2024 Senior Bowl: Standouts from the Game
By DanDahlke
Saturday wrapped up Senior Bowl week with the National team defeating the American squad 16-7 down in Mobile, AL. While the outcome of the game is less important from a talent evaluation perspective, there were still a handful of individual performances that were noteworthy.
The Packers could address any number of positions in the NFL Draft this Spring. It is no secret their secondary could use an influx of talent, while they could also continue building the defensive front, as well as bolster the offensive line and backfield.
Here are the top performers in the Senior Bowl game at the Packers' positions of need. Click on the links below if you missed the recaps of the Senior Bow practices.
1. Braden Fiske, DL, Florida State
The 6-foot-4, 295-pound capped off an impressive week with an eye-popping performance on Saturday. After practicing all week with the American squad, Fiske was asked to switch to the National team for the game to even out defensive line numbers, and he was arguably the MVP of the contest. Fiske brought interior pressure all game, and he utilized his quickness off the snap to create havoc in the pocket. Not only did he record a sack and a handful of quarterback pressures, but he also had a great tackle for loss in the first quarter when he shot into the backfield and tracked down the ball carrier from behind.
Fiske would be an exciting player to bring to Green Bay. The Packers could use him as a gap-penetrating defensive tackle, who could rotate in the lineup with Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt, and Karl Brooks on passing downs. And while it appears he flashes early-round talent, he could be available later in the draft because of his age (24) and arm length (31''). Despite being a tremendous player, some teams may push him down their draft boards because of these two factors. The Packers could get a tremendous trench player in the third or fourth round if they decide to target the former Seminole defensive tackle.
2. Emani Bailey, RB, TCU
The 22-year-old tailback was a real spark plug for the American squad in the first quarter of the game as he played a key role in their only scoring drive. Bailey showcased his ability to hit the hole and make defenders miss at the second level. He also had a few nice catches on checkdown passes, taking them for first downs. Bailey shows great quickness and acceleration. It's easy to see why he ran for over 1,200 yards last season.
While Bailey isn't the biggest tailback (5-7, 207), he is an explosive athlete with great acceleration. He looks like an Aaron Jones clone, and he could be somebody the Packers really like on Day 3 of the NFL Draft. With Green Bay having to start thinking about the future of their running back position this offseason, it wouldn't be surprising if Bailey is someone they target to develop behind Jones this season.
3. Chau Smith-Wade, CB, Washington State
At 5-foot-10 and 187 pounds, Smith-Wade doesn't quite meet the Packers' preferred size thresholds at cornerback, but his performance from the Senior Bowl is still notable, nonetheless. After a strong week of practice, especially in one-on-ones, Smith-Wade caught two interceptions in Saturday's game, nearly returning one for a touchdown. The former Cougars defensive back showed tremendous instincts and ball skills in coverage.
While his height might be an issue as a perimeter corner in the Packers' defense, he could be an option for them at nickel corner. He's a Day 3 prospect with high upside, and he could give them a slot corner who's a reliable tackler and has the ability to force turnovers.
4. Cedric Gray, LB, North Carolina
Gray might be the most underrated linebacker prospect in this year's draft class. He's as solid a second-level defender as they come, and while his game lacks the splash plays of his peers, Gray is a reliable instinctive linebacker who holds up in each phase of the game. The 6-foot-2, 232-pound linebacker proved this on Saturday. He made numerous key run stops near the line of scrimmage. He also had a nice pass breakup in the fourth quarter to kill a drive.
The former Tar Heel defender is someone to circle as a potential Packers' target. He has starting ability in the NFL, and he could be available on late Day 2 or early Day 3 of the draft. If he tests well athletically at the NFL Combine, then he should check all of the boxes for what they want in an inside linebacker prospect.
5. Dominick Puni, OL, Kansas
After playing four seasons at Central Missouri, Puni transferred to Kansas and quickly became their starting left tackle. His journey to the NFL has been an unusual one, but at the Senior Bowl, he made the most of it. After playing tackle in college, Puni lined up at guard and center in Mobile, and he looked outstanding in both spots. While winning in the one-on-ones, Puni carried this success over to the game on Saturday.
Puni held his own against monster defensive tackle D'Vondre Sweat. The former Kansas offensive tackle also looked terrific moving bodies in the run game and working his way to the second level. Puni is an athletic 6-foot-4, 323-pound guard prospect with position versatility. His size, athleticism, and tackle background match exactly what Green Bay looks for in their offensive lineman prospects. Puni screams to me a Packers mid-round draft pick.
6. Jackson Sirmon, LB, Cal
Sirmon was on very few people's radar before Senior Bowl week. After being a late addition, he impressed in both practice and the game. Not only was he stout against the run, showing a knack for diagnosing plays and filling rush lanes, but he also made several key plays in coverage. In practice, he recorded two interceptions, and in the game, he had a nice pass breakup dropping in zone over the middle of the field in the second quarter. He also had a nice run stop behind the line of scrimmage on the following play.
It was a great week for Cal's 2022 leading tackler. After missing over half of last season because of a bicep injury, Sirmon had plenty to prove in Mobile.
It will be interesting to see how the 24-year-old linebacker tests at the combine. He already looks like a solid Day 3 pick for a team like the Packers who could use an inside linebacker who can hold his own in coverage. With above-average athletic testing, Sirmon could solidify himself as a mid-round selection.
7. Evan Williams, S, Oregon
This year's safety class is not a strong one, but a few defensive backs had strong weeks. While Cole Bishop and Kamren Kinchens had solid games, it was Oregon's Williams who stood out the most on Saturday. He showed impressive recovery speed to sprint across the field and intercept a pass intended for Cody Schrader, who was running a deep post in the end zone.
While Williams is only an average-sized safety (5-11, 203), he does show good closing speed and change of direction. It was nice to see the big play from him in the game. After recording three interceptions in 2021, he did not record any the past two seasons, despite leading the Ducks in tackles. Williams was active all week in Mobile, and despite many projecting him as a late-round draft pick, he could be a nice find on Day 3.
8. Brandon Coleman, OL, TCU
Coleman started at left guard for the American squad, and he was physical all game. He moved the line of scrimmage in the run game, and he looked solid in pass protection. After starting at left tackle for TCU, he will make the move inside at the next level. Coleman has the size (6-4, 316) and athleticism to fit the Packers' mold for an offensive lineman prospect.
Many project Coleman to be a mid-round draft selection, and it seems like a complete Brian Gutekunst move to draft a former college tackle in the third or fourth round to be their next right guard.
9. Cody Schrader, RB, Missouri
Schrader looked explosive and smooth all week with the ball in his hands, and that was on display in Saturday's game. The former SEC-leading rusher looked decisive running through the hole, and he had several nice catches out of the backfield.
Schrader would be a real gem on Day 3 of the draft. He runs hard, has great vision, and shows the short-area burst necessary to be an effective tailback in the NFL. Many will overlook the Missouri product because he is already 24 years old, and he won't test as an elite athlete. However, Schrader is a highly productive runner, and he will have no problem finding a role on a team next season.
10. JD Bertrand, LB, Notre Dame
I already highlighted Bertrand earlier in the week as a standout player in all three days of practice, but his performance in the game was equally as impressive. The former Notre Dame defensive captain was by far one of the most impressive and consistent players in Mobile.
In the game, he was a physical run defender, meeting backs at the line of scrimmage and packing a punch at the contact point. Bertrand was also a vocal leader on the field, showcasing his ability to lead a defense. If the Packers move on from De'Vondre Campbell, Bertrand could be a great option in the middle rounds for their Mike linebacker position.
Comments (41)
Guam
February 05, 2024 at 09:24 am
Great to hear there were some safeties and inside linebackers that stood out. The Packers need both and should have enough draft picks to land what they need.
RCPackerFan
February 05, 2024 at 09:25 am
My favorite offseason event is the draft. My favorite thing leading to the draft is the Senior Bowl. I love watching the Senior Bowl. I love the stories of players and I love how its put together.
I remember 2 years ago the guys on tv asked Tom Pelissaro to have a deep ball called for Christian Watson. They called it and it drew a DPI call. At the time we didn't know he was going to become a Packers player, but a cool moment either way.
Last year I remember they were talking to a TE that was injured in the season. He was talking about coming back from his injury and trying to get his feet back under him. That TE was Luke Musgrave. Another guy we didn't know was going to be a Packers player.
I love those types of things about the Senior Bowl.
Almost every year there are players that I watch and want GB to take. One of my favorites was Quinton Rollins. He was impressive at the Senior Bowl. GB drafted him. He had a good rookie year and then kind of faded away.
One guy that stood out to me last year that I wanted GB to draft was Tyjae Spears. He was taken 3 spots behind Tucker Kraft. Spears appears to be set to take over at RB for the Titans.
Watching this year, I didn't see anyone truly standout where I said that he is the guy I want GB to have. I want to watch the game again to see if anyone stands out that I missed.
Now after saying that there are guys that I was intrigued with.
Fiske looked unblockable at times. He would be a great guy in the rotation. Also shows what kind of guy he was to switch teams.
Bailey did look a lot like Aaron Jones. He is a guy that I want to go back and watch more of him. But the play that really showed me who he is, was on the Smith-Wade interception, it was Bailey who chased him down and tackled him short of the endzone. Those are the plays that coaches love.
Smith-Wade made one hell of an interception. Then almost returned it all the way.
Tory Taylor gave me a reminder of what a weapon he was against Wisconsin this year. His punts against Wisconsin to me was the difference in that game. He was flipping the field and he was pinning Wisconsin deep every time he punted.
I am going to rewatch the game to focus more on the OL/DL/LB areas. I want to see if anyone stands out there that I didn't catch before.
Leatherhead
February 05, 2024 at 12:31 pm
''''I am going to rewatch the game to focus more on the OL/DL/LB areas. I want to see if anyone stands out there that I didn't catch before.''''''
Interesting. I'm thinking the Packers are going to be mostly standing pat at DL and LB. LaFleur has said he liked the way they played. And most of them are under contract: Wooden, Brooks, Wyatt, Slaton, McDuffie and Walker are all on rookie deals. Enagbare, too, and he should be back midseason. Clark and Campbell are top vets who are well worth their money. OLBs/DEs of Gary, Smith, and VanNess is a very good 3 man rotation. That's 11, and we only suit up 12 guys on front end so we can have 9DBs.
I think/wish/hope that we spend our 4 picks on Day 2 on the offense, and put the best 19 guys around him we can. We could get two stud blockers and a premiere RB.
CJBauckham
February 05, 2024 at 09:52 am
Love Gray's measurables but his red flag is he misses alot of tackles. Something like 50+ the last 3 years? Maybe Hafley can coach him up.
DoubleJ
February 05, 2024 at 10:32 am
I like the idea of drafting Gray. Over the past three seasons Gray has 340 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, eight sacks, five interceptions, 12 pass breakups, five forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries. That would be a huge addition to the team. The TFLs shows that he is instinctive on running plays as well.
LambeauPlain
February 05, 2024 at 10:36 am
Thanks for the rundown, Dan.
Fiske seems an interesting prospect at DL. However if you pair him in lineup with Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt, and Karl Brooks on passing downs...what will Gary, Smith and Van Ness be doing? They will be D linemen too.
Nice problem to have!
bossofallbosses
February 05, 2024 at 11:15 am
Clark is gone after next year and has been on a decline since 2018 and he'll be 30 in 25. Devonte may be gone also as he's poor vs the rush and great at pass rushing but horrific at finishing the job for a sack. Only dude I trust in the interior is Karl Brooks. Slayton should be cut this season as he's useless. DL needs major upgrades this offseason.
bossofallbosses
February 05, 2024 at 11:12 am
1.) SAFETY: I like The Safety out of Minnesota. Savage allowed 14 points and dropped a pick six. Give us Dubin (?) the S out of Minnesota and this team is blowing out everybody easily. One dude makes a significant difference. I believe GB can trade back and aqcuire more picks and get this dude in the second round.
2.) CB: Tampa out of Iowa State is the best overall CB in the draft IMO. I think GB can snag him out of the second round.
3.) DT: Ohio state DT is a top 3 DT and an all around player. T'vondre is great at stopping the run but to sloq and no endurance and beloq average in the pass rush. third rounder
4.) RB: Bucky Iring out of Oregon is the best RB in the draft as he has great but not elite top speed, elite agility/O moves, hands, receiving ability, and good poqer for his size. I like him as the eventual A Jones replacement. Third rounder
5.) C: the C out of Oregon is the best C in the class. Not sure if you acquire another third round or second round pick for moving back but I can see him being snagged in the third round
6.) Then fill in OG, K, CB, S in the later rounds. No need for TE, receiver, OT, edge at all.
I don't see any legitimate MLB's in this class. I'd like to cut Campbell and acquire Queen if they have the cap space.
Players to cut/trade/not resign:
1.) Bak
2.) Savage
3.) Owens
4.) Campbell
5.) Slayton
6.) Dillon
7.) Newman
8.) Yosh Depending on the salary he demands.
9.) Myers
10.) Runyon
Restructure:
1.) Jones
2.) Clark
3.) JA
Coaching moves:
1.) Entirely new D staff for position coaches
2.) Entirely new Strength and conditioning staff
Free Agents:
1.) Safety: Winfield: 18 mil/yr
2.) MLB: Queen: 16 mil/yr
Not sure if this is even possible but the salary cap is going to be increased by 16 mil, cuts of 3 dudes gives them around 30 mil and 3 restructures of the highest paid dudes gives them another 10 mil so that's 56 mil of space for next year. If you sign the rookies and your own FA's for a grand total of 20 mil that leaves you with 36 mil and signing the 2 big name FA's gives you 2 mil left. I have no idea how they structure Love's contract. Can they extend him but still pay him his normal salary for next season? 50 mil a year is ridiculous. I'd say 35 mil a year is more reasonable for one year of production. He didn't get an MVP, all pro or even pro bowl and is statistically borderline top ten QB so 35 mil a year is fair.
As for 2025 they have no Bak, and potentially drop 25+ mil a year dudes in JA and Clark also Smith is a good 7-10 mil savings. That's a ton of cap space opened up. Now they could keep JA after next year if he's actually healthy. I don't see any possible chance of Smith being on the team as LVN is passing him up probably in 24. Clark is 50/50 as he's production declined every single season since 2018 but he had an average season last year (great last 3-4 games). He'll be 30 so he's probably time to cut ties.
fthisJack
February 05, 2024 at 12:21 pm
That's Tyler Nubin, Minnysota. I like him as well and Kitchens from Miami. They won't part with Meyers until they have a suitable replacement for him.
stockholder
February 05, 2024 at 12:34 pm
Let's Keep this Team young:
No to Winfield, and Queen.
No to re- signing Savage.
Bahk injury settlement for his own good.
And give the savings to Love.
Gute won't have trouble finding Guards.
1/2 the OTs have short arms and project into guards.
The Good ones that don't will be gone by #25.
If Nubin can't run under 4.5 I wouldn't draft him.
jannesbjornson
February 05, 2024 at 01:19 pm
Mach Four:
#25 Q. Mitchell Toledo CB
#41 Jordan Morgan Arizona LT
#58 T'vondre Sweat Texas DT
#88 Cade Stover O.State HB
#97 Jaden Hicks WASU S
#126 Eichenberg O.State ILB
#159 Blake Watson Memphis RB
#167 M. Kamara CSU Edge
#203 Sione Vaki Utah S
#215 Cody Schrader Mizzou RB
#242 Tony Gould OR State WR/KR
Let Walker play Guard/RT and start Morgan at LT. Re-sign A.Jones. Last year was the time to bag free agent safeties.
Schrader will go mid-rounds. A lot of talent on that Missouri squad. One of the best defenses along with Oregon and Texas. Sweat will dominate inside.
stockholder
February 05, 2024 at 05:01 pm
Mitchell might go top 20 after the senior Bowl.
Hopefully he won't back out from the testing.
Morgan works and so does Sweat.
But if they work on the back 7 like Gute stated.
You might see Campbell and Savage gone.
And a DEJean trade up, forfeiting a second.
jannesbjornson
February 05, 2024 at 06:42 pm
I do not mind the trade-up scenario and they can use 2025 picks in the deal. Yes, you have to play hard ball if you want these guys. You cannot sit like a bump on a log and expect a guy like Watson to fall again. This first round is all about QBs for the typically bereft teams and Cornerbacks. The Safeties cannot patrol the middle and decleat the crosser any longer. The Safety has to be a playmaker and they are few and far between, nowadays.
Campbell is not a lot of CAP savings. If his body can recover, he is the most knowledgeable cover LB. I would trade Walker and start over inside with a guy like Edge Cooper, or Gray. The Missouri guys all play attcking styles.
Savage showed his mettle in Santa Clara, so long, don't let the door hit you on the Way Out....
stockholder
February 06, 2024 at 06:49 am
Start Over? - I'd draft them for a change in depth.
Edge Cooper, or Gray- Try Payton Wilson first.
(Past injuries or not)
Campbell should be back -
golfpacker1
February 06, 2024 at 09:49 am
I am a big no to the trade up and burning a second round pick. Unless you can prove Mitchell is the next Darrell Revis then you don't waste the pick. Is he that much better than the next 10 best CBs in the Draft? NOPE!
Give me T J Tampa 20 picks later. Khyree Jackson, Kamal Hadden or Cam Hart 60 picks later and I will be thrilled. Because not wasting that 2nd round pick got me Cooper Beebe or Jackson Powers Johnson or ???
stockholder
February 06, 2024 at 11:42 am
Mitchell runs faster than first posted.
According to most scouting reports. He is Revis now.
Your next 10 Cbs would suit me,
because I feel Safety is the #1 priority. (DeJean @1)
Beebe is late rd 2 - early 3
But the main drafting point. Is the shuttle Time.
If it's not under 7point. Gutey will pass.
golfpacker1
February 05, 2024 at 02:48 pm
Nubin is a ball-hawk and a playmaker Stock. He will run in the 4.5s and that is fast enough at his size. He also plays with an edge and doesn't miss tackles. He would be a great pick after a trade back.
T J Tampa would be a steal for us. In my mocks I always look for a trade back about 10-12 spots and pick him. Then Nubin or Kinchens, whoever is available. Then my third pick is Beebe, the OG. That would be a dream start to the draft fo GB. IF we get a partner for a trade back that gives us 3 more picks in the first 90 picks for RB, ILB, and Edge. Or a double up @Safety or CB.
I agree Stock, A BIG NO to Winfield and Queen as both are good but we can't, and don't need to spend that on 2 FAs. We can find 2 of them for half that and they will still improve us a ton. Plus Queen sounds like a headcase.
Also agree on OT/OGs. Puni. Glaze, B Coleman, Foster, and C jones-Texas could all play both positions. I really like Dominic Puni-Kansas. He played OG and OT in college and even excelled @ C in the senior Bowl. I would love Zac Zinter in the 3rd. He could fall because of the leg.
Leatherhead
February 05, 2024 at 12:44 pm
I think you might want to rethink some of these things, boss. Fortunately, there's time on the clock.
LaFleur has indicated that there's not going to be wholesale turnover on defense, and has specifically mentioned the secondary, and that's where the defensive focus will go.
I have had it explained to me by smart people that we actually save money on the 2024 cap by keeping Savage. Campbell, too, is cheaper to play than he is to trade or release. Odd but true.
Not including Bakhtiari (and I agree, he's gone. He's been gone a long time but he's still on the books.), you're advocating we chuck 9 guys who were on the 45 man roster, including 40% of a pretty decent starting line, including one guy who's still under contract (Myers). We need to dress out 9 OL. By your measure, we have Walker, Jenkins, Tom, Rhyan.
I submit that we resign Runyan because he's an experienced vet who rarely misses time with injury, and who LOVES playing for the Packers. He'd be damned handy depth over the next 4 years.
We should keep Myers for the last year of his deal.
We should draft a CB who can cover people in the first round.
We should draft two stud linemen on Day 2 of the draft.
We should take a premiere RB on Day 2.
We should draft a safety on Day 2.
golfpacker1
February 05, 2024 at 03:16 pm
Agree on Meyers Stock. We can find a good C next year in the draft on day 2.
I am iffy on CB in the first. The top 4 will be gone by our pick and none of them are worth a trade up. There are some really good ones who we can get in 2nd after a trade back. Give me any of T J Tampa, Khyree Jackson, Kamal Hadden, Cam Hart, Max Melton, Rakestraw, or King in the second round and I am happy.
2 Stud lineman ok, if they are actually studs like Beebe and any of Puni, Powers-Johnson, Mahogany, Zinter or Glaze.
As long as the Premier RBs are not named, Benson, Brooks or Corums. Yes to Marshawn Lloyd, Bucky Irving, Will Shipley, Braelon Allen. After Day 2- Ray Davis, Dillon Johnson, Jaylon Wright, Audric Estime. Steal one late of Isaiah Davis, Rasheen Ali, Frank Gore or George Holani. Brooks-Texas is ok in the 4th if medicals are ok.
A top Safety in the second round and another in 4th or 5th. Should be a must find in best UFDA Safety. And kicker.
Savage yes if less than $4 million plus incentives if the new DC can teach him to tackle. Realistically we can get a better FA Safety than him that can tackle for not much more.
I have heard different amounts on the savings of cutting Campbell. If its only $2million, then keep him one more year. I am sure the savings is way better after 2024.
In my perfect mock drafts I could replace that many people in one year, but not in real life.
If Runyan is the G platooning with Rhyan then dump him.
stockholder
February 05, 2024 at 04:50 pm
I think Gute learned a lot about make up speed.
And several are now locks after the Senior - Bowl.
Kris Abrams-Draine and the kid from Toledo are
the fastest climbers.
But the 40 time is what will bring them to GB.
When in doubt - Take a OL.
bossofallbosses
February 05, 2024 at 11:25 am
I'd take Chau the CB in the 5th round.
golfpacker1
February 05, 2024 at 03:21 pm
I am not taking anyone in the draft because of one play in the actual Senior Bowl. If he stood out all week against the other best opposing players, then I might. One play in one game is not enough.
fthisJack
February 05, 2024 at 12:23 pm
I thought Bertrand out of ND looked really good at LB. Possible replacement for Campbell.
PackEyedOptimist
February 05, 2024 at 12:34 pm
There are quite a few RBs in this draft who remind me of Aaron Jones, and I like all of them, but everyone should be open to players who DONT seem like Jones. There’s more than one way to skin a RB! My favorite for the Packers is Trey Benson.
Emani Bailey was one of my favorite hidden gems before last week.
He runs like a bowling ball of knives!
I think Ray Davis is the most like Jones.
Isaiah Davis is another one I like who isn’t like Jones.
Leatherhead
February 05, 2024 at 12:51 pm
I think Trey Benson is one of the Top 2 backs in the draft, along with Jonathan Brooks. Behind them, I'd put Allen and Corum. I think every one of those guys would be a good Day 2 value and a net improvement over Dillon and possible succcesor to Jones.
Benson is more likely to hit home runs than Brooks, but Brooks will break more tackles.
PackEyedOptimist
February 05, 2024 at 01:43 pm
I like Benson because he has the same kind of afterburner burst that Jayden Reed has. I really like Isaiah Davis as a slasher.
golfpacker1
February 05, 2024 at 03:32 pm
The RBs like Benson or Brooks that have had ACL surgery are down my list.
Corum has a lot of miles. And also tore ACL in 2022.
Bailey is way too small. He did have some good moments though. Watkins-Memphis is better.
Guys like Marshawn Lloyd, Bucky Irving, Will Shipley are better choices.
Ray Davis was a sleeper for me, but really broke out at the bowl. He scored over 20 TDs this year. Wow! Isaiah Davis was my other sleeper and add George Holani-Boise State. Check him out and you will be impressed.
I still really like Braelon Allen-Wisconsin. He is 6'2 240lbs and runs 4.4 40. Oh, and he catches really well and blocks too. He excelled for 3 years against really good BIG TEN defenses. He doesn't get hurt and he is 20 years old. I would take him, or Lloyd, or Irving in a heartbeat with the first pick in the 3rd round.
For teams needing RBs, this is a great draft. So many choices that run and catch well. We are in great position.
Leatherhead
February 05, 2024 at 05:04 pm
If a guy got hurt, had surgery, and then played two seasons without incident, it wouldn't affect my opinion much.
skydancer506
February 05, 2024 at 05:21 pm
Tykee Smith, S, Georgia and Cedric Gray, LB, North Carolina, were the two players that stood out the most for me in the game. Cole Bishop, S, was another player that didn't look too bad. Of course I'm looking at players who have solid tackling skills, which seems to be something that the Packers teams have lacked under Joe Barry. We have had athletic guys who can't tackle. Three by-the-book players who can tackle correctly and attack at the right angles are what we need. Not looking for flash. Looking for performance here.
Evan Williams's interception impressed me. I was blown away by his closing speed, especially when he was over 10 yards away and had to close quickly. Can we just draft Tykee Smith, Cole Bishop and Evan Williams and keep them all? That would be a dream, obviously. We would be set at safety for at least 3-4 years.
Also, I would have loved to have watched Jackson Powers-Johnson actually play, but he was out with a hamstring injury sustained in practice. His practice tape looked impressive and he definitely would be a huge upgrade over Josh Myers, but I would have liked to have seen him in the Senior Bowl. I'll have to watch for him at the Combine.
jannesbjornson
February 05, 2024 at 06:47 pm
Both Utah safeties know the New Game...
Leatherhead
February 05, 2024 at 05:49 pm
Consensus Mock Draft, today:
#25 Graham Barton, OL
#41Kam Kinchens, S
#58 Trey Benson, RB
#88 Cooper Beebe, OL
#91 Johnathan Brooks, RB
PackEyedOptimist
February 05, 2024 at 06:26 pm
I’m not sold on Barton; he’s a good run blocker, but average pass blocker. Actually, the same is true of Beebe. They are the two OL guys I avoid.
golfpacker1
February 06, 2024 at 11:43 am
Pack, I also don't see the love for Barton. He isn't top ten on most services. He is pretty light too. I get the multiple positions thing but? Puni does too and I like him better. Beebe actually graded out well in pass protection and he is a bulldozer in the run game. Zac Zinter is going to be picked later because of the leg injury. He could be a steal late 3rd if we haven't picked any OL.
PackEyedOptimist
February 05, 2024 at 05:54 pm
Bucky Irving is the guy I think is most similar to Aaron Jones, after Ray Davis.
golfpacker1
February 07, 2024 at 10:35 am
Irvings season highlights are spectacular. He would be a great A Jones replacement. Davis would be great too, but he is 25 years old.
GatorJason
February 05, 2024 at 07:06 pm
1 CB/S C. DeJean | OC JPJ | CB Q. Mitchell | ED D. Robinson
2a S T. Nubin | DL K. Jenkins | CB E. Rakestraw Jr | OT K Suamatai
2b DL T. Sweat | OT D. Puni | IOL Z Frazier | OG Beebe/Mahogany
3a RB B. Corum | S J. Bullard | ED A. Isaac | DL M. Smith
3b S. T. Smith | CB K. Jackson | CB M. Melton | LB J Colson
4 LB T. Eichenburg | S E. Williams | OT B. Fisher | RB D. Laube
5 LB T. Wallace | CB C Carson | S. B. Brade | TE B Sinnot
6a RB I. Adams | CB J. Jones | S M. Mustafa | RB R. Sanders
6b OG M. Jones | LB S. Coleman | RB R. Ali | OT Jared Penning
7a LB JD Bertrand | OT W. Rouse | LB M Liufau | OC K Eguakum
7b RB J Jordan | RB I. Davis | RB J. McClellan | OT C. Wallace
Ha, it all fit nicely in edit box. Value picks in each round. OC JPJ, Edge D. Robinson and CB Q. Mitchell were men against boys in Senior Bowl. If Hafley brings in single high safety and four-man DL, then Cooper De Jean and another quality DL like Robinson, Jenkins or Sweat become higher priorities. Love OL Puni from Kansas. He can literally play anywhere across the line at a high level. Have to pick earlier than originally planned because he really showed well in Senior Bowl practices and coaches gushed about his attitude and versatility. No team values that more than the Packers.
PackEyedOptimist
February 06, 2024 at 07:12 am
I also like doing what you did here, creating "tiers of interest."
I assume you meant "P-J" not JP...Powers-Johnson. Currently, he's my preferred target at 25. I'd rather get a top CB there, but I think they may be gone. It's impossible to predict when Cooper DeJean is going to go, but I'd love to get him or Mitchell at 25 if they dropped there.
If I get a CB at 25, my next target is Zach Frazier at 41--I love ex-wrestler centers! He screams "Packer" to me, but if I get P-J at 25, obviously I don't go center again at 41.
I am at a crossroads with Sweat. I loved him for the Barry defense; he's a terrific pocket presser and takes on double teams as well as anyone has in years. I'm just not sure he fits the new defense.
Not sure what you're basing your availability on, but I think quite a few of the guys you've placed are going to go earlier (to MUCH earlier) than sites have been predicting. For instance, Khyree Jackson is more likely to go in the high second round in my opinion, and I think Isaiah Davis will go in the fifth.
stockholder
February 06, 2024 at 11:58 am
If I get to pick/simulater
DeJean
Nubin
T. Sweat
M. Smith
J Colson
D. Laube
C. Carson
J .Jones
J. Penning
M. LIufau
J McClellan
golfpacker1
February 07, 2024 at 10:45 am
Really like the first five, but I am out on Laube after he looked so overmatched in the Senior Bowl. We will still have some great RB choices in the 4th round, Braelon Allen, Ray Davis and Jaylin Wright might still be there.
Dillon Johnson-Washington probably too. I would take Isaiah Davis, Rasheen Ali, Frank Gore, and George Holani later than 4th and they are better choices than Laube at this point.
PackEyedOptimist
February 06, 2024 at 07:45 am
MockDraftDatabase Simulator today (No drafturbation trades, and I ignored RIDICULOUS availabilities, like Brock Bowers being available at 25)
So, I thought I'd see what happened if I didn't pick a RB until 167; usually I use 91 and 126, but I like enough of the RBs that I thought I'd see what value I'd get. I have to say, I think it worked out pretty well. Bullock is one of my favorite safeties, Khyree Jackson was a CB steal at 126 (I expect he'll be gone well before that), and Rakestraw is a guy who can play slot CB or safety or CB, much like DeJean.
Robinson completes the DL room, and Wilson, if he stays healthy, is a game-changing coverage LB.
The real treat was getting Ray Davis, probably my favorite RB to pick for value, and Emani "ball of knives" Bailey--two guys that would be fantastic behind Aaron Jones.
I'm a big Brennan Jackson fan--he reminds me of Aaron Kampman. Bertrand has some A, J hawk to him, and Evan Williams is my regular bourbon. :-D He had a nice Senior Bowl, too.
25 Jackson Powers-Johnson IOL | Oregon
41 Ennis Rakestraw Jr. CB | Missouri
58 Darius Robinson DL | Missouri
88 Calen Bullock S | USC
91 Payton Wilson LB | NC State
126 Khyree Jackson CB | Oregon
167 Ray Davis RB | Kentucky
203 Emani Bailey RB | TCU
215 Brennan Jackson EDGE | Washington State
242 Evan Williams S | Oregon
250 J.D. Bertrand LB | Notre Dame
golfpacker1
February 06, 2024 at 10:11 am
Love Powers-Johnson because he excels at other positions too.
Rakestraw-No Too early and I like Khyree Jackson better anyway. He will be a top 90 pick.
Yes to Darius Robinson. I pegged him early as my Preston Smith replacement.
A big yes to Wilson-LB. 6'4 240lbs and runs 4.5. Really good in pass coverage too. Moves Campbell in 2025
Like Ray Davis but he blew up @ Senior Bowl and will be gone. We need a top RB late 2nd or in 3rd.
Bailey is too small. Watson-Memphis or George Holani-Boise State instead late
Substitute Oladapo-Oregon State for Williams. The pass was thrown late across the middle and hung. One play doesn't get a draft pick from me. Any good Safety would have caught up to that pic.
Yes to Bertrand. Because he was good in college and shined all week @ Senior Bowl. Not just one play.