First Round Prospect Discussions Specifically

[Heyjoe4]

He played at Texas one season...so he hasn't really seen high level competition for long at all.

He's young too folks...a trait lot rarer now due to covid and NIL money.

Yeah it is important to remember that he played one (generously) good season at Texas. Golden Seemed like the BPA and a guy who filled a need at #23. Higgins looks really good but he was too risky as a first round pick. It will be interesting to see where he ends up getting drafted. Probably round 2 or early 3.

 

[Magooch]

Wasn't sure if we had a thread going for remaining prospects or not, so...figured this was an okay place. Many are still "first round prospects" anyways.

So, how about a look at some guys who were frequently mocked in the first round who made it into the second round (at least). Wonder if any of them will be realistic targets for us?
In parentheses you have their consensus big board ranking

Will Johnson, CB, Michigan (13)
Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall (17)
Nick Emmanwori, S, SC (29)
Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, BC (30)
Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss (38)
Shavon Revel, CB, ECU (42)

Looking beyond that, here are some of the guys we had in for a Top-30 visit who are still available, along with their big board ranking, too.
Most of them at this point will likely be day three or beyond, but maybe a couple of day two prospects there.

Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss (38)
Shavon Revel, CB, ECU (42)
TJ Sanders, DL/DT, SC (56)
Jordan Burch, EDGE, Oregon (71)
Anthony Belton, OT, NC State (95)
Tai Felton, WR, Maryland (126)
Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas (134)
Elijah Roberts, EDGE, SMU (141)
Jason Marshall, CB, Florida (227)
Esa Pole, OT, Washington State (258)
John Williams, OT, Cincinnati (289)
Jacob Bayer, OC, Arkansas State (337)
Dalton Cooper, OT, Oklahoma State (342)
Micah Robinson, CB, Tulane (NR)

 

[Heyjoe4]

Wasn't sure if we had a thread going for remaining prospects or not, so...figured this was an okay place. Many are still "first round prospects" anyways.

So, how about a look at some guys who were frequently mocked in the first round who made it into the second round (at least). Wonder if any of them will be realistic targets for us?
In parentheses you have their consensus big board ranking

Will Johnson, CB, Michigan (13)
Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall (17)
Nick Emmanwori, S, SC (29)
Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, BC (30)
Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss (38)
Shavon Revel, CB, ECU (42)

Looking beyond that, here are some of the guys we had in for a Top-30 visit who are still available, along with their big board ranking, too.
Most of them at this point will likely be day three or beyond, but maybe a couple of day two prospects there.

Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss (38)
Shavon Revel, CB, ECU (42)
TJ Sanders, DL/DT, SC (56)
Jordan Burch, EDGE, Oregon (71)
Anthony Belton, OT, NC State (95)
Tai Felton, WR, Maryland (126)
Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas (134)
Elijah Roberts, EDGE, SMU (141)
Jason Marshall, CB, Florida (227)
Esa Pole, OT, Washington State (258)
John Williams, OT, Cincinnati (289)
Jacob Bayer, OC, Arkansas State (337)
Dalton Cooper, OT, Oklahoma State (342)
Micah Robinson, CB, Tulane (NR)

Thanks Magooch. Interesting stuff. I didn't realize that the group of six you list represents guys yet to be drafted. I like Johnson and Green and thought they would be off the board by now. More surprises await us I suppose.

The only drama yesterday was the Jags' expensive trade-up to get Hunter, and Dallas drafting a guy at #12 who was mocked to them at least once in round 2.

 

[Dantés]

Some thoughts on round 1 around the league:

-The Jaguars move was, imo, one of the dumbest things I have ever seen a team do in the draft. The ONLY way that the trade works out is if Hunter becomes a pro bowl caliber, full time player on both sides of the ball. I don't see that happening.

-I really like Colston Loveland as a prospect, but taking a TE at #10 is STOOOOOPID and I'm glad that the Bears did that.

-I liked the Falcons approach to double down on pass rushers, but I don't like either prospect and I hate that they gave up a future 1st rounder to get it done. This is especially true because there are still so many talented edge players on the board-- they could have waited or traded far less to move up today and still get a great second rusher.

-I actually like the pick of Hampton to the Chargers. Jeanty has overshadowed him, but he is close to a blue chip prospect. They had other pressing needs, but I love it when a team knows who they are and leans into that identity.

-The Vikings taking Jackson is a pretty low-impact move. From what I read about him prior to the draft, most OL aficionados were not in love.

-Tyleik Williams is a solid pick, but I am happy that the Lions didn't land a great pass rusher-- that would be way more dangerous.

 

[gopkrs]

Golden has to improve mightedly on two for me personally - his blocking ability...if he wants to stay on the field he has gotta illustrate a willingness to take this role serious, honestly MVS is a prime example of a guy that likely stayed on the field despite struggles because he became a legit willing and skilled blocker.

I don't care if he ever is a great blocker. Sure, he can put his body in the way when he has to but I don't believe that blocking is why he'll be good for us or that it is necessary. I honestly think that LaFleur has put too much emphasis on receivers blocking. If he is an excellent receiver; that is enough for me to have him on the field. I guess MVS is a good example.

 

[tynimiller]

-I liked the Falcons approach to double down on pass rushers, but I don't like either prospect and I hate that they gave up a future 1st rounder to get it done. This is especially true because there are still so many talented edge players on the board-- they could have waited or traded far less to move up today and still get a great second rusher.

Not to mention they already I think had the fewest picks in this draft....and they just depleted it further...morons.

BUT once we get to their two picks at #101 and #118 I bet they might be willing to deal a little better than normal given they have literally those two picks and 218....and that is IT.

 

[DoURant]

Not sure if it's been mentioned, but Derrick Harmon's mother, who had been on life support, passed after Harmon was drafted.

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[Pkrjones]

So sad. Also read that he used his N.I.L. $ to buy her a handicap accessible van to get around prior to being hospitalized. Sounds like a really good guy with his priorities in line.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Agreed. Golden was drafted for his speed and his hands. Sticking with the MVS example, MVS was a good blocker with questionable hands. Golden will develop blocking skills in the NFL, or he won't. For an otherwise talented WR, I certainly wouldn't pass on him because he didn't block much in college.

 

[Curly Calhoun]

Agreed. Golden was drafted for his speed and his hands. Sticking with the MVS example, MVS was a good blocker with questionable hands. Golden will develop blocking skills in the NFL, or he won't. For an otherwise talented WR, I certainly wouldn't pass on him because he didn't block much in college.

I don't recall Greg Jennings or Jordy Nelson being particularly great blockers. Still, they managed to have pretty solid NFL careers.

 

[tynimiller]

I dom


I don't recall Greg Jennings or Jordy Nelson being particularly great blockers. Still, they managed to have pretty solid NFL careers.

Jordy absolutely was a willing blocker, for a WR he was solid

 

[Heyjoe4]

I dom


I don't recall Greg Jennings or Jordy Nelson being particularly great blockers. Still, they managed to have pretty solid NFL careers.

I don't remember Jennings and Nelson for their blocking skills. They caught a lot of passes, put up a lot of yards, and scored a lot of TDs.

I think Lazard was a decent blocker. He also never rose above a WR3 on the roster.

Blocking skill for a WR is not a qualifying or disqualifying factor. We'll know in three years, maybe less, what kind of WR Golden will be. I'm not gonna hold it against him at this point because he maybe didn't block well in college.

 

[Magooch]

personally my opinion is that it’s kind of a “cherry on top” trait. Certainly nice to have, and in some situations it is more important and or valued than others, BUT….

If you are an elite route runner, pass catcher, playmaker, etc… odds are that you won’t lose a job due to being a mediocre blocker

And if you can’t run routes, have brick hands, and are an average athlete… you probably won’t make a roster just for being a great blocker.

Of course if you have two players who are equal in every other way then sure, prioritize the better blocker. But that’s rarely the case. I guess my point is that IMO if Golden “makes it” or not, his blocking at WR isn’t going to be the decisive factor

 

[Heyjoe4]

personally my opinion is that it’s kind of a “cherry on top” trait. Certainly nice to have, and in some situations it is more important and or valued than others, BUT….

If you are an elite route runner, pass catcher, playmaker, etc… odds are that you won’t lose a job due to being a mediocre blocker

And if you can’t run routes, have brick hands, and are an average athlete… you probably won’t make a roster just for being a great blocker.

Of course if you have two players who are equal in every other way then sure, prioritize the better blocker. But that’s rarely the case. I guess my point is that IMO if Golden “makes it” or not, his blocking at WR isn’t going to be the decisive factor

That's a wrap! Well put Magooch.

 

[milani]

I don't remember Jennings and Nelson for their blocking skills. They caught a lot of passes, put up a lot of yards, and scored a lot of TDs.

I think Lazard was a decent blocker. He also never rose above a WR3 on the roster.

Blocking skill for a WR is not a qualifying or disqualifying factor. We'll know in three years, maybe less, what kind of WR Golden will be. I'm not gonna hold it against him at this point because he maybe didn't block well in college.

You hope more often than not that a wideout does not get called for holding or an " illegal " block. Or injured trying to block. Receivers initially can test their blocking ability on special teams.

 

[Heyjoe4]

You hope more often than not that a wideout does not get called for holding or an " illegal " block. Or injured trying to block. Receivers initially can test their blocking ability on special teams.

All good points. The receiver does need to be careful to not throw a pick at a defender. It doesn't happen a lot, but it can ruin a 3rd down attempt. The point being there's more to blocking that meets the eye.

Ty pointed out that Golden needs to improve his blocking skills at the next level. If that's the biggest rap on him, then Gluten may well have found a winner. Even so, and even for first-round guys, there is a lot to learn, and that includes unglamorous jobs like blocking and running decoy routes.

 

[milani]

All good points. The receiver does need to be careful to not throw a pick at a defender. It doesn't happen a lot, but it can ruin a 3rd down attempt. The point being there's more to blocking that meets the eye.

Ty pointed out that Golden needs to improve his blocking skills at the next level. If that's the biggest rap on him, then Gluten may well have found a winner. Even so, and even for first-round guys, there is a lot to learn, and that includes unglamorous jobs like booking and running decoy routes.

Our receivers have been so young the last 3 years. We had hoped to see maturity by now. I recall when Jennings, Jones, and Jordy reached years 2, 3, and 4 we saw fundamental growth. We need to see it now.

 

[AmishMafia]

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.

Damn! I said it was a difficult projection, but I hit 2 out of 2!

Please disregard the bit about passing on Golden though. I did think one of the DTs would be there and we go that route. In hindsight, I think it was Golden ahead of the DTs.

 

[OldSchool101]

I find it objectively hilarious that like three times I went through all these tendencies to narrow down the first down options for the Packers and then they took:

1) A wide receiver
2) Under 6', under 200 lbs
3) Without a full composite score
4) Who came in for a visit

LOL

Maybe Brian applied that old
“the definition of insanity?”



PS. Like I always say.. Sometimes you gotta step outside the Box to get a good ILB

 

[Heyjoe4]

Damn! I said it was a difficult projection, but I hit 2 out of 2!

Please disregard the bit about passing on Golden though. I did think one of the DTs would be there and we go that route. In hindsight, I think it was Golden ahead of the DTs.

I'm pretty sure Gluten was set to take a WR all along, if Golden or Equbka were sill there. If they were both gone, then I think he would have gone DT. Higgins would have been tempting, but a reach at #23 (he ended up going 11 picks later).

I think he got the best WR in the draft. Time will tell.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Maybe Brian applied that old
“the definition of insanity?”



PS. Like I always say.. Sometimes you gotta step outside the Box to get a good ILB

Good point on "the definition of insanity". And he went all in, with the first three picks on offense.

 

[OldSchool101]

Good point on "the definition of insanity". And he went all in, with the first three picks on offense.

Let me just say I initially had Golden on my Draft Contest. However my true guess was there was only a 20-30% chance Matthew Golden made #23 overall. I suspected he went in the Teens as the 2nd or 3rd WR overall. Rarely do those get to the 23rd selection. I truly thought Golden would get selected before Egbuka so I added Egbuka thinking Brian would treat us fans. It just makes sense it’s so rare you get to draft in GB.

 

[OldSchool101]

I still think Golden is both a better player and better fit for the Packers than Egbuka. Had Golden stayed his Senior year there was a 75% chance he surpasses the 1,000+ 10TD’s and a 51% chance he cracks 1,150+ 12TD’s area IMO. Either would’ve put him easy Top 10 area and untouchable for us.

Golden averaged over 100+ per game pace across his last 4 contests. These weren’t slouch teams he assaulted. He burned Georgia for 8 catches and 162 Yards in the Championship Game alone.
21.63 Yards per Reception across his last 4 contests.

Golden reminds me a little of a more refined version of McLaurin coming out of OSU. Both naturally Overshadowed by others at first, then risers end of their final season or into the Senior Bowl. That’s when I recall Scouts said he took a leap off his plateau.

Terry had 60 yards per game across his last 4 College contests at a remarkable 26.7 per catch.

 

[tynimiller]

I just hope my belief in Jayden Higgins like I had for Nico Collins was wrong…because then I’ll be okay with Golden more

 

[Heyjoe4]

Let me just say I initially had Golden on my Draft Contest. However my true guess was there was only a 20-30% chance Matthew Golden made #23 overall. I suspected he went in the Teens as the 2nd or 3rd WR overall. Rarely do those get to the 23rd selection. I truly thought Golden would get selected before Egbuka so I added Egbuka thinking Brian would treat us fans. It just makes sense it’s so rare you get to draft in GB.

A lot of mocks had him going to Dallas at #12. Dallas reached for an OL, and Equbka (sp?) was taken before Golden. He fell all the way to #23. I think he's the best WR in this draft, so that looks like a value pick. Of course, time will tell.

As for the draft contest, Golden is the only one I got right........