I choose to see the glass as half full rather than half empty. As for WRs, there is still time to trade, draft, and acquire FA WRs. Gutekunst is fully aware of the needs Aaron Rodgers WR and OT and LB. I seen to remember last year how nervous some got before TWO fellows named Smith came to play for GB. Show some patience before you reach for mud to throw.
Originally Posted by: Smokey
I'll add to the 'glass half full' view: after the season ended, I was struck by Aaron Rodgers suggesting the Packers weren't equipped to run no-huddle - partly due to lack of experience and
also due to personnel. The last part really confused me - maybe Aaron was hinting the WRs were largely idiots who couldn't pick-up the scheme? It makes more sense after the first 2 nights of the draft that Aaron was saying that a lack of personnel limited LaFleur from implementing his true offense.
I think this draft shows us that the Packers didn't have versatile enough pieces to run a no-huddle / quick tempo offense under LaFleur's scheme. It seems like LaFleur wants bigger bodies capable of lining up in 2-TE, 1-TE 1-Half Back, 2-RB, and bunch formations which also facilitate motion. In other words, like Gutey said tonight: everything works off the run game in LaFleur's scheme. A RB and a TE you can line up as FB, have stand-up in bunch formation, or be the 2nd TE with his hand down... seems like the 3rd round pick Deguara fits that bill.
Which brings me to the broader issue I think so many Packer fans are having in this draft: they are viewing it in light of a McCarthy scheme / game-plan. Under a Mike McCarthy scheme, I would be the first to be all doom and gloom at these pics; but McCarthy isn't the coach anymore. Under LaFleur's scheme, these picks ... might not be too bad.
A RB tandem of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon on the field at the same time? A 2-TE formation with Sternberger and Deguara, or 3-TE with Mercedes Lewis? Have a TE line up as a full back and motion out to the slot or out wide? Have Lazard, who few have suggested be a TE, chip in with his blocking? Bunch formation where you have 3-4 above-average blockers who are thicccc, can sustain blocks and might be more difficult to bring down even if not the fastest? Force defenses to commit to stopping the run, giving 'Tae more 1-on-1 match-ups? Motion Jones or Dillon (assuming he is under the radar in the passing game) to the slot or out wide to force a LB-RB mismatch? These are only a handful of possibilities we now have.
I'm intrigued because some of our best in-rhythm games on offense came when 'Tae was out injured last year. It now seems like LaFleur has more pieces that fit his vision - and I'm intrigued. If nothing else, he has at least helped limit the exposure of Rodgers to big-hits even if not drafting a RT.
As for all the calls of "Packers haven't addressed any of their weaknesses at OL/DL/CB/LB/WR" ... I'll point out that Jared Veldheer (RT), Snacks Harrison (DL), Tramon Williams (CB), and Clay Mathews (LB) are all still available as free agents. Not saying we sign all of these vets, but Gutey has intriguing possibilities on the free-agent market to not force a need-driven selection. I'm surprised we haven't drafted a WR yet, but then again maybe I'm also viewing it from the 'McCarthy scheme' lens - maybe LaFleur's scheme can be run well with what we currently have and some competition to round out the position group can be had in rounds 5-7. Also, interested to see how the team utilizes Tyler Ervin on offense - I can't imagine he gets many snaps at RB but maybe as a gadget WR?
So, not all doom and gloom from my perspective. But really interested to see the scheme and plays being run in pre-season.
The NFL: Where Greg Jennings Happens.