Offensive Focus Could Shift to Running Backs
Rodgers' new favorite target may not be a receiver.
By KenLass
In 2021 when Aaron Rodgers wasn’t throwing to Davante Adams, his next favorite target was not Marquez Valdes-Scantling or Allen Lazard or Randall Cobb. His next favorite target was Aaron Jones. And with the recent trade of Adams to the Raiders, that figures to become even more the case.
The Packers don’t seem to be in an immediate hurry to sign a veteran free agent receiver. Even if they do, there’s certainly nobody out there who approaches Davante. Not even Odell Beckham, who by the way, is still recovering from an ACL tear in the Super Bowl. Armed with extra picks in the first two rounds, Green Bay will almost certainly draft at least one pass catcher early. But there’s only so many Justin Jefferson’s and Ja’Marr Chase’s out there. The chances of hitting on a rookie who becomes an adequate immediate replacement for Adams are very low. Plus, the newcomer, be he veteran or rookie, would have to go through the “win Rodgers’ confidence” gamut. Just because he comes in talented doesn’t mean twelve will throw to him.
Does this mean the Packers are going to become a running team? Well, they likely will run the ball a little more, but when Rodgers is your quarterback and Matt LaFleur is your head coach, you’re not going to be a running team. It is reasonable, however, to expect that running backs are going to be used more frequently in the pass game. Actually, it’s a trend that began even with Adams on the team. The number of passes caught by Aaron Jones has increased every year except one. The exception was 2020 when he played just fourteen games. Starting with his rookie year in 2017, Jones has finished with reception totals of 9, 26, 49. 47 and last year a career high 52. That’s twelve more catches than third place Lazard.
By virtue of playing in two more regular season games than Jones, AJ Dillon actually led the team in rushing, but he’s no slouch in the receiving department either. In 2021, he latched on to 34 of 37 balls thrown his way, averaging over nine yards per catch and scoring twice.
It’s not difficult to imagine Rodgers taking a lot of checkdowns and screens next season. The coaching staff is also going to try to scheme ways to get the running backs downfield, probably using wheel routes and lining them up in the slot. If you play fantasy football, it’s going to be a good year to get Jones on your team. It’s a good bet he will catch seventy or eighty passes this fall.
The Packers also need to complete more passes to tight ends in 2022. Last year, the five tight ends on the team caught a total of just 72 throws, an average of just over 14 receptions per player. Obviously, the loss of Robert Tonyan after eight games was a major factor, but even when Big Bob was playing, he was only targeted 29 times. That’s less than four per game. Josiah Deguara led the unit with just 25 catches in 16 games, less than one per contest. Marcedes Lewis, who is supposed to make his living blocking, was just behind with 23. Tyler Davis had four and Dominique Dafney two. Tight end is a bit of a sneaky need in the upcoming draft.
Even if MVS returns, and/or the team drafts a receiver high, or signs a veteran, this receiving unit will still not have made up for the loss of Adams, one of the best at his craft in franchise history. They will have to make up for it with the running backs and tight ends. This team has shown in the past that it is doable. That’s why they are undefeated in their last seven games without number seventeen.
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Ken Lass is a former Green Bay television sports anchor and 43 year media veteran, a lifelong Packers fan, and a shareholder.
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Comments (83)
PackEyedOptimist
March 21, 2022 at 06:43 am
An important part of the drop in TE receptions was Bakhtiari and Jenkin's loss. The TEs were forced to do a lot more chipping last year to help out Nijman. That said, I don't think TE is a "sneaky" need in this draft, I think it's a major need, AND it's a great year to get one. I'm sure Gute has about 8 TEs he likes in this draft. In my (ridiculous) mock drafts on nflmockdraftdatabase, I regularly end up picking two TEs. It used to be with the two fourth round picks, but with the new added picks, it now is the third and a fourth. I've regularly ended up with Trey McBride and Jelani Woods, which would be my perfect TE draft outcome.
I actually thought Aaron Jones would be used a lot more in the slot last year. I agree that he is apt to get a lot of catches this year. I also think it's possible we'll see another receiving RB added to the roster. I'd expect Kylin Hill to be that guy, but I don't expect him to be ready at the start of the season. In my ridiculous mocks, I've traded down in the second a few times and ended up being able to take Kyren Williams, whom I love.
LLCHESTY
March 21, 2022 at 06:55 am
Agreed, with the extra picks two TEs and at least two WRs would be nice to see. But it would've been nice to see a WR and DT drafted early the last few years so I'm going to try and stay even keeled. It doesn't have to be early because their not on the field a majority of snaps but I think if you're running 3-4 as your base you should at least have two 3-4 DEs. Apparently Gutey thinks differently.
This guy would make a nice day 3 pick. He might even be athletic enough to play a little 3T:
https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2022/02/02/unpacking-future-packers-no-...
PackEyedOptimist
March 21, 2022 at 07:06 am
It will be interesting to see where Uwazurike is picked. If a team loves him, he could go late first round, if everyone isn't sold on his run defense, he could go late third. I'd be shocked if he lasted to the fourth round, given the weak crop of defensive linemen this year.
LLCHESTY
March 21, 2022 at 07:32 am
Pro Football Network has him as a 6th rounder right now but I expect after his pro day he'll be in the 90-120 range. I like Ridgeway too, he didn't test well but he has power and is used to taking on double teams.
PackEyedOptimist
March 21, 2022 at 08:24 am
I like Ridgeway for the Packers, too, but he's kind of like Lowery.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 21, 2022 at 12:08 pm
You say that like its a bad thing. Lowry is coming off a career year and appears to have enteted his prime.
LLCHESTY
March 22, 2022 at 07:29 am
Yep. But a little bit bigger, a lot stronger and a lot cheaper. My threshold for drafting a 3-4 DE isn't high. Are they better than Lancaster at DE? They are? Sold!
Renllaw
March 21, 2022 at 06:54 am
Totally agree on TE, and I have been doing the same in my mock drafts, rebuilding the TE group with 2 picks. Interested to see if Gute will play a more all in approach and target immediate help, or rebuild position groups for the future.
PackEyedOptimist
March 21, 2022 at 07:13 am
One of the ridiculous things that has happened several times in my mocks, is that teams pass on Jordan Davis until he's sitting there at 22. I always take him, but I too am not convinced he's going to be a great pro. There's a big difference between his size/athleticism and his tape. He's no Jeffery Simmons on tape. I'm not sold on ANY DL this draft. Lots of people like Devonte Wyatt for the Packers, and I've picked him too--but grudgingly--as I don't see great play. He's never the BPA for me, and I hate putting on blinders for need.
LLCHESTY
March 22, 2022 at 04:11 pm
I'd like to see them come out of this draft with Wyatt or Winfrey. I think those two have the most pass rush potential. If they don't get either of those guys I think Travis Jones is the last guy that can make a difference year one. Maybe Hall but he needs to be schemed by an innovative DC. I think Winfrey has the most potential to be a 10 sack a year guy and I like his attitude.
murf7777
March 21, 2022 at 07:11 am
Good point about the TE’s having to stay in and chip at a rusher. You mentioned Jones not getting as many catches, I suppose that also was because he had to do more of that blocking for the same reason.
IMO, Adams loss will be GB’s gain by spreading the ball around to all pass catchers, TE, HB, RB and WR’s. That said they do need to pick up a couple more in the draft and probably in the first two days. With 5 picks, they can do that and still work on the DL and Edge for the draft in the early rounds.
dobber
March 22, 2022 at 08:02 am
"IMO, Adams loss will be GB’s gain by spreading the ball around to all pass catchers, TE, HB, RB and WR’s."
Those guys still need to be able to get open, and it won't take opponents long to figure out how to defuse a WR group with average athletes and pass-catching chops. The additions clearly aren't done here, yet, but whatever they do add will go a long way toward determining the success of this offense.
Rokkstar
March 22, 2022 at 03:33 am
DL Uwazurike gets my vote also. Doesn't seem to be getting as much credit as he deserves. I'm looking at 4th round for him. However, in my mock drafts I'm taking two DL's early; so if we were to get who I'm projecting, there would be little need to add Uwazurike. I'm projecting a WR and DL in the first round #22 (Burke or Williams), and Davante Wyatt at #28 if he's still available. Wyatt has that rush/pass defensive ability at DL that stands out; and personally I like the idea of a large 3 man DL with gerth that can push hard and move, so that our run game is also improved. 2nd round, hoping for that other DL in Travis Jones (again if available). Another DL with plenty of bull/pass rush and run defense for his size. He would be the primary nose, spelled by Slaton, and allowing for Clark to remain a 3-tech. With this (and Lowry) we'd have a solid DL that wouldn't be pushed around, and along with our offense, would force offenses into passing attacks against the "No Fly Zone". I see good things happening with this. If either Wyatt or Jones were not available at those picks, I'd be quite overjoyed to get Uwazurike in the 4th, maybe even the 3rd. He fits in at either 3-tech or nose. Good call on Uwazurike.
Rokkstar
March 22, 2022 at 03:56 am
For sh*ts and giggles I'll provide my idea of a good draft 1st round: Treylon Burke and Devonte Wyatt (as much as I like WR J. Williams, I don't see Gute taking a WR that won't play for most of the season, not with Aaron's input), and I don't see Wilson, Olave or London lasting that long. 2nd rnd: DL Travis Jones and WR George Pickens or Alec Pierce (Double dipping at DL and WR, why not); 3rd rnd: LB Quay Walker, Damone Clark or Leo Chenal (new starting Mike) Although Barnes is sufficient, any of these would be an upgrade, and at least one of them should be available; 4th rnd: TE Jeremy Ruckert and EDGE Amare Barno (if Ruckert is there, perfect in-line TE to learn from Lewis; Barno would be a good addition to learn this year and gain lbs and strength. 5th round out focusing on OL, CB and WR depth; andddd, a standout return man such as CB Marcus Jones who led the NCAA in return stats last season. Go Pack.
LLCHESTY
March 22, 2022 at 07:41 am
Watch some of Velus Jones from Tennessee. I like him as a day 3 gadget/return guy but I was kind of impressed by his maturity as a down field guy. He does a nice job of coming back for the ball when the QB is under pressure and his return skills really show up in traffic. And I want to call him Velvet Velus Jones so bad. Packers draft him and I will will VVJ into existence!
LLCHESTY
March 21, 2022 at 06:47 am
Dink and dunk isn't the best way to run an offense in today's NFL but we can expect to see the RBs get a bigger share of targets, especially until the rookies sort themselves out.
PackEyedOptimist
March 21, 2022 at 07:19 am
The nice thing about dinking to Jones or Dillon is they can take it all the way at any time.
dobber
March 21, 2022 at 07:25 am
It's a catch and run league...it's why QB completion percentages are at an all-time high.
When they dealt Adams, my first thought was that Jones would catch 80+ passes in 2022. Having seen nothing in terms of the Packers addressing the void at WR, yet, I think that's still on the table if he can stay healthy.
murf7777
March 21, 2022 at 07:34 am
I think you’re right Dobber, but I’ll add the combination of Dillon and Jones will have a very high amount of completions. Even if they hit on a WR in the draft I don’t think they will be in sync with Rodgers right away. It will take some games and hopefully by year end at full force with the rookie.
dobber
March 21, 2022 at 08:57 am
At this stage I think we see both of them on the field together quite a bit, and a lot of motion into and out of the backfield. This will just beg defenses to sit on the shallow stuff, so having more speed on the outside becomes even more of a priority.
"Even if they hit on a WR in the draft I don’t think they will be in sync with Rodgers right away."
I think if they give that rookie a limited number of things to do (keep the game simple for them), they can be productive as they learn on the job...but I think you're right: it will still take time, and plenty of nasty looks from 12.
Coldworld
March 21, 2022 at 09:03 am
We thought we’d see more of them in together last year. But even with injuries that very seldom happened. Yes, I think it should, but I also don’t see why LaFleur will now automatically agree. Both Taylor and Hill can catch too. It should be a staple and should have been last year.
dobber
March 21, 2022 at 09:22 am
The interesting thing is that I thought we could look--in microcosm--at the game Adams missed and look at snap counts. In 2020, Jamaal Williams and Jones both spiked at that time, but Dillon didn't spike in snaps when Adams was hurt in 2021. It was Cobb. So maybe I'm dead wrong.
Coldworld
March 21, 2022 at 10:36 am
It was one of the mysteries of last season. There were a number in the post illusion of complexity offense.
Thegreatreynoldo
March 22, 2022 at 05:52 am
Yours truly looked at Aaron Jones' production when Adams missed games 5-8 back in 2019. Jones' productivity leapt while Jamaal Williams' productivity stayed steady.
Now we would be dealing with Jones, Dillon and probably Hill. That might change some things.
https://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/can-aaron-jones-break-out-as-a-receiving-t...
Gee
March 21, 2022 at 10:19 am
Not going argue with the dink and dunk, but the way this coming season may start out that way. Figure a lot of 7 to 10 min drives, for this offence to click. Been wondering just how much Jones will be targeted. People think I'm nuts, but I would not be surprised if goes for to close 1000 yards, receiving if he stays healthy.
Renllaw
March 21, 2022 at 06:49 am
Even if we decide to utilize the RB position in the pass game, we simply MUST add speed to the WR group. Even with Adams on the field, good defenses were able to tighten up and cover the short routes when MVS was not in the lineup. If we dont have a player to threaten going over the top, adding routes for the RB group wont be very effective. Very interested in how this plays out during the rest of free agency and on draft day.
PackEyedOptimist
March 21, 2022 at 07:17 am
Agree that we NEED a deep threat. People undersell the importance of losing MVS last year. People also OVERSELL his hands. He dropped every contested ball his first two years, but late in the 2020 season he showed marked improvement, and he was fine last year too. He's much better than he was, and I'd love to resign him.
murf7777
March 21, 2022 at 10:57 am
If you go by the numbers on MVS he hasn't improved his "catch %" year over year, including last year. That being said, there is a lot going into this, such as was it a catchable ball. I'd have to say in all the years watching Rodgers throw, he struggles more with throwing a catchable ball to MVS than any other receiver. Maybe because many are long balls, but he did that with Jordy without missing so much.
murf7777
March 21, 2022 at 07:24 am
Is speed what makes a great WR? That helps, but I think more important is quickness and route running. Ability to get to the right place at the right time. Most of the greatest WR’s weren’t speed demons. That said, I agree that having more speed helps keep the D honest, but speed also needs to produce or the D knows they can cover that WR one on one. Keeping in mind, DB’s have just as much speed these days. Just look at the speed at the DB position with this years draft. Even some safety’s these days are running <4.4.
PackEyedOptimist
March 21, 2022 at 07:38 am
Absolutely Murf, but safeties DO have to focus on deeper coverage when there is an established deep threat. The problem is that there isn't anyone on the roster who IS right now. Jordy wasn't super fast, but he was a deep threat. Treylon Burks and Drake London are both that sort of threat this year.
Coldworld
March 21, 2022 at 07:52 am
Speed is not everything, but lack of it can be crippling. It condenses the areas Ds must account for. Go back 5 years and we all realized that.
murf7777
March 21, 2022 at 08:48 am
Yes, I like Burks and London. Might need a trade up to get either thou.
stockholder
March 21, 2022 at 08:55 am
If the both go early. Take the edge.
jannesbjornson
March 21, 2022 at 12:13 pm
If they squat, then the O linemen are the value, maybe Mafe.
dobber
March 21, 2022 at 09:00 am
I don't know...teams have picked WR in the early rounds a lot in recent years. At least, the teams that don't wear green and gold, anyway. I think that the top guys still go early, but those players who are more borderline will slip a little as teams see better quality (by comparison) and higher floors at other positions.
flackcatcher
March 21, 2022 at 02:59 pm
Rodger's had real problems adjusting to MVS burst off the LOS. Think about this: Most WR, including the sub 4.4 play a half second slower coming off the LOS. MVS doesn't have that problem. He is a good three steps out past any DB on the snap. It wasn't till late in 2020 that Rodgers made the adjustment in releasing the ball on MVS deep routes. It's not an accident that the Packers tend to run on MVS side, since most DB must play off to honor his speed.
jannesbjornson
March 21, 2022 at 12:03 pm
Bring in two WRs in the high rounds and another in the mid-rounds. So far they will field Lazard and Cobb as legitimate fetchers. WInfrey is better than Am Rodgers. Taylor is a sp teams guy. Gutedkunst has to get two dudes who can catch and run. Free agency would be best to bring in another edge stud like Ingram.
NickPerry
March 21, 2022 at 07:18 am
"AJ Dillon actually led the team in rushing, but he’s no slouch in the receiving department either. In 2021, he latched on to 34 of 37 balls thrown his way, averaging over nine yards per catch and scoring twice."
I didn't realize Dillon had that high of catch percentage but when I think about it that sounds about right. I think we'll finally see more of BOTH Dillon and Jones on the field together in 2022. Personally I was screaming for more of that last season.
What would be awesome is if Rodgers reports to OTA's and STAYS in Green Bay to work with his new rookie WR's, whomever they turn out to be. OR how about this QB12, get these kids out to California with you and begin TEACHING them what you expect of them to save us all the glares and eye rolls that are sure to come in 2022...God KNOWS you can afford it!
MarkinMadison
March 21, 2022 at 07:27 am
I think that has been a problem for a while. I never felt like MVS and Rodgers were on the same page. One of the reasons might be lack of practice time together. Maybe its the new CBA. Maybe it's Rodgers' need to be elsewhere in the off-season. Hard to say.
PackEyedOptimist
March 21, 2022 at 07:34 am
I agree they looked out of synch the past two years, but I think the Covid rules had a lot to do with that.
Coldworld
March 21, 2022 at 09:12 am
In the first game last year the entire offense looked out of synch, including Adams. I can’t just blame Rodgers ( though I do). That’s what a HC is for. If we repeat the approach of last preseason, that will be hard to excuse.
It goes beyond the starters. Injuries happen. It’s imperative to have back ups as comfortable as possible too. Last year most had never played with Rodgers and looked lost and he got frustrated. Creating a negative spiral.
jannesbjornson
March 21, 2022 at 12:24 pm
MVS is not a read and react guy.
murf7777
March 21, 2022 at 07:27 am
LMAO at the “save us all the glares and eye rolls”!! I agree we need Rodgers to be “all-in”!
Coldworld
March 21, 2022 at 07:54 am
If Brady feels the need, what excuse does Rodgers really have?
Coldworld
March 21, 2022 at 10:47 am
I see there are some who think it’s ok for Rodgers to act as if everyone else trains for him not with him. If that is the attitude then he is not all in and you are merely facilitating.
ANYTHING a player can do to scratch extra yards in season is potentially the difference between winning and losing, which is what they are paid for. If Rodgers is seen as an exception then I further regret his return, the failure of expectations/attitude and further doubt that the likely outcome is that desired.
Much as I find it painful to say, Brady had a much better attitude to personnel and personal commitment and perhaps that’s a factor in his many more Super Bowl trophies.
murf7777
March 21, 2022 at 11:01 am
Although, you and I didn't agree with the signing of Rodgers, I completely agree with you about Rodgers working with the WR's and realize it is his part to make sure they are on the same page. He needs to do the extra work with them.
PackEyedOptimist
March 21, 2022 at 07:33 am
I almost wrote exactly what you said in your second paragraph. :-D
I also love the third one!
MarkinMadison
March 21, 2022 at 07:23 am
You never know how the draft is going to fall, but I would think with four premium picks the Packers should come out of the first two rounds with at least two pass catchers (WR or TE). They also now how the ammo to move up into the top 10 if they see someone they are really in love with fall a little. Gute does seem to enjoy his trades. This could be the most entertaining draft we have seen in quite a while.
murf7777
March 21, 2022 at 07:31 am
I could see them trading 22 & 53 to get around the number 10 pick if they feel they have the right person for the team. These picks give them great flexibility to move around the board. This is a win now team, so top quality is more important than quantity.
LLCHESTY
March 21, 2022 at 07:39 am
I'd rather see them trade down and end up with 12 or 13 picks. They lost some veterans and need to add some competition in quite few spots. Teams pretty much should only trade up for QBs. Maybe stud D linemen if they get within a few spots if where your picking.
LambeauPlain
March 21, 2022 at 07:57 am
22 and 53 will get you to #13/Houston if they wanted to trade and not much higher. Most teams follow the Jimmy Johnson trade value chart these days.
With this draft I am more in favor of trading back and getting more day 2 picks in a draft loaded with prospects the Packers can select for starters or quality depth....on lower priced rookie deals to help manage the team's "cap cage".
PackEyedOptimist
March 21, 2022 at 08:27 am
The second round is absolutely LOADED with value this year.
Johnblood27
March 21, 2022 at 08:57 am
The Johnson chart is soooo last millenium.
the harvard chart is much more realistic in terms of relative value.
LambeauPlain
March 21, 2022 at 05:13 pm
The Packers traded their #30 and their 4th #136 to move up to #26 to select Love. Right in line with the Johnson trade chart of "relative value".
Say, wasn't 2020 soooo current millennium? LOL!
jannesbjornson
March 21, 2022 at 12:10 pm
#13-18 gets them into the Wilson, Olave, and London range. The OSU guys are the real deal.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 21, 2022 at 01:14 pm
22+53 isnt getting them anywhere near the top 10. They would have to give up 2 1st rounders minimum.
stockholder
March 21, 2022 at 09:01 am
You won't get that right person at 10. The Davenport trade gave us an extra 1. He wasn't a game changer. There isn't a player worth trading up for, " that fits the Packers." Staying put, gets you what you need. And we have to many needs. Regardless of how good this team is yet.
PackEyedOptimist
March 21, 2022 at 07:46 am
That's my cold-sweat fear this year. I absolutely HATE when GMs move up, and this year there is excellent equality and depth in the first 3-4 rounds. I'd MUCH prefer moving DOWN or trading for a high pick next year. As far as TE, I wouldn't take one in the first two rounds, there is way too much equality in that group; someone good is going to be there in the third and even the fourth.
p.s. 22 + 53 gets you to #13 on the "value" chart.
dobber
March 21, 2022 at 09:09 am
I don't know...I think teams might be TE hungry and they'll overdraft some of the more "traitsy" guys. TE production league-wide has been down the last couple years...that might be partially due to injury with some bigger names and partially due to blocking schemes. Whatever the case, TE is a position of broad need in the league. I think TEs might not be drafted in round 1, but there will be an early run on day 2. That said, unless there's a guy there the Packers really like and who brings something they don't have (or will need to replace--Lewis), I also think the Packers are better served to wait.
Coldworld
March 21, 2022 at 10:52 am
I really don’t see a TE I think is worthy of round one or two. That’s not saying some won’t be taken, but the more I look the less I think justifiably.
dobber
March 21, 2022 at 09:04 am
BG does like to manipulate the board. He's not one to really let it come to him. I hope he stays put this year and uses those 1s and 2s. I think there's good value at those spots and players to be had who can contribute right away.
I like the idea of thinking of it as pass-catchers rather than by position. They've got to put better pass-catchers on the field, but there's some flexibility in how they do that--RB/TE/WR--just have to convince 12 to throw them the ball.
HDbikerguy
March 21, 2022 at 12:21 pm
I totally agree with using all five picks in the first 92......by 2024 and 25, we will probably have quite a bit of dead cap money and if you hit well on 3-4 out of 5..... those cheap starters could help overcome some of the dead money.....
Handsback
March 21, 2022 at 11:43 am
I would looove for Green Bay to have the Cowboys luck like in having Lamb and Parsons fall to them in the first round.
Handsback
March 21, 2022 at 08:09 am
The Adams steal can bring in a lot of talent or ammunition to trade up if needed. Agree with the posters, the RBs and TEs will have a big say in making up the difference with the loss of Adams. I think, not sure, but think some of the reserve WRs that Green Bay has are pretty fast so it’s not just speed but quickness as well.
Now as far as the draft…expect early TE and WR, but won’t be surprised if neither get picked in 1st. round. Also expect a RB pick before rd 5. Here’s why, when those Oline guys are humming, and healthy they will establish a running game. The running game brings the safeties down and opens the passing lanes. Does it work? Ask 49ers who beat the Cowboys and Packers that way. In MLF’s offense that running game is key. Just have to make sure you have the big guys on board to make it happen.
BTW, look at Bob Fox website, he’s usually close to who Green Bay picks. He’s not related or a friend, but a good job deserves a shoutout!
murf7777
March 21, 2022 at 11:07 am
Handsback.....just looked at Bob Fox's 3 round mock....If you could land those 5 I'd be a happy camper. 2 WR's, DL, OL and LB.
jannesbjornson
March 21, 2022 at 12:21 pm
I like Kenneth Walker in the third. Another RB with pass catching digs. He may move up boards. We saw what happens when one of the RBs is dinged in the games that count. Help Wanted: More play-makers.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 22, 2022 at 02:39 am
Walker also runs the stretch zone play to perfection. With that being said, Packers cant possibly justify drafting another running back unless he falls really far like kylin hill did.
stockholder
March 21, 2022 at 08:47 am
Rodgers has always thrown to the hot hand. And Jones was Hot. But with all the switches to the OL last year. (Sorely lacking in experience.) Jones lost his mojo. Plowing was the answer. And the obsession to run; just won't work in the playoffs. Rodgers needs weapons. Trading up is Voodoo this draft. He No longer needs to trade back. Patience is the key. If he reaches. It works. But to trade up for a reach, is damning. Especially knowing he must get Wrs.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 21, 2022 at 09:13 am
Obsession to run? Packers threw the ball 65% of the timr last year. Seems like they have an obsession with passing more than anything. Just run the damn ball.
dobber
March 21, 2022 at 09:47 am
65%? No, it was close to 59%:
https://www.teamrankings.com/nfl/stat/rushing-play-pct
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 22, 2022 at 02:53 am
I saw a different % but just for conversations sake i'll accept the 59% number. Thats still really unbalanced especially when you consider how they basically ran the clock out for entire 2nd halves of a few games that skewed their overall %. This team gets far too one-dimensional for long stretches of games. They even did it with Love's lone start. How many more years of soft, pass happy football that end with playoff disappointments need to occur before they decide to become a physical team capable of physically dominating the opponent? Why are they so afraid of a new identity? They already have the pieces to do it too so its not like they would have to overhaul the offense either. They just need to get over this love affair of throwing the ball all the damn time. Just cuz you have a hall of fame qb doesnt mean you should expect that guy to carry you for 4 quarters every single week year after year.
jannesbjornson
March 21, 2022 at 12:23 pm
OK, Mr. Wizard, but if Olave or Wilson are close to #22, I would move up to snag one.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 21, 2022 at 09:11 am
Too many people are sleeping on Deguara. Stop that. He's about to make a big jump this year.
Coldworld
March 21, 2022 at 10:56 am
Hopefully this year we can see him used more in the role envisaged when we drafted him, as opposed to a fill in for absent TEs. We have never really seen the H/F back role fleshed out fully.
jannesbjornson
March 21, 2022 at 12:30 pm
Maybe the Cincy coach needs to run the team?
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 21, 2022 at 02:41 pm
I think he could still make a good tight end as well. Lafleur's Shanahan-influenced offense is tailor made for smaller quick type tight ends. Shannon Sharpe was 230 lbs soaking wet. Kittle might be 240 if he ate a big meal that day. Owen Daniels had some really good years for the Texans when Gary Kubiak and Kyle Shanahan were there and he was only 240. I think this is the exact role they had in mind for Deguara when they drafted him and we saw some of that down the stretch last year. Hopefully he stays healthy and continues progressing.
Bure9620
March 21, 2022 at 09:25 am
Yeah this makes sense and it is happening all over the league, particularly with more cover 2 and 3 being played. New Orleans with Kamara, Brady throws to to his backs a lot in TB.
stockholder
March 21, 2022 at 10:26 am
Gutey should take a shot at Fuller
dobber
March 21, 2022 at 10:39 am
I'm starting to think he might be worth the flier if he comes fairly inexpensively. He's missed a lot of games and you have to ask if you have limited resources would you invest in a guy to be your #1 that you almost have to bank on missing 3-5 games? He's been a very productive WR if he's healthy...and if he's not suspended.
...If.
Leatherhead
March 21, 2022 at 10:55 am
The offense shifting to RBs?
Last year, over 50% of our plays went to the RBs. You're saying even more?
flackcatcher
March 21, 2022 at 03:04 pm
Well, I like Gute to draft a true FB, (small chance I know) to have a true 2 back play action pass offense in this scheme. A fan can dream... :-)
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 22, 2022 at 03:03 am
Less passes to the rbs and more handoffs. Theres nothing more demoralizing for a defense and a team as a whole than getting destroyed by the run game. Not to mention, having a consistent dedication to the run helps in so many ways. It shortens games, keeps the defense fresh, slows down the opponents pass rush which helps keep the qb upright, opens up passing lanes through playaction, etc, etc. When the run game works, everything works. And one last point is today defenses are much smaller than they used to be to help slow down the modern passing attack. This almost automatically gives the advantage to any team willing to pound the rock. The days of Keith Traylor and Ted Washington or John Henderson and Marcus Stroud destroying run games is gone. Time for this team to finally start taking advantage of it. They already have the players to do it too.
Monsmoy
March 23, 2022 at 05:53 am
It seems that Gute has been successful, on the whole, in the drafts he has coordinated. However, every year I have a confrontation with the "draft for need" versus the "draft best player". I sit more naturally with the former and thus why for the last 2 years I have struggled with no RT being drafted. This year, already late, they have to draft at least one TE, and I mean a Y-TE rather than a H-Back. This is not necessarily to be a starter, but to be moulded into a starter.
I think two worth looking at are Jeremy Ruckert in rd3 (if TEs being taken late, perhaps rd 4?) and then late Day3 San Diego State's Daniel Bellinger. Of all the positions, OT and TE have to be the slowest to develop and get NFL ready, which means forethought is imperative.