2022 NFL Draft: The Reasons Behind the Picks

Gutey refuses to join the madness.

It’s all well and good to say “just be calm and let the draft come to you”. But when you have a gaping hole on your football team, and the rest of the league is engaged in a frantic early run on the position you lack, the pressure to trade up and join the reaching frenzy must be tremendous. 

To his credit, Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst kept looking at his board and must have been saying to himself “I like these receivers, but I don’t like them THAT much. So much that I have to trade valuable draft capital for one of them.” He wasn’t about to get sucked into the madness like, for example, the Detroit Lions, who traded a first, a high second and a high third to move up to number twelve to pick Jameson Williams, a player who may not even be able to take the field until November. 

 

First Round, Pick #22 – Quay Walker, Linebacker, Georgia 

When the Packers finally went on the clock, not only were the top six receivers off the board, but also the top four defensive linemen, the top three corners, the top six offensive linemen, and the top safety. Where was the value? Gutey wisely noted that the number one inside linebacker in the draft was still out there. Why settle for the 7th best receiver or the 4th best corner? Quay Walker’s potential is off the charts. If the Packers can bring out his talent, he and De’Vondre Campbell could form an inside tandem to rival Tampa Bay’s vaunted duo of Lavonte Davind and Devin White. 

 

First Round, Pick #28 – Devonte Wyatt, Defensive Lineman, Georgia 

This is the only pick that puzzles me a bit. If Gutey valued Christian Watson enough to trade up to the near top of the second round to get him, why not just take him here at 28? There’s not much difference between 28 and 34, and if Watson pans out, you get a fifth year option on him as a first rounder. Plus you get to keep both of your premium second round selections. The Packers must have been very high on Wyatt. His stats are not all that impressive for a first rounder. But his speed and athleticism for a 300 pound man are hard to ignore. Reminds me a bit of the Rashan Gary selection. The Packers envision him as what he could be, not what he currently is. Here again, if they can develop his talent, he could team with Kenny Clark to be a devasting force on the front, or at the very least, eat up a ton of blockers so that the aforementioned Campbell and Walker can do their thing. 

 

Round Two, Pick #34 – Christian Watson, Receiver, North Dakota State 

I really feel as though the price was too high for a guy who caught just 43 passes and seven touchdowns last season for a small school program. Trading both second rounders to move up to #34 was not a good value if you follow the charts. Watson would not have been there at #53, but Cincinnati’s Alec Pierce was, a player I thought comparable to Watson. In fact, Pierce was taken with that #53 pick by the Colts. Gutey obviously sees Watson as a special player. He must have had him graded as a late first round to early second talent. It’s not hard to see a Jordy Nelson type thing here. He certainly has the measurables to fit the Packer receiver mold. He also returned punts. North Dakota State is a top program among the small schools but Green Bay is taking a big gamble that Watson can hack it against professional defenses. 

 

Third Round, Pick #92 – Sean Rhyan, Tackle, UCLA 

O-Line was not quite the gaping hole that receiver was, but it was definitely the unit of second greatest need on the team. That’s particularly true at tackle. Clearly, Gutekunst wants more competition on the right side for Yosh Nijman. Rhyan started 31 games at left tackle, yet he projects as more of an interior fit. Why would Green Bay, in need of a tackle, spend a third rounder on a guard? Perhaps the team envisions the permanent future of Elgton Jenkins as a tackle. They’re going to have pay him like one anyway. That means the guard unit needs fortification, which is where Rhyan would fit in. The coaches may not be sold on Royce Newman as the right side starter. 

 

Fourth Round, Pick #132 – Romeo Doubs, Receiver, Nevada 

So now the Packers begin throwing the day three darts at the board. This pick has special teams written all over it. The first time he returned a punt as a freshman, he took it 80 yards for a score. Gutey took him with an eye toward competing with Amari Rodgers as a kick returner. He’s fast. Along with Watson, this is more of an attempt to find a replacement for MVS and his field stretching prowess, as opposed to a short yardage, possession type.  

 

Fourth Round, Pick #140 – Zach Tom, OL, Wake Forest 

Well, okay, Tom started 23 games at left tackle, so he will go into that tackle mix. But what the Packers really saw here was a solid back-up center, something Green Bay needed to address, considering the loss of Lucas Patrick. Thom started 14 games at center and is likely an upgrade over Jake Hanson, who may have trouble holding on to a roster spot. 

 

Fifth Round, Pick #179, Kingsley Enagbare, Defensive Lineman, South Carolina 

Last year, Gutekunst picked TJ Slaton, a DL from an SEC team (Florida) in the fifth round, seeing pass rush potential and hoping for a rotational talent. That’s exactly what he got. Why not do it again? Enagbare is a DL from an SEC team (South Carolina) who flashed pass rush potential (4.5 sacks last year) and seven tackles for loss. PFF loved this guy, making him first team all SEC and third team All American! You can’t blame Dean Lowry if he’s getting a little nervous. 

 

Seventh Round, Pick #228 – Tariq Carpenter, Safety, Georgia Tech 

Gutey takes a flyer on a tall (6’4”) and solid (225 lbs) defensive back who would project nicely into that hybrid linebacker/safety role. Creates competition for Vernon Scott who was a healthy scratch much of last season. 

 

Seventh Round, Pick #234 – Jonathan Ford, DT, Miami 

You take a guy like this in the seventh round because of his size and measurables and hope he turns out to be a diamond in the rough. That D-line room is suddenly rather crowded. You can’t blame Dean Lowry if he’s getting a little more nervous. 

 

Seventh Round, Pick #249 – Rasheed Walker, OL, Penn State 

Same as above. 6’6”, 355 lbs., started for a major college team, was third team all Big Ten. Worth a shot. Maybe he’s another Adam Timmerman, a seventh round lineman who went on to a stellar career with the Pack. 

 

Seven Round, Pick #258 – Samori Toure, Receiver, Nebraska 

He had five catches of over 50 yards. You get the idea. Can’t you envision Aaron Rodgers launching those long Hail Mary bombs at a guy like Toure?  Gutey adds his third receiver of the draft, seeing a player with speed but very raw in route running. And oh yes, he’s a good special teams candidate. The Packers now have numbers at the receiver position. It remains to be seen if they have any diamonds.  

 

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Ken Lass is a former Green Bay television sports anchor and 43 year media veteran, a lifelong Packers fan, and a shareholder.

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14 points
 

Comments (136)

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

May 02, 2022 at 08:28 am

Really quite a remarkable bit of work by Gutekunst.

Started writing about how much I like the OL adds and had to stop, because I like every one of these additions… Versatile, blue-chip OL. Variety, value at WR. Dynamic, blue-chip defenders. A day post draft, I’m taken aback by the value added on paper, see much promise, and few, if any red flags.

I’m seeing a lot of capability added everywhere they needed most. Can’t wait to go up for that first practice.

Pick any pick, any player…

#234 DT Jonathan Ford 6-5 333. We needed another true NT to rotate with Slaton. Packers tap Slaton’s former middle school teammate, Jonathan Garvin’s former Miami teammate (per Tex Western), a massive 3-Tech to convert to NT, from a blue-chip program. Not a lot can go wrong there, and an awful lot could go right.

Moves of a 3-Tech, with massive Pro-ready body of an NT? Sounds a lot like last year’s R5 STEAL, Slaton, right?

Georgia kept their LBs clean with just those kind of space eaters up front. Ford is no Davis, but, he has the size and tools they like. Great value end of R7.

#234 Ford had 60 TCKLS, 8 TFL, 3 SACKS, 1 PD, 1 FF
#13 Davis had 90 TCKLS, 11.5 TFL, 7 SACKS, 1 PD

VALUE.

Early look points to this maybe being Gutekunst’s best yet. Nice start to 2022.

22 points
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WestCoastPackerBacker's picture

May 02, 2022 at 12:50 pm

I love the optimism! I really do. But I think it might be a bit early to call Slaton a STEAL, given that he played only 24% of the defensive snaps and didn't grade out that well (if you trust pro football focus). It's sure looks like Slaton, Lancaster, Lowry and Heflin will be batting with the new additions to see who gets snaps this season. And/or to see who makes the roster.

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greengold's picture

May 02, 2022 at 04:18 pm

You keyed on where I generally move away from PFF. I like their raw data & reviews on players, but I hate their grading of players. So much so, they really ought to stop. PFF Player Grades are essentially meaningless, to me, and have been for more than a decade.

Data is good to glean, though, and then I switch to Football Outsiders and others.

TJ Slaton had 255 snaps, but half of those came in the last 4 games. Our run D was .71 yds better with him on the field, the biggest difference of any Packer defender w regular PT. His tackle rate was 1 every 11.1 snaps.

Slaton played in 17 games, but wasn’t eased into the D lineup until late in the season. 143 ST snaps.

He actually did better than half the DTs in the NFL (60th out of 135) in run stop percentage, in very limited use. 23 TCKLS, 1 TFL, 1 SACK, 6 QB PRESSURES, 2 QB HITS for 2021.

For comparison, Christian Barmore also played 17 Games, started 2, 45 TCKLS, 1.5 SACKS, 3 TFL, 9 QB HITS 18 QB PRESSURES, 2 MTKL. Barmore had this production in 598 defensive snaps… BIG DIFFERENCE. Also, Barmore only had 46 positively graded plays? Out of almost 600 snaps? Yet, Barmore made PFF’s Mid-Season All-Rookie Team! Freaking laughable.

Imagine what Slaton’s stats/impact might have been with an additional 343 defensive snaps…

THAT’S where PFF can suck it.

Much to be optimistic about WCPB. I’m diggin’ this.

6 points
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blondy45's picture

May 02, 2022 at 03:02 pm

I canceled my subscription to PFF this April with the same reasoning you have written. I liked the data, definitely not the rankings. Unfortunately, the same way I now feel about Ross Uglem's poor article on Love in the Packer Report, has left a sour taste. HIs rankings were not the best. He did not even rank Quay Walker! Hindsight is 20-20. Great posts Greengold, you are spot on.

3 points
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greengold's picture

May 02, 2022 at 04:15 pm

Ha! Well, that’s cool! Nice to know I’m not the only one, blondy!

What I did was cancel out of PFF subs for a couple years. Fired back in this year just for the data. It’s essentially just a data mine for me, and that’s always been good to access. Keep it to that and you’re golden.

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Coldworld's picture

May 02, 2022 at 07:28 pm

Very well and clearly made argument GG. To be honest I’ve never given PFF’s grades any credence either, just never found them convincing.

0 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

May 02, 2022 at 02:32 pm

Slaton created trouble when he was on the Field. Lancaster is long gone. Heflin to the P Squad as a DE/5. I see more four man fronts coming on this season's menu.

3 points
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murf7777's picture

May 02, 2022 at 01:17 pm

Hey GG......This is a time to be excited as we have new blood coming in. I suspect most if not all fan bases are.

I wouldn't get too excited about 7th rounders as they rarely pan out. I remember in 2019 when many were touting Summers as the next coming.... I would write about how he wasn't a good tackler and asked folks to review film of him trying to tackle Iowa State RB David Montgomery. It wasn't pretty. I was down voted continuously.

I also wouldn't call Slaton a steal. A decent 5th rounder, yes. He showed some potential, PFF grade of average or a little below on his play last year. About what you might expect from a 5th rounder. I see him as a backup with some potential. Maybe someday he can work himself into a good starter role, but that's debatable.

I like the draft but there are red flags.
1. Wyatt's domestic violence past, yes it was thrown out, but that is a red flag.
2. Quay Walker vs taking one of the many Edge rushers available...Jermain Johnson, Karlaftis (draft crush of mine). There were three others I had my eyes on. I'm not a fan of this pick. That doesn't mean he won't pan out, I just liked others Moreso at that pick.

Moving up in the second round to take Watson, who will immediately help, but probably not to level many think on this site. He has a lot to learn, but you can't teach size, speed and athleticism. I support the move because I wanted Gutey to trade up and get his man. He has a higher floor and ceiling then MVS IMO. I predict 40-700-5 in his rookie year.

Many on this site down voted me for wanted to move up in this draft so Gutey can get big contributors this year. I felt Quality>quantity this year. I'm surprised so many upvoting and talking positive about the trade then. That's a bit contradictory if you are one of them. Just saying'

Overall, I like this draft, but like any, it will take time to figure it out.

-1 points
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NickPerry's picture

May 02, 2022 at 03:57 pm

"He has a higher floor and ceiling then MVS IMO. I predict 40-700-5 in his rookie year."

Daniel Jeremiah said his comparison for Watson was MVS. I damn near fell off my sofa. Watson IS NOT MVS, he's better. Just watch the kid with the ball in his hands and you SEE the difference in 2 seconds. MVS could run in a straight line. Watson is a big guy who moves like one much smaller.

Watson needs to work on his craft. He needs to lean to run more than a go route. BUT, I have faith in this kid. He's reported to be a hard worker. I think your projection is right on...Hopefully he does better. Throw in another 150 yards running the ball, maybe more if he breaks one or two, and we'll be on our way!

3 points
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murf7777's picture

May 02, 2022 at 04:35 pm

NP, his agility is much better as you stated MVS was good at a straight line and he's making a living doing just that. Good for him. Watson can do that, but he has that agility that I think will make his ceiling higher. Unfortunately, he wasn't asked to run many routes and that is where he will need work and that won't happen in just his rookie year, that will take time to develop. Yes, I would like to see higher numbers, but I also won't be disappointed if he does the numbers I predicted.

Might he also be used on ST's? That will be interesting to see.

1 points
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greengold's picture

May 02, 2022 at 04:28 pm

What I liked was the Packers’ conviction.

Both the Quay pick, and the Watson trade up pick were going to be held to the utmost scrutiny. Gutekunst didn’t care. He believed his staff, the position coaches who clearly opined on both selections, and, in Quay’s case, LaFleur & Barry, and in Watson’s, LaFleur & Aaron Rodgers.

They should know better than any of us.

We’ll see in time, but, I trust my eyes after studying both players more closely. I trust this staff, and even Rodgers, if he wanted Watson. They wouldn’t have made this move without his thoughts on it. It all points in the affirmative.

2 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 02, 2022 at 07:24 pm

GB is "all-in." That decision has been made and many moves have been made to implement it. That trade up for Watson is just a logical consequence.

Need. Window is short.

The two reasons to move up. The draft didn't fall well for GB (though I wonder if Gute would have taken Walker over Olave or Jameson Williams). I found it difficult to assign a first round grade to Watson since his production was moderate and at at lower level of competition and his routes were not stellar and were limited in nature. H/W/S alone can't be a first rounder. In my opinion Watson is a 2nd rounder but beggars can't be choosers and the need was cavernous.

20 of the 32 picks in the 2nd round changed hands. Lots of wheeling and dealing in the first round as well. I think the NFL probably had a high second round grade on Watson. So be it.

0 points
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murf7777's picture

May 02, 2022 at 01:28 pm

GG, what I most liked about the draft is that the first two picks are defensive players. I want this D to be top 3 and dominate.

4 points
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greengold's picture

May 02, 2022 at 04:29 pm

Me too, murf! What I really liked afterwards was them adding NT Jonathan Ford in R7. That whole thing can be a tenuous experiment without all the bases covered. A big there? Same exact build as Slaton, to provide consistent block eating? That’s what really needed to happen in addition to the Quay & Wyatt selections. Solid rotations. Plural.

And, they did it. I do not find Ford a throw away ST only piece. Same for S Tariq Carpenter… they might see meaningful reps by the 3/4 mark in 2022.

0 points
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murf7777's picture

May 02, 2022 at 04:37 pm

GG....I just think you're asking a lot from 7th rounders. I foresee most of them on the PS, unless they are BIG in helping the ST's. That's going to be the kicker, no pun intended.

1 points
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greengold's picture

May 02, 2022 at 05:59 pm

Totally get where you’re coming from, murph, but, I’m thinking the game has changed here in GB.

There was a time most of us all considered R7s to be throw aways… that is simply just not the case anymore. While times have changed, so has the level of Personnel work in GB under Gutekunst. I happen to think he’s riding some A-game now.

Every player Gutekunst drafted in 2021 played in a game last season. Of those nine 2021 draftees, 6 played in at least 10 games.

We’ve seen him get incrementally better each draft since 2018. Might be surprised this year, but, I could see Ford & Carpenter making better positional contributions than SJC and McDuffie…

I think I heard this week 70% of the NFL is now made up of Day 3 picks…?

1 points
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NickPerry's picture

May 02, 2022 at 07:24 am

It took a few minutes to sink in, but I like what the Packers did in the draft...ESPECIALLY the first 5 rounds. Gute addressed the needs on this team with mostly solid picks, but also picks which have the potential to be knock it out of the park picks...Just like Rashan Gary was.

The Walker and Wyatt picks have me STOKED. I think for the Joe Barry Defense to be a truly effective "Shut-Down Defense" he prefers TWO Inside Linebackers can both run sideline to sideline, and take the middle away. I think Barry has exactly what he needs and wanted to make this a Top 3 defense. Walker is SO fast, SO athletic, the Packers can keep him and Campbell on the field all three downs and not miss a beat...Kenny Clark has finally got a running mate in Wyatt. With the Wyatt pick the Packers now, IMO, don't have a weak link on this defense. The Packers Defense is going rule the field on Sundays!!

Christian Watson is the epitome of a GBP, at least a Brian Gutekunst GBP. Big, fast, of the charts athletic. I TRUST MLF to get the most out of this kid devising ways to get him the ball, while he develops into a ture #1 WR. Did he give up too much? Time will tell. But while he's developing, the Packers can run the ball down your throat, and field the nastiest Defense in the NFL.

17 points
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PackEyedOptimist's picture

May 02, 2022 at 07:38 am

Hey, now you've got he pumped as well, Nick! :-D

It is going to be interesting to see who the Packers put on the field in what situations.
They are deep enough to field situational guys, but I think Barry wants the same group out there as much as possible.
I feel like Clark, Gary, Smith, Campbell, Walker, Alexander, Stokes, Savage, and Amos are going to be the core 9 who are always on the field. Maybe Reed and Wyatt platoon? Where does Rasul Douglas fit in? Is Lowery just a rotational guy after his best year?

All I know is, right now it looks like this is by far the DEEPEST Packers defensive roster I can remember in my lifetime (yes, including '96 etc.)

3 points
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The_Baloney_Stops_Here's picture

May 02, 2022 at 09:09 am

Lowry is still a starter. Wyatt was drafted to be Clark's replacement as Clark's cap hit next year is over $20 million so this is likely his last season in GB.

-5 points
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dobber's picture

May 02, 2022 at 09:18 am

Yeah, his cap hit shoots up dramatically, but a lot of that is cash value that can easily be converted to signing bonus and spread out over the remaining years of his deal. I think a lot of that will have to do with what #12 does going forward and whether they feel they're still title contenders in 2023. Entirely possible 12 disappears after this season, too.

6 points
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Coldworld's picture

May 02, 2022 at 09:57 am

Clark is young enough that an extension can swallow that and not be unreasonable. However, with the dead cap committed to as well as Jaire, Jenkins and Gary approaching needing new contracts, I think it required us to shed Bakh and Lowry, probably Crosby and possibly even Amos next year. Obviously, what Rodgers does will have a big impact. It’s not impossible, but I can’t see them letting Clark go as he enters his prime.

8 points
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Minniman's picture

May 02, 2022 at 02:55 pm

I was going to post that I think that Bakh gets moved on at the end of this year. His cap number is disproportionately high and his knee injury was not just limited to his ACL - else he’d have been on the field by week 10 (if it was just a clean ACL tear).

I also want to raise the point that Crosby is showing the signs that Father Time has caught him. Time to bring in some camp competition - with one of the key metrics being able to reliably kick the ball dead through the end zone on kickoffs. Essentially ST and BoJo’s holding was blamed for Crosby’s fails last year. This needs to be reevaluated through camp.

3 points
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greengold's picture

May 02, 2022 at 09:44 am

Hate to disagree with you, RTS, and that makes some sense just on one level, face value, but, no.

There’s NO WAY the Packers are going to break up THAT band. KC & Wyatt? No. They have all kinds of ways to keep them together for years.

6 points
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BirdDogUni's picture

May 02, 2022 at 11:44 am

So, you're saying Wyatt's rookie nickname ought to be Sunshine?

; )

2 points
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greengold's picture

May 02, 2022 at 05:18 pm

KC, Wyatt & The Sunshine Band

Do do do do do do do do dooooo!

Do do do do do do do do dooooo!

Awwww THAT’S THE WAY!
UH-HUH, UH- HUH
I LIKE IT!
UH-HUH, UH- HUH!!

3 points
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mnbadger's picture

May 02, 2022 at 12:49 pm

I've read it here first that Kenny C will be a cap casualty next year, R_t_S. I hope that's also the last time I read it.
Next year's cap number becomes more irrelevant if more of these picks on rookie deals replace more expensive veterans of similar production. Dean Lowery might not even make it out of 2022.
I'm sure there's some nitpicking we can all do about the draft, but I'm jacked. I've wanted defensive maulers and speedsters in the middle of the defense since SF ran over us in 2019 NFCG.
GPG!

4 points
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greengold's picture

May 02, 2022 at 05:20 pm

Since Ted passed on Eric Kendricks…

1 points
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Oppy's picture

May 02, 2022 at 01:11 pm

If the Packers can't keep Clark for one more contract at age 27, the Rodgers deal was a bonafide mistake.

Clark is perhaps the best football player on the Packers, and there's history behind NT's playing dominant football into their early to mid 30's.

If Wyatt is intended to be any sort of replacement for Clark, that would signal that the Packers defense is going to make a massive shift in philosophy that would ripple through the entire front 7. Wyatt isn't a nose tackle, and his skill set is nothing like Clark's.

5 points
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Minniman's picture

May 02, 2022 at 03:06 pm

Aaron Donald is 30.

Re-watching the SB and listening to the sync’d miked up, McVay challenges Donald to make that last play and win the super bowl- Donald promptly delivers.

KC is not quite Aaron Donald, but he’s getting closer. Now with the right supporting cast to keep the middle intact, watch KC get unleashed over the coming seasons to be the dominant footballer that AD is - able to make a play on demand by sheer will and skill.

1 points
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Oppy's picture

May 03, 2022 at 08:58 am

Aaron Donald IS a great defensive lineman, but he's not a nose tackle and I would expect Donald's impact years will be more limited in his role than if he was a NT. Nose Tackles are far more brutish and do the dirty work. They can play into their mid to even late 30's because they don't rely on mobility and athleticism to the extent other defensive linemen do.

I don't think it is fair to expect to see Kenny Clark ever perform like Aaron Donald- not because Clark isn't as talented, because they are two entirely different bodies with different skill sets and different responsibilities on the field.

0 points
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murf7777's picture

May 02, 2022 at 04:42 pm

RTS....I don't see Clark getting replaced, he is still very, very valuable. I do think it will make a difference on what #12 does as Dobber stated. If #12 goes, I think we start a rebuild and that means some good high-priced producing Vets get traded or not resigned after contract expires. If #12 stays, you keep all the great pieces you can to make another run for the title.

0 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 02, 2022 at 07:31 pm

That is possible. Even if it's true, that doesn't mean Wyatt can't largely replace Lowry in 2022. He is a first round pick.

1 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

May 02, 2022 at 09:56 am

Agreed!

When was the last time most of us was excited about our defense? 2010 and 1996/1997?

7 points
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BirdDogUni's picture

May 02, 2022 at 11:49 am

"When was the last time most of us was excited about our defense?"

Yesterday?

I was very excited Thursday night about our defense. I'm very excited now. But, to your point, the last time I was this excited about our defense, Reggie White was a Packer.

0 points
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murf7777's picture

May 02, 2022 at 04:48 pm

I was last year, especially as the year progressed with Douglas and Campbell to an already decent squad. This year by adding our two first rounders and the possible sleeper in our draft, 5th rounder Kingsley Egnabare they should be Awesome. Egnabare is a person who might step in and give us some 3rd down pass rush during his rookie year.

0 points
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Rebecca's picture

May 02, 2022 at 10:56 am

Somebody’s excited! 😀

2 points
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PackEyedOptimist's picture

May 02, 2022 at 07:27 am

I think a key point on the two first-round picks is that they played at Georgia. Not that that makes them good, but rather it means their "game stats" are almost meaningless.
Every player on that defense had the advantage of top-notch teammates, but also the disadvantage of top-notch teammates. There simply are only so many tackles/sacks/interceptions to go around, AND since they forced a lot of three-and-outs, the defense was on the field less. This doesn't even include the platooning of players because the roster was so deep. Nor does it include the defensive game plan/usage of said players.

I trust that BG invested incredible amounts of fine-tooth analysis of the top 30 players on their big board. If they put Walker above Dean, Lloyd, Harris, Muma, Tindall, et. al., I have to BELIEVE Walker is going to be MUCH better than his college stats imply. Walker just might end up being spectacular even as a rookie.

14 points
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dobber's picture

May 02, 2022 at 07:41 am

"There simply are only so many tackles/sacks/interceptions to go around,..."

I think that's the key with Wyatt: he was part of a DL rotation that turned into 3 first-round picks. His assessment is based on limited snaps--so what did he do when he was on the field? I see a guy who doesn't stay blocked. Very active, gets up and down the line, pursues. Very Mike Daniels-ish, only bigger. There's a role for him right off the bat. I think the best pick of this draft class (if he can stay out of trouble).

10 points
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Coldworld's picture

May 02, 2022 at 10:03 am

Many who didn’t look into the details and just looked at the stats railed about the Gary pick for similar reasons.

4 points
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murf7777's picture

May 02, 2022 at 01:22 pm

Dobber, I think they picked Quay on his high ceiling. He's an athletic freak with size. That said, I was hoping for an Edge like Karlaftis or JJ. There were a few others I had my eyes on. That's not to say I don't think Quay will work out its just at that point of the draft I'd loved to see an Edge taken, there were some good ones.

1 points
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murf7777's picture

May 02, 2022 at 05:22 pm

Dobber I agree about Wyatt being the best in the draft for the Packers. His first step is quick and forceful. I don't care about stats, see Gary, the film I've watched showed him as good or better than any of the Georgia's DL. He always seemed to have the quickest and farthest push into the backfield. I also mocked him quite a bit.

Now the downside, except for the ones taken in the first 5 picks, DL having one of the bigger 1st round bust rates....yikes, did I just say that! Oh well, they are hard to assess.

0 points
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porupack's picture

May 02, 2022 at 08:32 am

vert astute comment. Yes, a quandary of what stats might suggest if the player comes from a stacked team. Similarly, if a stud comes from a weak or small school team. Stats can tell you a lot, but perspective and context is essential. I guess they get paid to do the fine tooth analysis....and why they choose Quay over the consensus top ILB.... a fine tooth analysis that we'll see who was right.

3 points
3
0
dobber's picture

May 02, 2022 at 08:38 am

Nakobe Dean had some injury concerns that pushed him down the list a little. People forget that Channing Tindall was also drafted out of the Georgia LB room, making 3 LBs in this draft. In the end, I think the Packers chose length, size, and upside with Walker who was physically the biggest of the thee, and the best tester.

4 points
4
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Coldworld's picture

May 02, 2022 at 10:06 am

Quay is Campbell physically and athletically as close as one could find and he can both tackle and cover. That he wasn’t the hell for leather number one in that D wasn’t the point. He’s a perfect fit for what Barry wants in his system. He’s also got upside. Dean is a very good ILB, but not the same match.

2 points
2
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Grandfathered's picture

May 02, 2022 at 07:22 pm

I was worried last year about any injury to Campbell. Walker can go a long way to easing the concerns. Burks (3rd roundd 19') is no longer with the Pack, and only Barnes (undrafted 20'), McDuffie (6th) and Summers (7th) remain. The3 Wlaker pick could turn out to be the most significant in terms iof need.

1 points
1
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PeteK's picture

May 02, 2022 at 10:47 am

His post season stats are very meaningful to me, 6 tkls vs Michigan and 8 vs Bama.

2 points
2
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Minniman's picture

May 02, 2022 at 03:23 pm

Great point Pete. 2 thumbs up. I too prefer to look at their games of significance to get a true bead on who they are - sometimes these are games against noted opponents, and sometimes they are games when their positional team mates were injured.

1 points
1
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greengold's picture

May 02, 2022 at 10:14 am

Rock solid, PEO. Georgia’s D shut shit down fast!!!

I’m amazed by this shift, and the phenomenal good fortune to be in this position, with Joe Barry needing Top ILB/Top DL, and landing BOTH with Quay Walker & Devonte Wyatt R1. With the two of them knowing each other so closely? Add in their R1 running mate, CB Eric Stokes?

THREE Georgia D R1 picks in two years?

Still stunned by that.

1 points
1
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Fubared's picture

May 02, 2022 at 06:11 pm

What you said is pertinent. I remember when we drafted Perry from USC. He played along side 3 other very talented d linemen and they made him look a lot better then he really was. He made plays because others made plays too.
When we got him the word was developmental. He pretty much did very little until his contract year then he had a hell of a year, go out of GB for mo money and you never heard from him again.
Worried Gary is following this path as well, its about the big money and he is going to play lights out to get it.

-1 points
0
1
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 02, 2022 at 07:36 pm

They say Wyatt only played 900 snaps during his college career. I expect 600 snaps out of NTs and 800 plus out of DTs (not from rookies, but when they have settled into the league).

-1 points
0
1
10ve 💚's picture

May 02, 2022 at 07:34 am

"if Watson pans out, you get a fifth year option on him as a first rounder"

The 5th year option for 1st rounders is no longer the advantage it once was. Unless the player is given his 2nd major contract before the 5th year, no longer are they willing to play for the team.

So yeah, if the player is elite/great, give him his second contract before his 5th year.

13 points
13
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Oppy's picture

May 02, 2022 at 01:29 pm

" Unless the player is given his 2nd major contract before the 5th year, no longer are they willing to play for the team. "

"if the player is elite/great, give him his second contract before his 5th year."

If the teams didn't have the 5th year option, they'd have to give the player his big contract extension before his 4th year, by your reckoning.

The last thing a team wants is having a young, talented player hitting free agency without a contract in place. 5th year option widens the window in which they can get that done. That hasn't changed.

Can you supply some sort of supporting evidence for this idea that there's a trend of players revolting against the 5th year option being used?

1 points
1
0
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 02, 2022 at 07:47 pm

Agreed. The fifth year option still matters. Ask Jaire. It is true that the new CBA did make it worth less (used to be a difference between those drafted 10th or higher and the 11th to 32nd selections). Now, playing time and pro bowls bump up the price, but the price is still at a discount except possibly for the most elite who can earn the transition tag with one pro bowl on the original ballot in the first three years and the franchise tag for 2 pro bowls. Gary didn't earn an enhancement, not even a playing time bonus. Savage got the playing time bonus, just to show you life isn't fair. Jaire got the bump to transition. Only 5 of the 32 picks got the franchise or transition tag level compensation. Teams rarely rip up that 5th year number, except for guys who look like hall of famers.

1 points
1
0
RCPackerFan's picture

May 02, 2022 at 07:35 am

I really like what GB did in the draft. We won't know how good the draft really is for a year and won't truly know for 3-4 years how truly good of a class it was compared to others. But that being said, all the picks make sense. These are my thoughts with each pick.

First Round, Pick #22 – Quay Walker, Linebacker, Georgia
This pick just makes sense. The Packers seemed to be awakened to what a difference a great ILB can make for the defense. Putting Walker next to Campbell gives us our most athletic started ILB duo probably ever. IF Walker can come in and start right away next to Campbell we could potentially form one of the best ILB duos in the league. This pick makes a lot of sense. I like Barnes a lot. But upgrading over him could really change our defense.

First Round, Pick #28 – Devonte Wyatt, Defensive Lineman, Georgia
This pick makes a lot of sense to me. More then some others I think. They have been needing more pass rush up the middle of the defense. They need someone else that can rush the QB from the inside outside of Clark. Wyatt could be that guy. The great part with drafting Wyatt is that they already signed Reed to the DL. Wyatt won't have to come in and be a starter right away. He can come in and be a rotation guy which hopefully will allow him a bit of time to adjust to the NFL. This pick like Walker could completely change the defense. These 2 guys could really change our front 7 for the better.

Round Two, Pick #34 – Christian Watson, Receiver, North Dakota State
I love the player. I have a bit of mixed feelings about trading both our 2nd round picks for Watson. That is putting a lot of eggs into one basket. That being said if Watson was their guy, I'm absolutely happy they went up and got him. I will definitely be comparing the careers of Watson, Alec Pierce, and Sky Moore. Pierce was drafted with GB's original 53 pick. Moore drafted 1 spot after. A few names that went after 59 that kind of stand out to me that they also could have had without the trade. Drake Jackson, Bryan Cook, Abraham Lucas, Jelani Woods, Travis Jones. Just a few guys that went after that would have made for good fits.
That being said, I really like Watson. I went back and watched some senior bowl stuff and Watson was unstoppable. He absolutely could be a stud in our offense and with Rodgers throwing to him.

Third Round, Pick #92 – Sean Rhyan, Tackle, UCLA
First of 3 OL selected in the draft. I thought it was great last night watching on twitter someone posted his matchup against Thibodeaux and he absolutely dominated him. We always need OL. We lost Turner, Patrick and didn't resign Bakhtiari's doppelganger. Rhyan could be RT or could slide inside to OG. He looks more like an OG player. Having a player with his size could be a really good RG prospect with Runyan at LG. Good pick.

Fourth Round, Pick #132 – Romeo Doubs, Receiver, Nevada
Anyone that says Doubs is purely a special teams pick is not giving him enough credit offensively. He has some real ability as a WR. Look at some of the numbers he put up this year. At Kansas State he put up 121 yards on 7 catches. At Fresno State he put up 203 yards on 19 catches. At San Diego State he put up 127 yards on 9 catches. Air Force 159 yards on 11 receptions. For everyone that is saying Watson is the deep threat to replace MVS. I think Doubs is one to really watch to take over that role. He may not have the pure speed that MVS has, but he has plenty of deep speed. I really like this pick.

Fourth Round, Pick #140 – Zach Tom, OL, Wake Forest
Tom is the most Packer OL there ever could be. He can play every position on the OL. Packers love versatility and Tom is exactly that for us. He is the versatile OL that will find somewhere on the OL to play. OC was quitely a need. Myers is the starter. But he did miss time as a rookie. And you never know how he will hold up for a whole year. Replacing Patrick was a quitely big need.

Fifth Round, Pick #179, Kingsley Enagbare, Defensive Lineman, South Carolina
Most mocks that I had seen, had Enagbare in the 2nd - 3rd round area. Getting him in the 5th round seems like good value. I think he is a football player. If you watch his tape he is a guy that just does the little things really well. Things that don't go on a stat sheet. I think he could be the 3rd OLB and first rotation guy. Some have compared his style of play to Za'Darius. I can see that comparison when watching him play. Hopefully he can have similar production.

Seventh Round, Pick #228 – Tariq Carpenter, Safety, Georgia Tech
Special teams player for sure. But depending on where they decide to play him on the defense he could potentially find a role there. This pick screams special teams though.

Seventh Round, Pick #234 – Jonathan Ford, DT, Miami
I saw that Ford went to middle school with TJ Slaton. My question is what did they feed those guys for lunch. And did they have enough food for those guys? Damn.
We will see if Ford, can add something to the team. His size is worth a flyer in the 7th round.

Seventh Round, Pick #249 – Rasheed Walker, OL, Penn State
Walker is a guy who could be a 7th round find. Could be our next Timmerman/Tauscher. He definitely has a few finishing moves (referring to his humping video). At this point in the draft it was worth a shot on a guy who was considered to be a 2nd/3rd round type of player.

Seven Round, Pick #258 – Samori Toure, Receiver, Nebraska
Toure is a guy that should be competing with Taylor and Winfree for a last spot at WR. He will have to do something on special teams to have a shot on the roster. But he does have some ability as a WR also. He put up big numbers at Montana. In fact he broke Randy Moss' record for receiving yards in a game with 303 yards. He put up good numbers with Nebraska also. He could be a 7th round find. Maybe we found our next Donald Driver?

Overall I really like this draft class and how they fit into the culture that we have in GB. I think each of them has a chance to make the roster and compete for playing time. i can't wait until training camp to see these guys play!

Go Pack Go!

9 points
11
2
PackEyedOptimist's picture

May 02, 2022 at 07:48 am

Good analysis RCP.
I think Ford was picked because he has extensive experience as a blocker for punts and kicks.
Doubs is a lot faster than his combine/pro-day implies. He did a 4.5 shortly after recovering from an injury. His tape implies sub 4.4

Driver is my Toure comp as well. Give him 80 and you'll think it's DD out there.

5 points
5
0
Coldworld's picture

May 02, 2022 at 10:12 am

Doubs was coming off an injury. I think he just wanted to show he can run now. That’s nowhere near where he was expected to perform prior to getting hurt or the speed suggested by film.

You may be right about Ford being picked for ST expertise in part, but I think we also want an option of a big run stuffer. Lancaster is gone and we didn’t have that any more.

1 points
2
1
RCPackerFan's picture

May 03, 2022 at 08:14 am

Thanks.

I do agree that Ford is likely a special teams player. Perhaps they view him as a guy that could be used on all special teams, but especially for FG blocking time. Where Lancaster really struggled last year.

I would love it if Toure could have a career like Driver. i'm looking forward to seeing him in training camp.

0 points
0
0
croatpackfan's picture

May 02, 2022 at 08:02 am

"He (Watson) absolutely could be a stud in our offense and with Rodgers throwing to him."

Well, not only Diva, but Jordan as well. Somehow I have idea that Jordan will have better mutual understanding with Watson than Diva (both Christian and Jordan played at second tier competition). We should see...

Btw, it is shame that Jordan Love is not Jordan Holmes... ;-)

Ford and Walker, 6.5 and 6.6, 333 and 313. Can you imagine goal line snap with those 2 bulldozering gate for Dillon or Jones_

-3 points
2
5
Packerpasty's picture

May 02, 2022 at 10:02 am

who cares what the mutual understanding is, hopefully Love is never in a starting position to have to be throwing to anyone in a real game...let it go with the Diva stuff, Rodgers has not been any trouble during this whole draft process...has said all the right things..

-1 points
4
5
Rebecca's picture

May 02, 2022 at 11:04 am

“Diva” that’s getting old and tiresome. thank you

1 points
5
4
MainePackFan's picture

May 02, 2022 at 03:49 pm

I couldn't agree more Rebecca!!

-2 points
1
3
blondy45's picture

May 02, 2022 at 04:56 pm

Talk is cheap Rebecca, now let us see if Rodgers does show up for training camp. He does not need to be at the voluntary early part though. Rodgers to my surprise, has said all the right things so far, very supportive. Now Let us see some actions behind those words! He is still a "Diva" until he shows otherwise!

0 points
2
2
Matt Gonzales's picture

May 02, 2022 at 08:29 am

I'm very excited to see these rookies in action. I see some complementary players, ST contributors, and several potential impact starters.

4 points
4
0
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

May 02, 2022 at 10:01 am

Great analysis RC!

2 points
2
0
greengold's picture

May 02, 2022 at 11:34 am

RC,
I was reviewing PFF’s pick by pick analysis of Day 3… OMG!!!

Gutekunst OWNED R4-5.

Romeo Doubs #132 = “Very Good” draft grade. 94% PFF users liked the Doubs pick.

Players “PFF users picked” - from this pick on were either Zach Tom or Kingsley Enagbare… nearly every selection all the way through Enagbare’s selection.

Zach Tom #140 = “Elite” Pick Grade. 98% PFF users liked the Tom pick.

Kingsley Enagbare #179 = “Elite” Pick Grade. 98% PFF users liked the Enagbare pick.

The Green Bay Packers earned 2 of just 3 “Elite,” Pick Grades awarded between Round 4 and Round 5. Most percentages for users liking a pick in this range was about 30% - 50-60%… just fyi. Pretty damn cool.

1 points
1
0
RCPackerFan's picture

May 03, 2022 at 08:15 am

That is really interesting. I hadn't seen that. Thanks for sharing.

0 points
0
0
blondy45's picture

May 02, 2022 at 03:24 pm

Super post RC! Just my tidbit on Rasheed Walker. As a Penn State homer, I have seen most of his games here in Pennsylvania. Rasheed was very highly graded out of high school, a top recruit for Penn State. He has the size, length, & toughness an OT should have. I believe he has regressed somewhat with OL coaching at PSU not as good as it was with their former OL coach (Johnson). He gets beaten to the inside too much. He needs Packer's coaching to make him more solid. He is a one trick pony, an OT only. He needs to be on the practice squad. He "could" be special.

1 points
1
0
RCPackerFan's picture

May 03, 2022 at 08:38 am

Thanks Blondy!

I admit I haven't watched a lot of Walker. Everything you said though I have seen 'experts' have said similar things.

I saw a comment today on twitter about him. They said he could be a player that really shines with the right coaching.
Worth a shot as a 7th round pick for sure.

0 points
0
0
MainePackFan's picture

May 02, 2022 at 03:38 pm

Very well written RCP. Your synopsis for each pick was spot on.

0 points
0
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Minniman's picture

May 02, 2022 at 03:40 pm

Regarding the Watson pick RC:

I think that many of us will be having more than a casual interest in the careers of the WR’s that you mentioned.

I’m doing the same already with the WR group from 2 years ago (more so the guys taken in the 2nd round - after Jordan Love) - Higgins, Pittman jr, Shenault, Hamler, Claypool, Mims.

The jury is still out on whether any of these guys were worth taking over Love - but they are coming into their 3rd year now.

0 points
0
0
RCPackerFan's picture

May 03, 2022 at 08:46 am

While those players the jury is still out, one thing we will never know is how they would have done in GB vs other teams. Take Pittman for example, playing with Rodgers and in LaFleurs offense is just different then playing in Indianapolis with the mess of QB's they have had. We don't know what kind of success he could have had with GB.

0 points
0
0
HarryHodag's picture

May 02, 2022 at 08:01 am

Here's someone else to think about: Sammy Watkins. Almost all of the draft analysis I've seen doesn't mention that the Packers picked up a veteran receiver who likely will be starting opposite Lazard. Watson won't be expected to start right away but will play in certain down and distance packages.

The Packers have put in place a defense that could be special. When was the last time we said that? I think gone are the days when 49'ers backs are running willy-nilly through the line/linebackers.

Once everyone on the o-line heals up, this draft likely solidifies one of the better lines in the league.

By signing O'Donnell, and this draft, it shows a desire to upgrade the special teams.

The reality is the goal is to win games not create Matt LaFleur's Flying Circus of passing. They will run the ball more. They will be more stout on defense. The special teams won't suck.

Looks like a plan for success to me.

15 points
15
0
dobber's picture

May 02, 2022 at 08:29 am

"Here's someone else to think about: Sammy Watkins. "

If Watkins can stay healthy, he can still get downfield. People overlook that. He takes a little pressure off Watson and Doubs to be field stretchers in big roles right away. It's just a matter of how many games you get out of him.

3 points
3
0
Coldworld's picture

May 02, 2022 at 09:05 am

Watkins is a bridge player at worst. If he can stay healthy he will be more than that. He’s got talent and speed, but we won’t know that until the end of the season and we likely won’t keep him if he does. We can’t plan on him being truly healthy consistently but we can use him to break others in to the rotation. This is one reason why I expect a larger WR group this year than some. New players will be on STs and worked in to certain plays is my guess.

Doubs is definitely not a flyer pick. He’s got talent and both he and Toure are ready to play types, far more so than Watson (and possibly Rodgers). It wouldn’t surprise me to see Doubs on the opposite side from Watkins on our first offensive down, with Lazard possibly running a TE route. I think Toure will eventually feature as an alternate 4. He’s extremely effective across the middle in motion and if he gets an opening while in motion, fast enough to break one. He is also good going deep up the middle, something we have lacked.

Watson will be active for special teams and, I think, initially, for certain plays that EQ ran last year and as a go route physical threat. Hopefully we give him time to master the route tree gradually and tailor plays to that. Cobb will be around for limited third down and red zone plays.

That’s Watson, Doubs, Lazard, Cobb, Watkins and Toure all active and all the new guys on ST duty. What I’m struggling with is a role for Rodgers that gets him active. I see Watson taking the small amount of option plays we ran last year (mostly EQ). That’s 6 active receivers (including kick and punt return duties). There is usually one back up as well, but I’d not rule out Winfree for that because he can play all positions whereas Rodgers is, for me, a pure slot if one is honest.

Obviously injuries are likely to change that, but we took 3 receivers who, in a normal year would be projected certainties based on where they would likely have been drafted. This wax a freakish year due to the Covid extra year on top of what was already a big WR class. The battle is on and that is a good thing.

1 points
2
1
PackEyedOptimist's picture

May 02, 2022 at 03:00 pm

I like Toure a lot, but I don't expect him to get much playing time as a rookie; actually, I expect him to be on the PS, unless there are injuries, because he is a poor blocker, and that doesn't fly in MLF's offense. I think with a year of NFL weight training he can become an excellent prospect.

1 points
1
0
Grandfathered's picture

May 02, 2022 at 07:34 pm

Its possible that Cobb will be available for 14 to 15 games this year, based upon his last 3 year average. Watkins injury history in last 3 years means he's available for 11 - 12 games. Looks like we will need Watson and Doubs to contribute in the offense in some meaningful way.

1 points
1
0
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 02, 2022 at 08:25 pm

I suspect Watkins gave a discount to play with AR in GB figuring he'd be the number one WR in 2022. It is perfect for him.

He put up numbers with Orton and Tyrod Taylor in Buffalo, but playing for Goff and LaMar Jackson was not helpful. He didn't do much in KC but generally was on pace for 800 yards plus.

A big year for Watkins in 2022 could get him a nice contract somewhere in 2023.

1 points
1
0
packerbackerjim's picture

May 02, 2022 at 11:55 am

The new receivers can/will learn a lot by watching Sammy Watkins in action. Not saying he will or should tutor them, but that his skills will be on display.

0 points
0
0
mnbadger's picture

May 02, 2022 at 12:51 pm

"looks like a plan for success to me." Amen brother!
GPG!

1 points
1
0
mrtundra's picture

May 02, 2022 at 08:18 am

I cannot wait to see this defense dominate opponents under Joe Barry! Gute truly nailed this draft! I really, truly, cannot wait to see Christian Watson decimate vikings' DBs, this season! Can somebody get me the address for the vikings' front office? I'd like to send them a "Thank You" card, for trading within the division, twice, helping us and Detroit, get those picks. Bisaccia has some raw talent for his STs, now. I fully expect most, if not all, of these draftees to play their share, on STs. It's the one area those later picks we got can shine, right away. STOKED!!! GO PACK, GO!!!

6 points
7
1
dobber's picture

May 02, 2022 at 08:23 am

"I cannot wait to see this defense dominate opponents under Joe Barry! "

Go back a year, and there wouldn't be many people using the word "dominate" in conjunction with the name "Joe Barry".

7 points
7
0
Gee's picture

May 02, 2022 at 04:14 pm

Oh yeah especially after week 1, that was messy. Now Barry has what he wants, go get em!!

0 points
0
0
Minniman's picture

May 02, 2022 at 03:53 pm

I’m going to pump the brakes on that one until I see how their 2 2nd round picks - Booth (CB) and Ingram (G) - pan out

0 points
0
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dobber's picture

May 02, 2022 at 09:03 am

In all, Gute followed the same kind of script as a year ago: out of 11 picks, taking 9 from power conference schools and selecting mostly guys who have played a lot of college ball. Plenty of film on these guys, and BG did a nice job of marrying athleticism to college film on most of these guys. In general, I think the floor is pretty high on this draft.

As the first ILB off the board and middle of the first round, Walker will always get extra scrutiny. Some comparisons to Fred Warner as a 3-down all-purpose ILB candidate--that would be a great outcome. But he should step in right away as a starter and relegate Barnes to backup and ST duties. Barnes already played about a quarter of STs snaps, but this would likely increase those numbers. McDuffie or Summers (or maybe both) will be looking for a job.

Wyatt is just a good football player. I think we'll look back in a couple years and see him as the gem of this draft. High energy, doesn't stay blocked. Even with the Reed signing, he fits into the DL rotation right away and allows more rest to Clark. Reed-Wyatt-Clark-Slaton-Lowry is a good pool of DL. I don't see a spot for Ford (although he was apparently an STs regular at Miami). He'll go to PS to add strength and probably slim down some.

Watson-Doubs-Toure: there's potential in that group, even though I think Toure ends up on the PS. I think they'll have to be very deliberate in terms of how they use and build up Watson to get the most of him, especially early. I think we see a lot of 2 TE or 2 RB sets early on, and Watkins/Lazard as WR starters, and that they'll ease Watson in. With his experience, I wouldn't be surprised to find that Doubs is the more productive receiver in the short term. He gets open, will do the dirty work over the middle, shows good concentration and hands in traffic, and can go vertical. He has all the look of a guy who will force his way into the WR rotation--and I like the idea of his returning punts more than exposing Watson at this stage.

Rhyan-Tom-Walker#2: Rhyan is your RG of the future...so much here reminds me of Sitton and Lang. Physical with OT feet and a bit of a mean streak--I think it's immediately a 3-way battle for two spots on the right side between Rhyan, Newman, and Nijman (who's a T-only candidate). Tom also gives them flexibility inside and profiles very much like Patrick, but I don't know if Tom can match Patrick's grit. A better player than Hanson, who they liked enough to keep on the 53 all season last year. Walker likely goes to the PS, but he's a sneaky good pick at the end of this draft and could be a steal with time. Power OT with the makeup to become a really good RT.

I like the Enagbare pick more than most. He profiles somewhere in between Garvin and Z, in terms of college play and athleticism, which means there's a role for him in this defense. He's a remarkably good player for an end of round 5 pick. I'll mirror TGR's statement that the Packers passed him up to move down in round 5 and still took him, which either means they thought he'd slide or he wasn't really a target. Still, he makes the OLB group better and will play in 2022.

Carpenter has a clear route to the 53 given the weakness at backup S and his ability to contribute at ST.

5 points
5
0
greengold's picture

May 02, 2022 at 08:50 am

Great insights, dobs.

I see Watson getting eased in Game 1 on a play action deep throw for a score. Once that connection is in for Aaron Rodgers? It will be all over. He’ll be on a mission feeding Watson.

Rodgers had to have been involved with this pick of Christian Watson, and he’ll find that perfect moment to make the statement.

A lot of WR talent already added, with maybe another via FA? Wow.

1 points
2
1
BirdDogUni's picture

May 02, 2022 at 08:55 am

IDK who we will play our 1st game, but no matter who it is, I would expect a 2-high look with a Safety over the top of Watson every time he steps on the field, which may mean a huge day for Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon.

Once that happens, I can see the hole-shot to Watson in between the CB/S and then Watson making the Safety miss on his way to endzone.

God - I love the GBPs and football.

5 points
5
0
dobber's picture

May 02, 2022 at 09:01 am

I think until the Packers score some big plays downfield, defenses will crowd the LOS, press the outside WR, and make the Packers beat them methodically. Right now, this is a Packers team that probably doesn't scare many opponents deep, and won't until they prove they can hurt a defense over the top.

4 points
5
1
greengold's picture

May 02, 2022 at 09:37 am

And, that’s really what I’m talking about.

We can and have debated Watson’s Pro readiness ad nauseum. New Sheriff in town, Brian Gutekunst, along with LaFleur and Rodgers, tapped Watson as their desired get at WR, and they invested heavily (?) to do that.

Teams will play us up. Rodgers will ding them around. Then he’ll find his mismatch opp and it will literally be all over.

Would not doubt AR setting Watson up for his first reception to be a TD. All Watson has to do is CTFB.

2 points
2
0
Minniman's picture

May 02, 2022 at 04:10 pm

And therein is the other golf-clap for Gute - restocking the OL.

Re-establishing the fortress around Rodgers will be paramount to allowing these rookies the time to get down field - which they will need while they are learning their pro craft.

0 points
0
0
BirdDogUni's picture

May 02, 2022 at 09:52 am

If everyone is healthy, Watkins, Watson, Lazard ought to scare some DCs. Lazard might end up with some huge days this year. I don't care if Watson is a rookie or not, the speed alone can't be ignored, because AR will make a defense pay a high price if they do ignore it.

Lazard might actually be getting the matchup we will be able to exploit. I don't care if it is MaLF scheming guys open or if it is AR exploiting the best matchup, these weapons will be tough to stop. A healthy Sammy Watkins can keep a DC up late at nights. Add in Lazard, Watson, Cobb, a healthy Big Bob and the possibilities are endless.

Right now the speculation of how this offense will evolve is high and until we get to September it will continue to be. I know MaLF will be doing his best to get guys into position to win their matchups and I am very excited to see what he comes up with.

I wish there was a way we could see every rep of Watkins, Watson, Lazard, Cobb, Rodgers, Doubs, and Toure against Jaire, Stokes, and Douglas. That would be interesting to me.

2 points
2
0
LLCHESTY's picture

May 03, 2022 at 07:07 am

I'm interested to see if LaFluer manufactures a bunch of touches for Watson. MVS was horrible with the Jets and reverses but it sounds like Watson is a lot more agile and ran a few reverses at NDSU. I'd try to get him 4 or 5 touches a game besides the deep shots. He might be returning kickoffs too.

1 points
1
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Coldworld's picture

May 02, 2022 at 10:26 am

If it were me, I’d line up Watson and then throw to Doubs on the other side.

1 points
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greengold's picture

May 02, 2022 at 11:07 am

Oh, THAT WILL HAPPEN! Book it! That’s the beauty of that pairing. Romeo Doubs is a very fast deep threat. His play speed might be faster than Christian Watson’s. That was a Senior Bowl takeaway.

Aaron Rodgers is going to have a field day working through progressions. Lazard. Watkins. Watson. Doubs…. Rodgers. Toure. Cobb… Nice mix.

1 points
1
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Gee's picture

May 02, 2022 at 04:33 pm

Right there with you a lot 2 te sets to start the season. I figure most Defenses will stack the box. I think that only that really helps Watkins and Lazard 2 big bodies, with 1 on 1 coverage. Rodgers has shown he's a capable game manager and takes what the Defense gives him. The real question will be able to do that over most of the season? For me i figure he's going to do whatever it takes, but I'm usually a glass full kind of guy.

1 points
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Gee's picture

May 02, 2022 at 04:34 pm

Ugh sorry about the weird middle sentence fat fingers.

0 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

May 03, 2022 at 02:13 pm

You don't draft speed to run it three times in a row or hope for an open cross pattern against dime coverage. If teams show two-deep run it all day. Watkins still has the 4.3 top end.

0 points
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murf7777's picture

May 02, 2022 at 01:54 pm

GG....so, what's your prediction for receptions, yards and TD's. I've given mine..40-700-5.

0 points
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BirdDogUni's picture

May 02, 2022 at 08:50 am

Before the draft, I was wondering about our OL and Jenkins status. Today, I'm not so worried. I think with the additions of Rhyan-Tom-Walker we have enough OL help when you factor in the guys we already have.

I have no idea who'll start Game 1 on the OL, because we don't know who'll be available on that day, but I think we now have enough options we can field a good/great OL overall.

Since the excitement of the draft is so fresh, I keep coming back to Rasheed Walker. I know it is unreasonable to assume he could step in at RT, but he was suppose to go much higher, and I figure if we can get him coached up, he might actually be able to handle it? IDK if that is even a realistic consideration, but with his size and strength, it would be a very pleasant surprise.

I remember way back to when David Bakhtiari was a rookie and the angst I felt with a rookie having to start at LT, but he proved to be a fantastic LT, even as a rookie.

I know the competition at RT will be a fierce one, but it would be so awesome if someone (don't really care who) were to step in during TC and claim that spot and not give it up for a few years. Again, I know it would be asking a great deal of Rasheed Walker to start as our RT as a rookie, but for some reason I keep envisioning it.

Maybe Sean Rhyan steps into that open RT spot? IDK, but I am much more happy about our OL prospects today than I was last Thursday, for sure.

2 points
2
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jannes bjornson's picture

May 02, 2022 at 10:32 am

Walker was a fourth rd grade, but hurt his leg at the end of the season at Penn State. Honorable mention All Big Ten. I was mocking him and the other guy I was hoping to land in the fourth would have been Bruss who moved up to the third rd. They bagged Rhyan with a value pick. Tom is very intelligent and a center projection , but he will be looking to compete for that spot as well.

0 points
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BirdDogUni's picture

May 02, 2022 at 12:05 pm

NFL . Com had Rasheed Walker projected to go in the 3rd round, so getting him in the 7th is simply great value, no matter where everyone had him projected to go. It won't surprise me if Niman, Van Lanen, or Runyan were to start at RT either. Should be a great competition.

We just want the best five guys on the field come Sundays. Can't wait to hear who is taking control of the competition during TC. I'm just excited in general, but will love to see who our starting OL is going to be, because I have a feeling, they're going to be pretty darn good.

1 points
1
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Coldworld's picture

May 02, 2022 at 10:24 am

This was Barry’s draft really. LaFleur had his with Dillon and Deguara picked specifically to give him the pieces needed to fill out the scheme he brought in. So here, Barry gets the same. He can now run his ideal D based upon tools on paper. The DL is improved in terms of penetration, run capability and depth and that’s critical to allowing Campbell and now his clone to really function as he desires.

On OL, we got some beef for the middle, at least at first. I’m not sure why people write off Hanson, who needed physical development, but I’m not sure how good he is either. We now have a C who is smart and technically sound enough to be a genuine candidate to compete. We also have promising G/Ts that help with both depth and, as I now suspect is likely, the departure of Bakh next year. I don’t think any will prove a better tackle than Nijman, but we will see and we need more anyway. Jenkins can now be used where he has most value when he is truly ready.

At TE they seem to see Davis as better than any they had a shot at. They possibly like Alize Mack too. Gute has said before that TEs take time and that he likes ones who have had time in a. NFL roster. Perhaps that was the expectation all along.

Carpenter is a plus ST player. He will probably push ILB depth if anywhere. We are going to need 4 ILBs because we are moving to 2 on most downs most likely. Summers and the big S holdovers have a tough battle. Can Scott or Gaines show a deep capability? If not I think they lose out. I don’t write off Shawn Davies because he’s another ST specialist. We still need to find a back up deep S from one of these or elsewhere.

At CB, it certainly looks like Ento is in the mix. He’s got good coverage aptitude if he’s improved at tackling. We also have a couple of corners we picked up for STs. I’m not sure I like them as all but emergency options in coverage, but they round off a good group from which RB can distill an ST unit.

I like Enagbare’s motor and results. I’m interested to see how they use him and at what weight, but we filled a gap at excellent value. I think that there’s no way a healthy Ramsey doesn’t make this team. They love him, so Garvin and Galeai are up against it.

All in all, we now have a pretty strong 90 taking shape. I think we will come out if this with a very different ST corps and a very good defensive roster. On O, the potential is there as long as we are willing to bring players on wisely not throw everything at them at once, get them time with AR and are not afraid to retain the best regardless of how acquired.

At this point, the only two holes I see on paper are a deep safety for depth and a LS to compete if RB shares my doubt about tiny long snappers. That’s pretty much a unique situation to be in at this point in a season. An achievement for Gute.

I’m now on to my seasonal (irrational) hopes: that Caleb Jones can be used as a short yardage runner (faller might do—got to be close to the biggest Packer ever) and that St Norbert’s own Kendall Karcz is good enough to get on the 90 from tryouts and be our back up deep S.

2 points
2
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golfpacker1's picture

May 02, 2022 at 11:07 am

We still reached for Walker @ 22. Should have took the FLA. ST. edge rusher @ 22 and then Watson @ 28. No expensive trade up and waste the other 2nd rounder. Walker would have been available late 2nd round. It would be really interesting to know if Green Bay was offered the trade that Tampa Bay got to drop to pick 33 and get the first picks of 4th and 6th rounds. That also was a draft changing trade the Bucs got. We could have still taken Watson and who knows what with the first pick in 4th round. Trade down for more or get the saftey or tight end we missed out on. The first pick in any round is coveted because someone always wants to trade up for someone they really like and OVERPAY just like we did in the 2nd round. Watson was worth a first round pick and we could have had the UCONN D-tackle who was a better run stopper that Wyatt late 2nd. Oh well.

-1 points
1
2
murf7777's picture

May 02, 2022 at 01:39 pm

Good analysis Dobber,

How I see the Packers using Watson during his rookie year is to keep defenses honest. Especially, when they want to put an extra man in the box. He will make some very big plays for the Packers. I don't see him as a high volume WR at this point in his career. He needs to learn too much first. With his speed and athleticism, the potential is multiple pro-bowls and possibly All Pro, but that will take time.

I think 40-700-5 would be very good numbers to expect out of him in year one. If fans are expecting more than that, I suspect many will be disappointed. If he does more than that, I for one will eat my crow and do jumping jacks.

0 points
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Grandfathered's picture

May 02, 2022 at 07:47 pm

"Carpenter has a clear route to the 53 given the weakness at backup S and his ability to contribute at ST."

I agree that carpenter is likely to be a ccontributoir on ST. I'm less clear that our backup safeties are a weakness. Scott and played well in the pre-season. and was enough to keep on the roster. Gaines had some good showings, but neither has really had a chance to show what they can do on ST. Better ILBs means less 3rd safety looks. I've read that the Packers are moving away from 3 safety calls, and Walker/Campbell will make that possible. I think Carpenter makes the 53, but not because of weakness at safety.

0 points
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0
porupack's picture

May 02, 2022 at 08:48 am

It is smart to fortify the position groups ILB and DL especially. Opposing offensive coordinators can game plan around Campbell or Clark if their side kicks are average or below average. So fortifying the sidekicks adds more impact than just the one incremental player. It synergizes the talent level of both. The same can be said of each defensive group, can't have a weak player anywhere. Its my 1st law of football thermodynamis; can't have more than one below average player out of 11 on the field. The second law of football thermodynamis is you must have a player at each group that can impact the game even when they are game planned by opposing offensive coordators. At least 4 playmakers. GB should have at least a top 8 defense this year with the investments in FA and draft.

7 points
8
1
greengold's picture

May 02, 2022 at 09:58 am

100% porupack. It really wasn’t a deep ILB group where you can get everything in one player. There were maybe less than 5 of them. Dean. Walker. Lloyd. Muma… Athleticism, coverage & run stop.

Troy Andersen, athleticism yes. Run stop? No. Good luck finding another in that class.

Quay Walker has the tools, the instincts, ceiling and the coaching to become very special.

3 points
3
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murf7777's picture

May 02, 2022 at 02:01 pm

We'll, then what will they have when they spell Gary and/or Smith. Basically, a 5th rounder, albeit seems like a good pick according to mocks and three others who are average. I would've preferred an EDGE at #22. There was some top talent at EDGE at that point in the draft.

You won't have above average talent on a Defense 100% of the time no matter what team it is. Putting constant pressure on the QB is most important IMO. That said, I trust Gutey made the right decision because he has done so in the past and ultimately that's his job. He knows far more than me.

-1 points
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1
stockholder's picture

May 02, 2022 at 10:37 am

Your reasons behind the picks? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

-3 points
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4
stockholder's picture

May 02, 2022 at 10:45 am

Green Bay Packers
Best pick (A): LB Quay Walker, Georgia (R1, P22)

This is a heck of a pick. He is a playmaking, speed linebacker who will give their defenses a nice complement to De'Vondre Campbell. I know they could have gone receiver here, but they can wait. Walker will be big time. (Pete Prisco)

Worst pick (C-): S Tariq Carpenter, Georgia Tech (R7, P228)

Big-time tester who's much more of a linebacker than a safety. For as explosive as it is in a thick frame, his change-of-direction skill leaves a lot to be desired, and he misses a lot of tackles. (Chris Trapasso)

Most interesting pick (C+): WR Christian Watson, North Dakota State (R2, P34)

Watson was a player many teams were intrigued by, but as Trapasso explained in his pick grade, he will need to be utilized correctly. Green Bay had to trade up for him, but Watson could be a legitimate starter immediately for Aaron Rodgers.

-3 points
1
4
golfpacker1's picture

May 02, 2022 at 10:54 am

To RCPACKERFAN, thanks for pointing out in your assessment of Sean Ryan that he dominated Thibodeaux, one of the best edge rushers in this draft. I will say "in your face" to all the DRAFT EXPERTS that say he has to move inside to guard. The NFL is always so fixed on the criteria for a player to be successful at his position they forget if he can just play! Rhyan is 6'5 320lbs. He is a tackle until he sucks enough to change positions. How many quarterbacks didn't get a fair look because they weren't 6'5 and had a perfect throwing motion? Today they look for just the opposite, any QB that can throw sidearm is now ok. In the NFL you also draft players that will let you move on from expensive players out of salary cap necessity. Rhyan could be the Baktiari replacement, save $15 million, Walker is the Devondre Campbell replacement in 2023 saving $20 million. Aaron Jones probably also gone 2023 saving $12 million. Its the salary cap version of musical chairs. Shed salary buy another new toy.

4 points
4
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bean's picture

May 02, 2022 at 11:27 am

If Ryan doesn't move inside to guard his chance of ever playing for the packers is slim and none. With Bak, Jenkins, & Nijman none of these guys are likely to ever play tackle for Green Bay. If they wanted a tackle who was going to play tackle they'd have taken one earlier when the gettin' was good.

A. Gutey did panic and send good draft capitol after a wide receiver. Saying otherwise is to ignore reality.

B. Quay might have been the No. 1 ILB on the packer's board but he wasn't the NO. 1 ILB "in the draft". Nobody thought that.

C. Offensive line was not the second greatest need in the draft. Edge was. Could've had Jermaine Johnson at 22 and they said nah. We'll take this ILB that everyone considers a second rounder.

-5 points
0
5
PackEyedOptimist's picture

May 02, 2022 at 12:30 pm

"If Ryan doesn't move inside to guard his chance of ever playing for the packers is slim and none"
"none of these guys are likely to ever play tackle for Green Bay"
"Saying otherwise is to ignore reality."
"Nobody thought that."
"everyone considers a second rounder"

This post is like a primer on "Begging the question."

1 points
1
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murf7777's picture

May 02, 2022 at 01:51 pm

I don't think he panicked, in fact, he got the man he wanted at a point in the draft. If he didn't at that point, I believe he wouldn't have gotten his man. I think Watson was going within the next 5 picks. Keeping in mind, what he went thru in the 2020 draft when the samething happened. All the tier one WR's were gone by their 1st round pick and then the Tier 2's were gone by the 2nd round. He wanted to get one of his WR picks this year so he needed to do what he did. Besides Watson, there were 5 more WR's taken before pick 53.

Keep in mind, you have to find someone who will trade with you. If he panicked, then so did 11+ other teams who either traded up or traded for a player in the first 40 or so picks. Smart move by Gutey IMO.

0 points
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blondy45's picture

May 02, 2022 at 04:04 pm

A. Gute did spring a leak & did over-pay. No Argument there. I like the player, still will need time, Love will "love him".
B. Nobody thought Quay was #1 ILB, except Gute whom I trust. He opens up Barry's total play book.
C. Draft those Big bodies. Never have enough "giants" among big men!

0 points
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golfpacker1's picture

May 02, 2022 at 12:21 pm

I would be nervous if I was Lowry. That is $5 million we could spend somewhere else or hang on to for an in season addition. As far as late round picks I guess Green Bay valued Toure more than the WR from Notre Dame who went undrafted. Nebraska had a below average passing QB and Toure still excelled. He is a sleeper for sure.

3 points
3
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Handsback's picture

May 02, 2022 at 12:31 pm

This year I kept my reputation spotless, as in it's obvious I have no idea what Gutsey is doing during the draft.
I can say I was right about not taking any receivers in the first round. I was also one of those who wondered about Q over JJ, Karlaftis, the edge rusher or Lloyd who seemed to be the consensus ILB by the draft experts.

So let me say this first...the word expert broken down ex-means a has been, pert- is that last drip just holding on with surface tension to a faucet. So why do I keep reading what has been drips say about college players? I guess I'm just too lazy to do the research myself.

I want the Q skeptics to think back a few years ago when Green Bay took a LB from USC that was a pert-time starter but had great measurables. Yes I'm talking about CM3. That turned out OK, so maybe just maybe it will again.

The other issue is why give up two late 2nds for the 2nd pick in the 2nd. I'm pretty sure MN drove a hard bargain to give up their pick to a division rival. Otherwise...why do it! Would Green Bay still get Watson with their spots-no. If you really want him, you have to give more for that opportunity. Gutsey was playing with house money any way so pull that trigger and get the guy you want. I have no idea if Watson is a MVS or a faster Adams. We will see as the season goes on.

My last point is Rhyan. When I looked at OT guys before the draft, I saw that he was a great pass blocker and should have been a 1st round guy 2nd at worst. It appears he's the best in terms of giving up sacks, so why did all the experts say he was a 4-5 round OT probably moving to OG? They are experts...see above. My point is I have no idea what Green Bay's draft board looked like and and further more I'm not a scout. We can talk to them but again, it will still be in the eye of the beholder on how talented a player will be.

So I see a bigger picture emerging, a team that wins with defense and running the ball and keeping the chains moving with strategic pass plays. At least that may be the picture until Rodgers throws for 30+ times a game. Regardless, this is a team that may withstand the CAP issues when that balloon payment come due.

6 points
6
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murf7777's picture

May 02, 2022 at 02:05 pm

Hands...I have no problem with taking Quay over Devin as I trust their judgement on talent and reasons behind it. I do wonder why not JJ or Karlaftis thou.

I loved Gutey trading up to get his WR. I'm sure 2020 draft is still haunting him.

Last statement, Defense wins championships. Love that he took 2 D players in round 1. We need to be dominate there to win the big one.

2 points
2
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Handsback's picture

May 02, 2022 at 04:25 pm

murf man,
I think, not sure, but think they studied the film of FSU and WF where Zach Tom nullified JJ and thought let's not take JJ but they guy who held him to no sacks.
Stranger things have happened.

0 points
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0
Esquetoi's picture

May 02, 2022 at 02:14 pm

Rhyan needs to get the "h" out of there.

1 points
1
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Handsback's picture

May 02, 2022 at 04:27 pm

Yeah what is the story on that name? I still think he's a low 1st or high 2nd OT, but time will tell if I'm right. Usually not, but still want to find out!

0 points
0
0
Qoojo's picture

May 02, 2022 at 03:42 pm

What actually happened refutes the first couple of paragraphs of the article, unless limiting to the first round only. As in the second round, Gutey did the exact opposite of almost everything mentioned.

- He didn't let board fall to him
- He did spend valuable draft capital to move up
- On the draft worth chart, he paid a premium of late 3rd rounder over the worth of the move up in the second.

0 points
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0
kj34534's picture

May 02, 2022 at 06:12 pm

Who would you have drafted?

0 points
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kj34534's picture

May 02, 2022 at 06:12 pm

Who would you have drafted?

0 points
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kj34534's picture

May 02, 2022 at 04:01 pm

This and other articles really make it seem like people are lamenting the Packers losing an extra 2nd round pick to get Watson. But somehow people also keep suggesting they should have taken Watson in the 1st round. Let's say they picked Watson at #28 and still made the trade with the Vikings - Devonte Wyatt probably would not have been available at #34. Maybe he would have, maybe not, but in mock drafts he was regularly listed as a 1st round pick. So let's just say he's a 1st round DT. Why are so many people ok with them losing out on a 1st round DT? Kenny Clark was taken at #27 and is now a franchise cornerstone.

I especially love the reactions after Day 1 like "well, the Packers might have a championship defense, but who is Aaron Rodgers going to throw to?" Like a championship defense isn't enough. But then they pick a WR, and people still aren't happy!

Here are some WRs from past drafts taken #50 and below in the 2nd round, ask yourself how many of these are awesome players:
2021
#56 D'Wayne Eskridge
#57 Tutu Atwell
#59 Terrace Marshall Jr
2020
#57 Van Jefferson
#59 Denzel Mims
2019
#51 AJ Brown
#56 Mecole Hardman
#57 JJ Arcega-Whiteside
#59 Parris Campbell
#62 Andy Isabella
#64 DK Metcalf
2018
#51 Anthony Miller
#60 James Washington
#61 DJ Chark
2017
#62 JuJu Smith-Schuster

Doing some simple math, that's 2 out of 15 as really good players, which is 13%. GB has a pretty good track record so if they liked something about Christian Watson, I think there's a pretty good chance he's going to be good.

3 points
3
0
Minniman's picture

May 02, 2022 at 04:28 pm

The right player in the right role is the often overlooked critical ingredient here. Smith-Schuster is probably the best example of this. Statistically he’s not as productive now as he was as a rookie- in part because he had an ensemble around him to take the main load, and Mike Tomlin used him sparingly, but well.

0 points
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Handsback's picture

May 02, 2022 at 04:31 pm

JuJu, DK, AJ, JJ, and Tutu are really good players. That's 5 out of 15....OK Tutu, and JJ may not be but their name fits the others with having only two letters.

0 points
0
0
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 02, 2022 at 09:16 pm

Van Jefferson had 802 yards with a fine 9.0 yards/target. Looking good.

Nico Collins with 446 as a rookie. (89th pick).
St. Brown in the 4th (109th). >900 yards
Peoples Jones (187th) looking up with 596 yds 2nd year.
Darnell Mooney (173rd) Nuff said.
Gabriel Davis is interesting. > 500 yards both years.
Slayton, Renfrow, Diontae Johnson, McLaurin.

1 points
1
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pantz_bURp's picture

May 02, 2022 at 04:17 pm

Defense tends to play well in almost all kinds of weather and travels well (just like the running game) for the playoffs.

I am so ready to put the spotlight on the defense and not the offense. Let's give that a try, shall we?

Gute, if I could...I would hug you so hard, your sternum might get bruised! :)

0 points
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pantz_bURp's picture

May 02, 2022 at 04:29 pm

Don't worry Gutey... some days your the pigeon, other days, your the statue. When all is said and done...you can que up that ol' blue eyes song, "and did it my wayyy".

1 points
1
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greengold's picture

May 02, 2022 at 04:35 pm

Some days you’re Godzilla. Others, you’re Tokyo.

2 points
2
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pantz_bURp's picture

May 02, 2022 at 04:40 pm

Some days you do the Talkin. Other days, your pops does the Talkin. :D Go GG Go!

0 points
0
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pantz_bURp's picture

May 02, 2022 at 04:52 pm

Our defense gonna be so good, screw the D-fense...bring on the G-fense! They gonna hit you so hard, your middle name swells. Hit you so hard your grandpappy can feel it!

Go, go, gooo!

1 points
1
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jurp's picture

May 02, 2022 at 05:25 pm

I'm not going to read all 100 comments, so this may have already been posted, but we could've had Olave (or literally ANY OTHER WR) AND Watson had we only done the logical and reasonable act of trading AR to Denver. And we wouldn't have had to gift the Vikings another second round pick. Imagine - SIX PICKS in the first two rounds and NOT helping one of our rivals and also NOT pushing huge amounts of cap into the future.

Oh, but then we'd be stuck with Jordan Love at QB I hear some/most of you whine! So what - all he has to be is average to get us to the playoffs - which is all most of you expect, because "once you're in the playoffs, anything can happen", and if he's above average with this defense, then we're in the Super Bowl.

A huge, franchise-defining missed opportunity. SMH.

-2 points
1
3
Fubared's picture

May 02, 2022 at 06:16 pm

I gave Gutt a C and being generous. We needed the player positions he drafted buy not sure we drafted the best to fill those spots. Why he tends to go outside Div 1 for talent is beyond me. Those people should have big numbers, they have a lack of competition.
I'm not sure out two new gunner receivers are going to find going up against top notch press coverage guys easy at all. Both are so so route runners, prefer the straight line and using speed to get separation. Good luck. Jordy could do it but not everyone can

-1 points
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1
LLCHESTY's picture

May 03, 2022 at 07:20 am

The Lions had a good draft. How about finding a site of theirs and congratulating them?

Aren't you tired of trolling yet?

0 points
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0
Rossonero's picture

May 02, 2022 at 10:02 pm

Very happy with the draft. Kenny finally has some damn help, and Gutekunst stuck to his board and also got arguably the top LB. The run D has been leaky for years, nobody will be running up the middle anymore on us.

Watson's measurables and film remind me a lot of MVS. I'm not saying he's an MVS clone, but he just moves like him, and has that similar size-speed profile. I think he could use some work on the jugs machine and extra time after practice with Rodgers, but MLF will probably design some plays to get the football in his hands, and once he does get it, he has the potential to be special.

This draft definitely signals a shift away from a pass-happy team to a more run-oriented and defensive oriented style of play. Sure, Rodgers will "can" some plays at the line, but probably a lot less with Adams long gone. We have two great RBs, some much improved depth on the O-line (I sure hope they plan to have Jenkins play RT once he's healthy).

If anything, it also bodes well for Jordan Love, because if Rodgers' deal is basically three one-year deals and he retires in 2023, then Love is set up with a great defense, (hopefully) improved special teams, a very good O-line + running game, and developing WR talent that will probably get supplemented in 2023's draft if the right player is available to them.

Only positional need not addressed was TE, but this was a weak class and worth waiting on for a street FA or for the 2023 draft. Great job to Gutekunst, the scouting dept. and coaching staff. Can't wait for the season to begin already! GO PACK GO!!

2 points
2
0