What We Can Learn About This Year’s Draft from the Packers 2008 Selections
By GilMartin
For the first time since 2008, the Green Bay Packers will have a new starting quarterback under center by design. Former first round pick Jordan Love will take over for Aaron Rodgers after sitting and learning behind the future Hall of Famer for three seasons, just like Rodgers did behind Brett Favre from 2005-2007.
The Packers took a very specific approach to their draft in Rodgers’ first year as their starter. While the Packers GM in 2008 was Ted Thompson, current GM Brian Gutekunst learned under Thompson and his overall approach is similar to his mentor’s. So here is a look back at the way the Packers approached the 2008 NFL Draft.
The Packers finished 13-3 in 2007 and reached the NFC Championship Game. They entered the draft with the 30th overall pick in the first round. When the Packers were on the clock, Thompson didn’t see a player he loved at that spot, so he traded back six spots and acquired an extra fourth round pick from the New York Jets (wow could history really be repeating itself). In exchange for moving from 30 to 36, the Packers netted an extra pick in the fourth round.
Green Bay also picked up an extra second-round selection from Cleveland which ended up being the 56th overall pick. They sent defensive tackle Corey Williams to Cleveland for that pick. Williams was originally selected in the sixth round back in 2004.
Trading down for extra picks was just one part of the Packers approach that year and they ended up with three selections in the second round.
How they went about using those picks is interesting. They clearly placed an emphasis on helping their new starting quarterback (Rodgers) in any way possible.
With the pick they acquired from the Jets, the Packers took wide receiver Jordy Nelson. They added tight end Jermichael Finley with their only pick in the third round and then added another receiver in the seventh round in Brett Swain.
The Packers hit big with both Nelson and Finley. Nelson became a Pro Bowl player and is a sure-fire Packers Hall of Famer. He caught 550 passes for 7,848 yards and 69 touchdowns in nine seasons with the Packers and went to the Pro Bowl in 2014. He was named the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year in 2016 and had four 1,000-yard seasons with the Packers while leading the league in touchdown catches in 2016.
Finley gave the Packers a weapon at tight end that they still haven’t been able to replicate since injuries forced him to retire in 2013. Finley could stretch the field and defenses had to account for him which not only helped Finley be productive but created favorable matchups for other players.
The Packers also made moves to make sure Rodgers was well protected. They took offense linemen in the fourth and fifth rounds, adding Josh Sitton and Breno Giacomini. Sitton developed into a starter by his second NFL season and earned Pro Bowl honors three times with the Packers. He spent eight seasons in Green Bay and was a starting guard in seven of them. Giacomini only played one game with the Packers but eventually became a starter for three other teams and played eight years in the NFL.
Thompson also knew he needed a new backup quarterback behind Rodgers, so he drafted two of them. In the second round, he added Brian Brohm out of Louisville with the 56th overall pick. Brohm never clicked in Green Bay and was beaten out for the backup spot by seventh round pick Matt Flynn. Flynn became the Packers primary backup. He had two tours of duty with the Packers totaling six seasons and won a Super Bowl ring as Rodgers’ backup in 2010.
With the other two picks, the Packers tried to address their needs on defense, adding defensive back Pat Lee with their third pick in the second round and defensive end Jeremy Thompson with their first pick in Round 4.
Obviously, the 2023 Packers have more holes to fill than their 2008 counterparts coming off an 8-9 season rather than a 13-3 campaign. The present-day Packers also pushed a lot of cap money down the road in an attempt to win another title with Rodgers that they weren’t quite able to do. That money has come due, and the team has limited cap space available to sign free agents this season.
But don’t be surprised to see a similar approach to this year’s draft with the goal to acquire more picks and help their new quarterback any way they can with many of them.
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Comments (59)
jont
April 20, 2023 at 12:26 pm
That Ted drafted two QBs in 2008 stands out to me. I don't know a tiny fraction of what others here do about college prospects so my limited "analysis" of a draft is about positions and the longer term, and ever since Ron Wolf brought a string of future NFL QB's through GB I've thought a good GM should look at QBs every year.
But this year, IMO, the Packers have other, more pressing needs and shouldn't use a pick on a QB.
That being said, I was pleased to read today that GB brought in a QB prospect for a visit. "Dane Brugler of The Athletic ranks Minnesota's Tanner Morgan as the No. 18 quarterback in the class and a likely priority free agent following the draft."
You needs arms in camp, and a UFA QB is always worth a look.
GregC
April 20, 2023 at 12:40 pm
Selecting Brohm in the second round was a questionable move, and nobody seems to be expecting a QB to be drafted anywhere near as high this year, even though Jordan Love Is a bigger question mark than Aaron Rodgers was coming into the 2008 season. I would expect them to draft a QB in rounds 5-7 though.
Starrbrite
April 20, 2023 at 07:58 pm
Completely agree.
EnemyTerritory
April 20, 2023 at 09:08 pm
Goodness gracious not Tanner Morgan! He played about 100 years for the local U and was underwhelming at best.
marpag1
April 20, 2023 at 12:38 pm
I'm going to go out on a limb and say that we can't really learn anything about this year's draft from the Packers 2008 selections.
Heyward
April 20, 2023 at 12:59 pm
I'll be glad to meet you on that limb.
PackAttack4155
April 20, 2023 at 01:21 pm
I agree. Hope the limb is sturdy.
stockholder
April 20, 2023 at 12:58 pm
You think Love is Rodgers.
You can't trade down when you lack players on Defense.
You can restock the cupboards.
But that hasn't worked with Gute.
(Other than the OL.)
Rodgers made Nelson and Finley.
We were only a Raji and CM3 away on the Defense.
Both #1 picks. And Nobody believes in Barry.
If Love shows he can work with what he has. A men.
Packman99
April 20, 2023 at 01:17 pm
you never have anything positive to say
TKWorldWide
April 20, 2023 at 01:44 pm
I am positive that I dislike posts when someone is always 100% negative OR 100% positive.
Gotta be able to deal with reality, and 100% on either end just isn’t that.
HarryHodag
April 20, 2023 at 01:46 pm
Just to refresh your memory....the reason your hero fell to the Packers that draft year was because GM's across the league thought he had a problem with his throwing motion. He had a big arm but it took too long to get the ball out. Mike McCarthy and staff fixed Rodgers' problem and he became a star.
But his overall view at that time was he was a wasted pick by Thompson.
Contrary to what the history revisionists will say, Rodgers was anything but a sure bet when he took over.
Clearly someone had to throw the ball to Nelson and Finley. Rodgers got the ball to them, as he was paid to do.
Someday a light will go on and you will realize the Packers have a good record under Gute/Matt LF AND IT WASN'T ALL AARON RODGERS!
stockholder
April 20, 2023 at 02:35 pm
Nobody else needed a QB that year.
And like I said. #4 still had something left.
Yes - gutsy got Free Agents. But not weapons.
Coldworld
April 20, 2023 at 02:37 pm
Nobody else needed a QB that year? Bryan and Flacco seemed needed.
I believe Gute was still a scout back then. TT took Brohm (ugh) and Flynn. I could see Gute taking a Flynn type.
stockholder
April 20, 2023 at 03:00 pm
TT knew #4s thumb was bad
He got it fixed.
TT also had a way of screwing up the drafts.
TKWorldWide
April 20, 2023 at 03:29 pm
If by “screwing up” you mean hit on less than 100%, you are right.
Still searching the whole NFL for that 100% GM.
jannesbjornson
April 20, 2023 at 03:26 pm
Max Duggan.
Coldworld
April 20, 2023 at 05:31 pm
TT didn’t draft Brohm and Flynn due to Rodgers thumb. Nice laugh though.
jannesbjornson
April 21, 2023 at 08:00 am
The Purple passed on him twice and were content with Dante. The two whiffs drove Denny out of Town.
jannesbjornson
April 20, 2023 at 02:22 pm
Correct, Draft for the Offense. Score points. This defense is soft and clueless. He gave you Walker and Wyatt, read'em and weep. No TE was bagged in last year's class. Get Two of them next week. He will blow the Edge pick.
They have chase ILBs when they need a guy like Noah Sewell to enforce the Middle. DTs in the 4th-5th. If they want to play the Mock Game, let's put money on the picks.
stockholder
April 20, 2023 at 02:46 pm
I'm all for BPA 1st round. But IMO it's Nolan Smith.
I'm planning for the future when Barry is Fired.
Because Campbell will slow. And P. Smith/ Gary -eat $$$.
It's a young mans game @LB. The next DC can move
Walker and Smith outside. And get a Faster ILB.
TT tried with Martinez and Ryan.
But neither could get Outside.
Keep that in MIND!
Nick Perry had to play over the LT hurting CM3.
And look how Hawk got slower.
Gutey never fixed the DL. I'd copy KC now.
jannesbjornson
April 20, 2023 at 03:14 pm
They can use Walker the same way, both are lightweights. Move him as the designated speed guy off the corner and get a badass for the ILB who can plug the run. I still rate Felix as Playmaker. KC has him in their sights.
jannesbjornson
April 20, 2023 at 03:21 pm
For the BPA, they will need to move up into the top ten.
Coldworld
April 20, 2023 at 04:08 pm
I would be happy with Smith, if he fell. I still think the likely best option will turn out to be trading back because the elite guys we need are gone and we need a lot of talent, too much for luxury picks.
stockholder
April 20, 2023 at 06:09 pm
The only way is if you want a Te.
I'd take WR over TE any day.
The wrs are needed to get the TE open.
Coldworld
April 20, 2023 at 02:35 pm
I think Love is Love. We just don’t know what that means yet.,
dhazer
April 20, 2023 at 08:07 pm
Not sure how old you are but you claim Rodgers made Nelson and Finley well I have to bring up that Rodgers was handed a very deep receiving group when he took over. Look at the roster Driver, Jennings, Jones, Nelson and Finley. I wonder if you think Rodgers made Adams look better instead of the other way around. Rodger's only Super Bowl was given to him thanks to that defense, Raji intercepts the 3rd string QB for the winning TD and the game-ending int. In the Super Bowl it was the defense that scored the points to win, INT for TD and the CM 3 famous fumble and the defensive hold won the game for them.
packer132
April 20, 2023 at 01:25 pm
It appears that GB has a few more holes to fill than the 2008 team. I still agree that offense will get more attention, as TE, WR, and OL should net a couple of good players early. A QB can be found in the 5th or 7th round though I hope its not Haener from Fresno State. He is 24 and small (6'0). Mckee from Stanford is a possibility, Morgan from Minnesota or O'Connell from Purdue. There are also several older vets who could come in as a camp arm for cheap. Only 1 more week for the long-awaited draft.
golfpacker1
April 20, 2023 at 01:45 pm
I like Clayton Tune-Houston also 132. But he might go earlier than expected. I doubt we would draft one before the 5th and as of now we have no 6th rounders. Another interesting QB is Tyson Bagent-Shepard. Small school guy with huge stats. 17000 yards passing, 156 TDs @ about 70%. He looked as good as anyone at the combine. Maybe he is our first 7th rounder.
10 picks seem like a lot right now, but we have a bunch of holes to fill. A trade back would give us 2 more to play with.
DoubleJ
April 20, 2023 at 02:02 pm
After reading a story about Holton Ahlers on si.com and looking at some footage I like his as an R7/UDFA QB. Guy is raw but has a Big Ben vibe to me.
https://www.si.com/nfl/2023/04/13/2023-nfl-draft-sleeper-quarterback-hol...
ko40489
April 20, 2023 at 01:26 pm
Given Gutey's draft history, expect the unexpected. Which will give the Monday morning quarterbacks plenty to argue about.
golfpacker1
April 20, 2023 at 01:36 pm
You can trade back anytime SH, and GB needs to do that this year. Trading back this year would give us the chance to fill 2 more needs in the middle of a lot of solid talent. We need the extra 2nd and 4th to get a WR and another TE or O-lineman while the top talent is still there. Especially if the Jets trade drags on or falls apart.
GB should be very aggressive right now talking to other teams about Rodgers and letting other teams know we are looking and willing to trade back. I would be calling Buffalo about Bijan and QB needy teams that might come up for Hooker.
Picking at #15 can get you a bust just like picking at #5. Its always a crapshoot. Trade back for more shots and fill all the needs early. We are starting the reload this year and we have needs on offense and defense.
HarryHodag
April 20, 2023 at 01:52 pm
The trade back theory would work if the Packers just needed a tight end. There's lots of good ones this year. But the need at safety is dire and if they traded back the few good ones likely would be gone. If they could get a starting safety by trading back, then by all means do it, IF a team wants that spot.
The Packers already have 10 picks. If the picks are in rounds 2-3 then that would work. They don't need lower round picks as they have aplenty.
I've run dozens of draft simulations and it almost always comes up with the Packers taking a safety in round one, edge in round two, and then a tight end or two.
DoubleJ
April 20, 2023 at 02:04 pm
Really there aren't that many good safety prospects in this draft. The best ones who aren't CBs are typically late R2 or early R3 prospects.
Coldworld
April 20, 2023 at 04:06 pm
There are possibly better S options like Robinson, Skinner, Battle in the mid rounds.
HarryHodag
April 20, 2023 at 04:27 pm
There really is only one safety projected by most of the draftniks who could be picked and play day one: Brian Branch from Alabama.
This from CBS Sports:
2022: AP second-team All-American
2022: Only SEC player with 90+ tackles, 2+ interceptions and 2+ sacks
If he's there, it would be dumb to pass him by. The lower round safeties are probably not ready to start. Branch was considered by Nick Saban as the key leader on defense.
Adrian Amos will never be back. You then have the pick of a lower round draft pick or several marginal veterans in a key spot.
crayzpackfan
April 20, 2023 at 02:14 pm
Just goofing around with a mock. This has lot's of trades and trading down involved for a pile of picks. I think this would work out for our offense while building a little depth on defense. LOL (shouldn't have to draft TE for the next 3-4 years)
19. Michael Mayer - TE Notre Dame
41. Darnell Washington - TE Georgia
45. Jack Campbell - LB Iowa
78. A.T. Perry - WR Wake Forest
82. Matthew Bergeron - OT Syracuse
97. Jartavius Martin - CB Illinois
116. Isaiah McGuire - EDGE Missouri
147. Braeden Daniels - OG Utah
149. Moro Ojomo - DT Texas
170. Andrei Iosivas - WR Princeton
232. Anthony Johnson Jr. - S Iowa State
235. Evan Hull - RB Northwestern
242. Josh Whyle - TE Cincinnati
256. DeWayne McBride - RB UAB
stockholder
April 20, 2023 at 02:54 pm
The only pick I don't like is Perry.
Campbell is Martinez.
Change those two.
StarrtoRodgers
April 20, 2023 at 04:30 pm
The only pick I don't like is Perry.
Campbell is Martinez.
Change those two.
Stockholder,
Specifically, what do you use as sources to make your assessments of these college players?
Personally, I only find value in:
1) My OwN EYES - watching the college players play college games.
2) Qualifying what I see by what level of competition the particular player is facing.
3) My OWN EYES - watching the college players at the NFL combine and Pro Days.
4) Evaluating individual College statistics, again adjusting for level of competition.
5) Evaluating the NFL Combine and Pro Day measurements and results..
The objective of the 31 Billionaire Parasite NFL Owners who control the teams and these various NFL media sites and the paid wage slaves and talking heads who spew out these mock drafts is to MAXIMIZE REVENUE and NOT NECESSARILY TO PROVIDE TRUTH or any value. The entrance of "profit" corrupts any offering. Consequently, I find little value in the mock draft writeup pass arounds of Todd McShay ESPN, Dane Brugler (the Athletic), Vinni Iyer Sporting News, Mel Kiper,, Daniel Jeremiah, etc. etc. I mean, I will read them, but 1 through 5 I find more dependable than what is being written up and talked about by these paid talking heads and dramatists, some who peddle hysteria and gossip and rumors with "unnamed sources". .
Coldworld
April 20, 2023 at 05:35 pm
You’ve never made a half way sensible draft proposal yet. Just another chance to roll out the rest of your post for the umpteenth time.
StarrtoRodgers
April 21, 2023 at 10:40 pm
Coldworld,
You work hard here all day every day following around anyone that critiques GM Brian Gutekunst. We all know Packer Management pays you well do to lurk here every day posting all day every hour.
Coldworld, as for my draft proposals, I have made a few, here is another you must have missed:
Stockholder:
Are you looking for Nolan Smith to accumulate tackles in run support or purely as a pass rusher or both?
Nolan had only 18 total tackles and 3 sacks and 7 tackles for a loss, 1 forced fumble and 1 pass defensed thru 8 games when he tore his pec muscle against Florida and was out for the season. Georgia had 2 junior linebackers, Mondon Jr.(76 tackles, 8 tackles for a loss, 1 sack, 1 interception, 1 pass defensed, 13 games) and Dumas Johnson (70 total tackles, 9 tackles for a loss, 4 sacks, 3 passes defensed, 1 forced fumble, 15 games) with what seems like better run support numbers.
As for an edge rusher, how about Tuli Tuipulotu out of USC?
Tuli is the younger brother of Eagles lineman Marlon Tuipulotu and plays for USC in the Pac 12.
Tuli led all of college football with 13.5 sacks last year and had 21 tackles for a loss and 2 forced fumbles and 3 pass defenses.
Looked dominant against Pac 12 competition and Notre Dame too - see his video:
Tuli Tuipulotu 2022 Highlights | USC EDGE | 2023 NFL Draft Prospect
College Football Player Stats - Tackles For Loss
Please be aware that non-FBS players may show for some stats, due to a technical issue.
1 Durrell Johnson Liberty Flames DE 28
2 Tuli Tuipulotu Southern California Trojans DL 22
3 Ivan Pace Jr. Cincinnati Bearcats LB 21
4 Jose Ramirez Eastern Michigan Eagles DL 20
5 Thomas Incoom Central Michigan Chippewas DL 19
5 Viliami Fehoko San Jose State Spartans DL 19
5 Drake Thomas NC State Wolfpack LB 19
8 Layton Jordan Temple Owls LB 19
8 John Marshall Navy Midshipmen LB 19
10 Karl Brooks Bowling Green Falcons DL 18
11 Will Anderson Jr. Alabama Crimson Tide LB 17
12 Desjuan Johnson Toledo Rockets DT 17
12 Jared Verse Florida State Seminoles DE 17
12 Jordan Ferguson Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders DE 17
15 David Perales Fresno State Bulldogs DE 16
16 Mohamed Kamara Colorado State Rams DL 16
16 Nick Herbig Wisconsin Badgers LB 16
16 Trey Moore Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners LB 16
19 Isaiah Moore NC State Wolfpack LB 15
19 Owen Porter Marshall Thundering Herd DL 15
21 Yasir Abdullah Louisville Cardinals LB 15
21 T.J. Jackson Troy Trojans DE 15
21 Donovan Ezeiruaku Boston College Eagles DE 15
21 Cal Wallerstedt Texas El Paso Miners LB 15
21 Dee Winters Texas Christian Horned Frogs LB 15
21 Zi'Yon Hill-Green UL Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns DL 15
21 Dylan Horton Texas Christian Horned Frogs DL 15
28 Drew Sanders Arkansas Razorbacks LB 14
28 Cole Pearce Ball State Cardinals LB 14
28 Brian Branch Alabama Crimson Tide DB 14
28 Vonnie Watkins Ohio Bobcats DE 14
28 Calijah Kancey Pittsburgh Panthers DL 14
28 Jonah Tavai San Diego State Aztecs DL 14
28 Jalen Mackie Massachusetts Minutemen LB 14
28 Jaques Evans Western Kentucky Hilltoppers LB 14
28 Ty'ron Hopper Missouri Tigers LB 14
28 Jasheen Davis Wake Forest Demon Deacons DL 14
38 Mohamoud Diabate Utah Utes LB 14
38 DeVonne Harris Wyoming Cowboys DE 14
38 Braden Siders Wyoming Cowboys DE 14
38 Tyree Wilson Texas Tech Red Raiders LB 14
38 Levi Bell Texas State Bobcats DL 14
38 Harold Perkins Jr. Louisiana State Tigers LB 14
38 Shaun Dolac Buffalo Bulls LB 14
38 Isaiah Foskey Notre Dame Fighting Irish DL 14
38 Adam Plant Jr. UNLV Rebels DL 14
47 Isaiah McGuire Missouri Tigers DL 13
47 Marcus Cushnie Massachusetts Minutemen DL 13
47 Dom Peterson Nevada Wolf Pack DT 13
47 Tre'mon Morris-Brash Central Florida Knights DL 13
47 Yaya Diaby Louisville Cardinals DL 13
47 Bralen Trice Washington Huskies DE 13
47 Aaron Beasley Tennessee Volunteers LB 13
47 Keith Randolph Jr. Illinois Fighting Illini DL 13
47 Marquis Waters Texas Tech Red Raiders DB 13
47 Michael Shawcroft San Diego State Aztecs LB 13
57 D'Anthony Jones Houston Cougars DL 13
57 Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Clemson Tigers LB 13
57 Mazin Richards North Texas Mean Green LB 13
57 Josh Chandler-Semedo Colorado Buffaloes LB 13
57 Maema Njongmeta Wisconsin Badgers LB 13
57 Jer'Zhan Newton Illinois Fighting Illini DL 13
57 Andre Carter Western Michigan Broncos DL 13
57 Brock Martin Oklahoma State Cowboys DE 13
57 Jamare Edwards James Madison Dukes DL 13
57 Cade Hall San Jose State Spartans DL 13
57 Laiatu Latu UCLA Bruins LB 13
57 Dennis Osagiede Liberty Flames DL 13
57 Ethan Downs Oklahoma Sooners DL 13
57 Darian Varner Temple Owls DT 13
57 Payton Wilson NC State Wolfpack LB 13
57 Mason Cobb Oklahoma State Cowboys LB 13
73 TyJuan Garbutt Virginia Tech Hokies DL 12
73 Tommy Eichenberg Ohio State Buckeyes LB 12
73 Cedric Gray North Carolina Tar Heels LB 12
73 Daiyan Henley Washington State Cougars LB 12
73 Keion White Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets DL 12
73 Brennan Jackson Washington State Cougars DE 12
73 Averie Habas Southern Miss Golden Eagles LB 12
73 Nathaniel Watson Mississippi State Bulldogs LB 12
73 Chris Ojoh New Mexico State Aggies LB 12
73 Byron Young Tennessee Volunteers DL 12
83 Daniel Grzesiak Utah State Aggies DE 12
83 Jadrian Taylor Texas El Paso Miners DE 12
83 DJ Schramm Boise State Broncos LB 12
83 Marlowe Wax Syracuse Orange LB 12
83 SirVocea Dennis Pittsburgh Panthers LB 12
83 Keshawn Banks San Diego State Aztecs DL 12
83 Zayin West Kent State Golden Flashes DE 12
83 James Carpenter James Madison Dukes DL 12
83 Lonnie Phelps Kansas Jayhawks DE 12
83 Derick Hall Auburn Tigers LB 12
83 Victor Jones Akron Zips DL 12
83 Marshawn Kneeland Western Michigan Broncos DL 12
95 Dominic Quewon Southern Miss Golden Eagles DL 11
95 CJ Rias South Alabama Jaguars LB 11
95 Deontae Craig Iowa Hawkeyes DL 11
95 Corvin Moment Western Michigan Broncos LB 11
95 Bryce Houston Ohio Bobcats LB 11
95 Xander Mueller Northwestern Wildcats LB 11
* All Games qualifier is any player
* Home Games qualifier is any player
* Away/Neutral Games qualifier is any player
* Conference Games qualifier is any player
* Last 2 Weeks qualifier is any player
* Last 4 Weeks qualifier is any player
* Vs. TR Top 40 qualifier is any player
HawkPacker
April 20, 2023 at 05:33 pm
Campbell is a stud and I wish we had him.
4thand10
April 20, 2023 at 03:19 pm
Mayer and Washington are not dropping that far. There are too many teams in the league that see what successful teams have for TEs and how they’re used. In fact I believe Multiple TE sets are changing the way defense is played and has severely reduced styles of defense like capers played. It changed the trend Now more and more teams look like a 4-3 cover 2 to attempt to limit explosive TE play…sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t
crayzpackfan
April 20, 2023 at 04:20 pm
4th - I agree they won't drop that far. This was done on an online mock draft simulator. They were both there so I took them. This Mock isn't something I just made up in my head.
4thand10
April 24, 2023 at 11:07 am
I would have done the same, then immediately after start looking at OL and DL. A lot are looking at CB and safety but i think there is depth there. Additionally, more pressure up front makes even average cbs and safeties look like all stars.
BirdDogUni
April 20, 2023 at 02:27 pm
2008 showed us what not to do and they ignored it.
How to not handle moving on from a HOF QB 1.0. (2008)
How to blow moving on from a HOF QB 2.0... (2023)
Third installment coming in 2035... SMH
marpag1
April 20, 2023 at 03:02 pm
Admitting the reality of replacing a decade and a half of HOF QB play with another consecutive decade and a half of HOF QB play, and still finding a way to shake your head.
Now I'm shaking my head.
BirdDogUni
April 20, 2023 at 07:22 pm
I'm shaking my head at how they decided to move on, not that they did move on. By the time Brett "Sexual" Favor threw his last INT for the Packers, I was more than ready to move on, but the way the FO moved on from Brett was BS.
Then, doing an even worse job forcing AR12 out the door was even more stupid. Nothing we could do about it, but the way in which the Packers FO handled both situations was beyond idiotic, IMHO.
Geezzzhead
April 20, 2023 at 02:30 pm
Im 99% sure we're picking Myles Murphy ,Clemson,
That's OK with me.
Go Pack Go
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 20, 2023 at 03:01 pm
Geezzz,
Love him as a player & if the Pack selected him I certainly would not complain, however I am also seeing he has really climbed on the mock boards and now seems like he is always gone prior to #15. We shall see!
stockholder
April 20, 2023 at 03:14 pm
He needs a supporting cast around him.
He did not get of blocks in 2022
compared to 2021. Thats the knock on him.
Nick Perry ?
jannesbjornson
April 20, 2023 at 03:20 pm
Bergeron controlled him. A four-year starter who can replace Runyan, day one, or cover the starting RT spot. Get Better.
StarrtoRodgers
April 20, 2023 at 05:06 pm
"Bergeron controlled him. A four-year starter who can replace Runyan, day one, or cover the starting RT spot. Get Better."
Jannes,
How did Myles Murphy do against Tennessee's Darnell Wright in the Orange Bowl? We will never know, Murphy opted not to play - see story below.
Tennessee won the game 31 to 14, despite wide receivers Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman Jr. opting out and Hendon Hooker being out with the ACL tear. The Vols won despite Clemson having 34 first downs to the Vols 20 and the Vols backup QB being sacked by Clemson 4 times - don't know how many, if any of the sacks, were on Darnell Wright.
The key was INTERCEPTIONS and passing ACCURACY - Tennessee's backup QB Joe Milton did not throw any, while Clemson's QB threw 2 interceptions And Vols QB Milton was more accurate. .
Jannes, did you watch the Syracuse game vs. Clemson or do you have another source, If another source I would like to read it. I believe you, but if someone else evaluated Murphy's performance against Bergeron, I would like to see what it says.
Do you think Murphy feared being manhandled by Darnell Wright?
Here an excerpt:
"One of the best players on Clemson’s roster will not be playing in the Orange Bowl. Myles Murphy, a former five-star prospect at defensive end, has declared for the NFL Draft and also opted out of the bowl game against Tennessee.
Murphy is the tenth ranked player in the NFL Draft, according to ESPN. Despite the lack of dominant stats, Murphy has all of the tools NFL teams want up front. The 6-5, 275 pound defensive lineman put up seven sacks last year, following that up with 6.5 sacks this season. He added 14.5 and 11 tackles for loss in the past two seasons."
Story on Wright for the same Orange Bowl:
It’s not shocking that Tennessee football offensive lineman Darnell Wright is entering the NFL Draft. He would have been in his final year of eligibility anyway if not for the COVID-shortened 2020 season, and he really improved his draft stock this season.
Wright, who stands at 6’6″ 335 pounds and was the one player on this team who was a unanimous five-star recruit when he signed with UT, did not allow a sack this year. He also shut down Alabama Crimson Tide edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. as the Vols beat them 52-49.
As a result, you would expect him to go pro since he is a senior anyway. However, the surprise, and a welcome one at that, is his decision to play in the Orange Bowl for Tennessee football against the Clemson Tigers. He announced that news on Twitter Wednesday.
This decision by Wright comes after receivers Cedric Tillman and Jalin Hyatt both announced they would enter the draft and opt out of the bowl. Tillman, like Wright, would be out of eligibility if not for the COVID rules in 2020. Hyatt would have been available next year either way.
Still, Wright, who blossomed in his move to right tackle, is at greater risk of injury than any of them when all are fully healthy. Of course, there’s a caveat to that, and it’s Tillman currently dealing with an ankle injury. He obviously doesn’t need to do anything but focus on the draft now.
On top of that, Wright could hurt his draft stock, as he’s going up against arguably the best pass rush in the nation. To be fair, he could be betting on himself as well, as playing well in this bowl game will boost his stock. That could be the reason he’s playing in it.
If Wright is playing because of that confidence, you have to respect it. All NFL scouts will see that, and if he performs at the level he’s been performing at all year, he could potentially turn himself into a first rounder next spring.
What’s clear is that Tennessee football needs immediate help there. They are already losing Jerome Carvin on the inside, and they don’t have any proven depth at right tackle. Gerald Mincey and Jeremiah Crawford are on the left side.
Josh Heupel and Glen Elarbee may need to bring in a transfer for immediate help in this situation. If not, they need one of the younger linemen to develop fast. Otherwise, the unit could suffer a major setback when this team kicks off next year.
When it comes to the bowl game, though, this is a huge boost for Tennessee football. Clemson has registered 40 sacks on the year, and they would have given the Vols a ton of trouble without Wright. Now, though, this could get interesting.
jannesbjornson
April 20, 2023 at 11:37 pm
I have no issues with Darnell Wright holding down the RT spot, or transitioning to LT. I like a lot of the Volunteers, especially Tillman.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 21, 2023 at 05:07 am
Hopefully you do not like Hyatt as I was told personally by an NFL Scout he has a personality & attitude problem. Not what I want on the Packers! No, to yet another Diva!
jannesbjornson
April 21, 2023 at 07:57 am
Not on my Board. Tillman was the Number One guy. Hyatt took his reps when Cedric had the ankle injury. I would try to trade down and snag him in the lower first round, or move picks to the #32-33. He and Uzomah are my first two targets to obtain. Then snag Tucker Kraft. Tillman would be the #2 WR. Kraft would work the seams and Uzomah control the edge. If Gary comes back early(unlikely), trade P.Smith at the deadline if the team is not contending.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 21, 2023 at 05:06 am
Was a good read!
I love Myles Murphy & Darnell Wright has really grown on me. Ideally, I'd like to see the Packers draft skilled offensive players (game changers) high in the draft. However, either of these two dudes at either #13, or #15 would be excellent choices with 8 to 10-year careers. Murphy is big enough he could slide inside occasionally, while teaming up with Gary would be scary. Wright....well, I am tired of these zone blocking OT's that rely more on quickness & finesse for pass blocking, & getting out to the 2nd level. Get me a big ole' nasty MF who KNOCKS THE SNOT out of these defensive ends, and Edge rushers. Let's pancake these guys & pick up those tough 3rd or 4th and short yardage situations. Pick-up Wright for the RT and make sure to pick-up Darnell Washington at TE. Think about running Dillon to the right behind the two Darnell's? Damn!!! A defensive back nightmare!
StarrtoRodgers
April 20, 2023 at 07:07 pm
"Bergeron controlled him. A four-year starter who can replace Runyan, day one, or cover the starting RT spot. Get Better."
Jannes,
How did Myles Murphy do against Tennessee's Darnell Wright in the Orange Bowl? We will never know, Murphy opted not to play - see story below.
You can find the full game under this title:
Tennessee vs. Clemson Full Game | 2022 ACC Football
Tennessee won the game despite 31 to 14, despite wide receivers Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman Jr. opting out and Hendon Hooker being out with the ACL tear. The Vols won despite Clemson having 34 first downs to the Vols 20 and the Vols backup QB being sacked by Clemson 4 times - don't know how many, if any of the sacks, were on Darnell Wright - WOULD HAVE THE WATCH THE GAME ON THAT YOUTUBE LINK ABOVE. .
The key was INTERCEPTIONS and passing ACCURACY - Tennessee's backup QB Joe Milton did not throw any, while Clemson's QB threw 2 interceptions And Vols QB Milton was more accurate. .
Jannes, did you watch the Syracuse game vs. Clemson or do you have another source, If another source I would like to read it. I believe you, but if someone else evaluated Murphy's performance against Bergeron, I would like to see what it says.
Do you think Murphy feared being manhandled by Darnell Wright?
Here an excerpt:
"One of the best players on Clemson’s roster will not be playing in the Orange Bowl. Myles Murphy, a former five-star prospect at defensive end, has declared for the NFL Draft and also opted out of the bowl game against Tennessee.
Murphy is the tenth ranked player in the NFL Draft, according to ESPN. Despite the lack of dominant stats, Murphy has all of the tools NFL teams want up front. The 6-5, 275 pound defensive lineman put up seven sacks last year, following that up with 6.5 sacks this season. He added 14.5 and 11 tackles for loss in the past two seasons."
Story on Wright for the same Orange Bowl:
It’s not shocking that Tennessee football offensive lineman Darnell Wright is entering the NFL Draft. He would have been in his final year of eligibility anyway if not for the COVID-shortened 2020 season, and he really improved his draft stock this season.
Wright, who stands at 6’6″ 335 pounds and was the one player on this team who was a unanimous five-star recruit when he signed with UT, did not allow a sack this year. He also shut down Alabama Crimson Tide edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. as the Vols beat them 52-49.
As a result, you would expect him to go pro since he is a senior anyway. However, the surprise, and a welcome one at that, is his decision to play in the Orange Bowl for Tennessee football against the Clemson Tigers. He announced that news on Twitter Wednesday.
This decision by Wright comes after receivers Cedric Tillman and Jalin Hyatt both announced they would enter the draft and opt out of the bowl. Tillman, like Wright, would be out of eligibility if not for the COVID rules in 2020. Hyatt would have been available next year either way.
Still, Wright, who blossomed in his move to right tackle, is at greater risk of injury than any of them when all are fully healthy. Of course, there’s a caveat to that, and it’s Tillman currently dealing with an ankle injury. He obviously doesn’t need to do anything but focus on the draft now.
On top of that, Wright could hurt his draft stock, as he’s going up against arguably the best pass rush in the nation. To be fair, he could be betting on himself as well, as playing well in this bowl game will boost his stock. That could be the reason he’s playing in it.
If Wright is playing because of that confidence, you have to respect it. All NFL scouts will see that, and if he performs at the level he’s been performing at all year, he could potentially turn himself into a first rounder next spring.
What’s clear is that Tennessee football needs immediate help there. They are already losing Jerome Carvin on the inside, and they don’t have any proven depth at right tackle. Gerald Mincey and Jeremiah Crawford are on the left side.
Josh Heupel and Glen Elarbee may need to bring in a transfer for immediate help in this situation. If not, they need one of the younger linemen to develop fast. Otherwise, the unit could suffer a major setback when this team kicks off next year.
When it comes to the bowl game, though, this is a huge boost for Tennessee football. Clemson has registered 40 sacks on the year, and they would have given the Vols a ton of trouble without Wright. Now, though, this could get interesting.
LambeauPlain
April 20, 2023 at 08:51 pm
This is a good year to trade down as long as you find a viable partner.
Deep draft in areas of need for the Packers. And more rookies on the roster with lower salaries helps tame the Cap Monster.
PatrickGB
April 21, 2023 at 09:19 am
I agree! It’s a good year to trade down. (Of course I don’t know spit about the draft values) if we get more shots at a position by drafting more players that sounds good to me.