Pre-Training Camp Thoughts from CHTV Staff

Packers training camp starts tomorrow, so today we’ve got some pre-camp thoughts from Cheesehead TV staffers. Leave your own predictions/thoughts in the comments! 

Which player are you most excited to see/hear about when camp and the preseason starts?

Perri Goldstein: Eric Stokes

Jersey Al: It's a toss up between AJ Dillon and Rashan Gary. Two players that can impose their will on opponents and make them question their decision to play football. I want to see AJ Dillon flatten safeties trying to stop him and Gary develop a hump move and throw people around like Reggie used to.

Brian Maafi: Jordan Love. It will be interesting to see how he does once the pads come on.

Brandon Carwile: Rashan Gary

Dusty Evely: Amari Rodgers

Aaron Nagler: Jaire Alexander

Ken Lass: Josh Myers.  He’s the key to the entire OL until Bakh comes back.

Maggie: AJ Dillon for me. I’m looking forward to seeing him utilized more in LaFleur’s offense (whether or not he plays in the preseason much) and how he looks out of the backfield catching passes. We know it’s something he wasn’t asked to do at Boston College, but it’s something he’s been working on consistently since he got to the NFL. 

Who's your undrafted pick to make the active roster out of training camp?

Jersey Al: Christian Uphoff - he's super versatile, plays special teams and is coming in with an attitude after not being drafted.

Perri: Patrick Taylor

Brian: Uphoff, he has the best shot imo.

Brandon: Christian Uphoff

Dusty: Coy Cronk

Aaron: Jack Heflin

Maggie: Jack Heflin is mine, too. I think Uphoff is super intriguing and there’s a ton of question marks behind Amos and Savage in the safety room, but there are also tons of questions along the defensive line. If Heflin looks good early, he could push for a spot. 

Is there a current player who's been on the 53 previously that you feel is in jeopardy of not making the active roster this year?:

Perri: Oren Burks

Jersey Al: Josh Jackson. the Packers have other young cornerbacks they really like and the inability to play special teams kept him off the active roster a lot last year. This year, it will keep him off the roster permanently.

Brian: Oren Burks. He now has at least three guys ahead of him on the depth chart, maybe four.

Brandon: Oren Burks 

Dusty: Depth likely precludes him, but I could see Josh Jackson not making it through.

Aaron: Lucas Patrick

Ken: EQ.  Funchess and Amari Rodgers take up his spot.

Maggie: Ka’Dar Hollman. I think it’s one of the corners for sure and Jackson will get the nod as a former second-round pick, but it’ll be an uphill battle for both players. 

Any surprise trade candidates? Either from the Packers or being brought to the team? (You can give a position if you don't have a specific player in mind from another team)

Perri: No I think they have the roster already!

Jersey Al: Hard to envision a camp trade, but a possibility would be signing a DL cut from another team during preseason.

Brian: The defensive line. Depth there is questionable.

Brandon: Preston Smith

Aaron: Wouldn't surprise me to see them trade a late pick for a backup RB

Ken: Wouldn’t shock me if Preston Smith was traded if Ramsey comes on in camp.

Maggie: I expected this to be an inside linebacker, but the Packers addressed that already with De’Vondre Campbell. So barring any injuries, I think the roster is what it is at this point. 

Who's your breakout player or "under the radar" candidate to contribute a lot?

Perri: Rashan Gary

Jersey Al: While a player can be "under the radar" and then unexpectedly contribute, I take "breakout" more from the view of any player that contributed little last year and suddenly becomes a consistent game day factor. My picks are Dillon and Deguara.

Brian: Kylin Hill. Running backs tend to get injured and Jones has an injury history. I wouldn't be surprised if he ended up with around 300 yards rushing on the year.

Brandon: Josiah Deguara

Dusty: I don't know about under the radar, but it feels like it's Runyan's time to shine

Aaron: Henry Black

Kenny: Hoping TJ Slaton will eat up blockers while Kenny Clark gets the benefit and the glory.

Maggie: I’m going with Vernon Scott. I think he’s got a real shot at that third safety spot. He played just about everywhere in the secondary in college, and he can do the same in Joe Barry’s defense whether it’s in the box or in the slot. 

Strongest position going into training camp? 

Perri: Tight End

Jersey Al: Secondary 

Brian: Tight end. They have 5 legit NFL tight ends.

Brandon: Tight end 

Dusty: Dare I say wide receiver?

Aaron: Running back

Kenny: Running back

Maggie: Running back is my vote, too. Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon are an incredible tandem and I’m looking forward to seeing how LaFleur utilizes them in two-back sets.

Weakest position going into training camp?

Perri: Defensive Line

Jersey Al: Quarterback...assuming you know what…

Brian: defensive line 

Brandon: inside linebacker

Dusty: Defensive line. Nice top-end talent, but depth is concerning, especially with this system.

Aaron: Defensive line

Kenny: Defensive line

Maggie: Echoing almost everyone else here. The Packers know what they have in Kenny Clark, and they think they have a good idea in Dean Lowry and Kingsley Keke. T.J. Slaton was drafted as a run-stuffer and not a pass rusher, but there isn’t a ton of depth in the room. Much of the talent is unproven. 

Any final pre-training camp thoughts you want to share that you didn't address previously?

Jersey Al: I'm mostly looking for Keke or Slaton to step up, take some snaps from Lancaster and possibly Lowry, allowing Kenny Clark more freedom to attack at the LOS.

Brian: The Packers also have some serious legit depth on the offensive line.

Brandon: Josh Jackson will make the team. 

Dusty: I'm really excited to hear about the progression of Keke. I already know I'm going to get irrationally excited every time I hear about a positive rep from him.

Aaron: Super Bowl or bust.

Maggie: Yeah, I like Aaron’s idea. With the other Aaron coming back to Green Bay to quarterback the Packers for his 17th (and possibly final) season with the franchise, go win the whole thing. 

 

 

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Maggie Loney is a writer for Cheesehead TV and podcaster for the Pack-A-Day Podcast and Pack's What She Said. Find her on Twitter at @MaggieJLoney.

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7 points
 

Comments (48)

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

July 27, 2021 at 12:32 pm

Nice overview before TC opens. It might make for a nice piece after week one of the regular season to revisit the list, just for laughs and for some good natured ribbing. GPG! Let's get'm strapped up and ready to roll, finally!

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scullyitsme's picture

July 27, 2021 at 12:42 pm

My prediction is Super Bowl, because Amari Rodgers, and Fuchness automatically become wr2 and 3 and Rodgers will light it up with 3 receivers that can get open, and don’t drop balls.

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Bear's picture

July 27, 2021 at 12:56 pm

Highest WR Drop Rates in 2018:

1. Devin Funchess: 13.9%
2. Laquon Treadwell: 13.2%
3. John Ross: 12.1%
4. Keelan Cole: 10.0%
5. Randall Cobb: 9.8%
6. Demaryius Thomas: 9.0%
7. Kelvin Benjamin: 9.0%
8. Corey Davis: 8.9%
9. Golden Tate: 8.8%
10. Antonio Callaway: 8.6%
/

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Coldworld's picture

July 27, 2021 at 01:10 pm

Let’s hope he does better in 2021 and is used a little more appropriately. It was interesting to see Cobb so high on that list. That I did not expect. So we may have 2 for you to worry about if rumors are true.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

July 27, 2021 at 01:40 pm

" 5. Randall Cobb: 9.8%"

Great...

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Leatherhead's picture

July 27, 2021 at 04:45 pm

That list includes quite a few pretty good receivers. A 10% drop rate on 100 targets is 10 drops, that seems really bad but the average guy would still have 5 or 6 drops. Also, aren’t drops subjective? Is dropping a long bomb TD the same as having the ball knocked loose?

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scullyitsme's picture

July 28, 2021 at 07:24 am

Two words, cam Newton

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packer132's picture

July 27, 2021 at 05:57 pm

Funchess better give 100% in camp if he wants to make the team. Receivers will be: Adams, MVS, Lazard, Rodgers, Cobb, and Malik Taylor or Funchess. EQ is long gone.

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LambeauPlain's picture

July 27, 2021 at 01:17 pm

Huh...not one writer were excited to see #12 when camp starts?

I also was a little surprised no one picked the OL as one of the strongest position groups.

Bahk, Jenks, Myers, Patrick and Turner look really good for this season. Lots of depth too. Bunch of country strong B1G boys!

I like the CB room too. But certainly do not quarrel with the RBs or TEs.

Team is loaded.

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Coldworld's picture

July 27, 2021 at 06:01 pm

They missed Cobb whom we are working out a trade for. Rodgers better win, we’d better kiss a DL upgrade goodbye and see how much cap we are spending on a player who we’d otherwise not be interested in.

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Lphill's picture

July 27, 2021 at 01:20 pm

After all that , same ole same ole , D line and inside linebacker a concern . I say corner too with one bonafide DB and a bunch of maybes .

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RCPackerFan's picture

July 27, 2021 at 01:21 pm

Which player are you most excited to see/hear about when camp and the preseason starts?
Me: Stokes - If he comes in and can lock down right away, our defense just became that much better. CB opposite of Alexander might have been our greatest weakness last year.

Who's your undrafted pick to make the active roster out of training camp?
Me: Christian Uphoff - His size/speed makes me think he could be a special teams demon to start. Also they seem to keep undrafted FA DB's more then other positions.

Is there a current player who's been on the 53 previously that you feel is in jeopardy of not making the active roster this year?
Me: EQ - He has missed a lot of time. They drafted Rodgers. They have Funchess. IF they would go and get Cobb, someone is the odd man out. EQ might be that guy.

Any surprise trade candidates? Either from the Packers or being brought to the team? (You can give a position if you don't have a specific player in mind from another team)
Me: Well the rumor is Cobb right now. We will see if that happens. I don't think they make a trade, but if they did DL or RB seem to be the top positions.

Who's your breakout player or "under the radar" candidate to contribute a lot?
Me: Jon Runyan - He is a prime candidate to take a leap. I can see him becoming one of the starting OG's, especially if Bakhtiari can't start and they need to move Jenkins. Or if they don't think Meyers is ready and they move Patrick to OC. I think Runyan earns a starting spot.

Strongest position going into training camp?
Me: QB - Rodgers, Love and Bortles (at the moment). 1 HOF QB, a first round pick and a QB that has played in a lot of games.

Weakest position going into training camp?
Me: DL probably. They have a stud in Clark. I really like Keke. Slaton hopefully plays right away. But if he doesn't, that will really hurt. The DL depth is not that good.

Any final pre-training camp thoughts you want to share that you didn't address previously?
Me: I really like the overall depth. There are questions. Who will be RB3. How do our TE's stack up? Who will our WR's be? OL depth? DL depth? 2nd year jump at LB? Who wins at CB2 and CB3? Every position has some questions. I'm not concerned with most. OL early will be a question. How do the 3 rookies look early? How does Runyan look. When will Bakhtiari be back?

I think we will see a lot of players taking big jumps this year. I mentioned Runyan. But Dillon I think becomes a wrecking ball. Tonyan can still improve, but what about Sternberger? And don't forget about Deguara, and Dafney. TE is pretty loaded. At LB, both Martin and Barnes are entering year 2. Both could take big steps and we need them to. How about a guy like Vernon Scott. He could maybe become the hybrid safety or the deep safety and allow Amos or Savage to roam more.

Don't be surprised if MVS really takes off this year. Like close to 1000 yards. Lazard also could have a monster year if he stays healthy. I'm predicting big years from Gary and Savage. I think they take a step toward the elite!

This is a VERY good team, and hopefully they become a GREAT team! I can't wait to see how these guys look!

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Alberta_Packer's picture

July 27, 2021 at 02:10 pm

Liked your synopsis. I'm really interested in seeing if the infusion of young talent can displace some of the mediocre talent and performers.

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Alberta_Packer's picture

July 27, 2021 at 01:34 pm

With the near consensus that the d-line is the weakest position - (agreed) - I anticipate/hope that Gutekunst will do something to address this need before the start of the regular season - whether it be a free agent, a trade or a late cut(s). Forget about Randall Cobb - a big ole space eater and run-stopper should be at the top of the priority list.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

July 27, 2021 at 01:43 pm

I expect Gary and Z to play with their hands down more in 2021. That makes the DL line group look a lot better. But I totally agree, DT over Cobb.

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Alberta_Packer's picture

July 27, 2021 at 01:59 pm

I have come to believe that Gary's best position may be as a DE. He's certainly big enough and more than fast enough - while he plays the run extremely well. With the new DC - I expect to see some 4/5 fronts - which if nothing else will be a refreshing change.

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jannes bjornson's picture

July 27, 2021 at 06:19 pm

He should be featured in more 4-2.4-3 looks and multiple fronts with 5-2 spreads.

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packer132's picture

July 27, 2021 at 06:01 pm

Sounds like Cobb coming back was required by Rodgers to return. I want a DT also, but think it wll come after teams cut in August.

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mbpacker's picture

July 27, 2021 at 05:23 pm

Unless the plan is for Cobb to play on the DL.

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stockholder's picture

July 27, 2021 at 02:02 pm

I say Bahk. The sooner he shows he's ready. The Better. No 2021 undrafted player will be on the 53. Frankly I'm doubtful the packers get anyone. I say they'll sell first; for a draft pick. I say Patrick will be the most improved OL. MVS at WR. The bigger blunder will be if they trade Patrick. The weakest position on the team ; is the DL. The vikings games will show why.

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Leatherhead's picture

July 27, 2021 at 02:09 pm

Most interested in Myers, because he’s a rook, he’s a putative starter, and if the line can get people blocked this offense is going to roll over people.

This is the strongest group at the start of training camp that I recall us having since the merger, right up there with the 96 team. We could have a really good team this year.

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jannes bjornson's picture

July 27, 2021 at 06:25 pm

You won't be waiting for highlights from a power I-formation. These dudes are going to put up points--very quickly.

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Packers0808's picture

July 27, 2021 at 02:28 pm

Interested to see what level Love is at!Rodgers with his man bun may get his tail clipped early and see what Love has if thrown into the fire!

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13TimeChamps's picture

July 27, 2021 at 04:09 pm

Could we please...PLEASE...stop with the man bun references. What a weird and bizarre thing to get fixated on. Who the f**k cares? If he puts up another 48/5/4300 season I don't care if he wears his hair in pigtails.

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Packers0808's picture

July 27, 2021 at 04:43 pm

What do you care what someone else doesn't like and looks ridiculous on any man! Man Buns should not even be in our language when it refers to mans hair or MAN BUNS!

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13TimeChamps's picture

July 27, 2021 at 07:15 pm

Fair enough. I'll concentrate on the Packers W-L record this year, and you keep giving us updates on Rodgers hairstyle(s). Should be fascinating. Sound like a plan?

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Packers0808's picture

July 27, 2021 at 09:10 pm

Sounds like a plan if you really need one and the updates! Just let me know when you are in need.

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Leatherhead's picture

July 27, 2021 at 09:53 pm

Elroy “crazy legs” Hirsch.
Ed “too tall” Jones
Ironhead Heyward
Aaron “Man bun” Rodgers

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13TimeChamps's picture

July 27, 2021 at 10:17 pm

Wow thanks for those great examples.

Three real ones which have nothing to do with the one you pulled out of your ass.

You're always an inspiration.

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Packers0808's picture

July 28, 2021 at 09:14 am

Pretty touchy there for people just having some fun with sports nicknames! Give it a rest! Geez!

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Coldworld's picture

July 27, 2021 at 06:42 pm

Pigtails would be gender neutral. Might be on to something in this day and age.

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

July 27, 2021 at 11:10 pm

If he doesn't help us win our 14th SB who cares. In fact if he cannot win the SB I argue we would have been better having Love start for the experience.

Why I dont know but probably because statistically AR is due for a significant injury that even with AR back I see JL playing a number of games this year.

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LambeauPlain's picture

July 28, 2021 at 09:17 am

What would you say if he walked into Lambeau wearing a cocktail dress?:-)

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Alberta_Packer's picture

July 29, 2021 at 04:19 pm

As long as it's tasteful and preferably black.

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jannes bjornson's picture

July 27, 2021 at 06:21 pm

Lunacy and scatter shot from the Odd-8.

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mbpacker's picture

July 27, 2021 at 02:54 pm

Outside of Mason, the Special Teams has been a weak link too. I know we have new coordinator which is good, but I want to see consistency and results. Hopefully, Amari can spark the punt and/or kick off team and get better field position. Scott needs to step up or I would punt him off the team.

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Alberta_Packer's picture

July 27, 2021 at 03:52 pm

There has been a special teams void with the punt and kick returners since the days of Randell Cobb (1.0) and Micah Hyde - which was many moons ago. I never understood why the GMs placed such a low priority on returners (also see ILBs). Amari Rodgers is the first legitimate hope as a bona fide returner in years - so keeping my fingers crossed.

Also liked your Scott pun(t) comment.

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mbpacker's picture

July 27, 2021 at 05:18 pm

Like minds read between the lines, no pun(t) intended!

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Bure9620's picture

July 27, 2021 at 04:19 pm

Bortles is gone, I was wrong, he isn't even a camp arm.....

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Since'61's picture

July 27, 2021 at 04:30 pm

Looking forward to Rashan Gary (breakout player) and Stokes on defense, Myers and Amari Rodgers on offense.

Undrafted guy is Uphoff.

Most likely to be chucked; Burks, EQ, Jackson and possibly MVS if he keeps dropping passes and Funchess and Amari Rodgers have really strong camps.

Strongest position: QB now that Aaron Rodgers is on board.

Weakest position: ILB as usual.

Final thoughts: SB or bust and Go Pack Go!

Thanks, Since '61

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Bure9620's picture

July 27, 2021 at 07:30 pm

I agree this is SB or bust in 2021. But I would add, the best player on the team right now imo is actually not Rodgers, Adams, Z Smith or even Bahk or Clark....The best player on the Green Bay Packers is Jaire Alexander. I say that even thinking Adams is the best WR in the league. Jaire is absolutely elite. He does not get his just due. He is also a big time performer in big games.
In crunch time of the NFCCG, Jaire picked off Brady not once, but twice! 2 possessions in a row and put the ball back in Rodgers hands. I don't think I have seen Brady get picked 2 possessions in a row by the same guy......

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Since'61's picture

July 27, 2021 at 08:32 pm

Bure9620 - Jaire is definitely our best defensive player. ON offense our best player, as of now, is probably Aaron Jones especially if he can remain healthy for the entire season. MLF's offense is designed around Jones. He is the threat to score from anywhere on the field via either the pass or the run. The key is to get him in space with the ball.

Jones, Adams, Tonyan and Cobb/Amari Rodgers will make it very difficult for opposing DCs. Aaron Rodgers will be spreading the ball all over the place and Jones/Dillon will wear down defenses so that we can dominate hopefully with a lead in the second half.

If Barry's defense can tackle and get off the field and our STs besides Crosby can play at least at a competent level we're going to be tough to beat. Thanks, Since '61

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Alberta_Packer's picture

July 27, 2021 at 04:53 pm

I'm putting $2 to win on camp long shot DB Innes Gaines. Just watching his highlights - I've never seen tackling like that in a long time - certainly not from recent Packers teams. To begin, I can envision him as a special teamer. Or, at the very least, on the practice squad.

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Gman1976's picture

July 27, 2021 at 04:59 pm

I got a good laugh after reading Al's comment:, "Two players that can impose their will on opponents and make them question their decision to play football." We would love to see it.

I am really interested in seeing if our new Defensive Coordinator plays the best player. Last year, I felt that Gary didn't play enough when it was obvious Preston wasn't playing as well; and I couldn't figure out why no one replaced King when he was getting picked on play after play in the NFC championship. Great coaches make the adjustments that bring out the greatness of the players.

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mbpacker's picture

July 27, 2021 at 05:21 pm

I just hope that Barry is going to be it!

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

July 27, 2021 at 06:05 pm

A lot hangs on that. If LaFleur muffed that and Barry is worse than Pettine, this season will be one hell of a let down.

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Archie's picture

July 27, 2021 at 08:23 pm

OK, my under the radar guy is Henry Black. The guy explodes when he tackles.

My unexpected trade? Davante Adams. When Pack realizes they can't sign him before season starts they go looking for suitors. Be a damn shame to lose him for a compensatory pick.

Enjoyable and timely article.

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

July 27, 2021 at 09:21 pm

If Cobb is in fact traded for I'm guessing either Funchess, ESB, and a late round draft choice is required to get Cobb.

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