Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - Knock Knock
The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.
By JerseyAl
Who's that knocking on my door? Why it's some potential first round draft picks! Yes, it's pre-draft visit time in Green Bay, and the latest reported players stopping in to meet with the Packers is an interesting group. Perhaps most interesting is that a couple of wide receivers expected to be drafted in the first round are on that list. They also happen to be objects of many a Packer fan's desire, so sure disappointment awaits.
But seriously, Matthew Golden and Emeka Egbuka bring some interesting possibilities. Golden is a smooth and explosive athlete, who didn't really show how good he could be until the end of last season. You could take that to mean he's a late bloomer on the rise or a guy who has underachieved over the course of his college career. I lean more towards the former of the two, but I imagine the Packers are hoping to probe for the answer with some face-to-face conversations.
Egbuka is the more well-rounded player, perhaps not as explosive as Golden, but one that will be more consistent, reliable and really, really good in all aspects of playing the position. This includes blocking, something, which will warm the cockles of Matt LaFleur's heart.
The other position that has been getting a lot of attention lately from the Packers is offensive line, as they've brought in Dalton Cooper, Anthony Belton, and Josh SImmons.
Cooper is your typical mid to late-round prospects that meet all of the athletic thresholds the Packers have historically coveted in an offensive lineman. In the CHTV Draft guide, I determined the specific thresholds the Packers have looked for at each position. For offensive linemen,the top three are height/weight/arm length, 10-yd split in the 40 and the 3-cone. Cooper meets or beats in those critical categories, as well as in all other testing numbers. The unusual thing about Cooper is that he scored an overall 9.01 RAS while carrying 323 lbs. This fits with the Sean Rhyan / Aaron Banks body type they seem to be favoring the last couple of years. Dalton started 57 games (mostly at left tackle) over his six-year career with four at Texas State and two at Oklahoma State. Cooper landed just outside my top-20 OT rankings for the draft guide at number 21.
Belton is a really surprising visit because the Packers just don't draft offensive linemen like him. He doesn't have the athletic testing they like and weighs significantly more than any offensive lineman Gutey has drafted. He was 336 lbs at the combine but has played closer to 350 lbs at times in college. He's a massive wide-framed man, so much so that his teammates nicknamed him "Escalade." On the positive side, he has quick feet and is surprisingly mobile for a man his size. On the negative side, he was flagged for 24 penalties over his 2 1/2 years as a starting left tackle for NC State. This visit is puzzling for me.
Finally, my favorite of all the Packers' pre-draft visits was Josh Simmons. Simmons suffered a season-ending injury in the sixth game of the 2024 season. Although it was never officially reported, sources told Albert Breer it was a torn patellar tendon. The injury has brought about speculation that Simmons could drop and be available when the Packers are picking. Green Bay will certainly want to get as much medical information on him as possible, hence the likley main reason for the visit. Having watched a ton of his tape for my draft guide OT rankings, I though he was the best pass-blocking tackle in this draft with the highest ceiling - a probable franchise left tackle. If the Packers are convinced the injury is no longer a factor (and that's a BIG IF), I'd be thrilled if they took him.
Speaking of the draft guide, there's a lot of great content in there (192 pages) and you can get your copy here.
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"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of various hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He's a lifetime Packers fan living in the land of the Giants (and Jets). Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP.
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Comments (78)
T7Steve
April 09, 2025 at 06:15 am
I wonder if the WR visits are part of the draft smoke and mirrors? I hesitate to think the Packers would waste valuable visits but would be more surprised if they actually took a receiver on the first day where those two are going.
More interested in the O-line prospects of course. Whomever their earliest pick is for O-line I hope they can at least get a whole healthy season out of him.
Coldworld
April 09, 2025 at 07:47 am
I wouldn’t mind if we picked a day 3 OL with an injury issue or needing some refinement and thus who might not play much this year. If there’s enough talent then we don’t have a vast need this year. However, it would need to be a very significant upside pick in my view to justify any such pick earlier.
I’m still wondering if a healthy Donovan Jennings isn’t effectively an extra G draft pick this year as well. We guaranteed him 100k last year.
T7Steve
April 10, 2025 at 06:24 am
If they stay healthy all season for a change, they'll be able to practice, develop and learn more.
stockholder
April 09, 2025 at 06:23 am
Peak and uncertainty.
Just like the stock market.
First - After Bahk - Why
take anybody with a knee injury.
Even Gary is slowing down.
So Who do we want to replace?
Well knowing Gute now-
It's the players who curb his spending habit.
Most are talking DT-
After all these years to get Clark help.
Loyalty is no longer in the mix.
Then there's Fear-
The injuries and upside of are Wrs.
If not having enough weapons for Love.
Whats wrong-
The pass Rush-
What happened to the Crosby / Garret, Rumors?
Finally - Alexander.
Gute must make the call.
Restraint- Drafting a CB
Response-
I know I'm in for disappointment-
I want Jihaad Campbell.
PackEyedOptimist
April 09, 2025 at 06:42 am
Jihaad Campbell was my favorite pick at 23 for a long time.
I've switched over to Harmon, mainly because I've read a lot about Campbell not having great instincts (you can't see that in highlights, or even game film, unless you really know his duties).
stockholder
April 09, 2025 at 07:01 am
Has first step explosion
Is a converted edge player**
Coverage - Tackling
Creates match-up problems
Has Closing speed
Youth- Over aggressive
Rush - Wins with speed and bend
The rumors of a shoulder repair
should drop him.
Harmon has stiff hips.
And when the pile is pushed into him.
My concern is a one legged push back.
He just looks likes another Worthy to me.
Coldworld
April 09, 2025 at 08:06 am
I could see Hafley falling in love with Campbell, but I could just as easily see him being extremely cautious with him due to his over aggressiveness, which means he’s not assignment sure in reality.
Campbell wouldn’t shock me in a Hafley system of gap shooting LBs. Though I don’t see them giving him the Mike role early. So where does he play? Is he used as a rusher? He’s not a coverage backer option. Is he just depth and perhaps a designated rusher/blitzer this year?
My one reservation with Harmon is that he’s potentially initially a passing down type. He needs work on his tackling. Is that a second Wyatt? A player who disrupts but needs help on run downs? I still like him, but he’s a later bloomer who isn’t yet a 3down type, though I believe he can be.
stockholder
April 09, 2025 at 10:01 am
He plays in a normal 4 - 3 defense.
The best way to stop a team from beating you.
Is to take the player the other teams need the most.
He will be an insurance policy.
Plays edge, and the biggest plus is his tackling.
Do you feel they pay Walker after his fifth year option?
I don't. Example Queen! And many that left.
My feelings are; the best chance for the pass rush to improve.
Is Rotate the LBs.
Putting a LB near the LOS, with bend, and speed is priceless.
jannesbjornson
April 09, 2025 at 05:47 pm
Or, A Defensive End who tracks low to the ground with burst and carries 280 Lbs to contain the edge like Scourton.
Brewcity_BearsFan
April 09, 2025 at 08:07 am
"Whats wrong-
The pass Rush-
What happened to the Crosby / Garret, Rumors?"
Neither were ever going anywhere, and both have fat new contracts to prove it.
dobber
April 09, 2025 at 08:47 am
"First - After Bahk - Why
take anybody with a knee injury."
First off: Bakh didn't have a knee injury when they took him in the 4th round
Second: Patellar tendon injuries tend to be less serious and less broadly destructive than ACL injuries
Third: Do you realize how many of these prospects have knee/shoulder/concussion injuries that we never hear about? The number will shock you.
Trust your medical team.
If they say he's fit--and you can bet on his visit he got a pretty hefty check--and his activity proves it, then you have the latitude to act.
"I want Jihaad Campbell"
Then I hope you're disappointed.
There are plenty of Jihaad Campbell types (and better) in this draft that played behind shoddy DLs and didn't get Jihaad Campbell exposure. They can be had on day 2 and later.
TKWorldWide
April 09, 2025 at 09:00 am
I think the best way to be disappointed in any draft is to set one’s cap for one player and one player only.
Coldworld
April 09, 2025 at 11:18 am
If I’ve got a draft crush on one player then I know I’ve likely taken the Kool aid and need to reevaluate. I tend to view others’ that get so focused as likely needing to do the same and, actually, it often makes me reassess my own thoughts in the player.
There are simply so few stand out talents that have been remotely within reach. I think the last one I couldn’t shed was Jefferson. There are combinations of players/positions and value that I like every year. Of course, not always presciently.
Razer
April 09, 2025 at 09:27 am
...There are plenty of Jihaad Campbell types (and better) in this draft that played behind shoddy DLs...
Thank you Dobber. Solid D-lines make linebacker and secondary play much simpler. The Eagles have made this a staple of their defense and avoided wasting draft capital on corners and linebackers. We need to invest accordingly.
LLCHESTY
April 09, 2025 at 09:49 am
So instead of wasting draft capital on LBs they give Zach Baun $50 million? That doesn't make much sense to me.
stockholder
April 09, 2025 at 10:15 am
Dob - The younger you are. The faster and better you heal.
Everyone I knew; who had problems when they got old.
Blamed their football injuries on their condition.
I trust the medical on injuries, before their senior year.
Day 2 and 3 Lbs cannot do what day 1 LBs do.
Speed and bend. Sideline to Sideline?
Sure there always is one. Usually a flash in the pan.
LambeauPlain
April 09, 2025 at 10:32 am
"Day 2 and 3 Lbs cannot do what day 1 LBs do."
How does your generalization hold up in Green Bay who has two LB starters, Walker a day one, Cooper a day 2 pick?
stockholder
April 09, 2025 at 10:53 am
Cooper - has been injured already.
Physically- I don't see him past his rookie deal.
Taking a OLB and moving him inside?
Gute was after the sideline to sideline.
He did get that.
Campbells a better tackler, and has the body
to take punishment.
Coldworld
April 09, 2025 at 11:40 am
All players can get injured. The step up to the NFL often exacerbates that risk as the training regime and the level of opposition (less than the top 2 percent of college players) is greatly enhanced. That’s not true if the injuries are related to or congenital of course, but I don’t believe those of Cooper or Morgan were, of those of Williams, Doubs and Morgan were. The NFL is a tough place to survive in. One play can end a career. Luck is a huge factor in longevity.
I agree with you that Cooper doesn’t seem well suited physically to a regular Mike role. He’s built to be a Will. Is your thinking on Campbell really stemming from a desire to find a credible alternative to Walker and that you think that more critical than help on the DL? If so say so in clearer terms and we might understand your posts better.
Personally, I disagree in terms of priority, but that view at least has some credibility. I want to see if Walker can take a step before we jump. While it would be nice to have a successor in house, I think we have more pressing needs and ones that will potentially increase the performance of any Mike in this system.
TKWorldWide
April 09, 2025 at 10:05 pm
Piling on.
But. I would love.
To hear you speak sometime. I bet.
Your cadence is reminiscent.
Of a Young. Bob Dylan. An expert at.
Manipulating cadence.
Poetic.
dobber
April 09, 2025 at 12:30 pm
...AND, off-ball linebackers tend to not go in round 1. The majority of off-ball LB playing in the league are day 2 and later.
jannesbjornson
April 09, 2025 at 08:49 am
Tampa will snag Campbell, or Denver. He is an outside chase guy, not a plugger. How does he handle pulling guards and OTs? He has LB size, but wasn't used inside. I'll stay with Stutsman.
PackEyedOptimist
April 09, 2025 at 06:39 am
What I think is happening is that Gutey is bringing in WRs to consider with pick 54; I really don't expect him to draft one of these second-round quality guys at 23. This year's top WRs do NOT belong in the first round. Egbuku for instance, is no Justin Jefferson.
Maybe Simmons even drops to 54 if his knee is sketchy. I've noticed he's dropping on several boards. In fact, there has been a LOT of player movement on boards recently. For instance, Mel Kiper just took QB Tyler Shough at 33--a couple weeks ago, Shough was a 4th round guy. WR Isaac TeSlaa jumped from the 6th round up to the 2nd round on some boards.
GregC
April 09, 2025 at 06:59 am
If either Matthew Golden or Emeka Egbuka last until pick 54, pretty much everyone will be very, very wrong about this draft. Trade-ups and trade-backs are always possible, so they are all fair game, as long as they are not sure-fire top five picks.
I just hope they don't take an OT in the first round again.
Coldworld
April 09, 2025 at 07:41 am
I could pass on Golden. He’s the type of player who, undoubted ability notwithstanding, is a boom or bust candidate to translate to the NFL. The odds do not favor him succeeding at X in the pros. He unsurprisingly struggled against press coverage at the line in college and relies purely on speed. He’s also had durability injuries from taking on college defenses. The NFL is faster, bigger and stronger.
He is a more logical projection to the slot in the NFL, but I’m happy with Reed and I don’t see Reed as a big plus away from the slot either. In a LaFleur offense, I don’t see Golden being up to the physical, unglamorous work asked of the Z continually. He’s simply not a large enough individual even if his blocking improves.
A good player, but one I think is a poor fit for our needs and offense. There are better ways to spend our top picks.
GregC
April 09, 2025 at 08:09 am
Agreed. An interview that's even harder to take seriously was the one with Isaiah Bond--a pure slot receiver.
jannesbjornson
April 09, 2025 at 05:57 pm
K.C. doesn't seem to mind Worthy working the outside. Golden with 4.29 speed cannot be ignored. The Packer Way with WRs lately can be questioned, especially the issue of drops during college time.
dobber
April 09, 2025 at 09:35 am
"Maybe Simmons even drops to 54 if his knee is sketchy. "
If his knee is THAT sketchy, he'll be off a lot of boards altogether...
"In fact, there has been a LOT of player movement on boards recently."
In the end, the boards that really matter--the ones in NFL war rooms--are probably mostly set. This moving guys around with the draftniks is just people trying to keep your interest and generate clicks.
Packitin
April 10, 2025 at 11:53 am
In the current political climate, I don't think I'd take TeSlaa
Cheezehead72
April 09, 2025 at 07:15 am
The one thing the Packers are missing is a true swing tackle. We need a backup that can play on both ends.
PeteK
April 09, 2025 at 07:21 am
Right now it's Morgan, but another would be fine just not in top 3 picks.
Packitin
April 10, 2025 at 11:54 am
Logan Brown would be my Tackle pick
Packer_Fan
April 09, 2025 at 07:36 am
I don't get too excited about the draft. Too many times players are drafted for talent over college production and skill. Then they don't pan out.
I like the Ohio State WR because he has four years experience and good route running skills. Same as the BC edge who has four years of college and has learned pass rushing moves.
So these guys can produce right away as rookies. Which is what is needed.
Look for Gute to have multiple picks for CB and single picks fot OL, ILB, WR, DL and TE.
If Gute doesn't trade Alexander before the draft, Alexander will stay for this year.
mrtundra
April 09, 2025 at 08:10 am
Have any Edge players visited the Packers? Just wondering if Gute is interested in Edge Rusher, for GB, as much as the fans seem to be? I also doubt Gute drafts a WR at #23. Either Golden or Egbuka would be great in GB, but I feel they will both be gone, before we pick at #23. That would leave Iowa State WR, Jayden Higgins, my favorite, as a 2nd Round pick, if the Packers want a WR there, otherwise, he will not last, going into the 3rd Round. I look for OT or DL at #23, and I am leaning for a DT there, as we will need to draft Kenny Clark's eventual replacement, sooner, rather than later. A Kenneth Grant, Walter Nolan, or a Derrick Harmon pick would fill the bill, there. GO PACK GO!!!.
Coldworld
April 09, 2025 at 08:25 am
Edge players listed as visiting (though I could only find 14 of the 30 possible visits recorded so this may change and be missing visits).
Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
Mykel Williams, Georgia
James Pearce, Jr., Tennessee
All of whom are potentially first rounders or early second.
Starrbrite
April 09, 2025 at 08:26 pm
I’m with Tundra on taking a DL first (not sure which one), and WR next—agree on Higgins.
gsd3
April 10, 2025 at 05:43 am
Taking a pre determined position is a mistake. The goal is to get one of a specific group of players. Passing on a much better player to fill a certain position is not the way to build a team.
LeotisHarris
April 09, 2025 at 08:41 am
Unless there's a draftee named Lenore, I'll ignore that rapping at the door. A deke from Gute, and nothing more.
dobber
April 09, 2025 at 08:56 am
Maybe Gute is just smoke-screening
Leaving us to guess his meaning
Meaning Stock is left head steaming
Steaming over picks passed on before...
Bitternotsour
April 09, 2025 at 09:35 am
he would have taken dejean
LambeauPlain
April 09, 2025 at 09:24 am
"Take thy beak from out my fan heart, and take thy OT form from off my 1265 door!”
Quoth the Gutey, “Nevermore.”
dobber
April 09, 2025 at 08:55 am
It's an unpopular sentiment here, but if his medicals check out and Simmons is on the board at 23, I run to the podium with the pick or try to mine that pick for draft capital because SOMEONE is going to want him in that range. He secures the LT spot for years to come, simplifies the OL contract situations, and potentially opens the door to deal a guy you don't want to lose for a measly comp pick (that you might not even collect if you sign FAs) in 2026. I just wish he had a little more "mean" in the run game.
Coldworld
April 09, 2025 at 09:50 am
Simmons medical assessment will be a wild card here for us as fans, and perhaps for teams, depending on what is in it. While that kind of injury can have no long term consequences, it can have them and they can be significant in terms of longevity and mobility. We won’t know as outsiders and not all teams may agree on the significance of the medical findings. In top of that, even if it’s clear long term, is he effectively a red shirt prospect this year? That typically adds a round to his rating.
Simmons has great movement ability, but it’s often overlooked that he’s got a tiny wingspan. The bottom 1% of OTs measured at the combine. His arms are shorter than Tom’s (who was not treated as an OT), though Tom has a lesser wingspan, so it is not a total game stopper for a player who shares elite agility (if indeed it is truly comparable as there’s no testing-I think Tom is more fluid and agile). However, Simmons’ technique is nowhere near as refined as Tom’s.
Simmons struggles in run blocking as a result and he’s often penalized, some of which results from that. It’s interesting, but I’m not sure his run blocking doesn’t look rather similar to that of Rasheed Walker showed early. Good at times, not at others. It’s also true that the 2024 play that really grabbed him attention was in fact all against weaker opponents.
There is no doubting his power, but some analysts are concerned about his ability to become an elite T to the point of suggesting he might be better at G. He’s not a sure fire hit at T to the extent that I’d be willing to take a flyer on him at 23, given what we have and our needs, even if health is not a real concern.
LambeauPlain
April 09, 2025 at 10:17 am
I am with you Dobber.
Simmons' patellar tendon injury should be healed enough by now to give the Packer med team confidence or concern if not progressing. Typical is a 6 month healing window.
His quick feet and balance are exceptional. Tom has those feet and balance. Bak was the gold standard for those attributes. He may not have the "nasty" label in the game like prospect Grey Zable, but he's plenty good, especially getting to, and neutralizing at the second level.
If he falls and the patellar tendon looks good, I envision Gutey handing in his pick doing a John Belushi "Blues Brothers" series of back flips down the aisle to the podium.
dobber
April 09, 2025 at 12:35 pm
"I envision Gutey handing in his pick doing a John Belushi "Blues Brothers" series of back flips down the aisle to the podium."
I need You-You-You!
I need You-You-You!
SicSemperTyrannis
April 09, 2025 at 05:18 pm
Where are the rubber biscuits?
RCPackerFan
April 09, 2025 at 11:22 am
Simmons if healthy could be an intriguing option. He could slide into the starting OT spot next year when Walker leaves.
But, what happens with Morgan then? They used a 1st round pick on him. Do they make him the RG?
SicSemperTyrannis
April 09, 2025 at 05:22 pm
I hate hate hate using Jordan Morgan as the RT, mostly because he just wasn't any good at it and it seems all it can do is mess up his ability playing on the left side. If Gutey beings in someone who can beat him for the LT position, I don't hate using a first round draft pick as a backup, we need good depth on our lines.
Racingdad
April 09, 2025 at 12:31 pm
Dobber I’m 1000% in agreement with you on this. The best LT in this draft class and if he falls to us and all medical check out it’s a no brainer LT and QB are the most important players on any nfl team and getting a top 10 pick at 23 ? Causal fans will hate the pick , but who cares than you trade Sheed even if later before the deadline . Morgan may be able to take over at LT but we simply don’t know that yet. Besides he can take Ryan’s spot next year and/or even tackle fill in when needed ? This move would be for the future as 4 more yrs of cheap contracts of Morgan and 5 yrs of Simmons ? Yes we have other needs but they can be filled in rds 2-7
Razer
April 09, 2025 at 09:47 am
Because of our success, picking later in ever round is tough sledging. Don't envy Gutey. When in doubt, pick the smart football player who demonstrated his instincts in college. We put a ton of emphasis on speed but a bad first step in the NFL puts you on the wrong side of a play (see Quay Walker).
Not a fan of 1st round WR or RB, but I do like difference makers in the trenches. If we add 3-4 starters from this draft our pro scouting will fill the gaps. GPG
LLCHESTY
April 09, 2025 at 09:59 am
"When in doubt, pick the smart football player who demonstrated his instincts in college." That would be Ezeiruaku. He's got a toolbox full of pass rush moves and has been a big producer since before Hafley left BC. 24 sacks and 129 pressures in the last three years.
gsd3
April 10, 2025 at 05:49 am
That's my guy. Complete pass rush toolbox. He is much better against the run than a lot of people think. Brings a much needed different flavor to the edge room.
LambeauPlain
April 09, 2025 at 09:47 am
Like many here, I expect Gutey to select the BAP at DL or OL at 23.
Both would clearly help with potential starting/key rotational depth to help win games this season. And almost as important, it would help to address the coming churn at both positions next offseason.
This is the Big Man Draft of 2025. For example, 19 of the top 36 prospects on Draft Buzz are DL or OL. However, if there is a bit of an unexpected run at the other 15 "non trench" prospects, I can easily see a trade back to get more picks and still get attractive "BIG" prospects.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 09, 2025 at 06:24 pm
Why not the opposite approach? Since the strength of this draft is D line, why not get a different position early, relying on getting talent on D line later?!
Leatherhead
April 09, 2025 at 10:27 am
Fix the offense that fails every season. Fill the Watson hole. Add weaponry.
We can draft all the pass rushers and DL that we want, but until we can score more than 10 points in a playoff game, we aren't going anywhere in the postseason.
LambeauPlain
April 09, 2025 at 10:44 am
The play calling has as much to do with scoring more points as the players.
Leatherhead
April 09, 2025 at 12:02 pm
LP, it has been my experience that most plays will work if they're executed properly.
This isn't a one off. This is a persistent, year-after-year problem, and we're not advancing in the playoffs until we fix it.
dobber
April 09, 2025 at 12:40 pm
"LP, it has been my experience that most plays will work if they're executed properly."
Ding! Ding! Ding!
Coldworld
April 09, 2025 at 01:06 pm
I can’t go with that. It’s essentially devaluing the fit of player to scheme and acuteness of the call. It’s another way of in effect expressing the late McCarthy credo of “just beat your man” not scheme to set your man up best to win. It sounds good, but play calling and offensive design have always made a big difference in football.
All play calls have the greatest chance of working when executed properly. The rest depends on the acuity of the call in light of the opponents. That’s all one can say. A good coach makes sure that his teams execute properly most of the time, of course. A great one utilizes calls that maximize the effectiveness of that.
Leatherhead
April 09, 2025 at 03:01 pm
Having spent years teaching teenagers how to play football, I can say with 100% certainty, that well-executed plays work. Plays that don't work are usually not well-executed. Occasionally a defender will make a real good play, but most of the time it's on offensive execution. Scoring points is a function of execution more so than cleverness.
Bitternotsour
April 09, 2025 at 05:32 pm
not to rain on your parade, but cleverness can be well-executed, and it's a far site more entertaining. SCHEME MATTERS.
defense executes as well.
Leatherhead
April 09, 2025 at 07:24 pm
Clever is great when it works. Sometimes it doesn't and you look bad.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 09, 2025 at 06:27 pm
Still, players execute best in certain ways, and that varies with who they're up against. MLF did not have a great year in this regard.
crayzpackfan
April 09, 2025 at 01:02 pm
Part of the failed offense has much to do with the HC withering away in big moments on the biggest stage.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 09, 2025 at 06:29 pm
Also the basic problem of failing to merge the passing and running games. I struggle to find one play where any opponent was fooled by which was coming. And then MLF says he doesn't even know what RPO means.
gsd3
April 10, 2025 at 05:53 am
Don't 100% disagree, but there were a lot of injuries in that game. Had no problem putting up points in the 23 playoffs. A field stretcher would help, but it doesn't have to be 1st round.
HarryHodag
April 09, 2025 at 11:01 am
Most of the pre-draft visits are smoke and mirrors. They fall into the 'what if" category. IF one of the players happens to be around WHEN the Packers are on the board they will have a little more knowledge about the player. It still doesn't mean they will draft him.
But the positions they're looking at could reveal some of their thinking. Offensive tackles and wide receivers, cornerback and center, some defensive linemen thrown in.
While they NEED a cornerback and defensive tackle, the other positions are for depth-next season. R. Walker is likely to be left to free agency and the draftee or Morgan will be inserted at left tackle in 2026. They might let some of the receivers walk, subbing in a draft pick or two.
Look to the future(next year's needs) for this year's draft, that has been what Gutey has been doing for some time now.
GregC
April 09, 2025 at 12:34 pm
I don't see cornerback as that big of a need. They just signed Nate Hobbs to start, and they also have Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine, both of whom played quite well last year. That's three good players to fill the two outside CB spots. At nickel, they've got Javon Bullard, and they can rotate Hobbs and Nixon there as needed. I don't know why so many fans are down on these guys after the way they played last year. Maybe it's because they were not high draft picks.
dobber
April 09, 2025 at 12:43 pm
Agreed: as long as 23 is still on the roster, they're 4 CB deep with starting experience, and they have safeties who can cover the slot. One way or another, JA is gone for 2026 and it's possible that Nixon is, too.
GregC
April 09, 2025 at 01:01 pm
I'm assuming Alexander will be gone before the season starts‐-probably no later than draft weekend. And I don't care. They did fine without him last year.
Why do you think Nixon will be gone in 2026? That's the last year of his contract, and his cap hit is $7.2 million. That seems reasonable for a starting CB.
HarryHodag
April 09, 2025 at 01:35 pm
Nixon and Hobbs go down. Who plays corner? Valentine in one spot and....in the other? I would say it's below the need for linemen on both sides of the ball, but it is there, especially if Jaire goes away as expected.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 09, 2025 at 06:34 pm
Definitely that's what this draft should be about, primarily. Gotta have WRs and linemen in the pipeline. Jordan Morgan will be a third year player in 2026, if he's not a starter this season so what. Hopefully he gains some experience at LT.
Will MLF utilize #85 & 88? How much freedom will he give JL10 to target them and #8? If the answer is plenty, WR becomes much less of a need for a rookie to produce this year.
RCPackerFan
April 09, 2025 at 11:19 am
"Yes, it's pre-draft visit time in Green Bay, and the latest reported players stopping in to meet with the Packers is an interesting group. Perhaps most interesting is that a couple of wide receivers expected to be drafted in the first round are on that list. "
Some say its smoke and mirrors, but I don't believe it is. I saw a list a few weeks back where it showed the top end players GB has had in for visits and they either drafted or later signed a quite a few of them. I think paying attention to who they bring in is a very good thing to do. Now that being said, they also brought in players they didn't draft but drafted players at positions they were looking at. GB seems to be looking hard at some of the top WR's in the group. Don't be surprised if they are after a WR early in this draft. But it doesn't have to be one of these guys.
I do feel like they will draft 1-2 WRs this year. And I would not be surprised if they drafted a WR in the first round for the first time in a very long time.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 09, 2025 at 06:40 pm
I hope so! I hope they draft at least 2 WRs, at least one early. I would not mind if Gutey goes WR rounds 2 & 3, and DL (or even O line) round one.
Hopefully this is a fun season ... will the Lombardi be within reach? JL10 beat AR12's first year record as a starter and by a wide margin. I don't know how year two stacks up. Year 3 is when AR12 won it all, right!?
No pressure ....
Racingdad
April 09, 2025 at 12:41 pm
Tory Horton in the third and Donte thorton in the fourth would make perfect sense
Alberta_Packer
April 09, 2025 at 04:18 pm
* A round one WR pick should offer potential greatness. Only Tet McMillan exhibits this. Golden has been less than impressive for most of his career - save the last few weeks. While Egbuka projects as a very good WR2 - for Rd.2.
* Tx. - putting Dalton Cooper on my Packers-style O-line list. Belton is not an OT in the NFL. He projects very much as an IOL. As to his large weight - a couple of hot yoga classes should take care of any lingering baby fat. Meanwhile - I am reluctantly removing Josh Simmons from my draft list. A torn petallar tendon can sometimes be worse than a torn ACL. Particularly the recovery period - which can be long, gruelling and uneven. If drafted - I would not expect much - if anything - from Simmons in 2025.
Onwards to April 24th!
Major Snafu
April 09, 2025 at 09:12 pm
Good insight again Al, thanks. Ya that Simmons injury, when you mention slipping it really translates that lots of GM's will just pass and move on.
I myself am dealijg with old age knee problems and have read and researched a lot.
Ya these guys get surgery here surgery there but it doesn't put your knee back to where it used to be.
I mean tot knee replacements work pretty good from those I know who had them but this guy had tendons and prob cartilage damage.
Great pick if you could get him late rounds and see what you get
Alberta_Packer
April 10, 2025 at 11:47 am
Oops - VOID