Packers 2019 NFL Draft – 10 Last-Minute Whispers, Predictions and Opinions
By JerseyAl
Once again, we resume our annual tradition of draft day pontification on what may happen or should happen for the Packers in this year's draft.
Of course, all is dependent on who is available when, but over the last eight years, the Draft Whisperer correctly identified these players as being of great interest to the Packers: Derrick Sherrod, Randall Cobb, Casey Hayward, Terrell Manning, BJ Coleman, Johnathan Franklin. Brett Hundley, Jason Spriggs, Blake Martinez, Kevin King, Jamal Williams, Josh Jackson, and probably some others I don't remember.
So when he whispers, I listen.
Here's my list:
1) Whisper: Neither he or I are sure what to make of this, but the whisperer tells me team personnel from a few NFL Teams located in the Northeast are of the opinion that the Packers are leaning towards Noah Fant at #12 (assuming Hock is gone). Personally, I just don't see it but...
2) Prediction: Based on probable positions of value at the time, my predictions for the first four picks are DL, OT, S, TE.
3) Opinion: If the Packers stay at Pick # 12, an impact defensive player is likely going to be the best value on the board. That's where they need to go.
4) Whisper: Packers are in love with Day 3 under-the-radar Indiana OG Wes Martin. Country strong "Big Wes", as he's called, was a four-year starter and the strongest man on the field practically any time he walked on it. An extra bonus with Martin - he can long-snap, potentially saving a roster spot for the Packers. (Note this research was done before Cole Madison decided to return, so that could cool the Packers' interest).
5) Prediction: When Pick #12 rolls around, there won't be a player left on the Packers' board that they value that high. Expect another trade back, this time for an extra pick in this year's draft.
6) Opinion: I'd personally love to see the Packers draft Nassir Adderley as a more dynamic Micah Hyde type who can play safety or slot corner - whatever you need.
7) Whisper: Packers did an inordinate amount of pre-draft research on Alabama State OT Tytus Howard. Bryan Bulaga is hearing footsteps, for sure.
8) Prediction: The Packers will NOT draft a QB at any point in this draft. A UDFA will be brought in as the 4th QB in camp and that is it.
9) Opinion: A perfect under-the-radar (not sure why) RB prospect for the Packers would be Maryland's Ty Johnson - a true home run threat who scored 17 touchdowns while chalking up a 39 yd average on those TDs (an all-time NCAA record).
10) Whisper: Late-breaking: The talk is that the medical report on Montez Sweat's heart condition may have been a mis-diagnosis. He's in play at 12 if not sooner.
Let the Draft Begin!
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"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of many hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He is also a recovering Mason Crosby truther. Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP.
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Comments (56)
Doug Niemczynski
April 25, 2019 at 04:21 pm
I thought Josh Jones was supposed to have been the more dynamic Micah Hyde?Yes? No?
Jones has not worked out for the Packers.
LambeauPlain
April 25, 2019 at 04:40 pm
This is his year. And if the Pack does not get either of the Devins, I can see JJ moved to ILB full time, especially if a S is drafted high...and there are some good FS prospects on day one or two.
JJ is almost as big as the Devins and while he did not get many snaps in Pettine’s new D until the second half of 2018, he was productive in the box as an ILB hybrid.
I think he steps up.
Rak43
April 25, 2019 at 04:45 pm
Wow! With the draft just hours away news is breaking on NFL site that Montez Sweat was misdiagnosed at the combine with a heart condition he doesn't actually have. It was reported recently that half the teams in the league removed him from their boards, and now have to scramble at the last minute to add him back or not, without a chance to review the new info from the several heart experts who re examined Sweat. Should be super interesting to see where he lands. Could it be in GB?
Leatherhead
April 25, 2019 at 05:53 pm
That was the thinking at the time, that Hyde wasn't "athletic enough"...not enough of a "playmaker. We wanted a faster athlete. Decision made.
I will say this: Jones has had two different D coordinators in two years. It is entirely possible that he might be returning to a system he knows with people he knows around him. He might be better. He gets a lot of tackles when he's on the field, and that's worth something.
Tony Baloney
April 25, 2019 at 08:30 pm
JJ missed too many assignments in the backfield. His best chance to stay a Packer is as a inside backer. Put 15 lbs of muscle on the kid. I think he could be productive there,.... especially on inside blitz packages. He can definitely run with a TE or RB in pass protection.
LambeauPlain
April 25, 2019 at 04:32 pm
I agree to go for D for the first pick.
And if Gutey’s board has his top BAP wish list not falling, but taken off his board but there are still 5-8 BAP at positions like Edge, OL, DL, S and TE...even RB and WR....trade down for another 2nd rounder (may need to throw in another later round pick to get it).
Then trade the two 2nd rounders for another first rounder.
3 first rounders on 5 year contracts....top talent that could transform the starting roster for years.
ottscay
April 25, 2019 at 04:32 pm
I've been refreshing the website all afternoon for these, thanks Jersey Al & The Whisperer!
JerseyAl
April 25, 2019 at 05:48 pm
So you're the one with the 5000 page views - thanks! lol
dobber
April 25, 2019 at 06:19 pm
He's not the only one!
Bearmeat
April 25, 2019 at 04:40 pm
If they go for Fant at 12... ugh... 30? sure... 12? nooope
Mojo
April 25, 2019 at 04:55 pm
I feel the same way. 30 is fine, but not 12.
Leatherhead
April 25, 2019 at 05:58 pm
On these earliest picks, I think you have to ask:
1) Does this make our defense better?
2) Does it help us run the ball better?
3) Does it help keep Rodgers better protected?
With Graham and Lewis at TE, a third TE just isn't going to get that many snaps. And probably isn't going to help with any of the 3 goals we have.
Nothing at all against Fant or anybody else.....but I get the general feeling that most of PackerNation would like better defense, more running, and keeping Rodgers healthy. That looks like a map to the playoffs, IMO.
Qoojo
April 25, 2019 at 05:52 pm
Packers Wire is saying that the packers are looking to trade up from #30.
Freezn
April 25, 2019 at 05:24 pm
I sure would like to see Adderly at 30
sonomaca
April 25, 2019 at 04:54 pm
The games are intense. Can't believe a single word. Don’t you think agents might have just a wee bit to do with the, “Player X is rising, the Packers/Patriots/Rams/etc are interested. This deal is hot. Get it before it’s gone!”
cheesehead1
April 25, 2019 at 05:00 pm
We need to hit big with some game changing players, elite talents. Other than Rodgers, Adams, Bakhtiari, that’s about it. Alexander, possibly, but only one year to go on. Obviously, every team thinks the same but this is the highest we’ve drafted in many years. Good luck to Gute and his team!
Leatherhead
April 25, 2019 at 06:02 pm
We had gamechangers last year:
Montgomery changed the Rams game.
Matthews changed the first Viking game.
Crosby changed the Detroit game.
Etc. etc. IMO, most games are not won, they are lost. When a penalty brings back a big play, when a missed tackle gives up another 20 yards, when an off target throw or bad catch brings on the punting unit.
It's not always about making a play. Most of the time, it's about not screwing up. If you can find the guys in the draft that don't screw up and are always healthy...…..then take that guy.
EdsLaces
April 25, 2019 at 05:02 pm
Bring on Montezzzz!
PatrickGB
April 25, 2019 at 05:07 pm
Let’s get going already. This year the draft draft predictions have been quirky. I really don’t have a clue. Of course it’s no longer TT drafting at the end of the rounds anymore so there is that.
IceBowl
April 25, 2019 at 05:10 pm
Subterfuge! Good for Guty and the Pack. They have done their homework.
Leatherhead
April 25, 2019 at 06:04 pm
There is no subterfuge.
We're drafting a QB tonight. That is all.
Lare
April 25, 2019 at 05:10 pm
These guys do this for a living, time to sit back and let them do their jobs. The Packers will end up with a very good player regardless what happens.
IceBowl
April 25, 2019 at 05:20 pm
Lare,
Exactly. I think we end up with 3 very good players. In 3 days this pie in the sky, crap shoot, guessing, and pin the tail on the DONKEY will be done and we can again talk Packers.
I'm not a draftnick. And there is no consensus, all opinion and speculation in the media.
Freezn
April 25, 2019 at 05:27 pm
I believe we will see a lot of Packer fans eat some crow after the draft.Lafleur and Gute know what they want and need.
Freezn
April 25, 2019 at 05:28 pm
Pettine will get what he needs as well
Freezn
April 25, 2019 at 05:30 pm
Draft is coming on and we will see tonight how well they do in the draft. Go get em Gute
Freezn
April 25, 2019 at 05:18 pm
I agree with Lare these guys know what they are doing and last years draft they did alright. Give these guys a chance before slam them.
korbie33
April 25, 2019 at 05:25 pm
Bold prediction. Six of thiis years draft picks will be starters within two years
Freezn
April 25, 2019 at 05:32 pm
I don't think that is such a bold statement
korbie33
April 25, 2019 at 05:52 pm
The 2017 draft has provided (3) starters. if you count Josh Jones as a starter. I would be thrilled if 2019 provides six starters in two years./
Demon
April 25, 2019 at 06:06 pm
Why would you count J Jones as a starter? The man couldnt beat out Brice last year. Im not certain he makes the team.
korbie33
April 25, 2019 at 06:25 pm
I said.....if
Handsback
April 25, 2019 at 05:35 pm
I sure think Simmons is the target for that 2nd 1st round pick.
ricky
April 25, 2019 at 06:00 pm
Simmons has the off-field baggage of beating up a woman during a melee. Ended up with a fine, community service and money for her doctor's bills. So, there is a red flag, though he has apparently been an exemplary person off-field since then. There will be questions/heat from outside. And the Packers are well known to have a pretty low tolerance for misbehavior.
Also, Simmons has a torn ACL, and will be unlikely to be ready this season. So, a redshirt season, and then hope he bounces back from the injury at the same level of excellence. And that he won't become a recurring injury problem. Similar to Bulaga.
Demon
April 25, 2019 at 06:17 pm
Finally someone with some sense. Simmons would be great but not before round 3. Same with Metcalf.
MarkinMadison
April 25, 2019 at 06:01 pm
Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!
4thand10
April 25, 2019 at 05:53 pm
Christian Wilkins @12
Leatherhead
April 25, 2019 at 06:13 pm
If we have to pick at #12, I think it'll be between Wilkins and Bush.
Demon
April 25, 2019 at 06:02 pm
I havent made any draft predictions. I just want 2 game 1 starters. No more redshirting the first year.
If I had my wish it would be Ed Oliver at 12 and Noah Fant at 30. We will see.
NashvilleCheesehead
April 25, 2019 at 06:02 pm
Nashville cheesehead is feeling good mojo here in Music City. GO PACK GO!!!!
ShooterMcGee
April 25, 2019 at 06:07 pm
Thanks for the info Al! I have been waiting all day too. Wes Martin looks intriguing and I would love to save that LS spot for another player. Can he play OT too?
JerseyAl
April 25, 2019 at 06:16 pm
no, interior lineman only.
MarkinMadison
April 25, 2019 at 06:08 pm
I'm cool with any of the projections at #12 except WR and OL. The value is not there.
MarkinMadison
April 25, 2019 at 06:09 pm
I don't get the Hollywood Brown thing. This offense is predicated on the run setting up the pass, and people not knowing if we are going to run or pass. Trotting out a 170 lb. WR says nothing but pass to me.
korbie33
April 25, 2019 at 06:32 pm
He would add a completely new dimension to the passing attack similar to D Jackson Good 2nd round pick.
McFly
April 25, 2019 at 07:47 pm
Delete
Doug Niemczynski
April 25, 2019 at 08:36 pm
Lions suck..TJ Hockenson does not fit with that team at all.
dobber
April 25, 2019 at 08:04 pm
Giants take Daniel Jones...Clelin Ferrell already off the board. Liking how this is pushing players back to the Packers.
stockholder
April 25, 2019 at 08:18 pm
Hock to the lions!
NashvilleCheesehead
April 25, 2019 at 08:18 pm
So much for TE at 12
Tundraboy
April 25, 2019 at 08:29 pm
Getting interesting.
Lphill
April 25, 2019 at 08:29 pm
So Steelers got TJ Watt and now Devin Bush both should be Packers.
CAG123
April 25, 2019 at 08:33 pm
Great Oliver and Bush are gone I’m definitely less interested now
Doug Niemczynski
April 25, 2019 at 08:38 pm
Packers should move down.
CAG123
April 25, 2019 at 08:40 pm
.......smh
richard_kilroy
August 22, 2020 at 10:44 am
NFL Network's Colleen Wolfe, Adam Rank and Marcas Grant identify players who are being drafted too high or low in fantasy football leagues so far this offseason.
https://EXPERTCOMPTABLE-GRENOBLE.COM