Meet Your Green Bay Packers 2021 Draft Picks

Welcome the newest class of rookies to Titletown!

Another draft has come and gone! While the 2020 draft may have held a lot of mystery and controversy for Packer fans, the 2021 draft was all about addressing areas of need with relatively little quibbling. 

Let's meet your new Green Bay Packers!

Round 1

29th overall: Eric Stokes, Cornerback, Georgia

Jaire Alexander was arguably the finest cover corner in the NFL in 2020, but the other side of the field was quite often a mess, and one could argue it cost the Packers their season. While the mercurial Kevin King will return, there was a clear need for an upgrade for the future of the position, and so the Packers invested yet another top pick in a defensive back: this time the speedster Eric Stokes from Georgia.

Stokes ran a lightning-fast 4.25 40 at his pro day and is an outstanding athlete. His numbers against SEC competition are highly impressive and showed he has the ability to play at a high level against pro caliber players. There's always an adjustment period for new corners, but it's safe to say Stokes will be seeing hte field a lot right from the get go, regardless of whether it's as an official starter.

Round 2

65th overall: Josh Myers, Center, Ohio state

The Packers lost their all pro former Ohio State center Corey Linsley in free agency, and with other voids on the offensive line (lost Lane Taylor, and David Bakhtiari out with injury) it was clear the Packers would need to invest heavily in the position. Myers will be able to play any of the three interior line spots, and gives the Packers some flexibility with what they will do with Elgton Jenkins. Like Stokes, expect Myers to see the field early on, and have a chance at competing for a starting job. Myers helped pave the way for one of college football's best interior rushing games and allowed just three sacks as a senior. This is a tough football player with a lot of potential.

Round 3

85th overall: Amari Rodgers, Wide Receiver, Clemson

The Packers traded up to snatch Rodgers, who they clearly loved. The Packers haven't had a true slot receiver since Randall Cobb left, and the similarities between Cobb and Rodgers are remarkable. Rodgers will be able to be used all over the field, making him a perfect fit for the Matt LaFleur offense. This is not at all the prototypical receiver pick the Packers have made under Brian Gutekunst and late-era Ted Thompson, but he perfectly fills a void for what the Packers needed in this offense. Here's hoping it's Aaron Rodgers throwing to him!

Round 4

142nd overall: Royce Newman, Offensive Line, Mississippi

The Packers love picking versatile offensive linemen in the later rounds of the draft, and Newman fits that bill. He's started at both left guard and right tackle during his colegiate career, meaning he's seen both sides of the line at two positions, against SEC competition. With Lucas Patrick likely departing in 2022, Newman at the very least will serve as a great utility player who's able to step in where needed, but could also be looked at as a potential future starter should he come out and impress.

Round 5

173rd overall: Tedarrell Slaton, DT, Florida

The Packers desperately needed to add some new bodies to their defensive line room, especially with the disappointing Montravius Adams leaving in free agency. and Tedarrell Slaton is definitely an intriguing prospect. Slaton is large: 6'4, 330 pounds. He's primarily a run stopper, which is exactly what the Packers need. With Kenny Clark and Kingsley Keke being versatile as pass rushers and run players, Slaton can hopefully help address a void the Packers have had for some time now on the interior line. These late round picks are always a tossup, but you always love seeing more big bodies added up front.

Round 5

178th overall: Shemar Jean-Charles, Cornerback, Appalachian state

The cornerback position needed a lot of extra help this offseason, and with Jean-Charles the Packers completed yet another Brian Gutekunst triple-dip, in re-signing King, drafting Stokes and then drafting this interesting upstart from Appalachian State. Jean-Charles does not have nearly the speed of a Stokes, King or Alexander, but he was a scrappy player who stuck out on a small school without a lot of national spotlight. Jean-Charles will get a legitimate chance to make the team as a special teamer and possible contributor on defense.

Round 6

214th overall: Cole Van Lanen, Offensive Lineman, Wisconsin

Great story here in Van Lanen, who grew up in Green Bay, went to Wisconsin and now gets to play for the Packers. Talk about a dream come true for a Wisconsin-born kid! Van Lanen is yet another offensive lin product out of Wisconsin, a school that sends a ton of linemen to the NFL, many of whom go on to have long, successful careers. Expectations have to be low for a sixth round pick, but Van Lanen has a lot of versatility and will be in the mix in an offensive line room that is going to have a lot of (much needed) competition.

Round 6

220th overall: Isaiah McDuffie, Linebacker, Boston College

It's the second year in a row the Packers take an interior linebacker on day three, with McDuffie joining 2020 fifth round pick Kamal Martin, who had some flashes last season. McDuffie is a smaller player than Martin and Krys Barnes, who figure to be the top two at the position in 2021. But he enters the league with a solid pedigree. He finished fifth in the nation in tackling in 2020 and was a three-year starter in college. He finished second-team all conference, and was widely considered a BC team leader. He's a smart, driven player; we'll see if he has the physical skills to stick in the NFL.

Round 7

256th overall: Kylin Hill, Running Back, Mississippi State

I personally love this pick for the Packers. Kylin Hill is coming off a shortened 2020 but had a strong 2019 season in which he earned first-team all-SEC honors with 1350 yards and 10 touchdowns on 242 carries. He's a capable receiver as well. Hill has a legitimate shot to make the team, though he'll be competing with Patricdk Taylor. Hill could well have gone a couple rounds earlier than he did, so it's great value with what essentially amounts to a flyer pick for the Packers at a position where they could use a bit more competition for that third spot. 

 

Welcome all to Titletown!

 

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.

__________________________

Tim Backes is a lifelong Packer fan and a contributor to CheeseheadTV. Follow him on Twitter @timbackes for his Packer takes, random musings and Untappd beer check-ins.

__________________________

14 points
 

Comments (134)

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

May 01, 2021 at 07:14 pm

Seams like a good class. I especially like the first 3 picks.

12 points
12
0
Savage57's picture

May 02, 2021 at 06:17 am

When the Shemar Jean-Charles pick was announced, I thought, "Great, an unknown from a small school."

Then I recalled Nick Collins coming out of Bethune Cookman and chilled.

0 points
0
0
stockholder's picture

May 01, 2021 at 07:15 pm

Congratulations to them all.

6 points
6
0
jannes bjornson's picture

May 01, 2021 at 07:20 pm

Hill is the draft steal.

5 points
6
1
murf7777's picture

May 02, 2021 at 12:44 pm

How did he last till the 7th round. Wow, did Leach hurt his draft stock that much. He had 23 catches in 3 games for over 10 yard average before opting out. I see him as having the potential of GB utilizing him as a 3rd down back this year. That would be amazing if it happened.

0 points
0
0
greengold's picture

May 01, 2021 at 07:33 pm

That’s a solid group of players. Many needs addressed with great talent. Love the added depth and competition. Slayton & Jean-Charles were my favorite Day 3 additions, but I wish them all a big welcome to Green Bay! 5 of the 6 picks from Day 3 were mocked higher than where Gutekunst took them, which appears to be good value. We got better this weekend. No doubt.

9 points
13
4
Handsback's picture

May 01, 2021 at 07:26 pm

The only pick I have an issue with is the 4th round selection of Newman. Seems to be a huge reach, but I'm no scout and they liked something about him.
Three oline guys last year and three this year. I would say Green Bay is transforming their oline into a real smashmouth bunch.
Looks like several ST players that could be valuable reserves.
This draft will be poorly rated for lack of wow factor. Forget that and look at how the roster is being strengthened.
It looks like the Packers are trying to be less finesse and more stop-me-if-you-can team.
Maybe less dependant on QB play and more balanced approached.....hummmmmm.

23 points
24
1
PhantomII's picture

May 01, 2021 at 07:47 pm

That's the way I'm seeing it. More of a run it down your throat group of OL. Just what the doc ordered. More attitude, better run game : )

7 points
8
1
greengold's picture

May 01, 2021 at 10:05 pm

Handsback, 1000 gold stars for your take here. Green Bay became a hell of a lot tougher.

They didn’t just draft a CB, Thursday. They drafted the fastest CB in the draft with the #2 ranking for least yds per game allowed with 12.1. A top ranked C. Not just a small gadget, but one built like a brick shit house. A mauler RT with a ton of SEC experience. A massive NT whose calling card is run stop, and carries his weight very well. Another mauler swing Tackle...

CB Shemar Jean-Charles’ 32.7 % catch rate allowed is the 3rd lowest ever recorded by a CB in PFF 8 year history.

And, they finish with Hill who was regularly mocked 2-3 rounds higher, if not more. Hill was considered THE premiere RB of the SEC, ahead of Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Remarkable talent.

Love the physical toughness of this draft class. SOLID!

12 points
14
2
dobber's picture

May 02, 2021 at 08:23 am

Jean-Charles is a shot at a replacement for Chandon Sullivan.

1 points
1
0
greengold's picture

May 01, 2021 at 07:53 pm

Can’t wait to see Gutekunst’s UDFA signings too. Many great talented players went undrafted. Hopefully he can work some magic there, despite his comments about this season being more difficult to win positions on the roster.

2 points
4
2
dobber's picture

May 02, 2021 at 09:57 am

The roster turnover has been underway since BG took the GM job. He's turned over just about every spot on defense, and, while he inherited a very mature offensive group, has turned over all the backups and now a significant number of starters.

1 points
1
0
TheKanataThrilla's picture

May 01, 2021 at 07:33 pm

Given our WR free agent problem next year I am surprised that we only drafted one. I was thinking at least a 7th round flyer(I was hoping for Dax Milne based on his productivity and moving the chains for Zach), but perhaps we will add a few UDFAs.

6 points
6
0
greengold's picture

May 01, 2021 at 08:13 pm

I was shocked, but, can’t argue improving OT depth, and a plug & play C. Makes me wonder if a rumored AR trade w DEN would involve Jerry Jeudy or another of their wideouts... very odd they only drafted the one in Amari.

3 points
4
1
murf7777's picture

May 02, 2021 at 07:06 am

. Is there a Riff, definitely as Rodgers told Trico yesterday and the FO has stated they have flown to see Rodgers multiple times. I agree there could be serious talks with Denver with young players traded for Arod post June 1st. That said, until Rodgers publicly states its Gutey or him I don’t believe it.

3 points
3
0
Since'61's picture

May 02, 2021 at 07:57 am

Gute has already said that Rodgers has not said anything publicly about wanting Gute fired. In NBC Spirtd has repited Rodgers has been publicly silent for several days on his current status including the recently alleged “I want out of Green Bay” comments.

Rodgers was at a Kentucky Derby party with Bak, D Adams, Linsley and other players. If Rodgers wants to leave would he be at a party with team mates? Seems inconsistent even for Rodgers. Thanks, Since ‘61

1 points
1
0
Lphill's picture

May 01, 2021 at 07:50 pm

C+ is my grade no favorites here just depth .

-5 points
5
10
stockholder's picture

May 01, 2021 at 08:43 pm

I think your being to Kind. This was one draft that was a total reach on every selection. ( But the 6 and 7th.) .You won't have to re draft this in a couple of years. It was about life after Rodgers. As we all feared. But the Help just isn't coming. My grade is a D.= Poor.

-7 points
5
12
dobber's picture

May 02, 2021 at 08:24 am

If the uber negatives are throwing a C+, then it can't be awful.

8 points
9
1
murf7777's picture

May 02, 2021 at 08:42 am

Now that gave me a great laugh this morning. Thank you Dobber.

1 points
1
0
13TimeChamps's picture

May 02, 2021 at 12:35 pm

My thoughts exactly. This poster hates everything the FO does and he gives them a C+?. I guess it was a great draft after all.

2 points
3
1
Since'61's picture

May 02, 2021 at 01:33 pm

Cookie!!! Thanks, Since '61

1 points
1
0
LambeauPlain's picture

May 02, 2021 at 01:24 pm

Simply futile to grade a draft class the day after.

What I do know is of the last three draft classes, most of those selected are still on the team...so the coaches are are making them productive.

There may be 3 eventual year 1 starters from this class with 2 or 3 more getting significant snaps.

That would be remarkable.

1 points
1
0
Since'61's picture

May 01, 2021 at 08:05 pm

I'm a little surprised that the Packers took 3 OLs again. I figured one for sure and maybe 2 especially after they took a Center in Round 2 but 3???

I would think we could add another OL or 2 as UDFAs and use the pick on another DL or ILB where we need more depth. Otherwise it looks like a good group.
I like the first 3 picks. I think we have 3 starters with those first 3 picks. Hopefully Slaton can evolve into at least a rotational run stopper on the DL. Hill probably has a solid opportunity to make it as our #3 RB.

Beyond that it's wait and see how the rest develop during TC and pre season.

I wish them all well. Thanks, Since '61

4 points
6
2
Leatherhead's picture

May 01, 2021 at 08:32 pm

We lost 3.....Lane Taylor, Rick Wagner, and Cory Linsley..

8 points
9
1
HankScorpio's picture

May 02, 2021 at 07:02 am

Exactly. Three out, three in. I don't claim to have seen it coming but in hindsight, it makes perfect sense. No matter how it plays out with the Diva's hissy fit, keeping the QB clean and protected while opening up running lanes is the secret sauce that makes the offense go. That is an old as football itself and will never change.

4 points
4
0
murf7777's picture

May 02, 2021 at 07:10 am

Agree LH, you must keep the QB healthy and open up running lanes, makes the WR position less important as we showed last year and NE has proven for years.

5 points
5
0
10ve 💚's picture

May 02, 2021 at 10:13 am

Spot on Murf.

I like these OL picks. And if the new center clicks, we may actually get an improved version of our already great OL from last year.

0 points
0
0
stockholder's picture

May 02, 2021 at 09:11 am

Taylor was a non factor. Wagner was a re-tread. And Linsley will be missed. Turner could still play RG. But RT should have been drafted before last year. Another blunder by Gute.

-5 points
1
6
dobber's picture

May 02, 2021 at 08:25 am

Why would you draft your RT in the second year of your preferred RT's expensive, long-term contract?

2 points
2
0
stockholder's picture

May 02, 2021 at 09:09 am

What preferred RT . Long Term Contract? Wagner was signed. Did n't they cut him? Bulaga was done. WE keep seeing Rookies replace are best guys. Your starting strength is declining under Gute.

0 points
1
1
dobber's picture

May 02, 2021 at 10:01 am

Turner, you knucklehead.

1 points
1
0
Since'61's picture

May 02, 2021 at 08:01 am

Agree LH. I’m a believer in having plenty of big bodies for both sides of the trenches. I was just thinking they would go with another ILB, or DL where even with those selected we’re still short on depth especially at ILB. Thanks, Since ‘61

1 points
1
0
blondy45's picture

May 02, 2021 at 12:48 pm

I am with you `61, IMO they drafted for positions that needed reinforced, which were many. They took 9 bites at the apple which pleases me. They only traded up once, for a very good player of need that checked the boxes for a slot WR, special team & return specialist, and tough not little gadget future star. That is like getting one player-pick for three positions of areas of need. I will take 3 for one any day! Therefore the trade up (a -5 point trade) was more than worth it. It could have been worse if Gute traded up sooner to lose more draft capital.

I thought the pick of Cole Van Lanen was the only pick I questioned. We lost 3 O-line from last year's roster, only Lindsey who will need to be replaced really mattered. We have 3 2020 O-line draft picks waiting for their chance to shine on our roster. I am all in for the first two O-line this year. I do not have a problem with the possible talent Cole has, and again it is a 6th round pick. It is nit picking I guess but another LB or edge player (Shaka Toney) would have been perfect. Picking at the end of every round is hard to do. The Pack is used to it though. Therefore my post draft grade is a solid A-.

1 points
1
0
murf7777's picture

May 02, 2021 at 07:12 am

Keep in mind, last years picks were all late in the draft and success isn’t likely.

3 points
3
0
stockholder's picture

May 02, 2021 at 07:53 am

Had they drafted a RT instead of Love, Dillion, or a Hybrid TE. You would not have seen this poor draft this year. And the money saved could have brought in a DT. But like I have been saying. Gute doesn't know how to build a winner. And the more he kicks the can down the road. It's just a matter of time before his head is on the chopping block.

-1 points
2
3
murf7777's picture

May 02, 2021 at 08:12 am

Stockholder, stay in the present, regardless of how you feel about the past, you cannot change it. You draft for the present and the future, not the past.

5 points
5
0
dobber's picture

May 02, 2021 at 08:26 am

SHE pushing critical mass...

1 points
1
0
stockholder's picture

May 02, 2021 at 10:19 am

OK. I'm fine with drafting for the present. The wasted draft capitol. The spending of funds. The dumping of All-pros. The revolving door. But wheres my Lombardi trophy? Oh thats right it's in Tampa Bay this year. Seems the future is full of imagination. Muff7777 if this draft was mocked before the draft. There isn't a Green Bay fan that wouldn't have said,"BURN IT".

1 points
1
0
10ve 💚's picture

May 02, 2021 at 10:21 am

Yes, fire Gute and hire the Bears/Lions/Jags/Jets/... GM.

We will definitely be very happy every April with our very high draft picks.

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

May 02, 2021 at 08:27 am

Shhhhh! Level-headed observation and commentary needs to be held back until a week after the reactionary rhetoric is over...

1 points
1
0
10ve 💚's picture

May 02, 2021 at 10:22 am

Ha ha ha

0 points
0
0
HankScorpio's picture

May 02, 2021 at 09:35 am

The way I look at it, last year's rookie class is combined with this year's newcomers as the most likely spots to see improved play.

AJ Dillion and Josiah Deguara will almost certainly make a greater contribution. With another year, Kamal Martin & Jon Runyan seem like solid bets. Dominque Daffney, Henry Black & Vernon Scott are a bit less likely but did some good things. Others like Garvin and Stepaniak might surprise.

Even going back a bit farther, I have not yet completely written off Jace Sternberger. He seems snakebit a little. If he can shake that, he might still prove to be valuable. But if he's not already at the "now or never" crossroad, he'll be there soon.

The "it takes 3 years" thing is real.

0 points
1
1
dobber's picture

May 02, 2021 at 10:00 am

I think Vernon Scott is your Raven Greene replacement.

0 points
0
0
HankScorpio's picture

May 02, 2021 at 10:28 am

They can certainly use more out of that spot. Greene has been mentioned more than his play deserves, IMO. I hope you are right.

0 points
0
0
Gman1976's picture

May 01, 2021 at 08:21 pm

Gute did very well. Now we have to see how our QB situation pans out. Gute did all he could to do with the salary cap situation the way it is & then added some quality players. Hopefully, Rodgers backs down on the reported demand that Gute steps down. Better yet, hopefully the reporte is not true. Nobody is verifying anything about Rodgers' demands (not even Rodgers at the Kentucky Derby).

-3 points
3
6
MITM's picture

May 01, 2021 at 08:34 pm

Its HIS fault the cap is the way it is lol

1 points
4
3
murf7777's picture

May 02, 2021 at 08:13 am

I know he should've seen this pandemic coming~

2 points
2
0
BAMABADGER's picture

May 01, 2021 at 08:26 pm

Number of OL drafted indicates Pack not satisfied or have concern with current backups. MSU RB may be a steal. Slayton weighed 375 lb at Florida at end of Sophomore season. He has worked hard to hold weight down. His tape looks encouraging.

9 points
9
0
stockholder's picture

May 02, 2021 at 08:11 am

I'll tell you the concern. Gute cut Wagner and lost Linsley. If he doesn't get Turner back inside. The center position will not be stable. You don't replace a All-pro that easily. You heard Lang say he didn't like to play center. And TT: had Trotter as a back-up. Poor planning by Gute. His draft last year screwed the packers hopes of a super-bowl. And Rodgers knows it. He has a OT playing Right Guard. The feet are to slow. Can't Pull!

-2 points
1
3
dobber's picture

May 02, 2021 at 08:28 am

MUSHROOM CLOUD!!!!

2 points
2
0
murf7777's picture

May 02, 2021 at 08:14 am

That could be true, but keep in mind those three OL last year were all late round flyers.

2 points
2
0
MITM's picture

May 01, 2021 at 08:36 pm

- Offensive line is important, the nonstop drafting of them is a little incessant at this point now.

- As somebody already mentioned all these WRs contracts are going to be up and we take 1? And then Gute Chute makes a smartass remark about the pick saying dur hur i hope everybody is happy with this pick

- One of the deepest years for ILB in a long time and we took a JAG just because in the 6th. The Buccaneers have the best LB core in the NFL (as I'm sure you're all aware of) and STILL added one before the Packers.

- The best pick was Hill. They added some decent talent. Really should have added multiple WR, DL, and take ILB even remotely seriously for once.

-3 points
7
10
Grandfathered's picture

May 02, 2021 at 08:25 am

With lots of slot WRs I think the 4th round pick was too much to move up for Rodgers. Moving up to get Marshall would have been better, or stay put and use the extra 4th rounder for another ILB prospect.

-2 points
0
2
jont's picture

May 02, 2021 at 09:29 am

off topic but to your point about Gute's comment, here's what he said:
"I hope everybody on our team and within our building is excited about adding Amari," Gutekunst told reporters Friday. "I think it was something we wanted to add—we've wanted to add for a few years—that guy that can play inside and do some returning. So yeah, I hope everybody's pleased with it."

He's either tone deaf or he is as bad as rumors have it. A presser is not the place send comments to Rodgers and I really hope he knows that so I guess he just didn't know how this would be heard.

-1 points
3
4
Packer_Fan's picture

May 01, 2021 at 08:51 pm

Draft went pretty much as I expected. Two CB. With one having a good chance to replace King or Sullivan. Two OT. I thought Two WR, but they only chose one. But Rodgers is good size and should hold up in the slot and running the jet sweep and not get hurt like Irwin. Meyers was unexpected, but they will want him to compete as a starter. Then DL, LB and RB to replenish the roster. I expect the top three picks to play significant roles next year.

5 points
5
0
justjan's picture

May 02, 2021 at 10:08 am

Hopefully THIS year.

0 points
0
0
Packer_Fan's picture

May 01, 2021 at 08:51 pm

Draft went pretty much as I expected. Two CB. With one having a good chance to replace King or Sullivan. Two OT. I thought Two WR, but they only chose one. But Rodgers is good size and should hold up in the slot and running the jet sweep and not get hurt like Irwin. Meyers was unexpected, but they will want him to compete as a starter. Then DL, LB and RB to replenish the roster. I expect the top three picks to play significant roles next year.

0 points
1
1
Rudedawg67's picture

May 01, 2021 at 09:00 pm

Probably would have taken Anthony Schwartz over Amari Rodgers. One runs a 4.26 the other 4.51. Come on man! There were LBs in this draft that run faster than a 4.5. We need more speed at the WR position not another gadget guy. Understand Rodgers is more compact and might be able to run through one or two more tackles but when they can touch you then you don't need to run though tackles.

I did like the Stokes pick the best.

-4 points
2
6
murf7777's picture

May 02, 2021 at 07:19 am

Speed isn’t everything with a WR. More important are route running, quick twitch and catching the ball. On the flip side speed is important on defense, especially CB’s as they have to react and are immediately at a disadvantage and have to catch up to WR.

1 points
1
0
Rudedawg67's picture

May 02, 2021 at 02:49 pm

No speed isn’t everything but you can’t teach speed and you can teach route running.

1 points
1
0
HankScorpio's picture

May 02, 2021 at 07:39 am

My issue with the Amari Rodgers pick was giving up 4-30 to make it, which would apply to Schwartz at 3-28, too. Gute spun another good yarn about why he had to give away yet another 4th against the advice of some in the draft room. He's always got a good yarn on that one. The guy he valued at 62 was drafted at 85. We'll never know if he would have made it to 92. Maybe, maybe not. As for Schwartz, they already have him, in MVS.

Either way, they simply must stop giving away opportunities to draft players in the 3rd/4th rounds every single year. If they had waited patiently for Love, it is highly likely they would have drafted him at 30 anyways. The pick they gave up could have been Tyler Johnson. That would have alleviated the urgency to move up again for Rodgers this year.

And this year's give-up of 4-30 might have allowed them to double-up at DL. Or grab an edge rusher to give flexibility in dealing with the Smith's contracts. Or whatever else. And made that less critical for next year. It's a cycle that starts to feed on itself when it continues long enough. Like circling a drain.

3 points
3
0
greengold's picture

May 02, 2021 at 08:20 am

We agree on a lot of stuff Hank, and I really didn’t want him to trade there, but I can’t begrudge BG using one R4 to secure a high quality, multi- purpose player the likes of Amari Rodgers. Small guys often get hurt. This dude is a Mack truck Slot/WR with PR/KR ability who is perfect for jet sweeps.

Eh. Gotta give it to him. GB needed that badly, and our STs won’t improve without a legit returner.

2 points
2
0
HankScorpio's picture

May 02, 2021 at 09:05 am

Isolated to just the Amari Rodgers trade up, I'm ok with it too. But I've been banging the drum about moving up and shrinking draft classes for multiple years now. It was done again. They walked into the draft with 10 picks and walked out with 9 guys.

You need to add 8-12 rooks every year to keep the cap healthy. The more that are draft picks and not UDFA, the better off you will be. So at least balance the moves up with some matching moves down.

0 points
1
1
blondy45's picture

May 02, 2021 at 09:41 am

You are spot on Hank! With the 2022 cap ready to really limit the Pack next year, you need to stock the roster with as many cheap contracts as possible. The more of draft quality the better. Your comment on matching moves is so correct. When you get to the middle to late rounds of a draft, teams move about regularly every year. Chicago, Carolina, Miami, and Dallas looked like U-Haul companies this year throughout the entire draft. I enjoy your comments, same as mine.

0 points
0
0
murf7777's picture

May 02, 2021 at 08:37 am

"Either way, they simply must stop giving away opportunities to draft players in the 3rd/4th rounds every single year. "

I know it can be frustrating seeing draft pick go away, but let's analize the results of the past trades by Gute:
2017 - He trades out of the 1st 3 spots and gets the 1st pick in the 2nd and 4th rounds. We all know how that turned out. Not good.
2018 14th pick traded down to NO for their 27th pick and get a 2019 1st round pick (awesome trade) they then trade up and give up their late 3rd round and pick Alexander (All-pro)
2019 - Packers Trade the 30th and move up to the 21st and take Savage for (2) late 4th round picks. Very good point value and Savage is close to Pro-bowl level and is ascending player.
2020 - Trade a 4th rounder to move up and take Jordan Love. Who knows how this ends up, but is creating controversy.

In Conclusion, since we cannot yet grade 2020, Gute's trade ups in 2018 and 2019 have proven to be great trades and well worth the draft capital given up. We will never know what we might have gotten in the 1st and 4th or 3rd rounds of those drafts, but what we do know is we received one All-Pro at a premier position and one ascending Safety who is likely to be a Pro-bowler. Drafting isn't a science, it is Gut feeling and if you did your homework an educated guess. So far, the Packers scouting has been very good with Gutey.

0 points
0
0
HankScorpio's picture

May 02, 2021 at 09:01 am

It's not about the individual moves. I agree that the moving up has been successful, for the most part, with Oren Burks being a very notable exception. Like I said, Gute always has a good yarn about why it was required to move up. The reason I call it a "yarn" is because it cannot be proven. Once a guy is selected, it becomes unprovable where he would have gone if not selected there. Just look at Friday's yarn on Amari...the Packer were considering him at 62. He went at 85. That's 7 away from 92. The yarn on Jordan Love said Indy was moving up. They didn't. The Packers "beat them to it" with nothing but a 4th. Was Indy really moving up? We'll never know. They said not after the draft. They might have been lying. Every team is thrilled with how things work, publicly. Probably different behind closed doors.

Either way, it's about the pattern of shrinking the draft class every year. If he balanced moving up with some matching moves down, I'm fine. But there isn't that balance,

Guys that work the draft well share a couple of traits. 1) They find gems on day 3. Not every year but enough to notice them 2) They walk out of the draft with more picks than they walked into the draft with. Gute has yet to show he can do either. And it's getting alarming to me.

-1 points
0
1
dobber's picture

May 02, 2021 at 10:04 am

Ixnay on the urks-Bay.

1 points
1
0
dobber's picture

May 02, 2021 at 08:29 am

They don't have an Amari Rodgers on the roster. They've got a Schwartz...and it's almost as big as mine!

2 points
2
0
Bear's picture

May 02, 2021 at 10:42 am

I guess using your logic D. Adams 4.56 forty time makes him to slow to being a WR.

But, I also liked Schwartz as a late round pick. His scouting report mentions he has the same problem of MVS, drops.

Negatives: Not a big-framed receiver and gets easily brought down at the point by a single defender. Double-catches too many throws. Struggles finding the ball in the air at times.
Analysis: Schwartz is a terrific athlete with a second gear and the ability to break big plays, yet he needs to polish and complete his game. He comes with a large upside, and if properly coached, Schwartz could develop into a third receiver at the next level.

1 points
1
0
Archie's picture

May 02, 2021 at 06:07 pm

You remind me of Al Davis - it's all about the 40 time. Were it that simple.

0 points
0
0
Roadrunner23's picture

May 01, 2021 at 09:14 pm

I couldn’t believe they passed on Nixon when he fell into their laps in the 4th and then drafted yet another OL?

Amari Rodgers was my favorite pick, Meyers and Stokes are solid picks.

Another un-exciting draft for Gutey, dude is walking on thin ice right now.

If the Rodgers/Love thing blows up in his face he may be gone in a year or two.

When you have the league MVP at QB, you do whatever you can to keep him and don’t piss him off even though he’s being a punk ass bitch!

0 points
9
9
greengold's picture

May 01, 2021 at 10:26 pm

Same here on Nixon. Something must be very wrong to be Athlon’s #1 rated DT in the draft, and Bill Belichick passes on you in every round...

Amari was a dynamite pick.

As for the Rodgers thing, I believe terms on his trade have already been agreed upon with DEN and both teams are waiting until after June 1st to announce it, where instead of a $36M cap hit, it becomes a$14M hit. Why did QB needy DEN pass on the 3rd best QB in the draft? Why did they trade for a backup QB the night before the draft? Why did Aaron Rodgers go nuclear on the Packers with his bombshell on Day 1 of the draft?

Because the deal is done, and GB needs a veteran backup QB. Elway pounced on Manning. Now he’s pouncing on Rodgers, who DOESN’T want to play for the Packers.

-1 points
3
4
10ve 💚's picture

May 01, 2021 at 11:20 pm

Wow! You really are in the know!

3 points
4
1
greengold's picture

May 02, 2021 at 07:27 am

No. Just looked at it all and connected the dots. You have to admit it is a distinct possibility. What’s the name of the backup QB we drafted? Oh, yeah, we didn’t draft one... I’m thinking we see Teddy Bridgewater in a Packers uniform after June 1st, and maybe Jerry Jeudy along with an armload of 2022 draft picks. It all adds up. AFC team...

1 points
1
0
murf7777's picture

May 02, 2021 at 08:46 am

It's a definite possibility....

0 points
0
0
Since'61's picture

May 02, 2021 at 03:20 pm

greengold, It's definitely a possibility and could explain why the Packers have yet to sign even a UDFA QB or two to compete for the #3 spot or #2 spot if Rodgers is traded.

For me much of this is all media driven sensationalism. First it was Aaron is undermining MM, never proven and never publicly stated by anyone associated with the team. Then it was AR won't get along with MLF, again proved false with AR going out and having an MVP season in 2020 and AR and MLF often seen hugging and celebrating after Packer TDs throughout the season. Now the latest with Gute.

Through it all AR has played at an HOF level which is all that matters to me. I really don't care if he doesn't get along with team management or even his coach as long as he produces on the field and he has at an HOF level.

I had my season pass to the Yankees during the Bronx Zoo years and everybody on that team hated somebody.
Munson hated Reggie, Reggie hated Billy Martin, the backup catcher Johnson was brawling with relief pitchers and on and on. Player refused to speak with the media. Everyone hated Steinbrenner and yet when that team was between the white lines they were all about winning and they went to 3 consecutive World Series and won 2 in a row. That's what mattered then and that's all that matters now.

Fight like cats and dogs off the field, tell management what you think of them, doesn't matter, Just Win Baby. Rodgers is one of the best if not the best to ever walk on the field at his position the rest is window dressing.

Imagine if Rodgers ever told the FG unit to get off the field like Johnny Unitas did back in the day what this blog would be like, even if he did score a TD like Unitas did on the next play. It would all be he's undermining the coach, he can't do that, he's not bigger than the team, get rid of him etc. etc. It's ridiculous, give me the TD and the guy with the balls to do it any day. This is the NFL, not Pee Wee football. Thanks, Since '61

0 points
0
0
Since'61's picture

May 02, 2021 at 02:02 pm

.

0 points
0
0
barutanseijin's picture

May 02, 2021 at 08:02 am

He explained his reasoning. You haven’t presented a counterargument, just empty snark.

0 points
0
0
Grandfathered's picture

May 02, 2021 at 08:37 am

I hope your Rodgers to Denver theory proves correct. I would say that Denver must part with a quality receiver, in addition to Bridgewater and future draft picks. I would add that if I was the executive making decisions for Jeopardy hosting, I would be paying attention to whether I would want to enter into a contract with Rogers.

-1 points
1
2
Cwilly's picture

May 02, 2021 at 02:25 pm

Elway isn’t the gm in Denver!

0 points
0
0
HankScorpio's picture

May 02, 2021 at 07:43 am

Every year, the DIC miscalculates on one or more guys. Daviyon Nixon went 5-14 in a DL poor draft class. Maybe every NFL team, all of whom are looking for DL help, messed up. Or maybe the DIC hyped him beyond his true value. We'll find out in the coming years. If I had to bet on one or the other, I know where my money is going.

4 points
4
0
HankScorpio's picture

May 02, 2021 at 07:43 am

Every year, the DIC miscalculates on one or more guys. Daviyon Nixon went 5-14 in a DL poor draft class. Maybe every NFL team, all of whom are looking for DL help, messed up. Or maybe the DIC hyped him beyond his true value. We'll find out in the coming years. If I had to bet on one or the other, I know where my money is going.

-1 points
0
1
stockholder's picture

May 02, 2021 at 08:54 am

The biggest problem was taking a CB with the first pick. Stokes flew up from a 100 before the draft. McShay said he will have trouble. But Barmore was the pick and New England knew it. The BPA was not stokes. I know they needed someone to replace Linsley. Nobody wants to play center. Gute got stuck because he screwed up last years draft. Still a center should have been taken later. Gute covered his mistake last year. Hanson is a bust. (He ignored McNeil. Who had a better pro day then Raji. Big mistake letting Detroit get him.) Next Rodgers WR.= The costs was to high. Gute again covered his mistake last draft. The Rodgers WR was a mistake. Everybody went down to watch him. The love affair was to strong. No draft value here. And this is where he should have taken his future C. But of the three. Rodgers might have the most upside: if #12 changes his mind. If they redraft this draft. It should have been DT,DT, C, CB,CB. Then your extra OL again. Thats why Gute doesn't know how to build a winner. Don't expect a Lombardi trophy. Thats what Rodgers saw with Boyle, Linsley , and Wagner leaving. And thinking about last years draft.

-2 points
2
4
justjan's picture

May 02, 2021 at 10:17 am

yawn.

0 points
1
1
dobber's picture

May 02, 2021 at 10:36 am

I need a decoder ring to get through this mish-mash.

2 points
3
1
Since'61's picture

May 02, 2021 at 05:41 pm

I could lend you my crystal ball but it has become very blurry lately. Thanks, Since '61

1 points
1
0
MITM's picture

May 02, 2021 at 12:08 pm

agreed

1 points
1
0
Archie's picture

May 02, 2021 at 06:21 pm

I still support Gutey but .....

1 - He reaches for needs all the time; and,

2 - He too often gives up valuable mid-round picks to make small moves up the board.

I never heard him explain why he felt the need to trade up for the slot gadget guy. Seems there were lots of them in this draft so did he have "intel" that another team was eyeing him or did he just want to make sure he got this one? I never heard a reporter ask this question.

Given how the draft unfolded I probably would have traded down out of R1 and drafted Elijah Moore - a rich man's Amari Rodgers. That would have saved 3 middle round draft picks - the 3rd & 4th used on Rodgers and the 4th they would have gotten for the small trade back in R1. Could have used those "extra" picks to take 2 CBs and a S or DL/LB etc.

0 points
1
1
Bure9620's picture

May 01, 2021 at 09:40 pm

6 o-linemen in 2 drafts is interesting considering they were one of the best in the league.

Here are my grades

Stokes- B
Played against Jefferson, Devanta Smith, Waddle, Chase and allowed very little, still raw but high ceiling. Good swing but a few picks too high

Meyers-A-
Probably my favorite pick for the Packers. Great player, can anchor and maul, reach block and get to the 2nd level. He filled a need. Will likely get a 2nd contract. One of the more NFL ready players in the draft. He is plug and play guy and I don't often say that of rookies

Rodgers- B-
Good player, I get it. Also a limited player. High floor. There were several better players still on the board

Newman D+
Really nothing special. They clearly don't Iike what they drafted from last year. He is decent, okay athleticism. Pretty big reach for the 4th round. I had him 6-7 or a UDFA. I don't get it, worst pick of this draft for GB. NO ONE had this guy going this high.....

TJ Slaton B
Great athelte for a 330 lb player but his weight fluctuated a ton. He is a Bull. Could be good, if he helps Kenny Clark avoid double teams this is a great pick. I really don't know shit about him.

Jean-Charles B-
Limited ceiling but could be a solid player. Very good season last year. Not impressive athelticism. Very limited ceiling. He's Chandon Sullivan, we already have this player, he is simply the replacement in 2022

Cole Van Lanen C-
Yet another OL. I am Wisconsin Alumni. Always thought Van Lanen was not great. Watching his film against Young from Ohio St. Is like watching Mike Tyson sparring with a nobody..absolutely schooled.... Terrible against good speed rushers. Very overrated player imo, He will struggle, I predict he does not make the team. Yes he is from GB, blah blah blah

McDuffie-B-
ST hero likely, good athleticism, solid tackler. If he is a good ST player then a solid pick

Kylin Hill A-
Great player, great balance. He fell in the draft, this could be a steal. He makes the roster as RB3 and actually sees carries. Very multi faceted as well, good receiver

2 points
5
3
MITM's picture

May 01, 2021 at 10:48 pm

Couldnt agree more, mostly questionable choices at positions of need all around - with the best pick being round 7

-4 points
2
6
10ve 💚's picture

May 01, 2021 at 11:22 pm

Here's something to consider about the O-line: maybe they're one of the best in the league because of the attention paid to that position?

5 points
6
1
Bure9620's picture

May 02, 2021 at 05:14 am

You get what you emphasize, that's true. However there were several better OL prospects left when Newman was selected and it looks like the Hanson pick last year was a waste as well. This was not a BPA draft

-1 points
0
1
murf7777's picture

May 02, 2021 at 08:50 am

Regarding Hanson I think it is way to early to tell. What can you expect from a late 6th round draft pick? At that time in the draft you are just hopeful for a quality back up. Sure, there are exceptions, but far and few between.

2 points
2
0
dobber's picture

May 02, 2021 at 10:10 am

Hanson was a swing at a try-hard guy from a high end college program. Low cost shot at striking gold ahead of Linsley's departure. He might still land on the PS this year, but I don't see him as any more than an emergency sub in that case. My least favorite of the three OL from last year.

0 points
0
0
GatorJason's picture

May 02, 2021 at 05:59 pm

CB Stokes: B- Stiff hips, slow shuttle but a great track star. OT Tevin Jenkins was the one that got away. JOK would have the been the BPA but CB need clearly trumped BPA.

C/OG Myers: B- Like the idea of Center but Josh gave up 6 sacks in 2 years with Fields as QB. OU C Creed Humphrey was still on the board. He gave up 1 sack in three years and was consensus best Center on the board (except for Green Bay I guess). Kansas City must have almost fainted when Packers took Josh Myers . . . . KC took Humphrey with next pick.

WR Rodgers: B- I had Amari as a fourth round talent Packers would draft third on my mock draft. The lower grade is due to that there was no need to give up their early 4th pick to get him. Packers could have gotten DL D Nixon, TE B Jordan, or OT J. Ball with the pick they gave away. The fact that Gute was considering Rodgers with 2nd pick was truly telling about their scouting skills.

OT Newman: D- Gute panicked when his OT board dried up and drafted a guy in fourth that was a sixth, seventh round pick or maybe even a priority free agent.

DT Slayton: D- Would have liked the pick as a flyer in the late 6th or 7th. Slayton will eat himself out of the NFL unless the Packers can turn this kid's life around. Kenny not happy.

CB Jean-Charles: B He is unknown due to competition but like adding CB for competition.

OL Van Lanen: D- Priority free agent talent-wise but great feel-good story for local kid.

LB McDuffie: B Bottom of roster ST player who will compete with Summers for that role

Hill: A+ Gutey saved his best for last. The first pick that might have been the BPA at the time the Packer picked. Ted would have approved.

Overall Grade based on Drafted Player's College Performance:
Packers: C- Way too many reaches, lost opportunities for better players
Bears: A Wow. Traded up for Fields, T Jenkins. Rest of draft was solid
Vikings: B+ Solid draft with two starters (Darrisaw, W. Davis) for weak OL
Lions: A Got best OT and two of the best DL in entire draft.
Browns: A+ Newsome, JOK, OT Hudson, DT Togai . . . SB contender?

I was upset when I heard AR wanted Gutey out as a condition for returning. . . but after a second straight weak draft performance I can live with that condition . . . only if the whole talent scout team left with him. The Packers' best scouts were already poached.

-4 points
3
7
stockholder's picture

May 02, 2021 at 09:17 am

Correct

1 points
2
1
MITM's picture

May 02, 2021 at 12:10 pm

accurate. thumbs down mean youre telling the truth

1 points
1
0
dobber's picture

May 02, 2021 at 02:24 pm

Thumbs have nothing to do with truth.

0 points
0
0
blacke00's picture

May 02, 2021 at 01:06 pm

I'm not in a place to grade the draft like some of you guys and whether any of these guys drafted will become contributors really remains to be seen. But your assessment of Gute is square on. I think the guy is out of his league but particularly his scouts. By dumb luck you'll hit on a few, some others it's hard to miss, but some of the guys in last couple years are nothing but glorified camp fodder.

Why did he draft 3 OL prospects last year and 3 again this year? As I've mentioned before, if you are a drafted and develop team( like you say you are). Why are you redrafting for the same positions? Not one one of these guys from either year is a pure RT, most are guard/center prospects. So what gives? Turner is not your answer! do you already have your future RT on the roster....let's hope so.

1 points
2
1
murf7777's picture

May 02, 2021 at 07:41 am

Pretty decent analysis. I'd disagree with Newman, not that I'd put him way up there grade wise, but he was one of the last picks in the 4th, so, basically a 5th and once you get there or later in the draft the pundits projections become mostly meaningless. Quite frankly, they are wrong more than right after pick 15 and projections are less predictable as the draft progresses.

I like that he has long arms 33+", is athletic and has played LG as a Junior with 416 snaps allowing only one sack. In addition, he is versatile enough that they played him at RT his Senior year. Will he be plug and play, NO, but who is at the end of the 4th. He will probably need good training and develop better technique to succeed. He has the body and athleticism to work with and that is all you can ask for at that point in the draft.

2 points
3
1
greengold's picture

May 02, 2021 at 08:06 am

After reading this I had to dig in on Newman & Van Lanen, and I have to disagree. Both players look pretty solid, both getting good grades - which are pretty subjective either way. PFN gave both players A grades. Watched some of each’s game tapes along with highlights, and both held up well. We will be running WAY more with AR gone, and Van Lanen blocked very well for Jonathan Taylor.

Like almost EVERYONE else, I thought Stokes could be had R2-3, but I also thought he could go R1. I wanted DT McNeill R1 and Stokes R2.

This draft DID NOT go the way I wanted it to, but it looks pretty solid.

2 points
2
0
murf7777's picture

May 02, 2021 at 08:55 am

Do you really think Stokes is there at 62? I don't see anyway Stokes is there at 62 or even the middle of the 2nd. His playing partner Campbell who is also very good went #33. You just can't teach sub 4.3 speed. I know speed isn't everything, but it is very important in the outside corner position.

4 points
4
0
stockholder's picture

May 02, 2021 at 08:55 am

Slaton will need people around him. Where are they when Clark goes out??

-1 points
0
1
Bret Iverson's picture

May 01, 2021 at 09:33 pm

It is a typical Packers Draft. They pick guys they never talk about. Leak interviews of all the players the draft gurus say the Packers are going to draft. Most of the picks had no idea GB was going to draft them. This is a draft a develop team. They plan to replace the OL and add depth in the next two years, and same with CB. They always plan two to three years out. So why not WR because they are a dime a dozen. Next year or the year after they will have a whole new crop to pick from. They do not value LB's and will go to fill spots with cheap FA's RB is a usually lower draft capital or 2nd round. WR is very similar. DT was weak this year so expect that to be high next year. QB if Rodgers is traded or retires would be a priority if Love struggles. TE seems set a lower priority for two or three years unless Lewis retires, Tonyan is not signed long term and younger TE's are hurt or struggle. OL should be a lower priority next year but they value it the most after QB.

-4 points
2
6
Difer's picture

May 01, 2021 at 09:38 pm

Gutekunst was hired by Murphy and is handling Rodgers and running the draft according to Murphy's guidance. His job will be safe as long as he puts a reasonably competitive (and cap friendly) team on the field. My guess is that the emphasis on OL depth is to buttress the running game and protect Love while he develops NFL experince. As for Rodgers, Murphy won't back down (no trade) and Rodgers will retire. That said, the last 27 years have been a blast for Packers fans.

3 points
4
1
HankScorpio's picture

May 02, 2021 at 07:25 am

The cap friendly thing is out the window. They scrambled this year and will have to do so again next year. Possibly beyond that. If the Diva's hissy fit turns out to be as nuclear as advertised (and he retires), those problems are over....along with their SB chance for at least 2021 and likely beyond.

2 points
2
0
greengold's picture

May 02, 2021 at 07:41 am

Hank, I don’t think he retires, and I don’t think the Packers will want to walk away from this golden opportunity to move forward. I’m thinking the trade is already done in principle with terms agreed to with DEN, waiting for June 1 to announce, and the Love era begins, free from cap hell.

Love’s passer rating was insane 2018 at 158.3, 32 TDS and 6 INTs. The kid knows how to spin it, strong arm, can make EVERY throw, and ran for 9 TDS!

Maybe the Packers future looks WAY BRIGHTER than people realize now. We’ll see. Maybe the front office actually knows what they are doing here.

3 points
4
1
murf7777's picture

May 02, 2021 at 07:51 am

Greengold....your assumption might be right. I will say this as I know how the media loves to blow things out of proportion to sell advertisements but that doesn't mean Rodgers actually stated it Gutey or me. According to Mike Trico, who talked to him at the Derby, he still states he LOVES Green Bay. Until I hear that from his mouth I don't believe it.

That said, I also not sure that it isn't true and it is irreconcilable, than he will be traded. Denver makes the most sense because of their SC and young players with low SC implications and draft picks to offer. Retire and host Jeopardy, IMO not a chance, Rodgers is far too competitive and still has things to prove in the NFL. If he or his agent Dunn has said that it is a bluff.

3 points
3
0
HankScorpio's picture

May 02, 2021 at 09:25 am

"According to Mike Trico, who talked to him at the Derby, he still states he LOVES Green Bay. Until I hear that from his mouth I don't believe it."

The full report said that Rodgers was not happy the rift was made public. Which confirms the issue exists. Murphy also issued a statement that confirms the issue.

At this point, it is established fact that there is a problem. How deep it goes is still something of a mystery.

1 points
1
0
murf7777's picture

May 02, 2021 at 11:51 am

Hank, I never stated the rift doesn't exist, I truly believe there are issues or Murphy wouldn't have said they have been there multiple times to try and work things out. All I'm saying is I won't believe Rodgers has stated its me or Gutey until I hear it coming straight from him.

1 points
1
0
Archie's picture

May 02, 2021 at 06:41 pm

Don't you think Rodgers public silence on these matters speaks volumes. If I was Rodgers and the things being reported weren't true, I'd certainly speak up. No, the silence and the timing speaks volumes. There is no going back in Rodgers' mind. Murphy is not nimble enough to have worked a trade w Denver or anyone else, that would take a decisive person. No, Murphy is prepared to drag this out and Rodgers is prepared to see him in hell. It's a divorce where one person is in denial. Love would have to win multiple Super Bowls for this move not to live in infamy in Packer laurels. It could be worse than the John Hadl trade that sent us to the wilderness for 30 years akin to Moses in the desert.

0 points
0
0
HankScorpio's picture

May 02, 2021 at 09:40 am

I hope you're right about Love. I think the odds of the Packers transitioning from a HoF QB twice in a row are quite low but odds won't tell the story. Jordan Love will.

If that trade with Denver is already in place and waiting on June 1 for cap reasons, I hope that some of the talented young WRs Denver has in place are included. Moving some of Fant, Jeudy, Sutton and Hamler to GB would both help Love and be one final one-finger salute to the Diva. Hamler is the least productive and they already added a similar guy in Amari

But I really, really doubt that trade is even under consideration. I believe Rodgers will play in GB or not play at all. There are about 32 million reasons why he plays in GB. If he does, the Packers will pay him about $15 mil in salary. If he doesn't, he will have to pay back about $17 mil in bonus money if the Packers choose to go after it. I cannot imagine they would not.

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

May 02, 2021 at 10:16 am

I think this is a pretty solid assessment.

Always enjoy reading your posts, Hank.

0 points
0
0
murf7777's picture

May 02, 2021 at 12:00 pm

Hank, I can understand you feel GB won't budge and they might not. In the end, if Rodgers tells them he won't play but will go to Denver and Denver offers a great package of young players and draft picks, I suspect GB will do the trade.

For GB, If they want to play hardball what are they getting? It's getting some money, which doesn't help winning in the future and making Rodgers retire. Sounds resentful which isn't the type of organization the Packers are. Or, they can do a trade with an AFC team who offers something(s) major in return and let Rodgers go. Now, if they cannot do a trade with the proper value for Rodgers then that is different.

My thoughts is that Rodgers has a 3 year reasonably priced contract, just coming off an MVP season, his trade value is quite high and there will be teams bidding for his services.

1 points
1
0
Rossonero's picture

May 01, 2021 at 11:19 pm

Solid draft that addressed needs, but still scratching my head about all the O-lineman taken after taking three of them last season....Kenny Clark needed help and he didn't get it this year at all. The writing was on the wall when they didn't cut Lowry and brought back Tyler Lancaster.

I know it was a really weak DT class, so perhaps they just stuck to their board, and picking at the end of each round makes it that much harder (remember - Clark was drafted in a very DT rich class in 2016).

Stokes - classic boom or bust pick. Super athlete, but his grabbiness worries me. He's gotta clean that up and he could be great. He should learn from Jaire.

Josh Myers - I hope he's a plug 'n play Center. Linsley was labeled as a practice squad scrub after being taken in the 5th round...2nd round is a little rich for me for a Center, but what do I know ?

Rodgers - loved this pick. He reminds me of a mix between Steve Smith and Randall Cobb. I think he has a really bright future ahead of him and will get instant action as a kick/punt returner.

Newman - don't know anything about him, outside the fact that he can play RT, RG, OC, and LG. So at the very least, he's versatile.

Slaton - 330 lbs. monster of a man who is pretty athletic. Makes sense to take him instead of paying up for Snacks Harrison. If he can be a rotational piece, then I'll be happy. If he can be a space eating, run stuffing nose tackle, then this is a great pick.

Van Lanen -- feel good story and congrats to him as a local kid from Green Bay. He sounds like a practice squad guy for now with the chance to make the roster in 2022 if he can improve.

Jean-Charles - intriguing pick in that his catch rate allowed was 32.7%. The downside is his numbers may have been inflated playing weaker competition. Nevertheless, his instincts and preparation seem veteran like, the question is, can they somehow get him to be more athletic? Or will his instincts and preparation offset his lack of athletic ability?

Hill -- great pick. He was super productive with three different coaches at Mississippi State in three different schemes. He had a falling out with coach Mike Leach and opted out after 3 games, but he will probably push Dexter Williams off the team.

6 points
8
2
stockholder's picture

May 02, 2021 at 09:02 am

The DL class was stronger then you think. The problem was they were underclassman and covid. Barmore was gobbled up by NE. And Detroit just absolutely had the best draft of anybody. If Rodgers leaves Gute should be fired. The stronger the opponent, The more the injuries will happen.

-1 points
0
1
Mojo's picture

May 02, 2021 at 12:37 am

Generally I liked this draft. I felt going in they needed to strengthen the O-line room and they took three. Now they can add those to last years Runyan and Stepaniank and see if any of them can stick. They're going to need at least one of them at backup tackle so lets hope one of them surprises like Bahk did years ago. Considering Myers was a second round center, I expect GB will anticipate him starting right away.

They definitely need DB help and they took one in the first round they seemed to like. Time will tell, but they had to do something with King grading out as one of the worst starting CB's over his time in GB.

A ginormous DL in Slaton who has had weight issues in the past (up to 373 at one time). If he can control his weight and stuff the run effectively it's worth a fifth round flyer.

The Amari Rodgers pick I liked, if only it gives the different type of receiver from the stable they already have. Supposedly he's got a strong lower body and breaks tackles. Not a burner but did make plays against good competition.

The other picks, meh. They'll fight to get on the end of the roster.

2 points
4
2
Gabriele Gasperini's picture

May 02, 2021 at 03:26 am

Same old story; overdrafted OL and poor help at DL.

-6 points
3
9
HankScorpio's picture

May 02, 2021 at 07:19 am

It is darn near impossible to overdraft OL. There are 9-10 on the roster at any given time and 5 play on every offensive snap. Just one guy on the field that doesn't belong there can ruin your chances of winning a particular game. If he's getting beat like a drum, the QB starts to pay attention and loses focus on finding an open player. Lucas Patrick and Billy Turner both held up well with heavy snap counts in 2020 but they are both suspect. I am 100% on board with what they did with OL.

As for DL help, I would have liked more as well. The draft was incredibly weak at the spot. The best they were going to find was rotation guys to eat some snaps. That's of limited value and probably not worth drafting until day 3. Giving away yet another 4th hurt their chances but not by a whole lot. In looking at the board as it played out, it cost them a shot a TQ Graham and Daviyon Nixon. The DIC missed on Nixon big time since he went 5-14 and was projected in the 3rd.

1 points
1
0
Gabriele Gasperini's picture

May 02, 2021 at 03:20 am

Green Bay had the forth-lowest run stuff rate (14.4%) in the NFL last season and we have got a NT at 173 and a thin ILB at 220. Honestly I don’t understand.

-5 points
1
6
HankScorpio's picture

May 02, 2021 at 07:22 am

That's not good but a manageable problem. They did make the NFC CG last year with those stats and that was not the reason they lost that game.

If your offense is putting up 30 regularly, pass defense is an order of magnitude more important than run defense.

3 points
3
0
DragonSilk's picture

May 02, 2021 at 07:50 am

The pick I'm most excited to see on the field is Rodgers. His similarity and connection to Cobb is very encouraging! I hope he can find a way to get open and get key 1st downs like Cobb did. If MVS continues the way he ended the season, and Josiah Deguara comes back strong we could have one of the best receiver groups in the league. Despite what some ex-QB's might believe.

2 points
2
0
murf7777's picture

May 02, 2021 at 07:55 am

Dragon, I wouldn't say the best receiving group in the NFL, but with the right scheme which they have, and Arod throwing to them, maybe one of the most dangerous. If we have to start Love there are much better receiving groups out there.

0 points
0
0
4zone's picture

May 02, 2021 at 07:56 am

Now, AR 12, get your head screwed on straight, and go win another SB. New AR gonna make the WRs we already have that much better.

No draft gets you everything you want, but this one got a lot. Now let's see what all these off season changes look like come game time.

1 points
2
1
4zone's picture

May 02, 2021 at 08:04 am

AR 12 has to play this year. We only have 1 other QB and with absolutely zero NFL game experience. You can't go into a season with that and one or 2 UDFA QBs. This is all about AR wanting a contract extension, not restructure. My guess is he gets one or he retires. He sure ain't hurting for cash or a future job.

1 points
1
0
PackfanNY's picture

May 02, 2021 at 08:19 am

I have no idea about the individual players. Even though I watch college football I’ll leave the real assessment to Gute and the scouts.

However, I do understand “what” they were trying to accomplish. I looked at this Draft like this:
1- They wanted to address corner opposite Jaire and they wanted to start grooming a potential depth replacement for King. They did that with Stokes and with the addition of Jean-Charles.
2- Gute needed to protect against Bakhtiari not returning to start the season and he also needed bodies to solidify the depth depending on who moves to RT to replace the departed Wagner and C Lindsey. This draft with Myers, Newman and Van Lanen does just that.
3- LaFleur like the 49ers and Rams loves to have a “motion” player. Amari Rodgers can fill both the slot receiver and be the motion player that Tyler Ervin and Tavon Austin were suppose to be.
4- The Packers were desperate for a “big” early down run clogger. Montravious Adams has moved on. He failed to make an impact. Enter TD Slaton. He’s a 330lb obstacle. He’s bigger than Adams.I think they view him like Harold Green. I think they hope he can help Clark on early downs from being doubled.
5- Special Teams was a Packer disaster area last year. I think several of these picks will help immediately. Stokes, Rodgers, McDuffie, Jean Charles, and Hill ALL have played on ST units and I think all of them will contribute immediately. No doubt this team needs to improve in this area.

I also think Hill was a steal in Round 7. He is not explosive but he is good runner who can catch the ball. Again, I won’t pretend to be an expert on talent but I do understand what they were trying to accomplish. Hopefully, they got the right players to achieve the goals.

4 points
4
0
THESZOTMAN1's picture

May 02, 2021 at 11:27 am

Back in my football coaching days (high school freshman --- big deal!), I always said #1 was to have 7 or 8 offensive lineman who wanted to "knock the snot out of you". (props to regular poster). Now, Pack has opportunity to establish such a line. We have solid vets: esp Jenkins. We have 2 straight years of draft picks. Runyan Jr. has already seen the field. Don't know about Hanson and Stipeniak. Then there's the kid with the funny name (Niemann?) Add to that this year's crop: Myers and Newman could be the real deal. Then we got 2 ADFAs to boot. When Bakh gets Back we could (SHOULD!) have the best O-line in the League.
The rest follows from there IMHO.
The Szotman
ps- for cryinoutloud let's get this Rodgers thing settled once and for all!

0 points
0
0
LambeauPlain's picture

May 02, 2021 at 01:39 pm

The Packers look much improved today on paper, given they could not wade deeply into the FA pool given cap issues.

I do like the two CBs, NT, and ILB to strengthen the D.
And given those two new CBs, the Fangio type D Barry will run will use more Zone Coverage, which plays into Jackson's coverage strength.

Make him a S now. He simply does not seem instinctive enough to play man. But Zone? Thrived in it at Iowa. If the Packers make Jackson into a zone S, it is almost like another draft pick for a position needing depth.

0 points
0
0
greengold's picture

May 02, 2021 at 04:06 pm

Something kind of funny Packer fans might like: When Rashan Gary walked pick 62 to the podium, Amari Rodgers was #2 on Mel’s Best Available board, still #2 at the #85 when GB got him.

1 points
1
0
Archie's picture

May 02, 2021 at 06:53 pm

Who was #1?

0 points
0
0
Since'61's picture

May 02, 2021 at 07:28 pm

Good observation greengold. Since I don't watch the draft I could not have seen that. Appreciate you bringing it up.

I'm thinking about Rodgers being traded to Denver as you have mentioned several times. If the Packers are going to do it they should go all in on that trade. By that I mean the Packers should trade Rodgers, Davante Adams and Bak to Denver in a blockbuster deal. In return we should get WR Judy, CB Surtain, Bridgewater and their #1 &2 in 2022 and their #1 and #3 in 2023.

Why? Because the Packers are already building for the post-Rodgers era whether that is 2022 or 2023. If Rodgers goes Adams will not be happy and will probably want to follow Rodgers to Denver or wherever. Bak will not be happy with Rodgers gone since they are close personal friends. They all recently partied together at the Kentucky Derby along with Linsley and other Packer players.

It works for Denver because they become instant SB contenders and it works for the Packers because it removes Rodgers and his baggage and much of TTs baggage (Adams and Bak) and gives Gute a clean slate to build the team the way he wants without interference from Rodgers. Why expose Love to throw to a double covered Adams which will result in more picks and undermine Love's confidence at the early stage of his career. Rodgers is Adams money maker so won't be happy having a rookie QB throw him inaccurate passes which could get him injured and/or end his career.
Let Love run MLF's offense with the young RBs and WRs behind the recently revamped OL. If Gute's draft picks work out the Packers could be back in playoff mode by 2024/25 rather than just starting to move on from Rodgers. If you have the conviction that Gute's plan is the correct way to go do it. Why waste the next 2 seasons?

Based on Gute's drafts he is clearly moving to what he believes will be a run dominant offense with a decent passing attack and a defense which will create pressure and turnovers under Barry. So why wait? Pull the trigger, move out Rodgers and his guys and start the transition now.

The possibility of Rodgers being traded to Denver is becoming clearer and clearer. Send off the baggage, get the picks and free up the salary cap. Move on and execute the vision if you believe in it. Thanks, Since '61

-1 points
0
1
LayingTheLawe's picture

May 02, 2021 at 09:28 pm

I don't follow the draft. I haven't watched a full college football game in years so I don't even know who the players are. I follow the Packers and will know even who the inactive players are come the season start.

I did stumble into an article talking about grades for the Packer draft. Most were similar but there were several that gave the Packers an A grade and several that gave the Packers an F grade. I am pretty sure if the possible discrepancy is that large that draft grading is not actually a real thing. But that won't stop a few hundred of those coming out.

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

May 03, 2021 at 08:59 am

Most draft reports are like Herman Melville novels: people talk about them a lot when they want to sound smart, but nobody really wants to read them.

1 points
1
0