This article does not contain a mock draft. Sorry. I know you’re disappointed and clicking away for some other PFF crack cocaine clickbait.
Instead, how about a random patchwork of observations and vaguely informed opinions about guys I like, and guys I like less? Mostly, I’ll cover how little we actually know. Mel Kiper Jr., Dane Brugler, Daniel Jeremiah and other “experts” know a lot more names and RAS scores than me. Their opinions and guesses are no better than yours or mine.
Wrongheaded wishes
Last year at this time, many of us wanted the Packers to draft Jaxon Smith-Njigba, supposedly, the best WR prospect in the draft. Instead, the Packers found Jaden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks with much lower picks who, after one year, appear to be as good or possibly better than JSN.
Big board wisdom
In 2022, many of us I had not heard of Quay Walker. The experts called it a reach; that he should have gone in the 2nd or 3rd round. Quay hasn’t been a bust, but he should have gone in the 2nd or 3rd.
AJ Dillon, Darnell Savage and Josiah DeGuera were not busts. They were over-drafted. Like every GM in the league, Brian Gutekunst has, and will again, botch picks. The key is hitting more than missing.
Movin’ on up
Historically, the Packers only move up a handful of picks to get their guy. The best moves in modern history were for Clay Matthews and Jaire Alexander. Former Packer GM and Coach Mike Sherman once moved up in the 3rd round for a punter–not such a sage move. Joe Alt, Byron Murphy and Terrion Arnold won’t likely be Packers, but I’d be ok to move up for them.
Which linebacker?
The Packers need 1-2 linebackers. The experts tell us none are 1st round worthy. Scouts don’t even agree who’s the best. The Packers could draft Edgerrin Cooper, Payton Wilson, Trevin Wallace or Junior Colson. The questions are, which and when?
Guys I like and guys I don’t
I like Amarious Mims, Graham Barton, Cooper DeJean. Kool Aid, Jer’Zhan Newton and Jackson Powers-Johnson are guys I like a lot less in the 1st. An offensive lineman is my preference, knowing they’ll get their linebackers and safeties in rounds 2 and after. A trade down could make a lot of sense.
Lying season
Hats off to Gutey for calling out all the subterfuge happening this time of year. I also agree with his comment that adding roster competition by picking even more than the 11-picks the Packers have. Considering his aforementioned subterfuge comments, the guess here is Gutekunst drafts less than 11.
Dream trade
My favorite speculative trade involves a panicked Denver team offering the Packers their 1st round pick next year for a shot at QB Bo Nix. Yes please! That could be a top 10 pick next year. The added bonus would be getting it from Sean Payton, a loathsome character with a face that says, “I’m kind of a jerk.”
Eat your vegetables!
In 2020, many of us let out a collective groan when Gutey moved up to draft QB Jordan Love. We wanted dessert in the form of a wide receiver or linebacker. Gutekunst knew the time was right for a good GM to eat his vegetables and hatch a QB succession plan. It’s the most obvious reminder that fans want to win now, while the GM is thinking 3-4 years down the road. In Gutey we trust!