2023 Packers draft discussion

[Joseph Zarr]

Really nice concise write-up from Justis Mosqueda (one of the better Edge analyst guys in all of Packers Twitter) on the Van Ness pick. Mosqueda is never hesitant to belittle a Packers pick. He really likes this one:

Full Article Here

Quote

Athletically, Van Ness is everything you can ask for. He needs to learn a few more pass-rush moves and be more comfortable in a two-point stance, but those are non-critical factors for a player who was a 220-pound high schooler who was focused just as much on hockey as he was on football just three years ago. The arrow is trending up and the Packers bought him “low.” Had he stayed at Iowa for another season, earning enough tenure to actually record a “start” with the Hawkeyes, he probably would have been a top-10 lock with the extra year of development.

 

[homer]

Josh Downs is kind of an intriguing day 2 pick. I think he's too little for the Pack to show interest though.

[PeaveyFury]

I like Downs as a player, but size has the reason I’ve never really linked him as an option for Green Bay. Reality is that’ll disqualify Hyatt too, but I really like Hyatt and hold out hope they’ll take him.

[CheezWizHed]

Rashee Rice just seems like a Packer WR.  But I'm afraid they doom him by grabbing him in the 3rd...  Tillman is a Packer WR type too

[Joseph Zarr]

34 minutes ago, CheezWizHed said:

Rashee Rice just seems like a Packer WR.  But I'm afraid they doom him by grabbing him in the 3rd...  Tillman is a Packer WR type too

Of the remaining wideouts, I would expect a name from this list:

A.T. Perry
Rashee Rice
Dontayvion Wicks
Grant Dubose

[CheeseheadInQC]

1 hour ago, PeaveyFury said:

I like Downs as a player, but size has the reason I’ve never really linked him as an option for Green Bay. Reality is that’ll disqualify Hyatt too, but I really like Hyatt and hold out hope they’ll take him.

In round one I would agree, but the Rodgers pick shows they aren’t opposed to having one smaller slot guy on the roster, and they apparently at least had conversations about trading for Fuller, a decent comp for Hyatt. I wouldn’t be shocked in round 2, though

[Joseph Zarr]

From someone who really knows tape, Ben Fennell:

 

[Joseph Zarr]

So Jayden Reed will wear #1 (first time since Curly Lambeau - wowsers)

Luke Musgrave will wear #88 (we know who last wore this...I likey)

Luke Van Ness will wear #90

 

These are some elite number choices. Not going to lie.

[Joseph Zarr]

 

[Joseph Zarr]

Really nice read from Bill Huber here on WR Jayden Reed:

Full Article HERE

Quote

Reed showed up at the Scouting Combine with an eye infection. “I knew I was going to run the (40-yard dash), but I only need one eye to run the 40,” Reed said. “In terms of catching the ball, I wasn't sure if I was going to do all the drills. But again, I thought about it. It's a childhood dream, so I was like all right, I cannot miss this.”

 

[Joseph Zarr]

Certainly seems like Kraft has a very cerebral melon on those shoulders...that's a dang country line for the Top 40.

[Matt Breen]

Well, the club certainly added some players that will have an opportunity to contribute in 2023. The two TEs was a neat idea. Will be fun. 

[Joseph Zarr]

33 minutes ago, reillymcshane said:

Well, the club certainly added some players that will have an opportunity to contribute in 2023. The two TEs was a neat idea. Will be fun. 

It's the first time the Packers have ever drafted three pass catchers in the first 3 rounds, I believe? Quite a moment. I'm listening to all the post draft interviews. All of these young men are extremely likable. Thoughtful. They definitely grabbed some fine young humans, it would appear. That's a win in and of itself.

[Joseph Zarr]

 

Well alright, alright, alright. Party at the Moon Tower.

[Joseph Zarr]

This brought me joy;

 

[Joseph Zarr]

 

[Joseph Zarr]

All 4 current Packers draft picks made Brennen Rupp's 'Unpacking Future Packers' list. Three of the picks were in his top 12 (Van Ness, Kraft, and Musgrave - WR Jayden Reed is his #64).

(Really great write-ups of each player in the above linked 'Complete List')

[PeaveyFury]

Interesting surprise in that the Packers officially announced that Reed will wear #1, becoming only the second player in team history to do so…. the other is Curly Lambeau. #1 was supposedly unofficially retired/not reissued in his honor. Pretty interesting that they broke that longstanding tradition.

[MVP2110]

I really liked what they did yesterday outside of Reed. Musgrave is a huge variance prospect, I wouldn't be surprised if he's a top 5 TE in the NFL or if he completely busts. Kraft is the opposite where he screams a solid but not spectacular 10 year career to me. 2 different skills sets at TE that complement each other really well. Reed was not on my 3 round board, very fast but otherwise unathletic and had a low catch %. Reed should be able to make an immediate contribution as a Punt returner though and will have a chance to go win the slot job

As we head into day 3 here are the top guys on my board

 

27 Kelee Ringo

37 Adetomiwa Adebawore
50 Dawand Jones
53 Noah Sewell
54 AT Perry
55 Antonio Johnson
57 Jaelyn Duncan
58 Moro Ojomo
62 Luke Wypler
67 JL Skinner
73 Darius Rush
77 Clark Phillips III
80 Isaiah Mcguire
81 Jaylon Jones
84 Blake Freeland
85 Trey Palmer
87 Josh Whyle
89 Kayshon Boutte
98 Israel Abanikanda
99 Nick Herbig
101 Henry To'oTo'o

[CheeseheadInQC]

As someone who values route running and body control at WR, I am fine with Reed over Hyatt, but I wish he were a bit taller. Some of the stuff on the highlight reel feels like it would translate better if he was 6-2 rather than 5-10.

[MVP2110]

Wooden seems like a pash rush specialist, he was the lightest DT in the draft but had the 3rd fastest 40 and the quickest 10 yard split. Could maybe see him platoon with Slaton who is basically a run down only guy

[Joseph Zarr]

2 minutes ago, MVP2110 said:

Wooden seems like a pash rush specialist, he was the lightest DT in the draft but had the 3rd fastest 40 and the quickest 10 yard split. Could maybe see him platoon with Slaton who is basically a run down only guy

He's actually very good versus the run because they moved him inside and outside for run downs where he uses his tools really well:

Quote

Wooden’s hand usage also serves him well in run defense. With his size, leverage, and leg drive, he can naturally move with blocks and maintain gaps. However, his hand placement compounds his appeal in that phase. He can hook his arms under pads, then use his torso flexibility to splice his way past moving blocks. With his strong base, Wooden can set the edge, and he’s able to quickly reset his hands to combat anchors when his initial placement slips.

(Full PFN scouting report HERE)

[Joseph Zarr]

** Check out that Kenny Clark-esque interior swim and sprint move in this last clip. Fun player.

[Joseph Zarr]

I agree with and endorse this. Pretty much exactly how I feel. A Kingsley Keke who actually has the right head on his shoulders is one of the first things I thought after this selection.

[MVP2110]

I'm loving this draft outside of the Reed pick. They are taking young freak athletes. Every pick is 22 or younger except for Reed(who literally turned 23 yesterday) and all are super athletic except for Reed(whose a good not great athlete)