This draft lacks a Calvin Johnson- or Julio Jones-like stud at the top, but there are starters to be found. Bob McGinn kicks off his nine-part series with a detailed look at the receivers.
McGinn is so great because he's the opposite of virtually every other pundit. He doesn't have rose colored glasses about each prospect. He doesn't use juvenile language for every player like "insane skills", "freak", "slam dunk" or superman. He knows many of the guys will bust.
I'm also glad he includes the Wonderlic and cuts cross grain against the snowflakes that think this statistic will hurt people's feelings.
After this read, it looks like it might be best to trade back into the top of the second and take McBride.
I have always suspected that the 2020 draft was heavily influenced by LaFleur (got his future QB, a Henry clone and a Juszczyk clone in his first 3 picks). After reading the write up on McBride, that feels like the guy they were looking for when they drafted Degaura.
I now feel more comfortable with the Packers getting a receiver (or two) on the second day.
The biggest discrepancies between Bob's list and the other top pundits out there like Dane Brugler, Daniel Jeremiah, etc. is he has George Pickens and Christian Watson much lower.
The other analysts are speculating Watson, Pickens could go in Rd 1.
It seems like size is mattering less and less at WR. We may all agree that Nick Saban is a bit of a football visionary. He's successfully developing what used to be considered undersized WRs. Ruggs, Waddle, Smith and now Williams. Perhaps Saban sees the changing rules as allowing these fast, quick, slightly built WRs to not just produce but thrive.
Bob points out how big the modern DBs are, but think of how many undersized slots over the last 5-7 years are killing it by feasting on those big DBs.
If the Packers have to lower their longstanding WR thresholds to take a talented WR like Olave, Wilson, Williams, or perhaps even Dotson, maybe that would be a good thing!
I read Bob's scout comments every year, and every year I wonder why teams don't just all trade out of the first round. Nobody is good enough to play, lol.
Everyone knows how desperate the Packers are to find an immediate starter at WR in the first round, but it seems very possible after reading the scout's takes that Gutekunst could very well spend D1 draft assets on defense or TE. There is more than one way to build an NFL roster that can win.
Best pre-draft analysis as always. Makes an interesting case for NOT reaching for a receiver. I thought that Wunderlic scores were no longer reported. Must be wrong.
“He’s got talent, a shitload of talent. But Georgia receivers never pan out.” When I read things like this, it tells me that that at least one team has a dumb-ass scout. I want intelligent scouts who can check their baggage at the gate.
I'd love for Tyler and Bob to post the draft assessments for: Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Davante Adams, and Randall Cobb for kicks. Scouts seem to routinely hedge their bets.
I took the Wonderlic test twice and scored 46 each time. And I was pissed it wasn't 50. Punter Pat Mcinally is the only player to score a perfect 50. He attended Harvard. Some of these prospects over the years have scored as low as 4. The test is 50 MC questions over 12 minutes. They include brain busters like 10 divided by 2 and name the ninth month of the year!
On re-read, here is hoping that at 22, someone sees a QB still on the board and wants to offer the Packers some extra round two picks so we can pick players like Watson, Pickens and a starting calibre tight end. I really like Watson in the second if that opportunity affords itself. I like smart.
Two teams with multiple second rounds it looks like, Jets and Seattle. If Seattle would give 40 and 41 for 22 (assuming a QB still on the board–adjust trade value with other picks, however that is calculated) that would be a really good spot for the Packers to pick up five players in the first two rounds instead of four. Two receivers and a tight end in round two would be a great expenditure of draft capital.
Bob, it’s just not a complete draft season without reading your work. So glad you and TD were able to partner together again. It’s no doubt good for you both and good for us NFL/GBP freaks as well.
So glad to see Bob back with this back again. Awesome from top right to the very end and that very interesting thought to ponder. Can't wait to read more.
McGinn is so great because he's the opposite of virtually every other pundit. He doesn't have rose colored glasses about each prospect. He doesn't use juvenile language for every player like "insane skills", "freak", "slam dunk" or superman. He knows many of the guys will bust.
I'm also glad he includes the Wonderlic and cuts cross grain against the snowflakes that think this statistic will hurt people's feelings.
After this read, it looks like it might be best to trade back into the top of the second and take McBride.
I have always suspected that the 2020 draft was heavily influenced by LaFleur (got his future QB, a Henry clone and a Juszczyk clone in his first 3 picks). After reading the write up on McBride, that feels like the guy they were looking for when they drafted Degaura.
I now feel more comfortable with the Packers getting a receiver (or two) on the second day.
Great job Bob!
Lafleur had no idea they were drafting Love
The biggest discrepancies between Bob's list and the other top pundits out there like Dane Brugler, Daniel Jeremiah, etc. is he has George Pickens and Christian Watson much lower.
The other analysts are speculating Watson, Pickens could go in Rd 1.
Agreed I think no way is Watson a 1st rounder.
It seems like size is mattering less and less at WR. We may all agree that Nick Saban is a bit of a football visionary. He's successfully developing what used to be considered undersized WRs. Ruggs, Waddle, Smith and now Williams. Perhaps Saban sees the changing rules as allowing these fast, quick, slightly built WRs to not just produce but thrive.
Bob points out how big the modern DBs are, but think of how many undersized slots over the last 5-7 years are killing it by feasting on those big DBs.
If the Packers have to lower their longstanding WR thresholds to take a talented WR like Olave, Wilson, Williams, or perhaps even Dotson, maybe that would be a good thing!
I read Bob's scout comments every year, and every year I wonder why teams don't just all trade out of the first round. Nobody is good enough to play, lol.
lol
This did nothing to slake my thirst for Olave
Think he fits the packers type of WR the best on this list. The word is he's a Rodgers favorite like Justin Jefferson was 2 years ago.
Everyone knows how desperate the Packers are to find an immediate starter at WR in the first round, but it seems very possible after reading the scout's takes that Gutekunst could very well spend D1 draft assets on defense or TE. There is more than one way to build an NFL roster that can win.
Best pre-draft analysis as always. Makes an interesting case for NOT reaching for a receiver. I thought that Wunderlic scores were no longer reported. Must be wrong.
At the top Bob said they did not administer it at the combine, but that (some?) players took it on their pro day
Thanks, I missed that getting to the meat of the article. I will try to read slower next time.
With respect to the comments about Metchie, I’d love to know the difference between “smooth” vs. “fluid.”
“He’s got talent, a shitload of talent. But Georgia receivers never pan out.” When I read things like this, it tells me that that at least one team has a dumb-ass scout. I want intelligent scouts who can check their baggage at the gate.
Love the Quote to Note. Good thing there are less stressful jobs available than pro football.
I'd love for Tyler and Bob to post the draft assessments for: Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Davante Adams, and Randall Cobb for kicks. Scouts seem to routinely hedge their bets.
I took the Wonderlic test twice and scored 46 each time. And I was pissed it wasn't 50. Punter Pat Mcinally is the only player to score a perfect 50. He attended Harvard. Some of these prospects over the years have scored as low as 4. The test is 50 MC questions over 12 minutes. They include brain busters like 10 divided by 2 and name the ninth month of the year!
On re-read, here is hoping that at 22, someone sees a QB still on the board and wants to offer the Packers some extra round two picks so we can pick players like Watson, Pickens and a starting calibre tight end. I really like Watson in the second if that opportunity affords itself. I like smart.
Two teams with multiple second rounds it looks like, Jets and Seattle. If Seattle would give 40 and 41 for 22 (assuming a QB still on the board–adjust trade value with other picks, however that is calculated) that would be a really good spot for the Packers to pick up five players in the first two rounds instead of four. Two receivers and a tight end in round two would be a great expenditure of draft capital.
Or Jordan Love and 59 for 40, 41.
Bob, it’s just not a complete draft season without reading your work. So glad you and TD were able to partner together again. It’s no doubt good for you both and good for us NFL/GBP freaks as well.
So glad to see Bob back with this back again. Awesome from top right to the very end and that very interesting thought to ponder. Can't wait to read more.