2nd rounder terrance murphy.
Jolly i dont remember having a neck issue. But if i remember right johnny holland did.

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GVPacker's picture

April 25, 2019 at 05:00 pm

Johnathan Franklin UCLA?

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 25, 2019 at 11:18 am

A future HOF type guy who had his career cut short: Tim Lewis.

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meatstyk's picture

April 24, 2019 at 02:05 pm

Metcalf has bust written all over him

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albert999's picture

April 24, 2019 at 02:31 pm

i agree and physical freak but a bust i believe also

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Turophile's picture

April 24, 2019 at 02:38 pm

Someone is going to lose their mind if the Packers go offense/offense (and they might).

Something like Hock or J.Taylor at #12 and at #30 maybe D.K. or Risner or Fant (if he is still there). All perfectly possible - I don't expect it to happen, I don't really WANT it to happen, but it IS very possible.

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stockholder's picture

April 24, 2019 at 03:19 pm

You guys are so obsessed with Hock! You don't even care about anyone else. He's going to drop balls. Avg. blocker, and Fant is the down field threat. Not Hoek. The guy is a carbon copy of Kendricks. And once he drops A-Rods balls. He won't throw to him.

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Turophile's picture

April 24, 2019 at 05:15 pm

Stockholder, It's less about being obsessed with Hock, more that how many OTHER guys on offense do you want at #12.

In contrast there are plenty of guys that look interesting on defense (White, Bush, Wilkins, Burns, Oliver, Sweat, and my personal 'do-not-want' guy Gary).

Personally, I'd go for Ferrell, Burns, Wilkins AT #12 before Hockenson......and Oliver above all of them, in the unlikely event he is still there. I'm also a fan of Jeffery Simmons at #30 and assuming the Packers didn't go DL at #12, I'd take Simmons over Hock at #30, too.

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Leatherhead's picture

April 24, 2019 at 06:34 pm

Here's the thing with the Hock, or Fant, obsession I don't get....

We were last in the league in rushing attempts last year, and the general consensus is that we should run more. If we run more, it means we'll pass less than the 40 times a game we did last year. If we pass less, who do we throw fewer passes to? The WRs? The TEs? The RBs?

And we already have a starting TE in Jimmy Graham, and we resigned a very good blocker in Marcedes Lewis. So which one of them do we take off the field in order to play Hock/Fant?

To me, it's pretty clear that it's not the right year to add a TE early in the draft. Maybe next year.

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Montana's picture

April 24, 2019 at 07:05 pm

Here's the thing about taking Hock or Fant for me in the first round.

We won the SB in 2010 with the second ranked defense in the league. We haven't breeched the top ten since 2010 nor made the SB.

I am with Old School on not taking a TE in round one and would be disappointed if we didn't seek a Bush or impact player near his caliber at 12.

I'd be okay with a TE at 30 but would rather see another DL or an Ol instead.

Go Pack

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Montana's picture

April 24, 2019 at 09:02 pm

Duplicate

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bartstarrfan's picture

April 24, 2019 at 09:21 pm

I agree with this completely. I would much rather have Fant than Hockenson.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

April 24, 2019 at 10:39 pm

Perhaps one can find fault with Hock, but dropping passes is not one of them.

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NickPerry's picture

April 25, 2019 at 06:01 am

Common to call him an average blocker is just silly.

Fant had 13 dropped balls last season...Hockenson had 2..HIS ENTIRE CAREER.

Your just as obsessed with particular players or Fant over Hock and why? Because he ran a fast 40 in spandex from a sprinters stance in perfect conditions?

I'll bet you the next 10 CHTV draft guides Hockenson IS NOT a carbon copy of Kendricks.

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

April 25, 2019 at 07:41 am

SH,
So true about the Hock obsession! Partially why I like bringing up Fant.

Bring on the draft as it will shake out where everyone goes and in what order. Give me Fant and the Packers offense will be just about impossible to stop once again.

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PackEyedOptimist's picture

April 24, 2019 at 06:21 pm

Ha. I knew I'd catch flak for the Metcalf comment. But my comment was about how we don't necessarily need defensive playmakers. I agree that Metcalf might be a bust, but he also has the potential to be a superstar. I personally don't care about his agility tests; he is stronger than most TEs and faster than most WRs, he may become the ultimate deep threat. You'd be a fool to try and bump him. However, I wouldn't pick him at 12, because he's #15 on my personal Big Board.

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

April 25, 2019 at 07:43 am

Packeyed,
Kudos to you for standing by your belief vs simply adhering to everyone else's belief.

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 25, 2019 at 11:48 am

Not even the best WR on his college team.

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Rak43's picture

April 25, 2019 at 04:20 am

I'd be happy with a defensive playmaker in round 3! Hell, any round for that matter. Could care less if it's round 1.

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Leatherhead's picture

April 24, 2019 at 12:33 pm

We have no starter at safety or ILB.

At 12, we might have a shot at White or Bush. We could probably get the best S or CB on the board. There are going to be some very good DL at that spot.

But we could trade down 10 spots and still have some very good players. Still have a shot at the best S or CB. Still able to get a very good DL . Probably no shots at the Devins but Mack Wilson could be taken In the second.

If you assume 4 offensive players are in the first 11, and that Bosa, Williams and Allen are all gone by then, that leaves a smaller pool.

White. Oliver. Wilkins, Sweat, Gary, Bush plus any CB or S we'd like.

I like White, Oliver, and Wilkins. If they're all gone, I would prefer a trade down.

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kevgk's picture

April 24, 2019 at 01:00 pm

PFF cited Amos as a top 10 safety and Martinez the best ILB in the division (which included a number 1 defense the last two years).
Who would trade up with us so we could drop that far? Trading down in a buyers' market.

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leche's picture

April 24, 2019 at 01:45 pm

Yeah the draft seems deep enough that most teams would prefer to trade down, but you need a partner who wants to move up and that's just looking less and less likely.

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CheesyTex's picture

April 24, 2019 at 01:38 pm

Old School. I like a trade down too if White and Wilkins are gone.

If Raiders really love Josh Jacobs as advertised, what about giving up #12 for # 24 and # 27?

Gute would have a field day choosing among those you list. IMO names like Lawrence, Simmons, Fant or Hock, and Hakeem Butler will also be available in that range.

And, please, find a durable Safety / CB.

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Leatherhead's picture

April 24, 2019 at 06:37 pm

With picks at #24, #27, #30 and #44...….I'd take that. I think we could add two really good players on both sides of the ball.

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bartstarrfan's picture

April 24, 2019 at 09:23 pm

Yes, Hakeem Butler please.

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Rak43's picture

April 25, 2019 at 04:24 am

yeah sounds good, but the Raiders are rebuilding and are not giving up 2 first rounders to move up 12 spots in round 1. That's a pipe dream. If they are that enamored of a particular player they may give up the 24th and 36th picks but I doubt they would even part with their early second to get to 12.

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zeroluv's picture

April 24, 2019 at 09:23 pm

I want Devin Bush at 12. The kid is a rock star and hits hard. He is faster than any linebacker right now. His sideline to sideline is unmatched. If we get him...that’s a home run. Oliver would be another top pick....keep the defense growing with talent. We all know Defense wins championships.

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bartstarrfan's picture

April 24, 2019 at 09:24 pm

That'd be nice, but I don't think he'll be there

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EddieLeeIvory's picture

April 24, 2019 at 10:22 pm

Totally agree on Bush.
Seems, however, there are a lotta guys here who want big Hock instead.

Bush would help the speed of the defense take it up a big notch.

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RCPackerFan's picture

April 24, 2019 at 12:37 pm

Right now I am wanting them to take Hockenson with the 12th pick or the best defensive player available. Hockenson I just think fits what LaFleur is wanting to do on offense.

So whether that would be Oliver, Burns, Bush, Sweat I really don't care. Just give me a guy who can create issues for offenses.

With the 30th and 44th pick I'm focusing more on the OL or S.
Maybe Risner at 30 or McGary at 44?
Gardner-Johnson, Adderley, Thornhill, Savage would be the more ideal targets at 30 or 44.

That right now is kind of my thinking. Come away with a TE, OT and S with the first 3 picks would be my ultimate goal. Of course it depends on who is available.

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PeteK's picture

April 24, 2019 at 01:31 pm

I like your thinking. Hock/Oliver/Bush in that order with 12, Risner with 30, and then best safety ,RB (Sanders), ILB( if we don't get Bush). Last time I checked there are only 2 edges and we have three good edge rushers so a pick there is a waste .

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RCPackerFan's picture

April 24, 2019 at 02:08 pm

yeah, a lot of it all depends on how the board falls.

My favorite draft would be Hockenson, Risner and Adderley. (or something similar).

I'm not overly comfortable taking an OT at 12. That is a pick I think we need a true play maker. A guy that can change a game. We don't normally pick that high and we need a guy that can make plays. Hockenson is a dominating run blocker, is a good receiver and would be a great fit in LaFleurs offense. Either ILB would be a great pick. We have Martinez, but he is going to be entering his final year, and we need another guy. We don't know about Burks yet.
I feel more comfortable taking an OT at 30 or 44. I really like Risner.

I still would consider an Edge player anywhere though. We have the Smiths, but ZaDarius can drop down inside. Meaning we need another OLB especially for passing downs. I'm not a believer in Fackrell. He had a lot of sacks but did almost nothing else. Behind him we really don't have anything either.
Do we 'need' an Edge player? No not necessarily. But if adding one could take what we think our 'good' pass rush will be to great, then I am all for it.
Whoever can help the team the most is who I want.

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 25, 2019 at 11:54 am

Ferrell fits the spot.

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dobber's picture

April 25, 2019 at 12:23 pm

"I still would consider an Edge player anywhere though. We have the Smiths, but ZaDarius can drop down inside. Meaning we need another OLB especially for passing downs. I'm not a believer in Fackrell. He had a lot of sacks but did almost nothing else."

I thought Fackrell actually played well in an off-ball role last year, too. He can cover more ground than you'd think. With Z. Smith playing with his hand on the ground some, Fackrell will still get his snaps this year. If he nets 6+ sacks in 2019, he'll be hard to pay next off-season...

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bartstarrfan's picture

April 24, 2019 at 09:25 pm

I'm not that sold on Hockenson, and think picking him at 12 wouldn't be good value. Personally I'd rather have Fant, and he can be picked later.

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@ballark's picture

April 24, 2019 at 12:40 pm

Big disagree with the premise of this article.

First, the Packers added 3 playmakers on defense in FA. Do we need more? Yes. But with a hobbled and aging Bulaga, an ineffective Jimmy Graham, and a black hole behind Adams in the WR room, I don't think the needs on defense outweigh those on offense.

Second, the strength of this draft is depth. There will be very good players on the board in round 2 and 3. So, for instance, if the Packers go Hockenson at 12, Hollywood at 30, they can still snag a safety at 44, and who knows, maybe Polite slides to round 3.

After adding Preston, Za'Darius, and Amos, the Packers can go any way they want in this draft.

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ILPackerBacker's picture

April 24, 2019 at 01:19 pm

Totally agree.
In fact i had to go back and make sure Cory didn't write this article.

Martinez is an impact player? Hawk must have been too. Only when everyone was on a beer run.

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Leatherhead's picture

April 24, 2019 at 06:15 pm

Well, believe it or not....making a tackle has an impact on the play. Actually being healthy enough to be on the field all the time, and actually making tackles that actually end plays has at least as much of an impact as 1/2 a sack does.

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ChrisPeterson's picture

April 24, 2019 at 10:21 pm

I think Martinez is solid. He's a good two-down LB. He gets some sacks and makes a good amount of plays in the backfield against the run. He also gets some fumbles and just is around the ball. But I said I didn't he should play more than about half the snaps. He has a role. But he's no Devin Bush.

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PeteK's picture

April 24, 2019 at 01:41 pm

You mentioned Bulaga but left out O lineman. In my opinion, T has to be drafted at the least by pick 30. At least one of last years rookie receivers will take a big step forward this year because that's what great QB do for receivers, so WR is not one of my first six picks.

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ChrisPeterson's picture

April 24, 2019 at 06:08 pm

ballark,

Thanks for reading, as well as for the well-crafted and well-thought response.

I agree that Green Bay got three good players in free agency. But I don't know if I share the opinion that the Packers got three impact players. Hopefully, that proves to be true. Even if does, I still see a hole in the defense at inside linebacker.

It has been there for a long time. Martinez is a good player but to me, he still is someone that should only be on the field 50-60 percent of the time.

The Packers need an LB that can play base, nickel, dime, sub packages, goal line, whatever and to me, that is Devin Bush. I would take him over White and believe he is one of the truly elite players in this draft on defense.

I would be happy with Hockenstein if the Packers were there at 12 with Bush and White off the board. Nothing you can do there. I am not sure there would be any trading partners if GB did want to move and select either player or one of the other defenders like Ed Oliver.

If what you say is true and depth is the strength of this draft, isn't there a case to be made for the Packers to trade up, packaging the 12th pick and their 30th, 44th or 75th pick (12 plus one more) to try and get what most agree are elite players, then sit and see who falls to you?

There is depth in this draft at CB, S, Pass Rush and TE, but I don't know if there is anyone like White or Bush once those two guys are gone. In fact, I'd be willing to jump ahead of Detroit to try and draft one of them. Maybe the Jags would drop to 12 and wait for Metcalf or Hockenstein there?

The 12th pick and say the 75th (3rd) plus an extra fourth. One a trade conversion chart according to drafttek for 2019, that would the 12th, 75th and 114th picks would equal 1481 points while the 7th picks equals 1500, so it's pretty close and tight end is a huge need for the Jags. Obviously, just an idea but I still think there is a good case for trading up for one of these LB's in that 7-10 range to get one as long as you don't have to give up the other 1st or 2nd pick. I'd only give that up to get into the top five for Oliver.

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bartstarrfan's picture

April 24, 2019 at 09:29 pm

On point.

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 25, 2019 at 11:56 am

Don't think White gets anywhere past number six.

0 points
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0
albert999's picture

April 24, 2019 at 12:43 pm

NKEAL,HARRY at 30

-4 points
1
5
AgrippaLII's picture

April 24, 2019 at 01:16 pm

I like Bush at #12...he'll be an immediate starter. A nasty three down linebacker the likes of which we haven't seen in Green bay since the Dark Ages! Add a young ball hawking Free Safety and the Defense is ready for business!

2 points
5
3
zeroluv's picture

April 24, 2019 at 09:24 pm

Agreed 100%

1 points
1
0
Handsback's picture

April 24, 2019 at 01:43 pm

Playmakers...yes, defense or offense will make no difference.

2 points
2
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ShawnO's picture

April 24, 2019 at 02:14 pm

I disagree as well, here is my Mock

12: R1P12
OT ANDRE DILLARD

30: R1P30
WR HAKEEM BUTLER

44: R2P12
S NASIR ADDERLEY

75: R3P11
TE JOSH OLIVER

114: R4P12
LB GERMAINE PRATT

118: R4P16
G RYAN BATES

-8 points
2
10
albert999's picture

April 24, 2019 at 02:39 pm

I like your 44 and that’s it Dillard at 12....NO WAY

5 points
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ShawnO's picture

April 24, 2019 at 03:08 pm

Agreed that Dillard is a little bit high but he has such great feet and can always work on his hands. I feel like taking OL at 12 is the way to go. If they take a WR, which I hope they do, I feel it should be at 30 as I fell the run on WR is going to start before then. Also the strength of what I feel is the biggest weakness, Satiety is also in that 30 to 44 range. I would like to have Bulagas replacement on the roster this year.

-2 points
1
3
Leatherhead's picture

April 24, 2019 at 06:19 pm

If you go to pro-football-reference and look up the Average Value of these guys, the offensive lineman's average value, over time, is not nearly as high as offensive skill position players, or defensive studs, taken at the same point in the first round.

Translation: They offer less bang for the buck. Draft offensive lineman later.....use those highest picks on other positions.

2 points
4
2
bartstarrfan's picture

April 24, 2019 at 09:30 pm

I'd love it if they grabbed Butler

-1 points
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1
zeroluv's picture

April 25, 2019 at 06:09 am

Adderley will never fall to 44. He is a top two safety. Also dillard has a late first round grade...he is a reach at 12. If your draft did work out it would be good.

-1 points
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1
Paul Glotz's picture

April 24, 2019 at 02:49 pm

I think GB should go as high as #10 overall (that would be relatively easy with the draft capital GB has. Get a the top box Defender possible at Edge, LB, DT etc..
Then use the next couple of selections to concentrate on an O weapon (WR, TE, RB) and an OT to improve a pathetic OL. Sorry just speaking to the truth. Nothing happens with Aaron in the hospital again. Nothing.

-2 points
1
3
ricky's picture

April 24, 2019 at 02:56 pm

When you write that players are "rising on draft boards", this is from pundits, not professional talent evaluators whose job is contingent on their being right. If a pundit is wrong, no one remembers in a matter of days. If a team drafts a player who flops, that is remembered for years. And the person responsible for the pick is suddenly a little less trusted, a bit closer to being replaced. So, as always, guys who were expected to go early will last, while guys who were projected for the second day will suddenly be gone in the first. Always happens.

3 points
3
0
Hawg Hanner's picture

April 24, 2019 at 03:00 pm

The article shows photos of Michigan players. The team horribly underachieved. There are numerous articles bashing the Michigan players touted as first round prospects, Gary in particlar I pray we are not so stupid as to draft one of these low effort low ceiling guys in the first round, or at any time.

3 points
5
2
zeroluv's picture

April 24, 2019 at 09:27 pm

Bush is a stud...watch his tape...he is going to be a pro bowler every year.

1 points
1
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Gman1976's picture

April 24, 2019 at 03:08 pm

We are going to get a great defensive player. Can't wait to see who he is.

3 points
4
1
zoellner25's picture

April 24, 2019 at 03:32 pm

Chris Mortenson said on radio this am he thought 3 QBs would go in top 11. that would help us get our defensive player

4 points
4
0
Dzehren's picture

April 24, 2019 at 03:37 pm

I’ll take a Devin at 12 & OT @ 30 please

7 points
8
1
Alberta_Packer's picture

April 24, 2019 at 03:49 pm

I think fundamental thinking will prevail - with the protection of Aaron Rodgers still being the #1 priority - so selection will be Dillard/Taylor at 12. Both are the top OL and will consolidate the O-Line for the next few years. Jonah Williams not in consideration for me due to his average athleticism and strength - rating him as a 2nd round pick.

0 points
2
2
shmelbs's picture

April 24, 2019 at 04:42 pm

I don't like saying this, but I think Fackrell's performance last year is nothing to bank on. He seems like a great guy with a try-hard motor, and I root for him. But a lot of those sacks last year came against weak O-lines, and also, opposing teams probably weren't game planning for him, which opened up some opportunities for surprise performances. I really hope he proves me wrong, but I predict he comes back to Earth with solid but unspectacular numbers this year. With Daniels in a contract year, and with a strong draft class on defense, I think the Packers go D-line or LB with the #12 pick, (assuming they stay at #12).

6 points
6
0
Dzehren's picture

April 24, 2019 at 07:05 pm

Pettine schemed Fackrell correctly & put him in a position to make plays. Imagine Pettine with the Smiths & a possible rookie draft pick like the Devin’s- Oliver- Burns , Sweat Etc.
His predecessor Dom Capers was unable to make adjustments. D will be on he rise with right picks.

6 points
6
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Lphill's picture

April 24, 2019 at 06:14 pm

Best defensive player at 12 , best tight end at 30 , O line 2 Nd round then depth for all positions.

2 points
2
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IceBowl's picture

April 24, 2019 at 09:21 pm

Come on all,

We get 3 of the best 44 players available in the the country. (there are 100's to the thousands total)

I expect 3 playmakers.

Life may only provide 2, but I expect 3.

2 points
2
0
Tundraboy's picture

April 24, 2019 at 09:51 pm

Dream of White,Settle for Bush.

2 points
2
0
zeroluv's picture

April 25, 2019 at 06:36 am

I’m the opposite in the players but ILB is a must. I feel Bush is the better player....

0 points
1
1
Bryan Chisholm's picture

April 24, 2019 at 10:33 pm

Gah lee.. aren't y'all tired of seeing Arod have a pretty good offense with a horrible defense, ruin our super bowl pushes?!? How long has MLB been a problem.. we always get the run stuffing, unathletic, limited guy in the 4th-5th round.. but you hear the same fans complaining about the middle of the field being open 24/7. Yet, when it's VERY possible one of those Uber athletic field roamers (Bush) is gonna be there.. all im seeing is "pass on him for Taylor, Lindstrom or Hockenson" .. when we've had success at finding later round O lineman but no where near the same luck finding linebackers late. The drop off from the Devin's to the next best MLB is significant, but that's not the case for Olineman in this class.. ONLY way I'm passing on Bush is if Allen or Williams falls to us somehow (never gonna happen) or Burns and Oliver are there.. even then, I may still pick Bush over White and Burns.. Oliver would be a Packer though if he was there at #12

2 points
2
0
zeroluv's picture

April 25, 2019 at 06:34 am

I agree....look at what the Patriots did to KC in the playoffs. They kept going to Edelman across the middle because KC did t have a decent ILB to cover that gap. Bush is a must....I hope Gutey sees it that way. People forget Defense wins championships. I’m sick of the Packers winning games 30-27. Aaron can’t keep throwing that ball 40 times a game to stay pace. Offense is the sexy picks for sure but we addressed it last year. This year has to be defense and don’t forget...we lose Daniels, Tramon Williams and possibly Martinez next year if we don’t sign him because Clark will be a priority. The best scenario is if we trade down to 15 with Washington or 13 with Miami so they can get their QB and still get Bush and a extra 3rd rounder. Then Gutey can trade up and get a stud TE at #30 and trade up to get another late first rounder or second rounder and fill the gaps. I’m excited to see what we do!

1 points
1
0
jannes bjornson's picture

April 25, 2019 at 12:02 pm

The Rams safeties were nowhere to be found.

0 points
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0
EddieLeeIvory's picture

April 24, 2019 at 10:34 pm

I believe our top 3 picks will be among these positions

S
OT
DL
OLB

I believe "powers that be" feel we are better off at ILB & TE than most of us fans feel.
For Pettine, a smart free safety is important. He will get his guy to pair with Amos.

I looked at Oren Burks #s & can see why they took him. He didn't do anything though but it is the same GM & DC who took him just 12 months ago. They probably still believe he can become what they drafted him to be.

1 points
2
1
zeroluv's picture

April 25, 2019 at 06:42 am

ILB isn’t good. We have only Martinez who is good but not a all around player. He is a great run stuffer but struggles in coverage still. We can’t compete against the Saints, Bears and Rams like that. Oren Burks is good but he is a converted Safety but still has time to develop but we need a impact player now. We need at least one more ILB since we let go of Morrison. One of the Devins is a must add. I hate to trade up but I hope one of them falls to 12. Also...OT is a must add at 30. OT Dillard or Risner should still be there...I think we are good at WR since Kumerow can play the slot and Rodgers loves him. TE is a need but one can be had late in this draft. No rush. Look how many can’t miss TEs went in other drafts and have all flopped just about. Safety isn’t a must because I believe Tre Boston who is young and still available can be had cheap and would pair well with Amos. Overall...defense wins championships. When the Packers won in 2010 their defense was top 10. We need that again...that will help Rodgers more than drafting offense now. We know the Pack can still put points up...the issue is we can’t win in shootouts. We need to take the Rams model and have a top defense which will make the offense that much more explosive by giving Rodgers and company more chances.

-1 points
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1
Cartwright's picture

April 25, 2019 at 06:07 am

All Aaron ever needed were defenders that could hold a lead. How many leads has Rodgers given his team to see it all evaporate since the SB win. Get him a defense and focus on positions of need in the first round. ILB is at the top of the list and could be the last piece with Pettine at the helm in creating a top five. We addressed edge and safety now the last spot is a middle linebacker. If these guys, White and Bush are as good as advertised and the drop off is deep after that, if we have to package the 12 with another draft pick and move up then do it. The defense has always been our achilles heel but maybe we get lucky and one of them will still be there without having to sacrifice a thing.

2 points
2
0
zeroluv's picture

April 25, 2019 at 06:25 am

Well said.....I am with you that ILB is a must add. I would like Bush over White actually because I think Bush has better instinct and you can’t teach that. He also plays with a chip on his shoulder because if his doubters and hits hard if not harder than White. If we get one of the Devins I would be ecstatic.

0 points
1
1
Doug Niemczynski's picture

April 25, 2019 at 08:55 am

TJ Hockenson give Roger's a weapon and protection.. TE Hockenson and OL Dalton Risner.

0 points
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Since'61's picture

April 25, 2019 at 09:02 am

Which players can help the Packers win in 2019? An OL, a TE and A WR. If the top defenders are gone when the Packers select I can see them taking an OL @12 and a TE or even a WR @ 30.

DLs and Safeties take a season or 2 at least to contribute. ILBs are being replaced by hybrids. Gute might go offense early if he is all in for 2019.

In any case it won’t be long before we know. Thanks, Since ‘61

1 points
1
0
blacke00's picture

April 25, 2019 at 09:06 am

First, the Packers need to stop drafting players and expect them to play out of their position! The "Oh, they're professional athletes , they can change" attitude needs to change. Draft and play the player at the player strength! It's not Rocket science!

Stop with this stupid BPA BS! The only time it may apply is the first round!

Your draft is based on accessing your teams strength and weakness, ranking the best players by position (because not all positions are ranked equally) If all positions are ranked equally BPA may work but that not reality! QBs are ranked higher than ILB!

QBs are not the best football players! they don't block or tackle, they don't catch passes and are average RBs! They hold a specific set of skills (as do other positions!) So you can't judge them equally. You rate player value vs specific skill set.

BPA is ranking apples to oranges.

0 points
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1