Packers 2024 NFL Draft: The Reasons Behind the Picks
Gutekunst repeats strategy that worked last year.
By KenLass
You’ve seen all the stats and info on Green Bay’s 2024 draft picks. Now let’s look at the draft through the perspective of the general manager.
First Round, Pick #25 Jordan Morgan, Tackle, Arizona
The first round could hardly have unfolded any better for the Green Bay Packers. Six quarterbacks, six tackles and four receivers were taken within the first 24 selections. The concentration on just three positions pushed a broad menu of quality talent down the line to Green Bay’s spot at 25. When Brian Gutekunst went on the clock, he had options to take the top safety, the top running back, or Cooper Dejean, the defensive back who was a popular choice among Packer fans, or one of the top linebackers in Edgerrin Cooper, or any of three quality offensive linemen in Graham Barton, Tyler Guyton and Jordan Morgan.
It became then simply a matter of which position Gutekunst thought was in most urgent need of help. In light of the departures of David Bakhtiari, Yosh Nijman and Jon Runyan, Gutey settled on O-line. Placing a priority on versatility, Gutekunst saw Barton as an inside player, Guyton as an outside player, and Morgan as both. “You can’t have guys that can only play one spot,” Gutey said Thursday night. So Morgan was the choice. Gutekunst called him “a Packer kind of guy”, a three year starter, team captain and leader, and positive locker room force.
Interestingly, Barton was taken with the very next pick by Tampa Bay, and Guyton went three picks later to the Cowboys, ensuring that the careers of these three players will always be compared.
Second Round, Pick #45 Edgerrin Cooper, linebacker, Texas A&M
The general consensus of this draft was there would be little difference in quality between roughly picks 30 through 60. That gave Gutekunst the leeway to set best player available aside and pick for need on day two. The second round unfolded with a run on receivers and defensive tackles, giving hope that corner/safety Cooper Dejean might fall to the Packers without moving up at 41. At least, that must be what the Philadelphia Eagles thought, because they traded with Washington to jump in front of Green Bay at 40 and snatch Dejean.
Gutekunst, showing no interest in Kool Aid McKinstry who was still on the board, then traded back four spaces with the Saints, picking up an extra fifth and sixth in the process. He told the press losing Dejean was not the reason for the trade back, that the deal had already been made a few picks earlier. You can decide for yourself whether to believe that. At any rate, Having filled a need at tackle in round one, Gutey was now looking at linebacker, safety and running back as priorities.
Having passed on Cooper in round one, Gutey welcomed the sight of the top rated off ball linebacker still there at 45, and jumped on him. Edgerrin Cooper is seen as a perfect complement to Quay Walker, giving the team a pair of fast, side-to-side pursuers who can blitz effectively. Gutekunst said he wanted the defense to get faster and Cooper certainly fits that bill. The concern is whether he is big enough to stop the run.
Round Two, Pick #58 Javon Bullard, Safety, Georgia
As round two approached its end, the draft continued to focus on positions that were not urgent needs for the Packers. At 58 the top rated safety on the CHTV draft guide was still there in Georgia’s Javon Bullard. There were others available at the position who were bigger bodies, but again Gutekunst placed a premium on speed and versatility, envisioning Bullard as able to complement newly acquired Xavier McKinney by playing strong or free, or even nickel. Bullard will likely be penciled in as an immediate starter come training camp.
Round Three, Pick #88 Marshawn Lloyd, RB, USC
It was not a great draft for running backs. Through the first 87 selections only three had been taken, none in the first round. The Packers already had Josh Jacobs and AJ Dillon, power backs with average speed. They had a need for a faster, shiftier ball carrier who could catch screen passes and explode downfield, yet still power through contact. In other words, they needed an Aaron Jones type. Gutekunst saw Marshawn Lloyd as such a back. Small at 5’9”, but solid at 220 lbs, Lloyd can break tackles, slash through holes, and create big plays, as evidenced by his mind boggling seven yards per carry average. Remind you any of number 33? In taking Lloyd, Gutekunst passed on Jaylen Wright, who went one round later to Miami. Those two careers will make for interesting comparison.
Round Three, Pick #91, Ty’Ron Hopper, Linebacker, Missouri
Having spent his first four picks filling specific holes at O-line, linebacker, safety and running back, Gutekunst came right back up on the clock at 91 with the freedom to make one of those “Gutey flyer” picks. You know, one of those guys he likes that is rated significantly lower on many other draft boards. His selection was Hopper, a talented project who is not ready to start, but has length, speed and agility. The Packers saw him as an immediate contributor on special teams, and a bigger (6’2”, 231), stronger version of Cooper, and who can develop into a run stopper.
Round Four, Pick #111 Evan Williams, Safety, Oregon
This is the point in the draft when you target certain players that you really like, but whom you strongly suspect other teams are gunning for as well. So you use your late round picks to move up and grab them. Wanting to create more competition in the safety room, Gutekunst coveted Williams, and gave up a sixth rounder plus their own fourth to the Jets to move up 15 slots for the Oregon standout. Williams was rated the thirteenth best safety in the CHTV draft guide, but clearly Green Bay saw him higher than that, as a run stopper who can develop into a force in the box, where he had five tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks for the Ducks last fall.
Fifth Round, Pick #163 Jacob Monk, Center, Duke
Continuing to move up to nab his targeted developmental players, Gutekunst traded the 168 and threw in another sixth to the Bills to move up five slots and pick Monk. The kind of prototypical, late round interior line prospect Green Bay loves, Monk played tackle, guard and center in college. Gutey loves team captains and Monk is a two year captain. He’s a bit light at 303 lbs., but figures to bulk up as a pro and the Packers see him as an eventual starting center, perhaps in the mold of a Scott Wells. Will add immediate competition to someone like Royce Newman for a roster spot as an OL back-up.
Fifth Round, Pick #169, Kitan Oladapo, Safety, Oregon State
By this time it was becoming obvious that Gutekunst was just going to load up the safety room with young, potential talent and just let them push each other and battle it out for playing time. The same strategy that worked so well last season with the receivers. Continuing to emphasize prospects who can potentially be effective run stoppers, Oladapo is a tall (6’2”) box safety with a reputation for being a thumper. Decent speed but you don’t want him covering solo downfield. Gutey also saw an immediate contributor on special teams. Do you suppose Anthony Johnson Jr. and Benny Sapp are getting nervous?
Round Six, Pick #202 Travis Glover, OL, Georgia State
At this point Gutekunst is just looking for impressive measurables and hoping for diamonds in the rough. Glover is a large human being at 6’6”, 323 lbs., and a five year starter, albeit at a small school. He is as raw as a side of beef hanging in a meat house, but so was Rasheed Walker a couple of years ago. Probably headed for a practice squad year.
Round Seven, Pick # 245 Michael Pratt, Quarterback, Tulane
The Packers were legitimately surprised that Pratt was still on the board midway through the final round. Predicted by many to be selected two or three rounds earlier, Pratt may turn out to be the best value in this Green Bay draft. Matt LaFleur used the word “shocked” to describe the team’s reaction to his lasting so long.
Gutekunst was looking for a developmental quarterback throughout the middle rounds, but prospects such as Spencer Rattler, Joe Milton and Jordan Travis were taken before he could get around to them. The Packers were probably going to bring in another arm for camp anyway. Not only does Pratt accomplish that, but he can provide real competition to Sean Clifford for the back-up job. 9,600 passing yards, 90 touchdowns and a rating of 101.8 are hard to ignore, regardless of the competition level. He was an easy choice at this juncture.
Round Seven, Pick# 255, Kalen King, Corner, Penn State
Seventh round picks are places to take big swings with minimal risk, and Gutekunst did exactly that by finishing up the draft with one of the real enigmas of this class. As a sophomore in 2022 King was a second team All American corner, having led the Big Ten in pass break-ups. He was being projected as a first round talent if and when he came out. Then as a junior in 2023 his play fell off dramatically. His season was basically devoid of big plays, and his testing was mediocre, with an RAS of 6.68. Scouts apparently dismissed 2022 as a fluke, and King watched 33 cornerbacks get taken ahead of him.
But as you know, Gutey loves to draft players based on what they can become, and owning one of the very last selections in the draft, there was little to lose. So he took the Penn State prospect, who immediately announced he would be playing with a huge chip on his shoulder and will prove the scouts wrong. If the Green Bay coaches can somehow bring the talent he showed two years ago out of him, King could be the absolute steal of the entire draft.
SUMMARY:
Gutekunst entered this draft wanting to get faster on defense, and deeper at safety, linebacker, offensive line and running back. Missions accomplished. He drafted no receivers, defensive linemen or edge rushers (although Edgerrin Cooper can play edge). This will be a significant influx of new young talent that will immediately push for playing time, perhaps ensuring Green Bay remains the youngest team in the league. It’s a strategy that worked surprisingly well last season. Will it take the Packers to the next level this fall?
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Ken Lass is a former Green Bay television sports anchor and 43 year media veteran, a lifelong Packers fan, and a shareholder.
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Comments (155)
SicSemperTyrannis
April 29, 2024 at 06:18 am
I couldn't be happier with this draft :)
Gutey's improving. His signings before the draft greatly helped him to draft well.
I see a call to extend Gutey's and MLF's contract, and I think I'll jump aboard that train.
greengold
April 29, 2024 at 10:17 am
yO! Sic!!!
Yeah, I've felt Gutekunst is an "ascending talent," at GM for the Packers after both the 2022 and 2023 drafts. He tried getting a little too cute with some of his picks in 2020 and 2021, just my opinion, but, I believe he learned some lessons. It is, indeed, a learn-on-the-job position.
There's some picks we all can point to that back this notion. He had people in his ear, both players and coaches, not to mention, some of his own personnel staff, that might have weighed too heavily at points in years prior.
Plus, no GM is perfect. They all make mistakes.
However, I believe his 2022, 2023 and now his 2024 drafts all have shown marked improvements. He seems to be getting it down quite well during that stretch, without a lot of whiffs.
It's time MLF breaks out and shows he is in command of his team in ways we have yet to see. Gutekunst looks to have excelled nicely as a GM to this point, and I hope they give him a greater hold on running the football side of this Packers team once MM is gone, as it should be. Bob Harlan had it right.
I want to see what Brian Gutekunst can do running this Packers team as GM & Head of Football Operations. He's earned that opportunity IMO.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 29, 2024 at 01:03 pm
Hey GG!
Good seeing you!
Been big fan of Gutey all along and indicated for years he is the Packers MVP in that building.
HawkPacker
April 29, 2024 at 06:28 am
Great draft summary. Some of the players were questionable draft picks in my way of thinking as I either did not know much about them or the tape shown after the selection was not impressive.
Coldworld
April 29, 2024 at 10:55 am
There are some in the mid-late rounds that I think are, as the article states, specific match pieces that Hafley or Gute see as matching the options he wants to have.
Obviously all picks are prospects not proven at draft time, but with these in particular we need to see what they want to do with them and whether they then use them before deciding if the pick made sense.
The mid to late round draft orders of the pundits were all over the place this year (even more than normal) on a lot of players as well, adding to the uncertainty.
WestCoastPackerBacker
April 29, 2024 at 02:15 pm
If you didn't know much about a pick, how can you decide they were questionable? The tape is only part of the picture. They draft for potential as well, not just how the guy looked in college. They seen the physical and mention/emotional attributes and add in coaching to grow the prospect into someone that can contribute. At least that's the hope! Always.
greengold
April 29, 2024 at 06:38 am
LT Jordan Morgan - Getting one of the best of one of the deepest OT classes in years was rock solid for GB, especially with Gutekunst needing to optimize two huge investments in Jordan Love and Josh Jacobs.
LB Edgerrin Cooper - I thought he was the PRIZE pick for the Packers at LB, and I was happy they secured Cooper to our roster. He's going to be a perfect fit in Hafley's D. Always felt Edgerrin Cooper was LB1 in this class, by a mile.
S Javon Bullard - His best position is the STAR, and Bullard was a smart choice there to upgrade a very important part of Hafley's D.
RB Marshawn Lloyd - Arguably the best RB in this draft. He's got immense value here at #88 to provide the Packers with dynamic depth and play at the position.
LB Ty'Ron Hopper - Looks like a dynamic physical traits pick who should help STs straight away, while being allowed time to develop.
SS Evan Williams - RUN STOP. Felts the Packers weren't done at S as they needed that true SS. He's very quick to trigger, and has great technique, in an area we really needed to improve.
OC Jacob Monk - He's a development piece who needs some sand in the pants, but, damn if he doesn't have all the goods. PLUS foot quicks. PLUS Football IQ. EXPLOSIVE, with all the hip flex, base, punch you look for at C/OG/OT. Great zone blocker able to pull, hold his ground, recover, punch. Thick. Wide. STRONG.
S Kitan Oladapo - DEPTH, and a possible starter at SS. Glad Gutekunst doubled up on SS candidates to win the spot opposite McKinney. Allowed ZERO TDs in 2023. Stellar PFF grades in both Passing and Run D. GREAT SIZE too, with more fluidity than your normally see from 6-2 216 Strong Safeties. PLUS nickel defender. Great in the box. He's a CLASSIC SS.
LT Travis Glover - I love this pick. 6-6 332 with 34.75" arms. Massive, and plays W I D E !!!! He's a tough SOB for defenders to get around. An ELITE starter. Durable. PUNISHER. The dude simply needs technique work/development.
QB Michael Pratt - Good late round QB Room addition to work with and possibly turn into a future trade asset.
CB Kalen King - I was wondering when we were going to take him. He's got ELITE instincts and ballhawking skills. Agile. Plays fast. Quality play in both zone/man. Great RUN STOP. Has all the goods without being an athletic freak. Very scheme diverse DB. * Suffered from having to be on EVERY Marvin Harrison Jr. highlight reel. Oddly enough, he didn't play poorly in those games.... but, I think that was a big contributing factor in his dropping to the bottom of R7. His 2022 was far better, especially with CB Joey Porter Jr. playing opposite King.
T7Steve
April 29, 2024 at 07:46 am
Good to see you greengold.
Don't know if I'd just missed you or you haven't been around, but that comment alone is the perfect example of why I always search and look forward for your input.
greengold
April 29, 2024 at 08:46 am
Hi Stevie! Yeah, just was completely immersed in my work, and there was no getting around that. So much so, that I didn't even know the draft was Thursday night until I popped ESPN on that morning! LOL.. For me, that is shocking. You friends here know how much I've looked forward to the draft every year since I was a kid, pouring through the Athlons, Ourlads, Liddy's & The Sporting News draft issues, then looking up who we took in the Sunday Sports Section of the Journal. Whoosh. How times have changed.
I've never been so consumed with my work. But, I've got some draft buds with whom we bash this shizzle around every year, and they were on my ass. Took parts of 2-3 days in the last 4 months to start building notes, but... I pretty much knew what we needed and were after.
Glad to see we got most of our need areas addressed. All my best to you, man.
T7Steve
April 29, 2024 at 02:42 pm
Either "too busy" or "too slow". So, you have to take the "too busy".
Good for you. Hope you can stick around with us for a while. and thinking just about myself, hope you get slow enough around camp time to put your 2 cents in and give some live updates.
dobber
April 29, 2024 at 07:46 am
Welcome back, GG! Haven't seen you in a while!
greengold
April 29, 2024 at 09:09 am
dobberino! Thanks.
Good draft, overall, for the Packers from what I've been able to tell. I thought he reached a couple times, but, they've got their intel, and knew Hafley's specific needs/requests. What I really like, besides the quality adds to our OL and the PRIZE of this draft for GB, Edgerrin Cooper, is how much they keyed on SAFETIES. Specifically those with high marks in both coverage & especially, RUN STOP.
While I've always been high on SS Anthony Johnson Jr., Gutekunst pounded the position like I hadn't expected, adding 3 Safeties in Bullard, Williams & Oladapo. As soon as he took Javon Bullard, I was freaking thrilled, knowing his calling card is that coveted STAR position. THAT's where he excels. Not so much as a SS. Bullard's Passer Rating Allowed was a measly 34.0 in 2023. He allowed ZERO TDs, and had 2 INT. He'll provide a HUGE upgrade over Nixon, who needed to be replaced with a very high quality producer there.
The SLOT Safety is very important in Hafley's new D for run stop and QB blitzing. Bullard, his 4.47 PLUS his tackling prowess ROCKS there. Just got some intel the Packers brass believes they might have gotten both LB1 and S1 in this draft... Cooper & Bullard.
Once he became a Packer, I knew Gutekunst was going to pop for a solid SS. Evan Williams was a solid choice there, when you want BOTH run stop & Pass D. Physical. Aggressive, instinctive, able to decipher on the fly, and shows he's more than capable in any assignment. He had 9 PD and 3 INT in 2021. Last season, his first at Oregon after transferring, he had 5 TFL and 4.5 sacks.
Adding SS Kitan Oladapo at 169 was some sweet freakin' icing! Whoah!!! ZERO TDs allowed, to go with a 72.5 QB Rating When Targeted. His 2023 included 74 tackles, 3 TFL, 8 PD 2 INT, 1 sack, 1 FR and 1 FF. Baller.
The Packers are now DEEP at Safety. Very deep. DBs who can RUN STOP are incredibly valuable in today's NFL. We got a bunch, including our last pick, CB Kalen King!
Coldworld
April 29, 2024 at 10:40 am
AJJ looks much more of a FS or post S to me. He’s best covering deep and worst playing the run. As I see it, he’s the 3rd or 4th best deep player (after Williams perhaps). So I think he’s till in the depth and development mix.
Good to see your perspectives. Where there were holes, let there be depth and options. I agree, a pragmatic draft that may not be glamorous but looks strong on paper to me.
HawkPacker
April 29, 2024 at 09:31 am
Welcome back GG. You were missed and I feared the worst.
More than a few times I mentioned in my posts that you were missed and 'where is he'?
greengold
April 29, 2024 at 09:59 am
Thanks, Hawk! I missed all of my friends here too. Just a complete & total work immersion. I was SO focused that I've yet to see a complete Bucks game since before Doc was hired... and, I'm a HUGE Bucks fan.
Back to this Packers draft. While I was looking for GB to add a true "Sam" LB, and there were some good options available, going deep into this draft, Hafley runs more of a 4-2-5, and run nickel personnel about 80% of the time.
Look at the size of SS Kitan Oladapo! 6-2 216, and he runs a 4.58. Both he and SS Evan Williams have that Box Safety mentality. Both are tremendous NICKEL defenders.
All 3 of Bullard, Williams and Oladapo are highly skilled at covering TEs, and we now have the players to match up with teams using multiple TEs. They can cheat Oladapo, or any of them up as a SS LB when needed, and they all know how to get after the QB. All 3 of them have exceptional tackling abilities.
I believe that this is going to be really fun to watch, and all of our additions from this draft have the resumes of production in both run stop and scoring D. Two areas of the Packers D that were calling out to be addressed.
Bitternotsour
April 29, 2024 at 10:46 am
Oladapo was in a division that had 3 first round quarterbacks in this draft. Williams only had to face two of them, but you get the idea. The PAC 12 had some significant players and the competition thru the air was significant.
golfpacker1
April 29, 2024 at 09:59 am
Welcome back Greengold, you were missed!!
Since'61
April 29, 2024 at 10:44 am
Welcome Back Greengold! I was hoping that the draft would bring you back to us. Great post!
Thanks, Since '61
greengold
April 29, 2024 at 11:57 am
Thanks, my friend. I'm taking a little time today to jump in as best I can. Good to see you here too! You know me... the draft. Always been a fun time in my lifetime, and this one was solid.
Personally, I was hoping Gutekunst would jump all over NT T'Vondre Swift, and I think he was going to, but TEN snapped him away. Thought he was the real prize of this draft next to LB Edgerrin Cooper. I was immensely disappointed he didn't steal him off the board at #25, but, thems the breaks! He wasn't going to last long after that, despite all the chatter. Maybe GB didn't like him... ??? Possible. Sweat played near 380 lbs last season!
I cannot argue the Jordan Morgan pick, which I really like quite a lot. Jordan Love needs the best protection up front that we can give him, and we needed that mauler who's exceptional in that category as well. Gutekunst took just that at #25 with Morgan. He's a truly gifted LT.
From 2022-23, Morgan was one of four FBS left tackles with a minimum of 1,000-plus offensive snaps played with an 80.0-plus PFF pass-blocking grade and an 80.0-plus PFF run-blocking grade.
He's got all the goods to protect Jordan Love for the next decade, along with supreme run blocking skills.Has the frame, power, hands, strength, arm length and athleticism to move opponents in any number of ways. His punches to sustain separation are vicious. His hand strength alone can shut many EDGE rushers down. He can't be bull rushed. Has the athleticism to freaking explode and meet any rusher's best. Constantly re-setting his hands/hand fighting for best leverage. Best in zone scheme as a run blocker, with ability to jump quickly into 2nd level to pick off anyone in front of him. Massive grip strength to wash defenders down LOS. Quick to cut off any pursuit defenders.
Exactly what we needed. Great pick.
GregC
April 29, 2024 at 06:44 am
Nice analysis, but it's time to drop the Aaron Jones fixation. Marshawn Lloyd has as much in common with Josh Jacobs as he does with Aaron Jones. It kind of pains me to see Josh Jacobs lumped together with A.J. Dillon as "power backs with average speed."
murf7777
April 29, 2024 at 08:02 am
So true, I could stack all four side by side, watch their film and state, none are similar to the other. Lloyd will need to learn the value of keeping the football in his hands and not on the ground. If he does that, he will be a long term, productive back for the Packers. If I were to compare two of them thou, I would take Jacobs and Lloyd.
PeteK
April 29, 2024 at 10:03 am
Lloyd reminds me of Jaylon Warren of Pitt.
Alberta_Packer
April 29, 2024 at 10:33 am
In one of Lloyd's pre-draft interviews - he stated that Josh Jacobs was an NFL RB that he most resembled.
Coldworld
April 29, 2024 at 11:02 am
If Lloyd shows he can protect, I’m not sure Dillon isn’t the 4th running back this year, unless he becomes the HBack/Fullback seriously. Wilson just looks more of a threat and should be improved physically after a year in a pro program and I’m confident Lloyd can be if he can avoid lateral running, show ball security and prove himself in protection.
Alberta_Packer
April 29, 2024 at 02:18 pm
Lloyd seems to be a willing protector - just not yet at the same level of Dillon. Which may be A.J.s ticket for remaining on the team this year - as well as his knowledge of the offense.
WestCoastPackerBacker
April 29, 2024 at 03:00 pm
It will depend on who of the younger guys gets the plays and protections down and how Lloyd looks in the passing game. But his time will come, and likely sooner rather than later. It's sure good to have depth, either way. Someone with more potential than Patrick Taylor.
murf7777
April 29, 2024 at 03:40 pm
If he's the 4th RB he will be cut or traded and keep 2.2+ of the 2.4 in salary cap savings. I question that GB might possibly do that if Lloyd passed him up and he would've become #3 back.
EnemyTerritory
April 29, 2024 at 06:35 pm
Does Dillon become the SF49er Kyle Jurszyk Swiss Army knife that Deguara was supposed to be?
TKWorldWide
April 29, 2024 at 06:44 am
1. Who compiles the CHTV Draft Guide rankings?
2. Aren’t Hopper and Cooper nearly identical in size?
3. Thank you for acknowledging that Green Bay’s board and other consensus boards differ, rather than saying “Gute passed up higher rated players”…not higher rated according to Green Bay!
4. Very Interested to see if Brian will continue this “3 guys at a position one year, none the next” pattern. I wonder if the talent will sort of even out and then his picks will be less feast or famine. That’s not a negative, just a point of curiosity.
5. I cannot wait to see this roster develop! Things are looking really, really good!
6. GPG!
7. See #6 and repeat!
greengold
April 29, 2024 at 06:49 am
yO, TK!
Glad Gutekunst popped DL last year with Van Ness, Wooden & Brooks, because 2024 was NOT the draft for the position. And, speaking of development, we should be seeing some big improvements with our most recent additions there (+Wyatt, maybe Ford), now that they've had a year or two to get their feet planted more firmly on the NFL ground.
murf7777
April 29, 2024 at 08:04 am
Wyatt will be the most improved player next year and make a run for a pro bowl bid. The man is quick, strong and fast, he is a beast!
dobber
April 29, 2024 at 09:08 am
I'm a huge fan of Karl Brooks...enough so that I think he might be the breakout DL for 2024.
greengold
April 29, 2024 at 10:53 am
Me too, and I wonder if they are adding bulk onto Karl Brooks' frame to work at NT? They have Brooks listed as our backup NT currently, behind TJ Slaton.
Wouldn't mind seeing Kenny Clark moved back to NT, which I think was his most effective position, allowing Wyatt, Wooden and Brooks to work alongside in rotation.
LLCHESTY
April 29, 2024 at 03:07 pm
Clark will be back at NT but will be playing more 1T and barely any 0T. He'll be asked to split blocks instead of take them on so it might be a little easier on his body.
Coldworld
April 29, 2024 at 11:22 am
I think Wyatt benefits most from the system change on paper certainly. Maybe Kenny Clark too, depending on how they use him. Brooks I think will take a step simply based on a year in the weight room program.
DoubleJ
April 29, 2024 at 08:52 am
LVN came out the draft the first year he was eligible. Had he stayed at Iowa in 2023 he probably would have been less of an NFL project AND been viewed as Edge/DE 1. That probably means he is a 2024 top 10 pick instead of 2023 top 15. In many ways the Packers got the best Edge/DE from the 2024 draft just a year early.
greengold
April 29, 2024 at 09:33 am
Great, great point DoubleJ!!!! Great point...
TKWorldWide
April 29, 2024 at 09:02 am
And welcome back, GG!
dobber
April 29, 2024 at 07:59 am
Yes, Cooper and Hopper are nearly identical--differing only by a pound--and Cooper has longer arms and bigger hands. I always find the inconsistencies interesting when reading scouting reports, even when they all come from the same scout. All I can figure is they feel that a guy "plays bigger" or "plays to his length".
I think it's easier to hit positions hard when you've got a wealth of picks to work with. In the end, you'll notice that the Packers don't have nearly as many UDFA signings as they usually seem to have...could be agents steering players away from the young roster in GB.
Coldworld
April 29, 2024 at 11:51 am
Both are going to need to add mass and power. Hopper has not played the role Cooper has. Cooper is an experienced multi role LB, Hopper is a sort of hybrid SS/Run and shoot LB. He needs to just be let loose to attack at this point.
murf7777
April 29, 2024 at 12:36 pm
I agree, I wonder if they don't want Cooper at 240 vs 230. His Excelleration is impressive. He is going to make some impact plays but will also come with some over running plays as well. Cooper and Walker are going to make one hell of a LB tandem. They are set up to cover running QB's!
Hopper, I suspect he will start out as a special teams guy and maybe get in on some situational plays.
Coldworld
April 29, 2024 at 01:08 pm
Hopper is a big SS option in heavy packages and a situational ILB option. He needs to be able to attack as an ILB and he’s best just let loose. So I’d say 3rd down type probably or where we want to attack the ball carrier aggressively behind the line on early downs.
I would imagine they both add weight and strength, but functionally. Not a vast amount as they want the athleticism retained. 240 would be about right I’d guess.
joejetson
April 29, 2024 at 07:09 pm
I noticed the decrease in the UDFA signings as well. Your explanation makes a lot of sense.
NickPerry
April 29, 2024 at 06:45 am
Personally I like the first 8 picks. Yes, I had Cooper Dejean fever just like many of the other Packers fans did, but I GET the Morgan pick, especially with the two 2nd round picks. I really like the Cooper and Bullard picks and am thinking the Packers will be able to FINALLY defend the middle of the field.
Marshawn Lloyd was an interesting pick. A friend of mine said he saw him play 3 times this past season (I live in Los Angeles) and he really liked him. Personally I liked the story where he plays at about 210 but bulked up to 220 for the combine and still ran a 4.46. Something tells me Lloyd will be the #2 RB by October which really sucks for AJ Dillon.
There's a LOT of youth on this team right now. After releasing Jones and Bakhtiari I can't imagine they won't be the youngest team again in the NFL.
DoubleJ
April 29, 2024 at 07:22 am
The Packers were younger in the middle of free agency 2024 than they were in 2023. Odds are they are going to be younger this year than they were last year despite some players being a year older.
Guam
April 29, 2024 at 07:58 am
Is Dillon still regarded as an RB by the Packers or more of a Fullback/H-back? With Deguara gone, they will need someone for that role and with Dillon's pass pro and receiving skills he would be a good fit.
dobber
April 29, 2024 at 08:00 am
Jacobs always seems to miss a couple games, but I agree in that a FB/HB role might be Dillon's most direct path to regular snaps. LaF said earlier this off-season that they had an expanded role in mind for Dillon.
Coldworld
April 29, 2024 at 11:18 am
His competition for that role is the increasing versatility of Kraft and Sims and the return of Davis, who I think can do what Deguara ended up doing, which was essentially a FB who doesn’t carry by season end. They do have Pearson and a UDFA Messiah, who is a 6’8” blocking specialist as well.
I’m not sure Davis is going anywhere and I’m not sure Dillon will beat him out for the few HBack snaps if Lloyd or Wilson show they can handle protection and show well in the run game.
Bitternotsour
April 29, 2024 at 11:33 am
My guess is Dillon is the cold weather back. The clock killer, the crush your soul in the dead of winter selection. I think all three make the team and get touches. Things are looking less great for Emanuel Wilson.
Coldworld
April 29, 2024 at 11:41 am
Possible, but I think Jacobs would be just as good. As to Wilson, we will see, but if he shows up, I think he’s got more upside than Dillon contractually and in terms of threat. Dillon is the Taylor proposition. If Lloyd or Wilson can master that then I see Jacobs negating the cold weather need significantly due to his style.
Of course Dillon could come in fired up and show the edge he’s not unleashed so far and render all this moot. He still has the physical potential but he’s got to tap it now or hope his competence as a protector is needed more than offensive threat.
LLCHESTY
April 29, 2024 at 03:09 pm
Except Dillon has hardly ever run like that. Jones was the tougher runner.
Coldworld
April 29, 2024 at 04:14 pm
Jacobs is a far tougher runner than Dillon has been. Dillon really needs to change that if he wants to prolong his career.
Leatherhead
April 30, 2024 at 02:31 pm
My guess is they'll use Dillon just like they always have. They'll use Jacobs the way they used Jones. Unless he has to play because of injuries, Lloyd will play sparingly until the coaches are sure he'll protect the rock.
Bitternotsour
April 30, 2024 at 02:57 pm
Protect the rock, and the franchise
Ya_tittle
April 29, 2024 at 02:16 pm
I thought too that Dillon's role might change with Deguara gone.
murf7777
April 29, 2024 at 08:06 am
I think Lloyd will take over Dillon’s role right away. Might the Packers save 2.7M and either cut or trade Dillon?
Ya_tittle
April 29, 2024 at 02:17 pm
His entire salary this year is guaranteed. He will be on the 53.
LLCHESTY
April 29, 2024 at 03:11 pm
Dillon's deal is t guaranteed except for $167.5 K
Coldworld
April 29, 2024 at 04:00 pm
None of it is guaranteed if you mean Dillon.
Leatherhead
April 30, 2024 at 02:37 pm
Murf, do you really think they made a deal with Dillon, who's been a good soldier for us for four years and who wanted to stay in Green Bay, with the intention of cutting or trading him? If they didn't want him around, all they had to do was not make him an offer.
I think this is to have a smoother transition. I strongly suspect it's Dillon's last year here. If you unload Dillon, and Lloyd can't hang onto the rock, and then Jacobs gets hurt, then who is going to carry the mail?
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 29, 2024 at 01:13 pm
Nick,
Saw a list of players the Packers got because of the AR trade. It is a very extensive list because of trade downs. All look to be very good players with many starters and potential starters. Just want to give a shout out to one Aaron Rodgers and Joe Douglas for greatly assisting Gutey and the Packers reload!
DoubleJ
April 29, 2024 at 07:11 am
"a bigger (6’2”, 231), stronger version of Cooper"
At the combine Cooper measured 6'2" 230lbs. That is only 1lbs heavier and the same height. Neither of them did the bench press. Hard to say a bigger and stronger version of Cooper when they are the same height and weight.
TKWorldWide
April 29, 2024 at 07:39 am
Double J, I agree!
I have a scale that measures to the tenth of a pound, and I’ve been on it before and after a trip to the bathroom. One pound? Just saying…😉
stockholder
April 29, 2024 at 07:17 am
Was it sound reasoning?
My thinking is it wasn’t urgent need.
My Argument- Why so many safeties then?
DeJean was there and a fans pick.
The comparison of Ots show the indecision.
Dallas had a choice. Franchise OT or not?
Wouldn’t you have taken a Franchise OT first.
Next - I still believe Payton Wilson was a better IB.
The fact that Brian traded back and No one went after
Cooper. Shows he isn’t a match and just a replacement.
Comparison Wilson vs Cooper - Steelers won.
Marshawn Lloyd - Is the head scratcher-
IF You remember Dexter from ND?
You know a RB has to block. Go figure -
I won’t do any comparisons but RBs with ball
handling issues. Are a reach.
Pick #91- The Recent FA signing and drafting of Morgan.
Tell me Brian didn’t use his 3rd rd. picks wisely.
Both these were a reach or Love at first sight again.
With better talent still available on the OL.
He should have traded up for it or taken a higher rated safety.
Brian got his influx of talent. But we will always question it.
DoubleJ
April 29, 2024 at 07:35 am
"My Argument- Why so many safeties then?
DeJean was there and a fans pick."
This is just what they did at WR for the last 2 years and TE last year. You take multiple players at a position in the hopes that one will be good. This is a sound way of doing it and perhaps you hit on a couple players. There have also been multiple beat writers who have said that DeJean didn't seem like a good fit in the Hafley defense. It could have been that multiple teams thought the Packers were going to draft DeJean or a CB like Arnold and that is why Detroit and Philly moved ahead of them. Instead Gute knew what he was going to do and laughed all the way to the podium with his picks knowing he might have hurt other teams by them needing to use draft capital to get ahead of GB when he wasn't going to pick those players anyways.
"Dallas had a choice. Franchise OT or not?
Wouldn’t you have taken a Franchise OT first."
Jerry Jones had said they had 3 players they liked equally on their board (Morgan, Barton, and Guyton). They traded down 5 spots and almost had all those players gone before they picked again.
"Next - I still believe Payton Wilson was a better IB.
The fact that Brian traded back and No one went after
Cooper. Shows he isn’t a match and just a replacement.
Comparison Wilson vs Cooper - Steelers won."
The NFL would disagree with you on this. Besides Cooper there were 4 other LBs that went BEFORE Wilson was picked. A lot of teams were scared by Wilson's age and injuries. There is reporting that Wilson is a 1 contract player. Do you really want to use a top 100 pick on a player that will last at most 4 years?
"Marshawn Lloyd - Is the head scratcher-
IF You remember Dexter from ND?
You know a RB has to block. Go figure -
I won’t do any comparisons but RBs with ball
handling issues. Are a reach."
Lloyd was Daniel Jeremiah's top rated RB. At worst he was a top 5 RB by almost every online draft board. The consensus big board had Lloyd at 88 and he was picked at 88 so even that says he wasn't a reach. The pass blocking can be taught. Jones wasn't a good pass blocker at first and he became a good pass blocker. Fumbling can be fixed as well.
"Pick #91- The Recent FA signing and drafting of Morgan.
Tell me Brian didn’t use his 3rd rd. picks wisely.
Both these were a reach or Love at first sight again.
With better talent still available on the OL.
He should have traded up for it or taken a higher rated safety."
He should have traded up for a higher rated safety? He drafted Javon Bullard at 58 who was one of the top rated safeties in the draft. Only one safety went before Bullard and that was Tyler Nubin who's RAS was in the 3s. Don't forget that Gute wanted players that could be interchangeable. Players like Hicks and Bishop are viewed as box safeties only. That means when they are on the field teams already know what they are going to do. If you get someone who is able to cover as well then a team doesn't know if the safety is going to cover or blitz. There was a person at Oregon who said to the Packers drafting Williams "congrats on getting the best player on our D last year." I trust that the scouts know more than we do about players.
porupack
April 29, 2024 at 09:55 am
Pretty thorough response. The only quibble would be judging a player like Wilson as a one contract player. But otherwise, agree with all your points.
Coldworld
April 29, 2024 at 11:26 am
Health wise, if he has no ACL, I think it’s not unreasonable to doubt his longevity since that seldom happens without collateral damage and increases the risk of it. Then there’s also the potentially degenerative shoulder. He might play for a decade, but the odds seem less likely than most with his talent. He might not make it through a year either if he gets hurt in the wrong way. That’s why he dropped so far and went to the same team that took a similar risk on Darnell Washington’s foot.
I just want to add one thing to the why so many safeties question. Those picks cover Slot, FS and SS as well as Nickel Backer. We had McKinney and Walker who are proven starters at S and ILB. We had one proven back up at ILB but he’s not a. Candidate for the above roles.
We had essentially nothing at S but STers and a late round flyer who may be an FS. We had no numbers, no interchangeability and no sub package options in the middle. We didn’t even have an obvious slot back up.
Now we have at least 2 fully interchangeable safeties and ILBs and depth and role options for the entire central D. That’s why we picked so many. It’s not rocket science, it’s creating credible depth and potential where nothing existed.
stockholder
April 29, 2024 at 10:23 am
The point of Dallas was; No one was going to be a
Franchise Tackle--- If Dallas Traded down -
Why didn't GB.?
Think about that again-
If "Back-up" OT was what we Needed.
Why not wait and take Any hole Brian created first?
KC got a A. Detroit got a A.
Both picked Later.
And KC still got the best OT.
Who will be on the All Rokie team
While the rest won't.
Face it - The guys behind us had the better Drafts.
We only took guys for depth.
That is status Que - Not all in.
But I'll praise Brian for one thing.
He's got you all eating out of his hand.
DoubleJ
April 29, 2024 at 10:37 am
What is this entire word salad? You contradict yourself multiple times here and then made wild statements about players that you know nothing about. You seem to think that you know more about the draft than everyone else, even those who are ACTUAL scouts and GMs. If the Packers were to follow your drafting ideas they would be one of the worst teams in the NFL year after year. You would be happy to trade away draft capital in the hopes of hitting on a single player (this is what Mike Sherman did) and this kills the team after a while. You wind up having no depth and a bunch of average players. Time after time the use of multiple picks at the same position has shown to be best way to build a team. You INCREASE your odds of hitting on a position when you spend multiple picks on it.
stockholder
April 29, 2024 at 10:46 am
Increase your odds of hitting or
finding the best players in the NFL????
TT thought it was their job to find the best.
Not increase your Odds of hitting.
But as we all know -
When TT lost his Staff-
He lost his chances of getting the best.
DoubleJ
April 29, 2024 at 11:04 am
I see you are once again liking your own moronic posts.
Increasing your odds of hitting means you are getting at worst average player at the position. TT was the king of trading down for more picks. That increased depth AND increased competition at positions. The competition meant that the players got better by design by having to work for their spots on the team.
As has been proven time and time again, trading up especially in the early part of the draft doesn't pay off as much as trading down. The more attempts you have at a position increases your chances of one of them being good or great. In many ways the Lions, Bears, AND Vikings sacrificed their future by giving up premium draft picks next year for mid round picks this year.
Coldworld
April 29, 2024 at 12:15 pm
The draft is like baseball. A GM who hits 4.00 is a legend. The way probability works is that 2 goes doubles the chances of a hit. Simple logic. However good or bad the personnel function is the probability of a win inevitably doubles.
In fact none of the safeties or ILBs we took are really identical although the overlaps allow depth as well as for specific roles.
jannesbjornson
April 30, 2024 at 01:51 pm
Khyri Thornton, rd three, never played a down, thanks Ted and toss in Damarious Randall and the basketball player as a two pick....Marshawn Lloyd would start if Jacobs was not in this lineup...Morgan was the top LT in this draft, not a boat anchor, or a guy who will take three years to make the starting lineup. Monk knows all...I think Cooper was an over-reach and I would have taken Coleman, or Beebe to fill the RG spot. Colson was beat up. Hopper could end up the better guy. Where is the plugger LB(s) to stop the bleeding when teams want to jam it down their throats. Walker is the guy i would have traded.
WestCoastPackerBacker
April 29, 2024 at 03:12 pm
He's not worth answering. He is rarely positive and also rarely even makes sense. It's just not even worth digging through the crap he writes.
Coldworld
April 29, 2024 at 12:04 pm
Guyton is not a franchise tackle currently. That’s your flawed foundation that undermines you completely. He’s a guy who many think has the potential to become one in future. He was actually my favorite of the ones that got near us, but on upside.
Morgan was up there too. The idea that he’s some kind of makeweight at T is not widely shared. He too has upside, particularly in the run game. He just happens to be short enough to be a credible G early on too.
No, Suamataia is not the best T. He’s a cheaper and rawer and slightly less athletic version of Guyton. He had high upside but a lower floor than Guyton and Guyton is more potential than actual. Suamataia was just going to be available later than Morgan or Mims or even Barton. That’s a virtually universal consensus as far as Morgan is concerned.
If I had to pick a team of NFL draftees tomorrow I’d go with Morgan over Guyton in a shot. Right now Morgan is better technically and overall. Will that always be the case? Not necessarily, but I think Morgan will be in this league a very long time as a starter.
So it’s not Morgan versus a franchise T. That’s rubbish you’ve read or imagined. The likeliest franchise Ts had long gone. So had one id back Guyton over every time. There was no such choice, currently there’s little debate that the better player today is Morgan, there’s no consensus that that won’t always be the case and certainly not when it might change.
stockholder
April 29, 2024 at 01:37 pm
There is always a choice.
King Sua- had the most upside of any OT.
By his own admission he has a lot to learn.
He fell because of that.
But let's be honest here.
The draft Picks are taken because of upside.
It was for that reason; if King Sua develops.
He will be the franchise LT!
( At the top of the entire class.)
Green Bay did the Quick fix.
But was Walker a Fix- Answer NO-
Therefore if he plays another position other
than LT.
They could have waited.
jannesbjornson
April 30, 2024 at 02:08 pm
Patrick Paul over Guyton and Sua as a LT right behind Morgan.
TKWorldWide
April 29, 2024 at 04:57 pm
You had me at “status Que”!
Classic!
TKWorldWide
April 29, 2024 at 08:41 am
See point #3 above.
stockholder
April 29, 2024 at 10:40 am
KC Chiefs -** A.**- Two were in my Mocks.
1 (28): Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
2 (63): Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU*
4 (131): Jared Wiley, TE, TCU
4 (133): Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State
5 (159): Hunter Nourzad, C, Penn State
6 (211): Kamal Hadden, CB, Tennessee
7 (248): C.J. Hanson, G, Holy Cross*
This is why they repeat. Their GM is Excellent
Detroit Lions A. -
Arnold - CB- All -Rookie Team
Rakestraw -CB- Starter
Wingo. - DT- Starter
Mahogany - OG-Back-up
Manu - OT -Back-up
Vaki - S - Versatility
This is why they will win the division
Notice the difference.
This is now the most dangerous team in the NFL
DoubleJ
April 29, 2024 at 10:59 am
So just because they picked players you liked their drafts were amazing. However, if teams didn't pick players you like their drafts sucks. That is a completely SUBJECTIVE way of looking at the draft. You have to wait at least 3 years to OBJECTIVELY grade a draft. That said I will play along with your subjectivity.
1 (25): Jordan Morgan - OL - possible starter at OT or G - versatility
2 (45): Edgerrine Cooper - LB - All-Rookie Team
2 (58): Javon Bullard - S - All-Rookie Team
3 (88): MarShawn Lloyd - RB - Top RB according to Daniel Jeremiah and versatile
3 (91): Ty'Ron Hopper - LB - Back-up
4 (111): Evan Williams - S - Back-up - will play some as S3 in nickle/dime situations
5 (163): Jacob Monk - C - Back-up with starter potential in 2025 - versatility
5 (169): Kitan Oladapo - S - Back-up - will compete with Williams for S3
6 (202): Travis Glover - OL - Back-up with starter potential in 2025 - versatility
7 (245): Michael Pratt - QB - Back-up
7 (255): Kalen King - CB - High upside back-up. Was viewed as CB1 or CB2 entering the 2023 CFB season.
Gute's draft looks as good or better than either Detroit or KC.
stockholder
April 29, 2024 at 11:15 am
Again you just can't see the A given.
1 Possible. ?? No 3rd rd is possible too.
2 Bet is on he isn't -
2b. Rotational piece - Same as Dejean who was rated higher
I'll take the Eagles to win/// with Mitchell and Dejean.
3.- Yes Dillon was a #2 pick - The BS can't pile higher.
4.- Back-up - I'll buy that
5.- Monk - Ok if we carry 10 OL
5b- He'll beat out Williams
6- He'll never be a starter -Unless disaster hits.
7. Gute's Best late pick of any draft-
7b-King might be the best CB in the red Zone
He will be a rotational DB-
Gute didn't get the A- You just can't comprehend that.
Sorry for you and others who think otherwise.
DoubleJ
April 29, 2024 at 11:44 am
Why do you think I gave him an A? I will NEVER grade a draft right away. I said "You have to wait at least 3 years to OBJECTIVELY grade a draft." Reading comprehension is something that you really lack. Everything you ever say is completely subjective and when someone gives you objective evidence against that you go and move the goal posts. You are nothing more than a troll and most likely a jilted Bears' fan.
Coach Cleve Steamer
April 29, 2024 at 06:40 pm
Ah, the wild ride of subjectivity in draft analysis! Buckle up, for in the tumultuous realm of fandom, every pick is a saga, every choice a saga. Gute's gambit, laden with potential starters and scrappy backups, paints a tapestry of hope and ambition, rivaling the heralded drafts of Detroit and KC. But ah, the final judgment awaits in the crucible of time, where only the steadfast hand of objectivity can render true verdicts. Yet for now, let the fervor of the subjective reign, for in the heart of every fan beats the undying flame of belief.
TKWorldWide
April 29, 2024 at 07:35 pm
This ^^^^^^ 😀
jannesbjornson
April 29, 2024 at 12:42 pm
Rakestraw is fragile. See how long he stays on the field?
Coldworld
April 29, 2024 at 04:16 pm
You are talking to the guy who wanted to draft 6’2, 173 pounds soaking wet with our first round pick on the eve of the draft. He’s just rehashing the grades/claims he read last snd suit him.
Coldworld
April 29, 2024 at 12:26 pm
You read three scouting sources by your own past admission. Then you hype what you read without ever grasping context, current level of ability, need or the potential fit.
Then you hype yourself further and further and farther and farther from any limited reality your sources give you, becoming emotionally invested in Individuals to a ridiculously emotive degree. Finally your pontifications become increasingly strident and so ridiculous and ridiculed and demolished. Then you run off only to return and claim something completely different and often entirely contradictory hoping that repetition will lead others to forget.
It’s been the same with you since you first found packers fan sites existed. If you can’t see the gaping holes in your own knowledge and assumptions in todays posts then we are close to the point where you go quiet only to come back claiming the opposite loudly as if you were always in the vanguard.
Sorry, it’s just got to the point where this needs saying. You have no clue what you are talking about even when I agree with your end result. I’m tired of responding. I’m tired of seeing you dupe the innocent though too though. If there was a block function here, after much more than a decade I am finally at the point where I’d welcome adding Stockholder to it and just skip seeing your screeds of Chimerical imaginings, factual genocide ad positional volte faces.
stockholder
April 29, 2024 at 01:21 pm
Your problem is you try to monitor everything.
Who cares where he or others get their info.
If they have an opinion, that isn't bias.
They should be heard.
If they have a hero.
They should be heard.
If you can't stand small talk.
You're free to teach beliefs elsewhere.
There is no need to hurt here.
DoubleJ
April 29, 2024 at 02:03 pm
There is a difference in sharing an opinion and trying to pass your opinion off as fact. You fall into the latter all the time. Then when challenged with actual facts you move move the goalposts to try and once again be "right." You post so much BS and hope that some of it sticks and becomes "fact" when it is nothing more than BS.
stockholder
April 29, 2024 at 02:10 pm
Well let me move this one then
RB - A position devalued in the NFL
to Day three.
Yet at #88 Brian didn't have enough
faith in what he signed and had.
DoubleJ
April 29, 2024 at 02:43 pm
RB hasn't been "devalued in the NFL to Day three." It has been devalued to out of R1 most years, 2 did go in R1 last year, but there are R2 & R3 RBs every year. 2023 had 7 total RBs going in the first 3 rounds, 6 went in R2/3 in 2022, 4 went in the R2/3 this year (Lloyd was the 4th drafted RB this year), etc.. I could go on but instead of using an opinion as fact you are trying to mix fact and opinion to make a new fact. It is true that RB has been devalued BUT not to day three. The ACTUAL fact is that the value for R1 RBs isn't there and it has been relegated to R2 or later most of the time. There are also a lot of UDFA RBs who have been quite good in the NFL. This year Lloyd is viewed as a top 5 RB at worst in the class. Some people had Lloyd as RB 1 which at 88 is good value. He can work as a change of pace to Jacobs and Dillon.
stockholder
April 29, 2024 at 04:59 pm
Do some surfing fellow-
TKWorldWide
April 29, 2024 at 07:38 pm
I remain un-duped. 😉
dblbogey
April 29, 2024 at 10:57 am
Anybody even bother reading Stockholder any more?
stockholder
April 29, 2024 at 11:01 am
If I agreed with all of you, I wouldn't post.
Your reading it because you replied to it.
WestCoastPackerBacker
April 29, 2024 at 03:13 pm
I am weaning myself off of responding. Now I should wean myself off of even reading his posts.
jannesbjornson
April 29, 2024 at 06:47 pm
He has my Full Endorsement. Hunter is gone...
DoubleJ
April 29, 2024 at 07:42 am
As of Saturday evening these are the Packers UDFA signings.
OL Donovan Jennings, USF
OL Trente Jones, Michigan
DL James Ester, Northern Illinois
TE Messiah Swinson, Arizona State
DT Rodney Matthews, Ohio
LS Peter Bowden, Wisconsin
LB Ralen Goforth, Washington
RCPackerFan
April 29, 2024 at 10:53 am
2 of these guys are intriguing to me right away.
First Jennings they signed to a big contract. He has a very good RAS score. He is a guy to definitely keep an eye on during the preseason.
Next Peter Bowden. He was Dane Bruglers number 1 LS. But something that has not been talked about enough is that the LS last year was not good enough in GB. He had way to many bad snaps. I would not be surprised at all If Bowden would win the job.
Coldworld
April 29, 2024 at 12:42 pm
The last I saw was:
RB – Jarveon Howard, Alcorn State
TE – Messiah Swinson, Arizona State
OT – Donovan Jennings, USF
OT – Trente Jones, Michigan
DT – James Ester, Northern Illinois
DT – Rodney Matthews, Ohio
LS – Peter Bowden, Wisconsin
WR – Julian Hicks, Albany (Invited to Minicamp)
OL – Mike Bertoia, UW-La Crosse (Invited to Minicamp)
S – Don Callis, Troy (Invited to Minicamp)
K – Alex McNulty, Buffalo (Invited to Minicamp)
P – Porter Wilson, Duke (Invited to Minicamp)
Edge - Roje Stona, Arkansas
https://www.profootballnetwork.com/packers-udfa-rookie-minicamp-2024/
I hope Jarveon Howard is still ours. He is one who could well be worth developing. I have seen Goforth mentioned as a minicamp invite.
DoubleJ
April 29, 2024 at 12:58 pm
Howard is said to be signed by Packersnews.com.
Spock
April 29, 2024 at 07:53 am
Ken, when you said about Monk, "Will add immediate competition to someone like Royce Newman for a roster spot as an OL back-up." you had me on board with that pick! Nice analysis of the possible reasoning behind the picks by the Packer FO.
T7Steve
April 29, 2024 at 07:53 am
The picks on O-line tell me Gute and the coaches are more impressed with the depth than I thought they were. Maybe Caleb Jones is going to be more active and some of the others? As long as they can kick Newman down the ladder it will be a big improvement.
Packers0808
April 29, 2024 at 08:05 am
If all goes as said about these men, Marshawn Lloyd has to be the steal of th draft. I really wonder if Williams as No one pick is justified when Pratt led team beat him and Pratt is almost an after thought!
dobber
April 29, 2024 at 09:00 am
"Marshawn Lynch has to be the steal of th draft."
It only took an additional 14 years, but the Packers eventually got him... ;)
TKWorldWide
April 29, 2024 at 09:05 am
Investing in Skittles as we speak…
Packers0808
April 29, 2024 at 04:09 pm
Made a mistake in name, sorry not pervfect like you!
dobber
April 29, 2024 at 06:17 pm
It's all good fun! I was poking more at the non-trade of 2010.
I think you won't be the last to make that slip!
TKWorldWide
April 30, 2024 at 09:27 am
Yes, just messing around.
No need for anyone here to go all “Beast Mode”.
😉
4thand1
April 29, 2024 at 08:07 am
What has Gute done lately? Got a new hungry DC. Signed 2 top FAs, got rid of an old cancer QB, beefed up an already really good o line, drafted players that can play right away with speed and can tackle.I'll take it all day.GOPACKGO
stockholder
April 29, 2024 at 10:54 am
Your crazy- Gute didn't get a new DC.
What have you been sucking on.- Gummies
TKWorldWide
April 29, 2024 at 07:39 pm
“Your crazy”….what?
DoubleJ
April 30, 2024 at 07:23 am
Language is not stockholder's strong suit. Remember his normal writing style looks like a very long haiku.
murf7777
April 29, 2024 at 08:10 am
“ (although Edgerrin Cooper can play edge).“…..I’d be very worried if Cooper was trying to set the edge.
dobber
April 29, 2024 at 08:57 am
I read that as coming from the perspective of pass-rush, but point taken.
Coldworld
April 29, 2024 at 01:34 pm
He’s rushed from outside. as has Hopper, but only outside a smaller front or on obvious passing downs in a Fackrell type mode. Hafley actually blitzes far more between the tackles than we’ve been used to and I think that’s where Walker, Cooper, and also Hopper and perhaps Oladapo depending on sub packages, may see most opportunities. Hopper in particular is ideal as a 3rd rushing option from behind.
LLCHESTY
April 29, 2024 at 03:15 pm
Williams had 4½ sacks last year as well. I think they made sure that got a few guys that can blitz so teams won't know where it's coming from. He's said a couple times he wants to speed up a QBs decision making on 3rd down.
Coldworld
April 29, 2024 at 04:08 pm
Finally found some numbers for his usage splits last year:
Last season, Williams played 251 snaps as a deep safety, 196 in the box and 91 in the slot. Courtesy of Zach Kruse at Packerswire.
That does match the proportions I’d seem referenced elsewhere. The big majority of his deep snaps were as a 2 deep boundary S with a small minority as a true post. I don’t see that being the pattern here. I think he fits the Hafley slot prototype and more box play where his run prowess comes into play.
stockholder
April 29, 2024 at 05:12 pm
Go to Ourlads.
The Depth chart will show every player.
Williams will be behind are Million $$ baby @ FS.
And then you can ask yourself why trade up
for him?
We spent what.
RCPackerFan
April 29, 2024 at 08:24 am
I'm happy with the draft class.
The Packers had 3 areas that they clearly wanted to upgrade and I believe they accomplished that.
First was OL. They took 3 players. I believe 2 of them could be competing for starting spots, and at the very least key backup spots. Morgan I think could compete with Walker at LT. And while he could compete at LT, he could also be in competition for RG. I think he has that versatility, but I think they will really try to get him ready at LT. He also maybe the key back up to start the season and eventually move into the starting role down the road. I understand that some fans will be wishing they would have went with Barton, but I don't think GB wanted to use a first round pick on a G prospect.
Every year it seems GB finds a 4/5th round OL that you sit there and go, yup that's a Packers OL pick. And that guy this year is Monk. He can play C/G, and probably could play OT in a pinch. He will most likely be competing at RG right away.
Glover I think was a good pick up late. He is a guy that has the measurables. Maybe he is the next Yosh. Probably will take time to develop.
The next position they had to upgrade was LB. This is the TE position from a year ago. Getting one in the 2nd and another in the 3rd. First I think Cooper paired with Walker will form one of the best duo's in the league. We don't know what Hafley will ask his LB's to do, but I think they could form a scary duo who both could be effective blitzers. Hopper will be a key special teams guy and could push McDuffie.
The 3rd position that they absolutely attacked was Safety. Bullard, Williams and Oladapo all could become the starting S next to McKinney. Bullard was a lot of people's number 1 safety. When listening to Gutey he talked about his versatility and his ability to play Nickel. Which if he is able to do that, that can create even more looks for the defense. Williams was clearly a guy the Packers wanted. They traded up for him. Jim Nagy said that a number of teams were hoping he would fall to them in the 4th round. He was clearly a guy that teams liked. Oladapo is someone that seemed to be mocked to GB a ton. He kind of has that Cam Chancellor type of play to him.
Other then those 3 picks the player that I think will instantly become a fan favorite is Lloyd. They had to find a speedier type of RB. And they got that. What I like about Lloyd is that they added a shiftier type of RB. He will bring juice and the ability to make players miss. Also he will be a factor in the passing game. Jacobs is one the best RB's in the league. I think Lloyd is going to compliment him really well. Lloyds addition imo completes the offense. He adds the final piece to completely balance this offense out.
DoubleJ
April 29, 2024 at 08:42 am
I loved that Gute once again used multiple picks at a position in the draft. This year he selected 2 LBs, 3 S, and 3 OL. He greatly increased his chances of getting a good player at those positions. This is another reason why I am a fan of trading down instead of up in the draft. Yes I know Gute traded up twice but his trade down netted 2 picks that he could use to trade up and still finish with 11 picks. You get more swings at positions and increase your chances of getting a hit. Think of baseball where if you have 3 at bats your are less likely to get a hit vs 7 at bats. Compare that to Chicago (5 picks), Detroit (6 picks), or Minnesota (7 picks) and odds say GB probably will have more quality players just due to volume. Not to mention that Detroit doesn't have a 2025 R3 at the moment and Minnesota doesn't have a 2025 R2, R3, R4, OR R6 at the moment. The Packers were able to keep their draft picks next year and not mortgage the future.
RCPackerFan
April 29, 2024 at 09:56 am
I completely agree. I like that Gutey has done that the last few drafts. He has seen a weakness and has attacked it.
In the last 3 drafts he had used multiple picks at the same positions.
2022- WR, OL, DL
2023 - WR, TE, DL
2024 - OL, LB, S
I like that Gutey was moving around and liked having 11 picks. The more swings the better IMO. And one of Chicago's 4 picks was used on a Punter. Now don't get me wrong I saw that Punter completely change the game against Wisconsin, but still.
"The Packers were able to keep their draft picks next year and not mortgage the future."
This is an excellent point. I am not in favor of sacrificing the future for immediate satisfaction. I really like how Gutey operates.
DoubleJ
April 29, 2024 at 10:28 am
"one of Chicago's 4 picks was used on a Punter. Now don't get me wrong I saw that Punter completely change the game against Wisconsin, but still."
I'm fine with a team drafting a punter, but R4 is WAY too high for a punter or kicker. IMO this is almost worse than when the Packers traded up in R3 (using their R4 & R5) to drafted BJ Sander in 2004. At least the Packers still had an R6 & R7 that draft. The Bears had to trade their R4 in 2025 to move back into R5 this year for their final draft pick. Overall I don't think any kicker or punter should be drafted before R6.
RCPackerFan
April 29, 2024 at 10:59 am
yeah I am not one that says you can't draft a kicker/punter. But imo there should be an unwritten rule that says you can't draft one before the 6th round. 6th-7th round go ahead. But before that, unless he is an absolute stud, then maybe the 5th. But no higher.
I thought it was kind of interesting/funny with the Bears getting the punter. They traded away their previous QB who they thought was going to be their Franchise QB. They then draft their next franchise QB with the first pick. And then they draft a WR with the 9th pick. And with their next pick they take an OT. Which is basically saying that they are setting up an explosive offense. Only to follow that up with drafting a Punter. Which is used when the offense doesn't work.
Its kind of funny to me because they are basically saying we are all gas, until they lock up the brakes with the Punter. Just the message it kind of sends is comical to me.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 29, 2024 at 01:18 pm
RC,
💯% in agreement!
Offense is ready to really rock!
dobber
April 29, 2024 at 08:31 am
I think there are a couple things that come from this draft:
1. The Packers are leaning into their depth and their draft/develop in a few position groups. With so many picks (at one point they were up to 13 in their arsenal), you'd figure they'd hit most position groups once. Positions they double and triple-dipped in 2023--DL/Edge, WR, TE--were sent the message that the guys in the room need to get the job done.
2. The Packers clearly think their OL depth chart is more stable than it looks from the outside based on where they made their OL additions. Morgan is probably the only draftee who will be ready to play regularly in 2024, and Dillard helps to take some pressure off that lack of depth. Monk has mixed reviews: some scouts argue he's too small to play right now while others feel his strength and suddeness make up for that. I'll point out that Monk and Tom are nearly the same size and Tom played effectively as a rookie. I'm nervous about their playable depth on the OL at this point, but they have some moldable pieces (Glover and Jennings) that they've added to the mix.
3. Isaiah McDuffie is not viewed as a starter. Bringing in two LB on day 2 of the draft says that when you want to play 4-2-5 with an incumbent like Walker in place, you're not that sold on your other LB. I like McDuffie--I think he's a try-hard guy who can play well on limited snaps--but he's always going to leave you wanting more.
4. CB is a high-attrition position, and every team tests their depth at CB over the course of a season. I don't think you wait until round 7 to draft a CB unless you feel pretty good about your depth chart, and the top needs to be really good. The Packers are clearly expecting Eric Stokes to play extensively in 2024, and may give him his 5th year option (I wouldn't, but that's just me). Bullard, McKinney, and Nixon can all play the slot, though, and that takes some heat off the CB room, too. I think Kalen King, who can be a press-man bully, might surprise some people.
DoubleJ
April 29, 2024 at 08:48 am
" Isaiah McDuffie is not viewed as a starter. Bringing in two LB on day 2 of the draft says that when you want to play 4-2-5 with an incumbent like Walker in place, you're not that sold on your other LB. I like McDuffie--I think he's a try-hard guy who can play well on limited snaps--but he's always going to leave you wanting more."
I think this also says that McDuffie isn't going to get a 2nd contract with the Packers after the 2025 season. Heck he might not even make the 2025 team depending on how the draft goes next year. His dead money hit of 32K is nothing and there would be a 1M savings by cutting him.
"I don't think you wait until round 7 to draft a CB unless you feel pretty good about your depth chart, and the top needs to be really good."
I agree with this but will add that after his 2022 season King was viewed as a fringe R1 pick. He went into the 2023 season as PFF's CB2 and then had a poor season. This could turn out to be a huge steal if he returns to 2022 King.
LLCHESTY
April 29, 2024 at 03:18 pm
"Heck he might not even make the 2025 team depending on how the draft goes next year."
I doubt that, he's a tough player that knows the system, they'll keep him around as a backup.
golfpacker1
April 29, 2024 at 10:32 am
RC, I wouldn't knock the Bears pick of Iowa's punter. He was the only offense the pathetic Hawkeyes had on that side of the ball. It is mind boggling to think they won 10 games last year. Without Tory Taylor's punting they would have been hard pressed to win 5 games. He is a weapon and I will bet a lot of teams went AWWWWW when the Bears picked him. Granted they will probably screw him up because they are the Bears.
I would love to see a show of hands from Packers draft watchers who thought Mason McCormick should and would be our pick @ #91. And also a show of hands who said no when Hopper was the pick. Maybe Hopper becomes a star, I hope he does, but I think 99% of Packers fans in America would agree McCormick should have been the pick. IOL was our CO-Biggest need and even though we had Morgan already, McCormick could play all 5 positions, and start year 1 at OG.
Personally, I thought #91 would be a perfect spot to move back and gain 2 more mid-round picks. Whether McCormick or Hopper was the pick, they still would have been there 10 picks later. 15 picks seems like a lot, but having them eliminates worrying about UFDAs and whether you can afford them. You get everyone you want late.
Lastly, I love the Morgan pick, he has always been high on my board since draft season started. I wonder if we were offered the trade with KC? And how close Gutey was to taking it? Or if Carolina offered. We will never know but those would have been lucrative trades. For the most part we had a great draft and strengthened our last few weaker position groups. On to the Super Bowl!!!!!! GPG!!!!!
Bitternotsour
April 29, 2024 at 11:02 am
99% of packer fans in America would have an opinion on the 91st pick in the draft?
Son, you need to get out of the house more.
Coldworld
April 29, 2024 at 12:50 pm
I the draft there are picks that are right and picks that are wrong but no one right or wrong pick.
PackEyedOptimist
April 29, 2024 at 10:42 am
I always enjoy the post-draft information on the new players and UDFAs, as I always learn a lot of new information.
For instance, Monk wasn't really on my radar, but now I'm super pumped about his potential! I think he backs up Myers at center this year and becomes the starter when Myers leaves next year.
Michael Pratt is a ridiculous STEAL in my opinion. I think he can be a good NFL starter.
J Bullard, E Williams, and K King are all really interesting prospects; all three have the potential to be average, but they all could prove to be outstanding as well. If we get "very good" out of two of them, it will have been a great job by Gute & Co.
The battle for the bottom-of-the-roster on the offensive line is going to be FIERCE: Andre Dillard, Caleb Jones, Luke Tenuta, Kadeem Telfort, Donovan Jennings, Travis Glover, , Trente Jones, and Royce Newman will probably be fighting it out for just two positions!
stockholder
April 29, 2024 at 10:57 am
Williams won't get a second contract here.
jannesbjornson
April 29, 2024 at 12:38 pm
He will be compared to Mustapha's career with the 49rs. Surprised Beebe moved out of rd two and McCarthy built up the middle at #73. They also took two of my mockettes in Caelen Carson and Justin Rogers as a true NT. Brandon Coleman went #67, so your guy won the #58 spot after going higher with Cooper at #41. He is a downhill guy and a better blitzer than Walker. Lloyd is the direct replacement for Jacobs if he goes out. I liked , my guy, Bucky Irving, but they wanted a guy with more beef to carry the load. I would have liked to have seen a true cover CB taken in rd three, but Bullard is considered a nicke/slot guy by quite a few analysts. The Missouri guys all played fast and Hopper is a cover guy who will take over the short zones. See how they use the LBs on long yardage downs. Hopper is better than Walker in coverage. The College game is swarm to the beehive. Not a lot of stone-cold hitters. The same trend to the Pros. Why live with CTE? I asked the First Grade teacher how much Money was an A/gold star; B/ silver star; C/red star?
jimtalkbox
April 29, 2024 at 10:53 am
I have no problem with the picks, but I do wish they had grabbed a developmental pass-rusher type. Having watched the "Clay Matthews + A Guy" era of pass rushers, I feel like you can never have too many. (Although, notably, the new Defense will likely feature DL guys as DE's.)
Bitternotsour
April 29, 2024 at 11:05 am
The safeties and slot corners are the developmental pass rushers you seek. The house will be sent. There's a new sheriff in town.
Leatherhead
April 29, 2024 at 04:32 pm
So is there any chance that when we send the house, we'll get burnt for a long play? Because we didn't get burnt for a lot of long plays last year, especially considering who we were playing in the secondary.
Swisch
April 29, 2024 at 07:55 pm
Maybe our defense didn't get beat all that often with the thrust of a spear, but death by the pinpricks of 10 plays over 70 yards and 7 minutes may be more painful.
I hope our new defensive coordinator will be significantly more aggressive without being reckless.
To my mind, it's essential to let our defenders loose from time to time, to go forward now and then rather than almost always backward.
Being too passive messes with their minds and saps their energy.
The near debacle against the Panthers last season is enough to harm the morale of any defense in a lasting way -- as well as causing various health issues with many fans, especially us older ones.
Being overly cautious is also a risk.
DoubleJ
April 30, 2024 at 07:29 am
"Maybe our defense didn't get beat all that often with the thrust of a spear, but death by the pinpricks of 10 plays over 70 yards and 7 minutes may be more painful."
Exactly this. In the Divisional Playoff game the only thing worse than having the 49ers score that late TD was them scoring the TD AND running 5-6 minutes off the clock.
Leatherhead
April 30, 2024 at 02:12 pm
70 yards in 7 plays is more than pinpricks. If you threw one incompletion and three runs for 25 yards, the other 3 plays are 15 yard completions.
The last drive by SF hurt a lot.....all we needed to do was hold them to a FG. I thought the turnover on our first play, with time on the clock and two timeouts and only needing a FG was worse. 24 points is 24 points, whether you score them in the first quarter or last.
Having witnessed the Packer teams that couldn't cover their own shadows, I'm of the opinion that you can't give up very many long plays and win. You can give up quite a few short ones and still have a chance.
DoubleJ
April 29, 2024 at 11:09 am
Don't forget about Cox Jr from last year who is a developmental guy. LVN I think will make a big jump this year. Overall Gary and LVN coming out of a 3 point stance I think will be huge.
TKWorldWide
April 29, 2024 at 07:42 pm
I think 52 and 90 will make a nice pair.
WestCoastPackerBacker
April 29, 2024 at 03:59 pm
They do have Smith, Gary, Van Ness and Enagbare (who didn't tear his ACL), along with Brenton Cox Jr, who they felt strongly enough to keep the roster instead of the practice squad last year. If you've got 5 pass rushers and a bunch of developmental pass rushers already on the practice squad, off season roster, I can see why they went a different direction.
Alberta_Packer
April 29, 2024 at 11:20 am
To understand the rationale of a Packers draft - it is only required to understand the ways and means of a Brian Gutekunst . Not the media experts, stats nerds and even consensus board(s). Because a post-draft re-visit of many of these boards will reveal how few Packers picks these "experts" actually selected. In fact, the internal mock drafts were generally far more accurate than the external publications. So I relied on the in-house expertise of a Andy Herman and a Ross Uglem and other CHTV contributors. In short - I'm glad that I did.
Swisch
April 29, 2024 at 01:08 pm
As Ken explains it, this draft looks great on paper, which is all one can go by at this point.
As definitely a non-expert, I'm excited.
Plus, at ESPN, Rob Demovsky says Cooper, Lloyd, and Bullard could be considered -- depending upon how one looks at -- the top players at their positions for the entire draft.
Alberta_Packer
April 29, 2024 at 02:06 pm
For cosmetic purposes - I would add Peter Bowden - long snapper - as best in class.
Coldworld
April 29, 2024 at 04:28 pm
That LS battle should be fierce. Bums out at 15 yards. Last one standing (or able to sit without cushioning)?
Alberta_Packer
April 29, 2024 at 06:44 pm
For a real Thunderdome encounter at LS - add Sean Clifford. Apparently he was a long snapper as a High School freshman. Clifford may want to consider it - especially with the drafting of Michael Pratt.
Swisch
April 29, 2024 at 07:43 pm
If Clifford is actually a reasonable option at long snapper, it would help him to stay on the team and help the Packers have three quarterbacks suited up for every game.
It seems highly unlikely, but I like to toss around ideas, even at the risk of seeming foolish.
Swisch
April 29, 2024 at 07:46 pm
Well, as we seemed to witness the last season or two, a long snapper can make a huge difference in a game -- perhaps even between winning and losing.
Apparently, just being a little off with the snap or the hold can throw off the kicker enough for his attempt to go astray.
stockholder
April 29, 2024 at 05:59 pm
Draft Tek has every pick and the "reach" on their
Conscious Board.
You Gutey fans will hate it.
So thats why I'm suggesting it.
Coldworld
April 30, 2024 at 12:26 am
Read it. Laughed at it. Given how wrong the “consensus board” was this year it’s kind of sweetly apropos that you cite it with a straight face expecting anyone to take it seriously.
golfpacker1
April 29, 2024 at 06:39 pm
What is always interesting after the draft is over, is that since none of us fans/mock drafters have any actual Packers brass knowledge of players health or position groups, we find that not all of the pre-draft "Needs" were as critical as we were told. Obviously OL, LB, & Safety were the biggies and were addressed right away. RB as well. CB, DT and Edge were not seen as "needs" by the front office. That's great because they spent the picks on filling the teams real holes.
The news is very encouraging on Enegbare, Stokes, and Watson. It sounds like the last 2 look as good as they have in GB. The Packers must feel really good about Stokes, Alexander, and all the CBs to not pick one until #255. They also showed that they feel our WR & TE & DL rooms don't need any help, which is probably not a surprise. RB is a strength again and LB is way better too. Lets start the Super Bowl run a year early!!
joejetson
April 29, 2024 at 08:03 pm
Strategy wise, Gute trading down only four spots in Round 2 to acquire two extra picks was a smart maneuver. He used the two extra picks to move up in later rounds and get the specific players he had targeted. It was a risk/reward scenario that could yield some positive results down the road.