CheeseheadTV Predictions: With the First Pick of the 2019 NFL Draft, the Packers Select...
By JerseyAl
It. Is. Time. Time for the writers here to document their predictions for who the Packers will take with their first draft pick.
Tim Backes
Jersey Al Bracco
Ed Oliver, DL, Houston - Sure the odds are heavily against Oliver dropping to the Packers at #12, but what odds would you have given on Derwin James being there if the Packers wanted him last year? And who's to say they don't try to trade up to nab Oliver? I believe the Packers will be looking for Mike Daniels' replacement in this draft and there's no better candidate than Oliver.
Brandon Carwile
Jonah Williams, Tackle/Guard, Alabama - The Packers grab possibly Bryan Bulaga's successor or their next starting right guard in Williams. He's as fundamentally sound as any player in this draft and he could be the BPA at 12. His experience as a three year starter and versatility to play multiple positions makes me believe he will have a long and productive NFL career.
Dusty Evely
Brian Burns, EDGE, Florida State - He's a tremendous pass rusher, and I believe the concerns over his run defense are overblown. With the signing of The Smiths in free agency, it opens up Burns to be demon off the edge in obvious passing situations in his rookie season, while getting an up-close look at what it takes to play the run at the next level. Burns seems like a slam-dunk pick that will give the Packers an immediate boost to their pass rushing game from day 1. I also really like Burns. Please Gute. Please please please, let me get what I want.
Andy Herman
Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State - This is the toughest prediction I think I’ve had to make for a draft pick for Green Bay. I could see this genuinely going in a ton of different directions. I’ve had this pick pegged as Montez Sweat for the past two months but the heart condition has thrown a wrench into those plans. At the end of the day I believe Brian Gutekunst will look for a premier player at a premier position and will end up landing on Andre Dillard – OT – Washington State. Dillard will take the year to learn from Bakhtiari and Bulaga and will be the starting RT in 2020. By all accounts Gutekunst was the one who fell in love with Jason Spriggs when Green Bay traded up for the ultra-athletic tackle. They also had no issue taking Dillard’s teammate, Cole Madison, who played in the same system at Washington State last year. This leads me to believe that Gutekunst will once again fall in love with the natural athletic gifts of Dillard (this time he doesn’t have to ignore the mental lapses that Spriggs had) and will get his true long-term tackle.
Zachary Jacobson
Greedy Williams, CB, LSU - Williams is CB1 in this class, followed closely by Byron Murphy. I think Brian Gutekunst throws a curveball out of left field here and pulls the strings on a selection that nobody sees coming. Jaire Alexander is a future superstar, Josh Jackson is a potential safety-in-the-making and a project at cornerback, Kevin King has yet to play a full season in the NFL and Tony Brown is an undrafted free agent, on which it would be irresponsible to rely on. Williams would bring the Packers another lengthy, press-man corner that could end up making Mike Pettine very, very happy. It would be the fourth time in the last five drafts that the Packers took a cornerback -- or two -- in the first two rounds.
Cory Jennerjohn
Jonah Williams, OL, Alabama: He will be able to play guard right away and will be the long-term replacement for Bryan Bulaga at right tackle. Williams only allowed 12 pressures in the SEC last year and Aaron Rodgers turning 36 in December, it’s time the Packers start reinvesting in their highest-paid player. Is it a sexy pick? No way, but it’s the correct one.
David Michalski
Devin Bush, LB, Michigan - There is some debate as to whether the Packers bringing in quarter back Drew Lock for a visit is real or whether the Packers are trying to make Washington try and trade up to 12. In either case, I like Devin Bush at 12 or 15 because he gives the Packers an immediate starter at inside linebacker for the next 5 seasons and also provides insurance in case the price tag of Blake Martinez gets to high this offseason. Drafting Bush addresses an area of need for the Packers and provides much needed versatile play maker to the inside line backer position.
Jason Perone
Devin Bush Jr., LB, Michigan - Green Bay has been missing a missile in the middle of their defense since Des Bishop on the 2010 championship team. This early is a bit rich for an off-ball linebacker but Bush has the potential to be really special. The Packers opt for a pure football player who just makes plays - all day
Chris Peterson
Devin Bush, LB, Michigan - Bush has been one of the most talked about prospects in recent days and Monday, Mel Kiper Jr. predicted he wouldn't get past No. 11. Louis Riddick called him the best player in the draft. I don't know about that, but I do know the Packers have needed a linebacker like him for years and Bush, alongside Blake Martinez, would be fun to watch. He's not a pass rusher but he just makes plays and Green Bay needs that. I also have a hard time seeing two middle linebackers go in the first 11 picks, so Bush or Devon White of LSU should be there, who is a similar player.
Elisha Twerski
Devin Bush, LB, Michigan - It seems like every time I try to sit down and watch Rashan Gary my eyes keep shifting to Bush. The Packers have undervalued the inside linebacker position for more than a decade, and many of their defenses have suffered because of it. Bush has Bobby Wagner-like explosive sideline-to-sideline ability and will be in contention for defensive ROY should he stay healthy. I'd love Hockenson or Oliver for GB, but I'm not holding my breath on either player making it to 12.
Ross Uglem
TJ Hockenson, TE Iowa - I'd like to believe that this pick will be either Ed Oliver or Brian Burns, but I don't see that. I also visualize Hockenson and his seamless fit into LaFleur's offense and it's Shanahan roots. Hockenson is very much a plus athlete, though his long speed may throw some folks off the scent. Ultimately it'll be the big TE from Iowa.
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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 (42)
stockholder
April 25, 2019 at 11:14 am
Wilkins DT Clemson!
Dragon5
April 25, 2019 at 11:33 am
based on projections of Oliver & White gone before us, I'd concur if he's there...positive locker room presence a +
stockholder
April 25, 2019 at 11:38 am
Whats brewing. Trade Coming @30 and @75 for Simmons! Wilkins is a smart coachable player. Wilkins, Clark, Simmons= Domination. Something the packers haven't had on their DL since 2010.
Leatherhead
April 25, 2019 at 11:42 am
Trades down to the Steelers for #20 and #55. Selects Drew Lock at #20.
CJBauckham
April 25, 2019 at 01:31 pm
I like Wilkins
Zebra 3
April 25, 2019 at 11:57 am
At #12 The PACKERS select...
Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson.
Littlejim51
April 25, 2019 at 11:59 am
Drew lock is a reuse in my opinion
Next year is the earliest the pack should look for a QB
If they want to package something to go up and get someone like Josh Allen or Q. William's then go for it
Stay at 12 and look at what is available
I'd be in at 12 with Busch or sweats or or droo down to 14 and take Fennell or Ferrell
OL I'd take dalton reisner at 14 or 30
packerbackerjim
April 25, 2019 at 12:17 pm
Should Ross be correct, I would be ecstatic if Hock falls and is the 12th selection. I believe MLF covets him for the following reasons: He plays a position which is an integral part of his offensive scheme running different plays out of the same formation AND he is not a tell on whether it’s a run or pass. He has value on Day one.
dobber
April 25, 2019 at 12:19 pm
With the OL, QB, and ILB now sneaking up in the projections...
Ed Oliver, DE, Houston.
I've been banging the table for an OT, but Oliver? Just because he's an obvious pick, doesn't make him the wrong one.
TheKanataThrilla
April 25, 2019 at 12:44 pm
I have a feeling it will be an OL. My guess is a trade back if possible and Cody Ford.
@ballark
April 24, 2020 at 01:35 am
?
dobber
April 25, 2019 at 12:57 pm
With the 'future is now' approach they seem to be taking through FA and retaining Bulaga and Graham, I wouldn't rule out a trade up if an elite player falls a little.
Since'61
April 25, 2019 at 02:55 pm
I don’t see the Giants trading their # 6 pick. They need a pass rusher and Allen fits the bill for them. Also the Jets might take Allen at #3. But who knows, anything can happen, it’s all speculation at this point. Thanks, Since ‘61
zeroluv
April 25, 2019 at 04:27 pm
That would be a disaster
RickInCali
April 25, 2019 at 12:47 pm
Dillard selection is so intellectually lazy. He won’t play this year and best case is he plays next year OUT OF POSITION. Nobody thinks that guy is the 12th best talent in this draft except maybe his own mother...
dobber
April 25, 2019 at 12:57 pm
The Vikings will be happy to have him if he lasts to 18.
RickInCali
April 25, 2019 at 01:04 pm
I would love to have him at 17 while holding the other pick that comes with that. There is a big value difference there which could be a huge value difference if a better position value is there at 12. I don’t hate Dillard but why draft a guy who won’t even play this year? No way.
dobber
April 25, 2019 at 01:09 pm
I agree: a guy who is almost solely a LT and would have to wait 'til 2021 to get his chance to be a full-timer at his best spot. A lot can happen in two seasons. The Packers do need someone who can meaningfully cover for Bakhtiari if he goes down for 4-6 weeks, but I don't think that would call for this kind of investment.
Lphill
April 25, 2019 at 01:10 pm
I like all the picks not choosing an O lineman first round,I don t want to see corner either at 12. If Hockenson and Bush are there at 12 I would take Bush.
blondy45
April 25, 2019 at 05:02 pm
I agree Lphill, my thought also. My hope on record is Devin Bush. I want Oliver more but I do not think he will make it to #12. No Hockenson or any O-line at 12! If Oliver or Bush are not there, I hope Washington is in a trading kind of mood!
4zone
April 25, 2019 at 01:28 pm
What position will have the early run tonight? There are two top tier players at DL, OT and ILB and 3 at EDGE, all of which could (should) be gone before we pick at #12. I think it all depends on how many QBs go before us and if Hockenson gets picked before we pick.
Sweat may be the odds on favorite to fall tonight which could be our most probable pick. Having said that, it could depend on WHO each team decides a top two or three would player would be at those positions as to who will be left for us.
It will be an interesting one to see play out. My guess is we wind up with Sweat, but even though he is the front runner, he most certainly isn't even a 50/50 shot.
BradHTX
April 25, 2019 at 01:55 pm
Took me quite a while to come to being OK with Hockenson with the first pick, but I would like it more if it involved a trade back a few slots. My dream scenario, with two trades:
1. Trade 12 to CAR for 16 and 77
2. Trade 30 and 75 to SEA for 20
Picks:
16 (via CAR): TE TJ Hockenson
20 (via SEA): DT Christian Wilkins
44: S Juan Thornhill
77 (via CAR): OT Yodny Cajuste
This year’s biggest needs (TE & FS) and next year’s (DT & OT) solved. If you’re gonna dream, dream big. But I don’t think it’s impossible.
JerseyAl
April 25, 2019 at 02:00 pm
I like it.
BradHTX
April 25, 2019 at 02:29 pm
*tips hat* Thanks, Al.
For me, this plan presupposes Oliver, Burns and Sweat are already taken. If any of them are available, I'd be more in favor of taking him at 12, and waiting on a TE for someone like Sternberger later. While adding a weapon like Fant at 30 would be nice, of course, I feel like a non-blocker type TE doesn't allow MaLF to do his "disguise" packages the same way a receiver/blocker TE would.
zeroluv
April 25, 2019 at 04:29 pm
The biggest need is ILB hands down. Draft Bush or White if he falls and the Packers defense is set for the next 5 years with all the youth on that team.
Pierre
April 25, 2019 at 02:35 pm
Take Bush at 12. Packers need a stout defense that keeps opponents from driving up and down the field and gets more three and outs to get the ball back.
Since'61
April 25, 2019 at 02:51 pm
If the Packers stay at 12 I hope they take either Jonah Williams or Jawaan Taylor.
If not, then I hope they follow BradHTX’s trades in his post above. I’m just not sure if Seattle would go for that trade. Thanks, Since ‘61
Lare
April 25, 2019 at 03:47 pm
There's a lot of pressure on Murphy, Gutekunst and Lafleur for the Packers to be successful this season, I look for Gutekunst to make selections in this draft that will help them do so.
i think the draft is top heavy in defensive talent but I think we'll see a lot of emphasis to help the offense. OL, TE, RB and WR are all in play, aside from a Devin Bush or Wilkins at 12, I think we'll see a lot of offensive selections.
We've already got 10 selections, no need to trade back and get any more. I would like to see quality over quantity for a change.
zeroluv
April 25, 2019 at 04:31 pm
Agreed....if you trade back it’s only a few spots and they better use the extra pick to trade back up to select quality. But I’d stay Pat unless all the guys that the Pack has graded high are gone.
Samson
April 25, 2019 at 04:14 pm
One way or another, Gute will be selecting two starters tonight for the 2019 season. -- Gute is not the "let's plan for 3-4 years into the future" kind of GM (like TT). -- He's setting his focus on what's best for season 2019.
Ed Oliver --- Devin Bush --- Jonah Williams --- Josh Jacobs --- Parris Campbell --- TJ Hock.
Give me two and I'm happy. A third out of this group drafted on Friday would be another starter in 2019.
(Drew Lock??? -- LOL - Someone needs to get a clue.)
IceBowl
April 25, 2019 at 04:25 pm
"...the Packers select ...'" Kyler Murray, our new slot receiver.
Dagger
April 25, 2019 at 04:39 pm
TJ or Bush would make me smile. TJ would solidify the passing game and running game. Bush is just a sideline to sideline ball hawk. My heart says TJ and my head says Bush.
crayzpackfan
April 25, 2019 at 05:55 pm
As cool as it would be to see a trade up or a conservative approach and trading down, I just want them to keep it exactly where it’s at and take either OL,TE, or ILB with the 12th pick. The best Edge guys and interior DL guys will be gone by 12. I’d rather get BPA at 12 for OL, TE, or LB than settle on table scraps on DL or edge, Unless a real stud falls in our lap that is. I’m excited either way!! Go Pack!!
Irish_Cheesehead
April 25, 2019 at 08:34 pm
And they are all gone... Pack up next.
Leatherhead
April 25, 2019 at 08:42 pm
O.....that’s gonna be funny. The guy the cognoscenti hated. Classic..
comeonman
April 25, 2019 at 08:45 pm
R Gary ?????????? What about Montez Sweat ?? Brian Burns ???
comeonman
April 25, 2019 at 08:45 pm
R Gary ?????????? What about Montez Sweat ?? Brian Burns ???
comeonman
April 25, 2019 at 08:45 pm
R Gary ?????????? What about Montez Sweat ?? Brian Burns ???
comeonman
April 25, 2019 at 08:45 pm
R Gary ?????????? What about Montez Sweat ?? Brian Burns ???
comeonman
April 25, 2019 at 08:45 pm
R Gary ?????????? What about Montez Sweat ?? Brian Burns ???
comeonman
April 25, 2019 at 08:45 pm
R Gary ?????????? What about Montez Sweat ?? Brian Burns ???
Leatherhead
April 25, 2019 at 09:05 pm
Yeah. A pick that pretty much none of us really wanted or expected. I’d have gone Wilkins here.