Draft Pick Superlatives

[Dantés]

Here are the categories:

• Favorite Pick
• Least Favorite Pick
• Best Value
• Worst Value
• Biggest Immediate Impact
• Sleeper (Long Term Impact)

 

[Dantés]

Favorite Pick- Elgton Jenkins, OL, MSU: Jenkins is a big (check), long (check), strong (check), smart (check), athletic (check), versatile (check) interior lineman who fits the new offense and should really help limit the interior pressure for Rodgers.

Least Favorite Pick- Jace Sternberger, TE, TAMU: I've got no real issue with Sternberger for what he is as a receiving TE with upside, but I was really hoping for a combo guy who can be a legitimate threat to block someone. Maybe he can be that in time.

Best Value- Dexter Williams, RB, ND: Williams appears to me to have legit ability as a feature back in the NFL, given his size, athleticism, tape, and overall skillset. To land that in in the 6th was surprising.

Worst Value- Darnell Savage, S, MAR: I am more than happy for GB to move up and take Savage if that was "their guy." Safety was the biggest hole in the lineup, and the NFL clearly agreed that no one else in the class was worthy of anything close to a 1st round pick. But given that they spent three picks on one guy, I don't see another clear choice for this category.

Biggest Immediate Impact- Darnell Savage, S, MAR: While this may have been the worst value of their picks, I do think he has the clearest path to make a big immediate impact. The FS job will be all but handed to him.

Sleeper- Kingsley Keke, DL, TAMU: Keke played out of position for TAMU as a DE, but when you look at him against interior players, he has a ++ combination of length and athleticism. I think there's a chance that he could really be something as a 3T if given time to develop.

 

[Favre>Rodgers259]

• Favorite Pick - Savage - I still kinda was in love with Adderley(probably because of his uncle). But I just LOVED watching his tape. I can't wait to see his impact, he is simply electric.

• Least Favorite Pick - Summers - There were only 2 guys taken since his selection that I would have rather had, but there were also roughly 7 players who went undrafted who I think had an actual solid chance of sticking to the roster. My personal philosophy on 6th and 7th Rounders is not so much filling a need, but finding someone who might actually still be on the team 4 years from now. I doubt Summers survives 2020.

• Best Value - Sternberger - I felt like Gute was going to find a TE somewhere in the Draft and the 3rd Round was the best time to find it in Sternberger. There were better players sure, but he just stuck out given his talent at the current selection.

• Worst Value - Keke - None of us have the Packers Big Board so all I can say is I had other players I rated higher than Keke. I honestly would have taken a higher rated DB here and waited to address DL the next pick.

• Biggest Immediate Impact - Jenkins - I expect him to start right away. Regardless of position, unless you have an All-Pro as an incumbent, you expect 2nd Rounders to see the field immediately, if not by the bye week. With the state of our OL, he should be out there Opening Day.

• Sleeper (Long Term Impact) - Hollman - It's easy and always nice to root for the Day 3 selections. He's listed as having starter's potential, but it's an understatement that he has an uphill climb. As a 25 year old rookie, it's now or never.

 

[RepStar15]

• Favorite Pick- Unpopular opinion: Rashan Gary. Let me be the first to say I hated this pick on Thursday night. Mainly because I did not see Gary fitting in a 3-4 scheme and his lack of production in Michigan is hard to look past. I needed to take a second peek. I think I initially overlooked Gary’s impact on the Michigan defense. He often drew double coverage and left the other Wolverines (Winovich off of the Edge and Bush on delayed blitzes) unblocked. While he certainly needs to refine his skills, when a DE is pushing 300 pounds and puts up a sub 4.6, there is clearly something for the packers to work with. Dom Capers would have gotten nothing out of a player like this, but we have to keep in mind that Mike Pettine can make a star out of this kind of player.
• Least Favorite Pick- Ty Summers, I thought there were better ILB on the board, but a 7th is whatever.
• Best Value- Elgton Jenkins. I thought he was the most versatile OLineman in the draft.
• Worst Value- Savage because of what it cost.
• Biggest Immediate Impact- Darnell Savage. Nothing to say here, he’s an immediate starter.
• Sleeper (Long Term Impact)- Dexter Williams. Don’t be surprised if he assumes a role of pass catching RB.

 

[OldSchool101]

Favorite pick: Elgton Jenkins. Major need covered with Major talent

Least Favorite: trading 3 picks for #21. I still believe we would’ve been better off to trade back several spots into the teens for a 3rd rounder, then we could’ve recovered from losing a net 2 picks and picked a bonus pick in the top 80 or traded that 3rd rounder and gotten both picks back. We know that had Rashan gotten picked? There was Jeffery Simmons for the taking plus a 3rd rounder bonus pick. There’s a strict possibility he’s still there at 15-17 range.

Best value: easy. Dexter was easily the pick that has minimal risk ((late 6th) that could turn out to be a steal.

Worst value: Savage for 3 picks

Biggest immediate impact: Also Savage. However that award would’ve likely gone to pick #30 or #44 either way. Savage (little Missile) + Amos gives us a crucial upgrade at the position group. He’s likely a day 1 starter and his ability to shoot the gaps and wrap up runners is instrumental in improving our run D. My instincts tell me from film that he will quickly wrap guys up in a tangled web but doesn’t always drop and finish the tackle. However guys like Martinez and the Smiths will punish players trying to wrestle away from him while he holds them up. I welcome his speed also, he’s really fast to the ball.

Sleeper: Jace Sternberger could be TE that develops into a lead role in a 1-2 years. He’s got work to do on his blocking, but many TEs come into the league with that issue and his POA have been said not to be detrimental in nature. We need only go to Jimmy Graham to see an example. Besides that, I just believe he’s an underestimated guy in general. His film shows he’s faster in pads than his 40 time. IMO, His ceiling was #35 overall and his floor was #100 overall. We did nicely here. (Runner up for best value). He’s going to give us the hands of Richard Rodgers but more quickness and ability to break tackles. While not a Fant speedster, he’s just fast enough if given space (which he’s perceptive at making) to punish you If given a yard or two. He’s not even polished yet, but he’s already shiny

 

[Mondio]

Favorite Pick/Biggest Immediate Impact- Darnell Savage, S, MAR. He's my favorite pick. I just think he's going to be paired with A real pro in Amos and he has the range and real football skills to come away with some huge plays for us on defense. He'll take his lumps as all young defensive secondary guys do, but I really like what he brings to the table. He's also my pick for Biggest Immediate Impact. With the work done up front, and in back with Amos, his ability to cover ground and play the ball are going to give a handful of extra possessions to this offense in year 1.

Least Favorite Pick- Jace Sternberger, TE, TAMU: I'm with you on that one, I could probably put one of the later round guys, but since most of them are fighting an uphill battle anyway to make the roster, he was picked at a place you can reasonably expect some good production. I think he needs a lot of work overall and even his "strength" of contested catches doesn't look to be a huge strong point to me. Maybe I didn't see the right stuff, but I think I liked what Tonyan did as an UDFA more. I think Sternberger can be ok, but i'm not feeling great about him. I guess i felt about the same for Jake Ryan a couple years ago.

Best Value- Dexter Williams, RB, ND: I may as well keep your post up here for him. I think at one of the easier positions to transition to in the NFL, he has a real shot to use his skill set in this offense. Didn't cost much in terms of draft capital and I think he has potential for a rather high ceiling in what I think our new offense will look like.

Worst Value- I'm struggling with this one. I could see Savage because of giving up the 4th rounders to move up and get him, but I think we had to move up to get him if they wanted him. If it was just the spot in the draft we took him? I think the value is really good, but giving up the 4th rounders has to be considered. I could put Sternberger there, only because I don't think he's going to be anything special, but then the lower down the pick order we go, those guys aren't expected to be superstars so it's hard to draw a big discrepancy between draft pick used and expectations as they're both low for me.


Sleeper- Rashan Gary, DE, MI: Can a first rounder taken #12 be a sleeper pick? I struggle with this one too. He was not someone I had really considered for GB's pick, and I admittedly didn't do my homework before the draft. So thru only fault of my own not knowing much about him, now that I've been watching his stuff I think he's going to surprise all the people that were boo'ing and *****ing on Thursday night.

 

[gbgary]

first of all...i like all of our picks. i hope they all make the team. if they do that means the team is better, so i'm pulling for all of them.

• Favorite Pick.........................gary (i had to pick someone)
• Least Favorite Pick.................keke (i had to pick someone) we have a lot of DT's
• Best Value............................jenkins- can play almost anywhere along the o-line
• Worst Value..........................savage (cost a lot to get him but it had to be done)
• Biggest Immediate Impact......savage- can play slot cb too
• Sleeper (the surprise guy)......sternberger (a sleeper shows more than what's expected, a surprise) i think everyone else will be pretty much what you expect. i think Dexter Williams will fit in nicely.
  
  of the top picks, if anyone doesn't make the team i think it'll be keke...there's just a lot of competition at that spot...i'm pulling for him though.

 

[tynimiller]

Here are the categories:

• Favorite Pick - Jenkins for me. Dude simply can play and he is a 3rd new guy for this year's OL battles (Turner, Madison and him)...if I'm Spriggs or Lane Taylor or shoot even the old Bulaga I'm feeling a touch more motivation to get out there and hold a spot down. Love this pick!

• Least Favorite Pick - I'm gonna go with Gary...however it isn't for what I sense he may become, because dudes high ceiling would leave any fan hopeful he nears it (which dude has the tools to be phenom) but at that pick I saw bigger impact players IMO (like Wilkins) and some top OL...but I'm a fan not a scout so....

• Best Value - Dexter hands down. I don't even think at this point anyone could say anyone else. Dexter has had some hiccups in his life, but his mom's story has grounded the ever loving daylights out of him (she moved to SB and he was different). Being few minutes outside South Bend I saw a ton of his games...and I'll be honest everytime he touched the ball you knew there was a chance of a break. He isn't a burner but he shifts to his top gear quicker than many. IMO Dexter could quickly become our #2 as I love how he pairs to Jones in spells...slight shift in styles (does need to work on hands).

• Worst Value - I LOVE Savage, but we gave up a lot which plays the factor here for me.

• Biggest Immediate Impact - Savage...he literally is walking into a starting spot opposite of Amos IMO so long as his film is a sign of what he'll be. Starter walking in...with some edge and fearless play....safety version of Jaire I'm praying!!!

• Sleeper (Long Term Impact) - I really like Summers here, but nearly picked Keke. Summers is not going to be a BIG impact guy right away but I sense he could grow into that special teams and fill in roll type guy like a DB we used to have called Bush. His speed, medium size and a heart to hit just says could potentially pay off from the back end day 3 (which is my opinion the only spot to pick a "sleeper")

 

[Deleted member 6794]

Favorite pick - Elgton Jenkins

I think the Packers selected a first round talent capable of stabilizing the interior of the offensive line in the middle of the second round.

Least Favorite pick - Rashan Gary

There's no doubt Gary has a ton of potential but most of the time players that didn't put up great numbers in college don't develop into pros worthy of being picked early in the first round.

Best Value - Kingsley Keke

Keke could be a surprise rushing the passer from the interior defensive line. He dominated being lined up there in the Senior Bowl.

Worst Value - Ka'Dar Hollman

It's distinctive that I have a fifth round pick as the player presenting the least value, meaning that overall I liked the Packers draft. With that being said I don't expect Hollman to have any impact at the pro level though.

Biggest immediate impact - Darnell Savage

I fully expect Savage being the only draft pick to start in week 1.

Sleeper - Jace Sternberger

Sternberger doesn't have elite athleticism but is capable of running precise routes and has produced as a receiving threat at the college level. Hopefully he will be able to adequately replace Graham down the road.

 

[XPack]

• Favorite Pick- Elgton Jenkins (A-) Plays Centre, Left Guard, Left Tackle, Right Guard and also had as stint on D-Line with 12+ tackles and 2 sacks!
• Least Favorite Pick - Rashan Gary (B-). We just moved in FA for edge, so don't need a gamble here.
• Best Value - Elgton Jenkins (as above)
• Worst Value - Darnell Savage (B+). Should not have traded up, but no question he'll make an immediate impact.
• Biggest Immediate Impact - Darnell Savage
• Sleeper (Long Term Impact) - Rashan Gary (probably)

 

[Dantés]

Favorite pick - Elgton Jenkins

I think the Packers selected a first round talent capable of stabilizing the interior of the offensive line in the middle of the second round.

Least Favorite pick - Rashan Gary

There's no doubt Gary has a ton of potential but most of the time players that didn't put up great numbers in college don't develop into pros worthy of being picked early in the first round.

Best Value - Kingsley Keke

Keke could be a surprise rushing the passer from the interior defensive line. He dominated being lined up there in the Senior Bowl.

Worst Value - Ka'Dar Hollman

It's distinctive that I have a fifth round pick as the player presenting the least value, meaning that overall I liked the Packers draft. With that being said I don't expect Hollman to have any impact at the pro level though.

Biggest immediate impact - Darnell Savage

I fully expect Savage being the only draft pick to start in week 1.

Sleeper - Jace Sternberger

Sternberger doesn't have elite athleticism but is capable of running precise routes and has produced as a receiving threat at the college level. Hopefully he will be able to adequately replace Graham down the road.

Minor correction-- Hollman was a 6th round pick.

 

[PackAttack12]

Favorite: Darnell Savage
This was a position that had to be filled, and Savage is a player that I coveted prior to the draft. The reason though that this is my favorite pick is because Gutekunst identified Savage as a must have prospect, and he did what was necessary to pull the trigger and get his guy. This is the kind of proactive GM behavior that we need. Identify your guy, go get your guy. If you feel he's that big of a difference maker, it's difficult to overpay. I think the Packers nailed this pick.

Least Favorite: Jace Sternberger
I have my doubts that he will be capable of becoming an above average starter at tight end. I like his ability to catch the ball and run precise routes, and with Rodgers throwing him the ball he could be a threat in the middle of the field. But nothing else really jumps out at me. Even though I like our young receivers, I still would have liked to see a high upside receiver taken in this spot. I should note though that even though this is my least favorite, I'm not totally against the pick which speaks to how well I think Gute managed this draft.

Best Value: Dexter Williams
His personal issues are well documented, but to get a talent like this in the 6th round has the potential to pay big dividends. Really has all of the traits that you look for in a back. Vision, quick feet, explosive big play threat. And a good pass catcher as well. He'll need to improve in pass blocking, but if he's able to stay out of trouble and focus on football, he'll be an absolute steal of a late round pick that could really challenge Jones for snaps. I like the potential thought of this duo moving forward, with Williams being a stable back for depth purposes.

Worst Value: ???
Difficult to answer. It could turn out to be Gary if it flops the way that it has the potential to. You could make the argument for Savage as well due to the draft capitol it took to get him. But for the most part, I think the Packers made some pretty sound picks with high upside guys. I'm not overly disappointed with any pick.

Biggest Immediate Impact: Darnell Savage
I really like this football player. I think he'll have the biggest immediate impact because I think he's a day 1 starter and I think that he's polished enough to produce immediately. He just has really great football instincts and given the issues the Packers have had at this position in recent years, I think it's a position the Packers will see the most improvement. His ability to close the gap is going to go an extremely long way in Pettine being allowed to be more aggressive up front. He will change the way the Packers are able to play team defense.

EDIT: as a side note, Jenkins comes in at second with the overall versatility he'll bring up front. He has a great chance at starting week 1.

Sleeper: Kingsley Keke
I'll be interested to see what Pettine can do with him. Has the versatility to move all over the place, which is key in Pettine's system. He has size, length, quickness, and is a disrupter. Seems to be pretty durable with no real injuries that I'm aware of. For a 5th round guy, I think he's got a real chance of being a key contributor moving forward.

 

[gbgary]

Least Favorite Pick- Jace Sternberger, TE, TAMU:

https://twitter.com/PFF_Packers/status/1123221975420284928

 

[Mondio]

if it's on twitter, you'll have to tell me what it says

anyway, i've seen like 2 videos of him. My analysis means **** but I came away thinking he was less than Finley coming out of college and the few opportunities to see Tonyan catch the ball in preseason last year looked every bit as good as him and he was undrafted. It was my impression.

 

[XPack]

My analysis means **** but

You don't have the post the obvious mate. We get you.

 

[gbgary]

if it's on twitter, you'll have to tell me what it says

he was pff's #2 2018 graded te, in the draft, at 85.1 next to hockenson at 89.9. fant was 77.3, irv smith was 82.3.

 

[GleefulGary]

he was pff's #2 2018 graded te, in the draft, at 85.1 next to hockenson at 89.9. fant was 77.3, irv smith was 82.3.

Fwiw, college PFF is quite bad, for a multitude of reasons.

Sternberger is just a guy, with limited upside, imo.

 

[GleefulGary]

Favorite: Darnell Savage
This was a position that had to be filled, and Savage is a player that I coveted prior to the draft. The reason though that this is my favorite pick is because Gutekunst identified Savage as a must have prospect, and he did what was necessary to pull the trigger and get his guy. This is the kind of proactive GM behavior that we need. Identify your guy, go get your guy. If you feel he's that big of a difference maker, it's difficult to overpay. I think the Packers nailed this pick.

Least Favorite: Jace Sternberger
I have my doubts that he will be capable of becoming an above average starter at tight end. I like his ability to catch the ball and run precise routes, and with Rodgers throwing him the ball he could be a threat in the middle of the field. But nothing else really jumps out at me. Even though I like our young receivers, I still would have liked to see a high upside receiver taken in this spot. I should note though that even though this is my least favorite, I'm not totally against the pick which speaks to how well I think Gute managed this draft.

Best Value: Dexter Williams
His personal issues are well documented, but to get a talent like this in the 6th round has the potential to pay big dividends. Really has all of the traits that you look for in a back. Vision, quick feet, explosive big play threat. And a good pass catcher as well. He'll need to improve in pass blocking, but if he's able to stay out of trouble and focus on football, he'll be an absolute steal of a late round pick that could really challenge Jones for snaps. I like the potential thought of this duo moving forward, with Williams being a stable back for depth purposes.

Worst Value: ???
Difficult to answer. It could turn out to be Gary if it flops the way that it has the potential to. You could make the argument for Savage as well due to the draft capitol it took to get him. But for the most part, I think the Packers made some pretty sound picks with high upside guys. I'm not overly disappointed with any pick.

Biggest Immediate Impact: Darnell Savage
I really like this football player. I think he'll have the biggest immediate impact because I think he's a day 1 starter and I think that he's polished enough to produce immediately. He just has really great football instincts and given the issues the Packers have had at this position in recent years, I think it's a position the Packers will see the most improvement. His ability to close the gap is going to go an extremely long way in Pettine being allowed to be more aggressive up front. He will change the way the Packers are able to play team defense.

EDIT: as a side note, Jenkins comes in at second with the overall versatility he'll bring up front. He has a great chance at starting week 1.

Sleeper: Kingsley Keke
I'll be interested to see what Pettine can do with him. Has the versatility to move all over the place, which is key in Pettine's system. He has size, length, quickness, and is a disrupter. Seems to be pretty durable with no real injuries that I'm aware of. For a 5th round guy, I think he's got a real chance of being a key contributor moving forward.

This is right on.

 

[Mondio]

my brother was telling me about him, so I check out some more, and come away with the same impression. maybe i'm not seeing the right stuff? I don't dislike him, but nothing really jumps out at me. I saw him make a couple nice catches with a defender on him, but it was just a couple. The rest were basically just wide open, here's the ball catch it and run. maybe he's great at getting open? they hardly show the routes, just the catches.

 

[Dantés]

A huge part of a tight end's value is wrapped up in disguising intent. Great TE's are threats to catch a pass down the seam or block a DE on any particular play. TE's who can do that keep defenses off balance. It's never clear if they are passing or running based on personnel. And they can do both effectively because of that TE's mutliple skillset.

For now, Sternberger is basically a jumbo wide receiver. He was asked to block at times in Fisher's offense, but not all that often. And, more importantly, he wasn't particularly effective at it.

 

[gbgary]

Fwiw, college PFF is quite bad, for a multitude of reasons.

Sternberger is just a guy, with limited upside, imo.

college pff? this is pff grading draft eligible players. on a side note, leroy butler thinks he's going to be a monster.

 

[GleefulGary]

college pff? this is pff grading draft eligible players. on a side note, leroy butler thinks he's going to be a monster.

Yes. PFF's grading for college is notoriously bad. ****, they said Josh Jackson was good at press coverage. It took me no more than 5 minutes of watching game tape to figure out that was massively wrong. I really don't care what PFF thinks about prospects. They thought Andy Isabella was a first round WR. Lol.

 

[gbgary]

Yes. PFF's grading for college is notoriously bad. ****, they said Josh Jackson was good at press coverage. It took me no more than 5 minutes of watching game tape to figure out that was massively wrong. I really don't care what PFF thinks about prospects. They thought Andy Isabella was a first round WR. Lol.

had more teams wanted wr's in the first round (there were only 2 picked) he may have been. there were only 9 picked in the first 2 rounds, he was the 8th. as with all picks it's...all in the eye of the beholder.

 

[GleefulGary]

had more teams wanted wr's in the first round (there were only 2 picked) he may have been. there were only 9 picked in the first 2 rounds, he was the 8th. as with all picks it's...all in the eye of the beholder.

Lol

 

[Dantés]

Yes. PFF's grading for college is notoriously bad. ****, they said Josh Jackson was good at press coverage. It took me no more than 5 minutes of watching game tape to figure out that was massively wrong. I really don't care what PFF thinks about prospects. They thought Andy Isabella was a first round WR. Lol.

PFF is going to need to take some time and figure out what aspects of their metrics actually project favorably. Because thus far, I've seen very little to suggest that they actually add value in terms of identifying prospects with higher success probabilities. Most of the time they go significantly higher than consensus on a guy, it seems to turn out poorly. Some of the names that they were really high on in 2017:

• Carl Lawson at #14 (Win)
• Jordan Willis at #15 (Loss)
• Jourdan Lewis at #24 (Loss)
• Tim Williams at #26 (Loss)
• Jojo Mathis at #47 (Loss)

You can see that they're making efforts to factor traits in with their grades in projecting guys. Thus Metcalf was their #1 WR despite not grading all that highly for them. But if that's what they're going to do, then it really comes down to how good of an eye Renner or Palazzolo have... which basically means that they're just like everyone else.

I still think the same thing that I've always thought about PFF's stuff-- their grades are often questionable, but the advanced statistics they offer are very useful.