With their 1st Pick in the 2018 NFL Draft the Packers select...

[Dantés]

He is too short LOL

I actually looked at Miller a few weeks ago and liked him. He has great body control and hands, can line up outside or in the slot and he definitely played well against some good teams. He should be there when the Packers pick in Round 2 and may even be available as late as the early 3rd round if we can trade up.

I go back and forth on where Miller belongs between the 2nd and 3rd. I’m sure the Packers have a good idea of where they like him. But regardless, he’s on the short list of receivers I’d like to leave this draft with. Ridley is #1. Miller might be #2.

 

[elcid]

Another hypothetical for you guys, since there is virtually no chance of it happening. Would you trade our first round pick for all of the picks owned in the second round by either the Colts or Browns?

Same scenario, now for New England's picks. If a QB prospect that BB loves slips and he is convinced that either Arizona, Baltimore or Los Angeles will nab him, he might be to tempted. If both James and Fitzpatrick are off the board, you have to make this trade imo. There's a good chance that you can pick up Landry/Carter and Jackson/Oliver/Alexander with these selections. Thoughts?

 

[Sunshinepacker]

I go back and forth on where Miller belongs between the 2nd and 3rd. I’m sure the Packers have a good idea of where they like him. But regardless, he’s on the short list of receivers I’d like to leave this draft with. Ridley is #1. Miller might be #2.

Ridley is 16 months older than Brandon Cooks. I mean, for a guy without elite athleticism that seems like it would be a major concern.

 

[brandon2348]

Ridley is 16 months older than Brandon Cooks. I mean, for a guy without elite athleticism that seems like it would be a major concern.

I've been saying he is "maxed out" for months now. Some GM is gonna get fired for drafting that guy in the 1st round watch. Its a total bust pick because he wont even have any size to lean on when all else fails.

Basically your gambling a 1st round pick that this guy can come in and run routes like Steve Largent. Its just ridiculous.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I'm not going to pretend to know alot about Ridley, but the few games I saw him play I wasn't overly impressed. The other interesting thing about the guy is his game stats. Seems like most of his "big yardage games" were against lessor opponents AND were aided by one big play. That is something he probably won't benefit from in the NFL as much, nor will he be playing on an Alabama Team that is up against the likes of Mercer. Not saying Alabama didn't play tough opponents, but Ridley was pretty quiet against most of those teams. I also do realize he didn't have much in the way of a quality passing QB throwing to him in Hurts. Watch out for Tua Tagovailoa, that guy looked really good!

http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3925357/calvin-ridley

 

[AmishMafia]

Here is my updated decision matrix for our 1st pick:

1. Bradely Chubb (flipped with Barkley)
2. Saquon Barkley
3. Tremain Edmunds
4. Derwin James
5. Quenton Nelson
6. Minkah Fitzpatrick (dropped from 3)
7. Denzel Ward. (added)

Trade Back (if value)

8. Josh Jackson
9. Davenport
10. Jaire Alexander (added)

Trade Back (more desperate)

11 Vita Vea
12 Roquon Smith (dropped injury red flag rumors)

Trade Back (there must be a top QB left and someone will be willing to pay)

Just follow down the list. The highest player on the list, gets picked. Trade back is where I would seriously start exploring trades. If I don't get the right value, then go down the list.

At this point I am sure there will be at least 4 other players (QBs, OT, surprise!) gone, so someone on this list 10 or above should be there.

 

[Sunshinepacker]

Here is my updated decision matrix for our 1st pick:

1. Bradely Chubb (flipped with Barkley)
2. Saquon Barkley
3. Tremain Edmunds
4. Derwin James
5. Quenton Nelson
6. Minkah Fitzpatrick (dropped from 3)
7. Denzel Ward. (added)

Trade Back (if value)

8. Josh Jackson
9. Davenport
10. Jaire Alexander (added)

Trade Back (more desperate)

11 Vita Vea
12 Roquon Smith (dropped injury red flag rumors)

Trade Back (there must be a top QB left and someone will be willing to pay)

Just follow down the list. The highest player on the list, gets picked. Trade back is where I would seriously start exploring trades. If I don't get the right value, then go down the list.

At this point I am sure there will be at least 4 other players (QBs, OT, surprise!) gone, so someone on this list 10 or above should be there.

Just curious why you don't have Landry or Hurst on this list? I'd have both those guys ahead of Chubb (as well as Derwin) but that's just me. You, however, don't even seem to have those two in your top-15 and I'm curious why.

 

[AmishMafia]

Just curious why you don't have Landry or Hurst on this list? I'd have both those guys ahead of Chubb (as well as Derwin) but that's just me. You, however, don't even seem to have those two in your top-15 and I'm curious why.

Landry I think will bust. He is a 1-dimensional player who will be a liability in the NFL. It is out there that he didnt give much effort in the run game. To me, that is a red flag. A few here will be quoting this and calling me an idiot, but oh well.

Hurst is an excellent player. Just think his best position is interior and I am fine with Clark there.

Ahead of Chubb? That is a thinking-out-of-the-box view. I think Vea will be dominant both inside and out. I like the attitude he brings - imagine a much bigger Daniel's. I think he can be a tone setter.

 

[Dantés]

I'm not going to pretend to know alot about Ridley, but the few games I saw him play I wasn't overly impressed. The other interesting thing about the guy is his game stats. Seems like most of his "big yardage games" were against lessor opponents AND were aided by one big play. That is something he probably won't benefit from in the NFL as much, nor will he be playing on an Alabama Team that is up against the likes of Mercer. Not saying Alabama didn't play tough opponents, but Ridley was pretty quiet against most of those teams. I also do realize he didn't have much in the way of a quality passing QB throwing to him in Hurts. Watch out for Tua Tagovailoa, that guy looked really good!

http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/3925357/calvin-ridley

The first thing I'll say is that I get it if people aren't on board with Ridley at #14. He's slight, his jumps were bad, and he's 23. So while I wouldn't balk at that pick and I really like him, I'm not going to try and shove him down people's throats.

That said, I want to provide some context for his production.

63 catches for 967 yards (15.4 YPR) and 5 TD

In 2017, Alabama passed for a total of 2,708 yards. Ridley's yardage, therefore, accounts for 36% of the passing offense. However, 636 of those passing yards came from Tagovailoa when games were out of hand. The vast majority of Ridley's production came with Jalen Hurts who only threw for 2081 yards. A bit of Ridley's receiving yards did come with the backup, but still he accounted for roughly 45% of Hurts' production. Compared to other pass catchers, Ridley's production shockingly outpaced his teammates. He caught 63 balls. The next highest total was 17. The next highest by a wide receiver was 14. Jerry Jeudy had the next highest yardage total to Ridley's 967 and he had 264.

Ridley's production truly did suffer from playing in a poor passing offense. He created a lot more opportunities than Hurts could actually take advantage of. But when you look at the % of the production that was attributable to him and how much better he was than the next best option, I think that's helpful.

For me, the case for Ridley comes if the board is cleaned out of the top prospects. If they're all gone in the top 13, or if the one or two that fall have concerns in the Packers' FO (e.g. a medical issue), Ridley is one of my favorite fall back options. I think his fit in the offense is perfect. McCarthy's offense has traditionally been predicated on wide receivers who can beat man coverage. Ridley's ability to create and maintain separation is the best in this class. Additionally, he has the speed and skills to be an effective deep threat, which is the skill set that our offense lacks most. I believe Ridley is capable of coming in and being a 1,000 yard receiver as a rookie.

He's not my ideal choice, but he's a pick I'd be happy with.

 

[Dantés]

Ridley is 16 months older than Brandon Cooks. I mean, for a guy without elite athleticism that seems like it would be a major concern.

He's actually 14 months younger. Cooks was born in September of '93 and Ridley in December of '94.

However, he is about a year older than the norm for a college prospect (most come in at 22 and he will come in at 23). But I don't see why that one year would be a major concern, especially since he's the most pro ready WR. If he was a great receiver for them from age 23-32 instead of 22-31, is that making a super dramatic difference?

 

[gopkrs]

Not sure anyone has brought it up but I am just now thinking (mind you I don't know how good he is) that it would be a good idea to pick the OT from Notre Dame. How often do we have a chance to pick the 1st tackle in a draft? Like never. Bulaga will probably not make it through the year and will retire soon anyway. And about the only thing I can say about Spriggs is that he improved a little from horrible. Anyway, I would not be disappointed if we went that route.

 

[Mondio]

He's actually 14 months younger. Cooks was born in September of '93 and Ridley in December of '94.

However, he is about a year older than the norm for a college prospect (most come in at 22 and he will come in at 23). But I don't see why that one year would be a major concern, especially since he's the most pro ready WR. If he was a great receiver for them from age 23-32 instead of 22-31, is that making a super dramatic difference?

Both born after I graduated high school, they can barely be old enough to wipe their own *****

 

[AmishMafia]

Not sure anyone has brought it up but I am just now thinking (mind you I don't know how good he is) that it would be a good idea to pick the OT from Notre Dame. How often do we have a chance to pick the 1st tackle in a draft? Like never. Bulaga will probably not make it through the year and will retire soon anyway. And about the only thing I can say about Spriggs is that he improved a little from horrible. Anyway, I would not be disappointed if we went that route.

Just because he is the best doesn't mean he is worth the pick. That being said, I think he would be in the conversation a few picks after 14.

 

[brandon2348]

Landry I think will bust. He is a 1-dimensional player who will be a liability in the NFL. It is out there that he didnt give much effort in the run game. To me, that is a red flag. A few here will be quoting this and calling me an idiot, but oh well.

Hurst is an excellent player. Just think his best position is interior and I am fine with Clark there.

Ahead of Chubb? That is a thinking-out-of-the-box view. I think Vea will be dominant both inside and out. I like the attitude he brings - imagine a much bigger Daniel's. I think he can be a tone setter.

I think you have a legitimate concern. Landry has a very finesse way about him that concerns me a bit too.

Mo. Hurst is a disrputive beast.

 

[AmishMafia]

I think you have a legitimate concern. Landry has a very finesse way about him that concerns me a bit too.

Mo. Hurst is a disrputive beast.

I was actually thinking Payne when I responded. I think more of Payne than Hurst. But they are both really good players. Payne will go earlier. Hurst? There are 60 players who should be gone when we pick in the 2nd. Someone must slip: LVE, Hurst, Ridley, Davenport, Oliver, Jackson, McGlinchey, Sutton, Bryan, Evans, Hernandez, Orlando Beown, connor William's, Guice, Ronnie Harrison, Hughes, Alexander, Kolton . . .

Probably put another dozen on there, figure a dozen we didnt see coming, and it becomes likely someone on my list who deserves to go much higher is sitting there for us in red 2.

 

[AmishMafia]

I think you have a legitimate concern. Landry has a very finesse way about him that concerns me a bit too.

Mo. Hurst is a disrputive beast.

As far as Landry goes, I like him less only because a few here think he is a slam dunk impact player with no risk. When I have a contrary view and someone is too enamored, my pendulum swings the other way.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Landry's senior year and especially his game against Notre Dame has to scare you. He was going up against a Freshman RT most of the day and was ineffective. The few times he went up against McGlinchey and Quenton Nelson, he was blown away. I would not like like the pick at all.

 

[brandon2348]

The first thing I'll say is that I get it if people aren't on board with Ridley at #14. He's slight, his jumps were bad, and he's 23. So while I wouldn't balk at that pick and I really like him, I'm not going to try and shove him down people's throats.

That said, I want to provide some context for his production.

63 catches for 967 yards (15.4 YPR) and 5 TD

In 2017, Alabama passed for a total of 2,708 yards. Ridley's yardage, therefore, accounts for 36% of the passing offense. However, 636 of those passing yards came from Tagovailoa when games were out of hand. The vast majority of Ridley's production came with Jalen Hurts who only threw for 2081 yards. A bit of Ridley's receiving yards did come with the backup, but still he accounted for roughly 45% of Hurts' production. Compared to other pass catchers, Ridley's production shockingly outpaced his teammates. He caught 63 balls. The next highest total was 17. The next highest by a wide receiver was 14. Jerry Jeudy had the next highest yardage total to Ridley's 967 and he had 264.

Ridley's production truly did suffer from playing in a poor passing offense. He created a lot more opportunities than Hurts could actually take advantage of. But when you look at the % of the production that was attributable to him and how much better he was than the next best option, I think that's helpful.

For me, the case for Ridley comes if the board is cleaned out of the top prospects. If they're all gone in the top 13, or if the one or two that fall have concerns in the Packers' FO (e.g. a medical issue), Ridley is one of my favorite fall back options. I think his fit in the offense is perfect. McCarthy's offense has traditionally been predicated on wide receivers who can beat man coverage. Ridley's ability to create and maintain separation is the best in this class. Additionally, he has the speed and skills to be an effective deep threat, which is the skill set that our offense lacks most. I believe Ridley is capable of coming in and being a 1,000 yard receiver as a rookie.

He's not my ideal choice, but he's a pick I'd be happy with.

You can obviously love him all you want and are entitled to your opinions as much as anyone.

Here is the reality. His jumps weren't just bad but the worst of the WR group at the whole combine. Then you combine that with his size and thats a MAJOR red flag. Yet people tell me he is worth it because he can run good routes. Good Grief. You mean to tell me a 1st round pick is worth a marginal undersized athlete that can run good routes?

If this guy played for a team like SMU he wouldnt even be in conversation of day 1. In fact, he would probably be a day 3 pick if not an UDFA.

"BUST CITY"

 

[brandon2348]

I was actually thinking Payne when I responded. I think more of Payne than Hurst. But they are both really good players. Payne will go earlier. Hurst? There are 60 players who should be gone when we pick in the 2nd. Someone must slip: LVE, Hurst, Ridley, Davenport, Oliver, Jackson, McGlinchey, Sutton, Bryan, Evans, Hernandez, Orlando Beown, connor William's, Guice, Ronnie Harrison, Hughes, Alexander, Kolton . . .

Probably put another dozen on there, figure a dozen we didnt see coming, and it becomes likely someone on my list who deserves to go much higher is sitting there for us in red 2.

Payne is a beast too! I'd take them both over Vea. Hurst would be a top 15 pick if not sent home from combine due to medicals.

 

[brandon2348]

Landry's senior year and especially his game against Notre Dame has to scare you. He was going up against a Freshman RT most of the day and was ineffective. The few times he went up against McGlinchey and Quenton Nelson, he was blown away. I would not like like the pick at all.

At 14 I would have to agree and what's scary is Davenport even has a higher ceiling for bust.

 

[AmishMafia]

You can obviously love him all you want and are entitled to your opinions as much as anyone.

Here is the reality. His jumps weren't just bad but the worst of the WR group at the whole combine. Then you combine that with his size and thats a MAJOR red flag. Yet people tell me he is worth it because he can run good routes. Good Grief. You mean to tell me a 1st round pick is worth a marginal undersized athlete that can run good routes?

If this guy played for a team like SMU he wouldnt even be in conversation of day 1. In fact, he would probably be a day 3 pick if not and UDFA.

"BUST CITY"

I'm going to disagree with you here. Ridley is the smoothest WR to come out in a while. Great routes and understands the passing game and how to get open. He is a natural. Think it was Jerimiah on NFLN who said he reminds him of Marvin Harrison. I think 14 is too soon for him though. But in the 2nd? Sure!

 

[Dantés]

As far as Landry goes, I like him less only because a few here think he is a slam dunk impact player with no risk. When I have a contrary view and someone is too enamored, my pendulum swings the other way.

I've seen you say this a few times. Can you refer me to who ever said Landry is risk-free? If you're referring to my comment to JJ in the David Pollack discussion, that was a joke.

Landry is appealing because: a) he has the most dominant pass rushing season to his name of any edge prospect in this class and b) he has rare athletic traits that place him in elite company. Players with his athletic metrics almost never bust. That's not a guarantee that he's risk free and bound to succeed-- it's merely a fact based on past drafts.

I agree that Landry is far from a dominant run defender. Run defense issues are common among edge rushers of his style coming out of college (Beasley, Miller, etc.). But I've not ready anything about him being soft or disinterested, nor have I noticed that when watching him. I've seen you refer to that before and asked where you got it from. I've yet to see anything.

 

[Dantés]

You can obviously love him all you want and are entitled to your opinions as much as anyone.

Here is the reality. His jumps weren't just bad but the worst of the WR group at the whole combine. Then you combine that with his size and thats a MAJOR red flag. Yet people tell me he is worth it because he can run good routes. Good Grief. You mean to tell me a 1st round pick is worth a marginal undersized athlete that can run good routes?

If this guy played for a team like SMU he wouldnt even be in conversation of day 1. In fact, he would probably be a day 3 pick if not an UDFA.

"BUST CITY"

Maybe if he played at SMU, he would have been good enough to actually lead the team in receiver categories.

 

[Dantés]

I'm going to disagree with you here. Ridley is the smoothest WR to come out in a while. Great routes and understands the passing game and how to get open. He is a natural. Think it was Jerimiah on NFLN who said he reminds him of Marvin Harrison. I think 14 is too soon for him though. But in the 2nd? Sure!

Jeremiah might have said that, but Zierlein is the one who listed Harrison as his comp.

 

[GleefulGary]

Ridley would've been a UDFA if he played anywhere other than Alabama, where obvious great passing play put him over the top.

Now *that* is a hot take and I love the audacity of it.