Packers Select Linebacker Rashan Gary In 2019 NFL Draft, Round One
By jasonperone
With their first-round pick (12th overall) in the 2019 NFL draft, the Green Bay Packers select Rashan Gary, Michigan
MEASURABLES / COMBINE:
6'4" 277 lbs, 4.58 40yd, 38″ vertical, 120″ broad jump, 26 Bench Reps, 7.26 3-Cone, 4.29 20-yard shuttle
CAREER NOTES:
Gary played all 13 games as a reserve his freshman season, making 27 tackles, five for losses, and a sack. In 2017, he earned first-team All-Big Ten honors with 66 stops, 12 for loss, and six sacks in 13 starts. Gary was a first-team pick again as a junior, compiling 44 tackles, seven for loss, and 3.5 sacks in 12 games.
SCOUTING REPORT:
NFL.COM: Gary is a face-up rusher who seems content to hit tackles with bull-rush attempts rather than working the edges. He's explosive out of the blocks and in closing to the quarterback, and is just waiting for hand development and additional rush moves. His size, strength and motor could make him a plus run defender in short order. He has elite potential if a defensive coordinator can harness the energy and focus his approach.
THEDRAFTNETWORK.COM: Should be moved around to highlight his strengths. Can stack up well enough on the edge and has needed athleticism to have success there on early downs. Will need to kick inside to maximize pass rush. Can win with quickness in a penetration system or in more of a gap control scheme. Successful stacking of blockers at the line of scrimmage. On multiple occasions has pulled blockers off of their base and tossed them as ball is pressed into the line of scrimmage in general vicinity.
Big hitter courtesy of some impressive closing burst in space to generate momentum. Has generated some awesome finishes at the quarterback. That said, can get caught with feet in the sand if ball carriers have the ability to see a hit coming and put on a move. Struggles with lateral mobility, specifically when trying to turn the corner as a pass rusher. Does not possess the needed tilt to carry speed through corners if contacted and having to play with leverage simultaneously.
Still needs to work on adding secondary counters for when initial charge and hand strike is countered or negated by opposition. Too often gets derailed by a first punch and abandons pursuit. Rip/dip combination has brought success when paired with a sudden first step. Impressive burst, particularly for a player of this stature. Has great quickness, a trait that would be best highlighted playing on the interior where penetration is directly in the face of passers. Redirection acceleration and ability to get width is much more modest.
Has powerful hands, effective in efforts to shoot and stonewall blockers at the line of scrimmage. Will stand up linemen in one on one situations and effectively resets the line of scrimmage before a violent pull to disengage and continue in pursuit. Would love to see some added consistency in the motor, had peaks and valleys in pursuit and hustle plays. When motor runs hot, is very difficult to negate and can wreck plays when left unblocked off the backside of the play by design.
Natural strength allows him to set a firm edge and squeeze gaps. Doesn't consistently find the football and shed blocks to regularly finish. Effective slashing through gaps but lacks the lateral mobility to consistently work towards the sideline. Likable quickness off the ball but doesn't always have a plan when rushing the passer. Does not consistently establish a half man relationship with his blocker and has too many body-to-body rushes. Lacks enough counters to regularly clear his pads.
Tight in the lower half and lacks the bend to regularly work around the outside hip of the offensive tackle. Skill set translates best to linear rush angles from the interior. Quick mover out of his stance but doesn't always gain the depth needed to beat blockers to their set points. Short area burst is sound but change of direction is elongated. Not a consistent snap anticipator. Cranks up the motor in certain situations but the snap-to-snap variance is noticeable. Will occasionally chase down a play and win with hustle and other times pull up. Needs to develop more in the way of hand combating skills to take advantage of his motor when it's running hot.
VIDEO:
COMMENTARY:
A surprise pick for many by the Packers, who stayed at 12th overall. Gary's size is comparable to linebackers Preston Smith and Za'Darius Smith so his measurables are certainly on Green Bay's good list. Gary has the versatility to play up front and also move outside. He will most likely be used on the outside to rush the passer, using his pure athletic ability to the fullest while he adjusts and learns at the NFL level. Gary addressed his right shoulder when asked by local media and said that he does not have a torn labrum and doesn't expect to need surgery.
Gary will likely be used in obvious pass rushing situations and defensive coordinator Mike Pettine would be wise to scheme Gary as the free rusher and capitalize on his above-average closing skills.
Gary did allude to his love of the game when talking about his opportunity to play in Green Bay, addressing the many questions about his desire and commmitment to playing football. He models his game after Cameron Jordan and Julius Peppers.
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Jason is a freelance writer on staff since 2012 and also co-hosts Cheesehead TV Live, Pulse of the Pack and Pack A Day podcasts. You can follow him on Twitter here
Comments (182)
Doug Niemczynski
April 25, 2019 at 08:51 pm
Rashan Gary, EDGE, Michigan
He isn't everyone's cup of tea for myriad reasons, but the Seahawks are not scared off by guys with different personality traits. He is a great scheme fit and the last time the Seahawks took a Michigan pass rusher – Frank Clark, the guy being replaced here – it worked out pretty well.
Doug Niemczynski
April 25, 2019 at 08:55 pm
This was pick #21 in mock drafts. Packers could have moved down and still got him.
Wasted pick. We suck. Join the ranks of the Justin Harrels, Jon Michael, Jamaal Reynolds, Tony Mandarich etc,.
comeonman
April 25, 2019 at 10:26 pm
For what it' s worth NFL.com Sports Writer Charles Davis Mocked Rashaan Gary #6 to the NY Giants
AgrippaLII
April 25, 2019 at 11:44 pm
And the Giants passed on him...that tells me something!
GBPDAN1
April 25, 2019 at 11:48 pm
I'm with you Doug (should have traded back). I didn't want Gary in the first rd at all. No passion or motivation. And why not trade back 5-6 spots at that point in the draft? Oliver, Hockenson, Bush, White, Ferrell, are off the board (and Q.Williams, Bosa and Allen) , so trade back and land one of the remaining 6-7 players that have a somewhat even grade that could have filled need.
NickPerry
April 25, 2019 at 08:56 pm
Nice spin Doug but there were just too many other players available who were better than this guy who by the way will probably need shoulder surgery.
4thand10
April 25, 2019 at 11:15 pm
He had 26 reps @ 225... you can’t do that if you need surgery.
jannesbjornson
April 25, 2019 at 11:16 pm
I wanted Ferrell as this blog knows. Gary was rated closely to him on Pauline's board and ahead of him on others. Mayock screwed up the payoff. The Pack must like his size to speed ratio, but how do you measure heart? Not a dominant guy every down. Sweat must have scared off Gutekunst with his medical issue?????
Turophile
April 26, 2019 at 04:41 am
This was the pick I was most afraid of at #12. Drafting mostly on potential can get a GM fired very quickly.
HOWEVER, the Packers have bombed with some 'safer' first rounders in the past. This is a swing at the fences for greatness. Seems like a decent young guy. Fingers crossed.
If this works out Gute is going to look like a very smart guy, and Gary will become a much appreciated player by fans who are understandably nervous at this point..
JonathanSpader
April 25, 2019 at 08:52 pm
I'm extremely disappointed.
CAG123
April 25, 2019 at 08:52 pm
Why the f**k would they draft a 4-3 DE just to switch him to OLB?! Burns and Sweat were right there! This the same bull TT use to do draft a guy just to make him fit into the scheme. My goodness I don’t even care who they pick the rest of the way now.
comeonman
April 25, 2019 at 10:30 pm
I don't think he will play OLB for GB, he will play D Line and Edge, GB will move him around a lot. Clearly M Petine liked this guy a lot or Gutey would not have taken him. His team mate D Bush said he is a guy with the Size and Speed that comes along once a decade...(for what it's worth )
CoachJV
April 25, 2019 at 08:54 pm
I'm not thrilled about this pick. There are much better players. But I guess Pettine knows what he wants.
jh9
April 25, 2019 at 08:55 pm
A rewind of Datone Jones. A wasted pick!
Dzehren
April 25, 2019 at 08:56 pm
Didn’t see a 4-3 DE with an shoulder injury coming @12
Doug Niemczynski
April 25, 2019 at 08:56 pm
Were stupid.
dobber
April 25, 2019 at 08:57 pm
was
Thegreatreynoldo
April 25, 2019 at 08:58 pm
are
Doug Niemczynski
April 25, 2019 at 09:02 pm
is stupid
bjkdad44
April 25, 2019 at 09:17 pm
We’re
Thegreatreynoldo
April 25, 2019 at 08:57 pm
What an awful decision. Burns, Sweat, trade down and still get a good player.
The only defense is being right about Gary.
dobber
April 25, 2019 at 08:59 pm
"The only defense is being right about Gary."
<<shakes head, cries softly>>
Doug Niemczynski
April 25, 2019 at 09:03 pm
stupid is as stupid does.
jannesbjornson
April 25, 2019 at 11:20 pm
Hock withdrawal...take a deep breath...walk the dog...have a beverage...get ready for Josh Oliver.
HankScorpio
April 26, 2019 at 04:12 am
"The only defense is being right about Gary."
There it is. We won't know about that for months, even years.
I don't like the pick but I'm going to try not to go overboard yet. I'm going to give Gary a chance to prove himself worthy or not. His position coach, Mike Smith, will be a big part of how that plays out. He's certainly got every physical tool you'd want. With both of the OLB Smiths on what are essentially 2 yr deals, Gary has some time to develop.
Turophile
April 26, 2019 at 06:09 am
Good attitude............. and exactly the same as mine.
Big Moe
April 26, 2019 at 07:07 am
I agree, for goodness sake let the kid take a flipping snap in a game before the fire sale, sweet mercy I didn't see the pick coming, but good golly give they guy five minutes in the Packers locker room before you wave your hands in the air and shriek in dismay!
4thand10
April 26, 2019 at 12:17 pm
Personally... I would have taken Wilkins for interior DL. But the more I think about this...it’s ok. I was sick of looking at tweeners on the edge getting zero pressure and still not being able to cover. The Packers playing him at OLB or 4-3 style DE sweetens this a lot. The guy played both DE spots and according to sports writers he was doubled and tripled ALOT. Add a couple of safeties to this mix with Amos and Savage and I think this defense is going to be awesome.
RWood832
April 25, 2019 at 08:57 pm
Most big boards had him rated in the top 10 so he should be good value at 12. The question is where will he play in Pettine's defense. He has the flexibility to play on the DL or in the second level - ILB or OLB.
fthisJack
April 25, 2019 at 09:02 pm
no...the question is can Pettine light a fire under his lazy azz!
Doug Niemczynski
April 25, 2019 at 09:17 pm
Gary has been labeled a mixed bag. From what I'm reading no one really knows what position this guy will play and I wouldn't doubt he has to have surgery and miss the 1st season.
Irish_Cheesehead
April 25, 2019 at 09:26 pm
He's anything but lazy. Has a motor that doesn't stop.
fthisJack
April 26, 2019 at 06:35 am
a guy with a high motor doesn't take plays off....read the scouting report.
HankScorpio
April 25, 2019 at 09:31 pm
He was announced as a LB and that is also the position listed at packers.com. He's not much bigger than Z Smith. I think he'll be used primarily at OLB but moved around a bit.
Doug Niemczynski
April 25, 2019 at 09:45 pm
Ford motor? Kia?
4thand10
April 25, 2019 at 11:24 pm
OLB/Edge hybrid looks. There are times you need to be big and heavy. I’m sick of looking at 240lb OLBs who are marginally average on outside pass rush and can’t cover either.....a problem for years. Clay was the exception to all of this... but even with Clay it was evident there was a decline. Staying big on inside and outside rush is a good plan....especially if you have good cb and safety play which I think we have now. Course I’ve been advocating 4-3 looks for some time now.
[email protected]
April 25, 2019 at 08:58 pm
Terrible pick ! The guy is a classic under achiever . This is what happens when you hire a GM from within the organization ! You don't take a chance with the 12 th pick .
Turophile
April 26, 2019 at 06:12 am
Condemned and dismissed before he even hits camp. Harsh.
Doug Niemczynski
April 25, 2019 at 08:59 pm
Who's stupid idea was it to pick this goober. Hope we draft a CB and move him to QB
Doug Niemczynski
April 25, 2019 at 09:00 pm
Exactly. He was the best PBA?
dobber
April 25, 2019 at 09:13 pm
I heard he rolled a 278...that's how he hurt his shoulder.
Since'61
April 25, 2019 at 08:59 pm
Surprised with this pick. I thought they would take Burns or an OL with the way the draft had fallen so far.
Looks like Gute wants to double down on the pass rush.
BTW Jason, you have ED Oliver's scouting report instead of Gary's posted.
I expected surprises but not This one. Thanks, Since '61
dobber
April 25, 2019 at 09:00 pm
Jawaan Taylor. I turned to my wife and said they'll take Jawaan Taylor.
I wish they'd taken Jawaan Taylor.
NickPerry
April 25, 2019 at 09:03 pm
That's who I thought they take dobber. The absolute BEST O-Lineman is sitting there for the taking and they take Gary?? I can't remember being more pissed off about a 1st round pick at the time of the selection in years.
Ted is that you???
dobber
April 25, 2019 at 09:17 pm
He's (Taylor) gonna land in Minnesota. Not even Spielman can blow this one.
In Edit: Well, shit. I guess Spielman DID honk this one.
EddieLeeIvory
April 25, 2019 at 09:14 pm
There have been a bunch of WTF first picks the past 10 years from Teddy.
Without the 2005 gem, TT would be viewed as a failure.
Malland56
April 25, 2019 at 10:13 pm
Nick you weren't the only one pissed off about that pick. We had all the best OL out there to choose from and we pick this guy! When are we going to get some help at the OL for the QB? My god we had the chance for a blue chipper.
If Bakhtiari goes down were screwed unless we have someone that can come in and play 1st team football. We have none right now. Bulaga will more than likely get hurt right away this year our he will be let go. So then who do we have? No one.
Malland56
April 25, 2019 at 10:18 pm
Nothing against Gary. He seems to be the real deal but, we should have gone after a OL.
NickPerry
April 25, 2019 at 09:04 pm
Sorry double post
GBPDAN1
April 25, 2019 at 11:56 pm
I thought for sure it was Taylor, dobber. He seemed like a safe pick at 12 and we could use quality O-linemen.
Surprised he's still available in the 2nd rd though?
Guam
April 26, 2019 at 08:17 am
Apparently the scouting reports were wrong about Taylor. All 32 teams passed on Taylor in the first round and that speaks volumes. I am not a fan of the Gary pick, but Taylor appears to be even more questionable, at least in hindsight.
carlos
April 26, 2019 at 08:53 am
Wow. What a bunch of negative Nancy’s. Not my first choice either, but can we give him a chance at least. Big, strong, really fast, seems smart enough- come on. Time will tell. Hope he doesn’t log on to this site.
Since'61
April 26, 2019 at 09:04 am
I was pretty confident that they were going to take Taylor as well. Just proves that the draft is a deal shoot wrapped in a connundrum. Thanks, Since '61
jannesbjornson
April 25, 2019 at 11:25 pm
He followed the blog. The need was pass rush and free safety. Defense wins championships. Rotation of pass rushers inside and out. Get off the field, three and out. Do not give up third and longs. Next he goes OT, TE and RB.
Rash Diprock
April 25, 2019 at 08:59 pm
What would Dash say at a time like now?!
dobber
April 25, 2019 at 09:01 pm
Something in his professional opinion.
IceBowl
April 26, 2019 at 02:54 pm
He is here and expressing himself in the same old way. Just new ID.
Rash Diprock
April 26, 2019 at 04:18 pm
Who is he now? And did he use to be Cow?
zoellner25
April 25, 2019 at 08:59 pm
Blog readers don’t know diddly poo. I trust gutey. If gutey likes him, I like him
Doug Niemczynski
April 25, 2019 at 09:01 pm
It was a STUPID pick at #12. Salt on wound of a pathetic 2018 season moving into 2019.
zoellner25
April 25, 2019 at 09:06 pm
You’re the scouting expert Doug
JonathanSpader
April 25, 2019 at 09:22 pm
Dash would say Lare is using Radh Diprock as an alias Ban Him!
HankScorpio
April 25, 2019 at 09:33 pm
Gutey likes Jimmy Graham, too.
fthisJack
April 25, 2019 at 09:00 pm
this draft took a wrong turn!
NickPerry
April 25, 2019 at 09:00 pm
This pick is just unexplainable to me. I'm in shock and totally disgusted.
I guess protecting our 36 year old QB who had the shit beat out of him last season isn't important. It will be when Spriggs is trying to block Mack.
Rossonero
April 25, 2019 at 09:30 pm
I thought it'd be Andre Dillard or Jawaan Taylor for sure. Gary sounds like a total project.
Bert
April 25, 2019 at 09:01 pm
I dunno. At least we replaced Nick Perry......with maybe Nick Perry II? Hope not. I'll give Gute the benefit of the doubt for now.
jeremyjjbrown
April 25, 2019 at 10:30 pm
"At least we replaced Nick Perry."
If this guy turns out to be Nick Perry he will better then I expect.
Christopher Gennaro
April 28, 2019 at 08:57 am
Oh damn that a savage comment!!
fthisJack
April 25, 2019 at 09:03 pm
they could have traded down 10 spots and got a better player.
NickPerry
April 25, 2019 at 09:08 pm
Could have traded down 10 spots and STILL GOT Gary.
fthisJack
April 25, 2019 at 09:12 pm
totally bummed when Oliver, Bush and Hock were taken....draft did not fall right....but they didn't have to reach for this guy!
jannesbjornson
April 25, 2019 at 11:30 pm
It fell as predicted by the scouts. We knew the probable guys on the board were the tackles, Wilkens, Ferrell, Gary if Gettleman took a QB, Devin Bush was who Gutekunst was hoping to come on board. Pittsburgh got their guy to replace Shazier. Great trade up.
dobber
April 25, 2019 at 09:18 pm
I don't know about that. He was broadly projected as a top 10 pick.
Still, I would have rather seen them trade down 10 spots and NOT take Gary.
stockholder
April 25, 2019 at 09:21 pm
Nobody wanted him! He was going drop to @30.
Doug Niemczynski
April 25, 2019 at 09:07 pm
Brian Burns was picked to be the Packers #12 pick. What the heck happened? I'm sick. All the other teams are cheering their teams draft picks and I am still scratching my head.
Leatherhead
April 25, 2019 at 09:13 pm
This is kind of funny, if you like watching heads explode. Nobody really wanted or expected Gary. I’d have gone with Wilkins. I don’t really understand how Gary ranks ahead of Wilkins but obviously there was a reason.
Hope he stays healthy and plays well.
fthisJack
April 25, 2019 at 09:13 pm
he was a low effort guy at UM....so who's going to get him to work his ass off in GB?
Irish_Cheesehead
April 25, 2019 at 09:33 pm
He's a high motor, high effort guy. It was his production that was low (not that that's any better).
Leatherhead
April 25, 2019 at 09:42 pm
Kind of like “I’m not drunk, I’m just a poor driver”
jeremyjjbrown
April 25, 2019 at 10:31 pm
I'd rather that he didn't try hard for his 6th rounder production.
jannesbjornson
April 25, 2019 at 11:34 pm
I do agree with you, OS regarding Wilkens. I guess his guy Bush was swiped by the Steelers and my guy Ferrell went fast to Mayock and apparently was content with his DTs on the roster.
stockholder
April 25, 2019 at 09:10 pm
So Wilkins goes next@13, and they say he's going to be great. Burns and Sweat were still on the board. And now Gary may need surgery. The square peg goes in the round hole again. And no body pushes the veterans.
dobber
April 25, 2019 at 09:26 pm
Simmons goes early to Tennessee...
stockholder
April 25, 2019 at 09:36 pm
Did you see Simmons arms! And how he got up and spun to get a hug.
4thand10
April 25, 2019 at 11:31 pm
That has been debunked....he put up good bench press numbers at the combine 26? You can’t do that if you have torn anything.
Buckywunder
April 25, 2019 at 09:11 pm
Heck, TJ Edwards made WAY more plays than this guy. And he wasn’t even the number one HS player in the country...
Lphill
April 25, 2019 at 09:14 pm
So the number one college recruit in the country in 2016 is already a bust? Smith ,Clark ,Gary , Smith D line sounds pretty scary to me.
Rossonero
April 25, 2019 at 09:28 pm
Gary had 3.5 sacks last season and 6 in 2017.
Sweat had what, 24 in 2 years?
It's not like he didn't have good coaching at Michigan....Jim Harbaugh and Don Brown are pretty damn good coaches.
If Gary can't sack guys in college, then what is supposed to make me believe he'll do it in the pros??
We don't need projects, we need IMPACT players NOW. Maybe their plan long-term is to let Mike Daniels go in 2020 and kick Gary inside to DT, where he'll have more success rushing less athletic Guards vs. Tackles.
I don't know....I don't know....not excited. PFF says he has no pass rush moves outside of a standard bull rush and took plays off.
Only time will tell.
jeremyjjbrown
April 25, 2019 at 10:32 pm
NFL Guards will swallow him. He's got no moves.
Turophile
April 26, 2019 at 06:17 am
Pettine loves him. that counts for plenty
Doug Niemczynski
April 25, 2019 at 09:26 pm
I would have taken a chance on Jeffrey Simmons rather than Gary.
TXCHEESE
April 25, 2019 at 09:27 pm
Well about the most positive thing I can say, is at least he’s not an ex-point guard.
Doug Niemczynski
April 25, 2019 at 09:27 pm
I know this guy will NOT be rookie of the year.
Doug Niemczynski
April 25, 2019 at 09:31 pm
I would have rather had Fant then Gary.
stockholder
April 25, 2019 at 09:33 pm
Look for Lock @30. Were headed lower.
Irish_Cheesehead
April 25, 2019 at 09:34 pm
Fant just went to Denver :(
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 26, 2019 at 11:43 am
LOL Doug! That must have been hard for you to say!
Me too! :)
fthisJack
April 25, 2019 at 09:33 pm
Savage , Risner, Isabella!
AgrippaLII
April 25, 2019 at 09:33 pm
Why did Gutekunst draft Nick Perry again with Wilkins still on the board?
jasonperone
April 25, 2019 at 09:35 pm
Hey everyone, needless to say that pick threw us all off so I had to post from scratch. There was some bad links and wrong players for a minute but all should be updated now
fthisJack
April 25, 2019 at 09:38 pm
now they traded up with Seattle.....SAVAGE!!!
stockholder
April 25, 2019 at 09:42 pm
@30 and both rd. Fours.
stockholder
April 25, 2019 at 09:39 pm
Savage rated @75 on a trade up. Randall 2.0!
Leatherhead
April 25, 2019 at 09:40 pm
And now we traded for #21 and picked Savage.. Another guy that wasn’t really on the radar.
stockholder
April 25, 2019 at 09:43 pm
We made it. Rock bottom.
HankScorpio
April 25, 2019 at 10:05 pm
Savage was showing big on the radar the last few weeks.
jannesbjornson
April 25, 2019 at 11:42 pm
Gutekunst won on the points in the trade with Schneider. It was between Savage and Thornhill for the FS spot and there was the speculation that the Crows wanted Savage, too. He is a bit younger than Thornhill and a true deep cover guy with his 4.35 range. I believe he is smarter than Randall and carries an edge with him from rising up from a tough early life and thankfully Gutekunst could see through Cutler Jr and his bullshit me-first attitude.
jannesbjornson
April 25, 2019 at 11:42 pm
Gutekunst won on the points in the trade with Schneider. It was between Savage and Thornhill for the FS spot and there was the speculation that the Crows wanted Savage, too. He is a bit younger than Thornhill and a true deep cover guy with his 4.35 range. I believe he is smarter than Randall and carries an edge with him from rising up from a tough early life and thankfully Gutekunst could see through Cutler Jr and his bullshit me-first attitude.
Doug Niemczynski
April 25, 2019 at 09:41 pm
Ok. Gute you take the 12 pick and you trade down. But, no. You wasted the #12 pick and then now you trade away 2 4th round picks. GUTE your a jerk.
jannesbjornson
April 25, 2019 at 11:45 pm
He watched him up close and personal at the pro day. He owns this pick just like he recommended Spriggs and J Jones . Its not like they'll have a lot of money tied up in him if he chokes.
IceBowl
April 26, 2019 at 03:01 pm
Doug,
I have to say your knowledge supersedes all. You are one smart cookie. You are letting your true ID show.
Irish_Cheesehead
April 25, 2019 at 09:41 pm
Who the hell is Darnell Savage and did we really have to trade up to get him???
dblbogey
April 27, 2019 at 10:57 pm
If you don't even know who he is, you are not very knowledgeable and your opinion is worthless.
Doug Niemczynski
April 25, 2019 at 09:43 pm
I'm going to bed. I knew the Packers would screw it up. Go Browns.
IceBowl
April 26, 2019 at 02:51 pm
Doug,
I have to say your knowledge supersedes all. You are one smart cookie. You are letting your true ID show.
fthisJack
April 25, 2019 at 09:43 pm
i like him....he's got big play ability can play S or slot, has 4.37 speed. i like it.
jannesbjornson
April 25, 2019 at 11:46 pm
Great pick as a FS. He tore Ohio State apart.
Leatherhead
April 25, 2019 at 09:45 pm
Gutekunst is going to take heat for this pick, especially on the heels of the Gary pick.
Doug Niemczynski
April 25, 2019 at 09:49 pm
Once again, we draft all defense and defense still sucks. We sacrifice our offense once again. We have NO red zone threat again and protection for Roger's is still lacking.
Doug Niemczynski
April 25, 2019 at 10:11 pm
But giving up 2..4th round picks
CAG123
April 25, 2019 at 09:52 pm
Why are y’all calling Savage Randall 2.0? Randall was a safety that was converted to CB and he’s been fine in his natural position for the Browns Savage can play either safety position and can cover the slot and while Randall had the “shoelace” tackle tag on him out of college Savage brings everything we thought we were getting with HHCD the guy is a hitter and not afraid to get physical. I like it
AgrippaLII
April 25, 2019 at 11:25 pm
I'd like him better if he wasn't 5'11" and 191pounds...
4thand10
April 25, 2019 at 11:35 pm
But 4.3 speed you can’t coach up. He’s got speed.
Thegreatreynoldo
April 25, 2019 at 09:56 pm
Savage has a chance to be great at least. Probably my #2 or #3 safety though. Worth trading two fourths to get? Hmmm, probably not. Lot of confidence being shown by Gute. Greeks might say hubris.
I hope Pettine and Def. Back coach Jason Simmons are really good at their jobs.
stockholder
April 25, 2019 at 10:04 pm
Draft Crush is the only explanation.
Doug Niemczynski
April 25, 2019 at 10:01 pm
We are going to look back at this draft and look at who the Packers could have had and sigh.
IceBowl
April 26, 2019 at 02:42 pm
Every draft Doug.
PatrickGB
April 25, 2019 at 10:03 pm
Bedtime. This day was wasted.
stockholder
April 25, 2019 at 10:06 pm
Lump of coal. So much for my Christmas wish list.
Swisch
April 25, 2019 at 10:09 pm
C'mon, this guy is going to be very good, if not great.
I like big guys who can really move; there's always an important place for them in a top defense.
If anything, perhaps have Rashan slim down just a bit, and use that speed and quickness to wreak havoc -- maybe even as an inside linebacker.
I think Pettine is getting versatile guys he can employ to cause massive destruction and get the defense into elite status.
With Gary and Savage and our three free agents, watch out NFL!!!
Doug Niemczynski
April 25, 2019 at 10:12 pm
Please don't do drugs.
stockholder
April 25, 2019 at 10:16 pm
He liked Spriggs too.
jannesbjornson
April 25, 2019 at 11:50 pm
If they want him at OLB he can go to 265 range. He put on lbs to play in the dirt for Big Blue. Who knows? Pettine will probably develop him like Belichick did for Trey Flowers.
sherrmann1806
April 25, 2019 at 10:23 pm
What is it with Gudenkunst and nfl drafts!? Last year he watches Derwin James a sure fire perreniel probowler for an admittedly good player in Alexander but probably not a multi probowler and this year......he chooses Gary, an inconsistant under achieving though talented edge guy when two dominant future perrenial probowlers both dominant and GREAT defensive linemen in Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence!!
He also passes up several talented o linemen in the process!! Lastly............he gets Savage....a good safety that they could easily have gotten in the second round!!
Once again i find myself so pissed off at Gudenkunst that i don't even feel like following the rest of the draft!! As a matter of fact..i turned the radio off the moment the Gary pick was made!
I can only imagine what we gave up to move up 9 spots to get a player we could have gotten in the second round!!
I find myself not liking gudenkunst as a drafter much at all!! HE LEAVES TOO MUCH PRO BOWL talent out there in his persuit of DA GUY HE JUST HAS TO HAVE!!
Very disappointed!!
Malland56
April 25, 2019 at 10:27 pm
Read what the Packers see in him before you make nonsense comments about HIM. If you ever watched him play they are right in what they saw.
Malland56
April 25, 2019 at 10:29 pm
Still should of went after a blue chipper OL with 1st pick. He would have been there at 21
comeonman
April 25, 2019 at 10:37 pm
Good Night All, Go BUCKS and BREWERS
rdent
April 25, 2019 at 10:42 pm
Look at the bright side, by trading up to 21 we didn't have to stay up as late to be disappointed.
dobber
April 25, 2019 at 10:45 pm
I can't sleep anymore, anyway.
JonnieB12
April 25, 2019 at 10:51 pm
Brett kollman had him mocked to us and had a great take on why he thinks they should get him. Go check out his mock draft.
Tundraboy
April 25, 2019 at 11:07 pm
I'm still scratching my head.
leche
April 25, 2019 at 11:22 pm
I'm giving this pick a solid F... So many better players available to draft a guy with no heart...
Perhaps Gutekunst should stop looking to RAS as the end all, be all. Because that's the only plausible explanation for this pick
Ryan3468
April 25, 2019 at 11:23 pm
Seems this guy is gonna ride the pine for a while. Possible he can pan out, but tweezers have a lot to learn. The guy has speed to burn, hopefully he can add strength and knowledge of how to apply it. My guess is they drafted him for the potential. Luxury of having two first round picks.
Dagger
April 25, 2019 at 11:51 pm
why not just trade the two fourth round picks with our 12th and move up to get Bush ? I am deeply disappointed by the R Gary pick .... You could have just taken Wilkins of Clemson .... UGH
Dagger
April 25, 2019 at 11:51 pm
UGH
NoNonsense
April 25, 2019 at 11:51 pm
All I wanna know is what kind of life paths are these guys on?
Yes I'm disappointed they didnt take Wilkins or Sweat or even Simmons instead of Gary. I dont love the pick but clearly Pettine prefers beef on the edge and inside rushing ability.
As for Savage you have to love his name and the 4.3 speed. Hes a playmaker. Who knows maybe Seattle is all set to take Savage at 21, seeing as they did just lose Earl Thomas. So they wanted 2 4ths to move down, Oakland also took a Safety before pick 30 so they might have taken Savage too.
They still have 44 and 75, a 5th, 2 6ths and a 7th. Sucks to lose both 4ths, was hoping for some of that 4th round OL magic but now I will just have to hope they can make that magic in another round.
AgrippaLII
April 26, 2019 at 12:09 am
Yea maybe Gutekunst can make two sixth round picks disappear!
leche
April 26, 2019 at 12:10 am
The real wonder is what Gute saw in Savage that made him that much of a must draft guy when all of the safeties were on the board still and you knew a few of them would be there at #30. Obviously it's a bit hindsighty to say seeing Adderly, Gardner-Johnson, Thornill all not get drafted tonight, but it also would have been some terrible luck to sit pat at 30 and see Savage, Abrams, and these 3 all get drafted in those 9 picks.
For some reason he has to rate Savage way higher than those other guys for that trade to be worth it.
I just don't see it
4thand10
April 26, 2019 at 12:30 pm
Did you watch the Ohio St Game? Big 10 had the strongest teams this year.Look at the competition Savage went against.
Dagger
April 25, 2019 at 11:51 pm
Double UGH
Dagger
April 26, 2019 at 12:12 am
Triple UGH and Good Night UGH
draftnut59
April 26, 2019 at 12:17 am
Very disappointed
J0hn Denver's Gavel
April 26, 2019 at 12:42 am
Jerel Worthy 2.0? I hope we are all wrong about this pick, doubt it though.
Southside
April 26, 2019 at 01:42 am
Not pleased with the pick, however I did feel better about him after watching his Junior hi-lights.
NoNonsense
April 26, 2019 at 01:57 am
They have to believe they can unlock this guys potential for him to be the pick at 12. Mike Smith will get the first crack at being the locksmith.
Tabin
April 26, 2019 at 03:32 am
For those who wnated to trade down of 12. I agree but you need a partner for that and maybe there was no real option. I would have prefer Wilkins but I think this kid is better than the stats and Pettine will move him around. I liked Lancaster a lot at the end of last year, he coud be a very good 2down player and aallow Clark to play less snaps The Packers don´t have anymore a fix 3-4, they move the guys around.
Savage is the best FS in the draft but I don´t understand why the trade up.
I hope that Risner, Ford, Taylor make it to the 44, if any one of them is there They shoudl be the pick, my favorite is Ford.
Montana
April 26, 2019 at 04:30 am
I hope Gary works out, he's got a ton of potential reading his bio but lots of questions too unfortunately. This 12 pick was not BPA and one can only hope that he can be coached up.
Hope for Ford with our next pick in round two.
rstain99
April 26, 2019 at 05:59 am
Just got done watching my Bruins beat Jackets (yes NE guy, not Pats fan) turned over to draft it floored me, Gary dropped the last few weeks when most of the scouts really looked. I guess the pack were not ones who watched. I am sick they had many other guys on the board rated way more highly than this Datone, Nick Perry 2.0 copy cat. Hopefully they know what they are doing, experts graded this pick as C- already real head scratcher. I love idea of building tough defense but not getting excited for this guy, Savage seems like better choice, time for coffee to settle me down, waited all these weeks reading mocks and this is what they give us. Can only hope they pan out. Bring us Andy Isabella and I am excited again.
Doug Niemczynski
April 26, 2019 at 09:51 am
We can't get Isabella because now we have Nothing to trade to get him.
IceBowl
April 26, 2019 at 03:04 pm
Do we have to trade to get him?
Cartwright
April 26, 2019 at 06:28 am
I was as pissed as everyone else when the pick for Gary was made, but when I saw him shed a tear for becoming a Packer I let it go thinking this kid realises he's going to the best franchise in football, wanted to become a Packer and got his wish. Pettine made lemonade out of a bunch of lemons last year, look at how Fackrell improved as an example, he will will do the same with this lad. With the addition of Savage at safety and the free agents we picked up I'm looking forward to having a top 5 defense this year.
Doug Niemczynski
April 26, 2019 at 09:52 am
Pat's will get Isabella because the Patriots are not stupid.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 26, 2019 at 11:53 am
Pickled,
He shed tears but do not get confused. It was tears for becoming a millionaire and for being drafted in round 1. Nothing to do with the GBP'S!
Fire_Gute
April 26, 2019 at 06:37 am
I didn't think I could be as disappointed as I was last night with this pick. I would have been fine with a ol, wr, te, dl, mlb, olb, probably even a rb. Really, really didn't want to see a db again but it is what it is. The one thing i didn't want was another conversion project or another player with an injury. Well, gute decided to combine both of those into Gary
4thand10
April 26, 2019 at 12:35 pm
Safety....true Safety. They have not been picking the Capers style generic “dbs”. I watched the Ohio st. Game and it instantly changed my view on Savage. Savage thrived against THE very Top competition.
Donster
April 26, 2019 at 07:01 am
Disappointed to say the least. Gary would more than likely still be on the board for round 2. When Wilkins, Burns, Sweat and Simmons still on the board, how can you not take one of them? Granted, Simmons might not have played until November, but a better upside than Gary. I hope Pettine can get Gary to play hard every down, the opposite that he did at Michigan. Or getting paid will bring out the beast in him, instead of the opposite, that he will dog it even more now that he will have money in his pocket. I hope he surprises me, and isn't another Datone Jones. Or Nick Perry.
I like the Savage pick, but not moving up for him and giving up two 4th rounders. I think he would have been available at 30 or at least Adderley, Thornhill and Rapp would have been there.
PAPackerbacker
April 26, 2019 at 07:27 am
I think the trade to #21 was to get Fant but the Broncos took him with pick #20. I don't think the trade was to get Savage. So they had to find another selection instead of Fant to fill a need. Both Gary and Savage are good players. Savage has the skills to be an immediate impact player. I don't know about Gary. I saw where the Packers got an A for their selections? Am I missing something?
Fire_Gute
April 26, 2019 at 08:17 am
The got a c- for Gary from CBS instant grade bullcrap about 30 seconds after the pick. Or about 4 months before the damn pre-season even starts. As much as I don't like the pick, i hate the draft grades even more.
zoellner25
April 26, 2019 at 08:33 am
the trade was to get Savage. Listen to Gutey's presser
Doug Niemczynski
April 26, 2019 at 09:47 am
EXACTLY. Thank you.
Archie
April 26, 2019 at 08:30 am
Wow, what a bunch of negativity. None of us knows for sure how these guys will pan out but I like both on film. Players that can move like Gary at his size are rare as hen's teeth. Gutey has been in lve with him since Feb so it wasn't a case of the board fell against him and he panicked. I follow the draft fairly closely and from day 1, Gary was being mocked to GB. He plays the run as well as he does the pass. He can be moved around. He is they type of guy Pettine wants in his front 7 and is very Ed Oliver like except he's bigger. Everybody says no surgery needed. Gute and the other scout explained how he was used in M and how he was double and tripled teamed while offenses ran to the side he wasn't on. People on this board may turn out to be right but I believe that it is more likely they will turn out quite wrong.
If you watch Savage on film you have to be excited. Packers braintrust clearly preferred this guy and strongly believed he would not be available at 30. This is the final piece to rebuilding their defense. Go get your man! The price of two 4ths is well worth IF they prove to be right.
We have our corners, our safeties, and our front 7 is built to handle the run and the pass. This could be our best defense by far since our Reggie White days. And you people are crying your eyes out. When all turns out well, we won't be able to find a single complainer.
Now it's time to turn our attention to offense. Two picks tonight. Maybe more trades. Go Gutey!
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 26, 2019 at 12:00 pm
Archie,
As usual well done!
My fingers are really crossed these first 2 picks are the real deal. Neither are sexy or popular picks but hopefully they make team team better and are fixtures on D for years.
I agree they will turn their attention on Friday to offense.
IceBowl
April 26, 2019 at 03:25 pm
Knock,
You say ... "Neither are sexy or popular picks...."
This is exactly the problem with sports media today. There are so many draft boards from supposed "experts" the draftnicks just accept all the hype. Most draftnicks just get their preferences from "all" the meaningless opinion boards. Which, coincidentally, have little similarity or agreement. And so, they don't really mean much. But gospel to draftnicks. Hence, our poor draft so far.
So, no sexy or popular picks for us. Until you follow some draft board's opinion. Because you know, they have more insight than the Pack. LOL.
I think it is smarter to trust our experts.
jimtalkbox
April 26, 2019 at 09:26 am
Gary obviously fits a profile that Pettine wants for his defense. (Similar body type to the Za'Darius and Preston Smith)
Even though I might have taken Jawaan Taylor or Dillard at that point, I am VERY grateful that Gutey is finally addressing the PASS RUSH in a major, major way this offseason. The talent at that position has been severely lacking for a while.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 26, 2019 at 12:01 pm
Welcome JTB!
Agreed!
4thand10
April 26, 2019 at 12:37 pm
Agreed.
Doug Niemczynski
April 26, 2019 at 09:53 am
Disappointed and Disgusted.
IceBowl
April 26, 2019 at 02:46 pm
What I haven't seen discussed is a LB, yes LB, at 6'4" 277 lbs.
Haven't seen that before. Trend setter? Maybe a new chapter in NFL history.
Maybe making history.
Oppy
April 26, 2019 at 06:23 pm
That's not unheard of for a 3-4 OLB
A little shorter than prototypical, a little heavier than protypical
Not that far off
Keep in mind that tweener DE's from 4-3 systems are often drafted and coverted to 3-4 OLBs
Doug Niemczynski
May 01, 2019 at 06:28 pm
I 100% agree. Physically yes top 10 player,but as a football player then ok at #30
rdent
April 28, 2019 at 10:08 am
I wasn't happy about that pick, not because of the player but because I strongly believe they could have gotten him at 30.