Packers 2021 NFL Draft: Day Three Analysis

Round 4 (37) Royce Newman, G, Ole Miss

Round 5 (29) Tedarrell Slaton, DT, Florida

Round 5 (34) Shemar Jean-Charles, CB, Appalachian State

Round 6 (30) Cole Van Lanen, OT, Wisconsin

Round 6 (36) Isaiah McDuffie, ILB, Boston College

Round 7 (29) Kylin Hill, RB, Mississippi State

Ah, Day 3 of a draft. A day of lottery tickets, guys to dream on and proclamations of, "You know, I had a 3rd round grade on this guy" from draft pundits the world over.

Brian Gutekunst said this was a deep draft for offensline linemen, and it appears as though he meant it. After picking up Josh Myers to plug into the interior offensive line in the 2nd round, he grabbed two more pieces on Day 3: Royce Newman from Ole Miss and Cole Van Lanen from Wisconsin. Though Newman played tackle in 2020, he lined up as a guard in 2019, which is likely where the Packers will be looking to use him. Newman is most effective as a pass protector, but he does well laterally in a zone blocking scheme in the run game. He's an athletic guy - scored an 8.72 RAS, posting elite scores in the speed section - but doesn't have a lot of power. He may never be a full-time starter, but has a lot of value as a versatile back-up and spot-starter.

Van Lanen comes in as another athletic guy (8.49 RAS), even if he scored poorly in the size grade for his position . In contrast with Newman, Van Lanen's biggest strength is his run-blocking ability (not a shock considering where he went to school). Good burst off the line and can move some bodies. With his skillset, Van Lanen could be a nice road-grading guard early in his career, but I wouldn't be shocked if he grows into a starter down the line.

Gutekunst also addressed the opposite side of the trench with the selection of Tedarrell Slaton in the 5th round. With Joe Barry likely bringing large portions of Brandon Staley's defense with him, the Packers were in need of some bodies on the defensive line. One of the hallmarks of Staley's defense is playing with 5 men on the line and two-high safeties. At 6'4", 330 lbs, Slaton is a big body on the line that is more than capable of occupying blockers. In a defense that leans heavily on getting one-on-one match-ups for the defensive line, Slaton could be a body up front that will help free up Kenny Clark to do Kenny Clark things.

The selection of Shemar Jean-Charles is a bit baffling if you just look at his 4.27 RAS. The only section where he graded out better-than-good was his strength. Turned in poor shuttle and 3-cone times, and his top-end speed is certainly in question with his 4.52 40 time. But the selection makes more sense if you keep in mind the incoming defensive scheme. Slot corners will need to be able to read/react to route breaks in front of them, and also recognize run keys and fill lanes quickly. Jean-Charles does a good job with his reads and closes quickly when he needs to. At 5'11", 190 lbs, he's a bit undersized. But he's more than willing to stick his nose in the line when needed.

Isaiah McDuffie was brought in to help add some competition to the inside linebacker room. At 6'1", 227 lbs, he's a bit undersized, but he has really nice speed and burst from the middle. Good instincts and awareness. At his size, he's not likely to fight through a lot of blockers. But if the added beef of Slaton up front is able to keep him clean, he's likely going to turn some heads in Training Camp and preseason. I wouldn't be shocked to hear some "Hey, this McDuffie is looking really good," stories out of camp this year.

Finally, we're back on the offensive side of the ball with the selection of Kylin Hill. Hill is an interesting study. He absolutely went off in his junior year at Mississippi State, rushing for 1,350 yards on 242 carries (5.6 YPA). Then Mike Leach brought the Air Raid to Starkville and Hill wasn't getting the ball much. He did, however, show off some nice ability as a receiver, hauling in 23 passes for 237 yards in just 3 games (that's after averaging 14.6 receptions per year in his first 3 years). Hill is a physical, one-cut runner with some nice hands in the passing game. I believe he'll slot in nicely as RB3, allowing the offense to function well when he's out there.


All in all, a really nice Day 3 for the Packers. A couple interior offensive linemen, a big body on the defensive line, a slot corner for Barry's system, an intriguing ILB and a pass-catching RB. If you're looking to take a couple lottery tickets and fill in a couple depth holes, this is a really good group to do that with. I thought it was an impressive draft overall, and this Day 3 haul is a big reason for that.

 

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__________________________

Dusty Evely is a film analyst for Cheesehead TV. He can be heard talking about the Packers on Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter at @DustyEvely or email at [email protected].

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NFL Categories: 
9 points
 

Comments (98)

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

May 01, 2021 at 09:51 pm

Nice, Dusty!

So much to like, even though many picks were unexpected for me. The Hill pick at #256 was amazing. What a talent. He has no problem taking the ball immediately up the gut, with an uncanny ability to break tackles. If the hole is not there, he has no problem bouncing it outside and immediately getting vertical. Short yardage, pass pro, receiving. This kid knows how to run. WOW!

I wish them all the best with the Packers.

16 points
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Cubbygold's picture

May 02, 2021 at 07:03 am

Hills highlight reel is pretty impressive. Certainly knows how to make the first guy miss. I wonder if he could play ST. GB needs a few guys competing for the KR/PR role

2 points
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jeremyjjbrown's picture

May 01, 2021 at 10:05 pm

Thanks for the nice write up Dusty. It was a good break from the rediculus drama.

10 points
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Bear's picture

May 02, 2021 at 01:55 am

Dusty nice write up. Having Hill & Patrick Taylor as possible RB three could be interesting. I compared their Junior years because that was the most recently completed total year stats. They both had an average of 5.9 yards with Taylor having 18 TDS to Hills 11.

——- Yds—. Avg—. TD.— Rec.— Yds.— TD. — Total Yds.— Avg.— Total TD.

Hill. - 1350 - 5.6— - 10 — 18 —- 180 —- 1 ————- 1530 -- 5.9 - - 11

Taylor-. 1122 - 5.4 - 16 -- 17– —- 197 — - 2 ———— 1319 -- 5.9 - - 18

Sorry my numbers were spaced under the correct headings until I posted.

4 points
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stockholder's picture

May 01, 2021 at 10:28 pm

This was a terrible ending to a talent rich defensive draft. There were No steals. And when he had his chance to get that DL. He took the OL instead. I'm going to point right at Daviyon Nixon. DT. A better choice. A guy with more upside. A guy with talent. Were Keeping Lowrey no matter what. Why? Gute wants Cap Hell. He doesn't want improvement until Rodgers is gone. And he needs failure to reassure the fans he's right. I've seen propaganda before. But this year takes the cake.

-29 points
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Coldworld's picture

May 01, 2021 at 11:32 pm

Hill looks like he could be

0 points
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stockholder's picture

May 02, 2021 at 07:25 am

The fact that everyone points to hill over the others is funny. If the 7th round stands out more then the other picks. You know the others are going to the PS.

-3 points
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Coldworld's picture

May 02, 2021 at 08:43 am

The others look like functional value. I also think the CB is a natural player if he can make the jump. OL, only time will tell and I think one is ( despite what is said here) a tackle prospect because what he’s good at is not, at this level, characteristic of a guard. See no reason to be down on this draft at all.

1 points
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stockholder's picture

May 02, 2021 at 09:43 am

Losers have all the time in the world.

-5 points
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Coldworld's picture

May 02, 2021 at 10:37 am

So that is your excuse?

2 points
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greengold's picture

May 02, 2021 at 11:11 am

That’s what SHE said...

1 points
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marpag1's picture

May 02, 2021 at 03:29 am

After Davante Adams had been in Green Bay for three years, you were still calling him "a dirty diaper waiting to happen."

So, um, yeah. Grain of salt, and all of that....

18 points
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stockholder's picture

May 02, 2021 at 07:27 am

How many Lombardi Trophies do we have since Adams was drafted? Zero Marpeg1. Defense wins championships.

-7 points
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gkarl's picture

May 02, 2021 at 07:36 am

then according to you maybe Gute is trying to the right thing by getting rid of AR so he can build a championship :D

4 points
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stockholder's picture

May 02, 2021 at 09:45 am

He doesn't know how . Gute had his 3 years.

-1 points
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MarkinMadison's picture

May 02, 2021 at 07:07 am

Well, one thing is for sure, you can't complain that a GM isn't going "all in" in one breath while blaming him for putting us in "Cap Hell" the next. So just stay consistent.

10 points
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dobber's picture

May 02, 2021 at 08:00 am

The SHE is pushing triple digits today...

1 points
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PeteK's picture

May 02, 2021 at 10:33 am

How are you so sure about this. Remember, I thought our main need was LB last year and Gute found a good in UDFA , Barnes 80 tkls in 13 games.

5 points
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MarkinMadison's picture

May 01, 2021 at 10:45 pm

Packers have snagged several OTs as UDFAs. Makes me think they are buying lots of lottery tickets and hoping one will hit.

8 points
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stockholder's picture

May 02, 2021 at 07:31 am

Turner is gone next year. The Ol has the most injuries in the NFL I don't mind drafting that position at all. On the other side. The defense has kept changing their DCs for 10 years.

-4 points
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PeteK's picture

May 02, 2021 at 10:43 am

The defense was not good , but was very solid last season. We have everyone back and I think with at the least some input from a Speedy Stokes, Mcduffie 107 tkls last season( Dillon teammate), and Slaton clogging the middle improvement is very possible.

2 points
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dobber's picture

May 02, 2021 at 08:12 am

It was noted by someone else that the Packers are entering 2021 missing three of their regular gameday actives on the OL--Linsley, Wagner, and (likely) Bakhtiari. They return the weakest link from last year's OL (Patrick), too. That's essentially three roster spots from day 1 that need to be filled and one where you'd welcome competition.

I would take the drafting of Meyers to read that the Hanson pick from last year isn't holding up, and sinking a mid-day-two pick on an IOL reads that we should expect Meyers to play early. I don't know about others, but my impression of the Badger OL the last couple years is that they haven't been up to their normal standards. Maybe Van Lanen makes it as a G (and they're bringing in Dietzen as a UDFA)...but the Packers are bringing in a couple short-armed college OTs who profile better as guards (Runyan, Van Lanen, Matthews). It's one thing to be versatile, but it's a whole different thing to be good at the job you're being asked to do.

I keep pointing to Milt Hendrickson. He apparently is very good in OL scouting, and that's part of the reason he was brought over from Baltimore. I'm hoping he's got this figured out...but drafting this many G-T projects makes you wonder if they don't think Stepaniak (who I thought would displace Patrick this season) is going to contribute either. This will be interesting. They have lots of bodies, but bodies don't always translate into quality or into depth.

9 points
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Since'61's picture

May 02, 2021 at 09:08 am

Excellent post as usual Dobber. My thoughts exactly on all the OL bodies. It's also a function of picking later in rounds and not being able to select a top 10 player at OL positions. There is an amount of quantity to find quality in this approach.

Like you I'm concerned about some of the "short arm" guys but again picking later round players and signing UDFAs you're not going to find "perfect" body types. However the Packers OL coach has done a great job of moving guys around on the OL to come with the 5 most effective guys through all of the injuries.

A team can never have enough of the big bodies for the trenches. Hopefully the Packers have some good ones.
Thanks, Since '61

6 points
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packerbackerjim's picture

May 02, 2021 at 10:33 am

Just as I was was wondering if they were trying to corner the market for guards.

0 points
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greengold's picture

May 02, 2021 at 11:56 am

Given the possible scenario of Love starting 2021, I have zero problem with the Packers adding as much competition at OT/OG as possible, and seeing the best rise up onto the roster. When Bak went down, Gutey learned a lesson, obviously, to not be without depth at OT. As for this short arm talk, many considered OT Jackson Carman to be a plug and play RT, despite 32” arms. Both OTs we took have arms 1 1/2 “ longer. They are fine, quality OTs.

Add in, it is likely we become a power running team while Love gets his sea legs. Count me as aHUGE FAN of running the rock.

Myers is great at getting to the 2nd level, as are both Newman & Van Lanen, the latter who sprung Jonathan Taylor for plenty of power runs. Newman regularly went up against the SEC’s best. All of them adept at zone run blocking in power programs / conferences.

Watch some of Hill’s games. OMG, can he run with EXTREME CONFIDENCE STRAIGHT UP THE GUT, like a bolt of lightening. Him dropping to us at our last pick is good Karma for the Packers.

Run to daylight.

PS. You know, this AR stuff is batshit crazy, and difficult to rationalize. I’ve put this theory out he’s already traded in principle to DEN, awaiting June 1 to make it official.

I was a huge AR fan. Saw his diva stuff. Saw him pad his stats at times. Saw him throw when situations called for run. Saw him bark at McCarthy & LaFleur...

Corey Beinke shared a theory in the Draft Party that AR saw Love in camp and thought “ Ohhhhhhh. THIS guy’s good!” He might have also seen AJ Dillon is good too. We saw many times he was adverse to handing the ball off to RBs, maybe against LaFleur’s wishes. Maybe AR saw the writing on the wall and wanted to force his way out of GB now to chase a ring with a new team like Brady & Manning did.

All of this is pure speculation, but a lot more stuff is starting to add up.

5 points
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blondy45's picture

May 02, 2021 at 12:16 pm

Great post Green&Gold. I do not know what will happen with deva Aaron Rodgers, but Gute is covering his bases. With the past draft now history, it does look like the Pack is transitioning to a more run in your face team. Options and disguise with multiple threats both run & pass are now present. To make that work, you have to have that front wall at O-line.

I thought we were going to draft 5-7 defensive players this year. I was wrong again. Regardless of the Rodgers circus, Gute drafted with the mindset we are going to be tougher in the trenches. We are going to be faster as a team. We are NOT listening to the outside drum beat of the media to please the QB. The GM is doing his job. Rodgers has to do his job, he is not the GM for the Pack. Gute has hopefully made the PACKERS better, not Rodger's ego.

FA is the next step. We will find some bodies we need at DL for the short term I predict. We will find a 3rd string QB for camp. We have a new defensive chief in Barry. He has not even gotten to see any of his current Packers on the field in front of his own eyes. He has to mold these players into a system that will fill his wants and player's ability to follow that plan. It will take time. He has some rock solid pillars set already. He has many molds of clay to set into his "concrete" plan for the future. I am ready for the construction phase to begin. We have the material now to build upon!

4 points
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greengold's picture

May 02, 2021 at 01:58 pm

Yeah, draft didn’t go the way I wanted, but I had 29 ILB Jabril Cox, 62 CB Eric Stokes and 92 Alim McNeill. Really a pipe dream, as I knew the wouldn’t take McNeill 29, which I had mocked often, Cox, Stokes... all different kinds with a ton of different options.

McNeill kept falling into that 40 to 50 range it seemed, and, DAMN! But, we wouldn’t have gotten Stokes, blah, blah, blah...

Alternatives I liked DT were Nixon, Tufele, Tonga, Slaton in that order, with my sleeper being:

NT Dion Novil - North Texas 6-3 330 135 Tackles 28 TFL 6.5 sacks, 3 PD, 2 FF Specializes in RUN STOP with a 99.9 grade, only perfect grade given 2020. 135 tackles, 28 TFL, 6.5 sacks, 2 FF. R6-7

Had about 6 favorites for every round.

This is just one of about 100 or more that I built out myself using info from multiple mocks to get a feel for placement. I love it when I get to a point where I look at a 7 round mock and realize the author missed a player or two, or more, which is funny, or... sad! Ha!

29 - OT Teven Jenkins
62 - CB Eric Stokes
92 - DT Alim McNeil
135 - WR/PR Dazz Newsome
142 - ILB Jamien Sherwood
173 - DT Osa Odighizuwa
178 - NT Khyiris Tonga
214 - RB/KR Khalil Herbert
220 - OLB Daelin Hayes
256 - WR Cade Johnson

Another:

29 - CB Eric Stokes
62 - C Quinn Meinerz
92 - DT Bobby Brown III
135 - WR/PR Dazz Newsome
142 - OT Tommy Doyle
173 - CB/S Israel Mukuamu
178 - WR Jaelen Darden
214 - DT Jaylen Twyman
220 - WR Marquez “Speedy” Stevenson
256 - DT Dion Novil

Oh, well. Built some with OT early and late, some with one late, some with DT being addressed Barmore, McNeill 1-2... all different kinds of arrangements. Pretty funny, but, you learn about some players along the way. Have note on all these and way more, prime players, late round and sleepers. That’s been pure fun for me for decades. Regardless, I try not to get too married to the idea of one or two, an look for alternatives that are close. Some, there are none. They are just that unique.

0 points
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PeteK's picture

May 02, 2021 at 10:53 am

Dob,I thought Patrick was a very solid player last year especially since it was his first year starting. If I remember correctly, he held up very well against Suh. Also, maybe they profile Runyon as our RT or Jenkins or Turner or Nijman or.....hahaha

3 points
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dobber's picture

May 02, 2021 at 11:09 am

He was also playing next to one of the top C in the league...

1 points
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PeteK's picture

May 02, 2021 at 04:22 pm

However, a turnstile on the right, touche'.

0 points
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greengold's picture

May 02, 2021 at 11:27 am

Royce Newman’s arms are 33 3/4” long, 1/4” off of David Bakhtiari’s 34” arms.

Cole Van Lanen’s arms are 33 3/8”.

Jackson Carman, who many here considered an instant starter at RT has 32” arms.

We have to put this short arm talk to bed. Teven Jenkins has 32 7/8” arms. OT Joe Staley made the 2017 Pro Bowl with 32-5” arms. OT Jason Peters arms are 33 1/8” - First Team Pro Bowl 9 times and All Pro twice.

6 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

May 02, 2021 at 12:12 pm

It's about footwork and positioning.

2 points
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PeteK's picture

May 02, 2021 at 02:49 pm

or the motion in the ocean. oops that's another topic.

0 points
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Packerfactor's picture

May 02, 2021 at 12:05 am

Missing out on Daviyon Nixon DT from Iowa was a terrible, wasted opportunity to get a player that would have helped GB land an immediate impact player on defense. In my opinion it's obvious draft misses like this, that makes me wonder if 12 is being maybe more protective of our franchise, wanting BG gone (rumored), then he's being given credit for.

-13 points
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NJMagic's picture

May 02, 2021 at 09:53 am

These absurd on too many levels to count... But I'll try.
1) there's no such thing as an obvious draft miss on the day of the draft. Let's see what happens in 2 - 4 years.
2) The fact that you think Aaron may want BG gone is anything but selfish is ridiculous. It defines belief that you think Aaron wants him gone because Aaron believes he's not a good talent evaluator.

5 points
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ReaganRulz's picture

May 02, 2021 at 09:55 am

If he was an immediate impact player he would have been drafted much higher by somebody. You can’t make any judgements until you see how any of these player perform in the NFL. Gute is not perfect by any means, but he has found some pretty damn good players for us. As far as Rodgers, announcing his selfish intentions on the day of the draft of the day or day before is a douche move.

9 points
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PeteK's picture

May 02, 2021 at 10:59 am

Thank you Rulz & Magic needed some common sense. I still can't wrap my head around Rod being so threatened/insulted by a developmental QB years away from starting.

3 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

May 02, 2021 at 12:11 pm

This is about money in 2022-23. If the real estate speculators @ 1265 Lombardi Avenue think the ski hill is what attracts people to the aluminum bleachers they are delusional.

1 points
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Wilment's picture

May 02, 2021 at 12:55 am

I think all in all, a pretty strong draft.....maybe not flashy , but steady given the drama stirred quite nicely by the guys at ESPN. Getting Hill late was a steal Sort of reminds me of a wide receiver we got in round seven out of aicorn state some years back. The front office did a nice job under fire. GO PACK GO!!!

18 points
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greengold's picture

May 02, 2021 at 06:50 am

Wilment, I think the Packers STOLE Hill!!! Phenomenal talent. When you said “not flashy,” my first thought was Ted’s voice saying, “I got sizzle!”

Almost ALL of Day 3 was “WHO???” I hate that, personally, but they have their plans and know a hell of a lot more than we do. Thought they did well after digging in and watching some of these guys play.

8 points
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Coldworld's picture

May 02, 2021 at 08:49 am

He’s certainly more relevant and intriguing than the average
Late 7th. On the UDFA front, Uphoff, the safety might be a bonus pick, particularly on ST while he develops.

5 points
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greengold's picture

May 02, 2021 at 11:53 am

Coldworld, you’re not kidding.

I see the Packers as having been just 3-4 players away from last year’s SB. A MONSTER part of our problems that cost us some games, arguably, was piss poor ST play- especially in coverage.

I really do think UDFA Uphoff, who is a GREAT ST player, along with draftees CB Shemar Jean-Charles & ILB Isaiah McDuffy were brought in mostly for ST play. SJC offers exceptional coverage as a DB. Without question, but he likes ST work. McDuffy can’t cover to save his life, but he could be a ST superstar ala Travis Jersey. McDuffy is a tackling machine.

Add in the Packers finally have a legit returner in Amari Rodgers, and this could be a surprising part of the Packers game this year, with a new coach too!

5 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

May 02, 2021 at 12:19 pm

Uphoff should have been drafted. Good competition in the safety room. Somebody has to beat out Redmond and show him the door.

0 points
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PeteK's picture

May 02, 2021 at 02:54 pm

Just watched his highlights! I remember Delvin Williams had great highlights, but he didn't have moves & hands like this.

0 points
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Gabriele Gasperini's picture

May 02, 2021 at 03:17 am

Green Bay had the forth-lowest run stuff rate (14.4%) in the NFL last season and we have got a NT at 173 and a thin ILB at 220. Someone can explain to me? Thanks.

-1 points
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greengold's picture

May 02, 2021 at 12:04 pm

Slaton is solid as a pure NT with serious size who has both run stop, and surprising burst to pressure the QB. He’s a space eater who will occupy blockers. TJ Slaton is good.

McDuffie has some serious run stop to his game as well playing against top programs. The guy flies around, makes plays and gets after the QB.

I think it would be good to be a little patient as fans to see how LaFleur & his staff develop players. That is a HUGE component, and I’m confident they know what they are looking for at every position. Like others, I’m skeptical on some of the picks, but willing to see what they can do.

7 points
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MarkinMadison's picture

May 02, 2021 at 07:10 am

I don't know about Slaton. I think if the Packers are serious about improving the position they need to get Adams extended and find some DL help somewhere on the street.

1 points
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dobber's picture

May 02, 2021 at 08:18 am

It's always buyer beware with these big guys who have a reputation for getting too heavy.

4 points
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Since'61's picture

May 02, 2021 at 10:12 am

Mark, FYI M. Adams has been signed by the Pats unless you are referring to D. Adams. Thanks, Since '61

2 points
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greengold's picture

May 02, 2021 at 12:18 pm

Pretty telling Belichick passed numerous times this draft on taking Nixon.

1 points
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NJMagic's picture

May 02, 2021 at 12:51 pm

McDuffie is it special teams Ace, anything else Jarett Bush dial is a bonus

Remember Barry system doesn't emphasize linebacker play.

-1 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

May 02, 2021 at 10:51 am

Joe Barry, you mean. He was the LB coach for the Rams so it would be odd if he does not emphasize LB play.

He is from the Fangio style of D that likes to keep 4 LBs on the field. See Chicago a few years ago, Denver and Rams today.

I think McDuffie may have a chance at ILB with his side to side speed.

That's what I have read anyway.

4 points
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PeteK's picture

May 02, 2021 at 11:10 am

Either way he could improve two of our weaknesses. No debate that special team defense and return game were the most glaring weaknesses.

1 points
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NJMagic's picture

May 02, 2021 at 12:56 pm

Disagree- look at Barry's D last year (well, the D he was part of anyway, I know none of us are enthused over this hire). ILB is deemphasized in favor of a larger front 4. There's a reason they have not invested in ILB.

Everyone keeid pointing at other teams ILB (TB, etc) where it is designed around their speed and ability, or Pettine's D where they had to recognize & cover, not next years D scheme.

My impression from the team is they are perfectly happy with the current ILB room in Barry's scheme, added a ST ace and possible developmental prospect, but not feeling the need for an immediate upgrade.

Not saying he doesn't have a chance, but it would be odd to look at ILB at this round of the draft and expect a meaningful contribution in year 1

1 points
1
0
Gabriele Gasperini's picture

May 02, 2021 at 01:26 pm

I’m not so so skeptical about the players but about the priorities of needs. Pick a backup G/T before NT or ILB it seems a little bit weirdo. It’s not the first time that for such needs (NT/ILB) Gute wait till the last day. It’s not the first year that such needs (stop the run) wait for an answer......GoPacksGo from Tuscany!

0 points
0
0
Fabio's picture

May 02, 2021 at 02:23 pm

Hello Nietzsche
I'm from Siena ... where are you from exactly?
A greeting
Go Pack Go

0 points
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PeteK's picture

May 02, 2021 at 03:00 pm

I think we have seen signs of good development already. Runyon, Patrick, Sullivan, Greene( too bad with injuries) Barnes, Tonyon, and Lazard.

0 points
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Savage57's picture

May 02, 2021 at 06:08 am

The problem isn't the the Packers, or who they selected. It's you.

Fans who have the hubris to think casually looking at this for a few hours qualifies them to pass judgment upon people who do this to earn their daily bread are one thing and one thing only.

Opinionated. And I'll leave it at that.

11 points
14
3
greengold's picture

May 02, 2021 at 06:34 am

Yeah, Savage. There are those who don’t like the picks, and that’s fine. Then there’s some others who are just dropping napalm on both our Packers FO, and this great place & CHTV staff.

Myself, I’m admittedly optimistic and I do trust Gutekunst. I believe he took over the Packers during a worse shit storm than fans might recall. There are many times I disagree with picks, but I’m just a fan.

Not all picks work out, for ANY GM. The Packers have immense resources to scout players and get what they want, with whatI believe to be a very solid HC/staff. We will only this year get some idea of their player development abilities. We’ll see.

Man, what I’d give to knock back some beers with Gutekunst & his scouting staff.

3 points
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Since'61's picture

May 02, 2021 at 10:26 am

greengold, Not being a draftnik I really have no choice but to depend upon our scouting team and on Gute with coaches input to make the best selections each time that we are on the clock.

I just try to identify where the Packers need better quality players and hope that we select them for example we took Stokes at CB and we need a better CB. The Center Myer looks like a solid choice to replace Linsley. Rodgers for the slot is another position I felt that we needed to address and we did.

Having said that I don't know if ay of those 3 players will work out, at least not until I see them play during the regular season. I don't put much stock in preseason performance because they are just just 2nd, 3rd stringers, etc. playing against each other and trying to make the team. I base my evaluations on regular season games when the games matter and the starters are playing. That's when we can actually separate the wheat from the chaff. But we need to give all of our selections a chance to get on the field before we can criticize or applaud the picks. The point is that they are all Packers now and we should support them and wish the best until we see a reason not to. If we are not supporting our players what's the point of being a fan? Thanks, Since '61

5 points
5
0
greengold's picture

May 02, 2021 at 01:07 pm

I agree 100% with you, Since’61.

All I try to do is dive in on the info available to fans w histories, stats, watch both game tapes and highlights to get a better idea why they chose or signed a player, and then share it. Some of the info is exciting. Some of it calls for caution. Seems GB took solid, quality players at every pick, but, maybe not for the reasons we think.

For all we know, Yosh ** could ** be developed enough that they are confident he’ll be our regular day1 starter, and Gutekunst just wants the best backup OTs he can land to develop. They are almost ALWAYS looking 1-2 years down the line.

Could also be Nijman isn’t panning out and they are somewhat scrambling.

Myers considered ready plug & play at C allows GB to put Elgton/ Turner LT/RT till Bak returns.

I really do consider McDuffy nothing more than an add for ST and possible short yardage run stop. He could be that tackling machine Ace on STs. Same w the Uphoff signing. SJC has solid coverage but also loves playing STs. We needed talent infusion there for sure.

Looking at that, maybe they were more focused picks, rather than ILB, S and CB, focused heavily at ST improvement.

1 points
1
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dobber's picture

May 02, 2021 at 08:17 am

I think the issue as much as anything else here is the scouting...there's as much negative on Slaton as there is positive. That's why he's a fifth round pick.

I was disappointed with the Packers passing on Nixon in the 4th...I thought he'd be a good, quick, guy to fit into that Fangio front (he's no Aaron Donald, of course). But for a guy who had as much in the way of positive college production and press as he did, there was a reason the GMs didn't like him until round 5, too.

The issue we have more than anything else is that we're married mostly to the draft industrial complex for the development of our opinions, and those folks don't build teams.

6 points
6
0
NJMagic's picture

May 02, 2021 at 12:59 pm

If you can't do, become a pundit.

Definitely, though there are those out there that breakdown film nicely and show you why they gave their opinions. Mostly not for ESPN.

I think *everyone* on this blog knows it takes years to know if a draft is good or not, but it's fun to watch film and fun to discuss during the down months.

Certainly beats reliving 2008 anyway

2 points
2
0
PeteK's picture

May 02, 2021 at 11:13 am

Damn Savage , you just took all the fun out of it. hahahaha

0 points
0
0
PeteK's picture

May 02, 2021 at 11:20 am

Nietzsche, we improved in that category later in the season especially when Gary starting playing more.

0 points
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Gabriele Gasperini's picture

May 02, 2021 at 01:32 pm

I hope so...

0 points
0
0
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 02, 2021 at 03:35 am

Hill is interesting. He can do quite a few things well. He opted out after three games in his final college season. He had thought about declaring the year before. I had wondered what GB felt about prospects who had decided to opt out. He was the 7th rounder at pick 256, so almost a UDFA.

5 points
5
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greengold's picture

May 02, 2021 at 07:01 am

A good friend who was a beat writer for the Packers in MKE told me Hill was without a doubt considered the premiere RB in the SEC, and the reason he dropped was a ton of negative press for his opt out, and a run in with an assistant coach at Ole Miss from their new staff changes in 2019. He also said the Packers know what they are doing with Hill’s former OC on LaFleur’s staff.

Rushed for more yds than both Najee Harris and CEH - both the 1st RBs taken in these last two drafts. (2018)

Highway robbery by the Packers. If you haven’t watched any game tape or highlights of Hill, I strongly recommend it. Wow! He does EVERYTHING, with a fearless & effective NORTH-SOUTH LIKE A ROCKET, making people miss regularly. He had more than 700 yds AFTER CONTACT!

9 points
9
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jannes bjornson's picture

May 02, 2021 at 12:32 pm

He is now the number three guy.Leach brought in air raid no.3 and this kid was smart enough to get off the field and prep for the draft. All SEC second team w/ Najee Harris in 2019. The first group was Swift and Edwards-Hillaire.

2 points
2
0
mnbadger's picture

May 02, 2021 at 07:58 am

Green and gold, I had no idea who hill was b4 being drafted. after reading his bio I was wondering what's wrong with his attitude? After reading your post, I'm jacked to watch him play. Hopefully he becomes the steal of the draft in time.

5 points
5.5
0.5
greengold's picture

May 02, 2021 at 01:18 pm

My reporter friend said “the Packers know how to deal with shit, and it’s really nothing.” Hill was a steal.

0 points
0
0
murf7777's picture

May 02, 2021 at 08:06 am

"At 6'4", 330 lbs, Slaton is a big body on the line that is more than capable of occupying blockers. " From what I read, occupying double team is what he struggles at, but can be fixed with training on proper technique and physical fitness regime. At this point what he does better is pressuring the QB. He's a project, but one if he is willing to put in the time and energy in the weight room and training could become a major contributor to the inside line. You don't find such quick feet at his size very often so definitely worth the flyer in the late 5th round. I'm really excited to see how he turns out.

7 points
8
1
dobber's picture

May 02, 2021 at 08:21 am

Agreed: either he'll seize on his professional program or he'll "Eddie Lacy" and wash out.

I find it funny how at every level we hear, "once we get him into our college weight program and nutrition schedule, it will make a huge difference on his development"...or "once he gets on an NFL program and workout regimen, it will make a huge difference in his development".

I'm just happy when there are donuts in the break room.

8 points
8
0
PeteK's picture

May 02, 2021 at 04:35 pm

Look ,at the least we are hoping he can be stout/clog on running downs( as I grab a pastry from the frig, thanks Dob!)

1 points
1
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jannes bjornson's picture

May 02, 2021 at 12:40 pm

Slaton has his weight dialed in for a 315-20 range. He is already on that program. He moves well and could also fill in as a five tech strong side run front.

1 points
1
0
HankScorpio's picture

May 02, 2021 at 08:16 am

Rooks drafted on day 3 are prime candidates for core ST players. That is the most likely value they will bring to the team in 2021. Picks outside the top 100 almost always need a year or 2 to develop before they are ready for meaningful snaps on offense or defense. If any of them are ready to play meaningful snaps, that's a happy bonus but not one that is even remotely likely.

It's a shame the DIC does not provide better info on the STs angle for guys valued outside the top 100-150 prospects. Did any of these guys play a lot of STs in college? Did they do it well? Dunno. I guess we just have to wait and see.

1 points
1
0
Coldworld's picture

May 02, 2021 at 09:03 am

UDFA Uphoff is a ST leader type, the rest I do not know, but the. Drafted ILB would seem to be a good candidate.

1 points
1
0
PeteK's picture

May 02, 2021 at 11:34 am

Don't tell Barnes, Runyon, Martin, and Scott that. All played valuable snaps last season for a very good team. I agreed with but was worried about losing Martinez. I remember that being a very contentious topic at this time last year. Not so much this year. My main reason for gaining some respect for Gute and of course the development of Gary .

3 points
3
0
Swisch's picture

May 02, 2021 at 08:51 am

I wonder what the Packers provide as far as recommendations and support to players as far as nutrition.
With a guy like Slaton, perhaps offer him a personal chef, or at least refer him to one. Maybe do this with all of our rookies, and even guys currently on the roster.
Maybe rent out some condominiums near Green Bay for all of our rookies, perhaps even UDFAs, for a couple months this summer. It could be mostly for fun and camaraderie, but with some light football training. It could include life skills such as proper eating and money management, plus how to stay away from moochers and others who could drag a player down before he even gets started.
At the least, I'm thinking about food and how poorly many Americans eat, and how hard it can be for young guys who aren't inclined to cook to make good meals for themselves on a consistent basis.
With all that we invest in these guys, I wonder how much the Packers may already do as far as providing off-the-field offerings to set these guys up for healthy and happy lifestyles -- and how much more they could do in these areas.
Even having counsellors available to talk with these guys confidentially (and on a voluntarily basis) could be a good thing, as long as the counsellors aren't pushing weird psychological theories but rather suggestions along the lines of common sense and common goodness.
The Packers could even have referrals to other community services, including various church programs that could be accessed at the initiative of the players.
It's exciting to be young and independent and somewhat wealthy, but it's also confusing and a little scary, and perhaps at times understandably overwhelming. There's also a lot of temptations that can derail a guy.
It may be a very good thing to at least offer some guidance and even mentoring. Some guys may be set with their own support system; others may jump at the opportunity for some good companionship with other young players, and some kindly assistance from those older and wiser and caring.
As the wonderful baseball announcer Harry Caray used to say (in so many words) as the camera showed young and attractive Cubs fans in the bleachers of Wrigley Field enjoying life, "Ah, to be that young, but to know what I know now."

-2 points
2
4
Since'61's picture

May 02, 2021 at 11:23 am

Swisch FYI, a quick look at the Packers org.chart and you'll find that the Packers have a Director of Player Engagement, whose role is to help players transition to the Packers organization and the Green Bay Area among other player related responsibilities

The Packers also have a Director of Performance Nutrition and a Performance Dietician. Their primary role is to assist the players maintain a diet which supports/compliments their physical conditioning.
The Packers also have a Director of Family Programs. Going back at least to the Lombardi days the Packers have always made their players aware of community services and local religious organizations.

Also every NFL team currently includes in their orientation programs for rookie players classes which discuss with players how to handle their money.

As for camaraderie that should be built during rookie camp, OTAs, TC and the preseason. I'm the first to admit that I think the NFL has many faults but between the teams, the NFLPA and the current CBA I think they have done a very good job of supporting younger players transition to the NFL. In fact better than many big corporations currently do for their new employees.

So I believe the resources are there to support our rookies transition into their NFL lives. However like anything else you can lead a horse, or in this case a rookie, to water but you can't make them drink or take advantage of the available resources. Thanks, Since '61

5 points
5
0
PeteK's picture

May 02, 2021 at 11:44 am

Absolutely, it's when they are away from the team that presents a problem. That's why teams have workout bonuses and none contact off season practices.

1 points
1
0
Swisch's picture

May 02, 2021 at 01:35 pm

Thanks, Since'61, for the good information.
It seems like there are a lot of good resources provided by the Packers, which is good to learn about.
I guess the key then would be to refine these programs if needed based on the recommendations of players, including older ones as to what would have helped them even more than the existing offerings.
Also, I'm still concerned about what these guys eat when they're on their own, including snacks. Even with the best of intentions, it's hard for most of us to eat as well as we'd like. For top athletes, though, nutrition is even more important for consistency of performance.
Anyway, thanks again for the good information about the resources already available to the players.
Even approaching age 60, I'm not nearly as mature and disciplined as I'd like to be. I hope these young guys learn that reaching out for help to good people is generally a good thing. They can still make their own decisions, but it's nice to have as much support as possible.
God bless our new guys, and also the older ones. As fans, may we be as encouraging to them as players and persons as much as possible.

0 points
0
0
frankthefork's picture

May 02, 2021 at 09:02 am

Stop the whine and cheese show. This is solid draft to build with. Trenches are the key to ball control on both sides. Was hoping for more of impact player for LB and we got a good backup tackle machine, but Hill is a steal IMO and I see an AJ33 clone on film.
Give it time guys (ie-stockholder).

11 points
12
1
dobber's picture

May 02, 2021 at 09:52 am

This was a solid draft and it seems the philosophy was to draft heavily guys from power conference schools with a lot of film and who played a lot of snaps in 2020. Every one of these guys is a multi-year starter and a fairly known commodity. Almost as if it was to say, "we're going to do our best to avoid covid-induced scouting and drafting mistakes." For those wishing the Packers drafted more from the SEC? They should have a hard time complaining about this one.

Those who are looking for the splash picks...the gamble picks with low floors and potentially high ceilings, this wasn't your draft. These are mostly higher floor picks. We'll see what their ceilings turn out to be.

...Stockholder has gone thermonuclear at this point, as he does after every draft.

8 points
8
0
murf7777's picture

May 02, 2021 at 12:14 pm

At least Stockholder is consistent! Really, there are always players I wanted to see GB draft, but the reality is, even thou I do spend a lot of time watching file on some players, mock drafts, etc..., I don't have scouting abilities and my opinions are hardly valid.

The best us fans can do is try to understand why the Packers picked who they did after the draft. It's funny, 90% of the players GB picks I didn't even look at pre-draft.

I trust GB because over the past 10 years they have the 3rd most players who made the pro-bowl. So, because of that I won't throw them under the bus!

4 points
4
0
greengold's picture

May 02, 2021 at 02:35 pm

Well said, Frank. I think a lot of fans were hoping for the other side of the trenches, but, it was a very strong year on the O side. Good choices from this early look the day after the draft.

0 points
0
0
4thand1's picture

May 02, 2021 at 10:29 am

Rumor has it A-rod will return ONLY if the Packers fire Gutey.

0 points
0
0
PeteK's picture

May 02, 2021 at 11:59 am

What's next, he wants 51% of the Packer stock. This is going to be a very difficult situation to remedy. I feel bad for Love, new draftees, who have had a bit of the excitement taken away, and the players who can't wait to get back to the unfinished job. I keep having recurring and annoying flashes of him saying, "This is all a beautiful mystery". I'm sure all parties talked about their gripes during year . Why is this still an issue on the eve of a new season.Why haven't we heard anything from him in 12 months except for some supposed leaks.

3 points
3
0
packer132's picture

May 02, 2021 at 12:35 pm

Rodgers also wants input into a new Jeopardy format including music, lighting, sound.

1 points
1
0
PeteK's picture

May 02, 2021 at 04:40 pm

Also, scantily clad cheerleaders. Hahaha

0 points
0
0
PackfanNY's picture

May 02, 2021 at 12:38 pm

I heard this as well. I tend to believe this is not true. Aaron Rodgers is smart/savvy enough to know that it does not help his cause with public relations or leverage to suggest the GM get fired. Gute getting fired for Rodgers is laughable. Players don’t get to choose GMs not even Aaron Rodgers.

No one forced Rodgers to sign his contract. His only leverage is to hold out.

2 points
2
0
LambeauPlain's picture

May 02, 2021 at 12:59 pm

If it is not true, Rodgers needs to use his "people" to say he never demanded Gutey get fired. Better yet release a statement saying this. You don't leave a false statement attributed to you getting blared all through the press if it is false.

On the other hand, if true, you say nothing and let Gutey and the entire Packer team twist in the wind. I can see it now: "Davante....do you want Gutey fired? Do you want Rodgers to get a new deal and also create cap space so the Packers can extend your contract"?

I am losing a lot of respect for Rodgers. He is handling this in a very selfish and manipulative manner in a stealthy public way to control the draft day news cycle. Not a good look.

1 points
1
0
PeteK's picture

May 02, 2021 at 04:43 pm

Don't worry, "It's all a beautiful mystery".

2 points
2
0
flackcatcher's picture

May 02, 2021 at 08:08 pm

The Rodgers situation is nothing new to this organization. Tyler Dunn article in 2018? pretty much ripped open how Rodgers deals with those he thinks slighted him. Both Mark Murphy and Aaron Rodgers came off badly in Dunn's piece, Rodgers more so. So to think that the 1265 would not be prepared, nah they knew. If Rodgers really demanded Gutekunst's firing, he is being a fool of the first order. Gutekunst (who was hired by the executive committee over Mark Murphy objection) is as he has shown, one of the most cold blooded GM in pro sports today. He will have no problem telling Rodgers 'play or retire'. There will be no third option for Rodgers. (unless he wants to restructure his contract, and do a Brady. And there had been no sign of that to date) The reaction of the DIC was telling. A giant collective shrug and back to the draft. Which is what I suspect we here at CHTY are doing too.

0 points
0
0
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

May 02, 2021 at 01:15 pm

The draft may turn out to be a great draft down the road. Nothing sexy in the draft but just maybe....

There was no splash player or big name player pick up, which is why I am saying maybe this draft has a chance to be a good one. The team focused on need, as well as drafting quite a few big guys. I fully expected an OL in either round 1 or 2. Plus, I figured they would take a 2nd OL somewhere in the draft. I would have never have guessed they would select three OL. I also anticipated they would have drafted a true OT with their first OL taken. Certainly would not have guessed they would draft a Center in round 2. Many games are won in the trenches but when you have an offense like the Packers did in 2020 even if you break even in the trenches you are going to win a lot of games.

The Packers pretty much drafted the positions we all knew they needed to draft so not much surprise there. I cannot say I know much about any of the draft picks but for the most part I very much like the positions Packers allocated draft resources to. Amari Rodgers will be a very good pick-up. I advocated for years that the Pack needed a quality slot WR. I just wished Amari was a little quicker than he is to allow a little better separation, and to create a little more mismatch with LB's. With the improvement in our TE's (Tonyan in particular), Aaron Jones out of the backfield, along with Amari it is going to be fun watching the offense work the middle of the field in 2021.

0 points
0
0
PeteK's picture

May 02, 2021 at 04:55 pm

Swervin Ervin 4:41, Rodgers 4:40. and the same short shuttle time. Both have versatility & quickness, but Amari has durability. Offense was really smokin when Ervin was swervin. This might be an improvement on that.

0 points
1
1
PhantomII's picture

May 02, 2021 at 02:16 pm

I like the top 3 picks. Do I wish Gute would burn 2 #1's on a top 3 WR....Yes I do. The CB position and DL, position on defense is what we will have to finish out to get a trophy. Gute / ML are changing the OL makeup
to better RUN his offense. Hopefully no more rag dolling our OL up front. Looks like more road grader types and I'm all for that. Or even 2 xtra OL instead of TE's.....He is building a little heavier packages on the DL and little lighter LB's with better speed. I think both CB's stick. More depth and competition. I like the big guy on the DL.
He should be an improvement if he gets motivated. He's in a pretty good defense overall and I think he will make it better. The DC will have more people to move around in the secondary also. So many good players went to so many other teams. Drafting this low sucks, but it means you had a winning season last year. The RB was a nice surprise...a gamer. I like Amari he is going to be another gear for the offense. A special player, no doubt. He will start right away.

1 points
1
0
mbpacker's picture

May 02, 2021 at 07:38 pm

Lets face it the draft is a crap shoot. Players deemed " can't miss" might never measure up or flame out, and players with little reputation or hope become solid players or ever stars. With that being said, I like the players Gute picked this year in areas of need and value. Time will tell what kind of picks they were. GPG!

0 points
1
1