I like the targeting of a WR and wouldn't be surprised if they go WR in the 2nd or 3rd with all the guys that have contracts expiring the next two years (the downside to the "bulk" drafting they've done).
Originally Posted by: Mucky Tundra
With the Packers history, you can never discount them randomly taking a WR in the 2nd or 3rd... and Packers are absolutely going to have some interesting decisions when the 2022 draft contracts come up, because you can't re-sign everyone and that draft was loaded.
WR Watson
WR Doubs
RT Tom
LT Walker
RG Rhyan
ILB Walker
DT Wyatt
DE Enagbare (whom is currently getting starter snaps, since the Preston trade)
And simply from a cap contract perspective, you might want to grab some guys at these positions as we're going to lose some.
I also like the drafting a bruising power back; last years draft was weak in power and it would let the Packers move on from Jacobs after 2025 and go with Lloyd, draft pick and someone else in the future. CB is going to be the biggest need and you emulated Gutes bulk drafting tendencies
Originally Posted by: Mucky Tundra
Woooo Woooo let's not start a riot now...
Move on from our best and most consistent playmaker on the entire team, and go with a guy (Lloyd) whom can't even stay on the field?
That's crazy talk!
Also, I doubt Coleman falls this far, as he's one of the best, if not the best at pass blocking and blitz pickup, so teams that value that will be absolutely drooling over him. And not to say we don't value that, but most of the wide zone schemes value receiving abilities more. But still, could be a valuable RB that drops.
and went with a big body early which fits what GB+Gute tends to go for. Though it is my understanding that this is a deep draft for the defensive line so maybe they grab a CB first and get a dlineman later.
Originally Posted by: Mucky Tundra
The Packers have some good depth at DL, what they don't have is the elite guys that can take over and dominate a game. Other than maybe Gary, but he's often getting doubled and at times tripled.
Though I will say PFF rankings of the DTs value run stopping more, where the Packers seem to be using DT penetration to target the OGs and get the ball out of the backfield quicker, so I think the Packers would value the pass rushing DTs more.
Such as the DT from South Carolina or Mississippi State over the DTs from Ohio State or #2 DT from Michigan.
Of the aforementioned quibbles, they're mostly of a minor nature. I'd like to see an OT in the 4th or 5th to be a swing backup/Walker replacement in 2026 (pass blocking OTs tend to get paid well and I'm not sure if it's in the budget to resign both ZT+Walker).
Originally Posted by: Mucky Tundra
I totally agree, I'm not happy with the Packers OT depth, not at all.
My draft crush at OT is Hollin Pierce from Rutgers. Though PFF doesn't grade him high for some reason, but I just gambled and missed out on grabbing him.
But there are a number of interesting OT prospects, all have their flaw, but sort of pick what you prefer.
Also I've been complaining about the Packers linemen picks for years (both sides)... I mean yes they picked Tom but also they lucked into that, as they saw him as a Center. And I loved Tom and thought he should of clearly been picked before Rhyan.
But the Packers brought in former OL coach James Campen to help Scout and I'm so excited to (hopefully) see the OL selected improve.
One interesting thing, Gute seems to want them to be at least 6'4", which is not surprising for OT, but other than Monk, all of OL draft picks, including the interior late draft pick ones have been between 6'4" flat and 6'6" flat. With a lot of UDFA OTs that are 6'7"
I also don't think they'll go with a QB before the last two rounds with how well Willis has played. I think they'll go with a QB in the 6th or 7th and stick him on the PS.
Originally Posted by: Mucky Tundra
Yeah, if you draft a QB, PFF usually seems to love that pick, but while I'm not sure about QBs in the top of this draft, they got some interesting developmental ones that might fall late in the draft or be UDFAs.
Also, are there any TEs that can block and play H-Back? We're leaning heavily on Kraft this season so it'd be nice to get someone who can block and take some of the load off of Kraft going forward/Kraft gets injured.
Originally Posted by: Mucky Tundra
TEs are notoriously harder to scout, because college TEs are often taught to be receivers. And even if they do the whole H-back thing, the blocks aren't to the skill level of the NFL.
There are also some that are blockers, but they usually absolutely suck as a receiver.
Basically taking a TE is taking a gamble that you can develop them into a well rounded player, or play to their strengths.
They don't say this about linebackers (NOT talking about edge rushers, aka, 3-4 OLB, but the true 2nd level coverage LBs), it seems like a lot of them also bust, and they have the highest 1st round bust rate.
So those positions like TE and LB where it's asking guys to be extremely versatile and well rounded at everything, seem to be harder for teams to scout. That or they're just less that are ready for the NFL level. And you got to be able to find them later and develop them.
As the Packers did with ILB Walker, they gambled, Walker was an extremely athletic LB, hoping they could develop him into a complete all round player.