Packers Draft Thread.....

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

Just because it's the highest doesn't mean it's not manageable or makes any sense to do so. He's still been a very, very good RT and you don't find guys like that for 6.7 million dollars. When we have both tackles healthy, we have two bookends. The Packers are still 24 million under the cap(roughly, 23 and change). And that numbers looks infinitely better when compared to Billy Turner's cap number.

 

If Bulaga comes into TC healthy and makes it through TC healthy, there's absolutely no reason to cut him. Even if they do draft a guy like Jonah Williams 12th. Again, when healthy, Bulaga is among the best pass blocking RT's in the NFL...and not to be a broken record, but he's the guy facing Mack and most other premier pass rushers.

 

Problem is, Bulaga has rarely stayed healthy throughout his career- he's only played in more than 75% of the games 3 times in his career thus far. Obviously, the Packers will be better able to make a decision on his health and effectiveness better than we will, but I think there's a strong chance that if they're presented with a better option, they'll cut him if they feel that he either isn't a good bet to stay healthy or ineffective if he does.

 

Also, not sure where you're seeing the $23million and change for the cap- they're closer to $14 at this point, and $7-8 million when factoring in the draft class.

 

If I'm the Packers, I hang onto Bulaga this year, but also draft a tackle in the 2nd-3rd round area who can be elevated to the starting RT spot in 2020, and provide insurance coverage for Bulaga this year. Basically what Spriggs was supposed to be.

[PeaveyFury]

 

If I'm the Packers, I hang onto Bulaga this year, but also draft a tackle in the 2nd-3rd round area who can be elevated to the starting RT spot in 2020, and provide insurance coverage for Bulaga this year. Basically what Spriggs was supposed to be.

 

I'm not opposed to that idea either. I guess it comes down to health and expected effectiveness for the money. They'll decide whether, like Cobb, you're willing to carry relievable cap number for 7-10 games or so.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

 

If I'm the Packers, I hang onto Bulaga this year, but also draft a tackle in the 2nd-3rd round area who can be elevated to the starting RT spot in 2020, and provide insurance coverage for Bulaga this year. Basically what Spriggs was supposed to be.

 

I'm not opposed to that idea either. I guess it comes down to health and expected effectiveness for the money. They'll decide whether, like Cobb, you're willing to carry relievable cap number for 7-10 games or so.

 

Unfortunately, right now at least, the free agent market on offensive tackles is pretty slim. You're either looking at taking a flyer on a guy like George Fant, or a different formerly strong tackle who is now either old or an injury risk. Those guys include Jermey Parnell, Jared Veldheer, Matt Kalil or Chris Clark. If Kalil is finally healthy he would be a solid option, likely for roughly the same kind of money as Bulaga.

[OldSchoolSnapper]

The problem with Bulaga is beyond that he's struggled to be healthy. It's that he's a mountain of a man, about to hit 30, and has back issues. Those don't get better, they get worse, and they get worst really fast. You don't even have to go beyond the Packers to see how fast those guys can collapse. They seem to have a knack for knowing when to let them go.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

The problem with Bulaga is beyond that he's struggled to be healthy. It's that he's a mountain of a man, about to hit 30, and has back issues. Those don't get better, they get worse, and they get worst really fast. You don't even have to go beyond the Packers to see how fast those guys can collapse. They seem to have a knack for knowing when to let them go.

 

That's a good point. Bulaga and David Bakhtiari have basically the same measureables (6'4", 315 lbs), yet Bakhtiari looks like Adonis compared to Bulaga. Some guys just carry weight better than others. To me, Bulaga looks like a guy who, health-wise, should be carrying 240 lbs max. He just doesn't have the bone structure to handle the grind carrying an extra 75 lbs. Bakhtiari on the other hand has the body built to be a big, strong guy. Bulaga is one of those guys who to see retire, then 6 months later you see him at TE size.

 

Bulaga has been a very good tackle in the NFL for a long time. I think it's in the team's best interest to try to squeeze one more year out of him, though, while enacting a back-up plan.

[Point Beer Is Best]

My opinion - the thought of releasing Bulaga is absolute insanity at this point. Do you need to draft a replacement in the early rounds this year? Absolutely. But considering what other tackles are getting in free agency, and looking at what Bulaga is making (taking his elite performance into consideration against his availability issues), and he's still a steal.

[OldSchoolSnapper]

I wouldn't release him at this point either. I don't think there's any way he is retained beyond this year, but given the roster and the market I would eat the cost and hope he can play most of the season.

[brewcrewdue80]

Latest walterfootball mock is Hockensin and Greg Little. Thatll do nicely.

[reillymcshane]

Here is my two cents on the NFL draft (at this time).

 

First, there are a group of guys who won’t be available, so let’s just cross them off. This includes Kyler Murray, Nick Bosa, Josh Allen, Quinnen Williams, Devin White, and Jawaan Taylor.

 

At #12, here’s my guys.

 

Montez Sweat - Edge - Tests reveal that he has a heart condition, which may cause him to drop. If so, he’s an amazing pick at 12.

 

Devin Bush - LB - Explosive, athletic linebacker, lots of upside. Could be gone at 12, but would likely move right into the lineup and be a playmaker.

 

Ed Oliver - DT - Monster interior DL. Coming off an injury, he could be a steal at 12.

 

TJ Hockenson - TE - I’m a little leery of Hockenson this high as he’s got a lot of buzz around him and I don’t want to overvalue him. However, if the team loves him, they likely need to grab him here as he won’t last much longer. Getting a premium weapon for Rodgers is important.

 

Jonah Williams - OT - Not the sexiest pick, but a safe and very useful one. Williams is a smart player who can play guard and tackle - both areas we will need in the coming year or two. Depending on how things go, you might be able to drop a few slots and still get him.

 

Edge players - Bryan Burns, Clelin Ferrell, Rashan Gary, Jachai Polite - There are a bunch of Edge guys who could help the team. These guys get rated all over the board. The first three get ranked in the 10 all the way down into the 20s - so it all depends on who the team really likes. Polite is probably more of someone you hope falls to 30. And Edge guy might be a bit of a luxury at this time, so unless the club really loves one of these guys, I can see them passing at 12. If they really want an Edge guy, they may hope one falls to them at #30.

 

At #30.

 

Noah Fant - TE - Might not make it to here, but he would be a good weapon for Rodgers. Obviously, you don't need to draft if you take Hockenson earlier.

 

Greedy Williams - Top CB in the draft, so likely won’t reach here, but if he is, he’s a great value pick. Maybe not what we wanted, but too good to pass up.

 

Cody Ford - OG - Really good player. May not be a superstar, but he seems like a really safe pick. Probably won’t drop to 30, but if he did, good value.

 

Josh Jacobs - RB - Probably the highest ranked back in the draft, but has never carried a huge workload in college (which some argue is good). Not the fastest guy, but is quick and tough. He is also a very good receiver, which would help the club. Would be good value at #30.

 

AJ Brown - WR - Big, productive WR that could step into the slot and really help. Would really open up the passing game. I like Brown because he's the kind of guy you won't need to worry about. He's big and strong, runs good routes, doesn't make mistakes. He's the kind of possession guy who Rodgers would love to have.

 

If any of the Edge guys fell, they would be good value here as well. OT Andre Dillard would be a nice get at #30, as would DT Christian Wilkens.

 

Trade/Drafting Strategy

 

I think the club looks to see if someone they really like falls to #12. If so, you pull the trigger. However, there are a lot of players we could take at #12 that might be a bit of a reach. Thus, a trade down might be in order.

 

A lot might depend on where some of the QBs land. If there is a rush on them, it might cause some quality guys to fall to us. Or we might get a good deal in a trade at #12 from another club.

 

No matter what, I expect the club to add a weapon or two for Rodgers in the first few rounds. A TE or WR is obvious - but it could be RB. I’m guessing we use one of our first two picks in such a fashion. I’m guessing we go defense on the other pick - as there are a lot of good impact guys in this draft. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if we loaded up on offensive skill players early - even both our #1 picks.

 

I think in the 2nd round we could target an offensive lineman or a safety (such as Nasir Adderley) - assuming we don't draft an OL or DB in the first round.

 

Packers have a lot of needs, so whatever we do, it should be fun.

[HiAndTight]

I was all for Bulaga, Matthews and Cobb getting cut last offseason. Bulaga was a really good player but I think he's in Jimmy Nelson territory at this point where depending on him to do much of anything is a best case scenario. Going off the rails a bit but I think Nelson is a better bet. I wouldn't be surprised or opposed to just getting rid of him, but OL depth is not exactly common in the NFL so I can see why they'd want to try salvaging him too.

 

 

I think it'd be totally ridiculous to bring a guy in at a substantially higher cap rate who's a significantly inferior player only to cut Bulaga who has a very reasonable cap number this year. Just because it's the highest doesn't mean it should be cut.

 

Point being, we brought in that depth on the OL and we were so desperate for it, we gave a guy who's never been a good starter 4 years and over 28 million dollars. You think they're then gonna cut Bulaga just once they've attained SOME semblence of depth?

 

I don't get the Nelson comparision. A WR'er with a knee issue, aging and losing even a half step causes a significantly bigger impact on their play.

 

There's also the fact that the Packers aren't huting for cap room. Why cut the guy who's going to be blocking Mack when we play the Bears for Billy Turner, the guy who couldn't make it two years in Miami, a week with the Ravens and has started just 4 games at RT last year?

[HiAndTight]

The problem with Bulaga is beyond that he's struggled to be healthy. It's that he's a mountain of a man, about to hit 30, and has back issues. Those don't get better, they get worse, and they get worst really fast. You don't even have to go beyond the Packers to see how fast those guys can collapse. They seem to have a knack for knowing when to let them go.

 

 

Those guys have the longest careers of any position other than QB, Kicker and Punter. And who are the guys that have been studs on the Packers lines and then seen that sudden decline?

 

And it's the NFL. Bulaga is about an average sized RT. Heck, he might even be on the smaller side. They're all mountain of men.

 

The real problem with Bulaga is he's had two lower body injuries that have caused him to miss two games and make him look more injury prone than he is.

[HiAndTight]

Just because it's the highest doesn't mean it's not manageable or makes any sense to do so. He's still been a very, very good RT and you don't find guys like that for 6.7 million dollars. When we have both tackles healthy, we have two bookends. The Packers are still 24 million under the cap(roughly, 23 and change). And that numbers looks infinitely better when compared to Billy Turner's cap number.

 

If Bulaga comes into TC healthy and makes it through TC healthy, there's absolutely no reason to cut him. Even if they do draft a guy like Jonah Williams 12th. Again, when healthy, Bulaga is among the best pass blocking RT's in the NFL...and not to be a broken record, but he's the guy facing Mack and most other premier pass rushers.

 

Problem is, Bulaga has rarely stayed healthy throughout his career- he's only played in more than 75% of the games 3 times in his career thus far. Obviously, the Packers will be better able to make a decision on his health and effectiveness better than we will, but I think there's a strong chance that if they're presented with a better option, they'll cut him if they feel that he either isn't a good bet to stay healthy or ineffective if he does.

 

Also, not sure where you're seeing the $23million and change for the cap- they're closer to $14 at this point, and $7-8 million when factoring in the draft class.

 

 

Bulaga has played in 75 pct of the games in 6 of his 8 seasons....not seeing where you come up with 3. And he has had two torn ACL's. A huge concern for a WR'er or a CB obviously...not nearly so much so for a RT.

 

He played in 9 games in 2012 and 5 games in 17, the only years he hasn't played in 75 pct of the games since he became a Packer.

 

And I think there's a strong chance that if they're presetnted with a better option, they'd cut literally anyone on the team. But, again, Billy Taylor, more of an issue with injuries than Bulaga. 4 years nearly 29 million dollars. Where do you think they're finding these better deals?

 

 

I really fail to see why if they kept him last year AFTER coming back from the ACL injury and performing well, they'd suddenly decide to cut him now. It's one thing to cut a guy like Sitton, or Lang(Who wasn't cut, but still). But to move on from Bulaga, a guy that the Vikings or Lions or probably about 27 teams in the NFL would LOVE to have for such a relatively cheap cap number after he came back and played in 14 games last year would make very little sense to me.

[HiAndTight]

 

If I'm the Packers, I hang onto Bulaga this year, but also draft a tackle in the 2nd-3rd round area who can be elevated to the starting RT spot in 2020, and provide insurance coverage for Bulaga this year. Basically what Spriggs was supposed to be.

 

I'm not opposed to that idea either. I guess it comes down to health and expected effectiveness for the money. They'll decide whether, like Cobb, you're willing to carry relievable cap number for 7-10 games or so.

 

Unfortunately, right now at least, the free agent market on offensive tackles is pretty slim. You're either looking at taking a flyer on a guy like George Fant, or a different formerly strong tackle who is now either old or an injury risk. Those guys include Jermey Parnell, Jared Veldheer, Matt Kalil or Chris Clark. If Kalil is finally healthy he would be a solid option, likely for roughly the same kind of money as Bulaga.

 

And laughably bad production. Not sure what happened to him by the way. Looked good out of the gate(first couple years) then dropped off a cliff). You'd also have to swing him over to RT for a year.

 

This is one of those things to me that really isn't even a discussion. You have a 29 year old RT on a bargain deal(not comprable to Cobb as one plays a FAR-FAR more important position and makes significantly less).

 

He's had some injuries, but he finished last year healthy after coming back from an ACL. If you want to get rid of him, at least trade him in camp for a nice draft pick for all those teams that missed out on the "privledge" of paying Nate Solider and company 16 million a year(or whoever the latest Pats FA tackle is who only has to block for about 1.2 seconds as they seemingly run an endless number of zig routes or HB in the flat route with the occasionally dazzling 12 yard pass to Gronk mixed in to keep the lid off the D!).

[PeaveyFury]

Just because it's the highest doesn't mean it's not manageable or makes any sense to do so. He's still been a very, very good RT and you don't find guys like that for 6.7 million dollars. When we have both tackles healthy, we have two bookends. The Packers are still 24 million under the cap(roughly, 23 and change). And that numbers looks infinitely better when compared to Billy Turner's cap number.

 

If Bulaga comes into TC healthy and makes it through TC healthy, there's absolutely no reason to cut him. Even if they do draft a guy like Jonah Williams 12th. Again, when healthy, Bulaga is among the best pass blocking RT's in the NFL...and not to be a broken record, but he's the guy facing Mack and most other premier pass rushers.

 

Problem is, Bulaga has rarely stayed healthy throughout his career- he's only played in more than 75% of the games 3 times in his career thus far. Obviously, the Packers will be better able to make a decision on his health and effectiveness better than we will, but I think there's a strong chance that if they're presented with a better option, they'll cut him if they feel that he either isn't a good bet to stay healthy or ineffective if he does.

 

Also, not sure where you're seeing the $23million and change for the cap- they're closer to $14 at this point, and $7-8 million when factoring in the draft class.

 

 

Bulaga has played in 75 pct of the games in 6 of his 8 seasons....not seeing where you come up with 3. .

 

Go back and read the wording of my post again....

[xisxisxis]

Latest walterfootball mock is Hockensin and Greg Little. Thatll do nicely.

They have the Packers taking Hockenson even though Sweat and Ed Oliver are still on the board. I can see some dropping of Montez due to the heart issues, but I can't see how you could pass on Ed Oliver to take Hockenson. Is Hockenson clearly an elite talent?

 

They also have Bosa now going to the Jets at #3 as the Niners now have the Ford addition and new-found love for QWilliams. Now do you do a deal with the Jets to possible take Bosa (losing the #12/#30 plus)?

[OldHeidelberg]

Latest walterfootball mock is Hockensin and Greg Little. Thatll do nicely.

They have the Packers taking Hockenson even though Sweat and Ed Oliver are still on the board. I can see some dropping of Montez due to the heart issues, but I can't see how you could pass on Ed Oliver to take Hockenson. Is Hockenson clearly an elite talent?

 

They also have Bosa now going to the Jets at #3 as the Niners now have the Ford addition and new-found love for QWilliams. Now do you do a deal with the Jets to possible take Bosa (losing the #12/#30 plus)?

 

I think if Bosa dropped to 3 you make a call to the Jets but that's only because of my best player in the draft impression of Bosa. I sure hope they don't pass on a defensive stud to draft Hockenson but we are sill a few weeks away, still too much guessing based on needs and free agency signings.

[reillymcshane]

Latest walterfootball mock is Hockensin and Greg Little. Thatll do nicely.

They have the Packers taking Hockenson even though Sweat and Ed Oliver are still on the board. I can see some dropping of Montez due to the heart issues, but I can't see how you could pass on Ed Oliver to take Hockenson. Is Hockenson clearly an elite talent?

Sweat or Oliver would be a great get for the Packers. I'd take either over Hockenson. I'm really interested in Devin Bush as well.

[reillymcshane]

Latest walterfootball mock is Hockensin and Greg Little. Thatll do nicely.

 

Little seems like a bit of a reach in the 1st. I could see him in the 2nd round. Might depend on how quickly some of the OL come off the board.

[CheezWizHed]

Latest walterfootball mock is Hockensin and Greg Little. Thatll do nicely.

They have the Packers taking Hockenson even though Sweat and Ed Oliver are still on the board. I can see some dropping of Montez due to the heart issues, but I can't see how you could pass on Ed Oliver to take Hockenson. Is Hockenson clearly an elite talent?

Sweat or Oliver would be a great get for the Packers. I'd take either over Hockenson. I'm really interested in Devin Bush as well.

 

Yeah, I'm thinking that if Sweat and Oliver are gone, they trade down and look at Hock/White/Fant.

[PeaveyFury]

I'm a big fan of BPA at #12, and whatever of the TE are left at #30.

[HiAndTight]

I'm a big fan of BPA at #12, and whatever of the TE are left at #30.

 

 

That definitely is the luxury that Gute gave you by signing not one, but TWO good OLB'ers, a difference making safety and then hopefully a better backup swing tackle who plays guard by day.

 

 

It would be incredibly unlikely they'd take Ed Oliver in the 1st had they not signed at least one of the two Smith's. Now if he drops...

 

This draft though more than any other in recent memory has so many differing opinions on guys. I've seen Little as a mid 1st and I've seen him as a late 3rd. I've also seen Fant gone before we pick and Hockenson going around 12.

 

 

I'll still be hoping for Allen to drop a bit, 4 QB's to be targeted in the 1st and the Packers moving up to get him. Outside of that highly unlikely scenario, BPA and then Iowa TE or Irv Smith if the Iowa guys are gone.

[HiAndTight]

 

Go back and read the wording of my post again....

 

 

This is really getting kinda nit-picky. He's played in 75 pct of the games 4 times. It's a arbitrary number anyway saying he's only played in 75 pct of the games 3 times.

 

He's had injuries. Namely two ACL's. Those are almost always the result of bad luck. A linemen engaged and someone rolling up on him.

 

That said, he's healthy right now, 30 years old, he has a manageable cap number and is an elite pass blocking RT when healthy. It'd be foolish to cut him. If you really wanted to part ways with one of the more important players on the roster, you could almost certainly trade him. This is nothing like Josh Sitton. Tackles worse than Bulaga are getting 15 million a year. It's far more likely he's back for another year than it is he is cut before this year begins IMO.

 

Bulaga games played per year;

 

16,12,9,15,12,16,5(torn ACL),14

 

He's coming off a ACL, played in 14 games and has one year left on his deal. I'm still not seeing the rationale for possibly cutting him when we've seen how bad this team has looked when it's been without one of it's two tackles since they've drafted Bahktari. Even if Taylor drops to you in the 1st round, why would you even consider cutting ties with when thee single biggest factor in your franchises performance is your star QB who's been hurt in each of the last 3 years?

 

I'd rather not throw Billy Turner a journeyman OL who we signed primarily to play guard, or even Taylor, a top tackle prospect up against Khalil Mack to open the season just so Rodgers can be hobbled for most of the year again.

[brewcrewdue80]

Bulaga may start and play, but hes constantly playing through injury. It comes at a cost in certain games where hes just beaten but too often bailed out by Rodgers ability to escape the pocket. Now does that mean im putting Turner in his spot? No. I think the read on Turner is guard starter with backup Tackle. I can see the signings meaning a 1st pick Tackle to move on from Bulaga and Turner as depth as needed. Your idea on trading him is a very draft day valid possibility. You get #1 or #2 OT at 12 that is BPA on your board, im sure you can find a 4th or 5th round pick for Bulaga.

 

In response on Little, the read seems to be he was like a 5star college recruit that has the tools just not put 5 star results. Must be upside beliefs(top 15 pick) vs continual disappointing game play beliefs(2-3rd pick) i feel like the consensus is OT/TE or TE and best OT left at that point. Little must be that player as that mock proceeds.

[reillymcshane]

Some buzz that New England would like to move up to get either Hockenson or Fant. The Patriots have two 2nd round picks, and probably three 3rd rounds picks (they are likely to get a couple of comp picks in that round since Nate Solder and Malcolm Butler signed elsewhere as FAs). I'm reading that they really like Fant.

 

That would give them plenty of ammunition to move up past the Packers #30 pick.

 

So if the Packers want a TE, they may have to make the move at #12.

[OnTheBlack]

Bulaga may start and play, but hes constantly playing through injury. It comes at a cost in certain games where hes just beaten but too often bailed out by Rodgers ability to escape the pocket. Now does that mean im putting Turner in his spot? No. I think the read on Turner is guard starter with backup Tackle. I can see the signings meaning a 1st pick Tackle to move on from Bulaga and Turner as depth as needed. Your idea on trading him is a very draft day valid possibility. You get #1 or #2 OT at 12 that is BPA on your board, im sure you can find a 4th or 5th round pick for Bulaga.

 

In response on Little, the read seems to be he was like a 5star college recruit that has the tools just not put 5 star results. Must be upside beliefs(top 15 pick) vs continual disappointing game play beliefs(2-3rd pick) i feel like the consensus is OT/TE or TE and best OT left at that point. Little must be that player as that mock proceeds.

 

 

 

The injury concerns with Bulaga are obvious. I don't see him getting beat on a regular basis by virtually anyone however. When he IS out there, he's performing at a very high level. Especially given that Rodgers holds the ball so much longer than other QB's. Bulaga does a good job of running speed rushers past Rodgers and he's strong enough he can anchor vs power rushers.

 

It'd be interesting to see a teams draft board after the draft sometime. They obviously differ greatly from team to team, I'd just like to see how one teams board actually grades guys. Where they have guys like Little for example who is all over the place in draft rankings.