Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - My One and Only Mock Draft - 2025
The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.
By JerseyAl
Here it is, the content you've all been waiting for! Ok, maybe not, but you're going to get it anyway. It's my annual futile attempt to predict what Brian Gutenkunst is going to do. It was a lot easier when Ted Thompson was making the picks - I had some pretty good success back then. My general approach is this - try to determine what positions will provide good value in which rounds, sprinkle in a bit of need and then choose the player that best fits the Packers scheme and team personality.
The "my one and only" term is technically not true, as I do a seven round Packers mock draft for the CheeseheadTV Draft Guide. But this is the only one out there for public consumption. Doing a mock draft in March is very different than one just before the draft, as back then, you haven't been influenced by the preponderance of draft content we get blasted with in the 3-4 weeks leading up to the draft. I don't know if it's just coincidence, but overall, my record with the Draft Guide mock drafts has been much better than my draft-eve mocks. In this year's draft guide, my pick was DT Kenneth Grant. I tend to like drafting into the strongest positional group of the draft. This year it's the defensive line and personally, I think the odds of them taking an interior DL in Round One of this particular draft is better than a DE/Edge. For this mock, however, I decided to go in a different direction to kick things off.
Before you proceed, I swear to you on anything you want me to swear on that I DID NOT check the RAS numbers of any of these players until AFTER I put together this mock draft. I expected that Amos and Higgins would have good numbers, but I didn't look and I really did not know RAS numbers for any of these other players. I purely went on what I've read about them from scouts I trust and what I saw on tape. And yet, take a look at what happened - obviously, I AM GUTEKUNST and the man doing the press conferences is just an actor!
First Round, No. 23 - Tre Amos, CB Ole Miss - RAS 8.37 - Jaire Alexander is a goner and the Packers will be looking for another first-round talent to become his heir apparent. Amos comes off a first team ALL-SEC season, where he went up against some of the best wide receivers in the nation and came out with three interceptions and thirteen pass breakups.
Second round, No. 54 Jayden Higgins, WR Iowa St. - RAS 9.63 - The object of many a Packers fan's desires is gifted to them on the second day of the NFL draft in Green Bay. While he may not be the "take the top off" receiver most people think the Packers need, he has WR1 potential with a year or two of development. Did I just say WR1???
Third round, No. 87 Kyle Kennard, EDGE, South Carolina - RAS 8.58 - Kennard is a body double for Kingsley Enagbare from the same school with better better production at the collegiate level. He tallied 11.5 sacks last season and was the Bronco Nagurski Award winner. He has the pass rush moves, but needs to get stronger to hold up on the edge. Like Enagbare, his average 40-time (4.73) will cause him to drop, so I'm hoping he's there in Round 3 for the Packers.
Fourth round, No. 124 Ty Robinson, DT Nebraska - RAS 9.89 - Robinson is a physical, aggressive player with athletic traits the Packers will appreciate. The Senior Bowl invitee will turn 24 right after the draft, but is still a bit raw technique-wise. An older player that still needs development will cause him to be drafted laster than he should, but if he can clean up his missed tackle issues, he could turn out to be a pleasant surprise.
Fifth round, No. 159 Cody Simon, LB Ohio State - RAS 8.35 - Simon is a reliable linebacker who shows good tackling technique and instincts. He doesn't have the "explosive" gene, but we are in the fifth round here. He's a poor man's AJ Hawk, also from THE Ohio State University. Look at it this way - if AJ Hawk wasn't a top-five first round pick and instead was drafted in round three, would you be thrilled with his career? Simon will be good value in the fifth round as linebacker depth and special teams help.
Sixth round, No. 198 Caleb Rogers, OT Texas Tech - RAS 9.03 - In the dictionary next to "Day Three Packers Offensive Lineman,: you might find Rogers' picture. The Senior Bowl invitee was a four-time captain (four times!) who has played both tackle spots with a few snaps at guard as well. With 32 3/8" arms, his primary position may ultimately be at guard, but with 4300 snaps at tackle, he can be that jack-of-all-trades backup the Packers are lacking.
Seventh round, No. 237 Carson Vinson, OT Alabama A&M - RAS 8.07 - Vinson is the only player from an HBCU school to be invited to the Senior Bowl and acquitted himself well. He'll need a year to build up his strength, but he has the "tools" worth developing with 48 left tackle starts to build on.
Seventh round, No. 250 (compensatory) Elijhah Badger, WR Florida - RAS 9.32 - Badger showed soft, reliable hands and averaged 20.5 yards per reception for the Gators, mostly on deep crossing routes. So why is he way down here? Lack of strength to compete against physical defensive backs is a legitimate concern, but there are enough good traits worth trying to develop.
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"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of various hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He's a lifetime Packers fan living in the land of the Giants (and Jets). Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP.
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Comments (139)
RedRight49
April 23, 2025 at 06:44 am
Happy " Draft - Eve " Al and thanks for a nice succinct and well reasoned Mock!
T7Steve
April 23, 2025 at 06:51 am
You nailed it, Al.
Don't know what approach to take on the draft. If I guess opposite of what I think is going to happen maybe it will be closer to what Gute will do, but I've learned to just let it come to me and expect to be surprised. Usually, the surprise pick that Gute makes is well thought out even when I don't understand it. Like the Jordan Love pick. Didn't see that coming at the time, but I now believe it was for the best. Hindsight is 20/20?
TKWorldWide
April 23, 2025 at 06:59 am
The back seats in my car fold down 60/40…which is a huge upgrade over 20/20.
NickPerry
April 23, 2025 at 07:12 am
If the Packers were to get Al's first 3 picks, I'd be a happy man. Amos would be an excellent addition to the CB room and Higgins is going to be a star in this league. The great thing about Al's draft, especially the first two or three is they produced in school.
Personally I'm terrified Gute will draft Shemar Stewart. He's a high RAS guy with very LITTLE production in College. The Packers already have two of those guys in Gary and Van Ness. If Gutey drafts Stewart I honestly think my TV will be tossed out the patio door.
I'd feel great about Amos and absolutely be doing backflips if they land Higgins. I still think Gute needs to go and get Higgins. I don't think he's there at 54.
Nice job Al.
T7Steve
April 23, 2025 at 07:21 am
Want me to guess that Gute will pick Stewart? Will save your TV.
dobber
April 23, 2025 at 09:11 am
Stewart scares the hell outta me.
TKWorldWide
April 23, 2025 at 10:47 am
Me too. Let him be someone else’s project.
GregC
April 23, 2025 at 08:27 am
Shemar Stewart is my nightmare pick. I will be relieved if he gets drafted before the Packers are on the clock.
TKWorldWide
April 23, 2025 at 10:48 am
SAME!!!!
stockholder
April 23, 2025 at 07:26 am
AL- Amos @23 just doesn't work.
He is compared to Al Harris.
Who Sherman got from the eagles
for a second rd. pick.
Al Harris is now a coach for the Bears.
I'd rather trade for a Harris, then draft one.
@23 he is a reach.
And truthfully since you took Higgins @54.
You surly know the need at Wr is much greater.
While I'm not picking on your choices.
A edge rusher in the 3rd is too late.
I think the idea of a disrupter, over pass rusher,
is a head scratcher.
I get your trying to predict Gute.
But this isn't the next step to the Super-Bowl.
I know, you really could do better.
Major Snafu
April 23, 2025 at 07:45 am
I would agree with you but from reading a lot of between the line stuff the past few weeks, I get the idea Gutt has moved on from Jairre so we will need a corner and the good ones are usually round one? But like you is he good enough at 23 or are they gone now.
Coldworld
April 23, 2025 at 08:21 am
Amos reminds me much more of Eric Stokes but without the elite athleticism. Straight line speed, length, press man specialist who struggles playing off because he is very stiff hipped. He’s at his best playing bump and run, which the league has effectively neutered since Harris and McKenzie. However his bench score is poor. He also has a very poor vertical and ten yard split. He is not explosive or possessed of great burst. He can be left behind by quick receivers, which is when he tends to get grabby.
He seems a total mismatch with the zone coverage styles we saw employed last year. He’s not a diagnose and explode type of player. Perhaps my nightmare pick up there with Stewart at least.
JerseyAl
April 23, 2025 at 08:55 am
I do like my draft guide mock a lot more, but was trying to do something different here. If Amos is such a poor fit, why did they bring him in for a visit?
Coldworld
April 23, 2025 at 09:08 am
Visits are indicative sometimes and diversionary at others. Who knows?
They can’t do too much with them on visits, as athletic work is banned. They can do some medical evaluating, further character assessment and break down film with them to try and understand players’ thoughts on why they reacted in certain ways or understood their tasking. Essentially to dig into the player's feel for the game and his ability to critically assess himself and try to get insights on divergences between athleticism and profile.
If I had to guess, with Amos it would be in part medical, given his injuries since the Senior Bowl and perhaps to seek a greater feel for what he was asked to do and into his tendency to grab.
LLCHESTY
April 23, 2025 at 09:17 am
I wonder that too. I do know that Rashan Gary had a faster short shuttle and Gary isn't the most agile of Edges. That scares the hell out of me.
stockholder
April 23, 2025 at 09:32 am
Because of the projection of taking a CB
in the second rd. (Per Alexander/Stokes)
Most thought DL in rd 1.
I can see Alexander being traded.
But when you look at what AL Harris
did for us.
I'm not sure everyone will be satisfied with
the results.
jannesbjornson
April 23, 2025 at 10:14 am
Al Harris was the top nickel for Philly and a veteran. Different story with a Greenhorn. Amos is a perimeter guy and let him get physical. Bagging an edge guy throws dirt on his Van Ness selection. I still would move UP in the first round to get a blue chip.
WestCoastPackerBacker
April 23, 2025 at 01:02 pm
Stockholder; there's gotta be an Al Harris available in trade for that to work. Ted did some great work outside the draft, getting Harris from Philly, getting Tramon Williams after he was cut from the Houston squad in the final roster cut down. Also getting Ryan Grant for a 6th rounder from the Giants, who had a really deep RB room. I'd love it if Gutey could get some decent or better than decent starters off the street. But to trade for a guy, you've got to have a willing partner.
Oppy
April 23, 2025 at 04:42 pm
Don't forget, Ryan Pickett. Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams, and Ryan Pickett were the top three non-draft acquisitions of TT's tenure. I absolutely adore Tramon, but Pickett might have been the better overall acquisition. Total beast, true 0 tech NT.
crayzpackfan
April 23, 2025 at 08:56 am
I agree. This Amos guy as a first round pick seems an awful reach at 23. However, I can totally see Gute do something like this. his round one picks I have always found to be a bit odd.
WestCoastPackerBacker
April 23, 2025 at 01:04 pm
Once you get outside the top 10 picks or so, it's a true crapshoot trying to figure out how the talent lies in the rest of the options for the first round. And some drafts are just not as full of talent, meaning many of the first rounders don't really have first round type talent, or wouldn't be first rounders if drafted in a different year.
dobber
April 23, 2025 at 09:03 am
I disagree on the comp to Stokes. Stokes more track guy and was propped up by an all-star UGA defense pegged as a man corner. I think Amos is a zone CB who can play man and if used in that context, where he can play facing the QB, he's a "safe" pick, even though I see him as a bit of a reach at 23.
....as for Al's comment on the visit, there are several round 1 prospects the Packers brought in for a look-see. They're only going to take one.
jannesbjornson
April 23, 2025 at 10:18 am
He ran well with the 'Bama wideouts and they over-drafted him. Tyson Campbell was the shut down guy for the Bulldogs and he brought the leather. Year Eight and he's talking about extensions for his guys. Get Love playmakers.
LLCHESTY
April 23, 2025 at 11:45 am
Rashan Gary's short shuttle - 4.29
Trey Amos SS- 4.36
Considering what we know about Gary's agility that seems ...not good.
JerseyAl
April 23, 2025 at 12:53 pm
Coldworld., Amos is CB #4 by a professional scouting service - here's their summary:
Has size and desirable length for a corner. Broke out this past season showing the twitch to excel in multiple coverage. Experienced in off and press man along with outside zone concepts, primarily cover three and four with variations.
In off coverage shows a quick shuffle pedal with easy man or zone turn as cushion shrinks. Changes up with catch man with a physical two hand jam and run with the route. Normally paces well with needed footwork and speed to stay in phase on the route. As an outside zone defender has vision to manage route combinations and read the delivery key. Sticks to deep outside responsibility reacting to high/low and switch routes. Flashes a sudden plant and drive on route breaks with the ball in the air. In press man can be reactive or physical with a two or off-hand jam on outside and vertical release. Foot quickness and agility allow him to mirror route breaks and stay in phase throughout the route. Excellent eye discipline keeps his focus on the receiver and is adept at timing his hands to the catch point. Excellent ball skills he’s been productive breaking up passes while also flashing interception skill. Some of those breakups could be interceptions. Can be physical with block protection but slow to shed. Makes some big hits but is inconsistent wrapping and driving with too many arm tackles - some resulting in bad misses. Some inconsistency with timing on turn and run allows too much separation. Appears to hesitate at times reacting in zone concepts. Some refinement needed but an excellent prospect.
Coldworld
April 23, 2025 at 01:45 pm
I see what you are reading (I have actually seen it before). I also see what I see and his testing. Then there are others who see what I do. Even your scout is alluding to a number of issues that stem from the problems I cite at the end of his piece.
Of course I may be wrong. It wouldn’t be the first time. Then again, who in draft world isn’t? I still see a guy who is not a fit either what Hafley wants (or has been doing). He’s not just stiff hipped, he’s nigh on rigid.
His testing may not have gone well, but when Gary has twinklier toes than a corner (thanks Chesty for that shocker), I’m going to pass. Particularly when we have a scheme that emphasizes exactly what he doesn’t have physically.
crayzpackfan
April 23, 2025 at 08:50 am
Is this good Stock?
Hunger
Spreads like red bricks and tongue.
Table salt and farm licorice
Thunder across the apples like frisbees.
They’re desperate
Like microwaves fishing for potato salad
The wealthy make 16th century checker boards
I sigh
I knit
LLCHESTY
April 23, 2025 at 09:20 am
Oh man, looks like you licked the orange tree frog! Hang on, you're in for a bumpy ride!
"While "hallucinating tree frogs" might sound fantastical, some tree frog species, like those in the Phyllomedusa genus, produce peptides that can have psychoactive effects"
"Users experience bright colors, moving environments, or recursive patterns. According to researchers, the drug often leaves users immobile and unresponsive, and can cause intense emotional reactions, euphoria, convulsions, and vomiting."
murf7777
April 23, 2025 at 08:50 am
CB is a bigger need than WR....too many think our WR room is bad, (some of the same ones who said we had a top 5 room pre season...) when the reality is we threw the second least amount in the NFL last year.....Put more passes in the air and Reed might've made the pro bowl.
Don't tell me about drops.....Jennings, Driver, Jordy and Jones and most all young WR's have this issue...it is easily fixed which is shown by the really good WR's who had the problem in the beginning year(s). Wicks for one is going to be a really good WR.
That's not to say we don't need to replenish because over the next two years they all come up for contract, it just means CB is a much bigger need and they can draft a WR or 2 later than round 1 or even 2.
dobber
April 23, 2025 at 09:05 am
I tend to agree that the WR room looks better if they just catch the damn ball. We've seen that get better for guys in the past and allow those guys to transition from frustrating WR to quality WR. It's hard to bank on that transition happening, though.
So much depends on second contracts in these different position groups...I think that's going to drive draft priorities, and those are things we tend not to talk about.
Coldworld
April 23, 2025 at 09:21 am
Any WR looks better if he catches more successfully. The wide receiver room however is not better than in September, it’s notably worse.
Watson is out for at best the majority of the season and quite possibly won’t be himself even if he does return late. We have no credible back up as a field stretching X
Doubs is a question mark now for health reasons. Those concussions were bad. No one, including the doctors, will guarantee that he won’t face recurrence in future. I hope he doesn’t, but no GM worth his salt bets seasons on that. Again there is no credible back up Z.
Both of those roles need bodies and ones ready to contribute this year and, potentially, from the outset. That’s got nothing to do with drops, just with depth.
murf7777
April 23, 2025 at 03:25 pm
I certainly didn't say we need WR's. With Ja probably gone, I think CB is a bigger need. The WR room is better than you think. Com on weren't you also on the list of folks who thought Adams was a bust after year 2? Wicks isn't necessarily going to turn out to be as good as Adams, but he has Adams-like abilities.
Coldworld
April 23, 2025 at 04:39 pm
No, I was not on the Adams bust train. That got me a lot of ridicule. I was not on the J’Mon Moore is a bust train either, so I can’t actually boast.
No comment I made here pertained to Wicks or Reed in any way other than the fact Wicks is not a size/speed deep threat X, as he wasn’t with Watson here. Not is Reed if we are stating the obvious.
The point I made above is that we are down Watson and have to face the fact that we could be down Doubs at any point. We have no Z candidate and while Wicks is an X, he is not a deep threat type. We have no field stretcher who is not a slot and we saw how that didn’t work last season as a substitute for Watson.
Those are big holes. That’s without facing up to the fact that we have a lot of contracts up and nothing obvious in the pipeline. I did like the Julian Hicks pick up as a raw talent, but I’m not relying on him to be ready to carry us at Z if Doubs gets concussed. We have some significant needs at WR, even if Reed and Wicks have a great year.
At corner, we have Hobbs, Nixon, and Valentine even if Alexander departs (which I think unlikely). We will almost certainly draft one this year. We also have 2 picks from last year in King and Hadden (a 6th by the Chiefs). Kaleb Hayes is a high upside project as well.
If Hobbs replaces Stokes, then the only difference from last. Year is Ballentine and Rochell, neither of whom played much on D at all. Both were SFAs. Even if Alexander leaves, a pick this year and either one of King, Hadden etc. steps up or we will pick up a SFA depth player or two as we have most summers, including Rochell and Ballentine.
There is no glaring need at CB beyond a pick to add competition depth and develop behind Nixon, Hobbs and Valentine and some deeper depth if no one among King and co. Actually steps up.
murf7777
April 24, 2025 at 06:42 am
You’re certainly way higher on our current CB list then me. I think they are average and we need a big upgrade. In addition, the depth is very questionable.
Coldworld
April 24, 2025 at 08:51 am
Yet that group minus Stokes and plus Hobbs actually held up very well over 10+ games after we lost Alexander.
Add another draft pick as I expect us to and the depth issues go away even if no one steps up from the depth carried over (King/Hadden/Hayes/Dunn).
If Alexander stays then one could actually argue the depth is considerable. Alexander, Hobbs, Nixon, Valentine and a draft pick and one of the depth who will presumably play STs.
Given that the default slot is a S, one could argue we could get by without a pick if Alexander stays. In base we have only 2 CBs out there and there’s a good chance we employ one or more safeties in multiple DB sets too.
murf7777
April 24, 2025 at 09:13 am
It's more likely than not that Alexander is gone...We will have to agree to disagree. I'd say the Packers will pick the BPA when comparing the CB and WR thou cuz there both needs.
stockholder
April 23, 2025 at 09:55 am
No - Gute scouted T Mac. WR
jannesbjornson
April 23, 2025 at 09:57 am
Johnson, Morrison and Revel all carry injury tags. Amos spent one year at 'Bama under Saban, so he learned the correct technique and he generally stood out. Usually, the top three WRs are gone by #22 in the Mocks. The Jaire
situation is not clear and the opposition understand he can be obtained cheaply. Edge by Round two may still be too late.
stockholder
April 23, 2025 at 10:13 am
When in doubt.
Go OSU.
jannesbjornson
April 23, 2025 at 10:27 am
Three guys from their front four will be gone by the middle of round two. Ty Hamilton is a late round sleeper.
Look at the past two drafts by Les Snead. The Rams now have a dominant front with 1st & 2nd year guys.
jannesbjornson
April 23, 2025 at 12:08 pm
The Mocker's Last Stand:
#23 Nic Scourton DE A&M
#54 Jaylin Noel WR Iowa State
#59 Josh Farmer DT FSU
#87 Cobee Bryant CB Kansas.
Ferguson bagged by Tampa....
#124 Darien Porter CB Iowa State
#159 Dalton Cooper OT OK State
#192 Xavier Restrepo WR Miami
#237 Jalin Conyers TE T-Tech
Moved the 2026 1st rd pick.
Cheezehead72
April 23, 2025 at 07:27 am
I am not going to disagree too much with this prediction. It is a sound draft other than I am not sure what is happining with Alexander. I still believe the Packers might keep him this year and maybe trade him next year when his cap numbers are lower and we save more space. When healthy he is able to play on an island. Keeping him saves a draft pick. I still believe our best option at the 1st round is a DT. We need a pass rush and with a good pass rush CBs do not have to cover as long.
I believe the Packers need to draft Riley Leonard ND QB in the later rounds if he drops.
Major Snafu
April 23, 2025 at 07:40 am
Great choices. As good as anyone else's. A lot of us are high on Amos. I had this strange idea that maybe they wont pick him for this reason. You need to deal Jairre and want something decent in return not to mention dumping his salary.
First he was a guy with potential who never showed it and his injury record says many will pass o the guy.
If you obviously draft his replacement then your saying please give us anything for Jairre and you happy with it or your passing on Amos as a way of saying we got Jairre but could deal him.
I say pick Amos and move on, dump Jairre and take nothing just get rid of him if you have too. Time to suck up to the fact that he like many others in the league didn't pan out shit happens.
Best of luck to the Packers tomorrow night it should be a real blast in GB. Cant wait to see it on TV.
gsd3
April 23, 2025 at 07:48 am
I like it.
My final per mock draft database.
23. Jahde Barron CB Texas
54. Tyliek Williams DT Ohio St
87. Jack Bech WR TCU
124. Elijah Roberts DL SMU
159. Caleb Rogers T Texas Tech
198. Donte Thornton WR Tennessee
237. Jared Harrison Hunte DT SMU
250. Elijah Badger WR Florida
murf7777
April 23, 2025 at 08:53 am
I like it, but pick 124 I'd go Edge, OL, CB or WR depending on BPA.
stockholder
April 23, 2025 at 09:37 am
Elijah Roberts is considered both, a DE and DT.
Arnold without the speed.
He did pretty good.
Coldworld
April 23, 2025 at 11:31 am
Both or neither? He’s a 3:4 DE if he is one. Sort of a tweener between that and a DT. I don’t think he fits us well at all or that he’d move the needle on sacks as an edge.
stockholder
April 23, 2025 at 01:43 pm
Gute brought him in.
Confused him with Nolan.
Gute needs to Go big or go home
Coldworld
April 23, 2025 at 11:25 am
Can’t argue too much even though Barron is one I have doubts about. I do think you missed a true edge, as noted above, but why I have doubts about Barron too is that think his lack of height and particularly arm length when combined with a poor vertical will be a much bigger factor in the pros.
That’s while accepting that virtually everything else about him fits a Hafley D. I can’t hate the pick, I just have doubts about him on the perimeter where I think a guy like Azareye'h Thomas later may prove better. Barron needs to be a moveable piece I think, and I see our need as primarily outside.
Strat
April 23, 2025 at 07:50 am
Your picks are as good as anyone's. Nice effort. And I agree with you, Alexander is gone, even though people keep clinging to this guy. I don't think wants to be in Green Bay, otherwise they would've worked something out with him by now.
Turophile
April 23, 2025 at 07:54 am
@JerseyAl
I did my own 6 round mock (draft buzz site), inspired by yours. I'd have loved to find a trade down in round one, but I just didn't think it was likely. However, I did do a trade, swapping 2nd and 3rd round picks + Jaire Alexander with the Cowboys, meaning the Packers are now picking 9-10 spots higher in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. I got:
1, 23) DT Kenneth Grant (I've often picked him in previous mock drafts).
2, 44) CB Trey Amos (I thought Amos could be had later than round one....and in this draft there he was a #44.
3, 76) Edge Ashton Gillotte. I love this guy, short arms and all, he is so disruptive.
4, 124) G (C) Jackson Slater. A quality guard who I think can play Center as well.
5, 159) WR Donte Thornton. 6'5", 4.30 40 speed. Loads of upside for this developmental WR
6, 198) RB Bhayshul Tuten. I often pick this guy too, he's a fun watch. Very fast, tough, a good complement to the Packers RB room.
Will the Packers pick these ? Well guys like Grant, Slater and Thornton are very possible, where others like Gillotte would mean them stepping outside their thresholds (which I wish they would do here).
JerseyAl
April 23, 2025 at 08:20 am
I love Kenneth Grant, but I personally think he'll go in the teens.
Major Snafu
April 23, 2025 at 07:59 am
PS folks. I remember Gutt shocking me taking Gary whom I followed at Michigan, HIs hypw and production never matched and he was rated all the way to round three by some, round one by nobody let alone 15th.
I recall Gutt justifying his pick by stating "we value people who can play more then one position". Its one of the biggest things he considers.
With that thought in mind you may want to rethink your own choices by asking did this guy play two positions in college. (Receivers not included but non blocking tight ends are out).
Thus if tomorrow night is another head scratcher for you this may explain why.
Thank You very much.
JerseyAl
April 23, 2025 at 08:23 am
I don't know where you saw third round, but every scouting report I saw, including from professional scouting organizations, had him as a top-10 or top-15 pick.
dobber
April 23, 2025 at 09:27 am
Are we getting the FUBARED list tomorrow, Al?
JerseyAl
April 23, 2025 at 12:45 pm
hopefully!
murf7777
April 23, 2025 at 03:33 pm
Where do you come up with this BS.....Look up the Mock draft concensus board for 2019 and you will see he was listed at #14. That compiles over 100 sites into one concensus.
Try to use some real facts next time.
davekenya
April 23, 2025 at 05:08 pm
Interesting (and depressing) that when looking at the concensus board going back to 2020 (when Pack traded up for Love)...every single year GB chose a player at their draft position ranked worse than concensus board had that player.
This year, the consensus board has GB taking a player ranked 11 spots worse than their draft position would indicate. This would tie (with only LaC) as the biggest 1st round reach (taking CB Hairston at 23 who's ranked 34th best player).
murf7777
April 24, 2025 at 06:44 am
I don’t look at drafting a consensus 14 at pick 12 reaching at all…..
Coldworld
April 23, 2025 at 08:33 am
I like Higgins. I’m ok just with Kennard, because while I like him longer term and have mocked him, I have come to think he needs more physical development than other options. Badger is a good late pick if we don’t need a Z to support Doubd this year and thus can work to develop him. I’m not entirely confident that’s prudent though.
The rest of this draft is, to me, awful. Sorry. We miss out on much more ready WRs that profile to Z, on elite penetration at DT, on an elite run stuffer late and while Kennard will be good, he’s less ready physically although I think he will be good later. Amos in round one is a complete mismatch for anything I see Hafley doing. Eric Stokes but less athletic.
I have to say, honestly, if Gute comes back with this draft haul then I think my patience with him would expire. Just looking at the players we could have had if we pick this way would suggest we fought the draft and lost. I’ve never felt this way about an Al mock before that I can recall.
JerseyAl
April 23, 2025 at 08:52 am
So you're saying you don't like it?
Coldworld
April 23, 2025 at 08:58 am
Dissembling is disingenuous. Love your work over the years, and I’m normally on board with your drafts and personnel evaluations. Just not this time. Not at all and willing to own that up front.
To be fair, I’m going to put my money where my mouth is. Here’s a mock (one shot) I just did, that didn’t go entirely my way at WR. I like Felton, but he’s going to have to bulk up to play Z and I couldn’t get a classic size/speed threat early and so doubled up late:
25. Walter Nolen. DT Ole Miss
A penetrator who can potentially grow into more with time and is already no liability in the run game. Potential Clark successor.
54. Azareye'h Thomas. CB Florida State.
Too good to miss and seemingly ideally suited to a Hafley D. Great length and size yet really good short area agility and change of direction. Play on film surpasses his testing. Physical as a tackler and in contesting catches. Ideally suits press and zone coverages, which is the bulk of what Hafley has called.
87.Ashton Gillotte. EDGE Louisville
Great motor and even better burst agility and bend. Hafley gets a piece that can unlock what we have and allow us to exploit tactical advantages and matchups
97. Tai Felton. WR Maryland. A little undersized, needing to add mass but I hugely talented. If I’m lucky, the next Greg Jennings eventually, but with more speed and slot mobility. Ready to help now technically.
124. Deone Walker. DT Kentucky.
A run first pick who can be more than that in the big man role enough to justify picking him here. An upgrade on Slaton in the run game and with upside.
159. Jack Nelson. OT Wisconsin
I normally don’t pick Badgers, but Nelson brings a good blend of production and ability to switch sides and yet still has room to improve technically. May also have ability to play G. Is not limited to one side.
237. Isaiah Neyor. WR Nebraska. Big, fast X who was coming off an ACL and not himself athletically last year. His testing suggests that he’s back. A deep threat. Could use some weight room time, but can stretch the field now and a willing blocker despite needing to add strength.
242. Da'Quan Felton WR Virginia Tech
Second of a double dip. Another X deep threat but also a really good to exceptional blocker as a WR. Well able to get deep and separate, handled press well. Coming off a down year that had more to do with the drop off around him. Could step in as a block first deep threat X tomorrow.
250.Thomas Perry G/C. Middlebury.
Small school (he’d be their first ever draft pick). Absolute leader and physical player who is exceptionally smart academically and very physical. Plus character who can be guard depth and potentially a C with time. A plus in the run game, but obviously a big step up in competition.
There you go, something to fling mud back at. A couple of one spot or so trades back early. To me, even while not falling perfectly at WR, this is much more helpful to us this year and beyond.
stockholder
April 23, 2025 at 09:46 am
I agree. The problem I see.
Is Taking a DE/Edge in Rd. Three
No back-up at center/OL .?
And there are guys that can
back up Reed in the slot.
jannesbjornson
April 23, 2025 at 10:41 am
I rank Jaylin Noel over Higgins for a more explosive speed/burst guy who will compete for playing time. They need to get another dynamic guy back to the WR room and Noel has change of direction needed for separation. They can get a post-up guy rd 3-4. This guy took Sternberger over McLaurin, so you know he is backpeddling chasing needs...
LLCHESTY
April 23, 2025 at 11:52 am
agree see Three
Stocky taking a Dr Seuss trip today?
Coldworld
April 23, 2025 at 12:05 pm
I drafted Nelson as a swing T option who some think can play G. I drafted Perry who is a G but is thought to be Tom smart and a potential C as well. This year I think Myers is the back up C if Monk doesn’t grab it. Next year Perry may be an option.
Alberta_Packer
April 23, 2025 at 12:03 pm
I like the trade-down - as it seems more likely than Gutekunst standing pat with 8 picks. So Nolen + pick is a good bit of business. Not as much buzz on A. Thomas - probably due to his slow 40 (4.58). Then again Richard Sherman ran a 4.56. I like Gillotte's tape but wonder how his shorter length and arms translates to the NFL game. Likewise - I like Tai Felton - except I wish that he was 10 -15 lbs. heavier. If Deone Walker ever substitutes more horizantal from vertical - a Beast is created. Jack Nelson is one of my draft gems. Very underrated. I don't know much about Neyor and DQ Felton but I understand your strategy. If ever T.Perry as a G/C - matches his background story - then another gem.
Coldworld
April 23, 2025 at 05:22 pm
I think you are right about Thomas. However, I don’t think his testing reflects his play speed.
At the Senior Bowl, Thomas managed to catch up to and stop North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton, who recorded a 4.46 40. He also matched WRs Jaylin Noel (4.39) and Jaylin Lane (4.34) on deep pass patterns and with Jayden Higgins (4.47) and Kyle Williams (4.4) on deep shots in the footage. That’s in addition to his general film.
jannesbjornson
April 24, 2025 at 08:10 am
FSU cornerbacks are usually top tier guys who are taught proper technique. Thomas would be a move up candidate rd two.
JerseyAl
April 23, 2025 at 02:29 pm
ColdWorld. Honestly, the one position I consider myself qualified to be trusted on is offensive tackle. I like Nelson as a multi-positional backup and originally had him in my mock at 159, but decided I wanted more LB depth and special teams help, so I settled for Rogers in the following round.
Coldworld
April 23, 2025 at 04:53 pm
I would normally defer to you on OTs. Here though Nelson just seemed like the best value and fit mix in sight as a swing with possible positional versatility too. I had an 80 pick gap coming up and liked Nelson as the best available T. It sounds like you would agree with that in relation to the two of them.
Rodgers is a bit of a penalty machine. I generally do not pick OTs this early with a consistent record of that because it suggests a diagnosis issue, a technical flaw that they’ve not been able to rectify or an athletic limitation. The same is true of CBs. Here, however, my Nelson pick had made picking Rodgers redundant (and I think he was taken in that 80 odd picks).
stockholder
April 23, 2025 at 06:07 pm
Now that the dust is settled.
Why Nelson over Logan Brown?
He is a JS on line favorite.
And I have Jarod Wilson in the 3rd.
The top center in the draft.
Just for Back-up/Replacement.
You must think Jenkins is the solution
for the next 3 years?.
Coldworld
April 23, 2025 at 11:57 pm
Possibly Jenkins is for a couple of years. Possibly Rhyan grabs it and can be resigned relatively cheaply. Most likely at some point we develop a replacement. Monk may be on that path, but I added Perry to develop.
I don’t see a vast difference between Brown and Nelson. Brown is generally predicted to go a little earlier and wasn’t available when I picked. Nothing more than that. In a straight choice I’d probably take Brown, but not enough to pick him earlier.
At this point I can’t bring myself to expend a high pick on a C behind Jenkins, Rhyan and Monk. Last year I wanted Frazier. That might have already changed the debate. Now, if we trade back a pick or two a couple of times for and get more picks then I have picked up a C, a QB and a Mike LB, for example. .
That’s why trading back may be attractive in this draft where there are bunches of fairly similar options, if the offers are there. It helps us address developmental depth at positions that are not immediate needs and to double dip at corner to increase the chances of success. Obviously, it depends on the group on the board at the time whether it pays to pull the trigger but if it falls right then I say take the opportunity.
packerbackerjim
April 23, 2025 at 08:33 am
This is a Rorschach draft. Harkening back to the playoff loss, Gute expressed dissatisfaction with lack of pressure. Free agency did not address the issue. I concluded it will be a DT. He may take Ezeiruaku IF Hafley feels strongly about him. I expect a CB and WR will be selected on both day 2 and 3.
murf7777
April 23, 2025 at 08:44 am
Replace Amos with Kenneth Grant and change the DT later with a CB. .....Good draft!
dobber
April 23, 2025 at 08:56 am
The Packers' CB situation is the wild card in this draft. The Packers have four CB with starting experience (Hobbs, Nixon, Valentine, and Alexander)...that may drop to three, depending on what they do with 23. They seem comfortable with Bullard manning the slot, which takes some pressure off CB depth.
I feel pretty confident that there will be day 2 and early day 3 CBs that are moldable and can fill out the depth chart. JA sticking around makes that the more likely path. Jaire sticking around for 2025 means they can draft a developmental CB if they like. If there's no way Jaire returns, they need a higher-upside guy on day 1 or 2. If they DO go CB in round 1, WHO they take will tell us a lot...they'll have their choice of zone v. man type CB. It sure looks like they're leaning into zone-type CBs...that seems to be guys like Amos, Barron, or Johnson.
I still think Gute has a hard time passing on a traitsy pass-rusher at 23 if given the chance. Last time I took a stab at picks, I pointed to Mykel Williams as the kind of guy he loves, but I don't see any way he makes it to 23. I'm not a Stewart fan at 23, but I think Gute will look long and hard at him. What I'm hoping is that Gute looks at the impending shift in the DL (loss of Slaton, likely loss of Clark after 2025), and makes a preemptive strike here. So predictions tainted by my own predilections (not a mock):
Round 1: Walter Nolen, DT, Miss. Athletic, disruptive, high-motor, and only 21 years old. High ceiling IDL who could take snaps at DE. Love this guy. Likely means the Packers need to follow with a tree-stump, 1-tech later in the draft or as a UDFA/FA
Round 2: Jalen Royals, WR, Utah St. Need at least two WR, and he brings 11- and 12-personnel versatility...looks a lot like Brandon Aiyuk. Volume production in college and showed well at the Senior Bowl under Vrabel. Gute is a sucker for senior bowl performers.
Round 3: Antony Belton, OT, NC St. Packers get their swing OT. Big and powerful, matches their transition to more power concepts in the run game.
Round 4: Tory Horton, WR, Col. St.. Too good to pass up at this stage, if he's there. Very productive, athletic. Team leader. Would not be surprised to see the Packers reach for him in the third.
Cheezehead72
April 23, 2025 at 09:17 am
Belton has only played LT and really does not have that much experience. Yes he is big and strong. They say he might be able to play RT. I like Caleb Rogers Tex Tech more as a swing tackle and they might be able to get him in the 4th or 5th.
dobber
April 23, 2025 at 09:25 am
I'd buy that.
I think that 3rd round slot might be better suited for a pass-rusher, anyway.
Guam
April 23, 2025 at 09:54 am
I think Alexander specifically is the wild card. Two months ago I thought he was gone as a Packer. Now if he is still with the Packers by late Friday night (if Gute was going to settle for a day three pick he would have traded Alexander long ago), he will be a Packer for the 2025 season. If the Packers have Alexander, Hobbs, Nixon, Valentine and Bullard (slot) in the CB room, there is little playing time for a high draft pick.
Thursday and Friday should be very interesting........
Bitternotsour
April 23, 2025 at 10:42 am
My Gutekunst metric is take the consensus top 30 and the youngest one left on the board at 23 is his pick. Walter Nolen fits that bill.
Guam
April 23, 2025 at 11:00 am
He does prefer young but he has picked exceptions like Wyatt. Nolan would be a good choice.
RCPackerFan
April 23, 2025 at 10:44 am
CB room is definitely a wild card.
I feel like they set themselves up well to not have to draft a CB high. They like Nixon and Valentine and brought Hobbs in. We have no clue what is going on with Alexander. They will need to add to the position, but by the way they set themselves up they may not feel the need to get one early.
My best guess is they are going to go DL in the 1st. Whether thats DT or DE, I'm not sure. But I feel like they want to get more pass rush one way or another. Also they lost Slaton and they may look to move on from Clark in the future.
Tory Horton I think would be a really good fit in GB.
murf7777
April 23, 2025 at 09:10 am
My try at the first 4 rounds...Give me the Williams...
1. Mykel Williams, Edge Georgia.....yes another Georgia player, typical Gutey 1st round pick.....full of potential.
2. Tyleik Williams, DL OSU Physical, athletic big man for our middle (gutey nails another 2nd round pick)
3. Jack Bech WR, TCU Not a field strecher but will make plays all over the field....good catch radius and willing blocker
4. Anthony Belton, OT NC State At pick 124 you're stealing him..
Concerned I didn't get a CB, but the value wasn't there.
dobber
April 23, 2025 at 09:17 am
Regardless of what the mockers say with regard to where these guys are expected too fall, I'd be pretty happy with these four players.
Coldworld
April 23, 2025 at 09:49 am
I’m not that high on Belton: there are Nijmanesqe rumors about him not being able to switch sides, which, for a pick to add a player we likely want to be our swing player is a big negative. On this team, we probably want a right side specialist more if we go that route. That aside, he’s still a good prospect in the left, so not horrible although I think there are later options I like as much for a swing role initially. I do like the first 3 picks well enough.
Dragon5
April 23, 2025 at 09:46 am
Guy I can't live without this year? James Pearce Jr just has the IT factor; 🤞 he had a strong interview. Edge Plan B: Could we package Quay AND Jaire to Cincy for Hendrickson? Two immature🔥 personalities for a religious family man...like roll out the green & gold carpet to Titletown please!
We saw the Eagles snap up last year's can't miss Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean to boot. Based on our draft spot #23 this year? While OL is not ideal round one outside of a cornerstone left tackle, GREY ZABEL is this year's low risk, high reward can't miss #1.
--versatility to play any spot✅
-- 🥶weather certified✅
--only 4 sacks in his 5 years @NDSU✅
There is enough depth in the '25 DL class to address in later rounds. If we find our DL depth lacking mid season and VanEss still isn't productive as an edge rusher...can we not move him inside where he did time there at Iowa?
Jayden Higgins reminds me of....ALLEN LAZARD👎 hope I'm wrong
Tre Harris rd 3 "X" 🎯 if he's there?
Coldworld
April 23, 2025 at 09:50 am
I’m curious, what do Lazard and Higgins have in common as WRs?
dobber
April 23, 2025 at 09:52 am
Ames, IA?
...other than that, not a lot.
LLCHESTY
April 23, 2025 at 10:41 am
I got turbo Allen Lazard vibes when I watched him. IMO he doesn't have the WR1 upside that Royals and Harris have.
Coldworld
April 23, 2025 at 11:10 am
I think he’s got better potential as a true X than either Royals or Harris have. I see both of those as long term Zs and like both a lot in that context. They may well be better picks long term, but Higgins at least solves the Watson problem and offers more potential to expand than some like Thornton (though I think Thornton could be a better pure deep threat X) . I see his upside as a good WR 2. I’m fine with that combined with a solution for now. Though it may not be my ideal solution, it’s a good one.
Dragon5
April 23, 2025 at 10:02 am
height: 6'3 vs 6'4
weight: 223 vs 214
arms: 32" vs 33"
40 time: 4.55 vs 4.47
serviceable, not exceptional tape
Coldworld
April 23, 2025 at 01:00 pm
Ah, I see the thought process. To be honest I did not see the connection.
height: 6'3 vs 6'4.
weight: 223 vs 214
arms: 32" vs 33"
40 time: 4.55 vs 4.47
In that case DaQuan Felton is one too and worth a look as his blocking does remind me of Lazard’s.
height: 6'5
weight: 213
arms: 32 1/4
40 time: 4.5
Benched 16 times, the same as Higgins. Lazard managed 17. Felton will likely go in the 7th.
BruceC1960
April 23, 2025 at 10:05 am
Like the fact you took 2 OL Al. Not sure you took them early enough. I can’t get past the memory of the Eagles game. We lost 1 OL and the game was basically over. No depth in the OL killed us.
I’m all for bolstering both lines.
Not sure why more aren’t higher on LB Danny Stutsman. Ross Uglem likes him. He will be a starter for someone.
J-Rome
April 23, 2025 at 10:15 am
If Gute has a chance to get Kenneth Grant I hope he takes him. When I've done simulators and done that though, there aren't a lot of Edge rushers available because they're over drafted and the later CBs available weren't super exciting either. Of course, things might not fall that way, but it tracks, especially overdrafting Edge guys. Whatever happens, I hope Gute doesn't go with " a project who is an athletic freak"
Leatherhead
April 23, 2025 at 10:18 am
Replacing Watson with a Day 2 pick...and nothing else....isn't going to improve the offense.
550 snaps, 660 yards, big play threat and a solid blocker. That's what we need just to get back to where we were, never mind improving.
LLCHESTY
April 23, 2025 at 10:34 am
You have no idea how good a 2nd round pick can be, none of us do. The hit rate on 1st round WRs is the lowest of all the positions but in the 2nd round moves up to the middle of the pack and actually moves up a touch from 19.7% to 20.2%. In a draft where there isn't as much top talent as most years it makes no sense to reach in the 1st round when the depth is better in the 2nd. If you go back to 2000 it stays almost the same(using pro bowls as the measure for success).
From Kent Lee Platte:
"Sure thing or not, fans rightly consider 1st round picks their best bet to finding a star player, and the percentages bear that out for all but one position, WR, which has a nearly identical hit rate in the 2nd round but we're talking about almost 230 players since 2000."
Leatherhead
April 23, 2025 at 10:59 am
""You have no idea how good a 2nd round pick can be, none of us do"""
I know that there was only ONE Day 2 receiver taken in the draft last year that met Watson's production, Ladd McConkey.
The year before, Jayden Reed achieved it.
The POINT (and I know I always have to spell this out for Pesty) is that it is pretty freakin' unlikely that we're going to draft a WR in Day 2 that's going to replace what Watson gave us.
LLCHESTY
April 23, 2025 at 11:57 am
I'd rather take a WR from the day 2 options than reach for Egkuba at 23. He's not physical enough to play X and probably ends up mainly in the slot. Royals and Harris were both more productive vs man coverage.
Coldworld
April 24, 2025 at 12:13 am
Watson was a day 2 pick himself. What I do not see is a Z type with speed replacing what Watson does. We may, perhaps should, pick the Z first as long as we don’t fool ourselves that he will replace Watson and draft a size/speed threat later.
LLCHESTY
April 23, 2025 at 10:28 am
Did a double trade down and still got one of the two guys I wanted and ammo to get a 2nd pick in the 50-75 range.
33.
Walter Nolen
DT Ole Miss
54.
Jonah Savaiinaea
OG Arizona
67.
Jayden Higgins
WR Iowa State
87.
Ashton Gillotte
EDGE Louisville
101.
Deone Walker
DT Kentucky
124.
Jordan Hancock
CB Ohio State
198.
Carson Vinson
OT Alabama A&M
237.
Jackson Hawes
TE Georgia Tech
250.
Ja'Corey Brooks
WR Louisville
2026 HOU 6th
Coldworld
April 23, 2025 at 11:13 am
I’d be happy with that. If I had a quibble it’s the value at G that high over alternatives?
LLCHESTY
April 23, 2025 at 11:41 am
I think he can play T. Longer arms than Morgan and 10¼" hands. Certainly athletic enough. I think Milum can play RT as well and I'd take him over Savaiinaea but he was gone. Savaiinaea played 1050 snaps at RT, 985 at RG and 345 at LT. Would give them a lot of options.
I was hoping for Royals and Porter at 54 and 67.
Coldworld
April 23, 2025 at 05:02 pm
Interesting. I had not registered that possibility. I will have to go look at him again,
Coldworld
April 24, 2025 at 09:13 am
Having done so, I think that might be a bit of a stretch with his mobility. Maybe a RT at best.
LLCHESTY
April 23, 2025 at 11:34 am
No trades on fanspeak using their latest big board on the difficult setting:
1. Ezeiruaku EDGE
2. Harris WR
3. Norman-Lott DT
4. Caldwell DT
5. Korie Black CB
6. Dalton Cooper OT
7A. Carson Bruener LB
7B. Ben Yurosek TE
Alberta_Packer
April 23, 2025 at 10:37 am
So Trey Amos is in the 2nd round CB basket of Morrison, Revel Jr., Hairston. etc. I have Johnson and Barron ranked higher than Amos. Plus his poor agility drills should be of concern. The Packers can do better at 23.
Higgins @ 54 - of course. Although J.T. Tuimoloau could change the Packers draft trajectory.
Kennard OK. Alternative Sai'vion Jones
Pass on Ty Robinson. Too light for the interior. Better fits are C.J. West, Cam Jackson and even Cam Horsely.
Simon and Rogers works.
As Robinson may be too light for IDL - Vinson may be too tall (6'7) for O-line - as anchoring can be a problem. Plus he doesn't have the versatility that the Packers like in their O-linemen. Alternatives - Branson Taylor, Dalton Cooper and Esa Pole.
E. Badger in the 7th may be good value. Although Gutekunst may take a QB with his last pick.
So some hits, some misses and OKs. Just like most mock drafts.
LLCHESTY
April 23, 2025 at 10:43 am
Barron has 4th percentile arm length for outside CBs. There's no one in that percentile that has had much NFL success.
Alberta_Packer
April 23, 2025 at 10:56 am
I think that some of the shine has come off this CB class with all the medicals and questionable measurables. As such - I also do not regard Barron as an attractive 1st round pick.
LLCHESTY
April 23, 2025 at 12:03 pm
My ideal draft would be a trade down in the 1st and using that extra pick and 87 to trade up to bottom of the 2nd/top of the 3rd, then go DT, WR, CB. I'm hoping all the WRs are gone along with Williams and Stewart by 23 so Gutey isn't tempted.
Coldworld
April 23, 2025 at 11:46 am
There a lot to like about Barron, but those arms are compounded by a bad vertical too. He’d be a great physical slot CB potentially, but outside? I have doubts despite his fit for an Hafley D otherwise.
Alberta_Packer
April 23, 2025 at 12:17 pm
If so - I would be tempted to take Caleb Ransaw before Barron.
RCPackerFan
April 23, 2025 at 10:38 am
My best guess is GB will take a WR, DL and CB with their first 3 picks. Who they take, and which order they take them, who knows. But my best guess with who they take will be at those positions.
Now saying that. They are going to go 2 OL and LB.
Pack_Attack
April 23, 2025 at 11:27 am
I agree with the first two picks, but I'd be surprised if they draft Caleb Rogers (OT Texas Tech) or Carson Vinson (OT Alabama A&M). Both drew a lot of yellow laundry during their college careers. Plus, they need someone who knows the center position as a backup to Jenkins.
The problem with Kyle Kennard (EDGE, South Carolina) is his weight. He's too light to be a good 4-3 fit. He needs another 25-30 lbs. Sai'vion Jones (EDGE LSU ) would be a better fit and could still be available at that pick. They could even take a flyer on Tyler Batty (EDGE BYU) in RD6 or RD7. However, Gute talked about the need for a better pass rush this off-season, so I think EDGE would be a priority in RDs 1-2, if someone worthy is there, or if one of the elite DTs is still there. (If they can draft Danny Stutsman (LB Oklahoma), their LB corps will be bananas!)
The position missing from this mock is QB. I would be surprised if Gute didn't draft one late. Kurtis Rourke (QB Indiana) would be my pick.
I also think Gute has to draft more than one CB because the position group will be very thin after Alexander's departure, which is why he may have to trade out of RD1 to get more picks to address their needs. Perhaps there is an outside (dark horse) chance one the teams with 10 or more picks, and at least two picks in RD4, will trade two RD4s for Alexander (Ravens, Jaguars, Dolphins, Bills). It's possible, but not probable.
Alberta_Packer
April 23, 2025 at 01:18 pm
One of the reasons why I believe that Gutekunst will try to acquire at least 2 more picks - is so that he can draft a QB - with possibilities:
6th round - Kurtis Rourke
7th round - Seth Heningan
UDFA - Taylor Elgersma
Leatherhead
April 23, 2025 at 01:26 pm
I think we should load up on defense, and if our season ends in offensive failure...again, for the 5th time in a row.....then we can spend the next offseason loading up on defense again.
stockholder
April 23, 2025 at 02:04 pm
LOL But No- MLF would be fired.
Which is why -
I wrote the crumbling of the Packers-
CB is not as big of need as people think.
Gute has many revolving pieces in the secondary.
The eagles won with Rookie CBs.
Gute already replaced Shields in FA w/Hobbs.
Leatherhead
April 23, 2025 at 03:08 pm
That's just it. Don't improve the offense, that way we can say Love isn't good enough, and MLF isn't good enough.
I think that Gutekunst is not going to spend a high pick on a DB. Look at the past 20 years or so.....the DBs we've taken on Day 3, or traded for, or signed as FA, or picked up off the waiver wire.
McKinney, Woodson, Tramon Williams, Sam Shields, Valentine, Nixon
Now, compare that with Rollins, Randall, Stokes, Alexander, Savage, Jackson, King, etc.
We have three veteran starting CBs and we only play two at a time. I'd be very surprised if we spent a high pick on a CB.
jannesbjornson
April 23, 2025 at 06:01 pm
Sam Shields ?
Leatherhead
April 23, 2025 at 06:49 pm
Didn't we have CB named Sam Shields that was a UDFA and who ended up starting quite a few games for us?
stockholder
April 24, 2025 at 05:51 am
Gute only believes in a #1 cb choice
jannesbjornson
April 24, 2025 at 08:23 am
Q.Mitchell, the best CB in the 2024 draft and a dbl down on DeJean for the slot CB. Not Scrubs. Backside help behind a group of All Pros on the D-line. We knew who to move on last draft. Get ready for more disappointment, Thursday night.
MooPack
April 23, 2025 at 02:15 pm
I think they stay put. I don't see a lot of movement this draft, although I'd prefer a trade down. Don't see much of any takers. Only going 5 rounds. After that a dart game. I'd take DT Derrick Harmon if there and would change my picks. Just don't see him surviving that long. I've been able to do this draft a number of iterations on the consensus board sim. My guess is they will all be gone before I've taken them, as usual each year.
23. OT Josh Simmons
54. Edge Landon Jackson
87. DT Joshua Farmer
124. WR Donte Thornton
159. CB Jordan Hancock
SDPack
April 23, 2025 at 02:44 pm
Simmons is my target now but it all depends on which blue chipper falls to us at 23. I hope Simmons knee injury pushes him to us. We don’t have to play him right away anyway.
SDPack
April 23, 2025 at 02:42 pm
To me, OL is so obvious. We only have 3 strong starters in Jenkins, Tom, and Banks. The other two are average and have expiring contracts. Morgan is still unknown but promising. So in 2026, we basically only have 3 bonafide starters, 1 possible good starter in Morgan, and a trash heap in Glover, Telfort, and Monk and nothing intriguing on the PS. That means 3 or 4 offensive linemen may turnover this year and next. No other positional group carries this much risk. At #23, I am now looking at Josh Simmons. Walker can start the year at LT and eventually give way to Simmons as our long term solution. Morgan will beat out Rhyan at guard and we will have an excellent O line for a number of years.
Coldworld
April 24, 2025 at 01:07 am
Banks was just signed. He’s a starter and, for what it’s worth has been a valid one before arriving. Morgan will play somewhere. Even if you don’t like Telfort and Glover, there’s Monk and Donovan Jennings at G who the guaranteed a 100k to last year as a UDFA. There is also Marquis Hayes, a former draft pick who was derailed by injury but is a very big and very strong G. He might actually be more than just a name.
So behind Rhyan (if he is indeed the 6th OL in the end) are other players who may actually be legitimate depth this year even before the draft.
Alberta_Packer
April 23, 2025 at 03:01 pm
So before the final curtain falls on mock draft mania - I present mine that is based on the assumption that Gutekunst will add another 2-3 picks - one way or another (keeping in mind that the Packers have averaged over 11 picks in their last 3 drafts). Thus my mock consists of 11 picks (via 2 trade-downs) that illuminates - more than anything else - how almost all the positional groups can be covered and/fortified in one fell swoop .
31 - Tyleik Williams DT
54 - Shavon Revel Jr, CB
87 - Jack Bech WR
95 - Charles Grant IOL
124 - Quincy Riley CB
130 - Saivion Jones Edge
159 - Kobe King LB
198 - Jack Nelson OT
237 - Kurtis Rourke QB
244 - Gavin Bartholomew TE
250 - Elijah Badger WR
Leatherhead
April 23, 2025 at 04:27 pm
I'd like to improve the offense, no secret there, but I've come to the conclusion that the Packers aren't going spend that 1st round pick on a guy who is the third best WR in the draft. He's not Lofton, he's not Sharpe. He's more like Javon Walker.
So, with that in mind, I bit the bullet. A few trade downs left me with 5 picks between #36 and #124.
Grant and Scourton, then Savion Williams and Jaylen Royals, and at #124, Nohl Williams. The rest of the draft is for the practice squad.
stockholder
April 23, 2025 at 06:31 pm
You gave into the Defense only campaign.
Gute must know ,with scouting T-Mac, Bonds,
and fan favorite Higgins.
Egbuka is the No- Brainer pick.
They can't wait with Watson out.
I Still think Grant goes to the chargers.
Leatherhead
April 23, 2025 at 06:44 pm
I finally came to the conclusion that an organization that has only drafted 3 WRs in the first round since the merger wasn't going to spend a first round pick on the #3 or #4 WR in the draft. The next 'tier' of guys is where we'll be looking.
A combo of Royals and Williams should be able to replace a lot of what Watson gave us. If Reed/Doubs/Wicks play a little better this year than last, we might not be in terrible shape.
SDPack
April 23, 2025 at 07:33 pm
The Pack’s need for a WR for this season is overstated. Look at personnel groups. They may use much more 12 personnel which only requires two WRs since they may opt to play Musgrave much more along side Kraft. Then, they may incorporate more RB split wide sub-packages with Lloyd. This is all on top of the standard 3 WR set. They already have 3 WR to handle all those formations plus they have Hardman at WR4 and perhaps Watson dropping in mid season. They do not need more WRs until 2026 with two expiring contracts in Doubs and Watson. So take one in round 3 this year and develop him for a year. That is all we need. WR in round 1 is a hype train. It will be either OL or DT in round 1.
GregC
April 23, 2025 at 09:30 pm
I suppose they could use more two RB sets and two TE sets next season, but they seldom did that last year, so my assumption is that they won't start now. They only have three starting caliber WRs to fill the three positions. Jayden Reed is a good slot receiver--a 2nd round pick who plays like a 2nd round pick. The outside receivers are Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks--a 4th round pick and a 5th round pick, and that's the level they play at. They need more juice at WR.
SDPack
April 23, 2025 at 10:26 pm
Greg I can’t argue that they could use some juice at WR. If Wicks or Doubs goes down, it is pretty thin. I’d like to see them add one. I just don’t think it should be a #1. The reason they did not do much 12 personnel is because Musgrave unfortunately went from lacerated kidney to ankle injury. Assuming he is healthy now, all indications are that he is a highly talented and fast field stretcher with an exceptional work ethic. He is likely a 2025 break out candidate. So my dream scenario is we go #1 and add a day 1 O- line starter to displace Rhyan or Walker. Then we put together a best in class line that dominates in the run game, keeps Love clean, and allows our WRs to stay in their timing and make easier catches. Is that asking too much?
GregC
April 24, 2025 at 05:40 am
Yeah, probably not a WR in the first round. Unless McMillan falls to #23, there are no great options at outside WR in the first round. They should look to get one in the second round, though--possibly with a trade-up.
One of the mysteries of last season's offense was why Luke Musgrave saw so little action in the first few games, before he got injured. They liked him so much as a rookie and then they didn't want him out there very much. I guess LaFleur wanted to focus on other things. It was a waste, after drafting him and Kraft in the 2nd and 3rd rounds the year before. I would like to see a resurgence in Musgrave's career in 2025, but I'm doubtful that it will actually happen.
As for OL, I get that you want them to assemble a dominant line. I just don't think they have the luxury of doing that, given the needs at WR and DT. Last year they picked an OT in the first round, and he couldn't even challenge Walker for a starting position. Why would that be any different if they picked an OT in the first round this year, at about the same spot in the draft? Even if the new OT managed to beat out Walker, would he be that big of an improvement? They could probably find an upgrade for Sean Rhyan in the first round, but again, I don't think it would lead to a very big improvement in the overall performance of the O-line. The OL needs more depth, but you can get that in the 3rd or 4th round.
SDPack
April 24, 2025 at 08:28 am
Morgan and Musgrave are the team enigmas. Both were robbed of appropriate evaluation due to injury. So they are TBD still. Musgrave looked to be breaking out as a rookie so that is a plus. Morgan could not beat out Walker in camp but seemed to fair well against Rhyan. Disappointing tackle but perhaps our next starting guard. Hopefully this camp will be the telltale for both these players.
If Derrick Harmon or Walter Nolan are there at 23, I would be happy with the pick. Slaton played key reps last year and Clark is likely gone after this season. An impact pick at DT is prudent, especially if the scouts see one of them as a dominant talent. But similar to your comment on OL being available later in the draft, my understanding is that DT is deep too and if the goal is run-stuffing, that can be found later as well. Slaton was a 5th rounder. So if they go DT in round 1, the guy better have some pash rush too and be a Clark replacement.
Coldworld
April 24, 2025 at 01:21 am
Leatherhead, while not endorsing your choices of Nohl and Williams on an individual level, I think you are now seeing why, with our needs and the composition of this class, many of us view trading down may unlock the path to more value and greater improvement as a roster this year.
As to Reed, we need to get him back doing more traditional slot work more than anything. Unfortunately with Doubs we need a plan B. Even without the uncertainty of concussions, we saw last year that we did not have anyone who could step into the z role and really contribute. Now any hit could sideline him for an unknown period, that deficit only become more striking, I think Wicks will work well as a tandem with a vertical X type such as Thornton, splitting the role according the the route tree. Just don’t pick one with a stratospheric drop rate ….
Oppy
April 23, 2025 at 04:51 pm
I'm just happy for the Packers, the city of Green Bay and its citizens. I hope they all put their best foot forward, everyone enjoys a great time and world-class hospitality, and of course, I hope the economic impact helps carry GB, WI through whatever may come the rest of the year.
Living easily within striking distance of Green Bay, I learned something about myself; when push came to shove, I decided as much as I would have loved to see this probable once-in-my-lifetime event unfold, my hatred for traffic and crowds is a still the stronger force.
On to the draft!
Ferrari-Driver
April 23, 2025 at 06:19 pm
I tend to be a "meat and potatoes" guy when it comes to the offensive and defensive line. I think Kenneth Grant is the type of player that I would love to see in a Packers uniform. I would expect to see Grant taking two offensive linemen play after play and being a superb run stopper along with the ability to push the pocket. Just what I like to see over a center.
HarryHodag
April 24, 2025 at 08:19 am
Robinson was one player who caught my eye last college season. The scouts have dissed him but from what I saw he was tough to contain. The term 'sleeper' applies here.
DragonSilk
April 27, 2025 at 08:17 am
0-7