Packers 2022 NFL Draft Discussion

[PeaveyFury]

10 minutes ago, CheezWizHed said:

Obviously,  I'm hoping for Olave, but I'm ok if we pass.  I'm not a Burks fan,  though if we pick him I'd be fine, too. For both, I trust the GM evaluating how they fit with our team. 

I'm also good with a Pickens/Pierce combo.  Getting them as a 2nd/3rd combo would be awesome

Really not impressed with Dotson. I predict he falls much farther than expected.  

If London falls to us,  great.  I just hope we don't trade up for him.  

I think we generally agree. I have Olave/London in the next tier LARGELY based on the assumption that they'll be gone and we'd have to give additional capital to get them. I'm fine with either at 22, though I'll agree that neither seems to have each of the factors that the Packers like either, though it feels like both could be legit NFL receivers.

[PeaveyFury]

3 minutes ago, reillymcshane said:

I saw one mock draft with the Packers grabbing LB Devin Lloyd and DL Devonte Wyatt with our top picks. While I want a receiver or two, that would be a sweet pair to add to the defense. 

I think there's a very realistic chance they go defense at 22 & 28, especially if there's a WR run that pulls Olave/London/Burks off the board by then. I think you could easily see a scenario where they're left to choose between over-drafting a guy like Watson at 22 or picking a guy who could really be of value on the defensive side. I think a 22/28 of some combo of Dax Hill/Karlaftis/Jones/Wyatt/Cine is completely plausible and not a bad thing for the team other than it would require a pretty great 2nd round to help the offense.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

1 minute ago, PeaveyFury said:

I think we generally agree. I have Olave/London in the next tier LARGELY based on the assumption that they'll be gone and we'd have to give additional capital to get them. I'm fine with either at 22, though I'll agree that neither seems to have each of the factors that the Packers like either, though it feels like both could be legit NFL receivers.

Drake London is 6'4", 220 lbs, is known as a good blocker, and while he hasn't been timed in the 40, was predicted to run in the high 4.4s to low 4.5s. To me he seems like the type of receiver who Gute would create in a lab for the Packers offense.

[reillymcshane]

3 minutes ago, PeaveyFury said:

Though I've seen those reports too, reilly, I'm also super skeptical of 'unnamed sources' leaking info negatively on a player. There's a large part of me that thinks that someone is trying to create downward momentum on a guy, probably so their team has an increased chance to draft him.

Yeah, I realize that. And anything anonymous needs to be taken with a measure of skepticism.

The report was from Bruce Feldman at the Athletic - so it wasn't like it was some amateur blog. But still - anything anonymous is suspect. And even if it is honest - it might be guys making judgements on the guy with limited knowledge. Who knows.

However, some of the criticisms of Pickens are documented - so it's not just this report. The basic gist is that Pickens has been enabled all his life - and a team will need to deal with that. 

[reillymcshane]

5 minutes ago, PeaveyFury said:

I think there's a very realistic chance they go defense at 22 & 28, especially if there's a WR run that pulls Olave/London/Burks off the board by then. I think you could easily see a scenario where they're left to choose between over-drafting a guy like Watson at 22 or picking a guy who could really be of value on the defensive side. I think a 22/28 of some combo of Dax Hill/Karlaftis/Jones/Wyatt/Cine is completely plausible and not a bad thing for the team other than it would require a pretty great 2nd round to help the offense.

A combo of Dax Hill/Karlaftis/Jones/Wyatt/Cline would be pretty sweet in my book. 

Or even a OL such as Kenyon Green or Zion Johnson would be a nice addition. Penning as well - but I'm guessing he's off the board for us.

The big thing is that there's a lot of quality talent that should be there for us. We all know WR is an area of need - but let's not force ourselves to pick one if there's other - better - selections on the board.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

2 minutes ago, reillymcshane said:

A combo of Dax Hill/Karlaftis/Jones/Wyatt/Cline would be pretty sweet in my book. 

Or even a OL such as Kenyon Green or Zion Johnson would be a nice addition. Penning as well - but I'm guessing he's off the board for us.

The big thing is that there's a lot of quality talent that should be there for us. We all know WR is an area of need - but let's not force ourselves to pick one if there's other - better - selections on the board.

I certainly see the huge need at WR, but the prospect of seeing the dumber/immediately reactive portion of this team's fan base melt down should they not take one in the 1st round almost has be giddy with excitement. 

[sveumrules]

20 minutes ago, Ron Robinsons Beard said:

I certainly see the huge need at WR, but the prospect of seeing the dumber/immediately reactive portion of this team's fan base melt down should they not take one in the 1st round almost has be giddy with excitement. 

Yeah, this is pretty much where I’m at.

I don’t follow CFB at all & don’t know anything about any of these guys, but the GB FO has demonstrated they have a pretty good idea what they’re doing so I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt over random internet melter downers & just enjoy the show.

[PeaveyFury]

1 hour ago, Ron Robinsons Beard said:

Drake London is 6'4", 220 lbs, is known as a good blocker, and while he hasn't been timed in the 40, was predicted to run in the high 4.4s to low 4.5s. To me he seems like the type of receiver who Gute would create in a lab for the Packers offense.

I actually do agree from a physical standpoint, 99%. But my issue with London is that his tape seems to underperform his draft status and measurables. Maybe that's a function of coaching that can be built upon in the pros, and I certainly won't be disappointed if they pick him at 22. I'd be a little concerned about moving up for him, though.

EDIT: Truly funny that someone from the future took the liberty to edit his wiki profile:

Drake London was a bust in the NFL, after being drafted 10th overall by the New York Jets. His career ended up getting whisked away by a lack of production in an injury-plagued career.

[CheezWizHed]

1 hour ago, Ron Robinsons Beard said:

We're obviously going to have to agree to disagree. Theilen has regressed numbers-wise, but at the time they dealt Diggs, he was pretty dang great still. And it can certainly be argued that Mike Zimmer's conservative old-school run-heavy approach straight out of the 1980s simply cannot support having two star #1-type WRs. We'll see what happens this year under a coach that should be willing to open things up more.

We'll also see concerning Olave. While there are some similarities to Jefferson, JJ is bigger all around, and was seen as a better all around receiving prospect (plus I wanted JJ to be a Packer in the worst way, and was peeved with the Vikings took him). I guess I'm just not a fan of smaller, skinny WRs. Packers haven't had one with that body type who had any success since probably Robert Brooks or Driver I suppose.

And RB and DD were terrible picks. ? But seriously,  I'm not 100% sold on Olave.  I'm just saying I don't think we have to have one type of WR just to run block.  Adams was often removed for run plays last year anyway. If he falls to us (which I doubt) I hope run blocking isn't the reason we don't draft him. If he is BPA, we shouldn't pass on him. 

(And the Theilen observation was certainly post JJ draft. Just a bonus thought about not drafting because you already have a guy.)

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

9 minutes ago, CheezWizHed said:

And RB and DD were terrible picks. ? But seriously,  I'm not 100% sold on Olave.  I'm just saying I don't think we have to have one type of WR just to run block.  Adams was often removed for run plays last year anyway. If he falls to us (which I doubt) I hope run blocking isn't the reason we don't draft him. If he is BPA, we shouldn't pass on him. 

(And the Theilen observation was certainly post JJ draft. Just a bonus thought about not drafting because you already have a guy.)

Right ... what I wouldn't give to sneak a peak at GB's draft board to see how they truly rank these guys. If they have Olave ranked highly, they should most certainly take him. I mean, they are smarter than me when it comes to this stuff. But if it gets to #22, and there are two WRs on the board who they rank similarly, my guess is they'll take the guy who is the better downfield blocker. It truly is a really important part of Lafleur's offensive philosophy. 

[Joseph Zarr]

I am simply excited the Draft begins tomorrow evening - it is distinctly one of the times of year I feel extremely blessed to be living in the PST time zone. We can move into the next phase of the over-reaction cycle - always a juicy treat. I love the draft as an experience. I've been watching it in entirety for at least 15 years? I can't remember, honestly. I make myself pulled pork nachos. I drink a decent amount of alcohol but abide by a sensible limit - I am a dad anyhow and will be on kiddo clock all weekend. I enjoy the entire three days. I'll root for and support whatever the Packers do and I'll be equally entertained by the naysayers and overreactions. It's a cultural phenomenon unlike any other.

[Joseph Zarr]

Did you all know 'Sauce Gardner' has a full nickname?

It was originally 'A1 Sauce Sweet Feet Gardner'. I can see why they abbreviated. ?

[sveumrules]

10 minutes ago, Julio Muchacho said:

I am simply excited the Draft begins tomorrow evening - it is distinctly one of the times of year I feel extremely blessed to be living in the PST time zone. We can move into the next phase of the over-reaction cycle - always a juicy treat. I love the draft as an experience. I've been watching it in entirety for at least 15 years? I can't remember, honestly. I make myself pulled pork nachos. I drink a decent amount of alcohol but abide by a sensible limit - I am a dad anyhow and will be on kiddo clock all weekend. I enjoy the entire three days. I'll root for and support whatever the Packers do and I'll be equally entertained by the naysayers and overreactions. It's a cultural phenomenon unlike any other.

It really is a unique beast. For as much as MLB draft coverage has improved over the years it still pales in comparison to the NFL Draft Industry & the NBA draft is a measly two rounds, whoopee.

Going in blind (outside of the tidbits I get here) makes it kinda like a treasure hunt, plus the constant booing of Goodell always feels nice.

[Joseph Zarr]

Just now, sveumrules said:

It really is a unique beast. For as much as MLB draft coverage has improved over the years it still pales in comparison to the NFL Draft Industry & the NBA draft is a measly two rounds, whoopee.

Going in blind (outside of the tidbits I get here) makes it kinda like a treasure hunt, plus the constant booing of Goodell always feels nice.

I mean, if we're being honest: we are all going in blind. And, pretending otherwise, imho is simply being foolish and a wee pretentious. But, what do I know? Not a whole lot.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

2 minutes ago, Julio Muchacho said:

I mean, if we're being honest: we are all going in blind. And, pretending otherwise, imho is simply being foolish and a wee pretentious. But, what do I know? Not a whole lot.

100% None of us really knows anything about these guys really other than the highlight tapes over the last month and what the "experts" say about them. Sure, maybe we all saw a few games last fall, but I would doubt that many typical fans are watching a college game with an eye toward how those players would perform in the NFL. All I really base my assumptions off of is the measurables the Packers typically target at certain positions, and which draft-eligible prospects fit those. 

[CheeseheadInQC]

I know it was a different regime, but since Gutekunst worked under Thompson, I thought I'd take a look at some of the prospects under the Packers' old template for Day 2 receivers (highly productive in college; focus on football IQ, route running and body control; punt return experience a plus) and the one name that seemed to fit the bill as a potential third rounder (if he lasts that long) was Khalil Shakir from Boise State, although he might be more of a slot guy.

[reillymcshane]

4 hours ago, Julio Muchacho said:

Did you all know 'Sauce Gardner' has a full nickname?

It was originally 'A1 Sauce Sweet Feet Gardner'. I can see why they abbreviated. ?

'Sauce' is just a great nickname.

[Joseph Zarr]

7 minutes ago, reillymcshane said:

'Sauce' is just a great nickname.

100%. It's one of those nicknames that just works. You hear it and, well, you just nod your head in affirmation. Frankly, I'm kind of jealous. I'm a barren wasteland of failed ideas in the nickname department. Sauce, way to be, well, 'Sauce'!?

[LouisEly]

A few thoughts based on the discussion above.

1) If Gutes was enamored with WR size, he wouldn't have drafted Amari Rodgers in the 3rd round last year.  (Remember, they almost drafted him in the 2nd.)  It's a trend, but I think it's overblown. 

B) Gutes personally attended Ohio State's pro day, but didn't bring in Olave or Wilson for an in-person visit.  The Packers tend to bring in high round guys who have question marks (behavior, incomplete workout numbers, physical skills, etc.).   Drake London had an incomplete workout, but wasn't brought in.

3) Bad teams draft guards in the first round.  Especially when they already have three proven starters at guard.

[Joseph Zarr]

Apparently, the Packers are enamored with Treylon Burks or that is rumored to be true or it is simply a smokescreen. You know, chatter as the draft approaches.

What I have seen in multiple places is Seattle and Green Bay may be in discussion for a deal for 28 - Seattle could jump in and grab their preferred QB in Desmond Ridder - and the Packers could grab pick 41 and a 4th rounder. IF this happened, I would be f'ng tickled pink. That's the meat of the drafty goodness right there according to most. Grab a top player on your board and then get multiple picks in Rd 2 -4? Sign. Me. Up. 

[CheezWizHed]

9 hours ago, sveumrules said:

It really is a unique beast. For as much as MLB draft coverage has improved over the years it still pales in comparison to the NFL Draft Industry & the NBA draft is a measly two rounds, whoopee.

Going in blind (outside of the tidbits I get here) makes it kinda like a treasure hunt, plus the constant booing of Goodell always feels nice.

One of the main differences between the MLB and NFL drafts is that many of these players are watched on national TV and in bowl games by even casual fans.  Few MLB draftees are ever seen playing games unless you are pretty a hard-core baseball fan. 

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

7 hours ago, LouisEly said:

A few thoughts based on the discussion above.

1) If Gutes was enamored with WR size, he wouldn't have drafted Amari Rodgers in the 3rd round last year.  (Remember, they almost drafted him in the 2nd.)  It's a trend, but I think it's overblown. 

He IS enamored with WR size ... on the perimeter. Rodgers was drafted specifically to be used in the slot. Gute and Lafleur have said as much ... they like big, strong guys on the outside that can win on contested balls, while they like smaller, shiftier, more explosive players playing on the inside. And while many Packer fans have already given up on Amari after he didn't show a ton last season, I would guarantee that the Packers themselves are not giving up on a 22-year-old who was an electric player from a blue chip program. I think Aaron Rodgers' insistence that Randall Cobb be brought back, along with Aaron's general mistrust of rookie WRs, stunted Amari's growth to a degree. I think he'll be much more productive this year.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

If I had to guess, I think Treylon Burks is going to be the pick if the Packers stay at #22. He's a big (6'2, 225 lbs), strong receiver who fits the mold of what they typically look for. I personally wouldn't move up for any of the receivers arbitrarily ranked ahead of him. That said, it wouldn't surprise me to see them bypass WR completely tonight if they have a guy or two in mind in the 2nd, or a trade up their sleeve.

Who knows where they are looking at #28? Could be O-line, safety, edge, ILB, D-line? Maybe even another WR? 

[stalton]

Happy draft day, everyone!

[homer]

I will be neither surprised nor disappointed if they don't take a WR tonight.