Three Packers Draft Moves that Would Infuriate the Fans
By markoldacres
Trade out of the first round
Like a blockbuster boxing match, the NFL draft is all about the build-up. The infinite mocks, the fine-tuning of rankings and the circling of draft crushes.
The hype slowly snowballs into an avalanche, culminating in the equivalent of Christmas morning for football fans… draft night.
That’s why there are few more deflating feelings than your team trading out of the first round. You waited all these weeks, sat through every other team’s selections, and then you have to wait a whole day more? Just the worst.
But Brian Gutekunst could well put Packers fans through that wringer this April.
Gute has traded up in the first round of all three drafts he’s been in charge of. The assumed rationale last year was that Jordan Love was the only player left on Green Bay’s board with a first-round grade, and presumably the Packers felt that Love wouldn’t be there at pick number 30.
While it’s possible a similar situation may arise this time around, and Gute could continue to be aggressive, there’s also a chance that Green Bay aren’t able to move up and that by the time they’re on the clock at 29, there’s no-one left on their board with a first-round grade. In that situation, the smart play is to move back (if you can) and acquire more picks.
In this unusual draft cycle, due to the ceaseless interruptions of COVID-19, it’s not a bad idea to get more bites at the apple, especially as the Packers are in need of some young, cheap players in most areas of the roster.
But as Packers Twitter regularly demonstrates, just because it’s the logical move, it doesn’t mean people will like it. I was furious in 2018 when the Packers moved back in the first round, passing on Derwin James in the process. They ended up getting Jaire Alexander and Darnell Savage in that deal. Ah hindsight.
The Packers haven’t backed out of the first round since 2017, when the late Ted Thompson passed on a certain Wisconsin pass rusher, instead taking the recently re-signed Kevin King in the 2nd round. Four years on, you might say they’re due for another trade back.
Draft another quarterback
You’re probably wondering how on earth this is plausible, when the Packers already drafted the heir apparent to their MVP Aaron Rodgers last season. Well, it’s what the Packers do.
Green Bay have drafted five signal-callers outside the first round since 2006, an average of one every three years. Only five NFL teams, the Jets (9), Patriots (7), Eagles, Bengals and Broncos (6) have drafted more QB’s between the second and seventh rounds in that time.
The most recent was Brett Hundley in the fifth round of the 2015 draft. Before Hundley, there was B.J. Coleman in 2012, Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn in 2008 and Ingle Martin in 2006.
The Packers have an organisational philosophy of collecting QB’s.
Green Bay already have the best quarterback situation in the league – which bizarrely seems to annoy a lot of fans – but after Tim Boyle packed up his laser show and took it to Detroit, who’s to say the Packers don’t use a late-round pick on a “project” to be the new third stringer?
Quarterbacks will always be the most precious commodity in the NFL. If Brian Gutekunst sees someone who he thinks can develop into a valuable asset for the Green Bay Packers, he’s not going to pass them up.
Don’t forget, Jordan Love will one day need a backup too… *ducks*
Draft a punter
Cheesehead TV will be live for all three days of the 2021 NFL draft, but there exists a very real threat to that promise.
Because if Brian Gutekunst spends another draft pick on a punter, an enraged Corey Behnke may dissolve the company on the spot. He certainly wouldn’t be the only Packers fan pulling their hair out.
The J.K. Scott (A.K.A. “JK-47”, “The Weapon” and “The Misfire”) experiment has failed to yield positive results and Green Bay will undoubtedly be looking to bring in another option before training camp begins.
New special teams co-ordinator Maurice Drayton said in his introductory press conference that Scott’s “back is against the wall”, which is hardly a surprise, after the erratic and unreliable play that Scott has served up in his three seasons with the team.
Maybe Gute has Punt-TSD (I’m so sorry) from how his previous draft pick panned out, and this time opts for an undrafted free agent or unattached veteran to provide competition.
But if there’s a guy Gute loves – if it’s possible to love a punter – don’t put it past him to pull the trigger, and in doing so, trigger apathetic special teams’ viewers everywhere.
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Mark Oldacres is a sports writer from Birmingham, England and a Green Bay Packers fan. You can follow him on twitter at @MarkOldacres
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Comments (41)
Stroh
March 26, 2021 at 03:14 pm
Moving down from #29 is definitely in play. Just depends how the draft unfolds and what the Packers board looks like. May not be popular with fans but could be shrewd move and give them flexibility to move up in late 2nd and 3rd rds.
Coldworld
March 26, 2021 at 05:42 pm
Depending how the draft falls, that might be the ideal move. More picks in the early rounds or increased ability to grab the right players only helps increase the ability to marry BPA with need.
I’d be fine with drafting a QB if we first trade Love for a pick or player.
stockholder
March 26, 2021 at 03:23 pm
After last year. I wouldn't be upset. Trading down, and still getting the guy you want. Makes perfect sense. Even drafting another QB. TT drafted Brohm. It just maybe he only likes the QB on his board. And yes a punter may even fit. But don't Reach. The reaching and giving extra picks to do it, is the WTF. The player you go after better work out.
jannesbjornson
March 27, 2021 at 02:06 am
Move up in the first round twice. Forget the Packertown Way. They need blue chips not buffalo chips.
DTowleJr
March 26, 2021 at 03:47 pm
I doubt that at pick #29 that there would be no 1st-round graded talent left. But, I do see Brian Gutekunst jumping up a few notches to get his guy. It seems to be his mantra. With glaring needs at EDGE and CB, and the possibility that he could find a partner willing to take a couple of the #Packers 10 picks, Gutekunst could grab the next #Packers superstar.
CoachDino
March 26, 2021 at 04:47 pm
There is seldom 1st round grounded talent available at 29. Of course depends on definition of first round talent. History/Stats show that after pick 10 and again around 20 that the talent/value really drops off and you get the next 20 or so guys that are bunched up in value. (Tiers Theory) depends as well, on view of positional value and 5th year option value.
Edge and CB are great examples of 1st rd positional value and Packer need, I'd include OT as well. IMO there will be either an Edge, OT or Corner of similar value available at 29 or 38. Depends how the board falls on which one.
Coldworld
March 26, 2021 at 05:45 pm
Not seeing an urgent need at edge with Preston back and at least 3 viable young prospects held over from last year.
PF4L
March 26, 2021 at 07:50 pm
That had me shaking my head also....a "glaring" need at Edge?
REALLY?
You have a Kings ransom tied up in two edge guys, and a 12th pick edge guy your trying to find snaps for.
WOW
Tundraboy
March 27, 2021 at 09:15 pm
Exactly the only thing glaring is the void around and after KC And CB of course.
jannesbjornson
March 27, 2021 at 02:11 am
Collins is the only Edge guy to move on. Agree they need CBs, OT, DT and DE.
Turophile
March 27, 2021 at 11:20 am
If you look around over the years at how many players various pundits think carry first round grades, you will find there never is a year where any of them say there are 32 picks or (heaven forbid) more than 32 picks that fit the bill. On its own that tells you the 'first round grades' thing is a complete nonsense.
Now if you were to find a pundit who, when averaged out over many years had roughly 32 picks graded as first rounders, THAT would make sense. When people grade first rounders as always being below 32 every year, it just means the graders aren't doing a proper job.
Of course, apart from the 5th year option, there isn't much difference between pick 32 and 33 (ie round 2), it's an artificial distinction to look at rounds, rather than the pick number.
splitpea1
March 26, 2021 at 03:47 pm
1. Not using a first or second-round pick on a CB.
2. Ignoring the DL or using only a low-round pick for a selection.
3. Ditto for ILB, although we're used to it by now.
4. Drafting a TE unless Tonyan is snatched away.
5. An offense-heavy draft.
6. Using the first pick on any long-term project.
7. For the national pundits: not drafting a WR early.
Cheesey51
March 26, 2021 at 07:00 pm
if they go up for a player, it has to be someone who is a game changer.
Someone who is a plug and play player by the 3rd game of the season,2021
PF4L
March 26, 2021 at 07:43 pm
Like....the 12th pick of the draft?
Thegreatreynoldo
March 27, 2021 at 02:53 am
There are very few DL worthy of a 1st round selection, and Barmore, while ready to play in the NFL, is just a run stuffer at this point who needs to develop his pass rush moves. DL help has to come on day 2 or more likely day 3, and immediate help probably comes from a cheap free agent.
Otherwise, I agree with your list.
HankScorpio
March 27, 2021 at 10:17 am
" Drafting a TE unless Tonyan is snatched away."
If Tonyan signs his tender, that puts him back on the market in 2022. They need 2-3 of those kinds of guys. Maybe Daffney, Deguara, Tonyan (if he can be retained longterm) and Sternberger is enough. But I doubt it.
it is a bad TE class but given the way ML's offense functions, if they can find value in selecting a TE, they should, IMO. Even a late rounder on a developmental prospect. A freaky athlete like Zach Davidson might be able to shore up special teams while he develops his ability to block
The_Justicar
March 26, 2021 at 04:53 pm
The last time we traded out of the first round worked out great. Kevin King instead if Watt. Solid move. Note sarcasm.
marpag1
March 27, 2021 at 01:40 pm
And then there was that other time when the Packers dropped down from #30 to #36, picked up an additional fourth round pick (#113) and still managed to grab the best receiver in the 2008 draft - some kid named Jordy Nelson.
These are the players the Packers missed out on by trading down: 30) TE Dustin Keller, 31) S Kenny Phillips, 32) DE Phillip Merling, 33) WR Donnie Avery, 34) WR Devin Thomas, and 35) CB Brandon Flowers. Total number of Pro Bowls between all six of these players: 1 (Flowers, 2013).
So it kind of works both ways, no?
PhantomII
March 28, 2021 at 05:41 pm
I looked thru all the 1st RD players and unless you traded up for Matt Ryan, Jordy outplayed them all. The #4 RD pick was wasted though on a DE that was out of NFL in a year. Though we later got Sitton, another good draft pick. Last year a good WR like Claypool would have been nice over Love. A rookie w/ 11 TD's.
Cheesey51
March 26, 2021 at 06:58 pm
Yeah,if it gives the packers a high 2nd and 3rd. Depends on the situation. An undrafted Rookie QB works for me.
Wasn't Tim Boyle UFA?
Wish List:Just please get a PR/KR; a bonafide sideline to sidleine LB or Safety; an upgrade on slot corner and a speedy WR and of course a ROT & decent rotating IDL
Anything less and I'd be pisssed.
packer132
March 26, 2021 at 07:10 pm
All of us "fans" see those needs, and with 10 picks you'd expect to get all bases covered. I don't care how Gute trades, but I agree. We better see a good draft or I will have lost confidence in him. Last year's draft I will not agree with, however I see his interest in the future. I would have gone 50/50 with some players for the now.
PF4L
March 26, 2021 at 07:41 pm
"Green Bay already have the best quarterback situation in the league"
Situation? They have a great starting QB, and a 2nd year, 2nd string, 1st round project QB as a back up waiting for his 1st active roster game
Now lets say....Ryan Fitzpatrick was Rodgers back up. Then yea....that's a good situation, for obvious reasons.
PF4L
March 27, 2021 at 08:02 am
For the thumbs down crowd.......
Are you saying....you'd rather have Love come in instead of Fitzgerald if Rodgers goes down?
That's a better situation?
Do you want to win games, or is Love ready to win in the NFL now?
You're speechless, so all i can do is speculate your thoughts.
Lol...maybe you boys go by the theory...."well, he's a first round pick, he must be good...ummm, der, ummm, burp, ummmmm"
PF4L
March 27, 2021 at 12:37 pm
" Duh, ummmm, well....ahhh, ummm der, burp, ummmm, ok Mom, i'll wash my hands and be right up" - thumbsdown
SMH :)
jhtobias
March 26, 2021 at 09:24 pm
Whatever happens one thing is a guarantee all the arm chair General Managers on this site will cry and moan . I hope they draft a quarterback and a running back in round one and two just to hear you dolts cry more than usual
PF4L
March 26, 2021 at 10:07 pm
I hope they draft good players that help the Packers win a Super Bowl with Rodgers.
I guess that's the difference between us, we clearly hope for different things.
But....whatever makes you happy brother.
Thegreatreynoldo
March 27, 2021 at 02:56 am
I hope GB drafts players who will help them win games and super bowls.
Coldworld
March 27, 2021 at 07:52 am
We are kind of low on players that can do shampoo commercials these days.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 27, 2021 at 07:40 am
LOL!
PhantomII
March 26, 2021 at 09:37 pm
If GB does not have a 1st RD pick left on the board...their board sucks. Claypool last year was there for the taking. moving back is asinine. The cream is at the top, We need 3 starters, we have to move up. We know what we need the most. CB, DL and #2 WR. Move up and get top-DL, top 2-CB or top 3-WR. If we can get top DL I think it would help the pass rush in a big way. FA is not happening unless Rodgers is extended soon for a team favorable couple of years, which I doubt would happen. Championship level players in the first 3 rounds is a must. Maybe trade for Andy Isabella from AZ. They have a team full of pro bowl WR's on hand, he would be a good slot guy who has speed for the outside also. No QB's.......GPG
marpag1
March 27, 2021 at 07:12 am
At this stage of the game, without a single player having been selected, if anyone says that trading down from 29 is good, bad, foolish, wise, infuriating, exhilarating or whatever... that person does not know what he's talking about.
Coldworld
March 27, 2021 at 07:56 am
At 29, the only difference really is the 5th year option and a small amount of cost really. Depending how the draft falls, value is the key, typically by that point the round difference is irrelevant.
PhantomII
March 27, 2021 at 10:19 am
I know you're not going to get a player who's going to help you win now by trading down. Don't worry, there is always the UDFA to fit the standard of mediocrity. I don't care if Gute uses all 10 draft picks this year and next years #1 to get the best CB, DL and WR he can in the draft that will start day one. To each his/ her own. WIN NOW!!!!!!
egbertsouse
March 27, 2021 at 07:52 am
The thing that infuriates me the most is when Gute exhibits a tendency that he inherited from TT, the need to demonstrate that he is the smartest guy in the room. He usually does that by reaching for a player that no one expects him to pick, either because that player has a grade far below where he is picked or plays a position at which the Packers are well stocked. Ted’s classic move was passing on Watt, the safe choice and the need, and getting Kevin King and, later, Vince Biegel. I think he was certain he pulled a fast one on the rest of the league by getting a two for one. How did that work out? Hmmmm? Not to mention passing up good players to draft a basketball player in the second round......but I digress.
Gute has already demonstrated this trait by passing over safe choices to get Gary, who was graded lower than Gute picked him and played a position that Gute had already addressed in free agency with two high- priced players, and drafting Love, who was a reach with a 2nd round grade and, again, played a position for which the Packers had no immediate need. How is that going to work? Who knows, but I’m certain he thinks they are both genius moves that will awe the other GMs with his drafting acumen. Gute, why not just go with the safe, solid choice who play positions where your team has a shortage of good players. How about it, Gute? Just try it once and see how it works.
Coldworld
March 27, 2021 at 08:02 am
All GMs look for value. If a team likes a given player more than the others that reflects a higher valuation. Every team is looking for those. Unfortunately, players don’t pan out for a variety of reasons: the draft is a crap shoot. Look at any team. Don’t see Gute doing any thing different to the rest of the league. Looks great when you hit, bad when you don’t. Watt at the time had precisely the injury record that would have rightly given fans conniptions. A GM took a gamble he’d get healthy. We just did a similar thing with Stepaniak. Hindsight is a ridiculous standard.
blacke00
March 27, 2021 at 08:40 am
Let's have a Cheesehead TV pool...The person(s) that guess which position will get the "multiple" picks this year and guess right on the reason(s) Gute and Lafleur will give for drafting that number of players in said position. will be the winner. The winner gets Cory and Nagler to buy them a beer and interview them (as though they actually know anything).
ImaPayne
March 27, 2021 at 08:40 am
I got the Gutt taking the best corner or receiver available in round one and ditto in round two. Round three a running back, four an offensive linemen and the rest linebackers.
The receiver will replace Adams next year whose contract they cant afford, ditto on the running back for Jones, and the corner for King. Thats the plan all along, figure out who you cant afford and draft there replacement now.
Love, for a possible loss of Rodgers, Dillion for a loss of Jones, no receiver because none were leaving this year. Thinking like that his draft makes perfect sense for the bottom line of cheap ball.
HankScorpio
March 27, 2021 at 09:09 am
I'd be more inclined to support a move down than yet another move up.
Since'61
March 27, 2021 at 09:33 am
I have yet to watch every pick of the NFL draft and I doubt that I ever will. I'm happy to wait for my updates on my phone and then check out the credentials of the players chosen by the Packers.
The draft is basically a wake me up when it's over kind of thing. However, I give the league credit for turning it into another revenue stream. As for the Packers picks I'm hoping to see a CB, WR and DL among our first 3 or 4 picks (if we end up trading down for an additional early pick) in whichever order gives us the best player at each of those positions.
For those of you who are draftniks enjoy it, this is your time of the year. I'm looking forward to Yankee Baseball in a few days.
Thanks, Since '61
PatrickGB
March 27, 2021 at 11:00 am
I watch part of the draft because of all the comments on players. I sort of file them away for future reference when I see them actually play. I also compare the players drafted with what the pundits say about them. Of course I pay attention to who the Packers pick but like 61 wrote, that’s it.
Dagger
March 27, 2021 at 12:09 pm
Disagree strongly about moving out out of the first and being infuriated. Moving down ten or so and picking up an extra third would be outstanding. The farther back in the first round is where the talent starts to become one and the same. UNLESS.......If Newsome is there in the first at 29 I would grab him. Otherwise trade back and take Eric Stokes CM in the second.