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

[HiAndTight]

I doubt he falls past 5, but who knows. That being said, I do not think the packers have the ability to be giving up the farm to move up 15-20 spots. If you do, you better make sure he is a pro-bowler for the next decade.

 

I think the packers can get a good OT at 29 or just have to move up a few spots, not swing for the fences.

 

 

I'm sure you're right. I don't see how Cincy or Miami can pass on him with young QB's. If he's really as good as everyone was saying before this year, someone will have to take him.

 

This is a very deep class at OT. That, plus the Packers needs ensures...they will pass on an OT almost certainly!

 

 

I guess it's more the idea of it. The Falcons obviously knew Julio was just THAT good. If you knew you could get an OT that was going to be maybe better than even Bahk, you'd probably have him for a Decade+...would you take the risk and give up a 1st, 2nd, 4th this year and then a 1st and a 4th next. I can't even imagine how upset the fanbase would be and how we'd hear about Tony Mandrich.

[LouisEly]

So, answer this one if you like.

 

If the Packers had players of EQUAL value at all positions available for our 1st round pick - what position would you select.

 

I'm not asking what person you'd pick - but what position you would fill (again, assuming you valued each player equally).

 

Just curious.

Depends on the prognosis on Bakh. Keeping Rodgers upright and healthy is the biggest component of this team winning games. If they think Bakh will be ready earlier in the season, then I'm more inclined to go CB or DL and take my chances with a veteran (if they can fit one in under the cap) or a RT drafted in rounds 2-4. But if Bakh isn't going to be ready until later in the season, then I go OT/CB/DL in that order.

 

Samuel Cosmi had a great workout at their pro day, and last year he only allowed I think eight pressures in something like 360 pass plays. If he's there, I still say that he's the pick... but Greg Newsome II would be very, very tempting.

[HiAndTight]

So, answer this one if you like.

 

If the Packers had players of EQUAL value at all positions available for our 1st round pick - what position would you select.

 

I'm not asking what person you'd pick - but what position you would fill (again, assuming you valued each player equally).

 

Just curious.

Depends on the prognosis on Bakh. Keeping Rodgers upright and healthy is the biggest component of this team winning games. If they think Bakh will be ready earlier in the season, then I'm more inclined to go CB or DL and take my chances with a veteran (if they can fit one in under the cap) or a RT drafted in rounds 2-4. But if Bakh isn't going to be ready until later in the season, then I go OT/CB/DL in that order.

 

Samuel Cosmi had a great workout at their pro day, and last year he only allowed I think eight pressures in something like 360 pass plays. If he's there, I still say that he's the pick... but Greg Newsome II would be very, very tempting.

 

 

I wonder how much skepticism there will be with the Pro-Day workouts this year. Players almost always do better at their Pro-Days. Certainly, I remember the Badgers players running faster during theirs.

 

It's not to suggest that Cosmi isn't a great athlete(he actually reminds me of Bahk...or his scouting profile does) or that Newsome isn't a stud.

 

Just feels like this year's draft is going to be that much harder to really evaluate. I'm going to guess there are more Pro Bowlers and AP-type players drafted in the middle rounds and more first-round picks who are busts.

 

I would definitely prefer to take someone who actually played last year(like both the players you mentioned).

[OldSchoolSnapper]

I'm enjoying following the story of Quinn Meinerz. From Hartford Union and played for Whitewater. Went from nearly eating himself out of a career, having no tape because of Covid, and now some places have him as high as the 3rd round. He's been working out well for teams. Looks like a really strong, quick interior lineman. I would love to see the Packers get him as a project 6th or later.

[HiAndTight]

I'm enjoying following the story of Quinn Meinerz. From Hartford Union and played for Whitewater. Went from nearly eating himself out of a career, having no tape because of Covid, and now some places have him as high as the 3rd round. He's been working out well for teams. Looks like a really strong, quick interior lineman. I would love to see the Packers get him as a project 6th or later.

 

 

I saw a lot of people talking about him after the Senior Bowl. Apparently he was pretty dominant during that. I actually saw a mock that had him as a potential 1st. I knew nothing about him until the Sr. Bowl.

 

Scouting reports say he's not a good fit for an outside zone scheme...but his RAS score is a 9.91? I guess it's hard to score those this year, but that's outstanding and seems like it'd be a fit in any scheme.

 

Hard to not root for a kid like this.

[LouisEly]

I'm enjoying following the story of Quinn Meinerz. From Hartford Union and played for Whitewater. Went from nearly eating himself out of a career, having no tape because of Covid, and now some places have him as high as the 3rd round. He's been working out well for teams. Looks like a really strong, quick interior lineman. I would love to see the Packers get him as a project 6th or later.

And the value of having a good agent. His agent has the ear of the Senior Bowl director and was sending him videos of his workouts, which got him added as an alternate and then when two guys backed out (I believe Myers from Ohio State and Dickerson from Alabama) he got in. Kind of the John Daly of the Senior Bowl - might have a career because of a couple of guys backing out of one event.

[patrickgpe]

alot of mocks have shifted to Newsome at 29, which is fine.

 

really liking Felton from UCLA at 92. not sure if they can get a decent OT in the 2nd, but this scenario does help a few needs.

[HiAndTight]

alot of mocks have shifted to Newsome at 29, which is fine.

 

really liking Felton from UCLA at 92. not sure if they can get a decent OT in the 2nd, but this scenario does help a few needs.

 

 

I've heard some evaluators say this OT class is similar to last years WR'er class in terms of it being really deep. Maybe not quite as good as deep, but a really good class. So I would hope we'd be able to find a competent OT in the 2nd if we don't go that way in the 1st.

 

 

I'm going to continue to hope that we end up getting Spencer Brown at some point on Day 2 if we don't get one on Day 1.

 

Felton looks like a really nice prospect, but it's kinda hard to imagine a RB going that high, but on the other hand, he does offer that ability to play the Tyler Ervin role, so I wouldn't be too upset with that.

[PinaMadness]

The Packers may get lucky this year because it appears that OT is very deep and CB incredibly deep; unfortunately, DT is looking very thin.

 

Aside from 1st round possibilities (Newsome, Horn, Stokes, Samuel; Surtain and Farley will likely be long gone), some quality CBs that could be available in the late 2nd round or later: Tyson Campbell, Melifonwu, Adebo, Trill Williams, Aaron Robinson, Mukuamu, Molden, St. Juste, Wade among others.

 

Some quality day-3 possibilities: Robert Rochell, Thomas Graham, Bryan Mills, Shakur Brown

 

My personal round-3-or-later guy that nobody has been talking about: Nate Hobbs of Illinois. Compare his pro-day numbers to Jaire Alexander's combine numbers:

 

Alexander: 70.25" height, 192 lbs, 4.38 40, 35" vert, 127" broad, 3.98 SS, 6.71 3-cone

Hobbs: 71.5" height, 189 lbs, 4.39 40, 40.5" vert, 135" broad, 3.96 SS, 6.68 3-cone

That's alot of guys for at least one of them to not slide down to 29. It happens every year where players slide down further in the draft than they should (like Rodgers). Then again I'm not a draft expert either.

[LouisEly]

The Packers may get lucky this year because it appears that OT is very deep and CB incredibly deep; unfortunately, DT is looking very thin.

 

Aside from 1st round possibilities (Newsome, Horn, Stokes, Samuel; Surtain and Farley will likely be long gone), some quality CBs that could be available in the late 2nd round or later: Tyson Campbell, Melifonwu, Adebo, Trill Williams, Aaron Robinson, Mukuamu, Molden, St. Juste, Wade among others.

 

Some quality day-3 possibilities: Robert Rochell, Thomas Graham, Bryan Mills, Shakur Brown

 

My personal round-3-or-later guy that nobody has been talking about: Nate Hobbs of Illinois. Compare his pro-day numbers to Jaire Alexander's combine numbers:

 

Alexander: 70.25" height, 192 lbs, 4.38 40, 35" vert, 127" broad, 3.98 SS, 6.71 3-cone

Hobbs: 71.5" height, 189 lbs, 4.39 40, 40.5" vert, 135" broad, 3.96 SS, 6.68 3-cone

[LouisEly]

Welp, it’s that time of year. I said I wasn’t going to do it this year, but who am I kidding. Let’s get after it.

 

Round 1 (#29): Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas – Wagner’s gone, Bakh will likely miss the first part if not most of the season, Turner may be a cap casualty next year, and keeping Rodgers upright is the most important thing for their success. The Packers gravitate towards athletic traits and Cosmi scored a 9.99 RAS composite on his pro day numbers. Plus, he gave up only eight pressures in 368 pass blocking snaps this past season. (Replaces Ricky Wagner)

If he’s still available: Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern – Newsome allowed only 12 catches on 34 targets for 93 yards all season, and posted a 9.51 RAS on his pro day workout. There was a reason that the Badgers receivers couldn’t get open against Northwestern, and Gutes personally attended their pro day.

Don’t be surprised if it’s: Asante Samuel II, CB, Florida State – on tape he looks like the best man-to-man cover corner in the draft, and the numbers back it up as he allowed only 179 yards in eight games and allowed a passer rating of only 46.2. Gutes also personally attended Florida State’s pro day.

 

Round 2 (#62): Alim McNeil, DT, NC State – an interior OL who can rush the passer, McNeil has perhaps the quickest first step of any DT in the draft, earning PFF grades of 80.8 and 77.5 as a pass-rusher the past two seasons. The new DC likes to have four pass rushers and drop seven in coverage, so they will need more interior pass rush. This is one of the weakest DT drafts in recent history, so good ones will get drafted earlier than normal. (Replaces Montravius Adams)

If he’s still available: Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama – great run blocker who is athletic, but allowed more pressures in 2020 than 2019. Has the athletic traits, as he posted a 9.86 RAS, but needs to put it all together. Certainly won’t be fazed by pro-level competition.

Don’t be surprised if it’s: Payton Turner, DE/Edge, Houston – this past season Turner had 5 sacks and 10.5 TFLs. In 4.5 games. He was unblockable. Turner has size (6054, 268), length (35” arms, 84” wingspan), and elite agility (4.33 short shuttle, 6.98 3-cone drill). While the Packers are stacked at OLB/EDGE, the Packers like to draft guys a year before they need them and both Smiths might be cap casualties next year.

 

Round 3 (#92): Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, USC – right now none of the Packers WR’s are under contract for 2022 and they have a need at punt returner, and St. Brown solves for both. St. Brown is more of a slot receiver than deep threat and has good agility (6.88 3-cone drill, 4.17 short shuttle) with decent long speed (4.51 40). Tough over the middle and good in contested catches. It takes a while to get on the same page as Rodgers and as mentioned the Packers like to draft guys a year before they need them. (Replaces Malik Taylor/Darrius Shepherd)

If they haven’t drafted an OT yet: Brady Christensen, OT, BYU – high football IQ and experienced at LT, he answered any and all questions about his athleticism and agility with his pro day workout putting up a 9.84 RAS. Arms are shorter than desired, but good enough and experienced enough to start right away if needed.

Don’t be surprised if it’s: Benjamin St. Juste, CB, Minnesota – outstanding size (6’3, 200), St. Juste turned heads at the Senior Bowl and then turned more heads with his agility numbers at his pro day (4.01 short shuttle, including a small slip, and a ridiculous 6.63 3-cone). Long speed is average (4.55), but could blanket receivers in the slot. Gutes personally attended Minnesota's pro day.

 

Round 4a (#135): Josh Myers, C/G, Ohio State – the Packers lost one of the best centers in the league due to cap constraints and will need to replace him. Has the size to play G, and plenty of experience under center. (Replaces Corey Linsley)

If he’s still available: Nate Hobbs, CB, Illinois – under the radar CB whose size and pro day numbers are eerily similar to Jaire Alexander (5114, 189, 4.38 40, 40.5 vertical, 3.96 short shuttle, 6.68 3-cone). Three year starter at Illinois who also has punt return experience.

Don’t be surprised if it’s: Divine Deablo, S/LB, Virginia Tech – former WR turned safety, Deablo has the size and athleticism to play the big nickel role. Big enough to cover TE’s (6032, 226), fast enough to cover RB’s (4.42 40, 7.12 3-cone), and productive (12.5 career sacks, 6 career INTs, 3 career forced fumbles)

 

Round 4b (#142): Thomas Graham, CB, Oregon – Graham was an incredibly productive CB at Oregon before opting out of the 2020 season, posting 8 INTs and 32 passes defensed as a 3-year starter. Good athleticism (4.48 40, 7.08 3-cone) with incredible instincts. Gutey attended Oregon’s pro day and also met with him virtually. (Replaces Will Redmond)

If he’s still available: Bobby Brown III, DT, Texas A&M – built like a brick outhouse, Brown isn’t going to give you a lot of pass rush but was productive (7.5 TFL, 5.5 sacks) and has outstanding size (6’4”, 321), length (34” arms, 85.5” wingspan), and athleticism (4.98 40, 7.65 3-cone). Prototypical 3-4 DE.

Don’t be surprised if it’s: Simi Fehoko, WR, Stanford – height (6037)/weight (222)/speed (4.37) prospect who is a little raw but in six games last year racked up 570 receiving yards and torched UCLA in the last game of the season. The Packers like big-bodied WR’s with speed.

 

Round 5a (#173): Garrett Wallow, ILB, TCU – former safety converted to LB who has great agility (6.87 3-cone, 4.12 short shuttle) but is a little undersized (6015, 220). Excellent blitzer with good closing speed and productive – over the last two seasons has 27 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and an INT. Does need some work on coverage skills, but can hang with the RB’s. (Replaces Christian Kirksey)

If he’s still available: Chris Rumph II, OLB, Duke – productive OLB who over the last two years has notched 14.5 sacks and 25 TFL. Unknown athleticism, didn’t run at his pro day, but has excellent length (80” wingspan). The Packers may need to part with both Smiths after the season and will need to draft some OLB/EDGE depth somewhere this year.

Don’t be surprised if it’s: Ihmir Smith-Marsette, WR, Iowa – ISM has been linked to the Packers due to his athleticism (4.43 40, 37” vertical) and return skills. He’s a deep threat but also ran a lot of gadget plays for Iowa. Has lots of experience returning kicks, and has taken a couple to the house, but no experience returning punts.

 

Round 5b (#178): Trill Williams, S/CB, Syracuse – Williams has played both S and CB for Syracuse and has good size (6000, 208) but may not have top end speed. Has 3.5 career sacks, 4 INTs, and 3 forced fumbles in 2+ seasons. (Replaces Raven Greene)

If he’s still available: Jonathan Marshall, DT. Arkansas – good player on some bad Arkansas teams, Marshall hasn’t been terribly productive but showed outstanding athletic traits at his pro day (4.82 40, 32” vertical, 36 bench) with good size (6030, 310).

Don’t be surprised if it’s: Brendan Jaimes, OT, Nebraska – looked great at the Senior Bowl, arms are a little on the short side but broad shouldered and great wingspan (8200). Met with Packers at the Senior Bowl and had a virtual visit with the Packers.

 

Round 6a (#214): Wyatt Hubert, OLB/Edge, Kansas State – very productive 3-year starter for K-State, Hubert has 20 sacks (15.5 in the last two seasons) and 33 TFL over 32 career games plus three forced fumbles. Doesn’t have the long speed, but great short-area quickness (7.03 3-cone, 4.27 short shuttle) and a non-stop motor. (Competes with Ramsey/Garvin for roster spot)

If he’s still available: Jacob Harris, WR, UCF – raw player who came to UCF with not much high school experience, Harris has unbelievable physical traits (6050, 219, 4.39 40, 40.5” vertical, and a disturbing 6.51 3-cone drill). Has been fairly productive in a crowded and talented WR room at UCF with 49 career catches for 987 yards and a 20.1 career yards/catch over two seasons and he also played special teams as a freshman. This is the type of guy you take a flyer on this late in the draft.

Don’t be surprised if it’s: Drew Dalman, OC, Stanford – a bit on the smaller side, Dalman answer questions about his strength putting up 33 reps on his pro day and an overall 9.87 RAS.

 

Round 6b (#220): Landon Young, OT, Kentucky – first team all-SEC and starter at LT for Kentucky, Young has the size, strength, and length and good pass protection fundamentals but athletic limitations will likely restrict him to RT. With only two healthy OTs on the roster, I think they double-dip at OT. (Competes with Nijman for roster spot)

If he’s still available: K.J. Britt, ILB, Auburn – missed a lot of time in 2020 with injuries but looked good at the Senior Bowl and was very productive in 2019 with 10.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. Has met with the Packers virtually.

Don’t be surprised if it’s: Malcolm Koonce, OLB, Buffalo – lengthy OLB who over his last 17 games has 13 sacks, 17.5 TFL, and 3 forced fumbles.

 

Round 7 (#256): Connor Weddington, WR/RB, Stanford – excellent athleticism (4.47 40, 6.66 3-cone, 38.5” vertical) but only played in three games last year, Weddington has split time at WR and RB and has kick and punt return experience and could be the gadget player/return specialist they need. (Replaces Tyler Ervin)

If they haven’t drafted a center yet: Ryan McCollum, C/G, Texas A&M – started at both guard and center in his career, McCollum was part of an offensive line that allowed just seven sacks all season. Will need to get stronger, but McCollum is a team leader and high effort guy.

Don’t be surprised if it’s: Michael Boykin, DE, North Alabama – Packers go for physical traits in the later rounds and Boykin has those with good size (6053, 291) and athleticism (4.88 40).

 

 

UDFAs:

Zaire Mitchell, TE, Notre Dame College

Noah Gray, H-Back, Duke

Syrus Tuitele, OT, Fresno State

Cole Van Lanen, T/G, Wisconsin

Brett Kitrell, OC, Ohio

Michael Strachan, WR, Charleston

Eli Stove, WR, Auburn

Nate McCrary, RB, Saginaw Valley State

Chris Ferguson, QB, Liberty

Rogan Wells, QB, Valdosta State

 

Chris Garrett, OLB, Concordia

Andre Mintze, OLB, Vanderbilt

Ralfs Rusins, DT, Liberty

Jerome Johnson, DT, Indiana

Curtis Robinson, ILB, Stanford

Kavika Fonua, S, BYU

Jeremy Bell, CB, Charleston

Evan McPherson, K, Florida

Pressley Harvin, P, Georgia Tech

[CheezWizHed]

Divine Deablo would be great on the team. Not only to replace Raven Greene, but just a #1 name.

[HiAndTight]

Divine Deablo would be great on the team. Not only to replace Raven Greene, but just a #1 name.

 

Raven Greene...really thought he was going to be a difference maker. Looked like he could be if he could have just stayed on the field. Bulked up in the hopes of being able to hold up physically...oh well.

 

 

On top of what's a REALLY interesting and probably as accurate of a 7 round mock as you can do at this point, I'd like to throw in two Noles.

 

1-Marvin Wilson...he appears to be dropping and could be available in the 3rd round. May not look like a stud as a pass rusher, but a plug and play guy who could help.

 

2-Hamsah Nasirildeen

A 6-4 safety who plays in the box and has also played some outside LB'er. A lot of upside and could really help us out.

 

They just happen to be Florida State guys.

 

And then a mid-round pick who I think has a lot of upside is Spencer Brown. A 10 RAS score, a freak that appears to have been made in a lab...but played at a small school and there are some questions, so he could end up being a 2nd or 3rd round pick.

 

 

The one thing that would really surprise me...the Packers walking away with 10 players from this draft. I would guess they end up drafting closer to 22-25 in the 1st...presumably if someone like Darrisaw or Newsome falls to that range).

Gutey has traded up in order to pick every player he's drafted in the 1st round. If he has targeted someone in the 1st, I don't think he's going to wait and hope he falls. He's shown he doesn't like doing that.

 

And then I'll guess he trades up somewhere in the 3rd, maybe up into the top of the 4th. Not that you can really project that on a mock draft.

 

But what this mock does do, it hits on pretty much all the Packers trends, it has them addressing their primary needs(OT, CB, DL) and has them putting an emphasis on edge rushers a year ahead of time and long, athletic perimeter defenders.

[LouisEly]

The one thing that would really surprise me...the Packers walking away with 10 players from this draft. I would guess they end up drafting closer to 22-25 in the 1st...presumably if someone like Darrisaw or Newsome falls to that range).

Gutey has traded up in order to pick every player he's drafted in the 1st round. If he has targeted someone in the 1st, I don't think he's going to wait and hope he falls. He's shown he doesn't like doing that.

That has been his MO, but I don't think that happens this year. The Packers have only 30 players under contract for 2022 and are already at $219M for cap allocations. They are going to need a lot of low salary players to fill out the roster and they don't like to rely on rookies. They have said that the biggest jump a player makes is from year one to year two, so I think they want to get as many guys in as they can this year so that they have some experience next year when the entire bench may have to be year 1/2 players. They've shown to be really good at anticipating roster needs a year or two in advance.

 

I could see them trading one of their 4th/5th/6th round picks to move up in round 3/4 if a guy they like is there, but I don't see giving up high picks or multiple picks to move up in round 1.

[homer]

The one thing that would really surprise me...the Packers walking away with 10 players from this draft. I would guess they end up drafting closer to 22-25 in the 1st...presumably if someone like Darrisaw or Newsome falls to that range).

Gutey has traded up in order to pick every player he's drafted in the 1st round. If he has targeted someone in the 1st, I don't think he's going to wait and hope he falls. He's shown he doesn't like doing that.

 

 

I could see them trading one of their 4th/5th/6th round picks to move up in round 3/4 if a guy they like is there, but I don't see giving up high picks or multiple picks to move up in round 1.

 

This would be my preferred MO every year.

[patrickgpe]

Thank you for doing that, cosmi is a name I haven’t heard linked to 29. If they got Samuel I would be very happy. Also letherwood would be a great day 2 pick. Jenkins is the guy I really like in the 1st

[CheezWizHed]

It is interesting that you only listed one true RB (UDFA) and no QBs. I'll guarantee that they'll pick up a QB - probably an UDFA. It wouldn't surprise me to see a late-round RB (maybe including a hybrid player like Weddington) or a couple of UDFAs for depth.

 

But at the top, I'd be happy with a Cosmi, McNeil, and St. Juste draft.

[patrickgpe]

I doubt it, most teams only keep 2 quarterbacks. If they do anything it will either be a vet or a NDFA for camp fodder. I would expect them to draft a rb late

[LouisEly]

It is interesting that you only listed one true RB (UDFA) and no QBs.

They have five RBs under contract - Jones, Dillon, Dexter Williams, Patrick Taylor, Mike Weber. I listed a QB as a UDFA. Edit: after finding a scouting report on Chris Ferguson, QB, Liberty, I added him as a UDFA in addition to Rogan Wells.

 

If Taylor can get healthy I think he has as much upside as any RB they can draft on day 3. In his final 32 games at Memphis he scored 37 TDs. Williams and Weber were 6th/7th round picks, so I don't think anyone that late in the draft will be significantly better.

[xisxisxis]

Excellent Job Louis!

 

You haven't joined the Feleipe Franks Bandwagon?

 

It's been beaten to death that the Packers draft a year ahead of need, but they've completely ignored the stiffs playing with Kenny Clark. Any chance if Barmore is available that the Packers should take him or consider moving into the low 20's to nab him? Would you move up for him or do you think the needs at CB and OT outweigh their desire to improve the DL. Is McNeil likely to be available at #62?

 

Also, what are the rumors about expanding rosters, etc. given the move to 17 games. Should the Packers consider drafting a QB this year with the possibility that it may be easier to keep a 2nd development QB (or Love's backup come any 2022 purge) with expanded rosters/taxi squad.

 

There are still a ton of Tackles and OL line help available in Free Agency and they haven't done any cap adjustments for either Rodgers/Adams so they could get the OL help that route (for this year) and draft later for OT/C (would they keep EJenk at Center if they can sign some a RT and work out a short-term LT/depth?)

 

I know it's a deep CB class so I can see them trying to get an elite player, but as you stated it's a bad year for DL depth in the draft so it seems if you can land one of the best DL in the draft without giving up a ton is it worth grabbing Barmore then use later rounds to pick CB and OT that are much deeper positions.

[LouisEly]

Any chance if Barmore is available that the Packers should take him or consider moving into the low 20's to nab him? Would you move up for him or do you think the needs at CB and OT outweigh their desire to improve the DL. Is McNeil likely to be available at #62?

Barmore was my 4th option at #29, so definitely a possibility. Was kind of a coin flip between he and Samuel, but the Packers had a virtual visit with Samuel so I went that route plus Barmore has been rising and more like a "if he's still available". Would not trade up for him, or anyone, in the 1st. McNeil's evaluations are all over the place; PFF has him in the late 40's, NFL.com has him in the 100s. As I mentioned, keeping Rodgers upright and healthy is the one thing they absolutely must do in order to have a chance to make it to the Super Bowl. They made it to the NFCCG with Clark and the also-rans, so DL isn't a must.

 

There are still a ton of Tackles and OL line help available in Free Agency and they haven't done any cap adjustments for either Rodgers/Adams so they could get the OL help that route (for this year) and draft later for OT/C (would they keep EJenk at Center if they can sign some a RT and work out a short-term LT/depth?)

There are a lot of OTs that could go in the first, but then there's a big dropoff and a lot of risk (i.e., Walker Little's health, Christensen's length, Radunz's/Brown's level of competition, etc.). They haven't redone Rodgers' or Adam's contracts yet so I had to go with what they have; can't predict that, but it's possible.

 

Also, what are the rumors about expanding rosters, etc. given the move to 17 games. Should the Packers consider drafting a QB this year with the possibility that it may be easier to keep a 2nd development QB

Haven't heard anything about expanded rosters, but if so, there aren't a lot of QB options for day 3. One of the reasons teams are trading up is because the QB depth isn't there this year. Generally they won't draft a guy if they don't think he has a chance to make the roster, so UDFA is probably the route.

[CheezWizHed]

It is interesting that you only listed one true RB (UDFA) and no QBs.

They have five RBs under contract - Jones, Dillon, Dexter Williams, Patrick Taylor, Mike Weber. I listed a QB as a UDFA. Edit: after finding a scouting report on Chris Ferguson, QB, Liberty, I added him as a UDFA in addition to Rogan Wells.

 

If Taylor can get healthy I think he has as much upside as any RB they can draft on day 3. In his final 32 games at Memphis he scored 37 TDs. Williams and Weber were 6th/7th round picks, so I don't think anyone that late in the draft will be significantly better.

 

I'd be surprised if Dexter Williams goes anywhere this year. Seems like he has talent, but can't put it together. They currently have two RBs, but they generally run with 4 (or 3+ a FB) on the roster and a couple on the PS. Even if Taylor looks good, they'll need more. I must've skipped over the QB on the roster on first glance. Nice job overall though - as always.

 

I doubt it, most teams only keep 2 quarterbacks. If they do anything it will either be a vet or a NDFA for camp fodder. I would expect them to draft a rb late

 

If you keep 2 on the roster, you always have one on the PS, and adding a vet would be very uncharacteristic of the team at this point. So I guarantee they will add one QB two weeks from now - draft or UDFA (more likely).

[patrickgpe]

good point there will probably be an undrafted QB on the practice squad. I was focused more on the 53 man roster.

[patrickgpe]

saw this today, take it for what its worth:

 

4/21: The Bears, Packers and Saints are high on D’Wayne Eskridge. - Tony Pauline, Pro Football Network

 

The Western Michigan receiver had a terrific pro day, which could vault him into Day 2. All three teams in question are desperate for a receiver (including the Bears, who may trade Anthony Miller.) - this one seems reasonable

 

this one does not:

 

4/20: There is a rumored Patriots-Packers trade involving Jordan Love. - , Gillette Nation

 

Apparently, a janitor found a paper where a proposed trade would have the Patriots and Packers swapping their first-round choices, with New England receiving Jordan Love and a fourth-round pick. I don't see this happening - the Patriots could have just drafted Love last year - but crazier things have happened.

 

source: walter football

[PeaveyFury]

I don't see this happening - the Patriots could have just drafted Love last year - but crazier things have happened.

 

I think 'analysis' like that is a little dangerous. Yes, that's a factually accurate statement. But, it's possible that A)the Patriots really liked Love last year and thought he'd maybe fall to 37 after they traded back and wanted that extra 3rd, or B)that the rumors of them trying to trade back up to take him (IIRC) which motivated Green Bay to move up were actually true, or C)that they really liked him last year and like him even more with a year of observing/learning under MLF & Rodgers.

 

The reason this trade won't happen is because it's a pretty bad deal for Green Bay. Green Bay gets 15, and New England gets 29, a 4th, AND Love? Regardless of how you feel about Love, that seems like selling him significantly short. If the 4th was headed the other way? Maybe, I guess? Hasselbeck got Green Bay into the Top 10 from 17 AND a 3rd.