I know that Day 1 and Day 2 get all of the attention. Day 3 is where GMs can really earn their stripes. You get more selections, and can fill out the depth of your roster. These players generally aren’t the ones grabbing the headlines, but they’re the glue holding it together out on the field.
It’s also perhaps the most fun day for me.
There is a LOT of talent out there too. As I continue to scan who’s available, it’s pretty awful that the Packers don’t have either of their 4th round picks. Good people ALWAYS fall to the 4th round, but there is usually a big drop-off in the 5th. Hakeem Butler, Kelvin Harmon, Amani Oruwariye, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson are all guys that could have gone starting around pick #30. There were likely all day 2 guys… yet here we are. And the Packers have no 4th rounders to select or move for them.
What the Packers do have is 4 picks starting at #150. The draft starts at #103 so that’s almost 50 players that are going to come off the board before the Packers make their first selection. The other 3 picks are #185, #194 and #226. I likely would NOT trade up any more this draft, and would focus more on trading down and grabbing an extra guy.
Quarterback
As expected, both B. Rypien and J. Ta’amu are still here. I don’t expect Tyree Jackson to be available for too long, but he’s a guy to watch too. My goal for this position was rounds 6 and 7, and that’s still a real possibility. With the loss of both 4th rounders, I would prioritize other positions first and probably not select a QB this year. Ta’amu has a strong chance to go undrafted and might be an option after the draft is over.
Running Back
My original goal was to take a running back with the first pick of the 4th. The big run on RBs already happened so my goal for starting running backs is now gone. Rodney Anderson and Bryce Love are guys that could do well but are injury risks. Tony Pollard is my guy you take at the end of the draft(or UDFA) for special teams and moving around on offense. Devine Ozigbo is an every down back that you use as a backup. With the draft capital left, I think the best option is Rodney Anderson in the 6th or focus on the UDFAs on Saturday afternoon. Mike Weber, Trayveon Williams, Justice Hill, Elijah Holyfield, Myles Gaskin are all still available and there will be some good backs that don’t get drafted.
Wide Receiver
I’d still really like Hakeem Butler or Kelvin Harmon. I assume Butler goes early and there is no way Harmon makes it all the way to #150. So that leaves Penny Hart, Stanley Morgan Jr., Keesean Johnson, Terry Godwin, and Jeff Smith as the options on my board. Again, with the loss of both 4th rounders, I’d probably pass on this position as the remaining picks will be needed for more vital roles. There are still some other quality receivers left though: Riley Ridley, Emanuel Hall, David Sills, Anthony Johnson, Hunter Renfrow, DeMarkus Lodge, Preston Williams, Darius Slayton can all make it in the NFL. With the depth the Packers already have at receiver and the draft capital left, I’m not very excited for this position unless they land Butler or Harmon.
Tight End
With the selection of Jace Sternberger I doubt they double dip on this position. If they did my only choice is Foster Moreau and it IS possible he makes it to #150 or maybe even later.
Offensive Tackle
I’m a big believer in starting offensive line talent in the 4th. Again, it’s too bad there are no picks there. David Edwards and Dennis Daley are two guys that I think could be good NFL players that aren’t going to make it to #150. Isaiah Prince could make it to the 5th or 6th round and I’d still take him as a project. Oli Udoh and Mitch Hyatt were late round guys that I also considered but probably aren’t needed after the Elgton Jenkins selection.
Interior Offensive Line
I’ve liked Hjalte Froholdt as a 7th round guard since the beginning of my board. After taking Jenkins and his versatility on the line I think you pass on guard and center for the remainder of the day. On a side note about the value of the 4th round and offensive linemen: Michael Jordan, Beau Benzschawel, and Dru Samia are all available and could be starters. I wouldn’t be surprised if all are gone in the first 40 picks of the day.
Defensive Line
Renell Wren (high upside), Daylon Mack (run stopper with burst), Daniel Wise (penetration and depth) are all guys I’d like. I still also like Anthony Nelson’s value. Even with Gary’s selection, I wouldn’t mind doubling up on the dline for one of these guys.
Edge
On a deep edge draft, there isn’t much left. Best options are Christian Miller for depth and Maxx Crosby for development. Joe Jackson is a late option too.
Offball Linebacker
Mack Wilson is a do it all kind of guy with explosion… but will likely go early. Blake Cashman has skills and approach to be a viable linebacker and might make it to #150. Quinton Bell is your measurables prospect in the 7th or UDFA. Other considerations are Vosean Joseph, Te’von Coney, and Ben Burr-Kirven.
Cornerback
I’d really like to see the Packers get a cornerback. Julian Love didn’t get drafted yet and he’ll likely be gone quick. The guy I’d really like is Amani Oruwariye. If he is still on the board at the pick the Packers gave up, it’s going to hurt. Isaiah Johnson might make it to #150, and could be an interesting selection there. I think Tim Harris is a guy to watch for the Packers. If they feel he is medically safe, I’d guess they pick him. Jimmy Moreland, Corey Ballentine, Jordan Brown, Saivion Smith, and Kendall Sheffield are also options to watch.
Safety
If C. Gardner-Johnson or Deionte Thompson made it to #150, I’d double up. Otherwise, I’d only take a safety that was also going to play special teams. I’m also watching where Amani Hooker, Saquan Hampton, Jaquan Johnson, and Mike Bell go. It was a really nice safety class and I’m not sure it was worth giving up 2 4ths for a safety class this deep.
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