The Green Bay Packers were one game away from Super Bowl LIV coming up short against NFC Champions, the San Francisco 49ers, 37-20. The Packers went 13-3 during the regular season, and at times, were the best team in the NFC. Green Bay Packers fans are already preparing for the 2020 regular season which marks the 10th anniversary of their Super Bowl XLV win. Packers fans can use the William Hill promo code to wager on the team in 2020 as they fight for a place in the Super Bowl once again.
General manager Brian Gutekunst now has just over two months to prepare for the NFL Draft 2020. The offseason has thrown up a set of difficult questions and it may be difficult for Gutekunst to put together a strong defense with some free agents potentially leaving. The Packers need a couple of defensive players, but which areas will they address in April?
The defense must be upgraded
Green Bay played NFC champions the San Francisco 49ers twice in 2019 with one game coming during the regular season and one in the playoffs. Both games saw the Packers allow 37 points to San Francisco, and Aaron Rodgers and the offense was hardly on the field. NFL fans are anticipating this year’s NFL Draft as teams build their squads for next season. Football punters can read this article for the latest bet bonuses ahead of the 2020 kickoff to wager on their favorite team.
Green Bay was scored on, run through, and passed over by the 49ers in both games. If head coach Matt LaFleur wants to beat the best team in the NFC, needs better talent in the front four. The 49ers averaged nearly seven yards a carry in the NFC Championship compiling a total of 285 yards on the ground. Championships are not won with defenses that allow that many yards to rivals.
Who is available in the NFL Draft 2020?
The Packers have the 30th overall pick, which could limit some of the options they have depending on which defensive players are left on the draft board. Gutekunst could trade up to draft a defensive lineman or linebacker, the two areas that must be addressed most, but there really isn’t anyone the GM needs or wants to trade. In addition, there isn’t necessarily a player that stands out of the draft class that screams ‘must have’ to influence a trade.
While there isn’t a ‘must have’ lineman, there certainly are some excellent players that can upgrade the front four. Oklahoma’s Neville Gallimore is one name that has been tossed around. He is a high-energy player with quick bursts of speed. Gallimore is already projected to be an NFL starter.
If it is the versatility the Packers want, then Texas A&M’s Justin Madubuike is a lineman that can play multiple positions. Madubuike may still need to be polished up and isn’t ready to start right away for the Packers. Both players played for major college programs and wouldn’t be fazed by the pressure of Green Bay.
Additional upgrades in defense
The Packers could throw a spanner in the works and use their first-round pick on a linebacker. Blake Martinez looks likely to leave Lambeau Field as an unrestricted free agent. He will be a big loss for the team at inside linebacker after posting 155 tackles and 3.0 sacks in 16 regular season games in 2019.
Fellow linebacker B.J. Goodson is also likely to leave as an unrestricted free agent after just one year with the Packers. Goodson arrived last September for a seventh-round draft pick from the New York Giants. He appeared in 15 games making 37 total tackles. Unlike Martinez, the Packers can live without Goodson even though his loss will hurt the team’s depth.
The Packers will need to draft wisely in April to upgrade the defense and replace their outgoing linebackers. It won’t be easy for Gutekunst and creativity may be needed for the defense to be improved upon from last season.
Last updated on March 12th, 2020 at 10:01 am
Thanx for keeping the site moving during the wait.
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Heck, if the offense was not on the field a lot, it is because they went 3-and-out too frequently. Moreover, the score makes it look closer than it really was. We started moving the ball only when the game was lightyears beyond reach, and the 9ers let up to burn time.
The objections against the D are totally valid, but unless we lose 53 to 48, the offense is not doing its job when we get the ball back after being scored on.
Having said that… Some DL help is sorely needed, but rookies seldomly help in their year one. If the plan is to take whatever version of Rodgers we have and go full throttle for a couple of seasons, we need impact NOW. WRs can transition well into the NFL as rookies (RBs even more so, but we are set at that position). On the defensive side, ILBs can also adapt relatively quickly to the pro level, so getting help in the draft could work. At pick 30, I don’t expect to see a top-shelf LB, but we may get a quality WR. Some say “we don’t need a top WR, we just need a competent WR2”. Well, at this point, Rodgers’s critics and apologists alike will accept that supplying him with pieces will be necessary to propel the offense to high gear again (the disagreement lies on the reasons why our offense floundered).
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For the DL we might want to add a competent, even if unspectacular, FA, mostly a run stuffer. Maybe the same applies for OT, at least on the short term, which coincides with Rodgers’ window. Any help to these positions coming out of the draft will be a plus.
When will that Cole Madison be ready to play? There’s talk of trading or letting Lane Taylor go too, which seems ridiculous. He has been playing hurt a lot of the time, the years before, but he should be a force, not that he’s healed up. Sure, some think he’s been replaced, and is too expensive as a backup, but that’s a severe mistake, if we lose someone this season. He isn’t going to sit, I’ll Grant you that. The Packers may see him across the field twice a year on an opposing team. I’d say any of the teams in the NFC Central would pick him up in a heartbeat. We can’t afford to make foolish mistakes by losing a player of his caliber, when we undoubtedly will have a much tougher schedule, and will likely have more injuries that this past season, when were just so lucky. This passing offense needs some help, it’s not producing anything! But losing a player like this won’t fix that! Wish we still had Jared Cook, Taysom Hill, Randall Cobb, Jordy, and others that we let go too quickly. With any 2 of those players last year, we could have kept pace with the 49er’s. Martinez will be a tremendous loss, and likely never replaced. He also will be starting immediately, anywhere else, and we won’t find a player of better caliber. The receivers and tight end group needs work.
Rodgers needs to get reps with them, cuz it just ain’t going to be easy. Should have got Dez Bryant maybe, if that was the problem.
Aaron clearly didn’t have what he needed to get the job done, and other times looked like he could clean up a lot of mistakes himself. It’s fairly simple to win with this team, You Ask Aaron Rodgers and Mike Pettine What They Need, Provide It, And Go Collect Your Superbowl Rings. SIMPLE !
I suspect that as with most drafts there isn’t a great deal of difference between guys ranked 25-40 overall, so unless there is someone special who falls to 30 and fills a need (e.g. Henry Ruggs), I could see the Pack trading back to the early second rounds and gaining a pick. This particularly comes into play if a QB needy team sees someone they like available and wants the extra year contractually. Picking so low each round, my strategy would be to try and succeed with volume/quantity of selections and hope to strike gold, especially when the Packers have so many needs.
If you want to blow some time online, try the fanspeak mock draft simulator and you can be a pretend GM for the Packers; it’s a fun way to see how things can shake out as the draft progresses.
I think top priority depends on what happens Bulaga if he stays Then I think we should go with some combination of DL and WR with our first 2 picks. I am not particularly with the LB’s in the draft outside of Simmons and he won’t be there at 30, Murray has too many missed tackles and despite his speed is bad in coverage. And though I like Queen better the WR’s and DL in this class are in my opinion better.
I’d like a combination of say Reagor and Jordan Elliott, Jordan Elliott and Denzel Mims, Reagor and Galimore, with the first 2 picks in that scenario.
If Bulaga leaves then I think we should probably address RT in the first round and take Andrew Thomas, Tristen Wirfs, or Josh Jones and take Reagor(if he falls that far), Elliott, Mims, or Hamler in the 2nd.
As for LB I like a few mid to late round guys Akeem Davis Gaither, Willie Guy Jr, and Logan Wilson.
Yes, thanks for keeping things going on the site.
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As far as speculating on the top two ILB candidates it can be assumed that Murray will be gone way before P30. There’s a decent chance Queen is also gone before P30. If he’s there, do you take him and fill a big need?
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Gallimore is interesting. A bunch of mocks do have him available at P30. This guy could be a plug and play starter (not a 1st round long term project) and provide some needed help to the run defense. A less porous line sure makes life easier at the ILB position and maybe doesn’t make it such a necessity to get that impactful ILB early in the draft. You still draft that LB, just maybe in a later round and possibly try for an adequate FA signing to replace a (likely) departing Martinez.
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Wide receiver. So many here but take the top five or six and forget about them. They won’t be available at P30. Start looking at who is ranked 7th or 8th and that’s who’ll be around at pick time. Now ask, is this the greatest need? Could be the greatest need for round 2 and not necessarily round 1. Who are they going to shop for in FA?
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Offensive line is a possible place for looking at with the first pick. There are interesting prospects who would be available at P30 and could likely give some day one level production. I still believe Linsley might be a cap casualty with his $8.5 million being freed up. Add Lane Taylor’s $4.6 million and Jimmy Graham’s $8 million and there is money to resign players and shop in the FA market. There is also a rationale to use the first pick on a highly rated offensive line player if that is the route the team goes. The Bulaga question also comes into play here. If he goes, then they most likely keep someone like Linsley so not to deplete the line too much at once.
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I also agree with a little drop back in the draft depending on who is already gone in the draft. A small step back into the second might still yield a desired pick and gain another for a later round, or a move up on one of the later picks.
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Still going to need help at tight end. So many needs, so few high value picks. Free agency shopping will have to be wiser this time around cause the credit card doesn’t have the same limits as last year.
I’m not all that high on Gallimore I see him as a possible second round pick which is were he’s going in the mocks I’ve seen.
I watched some videos of him and I wasn’t as impressed with him as with Jordan Elliott(look him up if you don’t recognize the name) or many of the WR’s that should be available at 30.
Agreed on possibly trading down if a partner is there, based on the prospects available.
Also agreed we need more help at TE but this TE class is terrible and I wouldn’t waste a high pick on one.
I think the best TE in the draft may actually be Chase Claypool if you converted him from WR to TE.
There just isn’t that many good ones.
Sometimes i feel like people are hijacking my thoughts, some people are inside my head once in awhile….
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” Still going to need help at tight end. So many needs, so few high value picks. Free agency shopping will have to be wiser this time around cause the credit card doesn’t have the same limits as last year.” – Mitch Anthony.
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RESPECT
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As was my viewpoint (on record) at the time of the crime….Now, 2 years later i think most people can label Gute cutting Jordy and signing Graham a colossal failure. Now…we wait, and give Rashan Gary a year one pass, and Gute the same for picking him. To which, i’m also on record. I’ve been on record for about 8 plus years here. Have i been wrong once or twice?….absolutely.
Three times?….doubtful.
”Now…we wait, and give Rashan Gary a year one pass, and Gute the same for picking him.“
ROFL. How long have I been predicting this? How fucking long?!
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Fire Gute, it coming!!
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Just wait!!
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Thank you Total TMZ Packers for being you.
In other News: RIP: Popsmoke
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Also condolences to Itchyanus, and Boneyasista.
Man, and I was still grieving over XXXTenacion. Now Popsmoke too?
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Why oh why? Why does this stuff even make the national news?…….
These guys must have played in the AFC because I don’t recognize any of these names.
The first edition XFL guys…you may recognize the name “hehateme”.
The more I think about it, the problem isn’t with the players on defense, its the coach, Pettine and his scheme. Yeah, Lowry and Lancaster played terribly and were a huge hole on the defensive line, but Steve Spanulo, the Chiefs defensive coordinator (who was the defensive coordinator for the Giants in 2007 when the Packers lost at home in the playoffs), was able to stop the 49ers run game even though the Packers statistically had a better run defense during the regular season that the Chiefs. It’s too late in Rodgers career to be switching defensive coaches. I think while Rodgers may have 4-5 years left, his performance is slipping and the Packers will have salary cap issues after next year.
Which means the Packers need to spend resources on offense to make up for an occasionally leaky defense. Maybe they pick up some run stuffing defensive lineman on the cheap for when they play the 49ers again and plug the hole where Lowry or Lancaster plays, but I say they spend money and draft choices on receivers, tight ends and running backs. Go all in for Rodgers and give him the tools he needs while he still can make the plays.
Agree Deepsky with a couple of minor exceptions. The Chiefs never really stopped the 49ers run game. When you take out QB runs/kneel downs the Packers allowed an approximate 7.5 YPC in the NFCCG. The Chiefs allowed an approximate 6.9 YPC to the 49ers in the Super Bowl. The 49ers O-line has a damn good run scheme and damn good run blockers with experience in the scheme. The difference as you state was the Chiefs DC. The chiefs adjusted by stacking the box and causing Shanahan to go away from the run. That put the ball in Garoppolo’s hand (weakness) and forced the 49ers to pass block (weakness). Then Spagnuolo blitzed. After the 49ers game I commented on this. I, in part, thought The 49ers could have still ran the ball and it was a mistake for Shanahan to get away from the run after their last TD drive.
The other reason I think Shanahan moved away from the run is because he knew the Chiefs offense could score points. The Packers need to spend some major Capitol in free agency and the draft on offense. I do believe the Packers still need to upgrade the D-line and ILB. I think the Packers will double up on both Positions. One in the draft and one in free agency. The Packers need to be stronger up the middle to defeat good run teams like the 49ers, Philly, Rams, Vikings, etc. I think adding Gray as the DB coach is a plus for the DBs to get more physical in the run game, but the key is plug the middle and force runners to go wide. There are two defenders on the field at all times that cost nothing to the salary cap. The sidelines are free. A good run defense plugs the middle and forces teams to run toward the sideline then with pursuit tackles or runs the ball carrier right into one of those two free defenders, the sidelines.
The Packers do have to become more explosive and consistant on offense. In most of the games the Packers won they got an early lead causing the opponent’s offense to become more one dimensional.
YEA!….Deep and Howard callin it right.
I remember watching the game thinking the 49ers were going to go into run mode, and close out the game, i can also remember Shanahan calling pass plays and being like…wtf is he doing? Shanahan opted to not go with what the 9ers offense does best, and that is one area where he got out coached by the Walrus imo.
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I cringe when i hear or read about the Packers needs on defense. I knew the calling for more defensive help would be renewed coming after the 9ers game. At some point as Deep wrote, the offense needs to be updated with more than a few mid to late round draft picks at skill positions. It’s been my contention too many resources have been devoted to the defense for too long. One reason for that is bad draft picks, and then they keep going back to the draft and “trying again”. Example: We went through a lot of defensive backs for some years to get where we are. We are discussing this because of Ted and Murphy. Ted for missing on too many picks, and Murphy telling us all what a great job Ted was doing during that time.
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What i’m not sure about, and maybe Howard or others have a viewpoint on this. But we know the Smith Brothers can rush the passer, but where are they in run defense. Maybe it’s me but i just don’t see these guys holding down the edge a lot. Not sure where they grade out here, and i’m just thinking out loud, but…..
I would have to agree on the Pettine call. I don’t give a shit what your philosophy of Defense is, when you are getting gouged by the 49rs and fail to make any adjustment to Your Plan, it speaks of sedentary decision making a’ la Muc Carthy.
“I think Jace, in time, has a chance to be the kind of guy that can be a mismatch for us,” Gutekunst said.
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There is that word again.
I can’t help myself……
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Will
1 hour ago
Graham has been getting paid a fortune to do next to nothing. Gutekunst would be stupid to keep him around, much like it was stupid to sign Jimmy to that ridiculous contract in the first place.
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I wish i could buy Will a beer
It seems, reading between the lines, that there will be cap casualties. Lane Taylor and Jimmy Graham are obvious ones, but I am wondering if Linsley is a candidate to be cut as well. Could be interesting, especially if they don’t resign Bulaga. Do they really want to lose two starters in one off-season on the offensive line?
He may be traded.
A couple years ago I called for the packers to pick up richie incognito…see…character concerns are idiotic and they would have gotten an all pro guard at bargain basement prices for several years.
This year the packers would be idiots not to take a long hard look at vontaze burfict. He is an amazing buy low candidate with pro bowl upside.
I have to disagree character concerns are far from idiotic.
Burfict the very idiot you just mentioned cost his team by getting himself suspended for delivering a dirty hit, that bone headed move could have for all we know cost them a playoff spot in a wide open race for the 6th seed in the AFC. He is also pretty well known for costing his team a playoff win, by delivering a dirty hit when his team could ill afford one, in the wildcard round against the steelers.
Speaking of steelers ever heard of Antonio Brown both the raiders and pats nearly got stuck having to pay him 10s of millions of dollars, and had to deal with constant drama in the media about there team for the time he was there, as well as to a lesser extent after he left.
Then theres Josh Gordon and Martavis Bryant, who through there inability to stay of the weed got themselves suspended over and over again costing there teams cap space.
I am not saying GM’s shouldn’t take a look at guys with character concerns if they’ve cleaned up there act and are talented.
But they sure should worry about it, and make sure the guy’s there getting have cleaned up there act, and aren’t going to do something stupid that will cost there team.
*their team
Completely agree. Locker room culture matters. Hhh I ncognito has had a history of being a shithead. Remember when he bullied that rookie? Burfict, has long had the label of dirty player, and for good reason. I would not want that turd on my team.
There were several comments from Packers this past year that mentioned how close the locker room is. I think that played a role in the team overachieving.
Agree with Kato’s comment 100%
Although i like Stigg and enjoy his post. I’m not so sure there hasn’t been a “name” player available that he hasn’t mentioned the Packers should sign. All the way back to Dez Bryant.
Ive never been for the idiots like Antonio Brown, Dez Bryant, etc. I HAVE been for football players, which in reality, the only reason Burfict is infamous is playing football too hard and too rough. Sounds like the mean son of a bitch this defense has needed since….maybe Bryce Paup or Chuck Cecil?
See… Im all for guys like Incognito (who is largely regarded as a great teammate by everyone besides the currently on “mental health” diversion John Martin). I sure bet #12 would have loved having a mauler in incognito out there over Lane Taylor, The corpse of Jahri Evans, and whatever else they managed to drag out there at guard while he was getting pummeled. Meanwhile Incognito was picking up pro bowls on the bills.
I bet our fans and coaching staff would have loved to have a middle linebacker against the niners this year who wouldnt succumb to bully ball.
Wanna know what was idiotic? me saying character concerns are idiotic in a general statement. So let me refine that… character concerns over guys who play the game with a little too much edge are idiotic.
Well…the Raiders thought Burfict was a good idea to sign also.
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The next illegal helmet to helmet hit he makes will most likely be a lifetime ban
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He has shown zero respect to the game, and other players. More importantly, he has not shown any desire or willingness to play within the rules. Why anyone would want this guy in their locker room is beyond me.
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I doubt anyone signs him unless it’s for the minimum with zero guaranteed cash. I think he’s done in the NFL. I’m not sure whether to call him a football player, or a criminal.
That might have been skinny….my bad
Gute talking up Oren Burks at the combine. Don’t want to hear that, ha. Hopefully that’s just fluff. This is the response I wish Gute would have said about Burks. “We’ll, were disappointed in Oren’s development and availability so far and we are definitely looking at upgrading at that position in FA or the draft and that’s all I can say about that at this time.”
I heard some of that also skinny. He should have made a general statement instead of bringing Burks up by name. By all standards Burks is just another bust so far. He has 25 solo tackles in 26 games. with all zero’s to the right of his stat sheet. When you look at defensive stats, look to the right (after tackles). That will tell you if you have just a body, a bust, or a player who shows potential.
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If i take Gute’s signing of the Smith Brothers out of the equation, all told i’m grading Gute a D at best (so far). Now (to me), he’s starting to go into the territory of blowing smoke up our asses, like with the Burks talk, like saying he has all the skill in the world.
Whatever makes him feel good i guess. What’s next….Montravius should make the Pro Bowl?.
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I remember back when we drafted football players in the 3rd round. Jones, Finley, and Burnett come to mind.
Gute report card-
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The Good
Drafting Jaire, Jenkins, and Savage. Signing the Smiths.
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The Bad
Billy Turner, Jimmy Graham, Josh Jackson, Rashan Gary, basically an entire wasted 2018 Draft class outside of Jaire.
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The Unknown-
Rashan Gary (not looking good), La Fleur (shanahan undressed him), and this offseason. How good of a team they really are… they had an inflated record… and as we saw wins are NOT Wins after the niners absolutely pummeling them.
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Grade – C. A lot of this hinges on Garys development. As we saw this team was nowhere near true contention but have made some moves in the positive direction….but also some really bad mistakes for a young GM.
Lets give Jenkins and Savage a better test….of time.
Gutedkunst has to nail this draft or I would move him along out the door. Time to erase the Wolf legacy and get new thinking. Murphy along with him and low ball,russ…
Russell Wilson
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@DangeRussWilson
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The @NBA & @MLB are doing it right.
Players come first.
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The NFL is doing it right, a hard cap and fair revenue sharing. Any well run and well built team can win the Super Bowl.
The NFL top 1%ers seem to be a hard no against the NFL like Wilson, Watt, and Sherman. but about 50% of the players make the league minimum and the economics for them is far different. Russell Wilson is dead wrong
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I wouldn’t be shocked at all to learn that these elite names speaking out, are doing so under the directive of the Players Union.
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Dan Graziano wrote an excellent piece on the CBA.
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28751269/nfl-cba-vote-delayed-need-know-biggest-changes-2021-proposal-potential-agreement-line
Yes from michigan this year the 2020 packers should draft donovan people jones from michigan and draft him early like March 1 just for packers and no other teams accept the packers wide receiver michigan
Yawn…..
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In other News: Two African American Police officers in Chicago shoot a white unarmed man twice. Colin Kaepernick to comment on this social injustice….never.
After signing an NFL starter TE and Joe Schobert( pairing him at ILB with Ty Summers) as FAs, I’d release both JG and ML. Come draft day I’d seek a team to deal our pick at 30 in rd.1 to, for a high 2nd rd. pick ,say,39-40.We would likely get that team’s 3rd pick ,and maybe another late pick. With the 2nd we swapped for, I’d pick the highest rated WR on our board. With our original 2nd rd. pick I’d take A J Dillon. I don’t believe he will last till our (projected) pick in the beginning of the 3rd rd.( say, at 73). With the acquired 3rd rd. pick ,I’d go Khalil Davis. I posted on The Athletic last fall about both Davis and Dillon and others that I was high on, the combine testing merely confirms why I liked them. With our own 3rd, I’d take Kenny Willekes from MSU. The walk-on who became an All-American can serve several roles for GB. First, though he’s thought of as a 4-3 DE ,when Zadarius lines up in the middle of the formation we could have Willekes line up at end with his hand on the ground. Secondly, if anything can light a fire under Gary, getting shown up by a former walk-on(a Spartan no less) should do it. I think he’s a lost cause though. I did not like him before the 2019 draft or after it and posted so on Bob McGinn’s site. But I would like to be proven wrong, as it would mean good things for the Packers. If Davis is gone before our pick in the 3rd, I’d take OSU DT Davon Hamilton, who I feel is flying well under the radar and offers great possibilities in the middle of our defense. In the 4th I’d go Charlie Heck, an OT. He’s the son of 11 year NFL OL Andy Heck ,who currently coaches the Chiefs O-line. The sons of NFL O-linemen often see success in the NFL, for obvious reasons. He needs strength work and is a year away, IMO. In the 5th, I take Tanner Muse, the Safety from Clemson . At 6-2 and 230,he provides tremendous coverage ability and the ability to come down in the box in run support. He’s gone through the rigorous selection process at (arguably) the top college program of the last 3 years. He will provide scheme diverse talent for Pettine.I take Javelin Guidry in the 6th . A strong, stocky, frame ,blazing speed this CB will excel at covering kicks while he’s being coached up by the staff.I know that these are all subjective on my part. Most of these players will be available in slots suggested by me and I am only a hobbyist when it comes to all this. Of course, this scenario is contingent on trading back our first draft pick, which unfortunately, from my perspective, is unlikely to occur
To put a cap on my previous post,I have some ideas I’d like to share. After the 2018 college season ,I had strong views on QB Easton Stick from N.Dak. State. I posted these on Bob McGinn’s site prior to and after the ’19’ draft. He led his team to a 49-3 record, won 3 championships and compiled records galore. Having all that experience over 4 years really prepared him for the NFL,IMO . He had the ability to call plays in the huddle, set protections and audible into new plays. His preparation is off the charts and the staff trusted him and his in- game judgement. My stated hope was that the Packers would draft him with a 4th or 5th pick. When they traded their 4ths ,it now became crucial to use their 5th to select him, they didn’t and the Chargers did, with their 5th ,no.166. The Chargers were coming off of a 12-4 playoff season and took Stick with the idea of grooming him. He sat behind Cardale Jones and Tyrod Taylor on the bench. Nobody in LA saw their 5-11 season coming. This year Jones is gone and the Chargers must shift to “plan b”, drafting a QB with the 6th pick in the 1st rd. Easton Stick is expendable now and I say Gutey should make the trade with LA. That leads me to my opening in this post. I would offer our second 6th rd. draft pick in this draft, fully expecting LA to refuse the offer, they then counter with their own, which we decline as being too much. Then we set the hook, we offer Valdez-Scantling to the Chargers for Stick and a late, say, 7th in the 2021 draft. They agree but only if we change the pick to a late pick this year. The Chargers have just cut all ties with Travis Benjamin and I’d bet they would love the idea of having their strong-armed, as yet un-named rookie QB throwing passes to a young WR he can grow with. MVS would likely welcome a change to a warmer clime and a fresh start. There was mention above of searching for Linsley’s potential replacement at Center. He’s out there and his name is Jake Ohnesorge ,the Rimmington Award winner in 2017 from S.Dak.State. The 3 year starter is a real bulldog with smarts, explosive leverage, light feet, and no wasted motion. At 6-1 and 300 lbs. he’s the same size as Jason Kelce ,widely considered the top Center of the last few years. What sets him apart , for me at least, is his study and mental preparation of the opposing teams defense, he knows all of their tendencies and formations better than they do. In this regard he reminds me of former Packer great DE Aaron Kampman and his study of the offensive tackles he would face in a game. I would also bring in Olympic sprinter, Marvin Bracy for an extended tryout. He wants to play in the NFL and has stated he would pay his own way for a tryout. His game is deep speed and merely the threat to take the top off of any pass defense and open up the underneath routes has great tactical value. I would give him a looong look, not focusing on what he “can’t” do , but what he offers to our team as another tactical tool in the tool box.
Whoa! Wall O’ Text.
Frank, there’s this thing on your keyboard, says “enter” on it. When you use it, it parses your thoughts into cogent, digestible bites. Makes your post more readable, appear less like a manifesto.
ie,
To put a cap on my previous post,I have some ideas I’d like to share.
After the 2018 college season ,I had strong views on QB Easton Stick from N.Dak. State. I posted these on Bob McGinn’s site prior to and after the ’19’ draft. He led his team to a 49-3 record, won 3 championships and compiled records galore. Having all that experience over 4 years really prepared him for the NFL,IMO . He had the ability to call plays in the huddle, set protections and audible into new plays. His preparation is off the charts and the staff trusted him and his in- game judgement.
My stated hope was that the Packers would draft him with a 4th or 5th pick. When they traded their 4ths ,it now became crucial to use their 5th to select him, they didn’t and the Chargers did, with their 5th ,no.166. The Chargers were coming off of a 12-4 playoff season and took Stick with the idea of grooming him. He sat behind Cardale Jones and Tyrod Taylor on the bench. Nobody in LA saw their 5-11 season coming. This year Jones is gone and the Chargers must shift to “plan b”, drafting a QB with the 6th pick in the 1st rd. Easton Stick is expendable now and I say Gutey should make the trade with LA.
That leads me to my opening in this post. I would offer our second 6th rd. draft pick in this draft, fully expecting LA to refuse the offer, they then counter with their own, which we decline as being too much. Then we set the hook, we offer Valdez-Scantling to the Chargers for Stick and a late, say, 7th in the 2021 draft. They agree but only if we change the pick to a late pick this year. The Chargers have just cut all ties with Travis Benjamin and I’d bet they would love the idea of having their strong-armed, as yet un-named rookie QB throwing passes to a young WR he can grow with. MVS would likely welcome a change to a warmer clime and a fresh start.
There was mention above of searching for Linsley’s potential replacement at Center. He’s out there and his name is Jake Ohnesorge ,the Rimmington Award winner in 2017 from S.Dak.State. The 3 year starter is a real bulldog with smarts, explosive leverage, light feet, and no wasted motion. At 6-1 and 300 lbs. he’s the same size as Jason Kelce ,widely considered the top Center of the last few years. What sets him apart , for me at least, is his study and mental preparation of the opposing teams defense, he knows all of their tendencies and formations better than they do. In this regard he reminds me of former Packer great DE Aaron Kampman and his study of the offensive tackles he would face in a game.
I would also bring in Olympic sprinter, Marvin Bracy for an extended tryout. He wants to play in the NFL and has stated he would pay his own way for a tryout. His game is deep speed and merely the threat to take the top off of any pass defense and open up the underneath routes has great tactical value. I would give him a looong look, not focusing on what he “can’t” do , but what he offers to our team as another tactical tool in the tool box.
See? You should try it.
thanks for your suggestion. frank
R.I.P.?
a year or so ago I posted on bob’s site my thoughts on player flexibility and how they could enhance it through rugby, yoga ,and pilates. my belief is that all football players are as stiff as boards and could really help themselves by partaking in these activities.
This brings me to Ball State OT Danny Pinter . Pinter is a former tight end who was adept at blocking in college but also displays surprisingly light feet and fine hands catching the ball. I’ve watched film of him and am impressed with his lower body flexibility and surprisingly quick get off once he makes the reception as an eligible tackle.
Pinter works on his flexibility through yoga and it shows. This not some lumbering oaf matriculating down the field ,but a 6’5”-300 lb. dancing bear. Many years ago the Buffalo Bills drafted Paul Costa at tight end. He filled that role for 4 years before moving full-time to OT. At 6’6′ and 268 he was as big as a tackle anyway. What separated him from other TEs of his era was his downfield speed. Pinter’s coaches state that he is as fast as any of the TEs on the team. I view him as an intriguing tool for Matt La Fleur’s tool box .
Packers should look to sign Robbie Anderson from Jets- would be a nice addition to a weak receiver corp- after davante.
One week until Austin Hooper and Corey Littleton are Green Bay Packers. Hard to believe the contracts are being worked on as I type this.
Never Forget… Jimmy Graham prevented us from signing this guy. Best thing the Jimmy Graham contract did for the packers franchise.
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/ny-trumaine-johnson-20200309-attew75bozc5zgnbboy7ucqaai-story.html
Thanks Jimmy…lol
Over 3 weeks since the last article.
Anyone bring a shovel?
Maybe the article writers all went on a cruise together and well,… got stuck on a ship for a few weeks.
Anyway, I miss them. Hope this site revives.
Yea, i don’t get it. At least have the courtesy to say something to your readers. Takes 30 seconds
You got entitlement issues. jk jk I missed you
I see that Center Matt Hennessey from Temple is getting a lot positive press, pre-draft due in large part to his mobility and solid PFF numbers pass blocking during the 2018 season. He has height ,not quite 6-4, at a listed 307 lbs (at the combine). I.ve watched quite a few of Temple’s games over the 2018-19 seasons and have not seen what the excitement is all about.
When watching a game , I first always focus on interior line play to see if anyone stands out. On defense it’s the DTs and on the O-line it is the Center’s play. After the hub bub about Matt’s play I came away disappointed. He moves pretty easily and sometimes shows quick feet , but he has many plays where he doesn’t hit anybody! I see him standing around too much for a player with his movement skills.
In contrast, I re-watched videos of Jake Ohnesorge’s game film as well as highlight film. The difference is night and day! With both playing Center(Matt projects to possibly Guard) on every snap, Jake has a plan , attacks the defender and maintains till the end of the play, driving the defender backwards . He really finishes! He shows poise and makes the correct mental adjustments with his foot placement on the fly. If the defender shifts his body in an attempt to dis-engage ,Jake makes subtle moves to maintain his powerful leverage on the defender. He doesn’t commit prematurely and instinctively goes to the right man to block. His lateral movement showcases his cut blocking ability. He just does not get fooled on stunts or delayed blitzs. Matt doesn’t show any of the violence in his play that Jake does and really does stand around a lot. There is just no other way to put it. Matt’s size is more appealing to the powers that be and that’s too bad.
If the Pack has any aspirations of Super Bowl play, at some point they will need to address interior D-line quickness and penetration by their opponents. They will need a player on the pivot who plays with a bulldog’s tenacity, who can match quickness for quickness and never give up. Because of his size only, Jake is on the street ,just waiting. Scott Wells was of similar size, as is Jason Kelce of the Eagles. It is Matt Hennessey that will get drafted though , likely in the 6th or so, mostly, IMO, because a team feels he can get heavier and retain his movement ability and play C or G. Jake is a center only , but he is clearly the superior player at that position . The film doesn’t lie.
Just ask you know who…he’ll tell you his personal draft grade.
Any observer of football play would see what I have seen in the above mentioned game clips. I merely want to bring attention to it on this moribund site.