It’s here, the first of 3 days of the NFL Draft, the best method to build a team.  Again, drafting is always about the future- no one should expect contributions (major) from rookies.  Yes they happen, however that’s not the primary reason to take a player.  When looking at the teams that have had long-term “success,” yes I’ll include the Packers in that grouping for the sake of conversation…those teams have focused on acquiring draft picks vs. trading them away for current assets.

The Packers enter the 2019 NFL Draft with 10 draft selections, two in the 1^st round tonight.  Based on everything I’ve read and have deciphered, it seems this draft has 3-4 players that could be studs (Nick Bosa, Quinnen Williams, Ed Oliver, and Josh Allen) and then a bunch of players in the 2^nd tier.  As unpopular as it was under Ted Thompson, trading back (if getting the proper value) may be the best option as the Packers sit at 12 and could garner the same value/quality of player at, let’s say, 20 while netting additional draft equity.

I won’t be attempting to guess what the Packers will do, there are too many variables, as well as players they could take.  However, there’s been some talk (not as recent) that Ed Oliver (one of those 3-4 stud players) could drop.  I don’t believe that will happen, but I could see a scenario present itself for Green Bay to maybe even trade up to get a player of his caliber.  Again, very unlikely, then again every few years there are players that drop, inexplicably, in the draft and are a tremendous value.  The Packers may be in one of the best positions, thanks to last year’s trade with New Orleans, of having a top 2^nd-tier draft position (12^th) and an additional 1^st round selection (30^th via the Saints) to do whatever they please.  If a great talent falls, take him.  If not, see what value you can net with a trade partner, if no, then you’re taking a top 2^nd-tier talent that could possibly help this year (again don’t bank on it), but also really help for the next 7+ seasons.

It’ll be fun to watch everything unfold, but I’ll at least give my “dream scenario” for tonight, not including trades.  True dream would be trading, like last year by adding an additional 1^st round pick and only moving back 4 places- I doubt that’ll happen again.

12^th—Ed Oliver DT-Houston (he’s likely gone by the 4^th or 5^th selection)
30^th—Nasir Adderley S-Delaware

Other names to watch for:
-Devin White LB-LSU
-Devin Bush LB-Michigan
-TJ Hockenson TE-Iowa
-Jonah Williams T-Alabama
-Montez Sweat Edge Rusher-Miss St.
-*Brian Burns Edge Rusher-FSU

*If the Packers take him, my cousin will flip out.  He’s a diehard Florida St. fan and Burns never produced to the hype, then builds more hype by having a great combine…seems like all flash, no substance.  Then again, what do I know?

Have fun!

 

The schedule was released last night, furthering the attention-hold the NFL has on sports fans.  I’m not the biggest fan of Commissioner, Roger Goodell, however since he’s been in charge the NFL has become a 12 month business.  Every year I’m reminded of this by the Schedule Release, and the attention it garners.

Like the previous coach did, let’s break this down into quarters.

1^st:

Week 1 @ Chicago (Thur)
Week 2 v Minnesota
Week 3 v Denver
Week 4 v Philadelphia (Thur)

2^nd:
Week 5 @ Dallas
Week 6 v Detroit (Mon)
Week 7 v Oakland
Week 8 @ Kansas City

3^rd:
Week 9 @ Los Angeles Chargers
Week 10 v Carolina
Week 12 @ San Francisco
Week 13 @ New York Giants

4^th:
Week 14 v Washington
Week 15 v Chicago
Week 16 @ Minnesota (Mon)
Week 17 @ Detroit

Essentially, rule any primetime home game as a Win: Weeks 4; 6. Adversely rule any primetime road games as losses: Weeks 1; 8; 16.  So now it’s about when the Packers match-up vs particular opponents.  If the Packers, typically, get off to a rough start, that doesn’t bode well as they have 5 of their first 7 games at home meaning 6 of their last 9 on the road…again, interesting, but the scheduling didn’t do many favors as the Packers have a distinct advantage of home games late in the season – time will tell.

Next week, the draft!  Always fun!

With the Bucks being the best kind of boring possible—absolutely dominating the entire league and clinching the best-record with 3 games remaining—it left all of the attention to the Brewers.  Yet again, not to the fault of the Brew Crew, the attention quickly shifted to the Packers and their uber-talented Quarterback.  A piece by Bleacher Report’s, Tyler Dunne (former Packers’ beat writer) came out and slandered former Packers’ coach, Mike McCarthy, and Aaron Rodgers.

Regardless your opinion of each, the article can only cause damage—even if 100% false.  I’m sure if you’re reading this you’ve at least heard about the article and likely Rodgers’ response, along with James Jones’, Davante Adams’, and a few others.  Either way, as a diehard Packer fan, you hope this is all used as proper motivation and can bring this team together.  However, the timing of the article might’ve been as “good” as possible.  It came on the forefront of the team reporting for some training, it allowed for an immediate response, instead of having it sit and dwell for months.  The other nice thing is the draft is quickly approaching and as always, will be very important.

We’re 2 weeks from the NFL Draft, and Green Bay still has a few holes that can be addressed in the draft, with a real expectation that rookies could fill those holes adequately enough to get this team back to the playoffs.  Yes the goal is to win the Super Bowl, however, with a new Head Coach, and essentially an entire rebuild finished (aside from the QB), major progress would be welcomed with hopes of winning a Super Bowl in the next 4 years.  It’s what we as fans have been struck down to expecting (realistically).  See you again in 2 weeks for the draft!