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1st Round Dream Scenario for the Packers
A dream first-round scenario for the Green Bay Packers in the 2018 NFL Draft.
By Ryan Brunner
After months and months of speculation, prognostication and dreaming, we now sit just over a mere eight days away from the highly anticipated 2018 NFL Draft. Excitement has been very high for Green Bay Packers fans with the team holding its highest pick since 2009.
The fine team here at CheeseheadTV has put together some great draft analysis over the past months with player scouting reports and the awesome 2018 CheeseheadTV Draft Guide. And as always, on top of our team here, draft experts have been carefully piecing together their mock drafts and altering them on a regular basis leading up to draft day.
With all of the excitement that will lead up to the first round of the draft, all intuition and guesswork will get thrown out the window the moment the Cleveland Browns hit the clock for the first selection. Highly graded players will fall, trades will be made and a team or two will reach for a player they fell in love with during the pre-draft process.
But as fans, we can remain to dream about what will come for our team as the draft quickly approaches. Playing the draft out, scenario by scenario, in the mind can lead to all kinds of grand delusions about the 2018 Packers. But playing out a dream first round draft scenario for the Packers was a pretty fun exercise for me to run through. The following is my dream scenario of the first round next Thursday:
- Cleveland Browns – QB Sam Darnold
- New York Giants – RB Saquon Barkley
- New York Jets – QB Josh Rosen
- Cleveland Browns – DE Bradley Chubb
- Buffalo Bills (trade from Denver Broncos) – QB Josh Allen
- Indianapolis Colts – G Quenton Nelson
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers – S Derwin James
- Chicago Bears – ILB Tremaine Edmunds
- San Francisco 49ers – OLB Roquan Smith
- Oakland Raiders – S Minkah Fitzpatrick
At this point of the draft, leading up to the Oakland selection, Brian Gutekunst’s eyes are lighting up with Denzel Ward remaining on the board. A call is made to the Miami Dolphins to package picks for their selection, but they graciously decline.
- Miami Dolphins – CB Denzel Ward
- Denver Broncos (trade from Buffalo Bills) – QB Baker Mayfield
- Washington Redskins – DT Vita Vea
Leading up to the 14th pick, Gutekunst is fielding a couple of phone calls for their draft pick. One such call comes from Jerry Jones himself and sounds something like this: “Hey there Brian, it’s Jerry Jones from the Dallas Cowboys and do I have a sweet deal for you. Take our 19th overall, 81st overall (3rd round) and 137th overall (4th round) for your 14th overall.” Gutekunst looks at the board with squinted eyes and realizes there will be a great player available for him just five picks later and boldly mutters “Done deal, Mr. Jones!”
- Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – WR Calvin Ridley
- Arizona Cardinals – OT Mike McGlinchey
- Baltimore Ravens – TE Hayden Hurst
- San Diego Chargers – DT Da’Ron Payne
- Seattle Seahawks – CB Josh Jackson
After the Seahawks pick is announced, Gutekunst and the Packers draft team share some expletives as one of the guys they were hoping to fall to the 19th pick just got scooped up. But Gutekunst has no need to fear this situation as another stud is available.
- Green Bay Packers (from Dallas Cowboys) – EDGE Harold Landry
- Detroit Lions – RB Derrius Guice
- Cincinnati Bengals – G Will Hernandez
- Denver Broncos (trade from Buffalo Bills) – WR Courtland Sutton
- New England Patriots – OT Kolton Miller
- Carolina Panthers – CB Mike Hughes
- Tennessee Titans – DE Marcus Davenport
- Atlanta Falcons – DT Maurice Hurst
- New Orleans Saints – TE Dallas Goedert
- Pittsburgh Steelers – OLB Rashaan Evans
- Jacksonville Jaguars – WR DJ Moore
- Minnesota Vikings – G Connor Williams
Prior to the 29th pick, Gutekunst was on the phone with the Jacksonville Jaguars trying to trade back up into the first round to grab a wide receiver. Jacksonville declines the offer, be it a gracious one, to select a wide receiver as well. When the Jaguars selection is announced, Gutekunst gets directly on the phone with Bill Belichick himself to talk trade for the 31st overall selection. He offers the Patriots their 45th overall selection (2nd round) and their 81st overall (3rd round from Dallas) and Bill takes the bait for more picks.
- Green Bay Packers (from New England Patriots) – WR DJ Chark
- Philadelphia Eagles – RB Sony Michel
In a dream scenario here, Gutekunst and the Packers nab two players that immediately make the team better in Harold Landry and DJ Chark. While doing so, the Packers gain an extra pick in the process with 11 picks now remaining from the third round and beyond.
There are a couple of obvious downsides to this scenario. First and foremost, the Packers would leave the first round of a critical draft, one where they had two selections, without a cornerback being selected. But in a deep CB class, the number of picks remaining gives the Packers plenty of options. The second downside is the loss of their second-round pick to jump up and select DJ Chark. But once again here, the sheer number of picks later on in the draft could allow for more movement back up in the draft for the right player.
While being just a dream scenario for myself that I outlined here, a new General Manager at the helm and a wealth of draft picks make anything possible just eight days from now for the Packers in the 2018 NFL Draft. If free agency is any indication, we as fans should definitely expect the unexpected when it comes to this year’s draft. Let’s hear from everyone else on what their dream scenario is for the first round.
________________________
Ryan Brunner is an avid Packers fan hailing from Chippewa Falls, WI. He is a firm believer that punters are NFL players too! Follow him on Twitter @brunwardo
Comments (109)
croatpackfan
April 18, 2018 at 06:23 am
Ha-Ha! Not Clinton and not Dix...
I'm always amused with people who claims that their projected picks will be golden hits...
When that doesn't happened they are in the first rows to protest against Personal Department or GM himself...
I like to left draft decisions to the people who are really experts in the field and who are paid for that kind of decisions...
But, we can dream...
TKWorldWide
April 18, 2018 at 06:41 am
I dream in color
I dream in red (or green and gold)
Can’t find a better man (than BG)
(To be an impact player at a position of need)
Eddie Vedder knew it all along.
Johnblood27
April 18, 2018 at 09:27 am
Croat, it is true that many people spend tremendous amounts of time and resources studying football players both pro and collegiate to prepare all 32 teams for the annual draft.
Keep in mind that over half of the first round selections do not become the player those professionals dreamt they would.
Now, is it really so wrong for an amateur to send up a balloon with names on it?
Let fans have some fun without the criticizing for frivolity, its still only a game and the GBP fans are winsome.
RCPackerFan
April 18, 2018 at 06:40 am
I am all for trading down 3-4 spots, gaining an extra 3rd/4th round pick.
I could see a scenario that the Chargers or Cowboys would want to trade up. Chargers if the right QB was available.
Cowboys if the right WR was available.
Draft is one week and 1 day away. I can't wait!
tundrawalker00
April 18, 2018 at 06:42 am
I like Fitzpatrick at 14. Landry is sensible, though, because unlike other projected edge rushers he has the 3-cone time below 6.9 that the Packers have used as a metric.
4thand1
April 18, 2018 at 06:54 am
I have yet to see a cone catch a pass, tackle a guy, throw a pass, or juke another player out of his socks.
dobber
April 18, 2018 at 07:25 am
I've been tackled by cones many times...
EdsLaces
April 18, 2018 at 08:21 am
Lmao dobber
TKWorldWide
April 18, 2018 at 08:06 pm
I wore a pair of cones Madonna style for Halloween a few years ago...
[email protected]
April 19, 2018 at 05:53 pm
TMI... the Visual just burned out my eyes...
Duneslick
April 20, 2018 at 06:19 pm
Packer Greg says: Cloned cones that genes have been genetically altered can catch passes.
Ryan Graham
April 18, 2018 at 07:10 am
I like the concept, but why not wait on a guy like Chark - as you'd mention Brunner they can utilize their picks to get back up into the second round somewhere - and go after Jaire Alexander and if hes not available then my guy Carlton Davis? I would have to think Chark will be there for the taking in the middle of the second round.
dobber
April 18, 2018 at 07:22 am
I cringe at the tradeup for a guy like Chark as well. I'd much rather let the board come to me in that scenario than force the issue on him. I like Landry at the spot they take him in round 1, though, and I like the idea of netting the extra picks from the Doughboys.
Turophile
April 18, 2018 at 07:14 pm
Same opinion as Ryan Graham and dobber. You don't trade up for Chark, the board this year isn't right for a move like that (and he could easily fall to the Pack at #45 anyway). There are 10-12 WRs with a second or third round grade this year......so YOU LET THE BOARD COME TO YOU..............at least you do in round two. While you may or may not get Chark, guys like D.J.Moore, Miller, Cain, Washington, Sutton, are very viable alternatives.
In round three, if you didn't get a WR earlier you could well trade up for a talented WR who got lost in the shuffle with so many guys at the same position grouped together. That is just so much smarter than giving up a very important pick to trade up for a burning fast receiver, with bobbly-the-ball issues. Round two is the sweet spot for a CB (one of Oliver, Alexander, Hughes, Jackson, Davis).
OLB, CB, WR, TE, in that order (if the value is there, and it is very possible it will be).
Starter-level help at OLB, CB, WR would help this team a huge amount, just huge. If you had done the deal with Jerry Jones Cowboys (in round one) and had another 3rd round pick, then you keep it, and get a solid TE before the best ones are gone.
All those riches - and you STILL get the first pick on day 3.
stockholder
April 18, 2018 at 10:30 am
I would trade up in the second round only. There are alternatives. Thats very True! But Chark had a great Senior Bowl. And That spoke volume. No one can stay with him, and he's 6'3". He does have flaws like most. But I think he can track the ball better than what we have. It depends on how the packers view the need of replacing Nelson.( Rd. 3 and 4 works for that too. ) I would not take a Cb in rd 2. I just don't like them. Their ALL WORK!!! I'm a speed person at CB. I believe you take your edge or OLB rd. 2 instead, even Wr /TE/G . So: Take Carter, he will be the next D. Lawrence or Strahan. Otherwise Chark, Williams, Hernandez. Regardless I see them trading up in rd.2 ( for their 2,5,7.)
Turophile
April 20, 2018 at 02:28 am
@stockholder.
So you don't want a CB in round 2.
You don't like like Davis, OR Alexander, OR Hughes, OR Jackson, OR Oliver. Any of those could be there in round two. That's just being too picky.
Sure they have weaknesses - if they didn't they'd be gone before the Packers first round pick. Same with all the other positions. That's why coaches have to be good teachers, to polish their technique and recognition skills.
Handsback
April 18, 2018 at 07:34 am
Nightmare.....to move back into the first round for Clark? To pick Landry over Davenport, questionable but OK. I can actually see a tradeback to the Cowboys and using another pick to get back into the first round, just not for a WR. Ryan well thought out plan, just don't agree with the picks.
marpag1
April 18, 2018 at 07:48 am
The big flaw in this scenario, as I see it, is that I can't imagine the Cobwebs trading up for Calvin Ridley, at least not at those prices. Personally, I think RIdley might be a slight reach at 14. I think there's a good chance he's still available at 19 anyway. And geez, if you're actually giving up a 1, a 3 and a 4 for Ridley ... well, he better be an original member of the Justice League. I don't think he is.
dobber
April 18, 2018 at 07:51 am
"he better be an original member of the Justice League."
I'll have to remember that line...
Spock
April 18, 2018 at 09:32 am
marpag1, I have to agree with dobber, that justice league line almost made me spit out a mouthful of water, lol.
Mojo
April 18, 2018 at 10:02 am
A 1, 3 and 4 from Dallas for moving back five spots. That's why it's called a "Dream Scenario".
flackcatcher
April 18, 2018 at 07:52 am
The draft can not come quickly enough for me. Then at last we fans will get a insight into the Packers GM and front office thinking. (And no more Rodgers diva stories as an added bonus.)
Tundraboy
April 18, 2018 at 08:17 am
Here, here!!
stockholder
April 18, 2018 at 08:04 am
The Scenarios won't happen! QBs? Miami would grab mayfield./LB! The first nine picks are perfect fits. But no trades. Your Love affair with Landry won't happen. The packers won't trade up. Ward won't make it by oakland. Ridley to Buff. And the Redskins grab Fitzpatrick. Leaving Vea for the Packers. Vea is ahead of Landry, Davenport, Jackson. The packers know DTs win the war. Not Flashy players.
Handsback
April 18, 2018 at 08:54 am
I could see the Packers picking up Vea. He's #1 in a class of few. My question is how does Miami not pick him at their spot after losing Suh?
stockholder
April 18, 2018 at 09:50 am
They really want a QB. The needs chart I saw says : LB,TE,QB. No mention of DT.
dobber
April 18, 2018 at 01:35 pm
I think Vea's value depends entirely on how teams see him as a pass rusher. If they believe he's going to be a Haloti Ngata type--who, remember, only has 5.5 sacks in his best season and 31.5 in 12 seasons, total--then he goes very early. If they assess him to be primarily a 2-down run-stuffer, he's not going to go that early.
Miami has a lot of needs, too...
stockholder
April 18, 2018 at 01:52 pm
Who replaced Dial???? All pro Big guys don't fall to 20. This draft must produce like 2009. For the future. Vea @ 14 and trade up for Carter. You are going to have to beat NE to Carter!
Turophile
April 18, 2018 at 09:03 am
The Packers have their highest pick for years with acute needs at OLB, CB, WR, TE, and we pick an overweight, two-down DT (when we already have a stud in Kenny Clark)............I have a nice padded cell waiting for you.
If you were really committed to a D lineman, then Da'ron Payne makes far more sense then Vea, as he could play DE and DT.
stockholder
April 18, 2018 at 09:56 am
Then Why did they Bring him In? I see depth, only for defense. Everyone says CB. The only guy that Fits, is J.Jackson. No one will fall. 6 teams ahead have CB listed as a need. Williams and House set the Backfield. Every body says Vea will be an All-pro. Why leave a an all-pro on the board to take a gamble. You Don't!
dobber
April 18, 2018 at 01:29 pm
"Then Why did they Bring him In?"
I can see it being them doing their homework on a guy who's slated to fall around their pick. Could be they are trying massage the board by baiting a team who really likes him into trying to jump over pick #14 and pushing a different player to the Packers. Who knows.
stockholder
April 18, 2018 at 01:53 pm
No ! No to Dial.
gr7070
April 19, 2018 at 12:27 am
If Baker Mayfield falls to 11 I sincerely hope the Packers trade up for him! Guy's a stud.
Colin_C
April 18, 2018 at 08:13 am
Loved the article Ryan! Fun read! But if we trade back into the first to draft Chark, especially with Alexander and Oliver still on the board, I'm gonna be sick.
Razer
April 18, 2018 at 11:38 am
Totally agree. If the Packers can manufacture a trade to net them a 1st and 2 seconds then pick (DL or OLB), CB and a WR, I would start believing in Santa all over again. Sprinkle in a stud OT somewhere in the middle and the dream is real.
CheesyTex
April 18, 2018 at 01:34 pm
Spot on, Razer. With Bulaga questionable, RT is a need.
Since'61
April 18, 2018 at 08:20 am
From a strategic point of view if Brian Gute wants Ward wouldn't he try to trade with the 49ers or the Raiders to try to snipe Ward away from the Dolphins? I'm sure that he is aware that the Dolphins covet Ward as well. The Dolphins or any team are not likely to trade their pick away if the player they want falls to them. Just like I would hope that the Packers would not trade their pick if Ward fell to #14.
Ryan, this would not be a bad first round for the Packers as far as I know but not having the time to closely follow college football for a long time now I confess that I do not know much about WR DJ Chark. Landry does look like a solid #1 pick however who could help our pass rush immediately. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out. As I've posted before, the draft is a crap shoot wrapped in a free for all wrapped in hopes and prayers. Thanks, Since '61
Finwiz
April 18, 2018 at 08:41 am
>As I've posted before, the draft is a crap shoot wrapped in a free for all wrapped in hopes and prayers.<
Words of wisdom.....
There are so many misses by personnel management, and if they can get it wrong so often, what does that say about the average fan's opinion?
Since'61
April 18, 2018 at 09:23 am
Fin - Fans' opinions are relative to our experiences, observations, knowledge, etc.. What matters is the assumptions behind the opinions. What are the assumptions based upon? Facts/speculation/rumors/personal biases/research, etc...
I don't comment much on the draft because I'm not close to being a draftnik. Anything I would say would be mostly speculation on my part.
The problem with player selection is that no one has come with a way to accurately measure a player's heart or how they will react to suddenly making huge amounts of money. Once a player is drafted by an NFL team there are too many variables (at least for me) to know if a player will be successful or not.
Take Brett Favre for example. The Falcons had him and they traded him away, what did Wolf and Holmgren see or know that the Falcons didn't. Did even the Packers know that he would be an NFL Iron Man/HOF? Rodgers is another example. Why did 24 NFL teams let him drop to the Packers?
How many top prospects have we seen come into the league and either get injured early in their careers or become absolute busts. Then there are guys who don't fit with the team or the coach who drafted them. Guys who get into bad lockers rooms, or PEDs, drugs etc... Guys who commit violent crimes (e.g., domestic abuse). OBJ with all the talent in the world but acts like a jerk time and time again on and off the field. Again, speaking for myself, there are too many variables. I watch the games and I look for technique, footwork and consistency. Everyone who reaches the NFL has the physical tools. How well their tools measure up to professional competition and how well they apply their tools to NFL competition are among the factors that determine if they will have a successful career. And again that's assuming they don't get injured, aren't misused by a coach or scheme, arrested, and on and on. Like I said, at least as many variables as a crap shoot. Thanks, Since '61
Spock
April 18, 2018 at 09:44 am
Since '61, "The problem with player selection is that no one has come with a way to accurately measure a player's heart or how they will react to suddenly making huge amounts of money."
Great comment! "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog." The great ones are the ones who have talent AND the will to be better. Take Randy Moss vs. Jerry Rice. Clearly Moss had better physical tools but Rice had more 'fight' in him.
Since'61
April 18, 2018 at 11:14 am
Spock - excellent example of what I’m talking about. Even our own recently departed Jordy made more of his talents in becoming one of the NFLs leading receivers, compared with what Moss did with his talent during his career.
Speaking for myself, there is no way to figure that to happen. Thanks, Since ‘61
EdsLaces
April 18, 2018 at 08:24 am
Pass rusher CB .....CB pass rusher. Hold off on the WRs. We have 2 solid WRs. Do we have 2 solid pass rushers?....meh. do we have 2 solid CBs? Meh.
worztik
April 18, 2018 at 08:39 am
Agreed!!! We need a CB more than a WR if we’re picking according to this fantasy. In real life, I think we go CB @ 14... trade up to bottom of 1st or with Cleveland in round 2 @ #33 and grab another CB or EDGE using later picks in exchange. WR at #14 (13) in 2nd and then go after our OL and TE fixes! Mike White would be a good QB pick up at some point, as well... just dreamin’.......
Bert
April 18, 2018 at 08:30 am
Hmmmmm. If Ridley is that good why don't we just pick him at #14? Why trade down and leave a better player on the table given our WRs (Adams and maybe Cobb excepted) aren't that hot either? I'm all in for BPA at #14. Even trading some of our 12 picks to move up for a better player is fine with me.
stockholder
April 18, 2018 at 10:55 am
Buffalo needs are WR, LB,QB. If you have Dallas trading up to get him. He won't last. Why the packers would not take him. Combine Results! Speed,jumping, and Route running is there later in the draft. But Ridley does have the best hands in IMO.
PatrickGB
April 18, 2018 at 08:36 am
It would be great. I like it.
And I also doubt it. Too many trades.
JohnnyLogan
April 18, 2018 at 08:47 am
The Giants will take QB, not Saquon. They have the #2 pick with 3 of the top 4 QB's still available. They have a declining 37 year old QB. They will likely not pick this high again for years. They will pick Josh Rosen. This means Saquon falls to the Colts or Tampa and Chicago takes Nelson or Ward, allowing Tremaine Edmunds to fall to us at 14. 19 year old monster LB with speed and pass rush ability. The Packers will draft Tremaine Edmunds.
Ryan Graham
April 18, 2018 at 09:00 am
JohnnyLogan I like this scenario as well. I personally feel like Davenport and Landry, in that order, have been overhyped because of the importance of their position. But I absolutely love the idea of drafting Tremaine Edmunds. Hes a great fit to play behind Clay Matthews for a year or two (not that Clay cares) especially if Clay moves inside some. If he can rotate with Clay from inside to outside from time to time in certain packages he could be quite the first year contributor and beyond. It feels farfetched, but it's not as farfetched as it may seem.
Tundraboy
April 18, 2018 at 09:59 am
My draft wish.
Big Moe
April 18, 2018 at 08:53 am
If we can move up a few spots to get Vita Vea, sweet! but I see us standing pat at 14 where I think we take Josh Jackson. I'm hoping they try to package our second rounder to trade into the back end of the first, say for a TE if he's still there.
April this year at least feels like football weather, more snow on the ground than during the regular season, wth! lol
Go Pack!!!
Duneslick
April 20, 2018 at 07:43 pm
If we draft Vea who sits Wilkerson Clark or Daniels Does not really fill a hole just makes our line deeper and fresher. He is not a pass rusher either. He is worth the pick just not for GB.
stockholder
April 20, 2018 at 08:33 pm
That could be said for any defensive person drafted! Who do you want to replace if you don't draft Vea. ????
LambeauPlain
April 18, 2018 at 09:06 am
The Dallas scenario has Gute taking less in draft pick value from Jerry than his #14. Gute should say "thanks for the offer...if you make it with your #116 in place of your #137...deal. Otherwise I will decline."
When someone calls to move up, they are an eager buyer and covet a player still on the board.
If the Pack was to acquire the Dallas picks I would take Landry and sit tight until day two and move back into the second to draft CB, WR, or G.
dobber
April 18, 2018 at 12:49 pm
It's pretty close with what's stated above, but I'd much rather have 116, too (this interactive trade value chart is awesome):
https://www.drafttek.com/NFL-Trade-Value-Chart.asp?RequestTeam=dal
If it were 116, the Packers might have to give them a 6th back, but I'd jump at that. Turning late draft capital into early draft capital? Sign me up!
"If the Pack was to acquire the Dallas picks I would take Landry and sit tight until day two and move back into the second to draft CB, WR, or G."
Unless the Packers have google-eyes for someone who drops into the late first, I agree in that I think they can maximize the value of what they have by trading into round 2 rather than out of it.
Mojo
April 18, 2018 at 01:18 pm
I agree on the getting as many 2nd rounders as possible (in addition to keeping a first rounder). There should be a number of good available players in the second to satisfy any number of need positions at CB, TE, WR.
As far as the draft value chart from drafttek, which I believe is the Jimmy Johnson version, I'm supposed to believe Dallas' first round pick #19th has 875 times the value as their 7th rounder (#236)?
Or put another way, is it telling me I could draft 875 7th rounders and expect only one of those to be as valuable as the 19th overall pick? Seems counter-intuitive.
dobber
April 18, 2018 at 01:25 pm
Most tools listed online for assessing draft value to picks seem to be in agreement--meaning that if you choose the same pick number off each, they have the same value. Many haven't been adjusted for compensatory picks (this one has).
That said, you're right in the sense that how a team values picks at various points in the draft will depend on their assessment of the talent available. I don't know how much these draft value charts have changed to address the perception of value as teams recently have moved around a little more freely in recent years.
Thegreatreynoldo
April 18, 2018 at 09:10 am
I guess I have bigger or arguably better dreams. No draft that doesn't net us Ward, Smith, Edmunds, Minkah or James is a dream scenario. Admittedly, having one of those players fall to #14 always seemed unlikely to me, but GMs have taken some crazy unexpected players in the past.
That said, I would take the extra pick and Landry. I would not trade up for Chark and wouldn't consider him until the 2nd round. I might give up #133 and #138 to move up to 38 to 40 if there is a run on CBs.
dobber
April 18, 2018 at 12:50 pm
I really like Edmunds, and if he somehow gets to #10, I'd be working the phones pretty hard.
LambeauPlain
April 19, 2018 at 08:36 am
I feel the same way about Edmunds....he is like a swiss army knife at LB.
Fitzpatrick too...a swiss army knife at DB.
Smith is another swiss army knife at LB.
Any of those guys would be worth moving up a tick or 4. Pettine loves those kind of players with excellent versatility.
Ward would be ideal, but I don't think he makes it to 10. He's a lock down CB.
Cartwright
April 18, 2018 at 10:07 am
If we trade that 14th pick the #1 scenario in yesterdays article with San Diego at pick 17 sounds best if the QB they want is there. We move back only three spots and get an extra pick in the 3rd which we can then package for a move up in the second... hello Cleveland. Landing Oliver, Landry and Gisecki would be quite the score.
CheesyTex
April 18, 2018 at 01:50 pm
Nice. IMO Brian O'Neill would strengthen team more than Gisecki -- but landing the three you mention would be sweet.
Ferrari Driver
April 18, 2018 at 11:40 am
I'd like to get one of the two top safeties at 14 with James being the first choice. If there is truly a run on QB's, it is possible.
Packer_Fan
April 18, 2018 at 11:48 am
I like this scenario better than holding tight. I would rather have trading down and getting two more picks before round 5. A few late 5th to 7th rd picks can be dealt away to make the lower rounds possible. If the Pack can get 8-9 picks in rounds 1 through 5th round 1st pick, then I see we can get some to contribute this year, pick at least two CB for the future, a WR for the future, OL and Edge rusher. My point is we need talent. The chances that picks will pan out is maybe 40%. So flood rd 1-4 picks and perhaps you will get some to really work out.
dobber
April 18, 2018 at 01:11 pm
We talk about holes in the roster and where the Packers need help, and I agree that it would be great to increase draft capital in the top 150 picks. I think those two late 5ths (172+174) can add up to a late 4th (ca. 128)...and their pick at the top of round 5 can be packaged up with a 6 (138+186) to get you to around 121. That, alone, gets you 14, 45, 76, 101, 121, 128 and 133 (1, 2, 3 and 4-4s)), and leaves a late 6th (207) and two 7ths (232, 239). That's still 10 picks, gets them higher value picks and leaves some volume, too.
The Packers have significant draft capital, but it's mostly later on which makes it better for small trade-ups than making drastic leaps. That's not to say that they can't use #4s to move up into the 3rd, but even if you add up 121, 128 and 133, that only gets you ONE pick around #91...is that really worth it? I think they like being in the catbird seat at the top of round 4, and are unlikely to deal that pick unless they're getting something they really want in return, but even then, those 4-4th rounders only add up to about pick 74. If they really want to boost draft capital on day 2, they have almost no choice but to deal down in round 1.
I've been of the mind that there's going to be significant retooling in personnel by the time the final roster is revealed in September, so I wouldn't be surprised if they want to maintain a higher number of picks.
stockholder
April 18, 2018 at 01:43 pm
THE PACKERS STAFF WOULD NOT AGREE. AND NEITHER WOULD THE LOS VEGAS ODDS. THE VIKINGS ARE STILL THE TEAM TO BEAT! ROOKIES MISS TACKLES. VETS sometimes. ESPECIALLY IN THE SECONDARY. THIS TEAM IS SET ON DEFENSE. IT'S THE BACKUPS THAT ARE NEEDED. 1. WHO REPLACED DIAL Nt? WHO WILL REPLACE PERRY AND MATHEWS. THERE IS DEPTH AT LB. BUT YOU DON'T PASS ON THE ALL-PROS. LANDRY IS A GAMBLE. AS MUCH AS KEY. Edmunds and Carter are your next great pass rushers. If this pick comes down to taking Landry or even 2 #2s. I'd take NE #1 & or 2 #2s . In fact I gave you a trade scenario early on how to get 5 number 2s. But the only concern was taking Landry. I'm a pass on Landry now. I'd trade down.
Lare
April 18, 2018 at 02:10 pm
Bottom line, whatever the Packers do in the draft about 50% of us here are going to love it and about 50% are going to hate it. And after 2-3 years we'll see which ones were right.
dobber
April 18, 2018 at 02:19 pm
I can see a lot of scenarios where the hate level will run much higher, but the Packers would still be making useful picks...
...that would make for some good debate here for a couple weeks.
Thegreatreynoldo
April 18, 2018 at 07:58 pm
I agree. This year GB has more possible options, many depending on how the draft falls. So there may be a lot more possible permutations available. That might lead to more debate over the course actually taken. OTOH, we are likely to obtain a pretty good player one way or the other. Folks might preface their remarks with while I like who we took, this guy or scenario would have been better. More nitpicking than rants. Kind of like a high floor, possible pretty darn high ceiling draft.
sonomaca
April 18, 2018 at 07:21 pm
Word is that SF is going to return the Jimmy G. favor and trade the #9 pick to NE. NE covets Josh Rosen.
I think Lamar might actually be drafted ahead of Rosen. If not, he’ll likely go before Packers pick.
So, 5 if first 13 will be QB’s, plus surely Nelson, Chubb, Barkley, and McGlinchy. That’s 9.
That leaves James, Fitzpatrick, Ward, Landry, Roquan, Edmunds. At least two of these will be available at #14 under this scenario.
NoNonsense
April 18, 2018 at 10:52 pm
Ive narrowed my list of 1st round targets at 14 or maybe trading down a few spots. Too costly to trade up unless its a sweetheart deal.
Chubb
Ward
Vea
Edmunds
Fitzpatrick
James
Davenport
Landry
Jackson
Sutton
2nd round depending on 1st round selection; id feel more comfortable trading up in the 2nd.
Carter
Hughes
Davis
Oliver
Key
Hurst if cleared medically
Chark
Jackson
While I dont really have a dream scenario for the 1st round, landing one of Davenport or Carter would make my day. Both have the length I like in my pass rushers, Carters a bit lighter and more agile with slightly longer arms.(34 to 33 5/8) while Davenport is more of a power player being 15 lbs heavier.
Davenport has a very clean injury history while Carter skipped his agility drills at combine because of an ankle injury or soreness I believe. Couldnt find his injury history anywhere.
sonomaca
April 18, 2018 at 11:23 pm
Pettine’s going to like Davenport. He’s a three down player. Landry, less so.
That said, the secondary is scary bad. House and Truman are bandaids. King is never going to be elite, in my view. Ward should be the target.
4thand1
April 19, 2018 at 12:00 am
Why the hell are so many people down on King? He's a rookie, played injured, and wasn't afraid to tackle. Give the kid a break.
sonomaca
April 19, 2018 at 10:13 am
Despite being a great athlete, and a tall person, he lacks natural aptitude for the position. He’s not fluid, lacks balance, thinks rather than reacts. These are the reasons he wasn’t a first rounder.
He can and will improve. However, he’s never going to be a #1, shut-down corner.
sonomaca
April 19, 2018 at 10:19 am
The Packers surely know this about King. It would be unfair and counterproductive to put #1 pressure in him. That’s why Ward, despite his size, would be the best pick. James and Fitzpatrick would also help King.
Duneslick
April 20, 2018 at 07:32 pm
Honest assessment. To say he will not be a shutdown corner does not mean he can not be a good #2 corner. It is not king bashing He is not Lattimore or he would have been drafted higher
IBackthePack92
April 18, 2018 at 11:06 pm
Well since you said "dream scenario" 1st round Green Bay selects Bradley Chubb.
John Ramble Kirk
April 18, 2018 at 11:13 pm
Dream scenario for who? The Packers? ...or you? Certainly not for the Packers. Chark in Round 1? That would be a disaster to me.
I don't like Landry and I don't like Chark in Round 1. Love the opinion but when it moves to dream scenario for "the Packers" instead of yourself, nah.
As for Croat not liking non experts offering draft opinions. I hope he realizes that 32 GMs, who are experts, might have 32 different opinions. There is no benchmark. It's ALL opinion.
sonomaca
April 18, 2018 at 11:29 pm
Don’t understand the Packers’ fans love affair with Chark. Can we please draft a receiver who’s got some, you know, receiver skills. Like Gallup or Anthony Miller.
MITM
April 18, 2018 at 11:50 pm
I see alot of Minkah Fitzpatrick possibly falling and the Packers being high on him and rightfully so Ive seen him play a ton because im a bandwagon Alabama fan. If he fell to 14 obviously depending on who else is there I can absolutely see him being the pick and would have no problem with it. More recently ive been seeing him referred to as a "Micah Hyde clone" , only certainly more gifted athletically imo. That stings because I really wish that he was still a Packer, because a year later here we are possibly spending a high first round pick on a guy that is supposed to be the same type of player only without the actual NFL career for reference. Micah Hyde ended his career with the Packers in a 5 or 6 week stretch as head and shoulders our best defender, one of the only guys producing game changing plays. He could tackle he could blitz he could play the slot he could play safety and if need be he can step in on the outside although that was obviously not ideal and out of necessity. Point is as a defense we were in no position to let a guy like that walk at that point and I know alot of you will disagree which is fine. Same thing went for Julius Peppers. Hyde got a nice chunk of change but he also gave Buffalo a great return on it under a coach who actually had a clue defensively. Now with Pettine here Hyde would have proven to be invaluable and im sure he would have even taken a little less to stay in Green Bay although thats no guarantee obviously. I really thought he earned himself a new deal after the way he stepped up and balled out and became a leader when we needed him most. And here we are missing him dearly, (not to mention Hayward but i digress) possibly spending our highest pick in almost 15 years on a guy we hope can be similar to him, instead of having him still and grabbing an impact player at another position.
Archie
April 19, 2018 at 07:44 am
NO doubt Packer GM has been awful for 5 years. Either dementia set in on TT or he was never any good and brain-drain exposed him or both. Recall he never was able to get SEA defense going in right direction either. His successor there reversed his policies re: FAs and went to SB the next year. Maybe same will happen in GB. I doubt Ron Wolf will be vacationing in GB with TT this year.
dobber
April 19, 2018 at 07:53 am
Remember, also, that Pete Carroll has significant say in the roster and player moves in Seattle, too. Schneider, I think, is handcuffed by him and that roster is circling the drain. Either that, or Carroll is handcuffed by Schneider. Not that it matters with regard to TT anymore, as he's established his own legacy...
Royalty Free GM
April 19, 2018 at 01:30 am
Cowboys are our enemies, you idiots. We will never give them the best player available!
I can give you a little secret; We will draft Ridley.
dobber
April 19, 2018 at 07:32 am
It's not within the division, so if it's a move that benefits the Packers, I say go for it.
A lot of people seem to be down on Ridley at #14, but I'd be fine with it. I think he's the consensus best WR, and unless a top 6-8 player makes it to #14, the difference between those mid first-round prospects is mostly need and opinion.
Archie
April 19, 2018 at 07:46 am
I think I'd rather have Ridley than Fitzpatrick. One Ha-Ha is one too many.
Spock
April 19, 2018 at 03:50 pm
Royalty Free GM, You are beyond consistent in your "man crush" (well, I don't know from your profile what your gender is) for Ridley. As a famous GM once said, "NEVER fall in love with a player (paraphrasing) in the draft". Maybe Ridley is as good as you think he is, maybe not. Let's say for the sake of argument that he is the greatest WR ever to be in the draft. What happens if he slips and (god forbid) severely injures himself during TC? Now what? I'd rather the Packers get multiple playmakers than bet the farm on one WR (who, by the way, has detractors as well as admirers) who MIGHT be great. We have Aaron Rodgers at QB. He can 'throw open' lessor receivers, what he CAN'T do is play defense (well, actually he probably could, but that's not his role on the team, lol.). I think it's possible that if Ridley falls to 14 Gute could draft him, I just doubt that the new GM would want to stake his professional reputation on his first pick being a WR who may, or may not, be a super star. That's my opinion and yours is certainly as valid -or more so. I just don't see Ridley as a LIKELY first pick for Gute. That's the fun part of being a fan: we all have different ideas about the draft, lol. Can't wait for the 26th of April to get here!!! Go, Pack, Go!
Royalty Free GM
April 19, 2018 at 04:51 pm
Spock - I’m Just consistent ;)
I can guarantee he will be great WR with AR. And he will be AR’s last chance in his career to have a WR drafted in the middle of the first round or better.
I cannot guarantee that he(or anyone else) will be the greatest or that he (or anyone else) can stay healthy.
Drafting Ridley would improve this team the most and that’s the most important goal.
Let’s attack with our offense and make our divisional opponents consider drafting multiple corners in coming years... and not the other way(Moss/Wolf/CBs)
You’re right, it will be interesting to see what happens at 26th of April :)
Finwiz
April 19, 2018 at 03:57 pm
I'll take that bet - how much money do you have?
6' 0" 189 lbs. 4.43. Fast yes, but he'll get broken in half by NFL DB's.
We already have him on the roster. He's called Trevor Davis
Royalty Free GM
April 19, 2018 at 04:55 pm
Aren’t we already passed this nonsense about “small” players... Antonio Brown and Odell Beckham are the top of the cream.
Royalty Free GM
April 19, 2018 at 01:59 am
We have twelve picks, trade up once or twice.
1st pick
WR CALVIN RIDLEY ALABAMA
2nd pick
CB MIKE HUGHES UCF
3rd pick
OT ORLANDO BROWN OKLAHOMA
4th pick
EDGE DUKE EJIOFOR WAKE FOREST
5th pick
LB HERCULES MATA'AFA WASHINGSTON ST
It’s not balanced drafting strategy at all, if almost every year the Packers first pick of the draft is automatically reserved on defense!!
It’s time to give offense the first pick. Our crop of receivers are slow and they drop too many balls.
Ridley has speed and excellent hands. This is a no-brainer for Packers.
stockholder
April 19, 2018 at 07:53 am
Most people have them taking a CB Rd. 2. But that would be a big ,big mistake. Rd.2 they need to trade up. Pass Rusher! Even if it cost them more than normal. I would trade down before I took Ridley. Yes he has great hands. But the value is lower. Hercules will go before 5.
Royalty Free GM
April 19, 2018 at 04:00 pm
Stockholder- You realize those are not rounds?
Archie
April 19, 2018 at 08:00 am
I don't know about a no-brainer but certainly within the realm of reasonableness. Landry & Ridley are similar in that lots of people think 14 is too high & 20 is a great deal. Not sure draft is predictable enough for that opinion to be valid. If somebody is a great pick at 20 "in this draft" then I think he is at least a good pick at 14. I would consider the likely possibilities in R2 if forced to make this decision. R2 seems richer in WRs than great pass rushers.
For me - it's Marcus Davenport at 14.
No way is Ward or Edmonds falling to 14. Uncertainty in this draft begins to increase around pick 10. I may not know the order but I know 1-9 in this draft.
4 QBs
Barkley & Nelson
Chubb, Edmonds & Ward
Smith could be 10
Leaves both S, Vea, Davenport for next 4 picks.
We can't cry about any of those 4. I'd say opinion is most divided on Davenport because of small school status. I love everything about the kid, including his game tape. Like I've said many times, Vea is a luxury we can't afford. Either S would be an OK consolation prize. If the board goes this way and Gute goes in another direction, he damn sure better be right. No terrel buckley please while troy vincent is on the board. been there, done that. OTOH, if Gute fools us and finds a gem, he's a made man.
dobber
April 19, 2018 at 08:38 am
"No terrel buckley please while troy vincent is on the board. "
Now I might not sleep tonight...
Finwiz
April 19, 2018 at 09:17 am
I'm going to cringe if there's 2 safeties, Vea and Davenport left at 14.
Drafting a safety would be a luxury because despite their deficiencies there, I think it's the least of our defensive problems.
I pray to gawd they go for pass rush over safety.
Royalty Free GM
April 19, 2018 at 04:12 pm
I’m ready to trust our safeties under new DC.
No particular need to draft S.
Draft’s depth of the corners is good, so get one with second pick (not necessarily second round!) and maybe one more later.
Royalty Free GM
April 19, 2018 at 04:07 pm
Ridley will definitely go in the teens. 14th might even be too late to get him. No one knows how the final draft will evolve.
sonomaca
April 19, 2018 at 08:36 am
Possibly the worst Packers mock I’ve seen this year. Yikes.
Royalty Free GM
April 19, 2018 at 04:04 pm
Stop whining and instead let see your mock draft.
sonomaca
April 20, 2018 at 09:54 am
The first two picks should be secondary players. I think we see now why TT got fired. He didn’t draft poorly, but he let Hayward and Hyde get away. Hayward is a top 3 corner and Hyde is a top 10 safety.
sonomaca
April 20, 2018 at 10:03 am
Trying to figure out who might be available. If there are 5 QB’s gone, that leaves 8 players:
Barkley
Chubb
Nelson
That leaves 5 players before Pack pick:
Ward
Roquan
Edmunds
James
Minkah
McGlinchy
The Pack will get one if these in this scenario. I’m guessing it will be Edmunds or Minkah.
Archie
April 19, 2018 at 07:17 am
With Clark & Daniels, Vea is a luxury we can't afford because of all our other needs. Too bad because he would make an hellacious 3rd guy on our DL.
If I were Packer GM, I'd commit to building a great pass rush. That means guys like Davenport, Landry & Key. If we could trade our #1 and still land Landry & Key I'd be good with that. I'd also be good with no trade down and landing Davenport & Key. We have not had a big pass rush in a long time and it is time we did. Add a pass rush to Daniels & Clark and then begin adding young CBs.
There is no position of strength on offense other than Rodgers so I can see Gute going in any direction there. Having said that, it is time to find another young WR and TE. Throw in a an OL too. RB is strong again this year so another one of those guys could be good too.
Build that pass rush and good things will happen. Hell, that is why we went to 3-4 in the first place. But I must admit, if Vea is still there at 14, he will likely be the best value available. I have always despised drafting for need in rounds 1 & 2.
stockholder
April 19, 2018 at 07:59 am
I'll take Vea. Davenport will go before Landry. (Size) Key is 3rd round. Must add muscle and to slow already. But if you want that pass rush. Do this over Vea. Take Davenport. rd. 1 Take Carter. rd. 2 Take sweat rd.3. Forget the Cbs and wrs. until later. The difference is only the bigger school. Look what Jennings,Shields,Williams did.
Archie
April 19, 2018 at 08:05 am
Key is top 10 talent but off-field makes him a high risk for R1. R2 seems more likely as he possesses what few have. R3 would be a very comfortable spot to take a flyer on his character which is why somebody will beat you to the punch..
dobber
April 19, 2018 at 08:36 am
I agree that someone will take a shot at Key in round 2.
sonomaca
April 19, 2018 at 08:38 am
He tested poorly at combine, despite coming in extremely light. Not the athlete people thought.
LambeauPlain
April 19, 2018 at 08:44 am
BG could also stay put and take the best value on his board at 14.
Then he could call his buddies in Cleveland and offer his #2 and both 4th rounders in exchange for their 2nd, #33 and start day 2.
Cleveland is in rebuild and would be attracted to the picks.
Qoojo
April 19, 2018 at 01:08 pm
The dream scenario for me is stay put and BPA, or trade up if they really like one guy or have one CB graded much higher.
In theory, they will not be drafting this high again until Rodgers' last year, if he stays too long, or until Rodgers retires. Don't trade down. Take advantage of the situation.
The edge rushers all seem like higher risk gambles compared to the CBs in the draft. At least from what I have read.
stockholder
April 20, 2018 at 10:23 pm
Thor Nystrom says the #1 CB is Josh Jackson. Just saying.
Demon
April 19, 2018 at 01:16 pm
Has anyone wondered if TT has the CTE sundrome? He is a former player afterall. The post draft interview last year where he appeared to be drunk. Also the game where the fox cameras saw him with his mouth agape. Would explain his crappy drafts and questionable personnel decisions.