Packers Huddle

GM:
You gotta keep Gutey in there. 2 straight 13-3 years doesnt warrant a firing. That being said a close eye will need to be on his last draft class. Theyre going to need to be great this year. If youre going to draft an entire crop of backup players that offer minimal value in year 1 they better show up in year 2.

HC:
You dont fire ML. I dont care what you think of any decision made in the game yesterday. Hes one of the best offensive play callers in the entire league and has led the team to 13-3 in 2 years.

OC/DC:
Hackett stays. There seemed like there was too much clashing between LaFLeur and Pettine all year about philosophy and personnel. I think LaFleur has earned the right to bring in his own guy as a DC and I think Pettine has blundered too much as a DC to maintain his position. I'm not sure who to go with but I would really prefer a 4-3 guy. And I know most teams basically play nickel and dime now but at least in those schemes you arent asking your edge guys to cover. They can completely focus on their craft of setting the edge and rushing the passer. Ive always said I hated the 3-4. Always have and always will.

ST:
This needs to be changed. Many too many miscues. I dont know how because the Packers ST have been bad for a decade plus but this was the worst it has ever been. I dont think they ever had a consistent game. They didnt even have a consistent unit. Every aspect of STs was bad and I would be shocked if Mennenga ever gets a chance again as a coach in the NFL after this season. This was a historically bad ST performance.

Cut:
Preston Smith- I keep flip flopping on this one but the best option has to be post June 1st cut him. Incur a dead cap of 4 mil this year and next year and save 12 million now. Gary was the 12th overall pick going into year 3. He needs to be starting now. Z and Gary are the two best edge guys and Smith is in no way worth 16 million especially coming off the bench.
Christian Kirksey- Cutting Kirksey save 5.6 mil. With Barnes and Martin you have 2 options that are no only cheaper but better than Kirksey. This one is obvious.
Dean Lowry- Another post June 1st cut. It costs us 1.5 million this offseason and next but saves 4.8 mil now. Keke is a better pass rusher and Lancaster is a better run defender. Lowry just is an ok player but he really needs to be upgraded on.
Josh Jackson- The Packers signing Tramon was a clear signal the Pack are done with this guy. He save 1.3 million by cutting him. The pick had a lot of potential but he just doesnt have it.
Oren Burks- Barnes is ahead oh him. Summers is ahead of him. Im pretty confident Martin is going to be starting next season and is ahead of him. Cutting him save almost 1 mil. Just time to move on from a failed project who was getting the Datone Jones treatment moving him anywhere to see if he had some use.
Devin Funchess- I wasnt on board with the Funchess signing before. I definitely didnt like it after he opted out. Im all out on Funchess. You have Adams, Lazard, and MVS as a decent 3. You need to draft at least 2 to develop long term. I dont see how Funchess fits. Saves 1.2 mil.
Dead cap=Aprox $9.3 mil
Savings=Aprox $25.8 mil

Cap: $182.5
I dont think the cap goes down. I just cant see how the league can do that with most teams with contracts that project it going upwards. I think it will go up slightly to 205 mil and smooth out the damages over the next few years on the new TV deals.

With the post June 1st cuts the Packers have some money to work with going into camp. I think with this extra money you extend Adams. Not sure on specifics but set it up to carry money forward making it possible to resign Alexander and Jenkins.

Franchise Tag:
Aaron Jones- Its gonna be hard for players to get a long term big money deal on the market I think. Jones wants to get paid. The Packers want to keep Jones. The tag price according to OTC is 10.8 mil which is a steal. I think it is the better deal for the Packers but gives Jones a chance to score bigger next offseason as compared to this one where teams are strapped.

Players unsigned:
Corey Linsley- You cant pay everyone on the line. Linsley is a great player but we already have Bak and Turner under contract and will be looking at Jenkins soon enough. We took 3 interior players last draft. Had we not singed Turner to a dumb deal I would think its possible but with that overpay its unlikely.
Kevin King- Good riddance. Hopefully you get cooked somewhere else next year, preferably on a division rival.
Jamal Williams- Cant keep everyone. Very likeable player and I wish him the best.
Lane Taylor- Often injured and past his prime at this point in his career.
Tyler Ervin- Often injured and on the older side of RBs.
Damon Harrison- Go with a younger, cheaper option.
Montravious Adams- Not a very good or reliable player.

Resign:
Tyler Lancaster- Cheap RFA run defender.
Chandon Sullivan- Cheap RFA bargain nickel back. Great value.
Allen Lazard- Decent WR on a RFA deal. Bargain value.
Robert Tonyan- Great value for an RFA. No brainer. Might need to put a higher tender here.
Raven Greene- Cheap RFA with a lot of experience. Bargain value.

Draft:
Round 1:
Asante Samuel Jr FSU
Last mock I said it might be early to take Samuel but PFF mocked him found 1 and I saw another few sites putting him in the 1st round as well even before our pick. Hes best in a man scheme I think but PFF states that in zone he is 7th/156 prospects forcing incompletions. Samuel is on the smaller side but makes up for it with sticky coverage, athleticism, and a willingness to play hard. Hes a very willing and skilled tackler. He gives it everything he has when trying to get ball carriers down and fighting through blocks. A lot of Jaire in him when watching him attack ball carriers. His ball skills need to improve. You really would like more production but he also wasnt targeted much as FSU. I think this is the 4th best CB in terms of coverage in this class.


Round 2:
Jalen Mayfield OT Michigan
Remember this guy. I think this pick is going to be a steal. Hes definitely going to be a bit of a project because of lack of experience. Hes only a RS Sophomore. Im actually shocked he declared. He missed time this year between injuries and opting out some time but last season he took on some of the best pass rushers in the nation and held his own, most notably Chase Young. Hes definitely young and raw but super athletic and talented. With our OL coach and the tools here to work with I think this guy could be one of the best RTs in the league. It will be interesting to see if he goes earlier than this with the lack of experience and combine. Its really amazing how many good OTs are in this class. I think a an early 2nd round prospect can be found at the end of round 2 at this position.


Round 3:
Elijah Molden CB Washington
This is going to be a star nickel back I think for whoever takes him. Hes only 5'10 and has been used exclusively in the slot by Washington but this dude is a playmaker. He can do it all. Hes got instincts, sticky in man, explosive in zone, and a fighter in the run game. Hes got the ability to blitz to. Obviously size is a limitation but its not as important in the slot. This guy is a chess piece. He ran a 4.51 in high school so he probably mid 4.4s now. His father was a player and the Washington coach was an NFL DB coach. Theres also a lot of flexibility to play some S here as well.


Round 4a:
Tamorrion Terry WR FSU
Ive kept Terry in my mocks and I think he will probably stay in them. Hes just so dangerous getting behind defenses. I think this is probably where he belongs. Elite athletes with production issues usually go in the middle rounds. Terry pretty much is a better MVS. Let him develop a year behind the current crop and hope he can gain some consistency in his hands and become a better route runner. He is a project. A lot of his reception are just go routes and screens. This DK Metcalf minus the body. Hes 6'4 and likely runs in the low 4.4s. Maybe even high 4.3. Hes also very dangerous with the ball in his hands. For a big receiver he is very elusive. He can be a game breaker with the ball in space.


Round 4b:
Chubba Hubbard RB Oklahoma St
To be honest this is a really bad RB class. Its got some decent players but for the most part I'm not impressed. Hubbard is kind of a jack of all trades player. Think somewhere between Brandon Jackson and Jamal Williams. As a pass blocker I think hes one of the better ones in this class. He doesnt have break away speed, he isnt a big or powerful back, hes not the most elusive, and hes a solid receiver. Hes really just a good all around player. Hes definitely a vision runner. He makes good reads, patient, and will get consistent yards. I really think he ends up being one of those good RBs who is never going to be the bellcow but can be a really good option to give the bell cow a break.


Round 5a:
Damonte Coaxie WR Memphis
Another bigger receiver at 6'3 like Gutey likes. This guy is another sleeper I think. Very productive player although Memphis does run a receiver friendly scheme. Hes got a good combination of size, speed, and strength but he isnt going to take the top off a defense. He has realy good hands, understands how to win 50/50 balls using his size. Hes one of the better bail out receivers in this class I think. Pretty solid blocker for a young player. I would say hes one of those Lazard/Sanu type players with maybe a little more upside. Im confident this guy ends up being at the very worst a solid player.


Round 5b:
Bobby Brown DT Texas A&M
This could be a steal. This could be the next Montravious Adams. Every single scouting report mentions his lack of effort and motor. I typically dont like that but its the compensatory pick in round 5 and when you watch this guy play hard he is dominant. Hes the space eater of the A&M defense. He would come into the league as a very good rotational run defender. If a coach is ever able to motivate him to plkay hard down in and down out you have a monster. All reports say the effort level dips on the field. Hes a gym rat. 6'4 and 315 but he doesnt look like a fat boy. Hes also got a nice first step and short area quickness for a player his size. I think he would be an upgrade over Lancaster in every facet. Motor issues shouldnt come into play as a rotational player. Injured himself celebrating which was hilarious.


Round 6a:
Tarron Jackson Edge Coastal Carolina
Another potential steal. His short comings are his length and not being an elite athlete. He has been very productive as a pass rusher and the dude is strong. He plays to his strengths for sure. Hes uses his lack of length to improve his leverage getting lower than lineman and uses his power to get linemans momentum against them when rushing. He does well to set the edge as well.


Round 6b:
Dan Moore Jr OT Texas A&M
LT for Texas A&M. I think hes actually a pretty solid player. Nothing spectacular but I think theres potential here. With a better QB the whole A&M offense would have been better. Kellen Mond sucked. Hes definitely a good run blocker. Pass blocking is fine with his length but he lacks athleticism. Like I said this is a really deep OT class. This guy could probably be a 4th round pick in a class that isnt stacked.

Round 7:
Brady Breeze S Oregon
I like his name.


Depth Chart:
QB:
A Godgers
J Love
T Boyle

RB:
A Jones
A Dillon
C Hubbard

FB:

TE:
R Tonyan
J Deguara
J Sternberger
D Dafney

WR:
D Adams
A Lazard
MVS
ESB
T Terry
D Coxie

OT:
D Bak
Mayfield
R Wagner
D Moore

OG:
B Turner
L Patrick
J Runyan
S Stepaniak

C:
E Jenkins
J Hanson

ED:
Z Smith
R Gary
J Garvin
T Jackson

IDL:
K Clark
K Keke
T Lancaster
B Brown

LB:
K Barnes
K Martin
T Summers

CB:
J Alexander
A Samuel
C Sullivan
K Hollman
E Molden

S:
A Amos
D Savage
R Greene
V Scott
B Breeze

LS:
H Bradley

K:
M Crosby

P:
J Scott

Room for 3 UDFAs. Maybe hold over a CB and ILB from last year. Find a return specialist somewhere.

I'm thinking someone is going to take Scott's this off-season.

Whoa. Asante Samuel has a kid who is about to go pro? You could almost sign both of them at this point.

texas wrote: ↑

27 Jan 2021 00:27

Whoa. Asante Samuel has a kid who is about to go pro? You could almost sign both of them at this point.

Makes you feel old right? This class has a lot of former pros I remember. Joe Horn and Patrick Surtain both have 1st round CBs in this class as well.

lupedafiasco wrote: ↑

27 Jan 2021 00:57

texas wrote: ↑

27 Jan 2021 00:27

Whoa. Asante Samuel has a kid who is about to go pro? You could almost sign both of them at this point.

Makes you feel old right? This class has a lot of former pros I remember. Joe Horn and Patrick Surtain both have 1st round CBs in this class as well.

Yeah although I guess I could see those guys having kids around this age. But Asante Samuel doesn't seem that old

I like Samuel in round 1 if Guty feels that he is the right guy, even if that is over-valued. I'd really prefer a larger CB, as Jaire is also kinda smallish (even though he doesn't play like it). I think many GMs are going more toward picking the guy that they want over getting the most talented guy. Even in round 1. So this pick, as a King replacement, makes sense to me.

As much as I like that first pick, I think you lean too much to the skill positions afterward. First, MVS is our guy. He will stick and you will see him get more opportunities in 2021. If you want a WR for depth, fine. But Lazard is a pretty solid WR3. If you really want a WR, pick a slot guy.

I can see a DLineman getting picked. Maybe Snacks sticks. But he's old either way. And either Lancaster or Lowry are probably gone. Maybe both.

I'd also like to see one more CB pick in mid rounds.

Scott4Pack wrote: ↑

27 Jan 2021 02:27

I like Samuel in round 1 if Guty feels that he is the right guy, even if that is over-valued. I'd really prefer a larger CB, as Jaire is also kinda smallish (even though he doesn't play like it). I think many GMs are going more toward picking the guy that they want over getting the most talented guy. Even in round 1. So this pick, as a King replacement, makes sense to me.

As much as I like that first pick, I think you lean too much to the skill positions afterward. First, MVS is our guy. He will stick and you will see him get more opportunities in 2021. If you want a WR for depth, fine. But Lazard is a pretty solid WR3. If you really want a WR, pick a slot guy.

I can see a DLineman getting picked. Maybe Snacks sticks. But he's old either way. And either Lancaster or Lowry are probably gone. Maybe both.

I'd also like to see one more CB pick in mid rounds.

In this mock I went with Samuel and Molden because IMO theyre two of the most aggressive and physical DBs in this entire draft. Theyre hitters. Great instincts. The close on the ball and make plays, especially Molden. With Alexander youre forcing teams to earn every yard if the balls caught in front of our DBs. Not to mention theyre all fast, agile, and playmakers.

Not a single WR is currently set to be on the roster in 2022. Obviously Adams is resigned but as for the rest theyve all proved inconsistent. If they have a terrific year theyll be in line for a big deal off a one year wonder season. IF not theyll need to be upgraded. The Packers need to get at least 2 WRs this season to develop for 2022.

Last draft the Packers didnt rely on skill positions really anywhere. They will need to load up this offseason to balance it out.

Lupe, Again, some good thoughts. But I think our new ultra-TE who got hurt this year will prove many people wrong. He will become a dynamic play maker. But yeah, we need to always install a new WR. I'd argue about two of them. But that's the stuff to chat over dinner or a beer about.

Yeah Asante Samuel is my favorite CB outside of the top two in this draft. I just love that it looks like he wants to play. He wants to hit. I got so sick of King and like, "will he try to tackle today?"

And hell of a find on Molden. That dude has the attitude we need in GB.

What do your cuts look like if you get your dream and a new DC transistions to a 4-3?

One thing about Molden I noticed in that video - and I have no idea if this is even a thing with him - he made a lot of tackles by arm grabbing and whipping to the ground. Most NFL players are too strong for that. Lupe, with your aversion to players who are dog poo piddly beefcake tacklers, I assume this guy isn't one of those types?

Will comment on the rest later, but if you carry Preston’s salary to June 1st, there is no way you can franchise Aaron Jones in March.

Good group that hits all the needs. I feel Mayfield goes between 25-40 but that means nothing at this point.

Ive been working on an aggressive offseason and losing Linslay would really hurt. I know he said there hasnt been talk yet but with bak being hurt this line is paper thin if someone goes down early. Highest paid centers are around 13 mil. Somehow I want to keep him. Hell all world jenkins can play LT next year

Big fan if the Terry and Brown picks day 3.
Good work.

BF004 wrote: ↑

27 Jan 2021 08:06

Will comment on the rest later, but if you carry Preston’s salary to June 1st, there is no way you can franchise Aaron Jones in March.

Yup. You can designate two Post-June 1st cuts, and their cap hit is spread over two years, but you only get that cap relief on June 2nd.

salmar80 wrote: ↑

27 Jan 2021 10:34

BF004 wrote: ↑

27 Jan 2021 08:06

Will comment on the rest later, but if you carry Preston’s salary to June 1st, there is no way you can franchise Aaron Jones in March.

Yup. You can designate two Post-June 1st cuts, and their cap hit is spread over two years, but you only get that cap relief on June 2nd.

Oh, I did not know that. Only 2 can be Post-Jun 1 cuts? Interesting

Pckfn23 wrote: ↑

27 Jan 2021 11:44

salmar80 wrote: ↑

27 Jan 2021 10:34

BF004 wrote: ↑

27 Jan 2021 08:06

Will comment on the rest later, but if you carry Preston’s salary to June 1st, there is no way you can franchise Aaron Jones in March.

Yup. You can designate two Post-June 1st cuts, and their cap hit is spread over two years, but you only get that cap relief on June 2nd.

Oh, I did not know that. Only 2 can be Post-Jun 1 cuts? Interesting

Pretty stupid that a release and designation would not trigger immediate cap savings.

Rule explained:

https://www.profootballrumors.com/2020/ ... 0Agreement.

I don't know enough about your draft picks so I'll comment on the future of our players we have now. I never had a problem with Fuchness opting out. Family comes first and if the Packers brass didn't mind I won't either. I'd keep him over QSB. I think A. Jones is gone and Williams stays. Somebody is gonna offer Corey a big contract so he will be gone too. King? Don't let the door hit ya...

Tyler Lancaster- Cheap RFA run defender.
Chandon Sullivan- Cheap RFA bargain nickel back. Great value. I think he is a liability.
Allen Lazard- Decent WR on a RFA deal. Bargain value.
Robert Tonyan- Great value for an RFA. No brainer. Might need to put a higher tender here.
Raven Greene- Cheap RFA with a lot of experience. Bargain value. I really liked what I saw when he was out there before he got hurt.

I agree with these cuts:
Lane Taylor- Often injured and past his prime at this point in his career. We can do better than this.
Tyler Ervin- Often injured and on the older side of RBs.
Damon Harrison- Go with a younger, cheaper option.
Montravious Adams- Not a very good or reliable player.

APB wrote: ↑

27 Jan 2021 07:04

One thing about Molden I noticed in that video - and I have no idea if this is even a thing with him - he made a lot of tackles by arm grabbing and whipping to the ground. Most NFL players are too strong for that. Lupe, with your aversion to players who are dog poo piddly beefcake tacklers, I assume this guy isn't one of those types?

I dont think thats a thing at all for Molden. This guy can flat out tackle. Teams that tried to screen around him got punished. Blows up the blocker and drives through the ball carrier. You can watch a lot of his play by plays on youtube. Hes a real one. Just with the his effort alone hes going to succeed in the NFL.

Pugger wrote: ↑

27 Jan 2021 12:38

I don't know enough about your draft picks so I'll comment on the future of our players we have now. I never had a problem with Fuchness opting out. Family comes first and if the Packers brass didn't mind I won't either. I'd keep him over QSB. I think A. Jones is gone and Williams stays. Somebody is gonna offer Corey a big contract so he will be gone too. King? Don't let the door hit ya...

Tyler Lancaster- Cheap RFA run defender.
Chandon Sullivan- Cheap RFA bargain nickel back. Great value. I think he is a liability.
Allen Lazard- Decent WR on a RFA deal. Bargain value.
Robert Tonyan- Great value for an RFA. No brainer. Might need to put a higher tender here.
Raven Greene- Cheap RFA with a lot of experience. Bargain value. I really liked what I saw when he was out there before he got hurt.

I agree with these cuts:
Lane Taylor- Often injured and past his prime at this point in his career. We can do better than this.
Tyler Ervin- Often injured and on the older side of RBs.
Damon Harrison- Go with a younger, cheaper option.
Montravious Adams- Not a very good or reliable player.

I would take back Raven if he was very cheap. The guy is pretty unreliable though due to always being injured.

I think Chandon had a decent year. A guy like Brady is just going to pick him apart with the level of talent the bucs have at WR. I dont think Chandon was getting picked on week after week like say Wil Redmon.

You bring up a good point about ESB. I also would can the guy. He has no skills that my eye sees as special and worth sticking around for to wait develop. I gave up on Big Bob last year, so I could eat crow for St Brown too, but as of now..i am officially out on him. Bye Bye.

King will be gone, bc someone is going to pay him well. Even though he probably cost himself a lot of money Sunday. However, I dont hate the guy. He was asked to do alot, bc nobody wanted to throw at Jaire. Most of his time in GB the Defense was miles better with him in the game, than out of the game. He is no CB1, but many teams have a lot worse out there at CB2. Sure he got bullied sunday, but I dont hate him at all. He wont come back bc of money, but if he did come back on a deal that was reasonable..we would be fortunate for it. We will not do better than him week one next season with our cap situation.

I will be very interested to see what Jamaal gets paid. I am very happy for him. He made himself alot of money this year. He was a fringe roster player who now has a reputation for being a high energy guy, a great pass blocker, has good hands, and runs hard. He does lack the vision that a Jones has. But he would be a great RB2 for any team, and i think he could carry the full load for some teams. I love the guy. Hope he gets rich for he and his family.

Those first two picks though!