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Offensive line
Center Corey Linsley’s departure in free agency leaves a hole on the line that the Packers can fill in any number of ways, though they’d probably prefer it to be a tackle. They’re also looking at playing anywhere from the first three to eight games without David Bakhtiari at left tackle while he’s recovering from ACL surgery.
I wonder when news media is going to realize that ACL injuries are almost never 11-12 month injuries anymore, and that most players return in 7-9 months.
I would GUARANTEE that Bakh misses no more than 3 games, and I'd bet a value-less proposition that he misses no more than 2. If he misses any.
And then when he comes back we'll read all the pieces about what a miraculous recovery he made because commonplace recovery times feel like miracles when you expect it to last 50% longer for no apparent reason.
Dane Brugler's 7-round mock draft results for the Packers is an awesome haul for us:
image.png (49.76 KiB) Viewed 350 times
Farley is a huge risk and I've discussed how uncomfortable I am with him early, but the talent and value at 29 is tough to argue with.
Bolton and Eskridge are very good players that would have a pretty immediate role.
I'd MUCH rather get an OT than an OG but Trey Smith is talented (another guy with injury red flags, though). Having a starting-caliber OG could allow Jenkins to play C or OT if needbe.
Ade Ogundeji is a very versatile DL who I like a lot, but if we nab him here, I'd definitely rather go NT/run-stuffer later than the EDGE they have us grabbing from Buffalo (Arkansas DT Jonathan Marshall goes a couple picks later and is a great get at that phase of the draft, for instance). I don't have big feels about Koonce and Ogundeji is a guy who can line up outside on run downs and inside on passing downs, so it's almost like adding 2 EDGE guys and no true interior help.
Jacob Harris is a guy (along with Michael Stratchan) I've been really interested in for our "big slot" option, since we tend to like those. Harris is listed as WR/TE but he played WR in college and is only 220 pounds. He's not a TE just because he's a big, physical dude. Ran in the 4.4s. Both Harris and Stratchan would add speed to our plus-sized WR group (size of Funchess and Lazard with better speed; thicker EQSBs?)
I know literally nothing about the 6th rounders but I'm fine with the positions. I'd prefer to get a RB in here, and swapping out the safety pick might be a good shot for one. Elijah Mitchell and Kene Nwangwu (RBs) go off the board in the next dozen or so picks in his mock, so that would have been preferable for me.
Avery Williams is maybe the best special teams player in the draft. Tons of return highlights and TDs, but also some forced fumbles and blocked kicks playing on coverage units. He's definitely high on my "guys I want on this team" list, since he'd be so cheap to add (6th or 7th rounder) and improve a unit that desperately needs improving (he's also done some drills as a RB if teams want to use him more as a versatile space player gadget on offense instead of nickel depth on defense)
Some really good names to consider; a really nice mix of players. All those podcasts Dane has done with Ben Fennell have definitely helped him understand the Packers better.
December 31st the injury happened. 9 months is usually the top end for professional athletes these days. That would put him ready to go by October. 9 years ago Adrian Peterson was practicing in mid-August.
Palmy - "Very few have the ability to truly excel regardless of system. For many the system is the difference between being just a guy or an NFL starter. Fact is, everyone is talented at this level."
Offensive line
Center Corey Linsley’s departure in free agency leaves a hole on the line that the Packers can fill in any number of ways, though they’d probably prefer it to be a tackle. They’re also looking at playing anywhere from the first three to eight games without David Bakhtiari at left tackle while he’s recovering from ACL surgery.
I wonder when news media is going to realize that ACL injuries are almost never 11-12 month injuries anymore, and that most players return in 7-9 months.
I would GUARANTEE that Bakh misses no more than 3 games, and I'd bet a value-less proposition that he misses no more than 2. If he misses any.
And then when he comes back we'll read all the pieces about what a miraculous recovery he made because commonplace recovery times feel like miracles when you expect it to last 50% longer for no apparent reason.
8 to 9 months for 200 lb players ,10 to 12 months for 300 lb'ers, I think he's just erring with caution, and while your willing to bet on Bak being back to start game one, I have my doubts, I don't want to rush it with a all pro OT.
both of the OT JS online has mentioned with there player a day review are walk on starters, I could see Guty taking one of em.
I'd MUCH rather get an OT than an OG but Trey Smith is talented (another guy with injury red flags, though). Having a starting-caliber OG could allow Jenkins to play C or OT if needbe.
Agree on the OT desires. I would think Runyan, Stepaniak & Hanson would be further along in becoming NFL players in terms of weight room, nutrition, playbook etc. I can see stocking the OG shelf with developmental guys, but finding a plug n play OG is a taller task given the depth chart.
Never opposed to taking OL, but I guess I don't think tackle is the need most are saying. Billy Turner was legit good at RT, I know we have salary crunches coming, but he is an extension candidate for me right now. Obviously Bak long term too. I do think interior is a much bigger need. Runyan looked okay, I'm not ready to rely on him, Lucas Patrick has been fair as well, but he is on a discounted contract, I think his value is up a lot not and he's gunna need a new contract and I'm not sure I want to give that to him. Turner has definitely looked better at tackle than he has at guard.
I only see one lock of a starter 2022+ right now on the inside, we possibly have our two tackles up to 2025.
But again, never opposed to drafting OL and if we can get RT on a rookie contract long term, I won't argue.
Plus what we need at tackle is immediate help with Bak hurt. Jared Veldheer makes a ton of sense to me, he can start week 1, long term swing tackle if needed when Bak returns.
8 to 9 months for 200 lb players ,10 to 12 months for 300 lb'ers, I think he's just erring with caution, and while your willing to bet on Bak being back to start game one, I have my doubts, I don't want to rush it with a all pro OT.
6-8 months for a 200-lb player; 8-9 months for a 300 pound player.
And I didn't bet he'd be back week one; just that he will not miss more than 2 or 3 games, rather than this "three to eight" game nonsense in the article.
It happens every year. It's just outdated and lazy reporting. People have been writing 10-12 months for so long they haven't noticed that now *every* player tends to have, by those standards, some "crazy" or "unprecedented" or "miraculous" or "superhuman" recovery time.
But those shorter recovery times are just the new normal.
8 to 9 months for 200 lb players ,10 to 12 months for 300 lb'ers, I think he's just erring with caution, and while your willing to bet on Bak being back to start game one, I have my doubts, I don't want to rush it with a all pro OT.
6-8 months for a 200-lb player; 8-9 months for a 300 pound player.
I would every flip that. Skill guys tend to need more time than linemen.
Palmy - "Very few have the ability to truly excel regardless of system. For many the system is the difference between being just a guy or an NFL starter. Fact is, everyone is talented at this level."
Here are some CBs who can tackle: (in approximate draft order)
Jaycee Horn
Greg Newsome (good zone fit, too)
Asante Samuel, Jr. (good zone fit, too)
Tyson Campbell
Paulsen Adebo
Aaron Robinson
Elijah Molden (inside-only do to speed concerns, but good zone fit)
Benjamin St-Juste
Shakur Brown (may be inside-only do to speed concerns, but good zone fit)
Rashad Wildgoose (dunno if he's very good at other stuff, though...)
Here are some Day Three sleeper CBs:
Marco Wilson (Florida)
Zech McPhereson (Texas Tech)
Brandin Echols (Kentucky)
Jason Pinnock (Pitt)
Nate Hobbs (Illinois)
I feel very strongly that if the top 4 CBs--Surtain, Horn, Farley, and Newsome--are off the board at 30 (and they probably will be), then the team should wait until round 2 to take a CB. The next tier is SO deep and so difficult to distinguish; the quality of CB at 30 and 62 would be hairline
I feel very strongly that if the top 4 CBs--Surtain, Horn, Farley, and Newsome--are off the board at 30 (and they probably will be), then the team should wait until round 2 to take a CB. The next tier is SO deep and so difficult to distinguish; the quality of CB at 30 and 62 would be hairline
Another way of wording this would be that I do not think any other CB could possibly be the BPA at 30.
there are some pretty good gadget WR in this class, Toney is a fav of mine, imo he has a high ceiling, needs to polish up his route running, but as a slot guy he might be the best, same as a returner, any time he's in the open field he's a threat to go all the way, throws some love Adams way, I'am sure DA could help with his route running.
Playmaker Kadarius Toney could be ideal fit as Packers' jet motion receiver
Ryan Wood
Packers News
Kadarius Toney celebrates a first-half scoring play against Alabama in the SEC Championship on Dec. 19, 2020 in Atlanta.
Latest in a Packers Prospects series looking at players Green Bay could select in the April 29-May 1 NFL draft.
GREEN BAY - More than any specific position, the Green Bay Packers could use an athletic freak in their offense.
The lack of high-round draft resources left the cupboard bare on offense over the years. Davante Adams and Aaron Jones are superstars. Every once in awhile, Marquez Valdes-Scantling can break a long reception. Behind them, there isn’t much in game-breaking talent.
That’s why Florida receiver Kadarius Toney would be an intriguing option if he’s still available when the Packers are on the clock with the 29th overall pick in this month’s draft. Toney, a star high school quarterback in Mobile, Ala., who says he can still throw a football at least 80 yards, is a raw prospect. He’ll need to fill out his route tree at the next level, but Toney is one of the most athletic playmakers in a draft full of them.
After having no defined role in the Gators' offense during his first three seasons, Toney had a breakout 2020 with 70 catches for 989 yards and 10 touchdowns before opting out of the Cotton Bowl. He added 19 carries for 161 yards and a touchdown, showing a versatility that would make him an ideal fit as the jet motion receiver in Packers coach Matt LaFleur’s offense. Toney lined up in the slot on 505 of his 613 snaps (82.3%) last season, according to Pro Football Focus, checking another box for a Packers team that needs more receiving production in the middle of the field.
It’s worth considering how Toney’s raw route running would mesh with Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who expects his receivers to be in pristine position at the correct time. Still, Toney’s talent with the football in his hands was undeniable last season. His 20 broken tackles were sixth most in the nation, two fewer than Alabama running back Najee Harris and two more than Ole Miss receiver Elijah Moore, according to PFF. Toney’s 477 yards after the catch and 191 yards after contact also ranked among the nation’s leaders. He’s the type of playmaker worth being creative — and patient — in how he gets the football.
An added benefit for the Packers would be Toney’s special teams potential. Toney averaged 12.6 yards on 11 punt returns last season, including a 50-yard touchdown against Kentucky. He averaged 22.1 yards on seven kickoff returns. The Packers have not had a punt or kickoff returned for touchdown since 2014.
They’ve also rarely had the type of game-breaking athleticism Toney shows. If the Packers break from tradition and draft a receiver in the first round, Toney’s dynamic versatility might give them a new dimension on offense and special teams.
Pro Football Focus analysis: Kadarius Toney looks like Dante Hall, if Hall were a regular-sized receiver. He has the same style of movement, which is to say he's an absolute nightmare for defenders to try to contend with. He has a nasty dead leg and the ability to just completely fake a defender in the wrong direction — all within a yard of moving. Even just from his first couple of targets on this tape, it's clear we’re looking at someone with special skills.
Draftniks say: “Toney is a versatile, explosive playmaker. He lines up in the slot and does a lot of damage on fly sweeps and seam routes. His combination of play strength, burst and wiggle makes him difficult to get on the ground once the ball is in his hands. He doesn't run a wide variety of routes, but he has the skill set to develop in that area. He's dangerous in the return game because of his athleticism and lack of fear. Overall, Toney isn't quite as big as Deebo Samuel, but I envision him playing the same role at the next level.” – Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network
Quotable: “I like Davante Adams. He’s real smooth and so sudden out of his breaks, and he catches almost everything. ” – Kadarius Toney on which NFL receiver he likes to mimi
The Green Bay Packers will go into the 2021 NFL draft with 10 draft picks and a chance to build on a talented roster that finished 13-3 and advanced to the NFC title game for the second straight season in 2020. Like last year, GM Brian Gutekunst has three picks in the top 100 selections and seven Day 3 picks.
Packers Wire’s position-by-position draft preview rolls on at wide receiver:
On the roster
– Davante Adams, 28 years old, signed through 2021 – Marquez Valdes-Scantling, 26 years old, signed through 2021 – Equanimeous St. Brown, 24 years old, signed through 2021 – Devin Funchess, 26 years old, signed through 2021 – Allen Lazard, 25 years old, signed through 2021 – Malik Taylor, 25 years old, signed through 2021 – Juwann Winfree, 24 years old, signed through 2021 – Reggie Begelton, 27 years old, signed through 2021 – Chris Blair, 22 years old, signed through 2023 Notes: The Packers' top five receivers from last year return. Funchess had his contract tolled after opting out of 2020. Blair, who signed a futures contract in January, is the only player without an expiring deal after 2021.
Short term need
Moderate. With everyone back from 2020, the Packers are in a good short-term spot at receiver. Adams is the best receiver in football, Valdes-Scantling provides the speedy deep threat and Lazard does a little bit of everything. Funchess, who hasn't played since early in 2019, returns for 2021 after opting out last year. This receiver group is missing a slot weapon with short-area explosiveness and run-after-catch skills. Adding one from this draft – and the class is very good – could give the league's No. 1 scoring offense from last year another dangerous element, especially within a scheme that utilizes so much motion.
Long term need
High. The overall contract situation of the position after 2021 demands that the Packers treat receiver as a priority in this draft. With so many expiring contracts, the group could look much different entering 2022. Building up depth, potentially with a high pick or multiple picks, might be required. Adams is a good bet to be back with a multi-year extension, but nothing is ever guaranteed and the Packers already have a lot of money tied up into veteran contracts in 2022. Green Bay hasn't drafted a receiver in the top 100 picks since 2015.
Chances of drafting position
High. The long-term need is impossible to ignore. Then again, chances were high at this time last year and the Packers didn't take one. If they do take a receiver, it'll be interesting to see how high in the draft they add help. The class offers intriguing early-round options, but the Packers – with Adams, the NFL MVP at quarterback and a receiver-friendly scheme – might not feel the need to spend big amounts of draft capital on a receiver. Ten picks should provide an opportunity to add at least one receiver.
Depth of draft class
Strong. Once again, 2021 offers a deep and talented class of receivers. Many are Packers types by size and athleticism. And there is a surplus of slot and gadget types. Overall, Dane Brugler of The Athletic has 15 receivers in his top 100 players and 45 total with draftable grades. It's another good year to need a receiver.
Dane Brugler's 7-round mock draft results for the Packers is an awesome haul for us:
image.png
Farley is a huge risk and I've discussed how uncomfortable I am with him early, but the talent and value at 29 is tough to argue with.
Bolton and Eskridge are very good players that would have a pretty immediate role.
I'd MUCH rather get an OT than an OG but Trey Smith is talented (another guy with injury red flags, though). Having a starting-caliber OG could allow Jenkins to play C or OT if needbe.
Ade Ogundeji is a very versatile DL who I like a lot, but if we nab him here, I'd definitely rather go NT/run-stuffer later than the EDGE they have us grabbing from Buffalo (Arkansas DT Jonathan Marshall goes a couple picks later and is a great get at that phase of the draft, for instance). I don't have big feels about Koonce and Ogundeji is a guy who can line up outside on run downs and inside on passing downs, so it's almost like adding 2 EDGE guys and no true interior help.
Jacob Harris is a guy (along with Michael Stratchan) I've been really interested in for our "big slot" option, since we tend to like those. Harris is listed as WR/TE but he played WR in college and is only 220 pounds. He's not a TE just because he's a big, physical dude. Ran in the 4.4s. Both Harris and Stratchan would add speed to our plus-sized WR group (size of Funchess and Lazard with better speed; thicker EQSBs?)
I know literally nothing about the 6th rounders but I'm fine with the positions. I'd prefer to get a RB in here, and swapping out the safety pick might be a good shot for one. Elijah Mitchell and Kene Nwangwu (RBs) go off the board in the next dozen or so picks in his mock, so that would have been preferable for me.
Avery Williams is maybe the best special teams player in the draft. Tons of return highlights and TDs, but also some forced fumbles and blocked kicks playing on coverage units. He's definitely high on my "guys I want on this team" list, since he'd be so cheap to add (6th or 7th rounder) and improve a unit that desperately needs improving (he's also done some drills as a RB if teams want to use him more as a versatile space player gadget on offense instead of nickel depth on defense)
Some really good names to consider; a really nice mix of players. All those podcasts Dane has done with Ben Fennell have definitely helped him understand the Packers better.
Picks 2 and 3 here feel way off for me.
Bolton has a RAS of 4.6. That is really bad. All the other linebackers predicted by Dane Brugler to go in the top 4 rounds are at 8.0 or higher. Gute has shown he loves athletes, only taking 3 guys with RAS under 8.0 - none of whom in the top 2 rounds. Feels like Bolton may not even be on the Packers board.
Eskridge is another guy with a sub-8 RAS. His is 6.7. And Gute has really prioritised elite RAS guys at WR. Plus Eskridge is already 24. Packers generally prefer younger players, especially high in the draft.
I feel very strongly that if the top 4 CBs--Surtain, Horn, Farley, and Newsome--are off the board at 30 (and they probably will be), then the team should wait until round 2 to take a CB. The next tier is SO deep and so difficult to distinguish; the quality of CB at 30 and 62 would be hairline
Another way of wording this would be that I do not think any other CB could possibly be the BPA at 30.
But would if I REALLY like Asante Samuel and will feel the draft is a bust if we don't get him?
Problem is his RAS is too low. My dream scenario is we trade back in the low 40's and get Samuel there. Not gonna lie. Drafting Sam Cosmi or Tevan Jenkins doesn't get me that excited. But my money is on one of those two.
I think he's just erring with caution, and while your willing to bet on Bak being back to start game one, I have my doubts, I don't want to rush it with a all pro OT.
