CheeseHeadTV - The DO NOT DRAFT List 2021
Our writers give their choices for the player they DO NOT want to see the Packers draft with their first pick.
By JerseyAl
Years ago, I used to call this the "FUBAR"" list (if you don't know what that stands for, use google). Eventually, I realized there can be many other reasons not to draft a player other than he is FUBAR. So to open it up to these other possibilities, I changed this to the more inclusive DO NOT DRAFT. As you will see, there are a variety of reasons given here. (BTW, last year, five writers selected Jordan Love).
So here they are, in no particular order, the players our writers DO NOT want the Packers to draft:
Brandon Carwile: DO NOT DRAFT OT Walker Little. He opted out of the 2020 season and played in just one game the season before after suffering a knee injury. Walker’s got great size and solid athleticism, but it would be much better value to try and snag him on day two.
Ken Lass: DO NOT DRAFT C Landon Dickerson. It will be tempting to take the All American center from Alabama late in the first round, or early in round two if the Packers trade down, as a plug and play replacement for the departed Corey Linsley. But Dickerson is an injury waiting to happen. He has already suffered an ankle and two serious knee injuries. He's a starting caliber player with great potential when healthy, but he's going to miss a lot of games.
Bruce Irons: DO NOT DRAFT CB Greg Newsome II. I get it. He's big. He's fast. He played well. He was also hurt a ton. He reminds me too much of Kevin King. I love Kevin King. I'm one of his biggest defenders and I feel bad because he's always gutting it out to play and gets dumped on by the fans. I want a cornerback more than anything in this draft, but this class has too many good cornerbacks to go for one with an injury history that taxes my wifi.
Dusty Evely: DO NOT DRAFT RB Najee Harris. This isn't really a shot at Harris as much as where he looks likely to go. With the re-signing of Jones and Dillon stepping up into the 1b role in 2021, I don't want the Packers to even sniff a running back before the 3rd round at the earliest (and even then, the 3rd round guy would need to be someone like Kenneth Gainwell, who would be more of a hybrid RB/WR). Harris is a fine player, but if his name is read on Day 1 - or even early Day 2 - I will be a very unhappy man.
Maggie Loney: DO NOT DRAFT RB Travis Etienne. With the hefty investment the Packers made at running back last year taking Dillon in the second, and re-signing Aaron Jones in free agency, it just absolutely wouldn’t make sense for Green Bay to draft a running back this high with so many other glaring needs.
Cory Jennerjohn: DO NOT DRAFT DL Christian Barmore. He has had many red flags, most notably being in coach Nick Saban's doghouse for being so inconsistent.
Gil Martin: DO NOT DRAFT DL Christian Barmore. It's Barmore or any other IDL in the first round. It's a need area but there aren't players, worthy of a first round pick in this year's draft.
Tim Backes: DO NOT DRAFT CB Caleb Farley. Massive injury concerns and questions about his ability to hold up over the course of a full season with his back problems are huge red flags that you just don't want with a player who could well go in the first two rounds. I'd take him off the board entirely.
Paul Bretl: DON NOT DRAFT DL Levi Onwuzurike. Although, for me It’s really any IDL not named Christian Barmore. While I know the need is there, in Round 1 the value isn’t—like at all. Levi Onwuzurike from Washington is a player I’ve seen getting some first round buzz, so he's my pick.
Sarah Kelliher: DO NOT DRAFT OT Alex Leatherwood. One of Leatherwood’s biggest weaknesses is that he doesn’t finish blocks and the Packers need consistency up front to protect Aaron Rodgers. While I understand OT is a position of need, Elgton Jenkins’ versatility on the line gives Green Bay a lot more wiggle room with that particular position group. In my opinion, there are other positions that should be higher on the Packers' priority list.
Jersey Al: Caleb Farley: There will be doctors that clear him as "going to be fine for the 2021 season" and there will likely be a team that takes the risk and drafts him in the first round, but please don't let that be the Packers. Two back injuries (the second while not even playing during the 2020 season) plus an ACL tear? Scares the bejeezus out of me!
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"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of many hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He is also a recovering Mason Crosby truther. Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP.
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Comments (62)
murf7777
April 28, 2021 at 06:34 am
Farley is the interesting one. I believe the back issue was one issue that needed a tuneup. Now, surgeons especially the one who the packers trust should have knowledge of the likelihood of ongoing issues. As long as said surgeon can do an adequate analysis and gives a strong green light it would be hard to pass on a top 10 type talent at a premium position.
Keeping in mind, that any pick is a 50-50 prop of success, if you get reassurance there is a slim chance of reinjury I’d take the risk.
Coldworld
April 28, 2021 at 08:26 am
I’m not so sure. Al’s point about being cleared to play now is a good one, you are drafting a first rounder for 4 or 5 years of playing. If my medical staff believe that’s in real question, I would not touch him.
This is a player where it’s all on the Doctors, or should be. Talent is clear. Scouting is not the issue. Different league of potential severity and recurrence risk to Newsome ( Alexander had similar concerns to him).
murf7777
April 28, 2021 at 09:04 am
As I stated. as long as their trusted Surgeon stated it is good to go I'd do it, but if he has questions about it, pass.
Swisch
April 28, 2021 at 04:42 pm
Back issues don't seem to go away.
Another major concern is guys who seem to be repeatedly injured.
There can be difficult decisions, in that it would seem that many players get injured to some degree at some point in college.
It seems, though, that some histories of injury are easier to rule out than others.
Especially in the first few rounds, take the healthier guys.
NickPerry
April 28, 2021 at 06:38 am
With a medical staff as cautious as the Packers I couldn't even imagine Farley being on their board.
Fubared
April 28, 2021 at 07:25 pm
they drafted Kevin king who had multiple shoulder juries and missed a lot of games. imo Ted T and gutt never paid attention to intelligence and injury records.
egbertsouse
April 28, 2021 at 06:39 am
Given Gute’s past history the pick will be somebody named in the article. However, since there is no clear winner like Jordan Love was last year I would guess it will be Farley or Newsome.
JerseyAl
April 28, 2021 at 07:27 am
I had to laugh at that first sentence because it's actually pretty accurate.
Razer
April 28, 2021 at 09:07 am
Shades of Rashad Gary perhaps? :o)
Fubared
April 28, 2021 at 07:27 pm
it will be someone who plays multiple
positions to fill in for all the injuries the team has drafting injury prone guys they can get on the cheap
PackEyedOptimist
April 28, 2021 at 06:46 am
I agree with every one of these. There is a REASON that "great players may drop to the Packers pick." I've been saying it all over about Greg Newsome: he is injury prone. Please take Moehrig, Holland, or Samuel before Newsome.
Now, I MIGHT take Barmore at 29, grudgingly, but I really believe there will be a player or two still available who I would choose first, and I think some of the later DLs will be better choices because I see higher floors, even though lower ceilings.
As far as OTs, I think they are going to be going off the board faster than predicted; so while I wouldn't take Little (Brandon) or Leatherwood (Sarah) with 29, I think there's a good chance that both, along with Eichenburg, Radunz, and Christensen, will be gone before 61. I think teams are going to value those guys higher than most draftniks.
stockholder
April 28, 2021 at 06:55 am
walker Little is the biggest Boom or Bust. Hasn't played for two years. I have him falling to the 4th round. But I'll bet Gute trades that 4th. I wouldn't draft any of the Cbs in the 1st rd or 2nd. To fragile! OL- To many injuries. T. Jenkins had a bad back. Before he opted out. To many medical questions with the centers. And one high ranked guard even gets blood clots. This group is 3rd round in any other draft. I don't agree on Barmore. He's young. And the need is just to great. Ok I see the picks. Now lets trade down.
Coldworld
April 28, 2021 at 08:43 am
Agree except with Barmore, whom I wouldn’t touch in the first for reasons of run capability now even before the character scuttlebutt emerged.
I think the oft cited risk from not playing last year is valid in early rounds, but overstated in reality in terms of career. This could be an odd draft in terms of high potential later though it only takes one GM to fall in love. It ties in to readiness now and thus to round, but talent is talent.
To cap that and infuriate some, I’d add any WR type under 5’10 and 195 pounds. Historically the chances that is a good move are negligible.
I think that the odds are strongly that we find ourselves in a position where trading back is the logical option given what is left. The question is whether another suitable team will see a reason to jump up in that talent band?
The exception would be if a player drops. Collins perhaps, JOK or Newsome. At this point, doesn’t look particularly likely that they or any premium will drop close to us. Too late a pick and too few at the top.
stockholder
April 28, 2021 at 12:35 pm
There are many Dts in this draft. Just to light. I only see two for immediate help. 1. Barmore can get off blocks. The others: will only replace and be rotational. They said the same things about Clark. And even Jones (KC) He ended up in the second Round. Want to win a super-Bowl? Take a DT.
jannesbjornson
April 28, 2021 at 03:18 pm
More beef, less quickness.
jannesbjornson
April 28, 2021 at 03:59 pm
I like Barmore, he falls at the end of the round with his value, but hope for a move on Collins, I know will not happen. I would still try to poach two in round one.
HankScorpio
April 28, 2021 at 07:05 am
My Do Not Draft list would include every player that plays ILB, IOL, RB, TE, K, P, FB, or KR/PR. Since they did QB last year, that can be added too. Barring a trade back for an extra pick, I would avoid all of them on day 2, as well. Unless something crazy happened. Like a Micah Parsons sliding to 29, for example.
Would it count to say my Do Not Draft list also includes making a selection before 29? No more trade ups. It is fine to do once in a while but when it is a pattern, it erodes the roster. 3 in a row is too much. 4 in a row would make me awfully restless with the guy calling the shots. I'd rather not have such anxiety over what is supposed to be a fun diversion from real life.
Pretty much any CB, OT, WR, DL or edge rusher at 29 or lower would be fine with me. In that order of preference. WR tops DL only because I don't see round 1 value in DL. But what do I know about that? I do know that sticking to drafting the positions that matter early in a winning draft strategy. With acute needs at those positions, that is even more important this year. I'm happy to trust the Packers did their homework on medical, character, athleticism and tape study to sort the order in those spots.
dobber
April 28, 2021 at 07:21 am
"Would it count to say my Do Not Draft list also includes making a selection before 29?"
Agreed: with the Packers having two late 4ths that don't give them much oomph to move up in the first round, they'd have to deal a 3rd or 2nd to move up very far. Just not worth it, IMO.
Swisch
April 28, 2021 at 05:03 pm
It seems the draft is a difficult balance of (1) positions of need; (2) best players available; and (3) who is likely to be available in later rounds.
That seems a tough challenge to any GM.
Let's hope most of the guys selected by the Packers are sensible and solid choices, with a good measure of upside, that most fans can feel mostly good about. That would be most gratifying.
Also, I'd like to see a couple of fun picks at skill positions with high ceilings for exciting productivity -- especially at slot receiver -- even if it's not until the later rounds.
With ten picks, there should be room for a little razzle-dazzle to provide a psychological boost of enthusiasm, like a fancy dessert to go along with a main course of meat and potatoes and vegetables.
dobber
April 28, 2021 at 08:19 am
Al--no mock this year or is it coming tomorrow?
"DO NOT DRAFT C Landon Dickerson."
I've been saying that I think the Packers go with a plug-and-play IOL on day 2, and the fact that I don't see a C going in round 1 means that if they chose to draft a C, they could get a good one--even late--in round 2. I'm more of a Creed Humphrey guy...I think Dickerson goes before Humphrey. Humphrey could last long enough...and there are other good startable G or C who could be had late in Rd 2 or 3 who would likely be solid NFL players for two contracts.
JerseyAl
April 28, 2021 at 08:35 am
Hopefully tomorrow
Coldworld
April 28, 2021 at 08:46 am
No rush, nothing doing till Friday
WestCoastPackerBacker
April 28, 2021 at 11:41 am
I just don't see GB spending a high round pick on a center right now. They found two high level starters in late rounds (Tretter in the 4th, Linsley in the 5th), and serviceable starters in later rounds (Scott Wells in the 7th, Evan Deitrich-Smith UDFA). After spending 3 picks on the O-line last year and needing a tackle, I just cannot imagine them spending a high pick on a center.
jannesbjornson
April 28, 2021 at 03:38 pm
Only Lindsley started as a Rookie. If you play that game you better hit on the guy. Best to target a guy by the third rd. Maybe Patrick fills in for a year and they target a plug and play guard?
dobber
April 28, 2021 at 05:07 pm
I think Stepaniak will (eventually) take Patrick's job...but I really like the Stepaniak pick. I could be dead wrong. Wouldn't be the first time.
Swisch
April 28, 2021 at 05:09 pm
The big question is whether Jenkins is our center of the future.
If the position of center is the leader of the offensive line in calling out adjustment on any given play, it seems Jenkins may have the presence to be that guy.
However, if he feels more natural at guard, it would be risky to move him from a position at which he has had such a high degree of success.
dobber
April 28, 2021 at 07:13 pm
I find myself asking the question: if he's going to be your first backup on game day at a couple positions on the line, wouldn't you rather have a dedicated C that you're not going to be moving around so you're not disrupting that continuity?
Leland
April 28, 2021 at 08:39 am
If you use the 29th pick, draft the BPA. He will make the team better. If there is no BPA worthy of a 1st round pick, move down.
Razer
April 28, 2021 at 09:04 am
Love the simplicity of your statement. I wonder if we could skywrite this over Lambeau tomorrow.
LambeauPlain
April 28, 2021 at 11:46 am
I agree. If a trade down then draft BAPs on Friday for a deep class at OL, ILB, WR, CB and maybe even a promising IDL if he happens to fall...but the other 4 groups can really make the Packers deeper and even get a starter or two.
Handsback
April 28, 2021 at 08:49 am
Somehow when you make a list like this it's in perspective to WHERE to player falls. Barmore would be a good pick in the second round, but maybe not the first. From my perspective, the number one player I think Green Bay should avoid is Kelvin Joseph the CB from KY. It would be a 2nd round pick, but while the physical talent is there....the head is somewhere else. When the HC is relieved that an underclassman player in a key position applies for the draft, then there is something very wrong. So I hope the Packers don't have him on their board.
Razer
April 28, 2021 at 09:01 am
Given the lack of playing data and uncertainty surrounding the top 40 in this draft, it would be less risky to move down and have more mid round picks. If it were a normal year, there would be clearer evidence between pick 20 and pick 40. In my mind, more round 2 and 3 picks will have more value this year, than any other year.
I would also not ignore the injury history of these guys who have had multiple back surgeries or missed half their college career. Track style athletes can shine bright playing football - but - only for so long.
dobber
April 28, 2021 at 09:10 am
Was it Ron Wolf who said that guys who are hurt when you draft them tend to stay hurt?
canadapacker
April 28, 2021 at 09:02 am
I have always looked at the Baltimore Ravens as a club that has a good GM and knows what he is doing. If you look at his first round picks over his tenure ( he still is running the show - only behind the scene). Now if you look at their first round picks especially those in the later rounds - you will see an organization that finds the winners. That is why I am not in favor of trading out of 29. That and besides you get the 5th year option if you pick a winner - where was CM3 -26 Clark 27 - Bulaga - 23 in the draft ? But we have had more higher draft picks flops . Plus we traded down in 2017 for King, Jones and got M Adams and Biegle ( great draft trading down). Take the pick and take ILB - or Dline
jannesbjornson
April 28, 2021 at 03:22 pm
Those who stay, Endure.
Since'61
April 28, 2021 at 09:04 am
Another solid reason for drafting back and out of the first round. Let Day 1 play and reset the board for for Day 2 with an extra pick or 2. Trading away some of our Day 2 picks to move up a few spots on Day 1 could really hurt our attempt to fill out our roster for this season. Either stay put at 29 or move down and take 6 players between rounds 2-4. If nothing else let's not select an injury waiting to happen with our first pick. Thanks, Since '61
Razer
April 28, 2021 at 09:06 am
I like your thinking. I too think that is where the value resides in this draft.
dobber
April 28, 2021 at 09:17 am
My thought: Packers deal back into the 33-38 range and select...FS Jamar Johnson, Indiana. Not as athletic as Savage, but Barry's defense is predicated on being able to use safeties flexibly (and alongside an ILB). Johnson is a converted CB with great ball skills who can walk up into the slot or play deep CF--or free up Savage to do those things. He's not the RAS monster BG usually likes, but I wouldn't be surprised if he (or a player like him) is the pick in this kind of scenario.
So that would have my "gut feelings draft" (and with my gut, that's a lot of feelings) as a trade back with a FS and G/C in round 2. I think heads would explode...
Since'61
April 28, 2021 at 09:33 am
Dobber, Heads may explode but those could be the correct moves. I would prefer a DB like Johnson and a WR in the 2nd but if G/C turns out to be another Jenkins I would have no problem with that. Thanks, Since '61
jannesbjornson
April 28, 2021 at 03:48 pm
And......they're off. The mocks begin. I concur on the Inside OL if the vibe from Gutedkunst is valid on Bhaktiari's
recovery plan. Naturally, I am a contrarian at heart and choose to move up and go two in the first rd to beat the competition to the talent.
blondy45
April 28, 2021 at 09:30 am
I too like your assessment Since'61. I totally do not want Gute to trade up. Most all of these supposed draftable players pick 21-29 range have warts. No one who drops in the draft is a sure thing, especially when they fall to "#21" or later. Wait until #29, decide, stay or move back. Do not give up picks to select an injury prone, character issue, position of non need player. I do not want Teven Jenkins OT at or before #29.
The Pack's strength is not in their draft position, but in the number of draft picks available. We can move around in the draft as Gute sees fit after round one. One greater player in round 1 does not offset the numbers game for quality and need in later rounds, especially if we are giving up 2nd-3rd-4th round picks. There are 22 starters, plus others in sub-packages and special teams who are all needed every game day. With less quality bites at the apple, we put ourselves in a much more needy position, especially in the near future with cap restraints in 2022. I still like LB to be our pick at #29. In Gute I trust.
canadapacker
April 28, 2021 at 01:03 pm
If you look at our last few years of drafting - since we picked Adams - we have done lousy with the 2nd rounders - can you say Jason Spriggs - we are better to move down into 4 as our 3rd rounders are not that good either. I will Gute the benefit of the doubt with Dillon and Josh Jackson and a big plus for Jenkins - but still think that we are better off statistically on getting a PLAYER by staying in the 1 slot.
dobber
April 28, 2021 at 05:10 pm
So, basically, you're saying that since the current GM took over, the jury is still out on second round picks?
canadapacker
April 28, 2021 at 05:55 pm
Yes - he is definitely better than TT was- especially late in his tenure - and it might be that Gutes first year was horrible learning process and his second year was great and the jury is out on Dillon. But I still dont favor trading down unless it is just into the top of round 2 - say 33 - 36.
Archie
April 28, 2021 at 09:19 am
Jaymin Davis at 29.
Better yet:
Trade up to get JOK.
If you feel somebody really is your guy but you figure the odds are against him making it to your pick, it makes all the sense in the world to trade up for him. In fact, that Gutey understands this is one of the things I like most about him as a GM. Then there is the bonus to consider as well. The bonus is when a guy slides. For example, say you figure JOK is worth the 15th pick but he has slid to 20. Then you are trading up to 20 to get a player you value at 15. The cost of moving from 29 to 20 is way less than the cost of moving from 29 to 15. He is on sale.
blondy45
April 28, 2021 at 09:43 am
Archie, the 20th pick is not "sale" merchandise. Do you want to give up multiple picks and or future picks to get your one "sale" player? Not me. I would much rather go bargain hunting later in the draft with cash (draft picks) to do it. I do like JOK, Zaven Collins, and Jamin Davis though.
jannesbjornson
April 28, 2021 at 04:02 pm
All in the middle of round one, but Davis is falling.
dobber
April 28, 2021 at 07:15 pm
I suspect not with GMs. I think they're pretty much set at this juncture.
HankScorpio
April 28, 2021 at 12:54 pm
Trade up to draft a position that doesn't get paid on 2nd contracts? The dude better be a combination of Ray Lewis and Brian Urlacher to justify that.
No thanks. Draft capitial should be viewed like cap space. You spend where it matters. Unless an ILB is a very special player, it does not matter there.
SwedeBayPacker
April 28, 2021 at 09:55 am
No injury-prone players, no players coming off major surgery, no players that has suffered extensive injuries.
Got it. It's not rocket science... Hopefully the Pack can figure it out.
Handsback
April 28, 2021 at 10:02 am
Jamin Davis is a 4.47 guy with a lot of length. I could see him over Collins only because of their off-ball LB need. Otherwise if Collins is there...take him.
Blondy is right, JOK will be too expensive.
Alberta_Packer
April 28, 2021 at 11:53 am
I'll add Benjamin St.-Juste (CB) as a DND candidate. Initially he was going to retire after 2 years at Michigan (medical) - sat-out a year - then joined Minnesota. Throughout his college career he's had 0 interceptions. He's long and lanky - like Kevin King - so...
Rudedawg67
April 28, 2021 at 12:08 pm
Don’t Draft- Kadarius Toney. Seems like a guy who can run a 4.38 forty and can change direction as quick as Tyreek hill wouldn’t be a good fit for our offense.
Don’t Draft- Jayson Oweh. There is simply no place on Green Bay’s defense for a 6-5/257 pound athletic freak that runs a 4.37 forty and with the proper coaching and motivation could be a potentially dominant defensive player.
Draft- at least 2 more quarterback because since Rodgers has 4 more years left in him they can sit on the bench and learn a lot.
Vanghuisher
April 28, 2021 at 12:15 pm
That sarcasm is humorous.
splitpea1
April 28, 2021 at 01:12 pm
DO draft, somewhere in the first three and a half rounds:
1) CBs Samuel, Holland;
2) ILBs Collins, Bolton
3) DLs Tufele and Tuipulotu (once again, struggling mightily to spell the name right);
4) WR Elijah Moore
5) An athletic OT that learns quickly
If we could get three of these guys, that would be awesome....Unrealistic, but that's what Santa is for.
jannesbjornson
April 28, 2021 at 04:07 pm
Yes, I would select Moore over Toney.
greengold
April 28, 2021 at 02:19 pm
I'm all on board with the list, Al. If they decide take Barmore there, or can't work a trade, I'm ok with it. Lining him up next to Kenny Clark wouldn't suck.
There are definitely players worth staying put and drafting at 29. If we can get a trade down that works, great. The problem is there are many teams in this draft wanting to trade down. What you get back in return is market driven. Also, we only have about a handful of worthy trading partners at or near the top of R2:
JAX offers: #33, 130 and 170 for GB #29
JAX offers: #45 and 65 for GB #29, #173 and #214.
NYJ offers: #34 and 107 for GB #29
ATL offers: #35, 108 and 148 for GB #29 and 214
CIN offers: #38, 111, 149, 190 and 202 for GB #29
NYG offers: #42 and 76 for GB #29, 135 and 214
stockholder
April 28, 2021 at 02:40 pm
Todd McShay doesn't think much of Oweh. And Kiper insists somebody will draft him out of the first round. I think Gutey should draft him @29. just to prove them wrong. Why? I believe the Smith days are numbered. That this is their last year together. If Rodgers is their QB. The "can down the road" has to stop this draft. CB is not the fix. But I have a better guy then Newsome etc. So this fixes the guys they shouldn't draft/// with the guys they "should." @29 Jayson Qweh - CM#3 62 Alvin McNeil Dt - Better then Raji 92 Marco Wilson CB -All pro material period- 135, Charles Snowden ILB - Ted Hendricks @ 142 Monty Rice, I LB Desmond Bishop 173 Jacoby Stevens S 178 Trey Sermon RB Power with ball security 214 Josh Palmer WR 220 Drew Newsome WR/PR( Both WR will improve Special teams ) 256 Pooka Williams RB My FIRST THREE SELECTIONS WILL BE ALL_PRO WITHIN 3 YEARS.
LambeauPlain
April 28, 2021 at 03:49 pm
I wonder if the Jags are good trade down partners? Trade 29 for their second 2nd rounder and their 3rd...that starts the round. Almost like getting two seconds. The Pack would get over 100 pts in draft capital but the Jags do get the 5th year option with the first rounder.
I think they could get two instantly productive players and maybe starters at that....at OL, ILB, CB or WR (slot, KR PR).
greengold
April 28, 2021 at 04:24 pm
LambeauPlain, JAX giving us #45 and 65 for 29 straight up would be my favorite trade deal. No question. Adding that player at the 65 is big, and the 45 is a good starting point in this draft for picking up another Day 2.
Swisch
April 28, 2021 at 04:34 pm
I think a lot of fans here will agree that we don't want to draft injury risks in the first few rounds, nor players with questionable issues as teammates or troubles off the field, nor players suspected of using PEDs, nor developmental players, nor players who need to learn a different position in the NFL -- even if such a player has tremendous upside.
It seems our first five picks this year should be ready to contribute significantly as rookies.
After that, maybe take some risks with players who have minimal risk factors; but even in the later rounds, not any players with personal problems who haven't made a real effort at improving themselves.
With apparently so many good prospects in this particular draft, there seems to be no reason to take anyone who isn't NFL-ready this upcoming season as far as physical and emotional maturity.
No one is perfect, especially in our early twenties -- but let's go for guys with great talent and high character.
CoachDino
April 28, 2021 at 05:31 pm
The closer the draft the more undecided I am.
Barmore was a superstar in two of the biggest games against the best teams. He is proven. He also is proven to disappear at times as well. So ya thats a tough one but at 29 it might be a no brainer. Playing, coaching and observing sports one thing you come to see is that you need guys that play big in big situations/games. The coach in me says thats a losers philosophy as a players should play at 100% all the time. The realist in me knows that in the big moments theres nothing so sweet as having a guy that you know can make big plays.
Reggie White always played hard but man when it was crunch time he always came through. Brady is another. They are special players. What would any of us given for a guy to of made a big play on Brady on their last scoring drive. sure guys made plays earlier, JA,SA,Gary, Z but dang in the end we needed one more.
That's why I would take barmore and some of the baggage that comes along with him.
I'm the 1st guy to criticize a rd1 or even rd 2 pick on a C but if landon can start day 1 and be a stud it allows Patrick to play Guard and Tucker RT once Bakh is back. jenkins and Landon would create huge holes in the run game and no one is pushing LD back into the pocket. But man a C rd 1 - tough call but it might be worth it if you need day 1 OL help and I think they do.
I'm a Walker Little fan but its risky for all the reason stated. Huge, Athletic, Smart hasn't played Football in 2 years -thats a day 1 starter? RISKY
ALL RB picks are easy ones.
Caleb's back injury from what I've heard isn't serious as in immediate issues, I heard its like Tiger Woods where it will develop into something down the road. If that very thin info I just stated is true it would be a steal to have him for 5 years as a year 1 starter. Then re-evaluate when it comes to extending him. he is a special player - then again who cares how special you are if you can't stay on the field.