Packers' Day-One Mastery Lands Athletic CB, 2019 First-Rounder

-- The first night of the 2018 NFL Draft was a rollercoaster for the Green Bay Packers, but it may have culminated in landing one of the top defensive back prospects in the class.

Like NFL draft guru Mike Mayock predicted the night prior in his lone mock draft, Louisville cornerback was sent to the Packers -- but it wasn't at No. 14 overall.

In his first draft as the Packers' new general manager, Brian Gutekunst strayed from the usual first-round happenings of staying motionless as his predecessor, Ted Thompson, so often did. Gutekunst made not one, but two trades to put the Packers in a prime position to snag Alexander.

Alexander was going to fall -- potentially even into the 20s -- due to his injury-plagued junior season at Louisville. However, his stellar play as a sophomore is why he remained as a first-round prospect in the eyes of many, including Gutekunst.

The Packers swapped places with the New Orleans Saints, moving from No. 14 to No. 27 and gained their fifth-round pick (No. 147) as well as their first-round pick in 2019. Shortly after, the Packers traded from 27th to No. 18 with the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a swapping of places and Green Bay's third-round (No. 76) and sixth-round (No. 186) picks. The Packers also landed a seventh-round (No. 248) pick from the Seahawks in the deal.

So Gutekunst pulled just the right strings to essentially move four spots down, grab his desired target and net a future first-round pick in the process. A first-round pick that he could certainly use as leverage in some trade situations, along with the 11 picks he currently has in his pocket.

At this rate, the Packers will make just one pick on Friday night -- their second-round (No. 45) selection -- and 10 on Saturday. There's more than enough assets for another trade, which could certainly be in the works, according to Gutekunst.

"I think with the way our board looks right now, I'd assume we would move around a little," Gutekunst said after the draft, according to Ryan Wood of PackersNews.com. "We were in a lot of discussions moving up. For me moving up, it all depended on who was there. It got to a certain point, and we were out of moving up."

The Packers' one selection Thursday night turned out to be one that they hadn't engaged in any pre-draft discussions with.

"This caught me by surprise, honestly," Alexander said. The selection surprised many -- unless your last name is Mayock -- considering Alexander's height comes in just below the Packers' thresholds.

At 5-10, 196 pounds and a 4.38 40-yard dash, Alexander shares similar traits to that of former Packers cornerback Sam Shields.

Alexander played almost exclusively on the outside at Louisville, but is more than capable of playing in the nickel position where the Packers may very well implement him. After trading Damarious Randall to Cleveland earlier this offseason, there's a void to fill at the "star" position that Alexander would provide just the right support for.

Even if slightly undersized, Alexander's 35-inch vertical was put on display in multiple instances with the Cardinals. He's physical, and being sent to a team whose defensive coordinator is Mike Pettine, seems almost like the perfect fit.

"He doesn't play like a little guy," said Jon-Eric Sullivan, the Packers' director of college scouting. "He's very competitive. He gets in people's business. He talks a little bit, most corners do."

The Packers passed on Derwin James and Tremaine Edmunds when they first struck a deal with the Saints -- two impact players whose presence in Pettine's defense would've been felt instantly and met with open arms.

The same argument can be made for Alexander, but after suffering a leg injury and broken hand in his final collegiate season before declaring for the draft, it's tough to say the kind of year-one impact he'll be able to have. There's a significant chance, though, he'll be a starter come opening day.

__________________________

Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].

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Comments (245)

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David Aures's picture

April 27, 2018 at 12:09 am

Still would of rather had James or Tremaine. Screw it, im going to stop thinking about them now because Alexander's are GB Packer. I wish this kid the best. Now for Friday Night im hoping for a Wr. Anthony Miller or Chark.

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GBPDAN1's picture

April 27, 2018 at 04:29 am

I agree, D. Aures. I'm just going to think positive regarding Alexander and try not to dwell on James and Edmunds. Mike Mayock had Alexander rated as the no 12 best player regardless of position in the Draft , slightly behind James and Edmunds. Mel Kiper had him ranked 20th best player ROP. Mayock had Alexander going to the Packers at 14. Both Mayock and Kiper had great things to say about Alexander after our pick at 18. Kiper even mentioned 'some' Dion Sanders type similarities. A play maker, both as a CB and punt returner.

So, now it's a wait and see game. Of course we will look back in 3 years to see if we made the right pick. But for now, I'm pulling for Alexander to stay healthy and fill the major need we had on this roster. The consensus is he can start day one in the slot and even play outside early. If Alexander does prove to be a quality starter, the extra 1st rd pick we picked up, for what basically cost a 3rd rounder, is going to look sweet next year.

Hopefully King can take the next step and become a quality starter, also. We could put King on the tall receivers. I'm glad we have T. Williams as a veteran presence to help tutor and provide experience.

I believe after the draft, BG will sign another FA or 2. How about E. Reid or one of the other safeties? Our D Back field of King, Alexander, Williams, Jones, Reid, HHCD, House, Brice, ect, could shape up to be a solid secondary.

Let's see how BG maneuvers the rest of the draft and FA. There's a lot of time left before the start of the season. And, we have 2 - 1st rd for next year . Hope the Saints under achieve this season making our extra first rounder higher for the 2019 draft. Or, would it make sense to trade that extra first for a high second this year?

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stockholder's picture

April 27, 2018 at 12:09 am

Edmunds is 19. Lets not forget that. The 2019 is a No Brainer ,especially since Vea was off the board. And James still could have been the target. It takes more than 10 min by TTs standards. The nut isn't going to fall that far from the tree.

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dobber's picture

April 27, 2018 at 08:07 am

They made the trade up for Alexander after James was already off the board. I'd like to think that if they really wanted James (and blew it) that they wouldn't have compounded the mistake by trading up for a player they didn't value.

In the end, I think the take-home message is that they didn't value Edmunds or James any higher than they did Alexander, and it could be that Alexander was the player they were targeting all along. If that's the case, they did pretty well.

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fthisJack's picture

April 27, 2018 at 08:52 am

all i can say is BG better be right in his evaluations or it might be adios see ya later.

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:55 am

this is literally the definition of every GMs job

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TKWorldWide's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:17 am

+1!!!

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CheesyTex's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:01 am

Dobber. Alexander strikes me as very similar to Darrelle Revis, who flourished under Pettine. Perhaps they felt he was the best fit for Pettine's D.

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Johnblood27's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:25 am

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...

thanks for the thoughts Tolstoy

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Ryan Graham's picture

April 27, 2018 at 12:20 am

Big fan of the first round for Gute. Didnt reach, but got a guy he truly wanted at the same time which just so happened to be a need. Don't know as much as I would like to about Alexander, but I like that he's soopa fast and he plays bigger than his size, with plenty of confidence playing corner.

BG also got himself an additional first rounder for next year off the clearance rack! May he use that pick or another package of picks for tomorrow we shall see, I would be surprised if he didn't make a move for more picks tomorrow. A lot of names left on the board...Landry, Sutton, Kirk, Carter, Goedert, Gesicki, Bates III, Justin Reid, even my guy Carlton Davis! (fat chance)...all available to get after. It's his roster now and he's made that crystal clear.

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Tundraboy's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:20 am

Exactly. I'm disappointed we passed on Edmunds but BG clearly has a plan and I'm excited to see what moves he makes. This is just the beginning. Next year's first round is bait imo.

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4thand1's picture

April 27, 2018 at 01:11 am

The way I see it, they got a true CB. Now we can end all this talk about converting safeties to play CB. He is fast and was rated high as CBs go. For some reason the Packers just don't like drafting LBers high. Funny, Landry is still out there after all the mock drafts. I don't think I AM GRUTE is done. 1st round was interesting, the rest will be more.

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dobber's picture

April 27, 2018 at 08:10 am

"Now we can end all this talk about converting safeties to play CB. "

I think that's the great irony here. I wonder how many of the people who wanted James at 14 were also railing on the Packers in the past for dabbling in hybrid safeties and CB conversion projects?

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 08:44 am

Yeah it's pretty amazing how certain the analysts talk when discussing their mocks...then as Landry is falling last night they basically all dismissed it as 'yeah there's concerns he's a one trick pony'. Ok??? So he was a surefire mid-teen pick and suddenly his fall is understandable. Is he a steal at pick 33, or is he actually a mid second rounder?

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fthisJack's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:00 am

i think Gute drafted for need instead of BPA which i thought was James. i think he could have become a starter at S from day one and become a leader on this team. Gute better hope Alexander can make an impact early or he might look really bad if Edmunds and James turn out to be studs.

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:58 am

I can agree with this. Though, I think it all depends on the evaluation of Josh Jones. If he's still believed to be a dynamic player, then James becomes a redundancy and pushes Jones to the bench.

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Bure9620's picture

April 27, 2018 at 04:15 pm

Edmunds does not fit what we do, we dont value off ball lbs in the first. Derwin is good but he would be redundant as we have him in Josh Jones

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AgrippaLII's picture

April 27, 2018 at 12:43 am

Trading back was a TT trademark. Drafting short DB's with injury issues was his other forte. I fail to see any difference between Thompson or Gutekunst. This was the best he could do for the defense in the 1st round ?

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steven10825's picture

April 27, 2018 at 12:52 am

idk what it is, but to me this kids going to be a star!!!! just the look in his eye. finally we have a running back with some swagger and confidence and speed. im hoping kevin king comes back even better aswell. love trash talking cbs... they seem to be better lol

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TKWorldWide's picture

April 27, 2018 at 06:04 am

Running back. Oh gosh, not another position switch!
Mercy me.
Sakes alive.
My word!

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Tundraboy's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:27 am

I'm assuming he meant Aaron Jones.

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worztik's picture

April 27, 2018 at 11:07 am

OH MY...

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Akbart's picture

April 27, 2018 at 12:58 am

I was was hoping for Edmunds, but pretty content with the way things worked out. It’s encouraging that Gute did not appear to be one bit intimidated by the whole thing. Can’t wait to see what happens tomorrow

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Andrew Lloyd Peth's picture

April 27, 2018 at 01:47 am

Gut gets an A+ for Day 1. Man, what a haul.

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marpag1's picture

April 27, 2018 at 03:55 am

Agree. I'd say an "A+" might be a bit of a reach since I don't see this as perfection. But not only am I OK with this, I think this was pretty damn good. Chubb and Ward ... already gone. Davenport is a total project, IMO. Edmunds has question marks in my mind and is an ILB, which isn't high priority. Do people really think that Derwin James is a corner? Or would we just increase our already significant logjam at safety?

Landry would have been a massive reach, and the Packers could still get him in D2. I also wouldn't mind seeing Will Hernandez in D2, or maybe Courtland Sutton, if they last that long.

So Gute adds a FIRST ROUND PICK for the cost of a third rounder, drops down a few spots and picks the guy who might have been the best fit for the Packers anyway, and at the position of greatest need. NIce.

People will say, "But who will rush the passer?" Uh, yeah... but if they had taken Davenport people would have said, "But who will cover the receivers?" You can only grab one guy for each draft pick. And the Packers might still get Landry in D2.

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TKWorldWide's picture

April 27, 2018 at 06:06 am

Agreed. Very interested to see where GB goes in R2.

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John Kirk's picture

April 27, 2018 at 07:32 am

I'm not sure why it would be comforting to anyone that we got the guy we really wanted seeing how our CB drafting has gone over the last couple of years? I thought it ironic the Chargers ended up the beneficiary of us passing on Derwin like they did when we didn't pay Hayward.

I ask anyone to provide an answer to Brian's complete lack of logic in what his thinking was on that 2nd trade. Brian claimed he traded to 27 because there was same value at 27 as at 14. That's obviously untrue as had it been he'd have stayed at 27 and picked. He didn't. He panicked and traded back up because he saw unequal value. So, he really was willing to risk losing out on his guy for a future 1? I think he could've gotten same value had he stayed put at 27. I think the 1st trade was great. The 2nd was not only poor but contradictory to his stated mindset about the first trade.

Ultimately, I don't feel good about Alexander or losing a 3rd in this strong draft in the 2 3 4 rounds. However, I can't assess fully until I see tonight. He needs to be sharp tonight. One pick tonight is not happening. I just need to see what the cost is.

Bizarre night. The headline here has a distinct Packers.com feel to it. Brian tried being the smartest guy in the room last night. We'll soon see if he's the type who is afforded those liberties. It felt a lot like Ted last night.

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dobber's picture

April 27, 2018 at 08:12 am

I really don't care what he says to the press. I don't need my GM to be Wink Martindale.

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Tundraboy's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:04 am

Lmfao, Wink Martindale.

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worztik's picture

April 27, 2018 at 11:11 am

Love the Wink link DOB...

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worztik's picture

April 27, 2018 at 11:26 am

Did y’all notice who and what position the Queens went with at 30? A CB that many had mocked to us and many “experts” viewed as a high pick as well! At #30, Spielman again showed his foresight when drafting defensive backs. I really don’t know anything much about our pick or other CBs via comparison but, as a wise one here says often, “It’s a crap shoot!”. I’m really happy (Sure wasn’t initially last night!!!) that we at least have attempted to upgrade our corner group, unlike TT’s forays into the S to CB sludge. Speed kills and if Alexander can kill some big plays deep, I’ll be ecstatic! I didn’t mean at all to praise the Queens GM, however, just pointing out a BAP philosophy as I don’t really see a need there. Lotta 1st rounders there on D that we can only drool over! Maybe this draft approach can put an end to our drooling... ;~€)

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fthisJack's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:07 am

log jam at safety?? since when have Evans or Brice or Whitehead, or Jones proved anything. add HHCD to that cause he sucked last year. James could have made an impact right away. BPA!

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 08:53 am

It's an A+ if NO has a mediocre year. Imagine if they land in the 14 spot next year. Then GB basically picks up 27 and a fifth for free.

I will never root for injuries, but my god, if NO has a complete collapse like the giants or denver did last year, this would go down as one of the best first rounds in packer history

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Andrew Lloyd Peth's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:31 am

We just traded a 3rd this year for a 1st next year, and all we gave up was 4 spots in the middle of Round 1.

A+. No doubt about it.

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:01 am

logical yes, but there's certainly room for doubt

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John Kirk's picture

April 27, 2018 at 05:58 pm

ALP...you left out that we ended up with Jaire Alexander when we could've gotten a very similar and or better CB at 27. We shuttled a 3rd and 6th for the right to take Jaire who was probably a 2nd rounder. If you leave out the trade back up to 18...I agree... A+....the left turn back into Round 1 makes is bizarre and almost ungradeable ... I just know I don't like it. Nowhere near an A+ for me. had we stayed at 14 for Alexander....disaster to me. Had we stayed at 27 and gotten him there I still would've been disappointed he was the pick but we'd have the 1st. Again, the key to why this isn't close to an A+ is we ended up with Jaire Alexander in Round 1.

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NoNonsense's picture

April 27, 2018 at 02:37 am

Tomorrow is big, a lot of teams will be open for business and Gute has proven he can wheel and deal. Lots of options left out there but really hope its Landry or Carter at Edge. Then use a 4th 133, and 2 5ths to get back in the 3rd round for a WR. Have the 1st pick in the 4th round the 1st pick of the 5th round. Not bad.

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dobber's picture

April 27, 2018 at 06:34 am

Packers have a lot of capital...in round 4 and beyond. They'll have to deal a big chunk of that to move into the middle of round 3.

"Gute has proven he can wheel and deal"

He's proven he's willing to try.

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 08:54 am

I'm very curious to see if Gute plans to hang onto that NO pick, or if we end up with 3+ picks today

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worztik's picture

April 27, 2018 at 11:37 am

I hope we hang on and have 2 Picks next year to replace CMIII and Cobb or whatever!!! Next year we’ll be without comp picks, unlike this year, and we NEED the ammo that 2 1st rounders provide!!! We can use them for quality or quantity at that time. Apparently, this is a really good year for mid round picks. Let’s stay put and do our best to draft quality players the rest of this draft and have a great next draft to look forward to!!! We have ALREADY improved our D thus far and I see more good things happening today and Saturday... just sayin’!!! ;~)

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Lare's picture

April 27, 2018 at 04:30 am

All I read is that BG did great because he got another 1st round pick for next year that he can use to make more trades.

At some point I would just like to see the Packers get a GM who's priority is acquiring really good players to improve the team instead of playing "Let's Make a Deal" to get lesser players.

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porupack's picture

April 27, 2018 at 05:45 am

Agree with Lare;
Not often packers pick high, so just use it for once to get a mid-top player. Forget the false idea about 'reach'. It doesn't matter when the season starts where a guy was drafted, so long as the same player would have been around the next round and was drafted unecessarily early.
Very disappointed on giving up a 3rd rounder. Its like not getting a new starting WR.
I do agree that any one of 4 top CBs were good grabs, and Alexander's profile and tools appear enough to upgrade the coverage units.

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cuervo's picture

April 27, 2018 at 06:09 am

"Not often packers pick high, so just use it for once to get a mid-top player."

In case you missed it, they did get a top player...most had him rated as the best CB in the draft, and Gute got him and a 1st round pick next year. If you think that's not a good deal, I'd love to trade some real estate with you.

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 08:59 am

That may very well be what he did. If Gute let you in the draft room last night, and Alexander was the #1 player on their board, then isn't that exactly what he did? He went after the guy he felt was the best player to improve the team. The additional picks are just gravy at that point.

We obviously don't know that and are left to guess.

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fthisJack's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:20 am

i think he drafted for need instead of taking the BPA. don't like this pick at all. he better pray that his pick can play right away.

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:04 am

As long as you understand that 'you think this' and that you don't actually know who the bpa was.

I'm fairly confident that praying isn't going to do anything.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

April 27, 2018 at 01:05 pm

Your position is that no one really "knows" who the best player available should include GMs since they strike out fairly often. If so, teams might as well draft strictly for need arranging their boards based on whatever criteria strikes them as reasonable.

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dobber's picture

April 27, 2018 at 01:17 pm

I would argue that's what they pretty much do already.

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 01:52 pm

I can agree with that. I think it's fairly difficult to project talent levels with great accuracy. I think GMs as a group identify better players in the first round than in the 4th round, so yes they have the ability to do it. But splitting hairs on the guys taken in the mid teens, and then suggesting that Gute clearly missed, is not something that anyone has the ability to do.

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worztik's picture

April 27, 2018 at 11:46 am

And what’s your reasoning that he hasn’t already gotten a quality/top notch player? Just because he didn’t draft whom you wanted or where you wanted someone? Let’s wait until Sunday, or better yet, until after training camp, to see how he’s done!!! Why are some of you already setting him up to fail? Let’s get rid of all the negativity here and accept the fact that NONE OF US KNOW ANYTHING compared to the pros!!! I was freaked out last night, initially, but, after all was said and done, I think I’m happy so-far with this “1st round” of 2018! Let’s show just a bit of patience, which isn’t MY strength... just sayin’...

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Bure9620's picture

April 27, 2018 at 02:17 pm

Okay but that is all true, but how players dp yoinhave a first round grade on and what tiers? It seems to me Gute had a similar value on several and traded back.

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GB Jacker's picture

April 27, 2018 at 04:36 am

Delighted with the result from round 1. Whilst the Saints look a decent side on paper that first rounder could easily be a mid round pick or if Brees gets hurt potentially a top 5-10 pick. And we still have 11 picks over the next two days which I doubt we will keep.

If we can get another couple of picks tomorrow, another 2 ideally, pick up a WR and a pass rusher that'd be glorious. Landry and Miller?!?!

As for Alexander he sounds like a helluva dude. Great piece from NFL Network where Deangelo Hall sings his praises - and Mayock had him over Ward as CB1. As much as I was hoping we got Derwin James, I think Gute made the right call however it plays out.

Now we have that extra 1 next year, maybe we trade next years 2 for an extra one this year.

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Royalty Free GM's picture

April 27, 2018 at 04:42 am

You must be getting free stuff from the Packers? Only overly positive articles without any sense of criticism.

False hopes. Changing GM changed nothing.

Same loosing strategy continues:
-another wasted year for HOF Rodgers, no more Superbowl wins
-you had a perfect chance to get a game changer WR cheaply for 5 years (Rodgers career?)... but instead another fucking cb!?
-trading down to get more and more picks, why to bother if you don’t have guts to use them?
-next year, next year... Fuck you cowards, you keep ruining this team.
-Brian “TT” Gutekunst

I’m fucking tired that Rodgers has to keep carrying this team year after year in his shoulders without any top-tier help from the draft.
Without Rodgers this is just a loosing 5-11 team and the most boring team to watch.
With current offensive weapons this team barely makes playoffs and Rodgers has to play MVP level every year.
With better offensive weapons this team would be 13-3 team with playoff home field advantages and have more than just one Superbowl with the HOF QB.

The main difference between NE and GB success is the executives and coaches.
I’m rooting more and more for Aaron Rodgers instead of these coward leeches.

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TKWorldWide's picture

April 27, 2018 at 06:09 am

“Loosing” team?

Hold on loosely
But don’t let go
If you cling too tightly
You’re gonna lose control

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John Kirk's picture

April 27, 2018 at 07:37 am

If Brian trades up to 38 it will be special.

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dobber's picture

April 27, 2018 at 08:14 am

John can play, too!! ;)

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worztik's picture

April 27, 2018 at 11:50 am

Nicely done!!!

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GB Jacker's picture

April 27, 2018 at 07:35 am

Lol - such nonsense. Literally 1 day into the draft and you've lost ya mind. That first rounder from NO could be used this year for all you know in a trade. Don't compare everything to NE, that garbage cheating franchise does their own thing and, yes, they've won a lot. But compare GB to the league average and consider yourself fortunate to watch a relevant, competitive team every year

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John Kirk's picture

April 27, 2018 at 07:42 am

You define in your post what disgusts me about some of our fan base. You choose to implore another to compare the Packers to AVERAGE not New England? Just reeks of a loser's mentality. Winners don't define themselves by the average. You compare against perfection or at very least the best. Good is the enemy of great. Good hates best. Yet, here you are promoting a less than the best mentality. I don't and won't ever understand those who have this shoot low thought process.

You'll never be the best content being better than average.

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GB Jacker's picture

April 27, 2018 at 08:21 am

Can I get all your regurgitated meaningless clichés on orange John Kirk branded t-shirts? I bet you could sell them better than anybody else ever has, aim big John - you're a winner ;)

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:06 am

Cheer up bud, we've got a long way to go. There's a lot of good receivers still available and Gute may very well grab one of em.

It's undeniable that the DB group in GB was it's least talented. It's not like they wasted a pick on a backup QB, or some other redundancy. The team is better today than it was yesterday.

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fthisJack's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:25 am

everyone else that drafted can say the same thing but nobody knows that right now.

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:08 am

great insight

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fthisJack's picture

April 27, 2018 at 05:36 pm

"the team is better today than it was yesterday." great insight.

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JerseyAl's picture

April 28, 2018 at 12:23 am

i'm F'ing tired of your crying and delusional ramblings. And if you keep throwing F-bombs, you'll be outta here...

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bodei1newbie1's picture

April 27, 2018 at 05:11 am

i still can't believe it they pass on james could somebody tell me what is going on with the pack?

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:12 am

"For the NFL, James fits as a strong safety who is a tough eighth defender in the box. Some team sources feel that James is not a good fit as a deep center fielder. They think he has some coverage limitations as a free safety, but should be able to play man against tight ends. They don't think he is a fit to play nickel corner and cover slot receivers. One area scout thought James could end up adding weight and grow into being a Will linebacker, similar to Mark Barron"

- just one analysts comments (while ranking him as the best safety in the draft)

Reading that, you have to ask if this player improves GB significantly. The way I read it, he's very similar to haha and jones. So while he may be a great player, its something of a redundancy. Unless Gute felt that either haha or jones wasn't going to be a starter, then you're talking about having three of the same guys. Redundancies in talent make a defense predictable. Alexander brings speed and one on one coverage abilities that GB lacks. So this pick says, to me, that Alexander makes the defense more dynamic than James would have.

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Finwiz's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:22 am

I agree with that analysis, and it isn't the first one I've read like that.
They didn't need a box safety like that. Fitzpatrick was better, but apparently they didn't want that skill set either.

The weakness on this team was CLEARLY at CB and Edge rusher.
The GBP did the right thing.

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:12 am

yeah, or they did want Fitz but the cost of moving up was just too high. Arizona spent a 3rd and a 5th to get to 10.

Who knows how early NO made that trade offer either. Perhaps GB knew several picks in advance that they were getting a clearly one-sided deal they couldn't turn away from

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fthisJack's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:29 am

if HHCD plays this year like he did last year, his ass might be out of GB. he sucked.

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:08 am

thank you for your valuable insight

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fthisJack's picture

April 27, 2018 at 05:34 pm

YW....how else may i enlighten you, Grasshopper?

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CheesyTex's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:17 am

Alexander is a fit for corner in Pettine's defense. James? As above, IMO Packers see him as Darrelle Revis 2 in Pettine's defense.

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croatpackfan's picture

April 27, 2018 at 05:15 am

I'm not fan of this move. Yes, I know Packers got additional 1st round pick next season, but somehow I feel that giving 3rd round pick (pick No 12 in the round) is quite a big loss...

I hope that my feelings regarding those moves are wrong and product of my lack of football knowledge.

I want to believe Packers made correct moves. As some of you already wrote, and I agree, moves were made and we have to accept it and continue to support team, hoping that doubts some of us have (including me), will prove wrong...

Welcome Jaire, wish you the best!

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

April 27, 2018 at 05:36 am

Welcome to the dark side, Croat.

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Bearmeat's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:10 am

Are you not in support of the move, Reynoldo?

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dobber's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:25 am

I am GRUTE!

I am CROAT!

Eight more and we can field a softball team! ;)

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

April 27, 2018 at 01:19 pm

Bearmeat, I don't hate it or anything, but I am pushing back against the A+ grade many are giving. That means I get hammered for being negative. I view the present value of the future first at around pick 50 to 55. That would put the purely moving up and down in the positive category for Gute so I'll give that a positive grade, but it isn't an A in my view. Player eval is something everyone has their own opinion about. When all is said and done, if the GM selects prospects who end up being able players, all the rest is sound and fury.

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worztik's picture

April 27, 2018 at 04:29 pm

Bad math Dob... or are you adding a sub/reliever?

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dobber's picture

April 27, 2018 at 04:34 pm

Old men like us get to play 10-man softball so we don't give ourselves coronaries chasing gappers!

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jh9's picture

April 27, 2018 at 05:26 am

There is no question Alexander has talent. The question is availability. He couldn't stay on the field against college players. How will he stay healthy playing against bigger and faster NFL players?

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sonomaca's picture

April 27, 2018 at 07:13 am

The concern is the knee. I think they could have stayed at #27 and picked Alexander there.

That’s done now. There are many great players left. Don’t think they need to move up. Use all the draft ammo to get the 3rd rounder back.

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:18 am

it's pretty likely that he will, considering the injury was a sprained knee that likely had no long term negative effects. Had he tore an acl/mcl that would be a different conversation

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dobber's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:26 am

Agreed...and given that he played the latter part of 2017 and showed no ill effects at the combine? Not an issue.

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:13 am

Yeah there's a data point on effort as well. He tried to come back too soon and re-aggravated the knee. Good to see that desire, even if it didn't work out for him in 2017

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Lphill's picture

April 27, 2018 at 05:34 am

All reports for this kid start with undersized . That's all we need to know.

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Turophile's picture

April 27, 2018 at 07:31 am

He may not have the height you want.....but 196 lbs on a 5'10" guy is a real sturdy build on a CB. Alexander has the talent to play outside, the twitch and instincts to excel in the slot, and he is also a talented return man.

Add that to an extra 2019 1st round pick, and it's gold.

THAT is what YOU need to know.

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:20 am

Just one analyst comparing him to Chris Harris Jr. Not sure his size has held him back one bit

"It seems like I fall in love with a top cornerback every year and go all in. Two years ago, it was putting William Jackson III eighth overall as my CB1. Last year, it was putting Marshon Lattimore second overall as my CB1. This year, I am doing the same with Louisville star Jaire Alexander, who I have seventh overall and as my CB1 right now.

There is a certain sort of arrogance he plays with on the outside, and I gravitate towards it when watching him. He knows he’s better than his opponent and plays with a chip on his shoulder each and every snap, letting the receiver know about it too.

When you watch his feet and reactionary quickness in man coverage, you can see the elite change of direction and skill set that Alexander possesses. At the catch point, he is as good as anybody in this class at attacking at the high point and dislodging the ball between the receiver’s hands. He did this in press man coverage, off man coverage, two-man, Cover 2, and Cover 3.

This type of scheme versatility, ability to play inside and out, and traits in man coverage bring flashes of Chris Harris Jr., who is still one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks pound for pound. Harris is a lockdown cornerback who can simply take receivers out of games, whether it is in the slot or on the outside. Like Alexander, he’ll let them know about it too.

The biggest hurdle for Alexander will be to prove that he can stay durable in the NFL at his current frame, but with his traits as the most natural playmaker and man coverage cornerback in this class, I think he is one of the surest bets I’ve seen since scouting the position."

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Finwiz's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:30 am

Love that writeup. I love players that play cocky like that.
Everything about that analysis makes me like this pick all that much more.
This guy could in fact be better than Ward!
He played at a smaller school and lower rated conference competition, but the measurables are similar.
Awesome write-up.
Now we just need to get some edge rush ability and hope that Biegel can play with two broken feet, and we should be good.

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:15 am

Ward's abilities are also likely benefiting from the crop of CBs that Ohio State has sent to the NFL in recent years. Could be that the narrative is what separates the two, rather than skill.

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fthisJack's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:35 am

sounds like Terrell Buckley II

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Finwiz's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:45 am

Buckley was barely 5' 9", plus he was taken at pick FIVE!!!

There's a big difference between expectations of a player at 5, vs. 18.
We don't need to slap that label on Alexander at this point.

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:17 am

don't feed the trolls, then they come back

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fthisJack's picture

April 27, 2018 at 05:43 pm

haha...you gotta love the love the "know it alls" on here that regurgitate scouting reports to prop up their opinions.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

April 27, 2018 at 05:34 am

The issue I am grappling with is what is a future first-round pick from NO worth?

We can argue until the cows come home about player evaluations. The draftniks have been suggesting that Alexander is a late first to mid-second round talent and that Edmunds and James are top 10 talents.

Dropping from #14 to #18 is worth 200 points, or the 14th pick in the 3rd round. Any semi-competent GM should get that. All the other maneuvering up and down adds up to a negative 194 points, and we're down 200 points from going from 14 to 18. Negative 394 altogether. See the link for a draft value calculator.

The calculator doesn't allow one to designate that a pick is a future pick. So, what is the value of NO's #1 in 2019 in present value? I have some ideas, but this would be a really long post. NO should be good, but
maybe their rookies have Randall/Rollins type second seasons. Maybe Brees becomes unable to play. Maybe they win the super bowl. Draftniks are suggesting that the 2019 draft is deeper, but then, they are the same ones who suggested that James and Edmunds were top 10 guys. I wonder where CHTV ranked Alexander? Drafttek has him 34th.

I like Alexander, but it feels a lot like 2015: I liked Randall well enough but felt he was a mid 2nd round guy, and I felt that there was a fine first round grade talent in Malcom Brown sitting there for the taking.

https://www.calculatorsoup.com/calculators/games/draft-pick-value.php

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TKWorldWide's picture

April 27, 2018 at 06:12 am

Mayock rated Alexander higher than Ward, who went 4th overall.
Divergent opinions.

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flackcatcher's picture

April 27, 2018 at 06:32 am

Thinking much along the same lines TGR. By itself Alexander is a good choice on paper, a younger faster version of T. Will. Two days from now we will have a fairly clear picture of where the Packers are going after this draft. Is this a reload or rebuild, the use of extra no1 from N.O. will tell us a great deal about Gute and how he operates as Packers GM.

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sonomaca's picture

April 27, 2018 at 07:46 am

I think they need another corner, if only because King and Alexander have both had injury issues. Josh Jackson still there. Any conceivable way to get him?

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flackcatcher's picture

April 27, 2018 at 04:21 pm

He's more a SS than CB, having played in the DB at Iowa for a little over a year. Raw, but real talent on the field. Faster M. Hyde, but like Hyde is a smart football player. Probably be gone by early 2 round. If not I take him. Packers do not have enough smart football players in the defensive backfield.

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sonomaca's picture

April 27, 2018 at 07:46 am

I think they need another corner, if only because King and Alexander have both had injury issues. Josh Jackson still there. Any conceivable way to get him?

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:19 am

I would worry that a second CB in this draft in the first two rounds is overdoing it at the position. GBs depth at the position is adequate now, and spending a second rounder on the same position feels, to me, wasteful, compared to getting an o-lineman or a WR

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John Kirk's picture

April 27, 2018 at 07:49 am

Judging the Alexander selection minus context of what we could've done is meaningless. Is Alexander better than James, Edmunds or staying at 27? That's the issue. He wasted a 3rd rounder to get likely a lesser player than he could've had he stayed at 27. He panicked. Contradicted his stated reason for trading down in the first place. His logical inconsistency should haunt us. We'll see.

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dobber's picture

April 27, 2018 at 08:22 am

"Is Alexander better than James, Edmunds or staying at 27?"

Context is everything. Just because James goes to San Diego and plays lights out, doesn't mean he wouldn't have been a bomb in GB...or vice versa. So we can judge these players based on how they perform with their respective teams, but there's little transitivity in sports.

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:23 am

exactly, fit and scheme are everything. Some teams need a James more than others, and will utilize him to his best abilities. In GB, while the DB group isn't exactly a strength, I do tend to think James is a bit of a redundancy. Bringing him in would have essentially bumped Jones out of a starting role, which may or may not have been a good thing.

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dobber's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:30 am

I agree with your thinking!

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:43 am

"wasted a 3rd to get likely a lesser player than he could've at 27"

I'm curious what you mean by this JK. Are you implying that there was a better player than Alexander still available at 27?

I could understand the logic if you thought Alexander would have still been available at 27, or if a relatively similar player was available, but I'm not sure that Alexander was an inferior player to what would have been available.

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RCPackerFan's picture

April 27, 2018 at 07:02 am

We are a negative 394 without next year first round pick. The lowest first round pick this year is 590 points. So in terms of points we actually come out ahead a minimum of 196 points.

That would be if the Saints won the super bowl. Pick 20 would be worth 850 points, pick 15 would be worth 1050, pick 10 would be worth 1300.

An injury to Brees and who knows how their season goes. Anyway, getting a 2nd 1st round pick next year will be huge for them!

This is what Greg Rosenthal said on NFL.com

"Packers GM Brian Gutekunst: The Packers made a pair of moves Thursday night, trading down to No. 27 and then back up to No. 18, where they selected Louisville cornerback Jaire Alexander. They essentially moved down four spots to get the cornerback they wanted, picking up the Saints' 2019 first-round pick and their 2018 fifth-round pick (and a Seahawks seventh-rounder) in exchange for a third- and a sixth-round pick in the process. That's incredible value and a strong opening statement by Ted Thompson's replacement."

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 07:42 am

Good level-headed analysis. Of course, if hughes ends up being the better cb itll all be for nothing

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RCPackerFan's picture

April 27, 2018 at 08:27 am

I wonder if Packers took him off their board with his off field issues.

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:29 am

Yeah i don't know. I just really hope he isn't the next great pickup for that vikings defense. It sounds like absent those issues, he was as highly rated as alexander. So did MIN just get equivalent talent by sitting at 30? I hope not.

We never know about these off the field issues, and reporters aren't exactly incentivized to tell the truth (inflammatory writing gets clicks). Both zeke and conley are two recent examples of complete make believe off field issues that shouldn't have been made public, let alone turned into career impacting events.

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RCPackerFan's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:36 am

Yeah, i have no idea either.

But if the vikings got a same caliber player as Alexander, the Packers got Alexander and a 1st round pick next year.

That's tremendous value!

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:54 am

for sure, have to include the draft picks in the overall evaluation.

just thinking about which team got better for this year...my hope/expectation is that this draft benefits GB more than MIN. Right now that doesn't seem to be a sure thing (due to the loss of the 3 and having to wait till next year for the benefit of the 1)

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RCPackerFan's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:30 am

We won't know about the players until they get on the field. Alexander could be terrible. Could be a pro bowler. We just don't know.
So getting an extra pick and getting a guy that they like I think is worth it.

I saw this on twitter today. What if the Packers traded next years first round pick they got from the Saints and a middle round pick to lets say Cleveland for their 33rd and 35th pick this year?

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dobber's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:33 am

I would say, "Isn't that what that stockpile of middle-round picks is for?"

Although I think 33 and 35 bring a lot more value than next year's #1 and a 4th rounder.

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RCPackerFan's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:53 am

If they got 2 - 2nd's this year for the 1st next year, that would be worth it to me.

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:46 am

This is exactly what I hope they do. Though I have to admit, I was advocating for trading the 14 for those two picks before yesterday, so I'm biased. Cleveland has shown a willingness to make that type of trade too, and since they're not in win-now mode, an advantageous trade like that makes sense.

GB could walk away with Alexander, Landry, Connor Williams and a very good WR. I'm very happy walking away from that draft.

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RCPackerFan's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:59 am

Cleveland might not trade those 2 picks. Maybe they would trade for the 1st pick and last pick of the 2nd round?

Either way, its an idea that was floated that makes sense.

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 11:14 am

Its funny though, in order to make that trade both teams have to essentially predict how NO will do next year. I'd imagine GB has an analyst putting together some type of expected value on that pick in order to make those decisions.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

April 27, 2018 at 01:46 pm

I agree with every word, RC. But you left some stuff out.

1.) We moved from #14 to #18, worth 200 points. Any semi-competent GM should come out +200 points. Can't give an A+ for being semi-competent.

2.) Is that future first worth 590 points on Friday, April 27, during day two of the 2018 NFL Draft? The answer is no. It is always a gamble though: if some GM seems sure NO is going to go 4-12, then maybe it is worth 590 points (or even more), or that GM is rebuilding and thinks it is worth a gamble. From an academic standpoint, it would be interesting if Gute trades the future first for a pick on day two just to see what he can get.

3.) If we keep the pick, it is probably later, and we're looking at a prospect with a draft grade of 1/2. That guy contributes in 2019 and takes a second-year leap in 2020. That would be a good result, but AR won't play forever. Still, I think he'll still be playing at a high level in 2020 and 2021, even beyond, but I don't "know" that. And also the gambling part kicks in: if NO tanks for any reason, a pick around 10 or even in the teens to go with our own first in 2019 sure would look sweet.

I give the whole maneuvering up and down a positive grade, but it ain't an A+. The player eval - who really knows? I like Alexander better than Josh Jackson who was being pushed on us endlessly by many commenters, so I like that part. I think I would have been content to stand pat at #27 and take the best guy available then. We'd still have our future first, and our current third. If Minkah had been there at #14, maybe I'd go on a rant, but while I like Edmunds and think he might possibly become elite, his football instincts worry me a bit.

If Gute hits on some players in this draft, that is all that will be remembered.

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 05:57 am

From Matt a few days ago in his mongol hoard article...

"JAIRE ALEXANDER, Louisville. Alexander was made for hounding Stefon Diggs. He is 5’10”, 196—around the same size as Diggs—but Alexander is one speed faster and just as shifty and aggressive. He was slowed last year with a sprained knee, but unlike Damarious Randall in Green Bay, Alexander fought through injury to help the team. He’s clearly healthy now: Alexander ran a 4.38 40-yard dash at the scouting combine, and had some of the best agility drill times of any similarly sized corner. He’s a first-round talent, and should still be available for the Packers at 14."

I like having a guy built to defend diggs. I hope gute cashes in that 2019 pick for two today and this works out to be great draft for him

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NickPerry's picture

April 27, 2018 at 06:38 am

Hey if this kid can keep Diggs in check I'll be happy as hell. He's supposed to be great in man coverage so Pettine should be happy even if he's not very big. The Packers NEEDED a strong CB to play in the slot and now they have one.

I also like that Maylock likes him. Out of all of these guys who are these "Draft Experts" I think Maylock is far and away the best. Looking around at "Draft Grades" the Packers did very well. Then again getting a grade of "A" before the man even lands in Green Bay has always struck me a bit odd.

Welcome to GB Mr Alexander!!

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NickPerry's picture

April 27, 2018 at 06:00 am

After sleeping on this and reading additional reports on Alexander I've gotten my car back on the rails a little. I had a few huge problems with the trade initially.

I didn't think getting a 1st in next years draft was enough to pass on either one of those guys, not with how well I think the Saints will do this year. Then trading our 3rd rounder THIS year to move back in didn't thrill me but okay. (Here's to Dree Brees getting REALLY old this season and taking a HUGE dive all of a sudden.)

After reading more and more reports on Alexander I've come around somewhat. He's thought of as a bit of a injury risk but I think that's a bit exaggerated. I'll come around a lot more when Gute gets our 3rd rounder back or even an additional 2nd. If I'm correct the Packers have 11 Day 3 picks...two 4th, four 5th, two 6th, and three 7th rounders. If we can't turn that into an additional 2nd or 3rd (Or Both!!) I'll be shocked.

Getting James or Edmunds would have been awesome. BUT if Gutekunst can turn all this draft capital into more day two picks, gain a 1st round pick next year, AND get a solid CB in Alexander then okay. I'm waiting to see what happens the rest of this draft before I lynch Gute. I mean he DOES get paid for this and has over 20 years in the business. Me?? I'm an emotional fan which by the way IS short for "Fanatic" !!!

LOL

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TKWorldWide's picture

April 27, 2018 at 06:15 am

Yes, 20 years in the business.
Also, watching a guy’s highlights on YouTube does NOT qualify as “studying tape”.
;)

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dobber's picture

April 27, 2018 at 06:23 am

I'm more concerned about NPs car being on the rails...he does realize there's likely to be a train coming, right?

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TKWorldWide's picture

April 27, 2018 at 06:38 am

Light at the end of the tunnel.

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NickPerry's picture

April 27, 2018 at 06:39 am

Thanks for your concern dobber!!

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flackcatcher's picture

April 27, 2018 at 06:47 am

NP was highly entertaining yesterday......0:)

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NickPerry's picture

April 27, 2018 at 06:30 am

But the Highlight reel was a full 7 minutes!!

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dobber's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:31 am

I laughed out loud at this one...

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Minniman's picture

April 27, 2018 at 06:43 am

nor having the inside on what scheme the pick is getting plugged into.

Right or wrong, clearly Edmunds or James' skillset wasn't appealing to the direction of the Packers D next year

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HankScorpio's picture

April 27, 2018 at 06:57 am

"(Here's to Dree Brees getting REALLY old this season and taking a HUGE dive all of a sudden.)"

He never had a lot of arm strength to begin with. Last year in Lambeau, he looked like he had lost even more. He's not the talk of that offense anymore, the focus is now their two RBs, especially Alvin Kamara.

Peyton Manning fizzled to noodle-arm train-wreck seemingly overnight but the tell-tale warning signs were there. They are with Brees, as well.

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sonomaca's picture

April 27, 2018 at 07:59 am

They must love Taysom Hill.

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Jamie Freier's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:13 am

Same here, I was POd last night that they didn't take Edmunds at 14, but as you say, what the heck do I know? Nothing. And reading more this morning, if this pick stays healthy, what Gute did could really pay off.

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Finwiz's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:58 am

If they wouldn't have traded back up to 18, you would have a had a legitimate complaint, as I did initially. This worked out very well for the Packers, and I'm normally very critical, as you know.

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MarkinMadison's picture

April 27, 2018 at 06:09 am

The Packers started the night with the most picks in the draft. They either could not or would not pay the price to move up and get one of the impact players in this draft. Realistically, the two impact players who fit positions of need (Ward and Chubb) were never really within range. So at that point it was make chicken salad time.

They basically got the guy they wanted while converting a mid-round pick from this year into a first round pick for next year. That is a win when you are sitting on a mountain of picks. The only fly here is that this draft is loaded in rounds 2-3 and the Packers have only one pick there. All is cured if they move back into the 3rd, which may or may not happen.

I'd like to see them target moving up to get Landry today. To me, after Chubb, he is the next best option.

As far as Alexander goes, yes, he is a bit undersized. OTOH Ward is only a shade taller and certainly not a prototypical height/speed prospect. There was no Kevin King this year. Alexander can play the boundary, and the other remaining prospects, well, that doesn't appear to be their game. If Alexander, King and Jones can stay relatively healthy then this backfield will be loaded with speed. It will be a heck of a backfield.

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Bearmeat's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:28 am

Exactly. Alexander has potential. And the ceiling of the CBs are extremely high for the first time since 2013. Pettine said that he wanted to stop the pass first. This is a good way to do that

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:31 am

I think landry goes to CLE in one of the first three picks today, so unfortunately that's still a pretty large trade-up. Probably would have to send CLE our second and both fourths

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Finwiz's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:32 am

Actually some predraft numbers have Ward at 5'10", some 11".
1 inch isn't going to separate these two players.
Performance on the field will do that.
I fully expect King and Alexander to be the starters by mid season, with Williams working the slot.

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PACKERNICK's picture

April 27, 2018 at 06:25 am

I don't agree with this pick. An oft injured, undersized
defensive back . IMO we should bolster the offense for
our MVP quarterback.

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slicknic007's picture

April 27, 2018 at 07:15 am

While you are entitled to your opinion, I personally think anything offensive outside of RT to replace Bulaga in the first round is a mistake. Who would have you preferred the Packers to pick? Tackle? WR? QB?

A QB is out of the question since we have a first round project to work with. Yes he has no wins, but he also was tasked with trying to do to much. Aaron benefitted from sitting and learning and I hope Kizer does as well.

A WR in the first is a reach if you already have a WR1 on your team. I understand needing to replace Jordy but you don't replace your number 2 with a first round pick, especially when we are known for finding gems in the 2nd.

A Tackle is a position that I would have considered for a first round pick, but none of these guys stood out enough to make me want to draft that position over someone on defense.

You gotta realize that our defense last year couldn't keep offenses off the field. Mike Pettine will do great things with this defense and that will help the offense. Just wait and see.

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dobber's picture

April 27, 2018 at 08:33 am

"A WR in the first is a reach if you already have a WR1 on your team."

Maybe, but RFGM will point out that it didn't stop the Falcons...

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:34 am

Right, there's so many day two WRs available that taking a WR at 14 would have been a big reach. Taking a WR at 14 and a CB in the second would have been poor draft strategy.

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RCPackerFan's picture

April 27, 2018 at 06:51 am

I absolutely love what they did in the first round.

Gutekunst proved he definitely isn't Thompson.

When you step back and look as a whole what they did, they dropped 4 spots, gave up a 3rd round pick and got a first round pick. Essentially they swapped a 3rd round pick for a 1st round pick next year. While the Saints looked great last year, this is a year to year league especially in the NFC South where one year the team to finish on top finishes last. If something happens to Brees we could get a top 10-15 pick to go along with ours.

What I also liked was they grabbed a player that Mike Mayock projected them to take with the 14th pick. So they essentially got the same player they would have gotten with the 14th pick.

I thought the moves they made were smart and really, really good.

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stockholder's picture

April 27, 2018 at 07:12 am

I to am liking these moves. People complained about the packers not signing a big name CB in free-Agency. Let's figure that into this too. Cap SAVINGS! The Vikings loved Alexander I heard. Figure that in. He's not 19 and immature. He's fast and you can't teach that. I love the #1 pick next year. Love the deep speed. And if you look at what it does cost to go up in the first round, well so what. If the guy becomes a starter for years. A++. He set their draft, and I didn't want a CB in the second. He looks like he just loves to play football. A++ The chip on the shoulder is perfect.

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RCPackerFan's picture

April 27, 2018 at 07:25 am

I love them to be honest.

I just look at that Mayock and others had mocked that the Packers would take him at 14. So they dropped 4 spots still took him and they got an extra 1st round pick next year. Great move!

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Turophile's picture

April 27, 2018 at 07:50 am

I agree with stockholder (which I often don't) and RCPackerFan, a very good pick with the great side-benefit of the Saints 2019 first rounder. If the Saints falter in 2018 like the Packers did in 2017, and they might, as Brees is 39, that could be a very valuable pick.

I suspect that many of the posters who did not like the pick are against it more because their favourite player/position group wasn't taken. There were very talented players on the board at #14, but it is hard to argue they were that much better than Alexander, when you factor upside + production in college + athleticism + sturdy build (196 lb on a 5'10" frame).

It took years to appreciate just how good Ted's first draft was (A.Rodgers - all-time steal), Gute's might be almost as impactful with HIS first draft, or as near as it is possible to get to that all-time mega-pick. It will probably take three years to see how it all works out, because of next years extra first rounder.

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dobber's picture

April 27, 2018 at 08:38 am

"I suspect that many of the posters who did not like the pick are against it more because their favourite player/position group wasn't taken."

I'm going to admit that I was more than just a little disappointed when they dealt out of 14 and that they took Alexander when they moved back up. I was big on the Tremaine Edmunds bandwagon and I would've run to the podium with that pick at #14. I think that's what got most people: players we'd been watching mocked ahead of the Packers for months with desirable traits, players we'd been told (and trained to believe) the Packers could really use, came to the Packers and they said, 'no, thanks'. In essence, we were told we were wrong. People usually don't like that.

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:36 am

Its the classic case of why the pre-draft prep and conversations are so meaningless.

But you better believe I'm going to be sucked right back in 10 months from now!

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RCPackerFan's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:11 am

Like you said Brees is 39. He could completely fall apart and have a horrible year. They could have a bunch of injuries and fall apart. So much can happen. They could end up with a top 10-20 pick from the Saints. We don't know.

I agree with you on that most people that don't like it wanted someone else.

This is what Mayock said about the Packers pick.
"I like this pick. Alexander has some swag about him. He's the No. 1 corner on my board. In addition to being competitive, tough, he tackles, he finds the football in the air and he also adds value in the punt return game. Historically, Green Bay only takes corners who can find the ball in the air, and this kid does it."

So the Packers got his number one CB on his board (who is a great talent evaluator). And got him with the 18th pick and got a 1st round pick out of the deal.

We now can't truly grade/judge this draft until we see next years draft because we got Alexander AND a 1st round pick.

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JohnnyLogan's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:41 am

Mike Mayock also had Derwin James at #7 and Edmunds at #11. He never thought for a minute they'd be on the board for us. Edmunds or James are big powerful potential superstars. Alexander is a terrific corner but small and injury prone. I like him, but why didn't we just take Edmunds, a 19 year old monster who would make the middle of the field a no fly zone for opposing offenses for the next ten years, and then use all that draft capital everyone here is talking about to get back into the 1st to take Alexander or Isaiah Oliver who some rated as highly as Alexander. That 1st next year is rated a 2nd because it comes a year late, a year later in Rodger's career as well. We're overloaded with picks after the 4th round. Woohooo!! It will take 3 or 4 of them to get back into the 3rd if anyone is stupid enough to do it. We could have taken a stud, maybe gotten Alexander anyway, and had the draft capital left to get back into the 2nd or 3rd rounds which are loaded with talent. Now we have one pick in those rounds. TT is still calling the frigging shots. Don't care what Gute does the rest of the draft, he passed on consensus top ten picks when we''ll likely never have that chance again with Rodgers. Always complaining we can't get a stud because we draft too low so let's just take our one opportunity and drop back into familiar territory at the bottom of the round. This was simply overthinking and trying to outsmart everyone, which is what TT is famous for.

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:24 am

The positioning of those picks is why most fans were upset when GB didn't take Edmunds or James. But if Mayock says Alexander is the best CB, and Gute was of similar thinking, what difference does it make that two inferior guys fell to them (in their minds).

Also, the guys aren't consensus top ten picks. Clearly they're consensus mid round picks. They weren't taken in the top 10 picks in the one draft that matters.

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dobber's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:27 am

Bingo! The "X-many teams passed on him, too" argument is only that one step away...

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RCPackerFan's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:52 am

You bring up Alexander as being injury prone. He had a knee sprain last year. Derwin James had a torn meniscus which sidelined him for all of 2016.
I don't think you can say that Alexander is injury prone if your not going to say James is.

According to CBS sports they had Edmunds rated 25th overall. They had Alexander as 11th, and had James #2 overall. Obviously the Packers didn't feel the same way so they traded down and got the guy they wanted.
These players weren't consensus top 10 players because if they were, they would have went in the top 10. Also

Here is a thought. I posted it above. What if they trade their 1st round pick next year for a couple of 2nd round picks this year? Would that make you feel better?

All the experts and analysts think Gutekunst got a steal with what they came away with. I will trust their opinions.

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stockholder's picture

April 27, 2018 at 11:00 am

Very True statement: - Always complaining we can't get a stud because we draft too low. But let me tell you a thing about this draft. It was all about the QBs. Not Defense. Not Blue chip guys. Edmunds - Small school and 19. Great u tube tape. Big brother was in the backfield. James perfect size. Still teams passed. They shouldn't have either! We've seen small guys in GB before. Buckley! I don't question anything about Alexander but his height. He will be moved around. He has the vertical,40!!!, broad. He jumped just before the draft. He's not ROLLINS. He won't lose speed. He's what the packers wanted. CBs get hurt a lot. We only need to put him on a smaller WR. 3rd and 4ths.= Reinforcements. You couldn't pay a team full of blue chippers. That 3rd moved us up. MM said Pass rushers and Cbs.

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 11:17 am

I can't get enough of these references to Buckley. Like the game hasn't changed since the 90s and the comparison is still relevant.

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dobber's picture

April 27, 2018 at 11:28 am

"Edmunds - Small school and 19."

If Va. Tech is a small school, then so is Wisconsin.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

April 27, 2018 at 02:04 pm

RC, Dobber: I am trying my absolute best to divorce my player eval from the maneuverings. Maybe that isn't possible entirely, but it is my intention. Again, I don't hate the maneuvering and give it a positive grade, just not an A+.

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4EVER's picture

April 27, 2018 at 05:46 pm

TGR - worthy of an A in my book. Plus(+) it wasn't TT and that felt really goooooooooooood!

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PackEyedOptimist's picture

April 27, 2018 at 06:59 am

Here's my take (which I haven't heard voiced yet): Getting an extra #1 is HUGE. For a new GM, this can set you up for YEARS. Next year, you trade one of your #1s for another team's FUTURE #1 plus next year's #2. You can continue to do that infinitely, so with biting the bullet this year, you can add an EXTRA #2 pick FOR EVERY YEAR IN THE FUTURE. How does that sound?

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RCPackerFan's picture

April 27, 2018 at 07:23 am

Exactly right!

Or you can trade those picks to move up in the draft to take a huge impact player.

If they had the 20th and 32nd pick next year they could move into the top 10 with those 2 picks.

getting that 2nd 1st round pick next year gives us so many options.

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dobber's picture

April 27, 2018 at 08:41 am

It sounds great and I can be an annoyingly patient man (as long as donuts aren't involved), but I have to say I'm really hoping they turn that #1 around into at least two more picks in this draft...hopefully tonight.

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:28 am

I agree, only because I'm of the opinion that championships are all that matters. I don't care about division championships, I don't care about playoff appearances. Slow playing drafts to get additional future value is certainly a great strategy, and could produce a competitive advantage that leads to above average rosters. But I selfishly want the most talent on this roster now, not in the future.

I've compared this team to others that I follow. The blackhawks went all in, won championships, and are now paying for that 'win now' mentality. I'm ok with it. It was fun as hell to win 3 cups in 5 years. I'm willing to pay that off with years of mediocracy and rebuilding afterward. What I don't want is to be the 90s - 2000s atlanta braves. Unfortunately, thats exactly what GB has been the last 7 years.

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Spock's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:50 am

I like getting the 1st. rounder next year for an additional reason (this assumes Gute doesn't use it for further trades this year). We don't have any comp picks next year as far as I know. A GM has to think about the future as well as the present for the franchise. Let's see what happens tonight (Friday). Should be interesting!

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Donster's picture

April 27, 2018 at 07:04 am

Not to sure about Alexander. Speed we need. But his size worries me a bit. Would liked to see them grab Tremaine Edmunds instead. More of an impact player in the overall defensive picture.

Now hope Gutey can deal for another second round pick and get back into the third round. With eleven picks still in his pocket, I would prefer quality over quantity. Can't sign all eleven draft picks without clearing out players still on the roster. Plus late round guys are in the category of TT's draft and develop. Then you will have the UDFA's too. Tonight will be very interesting!

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Houndog's picture

April 27, 2018 at 07:23 am

While I initially questioned the pick of Alexander, I find it easier to trust Mayock than anyone in the Packers draft room considering TT was there.

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White92's picture

April 27, 2018 at 07:37 am

Of course a lot of judgement on this deal will be on Davenport. Given the Packers relative lack of success in spending first round picks on DL, I'm ok with the trade, especially picking up a #1 next year. You don't see that often.

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Handsback's picture

April 27, 2018 at 07:39 am

I get the feeling there's something the Packers didn't like about Davenport.....there was comment from his teamates about him being soft. It sounds minor but we are talking about a premium pick.

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Turophile's picture

April 27, 2018 at 07:56 am

While I really like the Alexander pick, I think calling a DE/OLB soft, one who regularly goes power-rushing heads-up against huge RTs.......It just doesn't compute.

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cpitt's picture

April 27, 2018 at 08:33 am

Probably the fact that he barely produced against scrub players in his division.

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dobber's picture

April 27, 2018 at 08:44 am

I don't buy the whispers too much at this stage. In the end, I can't help but wonder if the Packers really didn't feel he fit with what they wanted to do. I say that fully owning that yesterday I said that he's the guy I would be considering at #14 if the draft fell the way the prognotrilcators were predicting. I'm not a GM...or a HC...or a DC.

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Handsback's picture

April 27, 2018 at 07:37 am

Obviously Gutsey didn't like his options at 14. Maybe this was a three player first round for the Packers, Fitzpatrick, Ward, and Alexander. Also wonder who was spying him after the Cowboys? The plus is he's bigger than Ward weight wise and Fitzpatrick isn't nearly that fast either. He could become the best corner/ DB of the draft.

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Turophile's picture

April 27, 2018 at 08:02 am

I think the Packers stopped looking to trade up (which they said they were trying to do) either when Ward went at #4, or just possibly Fitzpatrick at #11.

I also think that pre-draft they gameplanned an Alexander scenario, where they moved back and still got him. The bigger move back was the best offer on the table for them, and Gute said he knew they could find a partner to get higher again from pick 27, which they did.

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dobber's picture

April 27, 2018 at 08:49 am

I wonder if they stopped trying to trade up when McGlinchey went to SF? That was a move that was going to push players down...at least in our eyes. I'll admit to doing a little dance of joy when SF made that pick. I don't know what kind of scenarios GMs play out in their draft prep.

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LambeauPlain's picture

April 27, 2018 at 08:22 am

Alexander clocked 4.38....Fitzpatrick 4.46, James 4.47. 0.08/0.09 seconds in the 40 is a difference without a distinction.

Fitzpatrick and James both love to tackle and are very good at it....Linebacker-like...and play every position in the D backfield, in the box, and blitz.

Alexander is a slot CB...maybe a boundary CB with time...timid tackler and injury prone. James and Fitzpatrick are Swiss Army knives and would instantly help the D. Alexander may help the D next year if he can stay on the field.

The trade down is nice but the Pack needs to win now. Hope Gute has a more going on day 2 than just one pick. 10 picks in rounds 4-7 will not help them win now.

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dobber's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:47 am

I think you'll find that more people will argue that 4.38 is a meaningfully different time from 4.46 and 4.47. Would you rather have a WR that times 4.45 or 4.53? A TE that times 4.68 or 4.75? The key question is: how fast does he play? Most analyses point to the fact that Alexander is fluid and plays fast. Fitzpatrick seems to play fast. There are arguments as to whether or not James plays as fast as he times.

I think we'll find that Alexander is going to play right away. He's likely at least the nickel CB right now. You're comparing the physicality of two guys who are safeties and potential hybrid LB to a true cover CB? Really?

Derwin James has a torn ACL in his medical history. Alexander's injury was non-surgical and he's recovered.

We're all selectively picking what we want out of scouting reports at this stage. It goes both ways.

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:30 am

Did not know that about James ACL. That makes me love this pick 10x more.

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dobber's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:36 am

In the end, it's been shown that a repaired ACL doesn't give a player a statistically more significant risk of injury.

I was hoping to show that there was incredible hypocrisy in the argument in that both players have played and excelled since their injuries, but hanging the "injury prone" label selectively on the player with the less serious injury (but no longer history of injury) was laffable.

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Finwiz's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:52 am

>>Alexander is a slot CB...maybe a boundary CB with time...timid tackler and injury prone. James and Fitzpatrick are Swiss Army knives and would instantly help the D. Alexander may help the D next year if he can stay on the field.<<

Disagree....James and Minkah are safeties with limited coverage ability and very few big plays in the form of INT's. We didn't need a safety - bottom line. And we certainly didn't need any more player position conversion experiments. Those don't work and time has proven that. We got a highly rate CB with speed. The only concern is, can he stay healthy. Seems like MOST of these modern day players have some form of injury history in college. Chris Borland retired because he was afraid of getting his brain scrambled. You just never know. You roll the dice and take your chances.

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dobber's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:01 am

Agreed. Many of the knocks on James were that he's really a box safety and not as natural in coverage as teams would like.

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LambeauPlain's picture

April 27, 2018 at 08:05 am

Pack needs to win now. Alexander probably won't even start, being 4th on depth chart behind King, Williams, House.

He may play some slot.

Scouts say he avoided contact and isn't a good tackler and comes to a team that needs better tackling.

Had a sub par 2017 due to injury problems.

Lots of talent but damaged goods. Hope that knee is not a ticking time bomb.

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:51 am

Alexander is 100% GBs NB starter today

Also, what scouts have said that? Everything I've read is that he's physical, attacks and is a big hitter

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sonomaca's picture

April 27, 2018 at 08:05 am

Nobody worried about injury history of Packers’ corners. You can never have enough corners. They’ve got the ammo to draft at least two more.

Here’s a question. What is Guice continues to slide? They don’t need a RB, but he’s special (and a head case).

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:48 am

I think given the need at position, Guice's slide would have to be significant for GB to take him. Likely that slide needs to be a lot less for RB needy teams, who will take him first.

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dobber's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:59 am

I hope someone else takes him and pushes more talent back into the Packers' lap.

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jgando12's picture

April 27, 2018 at 08:16 am

We can all agree BG gave Packer Nation a "wow" moment last evening. With all the media hubbub creating player profiles, we can lose focus that the professionals who do this for their living invest in the process of evaluation far more accurately than we emotionally-driven fans. We needed a physical CB with speed desperately to step in and start. Check. AND we got another #1 next season. We all would have taken that at the beginning of the evening. We all know we need OLB help NOW. We really do not have many roster spots or cap space available. We can expect more surprising maneuvering today, maybe even a trade of picks for an established player who can step in and start right now or moving up to stockpile a few picks for next season. It will not make sense to draft 10 more guys if we really only expect 3-4 to make the roster. AND with our history of finding non-drafted gems to contribute,..which has been consistently solid....the weekend bodes well.

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LambeauPlain's picture

April 27, 2018 at 08:26 am

"At 5-10, 196 pounds and a 4.38 40-yard dash, Alexander shares similar traits to that of former Packers cornerback Sam Shields."

And T Buc and A. Carroll.

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4thand1's picture

April 27, 2018 at 08:34 am

OMG, this was some of the biggest over reaction I've ever seen! I was a little peeved at first too. No player is a guarantee where ever a team picks. THis kid could be great, but we'll have to wait to see.

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Oppy's picture

April 27, 2018 at 02:12 pm

This is, unfortunately, completely typical over reaction that I watch every single year during the draft from Packers fans.

I love the Packers, but I have never seen so many people who want nothing more than to find disappointment and anger in all things.

But I have to admit, I kinda like watching the car wrecks.

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Spock's picture

April 27, 2018 at 03:10 pm

"But I have to admit, I kinda like watching the car wrecks.". Yeah, draft reactions from Packer (and I'm sure other team's) fans typically are more like a demolition derby than a reasoned debate. I always find the post draft day "What? Those idiots didn't take the player I WANTED!" tirades particularly amusing, but maybe that's just because I never get invested in the pre-draft mocks and stuff because they are NEVER correct, lol. Maybe it's because I don't follow college ball and don't have any 'man crushes' on players. Or maybe I'm just a sick puppy. :)

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Qoojo's picture

April 27, 2018 at 08:39 am

I have to think that with all the picks they have that the packers will trade back into the 3rd round. If not it could signal massive turnover at the bottom 3rd of roster.

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flackcatcher's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:14 am

I expect turnover on the bottom third regardless of what happens over the next two days. If this draft is as deep as reported, the Packers may decide to let go of core backups because of age and injury and speed up the reload or rebuild. Interesting times.

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Mojo's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:02 am

Mastery? Really?

We pass on two players that nearly every analyst, scout, talent evaluator considered blue-chip difference makers to take an undersized skinny corner. We also lost this years third rounder.

We get a 1 next year, but that's next year. ARod ain't getting any younger.

If the Pack had picked either James or Edmunds at 14 the posts today would have been about what a steal they got and how excited they are to a player who was going to wreak havoc. Instead we get a lot of spin.

I was greatly underwhelmed by Gutes 1st round mastery last night. Hoping for better moves to come.

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flackcatcher's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:29 am

And neither player may fit what the Packers want to do on defense. This draft has not even begun. The real test for this new front office starts today. That is where the core players for this team will be picked over the next two days. As I said before, we will soon know the direction the Packers take after this draft is over. Look at the whole, not a single piece to understand where Gute is taking this team.

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dobber's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:55 am

And just about every talent evaluator--not just folks at CHTV--and pundit said that the Packers made out well yesterday.

Ask yourself who sits when James or Edmunds plays, and how much better it makes the Packers. There's a nickel-back (not Nickelback, of course, that would just be wrong) sized hole on this defense that Alexander immediately fills. While it becomes a need argument to put it this way (and I really believe Alexander's value on the board was driven by need), I don't believe James or Edmunds makes any more immediate difference in ARod's chance to put up a title in 2018 than Alexander does.

I agree: the word 'mastery' is just too strong here.

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Oppy's picture

April 27, 2018 at 02:01 pm

I see a lot of "skinny" being touted.

This young man was measured at 5'10, 197 lbs at the combine.

I don't know if people are unfamiliar with what 197 lbs of lean muscle looks like on a 5'10" frame of a world-class athlete.. but it's not skinny. Especially by DB standards.

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Chuck Farley's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:17 am

Imo the pick and moves were horrid. Why. You draft that quality guy who will be an anchor for years and a pro bowler and they were there for the taking.
My crystal ball says the Mayfield pick totally screwed up what gutt was planning. He should have realized, wow that changes the entire board and we will get quality sitting at 14. Either that or they knew they could not afford a 14 pick due to the looming Rodgers contact.
Last this means Mathews and Perry are gone next year to pay for two ones and maybe two twos.

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:44 am

What?

Rookies are cheap, whether they're in the first or the seventh round. Having two firsts next year arguably reduces payroll, as you infuse the team with high quality cheap players. You can definitely dislike the picks and moves, but you're logic on finances is completely incorrect

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Oppy's picture

April 27, 2018 at 02:06 pm

His logic is outdated.

A decade ago, before the new CBA limited rookie contracts, what he's saying made sense. First rounder draft picks who never played a down of professional football were camp hold outs and getting paid millions and millions in signing bonus, guaranteed money, and obnoxious contracts all around. The NFL PA made sure to fix it, so more money goes to proven vets than unproven rookies.

There's still a lot of people out there who have zero idea how much the CBA limited and capped runaway rookie contracts. Hold outs are almost non-existent, too. He's just a dinosaur.

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Spock's picture

April 27, 2018 at 03:21 pm

A friend of mine's daughter used to tease him about his age by asking, "Daddy, did you cry when the dinosaurs died?"

If I was a dinosaur (hey, I'm close, lol.) I'd be a stegosaurus. When I was a kid there used to be a series of books about "The stegosaurus of (something) Rock". I was big into fossils and loved those books. Sadly, my memory has gone the way of the dinosaurs as well. Sigh.

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Bure9620's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:39 am

I think the height threshhold is somewhat real and not real, they want overall length, it just so happens taller corners are obiviously longer all over. Alexander's arms are over 31" and a 75" wingspan. This is more length than most 5'10" corners have and negates his shorter height. His overall length is more like a corner 5'11" or 6'.

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:34 am

good insight - this is the type of thing that Gute has known about since the beginning of the draft process, and likely why they valued Alexander so highly. Then we have the mouth breather fans whose analysis extends to googling his name and seeing his height. Just funny.

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Oppy's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:53 pm

Great observation.
Keep in mind though, that the wingspan may equal that of the average 6' CB, but that average 6' CB with a 75" wingspan.. those arms are still 2" higher off the ground at the shoulder than a 5'10" CB with 75" arms. So while lateral reach should be the same as a 6' CB, the 5'10" CB with long arms is still going to lack some of the vertical reach of the taller man with average arms.

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Since&#039;61's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:35 am

I like everything about Alexander except his size. He plays the ball aggressively and that is what you want from a CB. Second he has good speed which the Packers need. Third he can make a difference in the return game.

His height will be a concern against tall receivers in the red zone. However we have picked up a good player and an additional #1 pick in 2019 with our 1st pick in the draft.

Edmunds looks like a nice player but he is 19 with a huge learning curve and an ILB which is lower value than a CB in today's NFL. Then there was Derwin James, a tweener type of player. Do we need more of those with Jones and Brice already on the team?

Another factor is that maybe Pettine didn't want either Edmunds or James. I don't get upset or excited over draft picks because it's all a crap shoot. You just never know. As for theories that Gute panicked out of 27 and didn't do what he said. Get a grip! Gute had this covered from the get go. He needed a trading partner and you have to give to get, it's the nature of the deal. Get a grip and move on.

All this waiting and debating just for all this frustration, what a waste. Welcome to Green Bay Mr. Alexander, I wish you the best and may you be the second coming of Herb Adderley. The rest is hype, speculation and desperation. Thanks, Since '61

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:42 am

fortunately I don't think he'll be guarding many tall receivers in his role.

agree on james

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fthisJack's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:00 am

what have Jones and Brice done to make them so special? James is big, fast, a good tackler , a leader, is versatile.....and now people are complaining that he was a tweener or doesn't fit the Packers system? these seem to be rationalizations now that he wasn't picked. well all i've read is that Pettine loves versatility in his players and his defenses.

i think Gute drafted for need instead of going BPA! i believe James> Alexander.

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Since&#039;61's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:45 am

James may be better than Alexander, we'll just need to wait and see. It's way too early to determine who is a success or a failure.

Bart Starr was drafted in the 17th round, basically a UDFA. Willie Wood was an undrafted walk in try out and became a HOF safety. You never know. Combines and Pro-days and tapes don't measure heart or what can happen in the future. Let it be. Thanks, Since '61

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cheesehead1's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:19 am

Agree with you. Would like to know if Alexander was our choice all along, however we’ll never know. Give our new GM a chance. Hopefully we can trade up today.

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dobber's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:25 am

I'd be willing to all but guarantee you that Brian "Wink Martindale" Gutekunst and Jon-Eric Sullivan will hold the party line that he was the player they wanted all along.

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Oppy's picture

April 27, 2018 at 01:51 pm

Well, of course they will. Who hires a brand new employee and tells them, "Hey! Welcome aboard! If things turned out how we expected, you wouldn't be here, but the other applicant took a job with a competitor..but we're excited to have you!"

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Andrew Lloyd Peth's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:35 am

Watching the value we got with those two trades, all I could think was, "Oh, so this is what it's like to have a GM who isn't senile!"

I had forgotten how happiness felt. Thank you, Gut!!

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:40 am

I said yesterday "I'd just like to be a fan on the receiving end of a clearly one-sided trade"

It felt terrible in the moment, but I'm loving it now that I've had a chance to think it through.

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:38 am

Can we talk about how great it is that 6 offensive linemen got taken in the first round, and none of them went to Minnesota? Cousins need protection more than the average QB, and there's a long way to go before Minnesota's back on the clock

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Andrew Lloyd Peth's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:49 am

Yeah, that really surprised me too.

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JohnnyLogan's picture

April 27, 2018 at 09:51 am

Presenting Mayock as proof this was a good pick completely ignores the fact he had James at #6 and Edmunds at #11. He never thought either of them would be on the board for us. Stupid overthinking by Gute when we finally have a chance at a top #10 talent. Why not just take the stud in front of you then use the draft capital everyone here is talking about to move back into the first for your corner? There are no players left in the draft with the potential of James or Edmunds. It's not like we ended up with more picks this year, we ended up with less in the important rounds. That 1st next year is... next year, when this year TT left us with a crapload of holes. You don't pass on a 19 year old potential superstar or an Ed Reed type safety for an undersized CB with injury concerns. Big guys with talent are the hardest to find, and we had two staring Gute in the face. He blinked.

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Andrew Lloyd Peth's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:14 am

"That 1st next year is...next year."

We just scored a low 1st for a mid-3rd by just trading down 4 spots in the teens, and you're not happy?

Wow.

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JohnnyLogan's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:20 am

Trades for picks the next year are devalued by one round so the 1st is actually a 2nd. The trade is actually our 3rd and James or Edmunds, for Alexander and next years 1st. Know anyone who before the draft wouldn't have taken James or Edmunds ahead of Alexander? Never saw it once, never thought of it, and neither did Mayock. Your excitement over the 1st next year is likely because you envision the stud we'll get next year... when we could have had one this year. Wow.

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Finwiz's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:36 am

Oh really, so that NO Saints pick ISN'T a first round pick next year?

I didn't hear that last night or today, thanks for clearing that up!

Sheesh - rationalization really IS the 2nd strongest human drive.

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dobber's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:22 am

As Americans, it's our right to be unhappy about anything that doesn't play to our egos or grant us immediate gratification.

Someone get me a coffee and a donut!

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Bure9620's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:51 am

I agree, BG just fleeced NO, and judigng by the Sean Payton presser, he basically felt he had to defend it witbout being asked, you could tell not all on board.

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dobber's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:27 am

I suspect NO fleeced themselves as much as anything else.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

April 27, 2018 at 02:16 pm

The trade with NO is a winner. The trade back up with Seattle, not so much, but probably not out of line for trading up.

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JohnnyLogan's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:27 am

I'm getting a load of dislikes and I'm happy to accept them on behalf of all of you who want so desperately to believe having Alexander and a 1st next year is better than James or Edmunds and a 3rd this year. Hope you're right. History says you're wrong. Consensus top ten rated picks like James and Edmunds have more chance at being All Pros or HOF players than a short CB with injury concerns. Like I said I'll take the slings, and hope like hell I'm wrong.

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dobber's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:37 am

"History says you're wrong. Consensus top ten rated picks like James and Edmunds have more chance at being All Pros or HOF players than a short CB with injury concerns. "

Again...Derwin James has a surgical ACL in his history. Why is he any less of an injury concern as compared to a non-surgical injury to Alexander that he's fully recovered from?

"Consensus top ten rated picks"

I guess consensus was wrong.

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Finwiz's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:42 am

Right....and how did the Terrell Buckley and Tony Mandarich picks work out for GB, not to mention ALL THE REST of the top 10, NFL draft pick failures over the years?

I rest my case.

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JohnnyLogan's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:49 am

Weak argument. I can throw out dozens of top ten HOF's drafted in the top ten. It's a crap shoot but you're generally better taking the odds on favorite.

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Finwiz's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:55 am

Not really weak when talking about the difference between a top 10 pick and 18. There's failures all over the draft - more often than not, matter of fact.

You have to put a certain amount of trust into what these guys in the front office do. They get paid millions because somebody thinks they're better at evaluating talent, than a couple of guys on a Packer blog, myself included.
They didn't want a safety, and they didn't want a young, immature inside linebacker apparently. I understand the logic - for once.

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Colin_C's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:50 am

Hey, to those of you who hate this move, just be thankful you're not Pittsburgh fans. Talking about reaching....

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:58 am

Seattle fans have to be livid. Just going back to mock drafts, the guy was projected in the 70s and 80s.

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Colin_C's picture

April 27, 2018 at 11:15 am

Yeah, Penny's good, but I'm not sure he's THAT good. To me, the 49ers, Raiders, Ravens, and Seahawks all reached for their picks. The draft is such a crapshoot though, so we'll see how it plays out 3 years from now. Right now they definitely look like reaches.

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JohnnyLogan's picture

April 27, 2018 at 10:47 am

Consensus was right to the extent that both James and Edmunds still went ahead of Alexander. The fact that so many teams drafted for need, QB, tackle... ahead of us doesn't negate the fact that it's fairly certain almost every team had James and Edmunds higher on their board than Alexander. I'm guessing we did too until Gute was seduced by that next year 1st. I'm simply saying Gute could have taken the stud available and then used some of his draft assets to go back into the first for Alexander or another CB. That way the stud you get next year you'd have this year. In fact, that's the exact scenario many Packer fans were advocating before the draft. NO showed Gute a little leg with that 1st and he jumped.

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 11:05 am

"it's fairly certain almost every team had James and Edmunds higher on their board than Alexander"

If we're following this logic, then you have to agree that 'almost every team had Davenport higher on their board than James and Edmunds'.

I don't think either statement is true, as every teams board balances talent with need to comprise the value of each player.

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 11:36 am

Alexander's play against the best QB he faced...picked Deshaun Watson twice

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sherrmann1806's picture

April 27, 2018 at 11:48 am

sorry....if u have a chance to grab two potential elite studs who have a chance to be multiple probowl type players........YOU FREAKING GRAB THEM!!! That was a huge blown opportunity there!! still so pissed about it that i can barely stand to reflect back on it because i will get angry about it all over again!!........
all because we will get a (most likely) glorified 2nd round pic next year!........this one will sting for a long time!

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worztik's picture

April 27, 2018 at 11:59 am

Dude calm the hell down!!! If anyone should be in a WIN NOW mode it should be geezers like me! Hell, I may not even be around to enjoy next year’s draft as you youngsters probably will be! Slow the train down and enjoy the ride....

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worztik's picture

April 27, 2018 at 12:03 pm

Plus, we did grab a potential STUD dufus...

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Rebecca's picture

April 27, 2018 at 11:54 am

Welcome back Ted!

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worztik's picture

April 27, 2018 at 12:00 pm

Go away Rebecca!!!!

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4thand10's picture

April 27, 2018 at 01:32 pm

I slept on this and I'm good with it. The kid ran 4.3 post sprain injury... I'd call that good / healed /non issue. 196 and 5-10/ 11 is not bad at all on a cb. We'll see if it works out. I think Maylock is some kind of Oracle. Now I'd like to see a couple of 2nd round picks with one being a WR. Just not sure who yet. The other a RG or RT

Oh, and I'd like this guy for DE/ Edge in a Pettine system ....Tyquan Lewis maybe in the 3rd/4th??

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Cubbygold's picture

April 27, 2018 at 01:46 pm

Mayock projected Allen to the bills, rosen to the cardinals and jackson to baltimore...impressive

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

April 27, 2018 at 02:19 pm

Regardless of my opinion on the merits the day one transactions, I can state with 100% certainty that I have been well entertained.

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Spock's picture

April 27, 2018 at 03:41 pm

TGR, Agreed. Also, the comment section (typical during the draft) has been equally entertaining! Curious if you think it would be better for Gute to keep the NO 1st pick for next year (given that we don't have any comp picks) or use it this year to move substantially up in the 3rd? I can't quite get over the idea that we have 12 picks this year and no comp picks next year. I get that Arod is getting older but does that mean we should throw out an additional one next year to go "all in" this year? For me I'd guess (really guessing) that this is where Gute may be more like his mentor Ted. TT always liked to not 'over gamble' the present in order to preserve the Packers future competiveness and cap. What do you expect Gute to do???

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

April 27, 2018 at 04:34 pm

Gute is a new GM with no track record or history. I'd keep the future first for next year. The value is locked in and is reasonable even in the worst case scenario (i.e., NO plays in the super bowl), and there is considerable upside if New Orleans falters. NO looks to have a tough schedule, though we've seen forecasting the difficulty of a team's schedule is problematical. There are a ton of nice prospects left, of course, but IDK what Gute will do. Is there another player in the middle of the second that Gute loves, say in the fifties, since that's what I'd estimate the present value of the future first to be. Despite pushing back and being deemed negative, I'd keep the first and go for the home run next year.

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Spock's picture

April 28, 2018 at 03:42 am

TGR, As always I appreciate the reasoned reply.

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Packman60's picture

April 27, 2018 at 03:02 pm

I believe Mayock is the best draft analyst out there and he had Alexander as the #1 corner in the draft ahead of Ward. If the Packers had made the same moves, but the cornerback was Ward would we see the same amount of anger / angst as we are seeing today? Just because Ward has more name recognition for us Packer fans playing in the Big 10 and we're not as familiar with Alexander doesn't make him less of a pick. Slot corner is a critical position in the NFL and I think the Packers now have that covered and picked up a #1 next year to boot.

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