Why the Packers won’t take a wide receiver in the first round… again

The Green Bay Packers have not drafted a wide receiver in the first round of the NFL draft for almost two decades, since Javon Walker was selected 20th overall way back in 2002.

A cloud of uncertainty hangs over the receiver position in Green Bay, as the futures of Davante Adams, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Randall Cobb and perhaps even Allen Lazard are in doubt, leading to plenty of mock drafts pegging the Packers to take a receiver with their first pick in 2022.

While this is certainly possible and should not be ruled out, it is more likely Green Bay sticks with its tried and tested formula for the positions they target in the first round.

The Packers have preferred to spend their most valuable draft selections on premium positions over the years, such as cornerback (Eric Stokes and Jaire Alexander), edge rusher (Rashan Gary), defensive tackle (Kenny Clark) and yes, even quarterback (Jordan Love).

Offensive tackle could of course be thrown into this mix as well, but the presence of David Bakhtiari has made it unnecessary for the Packers to use a first-round pick on a tackle who would play on the right side anyway.

This strategy has served Green Bay well over the years, and they have instead found plenty of success by drafting wide receivers in the second round and beyond.

Davante Adams, Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, Greg Jennings. All second-round picks. James Jones was found in the third round and MVS in the fifth.

There is proven value in taking receivers in the lower rounds, meanwhile plenty of pass catchers taken in the first round become busts every year. For every Ja’Marr Chase, there is a N’Keal Harry or a John Ross.

The Packers will likely add multiple receivers via this year’s draft, and there is a very realistic scenario in which they pick up a wide receiver in the second round followed by a tight end in the third.

So, which positions could Green Bay target in the first round instead?

Edge rusher could prove to be a particular area of emphasis this year.

The Packers committed to the position in 2019 by signing Za’Darius and Preston Smith as big-money free agents and drafting Rashan Gary as well.

With one of the Smith’s almost certain to be gone as the Packers grapple with the salary cap, and backups Tipa Galeai and Jonathan Garvin offering precious little in relief, Green Bay could target an edge defender early in the 2022 NFL Draft.

The Packers also find themselves relatively thin on the defensive interior, and could finally get Kenny Clark the true running mate he needs to turn the defensive line into a true strength.

A sneaky area of need could be safety, with Green Bay facing decisions over Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage. Savage’s fifth-year option would need to be picked up this offseason, and his up and down performances in green and gold will make that a difficult choice to make.

Amos is entering the final year of his contract and will turn 29 soon, although he may be a candidate to receive an extension.

The old saying when it comes to the draft is ‘best player available’, and it would not be a surprise to see the Packers select almost any position in the first round this April.

But based on the precedent they have set over many years, expect them to address their wide receiver issues on day two and three.

 

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Mark Oldacres is a sports writer from Birmingham, England and a Green Bay Packers fan. You can follow him on twitter at @MarkOldacres

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5 points
 

Comments (104)

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

February 13, 2022 at 12:08 pm

Why draft a WR high since Rodgers won't throw to them anyway. In fact even often when wide open.

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HankScorpio's picture

February 13, 2022 at 01:43 pm

Rodgers throws to anyone he trusts. Right or wrong, the issue at hand is that nobody on the roster besides Adams & Cobb have gained his trust. Once upon a time, he had that trust factor with Greg Jennings, James Jones, Donald Driver and Jermichael Finley.

Phrased another way, he's thrown the ball to every pass catcher he's had that didn't rightly belong at the bottom of the depth chart,

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Coldworld's picture

February 13, 2022 at 01:58 pm

Well, we don’t know that, we only know that he throws to ones who no longer remain there now. He used to throw to everyone except maybe Janis, that included Adams when he wasn’t good and the likes of Geronimo Allison. I don’t recall him throwing to Cobb in the last game either. His greater successes came in an era when he threw regularly to multiple catchers.

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NickPerry's picture

February 15, 2022 at 06:18 am

"His greater successes came in an era when he threw regularly to multiple catchers."

OR, just look at the success he and the team have had when Adams was injured. IIRC they are undefeated in those games. Why? Because Rodgers had NO CHOICE but to use EVERYONE.

I know you don't care much for MLF and you do bring up excellent points when making your point. But I think LaFleur can still be a great HC. LaFleur lacked experience which he's getting with each passing season. Remember, this was a Mark Murphy hire ALL the way. I mean who can forget the way LaFleur looked in his first press conference. He brought new meaning to "Deer in the headlights" phrase.

ST's was ON LaFleur, so was the play calling after the Lewis fumble. BUT, LaFleur has been one to take ALL the blame so throwing Rodgers under the bus isn't his way. I still want to see LaFleur coaching a few seasons WITHOUT Rodgers, I think he'll be successful. How successful depends on how quickly Gute builds up this roster.

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mbpacker's picture

February 13, 2022 at 02:06 pm

That works both ways of course. Rodgers isn't perfect with his throws, misses open players, and, to me, overlooks moving the chains in favor of splash plays and hero ball. So how should the receiver feel when they are wide open and 12 opts to throw the more difficult, less percentage play, to a double-covered Adams. I think the "trust issue" is a bunch of crap.

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Packers1985's picture

February 13, 2022 at 05:59 pm

The problem is cobb missed the last 6 games and Lazard only stepped up in the last 4 games. Before that lazard dropped some easy catches so when the game is online usually Arod goes to his most trusted guy

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dobber's picture

February 13, 2022 at 12:09 pm

" it would not be a surprise to see the Packers select almost any position in the first round this April."

It all depends on what cards they're dealt. Based on their current draft position(s), I could see them going any direction simply because most of the bona-fide first-round guys will likely be off the board...but if you add some capital, who knows? It may encourage the front office to swing a different bat and go for an ILB or a TE. But their track record has long been DL, CB, OL, OLB in round one and I'd expect that to stand.

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Coldworld's picture

February 13, 2022 at 12:10 pm

They almost certainly would have taken Jefferson had he fallen a little further. There have been others mooted too. I don’t see a reason proposed other than the fact that they haven’t.

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

February 13, 2022 at 12:14 pm

Jefferson was my choice until Vikings took him!

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stockholder's picture

February 13, 2022 at 12:27 pm

He fell to the Vikings. Tee Higgins was the pick over Love. Who's in the Super-Bowl today? The teams with the Wrs. Who went to the playoffs. The guys that took the Wrs over Love.

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Oppy's picture

February 13, 2022 at 04:27 pm

You are suggesting that you've isolated the factor to superbowl appearance to 'took WRs in the first round instead of drafting Jordan Love', huh?

...okay. This is where that meme of the really confused looking little girl would go.

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BELIEVER's picture

February 13, 2022 at 07:41 pm

Wow that’s a reach

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murf7777's picture

February 13, 2022 at 12:30 pm

That’s a pretty strong reason. The packers do favor key positions like CB, OT and Edge/DL over WR. We also will never know whether they would’ve taken Jefferson. The main reason is very good WR’s can be found at a higher rate after round one. Also, as Vic would say “dime a dozen”. Packers have been smart not chasing the eye candy over the years.

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dobber's picture

February 13, 2022 at 01:52 pm

They tend to favor any position which successfully completes the phrase, "you can never have enough _____"

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

February 13, 2022 at 12:13 pm

Should Rodgers and possibly Adam's included feel pretty confident Jeudy/Hamler, or possibly even a Noah Fant might be traded as Denver has a surplus at WR, plus these players are all on their rookie salary benefiting GB's cap.

If they have multiple draft choices in Rd 1 and 2 there almost certainly be a WR taken and TE depending on players included. My focus would be DL, and OLB and then OT prior to WR.

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jannes bjornson's picture

February 14, 2022 at 09:31 am

Not Happening.

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Bure9620's picture

February 13, 2022 at 12:20 pm

The Packers had one of the of the top win rates for WRs in the league in terms of getting open and it was not just Adams, though he is open a lot. Dime a dozen, The Packers know what they are doing here. WR is not why they continue to fail in the playoffs.

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HankScorpio's picture

February 13, 2022 at 01:46 pm

Last I checked it took 10 yards to get a first down. PFF win rate was not involved.

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Bure9620's picture

February 13, 2022 at 02:07 pm

And that is on the WRs? Not Rodgers correct? I was unaware First downs were a WR stat only. Player/GM must indeed be infallible.

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HankScorpio's picture

February 13, 2022 at 02:25 pm

I think it is on the NFL's rule committee to trust yardage over PFF win rate in determining first downs.

If you meant to say that gaining the trust of the QB is on the WRs, I would have to agree. I can recall many on this board clamoring that Rodgers should throw to Jeff Janis, who was a star waiting to blossom in their minds. Turns out, they were wrong and Rodgers was right.

2 points
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Bure9620's picture

February 13, 2022 at 02:33 pm

Yeah, Gute should try to surround Rodgers with some talent for once....talent that can be "trusted" by Player/GM/MVP. ...Brady played with scrubs and won 7 Super Bowls...I am sure every single receiver had Tom Brady's "Trust" this is ONLY a Rodgers thing....

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HankScorpio's picture

February 13, 2022 at 03:03 pm

Bure9620,

I reckon at least you reminded me why I stopped coming around this place. Have a nice day.

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Oppy's picture

February 13, 2022 at 04:33 pm

You initiated dialogue with Bure due to a difference of opinion, there's a back-and-forth, and you decide that dialogue with people who have varying opinions is why you "stopped coming around this place"?

I don't get it... but I don't think you should stop coming around.

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DanW's picture

February 13, 2022 at 10:33 pm

No quarterback ever "won" a Super Bowl with "scrubs". Brady "won" Super Bowls despite playing poorly in some of the playoff games that advanced the Patriots or Bucs to the next round of the playoffs. We don't have to look far for a prime example. Rogers clearly outplayed Brady last year in the NFCCG, but who advanced? And which QB was on the TEAM with the better defense (not just a year ago, but every year that Brady won the Super Bowl)? Also, was Mike McCarthy better than Bill Belichick? (That's a rhetorical question, of course.) The point is, Brady got away with having "bad" games (along with good games) and still winning the title. Rogers played a conservative or "bad" game against the 49ers a few weeks ago, but the Packers should have still won that game. The Patriots did that many times for Brady when he had a "bad" game. Another example, was it Rogers' fault that the Packers lost to Seattle seven years ago? ... I get it that Rogers is a prima donna and I don't go for his BS, egotistical, "tough guy" posing sometimes. But let's be realistic. His "bad" game should not have eliminated the Packers from the playoffs this year, nor should his level of play on the field during his career have resulted in only one Super Bowl appearance.

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Coldworld's picture

February 13, 2022 at 02:38 pm

As far as I read it, he’d pretty clear that he means that there were open receivers on multiple occasions. What there were not is throws to them in a half where we managed 53 yards of offense.

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PhantomII's picture

February 13, 2022 at 10:55 pm

Yep, really poor OL blocking and very poor QB progressions.

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Duneslick's picture

February 14, 2022 at 01:15 pm

I just dont believe that. Where is your proof. I didnt see people open in the SF game. You cant just take 1 or 2 plays and say from a birds eye view on a replay he should have thrown somewhere else that happens to every QB in every game

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Swisch's picture

February 13, 2022 at 12:22 pm

I'm going to predict that we have a top receiving corps in the next season or two led by MVS, Lazard, and Amari Rodgers -- with possibly Winfree or Taylor stepping up.
My theory is that these guys have been underutilized under Aaron Rodgers with his fixation on Davante Adams.
Still, I'd draft a wide receiver or two somewhere.
I like Deguara and Daffney, but I think tight end is more of a priority than wide receiver.
The draft is always a balance of best player available with position of need.
If there's a potential superstar still on the board, and there is some kind of need at his position, take him.

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croatpackfan's picture

February 13, 2022 at 12:54 pm

"If there's a potential superstar still on the board, and there is some kind of need at his position, take him."

Well if potential superstar would be still on the board, take him, no matter if you have need or kind of need for his position. It is always better to draft superstar than caring if he fall into your need or kind of needs.

5 points
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Swisch's picture

February 13, 2022 at 02:18 pm

I guess there are different degrees when it comes to potential superstar.
It seems the Packers took a chance on Gary because of his tremendous potential, but it was risky in that the potential hadn't been tapped in college to high production on the field. So, it was a high risk and high reward scenario.
Somewhat the same, I think, with Jordan Love. He was just too good to pass up late in the first round as a potential Josh Allen/Dak Prescott type of quarterback, even though he was a raw talent.
Justin Jefferson was both high in talent and highly polished coming out of the college national championship with LSU; but wide receivers are always a risk as to transitioning to the NFL, especially in their first two seasons. As noted, he wasn't available, anyway, when the Packers selected Love.
As an example of my thinking, it seems the Packers would be less likely to take a cornerback early if we have Alexander, Stokes and Douglas; and more likely to take a tight end with Tonyan's injury and other guys promising but unproven.
All of this is why being a GM on draft day is both exciting and terrifying.
P.S. Greetings to you in Croatia.

3 points
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Coldworld's picture

February 13, 2022 at 02:37 pm

If Rodgers has gone I’d lean to Croat’s stance. Take exceptional talent if you can reach it. If Rodgers stays, then we need as much production now as we can, because future production won’t help us. In that scenario, if lean heavily towards a draft for now approach, as we did last year.

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croatpackfan's picture

February 14, 2022 at 03:57 am

Thanks Swisch! Hope you and your dearest are OK.

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mbpacker's picture

February 13, 2022 at 02:12 pm

It has been reported by many that Farve became a better QB after Sharpe, unfortunately, was forced to retire and 4 had to spread the love out.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

February 14, 2022 at 03:29 am

True, and it might be causative. But it might be just a correlation. Just looking at stats, Favre took a jump in 1994 while targeting Sharpe 159 times. Robert Brooks is the #2 and he had a substantial 92 targets, while #3 was Anthony Morgan with 43 targets.

In 1995, Brooks got 167 targets with WR #2 (Mark Ingram) getting 77. Chmura chipped in an important 75 targets. Really, Favre did not spread the ball around more in 1995 (his first MVP season), the names just changed.

Favre was getting NFL reps and getting coached by Mike Holmgren. I have to think that was very important.

3 points
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splitpea1's picture

February 13, 2022 at 01:43 pm

It's futile trying to predict what Gute will do in most drafts (last year was a bit of an exception, as there was an obvious need to select a CB early), and on top of it, there are too many matters concerning the QB and free agent WRs pending. But if the cupboard of WRs is somewhat bare due to major departures, Gute might have to address the position earlier than he normally would.

10 points
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BirdDogUni's picture

February 13, 2022 at 12:32 pm

Mark - Nice article, but playing the Devil's Advocate, you forget mention a couple possibilities. Like for instance, if AR is traded to the Broncos for multiple picks. That does two things. Gives us instant cap relief and the #9 overall pick along with hopefully the 40th overall pick. If by chance, that were to come about, I could easily see Gutey go OLBer at #9 and WR at #28...

If in fact Gutey trades AR, it would not surprise me in the least if he used our original #28 overall for a WR to pair with his QB, Jordan Love... ; ) As a final "Goodbye" to 12... : P

Use #40 overall for a DT and we're still winning the North next year... : }

0 points
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Swisch's picture

February 13, 2022 at 02:24 pm

Fascinating considerations, which grow if Davante is included in the deal.
Perhaps we get Jerry Jeudy, and then draft a tight end in the first round; or get Noah Fant, and then draft a wide receiver in the first round.
Who does Denver have on the defensive line that we may want?
In any case, it does seem a good possibility that we'd get the Broncos top pick this season or next.

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

February 14, 2022 at 03:43 pm

There really is nothing on Denver's DL worthy of being included. A healthy OLB, Bradley Chubb would be nice!

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

February 14, 2022 at 03:46 am

I saw three different WRs mocked to the Packers at 28. That suggests to me that there is no consensus, so perhaps a trade back makes sense. Mind, it is early yet, and no combine numbers with height, weight and speed checked. Height sometimes magically disappears at the combine!

I remember 2016 when we fans were considering several DTs: Clark, Vernon Butler, Chris Jones, AShawn Robinson and we had a huge fan of DJ Reader. My favorite was Butler, not the right choice. So perhaps the Packers have an early favorite or will have a clear consensus when the time comes.

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stockholder's picture

February 13, 2022 at 12:40 pm

day two or three is the status Que. That needs to change. We avoided ILB for years. Yet; Campbell showed he was the missing piece. Rodgers was a different QB when MVS stretched the field. And if Clark goes down. Then what? Smoke all the shit you want. Ke Ke and Adams must be replaced.

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dobber's picture

February 13, 2022 at 01:14 pm

"Yet; Campbell showed he was the missing piece. "

Packers 2021 Defense...
9th overall in yards allowed
10th in passing yards allowed
11th in rushing yards allowed
14th in points allowed
...Packers lose in dvisional round.

Packers 2020 Defense...
9th overall in yards allowed
7th in passing yards allowed
13th in rushing yards allowed
13th in points allowed
...Packers lose in NFCCG

Missing piece for what?

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

February 13, 2022 at 02:06 pm

Depends. 2020 was the third year under Pettine, 2021 was the first under Barry and one without either Z or Alexander for most of the year. It started badly, as is usually the case with a new defensive coordinator. Yet in the end it matched or surpassed the prior year. I think it’s fair to say that Campbell was a big reason for that.

12 points
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mbpacker's picture

February 13, 2022 at 02:17 pm

Well, good points but the difference to me was this group was learning a new system, adjusting to a new DC, seemed more assignment sure and definitely better tacklers. Also, we were missing Z and Alexander which you failed to mention.

5 points
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dobber's picture

February 13, 2022 at 04:06 pm

That's all well and good, but this was a team that played like junk defensively early in the season, had a 7-8 game stretch from there until the Seattle game where they looked good, then asked us to white-knuckle it down the stretch....even against some iffy offensive teams.

I'll mention Z--who probably won't be back next year, anyway--and Alexander, but most think that Douglas filled in admirably, there.

In the end, a statement like "the missing piece" implies they got over some hump or achieved some goal this year that has eluded them. I'm not sure what hump that was.

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

February 13, 2022 at 05:38 pm

A fair point, but Hyperbole often obscures an otherwise good point. No, it didn’t get us over the hump thanks to the O an STs, but it could have were they just OK.

1 points
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BruceC1960's picture

February 13, 2022 at 02:28 pm

Wow, that’s surprising. Nice piece Dobber.

0 points
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Swisch's picture

February 13, 2022 at 02:48 pm

As an insightful fan, dobber, I think you would agree that the defense definitely improved according to the eye test, and it was a significant improvement.
Stats are important, but only part of an evaluation.
There's still a ways to go for the defense, though, which while quite impressive in the playoff loss to the 49ers, was more scrappy and resilient than dominating.
I'd like to build on this past season with Campbell and Douglas, plus look into bolstering the defensive line and perhaps safety.
Also, I'd allow Zaire to leave, but try to keep Preston.

2 points
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Oppy's picture

February 13, 2022 at 04:42 pm

stockholder,

there's alot of people talking about how the signing of Campbell and his production in 2021 should result in the Packers changing the way they approach the ILB position.

Here's the thing, though: Campbell wasn't a highly sought after linebacker. He was a journeyman LB without much fan fare. He was a bargain pick-up.

If you think about it, what Campbell's success actually did was reinforce the Packers' outlook on the inside linebacker position. They didn't go and spend top draft capital or go out and get into a bidding war for a top-tier linebacker. They looked for a value signing to fill the position, and it turned out wonderfully for them in 2021.

The idea that Campbell's great 2021 season did anything to prove you need to invest heavily in the ILB position to get results is flawed.

7 points
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jurp's picture

February 13, 2022 at 05:44 pm

Your position will be reinforced if Campbell signs elsewhere for big bucks and then flames out.

0 points
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Oppy's picture

February 14, 2022 at 03:07 am

I would like the Packers to sign Campbell, I am just concerned about paying too much for a player at his age who may have just had the best year of his otherwise solid-but-not-necessarily spectacular career.

Will he continue on in 2022 as he did in 2021? I sure hope so, but I'd hate to wrap up too much money in a contract to find out otherwise, especially when the Packers are so cash-strapped going into 2022.

1 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

February 14, 2022 at 03:56 am

I agree, except you're being kind to Campbell since solid is too nice a term to describe Campbell's career prior to his time in GB.

Yes, one year wonders syndrome is an issue.

1 points
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HawkPacker's picture

February 14, 2022 at 07:33 am

good points all of you. however, i think the key to campbell's resurgence is having joe barry as dc. i remember when he was hired, one of his strengths was the ilb position. i also remember at some point during the season campbell was asked why he has been playing so much better this year and he pointed out that he is doing what the coaches have been telling him to do. at that point, i liked the joe barry hire.

don't you think this could have something to do with this year's success? (man, this one handed typing really sucks)

1 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

February 15, 2022 at 04:07 am

I agree. I've written a couple of times that DC Barry might well be in whole or in part responsible. I don't remember where, but someone was touting Coach Smith in a comment thread. I remember responding that it could be coach Smith, or Coach Barry, or scheme and assignment keys, or perhaps credit should go to both coaches. I'd certainly give credit to the player as well. I don't even have an opinion, I just know Campbell got really good.

[This isn't meant to be a diss as to Coach Smith - as a fan, I don't know which Coach to credit and sometimes credit goes to the player. Barry and obviously LB Coach Smith both have worked with ILBs. I note that many give credit to Douglas and his new-found love of film study, but perhaps the credit should go to DB Coach Jerry Gray or even to Asst. DB coach Ryan Downard. I certainly couldn't say for sure and don't even have an opinion.]

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Oppy's picture

February 14, 2022 at 08:45 am

TGR, he did have a year comparable to his 2021 season in 2019, although maybe not as spectacular (based purely on production).

I would still say his numbers for an ILB are solid overall- not a jump off the page type player, but an average NFL player for his position. Not a bench warmer.

-1 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

February 15, 2022 at 04:00 am

Well, I agree that on his conventional stats he had some solid years. I am looking at Pro Football Reference's advanced stats on coverage. That is where Campbell took the biggest jump. In 2021, his yards per completion dropped from always being well into the 9 yard area to just 6.8. His yards allowed per target dropped down to an elite 4.9 yards/target from 7.0, 7.6 and 6.9. Campbell's passer rating allowed dropped to 74 whereas it was over 100 in 2018, 2019, and 2020. I actually looked at some highlight tapes from his year in Arizona and he could move really well but also overran plays and/or took himself out of the correct gaps. Just my eye-test, but in GB he was pretty good at being in the right place and he was very good at doing something good while he was there. His missed tackle percentage dropped to 2.7%, which is elite. Granted, he was good at not missing tackles for most of his career. For a guy who made a lot of tackles, 2.7% (just 4 missed tackles) is elite. I mean it isn't a small or smaller sample size.

I certainly agree that he has not been a bench warmer. Has he been an average starting ILB? Well, IDK because I really never had reason to watch him closely. I'd say no based on coverage and assignment certainty, but I can see your argument.

1 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

February 15, 2022 at 04:13 am

As a note, I wrote an article almost two years ago about Aaron Jones breaking out as a pass receiving RB. For that article I looked at a bunch of stats to see what constituted an elite receiving RB. I concluded that 8.0 yards/rec and 6.5 yards per target seemed to be the dividing line for elite guys like McCaffrey, Ekeler, James White, Kamara, Bell, and Cook. Here's a link.

https://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/can-aaron-jones-break-out-as-a-receiving-t...

1 points
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Oppy's picture

February 15, 2022 at 01:30 pm

Thanks, TGR

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

February 14, 2022 at 03:45 pm

Oppy,
Very interesting thought/perspective!

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jhtobias's picture

February 13, 2022 at 12:43 pm

Unless Rodgers Retires or is Traded , The Packers will do whatever Rodgers tells them to do he is the one in Power unless he is Traded (which Rodgers controls) or if Rodgers Retires which I find hard to believe the man is not married has no kids but most of all is still supremely talented even at age 38 . Please understand that until Rodgers Retires of is Traded it is Rodgers choice who they draft , keep , etc.

Gute and Murphy have no say in the matter anymore . Give me all the thumbs down you want , but truth is truth . Will find out soon enough what happens with Aaron

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dobber's picture

February 13, 2022 at 01:16 pm

You are absolutely right: Rodgers has won every jousting match he's had with the Packers. This is the last opportunity for the Packers to, as Bill Cosby (I think) said, "get his balls back from his wife so he can go bowling with the guys." ...maybe it was Robin Wiliams. An extension hands the keys to the car to #12 until he decides he's done.

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

February 13, 2022 at 02:20 pm

If you are in fact correct, why is that the case? They are paid to look after the franchise, no matter how tough the decisions are. Are you saying that Packers fans would be up in arms if they traded him? If you are I think you might be wrong.

If they are scared to do what they think is the right thing and move him, they should be fired. If they really think keeping him is going to get a Super Bowl, I’d suggest they will have a very uncomfortable couple of years and a lousy reputation after they are fired and we are still carrying cap for a retired QB for 3 years.

But let’s be clear, if they want to keep him or trade him, there is no excuse for not taking control. If Rodgers chooses to retire, so be it, but they are paid to retain control in every other scenario, and they are paid extremely well. If they can’t control this, they have no business retaining their positions.

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Oppy's picture

February 13, 2022 at 04:49 pm

Coldworld, as you know, I practically invented the 'trading Rodgers is the right thing to do for the sake of the franchise' line of thought, a few years ago.

That being said, I think you are making an assumption and perhaps applying your own bias to the front office's perception of the situation when you make the statement, "If they are scared to do what they think is the right thing and move him, they should be fired."

We don't know that the front office thinks the right thing to do is move Rodgers. That's your opinion, or at least, your assumption.

The front office may actually believe the right thing to do is to find a way to keep Rodgers at all costs, as a report today claims. If that is the case (and, by the way, I pray that it isn't), they shouldn't be fired by your own line of reasoning.

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Coldworld's picture

February 13, 2022 at 05:43 pm

They may indeed, but my point was that they had better be doing that out of conviction. If they are letting Rodgers dictate what they do, none of those responsible deserve their positions.

As I’ve made plain, I personally think there is no logic to giving Rodgers a new contract and I don’t waiver in that. But there is nothing worse than the concept of a FO that is blown by the whims of an aging superstar.

3 points
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dobber's picture

February 13, 2022 at 06:28 pm

It very well could be a front office being told to capitulate to the whims of the aging superstar by the CotB.

1 points
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Bure9620's picture

February 13, 2022 at 09:40 pm

Couldn't agree more...I feel we could be in for dark times which this FO will have invited.....

1 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

February 14, 2022 at 04:00 am

Once GB gives him the money, things change, particularly if they agree to surrender the team's right for forfeiture.

I get that the GM still has to have a set even if they extend him and give AR the money.

1 points
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Bure9620's picture

February 14, 2022 at 04:33 am

The front office should already have that plan in place.....this plan was Jordan Love...This is the reason for the draft pick so he should be part of that plan. If not, and they chose to change that plan, this should be done. Otherwise, I really don't understand what they are doing and that would be terrible organizational management.

2 points
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mbpacker's picture

February 13, 2022 at 02:20 pm

So Rodgers told them to draft Love and not to draft receivers all these years?

2 points
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Swisch's picture

February 13, 2022 at 02:38 pm

If Rodgers gets difficult, I'd tell him that Love is going to start next season no matter what, and Rodgers would be on the bench.
However, as the backup to Love, Rodgers would play a lot in the preseason.
As for the regular season, it's cold on the sidelines.
It is time for the GM and coach to stand up to Rodgers. It seems they traded away much of their dignity last summer to keep Rodgers around, and Rodgers neither won a playoff game nor apparently changed for the better all that much as far as his character.
So, it seems time for management to reacquire its dignity by trading Rodgers, or at least not allowing him to manipulate the storyline and call the shots.

-2 points
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Rick5952's picture

February 13, 2022 at 06:03 pm

Rodgers sitting and Love playing. Do you live in bizzarro world?

1 points
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Oppy's picture

February 14, 2022 at 03:11 am

The audacity!
I mean, I could understand suggesting such a thing if there was any sort of precedent in recent Packers history..

1 points
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Bure9620's picture

February 13, 2022 at 09:37 pm

Yeah that would go over real well. Like shitting your pants at the table for Thanksgiving dinner.

4 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

February 14, 2022 at 03:48 pm

Swish,
Always some of the best comments and so well thought out!

0 points
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Wilment's picture

February 13, 2022 at 12:47 pm

Much of this depends on Rodgers If he goes, and Adams isnt retained, theres a need for a legit guy for Love to grow with. He seems to have some chemistry with Winfrey, but it remains to be seen if he's a number one guy. If Rodgers stays, hes going to want assurances that Adams shoes are filled with a pick that is NFL ready. MVS is good, but nobody else on the roster is close to Adams in ability. Where they pick the first receiver in this years draft all goes back to what happens with the firm of Adams and Rodgers.

4 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

February 14, 2022 at 09:57 am

Winfrey may be lucky to make the squad.

1 points
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Roadrunner23's picture

February 13, 2022 at 12:58 pm

They could absolutely take a WR in round 1 if…

*one of the top WR’s falls into their laps

*a trade up scenario comes into the picture on draft day

Both of these scenarios however are far fetched as the WR class is not full of Justin Jefferson’s, Jamar Chase’s and Debo Samuel’s. One of the injured guys may drop but if the Packers redo Rodgers contract it’ll be an “all in” year, making that scenario less likely also.

But; never say never 🤔

3 points
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BirdDogUni's picture

February 13, 2022 at 01:11 pm

This GM stuff is easy... Lol

09: R1 P09 DE George Karlaftis Purdue (From Denver)
28: R1 P28 DL Jordan Davis - Georgia
40: R2 P08 WR Jameson Williams - Alabama (From Denver)
59: R2 P27 WR John Metchie - Alabama
92: R3 P28 LB Brandon Smith - Penn State
131: R4 P27 LB Darrian Beavers - Cincinnati
140: R4 P36 WR Erik Ezukanma - Texas Tech
171: R5 P28 OT Matt Waletzko - North Dakota
226: R7 P7 TE Braden Galloway - Clemson
247: R7 P28 S Jack Koerner - Iowa
258: R7 P39 TE Trae Barry - Boston College

0 points
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Dragon5's picture

February 13, 2022 at 01:24 pm

Have Lazard add 10-15lbs, convert to TE.

-4 points
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dobber's picture

February 13, 2022 at 03:29 pm

He's already running TE routes at his current weight and is a mismatch for many LBs. What happens if he adds weight aside from possibly losing a step or two off a 4.6-ish time and getting killed by DEs he's not skilled enough to block? If you're not going to use him in-line, keep running the routes he's running and let him keep mauling DBs and run-and-hit LBs in the run game.

6 points
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Dragon5's picture

February 13, 2022 at 08:03 pm

Tonyan likely out for '22. Deguara hasn't passed eye test. If Rodgers goes, Lewis goes. Given Lazard is already our best blocking WR, it becomes glass half full vs glass half empty if he could add 15lbs.

Kelce 6'6" 260lbs 4.60
Waller 6'6" 255lbs 4.43
Kittle 6'4" 250lbs 4.52
Andrews 6'5" 256lbs 4.67
Pitts 6'6" 247lbs 4.44
Schultz 6'5" 244 4.75
Knox 6'4" 256 4.59

Deguara 6'2" 238lbs 4.72
Lazard 6'5" 227lbs 4.55 At 240-245 I'd give the kid a shot

-4 points
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Oppy's picture

February 13, 2022 at 04:56 pm

I enjoy this football talk without your usual astrology/Chinese zodiac lean.
That angle detracts from your posts, IMO.

Give me "4.55 at 240-245 i'd give the kid a shot" over "It's the year of the rat, and so-and-so is an ox, they don't work well together" any day.

2 points
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Dragon5's picture

February 13, 2022 at 05:06 pm

The 140 IQ is there with or without numerology / astrology Oppy. Be what you believe and don't let anyone try to change you. There are so many fake people these days; when you see genuineness, relish it regardless of your P.O.V.

-2 points
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Oppy's picture

February 14, 2022 at 03:22 am

Went with IQ results, huh? That's a really disappointing angle in an otherwise wonderful response.

3 points
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Dragon5's picture

February 13, 2022 at 06:49 pm

BTW, Uzomah, Higbee, OBJ--all monkeys in their enemy year of the Tiger

Note who's playing, who's already irrelevant, and who just became irrelevant with a knee ;)

0 points
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canadapacker's picture

February 13, 2022 at 01:52 pm

This was the old regime - and hind sight is 20-20 . TT had some bad advice on many Dbacks. And didnt value the data on linebackers - Love Hawk - but like too many of our linebackers to slow and not mean enough - always leading the lead in tackles but after they gained the first down. A few years back we selected Josh Jackson and Fred Warner was available. We got ourselves in a bind last year with the Oline and maybe because we drafted well or maybe because AR gets the ball out fast or maybe because we had an excellent Oline coach - but probably a combination - our picks have turned out good. But fully believe that the best player available - unless a totally great receiver falls to us ( which is unlikely where we are selecting) - we take the meanest and fastest hybrid dback /linebacker on the list. You cannot have too many of those guys and even if it takes awhile special teams is a need as well.

1 points
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Tundraboy's picture

February 13, 2022 at 02:13 pm

And a mean fast safety would be nice as well. A great defense and our running game will take us a long way!

3 points
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BAMABADGER's picture

February 14, 2022 at 08:25 pm

Josh Jones went in the second. My preferred pick was Cooper Kupp selected a few picks later in the 3rd Round. Josh Jones would have been available in the 4th or 5th round. Oh well as Dandy Don once said if "if and butts were candy and nuts, we'd all have a Merry Christmas."

0 points
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HankScorpio's picture

February 13, 2022 at 01:57 pm

It's all about who is available on the draft board and the roster when they pick. They invested (6) day 2 picks in a span of 8 years that pretty much scratched WR off the top of the needs list for a good long chunk of the time since Javon Walker was drafted. That's all done now.

I would hope that if they find themselves staring at a list of possible choices that included Drake London or Treylon Burks*, they would not take long to send in the card. I think we know that ML's offense likes big WRs. Those two fit the bill.

*--Standard disclaimer about medical and background checks applies.

3 points
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PhantomII's picture

February 13, 2022 at 03:12 pm

No packer WR has started day 1 nor drafted in the first round or second rd. Fact the Pack has not moved up high enough in the first round lately to get a day 1 starter which was good enough with an advanced route tree who is fast enough to get separation. AR does not have 3 plus years for a project WR to become DA in 3 years. There are guys that good day 1 like Jefferson but you gotta be willing to move way up and get them or lucky enough to have very good scouts that find them by round 3 like Washington found T. Mclaurin.

2 points
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canadapacker's picture

February 13, 2022 at 03:57 pm

There are 2 issues here - one is that AR doesnt necessarily throw the ball to a guy if he doesnt trust them. Yes it may take a longer time - but some of that may just be AR. One doesnt necessarily need speed to get the ball. But one needs to have AR's confidence and AR needs to get rid of his blocking out of guys. One needs just to look back at James Jones - we was being cut for being too slow after one good year in Oakland and got cut by NYG and then picked up by the Pack and had one last great year. He knew how to run the routes that AR liked and AR trusted him and chucked it to him including for 8 TDs. Two AR had a period of time where he wasnt taking the easy open routes and that might have been part of the problem. Now under Lafluer he is taking those = but even guys like Deguara need to move in a certain way in order for AR to throw it to him and he gets mad if they dont run that exact route. Mistakes in the middle of the field lead to INTs and AR hates INTs

-2 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

February 14, 2022 at 10:09 am

Gutedkunst found Sternberger in lieu of McLaurin. The draft day blogs were howling for McLaurin. Philly blew the Jefferson pick.

0 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

February 14, 2022 at 03:57 pm

Phantom,
Do research on where Jefferson was drafted. It was early 20's pick in 1st round. Look where Deebo and Adam's was selected? Good WR's are available late in Rd 1 and in Rd 2.

0 points
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PhantomII's picture

February 14, 2022 at 04:37 pm

I wanted Deebo and Aiyuk. Adams as good as he is NOW....took 3 years to get close to where he is. Like I said move WAY UP. We would not be worried about Adams huge payday he wants if we moved up to get Jefferson...another #1 WR and would have had the benefit of Adams and Jefferson on the field at the same time and at least 1-Super Bowl because of it. A secondary is not gonna be able to double both. The stuff I'm talking about is using a #1 and 2 pick or 1 and 3...whatever gets us up to there. Everyone and his brother knew Vikings had to get a high draft WR after Diggs was sent to Buffalo. 90% of WR's taken in 2nd round and after are projects like, (Adams, Jordy, Cobb, etc). I did research on them all...all took 3 yrs to be balling out. They all had great potential....but it took a few years for it to be unleashed....we don't have 2-3 years no more. Too much resources trying and failing to get defensive picks to work out and too cheap to keep a few that did.

1 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

February 15, 2022 at 04:16 am

Thumbs up.

0 points
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Leatherhead's picture

February 13, 2022 at 03:50 pm

The organization is confident that they can get very good receivers on the second and third days of the draft.

This “confidence “ thing…..

If a guy, like Lazard, has been on the team for years, and the coaches trust him enough to put him on the field, then if your QB doesn’t trust him…….then you should probably take a look at your QB, particularly when it seems to involve multiple receivers.

14 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

February 14, 2022 at 03:58 pm

Geez Leatherhead...you always have such a pragmatic view.

0 points
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Wiscowoodninja's picture

February 13, 2022 at 03:54 pm

Yes you are correct on Packers drafting history. However these trends and habbits while showing some success have gotten the team only as far as they have made it the last 10 years! Its time to make some changes! Maybe Allen Lazard, even though I love the guy isnt quite good enough! The absence of MVS should have been an easy fill for Cobb and Lazard and the field of Targets should been more diverse than just Davante and Aaron Jones. Maybe now its time to try something different! Amari Rodgers didnt show me that he can be much of a difference maker and that shows how its now time to change it up. The old system is getting stale. We cant be waiting for the "Draft and Develop", we dont have 4 years to wait for another Jordy Nelson, we literally need the next Jamaar Chase!

3 points
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Swisch's picture

February 13, 2022 at 05:08 pm

It would be interesting to see how our current pass catchers do without Rodgers at quarterback and Davante as the main receiver.
Are guys currently on the team ready to break out, or have they already about reached their ceiling?
I'm hoping MVS and Lazard and others are motivated to show that they are worthy of being part of a top receiving corps in the NFL.

1 points
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Irish_Cheesehead's picture

February 13, 2022 at 04:41 pm

Happy “What could have been” Day! Go Bengals!

I’m fine with them not taking a WR in round 1 as long as they don’t wait until the later rounds to address WR/TE. I agree we need to draft TE and multiple WRs this year. Should be a fun off-season.

4 points
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4thand10's picture

February 13, 2022 at 08:03 pm

I don’t care where they draft…but the team needs a legitimate #2 at minimum. #2 is not on the roster.period. Although I have not given up on Amari Rodgers in a slot role. He hasn’t had many chances there. They also have to look into the future when/ if Adams leaves/ retires or gets injured eventually. MVS , St Brown and Lazard are not going to cut it. Lazard has huge value in blocking/special teams and some plays designed for him though. If it takes you 4 yrs to develop a WR …that’s a problem.

0 points
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Lphill's picture

February 13, 2022 at 09:27 pm

It’s amazing how almost everyone here missed the special teams performance against the niners , how pathetic putting the loss on Rodgers , let’s not forget boy wonder coach shuffling the O line for the big game , but I know 13timesachump is longing for the Love era to begin , you can be assured 13 you won’t be changing to 14timesachump .

-4 points
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croatpackfan's picture

February 14, 2022 at 08:37 am

Did you saw what Rams ST did in the second half? Muffed long snap from Hakker take them 3 points of the board. What Matt Stafford did? He did not turn his head away and choke. He lead the Rams to the winning drive. He was able to use his best WR because he was using all of the available WR & TE targets during the game, so they had to cover other receivers, not only Kapp.

And that is what he did after he threw 2 INT during game, not guilty for 1st, but never complained and never blamed WR who was guilty for that INT. He used him later during SB game TRUSTING him when needed.

That means that Satfford respect his colleagues on the team, not rule over them. Nothing like Packers DIva! So, yes, loss is on Aaron Rodgers 70%, 20% on MLF and 10% on ST.

-1 points
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Bure9620's picture

February 13, 2022 at 09:30 pm

Stafford joins Flacco, Dilfer, Rodgers and Brees...

4 points
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HarryHodag's picture

February 15, 2022 at 09:18 am

As i recall D. Adams, considered by most among the top three receivers in the league, was a second round pick.

Round 1 is no guarantee of success. If you believe this, you've been "Kiperized", i.e., believing the hype of the so-called personnel experts who sell their analysis for profit. The draft has a 50 percent hit rate across the league. A sure-fire first rounder making a hit is only a little more reliable than rolling a pair of dice at a casino.

0 points
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