Green Bay Packers Thread (4 Viewers)

[Balco]

Savage brings a lot of versatility to Pettine’s scheme which is important. He can play safety and corner and although he is known for his ridiculous speed, what I like reading is that he has tremendous technique and instincts and will come up in the run game.

Gary’s best football is in front of him. You can’t teach that ridiculous first step he has, and at a minimum he is going to control the edge in the run game. Based on first step alone he can be a terror as a rusher. He just needs to develop more moves once he gets to second level.

i remain extremely concerned about ILB next to Martinez (burks was atrocious) but this defense is going to be really really good. Versatility at each level with pass rushing ability now. That alone will make the secondary better.

now just need to give Aaron a few reliable safety valves. 

 

[Pipes]

Savage brings a lot of versatility to Pettine’s scheme which is important. He can play safety and corner and although he is known for his ridiculous speed, what I like reading is that he has tremendous technique and instincts and will come up in the run game.

Gary’s best football is in front of him. You can’t teach that ridiculous first step he has, and at a minimum he is going to control the edge in the run game. Based on first step alone he can be a terror as a rusher. He just needs to develop more moves once he gets to second level.

i remain extremely concerned about ILB next to Martinez (burks was atrocious) but this defense is going to be really really good. Versatility at each level with pass rushing ability now. That alone will make the secondary better.

now just need to give Aaron a few reliable safety valves. 

I like your enthusiasm on the draft picks.  As far as Burks goes I still remain hopeful with him.  I'm chalking that up to him falling behind due to the early shoulder injury.  He's saying the right things now and has the speed which you can't teach. Not saying he's going to be a stud but he could still be a nice player. But I wouldn't complain about drafting a back or bringing someone else in like they did with Morrison last year.

 

[beef]

Value, better players available, boom/bust, doesn't matter to me.  What does is the rumor that Pettine was caught jack hammering in the bathroom following these picks.  That's what makes these picks winners. 

 

[Sabertooth]

Savage brings a lot of versatility to Pettine’s scheme which is important. He can play safety and corner and although he is known for his ridiculous speed, what I like reading is that he has tremendous technique and instincts and will come up in the run game.

Gary’s best football is in front of him. You can’t teach that ridiculous first step he has, and at a minimum he is going to control the edge in the run game. Based on first step alone he can be a terror as a rusher. He just needs to develop more moves once he gets to second level.

i remain extremely concerned about ILB next to Martinez (burks was atrocious) but this defense is going to be really really good. Versatility at each level with pass rushing ability now. That alone will make the secondary better.

now just need to give Aaron a few reliable safety valves. 

Pretty much.  
Martinez, to me seems like a placeholder at ILB.  He's a stat compiler but not somebody a defense truly fears or game plans against.  

I'm pretty concerned about the wide receivers but I don't know that you can fix that with a rookie anyway.  

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

Football Outsiders blurb on Gary from before the draft (71.8% rating = historical percentile rating on the college edge rusher's prospects for success as compared to the other prospects, irrespective of projected draft position)

Rashan Gary, Michigan
SackSEER Projection: 22.1 Sacks Through 5th Season
SackSEER Rating: 71.8%
Similar Historical Prospects: Frank Clark, Margus Hunt

Rashan Gary is the quintessential raw talent at the position. Gary has amazing athleticism for his 277-pound size. Gary ran the 40-yard dash in 4.58 seconds, which he paired with a 38-inch vertical leap and a 10-foot-flat broad jump. However, Gary does not have much sack production -- his best season is 5.5 sacks in 13 games as a sophomore. Also, he did not record a single pass defensed.

Luckily for Gary, there are certainly examples of successful edge rushers in the NFL who had the athletic measureables but lacked college production. For example, Frank Clark, who also attended the University of Michigan, had good explosion numbers for his size, but few college sacks. Despite his lack of college bona fides, Clark has 35.0 NFL sacks in just four years. Gary could follow a similar career trajectory; however, he could just as easily end up like Margus Hunt, a freakish athlete who has mostly been relegated to role player status in the NFL.

I also saw Brett Kollmann mocking Savage to NE as a replacement for Devin McCourty fwiw. With Savage again the key is versatility, though he's not elite at any one thing.

 

[sho nuff]

All the trades so far in this round for OL, could see us trading down if the corner run starts and they still feel good about TE and WR on the board. 

 

[beef]

or stay put and grab another db.  make it 3 straight years of 2 dbs in the first 2 rounds.    

 

[shady inc]

Should have traded up in the 2nd to get an OL rather than move up in the first 

 

[sho nuff]

Well there is the OL.  Guy has apparently played all over the line.

 

[Interseptopus]

yes!

 

[sho nuff]

Seems the main focus of Gute is athletes.

 

[Balco]

Highly productive player in best conference. Nice pick.

(still need some offensive playmakers)

 

[Balco]

Highly productive player in best conference. Nice pick.

(still need some offensive playmakers)

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

His tape against the SEC's best teams over his last two seasons indicates an ability to become an effective, early NFL starter.

 

[sho nuff]

I think they feel a lot better about the talent and depth at WR than they did at the OL.  And probably rightfully so. 

 

[Balco]

There we go! An offensive weapon! 

 

[sho nuff]

A TE that can stretch the field and work the seam.  Nice 

 

[The Kerminator]

There's the future TE Jake Stemberger of Texas A&M. I like

 

[sho nuff]

That’s a solid 4 picks the first two days.  Athletes and addressing needs with talent.

 

[The Kerminator]

IMO so far it's been a pretty good draft. Potentially 3 starters this year and a future starter in Stemberger.. At the minimum Gary will be a rotational guy his rookie year. Savage should start. Jenkins should push for the starting right guard spot and fits LeFleur's offense. Stemberger will be behind Graham but could see significant snaps. Not sure if that is an indication of Gutey doing a great job or a comment on how bad the roster has become.

 

[JoeSteeler]

IMO Packers are killing this draft...great job so far

 

[TDCommish]

Who is this Stemberger?

 

[shady inc]

Who is this Stemberger?

Packers TE

 

[TDCommish]

Weird. Never heard of him.

 

[coyote5]

Sternberger

 

[TDCommish]

Now that's a great pick.

 

[Balco]

Wonder who will be available on the free agent market or if any team is looking to deal a receiver for a later pick.

 

[Johnnymac]

Love the Sternberger pick.  I saw him play some last year and he's got talent.  I prefer Hockenson but getting this guy should be good too.

 

[SayWhat?]

Love the Sternberger pick.  I saw him play some last year and he's got talent.  I prefer Hockenson but getting this guy should be good too.

You prefer the top 10 guy to the 3rd rounder? Think you’re going to be on an island on that one. 

 

[kwille]

Wonder who will be available on the free agent market or if any team is looking to deal a receiver for a later pick.

Nelson Agholar is on the block. Pretty dang good slot guy which is a need.

 

[Pipes]

Solid picks day 2 though I really wanted AJ  Brown.  Can’t complain about solidifying the oline and TE spots though.

 

[matuski]

Haven't read the thread, but I love the Sternberger pick.  Watched every game last year.

As a receiver, he stood out in the SEC.  Under rated imo as a result of his QB (not a great passer).

 

[Balco]

Nelson Agholar is on the block. Pretty dang good slot guy which is a need.

Would love if they can nab him for a 6th. Completely forgot Eagles are trying to dump him. He would be perfect.

 

[Bronco Billy]

Darron Lee looks to be available for a Day 3 pick.  He’s no world beater, but he’d be a significant upgrade on Martinez and better than they’ll find today in the draft.

 

[kittenmittens]

A TE that can stretch the field and work the seam.  Nice 

And hopefully block better than Graham.  Jimmy Graham is dog excrement. 

 

[beef]

Would have to restructure/extend Agholar's contract.  He's set to make around $9.5mil this year.  

 

[Balco]

Would have to restructure/extend Agholar's contract.  He's set to make around $9.5mil this year.  

What’s Packers space look like? Definitely don’t want to extend Agholar.

 

[sho nuff]

Thoughts on the Gary pick after digesting what has gone on in the draft.

Gute liked him, but maybe later...maybe even preferred Bush or Williams who went right before us.  I think he already knew what capitol he needed to move up later and couldn’t before Pitt did so he tried to move back but couldn’t find what he wanted.

So he took the home run or strike out pick in Gary.  A guy with all the talent and measureables / athletic ability but not the production.  He could have gone safer but wanted to take that risk. 

Just a complete opinion of course about the other two and trade down...he might have liked Gary all along.  Seems it will be a pick he will be judged on in the years to come. 

 

[beef]

dexter in the 6th is pretty darn good value.  i like his inside running.  puts some pressure on the other williams and could be a good camp battle to see who gets some work after jones.  

 

[shady inc]

Final tally: 5 added to the defense, 3 added to the offense

 

[GOB]

Thoughts on the Gary pick after digesting what has gone on in the draft.

Gute liked him, but maybe later...maybe even preferred Bush or Williams who went right before us.  I think he already knew what capitol he needed to move up later and couldn’t before Pitt did so he tried to move back but couldn’t find what he wanted.

So he took the home run or strike out pick in Gary.  A guy with all the talent and measureables / athletic ability but not the production.  He could have gone safer but wanted to take that risk. 

Just a complete opinion of course about the other two and trade down...he might have liked Gary all along.  Seems it will be a pick he will be judged on in the years to come. 

Gary was not asked to rush the passer in Michigan's D. He was the front side DE. He disrupted plays and took on blockers.

Anyone that talks about production in regards to Gary's college career is not understanding what he was being asked to do. 

This is no way endorses this pick, just clarifying something I've heard as a criticism.

 

[Balco]

I like what the Packers did here. Athleticism and team speed definitely increased. If Dexter Williams’ head is on straight he could be a very nice addition to the running back rotation.

Heading into year the only two positions I think need to be addressed are wide receiver and ILB. Hope packers scour the market after June 1st cuts to find that slot receiver they desperately need. 

I’ll say again I am really excited about this defense. Speed, athleticism, versatility. Pettine bas the parts he needs to truly run his defense. I think with increased qb pressure our secondary is going to look a lot better.

it all hinges on Rodgers health, but this is a super bowl contending team as constructed.

 

[The Kerminator]

I like what the Packers did here. Athleticism and team speed definitely increased. If Dexter Williams’ head is on straight he could be a very nice addition to the running back rotation.

Heading into year the only two positions I think need to be addressed are wide receiver and ILB. Hope packers scour the market after June 1st cuts to find that slot receiver they desperately need. 

I’ll say again I am really excited about this defense. Speed, athleticism, versatility. Pettine bas the parts he needs to truly run his defense. I think with increased qb pressure our secondary is going to look a lot better.

it all hinges on Rodgers health, but this is a super bowl contending team as constructed.

It has been a good off-season remaking the roster. Some very key FAs at positions of need on defense and OL. Getting Madison back is a huge + for the OL depth that wasn't really expected. The draft seemed to fall right for positions of need as well. For all the complaining about Gary's lack of college stats I'm excited to see him on the field. Great move to move up and grab Savage. I read both Baltimore and Indy would have drafted him before the Packers at 30. Sternberger should mix in well with Graham and be the future at TE. More OL depth added through the draft. And I think Williams could be a big part of a RB rotation. Would still like to see them add an ILB somewhere down the line and I think they will. Don't really see them adding any WRs. I think they are comfortable with what they have with the young guys from last year. Expecting them to make a jump in year 2.

 

[Balco]

It has been a good off-season remaking the roster. Some very key FAs at positions of need on defense and OL. Getting Madison back is a huge + for the OL depth that wasn't really expected. The draft seemed to fall right for positions of need as well. For all the complaining about Gary's lack of college stats I'm excited to see him on the field. Great move to move up and grab Savage. I read both Baltimore and Indy would have drafted him before the Packers at 30. Sternberger should mix in well with Graham and be the future at TE. More OL depth added through the draft. And I think Williams could be a big part of a RB rotation. Would still like to see them add an ILB somewhere down the line and I think they will. Don't really see them adding any WRs. I think they are comfortable with what they have with the young guys from last year. Expecting them to make a jump in year 2.

I have a very good feeling about Marquez Valdez-Scanling taking a huge leap and giving Packers reliable deep threat and maybe more.  I don't have as much confidence in the other draftees from last year.  So that gives us Adams, who is a monster, and MVS.  Where is the option in the slot? Maybe Geronimo Allison stays healthy and contributes on the outside.

I will say there are a ton of young receivers on the roster, maybe a couple take next step.  I just want Aaron to have a reliable receiver in the middle of the field that he has confidence will catch his passes.  

 

[travdogg]

I have a very good feeling about Marquez Valdez-Scanling taking a huge leap and giving Packers reliable deep threat and maybe more.  I don't have as much confidence in the other draftees from last year.  So that gives us Adams, who is a monster, and MVS.  Where is the option in the slot? Maybe Geronimo Allison stays healthy and contributes on the outside.

I will say there are a ton of young receivers on the roster, maybe a couple take next step.  I just want Aaron to have a reliable receiver in the middle of the field that he has confidence will catch his passes.  

St.Brown is the interesting one to me. He tended to play mostly in the slot, and with Cobb gone, that could be the biggest target vacancy. Could see him being a Devin Funchess like "big slot" that is used frequently inside the red zone.

Watch, now that he's been kind of written off, and they drafted his replacement, Jimmy Graham will have an out of nowhere huge season.

 

[Bfrahm3]

Would kumerow fit the slot role? 

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

Well we have a GM that has a clear vision and is not afraid to go his own way on his picks.  Clearly he did not care what the boards of draftniks may have looked like.  he drafted speed and strength, and from mostly big time college programs.  He clearly did not kowtow to Aaron Rodgers, if Rodgers was expecting such, though I for one do not believe that me did.  He believes in himself.  I hope I come to believe in him as well.

 

[sho nuff]

The body’s not even cold yet...

 

[Balco]

The body’s not even cold yet...

The body has been cold for years. 

 

[Balco]

I do appreciate what Clay has meant to the organization but I hope he was just joking.