I’m not a fan of blowing holes in the lineup for economic reasons.

Jenkins will be the center.

I, too, would like a stud lining up next to Clark for the next four years.

I still think that before signing for JJW it is better to sign a CB of value (Sherman ??) as it is very difficult to find one ready to win right away .... GPG

Thanks for being level-headed about the JJ Watt hype. Given our cap space, needs and Watt's age - I think signing him would be foolish. I think we need two more solid interior linemen to make this defense productive up front. While I like Watt, his price and injury history are not favorable.

I also liked the Tweet repost. I think it maps out most of the logical moves. It also spells out the desperation going forward. If we are going to push all that money out then we better be ALL IN. The hangover will be significant and Packers will be facing lean years. Our only hope is to have a couple of killer drafts to carry us when we are driving on fumes.

Tried to vote for Hanson in your 'center' poll but all the clicking in the world did me no good. Might need my 7 year old niece to show me.

Jenkins might be the best center in isolation, but I can see Patrick being the starter with one of Runyon/Stepaniak taking his position. It’s a question of the best 5 as a whole.

Defensive tackle, cornerback, inside linebacker, offensive lineman.
Take a player from one of those positions in the first round based on which selection is mostly likely to be a star.
In general in the draft, I think it's a balance of both position of need and best player available.
***
As I understand it, the center does a lot as far as calling out protection assignments at the line of scrimmage.
I don't know all that much about Elgton Jenkins, but I have the impression he may have the stature and the smarts to fill this important leadership position on the offensive line for many years to come.
***
So J. J. and his brothers all come over to the Packers -- (is T. J. a free agent next season?) -- and also star in a sitcom set in Pewaukee called, "Watt's Happening."

My wish for a FA acquisition is Edge Carl Lawson (6'2", approx 260+) who was originally drafted by the Bengals. I liked him in 2017 and still do.

He is a bit tightly wound (the knock on him coming out of college) which makes him more injury prone than some, but he has always been productive. He had 7.5 sacks as a rookie in 2017, suffered an ACL in 2018 and is only 25 (26 in June). He is strong, quick, and has great hand use. If Preston Smith goes, he would be a replacement at (almost) half the cost.

I agree that DL is our #1 need. Unfortunately, not a strength in this draft. For those who don’t like light boxes get ready for more because the Rams ran it approximately 85% of the time, most in the NFL. I suspect hybrid safety will also be a need in the draft as Rams utilized this position more to help stop the run. Hopefully, we will be able to stop the run in the Staley defensive scheme if that is what Barry plans to run.

JJ Watt:
Many teams can offer Watt more money. No question. But can other teams offer him what the Packers can? The MVP of the league, an offense that was the best in the league, a defense that was improving with some really good corner pieces already. Lets look at this a bit more...
Watt was the most double teamed player in the league last year. Who was the 2nd most? Za'Darius Smith. They can't double both, especially when Gary and Clark are there. The defense has the best CB in football. The safety's are really good and continue to get better. Adding a player like Watt could put our defense over the top. Its not just his play but his leadership that would make a huge difference.
I get that there is risk in bringing him here. But the upside makes that risk worth it IMO.

DL:
I am looking forward to seeing what Keke does in year 3. I think he could play a vital role for the defensive line. But they do need more help. I liked the additions along the way of Snacks, Wynn and even Price. Lowry played better down the stretch, but he shouldn't be our number 2 DL. He is more of a rotational type of guy. Lancaster is JAG. Fine as a rotational guy but shouldn't be receiving a bulk of the snaps.
DL is one of my top 2 needs for this team entering the offseason. DL and CB are my top 2 needs.

Inside linebackers:
I am looking forward to year 2 for Martin and Barnes. I could see Kirksey being a cap casualty. Whether that happens or not, we shall see. But I think in a new style of defense Martin and Barnes could take a big step next year. I wouldn't be surprised if they drafted another in the mid rounds.
One player I'm kind of curious about is Burks. With a new DC in there does he find a role for him?

I caught some of the highlights of University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Center Quinn Meinerz at the Senior Bowl. He could be an interesting draft pick.

Pack had Jenkins at center this year, so why not next season. Now that we could have some cap space let's go for it. There are some interesting DTs available : JJ Watt, Williams, Tomlinson, Short. I would sign Watt-1 yr and Short to a non guaranteed contract. I know short has not played much in the last two yrs , but he has a big upside. Peterson could be had for a 3 yr contract with the first two guaranteed. This scenario would allow our draftees some time to develop.

Why not Watt? The cap is an ever moving guideline, almost fictional. Couple years ago we just signed Rodgers to 35 mil and went after Mack at 25 mil. I’m a cynical realist in life, The packers are entertainment, sign whoever at whatever,

NFC North"senior defensive assistants": I don't think it makes a shred of difference--our offense, even with a possibly different look, will chew up our rivals, anyway. The Lions need defensive talent, and the Bears need a whole new offense, coaching included.

I think everybody's with you on the need for another impactful DL to pair with Clark--as long as we're not trading away another high pick to get him. If we can get solid prospects at CB, DL, and T with those first three picks, that would leave us in great shape going forward. And don't overlook Keke; I think he will continue to improve.

After Gute's last Draft. I have lost faith in Gute's drafting. Not to mention watching his failures. ( Burks , and Moore. ) With that in mind. Is Kirksey a starter? His replacement showed more. And since Gute never replaced Daniels. Lowrey is Gutes prize. Problem: if the packers won't draft ILB or DL. He still is putting it all on Rodgers. Nobody has Rodgers back;( after Love was drafted.) And now he'll lose players; that protected his butt and took the pressure off. We now have to compare Apples to Apples. Dump last years signings. Franchise Linsley; ( as the cost should go down.) And Let Turner play RT. I'd much rather have Turner's versatility. Not to mention an All-pro C. Of course this doesn't fix the defense. But Watt would! To get there. Why pay any signings last year to sit the bench. And wreck any chance to get better. There's no doubt King is gone. Jackson is the starter. Draft the DL!!!. Double down on it. Gute's vision of the future is a twisted Dream. The only thing that has kept it from a nightmare, is Arron Rodgers.

I agree on the JJ Watt hype. It is romantic to think about, but I really concerned about his age and availability for the price he will command. The best ability is availability and JJ has not been that available over the last couple years. Frankly, would rather see another year of Lowery. I would also rather see the resign of Linsley so they can keep mauling people in the run game. I would rather see finding away to keep Williams so they have quality depth guaranteed at RB for the mauling run game. I would rather see them invest in Richard Sherman at CB before Watt to provide experience and depth at corner. I would rather see them spend money on a tackle because Bhaktiari probably won't be back for the majority of the beginning of the season. Net point, while the Watt move is romantic, I have a lot of "I'd rathers" I would rather see.

I agree on the JJ Watt hype. It is romantic to think about, but I really concerned about his age and availability for the price he will command. The best ability is availability and JJ has not been that available over the last couple years. Frankly, would rather see another year of Lowery. I would also rather see the resign of Linsley so they can keep mauling people in the run game. I would rather see finding away to keep Williams so they have quality depth guaranteed at RB for the mauling run game. I would rather see them invest in Richard Sherman at CB before Watt to provide experience and depth at corner. I would rather see them spend money on a tackle because Bhaktiari probably won't be back for the majority of the beginning of the season. Net point, while the Watt move is romantic, I have a lot of "I'd rathers" I would rather see.

Interesting...

jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2021/02/17/green-bay-packers-j-j-watt-dropping-hint-his-destination/6781600002/

OL
LT Turner
LG Runyan or Taylor
C Jenkins
RG Patrick or Stephaniak or Taylor
RT Wagner

JJ ican be done if the Packers can come around with a creative cap solution and both sides compromise. If the Packers sign JJ then go for a CB or SS in the first round. If no JJ then go for a DT and try to get a cornerback on FA, one that can play man. I like Conley, he won´t be expensive, the bad thing is his injury history.

Ok, I'm finally feeling a little less depressed about the loss to TB. 1/2 LOL.

RB - big unknown but all hope is in Dillon
CB - in this strange year, I'm think King is back on a 1 yr deal at a good price.
OL - got to get a big guy
D - might not be a big need
WR - has MVS turned the corner?

So who do we draft in round 1? looks like it might be another QB to me cuz barring injury, AR made sure Love will never see the field in GB.

Nothing to talk about until draft or deals start happening.

I would say a big no on Sherman. He is old, would probably want some serious money, and from what I’ve read he only plays well in cover 3. We don’t know what our defense will look like, probably a lot like the Rams, so not sure if cover 3 will be utilized.

Poll works now! Thanks again for the help, Al.

JJ would be nice, but who knows. I'm more interested in what the Packers do beyond this season. For this season the die is cast, with most of this roster already set. A little luck, and the Packers could make another run for the Superbowl. Even with the Cap bounce (if it happens) the Packers will have too many core players due to cover. How Gute and Russ Ball take on Cap Man will determine the Packers future for at least the next decade.

Best five is the mantra. I don't know who the center is going to be because I don't know who the best five players are right now, let alone in August. If I have to guess, I'd say it involves Runyan, which might push Jenkins to center. Jenkins at center is not a waste. He can easily provide help to either side. He's smart. He tough. He knows his tech. He can do anything except LT.

There are more possibilities to create money than I expected, but the Packers would be going all-in and facing a future drought that might last years. Look at the Saints - they are hamstrung for the next three years. And it didn't even work. I don't see them going all-in to that degree.

JJ Watt? I don't know. I'm not against it. It wouldn't hurt. Will the price be right? I don't know that you should break the bank for him.

great work.

The cap is interesting. It depends on whether Gute is willing to go "all-in" on these players. The Book of Mark double-counted Bakh and assumes a $180M cap number. OTC has GB at -$19.89M after converting Bakh's roster bonus to a signing bonus. I see no money for draft picks, 52nd and 53rd contracts, PS, operating cushion for the year, or for signing RFAs.

RESTRUCTURES: $18M not $26.3M even using their numbers.
AR: Getting $15M in savings can't be done without adding a year to the contract or getting AR to play for less cash in 2021 (which could be added back in during a later season). I got $11.3M and could have gotten $13.3M just moving money around but not changing how much cash AR gets each year.

Turner: Ditto. Can get $2.59M by moving money around. More requires Turner to play for less cash in 2021 or an extension. TBOM got $3M, and I took $1.5M in my article.

EXTENDED: $26.4M. Yeah, I don't think so. Maybe I could go to $10M.

Adams ($9.3M). Good luck with that. I got $6.11M so $3.2M less.

Z. Smith ($12.4M). This is a major leap/major bet. It likely means adding 3 years to his deal (he'd be 32 in 2025) and giving him $17.5M as a signing bonus in 2021 rather than as salary. Do you want to do that? I took $2.5M in cap savings but noted more could be done. Just about $10M apart in our respective thinking.

Amos ($4.7M): This likely requires adding two years to Adrian's contract. He would be 31 during his last season. Possible. It isn't that old for a SS. He'd have a $12.5M cap number for 2022, but it would probably be more because this approach isn't increasing the AAV or these players. I took $1.5M using a more conservative approach, so I'm about $3.2M less, but I'd consider doing more than $1.5M with his deal.

Consider whether the player would agree to an extension. Would Amos prefer 2 more years or would he like to get one last 4-year deal when his is 29 in March of 2023 (he'd be 30 in April) that gives him a signing bonus with new money? Ditto for Z. Smith.

CUTS: Adds up to $22.5, not $22.9. Figures a little off: really $22.42M. It's about even with mine.
Could get $5.5M more actually with June 1 designations on Preston and Lowry. I would keep Wagner, and Funchess would be a decision made in August/September. I only get $1.1M less keeping Wagner and Funchess (for now).

Note that these cap savings for 2021 noted by The Book of Mark would have just a vet. min. base salary and a signing bonus proration. The numbers for Workout and Game Active bonuses would be $0.00. I can get to about $50M in cap savings - $19.89M =$30.1M, minus roughly $10M for Draft/52nd/53rd/PS/Cushion leaves $20.1M. GB wants some of Tonyan, Sullivan, Boyle, and Lancaster back, though the latter two (or three?) don't get tendered. Probably looking at $6M to $9M of the $20.1M here.

GB might bring back Greene, Redmond, M. Adams, Lane Taylor, if only because they should return on qualified contracts. Still have Aaron Jones, Linsley, Jamaal, Marcedes, Ervin/Austin, out there and the need for a starting #2 CB and DL help (Watt?).