Packers 2019 NFL Draft - Day 2 Best Available
By JerseyAl
Well that was, um,,, interesting?
A somewhat controversial pick at #12 and a 9 -pick trade up to select the first safety in this draft. I asked my Pro Scout friend the morning of the draft. which free safety he liked best for the Packers - the unexpected (for me) answer was Darnell Savage. He also described him as a combination of Adrian Amos and Lamarcus Joyner. Interesting...
With Round One over, it's time to take a look at the best available players on the board that we could see the Packers selecting. Here's my list:
Dalton Risner, OT - in my research for the OT rankings in the CHTV Draft Guide, there was no player I enjoyed watching tape of than Risner. The guy lives for playing football and dominating his opponent. Would love his attitude on the Packers OL unit.
Jawaan Taylor, OT - A beast of a right tackle, both in run blocking and pass protection. In fact, he could be the most well-rounded tackle in the draft. Does everything well. Give me Risner or Taylor and the Packers are good at RT for the next decade.
Irv Smith Jr, TE - Smith has been my choice for the Packers at pick 44 for months. He's an excellent consolation prize while avoiding having to overpay for the two Iowa Tight Ends.
Jace Sternberger, TE - Sternberger has been rising steadily on draft boards, he's more of a short to intermediate route runner, not a seam stretcher, but a solid all-around athlete that needs some time in the weight room. Likely can be had in Round 3.
Byron Murphy, CB - An slightly undersized, but very efficient slot corner that is a bigger hitter than most cornerbacks. Reminds one of Casey Hayward.
Greedy Williams, CB - Has the height and recovery speed that Murphy doesn't, but lacks strength for press coverage and needs to work on his tackling. An outside corner that does his best work in man coverage.
DK Metcalf, WR - Famous for his ridiculously low body fat and straight-line speed. He will stretch defenses with the best of them. Aced the combine measurables but flopped in the agility drills.
Kelvin Harmon, WR - A big, physical receiver who's a bear for defensive backs to stop from making catches. Harmon will be that move-the-chains recevier every good offense needs.
Erik McCoy, C/G - He has the athleticism the Packers have preferred and that LaFleur's wide zone scheme would seem to call for. Best at center, but could develop into a fine guard for the Packers.
Cody Ford - G/T - A nasty, physical OL that wins with agression. Was a guard that played RT his last season. Had weight issues in the past but got down to 329 for the combine. I see him only as a guard.
David Montgomery, RB - All-purpose guy - carrying the ball, catching passes, picking up blitzers, Montgomery does it all well. Would look great in Green and Gold.
Damien Harris, RB - A punishing and productive running back that would be the Packers' first option in short yardage situations.
Mack Wilson, ILB - A run-stopper who makes plays from sideline to sideline as well as by shooting gaps inside.
Vosean Joseph, ILB - Explosive athlete, moves very well in space, wins with speed and quickness. Would give the Packers something they lack in the ilb department.
Other names to watch for: Terry McLaurin, AJ Brown, Parris Campbell, Yodney Cajuste, Greg little, Dre'Mont Jones, Zach Allen
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"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of many hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He is also a recovering Mason Crosby truther. Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP.
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Comments (81)
lambeauleapfan
April 26, 2019 at 11:10 am
Hoping we get Aj Brown or Irv Smith Jr to help out the offense. Also Ford or another top OT works too.
Turophile
April 26, 2019 at 02:23 pm
I agree that TE and OT are the most likely picks. I'm guessing the Packers trade down in the 2nd (and get a 4th back). Then they go TE Knox, OT Edwards with the 2nd and 3rd. Next is RB and another TE (Foster Moreau) with the 4th/5th
EddieLeeIvory
April 26, 2019 at 06:45 pm
Brown & Smith are still available 4 picks away.
Which would u take?
What about GREEDY williams?
Or Parish Campbell?
I don't want DK or Drew Lock
zoellner25
April 26, 2019 at 11:15 am
I'm hoping for an OT/OG type and a TE tonight.
zoellner25
April 26, 2019 at 11:14 am
I just wanna know who Doug N wants to pick tonight. That's really all that matters anyway
jeremyjjbrown
April 26, 2019 at 12:36 pm
Don't worry. He'll reply to every single comment to let us all know.
dobber
April 26, 2019 at 01:05 pm
Even his own...
Tundraboy
April 26, 2019 at 01:47 pm
So true and usually the first.
Doug Niemczynski
April 26, 2019 at 05:18 pm
I really haven't studied any other players. maybe I should. 2020 I will do my best. All I can say is I have heard a lot of talk about Dalton Risner.
Doug Niemczynski
April 26, 2019 at 05:13 pm
Offense. Andy Isabella Slot WR.
Leatherhead
April 26, 2019 at 11:17 am
Drew Lock.
McFly
April 26, 2019 at 11:25 am
Dude, no... just no. Give it up already. It’s not happening, and it shouldn’t.
Leatherhead
April 26, 2019 at 12:42 pm
You sound like Regina George telling Gretchen Weiners that "fetch ' isn't going to happen".
Quick question. IF you were to rank the 4 teams in the division according to the number of times in the last 32 games that they had good-to-above-average quarterback play...….where would you put the Packers? Ahead of anybody?
But I'm sure this year will be different.
leche
April 26, 2019 at 04:04 pm
If this is the plan then we never should have paid Rodgers. Just let him walk, spend that money elsewhere and invest a whole bunch of capital into build around the new QB... Because a highly drafted backup QB who isn't the succession plan is a terrible way to build a successful football team
McFly
April 26, 2019 at 04:35 pm
Firstly, terrible analogy Old School. You should be kicked out of here just for thinking of that, let alone actually using it. Smh
Quick question huh? Well I would have to look at all 128 games to give you an accurate answer, probably won’t be quick but I can do that and get back to you. My guess is they would be ahead of the Bears though, at least. Convenient that you included in the sample size a season in which Rodgers missed the majority of it.
Lastly, the fact that stockholder agrees with you tells you everything you need to know.
dobber
April 26, 2019 at 05:06 pm
I gave him bonus points for just knowing the Regina/Gretchen thing.
Leatherhead
April 26, 2019 at 05:21 pm
You're making it to hard on yourself, McFly. Just go to pro-football-reference and look things up. Of the four teams in our division, we had the worst completion %, worst QB rating, etc.,
And why did I conveniently use a time frame without Rodgers? Because we're going to be without him again. That's why, and that's why I keep pushing for somebody at backup.
Except for the 2nd half of the 2016 season, Rodgers has been far from incredible. He's 33-30-1 and if you take away that six game streak he's 27-30-1 since we walked off the field after losing the playoff game in Seattle. He's had a broken collarbone, an injured leg, and a concussion in that time as well.
We've got a pretty decent team assembled here, but we've got all our eggs in one basket named Rodgers, and I think it's a poor strategy.
Doug Niemczynski
April 26, 2019 at 05:25 pm
TE Josh Oliver I would have said 4th round but we don't have any 4th round picks Gute.
 Josh Oliver, TE, San Jose State
Height: 6-4. Weight: 249. Arm: 33.38. Hand: 10.63.
40 Time: 4.63. Three Cone: 7.21.
Bench: 22. Vertical: 34. Broad: 9-9.
Projected Round (2019): 3-5.
4/23/19: The NFL is always on the look out for pass-receiving tight ends, as they present a lot of mismatch problems for a defense. Oliver showed that potential as a senior, recording 56 receptions for 709 yards and four touchdowns. That strong performance landed him an invitation to the Senior Bowl, and he showed an ability to contribute as a receiver in Mobile. Oliver had a solid combine performa
leche
April 26, 2019 at 12:14 pm
After taking a high ceiling, boom or bust pick in Gary and hypothetically adding Lock and we might as well then figure out how to trade Rodgers away... We'd be paying him way too much money for us to be that far into a rebuild with no short term answer at improvement.
Stated another way- I would love it if you became the GM of the Bears or Vikings.
Samson
April 26, 2019 at 12:21 pm
Latest whisper is that Drew Lock could fall to the 5th or 6th round. -- Then the Pack should snap him up. -- There's always room for a developmental QB on the PS. --- LOL.
PeteK
April 26, 2019 at 12:35 pm
That would make sense. Wolf always drafted a QB late ( Burrel ,Brooks, Hasselbeck) which turned into draft capital later. However, we had Holmgren who was a QB guru.
Tundraboy
April 26, 2019 at 01:49 pm
And a true guru.
stockholder
April 26, 2019 at 03:03 pm
@Old school Good Pick! I'm still interested in Lock.
Demario
April 26, 2019 at 11:19 am
Packers need to pick up an Offensive weapon, and a O Lineman wouldn't hurt either
splitpea1
April 26, 2019 at 11:19 am
Any one of those first three guys sound good to me.
ShawnO
April 26, 2019 at 11:24 am
44 Connor Mcgivern G Penn State RAS 9.76
75 Jamel Dean CB Auburn RAS 9.93
Why.... because it will piss people off and they have high RAS scores which seems to be most important to BG.
leche
April 26, 2019 at 12:15 pm
"Do you have huge RAS but mediocre football skills? The Green Bay Packers are the team for you! Have your agent get in touch with Gute today and could hear your name called in no time!"
sonomaca
April 26, 2019 at 12:48 pm
Savage wasn’t all that high. There’s more to the Gute methodology than just RAS.
CJBauckham
April 26, 2019 at 11:39 am
Hoping for AJ Brown. Predicting Risner and Sternberger
AgrippaLII
April 26, 2019 at 11:53 am
The way Gutekunst is drafting it probably won't be any of these guys...though I'd like an OT (hell any OT!) and David Montgomery.
Handsback
April 26, 2019 at 12:11 pm
My friend who really knows stuff verses me also said that Savage was really looked at as the fastest rising DB in the draft. Now he also said that Taylor dropped due to medical on his knee. He reminded me that he did a very limited workout at the Combine. So for the two picks tonight...I suspect that a OT and TE/WR/RB will be chosen. Except....the BPA may be another position.
Risner is a real possibility, but don't expect Ford who is looked at as an OG.
Irv Smith isn't who I would think MLF wants as a TE, but he may be the guy picked.
Metcalf has a 1st round grade and can make some incredible catches, but has his limitations.
Mack Wilson is a chase and tackle ILB that would be perfect with Martinez, but would Green Bay take another defensive player?
So all that said who would I look at seeing picked?
Samuel-WR from USC (South Carolina) great route running and can return kicks.
Greg Little-OT from Ole Miss would be a solid swing tackle.
PackEyedOptimist
April 26, 2019 at 12:14 pm
My preferences:
1. Taylor/Risner/Ford/Cajuste OT
2.Metcalf/Butler/Brown/Campbell/Samuel/Whiteside/
Harmon/Isabella WR
3. Smith TE
I'm good with any of these at 44.
Thegreatreynoldo
April 26, 2019 at 02:02 pm
I like Irv Smith a lot. Hock lite. Not as good of a blocker, but still a good in-line blocker and also a good lead blocker as an H-Back. Better speed than Hock, but his hands aren't as good, and he is shorter than one would like. He would fit perfectly into LaFluer's system.
That said, I'd pick one of the OL. One of the WRs would be excellent as well. Depending on medicals, Taylor, Ford (weight issues), then Risner (safe and solid). If I have eliminated Taylor (medical) and Ford on weight, then gosh, Risner vs. Metcalf/Brown or Smith would have my head spinning.
stockholder
April 26, 2019 at 02:37 pm
Irv Smith is to small ,Has trouble with routes. But after last night. Yes it could happen. Why? He runs good in his BVDs.
blondy45
April 26, 2019 at 05:43 pm
Just wanted to add the name Miles Sanders RB from Penn State. I live in PA. and see all the PSU games. This guy was buried behind Barkley for 2 years. He was very highly rated out of high school. My major beef is that he may need work at pass protection. If he is there round 3, I would take him. @44 or later if we trade back, I want Risner or Jawaan Taylor. Hell, my first name is Gary, and my last name is Taylor! Now if we can find a Lee, I would hit the trifecta! LOL.
PeteK
April 26, 2019 at 06:39 pm
YES, love Sanders! Also, not too much tread on those wheels and blocking is all about will and can be taught.
PackEyedOptimist
April 26, 2019 at 12:15 pm
Interestingly, Jachai Polite is still out there...
Demon
April 26, 2019 at 12:45 pm
Isnt that the Schlub that blew his interviews at the combine? If so, that kid needs to gow up . A 5th or 6th round pick might hunble him or wake him up.
SCLI
April 26, 2019 at 02:42 pm
He'll be there until day 3!
Samson
April 26, 2019 at 12:17 pm
Now the attention should shift to the "O" (2nd & 3rd rounds). -- OL -- WR -- maybe TE. --- I like Parris Campbell, Metcalf & Risner. -- Have to trust the decisions of Gute & his staff. -- They're the professionals in this exercise.
Besides.... Gute & his staff have already improved the Pack 53-man roster by a wide margin over the previous regime. -- Believe me ..... the North Division will be kneeling before the Pack again starting in season 2019.
dobber
April 26, 2019 at 01:10 pm
Campbell! He's the kind of WR these new-fangled offenses seem to like.
So I've just guaranteed he won't be the pick!
Lare
April 26, 2019 at 02:43 pm
The Packers defense will be better but I don't think Gutekunst cares about the Packers offense very much.
Lphill
April 26, 2019 at 03:40 pm
Hopefully the the Packers new look defense will force more punts which will feed the Ball back to Rodgers more, hence an improved offense.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 26, 2019 at 12:53 pm
Losing those 4th round selections hurt as I was thinking a great spot to select offensive linemen. I do not believe they will take an OL in round 2, however the exception might be if one of the top OL remain on board.
I believe 44 must be a dynamic offensive playmaker whether a TE, slot receiver, WR, or RB. Could Pack be interested in Rosen for 44? Be interesting if Drew Luck or Metcalf are available at 44 to see what Pack might do.
Interesting no one has ever discussed Metcalf at 6' 3" and 228 lbs (vs 6'5" and 250 lbs Hock and 6'4" 250 lbs Fant) being moved to TE. With his route tree not supposedly being refined seems like he could be a perfect transition to TE based on his size, strength (27 reps on bench vs Hock 17 and Fant 20), and speed (4.33 in forty yards vs Hock 4.7 and Fant 4.5). Faster, stronger, and higher vertical (40.5" vs Hock 37" and Fant 39.5") than Fant and Hock.
PeteK
April 26, 2019 at 12:41 pm
Not a bad idea, but don't want to draft a project that high.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 26, 2019 at 01:00 pm
Pete,
I am just saying there may be a lot of ways to utilize Metcalf. Whether TE would be his best position I dont know. However, the Pack need a TE and since they did not get either Fant or Hock and personally since I am not very high on the next several rated TE's. Just wondering if Gute and LF might consider Metcalf whether as a TE and/or WR?
RickInCali
April 26, 2019 at 12:53 pm
I don’t think all that blocking is going to help DK’s broken neck. Probably better to work on his lack of route running and short area mobility.....
Thegreatreynoldo
April 26, 2019 at 02:07 pm
Agreed on not moving Metcalf to TE since it would take years for him to learn to block and his neck. Metcalf does run all the routes well that made Megatron great. Hard to pass on him if he's there at #44.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 26, 2019 at 02:42 pm
TGR,
If Metcalf runs all the routes well with his tangibles it seems odd he did not go in Round 1.
SCLI
April 26, 2019 at 02:59 pm
I believe the Packers will package their 5th and a 6th rd pick to move back up into the 4th rd. Packers 5th rd #150 is worth 31 Pts. 6th rd # 185 is worth 17 pts. Their 6th rd # 194 is worth 13.4 pts. The 5th and one of the 6th rd picks could possibly get us as high as #123 in the 4th rd (worth 49 pts) Provided there is a partner in the 4th rd. Which I believe there will be. Maybe Seattle again. They have 3 picks in the 4th. Atlanta, Dallas, Philly, Buffalo & Balt have 2 picks ea in the 4th rd. So the possibility is there.
Oh and BTW. I did have a conversation on another Packers Forum About adding 15 -20 lbs to Metcalf and making him our TE. Of course we had tongue in Cheek @ the time. But maybe not such a bad idea.
sonomaca
April 26, 2019 at 04:34 pm
Seriously, make Tyree Jackson into a TE. He tests and measures like a young Jimmy Graham.
blondy45
April 26, 2019 at 05:52 pm
Put me down for Kahale Warring TE , later. I like Trey Pipkins OT 7th or FA too.
fthisJack
April 26, 2019 at 12:31 pm
Drew and Andrew...the Luck bros!
jeremyjjbrown
April 26, 2019 at 12:37 pm
Either of the Tackles would be awesome. We need Rodgers in his feet.
Cartwright
April 26, 2019 at 03:35 pm
I hope Aaron's still in his feet, if not where is he?
RickInCali
April 26, 2019 at 12:57 pm
Risner can play all positions. A pure tackle is not going to unseat our starters. Probably better to go with a guy who would actually play which is exactly why we didn’t get one in the first. Deiters in the 3rd works for me really well.
PeteK
April 26, 2019 at 01:02 pm
A T who can also play G for the time being, which would not be long since we know Bulaga will miss some time. A dynamic offense needs blocking first and foremost especially with our aging QB and young receivers.
Dragon5
April 26, 2019 at 01:02 pm
Great Luke Combs concert last night@Resch Center! Performance and crowd reminded me of rabid Packer fans during the Favre MVP years. Had the "Good Grief Charlie Brown!" initial reaction to both picks as I agree with several posters that we wasted draft capital "reaching" twice, particularly at #12, where trading down could have NETTED draft capital and likely still had both Gary & Savage. Suffice to say, if Gute is wrong, he was handed his own rope.
Savage likely eliminates Hooker possibility and still unanswered question for D-Line rotation once Daniels walks in 2020. I'm indifferent if rd 2 is OL; regardless my DAY 2 short-list...
DL CHASE WINOVICH (great HUDL vid just released)
CB BYRON MURPHY
DL ZACH ALLEN
DL GERALD WILLIS
WR HAKEEM BUTLER
WR MILES BOYKIN
sonomaca
April 26, 2019 at 03:09 pm
Wait, Gute basically said Winovuch’s performance was enhanced by the presence of Gary.
SCLI
April 26, 2019 at 04:00 pm
I really like Winovich. Butler and Boykin also but I dont believe we need both. I think we need a ILB and OL somewhere during this draft. I believe Pack was spooked by Steelers Drafting up 20 spots and landing Packer Pick. Devin Bush. Then Pack didnt want to chance losing another of their favorites in Savage. So up the draft they went. Dont blame them for landing Savage. He was on the rise and more then likely wouldnt be there @ #30.
CAG123
April 26, 2019 at 01:24 pm
My goodness it’s like nobody knows Hakeem Butler even exists all this noise about DK “I can only run in a straight line” Metcalf when Butler is just as big, just as fast, accomplished more in college, and is more polished if the Packers can’t get Brown I’m hoping for Butler.
Thegreatreynoldo
April 26, 2019 at 02:20 pm
Butler declined to run a 3 cone, 20 or 60-yard shuttle at the combine or at his pro day and for good reason. In addition to drops, the tape suggests he can't run routes, rounds them and telegraphs them, gears down to make the cuts, and lacks short area quickness to beat press coverage. Not a polished receiver.
Other than that, he's a monster with 4.48 speed (not 4.33 Metcalf speed), hugely long arms and is extremely physical after the catch. Good prospect but he does have some issues.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 26, 2019 at 03:19 pm
I do like Butler from what I have seen but have read he has some issues with dropped balls. To me that is correctable if a guy works hard enough at it.
While I like Butler he is too much like two of our rookie WR's last year and if a WR is what Gute thinks he needs (I don't by the way) than it should be a fast twitchy slot WR type. A WR significantly different than what we currently have. Personally, the Pack have needs at OL, ILB, TE, RB, and DB and we do not have enough draft selections to fill them. I just do not see a need at WR in 2019. You want a sexy offensive draft choice than get a good RB.
bodei1newbie1
April 26, 2019 at 01:25 pm
grab awaan Taylor, OT or Dalton Risner, OT at 44 then if they can swing a deal then get DK Metcalf, WR and that should help the offense
Handsback
April 26, 2019 at 01:48 pm
One very BIG name could fall to Green Bay and that is Lock! IF that happens, I would expect a very juicy trade down with a 4th round pick added. Trading down in 2 & 3rd rounds isn't that big an issue since they are so deep.
Swigganz
April 26, 2019 at 02:15 pm
I'm pretty happy with how the 1st round went. We added 2 immediate contributors for our defense. Hopefully today they can steal 1 or 2 more day 1 contributors.
Swigganz
April 26, 2019 at 02:15 pm
I'm pretty happy with how the 1st round went. We added 2 immediate contributors for our defense. Hopefully today they can steal 1 or 2 more day 1 contributors.
stockholder
April 26, 2019 at 02:32 pm
Risner, But that makes to much sense.
Swisch
April 26, 2019 at 02:38 pm
I think it's time for an offensive lineman.
Based on Jersey Al's analysis of getting a top right tackle for the next decade, I'd go for Risner or Taylor, even if we need to trade up.
After that, we can get more creative in finding unique guys at various positions.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 26, 2019 at 02:45 pm
You trade up and there really isn't much left to get creative with. Just saying!
Lare
April 26, 2019 at 04:06 pm
Would like to see some offensive players added for our new HC and MVP QB but we may need a different GM for that to happen. Gutekunst seems pretty one-dimensional.
Bradleejay
April 26, 2019 at 03:01 pm
Gutey will want to recoup the picks he gave away yesterday and maybe get an extra 3 and a 4.
Would love to have A.J. Brown for the slot and or
one of the second tier TE's.
Not feeling great about the first round. Gary has motivational and shoulder issues.
I like Savage but not the trade up to get him.
IceBowl
April 26, 2019 at 04:01 pm
Bradleejay,
"Gary has motivational and shoulder issues..."
Gary benched 225 - 26 times at the combine. How's your shoulder?
leche
April 26, 2019 at 04:08 pm
He specifically has a labrum issue that may eventually require surgery (potentially next offseason).
Unless you know, all of the medical reports on him are inaccurate
marpag1
April 26, 2019 at 03:39 pm
I thought Risner would go in D1. I'd be all over him if he falls to 44. Wouldn't even mind a little move up to get him, as long has they don't mortgage the farm.
IceBowl
April 26, 2019 at 03:41 pm
You guys are too funny.
Still making picks and predictions after yesterday's humiliation?
I don't know, you don't know. Even Guty has to adjust.
Go draftnicks.
PatrickGB
April 26, 2019 at 04:45 pm
Pick Montgomery and have him change his jersey number.
Doug Niemczynski
April 26, 2019 at 05:12 pm
The Packers aren't doing best available player obviously, but they are overthinking and just filling in needed positions. Bad move.
Doug Niemczynski
April 26, 2019 at 05:22 pm
I did look a little bit at TE . I think I like him. but
didn't stare and compare to all other TE as I thought either TJ Hockenson or M. Fant would have fallen to us.
 Josh Oliver, TE, San Jose State
Height: 6-4. Weight: 249. Arm: 33.38. Hand: 10.63.
40 Time: 4.63. Three Cone: 7.21.
Bench: 22. Vertical: 34. Broad: 9-9.
Projected Round (2019): 3-5.
4/23/19: The NFL is always on the look out for pass-receiving tight ends, as they present a lot of mismatch problems for a defense. Oliver showed that potential as a senior, recording 56 receptions for 709 yards and four touchdowns. That strong performance landed him an invitation to the Senior Bowl, and he showed an ability to contribute as a receiver in Mobile. Oliver had a solid combine performa
Doug Niemczynski
April 26, 2019 at 06:59 pm
D.Risner gone to Denver
EddieLeeIvory
April 26, 2019 at 07:07 pm
Elton wow