First Round Prospect Discussions Specifically

[Dantés]

Burden:

6'0" 206 lbs, 31.25" arms, 8.5" hands

4.41 forty, 1.54 ten yd split

Jefferson:

6'1" 202 lbs, 33" arms, 9.1" hands

4.43 forty, 1.54 ten yd split

 

[Dantés]

Alright, let me try this again.

Locks to be Gone by #23:

1. C. Ward, QB, MIA
2. A. Jeanty, RB, BSU
3. T. Warren, TE, PSU
4. M. Golden, WR, UT
5. A. Membou, OL, MIZZ
6. W. Campbell, OL, LSU
7. M. Graham, DT, UM
8. A. Carter, ED, PSU
9. T. Hunter, CB, COL
10. W. Johnson, CB, UM

Probably Gone by #23:

11. S. Sanders, QB, COL
12. O. Hampton, RB, UNC
13. C. Loveland, TE, UM
14. T. McMillan, WR, AZ
15. K. Banks, OL, UT
16. J. Walker, ED, UGA
17. M. Williams, ED, UGA
18. S. Stewart, ED, TAMU
19. J. Campbell, LB, UA
20. J. Barron, DB, UT

Theoretically, this would mean we only need a big board of 3 players, but let's assume that I am wrong about 4 of these players. That means we need a cluster of seven. I am only really interested in DL, WR, or OT in round 1, in that order. Here are the next guys on the consensus board at those positions.

-M. Green, DE, MAR
-K. Grant, DT, UM
-J. Pearce, DE, TEN
-J. Simmons, OT, OSU
-W. Nolen, DT, MISS
-D. Harmon, DT, OR
-E. Egbuka, WR, OSU
-D. Ezeiruaku, DE, BC
-L. Burden, WR, MIZZ
-N. Scourton, DE, TAMU
-J. Conerly, OT, OR

That's 11 guys. Here how I would rank them by my own preference:

1. M. Green, DE, Marshall: Extremely productive and gifted edge rusher who reportedly tested with an elite 3 cone. He's dealing with ****** misconduct allegations. If the Packers are comfortable with his situation, I think he would be a phenomenal pick.

2. D. Harmon, DT, Oregon: I love Harmon's combination of length and athleticism. He plays with a good base and has some pass rushing juice. I think he's a guy who could legitimately play from the 0 to the 5 and add value everywhere.

3. K. Grant, DT, Michigan: The Packers have a glaring need for a 1T/Shade next to their glut of 3 Technique penetrators. Grant fits the bill and has pretty freaky movement for such a huge man.

4. D. Ezeiruaku, DE, Boston College: I love Ezeiruaku's game and nuance as a pass rusher. I still like his fit for GB, but am waning on it somewhat because I'm not certain he has the elite get-off you want in a pass rush specialist.

5. N. Scourton, DE, Texas AM: I think Scourton is being slept on in this class. He's 20 years old and has a combined 29 TFL and 15 sacks over the last two seasons between Texas AM and Purdue. I'm fascinated to see how he tests. If he's a high RAS guy, he may move up for me.

6. L. Burden, WR, Missouri: Burden's assessment reminds me of Justin Jefferson-- he has high, high end movement skills but his role in college was really simplistic. If they're comfortable with his football character, I would love the selection and think he could be a lot better as a pro that he has been as a college player.

7. E. Egbuka, WR, Ohio State: Maybe he will test beyond my expectations, but I doubt Egbuka is the type of player that GB will be interested in. That said, he would have a pretty easy fit as an inside/outside possession receiver who can thrive in condensed sets.

8. W. Nolen, DT, Ole Miss: Nolen is pretty comfortably the 2nd best traditional 3T in this class and he would be higher for me except that the Packers currently have four guys who all fit best in that role.

9. J. Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon: I would prefer receiver or DL, but if the board gets wiped out, Morgan lands at guard, and they want to hedge against Walker leaving, I could see this pick.

10. J. Simmons, OT, Ohio State: If the board gets wiped out on the DL and the Packers feel good about Simmons' knee, I could see them drafting and stashing him in anticipation of Walker leaving.

11. J. Pearce, DE, Tennessee: Maybe I'm just missing the boat, but I am skeptical of Pearce as a prospect. I don't like edge prospects who are both light and linear. Pearce's game kind of reminds me of Takk McKinley.

 

[OldSchool101]

Here are some guys who could be in the first round discussion that I'm conflicted about:

1. Luther Burden, WR, Missouri: The Burden discourse reminds me so much of the discussions around Justin Jefferson coming out of LSU. Jefferson was polarizing because some people focused on what he did while others imagined what he could do. He was basically a big slot in college with a free release and a lot of manufactured production, but in the league he has taken his high level athleticism and applied it in many, many more impactful ways. The uncertainty is why he ended up going #22.

Burden is similar. Some look at him and just see what he was doing for Missouri and aren't that impressed-- lots and lots of manufactured touches. Others look at his movement skills and flashes and imagine what he could be. Burden is built like a Packer and he ran like one at the combine. I go back and forth with him a lot.

2. Offensive Line (Josh Simmons, Josh Conerly, Donovan Jackson, etc.): The entire OL is difficult for me to judge, not because of the prospects themselves, but because of the uncertainty of the position on the Packers' roster. Tom, Walker, and Rhyan are a season away from free agency. I'm 100% confident that they will extend Tom, but the other two are questions in my mind-- will they keep one or both or neither? If one, which one? Then you add Morgan into the discussion-- where do they want him playing? Is RG his future home? Did he only play there because that was the most pressing need and long-term they see him at tackle? And the cherry on top is that Jenkins turns 30 this season and next year he has a big cap hit that they can easily get out of. Given how many players hit free agency next off-season, cutting him is a real possibility.

So all of that leads me to this place where I don't know how badly they feel the need for offensive line AND I don't know what position they would prioritize.

3. Defensive Tackle (Grant, Nolen, Harmon, Williams): This is another spot where my uncertainty stems from not knowing what the Packers plan to do.

Question #1: Do they want to continue developing Wyatt, Brooks, and Wooden at 3T and just focus on the position next to them?

Question #2: Will they ask Clark to major as the 1T? Are they planning to release him next season or ride it out for one more year?

Question #3: If they're primarily focused on the 1T, what type of guy do they want? Do they like the idea of a Vita Vea/Jordan Davis type and so will be interested in Kenneth Grant? Are they more enamored with the Deforest Buckner/Arik Armstead guys and so will go after Derrick Harmon? Or do they like someone more in the mold of Javon Hargrave so they will look to Tyleik Williams? I honestly don't know.

4. Donovan Ezeiruaku, DE, Boston College: Ezeiruaku is my favorite prospect in the class, so I don't have questions about him as a player, but I do wonder if they would be interested. He doesn't really fit the mold of what they target on the edge. But that also makes him a good complement to what they already have. Normally, I would rule him out as a likely option, but I recall after the Jets drafted Will McDonald that there were rumors that he was high on the Packers' board and they might have taken him, given the option. Ezeiruaku is very similar.

If our ideal selection is not there, this might be the year to move back with 25,37,30,31 (AFC as of now) and scoop another draft pick or two.

 

[OldSchool101]

Alright, let me try this again.

Locks to be Gone by #23:

1. C. Ward, QB, MIA
2. A. Jeanty, RB, BSU
3. T. Warren, TE, PSU
4. M. Golden, WR, UT
5. A. Membou, OL, MIZZ
6. W. Campbell, OL, LSU
7. M. Graham, DT, UM
8. A. Carter, ED, PSU
9. T. Hunter, CB, COL
10. W. Johnson, CB, UM

Probably Gone by #23:

11. S. Sanders, QB, COL
12. O. Hampton, RB, UNC
13. C. Loveland, TE, UM
14. T. McMillan, WR, AZ
15. K. Banks, OL, UT
16. J. Walker, ED, UGA
17. M. Williams, ED, UGA
18. S. Stewart, ED, TAMU
19. J. Campbell, LB, UA
20. J. Barron, DB, UT

Theoretically, this would mean we only need a big board of 3 players, but let's assume that I am wrong about 4 of these players. That means we need a cluster of seven. I am only really interested in DL, WR, or OT in round 1, in that order. Here are the next guys on the consensus board at those positions.

-M. Green, DE, MAR
-K. Grant, DT, UM
-J. Pearce, DE, TEN
-J. Simmons, OT, OSU
-W. Nolen, DT, MISS
-D. Harmon, DT, OR
-E. Egbuka, WR, OSU
-D. Ezeiruaku, DE, BC
-L. Burden, WR, MIZZ
-N. Scourton, DE, TAMU
-J. Conerly, OT, OR

That's 11 guys. Here how I would rank them by my own preference:

1. M. Green, DE, Marshall: Extremely productive and gifted edge rusher who reportedly tested with an elite 3 cone. He's dealing with ****** misconduct allegations. If the Packers are comfortable with his situation, I think he would be a phenomenal pick.

2. D. Harmon, DT, Oregon: I love Harmon's combination of length and athleticism. He plays with a good base and has some pass rushing juice. I think he's a guy who could legitimately play from the 0 to the 5 and add value everywhere.

3. K. Grant, DT, Michigan: The Packers have a glaring need for a 1T/Shade next to their glut of 3 Technique penetrators. Grant fits the bill and has pretty freaky movement for such a huge man.

4. D. Ezeiruaku, DE, Boston College: I love Ezeiruaku's game and nuance as a pass rusher. I still like his fit for GB, but am waning on it somewhat because I'm not certain he has the elite get-off you want in a pass rush specialist.

5. N. Scourton, DE, Texas AM: I think Scourton is being slept on in this class. He's 20 years old and has a combined 29 TFL and 15 sacks over the last two seasons between Texas AM and Purdue. I'm fascinated to see how he tests. If he's a high RAS guy, he may move up for me.

6. L. Burden, WR, Missouri: Burden's assessment reminds me of Justin Jefferson-- he has high, high end movement skills but his role in college was really simplistic. If they're comfortable with his football character, I would love the selection and think he could be a lot better as a pro that he has been as a college player.

7. E. Egbuka, WR, Ohio State: Maybe he will test beyond my expectations, but I doubt Egbuka is the type of player that GB will be interested in. That said, he would have a pretty easy fit as an inside/outside possession receiver who can thrive in condensed sets.

8. W. Nolen, DT, Ole Miss: Nolen is pretty comfortably the 2nd best traditional 3T in this class and he would be higher for me except that the Packers currently have four guys who all fit best in that role.

9. J. Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon: I would prefer receiver or DL, but if the board gets wiped out, Morgan lands at guard, and they want to hedge against Walker leaving, I could see this pick.

10. J. Simmons, OT, Ohio State: If the board gets wiped out on the DL and the Packers feel good about Simmons' knee, I could see them drafting and stashing him in anticipation of Walker leaving.

11. J. Pearce, DE, Tennessee: Maybe I'm just missing the boat, but I am skeptical of Pearce as a prospect. I don't like edge prospects who are both light and linear. Pearce's game kind of reminds me of Takk McKinley.

Wouldn’t hurt my feelings to get Javon Walker from Georgia. We tend to like Georgia players anyway but he’s a guy that could be used in a variety of ways.
Slightly undersized for Edge, but he’s a very versatile chess piece. Led the Bulldogs in TFL and Sacks. Having him, Edgerrin and Quay would almost be unfair. Might seem like other needs are more warranted, but get another DL and CB by RD3-5 area and that opens things up for WR using #54 in some capacity.

 

[SudsMcBucky]

Wouldn’t hurt my feelings to get Javon Walker from Georgia. We tend to like Georgia players anyway but he’s a guy that could be used in a variety of ways.
Slightly undersized for Edge, but he’s a very versatile chess piece. Led the Bulldogs in TFL and Sacks. Having him, Edgerrin and Quay would almost be unfair. Might seem like other needs are more warranted, but get another DL and CB by RD3-5 area and that opens things up for WR using #54 in some capacity.

That name in a Packer uniform brings back bad memories.

 

[Schultz]

Sure to be wrong.
1. TN-Ward-QB
2. CLV-Carter-E
3. NYG-Hunter-CB
4. N.E-OT Membou or W.Campbell
5. JAX-Graham- DT
6. LV-Jeanty- RB
7. OT- See#4.
8. Carolina- Walker OLB/E or Golden- WR
9. N.O- J. Campbell- LB
10. CHI -Banks- OT
11. SF- Barron- CB
12. DAL- Hampton-RB or Golden-WR (see #8)
13. MIA-Starks- S
14. IND-Warren- TE
15. ATL- Johnson-CB
16. ARZ- Zabel- G
17. CIN- E- Green, M. Williams, EZ, Pearce
18. SEA- Loveland- TE or Booker-G
19.- E - see #17
20. DEN- Hampton RB if available or WR McMillan, Burden, Egbuka
21. PITT- Sanders- QB
22. LAC- TE if Loveland, RB if Hampton. Most likely WR. See #20
That leaves just 1 WR unless all 4 of CAR,DAL,DEN & LAC take one. CBs- Hairston and Amos. E-Pearce, EZ and Scourton. OT- Conerly and Simmons. DT- the 2 guys I like the most. Grant & Harmon.
Not really going out on a limb here. IMO there will be trades. Carolina trading down is my guess as most likely. Oh yeah, did I mention this won't even be close?

 

[Thirteen Below]

That name in a Packer uniform brings back bad memories.

If we just keep on drafting Javon Walkers, it's only a matter of time before we hit the jackpot.

 

[AmishMafia]

Alright, let me try this again.

Locks to be Gone by #23:

1. C. Ward, QB, MIA
2. A. Jeanty, RB, BSU
3. T. Warren, TE, PSU
4. M. Golden, WR, UT
5. A. Membou, OL, MIZZ
6. W. Campbell, OL, LSU
7. M. Graham, DT, UM
8. A. Carter, ED, PSU
9. T. Hunter, CB, COL
10. W. Johnson, CB, UM

Probably Gone by #23:

11. S. Sanders, QB, COL
12. O. Hampton, RB, UNC
13. C. Loveland, TE, UM
14. T. McMillan, WR, AZ
15. K. Banks, OL, UT
16. J. Walker, ED, UGA
17. M. Williams, ED, UGA
18. S. Stewart, ED, TAMU
19. J. Campbell, LB, UA
20. J. Barron, DB, UT

Theoretically, this would mean we only need a big board of 3 players, but let's assume that I am wrong about 4 of these players. That means we need a cluster of seven. I am only really interested in DL, WR, or OT in round 1, in that order. Here are the next guys on the consensus board at those positions.

-M. Green, DE, MAR
-K. Grant, DT, UM
-J. Pearce, DE, TEN
-J. Simmons, OT, OSU
-W. Nolen, DT, MISS
-D. Harmon, DT, OR
-E. Egbuka, WR, OSU
-D. Ezeiruaku, DE, BC
-L. Burden, WR, MIZZ
-N. Scourton, DE, TAMU
-J. Conerly, OT, OR

It's a funny year with opinions being all over the map.

I would disagree with 2 of your locks. Golden and Johnson. Maybe Warren as well. I think Golden will be available at our selection and we will pass on him. I think that there is a possibility that no WRs will be taken by our pick. I do think Hunter will be a CB with a few WR packages.

I imagine 5 or 6 players on your 20 could be available at our pick.

After the first 7 or 8 picks, the drop off from No. 10 to No. 30 is not as great as most years. As such, there could be an OT run and/or a DT run that pushes someone down to us.

I think we go DT with Harmon or Grant. I keep flip flopping on which one. But I don't think OT Simmons is out of the question either. Hard to say what the plan is with Walker or Morgan. Or anyone on the OLine for that matter. But if Jahdae Barron is there I don't see us passing on him.

 

[tynimiller]

Been thinking a lot on this and it is the hardest concept for many to comprehend it seems in my draft discussions, especially reflecting on Gute's drafts.

So the main issue Green Bay has more often than not found themselves in is the simple fact the funnel of the player pool always tightens down typically ahead of us....if you're in the top 10 your clear and evidence prospects you should be considering is much clearer...some years it bumps back some years it tightens down more. With less than 20 first round grades typical in many drafts...the target if you will gets bigger but that "bullseye" for a hit gets more elusive.

There for sure are going to be good players there when GB picks...and more than not Gute has been able to identify and draft NFL caliber guys...ranging from Wyatt to Savage to Stokes...all are NFL caliber guys...the issue is that phrase "first rounder" gets a lot of folks hung up and holds it against GMs often and will always make folks hold it against guys like Quay or Savage who just drafted on Day2 likely would be considered steals to a degree (this is fair btw...not saying it isn't). There will ALWAYS be in every single draft a handful of second rounders that hindsight illustrates should have been drafted before guys from 20-32nd in the first. Folks just simply fail to admit hindsight drives 90% of their criticism usually.

 

[Sanguine camper]

Picking in the deepest pool of talent doesn't seem to be a bad strategy. This year the DT class is rated high. Picking the second or third best DT at #23 may be comparable to picking the top rated DT in another year.

Weighing needs too heavily in the top 3 rounds IMO can be a fools errand. For one thing, needs on a football team can change overnight. Secondly, overweighing needs can lead to a situation opposite of the DT class where the talent pool could be low in a given year. That leads to reaching for players and drafting guys that would usually be selected in a lower round in a typical draft class.

I'm convinced that tight football games are won by having the most marquee players who "make a diiference". That's why I won't be disappointed if Gute passes on this year's lower ranked WR class in the 1rst or 2nd rounds and swims in the deep end of the pool.

 

[Dantés]

It's a funny year with opinions being all over the map.

I would disagree with 2 of your locks. Golden and Johnson. Maybe Warren as well. I think Golden will be available at our selection and we will pass on him. I think that there is a possibility that no WRs will be taken by our pick. I do think Hunter will be a CB with a few WR packages.

I imagine 5 or 6 players on your 20 could be available at our pick.

After the first 7 or 8 picks, the drop off from No. 10 to No. 30 is not as great as most years. As such, there could be an OT run and/or a DT run that pushes someone down to us.

I think we go DT with Harmon or Grant. I keep flip flopping on which one. But I don't think OT Simmons is out of the question either. Hard to say what the plan is with Walker or Morgan. Or anyone on the OLine for that matter. But if Jahdae Barron is there I don't see us passing on him.

Matt Miller claims there are rumors of GB being really invested in the top tackles. Would indicate Morgan is a guard for them and Walker is going to walk or get traded.

 

[tynimiller]

Matt Miller claims there are rumors of GB being really invested in the top tackles. Would indicate Morgan is a guard for them and Walker is going to walk or get traded.

I can confirm it is quite likely we see a top 100 tackle prospect picked...it isn't a massively heavy tackle draft with guys I think can come in year 1 though once you get past like Milum and/or Belton in third. Absolutely could be others that do it but my confidence really drops around that frame personally.

 

[tynimiller]

Matt Miller claims there are rumors of GB being really invested in the top tackles. Would indicate Morgan is a guard for them and Walker is going to walk or get traded.

I think there is a really strong possibility if the board falls a certain way we could absolutely see Gute add a tackle prospect and Walker and who knows maybe even Rhyan get traded before the deadline depending on other moves, drafts...Banks signing really opened up stuff for Gute and Co to let multiple people walk if they want (including Jenkins in the future potentially).

 

[Schultz]

It's a funny year with opinions being all over the map.

I would disagree with 2 of your locks. Golden and Johnson. Maybe Warren as well. I think Golden will be available at our selection and we will pass on him. I think that there is a possibility that no WRs will be taken by our pick. I do think Hunter will be a CB with a few WR packages.

I imagine 5 or 6 players on your 20 could be available at our pick.

After the first 7 or 8 picks, the drop off from No. 10 to No. 30 is not as great as most years. As such, there could be an OT run and/or a DT run that pushes someone down to us.

I think we go DT with Harmon or Grant. I keep flip flopping on which one. But I don't think OT Simmons is out of the question either. Hard to say what the plan is with Walker or Morgan. Or anyone on the OLine for that matter. But if Jahdae Barron is there I don't see us passing on him.

WR is interesting. LV at 6 needs a #1. Too early for a WR and IMO they go RB with Jeanty. Carolina at 8 is next. Again, too early, plus they drafted one last year with pick #32. I can see them trading down. 57)They have 2 early 4ths and 5ths which could allow them to trade up in the 2nd round. Dallas at 12 IMO will go either RB or WR. Let's say you are correct, and it is Hampton not Golden. Denver at 20, same thing IMO, RB or WR, whomever Dallas leaves on the board. At 22 LAC is a possibility, but not likely. This scenario only 1 WR in the 1st round (excluding GB). Possible 2ND rounders. LV at 37. DAL (44) or DEN (51). LAC (55). CAR (57) or sooner due to trade. IMO.

 

[Dantés]

I can confirm it is quite likely we see a top 100 tackle prospect picked...it isn't a massively heavy tackle draft with guys I think can come in year 1 though once you get past like Milum and/or Belton in third. Absolutely could be others that do it but my confidence really drops around that frame personally.

These are the guys who could be in play in the top 100 who I think profile like Packers:

-Kelvin Banks, Texas
-Josh Simmons, Ohio State
-Josh Conerly, Oregon
-Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
-Charles Grant, William & Mary
-Marcus Mbow, Purdue

I'm not saying other guys aren't good, but they don't fit the typical Packers' OL targets.

 

[tynimiller]

These are the guys who could be in play in the top 100 who I think profile like Packers:

-Kelvin Banks, Texas
-Josh Simmons, Ohio State
-Josh Conerly, Oregon
-Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
-Charles Grant, William & Mary
-Marcus Mbow, Purdue

I'm not saying other guys aren't good, but they don't fit the typical Packers' OL targets.

You just lower on Wyatt from WV or do you see him as a guard? He fits a ton of Packer type traits.

Honestly if Conerly is there at 23 I don’t even need to know who else is for me to embrace the pick.

 

[Dantés]

You just lower on Wyatt from WV or do you see him as a guard? He fits a ton of Packer type traits.

Honestly if Conerly is there at 23 I don’t even need to know who else is for me to embrace the pick.

I don't personally like offensive lineman who are both tall and short-armed. The height makes it difficult, though not impossible, to thrive on the interior, while the length deficiency makes it difficult, though not impossible, to thrive on the outside.

But the main reason I didn't list him is that I don't believe Gutekunst has drafted an OL who is over 6060. I don't think he likes spending higher picks on guys that tall because of the threat it is to their versatility.

What is it that you love about Conerly and why do you think consensus has him in the late 30's?

 

[tynimiller]

I don't personally like offensive lineman who are both tall and short-armed. The height makes it difficult, though not impossible, to thrive on the interior, while the length deficiency makes it difficult, though not impossible, to thrive on the outside.

But the main reason I didn't list him is that I don't believe Gutekunst has drafted an OL who is over 6060. I don't think he likes spending higher picks on guys that tall because of the threat it is to their versatility.

What is it that you love about Conerly and why do you think consensus has him in the late 30's?

Correct he's taken a couple right at it but never over in his time. He's brought in some UDFAs but not drafted.

For me there hasn't been another Tackle with the consistent movement and technique skills over and over and over it seems every snap I watched. His reps against Ohio State and all they sent at him was incredible (BOTH GAMES) if looking for specific games. His jump set and footwork IMO gives him far more ability to adapt and handle any attack plan or angle a defender takes....and he ever so rarely gets out over himself and gets beat, his ability to stay sunk while mirroring makes him very hard to beat with both power or finesse/speed moves.

His only issue arguably is there isn't that edge in run blocking...he is not one to ever push a guys face into the dirt, he controls his blocks though - just isn't an aggressive blocker like say Anthony Belton who needs a lot more finesse and softness to his reps at times but is violent.

In truth I don't understand why he isn't higher up the consensus board, especially in an arguably lower level OT class.

 

[Dantés]

Here's a way to think about the ideal pick in round 1.

Of the key needs (both immediate and with 2026 in mind), which one sees the steepest drop-off between #23 and day 2?

For the sake of argument, agree with me that the big needs on the team are, in no particular order, WR, OT, DT, and DE.

Here's how I'm thinking about these spots in terms of drop-off:

1. WR: I think the least significant drop-off comes at WR. I really like McMillan, Golden, Egbuka, Burden, etc., but I think Higgins, Royals, Bech, and Ayomanor are pretty close but will come at a discount. Higgins may end up in round 1 when it's all said and done-- I have no idea why he isn't considered on a level with some of the day 1 types.

2. DT: On day one, you have Kenneth Grant, but on day 2 there's going to be a Jamaree Caldwell (another mammoth man who moves really well. On day one, you have Derrick Harmon, but on day 2 there's Alfred Collins and Deone Walker (stout guys with freaky length). On day one (maybe), you have Tyleik Williams, who has a lot of pop in his hands and can stack/shed, but on day 2 there's Josh Farmer who is a decent facsimile.

3. DE: I really, really love some of the edge prospects that project to be there at #23, but there is no denying that the depth of this class is going to push some good talent into round 2. Landon Jackson, Jackson Sawyer, Jordan Burch, Bradyn Swinson, Princely Umanmielen and I could go on.

4. OT: Here's where I see the steep drop. Let's say that Banks, Simmons, and Conerly are in play for pick #23. I really struggle to see anyone who comes close to any of those guys on day 2. Ersery, Williams, Belton, Trapilo don't really fit the Packer profile. Milum is length-deficient, but his height makes the safety net of moving inside questionable. Mbow is also short-armed and doesn't seem to fit the power-profile that they've been targeting lately. Donovan Jackson could be a fit, but I would be shocked if he made it to #54.

So from this perspective, IF I'm right and the Packers have fairly similar priority on these three positions, it would make the most sense to take the tackle first if he's on the board.

Banks, Simmons, and Conerly all fit the Packers type. Simmons' injury in October was a torn patellar tendon, which is not a straightforward proposition. So whether they're comfortable with him will be impossible to say.

 

[Dantés]

Correct he's taken a couple right at it but never over in his time. He's brought in some UDFAs but not drafted.

For me there hasn't been another Tackle with the consistent movement and technique skills over and over and over it seems every snap I watched. His reps against Ohio State and all they sent at him was incredible (BOTH GAMES) if looking for specific games. His jump set and footwork IMO gives him far more ability to adapt and handle any attack plan or angle a defender takes....and he ever so rarely gets out over himself and gets beat, his ability to stay sunk while mirroring makes him very hard to beat with both power or finesse/speed moves.

His only issue arguably is there isn't that edge in run blocking...he is not one to ever push a guys face into the dirt, he controls his blocks though - just isn't an aggressive blocker like say Anthony Belton who needs a lot more finesse and softness to his reps at times but is violent.

In truth I don't understand why he isn't higher up the consensus board, especially in an arguably lower level OT class.

I would say the Senior Bowl also revealed that his anchor needs to come along too.

 

[gopkrs]

Here's a way to think about the ideal pick in round 1.

Of the key needs (both immediate and with 2026 in mind), which one sees the steepest drop-off between #23 and day 2?

For the sake of argument, agree with me that the big needs on the team are, in no particular order, WR, OT, DT, and DE.

Here's how I'm thinking about these spots in terms of drop-off:

1. WR: I think the least significant drop-off comes at WR. I really like McMillan, Golden, Egbuka, Burden, etc., but I think Higgins, Royals, Bech, and Ayomanor are pretty close but will come at a discount. Higgins may end up in round 1 when it's all said and done-- I have no idea why he isn't considered on a level with some of the day 1 types.

2. DT: On day one, you have Kenneth Grant, but on day 2 there's going to be a Jamaree Caldwell (another mammoth man who moves really well. On day one, you have Derrick Harmon, but on day 2 there's Alfred Collins and Deone Walker (stout guys with freaky length). On day one (maybe), you have Tyleik Williams, who has a lot of pop in his hands and can stack/shed, but on day 2 there's Josh Farmer who is a decent facsimile.

3. DE: I really, really love some of the edge prospects that project to be there at #23, but there is no denying that the depth of this class is going to push some good talent into round 2. Landon Jackson, Jackson Sawyer, Jordan Burch, Bradyn Swinson, Princely Umanmielen and I could go on.

4. OT: Here's where I see the steep drop. Let's say that Banks, Simmons, and Conerly are in play for pick #23. I really struggle to see anyone who comes close to any of those guys on day 2. Ersery, Williams, Belton, Trapilo don't really fit the Packer profile. Milum is length-deficient, but his height makes the safety net of moving inside questionable. Mbow is also short-armed and doesn't seem to fit the power-profile that they've been targeting lately. Donovan Jackson could be a fit, but I would be shocked if he made it to #54.

So from this perspective, IF I'm right and the Packers have fairly similar priority on these three positions, it would make the most sense to take the tackle first if he's on the board.

Banks, Simmons, and Conerly all fit the Packers type. Simmons' injury in October was a torn patellar tendon, which is not a straightforward proposition. So whether they're comfortable with him will be impossible to say.

The oniy problem I see with your logic is that you have 4 needs. No matter what, you are looking at 2 of them being 3rd and 4th rounders if we take those positions first. But I don't mind going OT if the player is still there at 23.

 

[Dantés]

The oniy problem I see with your logic is that you have 4 needs. No matter what, you are looking at 2 of them being 3rd and 4th rounders if we take those positions first. But I don't mind going OT if the player is still there at 23.

Yeah, that’s true. Inevitably, some needs are going to be addressed later. But that’s ok because they don’t need an immediate starter anywhere. If they end up waiting until round 4 to take a receiver, they already have Doubs, Reed, and Wicks. If at DT, they have Clark, Wyatt, and Brooks. If at DE, they have four playable guys.

This is just my speculation, but here are a few things I am suspecting:

1. I think they see coaching as a bigger problem on the DL than talent. I won’t be mad in the least if they take DL in round one, but I also won’t be surprised if they wait until day 3.

2. I think that they need a run specialist at DT, which doesn’t require premium draft capital. Drafting 2 but both on day 3 wouldn’t shock me.

3. I think they plan to play Morgan at guard and allow Walker to move on after this season. They’re paying Jenkins and Banks. They’re going to pay Tom. So I think the plan will be to get on rookie deals at the other two spots.

4. I think CB will be a day 3 priority. If you consider Bullard a slot, they have their top 4 guys already. And none of them are likely to be gone in 2026.

5. I think they really like Brenton Cox. Trading Preston yielded very little in cap space or draft capital. The main thing it did was get Cox on the field more, and he paid that off.

 

[gopkrs]

Yeah, that’s true. Inevitably, some needs are going to be addressed later. But that’s ok because they don’t need an immediate starter anywhere. If they end up waiting until round 4 to take a receiver, they already have Doubs, Reed, and Wicks. If at DT, they have Clark, Wyatt, and Brooks. If at DE, they have four playable guys.

This is just my speculation, but here are a few things I am suspecting:

1. I think they see coaching as a bigger problem on the DL than talent. I won’t be mad in the least if they take DL in round one, but I also won’t be surprised if they wait until day 3.

2. I think that they need a run specialist at DT, which doesn’t require premium draft capital. Drafting 2 but both on day 3 wouldn’t shock me.

3. I think they plan to play Morgan at guard and allow Walker to move on after this season. They’re paying Jenkins and Banks. They’re going to pay Tom. So I think the plan will be to get on rookie deals at the other two spots.

4. I think CB will be a day 3 priority. If you consider Bullard a slot, they have their top 4 guys already. And none of them are likely to be gone in 2026.

5. I think they really like Brenton Cox. Trading Preston yielded very little in cap space or draft capital. The main thing it did was get Cox on the field more, and he paid that off.

CB is a tough one in that like O line, it probably isn't deep in this draft. But also, from what I have read, there are only 3 worthy of a 1st round pick. So what happens if one of them is still there? Be tough to pass on. But there is always going to be the money problem at O line and not being able to pay them all. And that's a somewhat current problem with R tackle and if Jenkins doesn't really give us what we need at center.

 

[tynimiller]

I would say the Senior Bowl also revealed that his anchor needs to come along too.

His technique is there though so while it for sure isn’t starting NFL caliber I think his foundation to get there is set unlike many already.

 

[Schultz]

Great topic. Some thoughts. I have 5 needs by the way. Pick #23.

5. WR- I am not sold on any of them. If they have one of them not only rated higher than 23 but also better than any current player than go for it.
4. LT- I would have trouble passing on Banks or getting Conerly after a trade down.
3. Outside corner. -JA uncertainty, Hobbs being better in the slot are reasons to grab one. IMO neither Barron or Johnson will be there. None of the other guys are 23 pick IMO.
2. DE/Edge- Plenty of talent at 23 and in later rounds. It seemed to me that Hafley prioritized containment over pressure last season. Definitely against mobile QBs. So..................
1. DT- IMO a Hafley D needs inside pressure. I love Harmon for this, but Grant being a 1technique guy pulls him into a virtual tie for me. IMO.