Packers 2020 NFL Draft: Day 3 Analysis
Here's your recap on day three of the 2020 NFL Draft.
By MaggieLoney
Round 5 (175): Kamal Martin, ILB, Minnesota
Measurables/Combine
Height: 6’3”, Weight: 240lbs
Career Notes
Martin earned first-team all-state and Minnesota Mr. Football finalist honors as a senior quarterback (877 passing yards) and defensive back (13 pass breakups) at Burnsville High School. He settled in at linebacker pretty quickly for the Gophers, however, starting once in 13 appearances as a true freshman (10 tackles, 0.5 sack, one interception). Martin started nine of 12 games played in both his sophomore (42 tackles, 6.5 for loss, two sacks, one interception, two forced fumbles) and junior (59 tackles, 3.5 for loss, two pass breakups) campaigns. He was suspended for the team's 2018 bowl game, though, as well as the 2019 season opener for violating team rules. Martin had a knee injury his senior year which limited him to eight games (seven starts), but he still managed to earn honorable mention All-Big Ten honors with 66 tackles, 2.5 for loss, one sack, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles.
Scouting Report
Angular linebacker with decent straight-line twitch who takes too long to diagnose and flow, making him a viable block for climbing linemen. He plays upright and a little stiff in his scrapes and doesn't find his run fits as efficiently as he needs to. He can gather and wrap as a tackler, but will struggle to finish elusive backs in the open field and he's unimpressive as a passing-down participant. Martin's lack of early play recognition and elusive flow to ball might push him outside as a 4-3 SAM option. - Lance Zierlein, NFL Network
Kamal Martin projects as an inside linebacker in an odd front system, where he can play the role of a downhill thud linebacker and plug up gaps. Martin appears to lack the mobility and range to be a sufficient defender in space at the NFL level and as such, pairing him with another ILB and asking him to attack gaps down hill will keep him in his wheelhouse. This is a potential early down defender at the NFL level who should by no means be regularly on the field for 3rd and 6+. - Kyle Crabbs, The Draft Network
Other Options on the Board
Heading into the middle of the fifth round, over 20 receivers had been selected and there were still plenty of options available in this deep class for Green Bay to consider, including Donovan Peoples-Jones, KJ Hill, and James Proche. Instead, the Packers opt to address another position of need and grab an inside linebacker.
Why they went with Kamal Martin
Martin joins a position group with a lot of uncertainty behind newly-acquired inside linebacker Christian Kirksey. Oren Burks, Ty Summers, and Curtis Bolton have all had individual flashes in training camp and preseason games, but no one has jumped out as a starter at the position just yet.
Martin is a physical inside linebacker that likely won’t play a ton of coverage snaps as he lacks the pure athleticism and speed to do so, but he’s a hard hitter and should be both a contributor against the run on defense, and a valuable special teams addition. Think of him in the same mold as B.J. Goodson and Antonio Morrison. Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline says, “I love the Packers selection of Kamal Martin in round five. He’s a true run and chase linebacker who gives it his all and plays with a violent attitude.”
Round 6 (192): Jon Runyan Jr., G, Michigan
Measurables/Combine
Height: 6'4, Weight: 306lbs, Arms: 33 1/4", Hands: 9 1/8", 40 Yard Dash: 5.08u, Bench Press: 24 Reps, Vertical Jump: 30.5", Broad Jump: 107.0", 3 Cone Drill: 7.57 seconds, 20 Yard Shuttle: 4.69 seconds
Career Notes
Runyan is the son of the former Michigan star and NFL Pro Bowl right tackle of the same name. The older Runyan served in the U.S. House of Representatives for two terms and is currently an NFL Vice President of Policy and Rules Administration. The younger Runyan appears to be headed for a long NFL career of his own. The Moorestown, New Jersey, native actually played his high school football at St. Joseph's in Pennsylvania, earning all-state notice his senior year. Michigan signed the legacy pick, though he had to wait through a redshirt season in 2015 and made only one appearance the following year. Runyan played in nine games as a sophomore, starting for the first time in the team's Outback Bowl appearance. He ascended to first-team All-Big Ten status in 2018, starting all 13 games at left tackle. Runyan did the same in 2019, again garnering first-team all-conference honors for the Wolverines.
Scouting Report
Determined and smart, Runyan held his own as a Big Ten tackle despite a lack of desired physical and athletic traits. He's inconsistent taking control into initial engagements, but stays after it and recovers back into the second phase of the block. He plays with high hands that diminish power and control, but that should improve as he slides inside to guard. He has adequate athleticism and body control to fit into a variety of run schemes but may not excel in any. Runyan's protection experience at tackle improves his draft value as a later-round, backup-caliber guard. - Lance Zierlein
Michigan offensive tackle Jon Runyan is not what you expect him to be on tape, especially if you have his father on your mind who was a former Pro Bowler in the NFL. While the football IQ is obvious, his lack of technique and functional strength are major concerns. His hands are among the most erratic in the class, his body control is poor and he lacks power. Runyan will likely need to play guard in the NFL but his limitations are notable. - Joe Marino, The Draft Network
Other Options on the Board
A few notable defensive linemen were still on the board at this pick in Khalil Davis and Robert Windsor, but the Packers opted to shore up the offensive line instead.
Why they went with Jon Runyan Jr.
Runyan Jr. could likely play anywhere along the offensive line, but the Packers are listing him as a guard at the next level. He played left tackle at Michigan, which is common for Green Bay’s interior offensive linemen. He comes from a football family, with his father also playing at Michigan. Jon Runyan Sr. played in the NFL from 1996-2009 and was also selected to a Pro Bowl.
Runyan Jr. is a two-time All-Big Ten honoree and a first-team All-Big Ten selection by the Associated Press in 2018. From Michigan’s team website, Runyan Jr. is a two-time recipient of the Hugh H. Rader Memorial Award, given to the team’s top offensive lineman. He and his father are Michigan’s only father-son duo to both win the award.
Round 6 (208): Jake Hanson, C, Oregon
Measurables/Combine
Height: 6'5, Weight: 295lbs, Arms: 32 3/4", Hands: 9 1/4", 40 Yard Dash: 5.5u, Bench Press: 33 Reps, Vertical Jump: N/A, Broad Jump: N/A, 3 Cone Drill: N/A, 20 Yard Shuttle: N/A
Career Notes
Hanson has been on NFL scouts' radar since his redshirt freshman season. The four-star recruit from Eureka, California, took over the starting center job for the Ducks in 2016, earning his first of four straight honorable mention All-Pac-12 nods after starting all 12 games. He started all 13 games as a sophomore and 12 of 13 games in the 2018 campaign. He missed the first half of one contest because he drew a personal foul on a blind-side targeting call in the second half of their previous game against UCLA. Hanson started 12 games at center in 2019, missing two games due to injury.
Scouting Report
Four-year starter who has the ability to assimilate into a variety of schemes but is unlikely to stand out in any particular one. His strong, accurate hands and determined effort are his calling cards and he's been able to hang in against a series of big, talented interior linemen over the years. He lacks power and mass, which could hurt his chances with teams who play against odd-front defenses, but he's a steady performer who could offer late-round value as a backup. - Lance Zierlein, NFL Network
Jake Hanson is a potential low end starter in a zone heavy scheme at the pro level. Hanson has a troubling lack of functional power to his game and as a result must rely on steering defenders out of gaps and using his mobility as a weapon. Heavy handed nose tackles will give him some problems anchoring in the middle of the line and Hanson is ideally a player who isn't left on an island routinely in protection — units that prefer slide protections will help aid his ability in pass pro. - Kyle Crabbs, The Draft Network
Other Options on the Board
If the Packers opted to go a different route instead of offensive line, inside linebacker Markus Bailey was still on the board here. Additionally, more late-round wide receivers were available in Dezmon Patman, Isaiah Hodgins, and Jauan Jennings.
Why they went with Jake Hanson
Hanson comes in as a center for the Packers. Corey Linsley’s contract is up in 2021, but it’s too early of course to call Hanson the successor at the position. When Elgton Jenkins was drafted, I thought he could be the team’s backup center before he took over as a starting left guard. Now Hanson takes over as the backup center on the roster, with potential to play anywhere along the interior.
Round 6 (209): Simon Stepaniak, G, Indiana
Measurables/Combine
Height: 6'4, Weight: 313lbs, Arms: 32", Hands: 10 3/8", 40 Yard Dash: 5.30u, Bench Press: 37 Reps
Career Notes
Stepaniak was named the top offensive lineman in Ohio's Division III as a junior and senior but ended up crossing the border to play for the Hoosiers. He started two of 12 games played at right guard as a redshirt freshman. Stepaniak started six games at that spot as a sophomore but missed six other contests due to an injury. Back to full health in 2018, he started all 12 games at his right guard spot. Stepaniak was an honorable mention All-Big Ten pick as a senior, starting 11 games (10 at right guard, one at left guard). He missed the team's bowl game due to injury.
Scouting Report
Burly and strong with the ability to play either guard position in a gap-scheme attack. He's productive on double teams and combo blocks. Stepaniak comes off the ball and into opponents with some pop when he's singled up and he's a nasty block finisher, but he may not have enough length for NFL-block sustain. His ability to recover in pass pro is limited by both his wide base and exaggerated slide steps out to the edge. Despite his bench-press strength, Stepaniak gives too much ground to power rushers who push him into the pocket. It's possible to correct some of his pass protection issues and his physicality in the run game helps his cause as a late-round guard with backup potential. - Lance Zierlein, NFL Network
Other Options on the Board
Some solid defensive backs were available here, including guys with high relative athletic scores, something Brian Gutekunst covets in his secondary. One player in particular was safety Kamren Curl who would’ve been a nice day-three addition to the safeties group.
Why they went with Simon Stepaniak
Stepaniak is a stud, posting 37(!) reps on the bench press at the combine. It’s clear that the Packers are looking for competition along the interior of the offensive line. A run on three offensive linemen indicates the Packers are not only addressing the depth at the position, but with contracts expiring in 2021, some of these day three names could be vying for eventual starting spots. While Stepaniak was listed by the NFL broadcast as an offensive tackle, during his presser with the Packers media he clarified that he’s playing along the interior.
Round 7 (236): Vernon Scott, DB, TCU
Measurables/Combine
Height: 6’2”, Weight: 206lbs, 40-yard Dash: 4.56
Career Notes
Per the TCU website: Scott started all 10 games he played in 2019 and placed fourth on TCU with 44 tackles and third with seven pass breakups. He took part in four takeaways over the final three games of the season. He had a 98-yard interception return for a touchdown at Oklahoma, 1-yard shy of a school record, while also recording a fumble recovery and a season-best seven tackles. He forced a fumble the week before on Texas Tech's final series to preserve a 33-31 TCU victory. He recorded his first career sack as part of five tackles to go with a forced fumble in the season finale against West Virginia.
Scouting Report
Other Options on the Board
I’m just going to say wide receiver. There were wide receivers here.
Why they went with Vernon Scott
Ibraheim Campbell remains a free agent, so there were only two safeties left on the roster behind Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage (Will Redmond and Raven Greene). This is a depth signing with a developmental player like Scott, who’s shown flashes in college. Scott’s most impressive highlight comes in the form of a 98-yard interception returned for a touchdown.
Round 7 (242): Jonathan Garvin, EDGE, Miami
Measurables/Combine
Height: 6'4'' Weight: 263lbs Arms: 34" 40-yard dash: 4.82 sec. Bench: 23 reps Vert: 36" Broad Jump: 125"
Career Notes
Garvin was nicknamed "Spider" for his length and agility, both of which were on display regularly to Miami opponents in 2018. He started all 13 games that year, racking up 17 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks with 60 total stops. Garvin also broke up five passes and recovered two fumbles on the year. He made plays as a junior, starting 11 of 12 games played and posting 37 tackles, nine for loss, five sacks and two forced fumbles. He decided to sit out the team's bowl game to prepare for the NFL draft. The four-star recruit from Lake Worth, Florida, contributed as a true freshman, recording nine tackles (three for loss, two sacks) in 13 appearances as a reserve.
Scouting Report
Traits-based edge defender capable of playing 4-3 end or 3-4 rush linebacker. Garvin's strong 2018 was followed up with inconsistent effort and an inability to stamp his presence on games with much consistency. He gains depth upfield quickly and is fairly natural at defeating the punch and flipping the corner. Pressures are nice, but sack-makers get paid and that won't happen unless he cranks up the effort and plays to his traits and potential. Garvin has Day 2 talent, but may not go until Day 3. However, there might be gold to mine if a coach can get it out of him. - Lance Zierlein, NFL Network
Miami defensive end Jonathan Garvin has some high-level flashes on tape that reveal an exciting skill set but they are too often marred by lackadaisical effort which reveals issues with play strength, urgency and contact balance. Garvin is a younger prospect that is far from maxed out physically which indicates there is plenty of room for him to develop. Garvin is a high-end developmental EDGE prospect that has a considerable ceiling if/when the switch flips. There aren’t any notable physical restrictions present, Garvin has to get stronger, play faster and become consistent. - Joe Marino, The Draft Network
Other Options on the Board
I’m just going to say wide receiver here, too. That seems like an appropriate “other options” summary for this draft.
Why they went with Jonathan Garvin
I do like this Garvin pick. If the Packers weren’t going to take a wide receiver in this draft, why not take a swing at a seventh-round athletic freak. Garvin posted a great 8.99 RAS with elite explosiveness. He’s also only 20 years old, which is another tendency of Gutekunst’s, young talent with high upside. Garvin has some flashes and could benefit from learning behind Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith. Garvin will compete in camp with Tim Williams, Randy Ramsey, and any undrafted free agents the team signs.
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Maggie Loney is a writer for Cheesehead TV and podcaster for the Pack-A-Day Podcast and Pack's What She Said. Find her on Twitter at @MaggieJLoney.
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Comments (84)
Pauly
April 25, 2020 at 06:28 pm
l believe the proof of this direction Gute has taken, by ignoring upgrading high scoring potential, maximizing AR's last few years for a RUN first team strategy success will be demonstrated by the Dolphins rebuild strategy in their next 2 seasons.
Their tearing down the team systematically in 1 year to have 5 first and second rnd picks plus Cap money, grab Tau as QB and several potential top starters. That's what I hoped Gute would do 5 years from now instead of shitcanning AR in 2-3 yrs from now for a running first team that rarely wins much in todays passing game.
Not to mention boring to watch compared to Packers, KC and Seattle.
Remember Pack has made an exciting living as a high scoring team for over 25 yrs, even with a dysfunctional GM ignoring FA. I thought Gute's change in FA would lead to even better things until this draft.
I expect Pack to miss playoffs this year and if I am wrong will gladly eat crow.
Packer fan since days of Lombardi who remembers the 70s-80s and doesn't want to see them again.
SterlingSharpe
April 25, 2020 at 06:54 pm
You're absolutely right. And unbiased Packer fans & smart fans of 31 other teams agree with you.
Look at these sensitive baby fans giving u 5 thumbs down cuz they can't handle the truth.
They think the run defense will magically improve despite adding no beef to help Clark.
yooper81
April 25, 2020 at 07:48 pm
At the end of the day, did the packers get better? Pretty sure the answer is a big fat NO
murf7777
April 25, 2020 at 09:21 pm
The Packers were 16th in scoring last year, while the two teams they seem to be mimicking,
SF and Titans were both in the top 10.....your point of being boring doesn’t seem valid.
murf7777
April 25, 2020 at 09:21 pm
The Packers were 16th in scoring last year, while the two teams they seem to be mimicking,
SF and Titans were both in the top 10.....your point of being boring doesn’t seem valid.
fthisJack
April 26, 2020 at 08:34 am
I agree Pauly....they took two steps backward. You look at the Vikings draft and i'll go out on a limb rat now and say the Vikings will be the NFC champs. They had a tremendous draft....one that I keep dreaming the Packers will have. GB will not make the playoffs. And you all thought TT was bad? Now we have Gary and Love as the no.1 picks the last 2 years. Any bets on both of them busting?
Bure9620
April 26, 2020 at 08:37 am
Yes and every rookie will contribute......do you realize how much the Vikings lost??
fthisJack
April 26, 2020 at 09:26 pm
i know exactly what the Vikings lost and i know what the Packers lost and i know that the Vikings had an outstanding draft and i believe the Packers draft sucked ass. If you think this change in philosophy will make the Packers super bowl contenders in the next 5 years...you are crazy. Gary and Love...Wasted first round picks.
Lare
April 25, 2020 at 06:41 pm
This is the worst draft I've seen in 60 years of being a Packers fan. There is zero chance of the Packers winning the Super Bowl with Gutekunst and Murphy.
Time for this organization to move forward.
sonomaca
April 26, 2020 at 05:39 am
If Rodgers is his usual pissy self, it won’t work. He had McCarthy’s passing attack, but didn’t like that. Now, he’s going to have the run-heavy Shanahan/LaFleur system. Will he like that? Will he give Love a hard time, or help him to develop?
fthisJack
April 26, 2020 at 09:49 pm
If I was Rodgers, i'd ask to be traded and let them experience life after Rodgers. It wouldn't be pretty.
fthisJack
April 26, 2020 at 08:42 am
I agree Lare....this is the worst draft in Packer history. The areas they needed help in were ignored. My opinion of Gute and Lafleur is definitely trending downward. One good thing....they won't be picking 30,31,32 in next years draft.I would predict 18. You have pissed your Hall of Fame QB off now and you may as well trade him and pray that Love can develop. i don't see that happening along with Rashan....2 wasted no.1's.
Thegreatreynoldo
April 25, 2020 at 06:42 pm
A bit of a rebound on day 3. Martin is blah but he is cheaper than B.J. Goodson ($2.4M with $2.25M guaranteed).
I can't find anyone with an opinion on Scott. Rest are okay.
fthisJack
April 26, 2020 at 08:44 am
yippeeeee...they did mediocre on day 3!!!
Doug_In_Sandpoint
April 25, 2020 at 06:50 pm
Lots of new posters here the last two days, and I can’t say I like it. It is way way too early to make assessments like shitshow and circus. Way too many comments about “idiots” and “traitors” running the show. Apparently the team I love has been imposters, lucky, and benefitting from weak competition over the past 30 years. We’ve wasted 2 hall of game QB careers. My gosh people, you’d think we were the Browns (no playoff performances in 17 years) or the Bills.
You can have the Cowboys draft, but it comes with Jerry and a whole lot of obnoxious fans. You can have the 49ers one season (no SB) great defense and running game, but that was built on a bunch of 2-14 seasons. Now we were supposed to rebuild like Miami?
I don’t know about this draft. It may set us back, or may bring us another 15 years of stability at QB (while the Bears will have 17 more). I don’t want to hear about how someone is a realist anymore either. I watch sports to escape reality. Rant over...
jannesbjornson
April 25, 2020 at 07:37 pm
Solid Football Players, no worries. De-cleat the opponents, move the chains. Do not let your QB become a target in the shotgun with third and long. I have no real issues with any of the picks. My only gripe is I wished he would have swung back into the fourth and tried to make a play on Fotu.
Samson
April 25, 2020 at 07:42 pm
Doug
I'm afraid you're correct... Tooooo many 1st time posters with only negative opinions... CHTV really needs to somehow keep the trolls on a leash.
Nice rant ... this is still just a game... especially in today's new world.
fordguy
April 25, 2020 at 08:01 pm
It's funny you of all people on here would say anything about negative opinions when you're one of the biggest assholes on this site.
dblbogey
April 25, 2020 at 09:05 pm
Uh oh. I sense some tension
Leatherhead
April 26, 2020 at 07:25 am
If I could give you more than one upvote, I would.
splitpea1
April 25, 2020 at 09:43 pm
The Cowboys did have a nice draft and they did sign some older veterans to help boost their defense. McCarthy is an obvious upgrade over their previous coach. They play in a weak division, too, so they should have no problem making the playoffs. No head coach has ever won a Super Bowl with two different teams (although it's been done a couple of times with NFL Championship/Super Bowl combination way back when), but wouldn't it be something if McCarthy did it? I don't think it's out of the realm of possibility. And if it does come to pass, the Packers' FO is going to look awfully silly, whether it's deserved or not.
justjan
April 26, 2020 at 07:32 am
And why exactly do we care about what the cowboys did?
fthisJack
April 26, 2020 at 08:47 am
i'd switch drafts with the Vikings any day of the week. If you can't see the Vikings now being in control of the NFC north after this debacle, you are truly a homer!
fthisJack
April 26, 2020 at 09:38 pm
maybe the new guys don't appreciate you either....ever think about its now about you?
jeremyjjbrown
April 25, 2020 at 07:17 pm
The thing I learned from this draft is if you are a GM and your coach tells you some things he needs to run the Offense he wants. For example, he needs an HB/TE/FB to use like the 9ers us Kyle Juszczyk. Or, he needs a bruser RB to use like the Titans use Derrick Henry. Then you evaluate prospects like those guys against thier value to your coach. Not against thier value to Mike Mayock, or the idoits (who think HaHa is a great safety) at PFF. Because, it doesn't matter two s**ts what those guys are worth elsewhere. You need to get your coach the guys he needs.
TT didn't do that. He drafted players that clearly didn't fit what Dom Capers wanted to do. I'm glad Gute has the balls to pick who he thinks MLF needs.
Go look how the 9ers Kyle Juszczyk. I'll bet it's a preview of what the Packers want to do with Josiah Deguara. Mike Pettine hasn't gotten a full nights sleep since it happened to him.
Bure9620
April 25, 2020 at 07:17 pm
Good points, Damarious Randall is the most glaring example. There is culture change and identity change. Agree or disagree, this is happening and Gute is making that transition possible with this personnel.
stockholder
April 25, 2020 at 08:48 pm
TT did it. He just didn't avoid the strengths of the draft. I'm not crying about WR. Smart GMs know the war is won in the trench first! No DTs? No Wrs? Look at. Balt. They know how to draft. How'd Graham and Kizer turn out? You draft 3 OL and you miss Jones? Give me a break. The only thing we heard was Jones over WR. When he had the chance he still f**ked it up. In the 3rd he could have got Fotu. Why did he bring him in if he was going to TE. Gutey doesn't think the draft out.
hobowilly
April 26, 2020 at 07:11 pm
Hi. Honestly, it appears like he just stuck to his board sir. Understand your frustration, but R-E-L-A-X, we won't know until mid-season (whatever/whenever that is) and beyond. Personally, we long time fans, can we agree we're better off with Gutey & MLF?! Who saw 13-3, 6-0 coming? Who predicted Gutey would release the purse strings and hit on 3 of 4 FA's? I'd be happy if 1 out of the 3 this year make a steady contribution: (Kirksey/Wagner/Funchess)..then he'll be at least 4 for 7!! Time will dictate how well this odd draft really went for GB.
HankScorpio
April 26, 2020 at 07:16 am
"For example, he needs an HB/TE/FB to use like the 9ers us Kyle Juszczyk"
This is a guy with 7-yr career high of 354 total yards and 1 TD. That ought to cost less than a 3rd round pick. If the coach cannot scheme up that level of production with a nothing player, he's not much of a coach.
Bure9620
April 26, 2020 at 08:39 am
You seem to forget the most important part of the game, blocking....
HankScorpio
April 26, 2020 at 09:24 am
Guess again, Kreskin. No, I did not forget blocking. It's still not worth a day 2 pick.
Bure9620
April 26, 2020 at 10:25 am
I am flattered you consider me a mentalist
fthisJack
April 26, 2020 at 08:49 am
DeGuara reminds me of another Richard Rodgers. Great pick.
Bure9620
April 26, 2020 at 10:22 am
He will be better and more willing blocker and he has more position versatility than RR. Deguara also has more athleticism which is not saying much as RR was slower than molasses in January.
fthisJack
April 26, 2020 at 09:32 pm
Deguara is not 3rd round material i don't care how your slice it! He's supposed to come in and transform this offense into the 9ers? And that will happen when? They weren't satisfied to get to the championship game so now they're going to blow it up and start over....fucking stupid!
Packerpasty
April 25, 2020 at 07:19 pm
I;m glad they got some help for Clark inside...why would he sign again after being basically alone in the middle...
fthisJack
April 26, 2020 at 08:50 am
I'm glad they didn't draft Queen....they don't need a fast physical guy in the middle that can cover.
Lphill
April 25, 2020 at 07:43 pm
Not one player taken to help this season, this team needs an owner , it’s time to sell and come into the future and get competitive, no need for me to order the NFL Sunday ticket , I’m gonna save some money for a few years because it’s gonna be hard to watch this team. I feel sorry for Rodgers , Davante and the Smith Brothers who thought they came to Green Bay for a ring.
BAMABADGER
April 25, 2020 at 08:26 pm
Put down the crack pipe please, or move to Dallas.
BAMABADGER
April 25, 2020 at 08:26 pm
Put down the crack pipe please, or move to Dallas.
fthisJack
April 26, 2020 at 08:58 am
I agree LP ....this bullshi! sideshow 3 ring circus of freaks is bringing the Packers back to the 80's.
Roadrunner23
April 25, 2020 at 07:44 pm
Total garbage
Samson
April 25, 2020 at 07:46 pm
Great info Maggie & really fast... Especially like the "draft alternatives". --- I'm not a huge fan of 6th & 7th round picks, but I'm still hoping that another DD at any position shows eventually.
TarynsEyes
April 25, 2020 at 08:08 pm
The Packers are either trying to catch up with the NFC, the dot far ahead of them, or are they the dot that the NFC sees in their rearview mirror.
Either way, those of you who believe last year wasn't a fluke or lucky or an anomaly, best get to praying to that idea of Blind Optimism even more so, because this draft has the Packers in neutral and starting to roll backwards down hill without brakes.
Samson
April 25, 2020 at 08:42 pm
However.... Taryn ... you've yet to exhibit any great amount of football expertise so why try now? --- Find a new hobby...please.
TarynsEyes
April 25, 2020 at 08:32 pm
Never prefix a thought with 'sorry' and I'll not not give your being 'sorry' a thought at all.
Samson
April 25, 2020 at 08:46 pm
Better??... LOL.... (FYI -- same meaning)
TarynsEyes
April 25, 2020 at 09:36 pm
Apparently you didn't get mine.
fthisJack
April 26, 2020 at 09:46 pm
And what are your credentials on football expertise Samson? You ain't no smarter than anybody else so don't be bullshitting around with the sauce.
Leatherhead
April 26, 2020 at 07:30 am
Catch up? We won 14 games. We were 6-0 in the division.
If we win the turnover battle, and execute in the red zone, we’ll be fine.
Bure9620
April 26, 2020 at 10:23 am
Pretty crazy a rookie head coach is undefeated within the division....that simply does not happen
fthisJack
April 26, 2020 at 09:42 pm
It will happen this year....bank on it!
fthisJack
April 26, 2020 at 09:06 am
Taryn....i was always an optimist and was the first one to jump on your negativity. Accept my apologies as i am now in your camp. This has turned into a 3 ring circus and yes.....the Vikings are North favs now and the Packers are falling off the NFC charts. Gary and Love.....2 guys that i feel will never develop into anything. and disrespecting your Hall of Fame QB is not smart. Might as well trade him now for more pics to squander in your attempt to reinvent the Packers.
TarynsEyes
April 26, 2020 at 12:35 pm
No need for apology but accepted. I welcome you to the small group who live in reality not negativity. There is a huge difference and it's one that blind optimist cannot and for some will never grasp. Watching the Packers win is great but watching them win knowing that the road ends in the playoffs at best, is not, except for the believer in Participation Trophies.
One aspires to WIN the Championship and you or your team makes changes to do so yearly and this is what GB has been failing at since 2010.
I want to see this team adapt and fix its issues yearly and not let those issues fester for multiple years. This TEAM should be a true top contender each year with Rodgers and not a contender because we have him, because his name is not enough and never will be, a false belief that makes sports books happy and me also as a bettor.
How long has it been since the 'Next man up' mantra was a real thing in GB. We don't have that depth anymore because we draft poorly and our coaching has failed to make those draftees into such needed players.
Again, welcome to the 'Reality' side of being a Packer fan where hope is always, just not delusional hope.
Bure9620
April 26, 2020 at 10:38 am
I don't see how the optimism can be "blind" if you understand, and knew before the draft, the Packers want to change how they play philosophically. No more throwing into 7 man coverages. That is not hope. Hope is trying to consistently throw into those coverages and getting stuck in 3rd and long. Even elite QBs struggle on 3rd and 10. The optimism is a result of the Packers committing to run the ball and acquiring the personnel to do so. When was the last time the Packers has 3 legitimate backs defenses had to account for both rushing and receiving?? Mike Zimmer will not be dropping 7 and rushing 4 this year.... he will not be able to.
fthisJack
April 26, 2020 at 06:56 pm
so...what have they really done to improve the run game. Thay added 3 6th round linemen. They let their RT walk and added Rick Wagner....whoopee. and they added the next Eddie Lacey and an H back. Is that enough to outscore other teams that are gashing the defense on the ground. Wake up and smell the roses dude! This is a major step back.! If you think these meager changes push them ahead of the Eagles, Saints, SF, KC...your nuts. and the Vikings will be North champs...they had an AAA draft.
hobowilly
April 25, 2020 at 08:25 pm
thanks Maggie for cutting/pasting this together.....it gives an outline to what GB was attempting to do. Since we devote fans actually know quite a bit less than Gutey and the scouting team, it's a hard pill to swallow when GB kept choosing surprise players @ surprise positions in the draft (quite frankly). Here's a big point i'd like to share with CH TV:
I've enjoyed using the Cheesehead TV draft guide as a reference point (in its 10th year, this is my first purchase); Out of 25 players named as either IOL or OT, Mr. Runyan isn't listed (so that's 50 players in these positions); it highlights 40 and sometimes gives a paragraph on how a player will fit in with GBs current roster. Needless to say, he has the pendigree and being named twice all Big 10 and top defensive lineman for Michigan. That, in my book should get a draft candidate into a draft guide. PLEASE RESPOND!
leche
April 25, 2020 at 08:26 pm
The failure of this draft isn't about the quality of the players drafted or if they had good draft value or whatever, it's the vision and direction the team appears to be taking.
This draft is a shitshow because it signals the team essentially punting on the next few years (and last few years of the Rodgers era) to attempt to be better immediately post-Rodgers.
It's a shitshow because this team didn't improve AT ALL from the one that wasn't good enough a year ago. This team doesn't appear to have taken any meaningful steps forward toward trying to win a Super Bowl in 2020 (or even 2021), and is arguably probably worse overall than last year's team.
It was a horrible draft all the way around.
FAN24583
April 25, 2020 at 08:49 pm
Yes this draft was a total shitshow!! And for all of you that say too many new posters here complaining get over yourself. You can’t handle hearing the truth that MM and BG are absolute losers.
Wilment
April 25, 2020 at 09:37 pm
MM is gone bud. If you are going to post up as a fan, at least be aware of who is at the helm of the team. There was a lot of this talk at the end of last years draft too. We weren't making the playoffs. We would be lucky to win nine games. Well, surprise surprise. they went to the NFC Championship and won fourteen games, including one in the playoffs, and had a first round bye. This team is undergoing a change. Love isn't going to chase Rodgers out of town, the Packers have him under contract and have rights to him for four more years. They arent trading him because the cap hit would cripple them. Taking a big bruising back in the second round was a good move. He will be a step up from Williams, and a compliment to A Jones. Im not as concerned about the wide receivers. We have two good ones, plus I expect Sternberger more involved this year, and we already know when he is out in the flat, Jones is as good as anywise receiver and just as quick. Might not be exciting picks, but it will shore things up, plus, look for BG add a couple folks in FA.
FAN24583
April 25, 2020 at 09:48 pm
I am talking about Mark Murphy you moron !!
flackcatcher
April 25, 2020 at 11:13 pm
I'm second to none in beating the crap out of Mark Murphy when he was being 'defacto owner'. But those days are gone. The Packers Executive committee put the stop to that. For better or worse Gute runs the football side of the house. It's his show, get use to it. Has been for the past two years.
yooper81
April 25, 2020 at 10:39 pm
Have no $$ for free agents with gaping holes on defense, and draft didnt do shit for 2020, or 2021, or most likely 2022 with the 1st round pick. And then giving up a a pick to move up, c'mon man
Bure9620
April 25, 2020 at 10:31 pm
McMuffin will be a loser but a loser in Dallas, he coaches the Dallas Cowboys
HankScorpio
April 26, 2020 at 07:26 am
Georgia,
A little harshly said about Murphy and Gute but it is hard to argue. Gute has systematically ignored the words of his HoF predecessor, Ron Wolf. Wolf said his greatest regret was not giving Favre enough weapons. Gute has done that with Rodgers. It remains to be seen whether he'll do it with Love. I hope he changes courses soon and heeds Wolf's words. Or Love's best chance of success will be handing off and hoping someone else can do something.
Meantime, Murphy is where the buck stops. He's lets Gute do that. And whether you blame the cap mis-management of late on Russ Ball or Gute, the buck stops at Murphy with that, as well.
justjan
April 26, 2020 at 07:45 am
I thought you said you were "leaving". Not going to be a packer "fan" anymore. So LEAVE already.
Bure9620
April 25, 2020 at 10:41 pm
I love how people and media judge and grade drafts. How in the world do we know how these players will develop. This draft will be determined by Love obviously but we don't know. If 3 or 4 players become really good starters (including Love) this draft is a success, regardless of where they were mocked.. Here is what I do know. None of them will do much as rookies if anything at all. Why? Because they're rookies. Also, they will have essentially no coaching or on field drills and no camps or OTAs. I do not see hardly any immediate big time contributors in this draft for any teams. Maybe Chase Young and that is because he was NFL ready this past year. That is about it. Rookie WRs also do not do much really ever. So no we would not find a guy to help now. That WR would be #4 on the depth chart if drafted. Maybe Jeudy gets in the mix but not all at once. Some rookies will be forced into action and will have growing pains......so settle down. If this draft falls apart and Love does not work out in a few years, then we can clean house. Till then, R-E-L-A-X
Thegreatreynoldo
April 26, 2020 at 08:24 pm
I don't think this is factually true. Most teams do get first-year contributors out of the first and often enough their second round picks.
2019: Savage, Jenkins, yes. Gary no,
2018: Jaire yes. Jackson no.
2017: Jones no. King not really.
2016: Clark yes. Spriggs no.
2015: Randall yes. Rollins no.
2014: HHCD yes. Adams - more yes than no.
2013: Lacy yes. Datone not really'
2012: Hayward yes. Worthy, Perry no.
2011: Sherrod no injury. Cobb yes.
2010: Bulaga yes. Neal no.
22 prospects, 11 ayes.
2009: Raji, CM3 yes.
CoachDino
April 25, 2020 at 11:22 pm
I get the comments about evaluating the players we drafted. They are not in line with what the Media and posters (like me) were thinking.
The points I disagree with have to do with Gute being Clueless. No Vision, No Plan, Teams worse, doesn't understand the League.
I disagree because it's obvious he has vision, a plan, 2020 team will be better and he gets the league.
Gute is carrying out the Plan. This plan based on his vision of what the league requires to win.
His Vision is what causes us the most angst. We don't know or understand it. I've seen it mentioned but too often it is not referenced enough when speaking of decisions. He's not drafting for JUST making the packers better in 2020. He's not building a team on paying out on 3rd contracts. Draft for the future, Have leverage in Negotiations, USe FA to fill critical gaps, Create Bridges and In Season Depth. Pay out for your Top difference makers. Modernize the offense by bringing in ML and his scheme (Shanahan). 2 TE, Run First, Misdirection etc... He has Jace now and will soon have his 3 rd Pick ready to fill in next year behind Lewis. Plus a RB Thumper to complete the 3 headed dragon and leverage AJ contract in 2021.
Not going to go into what a great pick Love MAY turn out to be. It will improve Rodgers play more in 20020 and 2021 than any draft pick. It will motivate AR to WIN to prove how he is still the man and the Packers will want him past the post 2021 opt out. Sounds like Psychobabble stuff to me 9 times out of 10. Yet It all makes sense in this instance. Anyone who is upset for AR is clueless as to how this League works. The Packers owe AR what they agreed to, It's business HELLO!!!. Getting AR a defense in 2019 and a Run first Offense in 2020 is the best things that could of happened to help AR.
They have improved at both the ILB Positions. A Greene will be back
Have positioned themselves to improve on the o-line in 2021 by cutting turner and Lindsley saving a ton of money. (might cut Lane this year and use that money to make moves)
The Cap is a mess and Gute new he needn't to do something for 2020,2021 & 2023 that will not impact the team negatively. Looks like between his plan and vision he has been well on his way.
I look at the guys drafted and say what? Why that guy? When I take everything into consideration including the difference in player draft value when considering the scheme/position fit it starts to make sense.
I love the Vision, Plan, Strategy, Direction. Still not sure I'm in love with the players. Love as a player was a huge pick-up. RB in rd 2 (it's really just as much a rd 3 pick). Reached for a position/direction/scheme fit) but We Pack landed a Derrick Henry of their own.
Is Runyan expected to play Tackle? Do we have a Back-up Tackle other than Light and Turner?
There was talk of Elkins at Tackle when he was drafted.Scouting report made a point of mentioning his OT traits..
Bure9620
April 26, 2020 at 08:50 am
The reason people are losing their mind is because they did not understand the change in philosophy the Packers are having under Lefluer. They "expect" a WR. When those expectations are not met then Gute is an idiot. I was not surprised at all by this draft as this acquisition of offense personnel is directly tied to how the Packers want to play moving forward. Teams have been rushing 4 and dropping 7 against Rodgers for how long?? So, lets draft a 250 pound hammer and have a 3 headed monster in the backfield. This will make Rodgers MORE effective off the run action. Defenses will simply not be able to drop 7 into coverage anymore if we are bludgeoning them with the run.
leche
April 26, 2020 at 10:45 am
We still need a viable #2 receiver, which we don't have... We have an eclectic mix of #4 receivers that collectively... Well they still look like #4 receivers.
We're also currently going to be starting Rick Wagner at RT?
The decision to draft Love is primarily the indicator of his vision not being what I feel it should be. The Saints are in a similar position as the Packers; aging QB with the foundation to contend for a Super Bowl. They spent their draft getting better for the short run rather than what's next... And they're just more likely to found success over the short run than we are, because of it.
It's *ok* to not have your succession plan. When you don't have that succession plan you are resigning yourself to a couple of bad years after your window runs out, but that's the trade off. You maximize your ability WITHIN the window and then pay for it later. We're not maximizing ourselves within the window in hopes of prolonging the window...
FAN24583
April 26, 2020 at 01:17 am
Even if AR has his best year in 2020. Unless he can stop the run or drop into coverage over the middle GB is NOT winning another SB. They may actually muss the playoffs next year.
Fanaic
April 26, 2020 at 06:41 am
You can not even grade this draft it was that bad. Taking Love was a year to soon but you can understand that. Evan taking the running back although to early I can understand that but missing on every one else in the draft looks like it was almost done on purpose. We deserved better and so did Rodgers. As long as they went this route you have to trade Rodgers still value there get out of the contract on go on to your rebuild get a ton 5 pick next year.
Bure9620
April 26, 2020 at 09:35 am
You cannot grade this draft because it ended yesterday.......
TarynsEyes
April 26, 2020 at 11:10 am
Yes we can because we base it on the fact that not one area of issue, ranked accordingly by each of our own measure, was not addressed. Can things change with each draftee contributing beyond the perception now, sure, but every draft class for every team is graded based on the value of the issues addressed. GB has failed in this, especially this draft.
HankScorpio
April 26, 2020 at 07:19 am
Day 3 is day 3. Since Gute decided to use his 4th on moving up for Jordan Love, I'm not expecting much. The Packers have had very good success with round 4 but after Gute used it on J'Mon Moore, he's treated that round like it was radioactive.
In 5-7, for every Aaron Jones, Micah Hyde or James Starks, there are 5 guys like Charles Johnson, Andrew Datko and Kyle Murphy. If two of six from yesterday turn into players, they will be ahead of their recent hit rate. My best hopes are Runyon (as OG, not OT) and Garvin.
Cartwright
April 26, 2020 at 07:32 am
We went 13 and 3, how bad were we, If we just drafted an Eddie Lacey in A.J. Dillon and a Taysom Hill in Love we just improved the team today because those 2 guys can perform those roles today, a WR no matter who will need some grooming and not be ready year one. We already have those guys. At first I saw these picks as being for the birds but now I'm having second thoughts.
hobowilly
April 26, 2020 at 06:56 pm
nice! first who expected 13-3?! Second, we were a little lucky things fell into place but at the same time, this group of players & staff never quit. The win on the road @ the queens was special and winning eventually @ the Silverdome was cool at the end...another reminder how special Mason has been.
Got a kick out of your comments on WR's. IMHO, i think GB hit on 1 of 3 in 2018 in EQ and the jury still out on MVS (remember the Adams-O). Lastly, for those handful of fans that have turned sour on Gutey, shame on you*....this is his plan with MLF pushing along the way and we'll see some more updates/hopefully more creativity on O. OOops, P.S. folks, just because we drafted 3 interior Olinemen in the draft (albeit 6th R), it doesn't mean any of them stick, but my $$ is on Runyan. * who gave us the FA's last year...he was 3 for 4 in my book.
Houndog
April 26, 2020 at 07:59 am
"R-E-L-A-X" !
No worries about a return to the '70's/80's Packers, these front office Bozos will all be gone in another year or two.
The best part of this draft is that it may be what it takes to get Murphy on a train out of town. The guy has done nothing for this team as a CEO other than to build a real estate portfolio. What was everyone expecting after Murphy gutted the personnel department of all the 'Wolf' people two years ago and inserted himself as the "Go-To Guy"? We just witnessed the outcome over the past 3 days.
If MLF is truly as happy as he looked in his living room with all these picks he should be on the same train with Murphy and Gutekunst. His younger brother re-upped with the Niners this spring to stay with a winner. Where was Derrick Henry in 2018 when LaFleur was OC, and now he wants to mimic the Titans and the Niners? Yeah Right, monkey see, monkey do.
The executive committee will step up again like they did in firing McCarthy, and hopefully sooner rather than later.
hobowilly
April 26, 2020 at 07:22 pm
Dog?! so, 13-3/6-0 for a first year HC isn't good enough for you? Dude! McMuffin clearly reached his peter principle in 2014 when he coached the NFCCG away in the last 4 minutes.
I'll be curious to see how you criticize if GB returns to the playoffs (again) this coming season and 2 or 3 players from this years' draft are starters by season end. Let's just pray it's not Love, because that'll mean HOF Rodgers went down.
fthisJack
April 26, 2020 at 09:08 am
Maggie....great analysis and I like your input.....just one question.....what do you honestly think about this draft. Politically correct answers not accepted.
hobowilly
April 26, 2020 at 07:29 pm
CoachDino. Loved you thorough post; admitedly i get a bit wordy in my shares too, but you had a lot to share and most of it was righteous.
This draft and this year is unpresidented in my lifetime. let us all be grateful that GB has been very fortunate with 3 HOF QB's and 2 of our last ones, back to back. It's unlikely Love will make it a 3 peat, but he appears to have a huge up-side and his arm was arguably the best of this years' draft. I believe what Gutey said, Aaron is a pro's pro....he'll work with Love because he'll recall what it was like. Let's wish both the very best of success!
Go Pack Go!
Travis72
April 27, 2020 at 07:48 am
I think the Packers want to have the players to run Lafluers offense and now they do. The Packers have good recievers . If Rodgers buys into the offense they will be very good. I’m hoping he will get the ball out quicker and stop doing audibles so much. When Rodgers gets the ball out quick like he did last year against the Vikings he is unstoppable but when he holds the ball it hurts the offense. This team looks a lot like the Patriots used to look. Let’s just at least wait until we see them play before we judge.
Sebeersde
January 12, 2021 at 05:48 am
Good psot i like it