Notes: The disappointing campaign of 2022 was an 8-9 lemon....The Rams had the best draft class of 2023 (at least based on the performance of one year), all without the benefit of a first-round pick. But Gute also did very well, and it could turn out to be the best over the long term--we'll see.

For an encore, I'd like to see Gute have just as much success retooling the defense as he did the offense last season. Regardless of whether or not he chooses to spend in free agency, I would like to see him concentrate on acquiring more physical, hard-hitting players that bring a certain new aura to this defense for once. This may take a bit of a different mindset, I don't know. I would also like to see him focus more on quality than quantity (both on defense and the OL), and if that means using or swapping one of our third-rounders to do it, that would be fine--we already have depth that can step in at most positions if needed. In the later rounds, we should be looking for a ST player with gunner potential and an exclusive KR/PR so we don't have to put Reed out there. Oh yes, and the long snapper, too.

If Gute can be just as successful with the defense and STs this time around, maybe it's time for me to get aboard the "In Gute We Trust" train; not there yet, but I'm trying.

Rex that limb you went out on is about a foot in diameter. It will not break. Yes no 5th year option for Stokes. The bad thing is I thought he was a good draft pick. Too bad he could not stay healthy.

There was an article sometime last spring in CHTV that suggested Gute was a slightly above average drafter (of course with the caveat that Jordan Love's performance would put him over the top and into elite status). Last year's draft return was so remarkable across the board that it makes me think that something either changed in staff or analytics that gave them another boost. Anyone have information?

I wish we had 15 picks, but I thinks it's actually 11. Right? You had me drooling there a little bit.

In my mocks I can get us to 15 pretty easy. It would be nice if Gute can squeeze us out 2-3 more between 91 and 204 as we are a little light there.

They just announced a saving of $4M+ with a restructure on Gary's contract... so that's helpful. I'm sure there will be more in the next day or so. When we release Bak, we'll have some spending cash.

"All told, the Packers have plenty at their disposal to drastically improve their roster and position themselves to be legitimate Super Bowl contenders in 2024, a preposterous thought given the state of the team roughly one year "

Exactly why we as fans should be absolutely thrilled and anybody who questions Gute going forward really has to question their own abilities.

One of my favorite mock trades to propose is trading #91 to the Jets and getting back #112 and #114. Or I can trade #128 for the Broncos # 144 & #146.

I very much like the idea of signing a FA safety—Baker is my favorite, but there are a few other options as well. IMO, it allows flexibility in the 1st round to double-down and draft another safety and/or take the best O-lineman available.
Go Packers!!!

The draft is my favorite time of the football season!

Just when you think you know what position and player Gutey should draft he 'almost always' surprises you. There are so many needs on this team and the way the draft falls with runs at different positions can quickly change a GM's focus/intent. Even with the dire need for Safety talent I simply cannot stop thinking Gutey has to draft a big old ugly at OT in round 1 because they are such a premium pick. Presently, I am hard-pressed to think anything but an OT at #25 with a Safety with pick #41. Will just have to wait and see how the first round unfolds as OTs are 'always' such a premium pick in round 1. My hope is another few QBs sneak into round 1 just ahead of #25.

Those compensatory picks gotta love them whether the Packers end up with 14 or 15 selections. My usual sentiment about trading up is akin to a squirrel hoarding nuts for the potential for a very long winter. The more you have the better off you usually will be. What made the 2023 draft so successful was getting some extra picks to select talents like Wicks and Brooks. Think about how a guy like Carrington Valentine was available late in the draft and what he meant to the Packers in 2023. A stud like Aaron Jones was a 5th-round pick, or Rasheed Wallace a 7th-round selection, and Jon Runyan a 6th-rounder. Keep your draft choices and take more swings! Build more depth at every position!

Gutey will do what Gutey does but my draft thoughts for offense is going to be based on whether David Bakhtiari is let go. My assumption is he is gone but if he stays it will significantly impact what I lay out below. I wish I knew the answer to whether we have a starting caliber player in either Luke Tenuta or Caleb Jones at OT. Does one of them make Nijman expendable? The upcoming season is a make-or-break season for both. If the Packers believe one of these players at minimum has starting ability it changes everything I lay out in my dream draft below.

My ideal would be to resign Jon Runyan if possible as he is both young and experienced, and he doubles as a valuable backup center. Cut ties with both Royce Newman, Yosh Nijman, and if Runyan and Baktiari are not resigned I'd like to see Gutey draft 4 (yes, four) offensive linemen with an OT in round 1. If Runyan is resigned the Packers could get away with 3 offensive linemen being drafted. I know there has been some hope that Tenuta has some ability at OT. With Tyler Davis returning at TE the only other real need besides at OL is the need for a talented RB preferably around that #88 selection. My opinion is the Packers need someone to back up and eventually replace Aaron Jones. Possibly even draft this running back one selection earlier depending on how the draft falls.

Starting with the #41 selection I usually see a Safety taken at that selection. My biggest questions on defense are (1) what will they do with Campbell? (2) how healthy is Eric Stokes? (3) what do the Packers have in these LB/Edge players like Brenton Cox, Keshawn Banks, Aaron Mosby, and Kenneth Odumegwu? The rest of the draft in my opinion should be focused on taking repeated swings at Safety, CB, LB/Edge, and even taking one NT until Gutey hits on quality starting players. Keep the draft choices and keep swinging over and over! The odds will be in your favor Gutey!

Don't forget the need @ RB. I could see Gutey trading back from #58 or #91 this year to score 2 or 3 extra picks in rounds 4 & 5. Both of those are late round picks and are prime for a team picking early in the next round to trade up.

I agree that #41 is probably crucial to have a chance at either Kinchen or Nubin. If we miss on them both I could see a move back from #58 and then grabbing one of Bullock, Hicks, Bishop, or Oladapo in the 3rd round. I would sure love Kinchen in Green and Gold. He is a playmaker and could equal the 2023 interception total by himself in 2024.

I am not worried about any D-back tackling issues with Hafley onboard. That is one of his super powers.