Packers 2023 NFL Draft: Day 1 Analysis
CHTV provides an analysis on the Packers' first-round selection, Lukas Van Ness.
By rex.sheild
Another year, another defensive player taken in the first round by the Green Bay Packers. General manager Brian Gutekunst & Co. drafted Iowa edge rusher Lukas Van Ness with the 13th overall selection, the seventh defensive player taken by the organization in the first round since Gutekunst took over at the helm. In fact, Van Ness joins a defense that now boasts eight first-round selections.
Was it a sexy pick? Not from my vantage point, but it fills a need at one of the most important positions in the sport. Plus, Van Ness has positional versatility along the defensive front. It is evident that Gutekunst drafts with the long-term in mind, rather than the short-term, and this selection backs that up, though it is certainly possible that Van Ness makes an immediate impact next season. It is also evident that Gutekunst loves athletes in the first two rounds, and again this selection backs that up. Van Ness produced a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.39.
Van Ness’ fully-guaranteed contract is for four years, with a fifth-year option, and is worth an estimated $17.38 million. The deal includes a $9.6 million signing bonus.
MEASURABLES/COMBINE:
6’5”, 272 lbs. 4.58 40 / 1.64 10-yd / 4.32 20-yd / 31” vert / 118” broad jump / 7.02 cone drill
Career Notes:
Nicknamed “Hercules,” Van Ness arrived in Iowa City at 220 pounds and put on 60 pounds during his first year on campus. In his first year of game action in 2021, the Illinois native appeared in all 13 games and registered 33 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and seven sacks. Those statistics earned him a spot on the Football Writers Association of America Freshman All-American list. Last season, he was named a second-team All-Big Ten selection by the media and coaches as he produced 36 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks. His two blocked punts against Iowa State in Week 2 of the 2022 season tied for a school record. While Van Ness was never a starter during his time as a Hawkeye, though he played the most snaps among the three-man edge rotation a season ago, he still had 74 QB pressures over the last two seasons, according to Pro Football Focus, the most among Big Ten defenders.
Van Ness, 21, received his draft call from the Packers in Fontana, WI, and is the fifth player from the University of Iowa selected by the Packers in the first round and the first since 2010 (Bryan Bulaga, 23rd overall). He is also the seventh Hawkeye player, regardless of round, drafted by the franchise since 2002. Van Ness, who trained in California with Kenny Clark before the draft and grew up playing hockey, will wear No. 90 next season.
SCOUTING REPORTS:
What They’re Saying:
“Coming off the bench at Iowa, Van Ness was primarily an edge rusher in defensive coordinator Phil Parker’s four-man front, but he also saw significant snaps inside over the B-gap. The Iowa coaches reward seniority, so John Waggoner and Joe Evans started at defensive end last season, but Van Ness had more defensive snaps than either and led the Hawkeyes in tackles for loss and sacks. Regardless of alignment, Van Ness has high-end tools with his length and play strength, which allow him to wear down blockers as a pass rusher or stack, locate and play off blocks in the run game. A hockey player most of his life, he credits his time on the ice for developing his balance, urgent play style and competitive toughness. Overall, Van Ness needs coached up with his pass-rush construction and overall pacing, but he is an ascending player and competes like a grizzly bear with his fierce power and explosive twitch. He has the upside of an impactful NFL starter with inside/outside versatility, regardless of scheme.” -Dane Brugler, The Athletic.
“Van Ness never started a game in college but wowed with his quickness and agility while playing defensive end for the Hawkeyes. … He's a raw prospect, but it's easy to get excited about his speed, length and power as a true 4-3 defensive end at the next level. Comparisons to Karlaftis (a 2022 first-rounder) have been made by more than one scout.” -Matt Miller, ESPN.
“Van Ness has a special combination of size, length, power and speed. His ability to get into the pads of offensive linemen and drive them back to the quarterback with ease stands out on tape. He also flashes good swipe and chop moves, but he'll need to continue to improve his array of pass-rush moves to reach his considerable potential. While he didn't see as much time on running downs as he did on passing downs in college, he has the traits to excel versus the run.” -Steve Muench, ESPN.
Other options on the board:
Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, eventually taken by the Seattle Seahawks with the 20th overall selection, was there for the taking.
The Packers could have shored up the future of the offensive line by selecting an offensive tackle, such as Georgia’s Broderick Jones who was selected with the very next pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Another edge rusher, Iowa State’s Will McDonald, went 15th overall to the New York Jets.
And while the Packers appear to be set at cornerback on paper, they could have looked to improve that position by selecting Mississippi State’s Emmanuel Forbes (16th overall to the Washington Commanders) or Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez (17th overall to the New England Patriots).
Why they went with Van Ness:
Gutekunst described Van Ness during his post-draft presser in simple terms: "Big man. Powerful. Fast. Explosive. Really big upside." His type of speed and tenacity in getting after the quarterback were two attributes in particular that were sorely lacking from the Packers' pass rush after Gary went down with a torn ACL.
As mentioned at the top, Van Ness is a versatile player that can line up inside or outside, which Gutekunst said is "something that is very important to us."
You are probably wondering: Why did the Packers decide to select a defensive player instead of an offensive skill player? "I think it was just how we had them rated," Gutekunst said. "We very much believe in rushing the passer, and the edge position is a very premium position for us. I think that is why we made that decision."
Video:
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Rex is a lifelong Packers fan but was sick of the cold, so he moved to the heart of Cowboys country. Follow him on Twitter (@Sheild92) and Instagram (@rex.sheild).
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Comments (214)
murf7777
April 28, 2023 at 07:05 am
“The Iowa coaches reward seniority, so John Waggoner and Joe Evans started at defensive end last season, but Van Ness had more defensive snaps than either and led the Hawkeyes in tackles for loss and sacks.“
Finally, an explanation of why he wasn’t a starter! Thank you.
GregC
April 28, 2023 at 10:29 am
It's also worth noting that Waggoner declared for the draft and is not expected to be picked at all, while virtually everyone thought Van Ness would be taken in the first round. (Evans is going to play another year at Iowa.)
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
April 28, 2023 at 04:39 pm
Admirable loyalty, but I would imagine that approach kills Iowa in the recruiting department. Few big time recruits will pass up early playing time to come sit till their senior year.
mrtundra
April 28, 2023 at 07:11 am
I saw a nickname for Lukas and I hope it catches on. The Luke Ness Monster! I am very happy with this pick! This is a long term strategy by Gute. Cannot wait for Day 2 to begin! GO PACK, GO!!!
BradHTX
April 28, 2023 at 08:00 am
Och, aye, there be auld Nessie, rushin’ yon passer and wrappin’ him up like a wee bairn…
BirdDogUni
April 28, 2023 at 08:46 am
Think his teammates called him Hercules...
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 28, 2023 at 10:38 am
The Luke Ness Monster! Love it Tundra!
SicSemperTyrannis
April 29, 2023 at 10:23 am
Plus he's a hockey player! We earn the reputation of never knowing when we're beat, which translates to "finishing" in football, and also digging deep in the fourth quarter. If this guy has work ethic like that plus a non-stop motor he could have serious impact ...
Oppy
April 28, 2023 at 02:38 pm
To each his own, but sometimes the obvious route isn't the best one.
MooPack
April 28, 2023 at 07:15 am
I had four guys I thought they could take at #13. OT's Darnell Wright, Broderick Jones. Edges Myles Murphy, Lukas Van Ness. My guess was an OT over Edge, but with Broderick Jones still there Edge was obviously their choice. With another top pick for the defense, Barry has nowhere to hide. Get the job done or the door will be shown to you.
I like Van Ness. Good character kid. I'm biased being an Iowa guy, but he has some tremendous upside. The Packers are in no hurry next year and it could take a year or two to gain some strength and technique development. He can play inside and out, will be starting day 1, and by the time Gary gets back they should have a pretty good pass rush by years end.
Now let's get some TE's!
murf7777
April 28, 2023 at 07:23 am
You had me until you said you were an Iowa Guy. As a Long time avid Badger fan, for that I must down vote you….LOL
HawkPacker
April 28, 2023 at 07:33 am
Gee, and I thought this was a Packer website not a Big 10 site.
dobber
April 28, 2023 at 07:45 am
It's like the icing on your cupcake.
MooPack
April 28, 2023 at 07:34 am
Ha, I'm down with that.
egbertsouse
April 28, 2023 at 07:36 am
Another Badger alumni here. I wouldn’t automatically downvote an Iowa guy but I would downvote an Ohio State guy if the school would ever graduate one who could write.
TKWorldWide
April 28, 2023 at 09:25 am
WHICH Ohio State?
THEEEE Ohio State University? That alone is enough for my 👎!
greengold
April 28, 2023 at 11:10 am
A+++++++++++
greengold
April 28, 2023 at 11:10 am
As a doubler, I’ll just make an observation. No judging either. Simply informational.
In the last 3 drafts we’ve taken:
9 OL
4 WR
2 RB
1 TE
1 QB
5DL
2 LB
4 DB
7 of those players are no longer with the team, all of which were from 2020 & 2021 drafts.
We’ve taken 6 more Offensive players than Defensive in that 3 year span.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
April 28, 2023 at 04:40 pm
Savage 🤣
dobber
April 28, 2023 at 07:45 am
Did my time in Madison, too, and I'm more anti-gopher and NW than I am Iowa.
LambeauPlain
April 28, 2023 at 08:34 am
Yeah, me as well. As a UW grad my first sales position was in IA, living in Waterloo. Hawkeye fans = Viking fans. Schadenfruede when they lose. It ain't right...but it is how I feel. Gophers are right up there too.
jannesbjornson
April 28, 2023 at 01:16 pm
As a Badger Alumni living on the St.Croix and running a business in the Twin Cities; it is non-stop fly-swatting season.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 28, 2023 at 10:40 am
Good assessment Moo!
No doubt Gary & LVN will work well together & I can see Gary & Preston mentoring him helping him to develop quicker. I really like the addition but Packers strongly need another very good DL right smack dab in the middle of the line.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 29, 2023 at 10:25 am
I was very disappointed to see the loss on our DL. Was that purely due to salary cap?
murf7777
April 28, 2023 at 07:21 am
What’s your prediction or desire for the 2nd rounders tonight?
My wish list is D. Washington and J. Mingo. I’d also be happy with Musgrave and Tillman.
For the 3rd round as if it matters, please, please don’t take someone who we all thought should’ve been taken in the 5th round. Ah, screw that go ahead and take Nathan Dell, Houston, a quick twitch, fast, small WR who also excels at returning. If he’s a bust what else is new. We are headed for the Top ST’s this year!
I want the Packers to provide some weapons for J Love tonight. Give Love some love.
PackEyedOptimist
April 28, 2023 at 08:03 am
I’d be overjoyed with Washington and Mingo, but I think Washington will go before 43. We’re 11 picks from 43, (and 13 from 45), and Washington and Mayers are both possible picks during that stretch, along with say , Joey Porter, Will Levis, Isiah Foskey, Toni Adebawore, BJ Ojulare, Derrick Hall, Keion White, Keanu Benton, Steve Avila, O’Cyrus Torrence, Dawand Jones, JM Schmitz, Brian Branch, and maybe Jalin Hyatt.
That’s a total of 16 players; we can get two of them at worst, or get someone “ranked lower” like Mingo, AT Perry, Gervon Dexter, Julius Brents, Sam LaPorta, etc.
I just hope Gute doesn’t trade 42 and 45 to trade up for just one of those players.
golfpacker1
April 28, 2023 at 08:31 am
My thought exactly Pack. If he wastes that extra 2nd rounder to move up there might be an explosion in my mancave. If anything, he should pick TE @ #42. Then if WR is the next need to be filled, unless Tillman is there, he should try to trade back 10-12 spots for an extra pick. The first-round trades after pick #6 were way in the favor of the team trading up. Usually, the 2nd and 3rd round trades favor the team moving back. Look what we gave up to bag Watson last year. Teams think they are running out of options and act desperate. It would sure help if we had another couple picks in rounds 3-4-5.
The rebuild is on and the Diva is gone!
dobber
April 28, 2023 at 09:34 am
I was uneasy about that in the first round, especially, half-expecting them to give away a 2nd to move up into the 7-9 range to pick a guy who would have been available at 13.
There are always move-ups at the start of round 2 and 4 when teams get a chance to reassess their boards in terms of who they got the previous day, and who's left.
Not surprised that Levis is still on the board (mostly because I didn't think his body of work was anything special), but wouldn't be surprised to see someone move up to try to nab him.
golfpacker1
April 28, 2023 at 10:46 am
I also was nervous Dobber. First I was happy when Wright got picked. At this time OT isn't a big need. Next years OT class is bigger and better as is Safety. We get those 1st next year.
I was then disappointed when we didn't trade back, but after the 7th pick not much was being offered. With Bijan gone and no teams wanting Levis, we didn't have chances. I would have taken the Steelers 4th rounder to move back 4 spots as Van Ness or Miles Murphey would have still been there.
I was happier with us taking Van Ness than I would have been taking Branch or JSN. Tillman is a better fit along with 8 other WRs. And useable Safeties can be had later.
Maybe a slight move back from #45 can be accomplished, ten or twelve spots would get us another 3rd or 4th. Teams will be getting nervous by then. An extra pick would really help fill more needs.
mnbadger
April 28, 2023 at 12:45 pm
Totally agree about levis. To me, he looks like mtrubisky 2.0.
QB in round 6 or 7, speed and muscle in rounds 2-5 IMO.
GPG!
GGG!
Thegreatreynoldo
April 28, 2023 at 10:20 am
Excellent summary. I don't like two of those sixteen (Levis and Hyatt), and I would like to avoid taking another Edge guy and really that includes defensive players in general, but one can reasonably suppose teams will snatch those Edge and defensive guys up other than the CBs, of whom there are many. I like Dexter, LaPorta, Mingo, and wouldn't hate Bergeron or Musgrave, but WRs are little scarce in this area.
I expect GB will draft three good to very good prospects today.
dobber
April 28, 2023 at 10:39 am
I think Porter gets picked early.
golfpacker1
April 28, 2023 at 10:50 am
We really don't have as strong of a need for CB anyway.
greengold
April 28, 2023 at 12:57 pm
That’s kind of difficult to say, given we have no clue when Stokes returns, nor in what shape. Knee plus ankle for a speed guy at CB?
I’ve counted him out, and I’m a Stokes fan.
We’re always 1 injury away, but, those premium positions? I’d try to add at least one more CB.
jannesbjornson
April 28, 2023 at 01:18 pm
#32.
PackEyedOptimist
April 28, 2023 at 08:06 am
And hey, we already drafted a guy who blocked two punts last year! Assistant Head Coach Bisaccia must be exerting his new powers! 😃
packerbackerjim
April 28, 2023 at 08:32 am
I love the pick. Bisaccia will be able to get production from him almost immediately, whereas Barry will struggle to utilize the versatility of LVN.
BradHTX
April 28, 2023 at 08:06 am
My prediction is TE and WR in the 2nd, DT in the third. Probably OT in the 4th, as that guy can marinate for a year before they need him. I’d love to see:
D Washington
J Mingo
K Benton
M Bergeron
D Thompson-Robinson in the 5th
Would like to see a safety in there too, obviously.
Tekraut17
April 28, 2023 at 09:12 am
Like the TE/WR in the 2nd route, doesn't matter which is first/second. We can also get our LT of the future with the extra 1st round we'll be getting from the jets next year and if it's not a 1st and ours isn't high enough we could always package our 1 with the 2nd from jets. Either way we should be able to grab a top tier OT
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 28, 2023 at 10:48 am
Murf,
As crazy as it might seem.....I would not entirely rule out Keion White should he surprise and be sitting there. Yes, I know you could say why draft White when we just drafted a similar player in LVN, but if Gutey wanted to really bolster Edge & the DL than White is a very good option. Yes, it would be crazy, impulsive, and unpredictable as Gutey can sometimes be. I would not be upset if Gutey did something like this.....but wouldn't a pick like this blow the heads off some? LOL!
Wondering if Tillman & Musgrave are too similar? I think so and would take one & add a speedster like Mim's.
My guess would be this:
Round 2: I am under assumption Michael Mayer is gone by #42.
#42: Darnell Washington, Trent Tucker, Luke Musgrave
$45: (any one mentioned above), Mim's, Tillman, Rice, Mingo, or AT Perry
Frankly, any two from above names I would be okay with.....and yes, even Keion White at Edge/DL knowing the Packers have a lot more picks for offense.
golfpacker1
April 28, 2023 at 11:02 am
Knock I am guessing you meant Tucker Kraft instead of Trent Tucker, and I would definitely take him @ #42 and get the biggest need started toward getting filled. There are so many good choices for us @ WR, I will take any of the above, but no to Hyatt. Also, we can get another good Edge later. We need to start filling the other needs first.
jannesbjornson
April 28, 2023 at 01:12 pm
Kraft Should be the target, then Tillman.
Vachio
April 28, 2023 at 01:02 pm
Right there with you. If we could somehow get Washington, Mingo, and Mauch tonight, I would dance a happy dance!
HawkPacker
April 28, 2023 at 07:32 am
Here is more information on LVN.
https://iowa.rivals.com/news/so-you-ve-drafted-lukas-van-ness-a-new-team...
dobber
April 28, 2023 at 07:50 am
Packers' OLB room is set for a couple years...unless they really see Van Ness as Lowry's replacement. They do touch on 5T in your link. I could see him "growing" into that role.
murf7777
April 28, 2023 at 08:01 am
He stated that he put on 50 lbs over the last 2.5 years without any problems. He’s still one of the fastest in the 10, 20 and 40. He has a very high 3-cone. So, If the packers want him at 290 he should be able to do that over the next year.
LambeauPlain
April 28, 2023 at 08:38 am
He put on 60 lbs his Freshman year as that was his #1 job since he was redshirted. That is an amazing feat.
HawkPacker
April 28, 2023 at 09:14 am
I can do that just looking at ice cream!
dobber
April 28, 2023 at 09:25 am
You beat me to this one!
Cookie!...whoops, another 5 lbs.
TKWorldWide
April 28, 2023 at 09:28 am
And no pulled muscles. One indicator of …chemical…enhancement is pulled muscles. Glad he hasn’t had that!!
Oppy
April 28, 2023 at 02:43 pm
It's an indicator, but then, there's that guy the Packers once drafted named Tony Mandarich.
That guy was never injured in college and he was pumped full of juice.
jannesbjornson
April 28, 2023 at 01:49 pm
Or Gary?
Oppy
April 28, 2023 at 02:48 pm
Well, I don't know if he's an intended replacement, but you'd have to think Van Ness is insurance in case Gary's knee ends up being a career-changing impediment.
That said, I would assume the packers are planning on Gary recovering and resigning and having Van Ness develop into the other bookend pass rusher for the foreseeable future. While he's developing his pass rush tool set, he can get rotational reps across the line, primarily at end.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
April 28, 2023 at 04:41 pm
He's gonna be an edge guy. Could see them deploying him like they did with Zadarius by having him rush from the inside at times tho.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 29, 2023 at 10:58 am
Love that link, thank you! He sure looks dominant in that film. Serious nose for the ball, too :)
I did want an edge rusher with our first pick, although I didn't invest myself in who, trade back, or ...
Certainly a monster edge rusher can turn games around, hopefully he can do it.
murf7777
April 28, 2023 at 07:33 am
The Rodgers curse continues……At the #15 pick in the draft the Jets select, Will McDonald, LB. Iowa State. Now Rodgers can be pissed off at another FO for not taking a WR or OT in the first round…..lol.
PackEyedOptimist
April 28, 2023 at 07:41 am
Many of us thought that same thought! 😃
stockholder
April 28, 2023 at 07:45 am
The Jets have a good bunch of WRs already.
And I believe Cobb will Join them shortly
murf7777
April 28, 2023 at 08:13 am
That’s true, but they have a questionable OL….just enjoy the irony that you can’t run the FO.
DoubleJ
April 28, 2023 at 08:40 am
The OTs in this draft are R2 players in most drafts. IOL doesn't have the value to be R1 picks. My guess is the Jets are going to go OL in R2 (Blake Freeland?) and then IOL in R4.
dobber
April 28, 2023 at 09:01 am
"The OTs in this draft are R2 players in most drafts. IOL doesn't have the value to be R1 picks."
5 GM's clearly disagree.
DoubleJ
April 28, 2023 at 09:12 am
Those were also teams in dire need of OL help and couldn't risk waiting.
dobber
April 28, 2023 at 09:18 am
We'll continue to disagree--amicably, I hope--but I agree that the depth wasn't there. I think Jones and Johnson are legit, but Skoronski sure looks like a guard and I'm glad that Chicago passed on Jones and jumped on Wright--good luck with that. He's one guy I didn't want to see land in GB, at least not with #13...or #15 for that matter.
Coldworld
April 28, 2023 at 09:43 am
Jones was very raw, likely a longer term developmental prospect who didn’t have a lot of games under his belt. Those types you have to truly believe in the upside and want to take in the first half of the first round. I think most years he’d be a late first, reasonably. Johnson seemed to me the only legitimate LT capable prospect at this point.
jannesbjornson
April 28, 2023 at 10:17 am
He will be starting, day one.
Coldworld
April 28, 2023 at 11:30 am
Probably will now. We will have to see how that goes. Happily not for us. We could have brought him on slower, which I think would have been great for him.
jannesbjornson
April 28, 2023 at 01:06 pm
He will be a Pro Bowl player. Bulldozer in space. Holds his spot down against top competition.
golfpacker1
April 28, 2023 at 08:34 am
Didn't the Jets take an Edge last year in the first round? Hmmm.
DoubleJ
April 28, 2023 at 08:41 am
You can never have to many good pass rushers.
HarryHodag
April 28, 2023 at 09:13 am
Who is Rodgers? I vaguely remember some guy with a name like that, er, were you talking about Amari Rodgers?(snicker).
golfpacker1
April 28, 2023 at 11:07 am
Maybe they will be desperate enough to make Rodgers happy now by trading #43 and their 2024 3rd to us for Bahktiari. Maybe renegotiating his salary to help us like Rodgers did.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
April 28, 2023 at 04:42 pm
Let him be mad. Theres no pleasing that guy anyways. If $50 mil/yr couldnt make him happy, nothing will.
PackEyedOptimist
April 28, 2023 at 07:39 am
I didn’t have VanNess as high on my list as many people, but I’m assuming the Packers know the answers to my questions:
1. He looks explosive on tape, but his vertical and broad jump-the two classic “explosion” measures, were “poor” and “average “ respectively.
2. Both defensive linemen and especially linebackers, generally need to be good at the bench; the ones who aren’t are often the guys who underachieve: VanNess did “poorly.”
I do love that he’s a two-time Academic All-American (after the last few Georgia guys who were below average…), and you can’t teach his energy level.
dobber
April 28, 2023 at 08:00 am
I remember an article here (it might have been AllGBP, though) where they looked at position groups and tried to use combine measurements as a predictor of pro-bowl/all-pro potential. My recollection is that for OL/DL, the main predictor for success was bench reps.
17 bench reps is a little concerning for a guy nicknamed "Hercules", but I agree with you: it's probably more about motor and "get off". His COD (3-cone, shuttle) measurements are really good.
TKWorldWide
April 28, 2023 at 09:32 am
Long arms can be detrimental for the bench as well. But again, it’s only one ingredient in a big recipe.
I’m still waiting for a reliable measurement of “good at football”.
dobber
April 28, 2023 at 09:42 am
Madden 2022?
TKWorldWide
April 28, 2023 at 09:52 am
Now we’re talking!
Also able to set injuries to zero!
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
April 28, 2023 at 04:44 pm
His arm length will make up for a slight lack in strength. Also worth noting, having longer arms can be a detriment in the bench press. Not too worried about it.
Vachio
April 28, 2023 at 01:08 pm
The bench is a horrible test of upper body strength. I've competed as a strongman for over 14 years now and I have seen a ton of guys who can out bench me by large margins who can't come within 50 pounds of me on the overhead press. Looking at his tape, he has no shortage of upper body power.
TKWorldWide
April 28, 2023 at 01:14 pm
Interesting!
Hey
Would you know of any weakman contests I could enter?
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
April 28, 2023 at 04:45 pm
We could start our own. Shouldnt be too difficult lol
TKWorldWide
April 28, 2023 at 10:41 pm
Ha!
Unless we’re too tired.
RCPackerFan
April 28, 2023 at 07:40 am
This pick makes sense to me for many reasons.
First I have been saying this but the games are won in the trenches. Last year after Gary got hurt, our Defensive front was significantly impacted. We had very little pass rush. We lost 2 DL in free agency. We have a pretty damn big need on the defensive front. Taking LVN, he is a piece to try and fill that need.
Packers view Edge as a premier position. This is the 2nd time when Gutey has had a top 15 pick. And both times he has drafted an Edge player with that. Clearly they feel that its a position that you have to take high and value it more then they do some other positions.
LVN fits what GB looks for. A young ascending type of player who's best football is ahead of him. He had a high RAS score too. LVN has the frame to add strength to it without losing a lot of athleticism. If we were to compare him to players, maybe a combination of JJ and TJ Watt. We will see if he can have that kind of production on the field, but body/skills wise he is kind of in between those guys.
LVN just feels like a Packers type of player. High motor player from Iowa. He just feels like a Packers player. ohh, and he was in Wisconsin when he was picked. Crazy.
I am looking forward to seeing what LVN does in GB. This wasn't the sexy pick a lot of fans wanted. But lets be honestly, when is it ever? Fans are never happy with the picks. Think back to when Gary was the pick. I would say at least 75% of the fans hated the pick. Move forward to now, I'd say its probably 90% that fans love Gary. We have to give these guys time!
Now lets see what they do with the rest of the draft. I can't wait until tonight!
DoubleJ
April 28, 2023 at 08:52 am
The positions with the most value in R1 are QB, OT, EDGE, and CB. LVN is a top flight athlete with a sky high ceiling just like Gary. People need to remember that you don't draft for what the player does as a rookie but for where they can be in year 3. Gary is the perfect example of this and I don't think anyone would take Burns over Gary with hindsight.
RCPackerFan
April 28, 2023 at 10:25 am
Definitely.
As we look at it now, there aren't a lot of Edge players left that we probably would feel comfortable taking in the 2nd round. Where as WR and TE's there are a quite a few guys we will feel comfortable taking.
It was smart going Edger right now and go get the WR/TE today, along with more tomorrow.
Thegreatreynoldo
April 28, 2023 at 11:02 am
Some years a team needs a plug and play starter and some years they don't. Projects in the first round sometimes make sense and other times they don't. Gary is a good example of the one notion and Raji, Clark, and Jaire are good examples of the other. Year three is a long time to wait on a first round pick.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 28, 2023 at 10:56 am
and just think....Keion White may still be sitting there in round 2. The Packers need a DL badly after Reed & Lowry's departure. Could White move inside & become that guy? I understand the need for offense & it will come, but wonder if White could be the remaining piece for the front 7?
RCPackerFan
April 28, 2023 at 11:06 am
Maybe?
Really though they play with 2 DL probably 75% of the time. They added Van Ness who is a big Edge player. Maybe they would consider going with White who is also a big Edge player. So he really wouldn't need to move inside persay.
If they are looking at DL, I think they will be looking at Benton or Dexter.
I think they have to get a TE with one of their 2 2nd round picks tonight. Get one of the top TE's.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 28, 2023 at 11:37 am
RC,
I agree they have to get one of those TE's in round 2. Do I think they might take White? Probably not! I point it out because he is a hell of a Defensive player & well.....Gutey likes to be unpredictable. Just when you think you know Gutey has to do something he goes a different direction. LOL!
RCPackerFan
April 28, 2023 at 12:39 pm
Oh i can definitely see the unpredictable part happening.
RCPackerFan
April 28, 2023 at 12:39 pm
NOooo WAayyyyy.
Doubled it up.
Fuck sake
dobber
April 28, 2023 at 11:39 am
Imagine the heads exploding around here if they took Keion White in round 2 after taking Van Ness.
RCPackerFan
April 28, 2023 at 12:40 pm
might want to avoid this page for a few days
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 28, 2023 at 02:31 pm
Exactly my thoughts too Dobber, but in reality if Gutey's focus early in the draft Keion makes a lot of sense. He weights just about 285 lbs and I think more DL inside than a traditional Edge. White would be that DL with a few more pounds that could really replace Lowry and shore up the inside. I would not put it past Gutey, particularly if one of his offensive choices he likes is off the board. Shocker....most likely but not past Gutey!
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
April 28, 2023 at 04:49 pm
If they're going down lineman, I hope its Gervon Dexter or Keanu Benton. Barry seems intent on living in nickel with 2 down linemen. Well if he ever has a prayer at stopping the run, he needs to run those 2 down linemem sets with some actual big guys. Clark and Wyatt are 305 soaking wet. Need some guys who wont get blown off the ball by double teams.
stockholder
April 28, 2023 at 07:42 am
I’m happy with Van Ess.
You never have enough Edge rushers.
But is Van Ess a Edge rusher, or DE?
I Remember Kampman. Johnson too.
But I wouldn’t compare him to either, or Gary.
My thinking is TJ Watt, or JJ Watt if he bulks up.
So just shut the hell up about the Watts now.
We got the guy that Gutey wanted.
Barry must be jumping up and down with joy.
We do things differently in Green Bay.
Character comes first. Was that hard to understand?
Now if we only can convert character to winning.
murf7777
April 28, 2023 at 07:55 am
‘Is LVN an Edge or DE?”
In today’s NFL versatility is very important. From my viewpoint watching film and reading scouting reports he can do either at a high level. I believe he has a good floor right now and a high ceiling with the right coaching and development. Also, he has been healthy throughout his hockey and football career.
DoubleJ
April 28, 2023 at 08:54 am
The Packers could have him rush from the inside and just kill guards. Think of LVN, Gary, Clark, Wyatt, and Smith all rushing at once. It could be fun to watch.
Thegreatreynoldo
April 28, 2023 at 11:23 am
Andy Herman thinks Van Ness needs technique work before he can play regularly inside. Herman didn't say he would be unable to do it, only that it might take a little time. Herman noted that many of the negative comments in his scouting reports came when he played inside, where he got washed out too much and was not all that effective as a pass rusher.
I like the pick but I don't think there was a blue chip prospect left on the board. I liked the two CBs and Broderick Jones. Van Ness hasn't had a lot of experience so he there is room for growth on technique and strength.
jannesbjornson
April 28, 2023 at 01:11 pm
Doug Farrar: " Van Ness is a good (not great) player, but I would not have given him a first-round grade for a lot of reasons, and with so much talent still left on the boards at positions of need for the Packers, this seems like a reckless luxury pick for a team that should be acquiring as many true cornerstone players as possible. And if the idea was to go after an edge defender, there were better prospects on the board."
I would have snagged Broderick , or Gonzalez as Starters. Five techs can come in rds 3-4. He doesn't have the Burst of Gary, or Felix.
dobber
April 28, 2023 at 08:02 am
Has plenty of film playing standing up.
" JJ Watt if he bulks up"
Pointed out above--maybe we have it all wrong and he's really being tabbed as Lowry's eventual replacement, and not Preston Smith's.
stockholder
April 28, 2023 at 08:12 am
I think they missed Whitney Mercilus.
If he bulks up- Thats a good comparison.
BirdDogUni
April 28, 2023 at 08:23 am
Maybe he stays 272 - 275 and plays both from time to time. He reminds me of Julius Peppers or Maxx Crosby. I think he can play multiple positions in multiple formations.
Coldworld
April 28, 2023 at 08:30 am
Wyatt looks to me more like Lowry’s replacement. Still want to see a more stout against the run true DL brought in who is not just an immovable object. But there are some options later.
jannesbjornson
April 28, 2023 at 10:26 am
Play more 4-2 fronts with guys on the ground. Barry is now " on the clock." If he cannot get results with a stacked deck, move him in season, if necessary.
mnbadger
April 28, 2023 at 01:10 pm
Real progress by game FOUR, or show Barry the door!
GPG!
jannesbjornson
April 28, 2023 at 01:26 pm
Sounds like a plan and the Tee Shirt should sell very well...
TKWorldWide
April 28, 2023 at 09:55 am
Yes! They play that nickel a great % of the time. He could stand up on the edge or put his hand down and line up inside. Bonus.
stockholder
April 28, 2023 at 11:33 am
Tip of the hat to Packycheese500.
Van Ess was his guy.
But still wanted D. Washington TE in a trade down.
Hopefully Gutey can make that happen for him. Rd.2
jannesbjornson
April 28, 2023 at 10:23 am
Leave him where he is. More weight will burden his quicks. They drafted him as an Edge, let him work the corners. 270 Lbs is power Edge stature like P.Smith and Zadarious.
Five techs can be had in rd s2-4. Zach Harrison types.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 28, 2023 at 10:58 am
I'm thinking a guy like Keion White in round 2 might be better at replacing Lowry.
jannesbjornson
April 28, 2023 at 01:27 pm
TE (s) and WR in Round Two. Help Love Out !
BirdDogUni
April 28, 2023 at 08:19 am
Damn Dude - Good for you!
I like the new, improved, positive sh!
Anything is truly possible.
I bake possibly the best Chocolate Chip Cookie on the planet.
If you ever get to Abilene, stop in and I'll make you a couple dozen.
dobber
April 28, 2023 at 08:54 am
When SH says Gute didn't s#!t the bed, that's a ringing endorsement.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 28, 2023 at 10:59 am
With Aaron Rodgers gone maybe the old SH is back?
DoubleJ
April 28, 2023 at 08:55 am
I read a scouts report that LVN moved like TJ Watt to him. If that is LVN's ceiling then that is a damn good player.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
April 28, 2023 at 04:50 pm
Where is the real SH and what have you done with him???? I need answers.
egbertsouse
April 28, 2023 at 07:54 am
Standard Gutey pick, no surprise. A workout warrior who didn’t start for his college team. Might develop into a reliable starter if Barry doesn’t screw him up.
Coldworld
April 28, 2023 at 08:08 am
He played starting snaps numbers. In effect he was a starter. Iowa just allows the senior players the honor traditionally. I actually like that and it’s hardly new or specific to him.
Packer_Fan
April 28, 2023 at 07:56 am
Good pick. Thought they may have traded down with Pittsburgh and got another pick. New England did that. But it is past
Now today, big needs are TE, IDL and WR. Let's see what Gute does.
Tekraut17
April 28, 2023 at 09:20 am
And safety!!
Thegreatreynoldo
April 28, 2023 at 11:35 am
My thought as well. Pittsburgh gave up pick 120 to move up from 17 and I started thinking about Schoonmaker and Kuntz. The trade charts hate that trade back. This is a very interesting draft.
Handsback
April 28, 2023 at 07:59 am
I liked the pick but would have gone with Gonzales instead. That’s just me. I suspect JSN hamstring issues pushed him away from the Pack.
Next up..if Branch’s ankle issue is resolved, see him and TE in 2nd round. If not see TE, and or OL/WR as picks.
Just MHO
CheesyTex
April 28, 2023 at 08:26 am
Right on. Surprised that pundits ignored injury issues on jSN, and not surprised that he "fell" a bit.
DoubleJ
April 28, 2023 at 08:56 am
The media loves WRs because they are the sexy picks and love offensive football. If the media had their way games would be 7 on 7 because scoring would be higher.
dobber
April 28, 2023 at 08:59 am
I think JSN landed about where he belonged...keyed a rush on WRs, too.
You'll notice that the rush on 1st-round TEs never happened with Kincaid being the only TE picked--at 25. That said, I'm expecting 4 or more to go in round 2. It's a good result for the Packers.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
April 28, 2023 at 04:53 pm
It wasnt the hamstring. Its the fact that he players receiver. Unless its a generational talent (which JSN is not) Pack aint drafting him in the 1st.
Coldworld
April 28, 2023 at 08:15 am
My heart really wanted skill players on offense, but my head knew that this draft wouldn’t justify that. In the end, the best offensive player was a RB and, as I expected, gone. The offensive players that did go went after 20 (sorry Lions, you broke with logic). Kincaid went where I thought he might, so did Johnston, the only two I think I’d have taken that were picked in the first. Both are big, over the middle types, at this level in my opinion. There are other options remaining for that which I will happily welcome. Now is the time to go offense at value.
Picking for upside makes sense to me thus year. This team is in a developmental year. I sense a lot of resistance to that reality, but Van Ness can help now and will help more as time passes. That’s the right type for us this year.
BirdDogUni
April 28, 2023 at 08:55 am
Dude, LVN is the fastest TE we have on the Roster. ; P
I think it would be wicked if he were to be a two-way player. (Three counting STs.)
The more you can do right?
Coldworld
April 28, 2023 at 09:47 am
Lol. He’s got very big hands, maybe he can catch.
Thegreatreynoldo
April 28, 2023 at 11:40 am
Keion White played TE in high school and for his freshman year at Old Dominion. Another raw guy with great measurables who sounds like an older Van Ness.
HawkPacker
April 28, 2023 at 09:23 am
I would think and hope that the Pack will go TE and WR in round 2.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 28, 2023 at 11:01 am
This really resonates CW!
greengold
April 28, 2023 at 12:18 pm
I appreciate what you’ve said here Coldworld, but after having to adjust my thinking post R1, I prefer we take the best players.
I doubt highly Darnell Washington makes it to us at 42, but I’d sprint up with that card.
Barring DW , my favorites for the Packers at 42 & 45 are any of:
WR Rashee Rice, WR Cedric Tillman, TE Tucker Kraft, OGs Steve Avril or O’Cyrus Torrence, CB DJ Turner, CB Clark Phillips III, S JL Skinner, S Sydney Brown, DT/DE Tuli Tuipulotu, DT Keenau Benton or EDGE Isaiah Foskey.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
April 28, 2023 at 04:56 pm
Sam Laporta at #42 then trade down soemwhere between #50-55 and get Jonathan Mingo. Those two are the most Packer-type skill players in this draft.
dobber
April 28, 2023 at 08:16 am
I will start by saying I would've taken Broderick Jones at 13...but that's coming from someone who's been beating the OL drum since before FA started. I think NOT taking Jones when he was available points to a plan for Bakhtiari to be on this roster at least until the trade deadline, and might point to the staff having a lot of faith in those developmental guys already on the roster.
That being said, I think Van Ness is a solid get at 13 and fits how Gute operates: much like Gary, he's drafting upside at a premium position. Traitsy guy who has had plenty of college flash, and he's young. Plenty of flexibility in how they use him (like Gary) although I've read a couple pieces that say he struggles rushing from the inside and hasn't been asked to set the edge all that much (plenty say it shouldn't be a problem, though). Love his motor...this team needs more smart, high-effort guys.
Never judge a draft by a single player though: a draft needs to be viewed in its entirety. Three day-two picks, and I'm expecting them to all go to the offensive side of the ball...maybe a DB if an opportunity presents. Would not be surprised to see two offensive skill guys and an OL.
Lots of picks to go.
Coldworld
April 28, 2023 at 08:22 am
Jones would have been a reasonable pick. I Preferred Johnson, who would perhaps be the only T I’d have really considered at 13, but he’d gone. I’m glad we didn’t take Wright. However, I have a much less negative view of what we have at T already (with or without Bakh). Our Edge got better and it needed to and to add depth, and with a pick with upside. Cant complain.
HawkPacker
April 28, 2023 at 09:26 am
Did you see the video of LVN bull rush Paris Johnson? Impressive.
DoubleJ
April 28, 2023 at 09:00 am
Multiple sources have said that in a normal year the R1 OTs in this draft would be late R1 at best but mainly R2/3 picks. To me that means don't take the OT at 13 even though it is a premium position.
This EDGE class is historically deep but the value at 13 for LVN was there. I read Bob McGinn's top 100 and LVN was his 2nd rated EDGE player with only Anderson being higher. Considering the sources that McGinn has and his track record of hitting on a lot of the actual first 100 picks I trust his insight.
dobber
April 28, 2023 at 09:13 am
I'm just glad the Bears were the ones to bite on Darnell Wright.
JerseyAl
April 28, 2023 at 09:19 am
My opinion: Paris Johnson would be a top 15 pick in any draft. Wright & Jones Mid round 1, Skoronski, mid- late round 1, Harrison mid round 2.
HawkPacker
April 28, 2023 at 09:27 am
So Al, what are your thoughts on the selection of LVN?
JerseyAl
April 28, 2023 at 09:45 am
I thought they would wait until RD to pick up an EDGE, but a lot are gone already, so probably a good move. I think he does have some TJ Watt qualities to him, but will need an extra year of development than Watt did. But when he gets there, the Packers pass rush will be cooking!
DoubleJ
April 28, 2023 at 10:32 am
I've seen multiple sources say that Paris Johnson is a waist bender and that is a huge red flag for any OL or DL player. It is also very hard to coach that out of someone and successful waist benders in the NFL can be counted on one hand.
Bust rate for SEC OTs drafted in R1 from 2010-2019 is 85%. Cannot grade out fully for 2020 until end of this year. That gives me immediate pause for any SEC OT in R1 and makes them more of a pass for me.
Skoronski has the best technique of all the R1 OTs so it will be interesting to see how he does and if he is moved to G due to short arms. If the Titans move him to G then the value isn't there as IOL is not worth R1 picks.
Haven't looked a lot at Harrison but seems like a typical R2/3 OT.
JerseyAl
April 28, 2023 at 05:35 pm
regarding Johnson, that's the first mention I've seen of waist bending. The scouting reports I have say the opposite and I don't see it at all on tape, either. I think he's an All-Pro in 3 years. I'd also like to see where this "SEC Bust Rate" came from?
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 28, 2023 at 11:04 am
We should not underestimate or forget though....the Jet's wanted Broderick Jones, or a Paris Johnson at OT. They need an OT and most all news this offseason was about the Jet's getting one of them. The fact that Gutey held in there to get #13 thwarted the Jet's ability to get one of those OT's. Hey, I know none of this matters and doesn't improve the Packers, but damn....this was a win for the Packers and one none of you should overlook!
Thegreatreynoldo
April 28, 2023 at 11:51 am
I want AR upright long enough to play 65% of offensive snaps. If Jones could help with that, then I don't view it as a win to deny Jones to the Jets.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 28, 2023 at 02:37 pm
TGR,
That is a very legitimate point....truly!
Let's hope AR still plays 65+ %.....and be glad we thwarted Joe Douglas preferred pick! :)
PackfanNY
April 28, 2023 at 08:18 am
Maybe it’s the #91 but I see a little Kevin Greene in there. I can only “hope” (pray?) that he has half a career that good. Just visually and the bull rush style reminds me of Greene. Hopefully he has that type of motor. One can dream.
Mr_Bill_H
April 28, 2023 at 10:28 am
It is time........
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 28, 2023 at 11:05 am
I like this Packfan and I can see why you would think this. Let's hope!
LambeauPlain
April 28, 2023 at 08:21 am
C-.
Van Ness is a project as yet again the Packers will make player who mostly played in a 4 man front with his hand down now stand up as OLB/Edge. It can work (Peppers, Gary), it can fail (Jones, Neal), and be a mixed bag (Perry).
However this project has Barry who gets the assignment...who in 6 seasons as a DC has yet to ring the bell. And last season, most of the starters on his Defense regressed from the prior year. The trend is not Barry's (or MLF's!) friend. Oh how I wish MLF had hired Evero...or better yet, Brian Flores. But that would require decisiveness...not a MLF trait.
There is a lot to like about Van Ness...RAS obviously, intelligence, hard worker, character. Now comes the hard part..."coaching him up" to play Barry Ball.
Coldworld
April 28, 2023 at 08:34 am
Players often outlast coaches. Also, Gute doesn’t control coaching choices or manage them. Van Ness fits the system as far as I can see. What more can he do than take talent and hope LaFleur’s choices work out?
LambeauPlain
April 28, 2023 at 08:52 am
Yep. MLF and Barry are welded together. If Barry Ball is another year of continued decline (as has been Joe's brand), MLF better have a huge year on Offense if the defense again falters.
Day two Gutey better get MLF some tools on O.
dobber
April 28, 2023 at 08:46 am
"it can fail (Jones, Neal), and be a mixed bag (Perry).'
Ooof.
Flashbacks.
T7Steve
April 28, 2023 at 08:30 am
Is he's the right pick? We'll see.
I just agree that they start up front on either side of the ball. Gute seems to value D over O in the places he lands in the first.
Coldworld
April 28, 2023 at 08:35 am
I’d agree with him on that this year when our number came up.
RCPackerFan
April 28, 2023 at 08:48 am
Lets be honest, there is/was a greater need along the Defensive front then the offensive front. They lost 2 guys in FA and Gary is coming back from a torn acl. They definitely needed more guys there.
Also, they have had great success finding OL talent in the mid rounds. So to me it makes sense that they went this way.
Majik-Man
April 28, 2023 at 08:42 am
Good Pick when you consider the current state of the edge position on the Pack. He will get immediate experience with Gary still nursing an injury to start the season and with Smith coming to the end of his contract in Green Bay, Van Ness has a true progression to full time starter.
Would JSN or Kinkade have been a splashy pick here, of course, but htats not a Packer move. The depth of quality players at WR & TE or even OT can be picked up in day 2 with both second round picks and in the third. Most of the WR class appears to be 2-3 round quality, as is the TE group.
I would think a play making TE is priority in early second, maybe even two of them in day 2 as the board is stacked for a run on TE.
Wilment
April 28, 2023 at 08:44 am
I love the pick, but I really wanted to see Notre Dames tight end up in there, Huge target and security blanket for love, plus he'd spread the filed for our young wide receivers. Hopefully "Nessy" will be a disruptive force and give love short fields to work with1 GO PACK GO!
DoubleJ
April 28, 2023 at 09:04 am
I'm a hard no on Mayer unless he is available in like R5. Athletically he is a TJ Hockenson clone who is an average player. IMO Mayer is maxed out and won't improve really in the NFL.
Tekraut17
April 28, 2023 at 09:25 am
Agreed! Lots of other TE options out there that will be available where we are in 2nd/3rd.
Majik-Man
April 28, 2023 at 10:22 am
Meyer is a solid player, but not a difference maker. TE is really 3 different positions, Blocker, H-back or Receiver... you kind of need one of each, as all around elite players like Gronk, Kittle or Kelse are soooo hard to project. Best option might be Washington + La Purta or Hargrave to take care of blocking and split rolls , as DeGuara is truly an H-back.
DoubleJ
April 28, 2023 at 01:52 pm
I was looking at some highlights of Mayer and Musgrave. The difference in downfield speed was EXTREMELY noticeable. Musgrave ran a 4.61 and Mayer ran a 4.7. However, on the field it looks like Musgrave is running 4.5 and Mayer is running 4.8. Mayer just lumbers down the field like you would see with Richard Rodgers.
golfpacker1
April 28, 2023 at 11:35 am
Round 5, Whatever! He is a 10 year starter and a good one.
DoubleJ
April 28, 2023 at 12:10 pm
We will see who is right but I think he will be average at best and by year 5 be a replacement level player.
LeotisHarris
April 28, 2023 at 08:49 am
SH said it well, if we can convert character to winning. "Hercules" has arrived in Green Bay via the mean streets of Barrington, Illinois and Iowa City, Iowa. What's not to like about this kid?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR1UiNdQnDw
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 28, 2023 at 11:08 am
and it is worth saying as a side note....Hercules girlfriend is sort of cute, which is always welcomed & should never be overlooked! :)
Thegreatreynoldo
April 28, 2023 at 11:54 am
I know nothing about LVN's girlfriend but this time I agree with your sentiment. Beauty should always be appreciated in all of its forms.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 28, 2023 at 02:40 pm
LOL!
Was there 1 or was it 3? Hercules is the man! :)
Swisch
April 28, 2023 at 09:05 am
After reading the article by Rex, as well as the fan comments, I'm warming up to the selection of Van Ness.
One thing I seem to be picking up that I like is that he is a high energy guy who fights on every play. Talent plus tenacity seems a potent combination.
Secondly, I'm hopeful he can contribute right away for the defense, and be a top performer for his second year (while continuing to grow thereafter). It seems that rookie contract goes by fast, and I'm wary of guys reaching their potential with another team on their second contracts.
***
I'm hesitant of encouraging guys to bulk up overly much, and losing quickness in the pursuit of strength.
I hope the Packers are careful about that, and will allow Van Ness to find his best weight for overall play.
Edge rusher is that fine-tuned balance of quickness and power, and we may have a great one in Van Ness.
***
I'm excited about the possible nickname noted above of the Luke Ness Monster.
Here's hoping his performance on the field is worthy of that fun and formidable moniker.
LambeauPlain
April 28, 2023 at 09:05 am
1. Hits: Verba, Kampman, Bulaga, Daniels, Hyde.
2. And misses: Hodge, J. Jackson
On this metric, Van Ness has good odds coming to 1265 Lombardi from IA City.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
April 28, 2023 at 04:57 pm
And theyre gonna double up by drafting Sam Laporta at #42 lol
PASSdaRELISH
April 28, 2023 at 09:18 am
Anyone who was hoping for a slot-only WR at pick #13 was only setting themselves up for disappointment. Also anyone falling for the hype of the talking heads on tv that Gute was gonna take a WR at #13 just to spite AR was also setting themselves up for disappointment.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 28, 2023 at 11:14 am
PassdaRelish,
There is no need for disappointment for anyone with the drafting of LVN. Pre-draft identifying who you might like to see drafted should be for fun, but whomever drafted was drafted for a reason with a plan by Gutey. LVN is now a Packer and all Packer fans should be supportive and want the best for him. The Packers are embarking on a new era and it is an exciting time regardless who the Packers draft.
fireball
April 28, 2023 at 09:29 am
I like the lukas pick except, like others have said, I not sure the defense will be any better with Joe Barry as the defensive coach.
Zapato
April 28, 2023 at 09:39 am
My only disappointment with this pick is that Van Ness probably isn't going to have a big impact this coming year. But, you draft for the future, right? And there's a future need. I see him as more of a Rashan Gary type project. Lots of upside and he could develop into a force on the edge. Not a big Jaxon Smith Ngiba fan because of his injury history. Lots of hamstring issues! Personally, I was thinking trade down or pick an OT at 13. Good thing I'm not the GM!
dobber
April 28, 2023 at 10:51 am
I think Van Ness will get his share of snaps right out of the gate, and it might encourage the Packers to PUP Gary and let him heal. I think there's a good rotation forming here.
Swisch
April 28, 2023 at 11:40 am
I'm hoping Van Ness isn't too much of a project, that he is a solid contributor his rookie year with some impact plays -- and takes a step up in year two.
By year three, I hope he's a star.
As a first-rounder, we do get that fifth year with Van Ness, which makes it more acceptable for him to have a little lag time in developing.
Alberta_Packer
April 28, 2023 at 09:40 am
If nothing else Van Ness will help expel the ghost of Dean Lowry at DE - being athletic, fast and agile - still as a large, powerful player. More like JJ Watt (I hope).
WD
April 28, 2023 at 09:41 am
I am very glad we drafted an Edge at 13. And, I am seldom critical of Gute. My only problem with Van Ness is that his name is not Nolan Smith. As we know Philadelphia was able to win day one of the draft hands down. To be specific: Taking two top ten rated picks of Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith. Both miraculously fell. What has happened, is the NFL has just handed the Superbowl to the Eagles for the next decade. I am sure Philadelphia could not believe it themselves to wake up this morning with these two budding superstars. Ironically, they already had a great front four before the draft. Once in awhile I think Gute needs to think outside the box. He should have taken Nolan Smith.
Swisch
April 28, 2023 at 10:12 am
This would seem to be a good discussion: Should the Packers have taken Nolan Smith instead of Lukas Van Ness?
They seem to have been the two considerations for an edge rusher at #13, but maybe there are other players who could be included in this discussion.
dobber
April 28, 2023 at 10:59 am
I think Smith's draft spot tells you that there were quite a few teams who didn't rate him all that highly. In the end, I don't think he's someone who just plugs into a lot of defensive schemes.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 28, 2023 at 11:17 am
The Eagles like teams such as KC are blessed to have enough talent they are afforded to take luxury picks IMO like Nolan Smith. Unfortunately, unless the Packers had traded AR's last year and received all the return compensation that the Seahawks did we just are not afforded that type of luxury for now. Give me an every down player like LVN, or a gadget 3rd down player such as NS, and the Packers made the right decision IMO. This isn't even talking about the character & off-field personality/person.
jannesbjornson
April 28, 2023 at 01:48 pm
He went to a 4-3 team along with his friend, Carter. Toss in Fletcher Cox, Jordan Davis, Josh Sweat, Brandon Graham and Reddick. Talent accumulation for the Defensive and Offensive lines by Hitting on their picks.
TKWorldWide
April 28, 2023 at 10:01 am
1. Bill Tobin’s neighbor (the postal worker) had Van Ness rated as a top 10 talent.
2. I am hoping they can get a top tight end prospect at 42.
3. I hope they do not trade up from 42 to get “whoever”.
4. I am really looking forward to their 42, 45 tandem.
5. I admit I’m not as informed as Tobin’s neighbor.
6. GPG!
Ferrari-Driver
April 28, 2023 at 10:09 am
I guess there is a reason many of these football experts covet "The Big Guys". They don't grow them on trees and we got a great big athletic guy in the first round. He has size, speed, and a high RAS which makes me feel he will be one of our key defensive players for years to come.
Packerpasty
April 28, 2023 at 10:34 am
Eight first round selections on our defense...obviously we must have one of the top defense's in the league....
Leatherhead
April 28, 2023 at 11:06 am
So, if your organization has figured out that you can put the best offense in the NFL on the field without spending first round choices (except for QB), then why wouldn't you draft defense?
Now, if you think all those first round picks should equal a top defense, then you must be one of those people who think that talent wins, despite the fact that Cleveland and Detroit regularly prove that wrong.
Last year, two of our first round choices missed a big chunk of the season(Stokes and Gary) A third was a rookie that contributed little (Wyatt). A 4th was a rookie that played a lot (Walker) and made his share of rookie mistakes. Clark and Alexander played pretty well. Savage was more up and down and lost his spot as the starting safety for a while, but he still finished 6th in snaps. In two games he only played one snap, and one of those games was against Philadelphia, our worst defensive showing of the year. Maybe he was hurt, but then why was he in uniform? This is a mystery to me.
So that's our 7 first round picks on defense. Which ones should have played better? Clark? Alexander? Walker?
Drafting blue chip defenders doesn't guarantee top defense any more than buying a blue chip stock guarantees a profit, but it's the way the smart money bets.
As far as a top defense in the league, let me share this:
1st in fewest completions allowed.
1st in fewest passing yards allowed
3rd in interceptions
6th in pressure.
In the most important category, points, we finished 17th, two points behind KC. If you deduct the 14 points Minnesota got in garbage time, it brings us down to 357 points, which would have put us at 13th. Two fewerTDs over the season would have put us at 343, good for 7th place.
Here's my question: Minus those points....half of which came in garbage time......would you have considered this one of the top defenses in the league?
IMO, given the injuries, given that we were playing rookies, given that our offense wasn't real good at staying on the field or scoring points, I think we put a pretty good defense on the field. Only one team scored over 28, and that was helped by 14 turnover generated points.
I think we'll put a decent defense on the field, and I think people will continue to bitch about it.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 28, 2023 at 11:43 am
Thoughtful & insightful LH!
Leatherhead
April 28, 2023 at 10:43 am
Nobody had this guy on their "Do Not Draft " list. I don't know if that's a good or a bad thing.
When Gutekunst took control, he acquired ZSmith and PSmith as Edge players, and then spent a really high draft pick on Rashan Gary. I think the lesson is that Gutekunst really values edge pressure. He could have taken a Safety, he could have taken an OL or a skill position player. But he opted to increase the pressure.
Gary is supposed to be back by the start of the season, and we still have PSmith, and we have Enagbare, who might have improved from last year, and now Van Ness, so we can bring him along slowly if need be, and it also protects of from injury that would diminish our pass rush.
We had the sixth highest percentage of QB pressures last year, even with Gary out half the season. Now, we can put Gary/Smith/VanNess/Wyatt/Clark on the field. That's good pressure, IMO, and it's pretty obvious that it's a real priority for Gutekunst.
Leatherhead
April 28, 2023 at 10:44 am
double
gsd3
April 28, 2023 at 10:58 am
Gutey being true to himself. I'm neither high on it or low. Would have gone either JSN or attempt to trade down for Kincaid plus a pick or 2 myself. IMO Foskey will be just as good.
Tonight I'm looking at a move up to 33. Would offer 45 and 79 for 33 and 96. Pick would be Brian Branch. Reason being most of our safeties are on 1 year deals and none with the possible exception of a rebounding Savage is a legit starter. Gutey already passed on the best WR, should go get the best safety.
I really like Mayer if he is there at 42. If not, I would go with Laporta or Kraft at 42. Mayer is the best of the three, but I don't feel the gap is that big. Expecting Washington to be gone before then.
3rd round....Mingo , Mims, or Rice if available. If not, would start looking d-line. Pickens/Ojomo/Brooks.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 28, 2023 at 11:23 am
In true Gutey style I would not be surprised at all if he tries moving up into the 30's for a player (most likely TE), but I sure as hell he doesn't do this as it will deplete our ability to draft & plug holes. At #42 we may not necessarily get our preferred TE/WR, but another good one will be there.
golfpacker1
April 28, 2023 at 12:05 pm
Gsd3, you are being wishful with that trade offer. We had to give up both of our 2nd rounders to move up last year. We would not get to just flipflop those picks. If anything, a slight move back in the 2nd round with #45 would be a smarter, more fruitful move. Getting an extra 3rd or 4th would help way more than moving up for a Safety that we could get later. Good teams that are 1 or 2 players away can afford to waste picks because they don't have many open roster spots. We are not one of those teams yet and we have a lot of holes to fill.
This year we need to fill the immediate needs by taking advantage of the strong position groups. Safety is not one of them. But next years Safety class looks strong with about 5 projected as 1st round talent. Next years OT class looks good also so we can replace Bahktiari then. We have two first round picks next year with one probably around #10, where we can get a top four OT, and the pick from the Jets will be late first where we can get a great Safety. There are only so many holes we can fill this year, but we don't give any picks away, we can turn 3 position groups into strengths this year, TE, WR, and D-line.
I forgot that by drafting either place kicker Moody or Ryland with one of our 7th rounders rebuilds our field goal position too. That's a pretty damn good start to being relevant again.
TXCHEESE
April 28, 2023 at 11:04 am
I like the fact that he's played both inside and outside. That means he has some good power and speed, not just a one trick pony. I see a little Nick Bosa, and I like that he keeps his head up and adjusts when the QB tries to climb the pocket or escape through the middle...much like Aaron Kampen (sp?).
Day 2 go get some receiver and TE help.
splitpea1
April 28, 2023 at 11:06 am
I'm going to put an optimistic face on and hope Van Ness can step in and contribute like CM3 did a long time ago. After all, he just has to beat out Garvin, Hamilton, and Enagbare to earn some playing time in the beginning of the season. Excuse my short-term thinking, but the 13th overall pick should be able to do that, right?
Long term-wise, if this guy turns out to be a stud and Gary recovers and returns successfully, then that will make for a pretty nice starting tandem.
Tonight: Already feeling apprehensive....there is no good reason to trade up or select long-term projects. I'm probably fantasizing, but restocking the team with mostly high floor prospects is the only sensible option.
Rounds 4-7: Am looking forward to this part of the draft more than any other time.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 28, 2023 at 11:29 am
Split,
I too have thought of the comparisons of LVN and CM3, even though their playing style is different IMO. While you are looking to rounds 4-7, I have felt these past several months the key to the Packers draft lies in tonight's rounds 2 - 3. I always felt it didn't matter too much which position/player was taken in round 1, and this was somewhat the Packers luxury BPA pick, but in rounds 2 - 3 they 'have' to get it right. Tonight my hope is THE DRAFT UNFOLDS IN A FAVORABLE WAY FOR THE PACKERS. If it does, I am confident Gutey will hit a home run out of the park. I capitalized the above because many times there is so much luck to having a great draft & it starts with how the draft unfolds, which is out of Gutey's control. May the draft Gods be looking out for the Packers tonight. Example that there is not a run on TE's leading up to the Packers selections, or on WR's, or that a team does not trade up right before the Packers and take the preferred TE/WR. I am concerned as EVERY TEAM in the league know the Packer needs in round 2, which is going to create some problems.
TKWorldWide
April 28, 2023 at 12:01 pm
Yes, but, they won’t take a player they don’t want just to keep him away from GB.
I’d also say that GB knows as much about other teams as they do about GB!
splitpea1
April 28, 2023 at 12:35 pm
Gute could had more control over the situation if had traded down....I'm not knocking the Van Ness pick, but if you have a lot of needs like the Packers do, it might have made sense to trade down to minimize the scenarios you outlined.
TKWorldWide
April 28, 2023 at 01:13 pm
Yes, but that dance requires a partner.
Thegreatreynoldo
April 28, 2023 at 12:11 pm
I am not getting this notion. Why would GB want high-floor prospects this year? I can see wanting immediate impact prospects in 2020 and 2021, but not so much this year. This year prospects with a high ceiling make more sense. Perhaps I am not as averse to losing quite a few games in 2023 as you appear to be. Van Ness probably can contribute but will take at least a year. The TE likely will take a year. A guy like Branch possibly can be immediate impact and shore up a problem area but that doesn't mean I think GB should do anything drastic to make sure they get him. That's what GMs with warm seats have to do.
splitpea1
April 28, 2023 at 12:27 pm
I always prefer a reasonable balance of high floor/high ceiling prospects in the first three rounds no matter what the situation. As a fan, I want to see our draftees on the field without waiting years for them to develop. I suppose I'm just a risk-averse person who favors the surer bet rather than boom-or-bust type prospects. (And I'm definitely that way with my money!)
Coldworld
April 28, 2023 at 12:30 pm
Was thinking the same thing. The Dean Lowry effect. A decent player but not good enough but deterring the the team and coaches from taking the risk to replace him. High floor players can quickly become anchors inhibiting improvements unless they also have a high ceiling, in which case they are long gone.
splitpea1
April 28, 2023 at 12:56 pm
That's utterly stupid. The coaches can replace an underperforming player anytime they want to. The players play for the coaches, not the other way around (unless it's Rodgers). "High floor players can quickly become anchors inhibiting improvements...."--total bullshit. Maybe high floor players can become reliable players integral to the team's success--ever think of that possibility? Nobody is saying we should draft players with no ceiling at all, but to strike a correct balance between floor and ceiling.
TKWorldWide
April 28, 2023 at 01:11 pm
Totally agree, TGR.
jhtobias
April 28, 2023 at 11:24 am
Please for the love all things stop complaining he wasnt a starter or educate yourself before commenting.
Iowa football rules seniors will senority will start it may be one play so he was starter just not the first dnap.
This is a great pick for 3. Reasons.
1. If joe berry doesnt have a top 10 defense by week 7 him and lafluer are gone . Lafluer hired him and didnt replace him career mistake.
2. Lukas is so much like gary out of college on the edge. A physical freak plays the run well needs to have more rushing moves incredible motor.
3. 21 years old can play 9 5 3 0 tech who else can do that you get an edge rusher and dline with 1 pick.
Personally number 1 us my favorite reason because berry is holding this d back and lagluer choose to hire and keep him .
TKWorldWide
April 28, 2023 at 11:55 am
At 42 one of Washington, Mayer, Musgrave, or LaPorta
At 45, Brian Branch
OR anybody better!!
golfpacker1
April 28, 2023 at 12:30 pm
Jhtobias what has LaFleur done wrong that he should be on the hot seat or get fired over? Barry I can understand, but I am impressed with what Lafleur has done especially with babysitting the Diva. Lafleur deserves a little more credit here. It sucks to lose a talent like Rodgers but the team will be better for it sooner than we think. What we won't miss is the drama and the constant wishy washy will I play or will I retire. That would have happened in 2024 too.
Knock, this years draft is set up to fall right for us. I wanted a TE with the first pick after a trade back. The few teams that did trade back after pick 8 got real low returns so that want didn't materialize. I also thought 2 or 3 TEs would get picked in the first. Happlily I was wrong there too.
According to multiple draft sites, teams this year that would be needing TE in the 2nd or 3rd are,
Detroit @ #34
Raiders @ #38
Washington @ #47
Miami @ #51
Chargers @ #54
Jaguars @ #56
Dallas @ #58
So, unless a bunch of teams trade ahead of us, we should get a really good TE @ #42, but we shouldn't wait past that pick.
On the other hand, there should be a lot of WRs available at or after #45, so unless Tillman or Moody was still there, I would entertain offers to move back 10 or 12 spots to pick up extra 3rd or 4th round picks. We will still have multiple good choices of WRs.
I would skip Safety in the top 4 rounds unless we get another pick. The last thing we need to do is overreach for a player or push a need ahead of someone who can help us more now. We can't fill all the holes this year. We can get a first round OT and first round Safety next year.
Rebelgb
April 28, 2023 at 01:20 pm
Yeah you know this guy:
https://twitter.com/BenFennell_NFL/status/1555712533457158146?s=20
CheesedDeadHead
April 28, 2023 at 04:52 pm
I think that was Skoronski whom LVN knocked on his ass.
pack69go
April 28, 2023 at 01:32 pm
Mr G. has proven he can't build a defense, waiste another to draft pick on a unit that is going no where. whay to go made a big fuss about getting to #13 and he screwed the pooch. I can't wait for this whole thing to blow up so we can truly start over with new front office and a real head coach!!!
pantz_bURp
April 28, 2023 at 05:12 pm
I am excited about the projection of Van Ness. I am pushing all my chips in the middle and feel quite certain Hercules will out perform The Incredible Bulk's career.
I hope at some point the opponents O will actually fear facing our D like the great defenses of the past: Eagles, Bears, Ravens, etc...
This is downright fun!
StarrtoRodgers
April 28, 2023 at 06:33 pm
In sum, the Packers would have been fine and better off choosing Jaxon Smith Njigba with the 13th pick and then choosing a tight end with pick #43 and fine adding an edge rusher with pick #45, the 2nd of their 2 second round picks, or even selecting an edge in the third round. The Packers need offensive play makers more than an premier edge rusher - which I don't think they got with Van Ness.
Hopefully the Packers get tight end Darnell Washington at 43 and a wide receiver at 45 and another wide receiver at 78.
None of the 14 Packer Cheese Head TV writers chose Van Ness as their first pick - 5 made the most logical choice of Jaxon Smith Njigba, which was also the choice I had written several times. .
12 out of 14 of the Packer Cheese Head TV writers had the Packer choosing offense and
15 of the 31 picks in the first round were offense, including 10 at the skill positions: 3 QBs, 2 RBs, 1 TE, and 4 WRs.
In the Packers last 12 drafts, 11 times Brian and Thompson before him, picked defense with the 1st choice - only the pick of Love was an offense 1st pick.
Beyond the illogical choice of defense again, when Brian has been destroying the offense's weapons - loss of Davante, MVS, Lazard, Tonyan, Lewis, Cobb - with such a deep draft for edge rushers, couldn't Green Bay have traded down into the first round and picked up another pick, maybe a 2nd rounder and still drafted a good edge rusher?
Given Packers faux "Salary Cap Hell" Propaganda to help get rid of the longest tenured Packer and the main reason the Packers were even in the playoffs 11 of the last 15 years, pressing needs from this draft were 1) receivers for Love and 2) an edge rusher and some might say 3) safety and 4) a QB as a backup - or alternative - to Love should Jordan be a failure.
Was Lukas Van Ness even the best choice at Edge rusher , which is what the Packers needed?
Is Van Ness even an "edge rusher"?
NFL Draft Buzz had Van Ness as the 5th ranked defensive lineman behind Jalen Carter (1st d lineman, 4th overall, drafted 9th by the Eagles at ), Myles Murphy(2nd d lineman, 6th overall, drafted 28th by the Bengals),, Bryan Bresee (3rd d llneman, 19th overall, drafted 29th by the Saints) , and Calijah Kancey (4th d lineman, 21st overall), and ranked 26th overall.
At Edge Rusher NFL Draft Buzz ranks Van Ness as the 5th ranked player behind Will Anderson (1st edge rush, 2nd overall, drafted 3rd by the Texans), Myles Murphy (2nd edge rush, 6th overall, drafted 29thh by the Bengals), Tyree Wilson (3rd edge rusher, 11th overall, drafted 7th by the Raiders), Nolan Smith (4th edge rusher, 20th overall, drafted 30th by the Eagles)
The Packers would have been fine and better off choosing Jaxon Smith Njigba with the 13th pick and then choosing a tight end with pick #43 fine adding an edge rusher with pick #45, the 2nd of their 2 second round picks, or even selecting an edge in the third round. The Packers need offensive play makers more than an premier edge rusher - which I don't think they got with Van Ness.
After Nolan Smith for edge rusher there still was or is Will McDonald (6th edge, 39 overall) , BJ Qjulari (7th edge, 41 overall), Keion White (8th edge, 48th overall, , Isaiah Foskey (9th edge, 49th overall), Felix Anudike-Uzomah (10th edge, 51st overall), drafted 31st by the Chiefs), Adetomiwa Adebawore (11th edge, 52nd overall) , Derick Hall (12th edge, 56th overall), Andre Carter (13th edge, 69th overall) , Drew Sanders (14th edge, 70th overall), Byron Young (15th edge, 76h overall), Zach Harrison (16th overall, 80th overall), Nick Herbig,(17th edge, 84th overall) and my pick USC's Tuli Tuipulotu (18th ranked Edge, 95th overall) - who led the Nation in sacks with 13 and had 22 tackles for a loss in 2022 - in the 2nd or 3rd round after the Packers had secured a WR (had hoped Jaxon Smith-Njigba) and TE. Darnell Washington.
Or is Van Ness neither a D lineman or a edge rusher, but an outside/inside "tweener" DE/DT as Gutekunst in his interview seems to think the Packers are going to use Van Ness inside and outside?
Do the Packers need a jack of all trades "tweener" and is it realistic to think Van Ness can excel inside as a pass rusher and run stopper?
And Van Ness' coming in 24th among Edge Rushers in the bench press with 17 reps - relative to Rashan Gary's 26 reps in 2019 - is NOT due to Van Ness arm length as Ven Ness 34 inch am length is shorter than Gary's 34 and 1/8 inch arms and Keion White with the same 34 inch arms did 30 reps, coming in tied for 2nd.
No excuse for Van Ness' 31 inch vertical leap either vs. Rashan Gary's 38 inch vertical.
This interview of Lukas Van Ness though is interesting because I think it is the PRE DOMINANT REASON that Brian chose Van Ness::
https://www.hawkcentral.com/videos/sports/college/iowa/football/2022/09/...
Brian sure got what he wanted in one way - he got a young, relatively ignorant, malleable, company man, a yes man, that is going to follow orders, not think or question much. A TRUE "COMPANY MAN" and Order Taker and OBEDIENT YES MAN who will ALWYAYS stick to the Company Line SCRIPT.
Brian (and Russ too I am sure) is intimidated - intellectually and other wise - by veterans that have been around the block and the know the game of football much better than Brian does and also know the business side.
Brian clearly from his words and body language views the VETERAN players as THE ENEMY.
It was clear early that Murphy was put in a tough spot with GM Ted Thompson - who like Murphy had played for years in the NFL and knew his way around the block - sudden terminal illness diagnosis. Mark did not see Brian or Russ Ball as having the skills or presence or gravitas to fill Ted Thompson's position as GM, so the divided their duties and put Lafleur at the same level in the Packer organizational chart, all reporting to Murphy.
The more you watch and listen to Brian, not only his actions, but words and body language you see why Murphy made the choice he did in 2018 to divide up responsibilities and have Lafleur and Ball AND Brian report directly to him. .
From the start Brian was insecure in his position as GM and viewed experienced solid and star veteran players and leaders in the locker room as his enemies, especially Aaron Rogers.
And in Brian's early choices of Jaire in 2018, as good as he is, rather than offensive playmaking receivers like tight end Hayden Hurst or wide receivers DJ Moore or Calvin Ridley, and Rashan with the 12th pick rather than trading up for TE TJ Hockenson or trading down for TE Noah Fant, WR Marquise Brown, WR N'Keal Harry, WR Deebo Samuel, WR AJ Brown, WR Mecole Hardman, and especially Love rather than trading up for Justin Jefferson or staying in place and drafting Tee Higgins or Michael Pittman Jr.,Brian spited Aaron and spited the Packers and spited the Packer fans.
With Ted terminally ill and sick in 2017 - and not functioning well probably much earlier:
"Late in the 2017 season, Mark Murphy and I had a conversation about my health and future with the Packers," he said. "At that time, we mutually agreed that it was in the best interests of myself and the organization to step away from my role as general manager. In consultation with team physician Dr. John Gray, I began a complete health evaluation that has included second opinions over the last year from the Medical College of Wisconsin, the Mayo Clinic and the UT Southwestern Medical Center.
"I have been diagnosed with an autonomic disorder. I feel that it’s important to mention that based on the test results and opinions of medical specialists, they feel that I do not fit the profile of someone suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)."
the 2017 draft - with the Packers with pick #29 and ignoring TJ Watt (picked 30th by the Steeler) or an offensive playmaker (TE Njoko, WR Zay Jones, WR Curtis Samuel, RB Dalvin Cook) - and trading down 2 slots to pick Kevin King - and then picking Josh Jones in the 2nd round with pick #61 with Ju Ju Smith Schuster being taken net by the Steelers, has Brian's fingerprints all over it.
Brian is a contrarian, in his actions and the source of that contrary behavior is worrisome as it seems to be based on Brian's insecurities.
When the players and fans anyone that is logical thinker, think through the situation and make their wishes publicly known, Brian does the opposite. And if a player or fan or anyone QUESTIIONS, Brian, with his youth and inexperience as a GM is magnified in his REACTIONARY and impulsive actions.
I view Brian as A SPITEFUL and insecure GM that is in over his head
All you have to do is go back and listen to the various Packer Press Conference interviews of Aaron and Brian - this year go listen to the January 8, 2023 Rodgers press conference following the Lions game, then listen to Brian's press conference on January 13, February 28th and Aaron Rodgers appearance on Pat McAfee from January through February 2023 and then Brian March 28th and April 24, and Aaron and Brian on April 26th. .
For any TRUE Packer Fan - those who, unlike the 31 Billionaire Parasite NFL owners, purchase Packer Share wanting to help the team knowing full well that that not only aret they not going to profit, but they are also not going to ever get their money back - it is VERY IMPORTANT to listen to the actual press conferences and interviews, NOT the Media's reporting of them, as the NFL Media is owned by the NFL and its 31 Billionaire Owners' talking heads.
Rodgers EXCELLENCE hid Packer Management's shortcomings and insecurities in Brian and incompetence in the case of Brian and Russ and now we are going to see the realities as the next 4 years of Aaron Rodgers contract - hopefully the Jets/Giants disastrous artificial turf (still artificial turf despite the Billionaires changes this year) does spell Aaron's non contact leg injuries or end as it has so many other NFL players - and Jordan's time as starter with the Packers play out.
Now Brian knows that his drafting of a wide receiver, running back or tight end, in the first round, for Jordan's first year as a starter - WHICH IS THE LOGICAL THING TO DO - will be perceived CORRECTLY as Brian having been SCREWING the longest tenured Packer - AND THE PACKER TEAM AND THEIR FANS - over the last several years.
Now Love gets screwed too.