CheeseHeadTV Draft Predictions: Packers Round One
The CHTV Writers make their predictions for what the Packers will do with their first draft pick of 2020.
By JerseyAl
Here they are - our official predictions for the Packers in Round One of the 2020 NFL Draft:
Tim Backes - Justin Jefferson. He's a great talent at a position of need who's highly versatile, and may very well be available right around the time the Packers are picking in round one.
Jersey Al Bracco - A month ago when I wrote in the CHTV Draft Guide that the Packers would pick a WR (Tee Higgins) with their first pick, I was swimming upstream. The Packers NEVER draft WR's in round one, I kept hearing, so I thought I would be different. Fast forward to today and practically everyone has the Packers taking a WR, so I'm going to pivot. One reason I originally picked a WR was because I was confident the Packers would bring in a free agent defensive linemen, of which there were plenty available. Well, I still don't understand why they didn't, so I'm thinking they must be looking at an early draft pick to fill that need. So I'm going to go with Raekwon Davis of Alabama, a player that is similar physically to the 49ers Arik Armstaed. Height, weight, length, power, Davis has it all and the potential to develop into a premier defensive lineman. Taking him at pick 30 is probably a reach, so a trade down to collect another pick and still get Davis is my prediction.
Paul Bretl - The Packers haven’t taken a receiver in round one since 2002, but I’ll predict that the streak ends Thursday night with Brandon Aiyuk. The top receivers will be off the board and although he isn’t as big as Denzel Mims, size wise and athletically he meets Green Bay’s thresholds. Aiyuk will add a dynamic presence to this offense and his ability to pick up yards after the catch is an element that the Packers just didn’t have in 2019.
Brandon Carwile - I think the Packers go with TCU wideout Jalen Reagor. Reagor will bring more versatility to the Green Bay offense along with great play making ability. He mostly played outside in college, but he could be the answer to the team's opening in the slot. Also, Reagor is a RAC demon, and the Packers need a wide receiver that can create after the catch. Give Aaron Rodgers all the help he can get.
Dusty Evely - Jalen Reagor. Matt LaFleur's offense could be put into hyper drive with a talent like Reagor. Quick and fast, he would be able to contribute immediately with jet sweeps, drags and go routes. Having a guy like Reagor in that role instead of Geronimo Allison would force defenses to pay attention, opening up the rest of the field. He would also work well as a downfield threat. He's not going to put up 700 yards right away, but he would be a contributor from Week 1, and he is a guy that could be an absolute monster in another year. This is a slam-dunk pick.
Cory Jennerjohn - The Packers make a splash and trade up to No. 20 to take Justin Jefferson. A move that boxes out the Eagles, Vikings and Saints — three tough teams in the thorny NFC. The 6-foot-3 Jefferson, remember, this front office loves big guys, has been compared to Michael Thomas and would be a huge addition with Davante Adams getting suffocated with double teams.
Ken Lass - Packers trade down to second round and select running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire out of LSU. He’s Aaron Jones but a better pass blocker and more physical between the tackles, the perfect compliment to Jones and perfect replacement if Jones doesn’t resign.
Maggie Loney - Justin Jefferson in a trade up. We know Brian Gutekunst likes to be aggressive on night one, maneuvering around the board to find talent. He's not going to sit and wait for someone to slide, he's going to trade up and grab a weapon for Aaron Rodgers, making an investment in the offense with his first round selection.
Gil Martin - Tee Higgins. Gute will trade up and get the receiver he covets.
David Michalski - I think the Packers will trade down to around 36-40 and with that pick, the Green Bay Packers select Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado. Shenault at 6’1 can play both inside and outside, but I think he could really find a niche in the slot, filling the role that Randall Cobb so gracefully did for the better part of a decade.
Aaron Nagler - I fully expect Gutekunst to trade out of the first round. This is a team with plenty of long term holes to fill and most of the paths to the Packers being on the clock leave a number of similar prospect on the board. I suspect a team will call looking to secure a 5th year option on a particular prospect and Gutekunst will drop back to the top of the 2nd round for an additional Day 2 pick. His selection: Jordyn Brooks from Texas Tech
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"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of many hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He is also a recovering Mason Crosby truther. Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP.
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Comments (79)
stockholder
April 23, 2020 at 07:31 am
After Careful consideration. IF Gutey wants to win this draft it's: . @30 higgins wr // 62. claypool wr megatron- // 94. darrel taylor de/olb tenn // 136. albert okwuegbunam te // 175. Darrynton Evans rb // 192. l'jarious sneed s/cb // 208. quez watkins wrs // 209. Joshua Kelly RB 236. shawn bradley lb // 242. tyler clark DT
taarons420
April 23, 2020 at 08:38 am
If they pick Higgins, I quit.
stockholder
April 23, 2020 at 08:46 am
Nice Undercut. You need to watch his film and footwork. Don't believe the RAS. His size is what the Packers like. He will stay on the field and has great hands!
taarons420
April 23, 2020 at 08:51 am
If the WR they pick can't run a jet sweep and return punts... they picked the wrong guy.
dobber
April 23, 2020 at 09:05 am
If I'm qualifying my #1 pick on punt returns, he's probably not a #1 pick.
taarons420
April 23, 2020 at 09:32 am
jefferson
reagor
aiyuk
shenault
duvernay
bowden
hightower
gibson
reed
these are the guys
stockholder
April 23, 2020 at 10:27 am
I liked Reagor. But the Packers liked Mims. I liked Duvernay ,Bowden, Hightower late. But we need LBs. I liked Wilson, Lewis, and Brooks. But they keep going up and down in the second. I Like Grant Dilpot. S. The outland Trophy winner. But that could cause friction with Savage and Amos. Yet people keep taking Chinn in the second. (Because of his underwear?) Taking a OT when this Offensive Line is set, would miss on a for sure #2 WR. Isn't that more important then a revolving door year after year? Were all watching the ups and downs more then the sure thing. We just don't have the means to go up more then a few picks. And the Cap numbers are handcuffing this franchise. Your list is more gambles then solving a problem at WR#2. Gambles Gutey needs to stay away from. Sure they all can make a splash play. But moving the chains is the only thing that matters to a coach. Funchess was signed just for that reason. But they won't have the money to sign him next year.
taarons420
April 23, 2020 at 10:33 am
No offseason.
A rookie WR will not get to learn the entire offense by the time the season starts.
There will be zero chemistry with the QB.
Only way a rookie WR will contribute THIS SEASON is if he can make plays on his own (sweeps, returns, wr screens, etc).
This upcoming season is GB's last best chance with Rodgers.
The cap is disappearing.
Rodgers is getting older.
At least 2 starters will be gone after this upcoming season (Bakh, Clark, King, Jones, Linsley).
There isn't time to pick a guy for "the long term".
Gotta get a "Now-Guy".
They players I listed are "Now-Guys".
Just get the ball in their hands in simple ways.
dobber
April 23, 2020 at 10:38 am
"This upcoming season is GB's last best chance with Rodgers.
The cap is disappearing.
Rodgers is getting older.
At least 2 starters will be gone after this upcoming season (Bakh, Clark, King, Jones, Linsley)."
The Packers lost 3 starters this offseason (Bulaga, Graham, Martinez).
taarons420
April 23, 2020 at 11:44 am
But Graham and Martinez sucked.
stockholder
April 23, 2020 at 10:49 am
Could be. Little guys get hurt easy. Reagor is your guy. Forget the others. The problem was the slot. Claypool plays the slot. Your still thinking Randall Cobb. Yet Jordy Nelson was Rodgers Favorite. And Not everybody will turn into Devante Adam. Positive thinking Right?
stockholder
April 23, 2020 at 10:36 am
* Pick Darrin Taylor was suspended. Nobody is doubting his talent. Speed, movement,.ability or upside.
PeteK
April 23, 2020 at 09:09 am
We can probably get him later, plus don't we have enough lg WRs.
Turophile
April 23, 2020 at 07:41 am
Most of the selections your guys went with I didn't like much (most especially Gil Martin's assertion that the Packers trade up for Tee Higgins).
Raekwon Davis is an interesting choice (could have chosen Gallimore or Blacklock, but Davis has that great size).
I rather like the idea of getting Epenesa (edge, 6'6", 280, Iowa) who on internet mock draft sites often seems available. I would want to see him play as a DE. If he was gone I'd probably go with DL Blacklock, because I think he is a better bet than the 6th best OT (often listed as Ezra Cleveland).
I expect WR Jefferson to be gone, so if the Packers chose to go WR at #30, I would imagine Mims, Aiyuk, Reagor are the big three open for consideration. I rather like the speed of Reagor, but he is a middling-risk gamble.
The question that might need asking is whether you would do better getting your main WR in round two, instead. Peoples-Jones is an intereting choice, assuming he is still there, he is probably a better bet than Claypool who is more a contested-catch guy (and you know Rodgers is very reluctant to toss up contested balls).
There is a small chance (imo) that the (almost) consensus 5th best OT, Josh Jones is still on the board at #30. He'd have to be a serious candidate for the Packers pick, if he were there.
PS to Jersey Al. Have you ever noticed that in your picture the yellow edging on the right side of your collar, sort of makes it look like you are sporting a Fu-Manchu moustache..................(it made me smile anyway).
dobber
April 23, 2020 at 07:55 am
"PS to Jersey Al. Have you ever noticed that in your picture the yellow edging on the right side of your collar, sort of makes it look like you are sporting a Fu-Manchu moustache."
I always thought he was working toward his "Ming the Merciless" look....
PeteK
April 23, 2020 at 09:17 am
Oh boy, the quarantine is having some drastic effects, LOL.
JerseyAl
April 23, 2020 at 09:28 am
It makes me uneasy that you are studying my picture that closely...
dobber
April 23, 2020 at 09:48 am
Look at the avatar of your accuser!
JerseyAl
April 23, 2020 at 09:49 am
I know. That wasn't lost on me.
Leatherhead
April 23, 2020 at 07:38 am
Defense. Probably a corner. AJ Terrell if he’s available.
taarons420
April 23, 2020 at 09:36 am
nope.
if i'm gm of the packers, i sure as hell don't want to be the guy who looks back and thinks... "man, maybe we should have given rodgers some weapons for his last 3 years. i should have known funchess and lazard wern't going to be enough."
defense had gotten enough high round attention.
time to realize... the d will always be average AT BEST.
it is what it is.
Leatherhead
April 23, 2020 at 11:45 am
I would want to be known as the GM who gave Rodgers the defense he needed.
He had the league’s second best defense in 2010. Super Bowl.
7th in 2009
9th last year.
Those are the best defenses he’s had. If we could just improve last year’s defense a little bit, it’d be the best defense he’s had since the Super Bowl.
The problem isn’t Rodgers, isn’t the line, isn’t the weapons. It’s the defense. Ask SF.
Samson
April 23, 2020 at 12:07 pm
"isn’t the weapons"
Come on OS - You've only presented part of the picture again --- AR had Jennings, Jones, Driver, Nelson & Finley during the SB year - 2010. .... Are you saying that he had just as many "weapons" last season?
Leatherhead
April 23, 2020 at 12:43 pm
I’m saying he had enough, but our defense couldn’t stop the 49ers.
PeteK
April 23, 2020 at 03:11 pm
As I stated before , 21st in the NFL on 3rd down. Second best receiver only had 49 receptions Jones, after that it was 39 by Williams another RB.
taarons420
April 23, 2020 at 12:17 pm
Lot easier to play defense when the other team has to be one dimensional because you've put 30+ points up on 'em.
Hey - I'd love a great defense.
I'm just tired of throwing premium picks at the side of the ball EVERY YEAR.
For some reason... it's just not working.
This team just can not put together a consistently solid defense.
Time to try something new.
Get your old QB some weapons.
Get your new offensive minded HC some weapons.
Leatherhead
April 23, 2020 at 12:51 pm
He’s had weapons and we still came up short. 2011? 2014?
This offense is plenty good enough, but the defense is not.
taarons420
April 23, 2020 at 01:18 pm
I agree with you.
I'm just tired of throwing high picks at a defense that never seems to get fixed.
"F" it.
Time for a new plan.
PeteK
April 23, 2020 at 07:40 am
I agree with a trade down to add another 2nd rounder. Reagor- 2nd , either ILB- Harrison, Brooks ,or Wilson- bottom of 2nd.
Bure9620
April 23, 2020 at 07:45 am
They will very likely trade back into the early 2nd. I predict they trade with one of 3 teams. The LA Chargers, Carolina or the Colts.
Handsback
April 23, 2020 at 07:52 am
If no WRs with first round grades are there...look at DT/DEs. If Epenesa isn't there...Terrell if he's not there Taylor-RB from WI. Davis is who I liked early, but he seems to have a very solid bottom -half 2nd round grade.
murf7777
April 23, 2020 at 08:17 am
Davis has the size no doubt but his playmaking decreased his junior and senior year is concerning. Talk about him being immature. For the DL, at this point in the draft, I like blacklock, a physical freak, but injury concern. Although, he showed for a full year the Achilles should be behind him. He has a high motor and is focused, mature ready for the NFL.
PeteK
April 23, 2020 at 09:18 am
All true ,but I still think Fotu could fulfill our DT needs at a much later round.
murf7777
April 23, 2020 at 12:51 pm
I have no problem getting both Fotu in 3rd or 4th round.
dobber
April 23, 2020 at 03:56 pm
Gotta have more than one contingency in place. Either you overdraft the player to make sure you get him or you go with plan B, C, or D if someone else grabs him.
dobber
April 23, 2020 at 09:57 am
I just don't see Blacklock as the answer if you're looking for someone to solidify the run D. That's just not his thing. A lot of Mike Daniels in him, though.
I personally would rather have Epenesa at that point if he's on the board, but his draft position has fluctuated wildly if you put much stock in mocks.
Leatherhead
April 23, 2020 at 12:03 pm
If you like size, check out Hamilton. Massive. I think he might be available at #62
I like Fotu in the 4th but I don’t think he’ll last that long. Blacklock is a good choice at 30.
dobber
April 23, 2020 at 09:55 am
My guess is that Davis will go earlier than projected based on his measurables and his 'Bama pedigree. It's not a strong DL draft...I think he'll be a little overdrafted because of it.
murf7777
April 23, 2020 at 07:53 am
One thing is certain with Gutey drafting is we will be surprised by what he does in the first round. I’m looking at Blacklock or Murray. He will trade but, whether it is Trade up or trade down, no clue.
mrtundra
April 23, 2020 at 08:02 am
Agree Murf. It's between Blacklock and Murray. We need run stopping help and we need an ILB presence. These guys fill the bill. The other option I can think of, is if Gute moves up a couple spots to grab Jefferson at WR. If he moves down the board, I think Blacklock comes into play, even more. No one really knows who Gute values at 30. We'll find out tonight.
PeteK
April 23, 2020 at 09:35 am
An ILB like Murray that can play the run inside and out plus cover, would be fantastic!! However, we would have to give up too much which would hurt offense and future.
dobber
April 23, 2020 at 10:01 am
Based on what I'm hearing, the first-round run people are anticipating (WR) is shifting to OT which would make #30 a stronger WR spot. I've seen mocks that now have all of Murray, Queen, and Chinn going ahead of the Packers.
Stroh
April 23, 2020 at 07:28 pm
Different players won't solve the run D. The scheme is the reason the run D was terrible. Pettine and Rex Ryan put a premium on affecting the QB! The DL and OLB play the run on the way to the QB. That allows alot of rushing lanes to open. Its basically the opposite of Capers who play it to stop the run but gave up pass D.
Blacklock is NOT a run stuffer at 290. I wouldn't touch him in rd 1! Maybe in the 2nd. They do need an ILB but that is more to stop the passing. If they just wanted a run stuffer at ILB they could have kept Martinez.
Leatherhead
April 23, 2020 at 12:12 pm
Blacklock and Murray would be two good choices at 30. I would include the CB trio of Fulton-Terrell-Diggs, since we have no nickel and that’s a starter for all intents and purposes. Any of those three would start for us.
ShooterMcGee
April 23, 2020 at 07:57 am
Jalen Reagor has a RAS of 6.06 and Tee Higgins RAS is 4.something. It is from this site that I have learned about RAS being very important to Gutenkunst. This leads me to believe these 2 players will never be chosen by the Packers, especially in the 1st round. 2 players with off the charts RAS are Chase Claypool 9.98 and Jeremy Chinn 10.0. My money is on 1 of these 2 players, with a trade back into the 2nd round.
Stroh
April 23, 2020 at 07:07 pm
RAS is all well and good, but the tap doesnt' lie. Claypool and Chinn are NOT 1st rd talents!
Hematite
April 23, 2020 at 07:58 am
Tee Higgins is Funchess 2.0 so I doubt that they will go that route.
I think they trade down and go DL but I don't know who that might be.
PatrickGB
April 23, 2020 at 08:00 am
I love this site. But this year the predictions and spitball guesses have been all over the place. Yet after reading the articles here I feel much more informed. I really have no clue what will happen. Much of that is because this year we are somewhat tight against the cap and drafting at the end of the rounds. Go pack go!
Packer_Fan
April 23, 2020 at 08:11 am
I have no idea what will happen either. And I won't watch the draft. I check this column tomorrow.
taarons420
April 23, 2020 at 08:46 am
Best. Player.
Screw. Need.
Game changers.
Turophile
April 23, 2020 at 11:13 am
Yeah...........but suppose it is a QB - or an OG. Heck,the Raiders took kicker Janokowski at #17.
Still want BPA if it's one of these ?
taarons420
April 23, 2020 at 11:47 am
Yep.
Ok... not a kicker.
But If Tua, Love, or Ruiz are there... and the Packers think they are the best player... MAKE THE PICK!
Leatherhead
April 23, 2020 at 12:57 pm
Brian Bostick was a game changer. Ty Montgomery.
Lazard definitely changed the Detroit game.
fordguy
April 23, 2020 at 01:56 pm
"Brandon"
lowcsp
April 23, 2020 at 09:01 am
Nobody predicted the savage pick last year I think they will do the same this year and take Jeremy chin in the 1st
Leatherhead
April 23, 2020 at 01:00 pm
I think it is 100% that they have that “hybrid guy” they want on their radar, and it could well be Chinn.
murf7777
April 23, 2020 at 05:10 pm
I agree Chinn could be our pick.
Samson
April 23, 2020 at 09:21 am
Trade out of 1st round & pick up another (2) day 2 picks... 4 picks on day two will include a WR (2), DL & an OL... I'll let Gute decide the names.... However, Chase Claypool & Antonio Gibson would look great in G&G.... The speed of both will elevate the "O" a few notches.
WMA
April 23, 2020 at 09:35 am
If they are thinking ahead that signing Adams after 2021 is unlikely ($, concussions) then two receivers in this draft in the first 4 rounds makes sense. Must include an OL in first 3 rounds then one more later.
dobber
April 23, 2020 at 10:34 am
Well put, WMA.
WMA
April 23, 2020 at 10:40 am
No cookie?
dobber
April 23, 2020 at 10:52 am
I'm in quarantine...I have no cookies left! ;)
WMA
April 23, 2020 at 12:23 pm
Amazon Fresh
dobber
April 23, 2020 at 03:57 pm
Cookies ordered. Take this as an IOU!
TarynsEyes
April 23, 2020 at 09:38 am
Sure would be funny to watch heads explode if the Packers pull another 'Who the f--k is Justin Harrell' selection.
https://youtu.be/W_dBns0i2vw
WMA
April 23, 2020 at 09:38 am
We may need to wait to 2021 to find out if it is as bad as Harrell (when not hurt, which was often, could play).
TarynsEyes
April 23, 2020 at 10:00 am
Tell me of the 'plays' he made when he was on the field.
14 games over 3 years with 10 tackles, 2 TFL, 17 assist.
I'm sure there was some awesomeness to justify the 'he could play when healthy'.
WMA
April 23, 2020 at 10:08 am
No specifics. Did not say he was awesome (guess "he could play" made it sound that way). Going by the few times saw him that he played ok. Did not know he appeared in that many games. Injuries, which were known when he was drafted (he was a bad pick), did him in just as they did Sherrod the OT. Like that Gute looks for healthy players in FA and the draft though Gary's shoulder issues at pick 12 does refute that statement.
PeteK
April 23, 2020 at 10:58 am
They are in need of some serious meds. LOl
ShawnO
April 23, 2020 at 09:49 am
Unfortunately history tells us that BG is going to piss everyone off and draft a player everyone thinks he could have gotten in the second round like Jeremy Chinn or Cole Kmet.
mnbadger
April 23, 2020 at 10:07 am
Not funny and laughing at a harrell like pick, more likely sad and crying.
Good luck gutey, GPG!
Packman60
April 23, 2020 at 10:29 am
Jones or Cleveland at #30, Brooks at ILB it #62. Edwards at WR in the the 3rd (poor man's Sterling Sharpe).
Dzehren
April 23, 2020 at 10:50 am
WR Jefferson, OT Jones, WR Mimms. The wildcard is what Nagler mentioned. There is talk & rumors about DL as # 1 pick via a small trade down.
splitpea1
April 23, 2020 at 10:53 am
The only prediction I'm making is that we won't be trading up ten spots in the first round. I don't know how much that would cost, but I know we can't afford it.
PeteK
April 23, 2020 at 11:01 am
A safe prediction is that Vikes' tech team screws up and their pick falls to 32.
scullyitsme
April 23, 2020 at 11:18 am
My dream scenario would be to trade back, get an extra 2nd and still get Edwards helaire, and claypool. Those guys are studs. They killed it for me on a certain other site so I watched most of their games. Claypool keeps being called a jump ball guy, yeah he gets those but he has smokin speed also. He just had a running qb at Notre dame and in my opinion didn’t get the targets he deserved. I don’t know that he’s megaton, but if it looks like a duck....
NoNonsense
April 23, 2020 at 12:42 pm
Unless Josh Jones, Kenneth Murray, Justin Jefferson or Denzel Mims are available I would like to see Gute trade down 10 or so spots for another 3rd round pick.
Should he trade up, I hope its for picks in 2021 not this years picks. Would you consider doing what the Saints did 2 yrs ago and trade next years 1st to move up to 14 or so for a Juedy, Lamb or Ruggs. Maybe one of the OTs? Next year we should get some comp picks again so trading away a 2021 pick or two wont kill them next year.
dobber
April 23, 2020 at 03:59 pm
Given that we don't even know if there will be a college or pro season this year, my guess is that picks in future drafts have questionable value.
wildbill
April 23, 2020 at 02:07 pm
I suspect a trade back to have two second round picks where we will grab a wr and best OT/DL available. Should be two quality picks and I can’t name names as don’t watch college ball.