Packers 2017 NFL Draft: Day 2 Projections

Well that was a looooong wait with no payoff, right? 

I've spent the morning sparring with frustrated Packers fans on twitter and admittedly, the lack of sleep had me a bit cranky. A lot of the reaction most certainly had to do with the Packers passing on TJ Watt. I had been told the Packers had him with a second round grade on their board, but my own enthusiasm for his potential led me to pick him in my mock drafts regardless. Lesson learned. 

Ted's comments after Round one tell you exactly why they traded back (yes, Ted actually gave us some information).  He told us that their board held up strongly at the end of the round. What this means is that they had 3-4 guys (he even said that) that they would have taken at 29. Odds are very good at least one of them will be there at 33, so why not get an extra pick? And the absolute beauty of this trade is it gives them the first pick to be taken on each of the two remaining days of the draft. Ted will have all day to field offers from other teams looking to insure they get the guy high on their board who has dropped and they consider a great value.

Ted is in a great spot and can play hardball. He can let some team blow him away with an offer, and if that doesn't happen, just stay put and get one of his first-round grade players anyway.

I fully expect the Packers to trade back again, but regardless, here are some players to keep an eye out for in Rounds two and three.

Kevin King - This seems to be the consensus choice now if they stay at #33. I'm totally on board as I think there will be run of cornerbacks early in round 2.

Chidobe Awuzie -  Equally on board for this. Love the speed/strength combination. If Packers' pass rush continues to be mediocre, he's a guy that can stick with receivers across the field.

Sidney Jones -  First round talent, but injured. Would the Packers take a chance on a CB that likely starts on PUP? I say no.

Quincy Wilson -  This was my Rd 2 pick for the Packers in the CHTV Draft Guide. I wrote that it might require a trade up from the end of the round - likley still true. Of course, they could take him at 33.

Jordan Willis. - I was told Packers scouts were practically living in his dorm room, they were there so often.

Tyus Bowser - Off the charts athlete, played in a 3-4 defense, not very polished, needs some time, but could be a very useful situational pass rusher to start out.

Derek Rivers - Small school pass rushing demon, dynamic athlete (a combine top performer), a bit one-dimensional (pass rush), but it's a dimension the Packers desperately need.

Joe Mixon - If he keeps dropping, it could happen. Packers had him in for a visit, have a coach on staff (Jerry Montgomery) that was involved with his recruitment to Oklahoma, and I was told they have a Round 2 grade on him. Packers are not afraid to deal with troubled players - feel they can guide them onto the right path. 

Dalvin Cook - Likely the best player that missed out on Round One. Too many issues for me, but there are likely teams that covet him - teams are likely calling Ted to trade up for him.

D'Onta Foreman - Not with a Rund 2 pick, but if he lasts to end of third, expect  the Packers to pull the trigger.

Forrest Lamp -  A guard in Round two would be new territory for Ted, but Lamp has drawn comparisons to Zach Martin. Still, Ted's not doing this.

Dion Dawkins - I like him as much as Lamp, although Lamp is the better athlete.

Issac Asiata -  Would be a bit of a departure from the Packers' "type," but he's my sleeper at the guard position in this draft.

Zay Jones -  NFL genes, all-tim FBS receptions leader, high-character kid - would be a great addition.

Cooper Kupp - Here's your FCS all-time receptions leader, great hands, driven to succeed.

Chris Godwin - The king of contested catches (necessary with those Penn State QBs) he would have a cakewalk playing with Aaron Rodgers.

Zach Cunnignham  - He would be a different style ILB for the Packers (play speed to run and chase) than what they have, which would be a good thing. However, he will surely go in round 2 and doubt the Packers spend a pick on him.

Other names to watch for: Cam Robinson, Taylor Moton, Pat Elflein, Dorian Johnson, Shaquill Griffin, Ahkello Witherspoon, Ryan Anderson, Carlos Watkins, Nazair Jones, Kareem Hunt, Curtis Samuel,  Adam Shaheen, JuJu Smith-Schuster

 

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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 (77)

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slit's picture

April 28, 2017 at 12:01 pm

Hoping for Quincy Wilson, he might be the best man cover in this draft. Don't sleep on Budda Baker.

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JerseyAl's picture

April 28, 2017 at 12:05 pm

Baker is below their usual DB height threshold.

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slit's picture

April 28, 2017 at 12:03 pm

Also, Jets & Chargers both want Kizer. A trade back is very possible.

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PatrickGB's picture

April 28, 2017 at 12:03 pm

Agree with the article. And unless Ted gets a knockout offer from another team I see him staying with the spot. I see King or Awuzie. Cook or Mixon could be had mid round but are good values wherever they fall.

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sonomaca's picture

April 28, 2017 at 12:04 pm

Lots of players teams covet but which the Packers don't: Obi, Kizer, Webb, Robinson, Lampe, Mixon, Cook to name a few.

Could see the Pack trading back in round 2 more than once.

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EdsLaces's picture

April 28, 2017 at 12:09 pm

Awuzie,king,boswer, or rivers please .

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sonomaca's picture

April 28, 2017 at 12:12 pm

How about #33 and a fifth for Jets 2018 #1?

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EdsLaces's picture

April 28, 2017 at 02:59 pm

How about no.

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Finwiz's picture

April 28, 2017 at 03:17 pm

I will be very happy if they get Rivers at some point, and any of the remaining top tier CB's.

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jh9's picture

April 28, 2017 at 12:37 pm

If the Packers end the night with Jordan Willis, Joe Mixon, and Shaquill Griffin, I will be singing praises to Ted Thompson and jumping for joy!

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PatrickGB's picture

April 28, 2017 at 12:43 pm

Now its rumored that the Packers are looking at a QB! Really? Top of the second and all the top QB's are gone and we are looking at a QB?

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hobbes's picture

April 28, 2017 at 02:00 pm

There's basically no chance for ton of reasons

1) you don't want to burn a roster spot on a 3rd qb, which you certainly will have to of you want to keep Hundley (which I assume they do)

2) you absolutely kill Hundley's trade value next year as he goes from key back up to cast off

3) there's no way to recoup the value of the pick via trade or comp pick. There's little value in developing a second round qb and trading for a 1st. Doing it with a 5th round pick makes sense, a top 2nd/bottom 1st pick does not.

4) you are going to make Rodgers the highest paid qb again either this year or next, you can't have him and a high second round pick on payroll

5) this will certainly piss of Rodgers, which again you don't want to do right before you negotiate with him

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canadapacker's picture

April 28, 2017 at 02:36 pm

Who writes this stuff ?? QB - I could see it if we had received a draft pick for Hundley ( which I floated before on this board - still feel that he is more valuable than some of the later round picks at QB and at least has some NFL tape albeit preseason and a very little mop-up). Other than that why pick him unless you are going to immediately trade him? Dumb idea probably but Ted's grandson in order to drum up trade talk for the pick.

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hobbes's picture

April 28, 2017 at 04:28 pm

Actually Teds a life long bachelor so it's not his grandson, but I wouldn't be surprised if the source is from Thompson or been approved by Thompson. He's trying to drum up interest; I think it would be a better ploy to float Lamp as the pick given he's the best interior OL prospect and the Packers have a need but he's likely going to get more leverage from a qb needy team.

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PatrickGB's picture

April 28, 2017 at 01:09 pm

I just hope its a ploy...ugh

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sonomaca's picture

April 28, 2017 at 01:11 pm

Too obvious. Means nobody wants Kizer.

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ewilkie's picture

April 28, 2017 at 12:48 pm

Packer's #33 for Jet's #39. In return Packers get the Jet's #70 and the Packer's give up #93 and #134; we received #108 from the Browns last night, so the Packers really do not lose ground unless people are counting the number of picks. We are jumping up a significant number of spots losing that one pick that we effectively gained last night.

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Finwiz's picture

April 28, 2017 at 12:51 pm

Is this confirmed?

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ewilkie's picture

April 28, 2017 at 01:19 pm

No, just me wishing it would happen. At this point quality over quantity.

Thank you for asking

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Finwiz's picture

April 28, 2017 at 01:24 pm

That's some overzealous speculation on your part - I mean really, do you eat, drink and sleep the NFL draft? LOL
It sounded like you were reading a press release.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

April 28, 2017 at 01:28 pm

this is the kind of scenario I am hoping for. get as many picks as possible in this draft before the middle of round 4.

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4zone's picture

April 28, 2017 at 03:04 pm

No way. Defeats the propose of trading down to begin with. We trade down again for jets 2nd rd and second 3rd rd picks at a minimum.

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al bundy's picture

April 28, 2017 at 01:10 pm

First Ted advertisers spot 33 is available then later or were going for Kizer. Ya other GM's what want Kizer are crapping their pants now. Really, no not really.
That would be the dumbest pick in the draft so far, a guy you cant use on a team full of holes needing filling and QB aint one of them. I'm not buying it and neither is any GM who wants Kizer.

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sonomaca's picture

April 28, 2017 at 01:13 pm

I can't believe TT would actually believe that anyone would believe this "rumor".

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Finwiz's picture

April 28, 2017 at 01:28 pm

I will fall off my chair if they pick a QB at 33.
Then I will look for someone to assassinate on the GB staff - the higher the general the better.
(relax, I'm just kidding)
Even they couldn't be that dumb, but then again they picked Justin Harrell and Jonathan Franklin, so anything's possible.

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dobber's picture

April 28, 2017 at 01:41 pm

I don't know why you'd be on him about Franklin. He was a steal where they took him, and his neck injury (which happened in a regular season game) was a sad turn of events. But not anything like Harrell.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

April 28, 2017 at 01:33 pm

LOL

The idea is someone shortly after 33 like the Rams, Jags or Jets will pick Kizer and the Packers trade partner would move up to guarantee they get him and overpay to do so.

LOL

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Norm's picture

April 28, 2017 at 01:41 pm

Or Browns?

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

April 28, 2017 at 02:01 pm

The Browns are at 52 so they might want to trade up, if they like Kinzer, just really doubt Ted wants to trade down to 52. The Jags wouldn't trade up probably unless the Packers told them someone else was going to.

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Norm's picture

April 28, 2017 at 02:16 pm

#33 and Hundley for the Browns #52, #65 and 2018 #1 and #2. You heard it hear first. Unless it doesn't happen then just ignore this post.

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al bundy's picture

April 28, 2017 at 01:13 pm

Make take, cheap ass Ted has a lot of holes to fill and he knows it and he doesnt have the money for top picks who want to much so he is happy with a slew of 4th rounders that he can afford.
Bl letting qaulity guys go to FA Ted cant play the other game, trade his thrids and fourths for another 2 or a couple of 2's and get 4 real quality play makers. No he is playing the game wrong IMHO.
I would take 4 very good players over 9 average ones.

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dobber's picture

April 28, 2017 at 01:20 pm

Thanks for the info, GM Bundy. By the by, you made a great call last night trading and picking for the Bears...

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sonomaca's picture

April 28, 2017 at 01:23 pm

GB almost obligated to take Lampe if they stick. After all, must protect Rodgers. That's the bottom line.

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sonomaca's picture

April 28, 2017 at 01:27 pm

If they take line O Line will be best and deepest in NFL. That's not nothing.

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Finwiz's picture

April 28, 2017 at 01:29 pm

Except he's a guard, so I doubt it.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

April 28, 2017 at 01:37 pm

That would be very unTed like.

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sonomaca's picture

April 28, 2017 at 01:41 pm

True. However, you need to pay more attention to O line as Rodgers ages. He's not going to be as mobile going forward. I think they will and should go for Lamp.

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MarkinMadison's picture

April 28, 2017 at 02:37 pm

Given that they just signed Jahri Evans, I don't think they will use a high pick on a guard. They'll pick a guy who needs a year of seasoning.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

April 28, 2017 at 03:29 pm

Round 3-5 guys who played Tackle in college is TT's MO.

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Handsback's picture

April 28, 2017 at 01:47 pm

Well TT is acting like Cleveland did yesterday and that makes sense since he does have the first pick today.
I see no earthly way TT comes out with Willis, Griffin, and Mixon. However I do expect to see those three postions filled tonight and maybe adding an additional pick for Saturday.
This isn't like the movie Draft Day, and there's only one Chicago team out there, so I think we need to be realistic in our expectations.

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J0hn Denver's Gavel's picture

April 28, 2017 at 05:34 pm

I came here to say I think they get Willis and Mixon in rd 2. That will most likely require a bit of maneuvering. Who knows, this process is a bonafide crap shoot, unless you have the very 1st pick :)

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sonomaca's picture

April 28, 2017 at 01:57 pm

If Pack really were going to take Kizer, they'd obviously have to trade Hundley first. Would need to get a highish second.

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4zone's picture

April 28, 2017 at 03:24 pm

Could not get as much for Hundley as we could for the pick itself. No sense in that.

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holmesmd's picture

April 28, 2017 at 02:19 pm

Now come to find out GB is considering Norte Dame QB at #33?! If that happens, I'm done. I can't take this cheeky crap:(( SMH

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sonomaca's picture

April 28, 2017 at 02:24 pm

McCarthy said at combine that Hundley is ready. I think other teams would take that at face value. Could Hundley be on the move here shortly?

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croatpackfan's picture

April 28, 2017 at 02:25 pm

Nice review Al, Thank you!

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Finwiz's picture

April 28, 2017 at 02:39 pm

OK - after looking at this list of best available, I'm hoping they seriously consider Derek Rivers. Other than competition he played against, this guy has everything over TJ Watt in terms of athleticism . I see a can't miss edge rusher here, with great productivity in college. 4.61 - 40 yd. 30 reps on the bench - strong as a bull at 248 lbs. Whooaa

He spent a semester at Fork Union Military Academy first, as many east coast college hopefuls do instead of redshirting, then moved into a reserve role on defense for the Penguins in 2013 (13 tackles, three for loss, 2.5 sacks). The next season, he started to terrorize quarterbacks, making 50 tackles, 17 for loss, and 14 sacks (tied for fifth in the FCS) in 12 games. Rivers played defensive end and linebacker as a junior (52 tackles, 15.5 for loss, eight sacks) and then really turned it on with Moss across the way in 2016. He was a third-team Associated Press FCS All-American as a senior with 58 tackles, 19.5 for loss, and 14 sacks, which ranked second in the nation.

STRENGTHS Consistent, high-level production as a starter. Plays the same way from snap to snap and plays with high football character. Strikes with quick upward punch under tackle's shoulders to stake a leverage claim on the edge. Good burst out of stance as pass rusher. Rushes with lean and dips low to propel himself around the edge at his fourth step. Creates speed-to-power push with a second gear into contract. Works to uncover outside shoulder and spill play-side runs to the boundary. Adequate power for stand-up linebacker on next level. Flashes disruptive qualities in gaps. Adequate pursuit speed.

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PackEyedOptimist's picture

April 28, 2017 at 02:40 pm

Obi Melefonu and Budda Baker are both being left out of most people's comments, but they both would improve the Packers' coverage. Baker may be short, but he's fast and a terrific player--he'd be better than Micah Hyde was. Obi would be a great chess piece to put on an opponent's tall receiving threat--he'd be athletically equal to ANY tall WR or TE he'd cover.

As much as I'd like a trade-down, it would have to be a really impressive one or I'd pick Obi.

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Finwiz's picture

April 28, 2017 at 02:43 pm

I don't really like any of these CB's that are left in round 2 or 3. They all have major flaws, not to mention no big play ability they need. The one guy I might of traded up to get was the Alabama guy, Humphries.

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dobber's picture

April 28, 2017 at 03:05 pm

None of them are perfect...

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defense's picture

April 28, 2017 at 04:23 pm

Agreed. I believe both Randall and Hunter still have potential to develop and become second string corners. I don't see any corner left that will become a true number one Corner except for Sidney Jones. I would take a chance on him at 62th or try a developmental guy on later rounds.

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Lphill's picture

April 28, 2017 at 02:43 pm

TT is taking a running back then a receiver , don't you guys know he fixed the defense with House and Francois ?

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Finwiz's picture

April 28, 2017 at 02:47 pm

Love your sarcasm. Yeah, the defense is fixed, so the silver fox will probably go all offense, all the time. With those two guys, the holes are plugged. LOL

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Handsback's picture

April 28, 2017 at 03:06 pm

Watching the draft closer than I ever had (maybe it's because I'm in the office and not on the road) but what I'm seeing is TT playing his options to get a good trade. Saying he'll take a QB...now if you have any sense of humor that's a laughable statement. What I'm seeing is everyone playing along like, yep Green Bay want a QB and will take Kizer. Now I ask you...do you really believe they believe that? No! Everyone is playing the yeah, that will be Green Bay's pick, when we all know it's a trade ploy.
The issue isn't what is said in the press, it's what is happening behind closed doors in the team's war room. Chargers, Jets, Cardinals all see this but know they have to make a deal to get this QB. So I'm betting 5 minutes before the draft opens, TT has traded that pick for a golden goose and some magic beans.
It's sort of fun having this pick and knowing all the back office trading that is going on to get it.
I think (my opinion only) that TT has a good rep in the business for being very firm and fair. Not trying to squeeze everything he can from another team just because he can. That makes him easier to trade with and might bring enough good offers for those magic beans. It's just too bad the bears already gave their's away!

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mrtundra's picture

April 28, 2017 at 03:13 pm

Hoping for Kevin King and Jordan Willis in the second round.

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4zone's picture

April 28, 2017 at 03:17 pm

Don't think the Kizer garbage came from the Packers but someone wanting to generate fake buzz.

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canadapacker's picture

April 28, 2017 at 03:51 pm

For cripes sakes - just take Mixon and be done with it - Nobody close to the top wants to trade for a Quarterback and we have too many needs and Mixon is a really high value guy. Take a CB late in the 2nd round and Olineman at the bottom of the 3rd with the top of the 3rd being the best available player. Monty can be the flex running back and with the 2 tight ends - just imagine the possibilities no matter who is on the field. The best defense is keeping the ball in AR's hands all the time.

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4thand1's picture

April 28, 2017 at 03:56 pm

So he traded out of the 1st round. Now every player becomes easier to sign and leave cap room. They've had all day to make deals, and some team will overpay to draft Kizer. Veeerrry interesting..................

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hobbes's picture

April 28, 2017 at 04:45 pm

Actually I just had a thought:

What if a deal is already in place for the 33rd pick and the Packers are guessing their trade partner will select Kizer?

Let's say for example that the Jets are interested in Kizer and have already negotiated a deal to move up. Naturally the Jets won't tell them who they are going to pick, but given the mood of the negotiations the Packers probably figured it had to be a QB (i.e. Kizer).

By floating this rumor around, the Packers have essentially put out a notice to the rest of the league that a QB (who they think will be Kizer) is going at pick 33 and they will need to offer a better package than the Jets. On the flip side the Packers can go back to the Jets and say "hey someone just offered more" and see if they will give up even more.

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Patrick Helms's picture

April 28, 2017 at 04:30 pm

I would like to see Cook over Mixon. Hitting that girl like he did is inexcusable and says a lot about his character. Cook may not push the pile but he has great awareness and speed when it's needed. I also like Tabor even though his times were low at the combine. Would be awesome to have him and Wilson on the same team again....lol...what would he odds of that be.

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4thand1's picture

April 28, 2017 at 04:46 pm

With 33rd pick, the Packers select Kizer, I will be shopping for a new TV, then drive to GB and punch Ted in the mouth.

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dobber's picture

April 28, 2017 at 05:47 pm

With 15 minutes before all heck breaks loose, it looks like the Jets, Chargers and Bucs are interested in #33. (It won't let me post the link with the www. on it).

profootballrumors.com/2017/04/draft-packers-no-33-pick

Demovsky speculates the Packers will take either Cook or King if they stay put.

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canadapacker's picture

April 28, 2017 at 06:00 pm

How about swapping picks with the Jets and also getting Sheldon Richardson thrown in. Would sure alleviate pressure on the Dline

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dobber's picture

April 28, 2017 at 06:01 pm

Sheldon Richardson is a problem child who's going to need to get paid, or he's a rental.

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TommyG's picture

April 28, 2017 at 06:17 pm

Yay! King! Very happy pick

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jh9's picture

April 28, 2017 at 06:20 pm

Kevin King... I guess TT didn't have as much confidence in Randall and Rollins as I thought he had.

We've got a starting CB.

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dobber's picture

April 28, 2017 at 06:22 pm

Still had losses (Shields and Hyde) and House is only on a 1-year deal. Had to have a CB at some point.

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jh9's picture

April 28, 2017 at 06:36 pm

I expected TT would draft a CB. I just didn't think he would use his first pick to get one. To me, that's an admission he made a mistake in the 2015 draft when he drafted Randall and Rollins with his 1st and 2nd picks.

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dobber's picture

April 28, 2017 at 06:40 pm

Actually, I didn't think he would either (round 3, Shaquill Griffin...I think we both like him). I thought we'd see an edge player and an offensive skill guy first. I just think this is where value met need.

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J0hn Denver's Gavel's picture

April 28, 2017 at 06:22 pm

looks like they took schneider's pick

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dobber's picture

April 28, 2017 at 06:26 pm

My bet is that Seattle was dealing down either way. Safe bet that Jax wasn't going to take a CB at that spot.

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J0hn Denver's Gavel's picture

April 28, 2017 at 06:27 pm

sea needs all the picks they can get! LOB getting old and injured

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dobber's picture

April 28, 2017 at 06:29 pm

Wow...Malik McDowell...

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dobber's picture

April 28, 2017 at 06:37 pm

Man...all these trade-ups at the start of round 2. I wonder what the Packers were turning down?

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Since'61's picture

April 28, 2017 at 06:58 pm

Very happy with the King CB pick. Good job by TT and the Packers staff. Thanks, Since '61

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J0hn Denver's Gavel's picture

April 28, 2017 at 07:35 pm

I was expecting a trade to get in front of CIN for Mixon. GB had to see that coming, they must not have liked him as much as I did, or value wasn't there. Any way Willis falls to us at the end of rd 2 if we stay put?

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MarkinMadison's picture

April 28, 2017 at 08:18 pm

Tim Williams next?

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