1.25 - Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
I'm well aware of the weight anomaly this would provide in the data, however, this is exactly the kind of pick Gute likes in the first and I'm willing to take that same risk. High upside, young, and could still be an immediate contributor. I've watched the tape between Nate, KA, and DeJean. I can't seem to get over the KA vs. Xavier tape where Xavier is just running away with the TD. Also because of this "limited" (obviously still a tremendous athlete) athletic upside I have a high 2nd round on him. There will only be more WR's like Xavier in the NFL and I don't know that KA will be as effective on an island at the next level. Nate can. He's got the speed, and for all of the criticism of his tackling, I actually like what I see. He seems to be an aggressive tackler and not afraid to deliver a hit. I also like that he talks trash and seems to have that same kinda swagger that Ja has - I think they'd be a sick pair of CB's. As he fills out a bit more and adds weight that will only improve. Lastly, as was pointed out in another forum, Packers haven't drafted many top picks that were Top-30 visits. This would also fit the bill.
My alternative here is Tyler Guyton (which is probably what actually happens). There's a good chance Nate is gone by 25 with Indy, Jags, Phily, and Cowgirls.
2.41 - Edg Cooper, LB, TX A&M
Top-30 Visit and a commonly mocked guy to the pack. I love watching this guy play. To me he's the top LB by an entire round. I'm not a fan of Wilson mostly due to his injury history. I have already pointed out that Cooper's RAS is not too dissimilar from Quay's but I think Coop's pro-readiness is superior, so grabbing him 30 spots lower is a huge win for us. One concern I've heard is that he is too similar to Quay and would be another Will LB, but Russ pointed out that Nick Barnett had a similar profile (long ago) and came in and took over as a Mike with no issues. Shall history repeat? To me he's more exciting that Colson but if you miss on Coop and grab Colson later, I would be too upset.
2.58 - Jaden Hicks, S Washington State
I was Cole Bishop all the way but the more I watch this guys tape the more I like it. Consensus shows him in the 3rd and I would love to grab him at 88, but every year there are a few picks where the packers "reach" (i.e. have their board significantly different from consensus) and this could be on of em. I'm not sure how much influence Hafley will have but if he is true to his word about wanting an aggressive defense, this guy will need to be on it. Not only is he an enforcer on the inside but I see flashes of him being able to cover, redirect big TE's, and play sideline-to-sideline. He's almost a linebacker but a safety range. He's also only 21 yrs old.
Another option here would be a trade back a bit if we could get another 3rd or 4th, but for simplicity sake I'll keep it as is. I think the value is there.
3.88 - Kiran Amegadije, OT, Yale
I considered trading up for a Benson (I really like him as RB 1, but ultimately decided sacrificing the 4th wasn't worth it). Kiran is one of my draft crushes. He's right on the edge with his weight of historical draft picks but I think he's within range (considering the packers have met with Mims and Guyton I think we're fine with his weight). He was unable to complete testing due to a quad injury. He allowed 1 sack as a freshman at RG before switching to LT. He allowed no sacks at LT for 2022 and 2023 prior to his injury. His 36+" arms are rare, and perfect for a dominant tackle and he's been noted for his work ethic. He's obviously intelligent and I would assume capable of being coached on some of his technique deficiencies. To me, this guy has the tools and potential to be a top tier tackle but will need some time to develop - which we can afford him given our situation on the OL. So he can be a depth piece and develop in year one, which should be perfect for him to succeed.
3.91 - Roger Rosengarten, OT, Washington
Whew, this was a hard one. There is a ton of guys I like right in this range but I ultimately had to go with the guy I think could have the most immediate impact. For the record, I don't think Gute would go back-to-back OL this early, but today I'm Gute, and I like the value. I think RR has the ability to be a day 1 starter (allowing Tom to kick inside where needed). In 2 years he allowed 0 sacks. He's only 21 years old and has a great RAS.
Other considerations/reasons not selected:
Dominick Puni/24 yrs old and RAS not as strong, more likely an interior guy
Austin Booker - I think this could be the Packers pick here. I have to imagine they feel more depth at Edge. I'm just not confident in the type of player profile Hafley will be looking for so I'm avoiding it for now.
Cole Bishop - Would love to double dip. I think Bishop is a free safety but would be a depth piece at this point for McKinney and there are other guys later we can target for depth.
Cedric Gray - Would love to have him with Cooper/Walker but again, would be a depth piece at this point.
Braelon Allen - Not sure if the Packers want to add more large body RB's or go with a change of pace, would likely compete for RB2 but not convinced of value here.
4.126 - Ben Sinnott, TE, Kansas State
Right on the edge of my "20%" rule. The boards had a discussion about adding another TE/FB type and this is the guy. I also think he has plenty of downfield potential too. I would love to add this last piece to the TE room such that we have 3 super capable guys and I also think MLF loves having his TE room full again after going so long without it.
5.151 - Will Shipley, RB, Clemson (Trade up with IND 5.169 & 6.202)
Shipley is about as close to AJones athletically as you can find, possibly even a little better. He'll offer a little different style to Jacobs and Dillon. I also believe I heard in a scouting report somewhere that he's an aggressive pass blocker, which will of course be valued.
6.219 - Kitan Oladapo, S, Oregon State
Ok, so I'm breaking my rules here by about 7%, so feel free to do the same. Things tend to get stretched this late in the draft. Top-30 visit and a great depth piece. I'd be unsurprised if the Packers take this guy in the 4th or 5th. We've talked plenty about him. Will spare you here
7.245 - Storm Duck, CB, Louisville
I haven't watched tape on this guy but his RAS is a 9.56 which tells me he's the perfect late round flyer that may have upside to be do something. Also he could bond with Ja about coming from Louisville, so that could be a good connection. I think someone else mentioned him because of his name so..here it is. I wanted late guys that can be groomed as potential started. Great size and athleticism for the spot, although he may be a purely outside guy as his agilities were meh, but his explosion was outstanding.
7.255 - Trente Jones, OL, Michigan
Likely an interior guy. He has played TR/LG and some LT, which matches the type of flexibility we like. He also has a respectable RAS and played at a top tier program. I expect he'd be a good depth piece and will be able to compete.
Other considerations: Ladarius Henderson / no testing data, injury?
Trevor Keegan - better RAS but has only started at LG, although demonstrating durability with 37 starts. A strong alternative.
This concludes the 2024 NFL draft.
Now that I've killed my entire morning, back to work.
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