Short and Sweet. Randall Cobb was 5'!0" and ran a 4.45. And could return Punts. I like last years WR class more. So Gute takes two this year. With all your predictions on the OL. Gute has the same choice as last year. Draft a RT! And make sure he can back up Bahk. @29 Bet Cosmi. Replace Turner. Tag Jones? Sure. Fall from Grace. - P. Smith. Then Sign Watt.

"Winning a Super Bowl is the only goal that matters."

I'm starting to feel the same way about elected honors like Probowl and MVP. It's proper for the writers to recognize these things, but I don't get much pleasure from it.

"Sure pretty much every scouting report said he's be better off moving inside, but I've seen similar sentiments for lots of guys who eventually proved the scouts wrong"

Recall that when Bakhtiari was drafted, many scouts said that he was destined to be a G, and the Packers toyed with moving him inside early in his career.

"I'll add that Stepaniak and Runyan together will make up the right side of the Packers line by 2022 at the latest."

If Stepaniak's knee is right, he's going to be a steal. There's a lot of TJ Lang in him.

You’re right Jones will be hard to replace. It isn’t about using SC $’s on Preston vs Jones. We need to release Preston and use those $’s to solidify our defense to a higher level. Dillon will be a fine replacement for Jones and there will be many lower cost options for RB depth in FA or later in the draft.

Dillon won’t make the long runs as frequently, but I suspect it won’t be necessary for the offense to still be top 5. We need our D to get to top 5 as well and then we will be favs to win the next SB.

If they actually could get Arron Jones for the franchise tag it would be a no brainer. I doubt he’d sign it though, rosenhaus would throw a fit. If they can and he would they should of done it like yesterday. Best they could hope for maybe is a franchise and trade maybe. If they wanted to play hardball, which the packers never do.

As long as Aaron Rodgers is at the helm - winning the Super Bowl has to be the objective.

I like Al's take on the O-line. I think that we need a couple of solid picks (including a true tackle) in this draft to ensure that there is enough talent in the pool. Also agree that a quick slot receiver will add another dimension to this offense. If this type of receiver doesn't win us a Super Bowl, he will help the next QB to lead this team. Lot of upside. Not sure that Gutekunst is a WR high draft pick kind of guy. We'll see.

Not a fan of franchise tagging Aaron Jones. As a RB he needs to get this contract from somebody. He takes a beating and will get injured so a little long term security is fair. If the Packers aren't going to make an honest offer then let him walk and pick up the compensation pick.

I like your prediction for the O-line. I believe the only reason Stepaniak fell as far as he did is due to injury. He could be a long term solution at guard. It would be great if Runyon could play tackle. It would really help the Packer draft if they didn't have to go high for an OT this year. The Pack has too many defensive needs to spend many draft choices on offense.

Rumor was the Packers made a substantial offer to Jones but without enough guaranteed money. Jones turned it down, fired his agent and hired Rosenhaus. Rosenhaus is known to play hardball and Jones would likely withhold his services in the event of a franchise tag. He wants a longer term deal with guaranteed money. And with the short shelf life of RBs, I don't blame him for trying. However teams are also aware of the short shelf life issue and he may have a tough time getting what he wants.

Don’t know if Runyon will be RT but I would be fine with it if he is.
From the beginning I’ve posted that the Packers should franchise Jones. We need his production for one more season at least.
Been saying for a while that the Packers need a Randall Cobb type of receiver.
Hopefully for MVS as his salary increases his drops will decrease.
Thanks, Since ‘61

Al: You make a valid point about projections: I don't forget Chad Clifton was projected to play LG at the pro-level due to foot speed. Hand's of stones career proved once again the underwear Olympics is not the NFL and offensive line play is a combination of skills with the part between the ears the most important part! Just look at Jason Spriggs!!

"To turn my 20-1 shot into a "parlay" at 100-1, I'll add that Stepaniak and Runyan together will make up the right side of the Packers line by 2022 at the latest."

Al, you may want to consider a trifecta with Jake Hanson at Center.

As I read it, the franchise tag cost for a running back is nearer to 12 million. The 8 million number is the transition tag, which only grants the right to match a higher offer.

I’m skeptical on Runyon as an NFL tackle, but I’d be happy if he proved you right. Tackles are so much more valuable. In fairness, I would have said the same thing about Jenkins a year ago. Still, i feel he is the more likely to succeed there at this point.

I liked Stepaniak more than Runyon as a guard. I was surprised we took him knowing he would redshirt, but definitely would have gone a lot higher without that. Personally I can see both starting as guards in the near future if you do lose your long shot bet. Hansen seems to have upside too, but I don’t think they will rush him at C.

That right side scenario would be great and a viable probability at least until Bak comes back. However, I would still draft a T high because protecting the franchise in a QB driven league is a priority. I love Jones , but we can draft a solid change of pace 2nd back. I would rather use that money on a one year deal for Watt. I do not want to go through the brutal yrs. of the 70s and 80s, making the playoffs at least gives us hope.

Keeping Jones for another even if need to tag makes all the sense in the world and too me it should be a priority! backs get injured way to often and if Williams flees the Pack is down to ONE back, too risky in my thinking!

What people want to see is 12 pulling a Brady and winning an ungodly number of championships. The reality is, there is only one team that will do that every 20 years or so. Dallas had the three in a row SB appearances back in the day. Packers won a few back to back SB/Chapionships back in the day as well. The reality is, GB, being a small market team, does not have the deep pockets to do that. That means we have to be smart while pursuing a SB win. It will happen, trust me on that. Signing big free agents is overrated because you never know what will happen when a player goes to another team. He might flop or win, its always a gamble. But GB needs to fortify some spots on the roster. Yes, they need another COB, Sterling or Driver type of receiver out there who can come in and contribute immediately. They need a ILB and corner who can come in and contribute immediately. No more of this limited reps stuff. GB needs FOOTBALL PLAYERS! They don't need more guys with just potential, they need players! Guys who can tackle, have good feet, good hands, decent speed, good iq for football. The cap is tight, GB is already over the cap so there is a lot of work they are doing while I'm typing this opinion that doesn't man anything lol. I trust that they have a plan, I can only hope that plan includes getting the final pieces to this puzzle to win it all.

I cannot help but suspect that 40% of the 45% that voted to be in the playoffs yearly as the goal are those who tell you to just enjoy the ride. Which means they are more apt to not care if they get to watch the game or not.

Jon Runyan Prediction:
I won't say he will got the RT, but I think he will be a starter next year. I think he probably could play RT no problem, but I think the Packers view him as an OG. It does make sense to try and move him to RT for the reasons you mentioned. I just question if the Packers will do that though.
I do really like Runyan though.

Franchise Tag:
It makes sense to franchise Jones for that price. I don't think they will do that. But if there was a year to use the Franchise tag, this would be it.

Wide Receivers in the Draft:
I completely agree about the draft. We need more quickness/speed added to the team. We need a more pure slot type of WR. We could really use a guy that could be dangerous in the jet sweep types of plays also. But adding a Tyrek Hill style of player to the offense would really give us more threats.

MVS:
MVS has been a good player. Not great, not terrible. He borders between very good and good. He has the ability to stretch a defense. He just needs to clean up the drops a bit. Hopefully he can take the NFCCG into the off season and really build on it.

I had forgotten how well Runyan played against Chase Young in college. When you put it like that, I have no problem seeing Runyan at RT. If you go with Runyan and Step on the right side that will be a whole lot of youth over there. Expect some growing pains. I still think you invest a high draft pick at T.

I've been wondering how fast Bakh can get back. The surgeons & PT specialists seem to have made major strides over the years. It does look possible though that he could be back as soon as week 1, but given his age up to 12 months is not unlikely. Bulaga took a full year to recover, and he was younger then that Bakh is now.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/page/hotread141119offense/acl-injuries-...

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/page/hotread141119defense/acl-injuries-...

Last year's draft was a smashmouth football draft. Why? I think it's because Green Bay wants to move from a pass centric offense to a more balanced run/pass. To do that you need RBs like Dillon verses Jones. I personally think Williams would be the bigger mistake not to resign. He's a great blocker/passcatcher for 3rd downs and is tough in carrying the rock.
I don't know how the Oline will shake out, but Nijman was protected for a reason. I hope next season we see Rodgers getting closer to a game manager verses putting the team on his back and trying to win it by passing every down in the redzone.

Last year's draft was a smashmouth football draft. Why? I think it's because Green Bay wants to move from a pass centric offense to a more balanced run/pass. To do that you need RBs like Dillon verses Jones. I personally think Williams would be the bigger mistake not to resign. He's a great blocker/passcatcher for 3rd downs and is tough in carrying the rock.
I don't know how the Oline will shake out, but Nijman was protected for a reason. I hope next season we see Rodgers getting closer to a game manager verses putting the team on his back and trying to win it by passing every down in the redzone.

Assuming the Packers don't tag Jones, I think it's most likely because he (well, his agent) made it clear they would be extremely unhappy about it. Running backs have such short careers that being kept from your only shot at big-time free agency for another year (in which a major injury could happen at any time, or his body could start to wear down) makes it understandable why they might be hostile to the idea. And given how important team chemistry has been the last two years, there's no reason to push the issue if that's the case.

I see Jenkins starting at LT with Runyon starting at LG. Patrick will hold down the center position, with Stepaniak at RG and Turner at RT. Once Bak is back Jenkins takes over at Center. I think the Packers will draft an OT in the 2nd or 3rd round to eventually take over from Turner and provide depth in the short term.
I would franchise Jones and either keep him for one year or trade him for a 2nd or early 3rd, which would be better than a comp pick at the end of the 3rd round next year. Miami needs a RB badly and it's been reported that they will pursue him in free agency, if he gets there. They have a lot of draft capitol and would likely make that deal to obtain him.

I see Jenkins as the long term selection at RT. I like him a lot at center and guard but this team needs a RT.
Jones will probably end up in Miami.
Moore at slot would be killer! And he returns kicks!

Runyan.: Trees, meet forest, because there's a big upheaval on the offensive line. It is entirely possible that the starting O line will have new starters at every single position compared to opening day last year.

To me, it makes little sense to spend the entire offseason and training camp, etc., working with one group on the offensive line and then say "we'll shuffle everybody around in the middle of the season when Bakhtiari returns." I think it'll be Jenkins at center (for reasons I've already stated), Patrick at guard, Turner at RT. That leaves Runyan as the most qualified LEFT tackle remaining, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if that's where he'll be on opening day.

If we draft a starting RT, of course, then it's moot.

Jones; Not a bargain anymore, and he has to be replaced with somebody who is. Jones/Williams had 400 carries/targets and 14 TDs between them last season, and I think Dillon will easily make up better than half of that. Draft a guy, give more targets to the TEs, whatever, but we can make up that production.

WRs: No, just no. We have one of the league's top WRs, Adams. We have one of the league's top deep threats, MSV. We have a big WR with good hands, the ability to get deep, and who is a one of the league's top blocking WRs. We should figure out who we want to resign or bring back next year and THEN draft the WR we need. Not this year.

MVS: This guy is on the threshhold of stardom. If he actually stops dropping passes, he's going to be one of the biggest homerun threats in the league.

The Poll: My perception of the front office is that the Packers are a model organization, top to bottom. To say that entire seasons don't matter if you don't win a Super Bowl is just nonsense.

Runyan.: Trees, meet forest, because there's a big upheaval on the offensive line. It is entirely possible that the starting O line will have new starters at every single position compared to opening day last year.

To me, it makes little sense to spend the entire offseason and training camp, etc., working with one group on the offensive line and then say "we'll shuffle everybody around in the middle of the season when Bakhtiari returns." I think it'll be Jenkins at center (for reasons I've already stated), Patrick at guard, Turner at RT. That leaves Runyan as the most qualified LEFT tackle remaining, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if that's where he'll be on opening day.

If we draft a starting RT, of course, then it's moot.

Jones; Not a bargain anymore, and he has to be replaced with somebody who is. Jones/Williams had 400 carries/targets and 14 TDs between them last season, and I think Dillon will easily make up better than half of that. Draft a guy, give more targets to the TEs, whatever, but we can make up that production.

WRs: No, just no. We have one of the league's top WRs, Adams. We have one of the league's top deep threats, MSV. We have a big WR with good hands, the ability to get deep, and who is a one of the league's top blocking WRs. We should figure out who we want to resign or bring back next year and THEN draft the WR we need. Not this year.

MVS: This guy is on the threshhold of stardom. If he actually stops dropping passes, he's going to be one of the biggest homerun threats in the league.

The Poll: My perception of the front office is that the Packers are a model organization, top to bottom. To say that entire seasons don't matter if you don't win a Super Bowl is just nonsense.

I'd like to be a fan of Franchising Jones. My worry if they do that is he can hold out and essentially hold 8 million dollars hostage. The Packers wouldn't be able to spent that money elsewhere since Jones could show up at any time.

Al, I love your polluted mind articles. It is easily my favorite column. Thanks for writing all these years.
1. When it comes to signing Jones, I too have been using the term “no-Brainer.” Why? a. He’s a game changer. b. He flourishes in this offense. c. If we must tag him, it’s a one year short term deal. d. If we tag him and have to trade him, it’s possible that we may be able to get a higher draft pick and/or a couple of picks. 2. The poll: Winning the Super Bowl cannot be the only goal. There’s too much pain and dissatisfaction with years of mediocrity. I never want to go back to all those years of frustration before the Farve years. A winning culture will produces so many joys, and usually ends up with the greatest prize sooner or later. Go Pack!

Al, I agree that Aaron Jones at $8M is a no-brainer price for a year of what he brings to the table.
However, I'm philosophically opposed to using the franchise tag to hold a player to your roster and limit his ability to find a team that would like to give him a long-term contract.

I know it's a tool and it's there for a reason, but I appreciate the Packers' restraint (historically speaking) in its use. They seem to only use the tag when they are truly working towards a long term contract, but just haven't got the time to get it completely worked out yet. I believe the last time they did this may have been to get Pickett re-signed at one point, althought I might be mistaken.

I'd feel awful if the Packers held Jones from a potential long-term or big-money suitor, and he ended up suffering a career ender while franchised. I know, it's always a risk, but it would just -feel- wrong.

I am curious as to why Runyan played frequently early in the season then he was benched. The common thought was that he would start when Linsely got injured. I still think he fits well at RG and would like to see them draft a tackle this year pretty early. Also, it's time to see what we have in Nijman. Go Pack!

El Paso Burgess high never had it so well with A Jones and his brother. What an infectious personality; the vast majority of us fans don't know what happened last Fall when GB offered Jones top 5 RB pay. IHMO, it was to both Jones & GB's detriment that Aaron chose Rosenhaus as his new agent. Problem is, i relate agents to lawyers--not much good to anyone except themselves, in general. Just a hunch but i'd bet Jones enjoys the GB community. What's there not to love about Aaron Jones? Retain if you possibly can please!

you gotta love Gutey selecting 3 O linemen last Spring (all 6th rnd) and i'll just bet 2 of them become starters. That, my friends, is drafting well on the 3rd day. Now, if Gutey is fortunate enough to pick a starting ILB and CB within the first two rounds this year, then he's a genius.