Packers Select WR Christian Watson in 2022 NFL Draft - Round 2
In need of a WR, the Green Bay Packers trade up and select Christian Watson from North Dakota State.
By Paul_Bretl
Christian Watson, North Dakota State University, WR
MEASURABLES/PRO DAY:
CAREER NOTES:
"Watson has been one of the most explosive receivers at the FCS level since getting on the field at NDSU out of Plant High School in Tampa. As a redshirt freshman, he helped the Bison win yet another national title by contributing in 14 games (9-165-18.3 receiving; two starts). Watson was a second-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference selection in 2019, leading the eventual national champs with 34 receptions for 732 yards (ranking fourth in the FCS with 21.5 yards per reception) while scoring six times in 16 games (11 starts; also 13-162-12.5, one TD rushing; 4-70-17.5 kick returns). He was a first-team All-MVFC selection at receiver (19-442-23.3, one TD receiving: 21-116-5.5 rushing) and a second-team return specialist (10-338-33.8, two TD kick returns) in 2020, playing in 10 games with eight starts between the team's lone game in the fall and its 2021 spring schedule. Watson garnered second-team Associated Press FCS All-American accolades (43-801-18.6, seven TDs receiving; 15-114-7.6, one TD rushing; 10-227-22.7 kick returns in 12 games, 10 starts) in 2021, as well as a first-team all-conference nod. He missed the team's first three playoff games before starting in the national title game victory over Montana State. Christian's father, Tazim Wajid Wajed (formerly Tim Watson), was a defensive back at Howard and had a five-year NFL career (1993-97). His brother, Tre, played linebacker at two Big Ten Schools (Illinois, Maryland) and in the XFL, and his uncle, Cedric, played football at Marshall." -- by Chad Reuter - NFL.com
NFL SCOUTING REPORT:
"A receiver prospect with intriguing measurables and a strong belief in the team aspect of the game, Watson possesses an alluring combination of size and speed. He showed off improved route running and catch strength in 2021. He is much more gifted than his opposition was at NDSU and needs to prove he can elevate his game against bigger, faster players at the next level. He plays hard and fast but needs to add a few more pounds and learn to impose his frame on the coverage. He's a field-stretching option requiring a linear route tree and projects as a capable WR3/4 with more work." by Lance Zierlein - NFL.com
"Christian Watson is a very good athlete with good speed, agility, and excellent body control. For a taller receiver, he is surprisingly dynamic and displays the ability to consistently win against man coverage. In the passing game, he is extremely tough to cover. He can defeat press with foot quickness and has surprisingly good vertical speed. His home-run speed threatens a defender's cushion quickly. He does a good job of dropping his weight while displaying the separation quickness at the top of the route. He has a very good catch radius and is a matchup problem in contested-catch situations. He can contort his body to make tough catches and is dynamic with the football in his hands. In the NFL he is an outside receiver who projects with very good ability in the kicking game both as a returner and a core special teamer." - The Draft Network
FIT WITH THE PACKERS:
the departure of deep threat Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
Watson can do all the things Scantling did with the added
versatility of being able to take hand-offs and return kicks.
He’s also a broader, stronger athlete and a better run-blocker.
Watson would accomplish Green Bay’s goals in slightly
different ways than Olave, but he’s still an ideal player to pair
with Lazard, the slot receivers, and any outside veteran Green
Bay might add. Green Bay has shown tremendous interest in
“freak” athletes in the past, and Watson certainly qualifies
as that. Watson could be the next in a line of North Dakota
State guys who’ve made their way from the Frozen Tundra of
Fargo to the regular Frozen Tundra." - by Ross Uglem - CHTV Draft Guide
In need of a wide receiver, the Green Bay Packers make a big move up the draft board, sending picks 53 and 59 to Minnesota in exchange for the 34th overall pick. Everything about Watson screams "Green Bay Packers." He's a big-bodied receiver who tested incredibly well at the combine. Watson can be utilized out of the backfield, as a motion man on jet sweeps, and he will provide the Packers with that vertical presence--something they have been missing since Marquez Valdes-Scantling left in free agency. Watson is also a willing run-blocker and could be a return man in Green Bay as well.
His quickest impact will come as a downfield threat and gadget player, but his upside is through the roof and he could develop into a well-rounded game-changer at the position.
VIDEO:
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Born and raised in Green Bay, WI and I still call it home. After my family, watching the Packers, sharing my opinions on the team through my writing and interacting with other fans is my greatest passion. You can find me on Twitter at @Paul_Bretl.
Comments (262)
MooPack
April 29, 2022 at 06:28 pm
Yes! Thank you!
Reghamster
April 29, 2022 at 11:36 pm
A boom type pick ! Sad especially to see that if we had stayed put we could have gotten the more reliable pick with Pierce and still have kept our 2 second round picks . He is old for a WR as an article I read chronicled explained how lately younger receivers do much better than seniors when they transition to the pros . Not very experienced in route running and he has dropped a lot of balls . Does that sound like a WR that Rodgers is going to have a lot of patience for? . Also his frame is a bit slight to get past some of the DB jammers . The increased physicality and Rodgers strong velocity will be a lot to adjust to for the NDS kid. I hope I am wrong . I don't see the value in trading up for someone with so many question marks rather than sticking tight and getting a Pierce and another good player( perhaps an edge or one of the better TEs ). We need ball catchers plural and we need a replacement for Z Smith . Shrugs! Let's hope Gutey knows what he is doing . I thought upgrading the D yesterday was admirable and wise ! I probably would have gone with the Edge from FSU and gotten one of the ILBs available lower in the draft . Some good ones there on a level with Walker in most ways . But we got 2 good players that will help stop the run which is a huge need !
murf7777
April 29, 2022 at 06:28 pm
Love his potential, but as I’ve commented all along, am concerned it will take him a couple of years to come around. I hope I’m wrong as we gave up both 2nds for him.
MooPack
April 29, 2022 at 06:35 pm
Pack just sent both 2nd rounders for him. For me that capitol is worth as much or more than that #28. The Packers must have all the confidence that is needed.
Bonus - Vikings gave us the pick they will have to face twice a year. Love to see some payback for the Moss years.
dobber
April 29, 2022 at 06:49 pm
The Packers will have to play the guy the Vikes take with that extra second twice per year.
LLCHESTY
April 29, 2022 at 07:06 pm
If it works out it won't matter but I think it was a bit of a panic move by Gutey. The value they gave up was the equivalent of the 112th pick going by the Rich Hill Chart. Guess we'll see who's left at 53 and 59. Missed out some Edge guys for sure.
murf7777
April 29, 2022 at 07:12 pm
I agree, but put yourself in Gutey’s shoes. Two years ago, the same thing happened in the first round and than in the second all the next tier WR’s went before they picked. So, I understand his angst and making the move. Your always going to miss out on good players in every draft when trading up. Why go there.
Coldworld
April 29, 2022 at 07:24 pm
That would make sense as a rationale but he took a guy with the most potential but least current readiness possible. That kind of undermines things.
greengold
April 30, 2022 at 07:41 am
Quite frankly, it all became undermined a year ago about this time.
It was a completely uphill battle this draft to procure Day 1 starters at WR from a draft completely devoid of consensus #1WR talents, save for maybe 3…
I’ve been studying his play closer, Coldworld. I think there’s great potential for him to get up to, uh, speed rather quickly in this offense. He’s got more confidence in everything I’ve seen. Competition is definitely going to be different up here, but, that confidence is important.
My guess is Aaron Rodgers will see him as -his- pick, and he’ll do everything in his power, when mandatory(?) to get Watson acclimated in this O.
It’s a powerful position to be in. He plucked Lazard from the back row of our WR Room, and I can see him purposefully getting Watson in gear… building his confidence. Conversely, Rodgers pretty much destroyed Amari’s confidence last year, and he’s going to have to commit himself to turning that around.
Only Rodgers can do it as our starter.
Love will certainly help the process along, because they are both his WRs for the future, and he’ll likely be the first to throw to them.
greengold
April 30, 2022 at 07:43 am
murf, we all saw it as a potential problem for the Packers. Glad they made the move. Quite honestly, I thought he would have been gone last night.
I bet Gutekunst didn’t even sleep last night thinking about it. What a get. Dynamic. He’s got a lot to learn, AND a lot to offer. I highly suspect this had AR input & backing. 100%
What I do like about him is he plays entirely comfortably in his body. Nothing looks forced, as it did with MVS.
murf7777
April 29, 2022 at 08:29 pm
Interesting GG….how the draft went, the same thing would’ve happened again this year if he waited. Because all the 2nd tier WR’s went before 53 and if he didn’t trade up it would’ve happened again, regardless of which WR he took by moving up.
greengold
April 29, 2022 at 08:37 pm
Yep. POOF! Gone by 44ish. That was my thinking anyway for the big names.
You know what I REALLY LOVE? We jumped BOTH Chicago & Kansas City. Stellar, if they felt that strongly about Watson.
dobber
April 29, 2022 at 07:12 pm
Agreed.
greengold
April 29, 2022 at 08:02 pm
Gonna be fun burnin’ his ass… 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Coldworld
April 29, 2022 at 06:50 pm
This might be the worst move Gute had made. Watson in the second was a reach based on raw athleticism but at that cost it’s execrable. He should help on STs, possibly as a returner but I think Rodgers will have struggles with him.
Bure9620
April 29, 2022 at 07:16 pm
He is raw. Amazing Athlete. 34 is a bit rich for my blood but again, Another guy with a RAS above 9.5. Hopefully it works out, He is a bit raw yet I think. This is a massive jump in competition.
greengold
April 30, 2022 at 12:30 am
Coldworld, it might be, and it might not. Gutekunst believed in him that much. Can see him doing some damage here, and more in the years to come as a deep threat.
If he got more Targets, maybe 20 more, we’d be talking about a 1000+ yd WR…
I get there are others of similar metrics, but they believed enough in Watson to go get him. Spending assets, knowing the cost. They have reasons for this. I trust Gutekunst until he proves otherwise with reasonable backing info.
Dynamic R1 & R2 players. Holy shit.
badaxed
April 29, 2022 at 07:42 pm
If Rodgers likes this kid and feeds him the ball like Adams he will be rookie of the year and all pro.
murf7777
April 29, 2022 at 08:33 pm
Being that Gutey said they are communicating a lot with Rodgers you can bet he signed off on this pick.
dobber
April 30, 2022 at 06:53 am
If Rodgers liked YOU and fed you the ball like Adams...
PhantomII
April 29, 2022 at 08:39 pm
I wish Gute burned a 2023 1 RD pick instead but when you pick at the bottom you gotta do something after our WR corp left in FA. This kid is gonna be good. He will work ST and jet sweeps also along with doing his part on the field. The only thing better than 1 speed WR is 2 and now we have that. GPG. He's already better than MVS so get a grip.
dobber
April 30, 2022 at 06:54 am
1s are gold.
"He's already better than MVS so get a grip."
No. Probably not.
splitpea1
April 29, 2022 at 08:54 pm
Rodgers? If that's the case, he's just going to have to adjust a little for once, isn't he?
Watson is versatile, catches the ball, and will hopefully be a boon to our beleaguered ST unit. He has good size and there are no red flags attached to him, unlike a couple of other WR prospects.
Gute felt this particular player was a good fit for the team and was worth moving up for--I don't think he panicked at all. No use in worrying about who may have been available in our assigned spot--it's done.
4thand1
April 29, 2022 at 06:43 pm
They spent 1 2nd round pick. They moved up and picked 34th overall in the 2nd.
dobber
April 29, 2022 at 07:10 pm
I want you to be my accountant. ;)
greengold
April 29, 2022 at 09:47 pm
Yup!
Glad it was just that. I think Gutekunst stole him. The hype train could not have had more passengers. Stunned he didn’t go R1, knowing how those things go over a period spanning decades of drafts.
Dynamics certainly shifted, losing a top EDGE, OT, S, CB, NT, etc as possibilities in our mix. I’m sure Gutekunst thought on that all night.
I like the Christian Watson pick there.
greengold
April 29, 2022 at 09:26 pm
Yeah, we don’t know. We’re the amateur wanna-be hobbyists, fervent fans, draftniks who are fed so much less info. The Packers Personnel Department and their coaching staff does know. I’m proud of them for going up to get their guy.
Jannes, LambeauPlain, Moo… ALL OF THOSE who staunchly supported the pick: Gutekunst clearly agreed with you. I’m super happy for you and this team, because he does offer a highly unique skill set. Hoping it transfers, adapts in the NFL. Seems a good character guy too. He might come along faster if Rodgers falls in love with the kid. Easy! Reps. Targets. Giving him time to adjust & learn in games.
We’ll see soon enough.
Tip of the hat to all of you here, too numerous to mention, who staunchly supported the pick.
Welcome to Green Bay, Christian!
Since'61
April 29, 2022 at 10:08 pm
gg it's all good for me. I'm not sure that giving up both our second round picks was the way to go but I am happy with the result. I think our WR group is immediately improved and that Watson will evolve into an excellent receiver for the Packers. 3 for 3 in our picks so far. CHTV guide had him ranked as the #2 receiver in this draft.
Thanks, Since '61
greengold
April 30, 2022 at 12:45 am
I tend to agree, Since’61. The more I watch -how- he plays, moves, runs, it just is on a completely different level than MVS. Smooth, fluid, confident, knowing, decisive… That stuff makes a huge difference.
Watson looks like he has complete understanding of what he can do with his physical gifts, and he does it.
MVS always seemed a bit at odds with his length, to the point it often was a hindrance.
Watson appears to have more Allen Lazard level confidence with his play, but, much faster.
jannesbjornson
April 30, 2022 at 03:40 pm
He was my # one guy. He is bigger and stronger than Jameson Williams my #3 guy after Olave.
Crockett3663
April 29, 2022 at 06:31 pm
Great pick, Gutey!! MLF LOVES big WR's, and they got one of the best in this draft with Watson. Looking forward to watching him go vertical and burning Packer opponents for years to come!!
AgrippaLII
April 29, 2022 at 06:35 pm
Go big or go home ! Gute went after his guy. He seems to be an upgrade over Scantling. I like it.
13TimeChamps
April 29, 2022 at 06:45 pm
He better be. MVS was a 5th round pick. Hoping a HIGH 2nd round pick you gave up another 2nd rounder for....yeah, he better be.
murf7777
April 29, 2022 at 06:49 pm
Yes, it took MVS quite a while to make any major contributions, we need Watson to be effective this year. Fingers crossed…
Thegreatreynoldo
April 29, 2022 at 06:57 pm
MVS:
2018: 581 yards
2019: 452 yards
2020; 690 yards
2021: 430 yards (11 games)
MVS was pretty good right off the bat.
murf7777
April 29, 2022 at 07:07 pm
Good point TGR, I didn’t remember him getting almost 600 in year one. My bad. I want to see more out of Watson thou.
Bure9620
April 29, 2022 at 07:17 pm
Yes he was
Rebecca
April 30, 2022 at 04:39 pm
No he could barely catch 53% of his targets.
Coldworld
April 29, 2022 at 07:03 pm
MVS got 581 yards and 2 TDs in his first season.
Bure9620
April 29, 2022 at 07:19 pm
Yup, more production than Jordy had in either of his first 2 years.....Watson is like 24 years old....not common for the Packers.
13TimeChamps
April 29, 2022 at 07:27 pm
.
Rebecca
April 30, 2022 at 04:24 pm
Rodgers had Jennings driver Jones and Finley for much of Jordy’s first three years, He started taking reps from Driver as time went on. Pointing out yards gained as the only data to make your point is not convincing. Look at how much of MVS yards were because Adams had missed time in each of MVS’s first 3 years, 1, 2 , 4. That gave many more targets to MVS than Jordy Nelson. Yes, Jordy played like a rookie his first season but his catch percentage was much better each year. Nelson learned to run crisp routes and fight off the defender. MVS had speed.
Rebecca
April 30, 2022 at 04:49 pm
MVS also had opportunities because Adams missed a game in 2018, and started 10 games while Nelson started 2 games. And after Adams who was Rodgers gonna throw to.
ricky
April 29, 2022 at 06:37 pm
Mr. Rodgers, there's a new kid in your neighborhood! Time to welcome him and become his friend. Maybe even play some "catch" as you get to know him better.
Coldworld
April 29, 2022 at 06:40 pm
Yes, Rodgers loves body catchers who have to learn an entire route tree. Jeff Janis with more hip swivel. Marriage made in heaven. Love and RB will come to love him probably.
Terrible move for now. Possibly a great move for 2024.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 29, 2022 at 06:46 pm
CW,
I'm afraid you are right but hope we are wrong and will hope for the best!
Coldworld
April 29, 2022 at 07:08 pm
I love him for the future but that price for the next Jeff Janis? Albeit one with the potential to be Love’s favorite in a couple of years.
Rodgers has to be spitting … the antithesis of the plug and play pick that he wanted in Burks.
greengold
April 29, 2022 at 08:43 pm
Rodgers may have really wanted Christian Watson, and very likely provided input into the pick, don’t you think?
I mean, you were one of the first to point him out months ago… he is entirely different from MVS, in my eyes.
He looks way more natural in every aspect of his play, where MVS looked remarkably forced, sometimes out of control, out of rhythm, out of balance.
There is a good chance Rodgers feeds him BIGTIME, and he catches on more quickly than we both might have thought.
crayzpackfan
April 29, 2022 at 06:48 pm
Cold. I hope we are both wrong and he dominates right away. I absolutely love the player, but the cost? Ohhhhhh boy.
Coldworld
April 29, 2022 at 07:11 pm
I love what he might become too. Rodgers won’t be here by then though. And yes, this round has a lot of talent we gave up 2 other shots at for him.
greengold
April 29, 2022 at 09:36 pm
I’m just willing to trust what I believe to be one of the best Personnel Departments in the NFL. While Rodgers may have had input, which is pure speculation, LaFleur definitely had input. I can’t help but trust the guy.
I still believe Amari Rodgers was a great pick too. He just didn’t get any support from AR, and the rookie was shook.
I see FUTURE with the pick, like you. However, there’s a great chance that even if we get marginal contributions, with some significant receptions at the right time, etc. he blows MVS out of the water. Watson could wind up being an early top target of Rodgers… and, then what? This could prove to be a ridiculously good move. Yes, could also be the reverse, but, Gutekunst didn’t think so. He went all in grabbing Watson at 35, trusting himself and his team.
I’ll support this pick 100%, and that’s just me. I totally get where you’re coming from, but, they clearly knew what they wanted, for reasons yet unknown.
I like him more than I did yesterday, I’ll tell you that. I’m just a fan, and may have been wrong. I think I was in this case, the more I’m learning and seeing in reviews.
Coldworld
April 29, 2022 at 11:20 pm
I’ve thrown out Dareke Young I’m debating with you. Think about that and the real athletic and realized football skills differential. Puts things into perspective.
In the end, had we picked him at the back end I could have lived with it. But at the cost of talent that is perhaps not blessed with quite as high a ceiling but far more polished now, not once but twice over, it’s just bonkers.
There were players that could have really contributed, any one of whom could have made us stronger now at S, TE, WR etc. that this pick cost us: the opportunity cost of moving up to take him. When we might well have been better now as a team without that cost, that is a bad gamble for me while we pay Rodgers.
greengold
April 30, 2022 at 07:57 am
Believe me. I reviewed both Dareke Young and Isaiah Weston thoroughly. Great players, and great values.
I totally get it, Coldworld, and, you might be right. I wanted Pickens, who could have been the pick, but, he did come with baggage. S Jalen Pitre? I think he’s the better player there, but, maybe not. We had our choice of either of those two with the trade up, along with Velus.
This pick carries with it great cost. How many more players, great players, could we have added in a deep draft like this trading down from 53? Or 59?
I LOVED DT Phidarian Mathis to GB here at 59. I wanted Sam Williams or Cam Thomas at 53. The Packers, including Aaron Rodgers, felt it more important to make the move, bypassing an additional player from a group of great talents.
Think about that folks. Those were big assets we gave up, not just an R2…
Your point regarding value is legit. I’m simply wanting to hear Gutekunst’s rationale, and see more in Watson right now after digging a little deeper.
There’s a high probability we add BOTH Watson and Young. Could be special.
murf7777
April 29, 2022 at 06:50 pm
Better spend hours after hours on the jug machine.
PatrickGB
April 29, 2022 at 07:12 pm
https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2022/04/03/packers-film-christian-watso... His drops were probably due to his wanting to get upfield.
murf7777
April 29, 2022 at 08:36 pm
There’s some truth to that, but there still drops, he needs to fix that.
coolhand
April 30, 2022 at 07:25 am
And Adams had so many drops early on with the Packers, many were calling for him to be let go.
Crockett3663
April 29, 2022 at 07:54 pm
You're clueless. Watson is going to be a stud from Week One.
HDbikerguy
April 29, 2022 at 08:14 pm
Why.....WHY do armchair GMs like yourself think that you know more than people that do this for a living?????
HawkPacker
April 29, 2022 at 09:05 pm
I agree. Do you think that Gutey said to himself that he won't do anything now but he will in two years??
dobber
April 29, 2022 at 06:39 pm
...and just like that, Gute the Impatient re-emerged from his unexpected slumber.
4thand1
April 29, 2022 at 06:43 pm
The heat should be off, lol
PackEyedOptimist
April 29, 2022 at 06:46 pm
Yeah, I'm pretty split on the trade up, I ALWAYS hate trading up, but this one actually felt more "right" than others of the past.
I'll probably be mad when we see who's left at 53 and 59, though...
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 29, 2022 at 06:46 pm
Agreed!
greengold
April 29, 2022 at 06:53 pm
Well, liking him that much, - Gute the Impatient- threw a very big punch there. He went & got his guy. I LOVE THAT. Believe in your player, your pick, your staff who worked diligently to get him.
They got him!
Thegreatreynoldo
April 29, 2022 at 07:01 pm
When the board fell so badly in round one, I figured that the Packers would only be selecting 2 players in rounds two and three: one of 59 or 92 was probably a goner.
The only question was how much did GB like the remaining WRs? Was it all hype for Watson and Pickens? I see Wan'Dale Robinson going. Never got around to looking at him. Wasn't he a Walter Football guy?
dobber
April 29, 2022 at 07:48 pm
Very true...might be the last guy on the GB board with a high grade.
Coldworld
April 29, 2022 at 07:48 pm
They absolutely love him yes. A true game changer.
HankScorpio
April 30, 2022 at 04:44 am
"They absolutely love him yes. A true game changer."
Is that a quote from Gute on Amari Rodgers or Christian Watson? Just want to know which overpaid trade up we're talking about.
blondy45
April 29, 2022 at 08:03 pm
Gute sprung a leak, so much for holding your water! I liked the player, not the price. MINUS 130 on the draft value chart! 34 [560] 53 (380) 59 (310) [690].
HankScorpio
April 30, 2022 at 04:53 am
Gute starts to twitch when he hasn't given away depth picks on day one. He did it Darnell Savage, Jordan Love, Amari Rodgers and now Christian Watson. The worst part of this particular one is that he gave all that surplus value to a division rival.
If he balanced the impulsive moving up with moving back for extra picks later, the Packers might not have screaming need at WR & TE along with sneaky need at OLB and Safety. They might not be in such cap hell since they could fill out the roster with cheap rooks instead of expensive vets. They might have a better quality of ST player.
He just doesn't build roster the way that I prefer it to be built. The way that Ron Wolf and Ted Thompson both built the roster to each bring a Lombardi back to Lambeau. I hope I'm all wrong. But I haven't been yet.
PhantomII
April 30, 2022 at 01:54 pm
Just where in the 2nd round where GB suppose to take a WR???? They pick at the bottom because they have a winning record. Their pick position is crap. You absolutely have to move up in the second if you want a WR. Look how far Gute would have had to move up in the first to get a WR from 22 to the 12. Same in the Second. Not too hard to figure out. AR has 2-3 years left burn the 2023 #1 and use the 2-2's if it were me. The time to win is NOW.
GPG
PackEyedOptimist
April 29, 2022 at 06:39 pm
Oddly enough, based on yesterday's picks, I seriously wondered if this exact scenario was going to occur. Watson is another high-RAS guy and fills the "need."
Part of it was seeing how Walker killed two...or three... birds with one stone (ILB/S/ED)
Suddenly WR and OT were the only glaring "needs," and there are going to be good OLmen through five rounds of this draft, maybe more.
Watson was my first 2022 crush, way back in November/December. Great pick BG!
murf7777
April 29, 2022 at 06:43 pm
Pack….you got your crush, it’s fun to get the guy you want…..if he does 40-700-5 I’ll be happy, cuz I think the future is bright and that would be very good contribution in year 1.
NickPerry
April 29, 2022 at 07:11 pm
"Part of it was seeing how Walker killed two...or three... birds with one stone (ILB/S/ED)"
Love this point by you. The Walker pick has REALLY grown on me, especially after listening to some folks talk about the way he'll probably be used in Joe Barry's defense. CLEARLY Barry loves ILB's and knows how to coach them up. Corry Littleton was an All Pro under Barry and now Campbell. Walker will be the next great ILB coached by Barry.
The Watson pick was a home run. Just get the ball in his hands and let him go!
Thegreatreynoldo
April 29, 2022 at 07:13 pm
You truly are an optimist. I will be happy if Walker fills the ILB role. I thought there were some flights of fantasy yesterday but figured I had been enough of a downer already.
I did do a big board. I see I did a lousy job.
PackEyedOptimist
April 29, 2022 at 07:23 pm
Who did you end up with?
I ended up with Devin Lloyd and Daxton Hill, then it would have been Jalen Pitre, but my rule is to skip taking the same position, so my pick at 34 was--CHRISTIAN WATSON. :-D
Thegreatreynoldo
April 29, 2022 at 09:57 pm
Booth, then Ebiketie, then Watson.
And I'd have a lot 'splaining to do if we had retained 53 and 59.
I wrote my big board at the very end/last comment of the link. It was hard and I should have put a lot more time and effort into it.
https://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/mock-draft-monday-the-picks-700
Starrbrite
April 29, 2022 at 06:40 pm
I’m an NDSU fan, so I like the pick. Watson reminds me of Javon Walker, and Walker was good. Other believe he’s MVS; he’s much better than MVS imo.
Coldworld
April 29, 2022 at 06:46 pm
He’s more Janis than MVS, but with more body flexibility than both. It wouldn’t surprise me to see him struggle mightily initially. About as raw as he is athletic. All promise.
Starrbrite
April 29, 2022 at 06:51 pm
We usually agree Coldworld, but Watson is far better than Janis. Those two are not in the same conversation imo. The problem I see with Watson is an uncomplicated playbook at NDSU—they are run program…even with Carson Wentz and Trey Lance.
dobber
April 29, 2022 at 07:03 pm
Packers will have to have a specific plan for him from the start. A limited package of plays/routes should be manageable.
Coldworld
April 29, 2022 at 07:30 pm
Like they did with Amari? Well I suppose they may learn from what they did with a guy with a less limited but still small route tree last year.
dobber
April 29, 2022 at 07:45 pm
ZING!
LLCHESTY
April 29, 2022 at 07:11 pm
He did look really good in the Senior Bowl. He started climbing before the underwear Olympics.
Coldworld
April 29, 2022 at 07:31 pm
He caught one ball. It was a deep one. Velus caught 4 for 53.
MWendlandt
April 30, 2022 at 02:05 am
Luckily there's these things called practices that took place all week at the Senior Bowl that scouts use much more than the game itself to evaluate the prospects. Watson dominated in every drill and was voted the best receiver in Mobile by the defensive backs who took part.
PackEyedOptimist
April 29, 2022 at 07:27 pm
I disagree CW; the guy that is Janis is Alec Pierce. Watson is far more naturally athletic, with lots of torso flexibility.
He's the ultimate "boom" if he hits, and I think he is unlikely to be a "bust." I see his floor as being another MVS, but I see much better WR traits in Watson than MVS had.
Coldworld
April 29, 2022 at 07:33 pm
Janis was very athletic. He wasn’t as flexible as Watson. They both had a body catch tendency.
dobber
April 30, 2022 at 07:02 am
People lose track of the fact that Janis tested off the charts.
Sometimes the physical parts and the mental parts don't come together on the field.
jannesbjornson
April 30, 2022 at 03:49 pm
Or the guy doesn't know a thing about Football.
Turophile
April 29, 2022 at 06:52 pm
Yeah. His FLOOR is MVS but a better blocker.
His CEILING is higher than a- a- a, a very high thing (very high, yessir).
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 29, 2022 at 06:43 pm
Stockholder should be very happy!
I will own up I always thought it would be Pickens. Somewhat surprised. Whether Watson or Pickens giving up both 2nd round picks hurts. I am not questioning Gutey but obviously he felt Watson was worth it. I so hope he hit a home run. I'm now a Watson fan and hoping he is the real deal. Losing that 2nd pick in round 2 is a lot.
NitschkeFan
April 29, 2022 at 06:48 pm
Every draft value chart agrees with you. #53 and #59 for just #34. Vikings fleeced the Packers. Watson better turn into an All Pro. I'm a Pack fan so obviously I hope he becomes great. But geez I hate getting fleeced by the Vikings.
4thand1
April 29, 2022 at 06:51 pm
You guys are acting like the Packers had 3 picks in the 2nd.
Thegreatreynoldo
April 29, 2022 at 07:25 pm
I am acting like the Packers would get McBride at 53 and Watkins/Pickens or Tolbert/Pierce/Moore at 59.
Instead of getting two players, GB is going to get one.
2 minus 1 means one less pretty good-looking prospect.
PackEyedOptimist
April 29, 2022 at 07:28 pm
Yeah, it's really going to sting when we see who's there at 53 and 59.
BirdDogUni
April 29, 2022 at 07:37 pm
I have a feeling they wanted Watson last night at 28, but couldn't pass on Wyatt, and I'm glad they didn't.
Obviously, Gutey and Company wanted Watson and were willing to go up and get him.
I have a sneaky suspicion AR wanted Christian Watson too.
He's a Packer now...
GPG
Coldworld
April 29, 2022 at 07:54 pm
I think it’s extremely unlikely that Rodgers wanted Watson. He’s never liked receivers who don’t have a polished route tree or natural hands.
BirdDogUni
April 29, 2022 at 10:04 pm
I really don't want to hear your negativity. We disagree on the Watson pick, know that.
You can drag him down in the comment sections all you want, but obviously Gutey had him head and shoulders above other guys, so either deal with it or don't.
He's a Packer now. Maybe go back and really break down some film on him, with an open mind. Highpointing balls consistently does not a body catcher make.
You know they saw him at the Senior Bowl up close and personal. They liked him. They drafted him. I'm ecstatic about it, I can't help you aren't.
Coldworld
April 29, 2022 at 11:24 pm
I don’t really mind what you want. If you just want your opinions validated, then talk to the mirror. I was talking about Watson in January as a raw, great upside prospect for late rounds. So I’ve done my due diligence, probably more than you have on him.
He’s a freak athlete who. isn’t a natural catcher, ran very minimal simple routes in a run based O. He’s got huge potential but he’s yet to unwrap it. That’s just what he is. Great fit with Rodgers and for this year. Spin yourself merry but that’s just how it is. I don’t care if you like it.
He will help on STs, he can run some option type plays and he can run deep and maybe catch it almost as well as MVS. He may one day be more. He isn’t yet, as pretty much everyone accepted till a month ago (during which time no football has been played). One day he might be pretty damn good but he’s a gamble and a high risk/reward one. We could have got more this year had we stayed put and then had another second rounder.
Don’t care if you Like it. I don’t write to please or for love but because I’m a Packer fan and interested in exchanging and debating opinions. You can be happy. But you can’t censor. You like to try.
greengold
April 29, 2022 at 11:39 pm
Agree. We’re all different, bringing diverse interests and interpretations to idea shares on the Packers.
Just because a take differs from another’s, doesn’t make it negative.
All of my professors at ASU were from Basel, Switzerland. They taught me to embrace all ideas in problem solving or critiques, regardless of positive/negative. The more gray matter on a problem, the better.
While I personally am liking the Watson pick more, it probably cost us another great player R2… one we need.
I appreciate your convictions here, man. 100%. VALUE can be construed many different ways.
jannesbjornson
April 30, 2022 at 03:53 pm
Well, we do know Watson is NO Jerel Worthy....
dobber
April 30, 2022 at 07:07 am
Read a report that the Packers tried to get to 32, but the Vikes wouldn't give it to them. Instead, waited a couple picks and got the same haul and didn't give the Packers a pick with a 5th year option attached.
greengold
April 30, 2022 at 12:36 am
Exactly.
Adios:
Alec Pierce
Skyy Moore
Trey McBride
Sam Williams
Cam Taylor-Britt
Bryan Cook
Velus Jones Jr.
Tyquan Thornton
Abraham Lucas
Jelani Woods
… and more
Could have taken George Pickens there… but, understand the injured player quotient. Jalen Pitre? Wow
murf7777
April 29, 2022 at 06:58 pm
Interesting, if you look at the trades in the first round the amount of draft capital to move up seemed to be higher than the normal point systems would show.
PearlyBakerBest
April 29, 2022 at 07:28 pm
Highest draft inflation in 40 years
dobber
April 30, 2022 at 07:05 am
Which is surprising in the sense that the scuttlebutt was that--especially early--the desire to deal down would deflate asking prices.
dobber
April 29, 2022 at 07:02 pm
Yeah. That hurt. The Packers gave away a meaningful pick's worth of capital...and to the Vikings, no less.
LLCHESTY
April 29, 2022 at 07:14 pm
Yep. Gutey should have tried for at least a 6th back and he probably did. A little more patience and talks with teams after the Vikings might have yielded more, looks like TEs are willing to move.
crayzpackfan
April 29, 2022 at 06:43 pm
Whew!! That was an expensive pick. God as my witness, I hope this kid has the goods.
4thand1
April 29, 2022 at 06:45 pm
Not really, one pick instead of two in the second. A high pick to boot.
dobber
April 29, 2022 at 06:47 pm
The draft charts say they overpaid by about a mid 4th round pick.
murf7777
April 29, 2022 at 07:00 pm
Not based on Hill’s point system, it would take the 53, 90 and a mid 4th. The total equals around #28 pick. Yes, it was expensive thou.
dobber
April 29, 2022 at 07:07 pm
The Hill chart on drafttek says the MN pick (#34) is worth 175. Packers gave away 53 and 59...that's (106+91) 197 points. 22 point difference is pick 127 in mid round 4.
Thegreatreynoldo
April 29, 2022 at 07:29 pm
Yes, sending 53, 92 and 132 would have been about right. Given how deep this draft is in the middle parts, I think that would been fair.
I am not sure I like that better, though! More swings in the meaty part of the draft has value as well. Up to Watson and the coaches to make us not care.
dobber
April 29, 2022 at 07:44 pm
Yeah...it's all over now. Kid's gotta make it count at this point. At least he's going to be a deep target for a QB who likes to take his shots.
Can't be all that bad a way to start.
crayzpackfan
April 29, 2022 at 08:15 pm
TGR- I’m definitely not the math guy on this forum, but I agree. This deal does feel like GB took a swing away from the meat of this draft. I think they could have packaged something else, still got their guy, while staying in the second round someplace. If Watson becomes Jefferson and not MVS, then the hell with my opinion. Please, “make us not care”
GregC
April 29, 2022 at 08:49 pm
Too bad they overpaid, but that's pretty common, isn't it? Those point values are just a guideline. It's like any transaction. If the buyer wants something really badly, he will pay more than the going rate, because it's worth it to him.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 30, 2022 at 12:28 am
A unnecessary mid-4th round to any team is a lot...but to the hated Vikings? Now throw in fact there wasnt a run at WR in the 2nd at that time and the Pack likely could have had him at 53, or maybe slightly higher than that. Good thing the Pack has 2 fourth rounders.
PackfanNY
April 29, 2022 at 06:45 pm
Awesome. Gute apparently targets the guy he wants and got him. Hopefully, he can be the speed guy, deep threat on the outside. Of course, he needs to be right no matter where he took him. Looking forward to seeing him with the green and gold.
dobber
April 29, 2022 at 06:45 pm
Now I can go take a nap for awhile.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 29, 2022 at 06:52 pm
Yea, but what does Gutey do in round 3 at #92? TE, OT, or does he go WR again? #132 is a long friggin way from #92, so that 92 pick looms large and he better get value at need!
LLCHESTY
April 29, 2022 at 07:15 pm
Hopefully Edge.
Coldworld
April 29, 2022 at 07:38 pm
We need another WR after that pick, unless you want to settle for Winfree or Watkins in the Adams type role and no injuries. At this point probably need more than one pick to find them.
murf7777
April 29, 2022 at 08:45 pm
Dulcich I hope!
Thegreatreynoldo
April 29, 2022 at 07:44 pm
You should be reading our ads instead! Maybe buy some tickets! Purchase a beverage.
I personally could sell you a used car. At present, we have some nice Toyotas and Hondas that should give you many years of excellent service. Although we try our best not to acquire Nissans, we got stuck with one on a trade-in. How about a Nissan for Junior? He is probably going to total it in a year or two anyway. It maybe, possibly might last a year or two, maybe. Not the biggest fan of warranties, but I am for Nissans.
Thornton went 50th, Pickens 52nd, Pierce 53rd. Hmmmmm
MooPack
April 29, 2022 at 06:48 pm
Pack going for W's!
Walker
Wyatt
Watson
They will translate to real W's!
greengold
April 29, 2022 at 06:49 pm
MooOOOOO!!! I LOVE IT!!!
4thand1
April 29, 2022 at 06:52 pm
WTF, they're getting low on Smith's
dobber
April 29, 2022 at 07:09 pm
WINNER!!
BirdDogUni
April 29, 2022 at 07:29 pm
Don't forget WOODS!!!
; P
greengold
April 29, 2022 at 06:48 pm
1. I am SO HAPPY for all our friends here who literally pounded the table for Christian Watson to the Packers!!! THRILLED for all of you.
You stuck with it because you believe in the kid. I will too, now. 100%. If he’s good enough for Gutekunst, he’s good enough for me. Wow!
2. The big thing for me, pardon the pun, was I felt he was more of a development prospect, rather than a plug & play. He’s WAY better than MVS, and appears a natural for what he does best, GOIN’ DEEP!
3. What an aggressive move by Gutekunst. I love his style when he firmly believes in a player, after countless visits, interviews and in depth scouting studies.
Rock on!!! Congrats to all the guys & gals who fervently pined for him. Nice!!!
Top is now officially off opposing defenses.
murf7777
April 29, 2022 at 07:03 pm
Well said GG, I’m his biggest supporter now!! Most importantly, I hope he kicks some Vikings asses!
HDbikerguy
April 29, 2022 at 08:22 pm
That's what I thought.....turn into a somewhat close version of Moss..... which would be SOOOOO sweet considering the trade with the Queenies.....
BirdDogUni
April 29, 2022 at 07:28 pm
Now if Gutey goes out and gets me Jelani Woods, I will forgive him for trading with the viks... ; )
4thand10
April 29, 2022 at 07:41 pm
He does it all. Deep, end around, special teams, slants , inside , outside. He is a smart WR. Tough and trash talks. I love the pick. And I’m extra happy cause we got a DL and ILB first round. Still have. 3rd and 2 4ths …this is most excellent
Coldworld
April 29, 2022 at 08:18 pm
He ran about 3 routes, excluding the end arounds. Yes, he can do all of those and probably catch it.
BirdDogUni
April 29, 2022 at 10:06 pm
Me too, because I love the pick.
canadapacker
April 29, 2022 at 06:51 pm
We will see what we see - according to the draft calculator - we may have overpaid but only slight - ie gave up 680 in draft capital - 2 seconds for a pick valued at 560 . But one needs to do what one needs to do - Would have had to give all the other picks - and it was found money with having the extra pick = thanks to Adams.
Can have it both ways - trade up - no dont give away picks - Happy so far that is for sure and he will develop fast and get some jet sweeps into the game plan which was really lacking last year.
Postman
April 30, 2022 at 06:46 am
Thanks for giving us the value of the picks. Still cannot believe the Vikings new GM giving NFC North the draft slots they needed to get their picks. It is something the other GM's would not do. I was hoping the this would be the draft pick and knew after what happened yesterday Watson would not fall to the Pack and they needed to move up.
4thand1
April 29, 2022 at 06:55 pm
The Packers still have 7 picks friends, gave up one late 2nd rounder
ImaPayne
April 29, 2022 at 11:02 pm
Ya and if your happy that 3 of them are late 7th rounders your easy to please. Should be some great pro bowl talent way at the end,
LambeauPlain
April 29, 2022 at 06:57 pm
So, two seconds to get almost a first rounder. Pack over paid yet Gutey sees his value for the Pack.
He just does not care what fans think...he cares more about the contributions to the team.
Watson plays on every ST snap. Will be used to take the top off. Will do jets and screens and maybe a few snaps in the backfield.
It will be fun.
canadapacker
April 29, 2022 at 07:02 pm
Not sure that they overpaid - they did what they need to do to get that pick - and who knows what other trade partners were available or who they thought that they had to jump in front of. But according to the draft evaluator - 110 points more than they needed to be equal but if they didnt use both 2nds - they would have had to give up all their other picks - that would be overpaying because the number of chances lead can lead to finding a gem - rather have 7 chances - to get at least 2 or 3 role players than 1 player that is probably on the roster as a 2/
jannesbjornson
April 29, 2022 at 08:54 pm
Now, we're getting somewhere, Thank you.
Packerpasty
April 29, 2022 at 07:00 pm
who says they are done moving around?? I bet whatever they do another WR will come to them or a TE...
canadapacker
April 29, 2022 at 07:03 pm
They do not have much draft capital left to move around much = maybe a player - but what would we give up?
Tingham
April 29, 2022 at 07:01 pm
I predict he will fare better than his father Tim....who the Packers picked in round 6 of the 93 draft.
murf7777
April 29, 2022 at 07:05 pm
LOL….you really put your gonads out there on that predication.
MooPack
April 29, 2022 at 07:12 pm
Lol! Literally.
Tingham
April 29, 2022 at 07:13 pm
I'm a born risk taker. :-)
splitpea1
April 29, 2022 at 07:12 pm
I wanted him, a lot of fans wanted him, and it was nice that Gute also agreed. Watson was a bit expensive, but we were needy and I have an unsubstantiated feeling that this will be a productive pick.
Meanwhile, our friends in Minnesota are collecting picks by the boatload: 5 in the top 90 last year, and a couple of relatively high picks from the Lions and Packers this year. If their new coach turns out to be a winner, we could have a serious rival within the division to contend with.
PhantomII
April 29, 2022 at 09:32 pm
Our Defense is gonna be very tough. They are gonna get the ball back to the Offense more often without a score.
We're getting better with every draft pick. GPG
MooPack
April 29, 2022 at 07:16 pm
I think this will end up one of the best drafts the Packers have had.
IMO:
Walker was my 2nd best ILB after Troy Andersen
Wyatt was my 2nd best DT after Jordan Davis
Watson was my 2nd best WR after Jameson Williams
Very Happy.
Thegreatreynoldo
April 29, 2022 at 07:57 pm
Yeah. Wyatt at 22, Watson at 28, and Walker at 53 would have been fine. I did not foresee Walker being so highly evaluated, so GB lost pick 59 and that 4th player in the top two rounds.
MooPack
April 29, 2022 at 08:17 pm
I get it. Wyatt surprised me. I didn't think he'd even be at #22. I would have taken Wyatt (22), Watson(28), and Troy Andersen at #53. They'd also have that #59 back. I wonder if the Packers were surprised to see Wyatt at #28?
Thegreatreynoldo
April 29, 2022 at 09:28 pm
I prefer Wyatt, Watson, McBride, Bonitto, and concocting a plan to select Muma/Asomoah either by hoping they drop to 92 or moving around a little. Not even sure those are the two guys to look at in the third. I like Nick Cross a lot.
And that does not include taking a trade down from 28. I have Watson as noticeably better prospect long-term than Pierce, Moore, and Pickens. I assume Gute gauged the interest other teams had in Watson reasonably well.
jannesbjornson
April 29, 2022 at 09:39 pm
That was the logic when promoting the Watson @ #22 the idea. Hedge the pick and you can go DT/OT with the #28 . Stockholder advocated for Watson.and I agreed. Quay Walker became the chess piece . Wyatt was usually the #28 evaluating between him and Winfrey. I think they will all help this team get over the top.
BirdDogUni
April 29, 2022 at 10:08 pm
Walker is this year's Micah Parsons. Book it.
Packers1985
April 29, 2022 at 07:17 pm
Oh boy though I am ok with watson but getting him by trading up both the rd2 's seems like a reach. Looking at the picks afterwards he would've been still there by our next picks in 50's. So far all the picks under Gutey that have been traded up didn't work that well(savage---okish and love still has time to be a starter). Hope I am wrong
Go Pack Go
jhtobias
April 29, 2022 at 07:20 pm
You would cry no matter what they did
ImaPayne
April 29, 2022 at 11:01 pm
This was an absolute mistake. Gutt had to make Rodgers happy but to give the Vikings of all teams a 2 pick for this guy who played at ND State not Bama or the big ten, ya wrong guy wrong reason
BirdDogUni
April 29, 2022 at 07:22 pm
One of my dream picks was Watson. (I must have picked him a 1,000 times in Mocks, never thinking we could actually get him.)
Dude is going to ball.
Now go get me Jelani Woods Gutey!
PackEyedOptimist
April 29, 2022 at 07:31 pm
Woods would definitely fit his pattern so far this draft!
Thegreatreynoldo
April 29, 2022 at 08:04 pm
You and Woods. McBride is now what we hope Jelani Woods will be in 2023. Not sure how long the window is. But the potential in Woods is huge, so maybe one has to make an exception and draft for the future a little, though I think Walker might have some growing pains, as well.
Troy Anderson went 58th. Another ILB going earlier than I had figured.
BirdDogUni
April 29, 2022 at 10:13 pm
If you haven't figured it out yet, the media rankings are not the teams boards/needs/wants/desires.
First-Pick hated Watson and if you took him before the 3rd round they gave you an A-, kind of like Cw...
Obviously, Gutey loved him. To each his own.
You wait, by the time the Playoffs come around you may be hoping we don't play the Colts, because Matt Ryan will make Jelani Woods Tony Gonzales 2.0.
MooPack
April 29, 2022 at 07:23 pm
Vikings and Bears going DB's! Gonna need them now to cover Watson!
marpag1
April 29, 2022 at 07:25 pm
I think I would have preferred Pickens (who is still available).
PackEyedOptimist
April 29, 2022 at 07:36 pm
I thought it would be Pickens until I heard about his incident on Sunday, plus BG was back to RAS hunting. :-D
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 29, 2022 at 07:46 pm
I would have preferred Pickens who I believe will be better. I see Pickens just drafted at 52...the Packers original draft choice. Pierce went afterwards!
Think Gutey reached and possibly Watson, Pickens, and Pierce all available at 52. That 2nd pick in round 2 would be nice to have as Watson definitely not any better than the other 2 IMHO.
Packers1985
April 29, 2022 at 07:53 pm
Exactly my point too all the those wr's would've been available by our 2nd rd pick. I feel gutey kind of panicked a bit looking at how all the wr's were taken early in the draft day 1.
Coldworld
April 29, 2022 at 08:13 pm
As I suspected. Thornton is significantly faster and all three have better technique, hands and polish despite need big more. Any one could have brought as much or more this year and we might have an edge, S, OL in the bag too. High quality players going now. McBride, Brisker, Moore, Thornton, Pierce …
Good though the first round was, I think it’s going to take a miracle to redeem round 2. Watson as a second or third choice at WR maybe. As the class lead at that cost? Almost irredeemable in the context of this year.
Thegreatreynoldo
April 29, 2022 at 09:18 pm
A thumbs up from me. Walker has talent but probably is a guy who will make a jump in 2023 rather than being a revelation in 2022. But then, GB will only ask him to be a half time player. [BTW - he needs reps as his instincts aren't great, so I think it would be a bad idea to see if he can be a safety/Slot and OLB. Yeah, a shot a PEO 😏.]
What can Watson do as a rookie? Another guy who figures to be better in 2023 (or 2024) than he is in 2022. Can he do more than MVS' 581 yards as a rookie? I think he can, but I'd need odds.
Thegreatreynoldo
April 29, 2022 at 08:09 pm
GB had pick 53, not 52. FYI [Being annoying with facts is sort of my thing since I don't overall really disagree, but i think Watson is the best prospect of those.]
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 29, 2022 at 08:40 pm
Corrected! Thanks on 53
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 29, 2022 at 09:17 pm
Meant 53 not 52!
Nate-1980
April 29, 2022 at 07:25 pm
So let me get this straight, Watson was a reach/not good value at 28 but was a good value 6 picks later at 34 ???? Don’t get me wrong I like Watson he is a freak athletically but he’s not ready except for 2-3 routes, and could take a couple of years to get there.. So you give up two second rounders when you could have had him at 28?? This gm is a dunce, he panicked because he didn’t have a plan.. Could’ve used that 59 to move up in the first and get a better wide out, but homers are blind, down vote away ha..
marpag1
April 29, 2022 at 07:34 pm
Have you considered that maybe the Packers really liked Devonte Wyatt at 28? Just a thought....
PhantomII
April 29, 2022 at 08:53 pm
Here you go Nate. Burn the 2023 #1 in the same slot and keep the 2 seconds and pile on the newbies at Safety and TE. ....GPG
PackEyedOptimist
April 29, 2022 at 07:34 pm
I think BG looked at the Adams trade rather pragmatically, seeing it as two picks to replace one player. He actually went "cheap" and instead of using the 1 and 2 to get a guy, used the two 2s. So basically, it was Davante Adams for Christian Watson plus a move from round two to round one. It looks pretty good that way. If Watson becomes a solid starter...
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 29, 2022 at 07:51 pm
But now that we know for a fact both Pickens and Pierce available at Geen Bays original 52. Who knows where Watson would be drafted if Packers did not take him? Would he have been available at 52 as well. I rarely question Gutey but belive he flinched and panicked reaching for Watson. Only time will tell and certainly hope I am wrong.
Thegreatreynoldo
April 29, 2022 at 08:40 pm
So you think Gute mis-evaluated Watson by 19 slots? That is a lot to be off. It can never be known, of course. I figured Watson for the early forties at worst, but what do I know.
No question there is a lot of talent still available at 59. Tons of guys I liked. Oh well. Personally, when Olave and Williams went 11th and 12th, respectively (both on costly trade ups, by the way), I thought this isn't going to go well for GB.
NO gave 16, 98, 120 to move up 5 spots (11) for Olave.
DET gave 32, 34, 66 to get 12th pick, with Detroit getting 46 back.
I didn't see Tyquan Thornton going 50th. WanDale Robinson and Metchie at 43 and 44 is also very surprising to me. Pickens, Pierce and Skye Moore (52-54) went as expected.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 29, 2022 at 09:32 pm
TGR,
None of us will never know but yes seems like a reach. Could have really used #59 for another player and still have gotten a fine WR at 53. Of course only time will show how Watson turns out versus some of the Wrs taken after the Packers pick at 53. As I have stated previously I hope Watson proves me wrong and lights it up. I do believe he is in an enviable position with GB here in 2022 because the Packers 'need him' to produce immediately where many other drafted WR's likely do not. With Rodgers under center and MLF coordinating I believe Watson may end up with better stats than many others in this year's draft simply because of opportunities. A fair comparison might be after year 2 and 3 for that reason.
Thegreatreynoldo
April 29, 2022 at 10:06 pm
Agreed. I wish I knew whether AR is going to play one year, two or three. I like these picks better if it is a 2 or 3 year window. Hell, maybe AR doesn't even know. I kinda think it was all a smoke screen and he is going to play into his forties like he said. But things change.
egbertsouse
April 29, 2022 at 07:35 pm
Another reach by Gute, same as Walker. Watson is a mid 2nd rounder at best. It seems like he loses his nerve, panics, and drafts guys way too early. He must be a horrible poker player.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 29, 2022 at 07:58 pm
He screwed up! I will say it! Maybe Assistant GM, Rodgers mandated this pick? Even Skyy was there after 52 with Pierce and Pickens. Maybe Gutey couldn't get a trade up partner, so he reached.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 29, 2022 at 08:49 pm
Vikings just selected Ed Ingram, G with what would have been the Packers original #59 pick