How the Packers have fared with two first-round picks in the same draft
Some draft history, starting with the Wolf era.
After trading Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders, the Green Bay Packers know they will have two first-round selections in the next NFL Draft. And it will be the second time Brian Gutekunst has that much draft capital - in 2019, he selected Rashan Gary and Darnell Savage.
Having two first-round picks in two of the last four drafts is a rare opportunity to build a good roster. Since 1991, a period in which Ron Wolf’s tree has run the Packers, there were only two other occasions when Green Bay had two firsts - one under Wolf, in 1993, and one under Ted Thompson, in 2009. But those are both different circumstances, because Wolf and Thompson traded up from the second round to select specific targeted players.
With Gutekunst, the extra capital came from, let’s say, more organic resources. In 2019, the extra pick had been acquired in the previous draft, when he traded down with the New Orleans Saints and added a future first. The Saints drafted edge defender Marcus Davenport. The Packers traded back up in 2018 to draft cornerback Jaire Alexander and, in the following year, packed up the Saints’ pick with two fourth-rounders to move up and select safety Darnell Savage. The Packers' original pick was used to draft Rashan Gary.
Remember the processes and results of the times the Packers had two first-round picks in the last 30 years.
1993
That was Ron Wolf's second draft as the Packers general manager. Green Bay had the 15th overall pick (the NFL had 29 teams at the time and, therefore, each round was formed by 29 picks). With the original selection, Wolf chose linebacker Wayne Simmons, from Clemson. Simmons was part of the Super Bowl XXXI championship team, and got recognized as good at guarding opposing tight ends. He was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs during the 1997 season, and also played for the Buffalo Bills before his retirement in 1998. Simmons tragically died in a car accident in 2002, at the age of 32.
The other first-round pick made by the Packers in 1993 was acquired by Wolf via trade up. Green Bay sent to the Dallas Cowboys two seconds, a fourth and a sixth-round picks (46, 54, 94, and 213), and received picks 29 (the last of the first round) and 112 (4th). The target was Alabama safety George Teague, who played just three seasons in Green Bay. Ironically, Teague ended up playing most of the rest of his career in Dallas. He also had stints in Atlanta and Miami.
2009
The results in 2009 were much better for the Packers in comparison to 1993. After a 6-10 season in Aaron Rodgers' first year as a starter in 2008, the Packers had the ninth overall pick. As Green Bay was transitioning to a 3-4 defense, Ted Thompson understood it was imperative to get a good nose tackle. And he found one in BJ Raji, from Boston College. He played between 2009 and 2015 for Green Bay before a sudden retirement. Raji was an All-Rookie Team in 2009, Pro Bowler in 2011 and a big part of the Packers Super Bowl run in the 2010 season, with a pick-six in the NFCCG against the Chicago Bears.
The second pick by the Packers was even better. Thompson fell in love with Clay Matthews and traded up to guarantee him. The Packers gave up a second (41) and two third-round picks (73 and 83) and received picks 26 and 162 (5th). Matthews was a home run. One of the best defenders of the Super Bowl XLV team, he forced a decisive fumble during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Clay had two All-Pro selections, including as a first-team member in 2010, and six Pro Bowl appearances. He played in Green Bay until 2018, and had one more season for the Los Angeles Rams before retirement.
2019
The Packers started the draft night in 2019 with picks 12 (their original slot) and 30 (Saints' pick, acquired in the previous draft). With their own pick, Green Bay drafted raw and high-upside edge defender Rashan Gary, from Michigan. His evaluation is still underway, but after two developmental seasons, he made a huge leap in year 3 and established himself as one of the best edges in the league.
Brian Gutekunst wasn't as patient with the other selection. He used the 30th pick, plus two fourth-rounders, to move up to 21 and draft Maryland defensive back Darnell Savage. Safety was a strong need for the Packers, as they had moved on from Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. So, Gutekunst signed Adrian Amos in free agency from the Chicago Bears and drafted Savage to be a day 1 starter.
Savage hasn't had linear performances, but made the 2019 All-Rookie Team and is a player with significant high-end potential.
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Wendell Ferreira covers the Green Bay Packers for Zone Coverage and Cheesehead TV. He is a Brazilian journalist with over a decade of experience covering the NFL, soccer, NBA, and MMA. Follow him on twitter at @wendellfp
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Comments (109)
LambeauPlain
March 29, 2022 at 10:27 am
If Gutey selects the highest remaining WR at 22 and the highest OL at 28 on his board, I am good.
If he trades his 28 for another second and another 3rd if several of his top OL, Edge, ILB, WR, & DB look to be available on day 2...go on a shopping spree then. I am also good.
murf7777
March 29, 2022 at 11:20 am
I'd take Olave (draft crush), speed, footwork and route running, and Penning OT all day long..., then Edge in the 2nd. Although, devin Lloyd dropped down to 22 in one of my drafts, he would be hard to pass up. So many options, I'm just happy I'm not making these decisions. Of course, you will never win with us fans, so the GM is between a rock and a hard place.
Savage57
March 30, 2022 at 05:10 am
In an earlier post, you asked about the Packers website. They shut down commenting for their reasons, which they didn't disclose, but they stuck to it.
One of the fellows who was a frequent commenter there decided to take matters into his own hands and has started a website, "outsideroutbox" dot com/net for the folks who used to comment there to share things Packers and more.
You may want to check it out.
murf7777
March 29, 2022 at 10:41 am
I forgot how much draft capital the Packers gave up to get Matthew’s. He helped us win the SB as a rookie. Let’s keep that in mind, when the inevitable happens and Gutey trades up this year. I’m in the minority on this, but if they feel a difference maker is there For the taking, use your draft capital and go up and get ‘em. We are in a win-now mode so no time like the present. We don’t have 2-3 years to develop someone.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 29, 2022 at 10:50 am
Mathews and Raji were drafted in '09, the year before they won the super bowl.
murf7777
March 29, 2022 at 11:13 am
Thanks for the correction...although, he was all-pro and pro-bowl his rookie year. Mainly, I feel it is necessary to get a difference maker or two out of this draft. If that means trading up to do it, I'm all for it.
LLCHESTY
March 29, 2022 at 01:07 pm
Matthews was a 2nd year player in 2010.
Thegreatreynoldo
March 30, 2022 at 11:47 am
I didn't. But now I remember how much they gave up to get Teague. Better left unremembered because even now it is still lamented.
HarryHodag
March 29, 2022 at 10:51 am
My fear is Gute will get tempted to 'move up' and target one player trading away picks.
With 11 picks, including 7 through the fourth round, they have a golden(and rare) opportunity to restock(relatively inexpensively) the team for years to come. Not all players will make it, but having 5 make it instead of 3 is better.
They might not have the money to keep all 11 players which is also concerning. This draft is so deep at wide receiver and edge players they almost can't miss.
At a minimum, two firsts and two seconds gives a great opportunity to bring in four quality players right away.
PackEyedOptimist
March 29, 2022 at 10:59 am
The third and fourths could also net near-future starters; this is a deep draft.
I'd happily trade the two firsts for six seconds if it could be done. There are going to be a lot of surprises in the selections this year; I think GMs will have very different Big Boards than most of those online--in fact, the online ones are already becoming quite varied in their rankings.
murf7777
March 29, 2022 at 11:26 am
I'd argue every draft has depth; it just depends on position. This year it seems to be WR (although, that has been true most years with how colleges have gone to spread offenses and athletes are wanting to be WR $$'s and not RB's anymore), OT and Edge. Of course, that fits perfectly with the Packers.
We don't need future starters, we need starters now and next year. If we drafted all in the 2nd round, would we get the immediate starters we want? Of course, that's the big question. I suspect getting 2 first and 2 seconds is better opportunity to get the starters now vs 6 seconds.
greengold
March 29, 2022 at 06:11 pm
PackEyedOptimist, that’s an interesting proposition, no doubt.
It could be done with 2 teams:
NYJ #35 & 38 for #22 + #93
SEA #40 & 41 for #28 + #132 + 2023 R2
That could be wild, if the right players are there. Not so much if they’re gone. I question the value.
jannesbjornson
March 29, 2022 at 11:46 am
Plenty of ammo to go up and down in round one. No Fear. The #22 is gold, #28 gets more two picks moving down.
greengold
March 29, 2022 at 12:41 pm
The $$$ is a great point Harry. We are in that spot, aren’t we?
I could EASILY see Gutekunst working a trade with the NYJ, sending them #22 + #92 in exchange for #35 + 38.
That would give the Packers 28, 35, 38, 53, 59 Days 1 and 2… (now that I look at it, I’m unsure if I like it. Looks better with player names attached?) For all I know, maybe this does help us get more starters. Push into top R2 using our 1st and 5th selections lumped into a pretty sweet spot, while keeping one of our R1s.
That is a trade down that might work for me. I see no need for us to trade up.
I might prefer trading out of R3 and R5 instead with HOU, sending #92 + #172 in exchange for #107 + #108 - if there’s someone HOU really wants at 92. Wouldn’t suck having four R4s in this draft, especially those two at the very top.
LambeauPlain
March 29, 2022 at 04:41 pm
G&G, at first I felt there is no way the Jets make that deal....however, upon further review, I think it could work. The more I look at it...I like it.
If Gutey gets #35 and #38 for #22 and #93...make that deal. NYJ gets back less trade value points but will have another #1 (3 total firsts!) for 5 year rookie contracts. That will make #28 very interesting for Gutey. BAP at OL or WR...then go shopping on day 2 for the OL or WR not taken at #28, and Edge, 2nd WR, ILB.
The depth should be excellent at all these positions on day 2. How about Dotson or Raimann (WR and OT/G), Drake Jackson/edge, Christian Watson/WR, Leo Chenal/ILB on day 2...just to put some names to your trade back :-).
Then with the day 3 picks (6!!), load up on BAP for depth.
greengold
March 29, 2022 at 06:55 pm
You know what, my friend? It really is hard to say how good a deal it is until we're in it. Drafts are so insanely fluid and can be full of surprises.
No real idea just how many WRs come off the board by 22. I've seen 7 R1s at WR today. For good reason too. There is talent there.
I really want us to hold our fire.
2020 was not an anomaly. The NFL has truly become a passing league. and rule changes have pushed that narrative. WR demand is higher than ever.
Keep your two R1s. Get the best. you can. The beauty with this draft, they are going to be good players, all need positions loaded with. talent.
I keep thinking, "just because you can, doesn't mean you should," re: making any trades, up or down. We need all 11 picks. Inexpensive talent infusion while our cap is crunched.
It is tough to say, and if the WR run doesn't start until around 15 or 16, we might be able to work something out... There are about 7 players I now covet for the Packers Day 1 and 2, as what I feel are legit options that will likely be there, if chosen with “securing them to your team” in mind.
Half of them are climbing the prognosticator boards/mocks... had one WR a week ago R3-4 now climbing not unlike Savage.
Eventually the amateurs, not doing the real scouting for a living sometimes catch up. That's what we're seeing with these risers and fallers.
greengold
March 29, 2022 at 07:09 pm
Harry, you’re spot on with this.
Leatherhead has pointed to taking WRs in R2. I bring him and his argument up because according to the odds, he’s right, and I’ve been a very strong proponent of that for years, shared the St, John’s Draft Bust Study many times to support the argument myself.
However, I think, barring a big pre-draft trade or signing for a starter, we’re in need of the quality players you speak of, and the article/study does acknowledge most of the All-Pro WRs are in fact selected disproportionately in R1.
The choices are of paramount importance in hitting that high quality, and you’re right the 7 selections we have R1-R4 are indeed a great opportunity.
murf7777
March 30, 2022 at 06:10 am
GG…..thats an interesting article, thanks for sharing. I agree with you thou, this might not be the year to find the diamond in the rough. More important to get the immediate contributor vs long term potential.
Thegreatreynoldo
March 30, 2022 at 11:49 am
Only the picks in round one through four cost cap. Having an extra first and second is a good cap problem to have. So I don't think a lack of money or cap is a problem.
PackEyedOptimist
March 29, 2022 at 10:54 am
Upon seeing the headline, my first thought was "1977: Mike Butler at #9 and Ezra Johnson at #28." I'm old. :-D I was already about four years into being a draftnik, and I remember how excited I was about Butler being available at 9. He was a top-five in all the prognostications. Johnson ended up being the better pick, though. I wonder what his RAS would have been? He ran a 4.5 40.
jannesbjornson
March 29, 2022 at 12:42 pm
Yes, and Greg Koch with the two pick. Much better than the 90/10 percentage returns from Willie Buchanon /Jerry Tagge rollout.
hesoder
March 29, 2022 at 01:24 pm
And they took a kicker with the 2nd round pick in 1972.
jannesbjornson
March 29, 2022 at 01:29 pm
Chester with a two, as if Al Davis made the pick.
LeotisHarris
March 29, 2022 at 08:36 pm
Koch was worth his weight in bowling shirts, and by the time he left GB had developed Ron Hallstrom-like skill at pulling up the sides of his pants between plays.
jannesbjornson
March 29, 2022 at 08:55 pm
Great movement skills if that is what you mean. He made the pro bowl and All-Pro 2nd team. He was a solid player.
LLCHESTY
March 31, 2022 at 03:46 am
Hallstrom,like Colledge 20 years later had an aptitude for being very average.
LLCHESTY
March 29, 2022 at 01:17 pm
That would be a weird repeat. YOU SHALL NOT PASS!
Didn't Butler leave for the USFL and then come back when Trump tanked it?
greengold
March 29, 2022 at 04:32 pm
ROCK solid. PEO!
I'll never forget that 1977 draft. When Butler bolted, actually refusing to come to Green Bay, I was stymied. I believe myself and all of Packer Land said, "wtf?" before wtf was a thing.
To think it was none other than Bartt Starr selecting Ezra Johnson with the #28 pick.. RT Greg Koch with his porn stash selected right behind Ezra with pick #39. I like Koch a lot too.
OG Darrell Gofourth with #172 was solid.
QB David Whitehurst with the #206.
Wow. That is a fun look back. Some really good players came out of that draft. The year prior, 1976, Starr selected LT Mark Concar #23, DB Mike McCoy #72 and WR Aundra Thompson #132.
1975 RB Willard Harrell #58. DB Steve Luke #88. Man, I loved Steve Luke. That guy could play.
Those were some good football players. I'm sure a lot of us remember those names fondly.
LLCHESTY
March 30, 2022 at 03:38 am
I think you're thinking of Bruce Clark in 1980. Butler played from 1977-82 for the Packers and then went to the USFL and came back when it folded. Clark played in the CFL for a few years and then I think the Packers traded him to the Saints when he wanted to come back. That was a bone headed move by Starr to draft him after he said he didn't want to play NT for them, but not his worst pick as GM.
Starrbrite
March 30, 2022 at 02:29 pm
Yes indeed!
89Chewy
March 30, 2022 at 05:26 am
And in 1978 we chose Lofton and John Anderson in the first.
greengold
March 29, 2022 at 10:56 am
Nice refresher, Wendell.
Guessing I am safe in saying, MAN, if you could have seen Wayne Simmons play Linebacker... what a remarkable menace at the position. He was dangerous to opposing offenses.
Can't say that about many players.
Gutekunst often wants to wheel and deal. I'm just hoping they nail his ass to a stool in a corner somewhere, out of reach of the telephones this draft.
jannesbjornson
March 29, 2022 at 11:49 am
Simmons brought the toughness to the SB winners--he lead the defense. Wolf let him fly the next year and gave us Bernardo Harris??
LLCHESTY
March 29, 2022 at 01:41 pm
Simmons was crazy and didn't fit in the locker room. He lasted two years in the NFL after that.
jannesbjornson
March 29, 2022 at 01:43 pm
He started working the jug and needed intervention. Wolf admitted his mistake.
stockholder
March 29, 2022 at 11:06 am
Trader Ted; didn't get his nick names going against the Draft Gurus. He earned the fans respect. So up came," In Ted we Trust." A person can learn something new every Day. Yet us old guys; remember the Good ole Days. Cheap TED knew one thing. You don't have to spend money for quality.!! That value is in the eye of the beholder. And it didn't take Deep pockets to be successful in the NFL. He wasn't wasteful. Gutey is! I've given his drafts 3 years. And I believe he will screw up this draft. For the 1st time ever. We need Offense. Some say 2 WRs, Some argue a OT. And for years I wanted a DL and a ILB. Hell, Why couldn't Gutey have drafted it. Because he's fallen into the trap that money can fix anything. So build him up all you want. When I see it. I'll believe it. Do I believe in Gutey. Not when it comes to his drafts. He'll do what we don't expect. And he'll waste picks doing it.
WestCoastPackerBacker
March 29, 2022 at 11:24 am
I'm not sure what the heck standard you are trying to hold the GM to. He has built one of the strongest rosters in the league and won 13 games for 3 seasons in a row. Not that many GMs have accomplished that consistency. Particularly when the years prior to that were very down years. The team only won more games than 13 once in Rodgers' 17 years in the league. You can nitpick all you want, but you can't argue with that kind of success.
stockholder
March 29, 2022 at 11:37 am
3 seasons? He hasn't Rodgers has! I'm comparing draft notes. Not Free Agency.
dobber
March 29, 2022 at 12:41 pm
The same Rodgers who lost 9 games in 2018?
murf7777
March 29, 2022 at 11:38 am
I think what stockholder is saying, is Gutey is spending money much more liberally than conservative Ted. I personally loved the way TT kept the Packers competitive year in and year out while making sure we always had available salary cap. Maybe a bit too conservatively for some. I feel that is better than the SC mess we are in today and will be for years to come.
jannesbjornson
March 29, 2022 at 12:53 pm
I still maintain Ted was not calling the shots in the 2017 draft fiasco, with one gem found in the 5th, A.Jones and in the final analysis more than likely cost the Pack a couple of SBs with the whiffs and lack of depth development. At the time of the Draft the subordinates or coordinators came to the podium to announce the picks. He never would have jumped over Watt to move on King, reflecting on his move up for Matthews and Josh jones was Gutedkunst's darling on his scouting reports. WHIFF. When he took command in 2018, Jaire was the prize and the one pick for 2019, but the rest were slugs to begin with and thoroughly discredited on pre-draft reports. Again, NO Wideouts taken in the top three rounds until the nebulous choice of Rodgers. The reach for Sternberger ( one season, All-SEC) over McLaurin. [ See: JS Online draft blog with simultaneous Group Cardiac Arrest]. His later round selections ( 4s-7s) were pathetic until he began to right-the-ship with the 2020-21 drafts and the voice of Milt Hendrickson bringing steady command and control.
Leatherhead
March 29, 2022 at 11:23 am
Some smart guys at some college did a study on this about 20 years ago, and their bottom line conclusion was that (and hold onto your seats, here ) the better players go early in the draft. Shocking, I know. There are good players throughout the draft, but cream rises to the top, apparently. And that's why the guys at the top of the draft are, and should be, premium athletes who affect every play. That's why QBs and defensive studs....and offensive linemen...go earlier. A WR, for example, who stayed healthy all 17 games and got targeted 10 times each game would have great numbers.
But that's only 10 snaps out of about 66 plays each game. How much impact do they really have on most plays? They still have to be covered, so that takes a tackler out of the picture. They don't really impact many of the runs, unless it's a really good blocking WR.
We're (almost) always picking towards the end of the round, so we don't really ever get a shot at these once-in-a-lifetime guys like Peyton Manning, overall #1 pick type guys, but we've hit on some good picks . In fact, if you look at the guys that the organization has drafted on the first two days, you'll see Savage, Alexander, Scott, Gary, Clark...that's half the starting defense. On offense, Rodgers, Dillon, Cobb, Amari, Jenkins, and Myers were all drafted by the organization in the top 100. That's not a bad piece of work. We'll add maybe 5 more this draft.
I'd go into this draft trying to get two guys to replace Davante's snaps. I'd also look to improve our ability to protect the QB, and strengthen the defense.
On the mock simulations I run, it seems like I'm ahead to trade down out of #22, because I can still get the WRs I want AND pick up an extra early pick. I'm also usually able to get the TE I want (Ruckert) at #92, although sometimes he gets snagged just before I pick. That comes out to 2 WRs, 1TE, and I'd still have 3 picks left in the Top 100.
stockholder
March 29, 2022 at 11:34 am
Trade Down. Not this draft. I just want them to trade Love. Adams and MVS wouldn't have left, if they thought he was good. Rodgers wasn't going to win his argument for them to stay. ( Because he made the trade demands last year. ) Both know Love is not accurate. And so do most fans. We only need to trade Love to move around in this draft.
PatrickGB
March 29, 2022 at 02:29 pm
Love is a relatively cheap backup. And my guess is that nobody would trade much for him. He has been in the system for a while now and still developing and CLEMENTS is now his coach. However, IF some team decides that they would give up a high pick for him then, fine, trade him. Maybe the Panthers, Texans or Seahawks might be interested and they have some interesting draft picks available.
Johnblood27
March 29, 2022 at 01:57 pm
CLEMENTS, not Campen!
PatrickGB
March 29, 2022 at 02:28 pm
Your absolutely right. I did not spell check my “spell check”.
murf7777
March 29, 2022 at 12:00 pm
Stockholder, saying Love is not accurate from his limited experiences is wrong. Look at Favre and Mannings beginnings to understand how inaccurate that statement is. I can go on and on with other examples...I just decided to go with a couple of HOF's.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 29, 2022 at 03:22 pm
SH, you're still stuck in the anger stage for something that happened 2 years ago. They drafted Love and theyre not trading him. Time to accept it. For your own mental health.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 29, 2022 at 03:22 pm
SH, you're still stuck in the anger stage for something that happened 2 years ago. They drafted Love and theyre not trading him. Time to accept it. For your own mental health.
murf7777
March 29, 2022 at 11:44 am
LH, I've done some simulations and I think that depends on the type of WR you're looking for. I've watched tape on all the WR's expected to go in the mid to late 1st and I feel Olave is better than Burks or London. Olave has the speed, route running and footwork to make a difference right now. With Olave's speed he will also demand double coverage deep which will open up the middle. I don't feel the same about those other two.
jannesbjornson
March 29, 2022 at 12:04 pm
Olave is moving up to low teens. He and Wilson should go first. The idea of drafting damaged goods like Williams is off the table. Burks claims he's a Deebo type guy, but I don't see it. London will be the next guy going. It is a hard read on the top end selections since the losing teams personnel depts make so many ludicrous decisions with their choices. I have mocked Olave to #18 with a trade UP, but after the OSU Pro Day his value has spiked.
murf7777
March 29, 2022 at 12:02 pm
That is true, but nobody really knows, it just educated guessing on everyone's part. Also, if need be, I wouldn't have a problem with them trading up to get him.
dobber
March 29, 2022 at 01:06 pm
"That is true, but nobody really knows, it just educated guessing on everyone's part."
So...
much...
THIS.
dobber
March 29, 2022 at 12:42 pm
Burks is more Boldin than Deebo.
jannesbjornson
March 29, 2022 at 01:19 pm
Boldin was an ex- QB, he could read the field.
Johnblood27
March 29, 2022 at 01:59 pm
Are you saying that Burks can't read a comic book?
greengold
March 29, 2022 at 01:24 pm
Not a damned thing wrong with Anquan Boldin. He was one of the toughest WRs I’ve ever seen in my life.
jannesbjornson
March 29, 2022 at 01:39 pm
He was a guy the Pack should have looked at, twice, during his free agency periods. He made the big catches and was very durable. The other guy in that category was Andre Johnson.
BirdDogUni
March 29, 2022 at 12:06 pm
I really like this simulation. Used TheDraftNetwork. I had the choice of Olave, Burks, and London at #22, but I liked the fact that Kenyon Green can look Olave in the eye and tell him he's more valuable than any WR. ; ) Gotta keep those WR grounded. Lol
22. Kenyon Green IOL, Texas A&M
28. Chris Olave WR, Ohio State
53. Breece Hall RB, Iowa State
59. Logan Hall EDGE, Houston
92. Alec Pierce WR, Cincinnati
132. Danny Gray WR, SMU
140. Austin Allen TE, Nebraska
171. Eyioma Uwazurike IDL, Iowa State
228. Joshua Ross LB, Michigan
249. Micheal Clemons EDGE, Texas A&M
greengold
March 29, 2022 at 06:49 pm
Respectfully, you just reminded me of a problem I’ve noticed with many simulations over the years.
Figure the ones assembling the info for slotting are really novices, not affiliated with official team scouts, yet, their professions are feeding epically growing demand in the draft industry.
It’s gotta be fun, and passionate fans pour immense energies & monies into gleaning info, etc.
The problem I’ve noticed are many fans who pound simulators like 67 year old women sitting in Larks with fluorescent orange flags, wearing orthopedic beige shoes smoking Winston Menthol 100’s pulling slot handles in Vegas. Many have tuna fish sandwiches & Power Bars in their purse next to the double Vodka Tonic.
They think they know better when their player isn’t selected, or he’s taken a round or two earlier, etc. I’ve seen some rage with choices made, or when things don’t work out the way they were able to do on simulators - more so than a decade ago or more.
Just an observation. I think Al can attest.
greengold
March 29, 2022 at 12:53 pm
I just figured a way zipping 22 & 92 to the Jets for 35 & 38. The wait then, from 22-28 for me will be a total nail biter.
I might like that one. Also, knew that St. John’s paper would be popping again. It’s like a Christmas tradition in March…
LLCHESTY
March 29, 2022 at 01:27 pm
Ruckert will slide to late 4th-5th round. He is still in a walking boot and didn't test at the combine or his pro day.
jannesbjornson
March 29, 2022 at 01:41 pm
He is still better than the guys behind him. Early fourth, but I'm hedging late 3rd.
LLCHESTY
March 30, 2022 at 03:48 am
Doubtful. There's a logjam of TEs in that area and Woods, Krull and Kolar all had better than expected pro days. Otton and Dulchich have probably moved ahead of him too. GMs prefer knowns to unknowns.
jannesbjornson
March 30, 2022 at 11:45 am
Some GMs don't even know their own rosters.
stockholder
March 29, 2022 at 11:57 am
Gute: This maybe the best time to listen to a Draft Guru.
Great Blue North Mock - 3/28
#22. Chris Olave. WR OSU
#28 Christian Watson. WR. ND
#53. De Marvin Leal. DE. Texas A&. M
#59 Trey McBride. TE. Col. ST.
#92. Alonte Taylor. CB. Teen
LLCHESTY
March 29, 2022 at 01:30 pm
Or not
PackEyedOptimist
March 29, 2022 at 02:39 pm
I'm surprised to see you taking Olave, I thought you saw him as too lightweight?
I'm not entirely opposed to this set, but there are several boom-or-bust guys. Is Olave too small/frail for the NFL? Is Watson too inconsistent/raw to be much use for a couple years? Is Leal too much of a tweener--he seems more like an edge than a lineman.
McBride is probably solid, but with the depth at TE, I'd wait until the third round to take one. I'm also not sure he fits into the LaFleur offense well...
I'd still be okay with this draft. :-)
stockholder
March 29, 2022 at 05:53 pm
The OSU players are too light. But so is Tyreek hill. I feel the Alabama players are better. Especially Williams. But with the knee injuries. ( I would consider Johan Dotson instead.) Watson won't be MVS. He will be better. And with that size and speed. You take him. ( Everybody thought Hill wouldn't work out. But the NFL can't stop speed!). Leal was on the Packers watch List. The talk is, he played too high, this year. ( I would take Travis Jones first. Even Chanel. ) McBride won the Mackey Award. He would be the fastest TE since Jackson. I'm seeing -Likely Te - show up in the 3rd lately. This wasn't my draft. The Conscious mock site I visit. Has Olave as the #1 Wr, (to be a packer. )
jannesbjornson
March 29, 2022 at 09:15 pm
They need five techs; Winfrey or Wyatt. Get disruptors that can stunt to match with Clark and Reed. 3 to 4 up front at all times.I liked Barry's 5-2 sets on early downs. No, the OSU guys will prevail. As you said, can't teach speed. Take a good look back toward Jennings, Driver, Anthony Carter, etc. Olave has proved it over three years going against some of the best in the Big Ten, currently playing in, or will be playing in the Pros. I would take Jones over Leal if that is how the board works out, but he would have to share the nose with Slaton and let Clark go 3-4 tech. They need Five techs, or show some 4-2 looks with a DE. The offense and defense both need to be multiple .
stockholder
March 30, 2022 at 05:39 am
Olave has proved it on a college field. I just don't think he can be that WR he was in college. I believe Clark and Jones can play outside Slaton. The problem is height. Chenal is the guy to get. He will be a disruptor.
jannesbjornson
March 30, 2022 at 11:49 am
No lateral movement. I would try Sanborn later in the fourth /fifth. I watched Chenal play in High School a couple of times. He and his brother are beasts. His brother could be a free agent FB.
dobber
March 29, 2022 at 12:46 pm
BG will find another WR going into the draft. HIs M.O.over his years has been to find some cheap FA coverage for the glaring weaknesses on the roster so his hand isn't forced to address a specific position or need up front, thus allowing him to follow opportunities. That's my assessment of what he does, anyway.
With that in mind, the big hole is at the top of the WR depth chart and there significant needs in depth at OT, OLB, DL, and S. I'll put a $20 down right now that says he'll find a way to address that big hole before Jacksonville is on the clock.
greengold
March 29, 2022 at 01:01 pm
1. True dat.
2. Oooooo-ooooooooooooo!
That’s entirely possible. The guy, IMO, is as much a savant as Jon Horst or David Stearns. That wouldn’t surprise me in the least. DK Metcalf?
I think that somehow happens with a Jaire extension. Makes perfect sense.
dobber
March 29, 2022 at 01:12 pm
In all honesty, I'll be disappointed if he ponies up what it will take to get Metcalf (probably will cost at least a 1st). Maybe if he does, it takes the early need off WR in general, but it will cost a new contract, too, for a guy who I would argue is almost as mercurial as Javon Walker. I'd rather have a cost-effective guy who can be a quality 2 and perhaps elevate to a 1 with #12 throwing to him, and draft a high-ceiling guy in the first two rounds.
jannesbjornson
March 29, 2022 at 01:26 pm
I would take Lockett before the prima donna.
murf7777
March 30, 2022 at 06:20 am
Also, his contract is reasonable to take over. I can see a draft day trade coming.
greengold
March 29, 2022 at 01:37 pm
Solid. Agree. But, I could see Gutekunst doing just that. He’s probably trying to pry one of SEA’s two high R2s away from his buddy in exchange for an R1.
Personally, I’d rather wing it via draft. Right where we’re at, with no trades. Too much top talent we’d risk securing to our roster by trading either of 22 or 28, with needs this great.
Head cases? Hard no. With as fucked up as this last year’s been? Sure. Bring it. We can take it, I guess.
PackEyedOptimist
March 29, 2022 at 02:41 pm
Agree with everything you say here.
jannesbjornson
March 29, 2022 at 03:52 pm
Here's another mock and the Simulator is getting more aggressive with trades and trade values:
#17 Olave WR ( #22 and # 59) to Chargers).
#35 Wyatt DE/DT ( #28 and #132) to Jets for 35 and 111)
#53 McBride TE
#92 Kinnard OT
#111 N. Cross S
#140 Walker OT
#144 Haskins RB ( 2023 4th to Carolina)
# 169 D. Gray WR ( 171and # 249 to Titans )
#228 Horvath FB
# 258 Andries OG
Biased to Wyatt as a move guy up front. # 95 was always around the play for three years running @ Georgia. Really do not want to see the patchwork O-line at the end of a season and added a power back and FB to run the WCO-Tundra version more effectively come playoffs. Danny Gray is a guy that can change field position.
murf7777
March 29, 2022 at 05:07 pm
I like it!
PackEyedOptimist
March 29, 2022 at 02:45 pm
I agree 100%. BG will add a decent veteran WR before the draft; that's been his M.O. every year: CYA for any roster holes before the draft. However, he often still addresses that hole IN the draft (see Z and Preston, then Gary).
MooPack
March 29, 2022 at 02:31 pm
No need to trade up or out of 1st. The team doesn't need quantity, it needs quality. Statistically 1st and 2nd rounds is where you get the blue chip and top end starters. There is a drop off after the second and a big drop off after the 3rd. More chances to hit? On what, on lesser quality players? If anything trade up in the 2nd. That's where you can still get some really good players. I'd use a fourth and the lower 2nd to move up higher in the second round. Some are abhorrent to trade 4ths because of this so-called "draft board reset". That's pundit BS. The teams know who they have left on the board, unless you're the Vikings.
1st round WRs that should be close to the Packers #22 and #28:
Johan Dotson - I believe the most Pro-ready of any WR in the draft. Smaller, but not too short. Big hands. Quick and fast enough to play anywhere. Experience running all the routes outside and inside slot. Best hands in the draft. And that is the key. WR first job - Catch the ball.
Treylon Burks - Big body receiver who will need more body position to win battles because of slower quickness and long speed. but, once you get ball in his hands it's going to be a 1st down. Hands a little suspect. Has not run the full type of routes. He will take longer to get up to speed.
Jameson Williams - If not for injury, may have been best WR in class. But with that injury, I hope they pass. No time for that.
They could get both Dotson and Burks. It's possible the draft would fall that way. Not my first option, but wouldn't be upset if they did.
The other name I really like is Christian Watson. Not as polished, but he is your guy with the speed to take the top off. They could take him at #28 because he's likely gone by 2nd round #53 or #59. I'd like to see Gute package a 4th and 59th to move up into top half of second if he thinks he can still get him there. And I'd like to see him take Dotson with #22 or #28.
This is what LeFluer said:
“If you look at our roster right now, we definitely need to get some speed in that room,” LaFleur said. “We need a legit guy that can take off the top of the coverage. We lost a guy that was pretty good at doing that. It’s like putting a puzzle together. You’ve got to find those pieces that you’re missing and put it all together.”
greengold
March 29, 2022 at 09:43 pm
MoooooooOOOOOOOOO!
Top Shelf. 100%. Agree. Mentioned the R4 importance because it was a Ron Wolf drafting maxim. He wasn’t wrong, and neither are you. This team’s receiving corps are on life support in terms of Blue Chip speed and all the best attributes that set great players apart. Add to that, we truly need the quality AR can trust. Smart. Reliable. Hands. Routes. Feet. Toughness.
Our R4s will be of value in trade for those teams rebuilding and looking to add good talents in a deep draft, as will our R5. Quality over quantity really should carry the day. With what we are looking to accomplish, I’d even consider trading R1 2023 to load the top exactly as you say here.
Tossed this together last night. Thought you might like (no simulator):
22 WR Alec Pierce
28 WR Christian Watson
53 WR Skyy Moore
59 TE Jelani Woods
93. OT Kellen Diesch
Here’s another…
22 WR Chris Olave
28 WR Alec Pierce
53 DT Travis Jones
59 TE Jelani Woods
93 EDGE Nik Bonitto
132 OT Dare Rosenthal
140 WR Velus Jones
Great share, Moo!
LambeauPlain
March 29, 2022 at 03:16 pm
My PFF draft simulator:
22. Raimann T/G
28. Olave WR
53. Jackson Edge
59. Watson WR
93. Diesch T
Why Diesch? He was my BAP at one of the GB positions of need and great value pick. Raimann would likely be a starter at RT (unless Yosh beats him out) or G (replacing Newman). Then Diesch will be the top backup swing T or #2 backup at T if Raimann beats out Yosh.
LambeauPlain
March 29, 2022 at 03:16 pm
duplicate
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 29, 2022 at 03:51 pm
#22 David Ojabo OLB
#28 Kenyon Green IOL
#53 David Bell WR
#59 Brandon Smith MLB
#92 Justyn Ross WR
#132 Romeo Doubs
LambeauPlain
March 29, 2022 at 04:53 pm
No one liked my PFF draft simulation, either. Ha!
PFF did...they gave me an A.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 29, 2022 at 05:52 pm
Yeah thats fine. Its wide receiver mania around here so I'm not surprised. Even tho i still mocked two really polished receivers who should be able to contribute immediately and a burner who would help fill the MVS role, not drafting 2 receivers in the 1st round would be seen as a cardinal sin by many.
stockholder
March 29, 2022 at 09:22 pm
Your first two picks are fine. It's the rest of your mock.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
March 30, 2022 at 09:09 am
Whats wrong with it? 3 of my last 4 picks are receivers who all fit different roles for the Pack. Bell is a route running guru and big catch specialist in the mold of a Davante Adams or Keenan Allen. Justyn Ross is like a Michael Thomas big slot type of guy. And Doubs is the deep threat. Rodgers will love throwing to these guys. Brandon Smith is an absolute freak of nature linebacker that this team has never had. Joe Barry's specialty is coaching linebackers so Smith should become a star. Would be a special teams anchor in the meantime too. And with Ojabo and Green in the 1st, they stabilize the pass rush and oline respectively. I cant think of a better draft for this team to have.
jannesbjornson
March 30, 2022 at 01:23 pm
Doubs is a two pick and a guy similar to Adams style playing in the wide open Nevada offense.
BirdDogUni
March 29, 2022 at 06:27 pm
22: R1 P22 DL Jordan Davis - Georgia
28: R1 P28 WR Christian Watson - North Dakota State
53: R2 P21 EDGE Kingsley Enagbare - South Carolina
59: R2 P27 WR Alec Pierce - Cincinnati
92: R3 P28 LB Troy Andersen - Montana State
132: R4 P27 WR Danny Gray - SMU
140: R4 P35 DL Matthew Butler - Tennessee
171: R5 P28 S Smoke Monday - Auburn
228: R7 P7 OT Dare Rosenthal - Kentucky
249: R7 P28 OT Nick Zakelj - Fordham
258: R7 P37 OT Bamidele Olaseni - Utah
greengold
March 29, 2022 at 08:46 pm
BIRDIE, you had me at Smoke Monday…
Pack88
March 29, 2022 at 06:52 pm
I was interested to reminisce about drafts of old and the thoughts about what GB should do!
So here is my take; I worry a lot about Burks and London I just don't know if they have NFL speed. I am sure Garrett Wilson will be gone and the only one of the top receivers I like is Olave! The idea of taking Metchie or Williams in Rd 1 and waiting for them is not for me! If Olave is gone I would take another position player and with 28 survey the board and see if I could move back a few and then take Watson. Should he already be gone I would for sure move back and take Skye Moore ! One of the other long striding speedsters will be available in rd 3 and then you can move up down to take them.
BirdDogUni
March 29, 2022 at 07:00 pm
22: R1 P22 LB Devin Lloyd - Utah
28: R1 P28 DL Devonte Wyatt - Georgia
53: R2 P21 WR John Metchie - Alabama
59: R2 P27 WR Alec Pierce - Cincinnati
92: R3 P28 EDGE Boye Mafe - Minnesota
132: R4 P27 WR Christian Watson - North Dakota State
140: R4 P35 RB Brian Robinson - Alabama
171: R5 P28 TE Jelani Woods - Virginia
228: R7 P7 LB Alex Wright - UAB
249: R7 P28 CB Kalon Barnes - Baylor
258: R7 P37 TE Austin Allen - Nebraska
greengold
March 29, 2022 at 09:37 pm
Fav. Sadly, I do not think some of those guys will last as late as simulated.
stockholder
March 29, 2022 at 07:50 pm
#22 Christian Watson. WR ND State
#28 Johan Dotson. WR. Penn state
#53. Leo Chenal. LB. WI
#59. Sky Moore. WR. W. Mich.
#92. Phidarian Mathis. DT. Alabama
#132. Amare Barno. ER. VT
#140. Velus Jones. WR. Tenn.
#171. Damone Clark. ILB. LSU
#228. Nick Ford. C. Utah
#249. Isaih Pacheco. RB Toledo
#258. Andrew Stueber. G/T. Mich.
BirdDogUni
March 29, 2022 at 08:27 pm
Pro Football Network
Kind of like this one.
Lloyd and Campbell in the middle of our defense would be wicked!
Either Lloyd or Chenal could easily come off the Edge in relief too.
4 of the largest Pass Catchers ever drafted all at once.
22. Devin Lloyd LB Utah 6' 2" 237 LBS RAS: 9.57
29. Lewis Cine S Georgia (Trade) 6" 2" 200 LBS RAS: 9.9
53. Christian Watson WR North Dakota State 6' 4" 208 LBS RAS: 9.96
59. Alec Pierce WR Cincinnati 6' 3" 211 LBS RAS: 9.8
92. Leo Chenal LB Wisconsin 6' 2" 250 LBS RAS: 9.99
132. Jelani Woods TE Virginia 6' 7" 253 LBS RAS: 10
140. Pierre Strong Jr. RB South Dakota State 5' 11" 202 LBS RAS: 9.35
171. Eyioma Uwazurike DT Iowa State 6' 6" 316 LBS RAS: Not Available
228. Zach VanValkenburg EDGE Iowa 6' 4" 267 LBS RAS: Not Available
249. Ryan Van Demark OT Connecticut 6' 5" 304 LBS RAS: 9.49
258. Dareke Young WR Lenoir-Rhyne 6' 3" 220 LBS RAS: Not Available
If Gutey pulled this off, I would be impressed. : )
greengold
March 29, 2022 at 08:43 pm
As a dear old friend of mine would say, “Idi…I’m EEEN!”
Wow.
stockholder
March 29, 2022 at 09:17 pm
Interesting. Just not happening.
PBacker
March 29, 2022 at 09:21 pm
Ideally I’d prefer
#22 WR
#33 (trade back) Edge
#53 WR
#59 OT
#92 TE
#106 (acquired) CB
#132 Safety
#140 LB
#171 RB
BirdDogUni
March 29, 2022 at 09:51 pm
Bucky Brooks has us taking Bernhard Raimann at 22 and Cardinals taking Jordan Davis at 23 in his most recent Mock draft. I call BS... If Gutey were to pass on Jordan Davis it better be for Ikem Ekwonu... Just saying.
He did have us taking Christian Watson at #28, which I believe could be a real possibility. (I don't think he'll make it to our 2nd round pick.)
stockholder
March 29, 2022 at 09:27 pm
Bucky Brooks is terrible.
BirdDogUni
March 29, 2022 at 10:01 pm
His hot takes are almost as bad as some of your sh... Lol ; )
greengold
March 29, 2022 at 10:07 pm
Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy
Sunshine in my eyes can make me cry
Sunshine on the water looks so lovely
Sunshine almost always makes me high
If I had a day that I could give you
I'd give to you a day just like today
If I had a song that I could sing for you
I'd sing a song to make you feel this way
Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy
Sunshine in my eyes can make me cry
Sunshine on the water looks so lovely
Sunshine almost always makes me high
If I had a tale that I could tell you
I'd tell a tale sure to make you smile
If I had a wish that I could wish for you
I'd make a wish for sunshine all the while
Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy
Sunshine in my eyes can make me cry
Sunshine on the water looks so lovely
Sunshine almost always makes me high
Sunshine almost all the time makes me high
Sunshine almost always
stockholder
March 30, 2022 at 10:59 am
Rocky Mountain high was better.
BirdDogUni
March 30, 2022 at 01:58 pm
Couldn't pass up Wyatt when he was available...
22: R1 P22 DL DeVonte Wyatt - Georgia
28: R1 P28 WR Christian Watson - NDSU
53: R2 P21 EDGE Kingsley Enagbare - South Carolina
59: R2 P27 WR Alec Pierce - Cincinnati
92: R3 P28 LB Troy Andersen - Montana State
132: R4 P27 OT Zach Tom - Wake Forest
140: R4 P35 TE Charlie Kolar - Iowa State
171: R5 P28 S Sterling Weatherford - Miami (OH)
228: R7 P7 EDGE Amare Barno - Virginia Tech
249: R7 P28 CB Kalon Barnes - Baylor
258: R7 P37 WR Danny Gray - SMU
stockholder
March 30, 2022 at 06:14 pm
I don't see how you guys keep picking Georgia DL. Just one trick ponies. Why take any ? If the LBs were the fastest in the Nation? Look who's at the top of the Boards. And You don't take LBs later in the draft if you want speed. Food for thought. SI recent mock has Watson- @28 now. And I used their @228 on Safety Percy Butler. #22. Nakobe Dean. LB. Georgia
#28 Christian Watson. Wr. N.D State
#53. Channing Tindall. LB. Georgia
#59. Jalen Tolbert. WR S. Alabama
#92. Amare Barno. ER. VT.
#132. Tyquann Thornton. WR. Baylor
#140. Velus Jones. WR. Tenn.
#171. Carson Strong QB Nevada
#228. Percey Butler. S Louisiana
#249. Tyler Goodson RB Iowa
#258. Isaih Pacheco. RB. Toledo