Cory's Corner: Calculated Risks Are Part Of The Game
It didn't take long for me to become a fan of Brian Gutekunst.
On Jan. 8, 2018, he was introduced as the Packers newest general manager. "I will lead in my own personality and probably a little bit more aggressive in certain areas," Gutekunst said. "I don't think we will leave any stone unturned as far as every avenue of player acquistion."'
As Gutekunst enters his third NFL Draft, those words are even more refreshing because the Packers sit at No. 30 with plenty of holes at receiver, offensive line and defensive line.
Gutekunst has made four trades in just two drafts and he could be in line to make a move on Thursday night. It all comes down to how much Gutekunst wants to give up and for what kind of player.
The Packers could be in line to get guys like linebacker Patrick Queen or receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Denzel Mims. Those players are solid, but if Gutekunst wants a transformational talent like a Jerry Jeudy, Mekhi Becton or even Isaiah Simmons, he will have to wheel and deal.
The most common used phrase from the draft is "best value." Can a team land a player that was thought to be taken several spots higher? Getting the most value is very important because you don't want to reach for guys that don't deserve it.
However, at the same time, drafting for value also seems to take away the philosophy of just going after the guy that a team wants. Why should there be something wrong with targeting a guy, knowing that he would fit the team and culture and then making a plan to get him? However, things go sideways with this thinking when Mike Ditka gives up all eight picks in the 1999 NFL Draft in addition to first and third round picks in 2000 — just to move up seven spots to get Ricky Williams. Or when the Redskins moved up four spots in the 2012 NFL Draft to take Robert Griffin III. The Redskins gave up the No. 6 overall pick, a second round pick, 2013 first round pick and a 2014 first round pick.
So many general managers are just afraid to make a mistake. They don't want to be a future punchline, which could ultimately cost them their job.
I get that thinking. There's nothing wrong with job preservation. However, just as Aaron Rodgers isn't going to succeed if he doesn't take some risks, so also general managers must also be willing to take some level of risk in order to hit the occasional home run.
And that's what I love about Gutekunst. He understands the risk game. Winning is so hard in the NFL. If you can land a transformational talen that can change your roster, you should make the decision and make it happen.
Otherwise, you will be mired in mediocrity and always muttering to yourself, "What if?"
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.
__________________________
Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
__________________________
Comments (62)
stockholder
April 21, 2020 at 06:55 am
I'm OK with the Let's make Deal. Even trading for veterans. But like any used car lot. Jumping all in, doesn't get you something better. Sometimes the players turn out better in the second round. I wouldn't call Gutey Trader Ted at all. The draft isn't a dart board. And so far, how many All-pros have we seen from Guteys drafts? His best moves have been in Free-Agency. Thats a different Pool altogether. So while he's looking for Help. Sticking to the "strength" of this draft, will help this team more. Yes Cory, your article on WR1 and WR2 is how you win the draft. The sink hole is OT. Jones is projected to do better at guard. The DL? They can't replace Clark. Anybody will sit! The best defensive player @30 is Grant Delpit. And with all the problems they had keeping guys in the secondary. The revolving door would stop. So while thinking Let's make a deal is the way to go. IMO. Gutey will get more Help if he just stays put.
WestCoastPackerBacker
April 21, 2020 at 03:55 pm
How many All-Pros have we seen Gutey draft? Okay the guys has had all of two NFL drafts. Most All-Pro players don't get to that level as a rookie or in their second year, unless maybe a top 3 pick like Bosa last year. All Gutey has done is have THREE players in two drafts already make the all-rookie team, indicating they are the best or one of the best their position in that year's draft class: Jaire Alexander, Darnell Savage and this year Elgton Jenkins. All 3 of these guys look to be great young players to build around in GB. Hard to complain about Gutey's drafting at this point.
dobber
April 21, 2020 at 04:31 pm
It certainly means they're playing a lot, and they're better than most of the others playing a lot as rookies a their respective positions. Winning 13 games helps.
packerbackerjim
April 21, 2020 at 07:01 am
GB has been mired in the “very good” rather than mediocrity, but we still rightly ask “what if?”. Gute has to determine if his guy is the one to propel the Pack to SB Champs. Or lesser but still good players will suffice. I think a lot of us would swing for the fences with nothing more than our ego at stake. Heavy lies the head that wears the crown.
RCPackerFan
April 21, 2020 at 07:21 am
I am really excited to see what Gutekunst does in this draft.
First off this draft is going to be so different from what we have seen. Since teams won't be able to be in a giant room with everyone in there, it allows for more mistakes being made. I'm really curious to see what teams really separate themselves from others in this draft. We likely won't know that impact for a few years but this draft could be major game changers for some teams. If we play the Back to the Future 2 game and 3 years from now we can use this moment as a specific point in which teams really improved and some teams really made bad decisions.
I know one thing, is that I'm happy to have Gutey right now! I can't imagine what our draft would look like if Thompson was still running it. Gutey has a good vision in what he wants to do. He makes the moves he wants to get what he wants. I would not be surprised if he moved up or down in this draft. If there is someone they want, i believe he goes hard after them.
While Gutey has been a bit more unpredictable with his drafts, the one thing we can take away is that when he feels he has a problem at a position he tries to address those positions. His year he brought back Tramon Williams and in his first draft he moved around and took Alexander and then drafted Josh Jackson in round 2. Last year he went out and signed the Smith Brothers and drafted Gary. He also signed Amos and traded up to get Savage. He also went out and brought in Turner and drafted Jenkins. He figures out what he thinks the weak spot on the roster is and he goes after it.
If he follows suit this year he went out and signed Funchess, Wagner and Kirksey. I would not be surprised if WR, OT and ILB would be the first 3 picks this year.
PeteK
April 21, 2020 at 08:04 am
I would be very happy with that! However, I'm disappointed with your dig on TT. He was not healthy at the end, but we are all mulling how to sign the very good players he drafted( Jones-5th, Bak-4th, Linsley-5th. I'm reserving my opinion until I see at least one late round pick who becomes a star. Those type of draft picks make for a healthy cap and in turn allows flexibility.
murf7777
April 21, 2020 at 09:07 am
Pete, I agree with you about TT, prior to his disease I thought he was a very good GM for the Packers. Unfortunately, I think his judgement was tarnished by the disease in the last couple of years.
flackcatcher
April 21, 2020 at 04:46 pm
TT last couple of drafts were not his, they were Mark Murphy's and that was the problem. No one at 1265 or the executive committee even mutters about how bad the situation got, because they were at fault for letting President Mark Murphy get out of control. Gute was hired over Murphy's objections, and the EC finally had to strip Murphy of his authority in FO and player personnel so Gute could do his job as GM. This sorry little act happened because the damned idiots in the executive committee didn't do their job, and almost let the Green Bay Packers fall to ruin.
The_Justicar
April 21, 2020 at 07:35 pm
There is not one single shred of evidence - an interview with anyone from the packers front office at that time - including from disgruntled front office guys who left and a fired coaching staff- that validates a single thing you allege above that Mark Murphy was controlling the draft. To type that like it’s fact is totally absurd.
flackcatcher
April 22, 2020 at 06:49 am
Sure there is. You just don't want look even when the truth is put on a platter for you. On the record. Gute interview with Jason Wilde on the air at ESPN Milwaukee. (behind their new on demand paywall. Excerpts might be still on their ESPN MILWAUKEE site) He lays everything out, including his hiring by the Packer executive committee over Murphy's objections. The Bob Harlan state wide radio interviews on the sports and radio talk network detailing Murphy's limits as Packer president. Nothing less than a warning to Murphy live to every Packer fan. That's just two. The entire McCarthy midnight firing and the very public move by the executive committee to restrict Murphy's and then remove his authority on coaching and player personnel move in a 48-hour period. And the Packer's GM statement speaking for the executive committee in the following 48-hour period. It's all there, so next time look...
Dzehren
April 21, 2020 at 08:12 am
Stay at 30 or trade back.
Tier 1
Josh Jones, Justin Jefferson, Patrick Quenn
Tier 2
Trevon Diggs, Ezra Cleveland
Zack Baun , Jalen Reagor, Denzel Mims
Tier 3
AJ Epenesa, Michael Pittman Jr. Brandon Aiyuk
murf7777
April 21, 2020 at 09:03 am
Too many are enamored with taking WR's in this draft because the analyst are stating what a great draft this year is for WR's. We'll I think when everyone wants to Zig you Zag and you will find gems. Here's why I state this:
Let's take a look at 2005 draft when similar analyst were stating what a great WR class it is.
#3 Braylon Edwards - one really great year and many so-so for a top 3 pick.
#7 Troy Williamson Vikings:) Bust
#10 Mike Williams - Lions 3rd time is a charm----NOT - another bust
$21 Matt Jones - freak athlete never amounted to much
#22 Mark Clayton - nope nodda
#27 Roddy White - a Gem
2nd Round
#35 Reggie Brown
#39 Mark Bradley
#55 Roscoe Parrish
#58 Terrance Murphy:( Packers
#61 Vincent Jackson - Gem
Only 2 out of 11 WR's made a big impact #27 Roddy White and #61 Vincent Jackson. You might argue Braylon Edwards, but he only had one season with over 1,000 yards receiving. How lucky was Green Bay that 5 teams agreed with the analyst and took WR over Aaron Rodgers allowing him to drop into the Packers hands. People were just as enamored with the above receivers prior to the draft as they are today so, zag and take the BPA. Maybe another Gem will drop to us. In addition, who knows based on injuries where our most important needs will be throughout 2020.
Interesting note: in the following 2006 draft only one WR was taken in round 1 and the Packers took Greg Jennings with pick #52.
I don't think this is the draft to invest in a WR, I won't be terribly disappointed if it happens in round 2, but the value will probably be in another position. Sure, we have a need at the WR position, but we do have other needs, just like we will in every draft. In addition, which was stated above, with the Virus and lack of practice time WR position is one that will probably have the least impact in the 2020 season.
Here's to the Packers Zagging and getting the BPA not matter what the position.
dobber
April 21, 2020 at 10:47 am
Reminds us all that TT had the take that high-round WRs have one of the highest flop rates of all positions.
Dzehren
April 21, 2020 at 12:16 pm
The 2014 draft was another story....
First Round
Sammy Watkins 4th
Mike Evans 7th
Odell Bechham 12th
Brandin Cooks 20th
Second Round
Davante Adams 53rd
Allen Robinson 61st
Jarvis Landry 63rd
ShawnO
April 21, 2020 at 02:18 pm
I do think it's a good opportunity to get one or two WRs. The fact that there are so many good WRs will push the typical round 2 WRs, where the Packers would historically take one, down the board to round 3 where they can then jump in and get a steal.
jannesbjornson
April 21, 2020 at 07:50 pm
Get two, no doubt. There are guys like Proche and other dependable slot guys that do not move around like lum-oxes. Quickness and sound hips over 40 times anyday.
Leatherhead
April 21, 2020 at 04:40 pm
Murf, I’ve been singing this song since forever, but a lot of our fans truly love to watch the Heroic QB sling it .....it’s all they’ve known over the last 30 years.
It’s been successful and exciting. But our only two Super Bowls were won when we had the top defense.
I’d rather watch Rodgers throw 10 passes in a win than 40 in a loss. The #2 WR in this offense is like a fullback: They get the ball every now and then, but mostly they block.
Handsback
April 21, 2020 at 09:46 am
Last year's 13-3 record notwithstanding, Green Bay has a lot of holes in their roster. I could see a slight trade up if a player they had rated in first half of the first round was falling close to their pick at around pick 27. Otherwise, they are looking at second round talent until the late 70s. That is where I would expect to see some wrangling if Gutsey could do it. Take his late first round pick with only second round talent left on the board and trade down to get three second round talent picks. Problem with trading up or down.....you have to find someone to trade with. We will see, because I don't see the one guy (except maybe the wide receiver Jeudy) that could come in on day one and make a difference. To trade up that high....the player would have to make a difference day one at least IMHO.
Leatherhead
April 21, 2020 at 10:49 am
There’s a TV show that has video of people taking calculated risks. It’s called Ridiculousness. An incorrectly calculated risk has bad consequences sometimes.
I prefer taking necessary risks and not taking unnecessary risks.
Right now, days before the draft, we have no starting nickel, no Pettine Hybrid Guy, and nobody to rotate in with Clark and Lowry. We have not done Anything to improve our run defense, which was a serious weakness last year.
You can fix that without taking unnecessary risks.
Bure9620
April 21, 2020 at 11:21 am
Agree on D-line, but starting nickel would be Chandon Sullivan. He quietly had an outstanding year. He allowed a low passer rating when targeted and PFF had him as the highest rated defender in a few games including the cowboys game. I think Gute maybe be comfortable rolling with Sullivan rather than bringing back Tramon in a tight cap situation.
ShawnO
April 21, 2020 at 01:24 pm
There has to be a reason they interviewed the most CBs of any team in the league. They could be doing the shot gun approach with CB this year like WR and RB in the past when they draft 3 in the later rounds.
Leatherhead
April 21, 2020 at 04:52 pm
We have no starting nickel, and that’s a guy who is on the field a lot for us. We’re also in the market for the “hybrid “ guy...... some RAS score freak who can cover and tackle
That’s two core defenders we don’t have right now.
jannesbjornson
April 21, 2020 at 08:04 pm
Forget the hybrid, get an LB that can move and hit somebody. They are found throughout in the first four rounds, not just the flavor of the minute from the first rd.
dobber
April 22, 2020 at 09:45 am
What we really want them to find is that ILB who is instinctual, can cover TEs and RBs, can play sideline-to-sideline, can rush the passer, tackles well, and can shed OGs to make plays. Near as I can figure, there's only one of them in this draft and he's going in the top 5-8 picks.
flackcatcher
April 22, 2020 at 07:50 am
Gute pretty much said that in his presser. I'm amazed at how honest and plain spoken he is as GM.
ShawnO
April 21, 2020 at 12:21 pm
Last year they went into the year with Raven Greene in the Hybrid position, if the cards don't get dealt right I think they would be willing to do it again. I do agree it would be great to get better in that position though.
ShawnO
April 21, 2020 at 01:20 pm
1
TheVOR
April 21, 2020 at 10:57 am
Queen is a tweener, hope they don't draft him, it's like drafting a safety to play ILB. Wasted pick if they do.
dobber
April 21, 2020 at 11:06 am
I don't think of him as a S, really. I think he's a LB, but I don't think he's the kind of complementary, coverage ILB that we've been talking about here. I think he's a run-and-hit WILL in an even front. Without the hogs up front, he'll get pounded in GB.
Dzehren
April 21, 2020 at 12:20 pm
Who are the hybrid LB/ Safety's in this years draft other than Grant Delpit & Jeremy Chinn??
I believe this is an under the radar need....
dobber
April 21, 2020 at 01:06 pm
Another reason why--if he gets past Baltimore--Jeremy Chinn might end up in GB.
ShawnO
April 21, 2020 at 03:12 pm
k'von wallace 5' 10'' 205 lbs. S Clemson
Thegreatreynoldo
April 22, 2020 at 02:19 am
Hercules Hybrids are rare. Greene and Campbell get pounded into pulp and haven't been able to last more than 120 snaps. Candidates might include:
Isaiah Simmons plug and play
Grant Delpit (inc. for thoroughness - not worth #30)
Kyle Dugger (small school, processing issues great athlete)
Jeremy Chinn first year starter in subpackages.
Others: Brandon Jones - too small really and has coverage issues.
JR Reed, Kvon Wallace, Terrell Burgess - too small
Khaleke Hudson - should be able, but too often doesn't.
Alohi Gilman - spirit is willing, but is 202 Lbs. Fair in coverage
Geno Stone - spirit is willing, but lacks talent.
flackcatcher
April 22, 2020 at 07:37 am
The big weakness in Pettine hybrid scheme is the need for big (ie: stout) guys upfront in the base. Pettine's system works best when the guys playing the weak side are kept clean when playing the gap. Ironically, the best example last season was both Bears game when the Bears O-line was unable to get to the second level. Greene's ability to jam the TE in coverage and squeeze the edge was the X-factor in Pettine's 3-3-5 base. While Campbell was not as stout in run coverage in the second game. His pass coverage took away the Bears short pass game in the soft short middle. But in both cases the middle held at the point of attack for Pettine's scheme to win. I think the Packers do need to upgrade the DL, either by FA or draft, just as they need to the OL. I also think the Packers have the players they think can play the hybrid/SS in Greene, Campbell and maybe Jackson. But as we found out, unless they are kept clean at the second level, they become one with the grass...
dobber
April 22, 2020 at 09:39 am
I wouldn't limit this just to the Pettine hybrid scheme. The 3-4, in general, uses bigger, stout DL to protect LBs so they can make plays. People talk about needing strength and depth at LB as being important in the 3-4, but those bigs up front are just as important...and, you're right: they need more.
flackcatcher
April 23, 2020 at 01:31 am
Your comment got me thinking about the 3-4 in Packers usage. (After watching video) Both Capers and Pettine are far more similar than I realize in their personal groupings. The only difference was the Packers had a far bigger defensive line group under Capers than Pettine. The Capers DL was on average 30 pounds bigger than Pettine's DL line group. And both these guys love to play only 2DL at the LOS. I shudder at the comment threads next season, when folks realize Pettine and Capers are the same guy on the field..... -:) (If there is a season)
gkarl
April 22, 2020 at 09:31 am
Tanner Muse?
Dzehren
April 22, 2020 at 09:58 am
Tanner Muse checks alot of boxes. 6'2 227 pounds ran a 4.41 40 & 3 year starter @ Clemson.
Last year Muse had 74 tackles (six for losses, two sacks), intercepted a team-high 4 passes and broke up 5 others.
Thegreatreynoldo
April 23, 2020 at 05:39 am
Oops, yes. Tanner Muse might work out well. Better at run D than coverage, but he might be good enough in coverage. Shocked he ran a 4.41. He can't play safety - hybrid LB only.
5th rounder?
Leatherhead
April 21, 2020 at 11:40 am
If you want Pettine to succeed, and he’s a guy who likes to play the nickel with a Hybrid guy, then he needs a starter at both of those spots.
I don’t much care who they are or where we draft them, but we need those guys because they play about 75% of the snaps.
dobber
April 21, 2020 at 11:07 am
In Gute's presser, he talks about wanting to be able to move around in this draft to get to players he covets. Hopefully he means moving when opportunities present themselves (which is what I think he did with Jaire Alexander) as opposed to forcing the issue in chasing a particular player (which leads to squandering capital). I think BG is developing a reputation around the league as an aggressive guy on draft day...hopefully not as a sucker.
ShawnO
April 21, 2020 at 12:04 pm
I personally don't like moving up in drafts almost ever. The only guys I think are worth moving up for usually go in the top 15 due to them being the most likely to hit, after them its all gambling. Everything I know about gambling is the more tickets you buy the better your odds are. I prefer trading back to get more tickets.
PhantomII
April 21, 2020 at 12:28 pm
Gute should have used both 1's last year on OT's along with the #2 for our starting guard. We would now potentially be in a position to replace our starting OL for the future with a new head coach who wants to run the ball with road grader personnel to make it happen. The savings of 34 plus million could have been used to bring in free agent depth on the defensive line and secondary and we could have traded said OL a year before contract up for xtra draft picks.
PatrickGB
April 21, 2020 at 01:04 pm
That is an interesting take phantom. I see your point. It even makes good sense. But last year is history. I wish Gutie had a crystal ball.
dobber
April 21, 2020 at 01:10 pm
True. But those potential needs were not unknown when they drafted in 2019...we were talking about them here.
TarynsEyes
April 21, 2020 at 01:51 pm
Many of the known (consecutive year types) seem to get brushed aside easily, as the focus is placed on making sure the current draftees are adored, whether valuable to the forgotten issues known or not.
jannesbjornson
April 21, 2020 at 08:12 pm
He needs to get three solid guys in this draft. There is no point in speculating about 2021.et.al.
Deal with the reality of the Now. #one, will there be a season. if there is not a season in 2020, will 2021 free agents indeed be so designated w/out playing the fifth year or the final year of their contract. Net present value and contract terms come into play.
PhantomII
April 21, 2020 at 03:57 pm
There is only so much money. Bahk is over 12 mill, Lindsley over 8mill and Bulaga was over 8 mill. Taylor 4 plus. None of our CB's have been paid nor RB's. Only the Smiths on the Edge and a Safety. Money is at the OL to move and get younger before the window closes and ML has his system road graders in place for the next QB. I was thinking on this last season but not posting. It was a gamble. We got close.
Thegreatreynoldo
April 22, 2020 at 02:41 am
Does it make sense? No OT would have moved Bakh or Bulaga. The rookie OT would have played a few hundred snaps, maybe saved GB $1M if they wouldn't have had to sign Veldheer. Which two tackles should Gute have selected? Jonah Williams went 11th, and he missed the season due to injury.
No thanks to Dillard, Tytus Howard, Greg Little and Cody Ford (though they all could take 2nd year jumps). Jawaan Taylor at 30 would have been okay (he was selected 35th). McGary was decent. Dalton Risner played guard pretty well, but not as well as Jenkins.
Leatherhead
April 21, 2020 at 03:35 pm
So both of our first round picks would have been on the bench all season, and one of them would be backing up Bakhtiari this year?
PhantomII
April 21, 2020 at 04:09 pm
Depends what you get when you get it. Jenkins was a great draft pick. I'm talking about freeing up 30 mill from the OL plus pre pandemic 40 mill increase in the cap for 2021. I think giving a coach what should be a better OL at running the ball (which you yourself adore) and having 70 mill to sign Clark and finish fixing the DL and a couple free agents in the secondary would take this team to the next level faster. Our OL is aging. They won't last until Rodgers is gone.
dobber
April 21, 2020 at 04:42 pm
Bakhtiairi, Linsley, and Turner are all 28 (only Linsley turns 29 prior to Week 1). Jenkins is 24. Wagner turns 30 in October. Aside from Wagner, I think the other 4 would be there for this 2-3 year window if the Packers could afford them all. They're in their primes right now, but you're right: aside from Jenkins, they are headed for physical decline. Good OL tend to play longer than many other positions, though.
Over recent years, the Packers have been near the top of the league in cap committed to OL. Getting younger allows them to spread that cap money around as they ride young ascending players on rookie deals.
flackcatcher
April 21, 2020 at 06:19 pm
Gute's roster moves have even been more impressive, giving the increasingly small Cap he has to work with thanks to Mark Murphy's early signing of Rodgers extension. Even then Rodgers signing was strange, wiping out most of the Cap cushion built by Ted Thompson in his last real act as Packers GM. Committing most of the Packers draft choices in rebuilding the secondary, that had lost all but one core player. And at the same time finding starting players for the Packer front defensive 7 over a two-year period is something only the most elite of GMs do. Cutting Daniels, a quality starter was the cost of those moves. Next year the Cap comes due, most of it on the offensive line. So expect Gute to work on finding starting or core offensive linemen in the draft or free agency. As you have pointed out over the past couple of months dobber, he has no choice...
murf7777
April 21, 2020 at 08:37 pm
And what was wrong with signing Arod to an early extension? The most winning programs all have franchise QB’s paying them over 30M and/or on rookie contracts soon to be paid over 40M. Your option is to draft QB’s until you find one. Ask 3/4’s of the NFL teams how that works. Signing Rodgers was very smart move and the $’s paid are in line with other top QB’s.
flackcatcher
April 22, 2020 at 09:04 am
At the time I questioned the need when Rodgers contract wasn't even being close to being due. That's why I call it strange. I thought TT was the one that OK it. It wasn't until later on that press reports (AP MJS) said that Thompson had not handled Rodgers contract, and Murphy denied that he had led contract extension talks. Two weeks later? Murphy admitted that he had led negotiations for Rodgers contract at a Packer presser. Here why it was strange at the time. One: No GM. Ted Thompson had retired. Under the Packer system only the GM had authority to sign and hire and fire coaches and players. That got hammered into Ron Wolf's contract and stayed in Ted Thompson contract. It was the first sign that something had changed in Green Bay, but unless your a 'Packer Watcher' it was hard to see how important the change was. Like I said, I thought it was strange, but not important at the time.
dobber
April 22, 2020 at 09:56 am
At the time of the signing, just at the start of the 2018 season, there were the 2018 and 2019 seasons left on his deal. The QB market had left him behind, earnings-wise, and he was coming off collarbone #2. He's also a very popular player and the face of the franchise. I think it was important to the team to make sure he was happy and that he didn't become sullen. There's nothing terribly unusual about the timing except for his injury. Two years left on the deal? Extensions happen on long-term contracts starting about that point because they save the team money in the long run and get the player more cash-in-hand from bonuses.
flackcatcher
April 23, 2020 at 02:18 am
(Sigh....) Signing Rodgers was a given back then. No one question the contract extension, not after that 2016 season. The way Rodgers was signed, and how the Packers handled it was weird back then. Hard to know that it foreshadowed a nasty civil war inside 1265. Who could know...
PhantomII
April 21, 2020 at 06:32 pm
OL has the old money. The Smiths have new money on "D". We can get younger at the OL and get ML type players better suited for his system as well as set up Rodgers replacement for success when his salary is not a factor anymore. Not a sexy pick but for the long term I believe we have to move there sooner than later to free up some cash flow.
jannesbjornson
April 21, 2020 at 08:20 pm
Dillard didn't show filling in for Peters. Jonah Williams never made it on the field with the ACL. Who would you snag @ #12 ? THe second round showed more OTs going to teams and starting as RTs or guards.
TheBigCheeze
April 21, 2020 at 05:43 pm
gute sucks.....gets rid of Jordy, and brings in doofus graham....then picks gary at #12 when he coulda got him in 2nd or 3rd rd....the smiths was a good pick up, but awfully expensive....overpaid for turner and amos.....FAIL!!!
Hematite
April 22, 2020 at 07:59 am
I agree with you on the 12 pick, the rest not so much.
leche
April 22, 2020 at 10:19 am
Calculated risks are great when you have a coherent plan... But I'm not sure Gute has shown yet. My takeaway (and fear) is that his plan is too Thompson-esque in the mold of looking for constant, general improvement (echoed in using #12 on a high ceiling project like Gary), but that idea hasn't really allowed us to be successful.
At this point I want him to pick a lane, and either start going all in on winning a Super Bowl before Rodgers time is up (my preferred option, obviously), or bailing for long term success. But I haven't seen enough to think he's chosen either side, nor that he will and that leaves us stuck in a weird middle ground of constantly being good but never being good enough.