2019 NFL Draft: Day 1 Analysis

This morning, I will be giving an analysis of the Green Bay Packers day 1 draft selections.

With two selections in the first round, the Packers were hard at work trying to bolster their defensive unit.  With the 12th pick, the Packers selected Rashan Gary and then traded the 30th, 114th, and 118th picks to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for the 21st selection where they selected safety Darnell Savage.  

With these two first-round selections, the Packers added a versatile edge rusher who can pressure the quarterback as well as make plays against the run and a safety who can make plays on the ball as well as at the line of scrimmage.  

Round 1 Pick 12: Rashan Gary, Defensive Line/ Edge Defender, Michigan

Measurables/Combine: 6'5, 287 lbs. 40 Yard Dash: 4.58, Broad Jump 120.0, Vertical 38.0, 3 cone 7.26, 20-yard shuttle 4.29, Bench Reps 26

Career Notes:

In three years Rashan Gary had 119 tackles, 23.0 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble.  Gary has shown he can be a versatile defender as he can either stand up in a 3-4 or play up front in a 4-3.  He possesses strong, quick hands to shed blockers and break through the line in pursuit of the opposing quarterback and running backs.    

Gary has tremendous athleticism and can really dip and rip while effectively generating interior A gap pressure which plays into Pettine's strengths of getting pressure up the middle.  Gary sets the edge well in the running game and can do a little bit of everything which increases his value in a creative defensive scheme.  Despite playing out of position, as is believed by some NFL scouts, Gary still managed to have 38 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 6.5 tackles for loss during the 2018 season.

NFL Draft & Combine Profile - Rashan Gary

"Gary's production has yet to catch up with his freakish athleticism.  He earned a 68.3 pass rushing grade this past season". -Pro Football Focus

"Five-star defensive end prospect coming into Michigan, who leaves with those same five-star traits and loads of potential but a lack of development in key areas.  Gary is a face-up rusher who seems content with bull rush attempts rather than working the edges...His size, strength, and motor could make him a plus run defender in short order.  He has elite potential if a defensive coordinator can harness the energy and focus the approach". -Lance Zierlein NFL.com

Other Options on the Board:

This selection left many puzzled as there were plenty of safer options the Packers could have chosen to select at 12.  If they were looking for a more polished pass rusher, they could have elected to go with Brian Burns. If they were looking for offensive line help, they could have taken any one of a plethora of options as well.  The bottom line is, there were safer options available to the Packers at 12 but they believed Gary's upside was worth the risk.  

Why the Packers went with Gary: I believe the Packers went with Gary because of his versatility, athleticism, and potential.  Gary shows a lot of promise as a two way player both as a pass rusher and as well as a run defender and Brian Gutekunst clearly believes Mike Pettine is the man who can harness all of Gary's talent into a two way, pro bowl caliber talent.  The Packers like Gary's ability to be dynamic against the pass as well as the run and believe his skill set plays into Mike Pettine's scheme.

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Round 1 Pick 21: Darnell Savage, Safety, Maryland

Measurables/Combine: 5'11, 198 lbs. 40-yard dash 4.36, Vertical 39.5, Broad 126.0, 3-cone drill 7.03, 20-yard shuttle 4.14

Career Notes: Darnell Savage's draft day story was a microcosm of his career thus far, going from relatively unknown and overlooked, to a first-round pick in the NFL Draft.  Savage improved every season while at the University of Maryland and became a permanent starter at safety during his sophomore season.  During his sophomore season, he was third on the team with 59 tackles.  By his junior season, he had eight pass breakups, three interceptions, and was named second team all big ten.

NFL Draft & Combine Profile - Darnell Savage

What They're Saying:

"Savage will offer an interesting litmus test for how teams value instincts, IQ and coverage quickness against size. He sports a compact frame with a muscular build and was actually bigger at the combine than some scouts expected. His sticky cover skills and ability to close on throws from all areas of the field are valuable commodities that should not be undervalued. Savage should be targeted as a Day 2 hybrid defender offering early starting potential as a two-high zone or slot cover talent." -Lance Zierlein NFL.com

"Savage has back-to-back seasons with grades over 86.0 overall. He’s a missile around the line of scrimmage, laying some impressive hits in the flat". -Pro Football Focus

"Savage is slightly undersized for the position, but he is explosive, versatile and instinctive. The Maryland product lines up in the deep half or over the slot. He is quick to distinguish run/pass and doesn't waste any time closing to the football. He is at his best breaking on balls in front of him. Savage takes excellent angles and can play the ball while running full speed…He has a high batting average as a tackler. Overall, I love Savage's blend of speed and ball-hawking skills. His size isn't a concern, and I believe he has the potential to emerge as an upper-echelon safety very early in his career". -Daniel Jeremiah NFL network

Other Options on the Board:

The Packers had plenty of other options on their draft board in the case Savage was already selected.  They could have retained both of their fourth-round picks and stayed at 30 and drafted either Kaleb McGary, Dalton Risner, or Jawaan Taylor to sure up the offensive line.  In addition to these three linemen, there were also a number of skill position players available that the Packers could have selected at either 21 or 30 (Josh Jacobs, N'Keal Harry, and Hollywood Brown just to name a few).

Why the Packers went with Savage:

After last season's debacle at the safety, it was as clear as day the Packers were going to go in a different direction in 2019.  Once they signed Adrian Amos, the hunt was on to find his running mate for the future. After tonight, Savage appears to be that guy.  He can play both the run and pass and possesses great coverage skills.  He is also able to stop the run, control the line of scrimmage, and deliver punishment to the opposition.  It appears as if Savage's skill set will be able to play off of Amos's which should allow them to develop into quite the tandem moving forward.

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David Michalski is a staff writer for Cheesehead TV. He can be found on Twitter @kilbas27dave 

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Comments (183)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
GB Jacker's picture

April 26, 2019 at 06:40 am

Interesting night. Savage, I think and hope, will become a legit star in the team and the league, and it's wonderful to think we might have GOOD safety play finally. In general the five new pieces on defense are huge additions, the Smith boys should allow Gary to come in and play in spots that allow him to be productive and gain experience and in general there's now some genuine depth up front. If Fackrell can get sacks in Pettines system an athletic behemoth like Gary should be productive. Let's hope those vets take him under their wing and along with the coaches turn him into a very good player.

Everybody seems very down on the Gary pick but I'm excited to see our defense this year already. Two more picks today who hopefully can come in and contribute. Offensive pieces would be fun.

17 points
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Trapped-in-MN-BUT-GB-fan's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:51 am

After some thought and watching these picks I feel a lot better than I did when they were first picked. Gary is a high-risk, high-reward type pick but I have confidence Pettine is the right coach to get this guy to be productive. Very happy with the Savage pick after watching his tape. Should be a really good defensive backfield which we haven't had for a looooong time.

12 points
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Rak43's picture

April 26, 2019 at 06:43 am

I'm super excited about both of these picks! Gute is putting the pieces in play to field a dominant defense. Can't wait til the first week of September. Are we there yet?

4 points
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Swisch's picture

April 26, 2019 at 09:46 am

Rak, I get impatient, too, but even August looks exciting for trying out all our new guys on defense and getting them to gel with our current guys.
Also, it may be good to get Rodgers a lot more plays in preseason, developing rapport with all of our young and promising receivers, and implementing a new system under LaFleur and our OC.
It seems good to take some smart risks with injury in the preseason, which may actually better prepare the offense to protect Rodgers in the regular season.
Let's get that quick passing game going as one way of keeping Rodgers upright, with the added ability to go deep at any time for the big play.

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bodei1newbie1's picture

April 26, 2019 at 06:48 am

the only thing i can say is wait and see when the season starts ?

7 points
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ShawnO's picture

April 26, 2019 at 07:14 am

If Gary is out of position then what does that make Za'Darius? thay are basically the same size?

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dobber's picture

April 26, 2019 at 07:25 am

Smith isn't nearly the athlete Gary is.

6 points
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DavidMichalski's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:12 am

I honestly kinda saw it as the Packers loving his athleticism as is Gute's mo, and his ability to line up all over the field. The Packers love players who are versatile.

5 points
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sonomaca's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:18 am

That’s it. They want great athletes. Capers wouldn’t know what to do with them, but Pettine is showing himself to be a top flight defensive mind. Great athletes + great coach = great defense.

4 points
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Hawg Hanner's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:49 am

There was some discussion on Gary needing to develop technique. He will get that in the pros.

1 points
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DavidMichalski's picture

April 26, 2019 at 09:37 am

Yea most NFL scouts are raving about how much of a stud athlete he is but are worried because he did not develop and turn into the player he should have in college. Translation, the Packers are going all in on Pettine's magical touch to turn this guy into a versatile stud who is a perennial pro bowler.

2 points
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Jonathan Spader's picture

April 26, 2019 at 12:47 pm

Capers revitalized Julius Peppers career by moving him around the field. Capers wasn't given the tools Pettine has been given post 2010. I'll take Pettine over Capers but TT didn't give Capers much to work with towards the end of Caper's time in GB.

2 points
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GBPDAN1's picture

April 26, 2019 at 07:47 am

BG definitely put his reputation on the line with these picks. Drafting for potential at 12 is risky and although I like Savage, giving away two #4s to move up for him means he better not just be a good Safety, but a Pro bowl safety . Obviously, the results on the field will give us our answers regarding BGs capabilities as a GM.

9 points
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Dzehren's picture

April 26, 2019 at 09:11 am

Gute can turn things around by coming away with Dalton Risner, or Jawaan Taylor in round 2.

2 points
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DavidMichalski's picture

April 26, 2019 at 09:45 am

I mean Pettine can coach up Gary and the Packers will in all likelihood have two day 1 starters with pro-bowl potential. To your point, I see the Packers being in on Risner or Taylor. I could even see them using some more capital to move up inside the 37-40 range to nab one of the two tackles. This also could be a slot wideout or tight end selection as well. I think Taylor and Risner give you the most value with the second round pick, however.

2 points
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Dzehren's picture

April 26, 2019 at 09:01 am

duplicate

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Grimm's picture

April 26, 2019 at 10:33 am

I underestand what your saying GBPDan, but Pro bowls are more popularity contests than anything these days. If these picks help us win another championship, then I dont care about rest.

3 points
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Adorabelle's picture

April 26, 2019 at 07:18 pm

That was going to be my hard hitting analysis as well. If these guys start, or contribute and play well then it is a good draft. If they don't then it was a poor draft. None of these guys have played a down yet, lets see 'em play.

1 points
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MarkinMadison's picture

April 26, 2019 at 06:48 am

I'm trying to be positive about Gary because so many are just going off and a lot of it is non-sense. The fear for me is that he is another Nick Perry - a guy who should really have just been a 4-3 end from day 1. I'm going to trust that these guys know what they are doing. The upside is there.

I love the Savage pick. Safety was a disaster last year. The group of draft eligibles all has some drawbacks. But Savage pops if you've ever watched a game against Maryland. His measurables surprised me. I really think the Packers went and got the best safety in the class. Giving up a couple of 4s to get him is fine with me if the pros think this is the guy.

6 points
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Doug Niemczynski's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:50 am

Should have taken that DT Wilkins guy from Clemson, then you would have had a 3 headed monster with Daniels and Clark and Wilkins or whatever his name is.

-3 points
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kevgk's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:53 am

Gary seems like he projects more to Clowney to me. More versatile, better at setting the edge, good run support, eats blocks, even if he never develops his potential explosive pass rush.

2 points
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DavidMichalski's picture

April 26, 2019 at 09:50 am

An anonymous source confirmed to me the Pack would sign up for Clowney like defender with versatility. ;) lol But to your point, he has all the tools so you'd figure that a training camp and OTA's with Pettine would help Gary immensely going into year 1.

1 points
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Leatherhead's picture

April 26, 2019 at 10:47 am

I was that source, but it was just subterfuge.

I think the key with Gary is that he's a piece. A piece. We're not expecting him to come in and play 60 snaps a game and dominate from opening day, we're expecting him to work hard and get ready and earn time on the field.

Smith, Smith, Gary, Fackrell, Gilbert. IF we consider him an OLB.

If he's rotating in as a DL in passing situations....as I think is likely..... then we'll see if he can beat NFL blockers. IF he can, great. If not, hopefully somebody else can. He doesn't have to be our leading sack guy. Just get pressure against ONE blocker. Anything else is gravy.

Savage, on the other hand, we traded up for. I don't know if Savage would have still been there at #30, or who the next best guy was, but we traded away two early 4th round picks for this guy. He needs to play well enough we can have him on the field quite a bit of the time. IF he's hurt, or ineffective....that's like three guys being hurt or ineffective. It's a blow to the team.

0 points
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John Galt's picture

April 26, 2019 at 06:55 am

The draft is a crap shoot. Both picks could be brilliant in hindsight or be disappointments. When you trade up as he did you have to be 100% right. Gutekunst claims he's really good at drafting talent. Hope he's right.

7 points
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Handsback's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:38 am

John speaks the truth, the draft is a crap shoot. Gary is a boom or bust guy. Most scouts had him rated in the 10 range. Same scout also had Clelin Ferrell rated at #5 and he went 4 to Oakland. Gary's bigger and more athletic than GB's Jones back in 2013 so he's not a comparison. A reminder, he was All-Big 10 for two years. I like him, but understand his performance may not match his capability...yet.
Savage was considered either a FS or slot CB. His late rise came from coaches getting interested in his capabilities. They see a safety that can let the team go to single-high coverage, move him to slot coverage, and can attack the LOS. To me...he's Collin's replacement only 8 years too late. I will be shocked if he doesn't start day one. Ravens, Colts, NE, all wanted him accord to rumors for what that's worth.

13 points
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TheBigCheeze's picture

April 26, 2019 at 10:11 am

"Gutekunst claims he's really good at drafting talent."-------I missed that....when did he say that?

1 points
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John Galt III's picture

April 26, 2019 at 10:50 am

He said this two days ago in that "I prepare for all this year long. This is what it is all about."

Read between the lines.

Do think he prepares for this all year long to screw it up?

0 points
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NitschkeFan's picture

April 26, 2019 at 07:46 am

FWIW, Sports Illustrated gave scores of “B” for the Gary pick and “B+” for the Savage pick. Looking over their league-wide grades, they seemed to be pretty tough graders.

And I'm editing my post as NFL.com has given the Pack a Day 1 Grade of " A ". Looking over all of their grades, they seem to be fairly generous with their grades.

Time will tell.

I’m hoping for some Offensive picks today.

Go Pack Go!

8 points
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AgrippaLII's picture

April 26, 2019 at 07:57 am

Draftek gave them a C+ for Gary and B for Savage...how does a B and a B+ become average out to become an A ?

0 points
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NitschkeFan's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:13 am

Two different sites, Sports Illustrated (B, B+) vs NFL.com (A)

0 points
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4thand10's picture

April 26, 2019 at 02:56 pm

I like this from Chris Simms.....”he has a lot of F—- the play up stats that don’t show up on paper ,he’s like a Michael Bennett , he’ll get you 6 sacks a year and a whole lot of havoc on the LOS.

0 points
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Leatherhead's picture

April 26, 2019 at 11:04 am

And Drafttek had Savage at #75. How does a first round pick and two fourth rounders become 75?

All along I've said the #1 need was safety help. We got Amos, and now we've got Savage. If they can stay on the field, we should be OK. If not, then it's Tramon Williams and Josh Jones. Not as impressive, IMO.

What I like about Savage, according to everything I've read, is that he tackles, and I think that's a big, big part of passing defense right now. It's almost impossible to prevent some 6'5" WR from catching a perfectly thrown ball, but you've got to end the play there, and you've got to make people pay a price for the yards.

Gutekunst is rolling the dice. We've missed the playoffs two straight years and if we miss again this year, we're gonna blame him. Last year we can blame on McCarthy, or the roster, or whatever, but Gute has had two drafts and two offseasons now. He's changed the HC and the DC. This is his baby.

-1 points
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Adorabelle's picture

April 26, 2019 at 07:23 pm

Draft grades are silly. How they play is the only thing that matters. You can only judge how a draft went a couple years after it happened.

1 points
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Lare's picture

April 26, 2019 at 07:02 am

Well, the defense should be better this year.

5 points
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Hematite's picture

April 26, 2019 at 07:12 am

Being a Michigan fan who watches a lot of Michigan football I should be ecstatic, instead I'm underwhelmed.
He's got a high motor and great measurables but he disappears for long periods of time.
His highlight tape is exciting but very short.
Perhaps he can be coached up over the next four years to bring out his potential but taking a project at the 12 spot is the kind of move that gets people fired.
I fear that once he gets the money in his pocket he will really disappear.

5 points
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OnWisconsinGoPack's picture

April 26, 2019 at 07:59 am

Out of curiosity, what changed from this year and the year prior? Was he doubled/tripled or different scheme or avoided his side, etc?

It was interesting to see Bush say he'd draft Gary ahead of himself. Good leader or does he know something all of us don't know, minus Gute?

1 points
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kevgk's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:56 am

There was a scout interview on Packers.com who said he was consistently double and triple team but still impacted the game more than sacks. Packers seem to love pressures as their analytics stat, as both Smiths had more pressures than sacks.

2 points
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Packerpasty's picture

April 26, 2019 at 09:02 am

Gute and staff most likely watched much more tape and did many more interviews than us fans, in regard to Gary...Michigan asked him to eat up blockers and didn't put him in position for sacks much of the time...Winovich probably wouldn't have been very productive without Gary taking on double/triple teams...lets give it a chance...two months ago when all the mock drafts started he was always up in the top ten..

5 points
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Big_Mel_75's picture

April 26, 2019 at 10:10 am

remember when Capers use to do the same thing? Wouldn't let the DL go and get home but to eat space and let the linebackers get the sacks/tackles. Cullen Jenkins was vocal about this. I think Gary will be just fine...

3 points
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Minniman's picture

April 26, 2019 at 03:03 pm

Hermatite, just out of curiosity, do you know what rough percentage of snaps he played at Michigan? Reason is that I wonder if with a reduced initial snap count and specific assignments that he can have a very productive pro career......... I have to believe that if Mike Pettine can make Kyler Fackrell an active contributor, then he should be able to do the same with Gary.

P.S Anyone else see that Gary is starting his own sports agency. This one's tricky. I'm not sure if the added distraction will help or hinder his focus.

-1 points
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jww061356's picture

April 26, 2019 at 07:12 am

Hate the Rashan Gary pick. Would rather have had Burns or Sweat.

-6 points
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AgrippaLII's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:01 am

Not to mention a plethora of Offensive tackles still on the board!

-2 points
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Patrick's picture

April 26, 2019 at 03:38 pm

That's what I said, with the first pick WHY not get a great offensive line guy??

0 points
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Big_Mel_75's picture

April 26, 2019 at 10:13 am

How many hours of college film have you watched to be so disappointed in a pick? Let the people who get paid for a living in the TOP sport make the picks and give the kid a chance... DD didn't have the production in college and I would say he had a pretty good career huh?

0 points
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Minniman's picture

April 26, 2019 at 03:18 pm

Having pondered this one since last night mnklitzke, the most eloquent way that I can rationalize my personal concern it is that it was a gamble at such a high pick that didn't need to be taken. There were many other "safer" (if that ever exists in the draft) options that would have also been significant contributors.

I suppose that I can only have the faith that Mike Pettine can extract the juice of out Gary that Jim Harbaugh couldn't (or at least with measurable stats - block eating not really being measurable).

Welcome to Green Bay Rashan Gary - may your tenure be more prone (you pancaking QB's) than supine (OT's pancaking you)!

0 points
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Doug_In_Sandpoint's picture

April 26, 2019 at 07:16 am

Before we even pick rounds 2 and 3 today I am going on record with my predictions: 19-0, zero points allowed on defense this season.

5 points
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3
AgrippaLII's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:05 am

The Packers will struggle to make it to 8-8.

-5 points
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Summer_PackerBacker's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:56 am

Because you are such an expert at drafting and have peered into the crystal ball to see what the future holds? Good Lord we don't even know who the teams we play have drafted and yet people are making asinine comments like this. Unreasonable complaining is so tiring

1 points
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stockholder's picture

April 26, 2019 at 07:25 am

It said if you don't have something good to say. Then don't say it. But It's obvious Gute didn't pay attention to his draft scouts. His consideration for other prospects was blind. Blind Love is based on Need. Sure Gute filled Need. Anyone could have picked need. But Gute was "Locked" into his selections for months. My concern isn't with the players being packers. My concern now is for the leadership of the Green Bay Packers. Paying scouts, draft consultants, etc. And trying to make a player something their not. Is the wrong direction. It's a direction on why the packers have been losers for eight years. Why the Patriots are more successful. The problem is the packers have lost the ability to get the player that can dominate. Whether it be offense or defense. I believe the Packers have turned into the Cleveland Browns. The money and hype is more important. They lost their desire to dominate. And Gute just made the biggest mistakes for the packers in years. He got Locked into players. Players that they have to play based on selection. When you have to play players you Lose! IT's NOW TOXIC!! Gute didn't listen! The downfall is obvious.

-12 points
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OnWisconsinGoPack's picture

April 26, 2019 at 07:28 am

I'd say Oline. Either trade a 5th to move up if needs be, but I'd be targeting Taylor or Risner in the first couple picks of the 2nd round as they were 1st round talents IMO.

3rd round we'll hope for Irv or Jace at TE but I think we need to move up again, if possible.

1 points
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mrtundra's picture

April 26, 2019 at 09:12 am

I'd go OL with Risner, Taylor or Ford in the 2nd and look for TE in the third. Irv Smith Jr may be gone before the third but either Sternberger, Oliver, Moreau, Warring and Nauta should all be there.

1 points
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Houndog's picture

April 26, 2019 at 07:50 am

Stockholder,
I've been a lot more detached this year than normally, but watching the Packers draft guys that nobody on the NFL channel has even mentioned in the first 2 or 3 hours of the show is a little disappointing. I was hoping Gute would be better than Thompson! For the moment it appears Gary could be Nick Perry II, another project, while Savage is at least a little bit taller than Terrell Buckley!
But hey, maybe Murphy decided to take over the drafting responsibilities too? If it helps get him out of town faster, I'm all for it!

-3 points
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blacke00's picture

April 26, 2019 at 09:16 am

Stockholder! there is no such thing as "BPA". No team really follows it. Drafting is always based on your team and it's needs.

Example, how many times have poor teams drafted a QB in the 1st round...play him too early and he ends up failing? More times than you can count. Why? because they didn't emphasized what the team needed ( a better supporting cast) than the "BPA QB". A QB can't make a silk purse out of sow's ear!

A team like the Patriots or Rams can consider BPA because they have nucleus already there, most teams including the Packers don't. You draft for what's best for your team based on need.

-1 points
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TheKanataThrilla's picture

April 26, 2019 at 10:11 am

I'm pretty sure the Jags just drafted BPA. Everyone was thinking OT or TE and then a gift dropped to them.

1 points
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dobber's picture

April 26, 2019 at 07:53 am

"Then don't say it. But It's obvious Gute didn't pay attention to his draft scouts. "

First off, I don't buy that. I think he listened very closely to his scouts. Scouts are not draftniks. Scouts don't put together draftboards for the general public. Go up and down that first round and you'll find there are tremendous differences between the public draft boards and how this draft played out, and it's because GMs are not internet draft pundits or TV talking heads. The draftniks miss a lot...every year.

"Anyone could have picked need. But Gute was "Locked" into his selections for months. "

Every GM always says that their first round pick is their guy, has always been their guy, has been someone they've been interested in for a long time. Insert whatever phrase you want, but no GM ever walks to the podium and says, "Sorry, guys, my bad" or "Geez, I had to take someone".

6 points
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stockholder's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:13 am

No Dobber. He was in Ann Arbor. Do you know what position he's playing? Why the tweeter stuff? Thats not domination!!! . The problem is both picks were reaches. (Not the players. ) The first ten went according to plan. The Guru's were right on except for the selection of QB Jones. But knew they would take a QB. Which was based on mechanics, etc. He got Locked in to Gary. Period. Gute said Geez last night!

1 points
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HankScorpio's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:00 am

"But It's obvious Gute didn't pay attention to his draft scouts. "

How is that obvious? Did you see them say that? If you did, i'm guessing they will soon be ex-scouts. And for good reason.

3 points
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stockholder's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:20 am

The selection of Wilkins.@13 The refusal to beat Pittsburgh to Bush. The failure to trade up for a Tackle, or even Simmons. The hole will be on the DL next year. They now are forced to keep Daniels. Gute just failed at rebuilding this team. We are now in the SHERMAN years! If you don't know your history. Read the Book!

-5 points
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HankScorpio's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:27 am

I do perfectly well understand your opinion, I think. At least as much as I care. But I was asking about a specific assertion you made: that Gute didn't listen to his scouts. For all I know, Gary was the choice of 80% of the scouting staff. I wanted to know if there was something that provided evidence one way or the other.

Based on the way you answered, my only conclusion is you think those scouts must see things the way you see them. If you want to correct that conclusion, feel free. OTOH, if you want to rant some more, feel free to do that as well.

4 points
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sonomaca's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:33 am

I’m guessing the staff watch and analyze every collegiate snap. Probably discuss at length every snap. What was his assignment? Was he double teamed. Probably grade every snap. This is no joke.

2 points
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Slim11's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:35 am

Perhaps Gute's comment being "locked in" on Gary is what bothers me. TT said something similar about AJ Hawk. IIRC, TT said Hawk was "his guy" all along when drafting him at #5 overall.

2 points
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dobber's picture

April 26, 2019 at 10:06 am

No GM ever walks into a press conference and says that the player he took wasn't his guy.

4 points
4
0
jgando12's picture

April 26, 2019 at 07:27 am

Love the arm chair comments by our brethren experts.
Gary is a beast, pure and simple. Have a little faith in Gutes and coaching staff. This is what they do everyday.

8 points
11
3
OnWisconsinGoPack's picture

April 26, 2019 at 07:55 am

Agreed. Arm chair GMs.

Gary would not have been my pick but I understand why he was chosen. Here's hoping Burns is a bust ;)

3 points
3
0
dobber's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:35 am

I said a couple times leading up to the draft that given the Packers' moves in FA, there were about 100 different ways this first round would fall that would make sense for the team, and all but a couple would piss off the fan base.

Apparently this was one of them.

5 points
5
0
CheesyTex's picture

April 26, 2019 at 09:22 am

If he turns out to be the second coming of #92 (Reggie White) maybe the protagonists will see Gute and his staff in a different light.

0 points
0
0
Houndog's picture

April 26, 2019 at 07:31 am

Why is it that all the names we hear and read about for two weeks (or 2 months) prior the draft, we seldom hear when the Packers make their picks?
If I were looking in a phone book, Gary Rashon might have made sense.

4 points
4
0
egbertsouse's picture

April 26, 2019 at 07:38 am

I never liked these tweener DE/OLBs or these small- bodied DBs that Uncle Ted and nephew Guter seem to fall in love with. (I know, Kevin King is a big body who sucks but the exception doesn’t prove the rule.). I’ll change my tune if Pettine switches to a 4-3 this year.

0 points
1
1
fthisJack's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:01 am

you do realize that Collins was 5'11" and 200 pounds and that worked out very well until he got hurt. Savage is not a scrawny fragile DB. he lays the lumber when tackling and has no injury history that i know about.

2 points
2
0
jeepingmakooi's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:04 am

Why is the size of the defensive back or linebacker an issue for scheme? Seems to me that a 3-4 covets speed more then. 4-3 does?

1 points
1
0
dobber's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:34 am

Depends on the role of the LB. An OLB in on odd front is much different from an ILB in an odd front and a WLB in an even front or even a SAM in an even front.

1 points
1
0
CheesyTex's picture

April 26, 2019 at 09:31 am

IMO Pettine is the difference. If we can believe what we read, these guys give him flexibility to use both 3-4 and 4-3 -- Gary great speed for his size yet strong vs. run, and Savage really fast yet a strong tackler despite 5'11" (as was Nick Collins).

Can't wait to watch a dominant Packers defense.

4 points
4
0
Boneman's picture

April 26, 2019 at 07:55 am

It's a little scary when our chief falls in love with prospects and ignores production. This draft will define Gute and really, his future at GM is on the line. As a Packer fan I will trust that he is smarter than the 100 analysts that disagree and wait ans see how these picks perform. I would have loved Burns at 12 and stand pat at 30 and keep those two 4ths because depth is often our downfall and this is supposed to be a very deep draft. Go Pack go...

0 points
2
2
leche's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:38 am

My take on it, is Gute and his scouting team get overly infatuated with pure athleticism... Apparently he thinks all he needs are supreme athletes and his coaching staff will make them good football players. That seems destined to fail

0 points
2
2
dobber's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:53 am

For years we got after this team for being too slow (especially on defense) and not athletic enough. We would watch guys run away from Packer DBs or LBs and say they needed to inject speed into the roster. Here it is.

4 points
4
0
AgrippaLII's picture

April 26, 2019 at 09:04 am

Seems to me someone else tried that approach before ? It didn't work out well then but maybe it will this time ?

-1 points
0
1
mrtundra's picture

April 26, 2019 at 09:17 am

We've only gone one round and now Gute is getting his defining moment???

3 points
3
0
Dzehren's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:05 am

GUTE needs to somehow salvage the next 3 rounds.
consider trading back to the end of round 3 and add a 4th rounder. We could use a OT, TE or RB with that 4th.

0 points
2
2
Bure9620's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:03 am

I actually think the Packers may have a very formidable defense now, the best since 2010 maybe even better. If we get a depth lineman tonight, Risner or Cajuste and a other weapon (WR or TE), this could be a decent hall.

8 points
9
1
ShooterMcGee's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:05 am

I think they may trade back with pick 44 to recoup the 4th rounders we gave up for Savage. Then we can still get a WR in the late 2nd such as Hakeem Butler and a TE like Kahale Warring in the 3rd.

0 points
0
0
AgrippaLII's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:46 am

I agree...our backup QB's will need them!

0 points
2
2
HankScorpio's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:08 am

I was pretty heated up about the Gary choice last night. Less so about the Savage move but I didn't love it, either. Since most attacks seem to be based on the opinions of the Draft Industrial Complex, I'm cooling off. The Draft Industrial Complex is for entertainment only.

The argument that both should have been drafted later according to pundits is not much of an argument, IMO.

Some are citing Gary's shoulder as a concern. That might be valid. I'm not a doctor so I don't know. But even doctors cannot tell the future. So at worst the shoulder increases the risk. But there is risk with every pick.

2 points
3
1
stockholder's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:30 am

. I was pretty heated up. ???? Yea. Why? Think about that first. Gute does not deserve praise when the fan base is heated up. It was obvious on every packer fan shown last night. They were devastated.

3 points
5
2
dobber's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:33 am

I hope he doesn't give a squirt of piss what the fanbase thinks.

14 points
14
0
Cubbygold's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:35 am

A thousand thumbs up if I could

4 points
4
0
HankScorpio's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:41 am

And a thousand more from me.

2 points
3
1
Doug Niemczynski's picture

April 26, 2019 at 09:18 am

Dobber you might be eating those words. I pray for your sake and Gutes that Gary and Savage work out or HEADS WILL ROLL!!

0 points
2
2
dobber's picture

April 26, 2019 at 09:54 am

Why would I want the guy running my favorite team to have rabbit ears and make picks that only make the novice fan happy?

4 points
4
0
stockholder's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:40 am

Yes you do!

-1 points
0
1
dobber's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:54 am

No, stockholder, I don't.

2 points
2
0
Since'61's picture

April 26, 2019 at 10:03 am

More cookies for Dobber! Why should Gute care what the fan base thinks. This is his job to build a team. Let’s see how these guys work out before we criticize Gute and the picks. Thanks, Since ‘61

3 points
3
0
dobber's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:32 am

I can't believe that the shoulder is surgical. There's no way he injures it during the college season and makes it through the Combine without a surgical shoulder immediately becoming a ginormous flag. I think those rumors were just regular draft banter intended to influence other teams.

"Draft Industrial Complex" -- LOVE IT!! So true.

Go look at some of the players who went early (Ferrell, Jones, Simmons with his knee and history, Howard, Savage) and ahead of where the pundit put them, and how many guys with 'first round grades' (Taylor, Risner, Greedy Williams) are still floating around out there. I was a sucker for Taylor and wanted him at 12...apparently I'd make a lousy GM.

8 points
8
0
stockholder's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:36 am

Gute brought in 30 guys. He ignored what he did. This draft is a perfect example, for a re- draft!

3 points
4
1
sonomaca's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:39 am

Apparently, Gruden couldn’t or wouldn’t pick players who shared Khalil Mack’s agent, of which there were several.

Also, if you’re going to Las Vegas you need high character guys or there’s going to be trouble. That might have been a condition for NFL to allow mice to Vegas.

0 points
0
0
Qoojo's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:56 am

Hope you are right. I thought I read he injured it in freshman year too. If true, seems a bit strange.

0 points
0
0
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

April 26, 2019 at 02:57 pm

Tony Pauline reported that Taylor had knee, back and weight issues that teams were concerned about. Taylor didn't fully participate in the combine due to hammies.

Back injuries scare me in the big guys. I have no way to know what the due diligence shows about Taylor. His tape is solid.

0 points
0
0
ShooterMcGee's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:09 am

I didnt like our first round picks however I was pleasantly surprised that we only gave up our 2 4th round picks to move up to 21. Glad we still have our 2nd and 3rd round picks.

1 points
3
2
Samson's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:24 am

Gute dipped into free agency. -- That allows him to be more creative in the draft. -- GB (finally) has the coaching staff in place that will make the difference for many players.
I missed on all my 'preferred choices'. -- Today & the rest of the draft needs to be for the offense. -- OL, WR & RB.

BTW -- Gary may surprise big time. --- The duo of Savage & Amos will be the envy of 31 other teams.

5 points
7
2
Doug Niemczynski's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:27 am

Here we go again with the kool aid drinkers. It was a bad draft.

-5 points
4
9
stockholder's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:32 am

Correct!

-2 points
2
4
Samson's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:49 am

Here we go with the "arm-chair" experts again. -- It is a good draft & will get even better.

4 points
5
1
IceBowl's picture

April 26, 2019 at 02:05 pm

Doug,

I have to say your knowledge supersedes all. You are one smart cookie. You are letting your true ID show.

-1 points
0
1
Wilment's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:35 am

After last nights draft, I come away with a couple thoughts....one, Gary was a reach. Yes, he is an incredible athlete, but if you watch the Michigan games, the constant discussion revolved around when Gary would ever come around. Big upside, big risk. How often do we get two first rounders? I like Savage, but I think they gave up too much to get him. Bigger minds than mine made these deals, but one things for sure, if they don't pan out? I will still have a job. One other thing....who would you rather have, these two guys, or Kahlil Mack? Just wondering...GOPACKGO!

2 points
3
1
Doug Niemczynski's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:58 am

Great point. The Packers gave away a #12 Pick and a #30 pick as well as two 4th round picks. This is what Packers fans said they did not want to do for Khalil Mack, so instead, we gave it all away anyways and we don't even get K. Mack. Absolutely hilarious.

If these 2 number one picks suck and do not make an impact in 2019 then GUTE needs to be FIRED!!

-2 points
4
6
Spock's picture

April 26, 2019 at 11:15 am

I will wait to see how these two players play before worrying about comparisons to what was a "possible" trade for Mack. I seriously doubt the picks "suck" and, as regards Mack, there was that teeny, tiny, little other thing about that deal: the Bears had to give him a ginormous contract, remember? $$$$$$$$$$$$$

1 points
1
0
4thand10's picture

April 26, 2019 at 03:13 pm

Mack was watching the Super Bowl from his couch and will continue to do so. In the meantime, Chicago’s name wasn’t called last night. They mortgaged the future for NO future. Most drafts had Gary as a first round pick. Big 10 football was the toughest division in college ball this year. Packers just got better. Now if they can find a way to get Risner and Deebo, maybe even Montgomery...I’ll be pretty happy.

1 points
1
0
TheKanataThrilla's picture

April 26, 2019 at 10:29 am

We are also spending $20M less on these guys than Khalil Mack that we used to spend on other players.

2 points
2
0
Wilment's picture

April 26, 2019 at 11:47 am

If we had grabbed Mack, we wouldn't have had to pick up both of the smiths, so theres part of the 20 million, and first round picks are going to get paid too...as for the other 10 million, there was some other dead wood that could have been cut.

0 points
0
0
Wilment's picture

April 26, 2019 at 11:47 am

If we had grabbed Mack, we wouldn't have had to pick up both of the smiths, so theres part of the 20 million, and first round picks are going to get paid too...as for the other 10 million, there was some other dead wood that could have been cut.

-1 points
0
1
jh9's picture

April 26, 2019 at 05:13 pm

After Day 1 of the draft, all I can say is Guteknust has balls. Segueing to a baseball analogy, he saw two curveballs and he swung for the fences.

Rashan Gary has always been a freak of nature, but his physical gifts never produced the results they should have. If he doesn’t perform for the Packers, Guteknust will be criticized for ignoring what was obvious to everyone else.

I like Darnell Savage, but not in the 1st round. To trade a 1st round pick and two 4th round picks to move up in the draft to get him is a steep price. If Savage doesn’t become an all-pro, Guteknust will be criticized again for over-valuing this pick.

These were two risky picks for Guteknust. Being a Packers fan, my heart hopes he made the right decisions. But my head tells me that these two picks were unnecessary risks.

5 points
5
0
AgrippaLII's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:37 am

I knew the stories today would be efforts to blow sunshine up our ass over Gutekunst's first round draft picks. Rashan Gary at #12? Really? A 5'11" 191 pound Free Safety worth your 30th pick plus two fourth round picks? Sure hope our opponents don't have any Kryptonite! Gutekunst broke the first rule of the draft...don't fall in love with specific players! So much for that Best Player Available BS!

0 points
3
3
Summer_PackerBacker's picture

April 26, 2019 at 09:10 am

So let me get this straight... We as a fanbase were all about the idea of getting Earl Thomas aside from the injury history, yet Thomas is shorter and only 5 lbs heavier than savage, and suddenly savage is too tiny for the NFL? Savage makes Earl look like a middling, average athlete, I'm very excited to see how he'll turn out in our defense.

2 points
3
1
AgrippaLII's picture

April 26, 2019 at 12:15 pm

I was never on board about getting Earl Thomas for the reason you mentioned... and the cost was too high. Just as I feel the cost for Savage was way too high...any one of the free safeties still on the board would have improved the defense and we'd still have our two fourth round picks. This guy better be lights out for what he cost!

-1 points
0
1
Tabin's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:40 am

If Gary is really injured then Gute did a horrible pick, if he is not as he says let´s way and see. I think the Packers saw the option of playing him inside outside interchangeable with Z. Smith in passing downs and outside with Preston Smith in runnign downs. The rotation looks very good on paper.

2 points
2
0
Cubbygold's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:41 am

It dawned on me this morning that it's pretty ironic how upset packer armchair GMs were last night about the Gary pick. Everyone was excited about GBs ability to be flexible in the draft because they filled their biggest needs in FA. Is the team perfect, of course not, but their FA signings relieved a lot of concern.

So with that flexibility Gute says to himself 'rather than being forced to take a day 1 starter, I'm grabbing the guy who may have the highest ceiling of anyone in the draft'. Another sign that Gute is not being pressured into short term thinking. He's trying to build a solid foundation on defense for years to come.

Half the guys taken yesterday will be busts. Some are more ready to contribute day 1 than others. If Gute and Pettine think they can develop this guy into an elite player, I can't knock them for trying.

Whether they could have traded down and still picked up Gary, nobody knows.

5 points
6
1
marpag1's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:42 am

Going into the draft, I literally said, out loud: "The one guy I hope they don't draft is..... Rashan Gary."

True story.

Fortunately for all you Pack fans, I tend to suck at draft evaluation. So maybe there is still hope.

9 points
9
0
Doug Niemczynski's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:52 am

Bull

-2 points
1
3
marpag1's picture

April 26, 2019 at 09:52 am

LOL. Ok. If you have a moment, let me know what I actually said.

3 points
3
0
PackEyedOptimist's picture

April 26, 2019 at 11:59 am

Two years ago the one guy I didn't want the Packers to take was Kevin King. This year the two guys I didn't want were Fant and, yep: Rashan Gary. Hoping I'm wrong over the long haul about King and Gary...

0 points
0
0
leche's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:42 am

Gute needed a home run in this draft and Rashan Gary at #12 is a fly ball that didn't even make the warning track...

He gets an F

-1 points
2
3
Doug Niemczynski's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:46 am

We drafted this Rashan Gary guy who would have gone much lower maybe even to around #30 and you then traded away (2) 4th round picks to move up to #21 when you could have traded down to #21 from #12 and you would have added picks that could have been used to move up a little in the 2nd and 3rd round but if you wanted we could have drafted this Savage guy at #12 or an offensive player like Fant and still kept our #30 pick and our (2) 4th round picks.

All the analysts, fans, commentators, sports writers etc,. NONE of them had the packers taking Gary and Savage, but what does everyone else know, but what I do know is this was a BADLY drawn up draft and the Packers went for needs/want instead of BPA.

The Packers started the draft off HORRIBLY and then tried to make up for their BAD pick only to make things worse. We WASTEDour #12 pick!! I knew the Pack would screw it up by OVERTHINKING again that's why I wanted the safe pick Hockenson.

Please don't grade what Hockenson does on the Lions. Number one the have NO offensive weapons. So, Hockenson will be double teamed. The Lions sucked at using Ebron and as soon as he goes to another team he is doing quite well and bottom line the Lions are a lousy team.

-5 points
2
7
leche's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:50 am

There are no 'safe' picks, though... I was glad when the Lions took Hock because it meant we couldn't. But then turning around and drafting Gary was equally foolish on our part.

-2 points
1
3
Samson's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:51 am

And your sources are? ...... in your head, right? --- That's what I thought.

6 points
8
2
Cubbygold's picture

April 26, 2019 at 09:14 am

It's amazing how an entire professional organization can miss what this guy knows as a guaranteed fact from just sitting on his couch.

4 points
4
0
dobber's picture

April 26, 2019 at 01:26 pm

It's probably a couch in a Holiday Inn Express.

0 points
0
0
Handsback's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:52 am

We knew going in that this year's draft was defense concentric. The only help that Green Bay could have added for Rodgers was Hockenson, didn't fall, Williams, also didn't fall, Jawaan Taylor, bad knees so pass, Dillard not a run mauler they need and one RB, too high for them and 2 WRs one that was hurt and the other one 2nd round grade. So they took two defensive players.
Day two should provide help to the Packer's offense. Also remember...Cole Madison is back and focus's the oline need to OT. So WR and TE will probably be the selections.....IMHO.

3 points
3
0
Doug Niemczynski's picture

April 26, 2019 at 09:01 am

If there are no safe picks then why not trade down and get as many picks as we can? Your logic is wrong and our scouting sucks!

-4 points
2
6
IceBowl's picture

April 26, 2019 at 02:12 pm

Doug,

I have to say your knowledge supersedes all. You are one smart cookie. You are letting your true ID show.

-1 points
0
1
Leatherhead's picture

April 26, 2019 at 08:52 am

I love the sound of exploding heads!!

Maybe we should launch an investigation to see if Gutekunst is secretly colluding with the Bears or something.

They got some versatile athletes for the defense. Trading up for Savage means we essentially spent three picks on him so Gute is kind of out on a limb with that.

Hoping for a dancing bear in the 2nd.

4 points
4
0
IceBowl's picture

April 26, 2019 at 03:54 pm

Old School,

Sound like you are a fan of "Apocalypse Now." And Mueller. (or skip dash)

What is your favorite? :-)

0 points
0
0
Qoojo's picture

April 26, 2019 at 09:05 am

I think it was foolish to give up two 4th rounders for a chance to roll the dice on Savage. When combined with FA this year, it's like Gute is overcompensating for the conservatism of TT. It's probably not going to end well at this rate.

Gary has the "ruh roh" smell all about him. Injured and drafted high mainly because of potential. Gary seems like yet another packers 1st round miss on defense at the expense of the offense.

At some point, Packers must get the offensive line some help and depth.

In the end, the picks are all dice rolls, and time will tell if Gute made the correct choices or not. Also, history says not all draft picks will hit. You can't have the expectation that every draft pick works out. It's ridiculous to declare the draft a failure at this point.

1 points
2
1
DavidMichalski's picture

April 26, 2019 at 10:03 am

I agree, this pick does have some risks attached to it, according to multiple NFL scouts but the Packers are clearly saying out loud that they believe in Pettine's defensive mind and coaching ability. They are banking on him coaching up Gary and integrating Gary with the Smith's and "Sackrell" as well as with Kenny, Mike, Mean Dean, and Lancaster. The reality is Gary has a solid infrastructure and support system around him to succeed.

To your point on the o-line, I can definitely see the Packers ending up with Taylor or Risner in the second round, and possibly using their fifth or one of the sixth rounders to move up if necessary. I think if you told the fan base you were getting three potential day 1 starters at safety and o-line and edge/d-line you would have signed up for that.

4 points
4
0
Dzehren's picture

April 26, 2019 at 09:02 am

+1

1 points
2
1
Doug Niemczynski's picture

April 26, 2019 at 09:03 am

It's too late for Gute to save face. His job is NOW QUICKLY on the line!!

-4 points
2
6
IceBowl's picture

April 26, 2019 at 02:26 pm

I wonder why you didn't already know that. He knows!

0 points
0
0
Doug Niemczynski's picture

April 26, 2019 at 09:05 am

Packer chair GMs? Everyone who knows sports knows the Packers threw away the #12 pick and (2) 4th round picks.

-3 points
2
5
Summer_PackerBacker's picture

April 26, 2019 at 09:14 am

No Doug, they don't. Lots of websites are giving B and A grades to the Packers picks, so just because you disagree with it doesn't mean everyone does. Other people with good reasons for their differing opinions do exist you know. I'd love to hear exactly what reasons you have for hating the picks, but you seem incapable of giving reasons.

1 points
1
0
Doug Niemczynski's picture

April 26, 2019 at 09:56 am

No one is giving the Gary pick an A or B absolutely no one except Gary's family.

-2 points
1
3
AgrippaLII's picture

April 26, 2019 at 04:29 pm

I just read the grades at Bleacher Report. Gary is a B and Savage is a C- .

0 points
0
0
IceBowl's picture

April 26, 2019 at 02:08 pm

Doug,

I have to say your knowledge supersedes all. You are one smart cookie. You are letting your true ID show.

1 points
2
1
Doug Niemczynski's picture

April 26, 2019 at 09:05 am

Packer chair GMs? Everyone who knows sports knows the Packers threw away the #12 pick and (2) 4th round picks.

-1 points
3
4
Doug Niemczynski's picture

April 26, 2019 at 09:23 am

Kool Aid is good in the summer

-2 points
1
3
Doug Niemczynski's picture

April 26, 2019 at 09:11 am

No IRV SMITH. I'm starting to like the Browns more and more.

0 points
2
2
dobber's picture

April 26, 2019 at 10:11 am

They'd be lucky to have ya...

3 points
3
0
Doug Niemczynski's picture

April 26, 2019 at 09:22 am

Can the Packers at the very least get Andy Isabella. Probably not now. Throwing away our two 4th rounders destroyed any chance of negotiations with other teams over the next 3 days.

-2 points
0
2
DavidMichalski's picture

April 26, 2019 at 10:07 am

Isabella could be a round 3 possibility. Condolences on losing Hockenson. In reality, he probably wasn't worth the 8th pick definitely solid but even debatable at 12. I ended up going the Bush, Oliver, BPA route towards the end of my mock drafts. But I can see it stings a little extra that he went to the Lions.

0 points
0
0
dobber's picture

April 26, 2019 at 05:31 pm

Glad to let the Lions have him there. So much more they could have addressed with that pick.

0 points
0
0
AgrippaLII's picture

April 26, 2019 at 12:21 pm

You forget...Gutekunst still has two picks in the sixth round to play with!

0 points
0
0
Doug Niemczynski's picture

April 26, 2019 at 09:26 am

Rashan Gary, EDGE, Michigan
He's very athletic, he's a specimen, but it doesn't translate on the field. Where's the production? He could end up being a great pick or could be a bust. There's no in-between. He's either feast or famine. There is a shoulder concern. He might have to have shoulder surgery. Grade: C-

-1 points
1
2
Doug Niemczynski's picture

April 26, 2019 at 09:27 am

Packers

Darnell Savage, S, Maryland
The Green Bay Packers had all kinds of issues at safety last year. They signed Adrian Amos and he's a thumper and doesn't cover as much ground as Savage. This kid covers a lot of ground. The defense under Mike Pettine is going to be nasty this year. Grade: B 

Note: Gave up (2) 4th round picks for this guy when we did not need to.

-1 points
1
2
sonomaca's picture

April 26, 2019 at 09:36 am

Apparently lots of people wanted Savage, or pretended to want him.

1 points
1
0
dobber's picture

April 26, 2019 at 10:01 am

You're talking to yourself again, Doug.

4 points
4
0
Bear's picture

April 26, 2019 at 12:27 pm

He gets that way when he’s off his meds.

4 points
5
1
Swisch's picture

April 26, 2019 at 11:08 am

Gute had the guts to do his own analysis and evaluation (something Ross taught me was a very good thing) and go for the players he liked.
I don't think he was Rashan with his first selection, because it's hard to find such a big guy who can do so much athletically.
I'm wary of guys bulking up too much, especially in a short span of time (such as Burns), and I think it may be better for Rashan to actually go leaner and meaner as a pro -- with lots of versatility, even as an ILB, to fly all over the field.
I can't Garyntee our two first-rounders, but I'm pretty Darnell hopeful they will excel as guys who can do just about everything on the field -- and finish off plays with sure tackles and a healthy Savagery.
Now, for tonight, we need offensive line, tight end, and maybe defensive tackle -- in whatever order -- depending on BPA.
Be bold. Be independent. Be decisive. Have fun!
The Pack are well on their way back to elite excellence on both sides of the ball, and championship contention.
We have some "scores" to settle, starting in Minneapolis, Chicago and Detroit.

0 points
1
1
Doug Niemczynski's picture

April 26, 2019 at 09:54 am

When 9 people tell you that your drunk, the your drunk. Sit down.

-1 points
1
2
Spock's picture

April 26, 2019 at 11:27 am

Okay, Doug. I'll be the ninth... to tell you that it's "you're " not "your". That's not helping your whining, er, I mean argument. :) At least, I'm assuming that "the your drunk" was supposed to mean "then you're drunk".

1 points
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AgrippaLII's picture

April 26, 2019 at 10:06 am

Giving away both fourth round picks leads me to believe that Gutekunst is okay with the depth players he already has on the roster...and I'd be willing to bet those two sixth round picks are burning a hole in his pocket. They will have to go if he wants to move up in rounds two and three. I like that he's after impact players but he's selling the farm to do it!

2 points
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Spock's picture

April 26, 2019 at 11:33 am

Well, it was just the first round, lots more to come, but I tend to agree somewhat with you. My take is that Gute is shooting for the fences at something the fan base here has been begging for for years: Go for QUALITY over QUANTITY in drafting players. Lots of people wanted less "draft and develop" and UFA development. Let's see what we have after training camp. Should be interesting to see if Gute goes Offense tonight. My guess is he will.

1 points
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Bryan Chisholm's picture

April 26, 2019 at 10:07 am

Idk.. initially I was puzzled as well with #12. But after really looking at the numbers he put up at the combine, understanding he was basically played out of position, and received double and triple teams with TE blocks thrown in as well.. I'm starting to warm up to Gary. If he was one of the reasons why Bush was able to reak Havoc in the first place, then that will aid Burks in his progress quite a bit IMEO.

3 points
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Bryan Chisholm's picture

April 26, 2019 at 10:08 am

Now somehow work Risner on the team lol

0 points
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DavidMichalski's picture

April 26, 2019 at 01:30 pm

I could see Gutekunst using his 5th to move up in the 2nd to take Risner or Taylor and then using both 6th's to move up in the third or back into the 4th. The reasoning is I believe he sees guys like Lancaster and Donnerson as high valued pieces that can add depth to the 90 man roster.

1 points
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stockholder's picture

April 26, 2019 at 01:35 pm

He'll pick the guy that can run the fastest.

-1 points
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1
cheesycowboy's picture

April 26, 2019 at 10:08 am

Lack of help on the offensive side of the ball considered, it would help Aaron and the offense to win some games 23-17 instead of Superman putting the offense on his back for a 38-35 win in overtime. What better way to keep QB1 upright than a ball control offense and TOP advantage? Thanks

2 points
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Demon's picture

April 26, 2019 at 10:09 am

My take on Gary is he is another Vonnie Hiliday. Looks the part but doesnt produce.

As for Savage, theres not a safety in college or the pros that I would give a 1 and 2 4th picks for.

I was hoping for 2 day 1 starters. Savage may start on day 1 but Gary with the FA signings id say no.

Thus far id say this draft is a failure.

1 points
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Leatherhead's picture

April 26, 2019 at 11:27 am

Vonnie Holliday was a pretty decent player for quite a while. He played 214 games over 14 years, rarely injured in the last half of his career. Racked up 32 sacks and 51 tackles for loss in his 5 years with us.

I’ll be surprised and happy if Gary does better than.

3 points
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Archie's picture

April 26, 2019 at 10:15 am

At long last, the rebuild of the Packer defense looks complete. It began with the firing of Capers. And continued through the firing of the GM and HC. Getting Alexander and Savage is huge. Now we need Burks and Jackson to come through, along with Gary.

Like SEA did when they "lost" Teddy to us, they rebuilt their defense overnight through FA and the draft and went to a Super Bowl in one year I believe. I'm not saying we will have that level of success but you can't be a championship team w/o being good in all phases of the game. We now have a high probability of being a top 10 defense. Now it's time to retool the offense in a similar manner. Get a couple of useful players (OL/RB/TE) today and continue to rebuild it next year.

0 points
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JohnnyLogan's picture

April 26, 2019 at 10:19 am

I'm feeling better with the picks then yesterday but I'm confused about something. Gary is supposedly an athletic freak but Burns has better bend and gets after the QB better. So why is Gary more athletic? Because he jumps higher and runs faster? Shouldn't Burns be considered "more athletic"... at football?

0 points
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stockholder's picture

April 26, 2019 at 01:48 pm

Yes. Burns should have been the pick if Wilkins was gone.

1 points
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SterlingSharpe's picture

April 26, 2019 at 10:31 am

NFL Combine Results 40-times

Darnell Savage 4.36

Rashan Gary, 277 pounds, 4.58
Josh Allen 262 pounds, 4.63

0 points
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Since'61's picture

April 26, 2019 at 10:44 am

Based on Gute’s FA signings and his 2 picks yesterday he is clearly trying to build a defense and simultaneously send a message that the Packers are not going to expect Rodgers and the offense to carry this team alone any longer.

If nothing else his 2 first round picks add speed to the defense which has been sorely lacking especially at safety and on the edge. You cannot coach speed but you can coach technique and tackling.

I would prefer if Savage were a little taller than he is but it looks like he plays fast and hits big. As for Gary he is going to force the OL to react to his speed. That may allow another pass rusher to get a shot at the QB.

It’s way too early to comment on whether these guys will succeed or not. No one expected Bart Starr, Ray Nitschke, Herb Adderly, Willie Davis or Willie Wood to be NFL HOFers when they were drafted but all of them made it there. Herb Adderly was drafted as an RB and became an HOF CB. Willie Wood was an undrafted walk on (today a UDFA). He became an HOF safety.

Give Gute and these guys a chance and let’s see how the next 2 days play out. Thanks, Since ‘61

6 points
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cheesycowboy's picture

April 26, 2019 at 10:55 am

Said much better than I. Thanks

2 points
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JohnnyLogan's picture

April 26, 2019 at 11:04 am

With you on this one Since '61. Let's give the new guys; Gute and LaFleur, a little time to do their job. I don't they're as worried as many of us are about the offense. We have an All-world QB, a Pro Bowl WR, a running back who could be top five in the league, OL isn't as bad as many think and we'll likely add someone today... Patience.

1 points
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Spock's picture

April 26, 2019 at 11:40 am

'Since 61, My feelings exactly. I'm a lot more of a "wait and see" guy and never get invested in any players (I generally don't know who they are until being discussed pre-draft) and really don't look at them until -after- they are drafted by the Packers. Keeps my stress level down,too. :)

1 points
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McFly's picture

April 26, 2019 at 12:46 pm

Lots of baseless negativity. Call me crazy, but I love the picks! They needed more top-shelf athletes on this D, and the team in general. They’ve added two here.

-1 points
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stockholder's picture

April 26, 2019 at 01:59 pm

The negativity is based on the costs. You trade a @14 last year for extra picks. This year you give away drafts picks because you Love a kid. Let me remind you that these are Kids who haven't played a down yet in the NFL. If Savage isn't a game changer, he should not have been picked. He's a need. If Gary does not produce, he's a bust. The camouflage doesn't work.

0 points
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McFly's picture

April 26, 2019 at 02:52 pm

Cost? If they had traded away 12, 30 & future 1st to move up and take Gary then I could understand your justification for that. They didn’t though, they picked at 12 and got a player of appropriate value at that spot. On Savage, if that’s the player they identified to fit the scheme and take the D to the next level, two picks in the 110’s is not prohibitive. Actually according to the trade value chart they came out ahead on that deal.

Hey thanks for reminding me that they hadn’t played in the NFL yet though, wasn’t sure about that.... in turn I’ll remind you that NONE of the players selected last night have played a down of NFL football yet. What’s your point?

Negativity is clearly your thing, so I’m not surprised you swooped in to defend it.

-1 points
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stockholder's picture

April 26, 2019 at 02:56 pm

Wilkins! Go to the trade value chart. And read it. I have watched Michigan!!! Ohio State blew them out! Gary is No difference maker. Bush was.(Gone to Pitts) Doesn't seem strange to you that we got the Smiths. Tenn. took Simmons. Sweat was top ten and went to wash. Carolina losses Peppers and they get Burns? Whats the los Vegas odds on that. Everybody got what they wanted. The Packers didn't. We needed a player to replace Wilkerson, Ryan and Dix. The questions marks aren't negativity , their Facts!

0 points
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McFly's picture

April 26, 2019 at 03:26 pm

I don't think you operate on facts... I did read the trade value chart, did you? The 21st overall pick is worth 800 points. No. 30, 114 and 118 are worth 744 points. According to the chart, the Packers got great value.

OSU vs. Michigan, those are two teams. We're talking about players right? By your logic D. Bush is no good either, yet you list him as a difference maker. You're contradicting yourself.

Look its ok if you don't like the player, but don't sit here and argue as if you know what you're talking about, because you clearly do not.

By all accounts the Packers got what they wanted, because they made the pick.

1 points
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stockholder's picture

April 26, 2019 at 05:17 pm

Crazy. CBs draft grade C-. Wilkins A+.

0 points
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Patrick's picture

April 26, 2019 at 03:33 pm

I have concerns about the offensive line, If you can't protect A.R. How can you win games? I think the first 0pick should have been the BEST offensive line guy that you can get, some big burly guy to protect A.R. and to help run the ball!!

1 points
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AgrippaLII's picture

April 26, 2019 at 04:47 pm

I agree with you about protecting Rodgers...Gutekunst can still get a stud OT in the 2nd round...but I've got a feeling he won't ! I'm to the point where I just hope he gets an OT somewhere in this draft!

0 points
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DavidMichalski's picture

April 27, 2019 at 03:53 am

Alright everyone, Day 1 was defense, Day 2 was offensive infrastructure, how do you like it so far and what happens in day 3?

0 points
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