The NFL Draft is About Planning Ahead Too
By Paul_Bretl
The hope with every incoming draft class is that the early round selections can be immediate contributors. Even those taken in the middle to late rounds can potentially help out on special teams.
However, while that's the hope, the draft is also meant for planning ahead because teams should be selecting players based on who they believe they will become, not who they are on draft night.
In part, the Green Bay Packers find themselves in a world of hurt at the wide receiver position because they didn't plan ahead. Sure, they spent three picks on receiver in 2018, but only one since then on Amari Rodgers. Also, J'Mon Moore's stint with the Packers was short-lived while Equanimeous St. Brown was struggling to find playing time, and we still don't know what Rodgers is going to become, so it's not as if this need came out of nowhere with the trade of Davante Adams.
So as we look ahead to the 2022 NFL Draft, there are immediate needs that the Green Bay Packers have to fill, such as at receiver, as well as along the interior defensive line, and bolstering the edge rusher depth wouldn't be a bad idea either. With Green Bay doing everything in their power to get back to another Super Bowl, obviously, the hope is that they can find some immediate impact players.
But in addition to addressing those immediate needs as a way to maximize the 2022 season, it's also a balancing act for Brian Gutekunst as he has to have a long-term approach in mind as well.
As we look ahead to 2023, receiver and the interior defensive line will still be big needs based on the current construction of the roster. According to Over the Cap, the only receiver under contract in 2023 is Amari Rodgers. The only interior defensive linemen under contract are Kenny Clark and TJ Slaton.
With Robert Tonyan back for 2022, along with Marcedes Lewis, Josiah Deguara, Tyler Davis, and Dominique Dafney, tight end isn't necessarily an immediate 2022 need. However, looking ahead one year, Deguara is the only tight end currently on the 2023 team.
Safety is another similar position. Yes, the Green Bay Packers have Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage along with three other safeties under contract for 2022, but once again, as we look ahead to next offseason, the only safety under contract is Vernon Scott.
The same could be said for offensive tackle. David Bakhtiari is under contract through 2024, and while Elgton Jenkins will receive an extension at some point, in terms of options at offensive tackle in 2023, Green Bay is going to need to address the depth of one of the game's most important positions.
Even linebacker, which is not a huge need whatsoever with De'Vondre Campbell and Krys Barnes returning, is lacking in 2023. Campbell and 2020 rookie Isaiah McDuffie are the only linebackers under contract next season.
In trying to balance immediate needs vs. planning ahead, Gutekunst isn't going to be able to tackle every type of need with premium draft picks--although with seven picks in the first four rounds, he has the opportunity to put a good dent in it.
So as you're consuming mock drafts or making your own, be sure to keep 2023 and beyond in mind as well when it comes to which needs the Green Bay Packers are addressing. As GM, it's Gutey's job to address both short-term and long-term needs, which is why there shouldn't be any surprise if the Packers spend one of their first seven picks on the positions just mentioned.
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__________________________
Born and raised in Green Bay, WI and I still call it home. After my family, watching the Packers, sharing my opinions on the team through my writing and interacting with other fans is my greatest passion. You can find me on Twitter at @Paul_Bretl.
Comments (117)
croatpackfan
March 25, 2022 at 11:17 am
Nice overview Paul. But believing that you will find more than one or eventually 2 ready to play player through draft is a hope, not sure thing.
In Croatia we have proverb: "Fear seldom deceives, while hope does it on a regular basis".
EDIT: Broncos signed Billy Turner...
LambeauPlain
March 25, 2022 at 01:06 pm
Hope springs eternal. Fear is the great mind killer.
BirdDogUni
March 25, 2022 at 08:35 pm
"Never take counsel of your fears." -- Stonewall Jackson and George S. Patton
croatpackfan
March 26, 2022 at 04:33 am
Neither of your hope... My addition!
HDbikerguy
March 25, 2022 at 01:33 pm
Most years, probably agree.... but with 4 picks in the first two rounds and a pick at 92..... you'd better get at least 3 capable of either starting and/or significant playing time.....
Coldworld
March 25, 2022 at 01:37 pm
“False hope is a terrible thing, if its the only thing keeping you alive you'll be dead by dawn.” Charlie Rae
frankthefork
March 25, 2022 at 12:02 pm
Relax...Here come the mocks.
22- wr Olave
28- wr Burks or Dotson
53- lb Chenal
58- ed Bonitto
92- dL Hall
132- ot Diesch
140- te Ruckert
171- wr Philips
CB's and Safety with last 3 pick unless an early trade back to get more picks.
Winfree is an underused WR talent that GB or AR refused to address last year...Fulgram in phiily too!
Heck Parker, Fuller, Hilton, and Sneed are FA...cheaper help. But some fans act like rookies can't catch a pass-wtf. It's not even August.
croatpackfan
March 25, 2022 at 11:31 am
I'm relaxed, do not worry...
frankthefork
March 25, 2022 at 01:13 pm
Thx, no worries Croat. I guess some other fans don't like my A rated mock from PFF; similar to PFN and fanspeak...Hmm guess Pittman, Chase, Claypool, Jefferson, and others 1 and 2-year players all sucked last year! Wow, instead of downvoting fans, I encouraged other mocks or choices...tough crowd.
stockholder
March 25, 2022 at 12:47 pm
Kiper has Green @22. and Burks @28. Whats wrong with that?. Pff grades are messed up.
BaldingersBentDigit
March 25, 2022 at 01:08 pm
I haven't paid attention to Kiper since he went ga-ga over Brent Fullwood.
jannesbjornson
March 25, 2022 at 04:11 pm
Could happen if Gutedkunst is unwilling to move up for Olave. Burks has been seen in the mid-round of the first by some scouts. A big body, can he learn the route tree?
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 25, 2022 at 12:57 pm
From PFF huh? The same clowns who listed AJ Dillon as an undraftable prospect?
Coldworld
March 25, 2022 at 01:38 pm
The worse indictment is that they still insist on that.
jannesbjornson
March 25, 2022 at 04:12 pm
As I mentioned previously, cub scouts.
LambeauPlain
March 25, 2022 at 01:09 pm
I would be happy with your mock. However, S must be addressed. Rather than DL, I would go S.
Rarescope
March 25, 2022 at 01:28 pm
I'll toss you a bone - I can't be bothered to follow college ball so if it weren't for people like you sharing mock drafts I'd be pretty clueless. I can't remember if I read it in a comment here, on APC, or II but someone tossed up the production of a bunch of first year receivers from recent years and there were plenty there not named Claypool or Jefferson that were putting up more than respectable numbers.
jannesbjornson
March 25, 2022 at 04:14 pm
It is a passing league in college ,also.
greengold
March 25, 2022 at 06:10 pm
No doubt! I agree with you completely.
My problem is I’m old school with my draft study, learning about players, reading a pretty big range of scouting reports, position by position, top rated to hidden gems, then I start writing my own sets for my own reference. I study team needs from other teams, position strengths. Real sleepers and watching video…
Get down with the sickness!!! Ha
I don’t use mock machines… Hoping to have something together in a few weeks…!
Coldworld
March 26, 2022 at 09:11 am
I don’t do mock drafts really, as I don’t know enough about the other teams. Thus they tend to be wish lists combined of how I see us in isolation and the same from fans if other teams combined with the usual draft crushes on all sides.
I look at prospects and group them by where I think they should go. Then follow when I’m wrong and, occasionally, right. Dillon and Stokes being highlights. I don’t knock others for their draft stabs as a result. It’s exceedingly difficult to do well in my view, and interesting to see how people are thinking.
I will object if I think a player is glaringly over rated. It’s more fun for me to see why people differ. That’s how one learns I think. In the end we are all likely wrong or right for questionable reasons the majority of the time. That’s why the draft is fun and can prompt some if the most interesting discussions of the year (as well as the crushed hammered home ad Infinitum).
greengold
March 26, 2022 at 03:05 pm
Coldly. Got me laughin’!
We’re very much aligned there… as they really are wish lists. That ver thought occurred to me a couple years ago. Oh, well. For me, it’s just been a lot of fun for about 40 years of my life.
I’m not going to change much about what I do, but the information afforded to fans has really become a mushroom cloud, compared to those days where you subscribed to the mags, or bought up a pile of them in March.
I just got my Athlons on last night. Fell asleep looking shit up! Ha…! Let’s put it this way, I didn’t even make it as far as the position groups. Just the Athlon’s Mock.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 25, 2022 at 12:55 pm
Heres the receivers to look out for. George Pickens, David Bell, and Justyn Ross. All 3 are polished players who fit role-based needs for this team and can play right away. And theyre all likely to be available at 28 and beyond. Ross might even fall to the 4th round which would be an absolute steal. With that being said, theres a 0% chance they use both 1st round picks on receivers and I wouldnt be surprised if they dont draft a receiver in the 1st round at all.
Rarescope
March 25, 2022 at 01:33 pm
Maybe not both first rounders but I can't help but feel that KC picking in the first round right after ours are used up might make us want to grab a couple of receivers before they can. Not nice words came out of my mouth after I heard they traded Tyreek Hill and have a bunch of draft picks themselves. On top of that their first 2nd round pick is before both of our 2nds. That means if we don't take one or two WR in the first round, another contending team that also needs a WR gets three picks before we get another one.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 25, 2022 at 01:51 pm
Chiefs have Juju, mvs, and hardman so receiver isnt as big of a need as is commonly perceived to be. The major holes are on their defense. I cant see the chiefs drafting offense with any of their picks in the first 2 rounds.
Coldworld
March 25, 2022 at 02:23 pm
I think they may well draft a WR in the first, but if they do it’s at 22 because one of the few first rounders has fallen. If that doesn’t happen and there is an OLB or DL that they really rate, they may go with them. If not I see a trade down for extra goes at WR depth and late draft flexibility. There are a ton of 2nd round type talents this year. The more they take, the better chance they find one ready to contribute. Numbers are key and the room is empty.
jannesbjornson
March 25, 2022 at 04:19 pm
The trade down would have to land them in the upper 30s or the best wides will be gone. Few are falling past 40.
jannesbjornson
March 25, 2022 at 04:17 pm
Some have mocked the Chiefs moving up for Garrett Wilson @ #6.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 25, 2022 at 05:22 pm
They already have Hill's replacement: Mecole Hardman. Theyre drafting defense.
HDbikerguy
March 25, 2022 at 01:35 pm
I'm going out on a limb and predicting a WR in round one...... especially if they keep both picks....
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 25, 2022 at 01:53 pm
I'm not saying it wont happen, but this receiver class is deep enough that they shouldnt be forced to draft 1 in the 1st. Id rather they go edge, tackle, or safety with both their 1st rounders then take a receiver in the 2nd and 3rd rounds.
greengold
March 25, 2022 at 06:55 pm
While this is entirely true, if there is a truly special fit at WR for the team’s future, I’d have no problem whatsoever getting one of the very best of this class.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 25, 2022 at 11:55 pm
All i'm trying to say is i highly doubt the Packers brass has receiver fever like many on these boards do. Theyre going to draft the best players they can get cuz thats their job.
HDbikerguy
March 25, 2022 at 01:35 pm
I'm going out on a limb and predicting a WR in round one...... especially if they keep both picks....
PatrickGB
March 25, 2022 at 02:06 pm
I agree. WR for GB early. But in the meantime how about a trade for a veteran WR? https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2022/03/25/suddenly-crowded-wr-rooms-in...
Coldworld
March 25, 2022 at 02:18 pm
One is a slot and we really don’t need another slot unless we clear house. They are both reclamation projects whose performance has declined significantly. Both may be cut. We may end up with such a player, but they come with significant risk that they won’t have the resurgence required. When they do come, it’s likely to be from free agency.
jannesbjornson
March 25, 2022 at 04:25 pm
Their best bet is to move on Lockett.
greengold
March 25, 2022 at 06:49 pm
I only know a bit about your first 4 picks, and from quick looks I’d have no problems with that. None whatsoever.
pantz_bURp
March 25, 2022 at 11:31 am
I had to check all the windows in the house, because I am feeling a DRAFT coming baby!!!!!!
HDbikerguy
March 25, 2022 at 01:35 pm
Is that Chuck Cecil.....
pantz_bURp
March 25, 2022 at 02:02 pm
You know it!
greengold
March 25, 2022 at 02:13 pm
None other. What a baller. 100% football player!
Packer_Fan
March 25, 2022 at 12:04 pm
Frankthefork has some good ideas. I say:
1) If you get Olave at 22, then trade down 28 and get a low wnd round pick and a low third round pick. I want Chenal and get him with the low 2nd round pick land then an edge and DL.
2) Then pick another WR in the third round. Then a CB and TE. Ot can wait to 4th round. I am not in favor of a trade unless we know we can keep the guy for two to three years. Pick a a vet WR on a low cap number with incentives for production. And there will be a in-season WR release like OBJ and that is where we should go.
stockholder
March 25, 2022 at 12:40 pm
Olave doesn't have the NFL body you need in the red Zone. His Legs are too light. Look at them. Tooth picks.
Coldworld
March 25, 2022 at 01:00 pm
I will take a guy ready to play in the nfl and able to separate and get to the next level over a slow possession type given where we are now. Red zone is as much about separation and hands as anything else anyway. Obviously I’d prefer size, speed and skills, but we will be lucky to get that within 15 spots of from 22, if at all. We will possibly need luck to snag Olave too.
If there is no high value OLB or DL, trading down is a good plan even if we don’t get Olave. There’s a couple of round one WRs and a bunch of round 2 types this year.
Chenal is a hard no for me till day 3. He’s not going to cover. He’s a player 15 years out of time in the NFL: one or two downs ILBs are mid late 3rd rounders these days.
LambeauPlain
March 25, 2022 at 01:20 pm
I watched every game Chenal played. He's not "15 years out of time". Last time I looked, the NFL was pass happy and Chenal led one of the best Defenses in College in 2020 and 2021 in both SACKS and TFLs. BTW, Leonard plays a pro style 3-4 D, similar to Barry's.
He will not be on the bench on third downs. He wasn't at Wisconsin. There is a reason he is one of the highest rated LBs in this draft...he is immensely productive in run and pass rush D. Besides, Campbell is the cover ILB and is very good at it.
When it comes to a combination of speed, strength, run D and pass rush on field production...he's one of the best in this draft.
We just disagree on Chenal.
Coldworld
March 25, 2022 at 01:43 pm
We do, but that’s the joy of the draft and then the years after. I’ve had some successes but just as many flame outs. If Chenal can become a true 3 down linebacker in todays game, I will be amazed though. I’m far from alone in that. But if any pretend to be right about the majority draft prospects, you know immediately that they are full of it.
greengold
March 25, 2022 at 01:56 pm
Ha! This is SO true.
I study the S outta players/drafts, just because I love the personnel side of sports. Been studying NFL drafts since buying Ourlads, TSN & Athlon mags 40 yearns ago? Every year too.
I like to see if I can get one or two right, but also just enjoy knowing what’s out there. TOTALLY scored on Savage & Deguara! Hahaha.
I do same for the Bucks and the Brewers. I met Ted Thompson years ago and we talked about his most recent draft at the time…
John Hammond, the man who drafted Giannis, is a friend of mine. He used to come to my studio with coffee no less, just to hang out and talk Bucks, or whatever, before shoot arounds.
Even when he drafted Giannis and I congratulated him, he said, “We’ll see.” I picked that up from Hammy.
Coldworld
March 25, 2022 at 02:13 pm
I don’t know anyone who can predict the future with absolute certainty. I don’t know of any team GM in any sport who has ever claimed otherwise. I always remember Terrance Murphy. Looking like a genuine find: 5 passes, one helmet to helmet and diagnosed with undetected spinal stenosis. Career over like that.
greengold
March 25, 2022 at 02:17 pm
That was a very sad day. Wow. So much hope for Murphy. Poof. Gone.
Coldworld
March 25, 2022 at 02:27 pm
That was brutal for the poor man. Never had shown up in examinations. With Collins and Finley, at least they got to have a career and earn some money before their injuries. Awful though their loss was, It’s always seemed worse for those like Murphy.
pantz_bURp
March 25, 2022 at 02:39 pm
I hear ya clucking Cold, so true. Now, I wish I was super talented and someone a team truly needed to win. As I got older, it seems more of a blessing I was average. It would have gnawed at me to no end if I did have the talent to play football professionally, and then due to a freak accident or genetic "flaw", it was gone. Man, that just shows how you have to 'let that $hit go man's. Some can do that sooner than others...I do feel for all the amazing athletes most of us have never heard of, due to those circumstances...thanks for the reminder!
jannesbjornson
March 25, 2022 at 04:44 pm
I like Jack Sanborn because of his coverage skills. He is a guy like Schobert.
jannesbjornson
March 25, 2022 at 04:29 pm
They have Lazard, (a two pick) and the TEs for post up plays. This guy can take the five yard pass inside, or out, to the House.
jannesbjornson
March 25, 2022 at 04:39 pm
Body size not much different than Donald Driver. He runs 4.26 in his track suit and 4.38 dressed and plays as fast.
BirdDogUni
March 25, 2022 at 12:23 pm
"In part, the Green Bay Packers find themselves in a world of hurt at the wide receiver position because they didn't plan ahead. Sure, they spent three picks on receiver in 2018, but none since then."
This is factually untrue.
Gutey spent a 3rd round pick on Amari Rodgers just last year. (He might suck, but he is a WR and was drafted since 2018.) Even if you'd rather forget.
Coldworld
March 25, 2022 at 12:54 pm
He then signed Cobb, making Rodgers a spare wheel. He still is, since both are slot only. Sadly, many of those in the draft and FA are too.
I understand he might not have done so willingly, but such drivers are a big part of why we are where we are.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 25, 2022 at 01:01 pm
Rodgers barely got a chance on offense last year. How much of fans' opinions of Rodgers is based on his shortcomings as a returner? The kid just turned 22. Can he at least be given a chance before closing the book on him?
LambeauPlain
March 25, 2022 at 01:29 pm
He's going to get his chances this year!
He was not good on STs, and as a young man had horrible coaching that contributed.
Coldworld
March 25, 2022 at 01:49 pm
He was terribly handled by the coaches. That we do agree on. Should have been used as an option type to start out, as he was in college mostly, not had the whole route tree thrust on him and dealing with Drayton on top of it. Let’s hope he can be himself more now and show he belongs. Part of that is let him get the ball in space; that’s how he got himself drafted primarily. Over to you LaFleur.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 25, 2022 at 02:02 pm
Im surprised they didnt use him like they use tyler ervin the year before. Jet sweeps, bubble screens, etc. But then again, that part of the offense disappeared entirely last yead so i guess there wasnt a role for him to be had.
Coldworld
March 25, 2022 at 02:29 pm
Yes, that was what he was used to, along with dump offs in space.
jannesbjornson
March 25, 2022 at 04:50 pm
We thought he was drafted for that role. Why did the play sheet disappear?
Coldworld
March 25, 2022 at 06:28 pm
One of the many ‘beautiful’ mysteries of Rodgers/LaFleur.
stockholder
March 25, 2022 at 12:35 pm
We're in Need. No doubt about that. I like the excitement. It's good for the fans. But it's only good for the team; "if we can stay on top of our division." I almost think Gute has gone the other direction. Just to sign veterans. His "value picks" have been on the OL. But the help he's drafted. " Lacks the Razzle Dazzle. " And I just don't see any of them making the Packer Hall of Fame. So here's his big chance. Wrs are suppose to be weapons. It's time.
Leatherhead
March 25, 2022 at 12:53 pm
The Packer brass has had a plan since long before the author started thinking they didn't.
We're replacing ONE starter. ONE. Our #2/3/4 positions are filled by Lazard, Cobb, and Amari, three guys who have caught hundreds of passes from Rodgers in games and practices.
If the Packers follow true to form, they'll take guys on the second day. That would have them looking at guys like Watson, Pierce, Ross when pick #52 and #59 rolled around, not to mention the legion of midget receivers out there, like WonDale Robinson. We could end up drafting two of these guys....say Watson and Pierce.....to fill ONE spot. Not only does this increase the likelihood we'll have a decent player on the field, but if they both develop we'll have two good young receivers on rookie deals. That's a good thing.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 25, 2022 at 01:09 pm
Always love your reasoned posts LH. Im of the exact same thinking that they likely dont address receiver until day 2 of the draft. Would love to see Pickens fall but thats a tossup. The guy in most excited about, who is also almost guaranteed to fall to #59, is David Bell. Very few are talking about him cuz he had a bad combine but the tape doesnt lie. Hes like a Davante Adams clone with his nuanced and detailed route running abilities. Shined against top competition too. Everyone wants the flashy fast guys but we need to be thinking in terms of roles. Theres no other receiver in this draft that can fill the Adams role better than Bell. Also, love Justyn Ross too and hes being mocked mostly as a 3rd or 4th rounder which is perfect for GB.
stockholder
March 25, 2022 at 01:25 pm
If Gute doesn't get Watson it will be the mistake of his draft.
Coldworld
March 25, 2022 at 02:32 pm
I really like his upside, athleticism, but that’s a pick on potential alone. The kid is raw: MVS raw and MVS was a 5th rounder. I think Watson can be more widely used once developed, but I struggle to see him as a priority pick in the first and maybe second. We need players who are ready now.
jannesbjornson
March 25, 2022 at 04:54 pm
I would prefer Pierce with a high second rd pick.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 25, 2022 at 02:52 pm
Watson is a development player at best.
Leatherhead
March 25, 2022 at 05:25 pm
I'll have to disagree here.
Watson is ranked #53 on the consensus board, and developmental players don't get taken early on the second day. But that's just the consensus board. When you read the scouts who've done this for a long time, like at thehuddlereport.com or Walterfootball, you get a picture of a guy who has all the physical tools you could want.
He's big, at over 6'4", and he runs a sub 4.4 forty, for people who are impressed by speed in shorts. He'd be a solid player for us, and we might have a shot at him in the 2nd. He'll be gone by the time we pick in the 3rd.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 26, 2022 at 01:36 am
Yeah he has all the tools. So did Jeff Janis. The question is, can he play professional football at a high level? Maybe he can, maybe he cant. But theres better football players who will be available when Watson gets picked. This is why I hate the combine. Everyone falls in love with the underwear olympics scores and forget to ask if a guy is actually good at football.
HawkPacker
March 25, 2022 at 02:38 pm
David Bell catches everything.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 25, 2022 at 02:52 pm
And gets open consistently against everyone he faces.
Leatherhead
March 25, 2022 at 05:30 pm
Yes, but he's not real big and he didn't run real fast in his underwear. Again, the Consensus board averages him out as an early 3rd rounder.
HawkPacker
March 25, 2022 at 06:23 pm
That's even better then. Maybe he is our second WR taken.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 26, 2022 at 01:39 am
Hes the same size as Adams and running fast in his underwear means absolutely nothing. Hes the most skilled and refined receiver in this draft. Isnt that what we should be looking for? A guy who can hit the ground running? Or are we gonna draft guys that might be able to contribute in a meaningful way by the time Rodgers is in his 40s?
Coldworld
March 25, 2022 at 02:01 pm
Lazard is a 3/4, and a good one. AmRod is a sophomore slot who has yet to prove he belongs, Cobb is a player who can be useful when he can be in the field and had years of struggle with health. He’s a true slot and has always struggled out of it. If he’s healthy AmRod doesn’t see the field. Winfree and Taylor weren’t felt good enough to get snaps of EQ, who managed 19 catches and they didn’t even approach to return. Blair and Gafford are even longer shots.
So, 1 good 3rd or 4th receiver, one aging part timer and one back up slot who is unproven. No speed, no perimeter players at all above Winfree and Blair.
Yes, all is fine and dandy. A couple of draft pick hall of Fame level picks is all we need. Reality isn’t so pretty as self reassurance, but it leads to a less hard fall
Leatherhead
March 25, 2022 at 02:24 pm
I love the way that you characterize Lazard as a 3/4 guy, despite the fact that he's been #2 on one of the league's best offenses, including the top offense in 2020, for three years now. He's beaten out a half dozen guys over that time: MVS, who just signed a $10 million/year deal, ESB, Kumerow, who's still in the league, Shepherd, etc. It's like that scene in Crazy Rich Asians: You will never be good enough. That's your view on Lazard.
For what we want to do on offense, Lazard is a very good #2 for us. It's worked very well despite the QB not looking for him when he should. LaFleur realizes that. Gutekunst realizes that. I realize that.
This non-trade of Rodgers has deranged you, Coldworld, and I'm sad to see it. You're a smart guy, and you're surely smart enough to realize that pessimism is an irrational perspective.
I'll check back with you on this at midseason, when we're leading the division with one of the best offenses in the NFC.
Coldworld
March 25, 2022 at 02:35 pm
Maybe I’m deranged or maybe I’m just looking at things as they really are. This current WR corps is not alright. It’s the worst in 40 years unless Gute has the Divine Draft.
greengold
March 25, 2022 at 02:42 pm
Whaddya mean? We got Uncle Rico. Expect the option passing to become a feature!
Current Packers WRs under contract:
Chris Blair
Randall Cobb
Rico Gafford
Amari Rodgers
Juwaan Winfree
Coldworld
March 25, 2022 at 03:31 pm
Cobb is a permanent snap count slot player whom you can’t rely on to be available. Rodgers may emerge, but he’s also a slot.
Blair was a deep threat, small school standout who was exceedingly raw. Hard to figure out how fast he is though around 4.4 seems likely. He was injured in the preseason last year missing it almost entirely, needed strength work and we’ve never seen what he can do, but I expect he’s a PSer at best to start out this year. They must like him since he’s been here nearly 2 years now.
Gafford is a very small very fast kick returner. While I do like the idea of 4.2 speed gadget play, that seems s long shot unless he’s activated for STs.
Winfree might well be the best prospect of those listed, but he likely is a 5th or 6th choice ideally until he’s had more chance. He might be out most obvious injury replacement and thus back if the active roster type at this point.
You missed Taylor. As an ERFA, he will be back, I wanted to see more if him in the EQ role last year after he shone in preseason. Instead we went with EQ to no valid end result. Why? Cant fathom it since they let EQ walk, but this year, presumably, that role goes to AmRod by preference.
Winfree might be the best bet for snaps, but otherwise maybe some ST contrition aside, it isn’t an obviously rich seam of talent this year.
Leatherhead
March 25, 2022 at 05:53 pm
It's not the worst in 40 years. Not even close.
The 88 team, for example, had a rookie namedSharpe, but after him were a legion of forgettables, like Walter Stanley, who played 7 games, Aubrey Matthews. This was one of the worst passing teams in Packer history, finishing around 27th in passing yards.
The previous year, 87, we didn't even have Sharpe. Stanley was our main dog!! Again, a bad passing offense.
The 2019 team, which had Adams and a bunch of Day 3 rookies and UDFA in the WR unit......made the championship game. On paper, that's one of the weakest groups we ever put out there. In 2005, we lost Walker in the first game and rookie Terrence Murphy in the third. We limped through the season with Driver and Ferguson . Our #3 WR, was Aundre (Uma) Thurman. We went 4-12. That was a bad group and a bad season.
So I just can't buy this "worst in 40 years" stuff. I think if we can line up a good player at Adams old spot, we'll be one of the better offenses in the league and the WR corps will be part of it.
We'll get some help in the draft. and it doesn't even need to be a Divine Draft, it just needs to get us one good guy that we can line up. Not an impossibility at all. We might get some help elsewhere. But we've got months to improve.
Coldworld
March 25, 2022 at 06:33 pm
Ok, I will cede you the six years of exaggeration. I’m not giving you 2005. We could easily lose Lazard, even easier Cobb.
13TimeChamps
March 25, 2022 at 04:11 pm
"LaFleur realizes that. Gutekunst realizes that. I realize that."
Well, as long as 1265's central brain trust...Gutekunst, LaFleur, and Scary Avatar Guy...realize it, case closed I guess.
Leatherhead
March 25, 2022 at 05:57 pm
I'm sorry my avatar scares you, Princess. I've changed it because the previous one seemed to upset you, too. Would you like me to change it to a unicorn for you? I don't want you to be scared.
I'm not part of the 1265 group. I wish I were. But that doesn't mean I can't understand things, and agree with them.
13TimeChamps
March 25, 2022 at 07:51 pm
Not surprisingly, sarcasm escapes you. You're the only one who thinks it's scary, just like I'm sure you thought your last one made you look tough. But I'm a big supporter of free speech. So you just keep being you. I'm sure there are lots of reasons to explain why men try to project themselves as scary and tough, but this isn't the forum to discuss it.
You have yourself a wonderful evening.
13TimeChamps
March 25, 2022 at 02:42 pm
If Lazard...a3rd option, at best, on most other teams, a broken down Cobb, and AmRod, who did nothing last year and plays the same position as Cobb, are locked in as our WR2/WR3/WR4, this team will be really easy to defend against. I can't believe Gutekunst would open the season with that group. I have to believe there is a trade coming. Nothing else makes sense.
13TimeChamps
March 25, 2022 at 03:37 pm
Beating out ESB (1 career TD in 4 years), Kumerow (3 career TDs) and Shepherd (0 career TDs and currently out of the league) is the definition of a true #2 receiver in the NFL?
Coldworld
March 25, 2022 at 03:36 pm
Shepherd is available? Then there is hope for both STs and on Offense.
jannesbjornson
March 25, 2022 at 05:01 pm
Some long for the days of Cory Bradford and Robert Ferguson....Not.
shmelbs
March 25, 2022 at 03:21 pm
Cold, you may be right about the players you mentioned, but you're forgetting that those players fit into a larger offensive philosophy, and game plans that change week to week. It's not just about individual player talent. I agree we could definitely use a talented FA WR and/or a great WR in the draft, but I'm not ready to worry about our WR squad yet, partly because I'm also thinking about the offensive squad as a whole. That includes the coaches who will hopefully design a philosophy and game plans that maximize the talent they put out on the field.
Ferrari-Driver
March 25, 2022 at 01:28 pm
Starting in March of 1993 life changed in the NFL. That is the year free agency was successfully negotiated by the players. Players were no longer bound to the team that drafted them for their entire career and the real bidding for their services began. Prior to that period, players had salaries somewhat mirroring those of the man on the street and many worked during the off season selling cars, in factories, etc. As a kid I remember a Packer defensive lineman, John Martinkovic, who was a 6th round draft choice and played for the team from 1951-1956. He used to sell cars in Green Bay during the off season and seemed like a rather big, but normal guy making a living.
Free agency created the millionaires we see today with contracts that would make guys like John Martinkovic do back flips if they were around today. Essentially what we have is a player for around 4 years, developing and improving at a reduced salary that would still astound the "Old Timers" and then they put their services out for bid.
That is why we hear the term "New Team This Year" or some similar phrase tossed about by the NFL management teams each year. Thus we will see fewer players like Ray Nitschke who play their entire career for one team in today's NFL because of the high salaries of superstars and the restrictions of the salary cap. It's just life in the NFL.
Leatherhead
March 25, 2022 at 01:03 pm
Free Agency, and the Salary Cap, dramatically changed the NFL in the early 90s. No doubt. It made it exponentially more difficult to keep a team together, but much easier to rebuild a roster. In the old days, if your roster sucked, you didn't have a lot you could do except draft better. If you had a great roster, then great!! You have a nice long run, like the Packer and Steelers and Dolphins and 49ers.......
Now it really is a New Team This Year. Always.
Ferrari-Driver
March 26, 2022 at 04:52 pm
You make a very good point regarding the difficulty in upgrading a roster prior to free agency. Your comment reminded me of the pre Lombardi days and a talented scout and personnel director who was hired one year prior to Lombardi's hiring. He was Jack Vainisi and was perhaps the primary reason Lombardi agreed to become the Packers head coach. Back when teams relied on the media for information for the NFL draft, Vainisi enlisted college coaches to provide scouting reports not only on their own players but opposition players as well. It paid off handsomely and he drafted eight hall of fame players for the Packers in his two years in the job. He never lived to see the success of his work because he died in 1960 at the age of 33.
My knowledge of Jack Vainisi is acquired from the internet, but my interest in him was acquired during a fishing trip to Canada. I spent a week on a fishing trip in Canada with his brother who is a veterinarian (and two other guys) and since I stink as a fisherman he and I spent a lot of time talking. We are both avid Packer fans and I found out later that he was instrumental in having his brother memorialized in 2015 when the Packers erected a monument honoring his legacy at the entrance to the Titletown District, adjacent to Lambeau Field. He has a very impressive mind and is renown on the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases. His intellect humbled me.
croatpackfan
March 25, 2022 at 01:47 pm
Life is changing everyday. New technologies, new developments, new knowledge, higher salaries, better life etc. Staying in the past did not favor anyone and produce a lot of negativity on new generations.
I know as lot of people fear of tomorrow, because it is unknown what tomorrows brings. But, staying with old is not the option. That produce stall and, consequently, loss in comparation with others. It is not bad to change and to develop. That is necessity if you want to be competitive in the field of activity.
New way of doing business in NFL produce a lot of success and popularity. It brought intrigue and allowed possibility to any franchise to win SB at one season level. It prolonged season by adding FA period, draft and protect players health and future after player career ends. Introduction of hard Salary cap meant to keep parity in the NFL. Franchses that playing bad with SC, drafting and leveling rosters are doomed. Others has success. Not accepting that put all eggs in one basket does not waranty you final and top success is pure decision every franchise have to take in the consideration. There is to many factors you can not control. But, if you chose to go that path and do not achieve that goal, it will brings you many poor years without chance to win all. If you understand that and willing to try it, responsibility is on you, not on the rules.
I think that is OK.
Ferrari-Driver
March 25, 2022 at 07:34 pm
Actually the concept of leveling the playing field where every team in the NFL would have a chance to win a championship was the reason they devised an NFL draft where the team with the worst competitive record would get to pick first and theoretically equip their team with a relatively better player. Thus, that system is still what has allowed the smaller market teams to remain competitive there is no better example of the effectiveness of that system, along with the salary cap than the Green Bay Packers who in spite of being located in the smallest city in the NFL have managed to amass more Championships than any team in the league.
Imagine a league where there was no draft and no salary cap...No, I don't want to imagine that either. Deep pockets would rule.
BaldingersBentDigit
March 25, 2022 at 01:06 pm
Thank you for the proper use of the word, "too."
Tedlyflyfisher
March 25, 2022 at 01:39 pm
Good list, but you forgot to mention our biggest need: long snapper. There. You’re welcome! :-)
pantz_bURp
March 25, 2022 at 04:05 pm
I think we know who the long snapper should be...your pooch! Just tell the BEAST to snap the "bone"
Ferrari-Driver
March 25, 2022 at 07:54 pm
Good point and it will also help if the holder for place kicks improves as well. I watched a few videos of the Packers new punter Pat O'Donnell and he seems to handle the snaps well and does a good job placing the ball.
Roadrunner23
March 25, 2022 at 01:41 pm
It is time we start building this team for the post-Rodgers era.
The Packers team should reflect our Midwestern values. Tough, blue collar, Smash mouth football.
With Rodgers the Packers have become a finesse team for too many years and that’s great for indoor stadiums.
But the Packers play in the elements and have not had the advantage these past few playoff runs even on their own home field.
That is unacceptable.
Teams need to know that when they play the Packers it’s going be 60 minutes of pain, mud and blood baby, mud and blood.
croatpackfan
March 25, 2022 at 01:50 pm
That does not correspond to the truth. Because Packets lost 3 times in the row from teams playing in warm weather...
It seams harsh condition influenced them much less than on Packers.
PatrickGB
March 25, 2022 at 02:09 pm
Teams that rely on the passing game do better on turf and nice weather.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 25, 2022 at 05:27 pm
It does correspond cuz all 3 of those years they got beat by physical football teams that the Packers matched up poorly against.
pantz_bURp
March 25, 2022 at 02:07 pm
Yes Road runner! Pain, mud and blood...sounds like a country song! And, a new turn to the old Packer identity...I like it. Come spring, I always think of an e e cummings's quote, "the world is mudluscious and puddle-wonderful"...
BirdDogUni
March 25, 2022 at 03:32 pm
I like this for planning ahead...
22: R1 P22 WR Garrett Wilson - Ohio State
28: R1 P28 WR Christian Watson - North Dakota State
53: R2 P21 DL Travis Jones - Connecticut
59: R2 P27 EDGE Drake Jackson - USC
92: R3 P28 WR Alec Pierce - Cincinnati
132: R4 P27 LB Troy Andersen - Montana State
140: R4 P35 OT Braxton Jones - Southern Utah
171: R5 P28 OT Vederian Lowe - Illinois
228: R7 P7 CB Kalon Barnes - Baylor
249: R7 P28 S Sterling Weatherford - Miami (Ohio)
258: R7 P37 TE Trae Barry - Boston College
Only two "warm weather" players too.
HarryHodag
March 25, 2022 at 05:25 pm
Apparently you think the Packers exist in a NFL vacuum. Several teams have wide receiver needs. The Chiefs are said to try to get two receivers in round one alone. Wilson and Jackson and possibly Watson will be gone by 22 or 28.
Even if the 'need' is receiver, if the top rated receiver at that point is far down the prospect list, the team will likely pick a player at another position rated higher. If the top tight end is around at 22, but the next receiver is at 35, it's the tight end.
The most likely top receiver they could have a shot at is Olave from Ohio State.
BirdDogUni
March 25, 2022 at 10:39 pm
I just picked the guys available to me on the simulator. I don't control that. We shall see who we draft in a little over a month.
Thegreatreynoldo
March 26, 2022 at 01:14 pm
Um, KC drafts 29th and 30th. Not sure how their desire for WRs affects GB's ability to draft them with the 22nd and 28th. Sure, KC could trade up, but it is not knowable whether they will do that or not. Since GB also does not operate in a vacuum, there is a chance that Gute might just move around - it isn't like he hasn't made moves in the first round before.
KC does have the 50th pick, 3 slots ahead of GB's current position. That seems worth noting in conjunction with a perceived desire on KC's part for WRs. I would note that moving from the 29th slot to 21 (NE's pick) to get ahead of GB is a major move. And of course each team has its own board: I can't remember anyone correctly prognosticating the first 21 selections, so predicting which players will be available at 22 and 28 is just an educated guess. Moving from 29th to 27th is easier to do.
Taken to the logical extreme, you would render it impossible to discuss the draft at all.
stockholder
March 25, 2022 at 10:23 pm
I like Burks better. I watched Mi. kick Ohio State butts. Go big or go home! #22 Treylon Burks. Wr Arkansas
#28. Christian Watson Wr N. Dakota St.
#53. Leo Chenal. LB Wi.
#59. Channing Tindall. ILB. Georgia
#92. Velus Jones. WR. Tenn.
#132. Nick Cross. S Maryland
#140. Amare Barno. Edge VT
#171. Chin. Okonkwo. TE. Maryland
#228. Master Teague.III RB Ohio State
#249. Isaih Pacheco. RB Toledo
#258. Zyon McCollum. CB Sam Houston.
frankthefork
March 25, 2022 at 03:41 pm
Not bad but your WR both have injuries-Ok is this better-rounded?...results are endless.
22-wr- London
28-dl-wyatt
53 ed-Mafe
59-s-Petrie
92-te- McBride
132-ot-walker
140-cb Flott
171-wr Philips
228-lb campbell
249-lb gemmel
258 ol- Bruss
pantz_bURp
March 25, 2022 at 04:27 pm
Come on Frank...Bruss, Bruss at pick 258!!! :D
Just messin' with ya. I got nothing better.
HarryHodag
March 25, 2022 at 05:29 pm
One rumor floating around is DK Metcalf from Seattle will be available soon via trade. Clearly a high draft pick would work.
Metcalf is 6'4 and 4.3 in the 40. Last year he had 75 receptions and 12 touchdowns. Seattle is cleaning house.
Handsback
March 25, 2022 at 07:02 pm
Paul's point is valid, Gutsey is going to draft for future needs, and he should. We may think the Packers have depth and strength everywhere, but they have a ton of weakness. If there was ever a draft to pick the BPA, this will be the one to do it. They need difference makers and have the picks to make it work.
Should be a good night, but I'm also sure all of us will complain after the draft on who they didn't pick. Also pretty sure they will get a veteran WR before the draft.
GatorJason
March 25, 2022 at 07:47 pm
Stolen Gutekunst Draft Plan:
Maximize depth w draft to offset high salaries.
These are 2022 NFL Draft target #s by position:
WR: 2, S/ST: 2, Edge: 1-2, DL: 1, ILB/ST: 2
OT: 1-2, IOL: 1-2, CB: 1, TE:1
Packer Targets by Draft Slot:
1. (23) WR: Chris Olave, WR: J. Williams, WR: Treylon Burks
1. (28) OT: Trevor Penning, DT: D. Wyatt, Edge: David Ojabo
2. (53) Edge: Sam Williams, WR: G. Pickens, TE Trey McBride
2. (59) ILB: Leo Chenal, DT: Travis Jones, ILB Chad Muma
3. (92) S: Kerby Joseph, S: Nick Cross, WR John Metchie III
4. (132) RB: J. Cook, CB: Martin Emerson, CB: T. Woolen
4. (140) TE: J. Ferguson, OT: Rasheed Walker, TE: Jelani Woods
5. (171) Edge: Isaiah Thomas, IDL: E. Uwazurike, S: JT Woods
5. (178) Edge: Esezi Otomewa, S: Percy Butler, CB: T. Anderson
7. (228) S/ST: Smoke Monday, RB D'V Price, ILB/ST: Joshua Ross
7. (249) S/ST: C. Morgan, CB: Isaac Taylor-Stuart, QB: Jack Coan
7. (258) IOL: Ben Brown, OT: George Moore, OT: Tyler Vrabel
Thegreatreynoldo
March 26, 2022 at 01:19 pm
I love this format (I don't hate the selections). I need to familiarize myself with the prospects. I don't watch any college football at all, so I love that you have listed a couple of potential targets for each draft slot.