2017 Green Bay Packers draft preview and predictions

[superfly]

WR is another position that is very deep this year. The challenge is that in college with the spread offenses/hurry-up tempos the sideline signals the play in and the WR runs the route without having to read the defense, so they do need time to adjust to the NFL.

 

That being said, because WR is so deep I think there are more Geronimo Allison's than people realize. Let them put two WRs on the practice squad to develop for a year to learn NFL defense-reading.

 

The problem with drafting one now is, where do you put them? You just can't carry seven WRs on the roster. You need your 5th/6th WR to be special teams players, which is where Janis excels. (BTW, the knock on Janis his first two years was learning routes but he did a pretty good job of tracking the ball in the playoffs two years ago. Last year he didn't play much because the WRs were healthy and because Allison was so good.)

 

If there's one thing Ted Thompson is good at, it's drafting wide receivers.

 

Corey Davis reeks of green and gold. I would bet he is wearing our colors if he's available.

[patrickgpe]

he never drafted a WR in the 1st round though. The Packers have so many needs I hope they look elsewhere for atleast the first round. His 2nd round WR drafting though, i agree, has been spectacular.

[homer]

I don't think there's any chance Corey Davis lasts until the GB pick.

[colbyjack]

I agree that WR is a bigger need than a lot of people recognize. That group is getting pretty old already, and another injury or two next season could be pretty crippling.

 

As for the comments about McCaffrey and Montgomery being too similar to one another, is that really a problem? Montgomery hasn't been able to stay healthy to this point of his career, and the way the Falcons used both Freeman and Coleman last year is reason enough to have more weapons out of the backfield (and they essentially aren't that different as players). The fact that both players (Montgomery and McCaffrey) can legitimately play both the RB and WR positions only points to increased mis-matches for opposing defenses. Throw in Bennett and Kendricks with the WRs already on the roster and a good offense could get that much better.

 

And as the saying goes, the best defense is a good offense .

 

I do recognize the defensive needs, and like the ideas of guys like Watt, Peppers, etc., but I also love the idea of arming Rodgers with as many weapons as possible, and I am legitimately concerned about the team's RB depth.

[patrickgpe]

patrick, i agree with you that WR is a bigger need than what people realize, but i do not think it should be emphasized this draft. The packers offense is going to be different this year with two new tight ends and they still have some young WR's to count on (Adams, Janis, Davis and Allison). I also think the emergence of Adams helps. The packers have needs at RB, guard, and all over the defensive side of the ball that in my opinion trumps wide receiver in this draft. that being said if someone drops in the first few rounds i would have no issue with taking one.

[monkeyman343434]

It sounds as though the Patriots might flip Malcom Bulter to the Saints in return for their original #32 overall pick. I feel like the best value the Packers could get for #29 would be to pick up Butler. I'm pretty sure they're still enough under the cap, they could fit him in for this year.

[brwrsfan]

I'd be stunned if we go WR in round 1 unless it's somebody that we just absolutely can't pass up. Yes, WR could be an area of need, but certainly not this year. Taking a WR in the first round with the idea that they might start in 3 years is a bit of a stretch for me when you consider all of the holes we have with the current roster.

 

I'd be all for taking a WR in rounds 3-4 or a few late round fliers. But I think they'll try to fill a hole. There's so many DB and other positions to choose from.

 

What I really hope happens is that a QB slides to our pick and we can trade back with one of the teams in the second round. Pickup another pick or two and only move down a few slots. Could be a bidding war depending on who is there.

[LouisEly]

I agree that WR is a bigger need than a lot of people recognize. That group is getting pretty old already, and another injury or two next season could be pretty crippling.

The only WR on the roster over the age of 26 is Nelson. He's 31, but put up over 1200 yards last year and led the league in TDs. He's not going to drop off a cliff. Cobb is 26, Janis 25, Adams 24, and Allison and Davis are 23. I wouldn't call that group "pretty old".

[docduany]

What are your feelings on drafting Joe Mixon? I'm not advocating yes or no. I wouldn't grab him in the first round. And 2nd & 3rd rounds I'd have to be convinced that he's going to be great. I haven't seen the video. What I've heard is that he punched a coed in a bar and was suspended for a season. Green Bay could stand the PR back lash if they thought the juice was worth the squeeze.

 

And I would definitely trade the Packers first round pick for Malcom Butler. They have a championship caliber offense, the defense is holding them back.

[colbyjack]

Nit picked, and duly noted. But that wasn't really my point, just saying the Packers depth at WR isn't as good as some people think it is, but I'm not suggesting it should be a target/priority for the 1st round.

[superfly]

What are your feelings on drafting Joe Mixon? I'm not advocating yes or no. I wouldn't grab him in the first round. And 2nd & 3rd rounds I'd have to be convinced that he's going to be great. I haven't seen the video. What I've heard is that he punched a coed in a bar and was suspended for a season. Green Bay could stand the PR back lash if they thought the juice was worth the squeeze.

 

And I would definitely trade the Packers first round pick for Malcom Butler. They have a championship caliber offense, the defense is holding them back.

 

He's not Adrian Peterson but he could be the real deal in my opinion. I've seen comparisons to Forte, but I think he's faster.

[Jenkins5]

I like Mixon the player. Heard right now he may fall to late rounds or maybe not be drafted despite being a top back in draft. He lit the female up pretty good. Very comparable to Rice's act. It's an unacceptable act that is for sure.

 

He was dumb and 18. Think a lot has to do with interviews and character checks if you are going to take a flyer on him. Is he worth the drama and criticism you will face for bringing a guy like him in? Wouldn't spend 2 or 3 round pick but he falls to 5-7th I'd be fine. Instantly best back on roster when drafted & mileage is lower. If only he would have grabbed the Wisconsin hat..... he was very close to coming to Madison

[patrickgpe]

Chris Collinsworth has the packers taking Mixon in the 1st round in his mock, which i would not be a fan of

https://www.profootballfocus.com/draft-cris-collinsworths-2017-mock-draft-deshaun-watson-first-qb-off-board/

 

If the packers take a day 3 flier on him, i wouldn't be too upset. everyone deserves a second chance and its not like the packers haven't brought in players with a checkered past before (Colt Lyerla comes to mind right away, even though he wasn't drafted)

[patrickgpe]

 

And I would definitely trade the Packers first round pick for Malcom Butler. They have a championship caliber offense, the defense is holding them back.

considering ted's recent 1st round history, i would be fine with the packers trading that pick for butler or sherman.

[fondybrewfan]

Mixon is a first round talent but there enough red flags that I would rather Ted take him in the 2nd or 3rd round if he is still there.. Or Ted can trade out of the 1st into the early 2nd and pick him there. They could probably pick up another 3rd round pick if they would trade down 10 spots or so and they still should be able to get a nice talent then.

[RobDeer 45]

I really haven't had the time to dive in to our needs, but just from the surface, it sure seems like we have a lot of holes to fill. I'm hoping we can really nail the draft this year, but it seems like we need a lot. Are there any potential FAs we still might look in to?

 

Isn't Mixon supposed to be climbing up to the end of the first or early second?

[CheezWizHed]

Chris Collinsworth has the ...

 

That post lost all credibility right there...

 

Its hilarious to see all these mock drafts that look at a team "need" list and spew out a mock draft based on it. So many never consider team tendencies.

 

TT will not draft an RB, MLB or G in the first round. He will trade down before he does anything like that.

 

Not to mention that TT isn't going to take someone with off the field issues until day 3 at the earliest.

 

Thanks for paying attention CC.

[homer]

Mixon also had an incident in high school. So teams are looking at something in addition to the one on video.

[patrickgpe]

Chris Collinsworth has the ...

 

That post lost all credibility right there...

 

Its hilarious to see all these mock drafts that look at a team "need" list and spew out a mock draft based on it. So many never consider team tendencies.

 

TT will not draft an RB, MLB or G in the first round. He will trade down before he does anything like that.

 

Not to mention that TT isn't going to take someone with off the field issues until day 3 at the earliest.

 

Thanks for paying attention CC.

yeah i didn't know he even did a mock, it popped up on my facebook feed and i thought it was ridiculous so i had to share

 

regarding your comment on not drafting a guard, i know history is not on the side of yes, but if lamp is around i think he will consider taking him (doesn't look like he will though)

[Point Beer Is Best]

Mixon also had an incident in high school. So teams are looking at something in addition to the one on video.

 

That has since been recanted. The lawyers for Mixon's collegiate victim dug up a Facebook post from a father at Mixon's high school who had thought Mixon assaulted his daughter (post was made years ago at the time of the incident). That father released a statement saying he did not have all the facts and was just frustrated at the time, and that Mixon and his daughter grew up together and remain good friends to this day saying that "Joe Mixon is welcome in my home anytime."

 

Interesting to note that the Packers had Mixon in for an pre-draft visit, but most likely just doing their due diligence since Mixon was not invited to the combine. This would seem to indicate that Mixon has not been completely removed form their draft board, unlike last year when they removed Tyreek Hill from any consideration.

 

I've read some articles where the author used historical draft picks from Thompson to try to determine which attributes he values by position. His RB picks have all fit a certain profile, except for Lacy and Wynn (bigger backs) who they selected based on value rather than attributes they desired. Of the RB's in this class, only Joe Mixon fits the criteria completely (McCaffrey missed the weight target by only 2 pounds). Based on that information, and how they value the position, they probably won't take McCaffrey even in the unlikely event he falls that far. But if Mixon is there when they pick at the end of the 3rd (or possibly even 2nd), they could decide to pull the trigger because the value is too much to pass up at that point.

 

I've said it before, but I think Thompson is more concerned about how a player will be received in the locker room as opposed to any PR hit they may take by taking Mixon.

[brewcrewdue80]

Wilson, @Ryan, and Dalton the 1st 3 QBs the Packers face to start the season. Let's add @Prescott, Brees, Flacco, @Roesthlisbuerger, Winston, and @Newton. I'd expect Cleveland to draft one of the rookie QBs who you never know, add Stafford, Bridgwater? It's going to be a long season if the secondary isn't addressed. Or you had better put together a Pass rush that won't give these QBs time in the pocket. This has gotta line up as one of the hardest schedules in the NFL this season

[patrickgpe]

i think the packers pick will be watt, peppers, lamp, or tre'darious white. i would be happy will any of these 4.

[nate82]

If the Packers take Peppers I will laugh. Yes he is a great talent but where is he going to play on the defensive side of the ball? Peppers to me feels more like a special teams type of a player. He will be a good kick and punt returner and may be someone who can play a few plays on offense. I just don't see Peppers being that great or even a good defensive player. He is very athletic but I think a team that picks Peppers and expects him to be a good defensive player is going to be completely disappointed in him.

[pacopete4]

Peppers is so overrated. Would be a terrible first rounder. And if I'm wrong, well oh well.

[docduany]

I could get behind Peppers. Special FOOTBALL player. Just think he can make plays from multiple positions on the field. I don't think he'll be available when the Pack make their selection. I would be disappointed in Lampkin, a guard in the first round doesn't help the defense or make them more dynamic on offense. While guard is an important, someone in the group of Barclay, Patrick Lewis, and Kyle Murphy will be adequate. Not saying I love them but they will do.