Packers 2024 NFL Draft: Day 1 Analysis - The ‘Best 5’ Got Better
Green Bay made a classic 'Packers pick' on night one of the 2024 NFL Draft.
By markoldacres
It was all set up perfectly.
After an unprecedented run of quarterbacks, and offensive players in general, at the top of the draft, the Packers somehow had their pick of Cooper DeJean and Graham Barton, the two fan-favorites, at pick 25.
So of course, they took Jordan Morgan.
Although this was predictable - how often does Green Bay take the player everyone wants them to? - it still caused shock and horror among a section of the fanbase, who had their hearts set on DeJean in particular, in the hope he somehow fell to the Packers.
Morgan is ranked 36th on the consensus big board, 16 spots lower than DeJean, but on Thursday night, fans found out the same thing they do every year, but seem to forget between each draft: NFL teams’ individual boards are not the same as the collective media’s.
The Packers did not select DeJean in the first round, and neither did the other 31 NFL teams. They clearly agree more with Green Bay than with the internet.
On the claims that Morgan should not have been a first round pick: Brian Gutekunst has made it clear many times that they do not have ‘round grades’ on players.
He was not the lowest-ranked player on the consensus big board drafted last night. Both Xavier Legette (40) and Ricky Pearsall (49) were bigger surprises. Quay Walker was ranked 49th, Eric Stokes was 56th and Darnell Savage 48th in their respective drafts.
Green Bay has their own board, and this pick should not be a shock. What’s more, Morgan is a quintessential Packers first round pick: an extremely athletic player at a premium position, and yes, he is a tackle. This was made clear by both Morgan and Gutekunst during their media sessions after the pick.
Of course, the rookie will be cross-trained, as all young offensive linemen are in Green Bay, and the GM talked about Morgan’s ability to play four spots (LT, LG, RG, RT), but all signs point to both the player and the Packers believing he can stay at tackle in the NFL.
There has been some (thrilling…) debate over the importance of arm length for the Packers, and how it could indicate who is a tackle and who is a guard for them.
While it is true Green Bay has not had a permanent tackle with arms as short as Morgan, this has been mistaken as a decision made by the GM, rather than the coaching staff.
Sean Rhyan, who played left tackle at UCLA and was taken in the top 100, has t-rex arms, yet after drafting him, Gutekunst said: “We certainly think he can play tackle in the NFL”.
Once the pick is made, the player is in the hands of the coaching staff, and clearly they did not think he could play tackle, or at least did not believe he would be one of their two best options there.
That could well happen again with Morgan, at least early on. With how well Rasheed Walker played at left tackle last year, Morgan’s best chance to start as a rookie may be at guard. But if he is good at playing tackle, he is going to eventually play tackle long-term.
The biggest indicator the Packers believe he can stick on the outside? It is unlikely they would have taken him over Barton if they didn’t. For the record, there are players operating at tackle in the NFL with shorter arms than Morgan.
On the player himself: Morgan is a fantastic prospect. He has the movement skills and natural feet which cannot be taught, and a thick, sturdy frame which lends itself to dealing with power better than he did at Arizona at times.
Morgan just consistently got the job done at Arizona. He is clean, balanced and controlled. He looks like a tackle on tape, not someone who needs to kick inside to survive at the next level.
As usual for the Packers, he is more pass protector than run blocker, but that is the more valuable skill set, and he is still solid in the run game.
It is true he struggled versus ‘run through your face’ rushers at times, such as Washington’s Bralen Trice, but he should be able to improve this once he gets into an NFL strength program and continues to work on his technique.
He shut down Laiatu Latu, the first defensive player taken in the draft, when Arizona played UCLA last season. PFF graded Morgan as the 21th best pass blocking tackle in the FBS in 2022 out of 208 qualifiers. In 2023, this improved to 7th out of 221. This is not some project player.
The most impressive part about Morgan’s improvement from his junior to senior season is the fact he also recovered from an ACL tear in between. Morgan suffered the injury in November 2022, which made him decide to return to Arizona for one more season, rather than entering the draft last year.
He returned in impressive time to get back on the field for week one of the 2023 season, right at the start of September, and had the best season of his college career.
Gutekunst always talks about wanting his draft picks to have been through adversity and shown they can overcome it. Morgan certainly did that. He was also a two-time captain at Arizona, and his coaches rave about his leadership.
Morgan will provide instant, strong competition for both Walker at left tackle and Rhyan at right guard, and could also give Green Bay the flexibility to move Zach Tom to the interior, if as has been reported, they have a desire to do so.
Both Gutekunst and Matt LaFleur constantly talk about aiming to get the “best five” offensive linemen out there. Morgan has a very good chance to start right away as a rookie and improve the “best five”, and could well be the Packers’ long-term left tackle.
And who knows? Maybe they still get DeJean in round two.
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Mark Oldacres is a sports writer from Birmingham, England and a Green Bay Packers fan. You can follow him on twitter at @MarkOldacres
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Comments (240)
PackEyedOptimist
April 26, 2024 at 06:20 am
Don't forget his HUGE (nearly 11"!) hands; huge hands make up for his arms (and his arms aren't extremely short, just slightly below average for an OT). Gute loves big hands.
When they drafted Rasheed Walker, I assumed it was to play ORT--so perhaps they move Walker to RT and put Jordan at LT and Tom at C and Myers at RG?
Round 2: We have the 9th pick; the following 9 "need" players are still available:
S: Cooper DeJean, Iowa, Tyler Nubin, Minnesota
CB: Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
LB: Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M, Peyton Wilson, NC State
OT: Kingsley Suamataia, BYU
IOL: Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon, Zach Frazier, West VIrginia
DL: Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois
I'd be very happy with any one of these
(so of course, Gute will pick someone else...)
TKWorldWide
April 26, 2024 at 07:25 am
“(so of course, Gute will pick someone else…)”
NOW you’re catching on! 😉
dobber
April 26, 2024 at 07:32 am
"Don't forget his HUGE (nearly 11"!) hands"
Big hands, I know you're the one...
--Violent Femmes
This seems to be a metric that's pretty important for the Packers. Always been something teams value in QBs.
TKWorldWide
April 26, 2024 at 08:00 am
Quoting Violent Femmes? I regret I have only one 👍 to give!!
PeteK
April 26, 2024 at 08:08 am
Body and beats
I stain my sheets Ha ha ha
Spock
April 26, 2024 at 08:59 am
A comedian has a routine where he "talks to the ladies" about the relationship of a certain male body part to other parts of the body that goes something like this: "He's got BIG feet, he's got BIG ears, he's got a BIG nose. All I'm saying is he BETTER be packing because that's one goofy looking guy!"
dobber
April 26, 2024 at 09:45 am
Winner!
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 26, 2024 at 08:26 am
Great post PEO! A good player will be available at #41 unless Gutey moves up and he may.
Coldworld
April 26, 2024 at 10:18 am
His wingspan is longer than Bakh’s or Tom’s. His be movement is elite. I do not think his technique is as perfected as Tom’s and like Bakh, he needs particular work on his run blocking, but he’s more powerful.
There’s so much center backfield talent today. I’d be happy to see us take Frazier or JPJ at 41 or go with an outside corner. Whichever we don’t likely means waiting for the next tier after the safeties and ILBs. That’s the big question as I see it today. CB or C and lock down the OL. So Gute will do nothing of the sort.
Leatherhead
April 26, 2024 at 10:23 am
Feed me peanuts and call me Dumbo. In every simulation, on every site, there was Jordan Morgan between 25 and 41.
Takeaways:
1) The Packers had convinced me that they like Walker as a starting T. Maybe that's not true.
2) Is this a prelude to moving Tom to Center?
3) Is Morgan that much better than a guy we could have gotten at #41?
Of the 32 first round picks, 23 of them were on offense. Is this because defense wins championships, or is it because you have to score points to win?
We have the 9th pick. Lots of good choices left, as PEO showed. Day Two is my favorite day of the draft because these are Top 100 players, and this year we have 4 picks on Day Two.
stockholder
April 26, 2024 at 06:34 am
This was not a championship move.
This is not what champions do.
This is not good for Walker.
This is a close but NO CIGAR.
Just as it has been since 2010 .
Just as it will always be with Gute.
Packers0808
April 26, 2024 at 06:57 am
How does it feel to be the self proclaimed best judge of any players abilities. Wonder do the Packers and any other teams consult you before the draft?
stockholder
April 26, 2024 at 10:42 am
It still feels like the sun will shine
and the moon will come out.
I am one of many.--
The draft is how you win.
And The Lions just won the division.
Put their hat on.
Turophile
April 26, 2024 at 07:00 am
You are the counterweight swinging below the hot air balloon - the breaker of green-and-gold-tinted spectacles. Your takes are often laughable, but you keep us all grounded.
TKWorldWide
April 26, 2024 at 07:26 am
Nothing like having a little patience!
croatpackfan
April 26, 2024 at 10:29 am
From patience comes perfection!
stockholder
April 26, 2024 at 10:54 am
Where did your mocks get you.
The hype makes the balloon go up.
The reality brings it down.
Coldworld
April 26, 2024 at 01:00 pm
I ended up with Morgan or Barton quite frequently. I wasn’t alone. You ran through various cbs, waif thin ones, slots, ILBs and so in with absolute serial certainty, regardless of fit or background. Based upon prior years, presumably the one you read about most recently in the 3 sources you claim you consult.
This year’s reaction breaks new ground in both logical and factual contradiction even for you. In the end though you just drag it back to the great sin of picking Love and your emotional attachment to Rodgers, a player you vilified incessantly along with TT for picking him, almost until he won a Super Bowl over the treatment of your then idol Favre.
Todd
April 26, 2024 at 08:19 am
Dude, you just crack me up with your posting. LOL.
DoubleJ
April 26, 2024 at 08:46 am
"This was not a championship move."
Building up the trenches is 100% a championship move. This was a move to protect Jordan Love which is a really good idea.
stockholder
April 26, 2024 at 10:52 am
Ok- then Keep drafting OL.
Just because a #1 pick is a OL
Doesn't mean Jordan Love is protected.
If Jordan Love is more important than the team.
You will not win a Super Bowl -
Hint - Aaron Rodgers after 2011
DoubleJ
April 26, 2024 at 11:03 am
"Just because a #1 pick is a OL
Doesn't mean Jordan Love is protected."
I'll take "most obvious statement about the draft for $2000 Alex." Of course just because you make a pick at a position doesn't mean that that position is all of a sudden amazing. However, building through the trenches is a tried and true method of making sure that your team will be good. How many times do we have to see that a team with a suspect secondary is able to do really well because their DL is amazing? How many times do we have to see that a team with amazing WRs and TEs does poorly because their OL is garbage? NFL games are won and lost in the trenches. This is a tried and true method of building a solid team.
stockholder
April 26, 2024 at 11:12 am
Yes- And how many times did Rodgers
get blown off by Gute, when he wanted protection.
The shoe is on the other foot now. Isn't it.
DoubleJ
April 26, 2024 at 12:22 pm
WTF are you talking about? Rodgers consistently had one of the best pass blocking offensive lines in the NFL. That includes after Gute took over as GM. We get it you hate Gute because he traded away your favorite player. Go be a Jets fan then and stop making these moronic comments.
stockholder
April 26, 2024 at 12:40 pm
Until Gute drafted Love.
Everyone knows that.
As far as hating him.
We've had that discussion before.
I posted he would not not prove me wrong.
That has nothing to do with hate.
Why bet on the jets, when the Lions
will win the super-bowl now.
You never did see what cool things Detroit
is doing for their Fans.
Instead of floating helmets.
A NFL draft. A CB etc.
Firing up the fans is priority one -
Gute gets a C+
Coldworld
April 26, 2024 at 12:50 pm
Oh you just can’t move on or tell up from down.
Packers0808
April 26, 2024 at 01:08 pm
Lions will not only not get to the SB, they won't even win the division.
DoubleJ
April 26, 2024 at 01:14 pm
"I posted he would not not prove me wrong."
So Gute DID prove you wrong. Got it.
jannesbjornson
April 26, 2024 at 01:18 pm
All-Pro LT until a freak injury; an All-Pro LG taken with a two pick; a center taken with a two pick; Runyan starting as a newbie; bagged the free agent Turner to fill the RG/RT. Corey Lindsey a Pro Bowl guy. Lucas Patrick a scrapper bringing some attitude. The depth may have been a bit shaky with Newman, Hanson and Nijman propped in the saddle and Wagner trying to stay upright. What's your point?
packer132
April 26, 2024 at 11:54 am
Did you ever hear "you win the game in the trenches"? Probably not. Excellent first pick who should start or really press others to come out with hair on fire. Cowboys had Morgan in their top 3 picks. Ten picks left to grab CB/S/ LB/DE. As far as I know, the Lions have not won the 2024 division yet.
HarryHodag
April 26, 2024 at 06:51 am
Like many of Gute's draft moves, Morgan's selection shows Gute is thinking toward next year with the possible loss of Myers at center. I'm also thinking the team isn't 100% sold on Sean Rhyan at guard. If you think back, there were stories emerging about how the Packers think Zach Tom's best positions are inside. The thinking also is apparent they consider Morgan can play inside if need be.
Protecting the franchise QB is apparently the top priority, along with opening holes for Josh Jacobs.
It has to sting Rasheed Walker a bit. All he did was compete against some really good pass rushers last season. Morgan will also likely compete there and Lillard is in the mix.
Big day on Friday for the team. We'll see.
mrtundra
April 26, 2024 at 07:34 am
Remember that many ,in GB, felt that Elgton Jenkins's best spot was Center, as well. I think when things are settled, Tom will move to Center and Morgan will play at RT. I still feel Gute will draft more OL, this draft. So we'll see how the board falls for him and what other versatile players, on the OL, he picks up.
HawkPacker
April 26, 2024 at 08:05 am
MrT, I also hope that is the case with Tom moving to center. Myers would be a pretty good backup for center and possibly guard as well. They still do need to draft an IOL.
I can't help but wonder what they feel the status of Mount Caleb and the other two tackles are with the OL? How long should it take to develop and who is at the forefront of those three.
TKWorldWide
April 26, 2024 at 08:07 am
Yes! Moves and options are on the table! I was telling a less fervent friend yesterday that the possibilities with the O-line are probably the most intriguing thing with this whole draft (and training camp). Another scenario could be Morgan at LT, Walker at RT, and Tom at center.
Additionally, I expect at least one more draft pick to throw into the mix along the interior line as well. (So of course, that won’t happen.) And remember, the returning 5 (I’m counting Rhyan in there) were already pretty effective, so we don’t need Morgan (or anyone else) to come in as a rookie and be a savior.
Tonight is going to be HUGE.
GPG!
croatpackfan
April 26, 2024 at 10:37 am
"And remember, the returning 5 (I’m counting Rhyan in there) were already pretty effective, so we don’t need Morgan (or anyone else) to come in as a rookie and be a savior."
Do you remember one 4th round pick LT fans were angry with his selection. "Short" arms from small university and no love in Packers fan. Nobody predicted he will became rookie starter on the o-line. Packers preffered LT injured himself during preseason and voila! He became starter.
I remember panick through Packers fan. But he became HOF level player, the best in the position at the time he was playing!
Do you remember what is his name?
Turophile
April 26, 2024 at 11:31 am
Err Ken Ruettgers, Chad Clifton, Ross Verba, Marshall Newhouse, John Michels..........hang on, I'll get it.
DoubleJ
April 26, 2024 at 08:50 am
I would like to see Kiran Amegadjie drafted today or tomorrow if he drops and a set center like JPJ or Frazier.
dobber
April 26, 2024 at 07:42 am
I think OL was the biggest need going into this draft. Everything stops if the OL gets beat up or underperforms: an elite offense can cover up a lousy defense, but even great defenses struggle to prop up offenses that can't perform. Until they signed Dillard last week, the only presumptive backup they had with any OL snaps in an NFL game under his belt was Newman--and everyone wants him gone. They really didn't have enough guys to fill out a two-deep. As the seasons get longer, quality depth is even more important.
BG's comment has always been about raising the level of competition--Walker showed real growth last year, but I agree with you in that I thought he would be better at RT. Tom will have had two years to get stronger and stouter, and is probably better-suited to play inside now than he was even last year. Let the best guys win snaps--just figure it out in September, not December.
Guam
April 26, 2024 at 08:07 am
Well said Dobber.
I just don't get any hand wringing over this pick. It is a solid choice at a position of need. Protecting Jordan Love had to be job one of this off season and Gute is doing exactly that (and I suspect he is not done yet). The Packers have a long history of doing a very good job of evaluating offensive linemen. Jordan Morgan will do just fine in the NFL.
TKWorldWide
April 26, 2024 at 08:13 am
I think some of the angst is because Morgan was not ranked as high on the nebulous “consensus big board”. But I have to agree that it’s not surprising that GB’s big board is different than the consensus. Plus the naysayers can point to several times the “big board” was more correct than GB’s, but there are just as many times that GB was right. Push and pull, give and take.
Guam
April 26, 2024 at 08:25 am
I also think some people fell in love with their draft crush to the point they lost perspective on larger issues. The Packers lost three of their top nine offensive linemen from last year (Runyon, Nijman and Bakhtiari) and needed to replace that talent. While good CBs are always welcome, the Packers already have decent talent and depth at CB. They had needs at Safety and ILB, but there was no safety or ILB in this draft with a first round grade.
I thought an offensive linemen was a fairly obvious first round pick. Not glamorous or flashy, but a good, solid need pick from the best available at that point.
TKWorldWide
April 26, 2024 at 09:35 am
Yes. How about “Gutey likes Morgan more than you like your draft crush”? Plus, he’s dealing with just a teeny bit more info than you are.
Problem is, in hindsight, SOME of those “draft crushes” outperform the actual Packer picks. So the debate rages on.
BTW, “you” doesn’t mean YOU, Guam. But you probably knew that!
Coldworld
April 26, 2024 at 10:39 am
Gute is a megalomaniac narcissist I thought? Did someone kidnap him last night and make a soundly sensible value pick to bore us by improving quality and options instead? Inquiring minds need to know.
Guam
April 26, 2024 at 10:59 am
Myers versus Humphrey will live in infamy as long as Gute is GM, but on the whole Gute does a pretty damn good job. Certainly far better than I could do!
Bitternotsour
April 26, 2024 at 11:07 am
I don't get it. Our line was outstanding last year, particularly with all the injuries. Myers anchors that line. Did they not overperform? How many straight games did Aaron Jones have 100 plus yards? Seems like Jordan Love had more than adequate time to throw the football too. Do results mean nothing, or is a stupid PFF rating all that matters to people.
See the forest people.
Guam
April 26, 2024 at 04:17 pm
You like Myers more than I do Bitter. In my view he is a barely adequate center and flanked by a (former) right guard that fell into the same category. The other three starters are good to excellent. I see no reason not to try and improve on just adequate.
Furthermore, that "outstanding O-line" lost three players from last year and needs reinforcements just to return to the performance level of last year much less improve. Which Gute demonstrated by drafting O-line in round one.
jannesbjornson
April 26, 2024 at 10:28 am
Morgan and Latham were my OTs. My nephews went to Catholic Memorial, but played LaCrosse. They didn't go to any of the football games? Mama Mia.
Packerpasty
April 26, 2024 at 08:30 am
so a guy of this caliber would not have been avail in the second round?? I think there would have been ample opportunities for quality OL later in the second or third....defense wins ball games and ours isn't very good..good at giving up points maybe..
Guam
April 26, 2024 at 08:37 am
And not a single safety or ILB was taken in the first round by 32 teams. Pretty clear evidence that despite the Packer needs on defense there were no players fit to take at #25 that patched those holes. The Packers don't reach for need picks.
Safety and ILB will come in later rounds when the value matches the pick. The talent in the draft this year was at offensive line and the Packers had a need on OL. They matched value and need with Morgan.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 27, 2024 at 09:11 pm
I'm going to say I'm thoroughly happy with this draft, not just the first round pick. It's Saturday night, I've read the picks, but only briefly acquainted myself with who many of the later round picks are.
I think Gutey did a very solid job with this, and am psyched to see this team continue to develop ...
Coldworld
April 26, 2024 at 10:36 am
No. Not far into it. A strong chance he went next pick when Barron was taken. More upside than Barton. Better now than all but Alt and maybe Barton (excluding playing C ). Sexy no, good pick in the right range? Yes. I’d have traded back if anyone offered, but I don’t think we’d have got him and might have had Barton.
Oppy
April 26, 2024 at 02:18 pm
I mean, for whatever it's worth, he was graded as a late first round pick by nearly every publicly available scouting source, so where are you basing your opinion? Your own assessment? That's fine, but like, that's your opinion, man.
Leatherhead
April 26, 2024 at 10:27 am
Totally agree, dobber. A real good offense can carry a so-so defense, but if you don't get guys blocked, the offense is going to struggle and it's hard to win every game 17-14. It is better to be a hammer that does the pounding, than a nail that receives the pounding..
dobber
April 26, 2024 at 01:05 pm
The margin for error in low-scoring games is too damning to count on that being your path to glory.
Packers0808
April 26, 2024 at 01:11 pm
I think the Dillard signing is to make sure beyond the draftee OLineman is so Newman can be gone. Experience is better than Newman even with hsi experience!
DoubleJ
April 26, 2024 at 08:49 am
"Like many of Gute's draft moves, Morgan's selection shows Gute is thinking toward next year with the possible loss of Myers at center."
You don't draft to fill a hole in year 1. If you want to fill a hole this year you use free agency. The draft should always be for the future, 2-3 years down the road.
dobber
April 26, 2024 at 09:00 am
If you need your draft picks to step in and play right away to be a contender, you're probably not as close to contending as you think you are.
DoubleJ
April 26, 2024 at 09:22 am
Exactly!!! Having someone come in as a rookie and being an All-Pro (Sauce) is the exception and not the rule. Heck even having players come in and offer as much as the Packers 2023 draft did in Y1 isn't normal.
TKWorldWide
April 26, 2024 at 09:45 am
Great point!
jannesbjornson
April 26, 2024 at 10:38 am
Bulaga, 2010.
DoubleJ
April 26, 2024 at 02:17 pm
In 2010 Bulaga played in 16 games but only started 12. He came in as an injury replacement for Tauscher and did a very good job. However, he was drafted for 2011 and beyond NOT for 2010.
jannesbjornson
April 27, 2024 at 12:33 am
Sure.
Thegreatreynoldo
April 26, 2024 at 03:19 pm
Certainly if a team needs several draft picks to be day one starters. Just one? Might be close.
Coldworld
April 26, 2024 at 10:25 am
Gute interestingly expressly omitted C from the positions he sees Morgan competing at. Morgan could easily be a step to freeing either Tom or Jenkins to play C. What we do on the OL now may indicate if one of them might move and which.
NickPerry
April 26, 2024 at 06:59 am
"Quay Walker was ranked 49th, Eric Stokes was 56th and Darnell Savage 48th in their respective drafts."
Yeah, And how have they all worked out? One is gone, Stokes is a injury waiting to happen, and Walker, well I still have a ton of hope he's a All-Pro in this 4-3 defense.
I understand the pick and the best five DID just get better. Gute picked a player who IMO can start somewhere right away. Hey, maybe he's our new RT, Tom going to start his HOF career at Center,. and Newman just moved further DOWN the depth chart.
TKWorldWide
April 26, 2024 at 07:29 am
Yes.
Not the first time GB’s board differed greatly from the “consensus” board, and it won’t be the last. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains. Time will tell.
dobber
April 26, 2024 at 07:44 am
I get tired of rationalizing GM decisions relative to the chest thumping of the DIC.
TKWorldWide
April 26, 2024 at 08:16 am
Disseminated intravascular coagulation?
dobber
April 26, 2024 at 08:56 am
Indubitably.
Leatherhead
April 26, 2024 at 10:28 am
Not to be a stickler, Nick, but Alexander has missed more games than Stokes over the last 3 years.
NickPerry
April 26, 2024 at 03:49 pm
Ouch!
Coldworld
April 26, 2024 at 10:30 am
Stokes got injured, badly, but I don’t know if he’s injury prone. Brugler and CHTV had Morgan pitched almost exactly where he landed. Others had him there too. Just because he didn’t get all the love Mims and Guyton did, so many don’t seem to know much about him at all.
stockholder
April 26, 2024 at 11:23 am
We all see stokes as a bad choice.
Yet- why was Walker OT a bigger problem?
stockholder
April 26, 2024 at 10:59 am
The best 5 got better- Really?
Didn't we just sign a FA OT.
It only looks Good on paper.
And it still cost this team a #1 pick
DoubleJ
April 26, 2024 at 11:07 am
Morgan needs work but he was a legit R1 pick. The FA that was signed might only be a camp body because he wasn't good in the NFL. It will be interesting to see where Morgan plays. We know that Tom can play anywhere on the OL. Therefore if the OL is better with Tom at RG or C and Morgan at RT then the best 5 have gotten better. That said we need to wait for training camp to really say what is the best 5.
Bitternotsour
April 26, 2024 at 11:11 am
so you got groceries for a year and then had to pay for the groceries. what's your point?
stockholder
April 26, 2024 at 11:25 am
Stokes is a problem
DoubleJ
April 26, 2024 at 01:16 pm
IMO Stokes will fit better in the Hafley scheme than in Barry's scheme. His only question is if he is healthy.
Coldworld
April 26, 2024 at 11:20 am
Rob Demovsky reported yesterday that Dillard did not receive a single dollar of guaranteed money, either in the form of a salary or a signing bonus.
If Dillard does make the 53-man roster his salary for this season will be the minimum for a veteran with his amount of experience: $1.125 million. No risk try out at redemption with no guarantees whatsoever. At that price a good mud at the wall flyer.
mnbadger
April 26, 2024 at 12:27 pm
Seriously NP?
IMO Newman should be moving to Sheboygan to start a long and illustrious career in the sausage making industry!
GPG!
Kick Arse today Gutey!
jvole
April 26, 2024 at 07:10 am
CHTV got it right. Spies on the inside?
At this point, there must be enough data to see how predictive the 'consensus' rankings are relative to subsequent performance. Looking at Gute's non-consensus 1st round picks listed above and I think 'meh', maybe Stokes could have been something if not injured. Quay is above average but not a big play maker. Savage--Tackling is important for a safety!
Though outside of Myers instead of Creed Humphrey, I'm not sure of a Gute rejection of a consensus that was a clear mistake.
dobber
April 26, 2024 at 07:44 am
"CHTV got it right. Spies on the inside?"
The fix was in!
TKWorldWide
April 26, 2024 at 08:19 am
Or could it be the CHTV Draft Guide is Gutey’s bible?? It sure looks like it from my perch here on the grassy knoll.
dobber
April 26, 2024 at 09:02 am
Gutey waiting for the CHTV Guide might be akin to we academics waiting for the feds to get the damn FAFSA figured out.
TKWorldWide
April 26, 2024 at 09:46 am
LOL
vin0770
April 26, 2024 at 07:12 am
Did Gute just get someone that’s available with the 10th pick in the second round? I don’t mind you thinking you’re the smartest guy in the room but don’t miss. I’m not too concerned as the track record is great developers of OL players in much later rounds so now they get to develop a 1st rounder.
mrtundra
April 26, 2024 at 07:40 am
From what I've read, both Gute and Stenavich felt Jordan Morgan was the best OL guy, still on the board. Morgan fits their profile of what an OT is. The guy is versatile and can play all over the OL. Gute drafted a top position on the OL and a position of need, for the Packers.
dobber
April 26, 2024 at 09:06 am
Things you never hear a GM say at the post-pick presser...
"Whoops! My bad!"
"It's the best we could do! Cut us some slack, it's way past my bedtime!"
"We only put 25 names in our hat"
"They had open bar in the lobby, and I thought it said, "CAPTAIN Morgan""
"I let the dog make the pick. Hell, it worked for Belichick!"
"We only just found out the draft was today, and we pulled an all-nighter putting this board together." (in honor of one of my students...he knows who he is!)
Coldworld
April 26, 2024 at 10:48 am
What we did get was that Gute lost interest in trading up, possibly after Mitchell, but I’m guessing the OL taken shortly before that. That tells us he didn’t love Guton enough, probably Mims, Arnold certainly and obviously not Dejean. My guess is that one or two of the other OL and maybe Mitchell were of interest. I’m quite happy we hung on to a 4th and maybe 5/6th to trade up even for Mitchell (since the Eagles were set on him and Miami really wanted to reach for Robinson I suspect).
Now the real fun starts. 3 more picks today than the rest of the division combined. Let’s go make a difference!
dobber
April 26, 2024 at 12:57 pm
I can't believe Mitchell lasted as long as he did.
LambeauPlain
April 26, 2024 at 03:25 pm
Heard Gute on the radio today where he stated they looked at trading down but had concerns the board would not let them still get Morgan in the 2nd as 2A selection.
So Gute said they just decided to get "our guy" at #25 and not risk losing him. He also stated Morgan was atop their board at #25. And he raved about Morgan's leadership at AZ as a 2 time Team Captain. Gute, like his mentor Ted, greatly value leadership and character in their draft choices.
dobber
April 26, 2024 at 07:46 am
I think he drafted a guy at a clear position of need who was in a tier of talent with lots of other guys. Maybe that tier is 20 players deep. Maybe it's only 6-8 players deep.
I'll point out that there are plenty of "first round talents" that are still on the board--let the draftniks start rationalizing because GMs don't seem to care very much.
Starrbrite
April 26, 2024 at 03:09 pm
I’m still laughing (stealing) the things you never hear a GM say—that was soooogood/funny.
packerbackerjim
April 26, 2024 at 07:19 am
I rather doubt Gute is done drafting for the OL. Caleb Jones and Luke Tenuta will need to bring it in camp.
dobber
April 26, 2024 at 07:48 am
I think he drafts 4....and if he goes OL in round 2, it tells you that the UDFA projects who have been hanging around are probably looking for a new home in September.
blacke00
April 26, 2024 at 08:40 am
You got it!
I like the idea of draft and develop of UDFAs. But why have them take up a roster spot, not play them and draft players that will be preferential come training camp? That's a waste of roster spot(s) and not good utilization of manpower.
I would not draft 4 OL, too many other needs.
I'm not sold on Gute as a defensive talent evaluator as some are. This year should be telling and than we'll see if I'm right (I hope I'm wrong).
Guam
April 26, 2024 at 08:46 am
Dobber - don't you think that has already happened between Morgan and Dillard? I can't imagine they would have drafted/signed both those players if they thought Jones, Tenuta and/or Telfort were ready to play.
And yes given Dillard's contract he may be no more than a long shot signing but between Morgan and Dillard I think the jury has returned a verdict.
dobber
April 26, 2024 at 09:11 am
I think they tried one of Telfort and Tenuta inside last year in camp, but--yeah, they'd better bring it in camp. I think Dillard could still be beat out, but he's cheap, he's experienced, and he can cross-train at G and T. That's gonna be a tough hill to climb.
I'll give Gute credit for cutting the cord....when it happens.
jannesbjornson
April 26, 2024 at 10:50 am
Talent beats the underdog story in this week's edition.
Coldworld
April 26, 2024 at 12:49 pm
Both of those could be Gs initially. I don’t read this as you do as much as more OL talent, something we absolutely needed for numbers alone, let alone talent.
TKWorldWide
April 26, 2024 at 08:21 am
Along with their “spirit fingers”.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 26, 2024 at 08:29 am
Even if Morgan stays mainly at OT the Packers still need interior linemen. I'd like to see two more OL in this draft. The Packers lost 3 OL in the offseason if you count DB.
bjb2012sime
April 26, 2024 at 07:19 am
Once again the Lions scooped Gutey in the secondary; last year they jumped up for Branch and this year for arguably the best corner, Arnold. Obviously DAL was gonna go OL, so I was all set to celebrate a premier corner opposite Jaire….but like Love’s ill-fated playoff pick my hopes were shattered. Lions punked the Pack again.
Morgan was overdrafted, especially if he ends up playing guard. Pack should have traded back after Arnold got away.
Hopefully Gutey downs some Red Bull tonite before the selections start.
Packers0808
April 26, 2024 at 07:31 am
And exactly what makes you think the Packers were after a corner here, obviously they weren't or would have gotten DeJean. Quite clear Oline was their main concern and pick.
dobber
April 26, 2024 at 07:49 am
Well-stated.
Maybe if Arnold was still on the board, the Packers might have pivoted, but it's seems pretty clear they were OL all the way.
If anything, it's looking as if the Lions outsmarted themselves. Being in a Detroit market, they're very happy with their pick, and they got a good player at a position of glaring weakness.
TKWorldWide
April 26, 2024 at 07:32 am
Somewhere, Jeff Okudah is shaking his head.
dobber
April 26, 2024 at 07:49 am
...and trailing his coverage assignment WR by 5 yards.
Since'61
April 26, 2024 at 08:06 am
Cookie for Dobber. Thanks, Since '61
Bitternotsour
April 26, 2024 at 08:13 am
once again the lions waste draft capital to jump ahead for someone who would have fallen to them. #sad #sameoldlions
Tater
April 26, 2024 at 08:49 am
A) How did the Lion's "scoop" Gutey last year for Branch? We are the one's who traded that pick to the Lion's.
B) We may never know if the Packer's would have picked Arnold over Morgan. But what we do know is Detroit overpaid the Cowboys in that trade. Per the Jimmy Johnson trade chart they gave up #29 (640 pts) I (225) = 865 compared to #24 (740) & '25 7th (say 10) = 750. That 115 pt difference is equivalent to the 96th pick or late 3rd rd.
TKWorldWide
April 26, 2024 at 07:23 am
I am nodding and smiling.
grbfrog
April 26, 2024 at 07:24 am
Maybe another factor is the fifth year option for first rounders. If they are planning to keep Morgan at LT, that 5th year option will be more financially valuable (assuming he’s good!) than it would be for a position like safety.
EricTorkelson
April 26, 2024 at 07:41 am
They needed a left tackle before they needed another corner or safety. This was a safe at worse or a great at best pick for Packers future. As far as Cooper D ... A broken fibula in November and not running at the combine or his Pro day to improve his 4.45 speed is a monster red flag......
dobber
April 26, 2024 at 07:54 am
I think you hit it pretty well with this comment: I think Dejean wasn't valued as much by GMs as by the DIC and fan bases. Whether it's questions about his leg, or what position he's going to play, he's still on the board.
The immediate response last night was to deal two twos to get back into round 1 and take him. That's potentially dealing away two good starters for one. Now, pick 41 and 91 gets you to the top of round 2 if they covet someone who's still there...and it might not be Dejean.
I think there was a lot of buildup leading to this pick after the 2023 season.
People wanted flashy--I know I was guity of that--but they got a workmanlike pick instead. Safe and potentially great is a good way to put it. High floor player.
NJ-RICK
April 26, 2024 at 07:54 am
I agree, the Lions just happen to move up to pick #24 before the Packers pick at #25. I'm sure they knew the Packers were considering drafting Terrion Arnold. Smart move by the Lions... My guess is Gute won't let this happen again, he will be more aggressive in the 2nd round. I'm expecting Gute will make a trade and move up in the 2nd round and draft CB or LB.
dobber
April 26, 2024 at 07:59 am
That's IF the Packers really had any intention of drafting a DB in round 1. I don't think we had any expectation that Arnold would be there at 24, but maybe GMs knew better. It feels like they were locked in on OL.
"I'm expecting Gute will make a trade and move up in the 2nd round and draft CB or LB."
I would expect DB and LB in round 2, also. Likely guys who will step in and play right away...especially if the DB is a safety.
jannesbjornson
April 26, 2024 at 11:00 am
If you watch College ball, the defenses pretty much let WRs run free and LBs will not punish running backs. DBs can chase and shadow. In the NFL the WRs get bigger, faster, stronger. I want a couple DBs in the 195-200 lb range with 4.4 range speed to match up. Jaire added mass as he moved along in the Pro Game.
dobber
April 26, 2024 at 01:01 pm
" Jaire added mass as he moved along in the Pro Game."
I've added mass as I've moved along, too, but I'm preserving my amateur status for the upcoming Paris games.
Boneman
April 26, 2024 at 08:00 am
I'm not shocked or upset as this is a quintessential Packers pick. I can't help but fear that once again we outsmart ourselves for the sake of being smarter than anyone else. This smacks of taking Myers over Creed Humphry. Hoping for best but will be keeping an eye on Barton, especially if Morgan ends up at guard. This is just the opening act though, I am psyched for what is coming on Day 2! Could be fireworks baby!
I truly think our North Division foes all got better with this draft. Even then I think it could have been worse. The Bears taking Odunze at 9 was redundant and unnecessary since they already used a 2nd round pick on a receiver so in essence they just used a first and second round draft choice on receiver?? C'mon man, there's only one ball. The Vikings got the 4th best QB after trading the farm but did hit it out of the park with getting the edge rusher. It's all on the QB though so...we'll see. The Lions jumping ahead of the Pack to get Arnold will hurt for a long time. How did the Lions suddenly become so savvy! GPG!
dobber
April 26, 2024 at 08:47 am
" The Vikings got the 4th best QB after trading the farm but did hit it out of the park with getting the edge rusher."
The Vikings were rebuffed (and are now nice and shiny) in their trade-up attempts and ended up with Christian Ponder 2.0. I honestly think he was behind Penix in terms of ceiling, and not very far ahead of Nix. I think Nix wasn't getting enough love.
They had plenty of needs, but will essentially get two players out of this draft (they have some day 3 picks, yet) and gutted the middle rounds of next year's draft. They made finishing type draft moves for a team that has way broader needs.
"The Lions jumping ahead of the Pack to get Arnold will hurt for a long time. How did the Lions suddenly become so savvy!"
Could be the Packers smoke-screened and misinformed enough that it led to a division rival farting away a 3rd round pick, unnecessarily. We'll likely never really know. Lions and Lions fans seem to love their pick.
Bitternotsour
April 26, 2024 at 09:01 am
I suppose the trade up really fired up the crowd in Detroit, great theater, bad business. I hope that Gutekunst resists the urge to do something similar next year, there will certainly be pressure to entertain, especially when we're going to have the last pick in the first round.
dobber
April 26, 2024 at 09:15 am
"there will certainly be pressure to entertain, especially when we're going to have the last pick in the first round."
Then I hope they book Pat MacCurdy for atrium shows instead of doing something stupid! ;)
Bitternotsour
April 26, 2024 at 11:13 am
Taylor Swift will have likely moved on to Jordan Love at that point, so maybe she could do a set or something.
beerandbrats
April 26, 2024 at 09:33 am
"especially when we're going to have the last pick in the first round." I'm with you on this one BNS because that means the Lombardi trophy is back in Green Bay where it belongs!
jannesbjornson
April 26, 2024 at 11:07 am
Adofo-Mensah may be seeing Pink, come next January....
dobber
April 26, 2024 at 01:04 pm
I was wondering if Ryan Pace had a seat in their war room when I saw what they ponied up to get to 17.
PatrickGB
April 26, 2024 at 08:12 am
Surprised? Yes. Shocked? No.
T7Steve
April 26, 2024 at 08:12 am
Regardless of what you think of the guy they picked, it showed that the Packers have their heads in the right place.
If you want an improved and better football team, get better lines. Start up front! If you don't IMPROVE, you get caught up with and usually passed.
No improvement matters anywhere else if they aren't able to do their jobs because of the lines.
Everyone on the team just got better because of a mindset not a player.
The whole room is on notice and it's not over yet. It's great that the coaches can get quality starters out of late round picks. Now let's see what they can do with some early picks. That's how teams are made into champions.
TKWorldWide
April 26, 2024 at 08:26 am
Yes, and also, let’s not neglect the mid-round picks. 😉
packerbackerjim
April 26, 2024 at 08:27 am
Preaching from the same pulpit.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 26, 2024 at 08:35 am
There is flashy and there is reality and the reality is games usually are won in the trenches. No matter how good Love might be if he doesn't have time to go through his progressions the offense will not be effective. An OL in round 1 was critical. Time will tell about Morgan as the #25 versus say guys like Barton, LBJ, Suamataia, Paul, Frazier, or Foster.
beerandbrats
April 26, 2024 at 08:21 am
ESPN listed Morgan as the backup to Sean Rhyan at RG last night. Today they have Morgan listed as the backup to Rasheed Walker AND the starter at RG (with Rhyan as the backup).
I hope ESPN doesn't just make this stuff up. I would expect teams tell ESPN where players fit on their depth chart.
https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/depth/_/name/gb/green-bay-packers
So this tells me the Packers are not comfortable starting Rhyan at RG and Morgan was drafted to replace him. Rhyan becomes the backup guard. Morgan becomes the starter at RG while also backing up the tackles because of his position experience and flexibility.
I'm just making things up to try to understand the pick but this seems to be the thinking behind it. Rhyan at RG is the weak link on the OL, not Walker at LT. My biggest concern is that it didn't work out so well the last time we drafted a lineman in the first round with an injury history. Let's hope Gute knows better than us and made a good draft choice! ;-)
Bitternotsour
April 26, 2024 at 08:50 am
Your first mistake is accepting that ESPN is anything other than an entertainment network. All the other mistakes follow from that first mistake
dobber
April 26, 2024 at 08:55 am
"So this tells me the Packers are not comfortable starting Rhyan at RG and Morgan was drafted to replace him. "
Rhyan is the least TESTED player on the OL. It remains to be seen if he's really #5 or if there are other complementary moves coming. I think another OL comes tonight, and how the Packers regard Morgan and their OL situation will be reflected in whether they take another guy like him (inside-outside), or someone who projects purely as an IOL or OT.
Packers0808
April 26, 2024 at 09:27 am
Most likely correct, wouldn't at all surprise me by draft over Packers take even 2 more OL guys!
bjkdad44
April 26, 2024 at 09:28 am
Gute knows better… then us!
Leatherhead
April 26, 2024 at 10:31 am
RG is the least important position on offense, and you wouldn't spend a first round pick on a guy to play that spot. Every line has a weak link, and you'd rather it be at RG than some other spot. Rhyan is a Day Two pick who has been developing for two years.
beerandbrats
April 26, 2024 at 10:56 am
I agree LH. Not a lot of guards are drafted in the first round. I thought Walker was good to go at LT but maybe not? Or does this mean Tom to center? Rhyan is the least experienced. Where does Morgan best fit? What's the thinking at 1265 Lombardi Ave?
blondy45
April 26, 2024 at 12:47 pm
I think Rasheed Walker will only get better. The Packers now have some interesting depth in the making for the OT spot. From the beginning of the season to it's fantastic finish, the O-line got better and better last year. Walker got more reliable and kept Love clean as well as opening holes for Aaron Jones. The Offensive tackle position is not our weak link on the offensive line, the interior OL needs the upgrade. In Gute I trust, hold your water and do not trade up. Start making moves from pick 91 down.
dobber
April 26, 2024 at 01:07 pm
"The Packers now have some interesting depth in the making for the OT spot."
4 of the 5 starters on the projected starting OL have their contracts come up after 2024 or 2025.
Can't pay 'em all.
Change is a-comin...
SicSemperTyrannis
April 28, 2024 at 03:12 am
Beerandbrats,
these questions are better than your previous comment. The way it SHOULD work, and hopefully it will, is that before week 1 every offensive lineman on the roster competes, and the best are chosen by merit. And given time to play together so as to gel as a unit.
The last two years that hasn't really happened, but that process has improved I think.
Trying to create a depth chart now is a fool's errand, but it is interesting to consider the various permutations. The first round draft pick may wind up not starting, but dressing as a versatile backup. Every O lineman we had played injured last season, except for Nijman and Rhyan. While I don't really know why MLF decided that was the best course of action, obviously we need better depth.
I'd love to see legitimate four way competition for C: Morgan, Myers, Tom, and the later round draft pick who's specifically labeled a C. May the best man win :)
After that, everybody else can fill in as needed. Elton Jenkins should be considered a lock at LG, IMHO. Do they decide Zach Tom has played RT so long that he'll never again be his best possible C? Gutey saying the opposite might just be subterfuge, and he and MLF might not be on the same page anyway.
Another factor is that of the four previously biggest humans on the O line, Walker Telfort Tenuta and Mt Caleb at 6'6" 6'7" 6'8" and 6'9", only the smallest has played. Caleb Jones will be entering his third season, we really need to see how these guys do! I'm hoping it's well enough that we don't need to play rookies but can afford to let them develop.
So there are LOTS of possibilities for what "the best five" might look like! I just hope they get this worked out before week 1.
GPG!!
LLCHESTY
April 26, 2024 at 02:45 pm
Hunt, Lindstrom and Martin are all making over $18 million a year playing RG. 3 of the 6 highest paid guards in the league. Not sure your old fashioned statement holds water in today's NFL. Every O lineman in the NFL has to be a good pass blocker but if you want to have a decent inside running game you need to have a people mover at RG and those guys are harder to find the way most of today's college teams play.
LambeauPlain
April 26, 2024 at 03:55 pm
Rhyan had some very poor pass D snaps...some very glaring whiffs. Meanwhile, JRJ was ok at pass pro, but subpar at run blocking. Look at his payday!
There was one Rhyan whiff could have gotten Love ground pounded in the Cowboys playoff game. Micah Parsons flew by Rhyan as if he was standing still. Thankfully the ever alert Jones ad libbed and wisely stepped into the breach after seeing Rhyan's miss. Parson's said Jones stopped him cold.
RG is a key cog in the most important unit in pro football. If one of the 5 is a weak link, it will be attacked and the OL machine begins to break down.
beerandbrats
April 26, 2024 at 10:47 am
What I really want to know is what about Walker at LT? Are we trying to replace him? I thought he had a pretty good rookie year and should be even better this year. I have to ask because of Fashanu. Walker and Fashanu were teammates right? Walker was a three year starter and Fashanu couldn't beat him out right?
So why was Rasheed Walker a 7th round pick and Fashanu a high 1st rounder?
Coldworld
April 26, 2024 at 10:58 am
Walker was spoken of as a first or second rounder a year earlier. He plummeted due to his last year, when his technique went haywire. We took a flier on that being an aberration. Kind of like we did with Love. With both, the signs are that we may have been right and external issues not talent were the cause. After drafting, play speaks louder than draft status, or should.
beerandbrats
April 26, 2024 at 11:29 am
Thanks CW. That makes sense. So where do you think Morgan best fits on the line?
Leatherhead
April 26, 2024 at 02:38 pm
I'd play Morgan at LG, move Jenkins to Center, draft another tackle at #58 and pick up an interior lineman on Day 3 who was good enough to push Newman off the roster. Then, I'd take the $3M in salary cap we'd save and I'd spend it on a veteran S, like Micah Hyde or Rudy Ford.
EricTorkelson
April 26, 2024 at 11:21 am
Because Rasheed Walker had an horrific senior year.....
blondy45
April 26, 2024 at 12:53 pm
Walker had some injury concerns, but never should have lasted until the 7th round. Remembering an earlier post this year, Donald Driver is highly regarded as a great Packer's steal. Rasheed Walker could maybe equal that honor.
EricTorkelson
April 26, 2024 at 11:19 am
Brats and Beer.... Morgan started 37 games at LT for Arizona and was first team all Pac 12
after tearing his acl the previous year.. The packers wanted a LT not a guard and these guys do not grow on trees.... As for Barton having so many scouts view him as a guard or center is one reason the Packers passed on him. Next dream pick Jackson Power Johnson...
beerandbrats
April 26, 2024 at 11:27 am
Thanks ET. So you're thinking Morgan was picked to replace Walker at LT?
Oppy
April 26, 2024 at 08:25 am
Did anyone actually WATCH the draft??
I want to know who that monster of a man was sitting off to Michael Penix Jr.'s right side at his draft party.. Did anyone see that goliath?
He was so tall, you never saw his head. Penix's head looked like it only reached about mid-breast of the guy when he was standing up Penix is listed at 6'3".. The dude was -large- and must have been a 7'6" giant.
Why isn't that guy in the green room in Detroit?! lol.
4thand1
April 26, 2024 at 08:29 am
I think Jerry and MM were tickled pink to trade with the lions. They get an extra pick, got their guy, and screwed the Packers.
Bitternotsour
April 26, 2024 at 08:55 am
Actually, Dallas screwed the Lions, not the Packers. Packers got who they wanted, a tackle with great feet and character.The Lions sacrificed draft capital for a guy who likely would have fallen to them if they had the courage of their convictions. Gutekunst knew the Lions were trying to move up and sat tight, if he was concerned over it HE could have made a deal with Dallas.
Bitternotsour
April 26, 2024 at 08:57 am
This is a classic thing with bad teams - they think they're one player away from the big prize and they sacrifice their future in a futile pursuit. Welcome Detroit to that club.
HawkPacker
April 26, 2024 at 09:09 am
Well, they did get an outstanding CB that more than likely would not have been available at their original pick. I don't think they hurt the packers as it appears they wanted Morgan all along.
Bitternotsour
April 26, 2024 at 11:02 am
Jesus man, they got a prospect with the 24th pick. He's just a prospect. They gave up the equivalent of a mid-third round pick to move up four spots? I admit it provided excellent theater for their fans, but they gave up another prospect for that theater.
It's what teams who don't have winning cultures do. The Cowboys fleeced them.
Coldworld
April 26, 2024 at 11:04 am
Who takes him? I think Arnold would have been there almost certainly, given who was picking. Detroit panicked that we would take him. Gute’s comments suggest indirectly that that was never in our thoughts.
Bitternotsour
April 26, 2024 at 11:40 am
Detroit did not read the room. They panicked and overpaid to get someone they likely could have stayed put and still draft. Hilarious. Though Dallas got a 3rd (really nice return), the trade allowed Packers to get Jordan Morgan.
LambeauPlain
April 26, 2024 at 03:35 pm
Gute said today on the radio that they had solid information the Lions were going to trade up and get ahead of the Packers based on conversations with other teams. Networking on steroids during the draft. Have to sort out the head fakes, but Packers Personnel Team seems well wired.
Amazingly he said he had a good idea who they were moving up for and it was fine with the Packers. Clearly OL was the top priority, not DB.
bjkdad44
April 26, 2024 at 09:30 am
Explain?
TKWorldWide
April 26, 2024 at 09:51 am
Disagree on all counts.
Packerpasty
April 26, 2024 at 08:35 am
Nothing like watching for hours when in your mind you know Gute's will take a boring OL...( who many had as a 2nd rounder)...what surprises does he have in store for tonight...dont matter I wont waste time when there's Hogans Hero's on...ill read about it later..
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 26, 2024 at 08:39 am
Sargeant Schultz says "I know nothing!"
You watch Hogans Hero's and you will for sure know 'nothing' :)
dobber
April 26, 2024 at 09:19 am
Hey! I LOVE Hogan's Heroes!
Uh, oh....
HawkPacker
April 26, 2024 at 09:10 am
PP, you can tape the draft and then pass through all the BS.
Packers0808
April 26, 2024 at 09:30 am
Kind of mindless boring life if you have relegated self to of Hogans Heroes reruns.! Good god!
jimtalkbox
April 26, 2024 at 08:52 am
You've got to protect "The Franchise".
That being said, I think Morgan could be a starting Left Tackle in year 2 or 3 but will likely start at RT this upcoming season. At WORST, he's a possible long term RG. I feel like that falls in line with how the Packers supposedly feel about Zach Tom's potential. (Possibly moving him to Guard or Center)
HawkPacker
April 26, 2024 at 09:13 am
I truely believe that with the selection of Morgan, he or someone else will be the new RT with Tom moving to Center. You can expect at least one more IOL selection today!
This, to me, is the only thing that makes sense with the Morgan selection.
PackAttack4155
April 26, 2024 at 09:17 am
Morgan could be moving inside to RG. If that's the case, I hope for an OT today, and move Tom to C.
dobber
April 26, 2024 at 09:24 am
As it stands, the only one of their top 8 OL who can't play OT is Myers.
PackAttack4155
April 26, 2024 at 09:32 am
How many of them, that aren't needed elsewhere (Jenkins, maybe Tom if he switches position), do you trust to play OT well? Walker? I have no issue with another OT pick.
dobber
April 26, 2024 at 09:53 am
Rhyan is the unknown. We seem to desperately want Newman gone...but Tom, Walker, Dillard, Jenkins, and now (presumptively) Morgan. Jenkins seems to be the clear LG, but there's going to be competition and flexibility on game day in the face of injury.
Agreed on more OT/OL talent. My comment was really geared toward the notion that they have a pretty free hand in what kind of OL they pursue next.
PackAttack4155
April 26, 2024 at 10:09 am
Fair enough, I agree completely. I'm in the camp that wants Newman gone, not just because of his poor play, but his cap hit too. That money can be used to find some late free agency help, and keep the team from reaching in the draft. I'd like to see one, or more, drafted at LB, and S. Add a couple one-year free agent rentals at the same positions. Who knows, they could turn out to be a Campbell-like pickup, but even if they're just okay, or purely for camp competition, it'd be welcome from a depth perspective. Players like Kwon Alexander, Shaq Leonard, Micah Hyde (a homer can dream), Rudy Ford, for vet minimum, or close to it, would be solid.
Leatherhead
April 26, 2024 at 02:43 pm
dobber, move Jenkins to Center and play Morgan at LG this year.
Rhyan isn't an unknown. He's been on the team two years, and earned the opportunity to split snaps with Runyan, the $30M Man. He was a Day 2 guy from a good program. He had a lousy rookie year but a much better second year.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 28, 2024 at 03:22 am
LOTS of different possibilities make sense. Especially competition throughout the off season, before preseason games.
LambeauPlain
April 26, 2024 at 03:42 pm
Gute said Morgan is a Tackle. The decision is up to the Matt and his coaches, but would be shocked if they did not practice him at LT. Matt certainly gave Gute his thumbs up for Morgan as the future Blindside protector of his QB.
PackAttack4155
April 26, 2024 at 09:00 am
When you have a quality starting QB, the number one priority should always be protecting him. As long as Love is upright, I'm happy. Losing three OL to free agency made depth a huge issue. Looks like a day one starter. I like it. Draft speculation is such a crapshoot. Don't like the pick? Boring pick? Lose your mind over it if you must; who cares about an exciting pick? The Pack have four picks today, that's exciting!
bjkdad44
April 26, 2024 at 09:32 am
Exactly 👍🏻
jimtalkbox
April 26, 2024 at 09:47 am
Perfectly said!
TKWorldWide
April 26, 2024 at 09:53 am
I’d be pleased to see Jordan Love get “bored” by a lack of defenders in his face.
Untylu1968
April 26, 2024 at 09:17 am
I would like to have it noted that I hate every pick we'll make today! We will either pick them too early or we just could've had a future hall of famer, if we woulda just picked the other guy.. What the hell was Gute thinking??😁
Packers0808
April 26, 2024 at 09:31 am
Fun times!
NFLfan
April 26, 2024 at 09:42 am
I'm with Gutekunst on his choice of an OLman and would like to see 2 more. This is a good OL draft class and protecting Love is #1.
There will always be a segment of fans and homeowners who resist investing in their unsexy infrastucture.
CheeseEdWest2
April 26, 2024 at 10:06 am
Strong bones first, then the fancy tile and carpet...
LambeauPlain
April 26, 2024 at 10:24 am
Captain Morgan, welcome the 1265 Lombardi Avenue! You are going to LOVE the venue, fans, the OL room...and your young QB. Get ready to do great things.
I should have just opened my CHTV Draft Guide and reminded myself Jordan Morgan was going to be Jordan Love's new wingman. Silly me. My bad Jersey Al...you nailed it! Well done!
The more I ponder this, I think Tom is moving to Center. Both Morgan and Walker are really solid pass blockers, decent run blockers but protecting their QB is their forte.
Packers just hired a highly productive workhorse RB in Jacobs. They are going to feed him. Tom is far better than Myers run blocking and will create greater synergies next to Jenks to open up lanes for the fast, powerful, yards after contact Josh Jacobs (and Dillon).
The run game is going to be Love's and the young WRs/TEs/RBs best friend completing well timed, first down, scoring passes.
Leatherhead
April 26, 2024 at 10:33 am
''''The more I ponder this, I think Tom is moving to Center.''''
We could move Jenkins to Center as well, and pick up a guard to replace him.
When I was watching Tom against Hutchinson, and Bosa, and Parsons, I was thankful that we had such a good player at RT. I'd be really reluctant to move him. In fact, I was inspired to watch our final possession of the season. Needing about 30 yards to have a shot at a FG to tie, with almost a minute left and two timeouts, Jordan Love took the 1st down snap, and started rolling right, when Joey Bosa cut him off. Now, Bosa is a pretty good pass rusher, and you know who he got loose from? Nijman. Why not Tom? Because he wasn't on the field, he was injured.
I don't think it's a huge reach to say that if Tom had been on the field on that play, it could have changed the outcome for us.
Go back and watch last season's games again. Focus on what Tom is doing. The guy he's matched up with might just as well have stayed home.
Play Morgan at LG this year, move Jenkins to Center, keep Walker, Tom, and Rhyan where they are.
EricTorkelson
April 26, 2024 at 03:56 pm
Leatherhead, Myers is a second round pick and played much better at the end of last year, what are the chances of the Packers sitting him on the bench and then shifting have the line around including moving an all pro guard out of position and playing a rookie LT out of position in his spot to compensate... does that make any sense... like him or not Myers will start at center next year and Morgan will eventually pass walker at LT
SicSemperTyrannis
April 28, 2024 at 03:27 am
Those are possibilities, too.
LambeauPlain
April 26, 2024 at 04:11 pm
Based on what Gute said, I believe Morgan is going to start his practices at 1265 Lombardi at LT. Gute said he was selected to play T. Don't think he is going inside. Matt and his coaches have the final say where he plays, but the Gutey was very confident
I think Tom is likely to move to Center and based on the additional OL reinforcements tonight and Saturday, I believe RG is going to be a competition between Myers, Rhyan, and "new guy".
Time will tell the tale...but where Morgan begins his practice snaps will tell the tale.
Duneslick
April 26, 2024 at 10:40 am
Well the pick is made and now the various media outlets for GB do their job to justify the pick. Happens every year. dont want to get on the bad side of GB management
NitschkeFan
April 26, 2024 at 10:58 am
Lots of comments and passion so I couldn't resist posting too. I think in the NFC North that yesterday was a better day for Chicago, Detroit and Minny than for the Packers.
Today, Packers have 4 picks (#41, 58, 88, 91).
Detroit has 1 pick (#61).
Chicago has 1 pick (#75).
Minny has zero picks.
Not hard to think that today the Packers will have the best day of any NFC North team.
stockholder
April 26, 2024 at 11:03 am
Pick the guys that don't fit-
That way you get the guys that do
jannesbjornson
April 26, 2024 at 12:33 pm
This is where Vegas makes Money on the Prop Bets. Bulaga will be calling out the Packer selections. Who is your #41 & #58 ?
dobber
April 26, 2024 at 01:13 pm
If they stay put? Edgerrin Cooper and Javon Bullard.
Leatherhead
April 26, 2024 at 01:20 pm
Edgerrin Cooper and Kiran Amegadjie.
jannesbjornson
April 27, 2024 at 12:53 am
A Retroactive reply, Dobber, but you struck gold, hit the nail on the head and almost won the lottery you didn't play...congratulations.
Oppy
April 27, 2024 at 04:44 am
Wow, dobber, could I borrow that crystal ball sometime?
SicSemperTyrannis
April 28, 2024 at 03:29 am
Dobber won!
Bitternotsour
April 26, 2024 at 04:57 pm
Just a small observation. If you're betting on the NFL draft, you have a gambling problem.
jannesbjornson
April 27, 2024 at 12:51 am
Do you have any sense of Humor?
SicSemperTyrannis
April 28, 2024 at 03:31 am
This is BitterNotSour you're talking about.
stockholder
April 26, 2024 at 05:24 pm
#41 WAS PAYTON WILSON -
# 58 I had a trade or OL
AS you know I loved King Sua .
The drop is he does have a lot to learn.
But in truth-
The time it takes for a guy to Bulk up.
Is No different than a guy,
they think has more to learn.
I don't expect Gute to grab either.
But I do expect my picks to be all pro.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 26, 2024 at 11:10 am
Nitschke,
I had thought this same thing last night. Everyone in the NFC North gained ground on the Packers last night but then again...Chicago had two high draft choices both before the Packers. Minnesota had two high draft choices before the Packers. There is not anything the Packers could do about it based on draft position and the fact they desperately needed an OL. The one that stings is Detroit leapfrogging over the Packers to take Arnold. If Arnold was the Packer's choice it stings, but if it was Morgan all along then the first round went as well as it could go for the Packers. The beauty is the two selections each in rounds 2 and rounds 3. I am hopeful the Packers keep all 4 picks for quality players but if Gutey does move up aggressively to draft a player high in round 2 then I hope it is for a guy who is a difference maker. A guy like Di Jer' Zhan Newton at DL, or LBJ, or a young Kingsley Suamataia where the potential is too much to pass on.
NitschkeFan
April 26, 2024 at 11:15 am
I agree with you Knock. I was Ok with the Morgan pick, I just think the other teams in our division got better players.
Obviously if you have 2 picks vs 1 pick you are likely to have a better day.
Of course with the overall #1 and #9 picks the Bears were going to have a better day than almost anyone. But I was disappointed that the Vikes didn't need to use both of their picks to get their guy. Regardless of how much you do or do not like JJ McCarthy, they got "their guy" and they got Dallas Turner - a really good prospect. The draft really fell well for them yesterday.
Detroit you might argue had a day equal to the Packers, but I just feel Arnold is a better prospect overall. No disrespect to Morgan to say that.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 26, 2024 at 03:52 pm
Not sure why anyone would give you a downvote for a logical evaluation as you suggest.
Leatherhead
April 26, 2024 at 01:27 pm
Knock, it's not the players, it's the plan. Chicago and Minnesota are both planning to go with rookie QBs. And why are they planning to do that? Because they didn't have a QB that they thought could get them where they wanted to go. The Packers are still going to have the best QB in the division this year.
IOW, both teams spent really high picks to get a guy who won't be the best player at his position in the division.
I do like the idea of King Sua or Amegadjie at #58, but I think we'll take our LB at #41.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 26, 2024 at 03:54 pm
99% of all mock drafts I have done E. Cooper was the pick at #41.
Somehow, I just think Gutey is going to do some dramatic tonight most likely in round 2.
Oppy
April 27, 2024 at 04:50 am
It's almost like the NFL has a system where teams that are less competitive get rewarded with better draft slotting so they can become more competitive and make up ground with the stronger teams in the league to create parity and, in theory, a better football product on sundays where the teams are more evenly matched. ;)
NFL has the best draft system in modern sports. The draft in conjunction with salary floor/capping and league-wide profit sharing make the NFL an incredibly healthy and exciting league. Now if they could only get their stuff together with all the constant rules tampering they do, it might be the perfect sport.
BA4Pack
April 26, 2024 at 11:00 am
Morgan was drafted to play tackle not guard.
Sit tight at 41, this is the meat of the Packs draft.
stockholder
April 26, 2024 at 11:05 am
Rb- Small LB, Zone CB, DT to replace Clark.
That way he can go to Minnesota
Leatherhead
April 26, 2024 at 01:31 pm
Why do you say that? The GM said they liked that he could play 4 positions.
I have an alternate theory on how to use Morgan this year. You play him at LG, move Jenkins to Center, make Myers an interior backup, use Caleb Jones to back up Tom, and draft another guy, like Sua or Amegadjie or Rosengarten, to be the backup LT.
Then on Day 3, get somebody to remove Newman from the roster and spend the salary cap savings on a FA Safety.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 26, 2024 at 03:48 pm
BA,
I believe the Packers will try him at Tackle but he will go inside. The bottom line is either Morgan goes inside or Tom goes inside because Walker is only a Tackle. Morgan barring an injury to Wallace or Tom will play inside in 2024 and will serve as a backup swing Tackle. Long term I agree I hope he ends up talented enough to be a starting Tackle. Let's see what the great of the draft brings and whether they take another Tackle. I believe 2 more OLs are going to be taken. The suggestion that Jenkins could move inside to Center is an intriguing thought. Be fun to sort it all out come camp and competition. Let the competition begin!
NitschkeFan
April 26, 2024 at 11:13 am
l
RCPackerFan
April 26, 2024 at 11:22 am
I'm listening to Bulaga right now on Wilde and Tausch. I really hope I get to hear him say Cooper Dejean - Iowa tonight. And he just said it how he would say it. Simply amazing!
But either way he is talking about the whole arm length thing. Bulaga had 33 1/4" arms. Zach Tom has 33 1/4" arms. Morgan has 32 7/8" arms. Thats 3/8" difference. Not that much of a difference.
To me this was a good pick. Smart pick.
We had to build up our OL. We need to continue to add to it too. You win games in the trenches. We have just added a piece that will be a key to that.
stockholder
April 26, 2024 at 11:51 am
Interesting - Only a C+ for a Franchise LT-
25. Green Bay Packers: Jordan Morgan, OL, Arizona
This is a very safe pick for the Packers. Morgan needs to develop some strength as he enters the NFL, but should have the footwork and skill to at least be a quality pass blocker. It just feels like there might have been more juice to squeeze here with some of the defensive players still on the board. Grade: C+
jannesbjornson
April 26, 2024 at 12:51 pm
Who made the call, the fifth grade glee club, or the flakes on ESPN with the bad hair cuts and poor sense of fashion?? 27 reps on the Bench.
Sua and Patrick with the long reach at 30 reps. His low base is fine and he won all his 1:1 s @ the Senior Bowl. He will train against Van Ness and Gary. No Worries. Limmer with 39 pumps. Keep an eye on him.
jhtobias
April 26, 2024 at 02:04 pm
So stockholder since you trash everthing but never present a solution.
Since your the 2nd comingof ron wolf what would a championship mobe have been
stockholder
April 26, 2024 at 05:31 pm
The trade up should have been Mitchell.
Especially after his RAS numbers.
That would have started a run on CBs.
But now we get to replace Rhyan ,Newman,
Bitternotsour
April 26, 2024 at 05:00 pm
How was the Jordan Love pick graded. How did they grade Bryce Young last year?
Leatherhead
April 26, 2024 at 05:20 pm
Stockholder. 23 out of the 32 guys taken in the first round were offensive players. Is that because defense wins championships or because it takes points to win games?
The #10 defense last year, we get a new DC, we exchange Savage for McKinney, we get Alexander and Stokes off the injured list......if we don't draft a single defensive player we should still be better than last year.
This is the beginning of the Jordan Love Window, and we should load up the offense. We can get defenders next year, because we'll be set on offense.
stockholder
April 26, 2024 at 05:37 pm
The run on Qbs
Next the OL were considered Great.
My view point was Robinson looked to good
at the senior Bowl.
And I wouldn't have drafted any around #25.
The kicker is Barton team got a A.
Even with those short arms.
Gute will need money.
Good Bye Kenny Clark, and P. Smith.
More holes for empty pockets???
Packers0808
April 26, 2024 at 01:15 pm
Have a feeling you would see Jenkins at center before Tom if the moves are even done, which I personally highly doubt and is all speculation.
Leatherhead
April 26, 2024 at 01:33 pm
That would make more sense to me. Tom was really useful at RT last year, and if he hadn't been injured in the SF game, he might have prevented Bosa from pressuring Love into the season ending pick.
Jenkins played Center for us before, and he was good at it. Start Morgan at LG.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 26, 2024 at 03:51 pm
A lot to consider and frankly only the rest of this draft and camp will hash all the possibilities out. The beauty of drafting guys like Morgan, Tom, and Jenkins is that they are interchangeable. We might even see days in camp where these 3 are practicing at multiple positions as suggested.
Oppy
April 27, 2024 at 05:06 am
Elgton was on trajectory to be an all pro LG before his injuries. He should stay put at LG unless dire circumstances require otherwise.
The Packers have consistently stated they feel Tom can play anywhere across the line but that his best position would probably be center- this goes back to when he was drafted. This offseason, it was reported that the Packers view Tom as a pro bowl RT, an all-pro RG, and possibly a HOF C.
Bitternotsour
April 26, 2024 at 04:55 pm
Jenkins contract doesn't work unless he's the left tackle. It's science. They're going to get someone as the future left guard tonight.
Leatherhead
April 26, 2024 at 05:12 pm
Jenkins is getting paid a lot this year, but he's the only offensive lineman who is. In two years, he'll be scheduled for $25M. At that same point, Tom, Walker and Rhyan will all be FAs, as will Walker and Doubs.
I like him at Center, frankly, for two more years.
Bitternotsour
April 26, 2024 at 05:20 pm
The Packers have a center and we're already paying him. The line was fine. All these o-line picks are futures or pieces in the event of injury. Myers may be gone at the end of his contract, or he may return at a team friendly rate. Center is not the problem, at least not next year. Ditto with Jenkins. He's the man at left guard, but his contract is going to become untenable. Fortunately the front office seems aware of these issues and has a plan. All we have to do is watch it play out.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 28, 2024 at 03:41 am
That's a crappy attitude. Almost every pass last season, JL10 had at least one defender up in his face within a split second of getting rid of the ball.
O line is THE biggest need!
stockholder
April 26, 2024 at 06:22 pm
Jenkins is one injury away from being replaced.
LeotisHarris
April 26, 2024 at 06:27 pm
We're all day-to-day, little buddy.
What do you do for fun? What ever it is, you should take a few hours off and do it. A lot of it.
EricTorkelson
April 26, 2024 at 04:21 pm
Bloggers, Guys..... The Packers will not bench Myers and move Tom to center, they just don't operate in that manner.... nothing will change in there line at this point other than Morgan eventually supplanting Walker at LT. Myers has one yr left on contract and if he plays well this year they would be inclined to resign him...
When the Packers say ( we will start the best 5 ) that is a code phrase for the best 5 who started last year....
Leatherhead
April 26, 2024 at 05:17 pm
I'm not sure where this is coming from. Jenkins started at LG, then moved to C, then played LT, and finally RT. Tom has played LG, LT, and RT and is considered a candidate for Center. You get versatile guys and you let them be versatile.
Here's a homework assignment: Over the last 20 years, how many times have the Packers started the season with the same offensive line they had the year before? I'm thinking, not many. You have 5 guys on 4 year contracts, and guys get hurt and sometimes they just aren't good enough.
I cannot think of a single, objective reason why the Packers wouldn't shuffle their line.
Bitternotsour
April 26, 2024 at 05:48 pm
Hmmm. I seem to recall that Bulaga and Bakh were bookend tackles and that they didn't get moved to other positions. The centers have most of the time been centers, no? Tretter begat Lindsley, begat Myers, no? While they draft guys that can play in multiple positions, save for injuries they usually play a position and stay there if my (admittedly faulty) memory is staying true. They do often have a jack-of-all trades sort of guy again, that guy is the insurance policy, not the plan.
LeotisHarris
April 26, 2024 at 06:01 pm
How dare you leave Scotty Wells and his short, T-Rex arms out of this retort! And, nary a mention of the Swiss Army knife that was Don Barclay? You've disappointed me, friend.
Bitternotsour
April 26, 2024 at 06:14 pm
Listen man, I resisted going all the way back to Jim Ringo begetting Kenny Bowman, sometimes you have to edit your work.
LeotisHarris
April 26, 2024 at 06:30 pm
Legend has it that Bowman time-traveled to reset Ringo's separated shoulder immediately before Lombardi traded him (Ringo) to the Eagles. Begat *that*!
SicSemperTyrannis
April 28, 2024 at 03:42 am
That sucks. They need genuine competition, at every position.
EricTorkelson
April 27, 2024 at 07:44 am
Leatherhead my good man, the objective reason is continuity.. The packer line was playing well last year, you could say very well at the end of the year. So why would the Packers bench there center move there right tackle to center, move there rookie LT to right Tackle. Yes they had to move guys around because of injury, or in some cases performance but to drastically change the line chemistry at this point would not make any sense... Last point.. Guty said several times there looking to add depth to the line.