Green Bay Packers 2020 NFL Draft: Gut Reactions For All 7 Rounds

EAST LANSING, MI - AUGUST 31: Jordan Love #10 of the Utah State Aggies throws a second half pass while playing the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium on August 31, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State won the game 38-31. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - AUGUST 31: Jordan Love #10 of the Utah State Aggies throws a second half pass while playing the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium on August 31, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State won the game 38-31. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The 2020 NFL Draft did not go as many expected it would for the Green Bay Packers. Here are some gut reactions as we take a look back at the past 3 days.

After three hectic days, the 2020 NFL Draft has come to an end and for the Green Bay Packers, it was an interesting one, to say the least. So this seemed like a perfect time to bring back “Gut Reactions” – where I give my initial thoughts on Green Bay’s draft before I take a closer look at everything later this week.

  • I’ve had some time to watch Jordan Love and it doesn’t take long to see what Brian Gutekunst likes about him. He has good size, he’s athletic, and he can make just about any throw on the field.
  • With that said, he is very inconsistent and has questionable decision-making. Love truly seems like a boom or bust prospect.
  • And for those wondering, no, Aaron Rodgers isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. With his contract he will be in Green Bay for at least two more seasons, likely a third, and potentially a fourth. Not to mention that Love is not ready to be a starter.

Related Story. What does the Love Selection Mean For Aaron Rodgers?. light

  • In a loaded wide receiver class, the Green Bay Packers went ALL 7 ROUNDS without taking one! Who saw that coming on Thursday afternoon? However, I will say the chances of a Day 3 pick being better than Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Equanimeous St. Brown, and company is likely very slim.
  • And it wasn’t just receiver, many of the perceived biggest needs that Green Bay had weren’t taken care of until Day 3.
  • While the Love selection frustrated many, initially the Day 2 picks of A.J. Dillon and Josiah Deguara were particularly puzzling. A 2nd round RB and a FB/HB? In today’s NFL?
  • However, there was some clarity that was provided as Jim Owczarski of Packers News reported that an agent had told him that Green Bay was looking to move to a more “run-oriented” offense.
  • Relying more on the run game aligns with what Matt LaFleur wants to do. LaFleur comes from the Mike Shanahan coaching tree, so to get an idea of what this Packers offense could look like if everything goes well, just take a look at what San Francisco did last season.
  • After taking a look at A.J. Dillon, I get some Eddie Lacy vibes. In college, Dillon was very good at breaking tackles, but he has the athleticism as well to make plays in the open field.

https://twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1040372604002025474

  • One area that will have to develop is his pass-catching. Dillon had just 21 career receptions at Boston College and in today’s NFL, he needs that ability apart of his repertoire.
  • Kamal Martin in Round 5 gives Green Bay another option at linebacker who will be at his best on early downs as a thumper shooting gaps and playing downhill. But being in space isn’t a strong suit of his.
  • Meanwhile, Deguara is going to be to LaFleur what Kyle Juszczyk is to Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco.
  • Although the Green Bay Packers had six picks on Day 3, in the fifth round or later they really are all lottery tickets and hopefully one or two payoff.
  • But I really like the Jon Runayn selection. At Michigan he played left tackle, however, at the NFL level, he will kick inside where I believe he can be a very good guard.
  • The Packers would then add two additional offensive linemen to the mix with picks 208 and 209. With Corey Linsley a free agent in 2021, and Green Bay being able to move on from Billy Turner and Rick Wagner if needed that year as well, adding some new players to the mix does make sense.
  • I really think landing Jonathan Garvin in Round 7 with their final pick is a really good value selection. Dane Brugler of The Athletic had a 4th-5th round grade on him. And he knows how to get into the backfield with 9 of his 21 solo tackles last season being for a loss. Not to mention 5 sacks.

Next. Early Draft Picks Signal Shift to New Regime. dark

As I’ve already said, this draft was quite interesting and nothing like what anyone predicted. But it appears that the Green Bay Packers’ offense is changing right in front of us and it was Gutey’s goal to find players that fit LaFleur’s needs.

Many may be down on this draft and I’m sure the media will do their fair share of questioning Green Bay’s moves these past three days. However, we ultimately won’t know if this was a good or a bad draft for a few seasons.