My Take -> Preseason Week 2

Greetings, G-Force.

I’m back for the 2018 NFL season.

With the open-mouthed, emotionless-faced former GM, Ted Thompson, by his side; Brian Gutekunst took Packers fans on a wild ride in his first NFL Draft. With Thompson likely offering a slow-burning sage-like advice, Gutekunst conducted the Packers draft in a fashion that would awe the likes of Ron Wolf and John Schneider. Gutekunst was both extremely aggressive and remarkably patient. Really, in his first draft as GM of the NFL’s most storied franchise, Gutekunst acted as though he was a seasoned veteran.

Not only did Gutekunst acquire two CB’s that he hopes will make an immediate impact on the 2018 season, but he also secured an additional first round pick in 2019. And, now, as he prepares to build the future of the franchise, Gutekunst has more in-demand 1st round ammunition than any other franchise in the league.

Gutekunst offered a heavy allotment for Jaire Alexander. Alexander is ultra talented. He’s also oft injured. It’ll be interesting to monitor the careers of Alexander and Mike Hughes, who Minnesota selected later on in the first round. I’m curious to see who has the better career: Hughes or Alexander. Whether I agree with what the Packers gave up to get Alexander is not important at this stage; rather what is important is that Gutekunst put his balls on the line and got his guy. Make zero mistake, Brian Gutekunst wanted Jaire Alexander in heavy fashion.

I liked how Gutekunst went heavy at WR. He committed himself to replenishing that all-important WR position in one draft. I’m hopeful that among the three draft picks, at least two will make impacts in 2018. Throw Kumerow in the mix and suddenly, the WR position is an intriguing position to track in the preseason.

I imagine this conversation happened on the Wednesday before the draft....

BG: Yo, TT! I kinda like JK Scott from Alabama. But, he's a punter. And, Vogel, played really well last year as a Rookie.

TT: Draft him. Can never have enough competition, my young Jedi. And, whoever loses the battle at Punter can be traded for a late round selection next year.

Fast forward to pick 172.

***Gutekunst and Jon-Eric Sullivan are talking about who to select...until...

TT: Hey Brian, I hate to interrupt you, but remember JK Scott? Well, let me offer you some mastermind advice. The Raiders just released Marquette King and are in need of a Punter. They pick at 173. Draft JK Scott now.

Gutekunst does.

Pick 173. The Raiders select Johnny Townsend, P, FL.

Stunned, Gutekunst sees the bright lighted force in front of him. Meanwhile, TT sits in silence with his arms-crossed.

As we know now, Vogel asked for his release and Gutekunst obliged. In many ways, I wish he hadn’t as I’m confident he could’ve netted a late round pick for him at some point.

Speaking of late round picks, it’s worth noting that the Packers are unlikely to garner any compensatory picks for next year. With that in mind, I wonder if Gutekunst will be active at the end of camp with trying to unload depth to add picks. It appears the Packers might have bodies at WR that could either net a late round pick or depth on the OL. However, at first glance the depth of the 2018 team doesn’t appear to be overly rich except at WR and maybe even QB. But, at this stage, regardless of how well he performs in the preseason, I can’t imagine anyone trading for Hundley. Would anyone consider Trevor Davis worth a 7th round pick?

Here are my quick vibes from the preseason opener:

Maybe it’s just me, but it feels as though Mike McCarthy has taken a more endearing approach to the 2018 season. While he’s intensely focused on the details, he seems positive spirited and more grin welcoming. Rodgers does, too.

If MVS plays like he did against the Titans, I’m going to start giving away an “MVS” award for each game. Call it the Most Valuable Stallion. MVS was fluid. He was smooth. He looks like a natural getting in and out of his breaks. He showed soft hands, the ability to outrun the defense and he impressively caught the ball in traffic. He was a gamer. Hopefully, he has gained the confidence to carry this momentum forward.

ESB looks like a Year 1 contributor. He’s comfortable working in the slot and using his intimidating frame over the middle. He showed elusiveness in the open field. Free from mental restraint, ESB played with veteran instincts and was clearly a cut above the backup CB’s who were covering him. He looked to possess pristine field awareness.

Jah ‘mon. Oh my. At times, the dude was laboring through his routes. Thinking too much. And, showing rock hands. Other times, he looked smooth and playing with confidence. He looks the part in his uniform, but his game didn’t translate. I haven’t lost hope, but at times, he looked really rough around the edges. I really hope he keeps his confidence and has a bounce back performance. I expect him to.

Kumerow! He’s easy to cheer for. And, if he’s not on the Packers 53-man roster, it appears as though he’ll be on someone’s come Week 1. The hard working, student-of-a-WR appeared detail oriented in his route running approach. His steps were calculated. He found separation. He had results. And, importantly, he’s absolutely earned the respect of the teams 2x MVP QB.

I dream of double TE sets with Marcedes Lewis and Jimmy Graham. Throw in Kendricks and we might see a handful of 3-TE sets. The options are limitless.

While, in large part, I’m bullish on most of Gutekunst’s early decisions, I didn’t like the money we gave to Byron Bell. Bell’s contract all but ensures that Bell is on the roster. Bell has NFL size. But, on occasion, he’s been an absolute liability. At this point, if he’s called upon to play Tackle, it’d be wise to make sure that Marcedes Lewis was lined up right next to him on every play to help out.

In Oren Burks, the Packers drafted a smart, fast, sideline to sideline ILB. If he can get off of blockers, he could have a dynamite career. With Burks and Martinez, you’ll have a difficult time finding a more intelligent set of ILB’s.

Kizer was impressive. He was gutty. He had a nose for the marker. But, much like his rookie year in Cleveland, Kizer really struggled when he got into the Red Zone.

J-Williams has swag. Drips with it.

Davante Adams. He’s ready for a monster year. His physique has exploded. Let’s not expose him to much prior to the start of the Regular Season.

If Montravious Adams continues to show burst off of the ball - I expect him to do so - the Packers will have a terrific defensive line rotation with Adams, Clark, Daniels, Wilkerson and Lowry.

MVS soaring over defenders has me excited for more football.

Presently, Reggie Gilbert holds a key to the success of the Packers defense. He’s going to be counted on in a big way. When he played against the Titans 2nd unit, it was a truly emphatic start to the preseason for Gilbert. But, against the starters, he struggled. Granted, it was only one drive that he played against the starters. Regardless, Gilbert must continue to develop and his ascension must happen quickly.

Lenzy Pipkins. Dude makes plays. Especially out of the slot. I'm hoping he makes the team.

Q-Rollins. No thanks.

If Josh Jackson, Kevin King and Jaire Alexander are the real deal, the 2018 Packers team will be a riveting team to watch.

MVS! MVS! MVS!

I’m really worried about the depth of the Packers OL. The Cole Madison situation is concerning. I had high hopes for him. I’m not going to speculate, but I truly hope that he’s ok.

Prior to the Draft, I listed Tim Boyle as my #1 target for the Packers to add. Here’s what I wrote: “Tim Boyle, Eastern Kentucky. Round 5-6. Moves well in the pocket. Throws with precision on the run. Low, funky release point on the ball is concerning. Fluid in his drop. Light on his feet. Natural athleticism. Good touch. Reads through his progressions well.” His performance didn’t surprise me. I’m curious to see how the Packers spread out the snaps between now and the start of the preseason game. At this rate, it’s hard to imagine Boyle making it through waivers and onto the practice squad.

Greer Martini made a splash play on special teams, but he looked like he had an uneven game at ILB. He was consistently gobbled up and unable to release from blockers in the run game. However, when he’s in space and has room to run, Martini motors to the football.

It was great to see Kendall Donnerson showing off his athleticism on the strip play to start the 4th Quarter. I want to see more of him, but I wonder if the Packers are trying to hide him and store him on the practice squad.

Ahmad Thomas charges towards the football with great desire.

We need more from Vince Biegel.

This week - the Steelers come to town. It appears as though the Packers are going to be playing their starters.

Expect Rodgers to look for Jimmy Graham early in the game. Rodgers will work quickly at the line of scrimmage. He’ll look like he’s in regular season form. He’ll call the plays at the line. He will move the football. Look for Rodgers to connect with Cobb, Adams and Graham on the first drive.

Defensively, watch Wilkerson, Clark and Daniels manning the front and giving Martinez and Burke room to roam.

Expect Hundley and Kizer to also engineer TD drives.

MVS shines again.

Packers 31.
Steelers 20.

Go Pack Go!

Talkin’ S-Mac
talkins-mac.blogspot.com