Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - OTAs - Outstanding Thrilling Amazing
The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.
By JerseyAl
The Hype is Real - There may still be a chill in the air in Wisconsin, but shorts season is in full bloom at Lambeau Field. The Packer's draft picks, UDFA signings and tryout invitees have been running around the Lambeau Field grass getting everyone excited. The annual hype is real - everyone looks like great football players as they show off their athletic skills. But we all know better than to get over-hyped, right? We've all learned the lessons of past OTA stars that amounted to not very much, right? Right?
Goodson vs. Baylor - I hear a lot of excitement over Ty Goodson, but I'm more of a BJ Baylor fan. Disclaimer: This isn't a deep dive analysis and I haven't watched hours of tape - just some highlight reels. Anyway, what I like about Baylor is he makes people miss. He's a good zone scheme fit that finds his hole and hits it hard. If he breaks into the second level, he's better at avoiding tackles. Goodson is a bit faster in the 40-yard dash and has been prolific in the passing game, but he has an upright running style that is not conducive to breaking tackles. While not a huge Pro Football Focus proponent, their stats for breaking tackles seem to corroborate my feeling. Out of 42 running backs they tracked last season, Baylor was 13th with an average of 3.5 yards gained after contact on runs. Goodson was last (42nd) with an average of 2.35 yards gained after contact on runs.
Practice squad rules - The special COVID provisions for the Practice Squad are officially over. The Packers are going to miss the game-by-game protecting of players and call-up options.
Practice squads down to 14
PS veterans with unlimited accrued seasons down to 4
No more practice squad protections
No more Reserve/COVID list or replacement moves
No more unlimited returns from Injured Reserve
Minimum time needed on IR up to 6 weeksWhat else am I missing? https://t.co/xep1TQwI2G
— Ken Ingalls - Packers Cap 💰 (@KenIngalls) March 3, 2022
Tackle this - I feel like the Packers are set up to have the deepest tackle position group they've had in years. Part of the reason is I think that Elgton Jenkins will be the right tackle when he is ready to return. Until that happens, Yosh Nijman and Sean Rhyan will likely battle to start the season there. If Rhyan doesn't win that job, he has a good chance to unseat Royce Newman at right guard. With Jenkins back, Yosh is the primary swing tackle, with Rhyan and Rasheed Walker (yes I think he makes it - all he needs is some better coaching and the "want to") as more tackle depth.
Clickbait - We had a discussion in the comments a few weeks ago about what clickbait is and is not. Someone called the particular article (I believe something about Jordan Love) clickbait - in my opinion, simply because they didn't like the topic or views expressed. That's not clickbait. However, when you see an alert come across your phone with the following title, what do you immediately think: Green Bay Packers Projected to Sign All-Pro Free Agent Wide Receiver For most people, I would expect you to assume that someone like Ian Rapoport has broken some news from an "NFL source" about a surprising big move the Packers are about to make. What you get instead is simply some collection of words referencing an article some other guy on another website wrote where he just picks which teams he thinks would be good landing spots for some current free agents. No big Packers news, no real projected signing. That is clickbait. I've blocked that site (WisconsinSportsHeroics.com) from any further notifications.
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"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of many hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He is also a recovering Mason Crosby truther. Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP.
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Comments (102)
greengold
May 11, 2022 at 06:51 am
You know that lull? That point where nothing’s happening after a long period of fierce activity?
“Into the Void” by Black Sabbath was my very first thought here. Listening to it now as a matter of fact. Geezer Butler’s bass line is remarkable.
I think it’s a solid pick, with a 6.10 run time. Fluid transitions in and out of breaks. Good acceleration while showing ability to change tempo/decelerate mid route. Plays solid. TOUGH.
Thanks, Al! Rock ON!!!
murf7777
May 11, 2022 at 06:30 am
Al, For evaluating players, I prefer game tapes and even more so when you can find film breakdown with all-22. I think everyone looks good on highlights from their college career. That’s why they call it highlights, right. Those tapes are useful, but I don’t draw too much of an opinion from them. One other part I like is if they have any interviews as they can provide an insight to what the player thinks, work ethic and just what type of human he is. Unfortunately, with small college or UDFA’s it’s hard to find as much as needed to really evaluate them.
One example of that was in 2019 when Summers was being touted on this board as being great, I watched his film against Iowa State and noticed how when he was against Montgomery, a very good drafted RB, he missed a few tackles against him, just in that game. That showed me what I needed to know, he was destined to a ST role at best. Of course, on a highlight film none of those plays would’ve been shown.
JerseyAl
May 11, 2022 at 07:56 am
Of course, that's why I gave a disclaimer. This is a cursory comparison, at best.
NickPerry
May 11, 2022 at 06:40 am
Tackle Depth... I'll say this, Gutey has done a excellent job of building some solid depth along the O-Line the last 2 years especially. I love the Rhyan and Tom picks and Walker could prove to be a steal. Gute has done an excellent job rebuilding the O-Line on the fly for BOTH the present and the future.
Goodson vs Baylor... Good luck to both, I just hope Kylin Hill is going to be able to come back. I REALLY like that kid.
Clickbait, smitbait... I can't stand it when people come here and suggest ANYTHING is clickbait here. We have a FREE Green Bay Packers site which provides some of the absolute best content on the Packers available. I PAY for PFF, The Athletic, and the MJS and this is STILL my favorite Packers site. It's the first site I "Click" on every morning while drinking my cup of joe.
Thank you Al and everyone else at CHTV!
BradHTX
May 11, 2022 at 06:55 am
Totally agreed, NP and Al. The people who label an article “clickbait” that one of the CHTV writers (who are doing this for love of the Packers, not money) put a lot of work into, just because they disagree with the writer’s view, should be ashamed (I’d actually be OK with banning them). I may not agree with every writer on here or even think they’re necessarily very good at what they do, but I still recognize the work they put it and appreciate it.
jannesbjornson
May 11, 2022 at 10:12 am
Take them to The Wall....
pantz_bURp
May 11, 2022 at 05:23 pm
I hit The Wall a long time ago....do what you will. All I ask is you make it a quick death...a GBP warrior death.
JerseyAl
May 11, 2022 at 08:00 am
"Clickbait, smitbait... I can't stand it when people come here and suggest ANYTHING is clickbait here."
THANK YOU... No one here is purposely writing deceptive posts to lure you in for the sole purpose of web clicks. I wouldn't allow it. You can like what is written or hate it, but the intent is never deception.
NickPerry
May 12, 2022 at 06:25 am
Thank you for that Al, and I think the MANY Packers fans who post here on a regular basis, know you wouldn't stand for it. I know there's MANY more but I remember back in 2015 or somewhere around then all came over from the All Green Bay Packers site.
MANY of us here appreciate each and every part of CHTV. Thank you Al, Aaron, and everybody else!
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
May 11, 2022 at 08:05 am
Agreed Nick!
PatrickGB
May 11, 2022 at 08:18 am
After being fooled a couple of times by the clickbait, I have learned my lesson. First, know the site. Second, if the headline is too flashy then it’s often a lie. Third, see if other trusted sites say the same thing and read them instead.
PatrickGB
May 11, 2022 at 08:19 am
Oops double post.
PeteK
May 11, 2022 at 08:26 am
Patrick Taylor is no slouch either.
NickPerry
May 12, 2022 at 06:27 am
I like Patrick Taylor too Pete. He was actually the featured RB in that Memphis offense when Antonio Gibson was the WR there.
jannesbjornson
May 12, 2022 at 04:47 pm
Give him a chance to show his stuff. He should have been in the rotation during the Playoff Game.
dobber
May 11, 2022 at 08:29 am
I think with the extra late round picks, BG has done a good job of looking for projection prospects on the OL. That might be part Milt Hendrickson whispering in his ear. That's a lot of cheap investment on guys who are filling out the depth chart...and some who are playing key roles.
Right now, the Packers have exactly 1 OL who isn't on a rookie contract. Go back just a couple years and they had big contracts across the board--for many years, the Packers were top 5 in cap commitment to OL. If they can get the same kind of play out of younger, inexpensive guys, it makes room for other commitments.
I think Rhyan will be a day 1 starter, and a fixture on the OL for years.
Minniman
May 11, 2022 at 09:03 pm
In lockstep with adding depth has been the timely cycling out of peaked veterans by Gute.
Bryan Bulaga is presently a free agent - having missed 11 games in the 2 seasons that he’s been gone.
Corey Linsley just had a solid, albeit non ‘all pro’ year (despite being the highest paid Center in the game)
I’m not bagging these players- just making the point that Gute replaced their level of play with much cheaper (and available) options.
Unless some thing untoward happens, the writing may well be on the wall for D-Bakh at the end of this coming season too……. That salary cap position isn’t going to fix itself!
HawkPacker
May 11, 2022 at 07:18 am
I have followed Goodson for three years at Iowa and noticed this past season that he does not like to get hit as I have seen him so many times actually back up when he is about to get hit rather than trying to gain additional yards. I was surprised to see him leave Iowa a year early as my thought is he could use another year of 'seasoning'. I know nothing about the other running back and hope that we have the same running backs as last year.
dobber
May 11, 2022 at 07:56 am
"I was surprised to see him leave Iowa a year early as my thought is he could use another year of 'seasoning'"
You never know what's going on in the locker room with the coaches or on the depth chart with recruits...or at home with regard to needing $$. In this era of far more generous transfer rules, though, if it were team related, he'd likely have entered the portal.
LLCHESTY
May 11, 2022 at 01:55 pm
He also could have likely gotten a sweet NIL deal from a major football powerhouse. Maybe not a house and $3 million but probably a safer route than being an UDFA.
Coldworld
May 12, 2022 at 09:34 am
True, but any player is always one injury away from the end of his career, either directly or due to invisibility. Age is important for RBs too. They have short career lifespans for the most part. In addition to Dobber’s valid points on off field considerations, I can see why he might have made the jump. Not that I have any insights into his thought process.
stockholder
May 11, 2022 at 07:25 am
Goodson vs Baylor- I'll take Goodson. Cuts on a Dime. Speed. And Much better Hands. Baylor - Drops passes. ( The NFL tackles much better.) Tackle Depth- Gutey says Jenkins can play where ever he wants too. OTs make more $$. But I still feel Left Guard suits him best. The packers got the best OL steals. All 3 have a good chance to stick. The Cool is behind the Front. Click bait- Hopefully we avoid the sluggish start. And these rookie WRs end all that trade talk. As far as the Love talk. The baby steps are over.
dobber
May 11, 2022 at 08:13 am
At this point, Baylor--in far fewer snaps--caught about as many passes in his college career as AJ DIllon. Just because a guy isn't asked to catch passes in college doesn't mean he can't.
In this case, they're both good scheme fits. They'll create competition in camp, and with Hill's ACL, insurance and depth at RB is a good thing for a team wanting to run the ball more.
"But I still feel Left Guard suits him best. "
I'm sure he'd be happy to play LG for RT or LT money.
jannesbjornson
May 11, 2022 at 10:25 am
It is still a wait and see on Jenkins recovery. Nothing is set in stone until he hits the field with the same skill set. They hedged with the O line picks which was necessary and hit the mark on all of them. I believe Wallace will get better.
Coldworld
May 11, 2022 at 11:07 am
Goodson has speed but weaknesses, as Al noted, a smaller RB with an upright stance is not ideal. Starks managed with a similar style, but was a much bigger man. I’ve also noticed the seeming aversion to contact. Baylor I’ve watched very little of. That’s what preseason is for.
Personally, I see Baylor as more aligned with Taylor in terms of competition to back up Dillon and Goodson with Hill behind Jones. It will be fun to watch it play out and hopefully health doesn’t intervene.
Coldworld
May 11, 2022 at 11:11 am
It’s possible that LG is his best temporary position on his return, but if a player can play well at tackle, that’s where he will end up because someone is going to pay him, as Dobber said. It’s just the way the cap and rarity of good OTs drives things.
Leatherhead
May 11, 2022 at 11:52 pm
He’s versatile enough that he’ll play where he can do the most good, and we don’t know where the injuries will hit. If we want him back in 2023, we’ll have to pay him like a LT.
Leatherhead
May 11, 2022 at 11:52 pm
He’s versatile enough that he’ll play where he can do the most good, and we don’t know where the injuries will hit. If we want him back in 2023, we’ll have to pay him like a LT.
Thegreatreynoldo
May 12, 2022 at 04:58 am
I am surprised at this. Perhaps it's just me, but I thought his highest level of play came when he was playing LT. That might have been just maturing as a football player. I thought Jenkins was a good but not great guard. I thought he was close to elite as an LT. Never thought he remotely threatened to be an elite LG. Maybe in year three he just simply got better and would have played LG as well or better than as he played LT.
greengold
May 12, 2022 at 11:07 am
Great point, TGR. As things stand, this might be a crystal ballish look at our OL upon Elgton’s return:
Starters: Bakhtiari, Runyan, Myers, Newman, Jenkins
Backups: Nijman, (Runyan), Tom, Rhyan, Walker
Could EASILY see Gutekunst tapping his Pro Scouts to add OG at roster cuts to 53. The Packers are pretty good at this, and I believe their Pro Scouts are stellar.
Newman is not given a lot of credit in these circles, but, he was a 3 year starter at RG prior to switching to RT for his Senior year at Mississippi.
—-
I’m liking UDFA C Michal Menet A TON to stick to the 53 man roster. 6-4 301 who was given a 6.15 nfl.com draft grade as a solid backup who can become a starter. They say he should have gone R4…
3 year starter and 2 time Team Captain at Penn St.
*On this, I firmly believe Zach Tom will also be getting a lot of OG reps, because he has the will to do so. I think this OL Staff will want to give him a look there as well.
—
Given Jenkins lands most likely on PUP to start 2022, could see Menet and/or a veteran OG added at cut downs. Keeping 10 OL to start 2022 is a possibility, although, Menet should be a safe PS stash.
LLCHESTY
May 11, 2022 at 01:57 pm
You liking the faster guy. Shocker
Guam
May 11, 2022 at 07:41 am
Tackle Depth: Why are many people writing off the Packers sixth round pick from a year ago (Van Lanen) in favor of the seventh round pick this year (Walker)? Walker had a disappointing senior year after being touted as a potential high draft pick at the end of his junior year. Some scouts pointed the finger at his lack of motivation. Van Lanen has been praised for his work ethic and his developmental year on the Packer practice squad should help him.
I would bet on a motivated sixth round pick with a year under his belt rather than a question mark of a seventh round pick. Maybe I am just being a Wisconsin homer here, but motivation is a big party of success in any field and particularly in sports. Walker's mindset worries me and I am not inclined to favor him just because he is the shiny new toy.
HawkPacker
May 11, 2022 at 07:48 am
As you say, 'he is a shiny new toy'. We need to wait until later on this summer and we will see when the dust settles.
JerseyAl
May 11, 2022 at 08:05 am
I was not much of a fan of Van Lanen. Wasn't impressed by his college tape and I considered him a guard prospect. That doesn't mean he couldn't develop into something, but Walker has the better physical tools for OT, he just needs to learn to use them properly and also show he has the inner drive to improve. We'll see how it plays out.
Guam
May 11, 2022 at 10:37 am
I watched Van Lanen all through college and agree that he is better suited to play guard at the NFL level. However Van Lanen has always been a motivated and hard working player. Walker may have better physical tools, but I watched him play when Penn State came to Madison and he looked unprepared to handle Wisconsin's edge rushers. I worry about guys who appear under motivated and don't live up to their physical tools. Too often they are draft busts despite great capabilities. I think Van Lanen belongs in the discussion at least as much as Walker.
As you say, we will see how it plays out.
Coldworld
May 11, 2022 at 11:15 am
Walker regressed technically. I suspect coaching efforts to correct something backfired. Something more frequently seen in baseball and more obviously. Perhaps it’s easily fixed, perhaps not. Camp should give us a good idea. A year ago he looked a lot better than a 7th. Given what they have achieved with the essentially technique free Nijman, I feel like we have the potential to unlock Walker’s.
Johnblood27
May 11, 2022 at 03:57 pm
lets see if Butkus can coach up the OL like Steno did over a few years.
Steno has moved up and doesn't have the time or directive to coach the OL anymore...
There's a new Sherriff in town...
Coldworld
May 11, 2022 at 05:20 pm
Hopefully moving up leaves a legacy of capability and retains the knowledge of method.
Johnblood27
May 11, 2022 at 09:28 pm
didnt work with drayton...
just sayin...
Coldworld
May 12, 2022 at 09:19 am
Who was Drayton succeeding?
Johnblood27
May 12, 2022 at 10:21 am
another bum
greengold
May 11, 2022 at 07:02 pm
I COMPLETELY AGREE, Al. The Van Lanen pick bummed me out last year.
DBs Tay Gowan, Isreal Mukuamu, Thomas Graham Jr. and Kary Vincent Jr. were there to be had with that R6 pick. I was stunned.
—
A lot of people here regurgitating erroneous info on Rasheed Walker.
He and 6 other Penn St players got knocked out in November by a mystery illness, or flu virus that was not COVID related. Then late in the year, he tore his meniscus.
Rasheed Walker is not a problem. He’s not unmotivated. He’s not uncoachable. He’s not lazy. If anybody’s lazy, it’s those in the draft industry throwing bad info around without doing their homework.
We’re fine at OT, especially once Rasheed is cleared to return to practice/play.
His failure to test at the combine had everything to do with his meniscus tear, not a bad attitude.
He had a great year 1 as a Freshman, an OK year 2, then had a rough start to his last year at Penn St. Picked himself up, then struggled with illness & injury. He needs coaching, development, like all OL rookies do.He’s got a great, wide base, feet constantly churn in run blocking. He just gets over extended on outside speed rushes, got caught leaning, had balance issues and really needs coaching up on handling stunts.
Rasheed Walker was the #5 ranked OT coming into 2021…
He’s a player with great upside and the physical attributes to be a solid NFL OT. If Stenovich & Butkus saw him as a player they could coach up, and Gutekunst saw him of value that late in the draft, that’s good enough for me.
Pretty promising player to get R7 Pick #249
Ranked Overall #121 by PFF
Ranked Overall #105 Ourlads
Ranked Overall #93 by Athlon
Ranked Overall #138 by The Sporting News
LLCHESTY
May 11, 2022 at 03:20 pm
When asked why he stole a bike he said I was tired of walking. That certainly triggers the bad attitude alarm bells for me.
They took a flyer, if he comes into camp ready to play with a fresh attitude good for him, if not oh well it was a 7th round pick. Maybe sitting around for three days waiting to hear his name woke his ass up.
greengold
May 11, 2022 at 03:26 pm
An 18 year old did something stupid? Shocking.
Johnblood27
May 11, 2022 at 03:59 pm
now a kid will give him his bike...
no more bike stealing!!
That's why you bring him to Green Bay!!!
dobber
May 11, 2022 at 08:18 am
I'm a UW homer to a certain degree, too, but I thought van Lanen was a pedigree pick, not a player pick. In college he looked lost (or even spastic) out there a lot--especially when he wasn't trying to road-grade in the run game. I was surprised the Packers took him, to be honest. Maybe he's gotten better in a year...we'll see.
Coldworld
May 12, 2022 at 09:27 am
I Was surprised when they kept Van Lanen, based on what I saw in camp, not for any other reason. I tend to trust the Packers not to be homers and also to be good judges of O Line talent for the most part though. That said I saw one or two good things, but had him going to the PS for the year.
Let’s see what he shows as he should get more exposure this preseason. I don’t consider him a lock over Walker or even possibly one of the YDFAs, notably “Tiny” Caleb Jones (another I’m interested to see what the Packers coaches can do with), but I think we need to see his second preseason to show what they saw in Van Lannen and where they see him fitting primarily.
greengold
May 12, 2022 at 04:06 pm
There’s another. UDFA OT/OG George Moore out of Oregon. He’s got lousy, slow footwork, but, seems he’s got all the other goods you look for. We’ll see there.
Found it interesting they had him listed at G on the minicamp list from last week. He played LT at Oregon.
jannesbjornson
May 11, 2022 at 10:32 am
Walker was dinged up a bit last season. Three year starter, should lose a couple pounds. I was hoping Logan Bruss would fall, but he was snagged in the third. Van Lanen a guard prospect.
LLCHESTY
May 11, 2022 at 03:11 pm
I think if he can make it out of training camp without stealing a kid's bike he has a good chance to make the roster, or at least the PS.
Coldworld
May 12, 2022 at 09:51 am
If that’s his worst societal infraction it’s probably not going to shake the moral fiber of the League or the Packers. Let’s give the guy a chance. We win if he seizes it.
PS. Did a bit of digging. He took a mountain bike to ride home from practice in his rookie year and left it in the grass by his house. Not the smartest on many levels since it was in front of a CCTV camera too.
However, Walker seems to have made a genuine effort to recover his reputation. He was appointed a Team Captain, at which time (2021) his QB described him as having earned a strong reputation among his peers as one who not only leads with his voice, but by example: "Not only being the best player on the team, but also being about it in the locker room, outside the facility.”
Seems like he may have learned from a childish mistake. As far as I’m concerned, the only thing that should matter now is his play.
greengold
May 12, 2022 at 11:39 am
Nicely excavated! Coldworld, hardhat & all… doin’ some good diggin’!
JerseyAl
May 12, 2022 at 11:44 am
ditto!
Leatherhead
May 12, 2022 at 01:44 pm
Guam here's my question about Van Lanen:
Given that we were a M*A*S*H unit last year, without Bakhtiari all season, and Myers for most of it, and Jenkins for the stretch run, why didn't Van Lanen play? In fact, the Packers cut him , and then resigned him, but the guy only played ONE offensive snap all season, despite the rest of the offensive line being out, injured, or just beat up. So there's that.
,
I don't know about the new guys, but I'd think that if a guy could start for three years in a school in a Power 5 conference, there's a possibility they might be an upgrade.
We dress 9 OL, and maybe one more inactive. Then we need two on the practice squad. That's 12. And they've all got to be able to play because they might be starting for you in the playoffs.
At this moment, I would suggest we still don't have 12, even with Van Lanen.
Bakhtiari, Runyan, Myers, Newman, Nijman. Our putative starters. Then comes our backup C, Hanson. After that, it's Van Lanen and the new guys. How many is that? Rhyan, Tom, Colossal Jones, Walker.......
Van Lanen ought to be ahead of these guys, until shown otherwise. He's had a year's headstart. If he's spent that in the weight room and working at his craft, he could be part of the solution.
The truth is, we just don't know what will happen. Maybe Bakhtiari can't survive the season. Maybe Myers can't survive the season. Maybe somebody else can't survive the season. I mean, as Jack Reacher says, "Hope for the best, plan for the worst".
MarkinMadison
May 11, 2022 at 07:53 am
We have officially entered the dead zone. I'd highly encourage my favorite CHTV content creators to allow themselves a little time off.
I'm really bummed about the reversion to traditional roster rules. Football is a rough sport. Having more players around and eligible to return only raises the quality of play on the field. How do we lobby Goodell?
The Packers did what the Packers do: draft Tackles that most people project to play guard. Except Walker. If the Packers can coach him up then he will be the best option at Tackle of all of them. He is a true boom or bust.
dobber
May 11, 2022 at 08:08 am
"Except Walker...He is a true boom or bust."
Yup. A true low risk, high reward kind of potential.
BirdDogUni
May 11, 2022 at 09:52 am
I did love his interview comments after coming to GB though. Seems he's very appreciative for the opportunity to play for the Packers. Sometimes, those boom or bust guys just need the right situation, coaching, and opportunities.
I know I am way too optimistic, but I'm hoping Rasheed Walker can come in and start at RT from the jump. (Or at the very least, show he could be the RT of the future with some hard work and good coaching.) Having some 7th round draft picks and UDFAs making huge strides is how a good team becomes a great team with solid depth.
Hoping for solid contributions is different than expecting them though. I know it's a long shot, but it would be a tremendous find in the 7th round...
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
May 11, 2022 at 08:11 am
Don't know whether Walker has motivational issues or not, however one cannot motivate someone long-term. It has to come from within. Hope reports are untrue but if he isn't inspired and motivated time to cut bait earlier rather than later. Camp will show all!
LLCHESTY
May 11, 2022 at 03:27 pm
I don't know about that. Zach Tom doesn't have ideal size and needs to get a little stronger but he certainly has the athleticism to play OT. There's also nothing wrong with being consistently technically proficient at your job. Something Walker definitely was not. Tom seems like the kind of guy that gets stuck at OT because of an emergency and then plays there for 5 or 10 years.
greengold
May 11, 2022 at 06:18 pm
Totally agree. Getting Zach Tom at Pick #140 was a big a steal in this draft as just about any of our picks.
Arguably the best combine numbers of any tackle in the class.
Earned highest pass blocking grade of all the OTs in college football 2021 at 92.1 per PFF. Mirroring ability keeps him at OT, even though he’s very proficient at C with 1030 snaps there exclusively in 2019.
Easy feet, small, choppy steps to maintain balance. Great hand use & strength to throw defenders. Grip strength and feet are exceptional as is his football intelligence. He’s almost never out of position to make a play on his assignment. 6-4 304 with a 4.91.
To think Elgton Jenkins was considered a steal at pick #44 in 2019?
Leatherhead
May 12, 2022 at 02:54 pm
Myers missed most of last year and might again. His backup, Jenkins, won't be available until later in the season. His #2 backup, Patrick, left in free agency. His #3 backup is Hanson, who I don't really know about.
So Tom's experience at center caught my attention. He might be needed there.
greengold
May 12, 2022 at 03:40 pm
Zach Tom could very well start at C Game 1. No info of Myers, and we had two UDFA Centers in last week’s minicamp, Michal Menet & Cole Schneider. Gutekunst clearly felt the need to cover some bases there.
MarkinMadison
May 11, 2022 at 09:54 pm
Not saying he can't. The experts said Bakh was a IOL when they evaluated him too. His tape against Florida State is very encouraging. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DM-oBbI9YFQ
Leatherhead
May 12, 2022 at 01:52 pm
Most High School coaches put their best guy at LT. Colleges put their best players at LT. So the best OL in the draft are frequently LTs.
As I see it, Rhyan and Walker will both be given an opportunity to show what they can do, and one of them will win the backup job. Both of these guys had multiple starts at LT in Power 5 conference so we'll just have to cross our fingers and hope.
I think Walker is a LT....he's boom or bust....., but I think Rhyan could play other positions.
Bearmeat
May 11, 2022 at 08:11 am
Wisconsinsportsheroics is Bleacher Report or NFL Memes geared towards the Packers, Bucks, Brewers, Badgers. It's always been clickbait. If you're stupid enough to follow that site (especially on socials) then you deserve to be lied to. I don't begrudge them the money they've earned. I just despise the business model. What did J.P. Barnum Bailey say again? Oh yeah: "There's a sucker born every minute."
JerseyAl
May 11, 2022 at 08:16 am
They just started showing up in my google notifications - had never seen them before (and never will again).
Spock
May 11, 2022 at 08:33 am
Bearmeat, I think you meant P.T. Barnum; J.P. Morgan was the uber-rich financial dude. Those initial-things can be confusing, lol. I can see why Barnum used initials his full name is Phineas Taylor Barnum.
Bearmeat
May 11, 2022 at 09:08 am
LOL. Thanks. I should have googled it. But I'm lazy haha
Johnblood27
May 11, 2022 at 04:02 pm
Fascinating... ;-|
PatrickGB
May 11, 2022 at 08:14 am
I liked the looser practice squad rules. And I think they helped players who would not have got a chance to play in the NFL. It’s positive effect helped injured players too. All in all it was good for the game. I now wonder if the NFL will be keeping an eye on other leagues like the USFL or whatever they are calling themselves now.
Coldworld
May 11, 2022 at 12:14 pm
Wholeheartedly agree. I thought it made for better football and helped younger players. Wish they would have kept that.
BirdDogUni
May 12, 2022 at 10:01 am
Hoping the next CBA has expanded rosters or more lenient PS rules. I would like to see 66 man game day rosters. 22 offense, 22 defense, 22 STs. (This is on the fly, off the top of my head without much thought, obviously... Lol )
It always bugged me that the NFL limited rosters so much when it is a multi-billion dollar a year business. Why penalize teams for having injuries in a violent sport? Why limit the number of employees a company can hire?
Imagine if Hollywood could only have 46 people in a movie. Or limited the number of CGI scenes. I know that is a terrible analogy, but you get my point. Without a developmental league like NFL Europe and with limited practices, it seems more than reasonable to me to increase game day rosters to more than adequate numbers. It's entertainment, why limit it to the point of hamstringing a team because they have a rash of injuries?
It just always seemed stupid to me to have so few players available on gameday when it would benefit roughly 700+ more people across the league. I realize there has to be limits, but why so stringent?
mrtundra
May 11, 2022 at 08:14 am
Hello Al! The only tape I've seen of Baylor was him running wild over the team from Hawaii. Hawaii might not be the most stout run defenders, in college, but I loved how Baylor made mincemeat of them. The stuff on Goodson that I've seen is that he can catch passes and run wild. Baylor might not be able to do that, as well as Goodson can. Baylor is a better tackle breaker than Goodson is, though. If Baylor can be coached to catch passes, out of the backfield, he may be the better RB in the UDFA ranks. Can we get a hybrid from these two and call him Goodlor, or Bayson?
JerseyAl
May 11, 2022 at 08:18 am
Haha. That's why they are UDFAs - they are not a "complete" package. Where is Dr. Frankenstein when we need him?
dobber
May 11, 2022 at 08:20 am
He's the team doctor for Tampa Bay.
croatpackfan
May 11, 2022 at 09:09 am
And you earned cookie, Dobber.
HawkPacker
May 11, 2022 at 09:23 am
The Gene Wilder version!
'What knockers!'
Thegreatreynoldo
May 12, 2022 at 05:11 am
Or KC. Only four teams passed Justyn Ross on his medicals, one of whom was KC.
RCPackerFan
May 11, 2022 at 08:31 am
The Hype is Real -
For me there are always some guys that stand out to me for the UDFAs. But usually after camp starts. This year though one guy really has my attention. That is Tyler Goodson. I was surprised he went undrafted. But he brings a lot of ability to the offense. With the unknown about Hill, right now the biggest battle for the 3rd spot is with Patrick Taylor. Who will not be easily overtaken for that spot. But Goodson I think could provide a bit of the Tyler Ervin type of role. I think he could be really good in the passing game. Also i think he could potentially be a returner. Goodson is one that has caught my eye.
Goodson vs. Baylor -
I don't know much about Baylor to be honest. The biggest reason for me that I like Goodson is seeing him playing at Iowa. I think schematically he could add something to the offense.
Either way, they needed competition at RB with Hill possibly not back before camp and possibly starting on the Pup.
Practice squad rules -
That is the one thing from covid, i was really hoping they would continue.
Tackle this -
I agree about the depth at OT. But also the depth inside is very good as well. I think we will see this lineup as the starting 5 or the preferred starting 5 when healthy. Bakhtiari, Runyan, Myers, RG, Jenkins. I haven't picked a RG yet, because I think they have a lot of options. Newman would likely be penciled in as the starter, but the one that I think they are hoping takes over at RG is Rhyan. I think his size could really provide a power element to the RG spot. With Jenkins we don't know when he will return, so Rhyan could compete at RT also. But also look for Tom to compete at RT. He could be a backup at all 5 spots. could compete for a starting job also. Walker is one to watch. He could be our next Mark Tauscher. Takes over at RT and stays there for 10 years. I really like the players they acquired for the OL. they have really invested a lot of draft picks into the position. They drafted 3 this year, 3 last year, 3 two years ago. The last 3 drafts they have drafted 9 OL. 8 of them are still with the team.
Clickbait -
There are so many clickbait articles out there. I don't see any from cheeseheadtv, which is one of the many reasons I have been coming here for 10 plus years.
Bearmeat
May 11, 2022 at 09:10 am
My answer with all projections until week 2 or 3 is always: "Eh. We'll see." The same for this draft class. If they get 3 starters out of it - and not all pros mind you - just solid starters - by year 4, that's an "average" draft.
Coldworld
May 11, 2022 at 11:30 am
I’m actually hoping that they give Gafford a go in an Ervin type role. It’s probably unlikely, but that kid is genuinely fast and elusive. It would be fun to have an Ervin with 4.2 speed.
croatpackfan
May 11, 2022 at 09:23 am
Ah, nice as always, Al.
Tackle this: What is the status of David Bakhtiari? Those nagging issues, especially if you can not find cause for the water leaking may end David's career in the blink of the eye. Second. If Sean Rhyan was playing dominantly at the college level, and he shows through TC that he has everything what player has to have in himself to play tackle, why trying to invent something new. If he can beat Yosh for the position, play him at tackle. It is much better option than to play Jenkins at tackle, when he return from injury. Playing tackle is more dangerous to renew your ACL injury or to earn one on the other knee than when you play G or C. Simply, playing tackle needs more different leg movements than playing any of the other OL positions.
Any complaint regarding short arms Rhyan has - I'll say you this argument: Many was against David Bakhtiari pick because he has, guess what - short arms, which is ultimate disadvantage when you play tackle. Or is it? IS IT? "Right? RIGHT?" to copy you a little, Al.
greengold
May 12, 2022 at 09:58 am
C’mon. Bakhtiari has 34” arms!!!
The “complaint” from his official nfl.com draft profile was that he had “ thin arms.” Funny, how those THIN ARMS held up quite nicely as a ROOKIE GAME 1 STARTER, FOREVER.
croat, I expect more from you, Bubs!!! LOL
FYI, I’ve called out the arm length for OTs - at length - simply because it is a physical trait overwhelmingly found amongst the best OTs in the NFL. The combine average arm length at the position was 34 1/8” for 2022.
I love Sean Rhyan, and firmly believe he could become one of the greatest outliers in recent NFL history to produce top level play at OT with 32 5/8” arms. He has other attributes which I believe allow him to transcend that physical anomaly for an NFL OT:
RUGBY. NASTY. 11 1/8” HANDS THAT ARE INSANELY POWERFUL. PHENOM LIGHT FEET. RIDICULOUSLY POWERFUL BASE. IMMENSE STRENGTH.
Jason Peters is considered the greatest modern day outlier for top level OT play while having “short arms,” at 33 1/8”…
Oppy
May 12, 2022 at 12:42 am
defining a clickbait article is easy.
It's an article that has a misleading title that does not accurately reflect the nature or content of the article, intentionally crafted to draw in more readership than the article would otherwise garner of its own merit.
Intentionally misleading title, that's the main criteria for clickbait. Usually intending to elicit a visceral response.
I hate clickbait.
13TimeChamps
May 11, 2022 at 09:42 am
Luckily, it doesn't take the reader long to realize it is, in fact, clickbait and to move on to something else. But I hate it as well.
pantz_bURp
May 11, 2022 at 06:02 pm
"Luckily, it doesn't take the reader long to realize it is, in fact, clickbait and to move on to something else."
Unless, they graduated from a college/university located in the Midwest, then it probably takes them a smidge longer to realize it is clickbait. Is that your opinion 13TimeChamps? Or is your opinion solely based on sound research you must have done on UWEC ["that esteemed "Harvard of the Upper Midwest....UW-EauClaire"] and it's lower education value or standards? I attended UWEC and many of my colleagues are bright. Compared to me UWEC graduates shine. I was actually late for my own graduation. It was a blessing, I graduated with the social workers whom I have much respect for. So, I ain't the brightest...but that is okay. I am an original, have flawed jokes and that is okay. I try to hear everyone's opinion whether I agree or not. My flaw is trying to hang with some truly knowledgeable football fans that do their homework and present it in a way that doesn't mock or put someone down. I learned that I need to be accountable for what I comment on, so thanks. That is why I am usually pretty good at self deprecating humor or silliness. But I realized, you all didn't come for clown hour. So, I will continue to read these comments to be a more knowledgeable Packer fan. Thanks to Cheese head TV and you wild Packer fans! The G force is strong among us... :)
Coldworld
May 11, 2022 at 05:25 pm
I think there’s a need for some Rodgers type cleansing among some after this thread.
pantz_bURp
May 11, 2022 at 05:30 pm
Thanks Cold....I stocked this past weekend JUST-IN-CASE. 😁
pantz_bURp
May 11, 2022 at 05:34 pm
My peace sign fingers typed the same comment twice...my bad. ✌️
PatrickGB
May 11, 2022 at 06:40 pm
No worries. I only use one finger and I still double post on occasion.
pantz_bURp
May 11, 2022 at 06:51 pm
That one finger hopefully isn't flying in my direction? :D
13TimeChamps
May 12, 2022 at 09:12 am
I wasn't trying to cast aspersions on your school. I was just responding to another poster's ridiculous comment that taking one class over 40 years ago qualifies him to question people who have spent a lifetime in their field.
I'm sure UWEC is a fine school. I apologize.
pantz_bURp
May 12, 2022 at 09:20 am
Thanks 13TimesChamps...it is appreciated. No worries, I just have to stick up for the "Blugolds" whenever I can (whatever a blugold is?) :)
Hope you and the rest of the G-gang here at CHTV have a good to great day!
Leatherhead
May 11, 2022 at 11:55 pm
I will never say clickbait on this site again, even if it’s a ridiculous story about “sources”telling somebody about trading for the Raiduhs TE.
Packers13x
May 12, 2022 at 08:27 am
This is such a bad look for you, Al. Name dropping another site because you don’t like the title of their post? Labeling it as Clickbait? First… To address your “claim,”anyone who reads the word projected and assumes that that means it is set in stone clearly doesn’t use that word very often. A projection isn’t a fact. It’s exactly that… a projection. Those types of headlines are all over the Internet, and I guarantee you Cheesehead TV or “Packers Talk” have had a few of their own.
It’s one thing to not like a headline, that is totally fine. But to use your platform to drag down another site is ridiculous. The Internet is big enough for everyone and to bag on someone else’s site just because you don’t like it, is the lowest form of “journalism” there is.
Get off your high horse Al, focus on you and yours. Not dragging down the competition
JerseyAl
May 12, 2022 at 09:00 am
You just joined here 30 minutes ago, expressly to come in here and bitch about it, so obviously you are associated somehow with Wisconsin Sports Heroics. Sorry if you are offended, but nobody here disagreed with my opinion of that site. And rest assured, my few sentences here will not be dragging down any site. It's just some commentary. I only gave one example, but I was getting notifications from WSH for weeks and they were rife with certified clickbait. They (or you) are the ones with the bad look, but are free to do as they please regardless of what I think. If you're trying to tell me I can't express an opinion of some other web site on my site, then you are riding a much higher horse than I.
greengold
May 12, 2022 at 09:31 am
100% LEGIT, JerseyAl. Packers13x came here, to CHTV, expressly to troll.
Trolling is never a good look…
**** IRONY ALERT:
“… and to bag on someone else’s site just because you don’t like it, is the lowest form of “journalism” there is.”
LOL
Packers13x
May 12, 2022 at 10:13 am
At no point did I troll anyone or trash talk CHTV.
Packers13x
May 12, 2022 at 10:14 am
I’ve been a long time follower but had no reason to comment on anything until now. I live in Canada and haven’t heard of the Wisconsin Sports site till now. However I have also never seen CHTV link another site in an article just to bag on them.
You had been getting notifications from them for weeks? You said earlier in this thread that you had never seen them before, that they popped up in your google news feed? And that you “won’t see them again.” So stop trying to justify your point by contradicting yourself.
Your 19 comments on a post that members are subscribed to somewhat justify your rude opinion? No one said anything about you not being able to express an opinion. It was directly about you using your platform to drag down others. Which is exactly what you did in your post and comments. The internet is already a rude place, you adding to that for no reason other than “your opinion” isn’t something to be proud of
JerseyAl
May 12, 2022 at 12:05 pm
"They just started showing up..." means I didn't ask to follow them - as the commenter I was replying to was referring to. Pretty clear, I think.
Telling me I shouldn't comment on another site is telling me not to express my opinion. You don't get that? I link to other sites all the time in a positive light. If there's something I don't like, I can talk about that too. It's allowed.
I can't believe you have no affiliation with them to be this outraged by what I happened to say about a site you supposedly had never heard of.
You don't have to like my comment. I don't feel bad about calling out what I consider a "bad actor." If the shoe fits, they can wear it. And they can not give a shit about what I think and ignore it - something you could do also. And yet, you persist. Curious...
Those are my last thoughts on your righteousness crusade. Sorry I disappoint you.
- Al
MainePackFan
May 12, 2022 at 07:12 pm
You pissed someone off Al. Good Job!! ! :-)
greengold
May 12, 2022 at 01:06 pm
“ At no point did I troll anyone or trash talk CHTV.” — IRONIC DISINGENUOUS TROLL.
… and, you say THIS in the very next freaking breath… ??? uh-huh.