Al from Green Bay, WI
Sure, I'd love to see the Packers land a dynamic receiver and a high-impact defender in the draft. But mostly I find myself hoping for a full season of NFL action this fall.
Amen to that.
Derek from Sheboygan, WI
How likely is it that the Packers will take a cornerback in the first round of the draft this year?
I wouldn't say it's likely but certainly within the realm of possibilities. There are quite a few corners worthy of being first-rounders, so one could conceivably slide to No. 30. It would require another significant investment into a position the Packers have already allocated a lot of resources to over the past five years.
Joan from Freedom, WI
Any chance having a relatively younger GM will help out with the techno-draft (vs. older GMs)?
Age won't win this draft. The ability to adapt will.
Kyle from Osceola, WI
Even with Mason Crosby re-signing this offseason, would it surprise you a whole lot if they bring in a second kicker if training camp happens yet this summer?
I would be floored.
Jim from Bloomington, IN
It's not a given, but I'd be surprised if at least one of the young receivers on the current roster doesn't show the level of improvement this season in order to round out the receiving corps. I'm trying to ignore the negative waves and have a little faith.
That's how this game is played. Davante Adams, Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb didn't walk in the building and become immediate 1,000-yard receivers. They all followed the hero's journey. Last year, it was Allen Lazard who rose from obscurity to become a weapon. Who's next?
Liam from Cranbury, NJ
Spoff, Hod, I love you guys. Thank you for everything and say hi to Larry for me. I just read the article on 10 players to watch in the draft. Kenneth Murray seems to fit the mold for the Packers in terms of production on the field and character off it. I seem to remember a story about him saving someone's life at OU. Do you know the story I'm referring to?
Yes. Murray performed CPR on a woman with a head wound suffered in an accident. He revived her and left once paramedics arrived. No one would've even known it had it not been for someone from the student newspaper witnessing it. Spoff did an exemplary job of recounting the tale at the combine.
Joseph from Ellsworth, WI
Antoine Winfield Jr. is a ballhawk that can lay the wood like his dad. He could play in the box in nickel and dime, shades of Morgan Burnett. Capers played three safeties with far less talent. Amos' awareness with Savage's athleticism and Winfield's physicality would be nasty. He would be a great spy for mobile QBs, too.
Winfield and Michael Pittman Jr. are solid prospects. I believe both will do their fathers proud at the next level. Winfield isn't the biggest defensive back but he plays hard. Like cornerback, the Packers have put a lot of resources into the safety position in recent years.
Kevin from Whitehall, WI
With the discussion of how a shortened season may impact the compensation of players this season and the impact shortened camps will have on late-round draft picks and undrafted FAs, do you think the league would consider some roster exemptions/changes to accommodate keeping some of these players around for additional development? Perhaps even expand the PS for the first "X" weeks of the season?
Maybe but there's no way to know right now. If the league has to adjust, it'll adjust. In chorus with the NFLPA, the league will make the best decision possible for its players.
Jerry from Salem, OR
So, "The league has indicated there will be provisions to stop the clock for technical issues." My question is, what's to keep teams, I won't mention any names, from gaming the system and saying they've got "technical issues" to extend their time on the clock? Are the technology police watching?
We've been getting a lot of questions about this. My thought is who cares? So a team takes a couple more minutes. The board isn't changing. Now if they do it for every pick, then I'm sure the league would step in but I think you guys are making a mountain out of a molehill with this.
Kevin from Rockton, IL
Here's a prediction – over the courses of their careers, three WRs drafted in the third round or later this year will outperform three drafted in the first round. Draft the big guys early, and there will be plenty of WR talent later.
It wouldn't surprise me. I go back to 2003 when the Cardinals drafted Anquan Boldin in the second round. What people often forget is they also took Bryant Johnson with their first pick (17th overall). There's risk in every pick – but there's also reward.
Walter from Chippewa Falls, WI
I just hope the Packers don't draft some oft-injured prospect who they're just sure would have been a "top-10 pick" if he hadn't broken his leg/shoulder/arm/knee/ankle/whatever. Has drafting a guy who dropped because he got hurt EVER worked out for ANY team?
Thurman Thomas, Steven Jackson, Jaylon Smith, Willis McGahee and Myles Jack to name a few. Jeffery Simmons is off to a good start for Tennessee after falling to No. 19 last year because of the ACL tear.
Randy from Grapevine, TX
I am a huge fan of Chris Orr. Watched him a little in high school then at UW. Was at the LSU game at Lambeau when he hurt his knee. Great kid from a great family. Scouting report has him as "could be a depth player who excels on special teams" but not a starting MLB. Packers need both, help on special teams and depth at LB. Do you see him as a sixth- or seventh-round choice or undrafted FA? Thoughts on the Packers' interest?
Orr is one of those guys it seemed played at Wisconsin for 10 years. I have no idea of the Packers' interest but the Badgers were one of the few who got their pro days in before the pandemic hit. So Green Bay should have all the information it needs on those Badgers prospects. Orr had a solid pro day that could get him drafted in the later rounds but otherwise I'd expect him to be a coveted priority free agent.
Dan from Toledo, OH
When a scout says they have a first-round grade on 20 players, are they comparing those players to the current class of draftees being evaluated, or is there a component of evaluating players in comparison to previous first-round draft classes? For example, could it be the case that Player A is a first-rounder in 2020 but in 2021 they would not be? Happy draft day!
By giving a player a "first-round grade," that's simply saying the player is worth what it would cost to take them. It's a tactic used to not reach on a player. So a first-round grade would theoretically be the same, year-to-year. It's not a direct comparison to the draft class.
Dean from Leavenworth, IN
The mock drafts started in early February, and for the next six weeks, every mock had Miami picking Tua at No. 5. Then, for a few weeks, they had them moving up and taking him at 3, now for the last few weeks it's been all Herbert to Miami, first at 5 and then at 3. I can't help but think this might be one of the biggest smokescreens in NFL history. Any examples come to mind of draft-day subterfuge that stand out to you from the past that might compare?
The last time I checked no NFL team has ever made its pick in February. What I do wonder about Mock Draft 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.6, etc., is…has the information changed? Or are you just bored? I make one pick – 24 hours before the draft – and that's it.
Derek from Norton, KS
Do you see any possibility of the Patriots making a big move up for Tua? I know they don't necessarily possess the draft capital to get there, but they may have player/s to include.
No.
Richard from Menasha, WI
Assuming the Packers don't trade up or down, approximately what time will the Packers be making their first-round pick?
Historically, the 30th pick has been around 10:30 p.m. CT (that's when Green Bay took Damarious Randall five years ago). Now, who knows what'll happen this year with the NFL saying it'll halt the draft if technological issues arise.
Charlie from Mount Joy, PA
Mike and Wes, thanks for keeping us informed and entertained during these trying times. I read where Bart Starr was the 200th pick in the 1956 draft. Do you have any idea as to which future Pro Football Hall of Fame players may have been chosen before him?
Willie Davis, taken in the 15th round (181st overall) by the Cleveland Browns. Davis and Starr were the only Hall of Famers drafted outside of the first three rounds.
Trevor from Cheyenne, WY
Who is the one player that no one is watching or talking about that could and should be a first-round pick?
Ezra Cleveland. He'll be a 10-year tackle for somebody.
Tony from Chanhassen, MN
While FA has filled most positions, a hole remains at FB. Do you anticipate the Packers filling this in the draft, with a FA after the draft, or leverage TEs more often as lead blockers?
That depends on Matt LaFleur. If LaFleur sees a future for fullbacks in his offense, then I'd draft one late or sign a college free agent to compete with Elijah Wellman.
Wayne from Stevens Point, WI
If the 2020 season is canceled, how would the draft order be determined for April 2021? Would the Packers get the 30th pick again? Or would there be a drawing? And thanks for helping us learn when to use who/whom and less than/fewer.
I'm not going to (speculate on this) so quit asking. *Nick Saban voice*
Simon from Baltimore, MD
Am I the only II reader who has no interest whatsoever in watching the draft? I usually devour as much Packers coverage as I can get, but for whatever reason, taking the time to look up draft prospects, speculate (unsuccessfully) which team might pick which prospect, and then wait around for three hours watching one pick every 10 minutes, just doesn't seem like a good return on investment. I'd rather wait and read here about the guys GB picks afterwards.
There's nothing wrong with that. Live and let live. I personally enjoy watching the first round play out and seeing how close I come in my predictions.
Joe from Dundee, IL
I recall Ted Thompson told a story about noticing Jordy Nelson when he was actually there to view another player at Kansas State. Do you know of other Packers players who were the "other" guy who caught the scout's eye in the modern era?
It's a good question I've seen several of you ask before. I'm not ignoring it but I couldn't recall any other examples. Maybe readers can.
Daniel from Delta, PA
WWE has announced that Gronk must defend his 24/7 title at all times, even if he's playing a game. While I find it much more likely he loses it before the regular season starts, how great would it be to see him score a TD and as he is raising the ball into the air for a legendary Gronk spike, out of nowhere a folding table appears on the turf in front of him. Confused, he turns as a contender jumps off the goalpost crossbar, smashing him through the table and relinquishing him of his belt.
First, Brock Lesnar. Now, Gronk. WWE losing all its greatest champions to the NFL. I prefer to think of it as one big elaborate hoax by Tom Brady to win the 24/7 title.
Sandy from Green Bay, WI
Happy Draft Day! What snacks/drinks will you keep close at hand in your command central location for your draft coverage consumption? Thank you in advance for your timely and concise imparting of updates and information.
I'll have chips, popcorn, pretzels, coffee and soda at the ready.
Jeff from Eveleth, MN
Spoff, you are starting to look like a young Mel Kiper Jr. with the hair! I love it (FYI, I'm bald).
By the time this is all said and done, Spoff is going to look like Barry Melrose with that flow.
Rob from Aiken, SC
I just watched the primer on Bryan Edwards. I would love to see that guy in green and gold following in the footsteps of the Gamecocks that came before him: Sterling Sharpe, Robert Brooks. What round do you see him drafted and have you heard of much interest by the Pack? Great job guys. Hang in there II comment section.
Most of what I've read on Edwards suggests he'll be a Day 2 pick, possibly in the third round, in the tier after the first 10 receivers or so. That could work for Green Bay if Brian Gutekunst chooses to wait until then to take a receiver.
Ryan from Winnipeg, Manitoba
With these times we are in everyone needs a good laugh here and there so in that spirit I ask, with the possibility of no OTAs or the possibility being reduced, is there a chance the field will be reduced to 80 yards too? Keep up the great work guys. I hope you and your families are safe...and a shout-out to Ma Hod and Go Pack Go!
Let the record show Tim Boyle is the greatest 80-yard player in NFL history. I stand by that.
William from Palmdale, CA
Whether beardless, or with a knuckleball bearing down on us, you two are the rage. Keep the faith, your work has never been better!
And that work will be plastered all over packers.com over the next three days. We'll have wall-to-wall coverage, from stories and videos to instant reactions and news conferences with new players and Packers personnel. We'll also have our "Three Things" analysis after all three days. Have a great day, everybody.
