Roster Needs (If They Run it Back)

[Dantés]

If the Packers do indeed run it all back in 2022, and keep the band together, then what positions should they be paying most attention to in the draft?

I'm talking about a scenario where everyone is on the roster next season, except maybe Za'Darius.

So Rodgers, Adams, Campbell, Douglas, Tonyan, MVS (Rodgers seems to really love him) are all back. Where do they need help?

Defensive Line: Clark is a stud. Lowry had a bounceback year, but that shouldn't be counted on as a new normal. Keke is gone. Slaton was promising as a rookie, but also should not be counted upon. Lancaster probably gets replaced by Heflin. So I think this would be #1 with a bullet. For what it's worth, Jeremiah has 5 iDL ranked in his top 50; they are Jordan Davis (16th, UGA), Phidarian Mathis (37th, UA), Devonte Wyatt (38th, UGA), DeMarvin Leal (44th, TAMU), and Logan Hall (49th, Houston).

Edge: In this scenario, the starters would be set with Smith and Gary, but the depth was an issue in 2021. Garvin looks like a guy who will stick around, but they need more given how much they like to spell guys. This is supposed to be a deep class. Jeremiah has 7 ED in his top 50; Aidan Hutchinson (1st, UM), Kayvon Thibodeaux (6th, OR), George Karlaftis (14th, PUR), Travon Walker (15th, UGA), Jermaine Johnson (20th, FSU), David Ojabo (21st, UM), and Arnold Ebiketie (24th, PSU).

Wide Receiver: The Packers could still use that more reliable pass catcher who can get open against man coverage to complement Adams. Lazard brings a lot as a blocker and can be schemed open, MVS is a good vertical target, and Adams is obviously all world. But what about a chain mover who can get themselves open? Cobb brought some of that while healthy. I didn't see anything encouraging from Amari Rodgers in his rookie year. He looked slow. Jeremiah's receivers: 7- Garrett Wilson (9th, OSU), Drake London (10th, USC), Treylon Burks (11th, ARK), Chris Olave (26th, OSU), Jahan Doston (27th, PSU), Jameson Williams (30th, UA), and Jalen Tolbert (43rd, SAU).

Bonus- Tight End: If "running it back" doesn't mean keeping Tonyan, or if he isn't right, then a TE would be way up the list. This class is billed as being good/deep, but without an elite option.

 

[OldSchool101]

Day 1 WR
I know this is high, but we’re picking later and we could trade back into opening day 2 and wait of nobody is just quite worthy of pick #28. Having another high grade receiver option is huge. Look what Brady had and how it affected their success. I’d like Rodgers to have 2 strong targets again. We need a true #2 type to be an understudy to an elite #1.

2nd DT
Once again, pairing Kenny with a young up n coming could pay huge dividends by getting pressure from the interior in tandem with 2 very good Edge players.

3rd Edge
We need to develop the next positional overlap at Edge rusher. In the meantime we could use another option behind Rashan and Preston

4th TE
Just need more juice in that group. Could go after a prepping a successor if Tonyan is gone.

4th (Comp for Linsley) OL
I could see us building off a really substantial starting 4 by going after another interior Mauler who can win 1 on 1’s regularly. The coupling of Bak, Jenkins, Myers, <insert>, Turner (if he’s restructured short term) could be formidable. Also If possibly I like having Yosh as my backup Swing and Patrick as my primary backup C (or guard if we get thin again).
Having stiff competition at those OG spots gives us a good shot at lifting the RG spot more and another Avenue until Jenkins is 100%.
That, Coupled with A 1-2-3-4 Jones-Dillon-Taylor-Hill, is substantial. If our Run blocking gets an upgrade we should see a substantial spike in ground production in 2022.

5-7th
I’d like to see a alternative at K in there if one falls in our lap. Also I’d go after a Proven and experienced young KR to fill out ST and keep Khylin in our Offensive plans. He’s probably a strong #3 when healthy.

 

[Dantés]

One of the most desperate needs on the roster is for a reliable (and maybe even dangerous) punt returner. Who are the accomplished guys in this class?

-Kyle Philips, WR, UCLA: 26 PR, 496, 2 TD, 19.0 YPR
-Calvin Austin III, WR, MEM: 29 PR, 323, 2 TD, 11.1 YPR
-Jahan Dotson, WR, PSU: 25 PR, 338 yards, 1 TD, 13.5 YPR
-Romeo Doubs, WR, NEV: 37 PR, 463 yards, 1 TD, 12.5 YPR
-Velus Jones, WR, TEN: 18 PR, 272 yards, 15.1 YPR
-Khalil Shakir, WR, BSU: 24 PR, 180 yards, 7.5 YPR

 

[tynimiller]

One of the most desperate needs on the roster is for a reliable (and maybe even dangerous) punt returner. Who are the accomplished guys in this class?

-Kyle Philips, WR, UCLA: 26 PR, 496, 2 TD, 19.0 YPR
-Calvin Austin III, WR, MEM: 29 PR, 323, 2 TD, 11.1 YPR
-Jahan Dotson, WR, PSU: 25 PR, 338 yards, 1 TD, 13.5 YPR
-Romeo Doubs, WR, NEV: 37 PR, 463 yards, 1 TD, 12.5 YPR
-Velus Jones, WR, TEN: 18 PR, 272 yards, 15.1 YPR
-Khalil Shakir, WR, BSU: 24 PR, 180 yards, 7.5 YPR

Marcus Jones:
2021 - 26 PR, 374 Yards, 2 TDs
TOTAL College - 65 PRs, 875 Yards, 3 TDs

 

[tynimiller]

BUT Check out his Kickoff Return stats:

2021 - 15 Attempts, 510 yards, 2 TDs
College Career - 72 attempts, 2,075 yards and 6 TDs

 

[Dantés]

Marcus Jones:
2021 - 26 PR, 374 Yards, 2 TDs
TOTAL College - 65 PRs, 875 Yards, 3 TDs

Nice. Hadn't gotten beyond WR's yet.

 

[tynimiller]

Nice. Hadn't gotten beyond WR's yet.

The kicker with Marcus is that he is excellently skilled in slot coverage, plays with a chip on his shoulder...

The catch and it is BIG (pun intended) is that chip sets shorter than the others in the field at 5'8' - but a guy that has amazing physical skills albeit in a small package like Jones doesn't come along much. Honestly, I could even see him beyond his ST offerings, and depth CB (I think can start in slot)...I also wonder if he gets look at that motion role Ervin used to offer us given he has played some offense at Houston even.

 

[PikeBadger]

BUT Check out his Kickoff Return stats:

2021 - 15 Attempts, 510 yards, 2 TDs
College Career - 72 attempts, 2,075 yards and 6 TDs

Excellent fill for what we need in multiple areas. Definitely worth one of the 11 picks imo if he's a decent fit with the intangibles.
What is his strength and weight?

 

[tynimiller]

Excellent fill for what we need in multiple areas. Definitely worth one of the 11 picks imo if he's a decent fit with the intangibles.
What is his strength and weight?

Look him up, he's pretty rocked for a little guy at 5'8' filling out to 174lbs. For reference John Metchie the one WR from Bama is 5'11' and weighs 187 or Jameson Williams is 6'1' and weighs a piddly 179. FTR He will most likely be gone by our 3rd round pick - he is that electric.

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[Dantés]

Given that the Packers are running it back, instant impact should be a priority in the draft, but they also need to look ahead to next off-season.

Next off-season, the following will be FA's:

-Jaire Alexander
-Elgton Jenkins
-Adrian Amos
-Dean Lowry
-Mason Crosby
-Robert Tonyan
-Yosh Nijman
-Allen Lazard
-Marcedes Lewis
-Jarran Reed
-Randall Cobb
-Ty Summers

Which will leave the depth chart of guys under contract looking like this:

-QB: Rodgers, Love
-RB: Jones, Dillon, Hill
-TE: Deguara, Dafney
-WR: Rodgers
-OT: Bakhtiari, Jenkins*
-iOL: Myers, Runyan, Newman
-iDL: Clark, Slaton
-ED: Smith, Gary, Garvin
-LB: Campbell, Barnes, McDuffie
-CB: Alexander*, Stokes, Douglas, Jean-Charles
-S: Savage, Scott

I would expect that Alexander and Jenkins are major priorities for them, so I've inked them in, but given the cap situation I would not be surprised if everyone else walked.

That would leave them OK as far as starters go at QB, RB, OL, ED, LB, and CB (depth is an ongoing need everywhere on a roster, obviously).

But they would be crazy thin at WR, TE, and S.

 

[tynimiller]

But they would be crazy thin at WR, TE, and S.

Appreciate someone else not ignoring future altogether like many - this is one reason I still think S is quite the need for us in this draft and a TE will be drafted for sure - of course we know WR is having to be addressed and a pick or picks will occur.

 

[Snoops]

Jelani woods would be punishing if he there in round 2 he is huge is the hype real tho? Safety is a huge priority as well. I think Green Bay is gonna go OL EDGE DL WR first four picks or move up and take someone as well too. I think drake London and Alec pierce are gonna be there guy. Which I’m not thrilled about

 

[Dantés]

I've seen a lot of chatter that the Packers could/should draft an heir apparent to Lewis in this draft. I'd be totally on board with that, but I think that idea buries the lede a little bit. F tight ends are much more difficult to replace than blocking specialists. Tonyan might need to be limited or out to start the season. If he's bad in 2022, they will want to replace him, and if he's good they likely can't afford him. So a guy with those receiving skills to help out in 2022 and then take over in 2023 would make a lot of sense.

 

[tynimiller]

Jelani woods would be punishing if he there in round 2 he is huge is the hype real tho? Safety is a huge priority as well. I think Green Bay is gonna go OL EDGE DL WR first four picks or move up and take someone as well too. I think drake London and Alec pierce are gonna be there guy. Which I’m not thrilled about

Jelani will be there in round 2. I had him like many graded around a 4th...he's now flirting with being one of the first 6 or so TEs off the board.

While many say the TE group is deep, many agree there isn't that knockout homerun guy and some say it could be late second before we even see the top two Isaiah Likely and Trey McBride come off the board.

Few other heir potentials for that Lewis role in our offense, that in line blocking TE that can produce when called on in the passing game (Big Dog used to be more that than now of course)...

Jenani already mentioned...but few others:

Jeremy Ruckert from OSU is my favorite all around and ready to roll TE. Slightly lower ceiling but this dude is rock solid floor and if needed I don't doubt could come in and start for a team, his low ceiling for being a massive offensive weapon is the only reason he isn't one of the first - however checkout his efficiency in yards production and TDs per target in college and you're mouth will drop.

Ferguson from Wisconsin is another inline red zone type threat guy ready from the blocking side of things now.

Daniel Bellinger from San Diego State and Charlie Kolar are my two favorite Day 3 types that have had excellent offensive production, high motor willing to block but not refined yet, but both sport a frame to build bigger on and in year two or three really start hitting their stride for GB.

 

[tynimiller]

I've seen a lot of chatter that the Packers could/should draft an heir apparent to Lewis in this draft. I'd be totally on board with that, but I think that idea buries the lede a little bit. F tight ends are much more difficult to replace than blocking specialists. Tonyan might need to be limited or out to start the season. If he's bad in 2022, they will want to replace him, and if he's good they likely can't afford him. So a guy with those receiving skills to help out in 2022 and then take over in 2023 would make a lot of sense.

If wanting that receiving type I love the UCLA prospect Dulcich

A RAS of 8.17 (his cone and broad are exceptional)
4.69 forty (1.62 10 yard split showcasing how quick he is for a TE)
6'4' 243lb frame
A younger than many prospect as we've discussed
2020 put up 517 yards on just 26 receptions, 5 TDs and averaged 19.9 YPC
2021 he put up 725 yards on just 42 receptions, 5 TDs and a 17.3 YPC

I suspect if we want him and we don't trade at all he will need taken with our 3rd or better as I don't think he falls deep into the 4th personally.

 

[Dantés]

If wanting that receiving type I love the UCLA prospect Dulcich

A RAS of 8.17 (his cone and broad are exceptional)
4.69 forty (1.62 10 yard split showcasing how quick he is for a TE)
6'4' 243lb frame
A younger than many prospect as we've discussed
2020 put up 517 yards on just 26 receptions, 5 TDs and averaged 19.9 YPC
2021 he put up 725 yards on just 42 receptions, 5 TDs and a 17.3 YPC

I suspect if we want him and we don't trade at all he will need taken with our 3rd or better as I don't think he falls deep into the 4th personally.

Given that everyone in this offense has to block, I wonder if they were be more interested in a Trey McBride or Jeremy Ruckert.

 

[tynimiller]

Given that everyone in this offense has to block, I wonder if they were be more interested in a Trey McBride or Jeremy Ruckert.

Ruckert is my #1 TE fit for GB and has been for some time I would LOVE THAT. McBride has the frame and strength to block, but I feel like he hasn't proven it - so I'd trust Gute and Co to know is it merely a teachable technique and to grab him or are we better going for the slightly lessor offensive weapon in a Ruckert type.

 

[Dantés]

Ruckert is my #1 TE fit for GB and has been for some time I would LOVE THAT. McBride has the frame and strength to block, but I feel like he hasn't proven it - so I'd trust Gute and Co to know is it merely a teachable technique and to grab him or are we better going for the slightly lessor offensive weapon in a Ruckert type.

I haven't done a deep dive on these tight ends, but from what I read, McBride is a capable blocker, especially for his role as an F.

 

[tynimiller]

I haven't done a deep dive on these tight ends, but from what I read, McBride is a capable blocker, especially for his role as an F.

For sure I'm grading him relative to a guy more like Ruckert he isn't there as much - however as a guy that is clearly more a receiving threat than many TE he is towards the tops of that list if ranking by blocking. That is one reason why I loved Jelani before he started blowing up due to measurables at the combine proving what his tape showed. I was always hoping and thinking chance he could be there in the 4th round or so - but it seems most teams really took notice of him that didn't before now.

 

[OldSchool101]

I've seen a lot of chatter that the Packers could/should draft an heir apparent to Lewis in this draft. I'd be totally on board with that, but I think that idea buries the lede a little bit. F tight ends are much more difficult to replace than blocking specialists. Tonyan might need to be limited or out to start the season. If he's bad in 2022, they will want to replace him, and if he's good they likely can't afford him. So a guy with those receiving skills to help out in 2022 and then take over in 2023 would make a lot of sense.

There should be a nice grouping of TE’s without using our 1st four selections. Isaiah Likely is my personal favorite as someone who could contribute to the passing game as a Rook at this level.

Coastal Carolina represented the Sun Belt well. Isaiah Likely played his part in helping his team to an 11-2 record and their 1st ever Bowl victory. While they are a lower ranked Conference, they are on the rise. I’m hoping that helps him to slide into that late Day 2-earlier Day 3 area. I’ve seen some mocks at Round 5, that would be an absolute gift to get him using a 4th. I think he’ll be more productive then Richard Rodgers and we took him at #98 (another projected 5th)

 

[tynimiller]

Isaiah actually blocks with better technique IMO than McBride and is the argument between the two of the top TEs for me to position him on my overall board as TE1 and McBride TE2 - both of them though I think to assure getting a team will have to spend a 2nd rounder on and I just don't know if I feel they're that much better than the tier that has Ruckert, Woods and such...

 

[tynimiller]

Since we are on the topic...here's my overall TE board -

TE1 Isaiah Likely
TE2 Trey McBride
TE3 Jeremy Ruckert
TE4 Greg Dulcich
TE5 Cade Otton
TE6 Jake Ferguson
TE7 Jelani Woods
TE8 Charlie Kolar
TE9 Daniel Bellinger
TE10 Chigoziem Okonkwo

*Wildcard is Jalen Wydermyer for me. I once thought purely from production and limited highlights I'd watched that he as a top 5 TE....dude is slower than mud, and doesn't seem to have the best drive to block either. He is highly productive however and seems educated in finding soft spots in zone coverage however.

others I like that missed the top 10 IMO are Cole Turner and James Mitchell

 

[OldSchool101]

Isaiah actually blocks with better technique IMO than McBride and is the argument between the two of the top TEs for me to position him on my overall board as TE1 and McBride TE2 - both of them though I think to assure getting a team will have to spend a 2nd rounder on and I just don't know if I feel they're that much better than the tier that has Ruckert, Woods and such...

See that’s interesting about blocking because I’m seeing that bweakness was blocking (converted WR)

 

[tynimiller]

See that’s interesting about blocking because I’m seeing that bweakness was blocking (converted WR)

Better technique and motor doesn't always translate into a better pure blocker however. I see more growth possibility there for Likely vs McBride personally. It's splitting hairs thoguh between the two and I don't think there is much out there to truly separate the two IMO - I however toss the edge to Likely.

 

[OldSchool101]

Isaiah actually blocks with better technique IMO than McBride and is the argument between the two of the top TEs for me to position him on my overall board as TE1 and McBride TE2 - both of them though I think to assure getting a team will have to spend a 2nd rounder on and I just don't know if I feel they're that much better than the tier that has Ruckert, Woods and such...

See that’s interesting about blocking because I’m seeing that being a general weakness for Likely because of his limited usage there. Maybe not enough to be a huge concern, just needs refinement (converted WR)

It’s hard to say, but I think just the Conference alone pushes him into the 3rd Round, maybe not to #92, but who’s to say if he breaks past the top #75 we would’ve trade up slightly to ****** him.
I have Likely in the mid-late area Round 3. I don’t think he’s refined enough for a top #64 selection. Again it’s Anyones guess I’m no expert, but it’s true a player is worth what someone is willing to pay, that includes draft capital.

I’ll be happy with a TE before Rd 5