Packer 2021 Draft Discussion- Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia; Round 2 Josh Myers, C, Ohio State; 3: Amari Rodgers, WR, Clemson

[CheezWizHed]

I have no problems with the Packers' receiving corps. Just because most of them are not high picks, it doesn't mean they aren't talented. Guys with the talent of MVS, St. Brown, Lazard and Funchess would play anywhere. They are obviously not Adams-level talented (no one is), but they are talented guys.

 

I think it is more than likely they draft WR early, and perhaps multiple WRs, because, as of right now, Adams, MVS, St. Brown and Funchess are unrestricted free agents after the 2021 season, while Lazard will be a restricted free agent.

 

It isn't where there are drafted, but the talent level and ability to get open on their own.

 

MVS had games where he was a legit starting WR anywhere in the league, but more games where he had no effect. And all of his routes take time because it is all predicated on speed.

 

Lazard has a chance at being a solid #2 and has shown that for several games in a row, but then gets injured and comes back less reliable.

 

There are few teams in the league where either of these two would start. St Brown and Funchess are clear backups at this point. Funchess would probably be signed by someone if we cut him, but he was available for pretty cheap when we got him. St. Brown has size and speed, but shown pretty much nothing on the field.

 

Do we make the team work? Yes. But it wouldn't take much to upgrade the group also. Getting a Randall Cobb or Gregg Jennings type player (game predicated on route running and footwork rather than speed) would be very helpful to balance with the team to have guys getting open for shorter routes.

[patrickgpe]

did my first mock draft on fan speak, at this point i can't speak too well on day 3 picks, but I was happy with how i did for the first 3 rounds:

 

1) Teven Jenkins

2) Levi Onwuzurike

3) Eric Stokes

 

addresses their pass rush, RT, and I like Stokes at CB. I believe Onwuzurike could be an end in a 3-4 defense

[HiAndTight]

Using https://www.lines.com/nfl/drafts/2021 and https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2020-pick-trade-value-chart-creating-a-blueprint-for-draft-moves-by-using-past-trades/ as a guide this is what I would do today March 1, 2021.

 

1(30) Trade down to Denver get 2(41) and 3(73)

2 (41) Alex Leatherwood OT Alabama (From Denver)

2 (62) Rashod Bateman WR Minnesota

3 (65) Creed Humpfrey OC Oklahoma (Sign and Trade A Jones to Jacksonville)

3 (73) Roger McCreary CB Auburn (From Denver)

3 (94) Shawn Wade CB Ohio State

4 (126) Zamir White RB Georgia

4 (Comp) Kryisis Tonga DT BYU

5 (158) Buddy Johnson ILB Texas A&M

5 (Comp) Ronnie Perkins DE Oklahoma

6 (189) Tyler Vrabel OT Boston College

6 (Comp) Jordon Scott DT Oregon

7 (221) Elerson Smith OLB Northern Iowa

I wouldn't trust that site too much. Neither Roger McCreary nor Zamir White nor Tyler Vrabel declared for the draft, and Ronnie Perkins will long gone by day 3.

 

 

That...and they have Leatherwood as a Tackle. That's very unlikely at the next level.

 

I also think it's more likely the Packers use their 10 picks and move up in the draft, not down. If there's one trend we can glean thus far from Gutey, it's that he likes going up and getting his guy in the 1st round.

 

 

One players I'd LOVE to see the Packers target...Justyn Ross, Clemson. He was considered a top 5 pick at WR'er, but had neck surgery, missed all last year(though he was cleared for contact toward the end of the year).

 

He's an elite talent with huge red flags. Some teams will take him off their board, but if he's healthy...as his Doctors have said, he has All-Pro upside.

 

I've said before, this draft is going to be a tough one for front offices and scouts. So many guys opted out, there could be a disproportionate number of players who fall into the middle rounds who end up having really successful careers.

[HiAndTight]

I have no problems with the Packers' receiving corps. Just because most of them are not high picks, it doesn't mean they aren't talented. Guys with the talent of MVS, St. Brown, Lazard and Funchess would play anywhere. They are obviously not Adams-level talented (no one is), but they are talented guys.

 

I think it is more than likely they draft WR early, and perhaps multiple WRs, because, as of right now, Adams, MVS, St. Brown and Funchess are unrestricted free agents after the 2021 season, while Lazard will be a restricted free agent.

 

It isn't where there are drafted, but the talent level and ability to get open on their own.

 

MVS had games where he was a legit starting WR anywhere in the league, but more games where he had no effect. And all of his routes take time because it is all predicated on speed.

 

Lazard has a chance at being a solid #2 and has shown that for several games in a row, but then gets injured and comes back less reliable.

 

There are few teams in the league where either of these two would start. St Brown and Funchess are clear backups at this point. Funchess would probably be signed by someone if we cut him, but he was available for pretty cheap when we got him. St. Brown has size and speed, but shown pretty much nothing on the field.

 

Do we make the team work? Yes. But it wouldn't take much to upgrade the group also. Getting a Randall Cobb or Gregg Jennings type player (game predicated on route running and footwork rather than speed) would be very helpful to balance with the team to have guys getting open for shorter routes.

 

 

Greg Jennings was a pretty underrated WR'er. In part because of how he left GB and where he went, but he was a very good route runner and he was just so smooth. Running routes, catching the ball, YAC yards...a WR'er who could play a similar role to him would be a perfect fit.

 

I think we could get by with Adams, Lazard, MVS, St. Brown, Funchess again, but someone like Sage Surratt in the late 2nd or 3rd round...could play a pretty big role as a rookie. I think he's a Cooper Kupp type WR'er.

 

But the guy who most reminds me of Jennings(of those I've seen) is Chris Olave from Ohio State. Year after year they have stud WR'ers fall...in large part due to the talent they've got. Terry McClaurin, Michael Thomas, Curtis Samuel, KJ Hill...talented WR'ers who weren't 1st round picks. I think there is a good chance he'll be there when we pick in the 2nd round, so that'd definitely provide some help for Rodgers.

 

 

My first 3 rounds

1-Trade up for Darrisaw or Jenkins at OT.

2-Chris Olave WR'er OHIO

3-Marvin Wilson DL FSU

 

Get your OT, a WR'er and a DL. I see some people have Wilson as a 1st...but that was based on hype from 2019. He struggled last year and he's not a great athlete...but he is a smart player who plays hard. Relentless motor and I think he could develop similar to how Daniels did for the Packers.

[HiAndTight]

I have no problems with the Packers' receiving corps. Just because most of them are not high picks, it doesn't mean they aren't talented. Guys with the talent of MVS, St. Brown, Lazard and Funchess would play anywhere. They are obviously not Adams-level talented (no one is), but they are talented guys.

 

I think it is more than likely they draft WR early, and perhaps multiple WRs, because, as of right now, Adams, MVS, St. Brown and Funchess are unrestricted free agents after the 2021 season, while Lazard will be a restricted free agent.

 

It isn't where there are drafted, but the talent level and ability to get open on their own.

 

MVS had games where he was a legit starting WR anywhere in the league, but more games where he had no effect. And all of his routes take time because it is all predicated on speed.

 

Lazard has a chance at being a solid #2 and has shown that for several games in a row, but then gets injured and comes back less reliable.

 

There are few teams in the league where either of these two would start. St Brown and Funchess are clear backups at this point. Funchess would probably be signed by someone if we cut him, but he was available for pretty cheap when we got him. St. Brown has size and speed, but shown pretty much nothing on the field.

 

Do we make the team work? Yes. But it wouldn't take much to upgrade the group also. Getting a Randall Cobb or Gregg Jennings type player (game predicated on route running and footwork rather than speed) would be very helpful to balance with the team to have guys getting open for shorter routes.

 

 

Greg Jennings was a pretty underrated WR'er. In part because of how he left GB and where he went, but he was a very good route runner and he was just so smooth. Running routes, catching the ball, YAC yards...a WR'er who could play a similar role to him would be a perfect fit.

 

I think we could get by with Adams, Lazard, MVS, St. Brown, Funchess again, but someone like Sage Surratt in the late 2nd or 3rd round...could play a pretty big role as a rookie. I think he's a Cooper Kupp type WR'er.

 

But the guy who most reminds me of Jennings(of those I've seen) is Chris Olave from Ohio State. Year after year they have stud WR'ers fall...in large part due to the talent they've got. Terry McClaurin, Michael Thomas, Curtis Samuel, KJ Hill...talented WR'ers who weren't 1st round picks. I think there is a good chance he'll be there when we pick in the 2nd round, so that'd definitely provide some help for Rodgers.

 

 

My first 3 rounds

1-Trade up for Darrisaw or Jenkins at OT.

2-Chris Olave WR'er OHIO

3-Marvin Wilson DL FSU

 

Get your OT, a WR'er and a DL. I see some people have Wilson as a 1st...but that was based on hype from 2019. He struggled last year and he's not a great athlete...but he is a smart player who plays hard. Relentless motor and I think he could develop similar to how Daniels did for the Packers.

[HiAndTight]

Regarding TE, I see Tonyan a bit like Chmura with Favre. A decent player that would be ok elsewhere, but accentuated well in the system and with his QB. I don't see someone giving up a 2nd for him.

 

If we do draft a TE in the 3rd/4th rounds, that will probably speak more to Sternberger than Tonyan.

 

If our Offense has two Tonyan-like TEs (very good, but not a Pro-Bowl lock), two starting WRs, Williams/Dillon and the OL blocks about the same as last year... that is a flexible offense and a flexible offense is a dangerous one.

 

 

Agreed. Tonyan T-Type TE. I think them picking up a TE, if they do, will have more to do with Sternberger's lack of progress and the possibility they lose Lewis this off-season.

 

Ideally, they'd want a polished blocker first.

 

There's also the fact that they love two TE formations. So even if they were comfortable that Sternberger would progress, he's not a very good blocker. So he and Tonyan are a bit too similar. They need that TE who can stay in and help.

 

I think the Packers could bring Mercedes Lewis back for the 2.4 million dollars that the new CBA allows to count just 950K or so against the cap and still try and pick another one up even while they return Deguara and maybe even Daffney. They could have 6 FB/H-back/TE's on the roster. As you said, MLF likes a versatile, flexible scheme.

[HiAndTight]

Regarding TE, I see Tonyan a bit like Chmura with Favre. A decent player that would be ok elsewhere, but accentuated well in the system and with his QB. I don't see someone giving up a 2nd for him.

 

If we do draft a TE in the 3rd/4th rounds, that will probably speak more to Sternberger than Tonyan.

 

If our Offense has two Tonyan-like TEs (very good, but not a Pro-Bowl lock), two starting WRs, Williams/Dillon and the OL blocks about the same as last year... that is a flexible offense and a flexible offense is a dangerous one.

 

 

Agreed. Tonyan T-Type TE. I think them picking up a TE, if they do, will have more to do with Sternberger's lack of progress and the possibility they lose Lewis this off-season.

 

Ideally, they'd want a polished blocker first.

 

There's also the fact that they love two TE formations. So even if they were comfortable that Sternberger would progress, he's not a very good blocker. So he and Tonyan are a bit too similar. They need that TE who can stay in and help.

 

I think the Packers could bring Mercedes Lewis back for the 2.4 million dollars that the new CBA allows to count just 950K or so against the cap and still try and pick another one up even while they return Deguara and maybe even Daffney. They could have 6 FB/H-back/TE's on the roster. As you said, MLF likes a versatile, flexible scheme.

[CheezWizHed]

Late in 2019, they were using Sternberger in the H-back role and I don't recall his blocking to be terrible. No Lewis, but not Jimmy Graham either.

[CheezWizHed]

Late in 2019, they were using Sternberger in the H-back role and I don't recall his blocking to be terrible. No Lewis, but not Jimmy Graham either.

[Underachiever]

My first 3 rounds

1-Trade up for Darrisaw or Jenkins at OT.

2-Chris Olave WR'er OHIO

3-Marvin Wilson DL FSU

 

Olave? Did he change his mind?

 

https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/ohio-state-star-wr-chris-olave-spurns-the-nfl-to-return-for-senior-season/

[Underachiever]

My first 3 rounds

1-Trade up for Darrisaw or Jenkins at OT.

2-Chris Olave WR'er OHIO

3-Marvin Wilson DL FSU

 

Olave? Did he change his mind?

 

https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/ohio-state-star-wr-chris-olave-spurns-the-nfl-to-return-for-senior-season/

[OldSchoolSnapper]

Here is why I was interested in getting a WR in the early rounds. All of our WRs beyond Adams (and maybe MVS) are successful because of Rodgers. We have limped along with the group and it has been good enough to beat most teams. But the teams that beat us generally are able to take away Adams and rush the passer. No one else can get open by the time the pass rush is on us. Drafting a WR rarely has much of an impact the first year, but it does happen. Regardless, we have lacked talent at WR for years and the biggest key to taking the next step offensively is a solid #2 WR. Funchess isn't it (and no guarantees he comes back anyway).

 

I have no problems with the Packers' receiving corps. Just because most of them are not high picks, it doesn't mean they aren't talented. Guys with the talent of MVS, St. Brown, Lazard and Funchess would play anywhere. They are obviously not Adams-level talented (no one is), but they are talented guys.

 

I think it is more than likely they draft WR early, and perhaps multiple WRs, because, as of right now, Adams, MVS, St. Brown and Funchess are unrestricted free agents after the 2021 season, while Lazard will be a restricted free agent.

 

Yeah I don't agree with that assessment of the talent at WR at all. MVS looks every part of a future star WR. He has to catch the ball and put it together but there is no denying his size and explosiveness and he took a giant step last season. Lazard is a good player. If MVS pans out they are fine. I still have no problem with drafting a WR, even in the 2nd round, just because it seems like you can never have too many of them.

[OldSchoolSnapper]

Here is why I was interested in getting a WR in the early rounds. All of our WRs beyond Adams (and maybe MVS) are successful because of Rodgers. We have limped along with the group and it has been good enough to beat most teams. But the teams that beat us generally are able to take away Adams and rush the passer. No one else can get open by the time the pass rush is on us. Drafting a WR rarely has much of an impact the first year, but it does happen. Regardless, we have lacked talent at WR for years and the biggest key to taking the next step offensively is a solid #2 WR. Funchess isn't it (and no guarantees he comes back anyway).

 

I have no problems with the Packers' receiving corps. Just because most of them are not high picks, it doesn't mean they aren't talented. Guys with the talent of MVS, St. Brown, Lazard and Funchess would play anywhere. They are obviously not Adams-level talented (no one is), but they are talented guys.

 

I think it is more than likely they draft WR early, and perhaps multiple WRs, because, as of right now, Adams, MVS, St. Brown and Funchess are unrestricted free agents after the 2021 season, while Lazard will be a restricted free agent.

 

Yeah I don't agree with that assessment of the talent at WR at all. MVS looks every part of a future star WR. He has to catch the ball and put it together but there is no denying his size and explosiveness and he took a giant step last season. Lazard is a good player. If MVS pans out they are fine. I still have no problem with drafting a WR, even in the 2nd round, just because it seems like you can never have too many of them.

[HiAndTight]

My first 3 rounds

1-Trade up for Darrisaw or Jenkins at OT.

2-Chris Olave WR'er OHIO

3-Marvin Wilson DL FSU

 

Olave? Did he change his mind?

 

https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/ohio-state-star-wr-chris-olave-spurns-the-nfl-to-return-for-senior-season/

 

 

I don't think so, I just assumed he was going. OSU WR'er with a 2nd-day grade, maybe late 1st...

 

Not sure he's going to be able to improve his draft stock a ton, but this is a pretty deep class at two needs, WR'er and OT.

[HiAndTight]

My first 3 rounds

1-Trade up for Darrisaw or Jenkins at OT.

2-Chris Olave WR'er OHIO

3-Marvin Wilson DL FSU

 

Olave? Did he change his mind?

 

https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/ohio-state-star-wr-chris-olave-spurns-the-nfl-to-return-for-senior-season/

 

 

I don't think so, I just assumed he was going. OSU WR'er with a 2nd-day grade, maybe late 1st...

 

Not sure he's going to be able to improve his draft stock a ton, but this is a pretty deep class at two needs, WR'er and OT.

[HiAndTight]

Late in 2019, they were using Sternberger in the H-back role and I don't recall his blocking to be terrible. No Lewis, but not Jimmy Graham either.

 

 

I could see Sternberger being used in more of an H-back-type role.

 

But I think they want more of a traditional TE, someone who can be used as an inline blocker, and he's not very good there. He's gotta get a little thicker, especially his lower half. He looks more like a WR'er still.

 

I'm thinking it's still more likely than not they bring Lewis back. As long as he wants to return, I don't see a good reason to not bring him back. He'd earn a bit more than he did last year and still count as a minimum contract against the cap.

[HiAndTight]

Late in 2019, they were using Sternberger in the H-back role and I don't recall his blocking to be terrible. No Lewis, but not Jimmy Graham either.

 

 

I could see Sternberger being used in more of an H-back-type role.

 

But I think they want more of a traditional TE, someone who can be used as an inline blocker, and he's not very good there. He's gotta get a little thicker, especially his lower half. He looks more like a WR'er still.

 

I'm thinking it's still more likely than not they bring Lewis back. As long as he wants to return, I don't see a good reason to not bring him back. He'd earn a bit more than he did last year and still count as a minimum contract against the cap.

[HiAndTight]

 

Yeah I don't agree with that assessment of the talent at WR at all. MVS looks every part of a future star WR. He has to catch the ball and put it together but there is no denying his size and explosiveness and he took a giant step last season. Lazard is a good player. If MVS pans out they are fine. I still have no problem with drafting a WR, even in the 2nd round, just because it seems like you can never have too many of them.

 

 

I agree with this for the most part....but if MVS has a big break-out year, he's likely going to command quite a bit on the open market. St. Brown is just as talented, if not more so, but doesn't seem capable of putting it all together.

 

But even if this group is together for the next couple of years, they're still missing that consistent slot threat opposite of Adams. A guy who can get open quick, makes guys miss in the open field. A traditional slot type WR'er.

 

It's certainly not necessary as evidenced by Rodgers and this offense's output last season, but it could certainly help.

 

Someone like Rondale Moore, though I do hope they don't spend a 1st on a WR'er. Too many bigger needs. If they sign someone like Curtis Samuel, that'd be even better. He offers a little bit of everything. He could take a few carries from the backfield, jet sweep, and he's improving as a WR'er.

[HiAndTight]

 

Yeah I don't agree with that assessment of the talent at WR at all. MVS looks every part of a future star WR. He has to catch the ball and put it together but there is no denying his size and explosiveness and he took a giant step last season. Lazard is a good player. If MVS pans out they are fine. I still have no problem with drafting a WR, even in the 2nd round, just because it seems like you can never have too many of them.

 

 

I agree with this for the most part....but if MVS has a big break-out year, he's likely going to command quite a bit on the open market. St. Brown is just as talented, if not more so, but doesn't seem capable of putting it all together.

 

But even if this group is together for the next couple of years, they're still missing that consistent slot threat opposite of Adams. A guy who can get open quick, makes guys miss in the open field. A traditional slot type WR'er.

 

It's certainly not necessary as evidenced by Rodgers and this offense's output last season, but it could certainly help.

 

Someone like Rondale Moore, though I do hope they don't spend a 1st on a WR'er. Too many bigger needs. If they sign someone like Curtis Samuel, that'd be even better. He offers a little bit of everything. He could take a few carries from the backfield, jet sweep, and he's improving as a WR'er.

[rob42081]

I'm going to save everyone some time, and maybe ruin the fun when it comes to the draft.. Gutey telegraphs his draft strategy for the most part.

1- If they bring you in for a meeting(now virtual) that means if you are there at a pick in there value range they will prolly pick you.. In the previous 3 drafts there has been only 6 players picked they didn't interview.. This is a Ted Thompson thing

2-The only position that RAS scores do not seem to apply to is OL.. Otherwise basically everyone they draft has a score of 7.0 or above and everyone has been above a 6.0

3-When it comes to OL, position versatility is a must!! Hanson from last year is the only guy that played 1 spot in his whole career.. This is a Ted Thompson trait that Lafluer seems to have come in wanting anyway

4-WR prospects are all 6'2"+ with a large catch radius. R Moore is the 1st guy I've seen them connected to since Gutey took over that doesn't meet that requirement, Lafluer is apparently getting some sway there

So far the only 1st round pick valued guys they have interviewed are R.Moore, T.Jenkins and A.Samuel Jr

[CheezWizHed]

[sarcasm]Well that seals it. No need to talk about the draft anymore.[/sarcasm]

 

Yeah, Gute certainly has his "types", but they still can be surprising (i.e. first 3 rounds of the last draft or the trade down/trade up year for Jaire).

 

And being an armchair GM is just fun anyway.

[rob42081]

I feel ya.. It's just more of he has a type.. Like Stearns with his thing for up the middle guys

[HiAndTight]

I'm going to save everyone some time, and maybe ruin the fun when it comes to the draft.. Gutey telegraphs his draft strategy for the most part.

1- If they bring you in for a meeting(now virtual) that means if you are there at a pick in there value range they will prolly pick you.. In the previous 3 drafts there has been only 6 players picked they didn't interview.. This is a Ted Thompson thing

2-The only position that RAS scores do not seem to apply to is OL.. Otherwise basically everyone they draft has a score of 7.0 or above and everyone has been above a 6.0

3-When it comes to OL, position versatility is a must!! Hanson from last year is the only guy that played 1 spot in his whole career.. This is a Ted Thompson trait that Lafluer seems to have come in wanting anyway

4-WR prospects are all 6'2"+ with a large catch radius. R Moore is the 1st guy I've seen them connected to since Gutey took over that doesn't meet that requirement, Lafluer is apparently getting some sway there

So far the only 1st round pick valued guys they have interviewed are R.Moore, T.Jenkins and A.Samuel Jr

 

 

So what you're saying is that Gutey likes athletic guys at every position but OL(where he did pick up Yosh who scored close to a 10...and actually, Jenkins scored exceptionally well also), likes to interview the player before he drafts them and he likes OL who are versatile, while also preferring a WR'er, he likes bigger guys who possess a wide catch radius...unless there is a real good player who's smaller?

 

I think these are all pretty standard from team to team.

 

 

The places I'd say Gutey's differentiated himself from other GM's and in particular TT, he is aggressive in trading up in the first round and he values upside over immediate impact.

[CheezWizHed]

I feel ya.. It's just more of he has a type.. Like Stearns with his thing for up the middle guys

 

BTW, welcome to BF.net!

[rob42081]

Some teams use the interviews to throw other teams off there guys some dont. Basically the only team that adheres to RAS more is the saints. Yosh wasn't drafted by them but ok. Using the metrics for receiver that Gutey apparently has there was only like 5 draftable receivers last year so normally getting attached to any receiver outside the metric is pointless, but this year might change even though i'll believe it when I see it