I actually really like Spriggs tape. He has to add some strength, but if he played at any of the bigger B1G schools there would be no question about his status. He dominated Joey Bosa all day aside from 1 negative play.
Yep. I hear scouts can't find Indiana University on their GPS.
Probably using a Tom-Tom.
TT probably had Howard purposely drop those balls so TT can draft another lap-faller
You're probably right. A schools reputation for producing NFL talent rarely if ever gets taken in to account, just ask Robert Gallery.
wut
@RapSheet: E. Kentucky DE Noah Spence has a whirlwind week ahead: Visiting #AZCardinals today, then #Ravens, #Jaguars, #Bucs, then #Packers on Friday.
I wouldn't be surprised if the guy TT looked long and hard at was Tyler Marz at the UW Pro Day. He's pretty similar to a Sitton/Lang and would be a middle-rounder. While Bakhtiari isn't a superstar LT, he's a battler and I think TT re-signs him for youth/continuity, though he could probably switch positions also.
Noah Spence makes sense to take a long look at. He's extremely talented, but has he grown up at all?
I would question if Tyler Marz gets drafted. The way I see it, the numbers don't work out in his favor. But, as the saying goes, it only takes one team ...... If that is the case he will be a priority FA for more than a few teams including the Packers.
Mars doesn't have a true position, which hurts him, but he has he size and experience that some team will take a flyer on him at some point. He's probably a RT only, maybe a RG even though he's really tall for a G.
He's a bit tall, but is only an inch taller than Lang, same height as Bulaga. Bakhtiari, Bulaga, Sitton, Lang and Tretter were all LTs in college. His game/build says more Guard than Tackle, IMO.
He comes from a pro style system and a school with a rep for more "pro-ready" linemen and would likely come for a relatively modest draft pick.
Isn't Marz 6'7"? That's a full 3" taller than Lang, Sitton and Bakhtiari and 2" taller than Bulaga. I'm not saying he can't play G, I'm sure there are 6'7" Guards, it's just normally a position where leverage is at a premium. Being 6'7" and getting leverage on interior DL who are 6' to 6'4" can be a challenge.
Huh, he's listed at 6'5" in one mag and 6'6" in another, and google listed 6'5" also.
Height: 6′ 5″
Weight: 322 lbs
Date joined: 2011
I've seen the 6'7" listing on stuff from the WI Sports Information releases, of course, though SI groups usually inflate height, but according to nfl.com's combine info he is actually 6'7". He doesn't look that much taller than the other WI linemen, but then they're all big guys.
He measured 6'6.5" at the combine weigh-in...I'd say that's the most definitive.
Yeah, I believe the combine measurements also, I just had never looked them up. .
To come full circle with this, I think Marz will find a home somewhere on the OL, but G would be surprising considering his height. I'm guessing he will end up on a power running team at RT similarly to Phil Loadholt. Someone will take a late round flyer on him for sure.
Spread offenses have been really hard on NFL teams wanting "pro-ready" linemen, which is why a lot of Big 10 linemen are highly valued. Look at where Rob Havenstein went, and Marz is maybe a better prospect. I'm thinking more a mid-round guy, 4th or 5th, due to demand.
The more I look at it, if Tennessee stays at #1 I see them taking Jalen Ramsey, not Laremy Tunsil, like so many predictions have. Tunsil comes from a spread offense, has character concerns, Tennessee's one good, young building block lineman is Lewan (who will be entering his third year), they need a versatile d-back, the talent level is similar, and other, starting-quality prospects at the lesser-valued O-line positions will be available later.
I agree on Ramsey. And the idea of an OL being a safe pick at the top of the draft is all but gone. Since 2011, here are the OL picked in the top 5: Matt Kalil, Eric Fischer, Luke Joeckel, Lane Johnson (who plays RT and has been suspended for PEDs), Greg Robinson, and Brandon Scherff (who is a guard right now). That is not a good list.
Attn Boris
@packers:
Mark your calendars! ��
The #Packers are hosting NFL Draft events in Chicago & Green Bay:
Packers to host 2016 NFL Draft events in Chicago and Green Bay
The Green Bay Packers are set to host two different events to celebrate the 2016 NFL Draft, a pep rally on the first day of the Draft in Chicago, and a party on the third day of the Draft in Green Bay.Both events are free to the public and space will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at each location.
The pep rally in Chicago will be held at Will’s Northwoods Inn for Round 1 of the Draft, April 28, with a program beginning at 7:30 p.m.. A familiar venue for Packers fans, Will’s hosted a Packers Everywhere pep rally during the 2014 season.
Packers alumni Gary Ellerson, Mark Chmura, Mark Tauscher and Frank Winters will be present at the rally and will sign autographs. On-air talent from WTMJ will help host, and the event will feature raffle prizes, giveaways and specials from the venue.
Lambeau Field’s 1919 Kitchen & Tap will host the Draft party April 30, with the restaurant opening at 10 a.m., and a program beginning at 11 a.m. On-air talent from WIXX will be on hand to help host activities during Round 4 and Round 5 of the NFL Draft.
Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy will participate in the program at 1919 Kitchen & Tap, along with alumni Jerry Kramer and Dave Robinson, who will sign autographs for fans in the Atrium. Giveaways, raffle prizes and special menu items at 1919 Kitchen & Tap also will be available for attendees.
Each event will include draft coverage on TV screens throughout each venue, and will provide Wi-Fi Internet access, allowing attendees who bring wireless-enabled laptops and mobile devices to log on to their favorite draft websites and follow the action online.
The NFL Draft features a three-day format, with Round 1 beginning at 7 p.m. CT, on Thursday, April 28, followed by Rounds 2-3 beginning at 6 p.m. CT Friday, April 29, and Rounds 4-7 beginning at 11 a.m. CT on Saturday, April 30.
More information on the NFL Draft can be found online at packers.com/draftparty.
a word to the penny-wise, Lambeau's 1919 Kitchen & Tap sells beer at game day prices all the time - $7 a pint. Stopped in there for kicks after eating supper at Nakashima's a month or so ago - one beer each and gone.
"It's at a bar where everyone will need to of legal age? Okay, invite Chmura."
Packers are bringing in Middle Tennessee State safety Kevin Byard and BYU receiver Mitch Mathews in for visits.
Byard (5-11 5/8, 212 pounds) was a four year starter at Middle Tennessee State. Finished career with 312 tackles, 19 interceptions and 36 passes defensed. Was considered to be more of a football player than athlete but had a pretty solid pro day workout. 4.46 and 4.51 in his two attempts at the 40-yard dash, 38 inch vertical, 10 foot broad jump, 4.20 short shuttle, 6.73 3-cone. Thompson usually likes to use most of these visits in an attempt to lure undrafted free agents to Green Bay, but Byard is pretty likely to be drafted. I'd put a fifth or sixth round grade on him.
Mathews (6-5 5/8, 222 pounds) finished his BYU career with 152 catches for 2083 yards (13.7 average) and 24 touchdowns. Didn't find his age but he did do mission work so I'm assuming he's probably 25 or 26 (used his redshirt year at BYU in 2009). Suffered a shoulder injury in 2013 that required surgery. Had a good pro day workout. 4.47 and 4.49 in the 40, 36 inch vertical, 10'9" broad jump, 12 reps of 225, 4.25 short shuttle, 6.99 seconds. I'm guessing he won't be drafted.
If "Janis needs more playing time" is replaced with "Mathews needs more playing time", then 2016 has already won.
ChilliJon posted:If "Janis needs more playing time" are replaced with "Mathews needs more playing time", then 2016 has already won.
What about Abbrederis? He has to be in the conversation too.
We're already potentially in a situation when Cobb needs a rest where Nelson, Janis, and Abbrederis line up as the three wides at the same time.
Do they all run straight into a DB?
El-Ka-Bong posted:Do they all run straight into a DB?
I think that's Adams' pattern preference.
GBFanForLife posted:The 3 whites formation?
Call it the "Blue Collar" formation. A few other options: "Deceptively Athletic", "Lunch Pail" and "High Motor" formations.
Draft Hunter Henry, put Ripkowski in the backfield for protection and call it the Rice Bowl Offense.
kuhn and rip; the blizzard I.
would that make Janis the "rice rocket"?
since we're like the slowest O in the league, it would be known as the glacier formation.
or just the white out.
aka, "the Minnesota census".
It would be entertaining to hear the first tv commentator notice it and try to say something about it.
"I'm not sure Troy but I think we're seeing something the league hasn't seen in maybe 60 years. The entire offense out there right now is whi........um not bla....uhhhhh TT draft picks".
I realize I may be way too excited about this topic.
You could call it "at least we're faster than Richard Rodgers, James Jones, & Eddie Lacy"
Trader Ted Mock Draft
Dallas gets #27 (1st), #88 (3rd)...Green Bay gets #34 (2nd), #67 (3rd), #189 (6th)
#27 comes up and OLB-Emmanuel Ogbah, DT-Vernon Butler, OLB-Noah Spence, OG-Cody Whitehair, DT-Austin Johnson, DT-Kenny Clark and DE-Chris Jones are all left on the board. Thompson could live with taking any of those players with the Packer's first pick in the draft. This scenario also has QB-Paxton Lynch making it to #27. If that happens or not probably depends on the Rams. If the Rams pass on him at #15 then he's in for the long slide and is a pretty decent bet to make it to #27, where it would make sense for the Cowboys to move up and get the QB after having secured a defensive back with their first pick. If Lynch is gone I think there would be several other players that teams would be looking to move into round one to obtain such as CB-Eli Apple or OT-Jason Spriggs. A trading partner should be available if Thompson elects to move down.
Round Two, Pick 34 = Kenny Clark/DT/UCLA (6-2 5/8, 314)
A couple months ago it seemed like many were projecting Clark to Green Bay but that seems to have died down. Clark's stock has dipped a bit but not dramatically (#35 on consensus board in mid February, #45 on current consensus board). I'm really not that big of a fan but would guess that Thompson likes him because he will play nose guard in the NFL and has some pass-rush ability. Clark got some starting assignments as a true freshman and finished his 3 year UCLA career with 29 starts. Posted 75 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 6 sacks and knocked down five passes in his final year at UCLA. Born on October 4, 1995, so will enter his first training camp as a 20 year old rookie. Combine numbers were very impressive for a 314 pound defensive lineman. 40-yard dash = 5.06 seconds. 10-yard dash average time = 1.73 seconds (4th best at Indy among 300+ pound defensive linemen). 29 reps of 225. Short shuttle = 4.62 seconds (tied for 4th best among 300+ pound defensive linemen). Did the 3-cone drill at the UCLA pro day and posted a time of 7.73 seconds, which would have been 4th best for 300+ pound defensive linemen at Indy. Big knocks on the combine numbers are a 28.5 inch vertical (below average for a man of his size) and a 8'6" broad jump (5th worst among defensive linemen). Also only has 32 1/8 inch arm length. In summary I see Clark as an all-around good enough looking prospect who has a chance to be a decent starter but will never be a plus-plus type player in any aspect of the game. I think Thompson will see him as a really young player with great quickness and agility for the position who could be molded into a special player.
Green Bay gets #47 (2nd), #78 (3rd)...New Orleans gets #57 (2nd), #67 (3rd), #125 (4th)
One of the players that Thompson was considering with the first pick is still left on the board at #47. Entering the draft with 9 picks and already having traded down and gaining an extra pick, it makes sense for Thompson to move up here to secure another top talent. The Saints enter this draft with only six picks, and could use more young players considering the cap problems they've had the last couple of years.
Round Two, Pick 47 = Chris Jones/DE/Mississippi State (6-5 3/4, 310).
Tendency breaker pick for Thompson. I wouldn't even project Jones to Green Bay except that the Packer's met with Jones at the combine and apparently are very interested. No surprise since Thompson loves athletes on defense and Jones is all of that and then some. But Jones is different from most of the defensive ends that Thompson has picked because he is a natural 5-technique, not one of those 6-2, 300 pounders that the Packers have picked over and over and over. By far the biggest knock on Jones is that he's been a career underachiever, a guy that will flash a few great plays per game but not stand out most of the time. Thompson has a pretty good track record of picking players like this, see Mike Neal and Jerel Worthy. As a physical specimen Jones is just how they'd draw 'em up. Big, long, quick and agile with brute strength. As a player, well sometimes and sometimes not. Played for 3 seasons at Mississippi State and totaled 16 starts in 39 games played with 102 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks. Best season was this past one, where Jones totaled 44 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. 34 1/2 inch arms and 10 3/4 inch hands. 5.03 seconds in the 40-yard dash. 10 yard average was 1.715 seconds which would tie for the best time among 300+ pound defensive linemen. Short shuttle = 4.62 seconds (tied for 4th best among 300+ pound defensive linemen). 3-cone drill = 7.44 seconds (best time for 300+ pound defensive linemen). On the flip side, Jones' vertical jump was 24.5 inches which is a pathetic number but the broad jump was a more respectable 8'10". Re-did the vertical at the Mississippi State pro day and improved it to 29.5 inches. Some people think Jones is versatile enough to play at any spot along the line, but I think his best fit by far in the Packer's defense is as a 5-technique. Looks to be the prototypical boom-or-bust pick.
Round Three, Pick 78 = C.J. Prosise/RB/Notre Dame (6-0 1/2, 220)
Prosise began his Notre Dame career at wide receiver before moving to running back prior to the 2015 season. Finished the 2015 season with 156 carries, 1032 rushing yards (6.6 average), 11 rushing touchdowns, 26 catches, 308 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown. Was known for excellent special teams play earlier in his career and was named Notre Dame's special teams player of the year in 2014. Still very much a work in progress at running back, Prosise has the "big back" and "can catch the ball" traits that Thompson seems to look for in running backs. He did pretty solid work at the combine where he posted a 4.48 second 40-yard dash, a 35.5 inch vertical jump and a 10'1" broad jump. Another back that would be a possibility here would be UCLA's Paul Perkins. I had Thompson going with Prosise because of his size (Perkins weighted in at 208 at the combine) and his ability to be an immediate contributor on special teams. And the earlier swapping of picks helped the Packers here as in this scenario I would not have had Prosise available with the Packer's original third round pick (#88).
Round Four, Pick 131 = Willie Beavers/OT/Western Michigan (6-4 5/8, 324)
I projected him to the Packers in the last one of these I did, to see the write-up go to page 10 in this thread. Another offensive lineman that I think would really interest Thompson with this pick is Missouri OG-Connor McGovern.
Round Four, Pick 137 = Nick Vigil/ILB/Utah State (6-2 3/8, 239)
Another player I had projected to Green Bay in the last mock, see write-up on page 10. Last time Vigil was projected to Green Bay in round five, but with his stock rising Thompson would need to pick him in round four.
Green Bay gets #148 (5th)...Tampa Bay gets #163 (5th), #200 (6th)
Thompson still hasn't gotten the pass-rushing OLB he needs to complete the front-seven additions to this draft class, so he moves up to grab a solid speed-rusher candidate.
Round Five, Pick 148 = Dadi Lhomme Nicolas/OLB/Virginia Tech (6-2 7/8, 235)
Redshirted in 2011, was a backup in 2012 and 2013 and a starter in 2014 and 2015. Best season was in 2014 when he totaled 72 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss and 9 sacks. Suffered through hand injuries as a senior and his production really slipped: 45 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks. Played defensive end at Virginia Tech but would fill a speed-rushing OLB role for the Packers. Excellent athlete with top-notch bend and burst qualities. Mass and strength are issues with Nicolas. 34 3/4 inch arm length and 10 3/8 inch hands. Ran the 40 in 4.74 seconds, posted a 41 inch vertical leap, 4.38 second short shuttle and 7.04 second 3-cone drill at the combine. Only did 14 reps of 225. Ran into trouble in 2012 for stealing a bicycle, but it sounds like he's cleaned up his act since then. A pure speed rush prospect that has a chance to contribute in defensive sub-packages immediately.
Round Six, Pick 189 = James Bradberry/S/Samford (6-0 3/4, 211)
I really thought Bradberry's stock would rise significantly after the Senior Bowl and combine but surprisingly he still seems stuck in the later part of the draft. Well, if that's the way it shakes out, I'm sure Thompson would love to land this player this late in the draft. Bradberry played cornerback in college, and opinion is split if he will be a cornerback or safety in the NFL. I'd guess if Thompson picks him it will be neither, but rather the hybrid role that Micah Hyde currently fills. Bradberry is big and fast, just the way Thompson likes his defensive backs. Smart player with good cover skills and isn't afraid to tackle. Biggest knock is the level of competition that he performed at. Finished the 2015 season with 45 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions and 11 pass breakups. Numbers at Indianapolis: 40-yard dash = 4.50 seconds, 36 inch vertical jump, 4.21 short shuttle, 6.91 3-cone drill. Not eye-popping numbers, but pretty good for a 6-0 3/4, 211 pounder.
Round Seven, Pick 248 = Ken Crawley/CB/Colorado (6-0 3/8, 187)
I really wanted to go wide receiver with this pick, but there are a few candidates left at the position and with Nelson, Cobb, Adams, Montgomery, Janis, Abbrederis already on the roster...it just seems that Thompson may decide to take his chances with a couple undrafted free agent receivers rather than invest another draft pick into the position. Offensive line is another possibility but with the Lane Taylor 2-year deal I think the Packers only really need to draft one. The roster is also pretty full there with Bakhtiari, Sitton, Linsley, Lang, Bulaga, Tretter, Taylor, the previously drafted rookie (Beavers in this scenario) and Rotheram still in the mix. Cornerback is in good shape as well but they did lose Heyward and now with the Goodson suspension, it looks more and more reasonable to add another defensive back to the mix. Crawley was a four-year starter at Colorado. Fluid athlete with height. Good natural cover skills. However, he's a poor technique player and will definitely need to be "coached-up" at the next level. Takes too many penalties and is responsible for too many big plays against. And despite his height, he's a smallish player with short arms (30 1/2 inch) and little hands (9 inch). Finished his Colorado career with 201 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions and 36 pass breakups. Ran a 4.43 second 40-yard dash, posted a 36.5 inch vertical jump and a 9'11" broad jump at Indianapolis. Pure height/speed developmental cornerback prospect.
Re: Trader Ted.
I'm predicting a trade with the Patriots. #27 for Round 2 - 29 & 30. Giving the Packers...
#57 | #60 | #61 overall
While the Patriots flip off Goodell on their way to the podium & draft a first rounder.
PackerJoe posted:Packers are bringing in ....... and BYU receiver Mitch Mathews in for visits.
.................
Mathews (6-5 5/8, 222 pounds) finished his BYU career with 152 catches for 2083 yards (13.7 average) and 24 touchdowns. Didn't find his age but he did do mission work so I'm assuming he's probably 25 or 26 (used his redshirt year at BYU in 2009). Suffered a shoulder injury in 2013 that required surgery. Had a good pro day workout. 4.47 and 4.49 in the 40, 36 inch vertical, 10'9" broad jump, 12 reps of 225, 4.25 short shuttle, 6.99 seconds. I'm guessing he won't be drafted.
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=272&sid=38325775
This site seems to think he can be knocked off routes and runs 4.70. And they don't think he can become a TE either. They don't project him to be effective in the NFL.
Not sure I agree. There are things I don't think they know - but I don't know either. If he really can run a 40 in 4.48 and he can bulk up a bit and add strength, I think being a TE type is a possibility. He can develop on the PS where he will be off other teams radar. We need a red zone guy that scares someone.
Also guessing that he won't be drafted & we are already recruiting him as a free agent.
Boris posted:Re: Trader Ted.
I'm predicting a trade with the Patriots. #27 for Round 2 - 29 & 30. Giving the Packers...
#57 | #60 | #61 overall
While the Patriots flip off Goodell on their way to the podium & draft a first rounder.
I like this idea. And BB has been willing to trade with Ted in the past. But I don't expect it to happen because its too good of a trade to be true.