Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - The New Phone Book's Here!
The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.
By JerseyAl
Do you remember Steve Martin's scene in "The Jerk" when the new phone book arrives and he sees his name in print? "I'm somebody now!" He's incredibly excited, convinced that seeing his name in a publication read by millions of people every day is the type of spontaneous publicity that will allow him to finally make something of himself. Well, while most of that doesn't really apply to me, the unbridled feeling of excitement is certainly there for me today, as THE NEW DRAFT GUIDE'S HERE!. THE NEW DRAFT GUIDE'S HERE!.
You can order the guide here and If you don't remember the scene from the movie, here it is...
The Packers now have three kickers on the roster with the signing of former Vikings kicker Greg Joseph. Packers incumbent kicker Anders Carlson now appears to have serious competition for his job. Or does he? It's been reported that the Packers signed Joseph to a contract that includes no guaranteed money. None. Zero. Zippo. This of course means the Packers can cut Joseph anytime before the initial roster is decided with no financial repercussions beyond a $50k workout bonus. So did they bring him in just to give the appearance of competition or are they really looking to improve on Carlson? Stay tuned...
I haven't checked out the UFL yet (no free time during draft guide season), but now that we've put it to bed, one reason to watch is to see how some former Packers are doing. Among the 20 former Packers playing in the UFL are Jonathan Garvin, Amari Rodgers, Jace Sternberger, and Danny Etling. I guess I'm most curious about Amari Rodgers - does he look any different than what we saw during his disappointing stint with the Packers?
Right now, and a lot can change between now and the draft, I'm feeling like the Packers will a cornerback with their first pick. This isn't why, but I did also just realize that Gutey is "due" for a Round 1 CB pick in 2024. He picked Alexander in 2018, went elsewhere for two years, drafted Stokes in 2021 and went elsewhere for two years. So if you want to believe in repeating patterns, CB is up this year.
There was a lot of talk about Pre-Draft visits this week and whether they mean something or not. In short, they do, but it's not always what you think. People are all over it because of how many Packers draftees over the last two years had been in for a visit.
2023: Karl Brooks, Lew Nichols III, Dontayvion Wicks, Sean Clifford,
2022 - Rasheed Walker, Tariq Carpenter, Samori Toure, Devonte Wyatt, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs,
2021 no one
But as was discussed yesterday on CheeseheadTV's "Let's Talk Football" show with Aaron Nagler and Tazim Wajid Wajed, the visits can sometimes tell you what positions the Packers are targeting. They can also sometimes be an act of subterfuge, trying to throw opposing teams off the scent. Last year was a perfect example of both at the same time.. The Packers brought five tight ends in for visits, the most of any position group. None of them were Luke Musgrave or Tucker Kraft. They had opportunities to draft some of those tight ends they brought in, most notably Darnell Washington, but they didn't.
If you haven't see the show, here it is:
Back to the draft guide:
Basically two months of hard work by a team of over twenty writers, analysts, and Packers fans has finally reached it's conclusion and you can now have this wonderful publication for your very own -199 glorious pages for your enjoyment! Just click the image to get your copy. And if you do, thank you SO MUCH for your support.
Go Pack Go!
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.
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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 (61)
NickPerry
April 03, 2024 at 06:03 am
Draft Guide ordered and downloaded...Thanks Al!
Edit... I'm already into it. The "Young Guns" piece is AWESOME as is the following piece about Hafleys Defense... I love this stuff!!
Spoiler...There's a piece titled "Non-Power Five Hidden Gems"...I have a NEW draft crush as a result. He is Malachi Corley, a WR out of Western Kentucky. THIS guy would be something in Green Bay!
Coldworld
April 03, 2024 at 09:04 am
Really? Corley has great natural hands, is built like a running back, but what is he? He’s so raw as a WR that he’s hardly more than a gadget in terms of route skills. He reminds me a lot of Amari Rodgers in college. No route tree, just get him in space and dump it off and let him run. That’s what he does best.
I see no opening for him on this packers roster crammed with slot capable guys. He’d be a decent long term project (I’ve seen him as high as the 4th round but I think later) but not for us with our roster. If I’m doing any of that, give it to Reed, Melton or even Wicks and Watson first.
If you want an out there, small school type who might just have something, check out David White JR., Western Carolina. He’s not particularly fast, but in the Shrine Bowl he consistently separated.
“White is a 6’2” 200-pound receiver who started his collegiate career at Division II Valdosta State before transferring to Western Carolina. He was unguardable at the Hula Bowl and earned a spot at the Shrine Bowl, where he continued to be the most impressive receiver on the grounds.”
https://www.si.com/nfl/giants/draft/shrine-bowl-progress-report-whos-sto...
He projects to go very late or UDFA as far as I can see. No buzz, much much more refined as a WR.
That piece also discusses CB Qwan'Tez Stiggers, Toronto Argonauts, one of the stranger paths to pro football, but he’s my wild card steal, not a WR this year, though he’s starting to get some traction later. I acknowledge our Canadian peers, I I think Alberta who has highlighted him before me.
Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my personal wish, Jakobi Buchanan, Army, 260 plus pounds of true fullback. Ditch the HBack, bring in some really physical run and lead blocking for those snaps a TE just won’t do it. 7th or UDFA.
dobber
April 03, 2024 at 09:40 am
Optimists will say Corley projects like Deebo Samuel, and those GMs will probably target him on day 2. Pessimists will say Corley projects like Leviska Shenault, and they'll wait.
Coldworld
April 03, 2024 at 09:53 am
That’s what they said about Amari. We were the optimists then, though we inexplicably then didn’t use him in that way, but tried to make him an all around WR. Then we drafted a bunch of much better options at gadget/slot anyway.
Cheezehead72
April 03, 2024 at 06:05 am
My comment to Al's column has been posted I am somebody now! How many people will see my name! This is how you get noticed!
JerseyAl
April 03, 2024 at 07:46 am
haha! perfect!
Cheezehead72
April 03, 2024 at 08:03 am
The calls are streaming in as I type.
TKWorldWide
April 03, 2024 at 10:26 am
Hold out for that sweet NIL money, baby!
T7Steve
April 03, 2024 at 09:41 am
Ai, has anybody else had trouble downloading the guide? My computer tells me the site is deemed unsafe and won't let me proceed.
TKWorldWide
April 03, 2024 at 10:27 am
ISIS
T7Steve
April 03, 2024 at 10:46 am
Are you catching a cold or is that a spring allergy sneeze?
JerseyAl
April 03, 2024 at 10:51 am
No reports. Try a different browser or temporarily disable browser controls.
T7Steve
April 03, 2024 at 11:38 am
I'll try it. Thanks.
Scared to click on the unknown. LOL
dobber
April 03, 2024 at 01:46 pm
It's about to get nuts...
Johnblood27
April 03, 2024 at 06:22 am
Thanks CHTV for all of the Packers content you generate.
I will be reading the draft guide and hoping for the best for the GBP draft!
CB or perhaps OT, but lets just see what surprises picks happen in front of us and then just grab the BPA from those that drop due to stupidity before us!
Honestly... I expect a trade back to a late 1st and more picks...
stockholder
April 03, 2024 at 06:37 am
So, is DeJean a CB or a Safety?
Coldworld
April 03, 2024 at 08:02 am
He’s a slot with some positional versatility who may be a candidate to move to FS as his long speed isn’t great and he is fairly physical for a corner. Unfortunately I don’t think he’s big enough or physical enough for a Hafley SS and we resigned Nixon to play slot. While I want to see competition there, I doubt that is how we use our first rounder.
stockholder
April 03, 2024 at 10:34 am
Unfortunately- That fits Nubin then.
(Because size matters more? )
Even though they signed Nixon.
It doesn't mean they won't move him.
I still think a NB will be drafted.
Now try and fit a ILB in your draft.
Gute must trade up .
You just lost value.
LLCHESTY
April 03, 2024 at 10:44 am
"Now try and fit a ILB in your draft.
Gute must trade up .
You just lost value."
?? Looks like you lost your mind.
jannesbjornson
April 03, 2024 at 12:07 pm
If he drank the "kool-aid" @ 'Bama's Pro Day, he may lock in on McKinstry, but I would move up for the better guy and snag Q. Mitchell if he wants to shut down the perimeter. On a side note, Saban does coach his secondary correctly. So far the Cupboard holds Jaire and some backups with Stokes an unknown. I would go for the OT, they will be moving off the boards faster. Grab the CB in rd two. The LBs can be taken rd two-four. I imagine they inked Nixon to return kicks, not an instinctive guy for the slot. Stop the run, let loose the Hounds and hope for the best.
Coldworld
April 03, 2024 at 05:07 pm
That would likely be a long way to move up. I don’t see it or think it’s wise. If he drops unexpectedly, then I’d agree.
Coldworld
April 03, 2024 at 05:28 pm
Nubin isn’t that big either. He’s 6’1, 199. The wild card here would be moving Nixon to SS, then DeJean would make sense, but it really doesn’t sound like they see Nixon away from the slot.
As to who this box S is, going by Boston College it could even be a small ILB type. Just thinking outside of the box. Kitan Oladapo is a S more in his mold for the box, Sione Vaki is a later prospect example. Going to ILBs, Tyron Hopper might be an early-ish possibility. Too light and not stout enough at ILB but a guy who is essentially an athletic oversized DB with coverage skills. Steele Chambers is another. Then again, Hafley might have other ideas in the pros.
Starrbrite
April 03, 2024 at 01:12 pm
Either/Or—I see him as a safety.
Leatherhead
April 03, 2024 at 04:28 pm
Since CB is a more important position than S, you’d want to play him at CB if you could. He’d start for us early.
Turophile
April 03, 2024 at 06:49 am
Despite me having begged Jersey Al to try and get the draft guide out earlier (he couldn't - it was probably tough to even get it out on time), I find I still haven't lost enthusiasm for the draft (I was fearing having cooled on draft stuff by April, after reading so much content everywhere). So, I have just gone and downloaded it.
I thought it was Ross Uglem who did the Cheesehead draft board, but find it credited to Joseph Randolph...............which is fine - you can see from his articles on CHTV he knows his stuff.
Anyway, well done to all CHTV staff who contributed - I'm going to be busy for a while absorbing all its content.
By now I have a fair idea of who I like (and don't), so it will be interesting to see what CHTV thinks - will they change my mind on someone ?
TKWorldWide
April 03, 2024 at 07:22 am
Don’t sleep on this Ryan Leaf kid. He could be huge!
PackEyedOptimist
April 03, 2024 at 08:10 am
I look forward to reading the Draft Guide!
Al, CB has been nagging me as well. It’s hard to know what Gute thinks of Stokes and Valentine.
I feel certain that we will hear “We had our eyes on this guy all along,” but who knows what position it will be? From day to day my guess as to what position will be targeted vacillates wildly: DT, OT, IOL, CB, even S!
TKWorldWide
April 03, 2024 at 08:40 am
Wild vacillation is one of life’s most beautiful gifts.
stockholder
April 03, 2024 at 10:47 am
Gute priority is the back 7.
If he drafts a CB, he gets depth.
He isn't in Alabama for his health.
And he can't fit Cooper in his draft
if he trades up with Denver.
I'm expecting a trade -up.
Because he only gets judged on his 1st rd.
Just forget value if finds a trade partner.
The Rebuild is over.
jannesbjornson
April 03, 2024 at 03:19 pm
Always Reload, why retreat? Protect the Fort. Keep Love away from the Infirmary. Stop the Run. Quite a few Fans alluding to the 2010 SB defense and looking for Aaron Donald: B.J.Raji pushing 350 lbs and Ryan Pickett pushing 345 lbs. Cullen Jenkin's role can be given to Wyatt. Plug the middle and control the Edge:
#31 Jordan Morgan. LT Arizona Doubt he falls this low.
#41 T. Sweat DT Texas His agent has to get him to 350 Lbs.
#58 Cooper Beebe OG K State He will not fall past mid-40s.
#63 Cedric Gray MLB Carolina Knows the game.
#88 Cole Bishop SS Utah
#91 Jonah Ellis SLB Utah Speed rush.
#155 Jarius Monroe CB Tulane
#169 Rasheen Ali RB Marshall
#202 Andrew Raym OC OKlahoma
#219 Pat McMorris S Cal
#245 McCAffrey WR Rice
#255 Austin Reed QB W Kentucky
LeotisHarris
April 03, 2024 at 08:29 am
I've now experienced back-to-back days with references to The Jerk. Yesterday we met a mid-sized hound mix with ADHD at the dog park. His name? Navin R. Johnson. Coincidence? I. Think. Not.
Great work on the Draft Guide, gang. It's beautiful!
Johnblood27
April 03, 2024 at 09:36 am
maybe you can help me Leotis...
I was wondering what the difference was between Shit and Shinola?
LeotisHarris
April 03, 2024 at 10:43 am
Son, you gonna be alright.
Johnblood27
April 03, 2024 at 07:44 pm
Just keep Iron-Balls McGinty away from the magnets...
Johnblood27
April 03, 2024 at 07:45 pm
This free agent... thats all I need, ... and this draft pick, yeah, the free agent and this draft pick... and that UDFA, thats all I need...
LLCHESTY
April 03, 2024 at 12:01 pm
Wouldn't Shithead be more appropriate name?
T7Steve
April 03, 2024 at 08:43 am
Has anyone guessed correctly what Gute decides to do on draft day? If so, please tell me what you think he'll do? I've tried to figure a pattern out like Al and haven't been able to get it right or even close yet.
If I'm not surprised by what he does, I'll be worried, I guess.
Bitternotsour
April 03, 2024 at 08:59 am
https://i.imgflip.com/6s5h88.jpg
T7Steve
April 03, 2024 at 09:08 am
Funny!
Pictures speak a thousand words.
Coldworld
April 03, 2024 at 09:50 am
I think it was Ted Thompson who once admitted that he loved visits and any other means to further scout players he thought we might end up playing against and by doing so to thoroughly confuse other teams personnel departments. Gute seemingly has learned from that side of Ted’s wry approach to this time of year.
Bitternotsour
April 03, 2024 at 10:49 am
Thompson used the visits to eliminate people from the board as well. Ted was the famous voice of drafting "Packer people". There was subterfuge at every level.
TKWorldWide
April 03, 2024 at 10:29 am
Another round trip ticket on the Worry Bus!
dobber
April 03, 2024 at 09:34 am
The draft guide is quality work. Thanks, Al.
And for those of us who get great info and entertainment from this site for FREE over the course of the year, this is one way to support the site monetarily. Just sayin'...and, no, I don't get a cut.
Johnblood27
April 03, 2024 at 09:37 am
Dobbs, we all knew that you didn't get a cut.
To get a cut you would have to actually DO SOMETHING!
dobber
April 03, 2024 at 09:40 am
That's what my boss says...and my wife.
They happen to be the same person.
NFLfan
April 03, 2024 at 10:40 am
LOL-love the wit
TKWorldWide
April 03, 2024 at 03:25 pm
Yes!
But do you wit the love? 😉
Bitternotsour
April 03, 2024 at 09:43 am
If pick 25 rolls around with either Nix or Penix still on the board the likelihood of trade is strong.
TKWorldWide
April 03, 2024 at 05:11 pm
As is the Force.
RCPackerFan
April 03, 2024 at 10:08 am
"Right now, and a lot can change between now and the draft, I'm feeling like the Packers will a cornerback with their first pick"
Right now that is my feeling as well. With the new DC, and wanting to run more press man types of coverages, I think they will target a CB that can play the press more. But also I can see CB being the top pick because they probably don't know how Stokes will be. I think they really like Valentine and seem to really like Nixon. But there isn't a lot of other options.
I could see this being a Hafley pick. Finding the CB he wants to run his defense.
T7Steve
April 03, 2024 at 10:39 am
If last season was any indicator, they need to get depth. They didn't play the next best player, they played whomever they had left. I don't think they can afford to be thin at such an important position.
The best thing would be that they have no injuries and if worse came to worse have someone to trade later.
TKWorldWide
April 03, 2024 at 05:46 pm
Um, Jaire??
NFLfan
April 03, 2024 at 10:42 am
Dear GB-Please draft @ least 2 OL men (when all is said and done)
Johnblood27
April 03, 2024 at 07:49 pm
Dear GB-Please draft @ least 2 OL men (when all is said and done)
Dear GB-Please draft @ least THREE OL men (when all is said and done)
There, fixed it for ya! No charge... this time! ;-)
TKWorldWide
April 04, 2024 at 07:06 am
Pretty confident that will happen.
Shocked if not.
Alberta_Packer
April 03, 2024 at 10:48 am
I'm excited that this year's guide will provide several hours of good reading and intellectual stimulation (notwithstanding the Dylan Laube pick in the closing mock).
croatpackfan
April 03, 2024 at 12:39 pm
I do not know, but I like your style of expression and how youo write the article, Al. So, for me, another enjoyable moments.
I have nothing else to add than I believe they had Jaydon Reed at pre-draft visit (at least they claimed how data on 40 yards was faster when they measure them), not only Karl Brooks, Lew Nichols III, Dontayvion Wicks, Sean Clifford in 2023. But I might be wrong.
Starrbrite
April 03, 2024 at 01:15 pm
Al—I ordered the draft guide last year and did not receive it—was electronic only?
I just ordered this year’s—hope it’s a hard copy.
Thanks Al
Go Packers!!!
JerseyAl
April 03, 2024 at 03:46 pm
It's always been electronic only. Cost to print 200 full color pages is way too high. You can either download it or have it emailed to you. If for some reason you can't get it, let us know with an email to: admin @ cheeseheadtv.com (no spaces)
Starrbrite
April 03, 2024 at 04:24 pm
10-4—-thank you sir
Tundraboy
April 03, 2024 at 02:23 pm
Got the Guide. Awesome as usual
I'll be in my Library for awhile.