In light of tomorrow's draft, like in years past, we will post a main draft talk thread here.
Gutekunst on if he wanted flat 1 in 2024: "I wanted a lot of things to start out. Maybe more than that. Aaron is a great player. If you're going to trade a great player, you want to get as much for him as he can. I think we were realistic, and where the player was in his career."
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) April 26, 2023
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“The player”
Can’t even say his name anymore
RainBo ris was right!
@Iowacheese posted:“The player”
Can’t even say his name anymore
Yeah, that's weird.
TOG 2
TOGG
I'm getting a customized Packers jersey with number 12 that says The Player
@Iowacheese posted:“The player”
Can’t even say his name anymore
It's rare, from what I've read/recall, for a GM to speak specifically by name about a player under contract with another team.
Except he does says Aaron’s name in the quote in the tweet.
@PackLandVA posted:Except he does says Aaron’s name in the quote in the tweet.
The lawyers will get that tossed out. Gutey was clearly talking about Hank Aaron.
Daniel Jeremiah's final mock...of the mocks, DJ is usually the most accurate.
Brugler's latest from De Afletic:
Carolina takes the No. 1 player in the draft with the No. 1 pick. Slam dunk.
GO DEEPER
Coaches, execs dish on draft's top QB prospects: 'I'd be scared to take that guy'
This is really where the draft starts. Will the Texans take a quarterback or defensive cornerstone? And which player? My guess is they pass on the passer and take the player who dominated the SEC the past three seasons.
Everything should be on the table for Arizona, from an offensive lineman (Paris Johnson Jr.?) to trading back. Ask any average NFL fan if they can name one defensive lineman on the Cardinals depth chart, though, and witness their blank face. Wilson would be a nice starting point as the new regime builds the roster.
Anthony Richardson wouldn’t surprise me here. Neither would Will Levis. I’m going to say it’s Stroud, however, because he is ready to step in and lead the Colts’ offense.
On the field, Carter is arguably the best player in the draft. But is the reward worth the risk? The Seahawks are ready to take that chance.
While I prefer Christian Gonzalez, I can understand if the Lions go this route and make Witherspoon the top cornerback drafted. He is undersized at 185 pounds but plays much bigger than that with the instincts to create turnovers.
The Raiders need help at every level of the defense, including outside at cornerback. Gonzalez is tall, long and can run — a combination that provides a great starting point. He also brings some savvy to the position to locate the ball and make plays.
Robinson is a top-10 player in this class, yet it is difficult to feel confident about where to project him. Though I’m sure this pick would be met with criticism, the Falcons weren’t afraid to draft the top offensive weapon available the past two seasons (Kyle Pitts and Drake London, respectively).
Johnson would fill a glaring hole at right tackle. He’d give the Bears a better opportunity to win and fully evaluate if Justin Fields is the answer at quarterback.
Though there is a good chance this pick addresses the Eagles’ defensive line, the draft’s depth stretches there more than it does among the offensive line. Skoronski would be a plug-and-play right guard and the long-term answer at right tackle.
The Titans have plenty of other holes to address on the roster, but they might view Richardson’s talent as too good to pass up. Ryan Tannehill is the right now, and Richardson could be the future.
GO DEEPER
Inside Anthony Richardson's pre-draft training to improve his passing accuracy
There has been plenty of noise that Levis could be the pick at No. 2 for the Texans, which would be a big shock. Here it would make more sense.
After not drafting a first-round wide receiver during Aaron Rodgers’ 18 years in Green Bay, it certainly would be a storyline if the Packers did so for Jordan Love the moment Rodgers makes his exit. With Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson on the outside, Smith-Njigba would be a natural fit in the slot.
If the Patriots look to add more size to their cornerback depth chart, Banks would do so without sacrificing the group’s speed. He has the tape that will have Bill Belichick interested.
Mekhi Becton and Duane Brown are back in the fold, but the chances of both starting all 17 games for the Jets are slim. Jones would provide immediate and important depth at a key position.
GO DEEPER
‘The Beast’ 2023 NFL Draft guide: Dane Brugler’s scouting reports, player rankings
Although his rail-thin body type might scare off some teams, Forbes consistently gets his hands on the football — something the Commanders could use on defense.
The Steelers have done exhaustive work on this year’s offensive tackle class, including on Wright. A borderline draftable player based on his junior tape, Wright put himself in the first round with his play as a senior.
The Lions want to continue building on the defensive line, and an ascending player like Van Ness would offer the explosive power to play both inside and outside.
The Buccaneers have question marks at quarterback, but they also need more help on defense rushing the passer. Smith has the pass-rush speed and run-defending skills that fit Todd Bowles’ scheme.
Dropping Flowers into the Seattle offense would give Geno Smith the third receiving option he was missing last season.
Wide receiver (Jordan Addison?) is definitely in play here. Given the way new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore relies on the tight end position, though, a combo option like Mayer is a natural fit. He’d help both the run and pass games.
Porter following in his father’s footsteps and landing in Pittsburgh would be a nice story. If he falls to the Steelers’ AFC North rival, that might be even better.
GO DEEPER
In an NFL draft class without an 'elite' QB, can a franchise still find its savior?
In this scenario, the Vikings are wiped out at cornerback with five already off the board. But I’ll bet they’d love to see Addison available here. He would add another weapon for Kirk Cousins and the passing game.
Whether he plays safety, nickel or cornerback, Branch would give the Jaguars options in the secondary. Branch’s coverage ability and tackling skills make him one of the easier players to like in this class.
Cornerback (like Michigan’s DJ Turner) could be an option here, but Johnston would give the Giants much needed size and a player who can potentially grow into a true No. 1 receiving option.
The Cowboys would be bummed to see Mayer drafted five picks earlier, but they would be elated if Kincaid is still available at this pick. Arguably the best pure pass catcher among the tight ends in this draft class, Kincaid would make the Cowboys’ offense more dynamic — which is exactly what Jerry Jones wants with this pick.
An offensive weapon or linebacker are certainly in play here, but it won’t be a surprise if the Bills focus on the trenches. Bergeron has the talent to play tackle or guard and would help Buffalo get its best five linemen on the field.
GO DEEPER
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The Bengals haven’t drafted a defensive tackle in the first round in almost 30 years (Dan “Big Daddy” Wilkinson at No. 1 overall in 1994), so they are overdue. Kancey doesn’t have ideal size measurements, but he is disruptive and could be a Geno Atkins-like presence.
The Saints want to get better on the defensive line with this pick, and an edge defender like Myles Murphy makes sense. But Smith would give New Orleans the hulking nose tackle it desperately needs to improve its run defense.
This would complete the “All-Northwestern” first-round for the Eagles. Though I do think it is unlikely that Philadelphia stays put at both No. 10 and No. 30, Adebawore would be a tough player to trade away from because he hits a lot of notes that would appeal to Howie Roseman.
When hunting pass rushers for Steve Spagnuolo’s scheme, look for big, powerful and athletic players. Murphy checks those boxes.
Had no idea Benton was in any first round conversations, good for him.
still hate the idea of a tight end in the first
I really don’t see JSN as a typical Gutey pick. He’s athletically average, physically average and I’m guessing Watson sees a great deal of his time in the slot. Gutekunst has usually taken guys with size and/or exceptional athleticism in the early rounds (Amari being the exception)
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/...44-9957-08e48a0cf8b6
You see this guy?? This guy fits the Packers if they stay at #13. Which I don't think they will.
If the TE stuff is true they're definitely trading down - I also don't think the tight end stuff is true.
I just don't think any of the receivers in this draft are a.... Randy Moss, CD lamb. Or other high quality receivers we've seen in previous drafts.
The meat of this draft is in the second round. I think they're going to trade down and probably get a future first round pick or another second round pick.
Corner is so deep in this draft that unless they fall in love with one, I would rather they wait to take one in the 2nd round.
Think about it bro....if corner is so deep, why not get one of the very best ones?! Trust your board - always!
IMO the 3 most important positions are in order....
QB / LT / CB
In this draft, short of Paris Johnson I believe CB is the best possible addition for this team at the top of the draft.
They're not drafting QB super high unless a generational talent is there which it is not in this draft.
Possible versatile OL could be the pick or a CB. That's what I'm going with for top of the draft. Can't have enough of 'em
EDGE would be the next position on that list. Looking thin until Gary gets back and then again next year after Preston probably exits.
Agree DH13. A guy like Nolan Smith would also fit at 13 if he gets there.
Bears & Eagles are putting out there they might take Nolan Smith probably trying to get someone to trade up. Like the Steelers from 17
@Boris posted:Agree DH13. A guy like Nolan Smith would also fit at 13 if he gets there.
Bears & Eagles are putting out there they might take Nolan Smith probably trying to get someone to trade up. Like the Steelers from 17
Nolan Smith is not a great fit for what the Packers are trying to do on defense, but maybe he will change what the Packers do on D, which I will be happy with.
Generally speaking - I don't care for the small dudes like Nolan Smith - but one review I saw mentioned that the new age OLBs have to be able to chase down the new age QBs like Hurts who are speedy runners.
That makes some sense to me.
Joe Barry has used taller and lighter OLBs like Leonard Floyd, but small and short makes it hard to get leverage on a 6'6 OT and after 2 hours of those massive dudes leaning on you- not sure how much juice you have left in Q4.
My guess is that GB wants to trade back and their trade partner was the one insistent on the 13 vs 15 pick.
GB has several holes to fill at S, TE, OLB, OT and DL. Trading back and acquiring picks makes the most sense.
Everything doesn’t have to happen this year though. The extra 2 or 1 next season will be huge as well.
Gute will have a shot to do some serious damage over the next few years.
Here's an article looking at the history of the 13th vs the 15th pick
More of a difference than we might surmise
https://www.si.com/nfl/packers...3th-in-rodgers-trade
No. 13: (12) – A. Donald (seven), Gonzalez (six), Winslow (three), tight end Keith Jackson (three), offensive tackle Mike Kenn (two), defensive end John Abraham (two), running back Eric Metcalf (two), defensive tackle Keith Millard two), linebacker Takeo Spikes (one), offensive tackle Jamaal Brown (one), offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs (one) and Harris (one). That’s a total of 31 All-Pro seasons.
No. 15: (4) – Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth (two), defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (one), linebacker Derrick Johnson (one) and linebacker John Mobley (one). That’s a total of five All-Pro seasons.
@Pakrz posted:GB has several holes to fill at S, TE, OLB, OT and DL. Trading back and acquiring picks makes the most sense.
Everything doesn’t have to happen this year though. The extra 2 or 1 next season will be huge as well.
Gute will have a shot to do some serious damage over the next few years.
Agreed! It will be a mistake to try to fill all the holes in one draft.
@LanceZierlein: Teams I've heard who have an interest in potentially moving up for the right guy include:
* Philly
* Atlanta
* Pittsburgh
* Green Bay
* Tennessee
Teams who are interested in trading back:
Pretty much everybody
OT or Edge in the first round. I don't like skill position picks in the 1st unless it's someone like Calvin Johnson, and there is no player like that in this draft.
Like I get it's a weak draft for true 1st round grades, but TE in the 1st? Please no. When I think of TE's in the 1st all I can think of is Eric Ebron who was so not worth the 10th overall pick that year.
Same. Gute won't go skill position @13.
Trading back could be a challenge, have to find the right partner.
@DH13 posted:have to find the right partner.
Mickey Loomis in New Orleans is one guy you target, always get good value
N.O. has pick 29 in the 1st and pick 40 in the 2nd - both of those are in the "very good" part of the 2023 draft . Probably needs a little sweetener, 5th or 6th
Packers would end up with #29, 40, 42, 45 and that would be a real nice bank account to draw from this weekend. 
Seattle is another trade partner on friendly terms with Gute and they have
# 20 and # 52 available for # 13.
Key points that go unnoticed. "A willing trade partner"
@Satori posted:Here's an article looking at the history of the 13th vs the 15th pick
More of a difference than we might surmise
https://www.si.com/nfl/packers...3th-in-rodgers-trade
First-Team All-Pros
No. 13: (12) – A. Donald (seven), Gonzalez (six), Winslow (three), tight end Keith Jackson (three), offensive tackle Mike Kenn (two), defensive end John Abraham (two), running back Eric Metcalf (two), defensive tackle Keith Millard two), linebacker Takeo Spikes (one), offensive tackle Jamaal Brown (one), offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs (one) and Harris (one). That’s a total of 31 All-Pro seasons.
No. 15: (4) – Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth (two), defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (one), linebacker Derrick Johnson (one) and linebacker John Mobley (one). That’s a total of five All-Pro seasons.
This is great. Can we see a list of the busts in these slots?? 😉🤭
No way the Packers take a TE at #13. I say Smith-Njigba if he's there. If he's gone it will be one of the OTs or Van Ness.
@Boris posted:Key points that go unnoticed. "A willing trade partner"
Some GMs are building for the future; some are trying to save their jobs
Those are the best GMs to do bizness with during the draft.
Saints/Chargers/Colts/maybe Bucs would seem to fit that criteria
Move up, move down or stay put?
@Packy posted:Move up, move down or stay put?
Jalen Carter !!
@Iowacheese posted:“The player”
Can’t even say his name anymore
Worse than Gerg Jenning's sister referring to him as 12.
