Five Things to Expect from the Packers in the 2020 NFL Draft

The NFL Draft is now less than one week away. Here are five things to expect from the Packers in the 2020 NFL Draft.

The NFL Draft is less than a week away and expectations are high for the Green Bay Packers. The team finished 13-3-0 last season, won the NFC North and advanced to the NFC Championship Game.

Despite some key losses in free agency this offseason, the team is still predicted to be a top contender in the NFC assuming the team has a solid draft.

Here are five things to expect from the Packers as we head into the 2020 NFL Draft:

1. The Packers Will Make a Trade in the First Round

In each of his first two drafts, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst has made at least one trade in the first round. In 2018, he traded down initially and picked up an extra first rounder in 2019. Then he traded up to draft cornerback Jaire Alexander.

In 2019, Gutekunst stayed at 12 and drafted Rashan Gary with his first pick in the opening round and then traded up from 30 to 21 to select Darnell Savage with his second first round pick.

When Gutekunst identifies a player he really wants, he tends to go for it. Look for him to do the same in 2020.

2. The Packers Will Not Select a Quarterback in the First Round

The Packers are in win-now mode with Aaron Rodgers getting up in years and the team having reached the NFC title game last season. That combined with the rookie salary cap will stop the Packers from selecting a quarterback in the first round this season and then having him sit behind Rodgers for two or three seasons.

The only possible exception is if a player Gutekunst truly believes is a franchise quarterback slips to Green Bay at 30 much like Rodgers did in 2005.

Green Bay’s interviews with certain quarterbacks and their rumored interest in others are designed to be decoys for other teams and/or a dry run for future quarterback selections.

The Packers may add a quarterback this season, but it won’t come until the third day of the draft.

3. The Packers Will Draft At Least Two Wide Receivers

When Gutekunst identifies a team need, he usually adds multiple players during an offseason to meet those needs.

In 2018, the Packers needed help at cornerback. Gutekunst drafted Jaire Alexander in the first round and then added Josh Jackson, another cornerback, in the second round. He also signed Tramon Williams and Davon House in free agency.

Last season, the Packers needed help at edge rusher. They signed Preston and Za’Darius Smith in free agency and then drafted Rashan Gary in the first round.

Look for Gute to add a wide receiver on either day one or day two of the draft and another on day three. He’s already added Devin Funchess in free agency.

4. The Packers Will Add an ILB and a DL but Not in the First Round

Inside linebacker and interior defensive line are definite needs for the Packers as they clearly need to upgrade their run defense. But the Packers won’t use a first-round pick on an interior defensive lineman because it is very unlikely any worthy candidates will still be on the board at 30.

There are two inside linebackers worth selecting in the first round: Patrick Queen of LSU and Kenneth Murray of Oklahoma. Both will almost certainly be gone well before the Packers are on the board.

Unless Gutekunst makes a bold move to trade way up, these positions will be addressed but not in the first round of the draft.

Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine emphasizes stopping the pass over stopping the run and the team has not valued interior defensive linemen or inside linebackers as highly in recent years. A player must be special, like Kenny Clark, to merit first-round consideration.

The last inside linebacker the Packers selected in the first round was A.J. Hawk back in 2006. That won’t change this year unless either Murray or Queen slides down in the draft very unexpectedly and Gutekunst trades up to grab one of them.

5. The Packers Will Add an Offensive Lineman on the First Two Days of the Draft

Offensive tackle is a glaring need for the Packers. Bryan Bulaga has departed and his replacement, Ricky Wagner, will be 31 this season and is only signed for two years. Left tackle David Bakhtiari is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent after the 2020 season and the Packers will either pay him a lot of money or lose him.

Gutekunst will address offensive tackle early in this draft. He will almost certainly add a player on day one or day two at offensive tackle and may add another offensive lineman on day three as well.

The Packers may also add a center as Corey Linsley’s contract is up after 2020 as well.

 

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Comments (70)

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

April 18, 2020 at 12:44 pm

1) Agree and hope it is a trade down to add a 4th round
A lot a value picks available in rounds 3-4

2) Hopefully they don't draft a QB early.
Unless Tua is there at 30...

3) I agree on the idea but they should not force it. BPA should be the main idea with needs at OT, C, TE, DL, ILB and CB

4) If you cab get Queen or Murray without trading up, go for it.
Otherwise, let's wait for Logan Wilson

5) I'm not sure it will be so easy. If the 5 main guys are gone (wills, Wirfs, Becton, Thomas, Jones) are gone, I would prefer to wait 3rd round or later.
Track record of GB scouts to find OL gems in the middle of the draft is quite OK.
In the first two rounds, we had disappointment in the past (Newhouse, Spriggs)

Ideally, we get Josh Jones at 30

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GilMartin's picture

April 18, 2020 at 04:20 pm

You are right about finding some gems in the fourth round or later along the offensive line. We shall see what Gute decides to do this year. I doubt Queen or Murray fall to them at 30 or are even there at 25 so they can make a relatively inexpensive trade to move up and get them.

This will be a very interesting draft. Thanks for commenting.

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BAMABADGER's picture

April 18, 2020 at 09:51 pm

Newhouse was a 5th round selection.

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Sureshot's picture

April 29, 2020 at 09:32 am

Right.
I was thinking of Derek Sherrod but took my foot in the carpet

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Spock's picture

April 19, 2020 at 10:13 am

LMFAO when I read that the Bears are signing Jason Spriggs (after spending $8k for TE Jimmy G). Yeah, they will still Suck! :)

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dobber's picture

April 19, 2020 at 11:20 am

When you've got 90 roster spots, why not?

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GilMartin's picture

April 19, 2020 at 12:38 pm

I'm more than happy when they take players who failed to play well for us and stock their roster with them. Thanks for the comment, Spock, live long and prosper.

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stockholder's picture

April 18, 2020 at 09:45 pm

No Trades are necessary! @30 Higgins Wr Comp. Aj Green @62 ClayPool Wr Comp. Mega tron @94 Brooks LB-Comp. Mike Singltary @136 Albert Okwuegbunam TE @175. Nick Coe DE @ 192. L'Jarious Sneed S/CB @208 Watkins WRS @209 Regg Robinson CB of Tulsa @ 236 Carter Coughlin @ 242 Tyler Clark DT. ****

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GilMartin's picture

April 18, 2020 at 04:22 pm

Gute has made at least one trade in the first round of both of his drafts so far and I expect him to make another move this year. We shall see. Won't be dull, that's for sure. Your mock is interesting. Doubt they go WR in both of the first two rounds with this year's class being so deep. Thanks for the comment.

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stockholder's picture

April 18, 2020 at 05:55 pm

It was keeping with Corys too.

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albert999's picture

April 18, 2020 at 09:31 pm

Stupid doesn’t fix stupid

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Alberta_Packer's picture

April 18, 2020 at 01:06 pm

I think the priorities for Packers are:
1. OT
2. WR
3. CB/S
4. DL
5. RB
6. ILB
Of course should a highly-rated player drop from any of the above food groups - please ignore the above.

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GilMartin's picture

April 18, 2020 at 04:23 pm

Your last comment is very true: how the board plays out determines a lot. I expect Gute to be very active in this year's draft. Should be an interesting time. Thanks for commenting.

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albert999's picture

April 18, 2020 at 09:36 pm

We got stuffed for 236 yds in the nfc championship game
How ignorant are u and everyone not to think top priority is a run stuffer

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Alberta_Packer's picture

April 18, 2020 at 09:48 pm

Run stuffer is absolutely necessary but good ones can be found from 3+ rounds. My draft crush is Leki Fotu.

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GilMartin's picture

April 19, 2020 at 12:49 pm

A lot of people think he'd be a very good fit in Green Bay. I also hope we can find a way to draft him. Thanks for the comment.

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GilMartin's picture

April 19, 2020 at 12:44 pm

It's a need but it's not something the Packers will address in the first couple of rounds. The organization has felt those players can be found on Day 3 of the draft. Thanks for the comment.

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Stroh's picture

April 19, 2020 at 11:28 pm

You get run stuffers later in the draft not in the top 2 or 3 rds. Either way, the run D has more to do w/ the scheme and less to do with personnel. If they prioritized run stopping they have the personnel to be good at it, not great but at least good. The scheme Pettine uses is from Rex Ryan, and it emphasizes disrupting the backfield, specifically the QB. The pass rushers play the run on the way to the QB and it can and does creates running lanes. But the Defense is based on stopping the pass and affecting the QB, not stopping the run.

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GilMartin's picture

April 19, 2020 at 12:40 pm

Always matters how the board plays out. Many people will say your put ILB too low on the list, but Pettine's defense doesn't emphasize them and there aren't many ILBs worth taking in the first few rounds who will still be on the board when the Packers pick. Thanks for the comment .

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Alberta_Packer's picture

April 20, 2020 at 07:52 pm

So tried following my own advice and discovered that drafting is an imperfect science. Proof as follows:
First I traded down from 30 - for picks 36 and 110:
36. Jalen Reagor - WRS
62. Lucas Niang - OT (alternative Robert Hunt/Isaiah Wilson)
94. Antonio Gibson - RB (alternative Devin Duvernay)
110. Leki Fotu - DT
136. Michael Ojemudia - CB
175. Jared Pinkney - TE
192. Shyheim Carter - S
208. Joe Bachie - ILB
209. Cole McDonald - QB
236. Jon Runyan - OG
242. Travis Reed - CB

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Leatherhead's picture

April 18, 2020 at 01:08 pm

I predict no offensive lineman or WR in the first three rounds.

CB, DL, S/LB, RB.

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GilMartin's picture

April 18, 2020 at 04:25 pm

Interesting, Leatherhead. Why RB so high ahead of WR? I know both Jones and Williams' contracts are up after 2020, but I figure they keep at least one of them. I doubt they address DL until the third round at the earliest unless somebody is available they didn't expect. Should be an interesting draft to say the least. Always appreciate your comments.

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Leatherhead's picture

April 18, 2020 at 04:42 pm

Because, Gil, we’re going to run more and pass less. Every single thing that Gutekunst has done since he became GM points to this. Everything LaFleur did in his first year points to this.

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GilMartin's picture

April 19, 2020 at 12:52 pm

Certainly we are going to run more than we did under Mike McCarthy and that's a good thing. Thanks for the comment.

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stockholder's picture

April 18, 2020 at 06:46 pm

You could try and explain why Gute won't take an OL. But I doubt they could understand it. Gute spent money on his man. It just hasn't sunk in. Not taking a WR means every expert is wrong. I hope you and others realize that. I don't believe Gute takes a CB or DL early. Why must we keep drafting Secondary? IMO Gute won't change the DL unless Pettine leaves. The LB is good, but if Gute does not take 1 by rd. 3, they'll be to slow. Which was the problem with Martinez. If Gute does trade down you will get your RB. Good Luck.

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The_Justicar's picture

April 18, 2020 at 08:13 pm

Well, last years “experts” mock drafts averaged 7 WR in the first round. But...only two were selected. The nfl guys have different draft boards than “experts”

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dobber's picture

April 18, 2020 at 02:22 pm

"The last inside linebacker the Packers selected in the first round was A.J. Hawk back in 2006. "

Correct me if I'm wrong, but AJ Hawk was an OLB at Ohio State and played OLB for his first couple seasons in GB before Nick Barnett got hurt and he moved inside. At that point the Packers switched to a 3-4 and Hawk stayed inside for the remainder of his career.

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GilMartin's picture

April 18, 2020 at 04:27 pm

You are indeed correct about Hawk. He did start out as an OLB. That means the last ILB the Packers drafted in the first round would be George Cumby back in 1980. Thanks for the comment Dobber. Good catch.

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flackcatcher's picture

April 19, 2020 at 03:39 am

Just to add to Gil's point. Hawk moved inside along with Woodson playing the slot and T. Williams starting on the boundary in Dom Capers 3-4 and 3-3 (which became his base in 2009-10. Packers been running some form of hybrid at LB/DL for that long. (Don't kill me, I'm just the messenger....)

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GilMartin's picture

April 19, 2020 at 01:07 pm

That's what the team did under Capers and now we have the hybrid ILB/S under Pettine. Obviously, opinions differ on how effective it is and no matter what formation you use, you need talent. Thanks for the comment.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

April 18, 2020 at 03:20 pm

Can't wait to see some sort of sports action to actually happen next weekend.

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GilMartin's picture

April 18, 2020 at 04:31 pm

Yeah, it's a crazy time. The draft may be the last event we see for another month at least. Hope it all returns soon. Thanks for the comment and stay safe.

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albert999's picture

April 18, 2020 at 09:33 pm

WNBA draft tonight
Michael Jordan documentary tomorrow night

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GilMartin's picture

April 19, 2020 at 12:53 pm

Yeah, sports fans are definitely hungry for new content.

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Samson's picture

April 18, 2020 at 04:12 pm

2 WR ..... 2 OL ..... 2 DL ..... 1ILB ..... 1 RB or 1 QB (late round only).
BPA for each round regardless of position. (except for RB or QB)

My only request of Gute is.... One way or another .... Antonio Gibson - 6'2" - 220# or so... 4.39 at the combine.
Best part .... hybrid WR/RB.

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Guam's picture

April 18, 2020 at 04:10 pm

Agreed. Only concern I might have is two DL. There will be at least one DL, but the other may be a CB or TE if the right guy is available.

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Samson's picture

April 18, 2020 at 04:16 pm

You may very well be correct... At least one DL along with a CB or TE may work... As long as Gute doesn't reach.

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GilMartin's picture

April 18, 2020 at 04:33 pm

In the later rounds, it all depends on who's still on the board. I agree about CB or TE being real possibilities. Will be an interesting draft. Thanks for commenting, Guam.

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stockholder's picture

April 18, 2020 at 07:15 pm

If we take CB. That means King and Jackson are not good enough, failed, etc. So far I'm seeing other teams take are cast offs. Randall, Cobb, Brown, Hayward, Boyd, Shields. etc Every Time we do, we rob another position of need. We pay good money for scouts to evaluate these men properly. Somebody needs to address why. Of all the good Cbs we've had over the years. Why keep drafting something nobody knows how evaluate.

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Leatherhead's picture

April 18, 2020 at 09:59 pm

How many corners so you think we need? You have to be able to put four good ones on the field and these guys do get hurt.

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stockholder's picture

April 18, 2020 at 10:47 pm

LCB= Alexander, Sullivan, Hollman RCB= King , Jackson /// Williams is a Free Agent. he wasn't drafted early. I mocked two with speed above. 4.4 not 4.55. They are n't Demetri Goodson, Remember how he was the next Williams.

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flackcatcher's picture

April 19, 2020 at 03:55 am

Depending on your core defensive formation. 5-6 DB are now the average across the league. One main reason the classic ILB is fading away. Pettine during the latter half of last season was using 6 DB in his base and Campbell in the Hybrid alongside the Smith's. (I still can't decide if Pettine is some sort defensive wizard, or if he is just crazy or both...)

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GilMartin's picture

April 19, 2020 at 12:57 pm

I think both may be the best answer. Thanks for the comment.

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GilMartin's picture

April 19, 2020 at 01:09 pm

King will be a UFA after 2020. May not be that he's failed, just that he may not fit into the team's cap based on what he feels he can get on the open market.

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 19, 2020 at 05:14 pm

A DT and a five tech DE; he missed his chance with Pennell last November. I thought Montravious could go with the big boys, but obviously, I was wrong.

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GilMartin's picture

April 18, 2020 at 04:31 pm

He's a versatile player and would be a very interesting addition. Thanks for the comment, Samson.

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RickInCali's picture

April 18, 2020 at 06:16 pm

This is horribly off-base. We need a Corner, a run-stuffing d-lineman, an Offensive Tackle, at least one serviceable Linebacker and a Wide Receiver. We also need a TE and another RB. The draft is not going to necessarily fall the way we need it to fall to accomplish even half of that.

I would look at a premium position first: OT or CB in the first if someone falls to us. I think the Oklahoma LB will be there and I’d be somewhat ok with that if the other positions aren’t a proper value. Hard pass on Queen anywhere in the first or second. Follow that with someone like the Mississippi State LB in the second or the Alabama D-Lineman. if you miss those in the first.

You can get guys at WR later to compete with what we already have on the roster- Examples of mid-round possibilities are the Kentucky slot guy, or even later someone like Hightower from Boise State. We can also look at good smaller-school Linebackers in the later rounds like the Fresno State, Wyoming and Montana guys.

I have a huge issue with taking the 6th or 7th best wideout when we could have the third best OT, DL or CB. That honestly seems like playing totally scared, myopic, and about five other negative things.

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ShawnO's picture

April 18, 2020 at 06:14 pm

My expectation is that BG will target an athletic box safety/linebacker that can play nickle corner in the first two rounds. Like a Jeremy Chinn, Kyle Dugger, or K’Von Wallace type. Versatility is the key, like a poor mans Isaiah Simmons.

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dobber's picture

April 18, 2020 at 07:38 pm

If Jeremy Chinn makes it to Gute, he very well might be the pick.

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stockholder's picture

April 18, 2020 at 10:10 pm

Scout Negatives:#1 - Instincts are all over the place. Slow to read the action. Does not always correctly read routes in zone. Scout #2 Must improve his tackling and become more secure at the point.When he was tasked with man-to-man coverage there were some questions marks. There’s a severe delay with him timing of knowing when to turn his hips and run.//// I can find more. But who is Mel Kiper anyways.

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dobber's picture

April 19, 2020 at 06:43 am

Write what you like, but he's exactly the kind of flashy, fast-rising, RAS beast that Gute seems to like.

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stockholder's picture

April 19, 2020 at 07:49 am

So your point is Gutey makes his picks on how they do in underwear? That will get you a bench warmer and more hype than need.

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dobber's picture

April 19, 2020 at 08:02 am

Yawn.

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jannes bjornson's picture

April 19, 2020 at 05:22 pm

Muse is better and can get stronger. Played better competition. Chinn is third round guy maybe later.

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dobber's picture

April 19, 2020 at 07:31 pm

You wanna put a friendly wager on that?

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ShawnO's picture

April 20, 2020 at 01:59 pm

Orin Burks, Jason Spriggs, Rashan Gary....great in underwear, must I add more?

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Packer_Fan's picture

April 18, 2020 at 07:29 pm

My thoughts:
1. Yes trade

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Packer_Fan's picture

April 18, 2020 at 07:34 pm

My thoughts:
1. Yes. Trade down to get four picks in the first three rounds.
2. Right, don't draft a QB in round one
3. Yes, one in first two rounds and one in rounds 4-7.
4. Yes. With the added 3rd round pick,get both of these.
5. Yes. With the added pick, the four players drafted in the first three rounds are WR, ILB, IDL and OT. And not in any particular order.

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The_Justicar's picture

April 18, 2020 at 07:44 pm

Hey, Gil. Just want to say I appreciate your articles and enjoy how you respond to posts and questions in the comments. Thanks!

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GilMartin's picture

April 19, 2020 at 01:13 pm

Thanks, The_Justicar. I try to respond as often as possible. I used to be the guy making the comments so I know what that's like. I also enjoy a good back and forth discussion with my readers. I appreciate your comment adn thanks for reading.

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albert999's picture

April 18, 2020 at 09:34 pm

Al
Maybe y’all could figure out how to take you back to your original spot commenting and reading than every time you do so it takes you back to the top of the page?
Easy fix
Thank u

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albert999's picture

April 18, 2020 at 09:38 pm

We got stuffed for 236 yds in the nfc championship game
How ignorant are is everyone not to think top priority is a run stuffer?

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albert999's picture

April 18, 2020 at 09:39 pm

We’ve never been able to stop the run

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spaces's picture

April 19, 2020 at 02:58 am

They are best till now

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albert999's picture

April 19, 2020 at 05:23 am

Trade pick 30 to colts for 34 and 44

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frankthefork's picture

April 19, 2020 at 12:49 pm

For your #30 you will get #34 and #100...So far Gute has not drafted above average...so pray.
#1 OT Cleveland
#2 Wr Claypool
#3 DT Loti
#4 ILB Brooks or Wilson
#5 RB Gibson or Kelley (wr bayless or Te Keene)
#6 S and CB Metelius, and Ried, ( dt Roy)
#7 QB , OLB and IOL Huntley, Runyan, ...bpa
Should have trade back last years #12 ..oh well.
We need the extra pick early So trade the #30 , Yeah!

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GilMartin's picture

April 19, 2020 at 01:00 pm

I think that's something Gute would consider if the board breaks the right way. Thanks for the comment.

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RobinsonDavis's picture

April 19, 2020 at 01:24 pm

Nice article, Gil! IMO the question is, "How aggressive will Gute be in acquiring picks for this draft?" If Gute believes in the depth of this year's draft class, and recognizing the massive, pending udfa talent drain next year, he could acquire a number of picks by trading both players and next year's draft picks. But for me, it starts by trading down with the #1 this year for a high #2 and a #3 or #4. Then trading back-up using their #2 and a #2 for next year to get another mid-high #2 pick this year....netting them two high #2 picks and an additional #4 this year.

Likewise, there are several players that meet Packer athletic specs that can be solid contributors into the 4th and 5th rounds this year, so more expansion of picks is possible. Remember the Packers likely have compensatory picks in the 4th, 5th, and 6th round in 2021, which may allow them to manipulate more in the middle rounds this year. Last, the trading of a player for a pick, may serve two purposes - easing cap impact so that other players can be signed or extended, & the obvious benefit of yet another draft pick or player for this year in exchange. Many scenarios can potentially take place

Of course, the Packers would have to find teams who wish to "dance" , but I do believe we will see some aggressiveness by Gute in this draft. The question is ..."to what extent?"

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cheesehead1's picture

April 19, 2020 at 02:47 pm

While I agree that Rodgers needs more weapons, from 2011 until recently he’s had lots of ammunition ((Nelson, Cobb, Adams etc). Where did that get us? Our D was the difference to not us getting over the top and still is IMO. Rodgers can only do so much, he doesn’t play D. I would try and improve the D “again” this year and pick up some receivers later on. Anyway, looking forward to the draft to make these times seem a bit more normal.

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Stroh's picture

April 19, 2020 at 11:15 pm

Hawk was actually drafted as an OLB as the Packers were a base 43 at the time. When the Packers hired Capers a couple years later, Hawk was a natural choice to move to ILB as he was an Off Ball LB in college and his first couple years in GB. He happened to become an ILB, but he wasn't an ILB on draft day.

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