Upgrading the Packers Fifty-Three: Part III Early 1st Round Draft Prospects

David Michalski gives his first preliminary pre-combine breakdown of the 2019 draft prospects that the Packers could select with their two first round picks.  

As Matt LaFleur continues to complete the Packers coaching staff for next season, we will continue our very early offseason series, "Upgrading the Packers Fifty-Three" by addressing the Packers 2019 First-Year Player Draft.  Over the next few articles, I will be highlighting players that I think that the Packers should look at with their early round, middle round, and late round picks.  

For the latest installment of this series, I will be looking at the Packers two first-round selections and highlight fifteen players that I think could be selected with both the 12th and 30-32nd picks. In order to fill the needs on the fifty-three man roster, the Packers could look to trade down multiple times throughout the draft to accumulate more picks so that they can maximize their draft capital and rebuild the roster in one or two drafts.  

The Packers first round in this year's NFL Draft is certainly full of possibilities.  Will the team trade up to land a generational pass rusher? Will they trade down to accumulate even more draft picks, or will they do some combination of the two?  Whatever the case may be, I have highlighted a list of players for whatever direction Brian Gutekunst and the Packers front office staff decide to move in for the first round of this year's draft.     

Here is a pre-combine look at potential prospects that the Packers could select with the 12th pick if they chose to keep it:

  • Jachai Polite: Edge Defender, Florida- 11 sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss
  • Clelin Ferrell: Edge Defender, Clemson- 11.5 sacks, 20 tackles for loss
  • Greg Little: Offensive Tackle, Ole Miss- First Team All-SEC
  • Dalton Risner: Offensive Tackle, Kansas St.- 2017 First Team All-American 

Potential Prospects that the Packers could trade out of the 12th spot to select:

  • Montez Sweat: Edge Defender, Mississippi St.- 12.0 sacks, 14.5 tackles for loss
  • Deionte Thompson: Safety, Alabama- 2 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, 47 solo tackles
  • Brian Burns: Edge Defender, Florida State- 10 sacks, 15.5 tackles for loss
  • Zach Allen: Edge Defender, Boston College- 6.5 sacks, 15.0 tackles for loss

Potential Prospects that the Packers could select with the 30-32nd pick:

  • Taylor Rapp: Safety, Washington- 2 interceptions, 4.0 sacks, 32 solo tackles
  • Jawaan Taylor: Offensive Tackle, Florida- 3-year starter
  • Noah Fant: Tight End, Iowa- 39 receptions, 518 yards, 7 touchdowns
  • Jace Sternberger: Tight End, Texas A&M- 48 receptions, 832 yards, 10 touchdowns
  • Jaylon Ferguson: Edge Defender, Louisiana Tech- 17.5 sacks, 26 tackles for loss
  • O'Shane Ximines: Edge Defender, Old Dominion- 11.5 sacks, 18.0 tackles for loss
  • Chase Winovich: Edge Defender, Michigan- 5.0 sacks, 15.5 tackles for loss

Pipe Dream Players that I'd be ok with the Packers trading both of their first round picks as well as their second-round pick to select:

  • Nick Bosa: Edge Defender, Ohio St.- 4.0 sacks, 6 tackles for loss (3 games played)
  • Josh Allen: Linebacker, Kentucky- 17.0 sacks, 21.5 tackles for loss

Value Player to Trade Down to Select:

  • Montez Sweat: Edge Defender, Mississippi St.

Packers First Round Mock Selections Version 1.0:

  • 12th Pick: Jachai Polite, Edge Defender, Florida
  • 30-32nd Pick: Taylor Rapp, Safety, Washington

I encourage you to take a closer look at some of the prospects from my Packers first round big board.  I think that you will see that these players have the potential to make a sizable and immediate impact for the Packers in 2019 by filling major areas of need that the team was deficient in last season.  

Let Your Voice be Heard:

Let me know which prospects that you would be ok with the Packers selecting with their first-round picks in April's draft. Additionally, let me know if you would trade up for a specific player, or trade down to accumulate more early round picks to fill some of the holes throughout the Packers roster.    

-------------------

David Michalski is a staff writer for Cheesehead TV. He can be found on Twitter @kilbas27dave 

NFL Categories: 
7 points
 

Comments (113)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
albert999's picture

January 16, 2019 at 04:30 pm

I like Ferrell,Little,Taylor
Nice job David

1 points
2
1
stockholder's picture

January 16, 2019 at 05:40 pm

Little has terrible feet. Ferrel would be the best pick.

0 points
1
1
albert999's picture

January 17, 2019 at 01:44 am

how do u know

-1 points
1
2
Ziff Davis's picture

January 17, 2019 at 04:06 pm

I'm with you lol. What I have heard of Little's knocks are he doesn't "have a mean streak". So he's a well built finesse tackle...sounds like he'd fit well on our OL.

0 points
0
0
Hawg Hanner's picture

January 16, 2019 at 07:09 pm

I hope we don't have to invest in another safety in R1 with so many other needs. Definitely need to think OL with the NO selection

6 points
6
0
Turophile's picture

January 17, 2019 at 08:41 am

for me (as with most posters) there is a checklist of positions that needs ticking off. GMs tend to work a bit differently, but my checklist starts with Edge, OT, FS. Edge/OT could be chosen either way round with the first round picks, while safety looks like a round 2 pick.

There really are not many good OTs this year, so if you want a good one, even round two might be too late. Quality edge rushers always go very early as well, so although there will be more good prospects than at OT, it is very possible that Nick Bosa, Josh Allen, Clelin Ferrell and even Jachai Polite could be gone before the Packers first pick (12). So, do you reach a bit for an edge guy like Montez Sweat or Zach Allen, or do you think that there is better value at OT, S, DL with pick 12 ?

The Packers are in serious need of decent safeties, but I'm hoping they go big there in vet FA, and get another good one in the draft at round 2 or three.

After that it is TE, G, RB (which takes you the end of round four). I'd like a good return guy taken late and both a kicker and punter taken (probably after the draft) to provide competition. a couple of late picks used on athletic prospects like Donnerson or Amichia is fine, at some time one of these dice-roller picks will come up double-sixes instead of snake-eyes.

3 points
3
0
Leatherhead's picture

January 17, 2019 at 11:58 am

Turophile….why is Edge such a priority?

We finished 6th in sacks and sack percentage. Even if we release Matthews and Perry, that's only 5 sacks between them last year.

I agree we need a starter there, unless you want to go with Gilbert. I don't. But right now, we can't put five guys on the field in the secondary who can cover, and that's before the first injury.

Additionally, if you look at our defensive line.....we lost a starter in Wilkerson. Daniels and Lowry are both in the final year of their deals. IMO, keeping that DL solid helps our defense more over the course of 16 games than an edge rusher who we're hoping can get some pressure and maybe even a sack every other game or so.

In general I think this article is way too premature. Let's see what we can do in free agency. Let's take a look at our 90 man roster and then decide how to approach the draft.

-1 points
1
2
Turophile's picture

January 18, 2019 at 02:12 am

OldSchool. Why is edge such a priority ? Well, Matthews is almost certainly gone. That is a ton of snaps that need replacing with a starter-quality player. Perry has also been ineffective this season, in terms of pass rush.

Now Pettine has manufactured sacks with some creative schemes (which is why we finished as high as we did), but OLBs tend to be the stars in a largely 3-4 system, just as DEs are the stars in the 4-3. If you bring pressure by adding players from other places, you are taking away other creative things on the defense.

Good pass rushers make the whole defense function better. I find it difficult to believe there is anyone who thinks the Packers don't have a serious need for an upgrade there, not to mention taking many of CM3's snaps.......and to reflect their high value, they get taken in the draft FAST.

There is a good chance N.Bosa, J.Adams, C.Ferrell and maybe even Jachai Polite go before pick 12. In that same group of picks (1-11) we might see one OT, maybe one CB, maybe one QB go. There is proof how valued good edge guys are.

Equally (as I said earlier) there are only a few good OTs in this draft. J.Williams, G.Little, maybe Y.Cajuste and I also like Cody Ford (though he is often listed as guard). Bleacher report has the worst of those guys as 33rd best pick, so they could all be gone when the Packers have their 2nd round pick. Dalton Risner might be the backstop choice (in round 2) if other tackles go too early.

It isn't a great draft for the type of safeties I'd like to see in Green Bay (FS not SS), but it isn't awful either. I'd like to see a good vet safety picked up and paired with a second round pick. This is not an ideal scenario, but to my mind, trying to get the overall best group out of the first three picks in these three areas, I'd go (as I said) with edge and OT in the first, and FS in the second, or even the third round.

Deionte Thompson will be gone by the Packers round 2 pick, while the next guys up, Rapp and Abram, are not best suited to a FS role. The next ones that ARE suited are rated (again by Bleacher report) at #67, #68, #75. They are Nasir Adderley, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and Juan Thornhill. You could take one of those in round two, they are also viable targets for a trade up, in round three (waiting until one of those three is picked, before trying to trade), or even crossing the fingers and waiting for the packers own third rounder.

So, a straight swap for Matthews leaving, replaced by the new top pick. Going OT with the other first round pick, hopefully gives a quality OT starter down the road, and they could easily help fill in at RG this year, taking over from Bulaga at RT when his contract runs out at the end of 2019.

A vet safety (like Mathieu, for example), would pair with the new draft pick. King, Alexander and T.Brown are at corner. Josh Jackson who could either continue at corner, or be moved to safety where his excellent ability to read QBs is maximised. If he stays at corner you might need to rely on Josh Jones to step up in his third year at safety, he showed some promise at the end of this year.

1 points
2
1
Leatherhead's picture

January 17, 2019 at 11:41 am

Hawg…. we have a 36 year old CB playing out of position as our starting safety. The other one is a UDFA. None of the others....Campbell, Jones...have really shown me they're a starting caliber NFL safety and that's what we have in the pipeline.

We need to fortify the OL, on that I'd agree. But given the success that 3rd, 4th, and 5th round picks have found as offensive linemen in the NFL, I'm not sure we need to spend a first round pick.

The Rams, for example, feature a line that has three 2nd round picks and a sixth and a seventh. Only two of them were drafted by the Rams. The Patriots line is a bunch of last day picks.

We do not have a starting RG, but that's the least important position on offense. We have no backup for either Bulaga or Bakthiari, (unless you want to count on Spriggs, and I don't.) and we need a guy there who is 'starting ready' . We need a multipositional backup.

I'd try like hell to fill one of those through FA, or trade of a last day pick, or both. I do think we need to get a RT in the Top 100,
but not necessarily in the first round.

1 points
1
0
Roadrunner23's picture

January 16, 2019 at 04:52 pm

DEVIN WHITE - LB - Dude is a HUNTER! This guy stands out on film like he is shot out of a damn cannon!

DEEBO SAMUEL - WR - SPEED! This guy can return kicks, play the slot, play outside, big & physical too! Would be the perfect replacement for Cobb.

OK BRIAN G. - GO GET THEM!

that is all......

5 points
8
3
OnWisconsinGoPack's picture

January 16, 2019 at 05:48 pm

Agree with you on Devin White 100%. He's an animal and for a non edge rusher, his QB pressure numbers are phenomenal.

Disagree on WR, non matter who it is at the end of 1. Need more olb help or oline help first. WR round 3 at earliest

8 points
10.5
2.5
ScaryGary's picture

January 17, 2019 at 01:42 am

we should draft this animal

0 points
0
0
Leatherhead's picture

January 17, 2019 at 12:06 pm

We have Adams, MSV, St. Brown, Moore, Davis, Redding and Lazard under contract for 2019. Additionally, Allison and Kumerow may still be in the picture. And all this assumes we release Cobb.

Given that I would think our offensive plans might revolve around running more and protecting Rodgers better....I'm not seeing a priority for any kind of WR pick.

2 points
2
0
BradHTX's picture

January 16, 2019 at 05:04 pm

I don’t pay close enough attention to college players to know who I think the Packers should draft. But if I’m Gute, my targets for the first three picks are Edge, DL and OT — in any order, but with a bias toward Edge at #12.

Safety and TE are obviously needs as well, but they generally take longer to develop and are cheaper to pay in FA. I’d like to see one of each drafted in the 3rd-4th after one vet is acquired at each position. I’d draft a slot WR in this range too.

At this point, I think with the early picks, upgrading the pass rush with an OLB and a DL plus a RT-of-the-future/current #1 backup gives the Pack the best bang for their buck.

7 points
7
0
Tundraboy's picture

January 16, 2019 at 09:58 pm

"At this point, I think with the early picks, upgrading the pass rush with an OLB and a DL plus a RT-of-the-future/current #1 backup gives the Pack the best bang for their buck."

I'm all for that. Adding a Safety, TE and more OL depth in later rounds along with a veteran Safety such as Collins, would hopefully fill most of the gaping holes. Spring can not get here soon enough!

3 points
3
0
Colin_C's picture

January 16, 2019 at 05:11 pm

Pass on Ferrell, Ferguson, Winovich, Little, and any TE in the 1st.

Besides the aforementioned Burns, Polite, and Risner, here's who else I'd consider with the #12 pick.

OT/G Cody Ford - Beast of a man with surprising athleticism that player RT for Oklahoma this year. Might better project to guard, but built to put people on the ground either way.

DT Jeffery Simmons - Faced double teams all year, and still put up 18 TFL's. Excellent athlete with very hand good technique who should be an instant 3T starter.

S Nasir Adderley - FCS prospect who was easily the best player every time he stepped onto the field. As a single high safety, he's everything you want. Sideline to sideline range, excellent ball skills, reliable form tackler, very instinctive, sticky in man coverage. Nick Collins vibes watching his tape.

LB Devin Bush - Modern NFL linebacker who could best be described as tenacious. Has elite range, great instincts, brings it as a tackler, sound in coverage, plays at 100% without usually being over-aggressive. Only concern is his size at 5'11'', which limits his ability to get off blocks.

5 points
6
1
stockholder's picture

January 16, 2019 at 05:42 pm

Didn't like Ford when I watched him. Over-rated. Next three are perfect.

2 points
2
0
Colin_C's picture

January 16, 2019 at 07:50 pm

I think he's better at G than OT, but if Orlando Brown can succeed as a tackle, athletically Ford should be able to.

1 points
1
0
Rossonero's picture

January 17, 2019 at 12:08 pm

Do you think Adderley will shoot up draft boards to be considered that high?

I'd hope we could steal him with our 2nd rd pick, mainly because FCS guys aren't typically selected in the 1st rd....not unheard of, of course, but I just think the big schools will dominate the 1st rd. If he tests well enough, then maybe Adderley will be available at the end of the 1st rd, if there's enough legit hype about him.

1 points
1
0
Slim11's picture

January 17, 2019 at 12:10 pm

Why a pass on Ferrell? I realize he plays on an exceptionally good front four at Clemson, but saw teams running away from him which, in turn, helped his teammates get some very good numbers.

I agree with your other observations. None of the other players you mentioned appear to be worth a first round choice.

0 points
0
0
JohnnyLogan's picture

January 16, 2019 at 05:12 pm

BPA please. We're drafting twice in the 1st round, 3 picks in the first 44. Grab the three highest rated players on your board regardless of position. Need studs not replacements. You may know your need this year but certainly not in the next few years. Draft studs early at any position (other than QB). Drafting for need is how you end up with Nick Perry rather than Harrison Smith.

2 points
6
4
Bert's picture

January 16, 2019 at 06:23 pm

Yep. And how you end up with a mediocre OL trying to protect the franchise.

2 points
4
2
Rak43's picture

January 16, 2019 at 08:58 pm

What if the best 3 players are a QB, a CB, and WR, lol. I wouldn't touch any with a 10 foot pole in the first rd. Not with the Packers roster and where they're picking.

0 points
3
3
Minniman's picture

January 17, 2019 at 02:56 am

If the more learned draft evaluators are to be believed then this draft is "loaded" with edge and d-line and solid at o-line - so its perfectly reasonable that BPA may still yield edge and o-liners.

2 points
2
0
Leatherhead's picture

January 17, 2019 at 12:12 pm

Johnny, my goal would be to get six picks in the Top 100. That would allow us to get good players at six different positions.

We could move our Saints picks in the middle of the 2nd and 3rd. We could move down just a few places from #12 and pick up another mid 3rd rounder.

That'd give us picks at #16, #44, #50 ish, and three more around #75-80. This way we can just keep taking BPA and won't feel the need to reach for a certain position.

0 points
1
1
Bedrock's picture

January 16, 2019 at 05:37 pm

Our early round capital, according to a few different value charts, would allow us to trade our first rounders up to potentially the 3rd or 4th pick.
If Bosa or Allen are available, I wouldn’t be opposed to it happening.

1 points
2
1
PAPackerbacker's picture

January 16, 2019 at 06:07 pm

I don't think trading down and not taking the BPA is the right thing to do. Draft BPA for positions needed and get some top ranked play makers on the team, not fill ins. Start building the team with good picks. Not to say there aren't good picks in the later rounds, but take the top ranked players. The Packers need to take advantage of their higher round picks and take the best players they can get. Trading down just doesn't seem like the right thing to do to fill the positions with later round picks. Packers needs are many so why squander away chances at top quality players if they are there to be drafted when it's the Packers turn to pick?

2 points
2
0
Rak43's picture

January 16, 2019 at 09:08 pm

"Draft BPA for positions needed and get some top ranked play makers on the team, not fill ins."
Drafting the BPA and drafting the BPA at a position of need are not necessarily the same thing. It just depends on if the best player available is at a position of need.

2 points
2
0
PAPackerbacker's picture

January 17, 2019 at 03:40 am

I suppose that is true. I stand corrected. I should have stated that a little better.

0 points
0
0
Leatherhead's picture

January 17, 2019 at 12:14 pm

You have to put a team on the field. If the BPA is a center, or a RB, and you don't have a starter at safety, then you need to get a safety.

1 points
1
0
Minniman's picture

January 17, 2019 at 03:12 am

I think it was Dobber a week ago or so that aptly posted that "FA will set the table for draft".

I tend to agree with that statement and am somewhat leery of being locked into selecting a positional BPA.

There are certainly some positions of need that the Packers could more assuredly fill via FA out of this year's crop (as if year on year any player is a sure thing - right AR).

This would leave them the option to either go hard at the best positional player of interest the draft...... or pass and trade down for more shots if there are any lingering doubts.

I sincerely think that if they acquire one of the top safeties, an o-lineman and a TE in FA then that will set up an ideal draft for the Packers (reportedly full of edge and d-lineman).

3 points
3
0
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

January 17, 2019 at 05:59 am

Yes!

0 points
0
0
Slim11's picture

January 17, 2019 at 12:17 pm

The only way I see Green Bay trading out of the first round is if...IF...a team in the first 5-7 of the second round ONLY (!) wants to trade their second plus a third/fourth for the Packers’ second first round pick. Under no circumstances should the Packers trade their #12 pick.

-1 points
0
1
Jonathan Spader's picture

January 17, 2019 at 02:27 pm

Slim we traded out of our 14th pick and that worked out pretty welling picking up Alexander and pick 30-32 this year. If we can pick up a 1st rounder in 2020 why not consider it if we still have plenty of prospects in the board? Under no circumstance doesn't make sense to me. Circumstances are constantly changing in the NFL.

1 points
1
0
Slim11's picture

January 17, 2019 at 11:55 pm

You are correct about how well Gutekunst did last year. However, this year has several needs which can be easily addressed at 12 but not necessarily at 29-32.

This year, I believe the best choice for the Packers at 12 is Clelin Ferrel from Clemson. I’m not sure he’ll be available at 29-32. This is why I don’t want to see Green Bay trade the #12 pick.

Having a second first round pick puts Green Bay in a good position to gain some additional high-round picks. They may not be able to take advantage of this position as there has to be a team wanting back into the first round willing to pay a premium to do so.

0 points
0
0
4thand1's picture

January 16, 2019 at 06:14 pm

Is it BAP or BPA? lol

0 points
0
0
JohnnyLogan's picture

January 16, 2019 at 06:20 pm

BOATPSOTB - Best Of All The Players Still On The Board

3 points
3
0
Gman1976's picture

January 16, 2019 at 08:28 pm

LOL!

0 points
0
0
Rak43's picture

January 16, 2019 at 09:35 pm

It's BPA, and all it truly is, is FO double talk. Taking into consideration the Packers roster if the top player available is a RB with a rank of 89 on the Packers board but the next ranked player on their board is an edge rusher who fits their scheme with a rank of 87 who do you really think is getting picked? Trust me it won't be the BPA, it will be the edge rusher. Conversely if that RB is there with an 89 grade and the Packers have needs elsewhere but the highest ranked player at their need positions is a 79, then the BPA will most likely be drafted to increase overall roster strength. Really BPA as applied to the way GM's use the term is truly just smokescreen bullshit to cover their asses. That's also why you'll never see a GM's board and who they had ranked where.

5 points
5
0
stockholder's picture

January 16, 2019 at 06:28 pm

Should we draft defense? We have a new Coach and staff on the offensive side. The play-off teams this year don't have great defense. It's all offensive now. Being thats the case. And seeing what Pettine did last year. Everyone returns. We then draft offense to keep Rodgers upright. We draft @12 Jonah Williams T @3? Noah Fant.TE @ 44 Dalton Risner @76 Irv Smith TE @ 108 @Hakeem Butler Wr @112 Garrett Bradbury C/G @140 Max Scharping T/G @172 Trayveon Williams @182 Elijah Holyfield RB RB @204 Tony Pollard RB/KR

0 points
1
1
mrtundra's picture

January 17, 2019 at 09:18 am

I think Jonah Williams, OT, is overrated. I've read that he is not athletic enough at OT, for the NFL. If he can be moved to OG, for the NFL, he might be a better fit. Williams might be a 2nd-3rd round pick on the O line. I feel Cody Ford is pretty good at OG. Along with Wisconsin's Dieter, anywhere along the line, or maybe a guy like Risner or Cajuste at OT in the 2nd or 3rd Rounds. We need OL help in a big way. We cannot, however, pass on a guy like Ferrell, if he is available at 12, IMO.

0 points
0
0
stockholder's picture

January 17, 2019 at 06:34 pm

He's not. Got the footwork and is a clinic. Everyone likes him. But not in the top 5. He and Oliver are considered the blue chips of the draft. I like the guards better then the OTs this year. And several OTs will be moved to guard in the NFL. Risner can play anywhere, but again projects at G. We do need help at RG. But I would draft many in the 2nd to 5th rounds as I could. Lindstrom is equal to Kisner and hasn't given up a sack all year. Max Scharping also played RT, moved to Lt, but projects to RG in the pros. Again a streak of No sacks as a RT. Alex Bars is a gamble with past injuries. Just some great picks at 3-4 rounds to fill that RG position on the Packers.

1 points
1
0
Packer_Fan's picture

January 16, 2019 at 06:29 pm

I like edge for the 12th pick. BG needs to pick a winner like Alexander.

The second 1st round pick needs to have good consideration for how it is used. An OT is OK with me. But not a TE or S. I prefer to trade down on the pick and get two additional picks in the top 100. Jackson and Burks the two 2nd and 3rd round picks for this year have not panned out yet. We need as many of these picks to have a better chance at hitting good picks from the draft.

-1 points
0
1
Jonathan Spader's picture

January 16, 2019 at 09:27 pm

Worst part is we traded up to get Burks.

3 points
3
0
RCPackerFan's picture

January 17, 2019 at 08:14 am

Jackson came on late in the year. His first 11 games he struggled. But the final 5 he was actually really good. He actually tied Alexander on PBU's.

Burks got hurt early in the year and never regained the form. Also then Morrison came on and was good.

I agree about edge at 12. Edge rushers is one of the strengths of this draft especially at the top. Its why I honestly wouldn't be surprised if they double dipped in the first 3 picks.

The 2nd first round pick I would also consider trading, depending on who is available.

For me I want the biggest play maker available. They are lacking play makers. So whether that is a pass rusher, a Safety, a WR, a TE, I don't care. I want a guy who can make plays.

2 points
2
0
stockholder's picture

January 18, 2019 at 08:16 am

Your edge rushers1-10 = Nick Bosa, Clelin Ferrel, Josh Allen, Top 10. 10- 20= Montez Sweat, Brian Burns, Jachai Polite, Rashan Gary, Austin Bryant, 20-32, D'Andrea Walker, 32-45/climbing - , Jaylon Ferguson, Zack Allen, Joe Jackson. The playmaker would be on your DL. Oliver or Simmons. Not Edge Rusher. The Biggest Game changer is a safety or CB. I wouldn't take any. But Nasir Adderley is Climbing. 4.3-4.4 speed. Closing speed, Good Tackler, Jumper. It's him, or nobody @ Safety. @3? The other would be Fant. Te. He will be there. Bush ILB was a feared college LB. will be there. The Raiders could be a trade partner for a first.( It cost a 2 and 3rd to get CM3.) Will Polite be better then CM3 when he was drafted. NO! But the packers would be smarter to do this if possible. Don't trade up to get Josh Allen. Trade Down take Sweat! Then Trade up from 3?, Take Polite! No OL! Fill the RG through FA. And draft OL. Keep all picks! Plus the extra for trading down. The packers could use another huge pick trading down in the top 50.

0 points
0
0
fthisJack's picture

January 16, 2019 at 06:42 pm

the Packers did a great job of trading down last year and getting their player and a 1st round pick this year. if they have a couple guys they are targeting and can trade down a little and get their guy and more picks....I would jump on it again!

2 points
2
0
Ferrari Driver's picture

January 16, 2019 at 07:07 pm

I like College football and watch it a lot, but I simply don't know enough about the individual players compared to others at the same position. Also, I only get to watch perhaps two games a weeks, so my knowledge is limited to what the draftnicks and some of the writers have to say.

However, I will say that I'm disappointed we passed on a couple of guys like J. T. Watt (who has around 20 sacks total over these two years) and James (who is a an outstanding 1st year safety and pro bowler) in the last two drafts to trade down. King and the 4th rounder we got in place of Watt didn't work out. and while I really like Alexander, I think James is the type of guy who may wind up as an annual Pro Bowl player and perhaps a potential Hall of Fame player with his talent level.

2 points
3
1
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

January 16, 2019 at 09:23 pm

Agreed!

Enough with the trade down crap! Need higher percentage sure talent! Need infusion of high caliber players with first 2 to 3 selections. Have 10 draft picks. Not all will make the team. Use a few picks to trade up a few selections in lower rounds to grab a falling player like an ESB type player.

1 points
2
1
Turophile's picture

January 18, 2019 at 02:29 am

Actually trading down for more picks gives the best odds to hit on a player who turns out great. Loads of high picks fail every year.

Trading down is often about tiers of players. If you have eight players graded similarly, then you can drop five spots and still get a guy who ranks high on your board.

Big draft moves are a different beast. the Packers gave up a lot to move back into round one for Clay Matthews, more than the draft value chart thought the move was worth. But, the Packers didn't have Matthews rated 26th best on their board, he was about 10-12th best..........so for them it was a good deal, and it turned out well.

1 points
1
0
marpag1's picture

January 17, 2019 at 05:03 am

I'd say that Alexander's play this year was roughly on a par with Derwin James, and if all other things are equal, give me the corner over the safety every single time. So even straight up I think Alexander and James are no worse than equal, and when you throw in an extra D1, that definitely tilts it to Alexander in my mind. But I know I lot of people do love James, admittedly for good reason.

On the King/Watt issue, barring some sort of miraculous turnaround, yeah... that was probably a whiff.

4 points
4
0
jeremyjjbrown's picture

January 16, 2019 at 07:29 pm

I would take the best impact player available at any of TE, Edge, LB, Corner, or Tackle with both of the first 2 picks. Do I know who that is exactly? Nope. My scouting department is pretty small.

2 points
2
0
EddieLeeIvory's picture

January 16, 2019 at 07:46 pm

That safety at Bama is overrated big time.
No thanks on him.

Too bad that Saints pick is going to end up 31 or 32. Basically a 2nd rounder.
They've had so much good luck all year long as I've been rooting against them since week 1.

Brees, Michael Thomas, Kamara...they never get hurt like our guys all do.
Browns kicker gave them week 2.

3 Eagles get hurt including Fletcher Cox & their RG, 2 Pro-Bowlers.
Yet Foles was probably going to beat them, but Alshon Jeffrey does worse than drop the pass. He drops/ tips it right to Marshon Lattimore for the game-ending Int. Foles Magic stopped because of the Saints Voodoo this year.....

Go RAMS!

4 points
5
1
Bedrock's picture

January 16, 2019 at 09:17 pm

I feel the same about ‘Bama safety play. Perhaps the Ha Ha has spoiled my perception.

3 points
4
1
Richard Smith's picture

January 16, 2019 at 08:31 pm

I don't care which LB position we go for, I want a stud in the linebackers somewhere. Safety, go get the FA from the Giants. He's heads and shoulders better than Dix. Then go O line/D line.

3 points
3
0
Frank The Tank's picture

January 16, 2019 at 08:39 pm

I don’t know why everyone keeps mocking Deionte Thompson to the packers. That guy was terrible during the BCS game and wasn’t consistent all year. Just have to see what he does at the combine. He reminds me of HaHa, gets lost. If the packers do end up drafting a safety, I hope it’s johnathan abram out of Mississippi State. That guy can make plays and his stats are just as good or better than Deionte Thompson (depending where you look). Ideally, I’d trade down from 12 get another 1st next year and pick a pass rusher further down. This draft is loaded with pass rushers. Trade 32 depending how o-line players go, maybe TE. We need to accumulate picks to have the highest chances to hit on those picks. It’s a numbers game, free agency doesn’t solve everything. Trading up for a player isn’t a good idea considering how deep the draft is for what I see our two biggest needs are, pass rusher and o-line. It all depends how free agency falls out, if we get a star safety. Fingers crossed for Landon Collins. I wanted Green Bay to draft him so bad in 2015. Or move Josh jackson to safety and hopefully Kevin King stays healthy. Or trade King. What the hell do I know, I’m just a educated fan.

3 points
3
0
Ziff Davis's picture

January 17, 2019 at 07:49 am

Yeah hard pass for me. League has proven safetys are a crapshoot anyways, draft one out of the first or sign a mid-tier one in FA. Steelers took terell edmunds in first round and was terrible last year. I think edge and OL are biggest needs, but TE has been a thorn in our side for years. Drafting one of the top five (Hockenson would be worth the second 1 IMO) should be a priority. Offense has been too neglected at the expense of defense to the point where it needs a talent infusion now.

0 points
0
0
MikeS's picture

January 18, 2019 at 05:29 pm

Don't trade King. Gotta give him a chance at a full year.

0 points
0
0
LambeauPlain's picture

January 16, 2019 at 08:42 pm

Could trade #12 and the 2nd round pick and get up to #6 if a stud like Josh Allen dropped.

He's an impact player that would change the personality and production of the D in immediate, synergistic ways.

He was productive during his entire College career at KY, but he did fall off a bit at the end of the 2017 season...and that played into his decision to return for his senior 2018 year.

Wow...did he produce! He was a sack and TFL monster and caused fumbles and pass breakups.

4.6 speed, size, strength and a heck of a team leader. He'd make the front 7 better and give the DBs more turnover opportunities due to the pressures up front on the QB.

Pettine would have a blast using his skills. And what I like is he is tailor made to be an OLB in a 3-4...not a college DE converted to being a stand up OLB, having to learn pass defense for the first time....or unable to do it at all (aka Perry).

2 points
2
0
CheesyTex's picture

January 16, 2019 at 08:46 pm

No mention of Dexter Lawrence of Clemson. At 340 and dominant in college, usually commanding double teams and a rock vs. run, he has the potential to anchor a D Line for a decade.

Think he is the wild card in this draft. Could be Haloti Ngata or could be Tony Mandarich (on the other side of the ball).

If available 3d or 4th round, IMO he would be worth a flyer despite testing positive in 2018. It's fun to dream about what Pettine could do with Clark and a substance-free Lawrence in the middle.

1 points
1
0
Minniman's picture

January 17, 2019 at 03:50 am

I'm firmly of the opinion that the Packers are 1 good DL short of making that position group an elite unit.

If the draft fell unkindly for the Packers re Edge and O-line then that woudn't be a horrible plan b.

2 points
2
0
Ziff Davis's picture

January 17, 2019 at 07:51 am

I like Wilkins from that line better. Tillery from ND could be a great pro as well. Feel they would think long and hard about Oliver if he fell as well. Not the best fit but has the potential to dominate.

0 points
0
0
Summer_PackerBacker's picture

January 16, 2019 at 09:19 pm

Someone people aren't talking about who I really like is the safety from Delaware I think it is, Nasir Adderly. His tape and effort are off the charts, I think he becomes a star even though he's from a smaller school.

2 points
2
0
Swisch's picture

January 16, 2019 at 10:42 pm

Just checked briefly, and Nasir is indeed related to Packers hall-of-famer Herb Adderley, the magnificent cornerback of the Lombardi era who is still alive at age 79. I hope to find out more.
Not that you draft a guy on sentimentality -- but then again, all things being equal, go for the guy who adds to the tradition.

0 points
0
0
Skip greenBayless's picture

January 16, 2019 at 11:51 pm

Who knows Swisch. Maybe sometime in the near future we could have Nasire Adderley playing for the Packers while being coached by Joe Lombardi. Wouldn't that be something?

Dash

-3 points
1
4
Swisch's picture

January 17, 2019 at 12:04 am

Hey Dash,
Sounds great to me.

-1 points
1
2
mrtundra's picture

January 17, 2019 at 09:27 am

Older Packer fans would fall in love with Nasir Adderly, alone, due to the greatness of his cousin, Herb Adderly, in GB's Glory Years. Bring in Lombardi from NO, as some sort of coach, and they'd have to hand out Depends to the older fans before every game!

-2 points
0
2
Swisch's picture

January 17, 2019 at 10:32 am

mrtundra, Please remember to respect your nostalgic, romantic, rambling, cranky, crusty, creaking, leaking elders. ;-)

3 points
3
0
albert999's picture

January 17, 2019 at 01:46 am

OL OL OL OL OL OL OL
Then edge rush

-4 points
1
5
Swisch's picture

January 17, 2019 at 11:25 am

I largely agree, albert, but not necessarily in that order.

0 points
0
0
albert999's picture

January 17, 2019 at 01:47 am

u ignorants that don’t think if RODGERS can’t be protected to win no matter what the defense is
your stupid

-7 points
0
7
dobber's picture

January 17, 2019 at 07:49 am

Too..much..irony...in...this...post...

**brain explodes**

4 points
4
0
BradHTX's picture

January 18, 2019 at 05:20 am

I do kinda want to frame it and send it to Gute for his desk.

0 points
0
0
LambeauPlain's picture

January 18, 2019 at 06:32 am

What you seem ignorant about is you can draft excellent OL players in later rounds if they are "unearthed" by a highly competent Scout Team.

OL players do not have the performance stats of yards, receptions, tackles, forced fumbles, TFLs, sacks, yards after the catch, drops, INTs, passes defensed, etc.

The top pass rushers, run stoppers, DBs and O skill players go off the board very quickly.

Good OL players need a lot of research and watching of video, especially evaluating play against top D lineman.

Bakhtiari, Linsley, Trettor, Sitton and Lang were all drafted 4th round or later.

And a suggestion....stop the unaided insults...they do not help make your point. Just the opposite.

1 points
1
0
Bure9620's picture

January 17, 2019 at 04:07 am

Ximenes lacks true bend to be a 1st rounder. 3rd or 4th for him.

1 points
1
0
Bure9620's picture

January 17, 2019 at 04:23 am

Your Picks:
Round 1 Pick 12: Allen, Josh, OLB, Kentucky (A)
Round 1 Pick 32: Wilson, Mack, ILB, Alabama (A)
Round 2 Pick 12: Fant, Noah, TE, Iowa (A)
Round 3 Pick 16 (CLE): Johnson, Jaquan, SS, Miami (FL) (A)
Round 4 Pick 12: Tega Wanogho, Prince, OT, Auburn (A+)
Round 4 Pick 16: Slayton, Darius, WR, Auburn (A+)
Round 4 Pick 17 (CLE): Jackson, Tyree, QB, Buffalo (A+)
Round 5 Pick 12: Weber, Mike, RB, Ohio State (A+)
Round 6 Pick 12: Russell, Dontavius, DT, Auburn (A+)
Round 6 Pick 21: Sweeney, Tommy, TE, Boston College (A+)
Round 7 Pick 12: Carpenter, Emmit, K, Minnesota (A+)

0 points
0
0
albert999's picture

January 17, 2019 at 09:43 am

1 OL 4th round
Good luck next year

-1 points
0
1
Rossonero's picture

January 17, 2019 at 12:19 pm

Josh Allen will be looong gone by #12. I'd love to have him, but can't see him falling unless something bad off the field happens or he stinks it up at the Combine.

0 points
0
0
Donster's picture

January 17, 2019 at 05:48 am

Edge Rusher first pick please! Needed this to be done for that last few years and it has been ignored. This team hasn't been able to really pressure a QB with any consistency for years. Offensive lineman with pick 1B. Second RD and Third RD best TE or OLB available in either order. 4th RD another offensive lineman.

1 points
1
0
Leatherhead's picture

January 17, 2019 at 07:37 pm

Finished 6th in sacks and sack% in 2018

0 points
0
0
Donster's picture

January 17, 2019 at 06:03 am

Questions for you guys. Cole Madison never reported to camp last year as you all know. Does the Packers own the rights to him until they release him? Or is there a time limit on no show draft picks? Thanks.

1 points
1
0
Lare's picture

January 17, 2019 at 10:53 am

As far as I know, the Packers retain his rights because he signed his contract, accepted his signing bonus and also participated in the Packers' rookie camp, OTA sessions and June minicamp.

2 points
2
0
CoachJV's picture

January 17, 2019 at 08:37 pm

That's how I understand it too.

As far as a time limit, I think they own his rights through the length of the rookie contract that he signed. So about 4 years.

1 points
1
0
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

January 17, 2019 at 10:39 pm

Hope Madison pulls it together!

1 points
1
0
Donster's picture

January 18, 2019 at 05:52 am

Thanks Lare. I hope the young man is able to return to football this Spring.

1 points
1
0
RCPackerFan's picture

January 17, 2019 at 06:56 am

The Packers have 3 picks in the first 44 selections. Obviously Gutekunst could any trade those but for right now just looking at those 3 picks if they can come away with a pass rusher, OL and TE in those first 3 picks I would be really happy.

I would say Safety would be a top need but I'm not sure how many are worthy of those picks right now.

Depending on who is available it wouldn't shock me if Gutekunst double dipped for pass rushers. He double dipped at CB last year and I could see him doing it again for Edge players.
With Mathews possibly gone, Perry could be a cap casualty, the only player that did anything really for us would be Fackrell. The need might be greater for more pass rushers then anything.
Also while in the draft you try not to draft based on need, you try to take the top player available. Well currently in the top 50 there are 9 edge players ranked according to CBS.

Depending on how Free Agency goes, I could see just about anything happening in those first 3 picks. Could be traded. Could be packaged to move up. Could move down to gain more picks. Could even use them more on offense. We don't know much about Gutekunst yet in how he wants to attack the draft. We saw last year how he moved around to gain an extra pick this year. Maybe he will place more value at RB and WR and opt to draft one higher?
The next couple of months is going to be really fun I think.
Draft season is upon us and I can't wait!

5 points
5
0
Archie's picture

January 17, 2019 at 07:36 am

I would be happy with TE picks at both 32 and 44.

-1 points
0
1
CO_Brandon's picture

January 17, 2019 at 08:51 am

A few things I've been seeing.
1.Risner is expected to have to transition to guard and is expected to go late first not top 15.

2. Rapp is discussed as a late 2nd, not late 1st.

3. Sternberger is discussed as a late 2nd to mid 3rd currently.

1 points
1
0
Doug Niemczynski's picture

January 17, 2019 at 10:14 am

https://amp.thestarpress.com/amp/2216421002

TE- Hockenson !!!

Beast Mode !!

2 points
2
0
Donster's picture

January 18, 2019 at 05:54 am

Yep. Better than Fant. Taking both of them though would be a major coup!

1 points
1
0
Point-Packer's picture

January 17, 2019 at 10:40 am

No more UW Husky china dolls.

1 points
2
1
Rossonero's picture

January 17, 2019 at 12:18 pm

lol

0 points
0
0
Swisch's picture

January 17, 2019 at 11:20 am

If the Packers think that one of the edge rushers in the draft truly stands out above the rest, then trade two of our early picks for that guy.
If a bunch of edge rushers look really good, but all about the same, then take two of them with our top three or four picks.
Then focus on offensive line.
The top two priorities for the offseason -- whether the draft or free agency -- are to protect our QB, and to sack other QBs.
Then go to safety and tight end, while keeping an eye out for a dynamic kick returner who can also play running back or receiver (a la Tarik Cohen and Tyreek Hill).
The bonus with Nasir Adderley at safety is that he may be that dynamic kick returner we can use along with Trevor Davis. Also, it may be good to occasionally use Davis at wide receiver to give us another deep threat.

1 points
1
0
CoachJV's picture

January 17, 2019 at 08:47 pm

Davis has good hands and is fast, but can't learn a route... that's why he's a returner. I think his time is up.

EDIT: To fill that particular role, I wouldn't waste a draft pick... I'd target Cordarrelle Patterson in FA.

1 points
1
0
Turophile's picture

January 18, 2019 at 07:56 am

Swisch. Very good point about Adderley's ability as a return guy as well as a good FS. the Packers could really use both..... and to get both in one guy is gold.

1 points
1
0
Rossonero's picture

January 17, 2019 at 12:28 pm

I'd say either double dip at edge rusher if there's another one available at 30-32 that the Packers like (i.e. Oshane Ximines), or do what we did last year if the opportunity presents itself:

Trade away the #12 pick in return for a 2020 1st rd pick, then trade up again like we did last year into the 17-18 range.

2 points
2
0
Doug Niemczynski's picture

January 17, 2019 at 02:07 pm

Iowa TE- TJ Hockenson’s all around ability appeals to me, particularly because he is an all around TE for both blocking and receiving. Double Threat!!

Noah Fant might be the flashier player in the beginning, but Hockenson is a perfect fit and in the end will be better than Fant over their NFL careers.

Go Pack Go!

1 points
2
1
packerbackerjim's picture

January 17, 2019 at 04:21 pm

I think Hockenson is the better TE for the long term. I would liken Fant to Finley, Hockenson to Gronk. IMHO, of course.

1 points
1
0
hund4pack's picture

January 17, 2019 at 02:32 pm

Rumors are Antonio Brown available for a 2nd OR swap 1st rounders with PITT, maybe throw in late round pick.
WR issue - SOLVED
Draft DE Polite
Sign Barr from MN to be a 3-4 Edge rush, he excelled at rushing QB.
Draft Alabama S Thompson with #32.
2nd Round OL or TE
3rd Round OL or TE

-3 points
0
3
CheesyTex's picture

January 17, 2019 at 02:50 pm

"WR issue -SOLVED". Careful what you wish for. Brown is quite a diva, high cap cost, questionable in locker room.

1 points
1
0
Ziff Davis's picture

January 17, 2019 at 04:00 pm

Yeah...let's stay away from Thompson. Better safeties out there. Not interested in a Bama safety who makes big plays with quesitonable tacking that also gives up big plays. Been curious myself though if Barr would be a good fit in 3-4. Zimmer always says he's what makes their defense tick.

2 points
2
0
MikeS's picture

January 18, 2019 at 05:16 pm

Barr is a 4-3 OLB and doesn't fit Pettine's defensive scheme.

0 points
0
0
PackEyedOptimist's picture

January 17, 2019 at 03:31 pm

The thinking-outside-the-box guy I really like right now is LSU's Devin White; he honestly looks like a BETTER Roquan Smith. His TFLs and blitzes are pretty amazing; the guy is truly explosive. There is a lot of talk about outside/edge rushers, but White is the ideal chess piece who can rush/cover/tackle from anywhere, and he even has decent size at 6'1" and 255.
I also like Safety Juan Thornhill, who reminds me of Nick Collins with his speed, ball-skills, and tackling, but I doubt he'll drop to #32, and he doesn't make my top-12.

2 points
2
0
Ziff Davis's picture

January 17, 2019 at 04:03 pm

I'd bet Thornhill lasts til 2 or 3, but I think he'd be a good fit. Nasir looks most the part out of all the safeties in my opinion. Harmon would fit well as a Michael Thomas type on the Packers also.

1 points
1
0
CoachJV's picture

January 17, 2019 at 05:38 pm

I'd love to land Josh Allen... one can only dream...

0 points
0
0
alforno54's picture

January 17, 2019 at 05:47 pm

Not going to pretend that I know anything about any of these guys being talked about here. When Pack is on the clock find the meanest SOB still on the board and find a spot for him.

2 points
2
0
stockholder's picture

January 17, 2019 at 06:51 pm

Oliver and Simmons.= Why?, Fast! Double Teamed. Mean. Everyone agrees they will be good NFL players. How many times have we seen a player, and wished he was on the packers. (Past drafts) Daniels won't be here forever. And Any Pass rusher will be work. Even Mack took a couple of years. Pettine brought back his DL coach. He'll make them all-pro. And you win the super-bowl controlling the Line of scrimmage. There are at least 10 pass rushers this year. But these two guys will go in the top 15.

0 points
0
0
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

January 17, 2019 at 10:55 pm

Ditto!

0 points
0
0
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

January 17, 2019 at 10:55 pm

Ditto!

0 points
0
0
MikeS's picture

January 18, 2019 at 05:13 pm

Jachai Polite or Clelin Ferrell at #12, and Noah Fant at #30-32. O-line or Safety in 2nd rd.

0 points
0
0
Doug Niemczynski's picture

January 18, 2019 at 05:54 pm

1. J. Polite DE 12th pick
2. TJ Hockenson TE 30th - 32nd Pick

2 points
2
0
Doug Niemczynski's picture

January 18, 2019 at 05:59 pm

If you draft Fant your getting a Vernon Davis type TE and really he was good but draft Hockenson and you get a GRONK!!

1 points
1
0
Bret Iverson's picture

January 19, 2019 at 01:20 pm

The Packers draft history is poor in rounds 2 and 3. Why not take those two picks and possibly the 6th round and move into the first round. That would give the packers 3 first round picks, a fourth, fifth, 6th and 7th.

0 points
0
0