Don't Be Surprised if the Packers Trade Back

While the decision to trade back isn't always a fan favorite, don't be surprised if Brian Gutekunst and the Green Bay Packers move out of Round 1 this year. 

This is only Brian Gutekunst's third offseason as General Manager of the Green Bay Packers, but in his short tenure, we have already seen that he will take an aggressive approach when it comes to addressing the team's needs.

In 2018 he would make Jimmy Graham the highest-paid tight end in football on a per year basis and then in the draft, he would trade back up in Round 1 - after trading down - to select Jaire Alexander. Then in Round 3, he would move up to grab Oren Burks. 

One year later in 2019, he would make four splash free agent signings to help shore up the edge-rusher, safety, and guard positions. Gutey then proceeded to trade up in the draft once again, this time to select Darnell Savage in the first round. 

However, this offseason has been different so far. With less spending power the signings that the Packers have made have been middle-tier free agents on low-risk deals or inexpensive contracts to their own free agents. And as we look ahead to the draft which is just a few weeks away, instead of trading up, there is the very real possibility that Green Bay trades out of Round 1 this time around. 

Even with the few additions that they have made, this is a Green Bay Packers team that certainly still has some holes to fill on this roster. The first few positions that come to mind for many include receiver, linebacker, and tackle. So the thought of trading out of Round 1 given the high-end talent in the draft at each of those positions may be frustrating to some. Especially since most fans still have a sour taste in their mouths after Green Bay moved out of Round 1 in the 2017 draft and ended up with Kevin King when they could have selected T.J. Watt. 

With that said, given Green Bay's needs and the overall makeup of this year's draft class, trading back just makes a lot of sense. 

When it comes to the tackle and receiver positions specifically, these are fairly deep classes. Meaning, if the top four or five tackles are off the board - which is certainly a possibility - and receivers like Jalen Reagor, Brandon Aiyuk, and Tee Higgins are still available for example, moving back and landing an additional top-100 pick should certainly be in play. When it comes to landing difference-makers in the draft, odds are that they are going to be taken within the first three rounds, so having an extra draft pick in that range is never a bad thing. 

Meanwhile, at the linebacker position, I'm not sold on the idea that the Packers see this as a need that has to be filled in Round 1. For one it's just not a premier position in this league or one that Green Bay values highly and under Mike Pettine, they primarily use just one linebacker on the field at a time. So even if Kenneth Murray or Patrick Queen are on the board, I don't see it as a slam dunk that they select either player, which again, makes trading back an option. 

Although receiver, linebacker, and tackle receive a lot of the attention - and I understand why - those also aren't the Packers' only needs. Additionally, some help inside for Kenny Clark could do wonders for this defense and there are some question marks surrounding this cornerback room as well. Kevin King has an injury history and he is a free agent after the 2020 season. While Josh Jackson hasn't seen much playing time and Ka'dar Hollman is still a relative unknown. 

On top of that, Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams are also free agents after this season, so spending a draft pick on a running back should certainly be on Gutey's radar. And the same could be said for the center position and Corey Linsley, who once again, is a free agent at the end of the year. Then there are positions like tight end and safety that could use more depth as well. 

Obviously, not all of those needs will be addressed, there just aren't enough draft picks or high-end talent to do so. However, moving back in order to gain an additional top-100 draft pick and a potential Day 3 selection on top of that would give Green Bay more flexibility when it comes to addressing as many of these needs as possible. 

Now having said all of that, of course, this is all dependent on how the board falls on draft night. But as we look ahead there are certainly a number of reasons that trading out of Round 1 makes sense. So when draft night arrives and the Green Bay Packers are on the clock, don't be surprised when they move back. 

 

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__________________________

Born and raised in Green Bay, WI and I still call it home. After my family, watching the Packers, sharing my opinions on the team through my writing and interacting with other fans is my greatest passion. You can find me on Twitter at @Paul_Bretl. 
 

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5 points
 

Comments (96)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Lare's picture

April 03, 2020 at 01:21 pm

I wouldn't be surprised to see Gutekunst trade back into the early second round, depending on who is still available and what they can get in return. They still have a lot of holes to fill and not enough money to do it all in free agency.

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NickPerry's picture

April 04, 2020 at 09:33 am

Me neither Lare, but I certainly don't want to see him trade too far back. I still believe the Packers need to draft a WR before any other position. Getting a WR who can actually do something this year requires the Packers to draft one of the top say 7 or 8 players at the position.

Lamb, Juedy, Ruggs will all be gone by say pick 13 because I think the Jets, Raiders, and 49ers all go WR at picks 11, 12, and 13. I think the Eagles take a WR in the 1st and so do the Vikings with their first 1st round pick. Who they are is debatable but I'd imagine Jefferson, Mimms or Higgens would be good bets. If all these teams select a WR that's 5 WR by pick 22.

Now I would LOVE if the Packers could draft Jefferson. If the Packers could somehow MOVE UP without giving up to much I'd like that to happen. Sitting where they are they'll probably be able to get Alyuk, Reagor, maybe Shenault. Moving back maybe one of those guys is still there along with Pittman who is so similar to players we already have or others who will take time to develop.

Maybe Gute trades this years & next years first like the Saints did 2 years ago to get in a position to draft Lamb, Juedy, or Ruggs. Maybe he sits and lets it all comes to him. I know one thing....If the Packers had a chance to get Juedy, Ruggs, and Lamb and they can do it for NEXT years #1, it may not be a bad idea. My thinking is if the Packers get a player like one of those 3, the offense takes a bigger jump and maybe they'd be giving up the 32nd pick after winning the SB.

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 04, 2020 at 02:09 pm

Good thoughts, Nick. They need a blue chip guy. This is reload and attack 2020. No need to wait three to four years for a guy to show.

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PatrickGB's picture

April 03, 2020 at 01:25 pm

Paul, I wholeheartedly agree. There are seasons when a FA may be necessary but the basis of the team is always the draft. The teams success has been fun last year but this year it’s time to turn our hopes to the draft and second year jump in Matt’s scheme etc. Picking up a real dynamo at #30 and at the end of every round after that will be a challenge. So perhaps quantity has to win out over top of the round quality. Trading back just makes sense this year. Go get um Gutie!

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Irish_Cheesehead's picture

April 03, 2020 at 01:24 pm

You never know what Gute will do which makes it fun. I’m still going to stay up late into the night to watch the draft. Hell I’m stuck in my house anyways. I usually just tune in here or there, but this year it will be fun to have something else to focus on!

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stockholder's picture

April 03, 2020 at 01:28 pm

It makes No sense. Biegal was No Watt and Baun isn't either. King will leave next year. They not only lost the 5th year option, they got smoked on Biegal. Costing us money regardless. Any Defensive player taken 1 must give us 5 years! OT Too! TT got a 4th. You won't get a 3rd this year either. The talent on the Board is too good. Better to trade up for that higher pick you want. Reager has climbed like Alexander. Higgins won't make past 32. And if those two are gone, the worst case of Manto is a better option to replace Frackrell. Regardless any Defensive player, any offensive player is Depth. So why Trade Back? Had Gute signed his players to an extension we could have traded next year' number 1, for the "players" you think we need in the top 100. And then I'll bet he'll still let them go for other Fa's. Gute has everyone believing in FA, now more then the draft. TTs thinking is old and gone. It only exsist because of TTs selection of Rodgers. Yes, EVEN a QB MAKES MORE SENSE THEN TRADING BACK.

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Stroh's picture

April 03, 2020 at 02:23 pm

It worked out pretty damn well when we drafted Jordy after trading down from #30. No guarantee whether you draft at 30 or move down to 40. You get the same quality of player at 40 as you do at 30. TRADING DOWN MAKES PERFECT SENSE!

Only way I wouldn't trade down is if a player at a premium position (OT, QB, Edge, CB) is available and a position of need (OT really only fit, possibly CB). Any other position you can get at #40 or so just as easily as at 30! You dont' really understand the Packers draft philosophy do you?!

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stockholder's picture

April 03, 2020 at 02:40 pm

There are No guarantee'. I'm Looking at the 5 years! Gute fixed the OL with FAs. 1 rookie. No word on Taylor? He's officially still ready to come back. So it's ok to lose Wilkerson and Daniels? And have a DL worst in the NFL? How long did it take Daniels? Nelson was about SPEED! A-Rod made Nelson like Adams. How many times do want to keep drafting the secondary? Burn your draft, Don't drink to it.

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Stroh's picture

April 03, 2020 at 03:26 pm

Yes it was OK to lose Wilkerson and Daniels! Not like either of them went on to star on another team. One is out of the league the other had a chronic foot injury (the Packers were aware of) and made it thru a couple games before going on IR and is now out of the NFL.

Nelson was more about just speed, he was an excellent route runner and had great hands and developed the connection w/ Rodgers. Nelson also helped Rodgers become Rodgers.

Again you CLEARLY don't understand the Packers draft philosophy. Its been in place since Ron Wolf took over and really only Sherman deviated from it (and we know how poor his drafts were!

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 03, 2020 at 05:58 pm

The Daniels move was good GM work, obviously, they knew his medical and he wasn't healed. Saved 8 M. Stockholder must be hallucinating to bring up Wilkerson, a guy that never should have been brought on board in the first place. He knew the system, Pettine said. Yes, but he also didn't do squat and then was injured. Grasping at straws.
All the focus is on Pettine this year.

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stockholder's picture

April 03, 2020 at 06:20 pm

hallucinating? Yep. Gary was a better pick then Wilkins, Lawrence, etc. Horse S**t. Try redrafting the draft. You take a DE and make him an OLB? After you sign the Smiths? Then you sign Lowrey claiming he's better then Raji and Wilkerson. And draft a DT in the 5th rd? Next Adams improved so Much? When for the last two years, the DL needed help. The stats proved they did again in 2019. Almost last against the run. Yes he made the right call with Daniels. But the wrong call, expecting a pathetic DL to reach the super-bowl. Super-Bowls are won in the Trench. The past and glory years of every super-bowl winner, told you thats a FACT!

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 03, 2020 at 06:35 pm

Yes, Gary is better. Not Many 4.6 guys at 277 pounds. Wilkens was a rookie, not an all star. He would be a three tech since Lawrence was the two and add Farrell in the mix with Bryant and that spells a 4-3 Defensive tackle during the Clemson reign. Wilkerson, why would you advocate for a guy that didn't even play pro football last year and is finished? Montravious is a pass rush guy, not a run stuffer. Who knows how motivated he will be 2020. I don't care for Pettine's defense and prefer 4-3 looks with 4-4 heavy sets like big bad Bill. He has the safeties that are intelligent enough to be where they should be, know how to adjust and know how to tackle. Football basics.

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Stroh's picture

April 03, 2020 at 07:12 pm

THe Gary pick is very much to be determined! Wilkins and Lawrence aren't pass rushers, They are run stuffers and you can find them thoughout the draft. You confusing players you wanted instead of thinking of the Packers draft philosophy!

Gary will be playing about as much as the Smith's this year. And he can play and pass rush from the the OLB spot or the DT spot as a 3 tech, similar to Z Smith. All 3 can be on the field at once, on pass downs, along w/ Clark. Clearly they wanted to give Gary a year to develop since they had the Smith's before they draft Gary. Also the fact Gary IS A pass rusher, simply points (once again) to the Packers draft philosophy. Which also (again) you clearly don't understand.

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stockholder's picture

April 03, 2020 at 11:01 pm

The only person confused is you. You assume to much. We signed the Smiths. A Dt was still the better talent. The RAS isn't gospel to take a guy.

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Stroh's picture

April 04, 2020 at 01:01 am

I'm not going by RAS or athletic testing numbers. I'm going by positional value. Gary was drafted to be a pass rusher, which has significantly more value that a run stuffing NT or a DT that isn't considered to be a high upside interior pass rusher, which defines Wilkins! Neither Wilkins or the NT you suggested is really considered to be a pass rusher, so they don't have nearly the value the Packers see in Gary who they project to be a high level pass rusher.

And I keep going back to it, but your clearly demonstrating a lack of understanding of the Packers draft philosophy! Which as I mentioned goes all the way back to Ron Wolf.

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 03, 2020 at 05:42 pm

It was a poor year for WRs and Ted hunched correctly that Jordy would fall.

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Stroh's picture

April 03, 2020 at 06:56 pm

Ted didn't hunch. He knew Jordy wasn't coveted by other GMs (2WR went ahead of Jordy in the 2nd rd). He had Jordy rated as the best WR in the draft. He played it perfectly, like an experienced GM would.

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 03, 2020 at 05:44 pm

That's pretty much the story Stockholder. With the talent on this team(namely, a HOF QB) You would want to move UP in the bottom quarter of the first round and secure a blue chip prospect. Bag a WR from this solid class or an OT if Jones falls, or a DT/DE that can move Lancaster to the bench. Maybe even Baun who can play inside outside.
They have draft capital to use on the move ups and trade a player, if necessary. Lindsley may not be as safe as Fans think. Gutedkunst has shown some moxy in his draft day dealings. The TJ Watt for King and Biegle will go down with the sherman era f.u. s King showed last year but that was year Three. Watt became an ALL PRO, and No this is not revisionist history. The draft day blog archieve is inundated with the calls to draft Watt in 2017. As you said, Ted has left the building. Be aggressive get Value, not summer session all stars.

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Stroh's picture

April 03, 2020 at 05:58 pm

Thw Packers do NOT have the capital to move up! They have a couple extra pickslate in the draft. To move up for a POSSIBLE blue chipper would take a move to 15 or so. That would require a 1st next year snd probably this years 2nd. The Packers would only consider that for a QB not any other position. They DO NOT have the capital for a big move like that. Your being delusional and don't undeythe facts or the Packers draft strategy!

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 03, 2020 at 06:17 pm

They have Taylor and Lindsley as chess pieces on the trade chart. They will be getting at least two 4th round comp picks in 2021. You can use next year's picks to play in this game, too. There is no Law against it. What are you going to do with the hoarding of 6th and 7 th rounders, fill out the scout team?

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Stroh's picture

April 03, 2020 at 06:19 pm

Taylor is a scrub and Linsley might help you move up 5 spots, he's a FA next year so that depresses his trade value. AND if you did do that you still create another immediate need, even IF you think Patrick is a startycaliber Center. His new contract says he's nothing more than a backup!

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 04, 2020 at 09:28 pm

What if Ruiz is available with the two pick?

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The_Justicar's picture

April 05, 2020 at 09:53 am

Deandre Hopkins was traded for a 2nd round pick. Poor trade by Houston. But that indicates a lower value for Taylor and Linsley. But Linsley with one year left on a deal and Taylor, coming off injury and two poor years of play, might garner a ham sandwich or a cold pizza in return. Not a move up in the first round.

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murf7777's picture

April 03, 2020 at 08:53 pm

I don’t believe Baun has near the size to play OLB in the NFL utilizing a 3-4. He is only 230lbs soaking wet. In addition, even thou he played some ILB in college it was mostly outside. I think he is a risky move for the packers to take him at 30 much less moving up to pick him.

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Stroh's picture

April 04, 2020 at 01:05 am

No chance they move up to take Baun. NONE! IF anything, if they liked him and thought hec could play ILB in their Defense, they would move down and potentially have him as one of a couple players they might want to get in the top or the 2nd rd.

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 04, 2020 at 05:45 am

Baun @ # 30 would be fair value. He can go to ILB.

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Stroh's picture

April 04, 2020 at 10:17 am

No! I would give him a mid 2nd rd grade. If they trade down to #40 or lower that would be about as high as they would take him. Baun at #30 is clearly overdrafting for a need. He's a clear projection at ILB since he hasn't played the position. Playing Edge rusher and ILB are very different skill sets.

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 04, 2020 at 02:20 pm

I don't believe Baun will last to 40. This is not a great draft for LBs.

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Stroh's picture

April 04, 2020 at 05:28 pm

Then let some other team make the mistake of overdrafting him! You don't reach for need. This entire offseason has been about signing players that allow you to not have to reach for a player at a particular position.

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 04, 2020 at 09:30 pm

Assuming the plug-ins stay healthy.

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 03, 2020 at 05:53 pm

Doubt Love falls too far down the line? If they let Wilkens compete, he should secure the backup job for this year.

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Stroh's picture

April 03, 2020 at 01:29 pm

If an OT is there at #30 (Josh Jones?) they will likely stay and make the pick. Otherwise they will likely trade down, even if and possibly especially if Jordan Love is available. If Love is there, teams will pay a premium to move up for a QB. That's the best case scenario, even if its unlikely. With the number of quality WR in this draft, it makes sense to move down. I still have a hard time seeing them using #30 on an ILB. Moving down fits the needs they have anyway, other than OT that is. You'll get the same grade of player at #30 that you would at #40.

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stockholder's picture

April 03, 2020 at 02:49 pm

If Jones is the pick. Bahk will be gone next year. IMO.

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Stroh's picture

April 03, 2020 at 03:29 pm

Jones would be the RT and Bahk would be the LT. If you don't resign him (you'd be letting a perennial All Pro walk?) then you would have to draft another OT the following year. Turner is not an OT, Jenkins is not an OT.

You just don't get it do you?!! SMH

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stockholder's picture

April 03, 2020 at 05:18 pm

Jones played Lt Last year.

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Coldworld's picture

April 03, 2020 at 05:39 pm

And Bulaga was a left tackle before he came to us. The majority of the tackles that make it in the NFL were left tackles in college. Your point is?

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stockholder's picture

April 03, 2020 at 05:50 pm

That Jones will go to Lt if Bahk leaves. Under MM they wanted their Lt to play some at RT first. Yes MM and his staff left. But it could happen again.

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Stroh's picture

April 03, 2020 at 06:07 pm

No! Just hell NO! Its the Front office philosophy McCarthy wasnt in the FO hes a coach! Now your confusing the coaches and personnel departments!2Very different departments. You just dont understand any of this al all.

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stockholder's picture

April 03, 2020 at 06:26 pm

No I'm not. Watch what happens.

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Stroh's picture

April 03, 2020 at 07:25 pm

Oh, I've watched and studied what the Packers draft philosophy and strategy is. You clearly haven't.

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stockholder's picture

April 03, 2020 at 10:30 pm

I want Jones now. He can play LT. Trade Bahk while we got the chance.

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Stroh's picture

April 04, 2020 at 01:10 am

You want Jones so much your willing to trade a perenial All Pro LT to get him? As someone else noted after another of your comments, your are hallucinating (or delusional)!

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 03, 2020 at 06:08 pm

That is college ball. He projects as a RT or a guard.

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stockholder's picture

April 03, 2020 at 10:46 pm

Believing a draft pick projects into another position is" Failure." If he's that good he can play it regardless.

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 03, 2020 at 06:07 pm

Jones is an RT. Bhaktiari will be extended if he stays healthy. You don't move ALL PRO LTs out because of a couple dollars. There are targets for the move UP: Jefferson , Reagor, and Higgins. They would have to really know how to deal to make a play for Jackson to get ahead of Miami, Seattle or the queens. The D line can be secured in the third if Fotu falls( unlikely) or Benito Jones to plug the inside. Clark can go three tech and five tech. Why let him draw doubles all the time at NT. Lancaster does a good job as a backup NT, he is not a DE.

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stockholder's picture

April 03, 2020 at 06:38 pm

A couple of Dollars? Heck, he will be over 30 and make 13 mil. Thats more then a couple of dollars. He's regressing. And will be cut before the end of the contract. I don't like it either. But it is what it is. If Pettine stays, Clark will be signed.

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 03, 2020 at 06:43 pm

I would offer him 15 M and call it good.

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The_Justicar's picture

April 05, 2020 at 10:00 am

If they have the cap space they will resign Bahk to a massive deal. Period. Third contact or not. Packers haven’t minded third contracts on their Tackles. It’s the guards they pass on. Plus, Rodgers is in the twilight of his caster and will most certainly want Bahk here as well.

In addition, if they draft any OT this year it is to replace Wagner at RT this year or next. They would need to draft two premier college OTs if they were also content on replacing Bahk. If that was the case, they would need to get Rodgers some extra bandages or bionics because he would be running for his life from two green OTs.

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Stroh's picture

April 03, 2020 at 07:20 pm

Higgins and Reagor have a very good chance of being available at #30. Jefferson an outside chance. Why move up if you dont' have to? There are others they could get later at #30 that could start or be strong contributors at 30 or 40. Jackson the OT isn't 1st rd material. I think he could be a target if they trade down into the 30's.

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 04, 2020 at 05:47 am

Jackson is rated in the top 20 at the moment. If he fell to #30 it would be a miracle.

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Stroh's picture

April 04, 2020 at 11:39 am

Jackson has never been rated as anything more that a 2nd rd pick and I've been following it since right after the season. And with COVID-19 they aren't likely to move him up the rankings considerably. They'll go by what the initial ranking of him was. 2nd round pick! He is currently rated #47 over all. Top 20 my ass.

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 04, 2020 at 02:42 pm

Put money on it.

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Packer_Fan's picture

April 03, 2020 at 02:06 pm

I like the trade down scenario a lot. Acme Packing did a nice article on five scenarios for trading down. The reason I like it is to get more lower round picks. More chances to hit on players that can be significant contributors. Especially next year. But... who knows what Gute will do...

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Coldworld's picture

April 03, 2020 at 05:43 pm

I don’t know that we have room for a ton of low draft picks. There is a point where I’d rather have fewer and higher picks. I reckon 9 are needed, as I’ve written before. I’d rather use any late pick additions move up to snag a player we think offers excess value if we can.

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 03, 2020 at 06:10 pm

Thank you.

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stockholder's picture

April 03, 2020 at 07:09 pm

Think of the camp bodies. 2 wr 2 Ilbs . 1 edge/OLB, 1 dt/de 1 Rb. 2OL. 1 TE , Allison, Martinez, Bulaga replaced. No Goodson? -NO Frackrell ? No Graham? No Vitale. Yes, Yes we do.

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Stroh's picture

April 03, 2020 at 07:24 pm

6th and 7th round picks won't move you up much. If you trade an extra 6th for a higher 5th you might move up 10 spots at best. They don't have the capital to make a substantial move up except in the 4th or 5th rd. At that point, I would say the extra pick is better than moving up a few places. Unless you REALLY love a player and know (which you can't, especially that late) he will contribute alot.

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murf7777's picture

April 03, 2020 at 08:58 pm

There’s not a lot of value with 6th or 7th round picks to move up in a draft unless you are talking the 5th round or later.

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PackFan2005's picture

April 03, 2020 at 02:06 pm

I wouldn’t mind trading back into the second round. Gute loves to trade around in drafts, as seen by his first two. Instead of trading up though, trading down may be more likely this year.

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dobber's picture

April 03, 2020 at 02:40 pm

Stay put if...
1. ...there's a player there you really covet and you're not likely to get later
2. ...nobody is offering you value (or plus-value) for your pick

Move back if...
1. ...there's a large number of players available that you really like and you know you can still draw from that pool
2. ...someone is offering you significant value for your pick

10 points
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PatrickGB's picture

April 03, 2020 at 02:48 pm

Yep!

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stockholder's picture

April 03, 2020 at 03:01 pm

The problem is Nobody is agreeing with the @62 pick. They think theres a Nelson,Adams, in rd. 2. Thanks be to A-rod. There won't be. TT tried to get Wrs in the 7th rd. Gute tried with MVS,StBrown, and Moore, who I strongly objected too. None have worked. We drafted Lofton. Walker, Sharpe. All made it. This obsession with a Wrs late needs to change. Not to mention FAs outplaying the picks.

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Bure9620's picture

April 03, 2020 at 03:29 pm

Driver was a 7th, Lazard Undrafted, it can happen

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Stroh's picture

April 03, 2020 at 03:41 pm

Thompson used 2nd rd picks on alot of WR that went on to be excellent WR. Start w/ Murphy, Jennings, Jordy, Cobb, Adams. Thompson tried some later too of course, but he always made sure Rodgers had plenty of excellent receivers to throw to. James Jones in the 3rd, along w/ Finley! Thompson was great about making sure Rodgers had quality receivers!

Do have serious short term memory issue?

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stockholder's picture

April 03, 2020 at 05:44 pm

he always made sure Rodgers??? had plenty of excellent receivers to throw to.??? Brett Favre didn't retire till March of 2008. They then decided to go with Rodgers. Go back and Look up when these guys were drafted! Murphy was drafted the same year as Rodgers. Hurt his neck! It was then TT decided to draft Wrs and replace the Te. Stroh I don't mind you disagreeing. But the use of your examples for Rodgers just doesn't add up. If someone has a memory it's you.

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Stroh's picture

April 03, 2020 at 07:28 pm

And who did those WR catch the most passes from? Rodgers! Either way he supplied Favre and Rodgers w/ plenty of weapons! Which Wolf admitted he didn't do for Farve, but Thompson sure as hell did!

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Coldworld's picture

April 03, 2020 at 05:37 pm

There have been a ton of WRs picked in those positions. Adams was mid 50s. Jerry Rice was 99. And you write off receivers coming into their third year as if it were inevitable. It is not.

You draft receivers both ends of the draft, but most years it will be late. Those you use to try and supplement high picks. I happen to agree it’s time to invest in the WR position with a high pick IF one falls. If you don’t get one at 30, it’s a crap shoot based on value as to when. You don’t reach and you go for numbers to increase the odds of getting one that will contribute. That’s what Gute did with MVS, EQ and Moore. That roll has not played out yet. Just how it works. Who knows, maybe we can find a Wes Walker in UDFA, or even a Lazard.

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 03, 2020 at 06:41 pm

Whoa there dude, Jerry Rice was the #16 pick by Walsh. He targeted him from day one, couldn't believe teams passed over him.

1 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

April 03, 2020 at 06:16 pm

Three One picks on a WR when you are generally a passing team in 40 Years! !

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Stroh's picture

April 03, 2020 at 07:32 pm

Because WR isn't a premium positon! Those are QB, OT, Pass rusher, CB. Anyways the Packers have ALWAYS had an abundance of receivers to throw to under Thompson. What 8 WR and TE taken in rd 2 or 3. SMH

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Stroh's picture

April 03, 2020 at 03:33 pm

Stating the obvious.

I would add that most often the Packers only use a 1st rd pick on a premium positon. QB, OT, Pass rusher, CB. Unless a player at another position is far and away the best player and has a 1st rd grade. Most drafts don't have players at #30 that are true 1st rd graded players left. Those generally run out in the 20's. Players at 30 are the same quality as players at #40.

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dobber's picture

April 03, 2020 at 04:48 pm

"Stating the obvious."

It's what I do best! ;)

2 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

April 04, 2020 at 02:48 pm

If the Packers followed the predictable model you advocate from the days of Wolf, then why didn't they pounce on T.J.Watt in '17 ? Gutedkunst has shown an ability to go outside the box and in this upcoming draft that is exactly what he needs to do. The Superbowl window is closing.

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Stroh's picture

April 04, 2020 at 05:36 pm

They had needs at both CB and OLB. And clearly Thompson had them rated the same so he knew one of the other would be available. Watt was no sure thing or he would have gone top 10.

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Bure9620's picture

April 03, 2020 at 04:59 pm

There will be signficant value if there is a QB available a QB needy team that wants him. The Packers could get several picks

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 03, 2020 at 06:12 pm

Then you get second round talent and hope it is a Jenkins, not J. Jones, the basketball player or Jackson.

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TheVOR's picture

April 03, 2020 at 02:43 pm

I'd be fine trading back, and having 2x - 2nd round picks and 2x - 3rd round picks. Could be a lot of value in that..

2 points
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splitpea1's picture

April 03, 2020 at 03:20 pm

I think drafting players who can help the middle of our defense going forward should be the priority, especially with a deep WR class. ILB and one D-line spot needs to be upgraded, and there's no getting around it. I don't think we need to spend another high pick on a safety, either, as I heard in a previous article. RB, T, and CB can wait until the middle rounds. If T. Williams can be resigned, then CB can maybe be staved off for another year, where it might make more sense to spend a premium pick for this position.

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 03, 2020 at 06:23 pm

If Muse shows up in the second, you would have to ponder this guy.

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Handsback's picture

April 03, 2020 at 03:27 pm

Most likely any pick Green Bay selects in the first round will have a second round grade. I think I saw 23 players had 1st round grades. Quite a few more for second round grades. So trading down is like still getting a first and a second if you look at it that way!

I'm not concerned about where Gutsey picks...only which players he take. This should be a very good draft for the Packers.

6 points
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dobber's picture

April 03, 2020 at 04:52 pm

"I think I saw 23 players had 1st round grades."

I think this is probably about right, but we never get to see how GMs grade players. Only draftniks. Draftnik grades are good for conversation, but the GM grades are the ones that matter.

You never hear a GM say they settled for a player, GMs always pick the guy they really liked. GMs never tell you what their boards look like.

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splitpea1's picture

April 03, 2020 at 06:16 pm

That's why it's kind of useless to speculate how a team is going to maneuver in the draft, anyway. No one knows how the draft is going to unfold and what opportunities may be available. Gute has shown a willingness to move around to get the guy he wants, so I wouldn't be surprised if he did it again.

2 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

April 03, 2020 at 06:54 pm

Dobber, Pauline had about 28 guys with first round grades. He's generally accurate with his rankings. There are targets to move up for.

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Hematite's picture

April 03, 2020 at 06:53 pm

In Brian I believe!

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Lphill's picture

April 03, 2020 at 03:29 pm

Yes let’s trade back for a bunch of late round picks who may develop in 3 or 4 years while the final Rodgers years are wasted, way to go Gutey!

-9 points
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ShooterMcGee's picture

April 03, 2020 at 06:11 pm

The difficulty in trading back this year is that we are sandwiched by 2 teams that probably want to trade back as well. Seattle picks at 27. They historically trade back from the 1st round picks. They did it twice with us the last 2 years. Then there's SF right behind us. They have 2 first rounders then no picks until pick 157 in the 5th round. I imagine they would love to gain some additional picks in the mid rounds. So this lowers the value we can obtain for pick #30. I don't think it's realistic to get a 2nd and 3rd for #30. Thus we are looking at a 2nd and a 4th rounder at best. Doesn't really excite me.

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Lphill's picture

April 03, 2020 at 07:10 pm

The Vikings have 2 picks ahead of us , no doubt they take 2 players on our board. One will definitely be a receiver and maybe D line, so yes Gutey trade back for some worthless picks don’t be aggressive and move up for a playmaker.

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CoachDino's picture

April 03, 2020 at 08:28 pm

Moving back may or may not be the answer, depends how the board falls but it's a great piece to get the conversation going.

I've been advocating trading back for over a month now -IF the board and trade value is there. I'm not banking on more picks but taking the last pick in each round and turning one or two into an early in the round picks.

the article nails the point of getting as many picks as you can in the top 100.

40,62,80 & 92. Gonna have to give up a 5th or 6th to keep the 92nd. That's four picks in the top 100.

Then again if you get your guy at 30 then take him. The point is being situational prepared to maximize the value of your draft picks.

Lets Go Pack!!
Love to see WR/OT/ILB/RBorCB. with those picks. remember the packers don't need a pass rushing IDL. They have KEKE/GARY & Clark. They need a 2 gap NT. Those are going to be available in rounds 5 and 6. even UDFA.

That's why the draft is so fun - you just don't know what is best until you see the board - that leaves a boat load of scenarios we can debate...

1 points
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Stroh's picture

April 04, 2020 at 10:36 am

"The point is being situational prepared to maximize the value of your draft picks."

That might be the best statement anyone has made in this tread! Given they are sitting at #30 and the true 1st rd picks are likely to be gone by that point. It would seem to be best to trade down. However if a player you have rated very high falls lower than where you value him, you have to be prepared to make a move up to get him. That was the case when Thompson draft Matthews. They strongly considered him before taking Raji at #9 but they watched as Matthews fell into the teens and 20's and they were immediately working the phones to move up for him.

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michaelturi's picture

April 03, 2020 at 09:11 pm

I would prefer to trade back for an extra 3 rd round pick. Not in favor of drafting a QB. I just hope we have a football season this year but I doubt we will.

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peterman's picture

April 03, 2020 at 09:31 pm

I think the Packers should look at trading back with the Ravens. They have two late second round picks, 55 and 60. I know it does mean anything but I’ve done multiple mock drafts and I’ve been able to trade pick 30 and a 6th round pick for 55, 60, and a seventh. It also seems like a lot of talent will be available at this point. Below is my latest draft.

55: TE Cole Kmet
60: DL Raekwon Davis
62: WR Michael Pittman Jr.
94: LB Malik Harrison
136: OT Saahdiq Charles
176: WR Isaiah Hodgins
etc

3 points
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Roadrunner23's picture

April 04, 2020 at 09:07 am

It’s always better to trade up for one GREAT player rather than trade down for a bunch of guys that play special teams. Providing the guy you trade up for is a really GREAT player.
The only way you trade back is if there is a group of guys that are all rated the same and you can still get your guy, then sure go for it Gute.
That is your lesson for the day Gute....no charge.

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Stroh's picture

April 04, 2020 at 10:28 am

"The only way you trade back is if there is a group of guys that are all rated the same and you can still get your guy."

When your drafting at #30 all the players from the late 1st thru mid 2nd are always going to rated the same. Most drafts have maybe 5-10 at most truly elite players, then another 15 or so that have true 1st rd grades. Once those guys are all drafted your looking from about #25 thru mid to late 2nd that are all very much the same,

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 04, 2020 at 02:54 pm

That is generally how you secure potential pro bowlers or better. This draft is still strong through pick # 30. The move Up takes some savvy dealing, we will see if Gutedkunst can pull it off.

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Fubared's picture

April 04, 2020 at 04:38 pm

Im unimpressed with Mr guttnick. Rashad Gary at 12 did it for me.

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WestWi_Packfan's picture

April 05, 2020 at 01:32 pm

At this point it looks like we need at least 3 potential starters from this years draft or at least regular contributors. The top need appears to be at WR and I think we can get a good one at 30 so I wouldnt budge from that spot. Our 2nd biggest need is obviously at ILB and once again I think some talent will still be around for them. At #3 I'd be looking for a tackle who can move into a starting role after a year behind Rick Wagner.This position could be taken at #2 and the ILB at #3 depending on the talent available.
After these three spots are addressed I think Gute should consider unloading his #5 pick along with one or two of his extra 6-7 picks to a team that needs numbers and pick up an extra #4 to address either DT or TE or possible a developmental QB. We need guys who can help us now for the most part but if a talented guy is still around at 4 then you have to consider it with the uncertain situation we have behind Rogers.

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