Tag: pre-draft

Highlights from Brian Gutekunst’s pre-draft press conference

What to know from Brian Gutekunst’s pre-2024 NFL draft press conference on Monday.

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst answered questions for 30 minutes ahead of the 2024 NFL draft on Monday.

Here are some highlights from Gutekunst’s pre-draft presser:

— On top 30 visits: Admits some subterfuge. “It’s about answering a question we don’t have an answer to.” Can be medical info. Football questions, off-field questions, getting to know a player. Calls the visits “really valuable.”

— Draft board is mostly set. Might have a final meeting Monday night.

— Stressful during the draft? Maybe not. Most of the work has been done, so decisions aren’t super difficult when they get on the clock. “Pretty boring” in the draft room, he says.

— More draft picks are always better. “More at-bats, more chances at hits.” Wants as much competition in every room to create growth for the team. “We have 11 now, but I’d love to have 13-14 or more.”

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— A lot of the work on trades, especially in the first round, are done pre-draft. Conversations with other teams on-going throughout Friday and Saturday.

— On having five picks in the top 100: “I think we’re in a pretty good space to move or just sit and pick.”

— On Andre Dillard: Likes the first-round pedigree, talent, starting experience. Packers lost depth along the offensive line, he’s hoping Dillard can compete for a spot.

— On Day 3 offensive line: Says Ted Thompson was “really good” at finding great linemen on Day 3. Points to athletic traits, mentality, play style as characteristics they look for.

— On raw athleticism in the draft: “Certain athletic traits, you have to have.” Says prospects with better athleticism have “higher ceilings” and improvement potential, lacking athleticism in some areas creates a lower ceiling, in general.

— On versatility: “We’re looking for well-rounded guys who can fit in any scheme and play multiple positions.”

— On Greg Joseph: “Competition.” Packers wanted competition at kicker, a “critical” position for the Packers in 2024 and beyond.

— Gutekunst on Cooper DeJean playing corner or safety: “He can do both. He’s very versatile that way.”

— Gutekunst notes that only 1.6 players per draft class re-sign with their teams across the NFL.

— Do the Packers have an edge in scouting? Gutekunst says the team has a long-standing process and a lot of people who have grown up within the process.

— Gutekunst: “The draft is the lifeblood of the organization…this is extremely important.”

— Gutekunst said he never feels like his team is a “couple of pieces away.”

— Gutekunst reiterated how important versatility is along the offensive line. Packers have had great success with guys who can play tackle and guard.

— Huge importance in making sure the board is valued right. “You have to be careful of falling in love with individual players.”

— Notes that during the 2023 draft, the Packers were comfortable taking Tucker Kraft in the second round after trading down (ended up getting Jayden Reed) and were surprised he was still available in the third round.

— On Jaire Alexander at the offseason workout program: “Everybody was eager to get back…he seems to be in a great space right now.”

— “At the end of the day, you have to be able to play the game.” Said the tape is always the best predictor of future success. Big part of the process is trying to project a college player into the pro game.

— Gutekunst said he wants to find an “interchangeable” safety to pair with Xavier McKinney. Play nickel, deep. Must be able to do it all.

— Gutekunst said he got to five or six pro days this year. Used to do 30 or more as an area scout. Valuable to him to see a prospect in their own comfortable environment. “I wish I could do more.”

— Would he give up a top 100 pick to move up in the first round? Only for a player that they wouldn’t normally have a chance to get most years in the draft.

— Gutekunst said analytics are “growing” inside the draft process. Helps support decision-making process. More data to use on the draft.

— On Brazil: Going to be some challenges, but he’s excited. Away game on a neutral field. Expecting home game in Week 2 for more recovery coming back. “Our players are excited.” Better than playing in Philadelphia.

Chiefs had virtual pre-draft meeting with LSU LB Micah Baskerville

The #Chiefs had a virtual pre-draft visit with a productive LSU linebacker, per report.

The Kansas City Chiefs are permitted to have virtual pre-draft visits with prospects all the way up until Day 1 of the 2023 NFL draft.

According to The Draft Network’s Justin Melo, LSU LB Micah Baskerville is one of the latest players to speak with the Chiefs virtually. He also had recent calls with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Las Vegas Raiders.

Listed at 6 feet 1/2  and 221 pounds, Baskerville was a highly productive linebacker for the Tigers. He was a two-year starter with LSU, amassing 172 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 11 pass breakups and two interceptions during the past two seasons. He has the makings of a three-down linebacker in the NFL, boasting inside/outside linebacker versatility and multi-phase special teams capability.

Baskerville did not test particularly well at the combine, but his tape shows that he might be a better athlete than the testing suggests. The Chiefs have an inside track to find out more information about any defender from LSU with their defensive coordinator being Matt House. He served as linebacker coach with the Chiefs from 2019 through 2021.

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Packers host Temple WR Adonicas Sanders on official pre-draft visit

The Packers hosted Temple WR Adonicas Sanders on an official top 30 visit ahead of the 2023 draft.

The Green Bay Packers hosted Temple wide reciever Adonicas Sanders on an official top-30 visit ahead of the 2023 NFL draft, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Sanders spent the 2022 at Temple after playing his first five collegiate seasons at Georgia Tech. In 2022, he caught 37 passes for 437 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing six times for 22 yards. At Georgia Tech (2017-2021), he caught 65 passes and scored four touchdowns over 35 games and 14 starts.

At Temple’s pro day, Sanders (6-0, 189) ran the 40-yard dash in 4.57 seconds, hit 32″ in the vertical leap, covered 9-10 in the broad jump, finished the three-cone in 7.27 seconds and the short shuttle in 4.33 seconds and completed 11 reps on the bench press. His Relative Athletic Score is 2.88 out of 10.0.

Dane Brugler of The Athletic ranked Sanders as his 142nd overall wide receiver in the class and a likely undrafted free agent.

In a pre-draft interview with Draft Diamonds, Sanders said his best attributes as a player are “yards after catch and downfield  blocking.”

What kind of player? “A versatile receiver that can play outside or slot. And can make an impact on special teams,” Sanders told Draft Diamonds.

The Packers likely used the pre-draft visit to recruit Sanders to Green Bay following the draft.

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Chiefs had virtual pre-draft meeting with Charlotte WR Grant DuBose

The #Chiefs met with DuBose at the Senior Bowl, but also had a recent virtual pre-draft meeting with him.

The period during which teams can conduct top-30 visits has now come and gone, but that doesn’t mean teams won’t continue to meet with players. Virtual meetings with draft-eligible prospects can take place all the way up to the first day of the 2023 NFL draft.

According to the Draft Network’s Justin Melo, the Chiefs recently had a Zoom visit with Charlotte WR Grant DuBose. This wideout started his NCAA career at D-II Miles College, but he eventually earned a tryout opportunity with the 49ers where he’d get a chance to play as a walk-on before earning a scholarship. Fast forward to now and he’s leaving for the NFL as Charlotte’s all-time leader in receiving yards (1,624), fourth all-time in receptions (126) and third all-time in touchdowns (15).

The 21-year-old DuBose is listed at 6-foot-2 and 204 pounds and ran a 4.57s 40-yard dash at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. He’s someone who excels at creating separation in tight spaces with his physicality and route-running capability. He’s been his quarterback’s best friend in the red zone and I suspect with his size, the same will be true at the next level.

DuBose previously met with the Chiefs at the Senior Bowl, but he also mentioned to Melo that he had recent Zoom calls with Kansas City along with the Packers, Jets and Broncos. Maintaining contact with draft drawing near typically signifies a level of interest, be it in the late rounds of the draft or as a priority undrafted free agent following it.

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Packers host official pre-draft visit with Illinois DB Jartavius ‘Quan’ Martin

The Green Bay Packers hosted an official top-30 visit with Illinois defensive back Jartavius “Quan” Martin before the 2023 draft.

The Green Bay Packers hosted an official top-30 visit with Illinois defensive back Jartavius “Quan” Martin before the 2023 draft, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Martin (5-11, 194) has made 10 total visits during the pre-draft circuit.

Over 55 games and 36 starts at Illinois, Martin produced 222 tackles, 10.0 tackles for loss, 30 pass breakups, seven interceptions, four forced fumbles and one sack. He was an All-Big Ten pick in 2022 after posting a career-high 64 tackles, 14 pass breakups and three interceptions over 13 games.

Martin, 23, has played snaps at perimeter corner, in the slot and as a deep safety. He was a Senior Bowl participant.

According to PFF, Martin forced 15 incompletions and missed only four tackles in 2022. He never gave up a passer rating over 85.0 in coverage over the past three seasons.

At the combine, Martin ran the 40-yard dash in 4.46 seconds, hit 44″ in the vertical leap, covered 11-1 in the broad jump and finished 11 reps on the bench press. His 10-yard split (1.44), vertical leap and broad jump all ranked first among safeties at the combine. Martin’s Relative Athletic Score is 9.28 out of 10.0 at safety.

Dane Brugler of The Athletic ranks Martin as the 81st overall player in the class and the No. 3 safety. He is projected as a Day 2 pick.

The Packers’ need at safety is well-defined. Martin could step in as a developmental prospect who has the versatility and athleticism the Packers usually covet in the secondary.

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Packers to host official pre-draft visit with East Carolina RB Keaton Mitchell

The Green Bay Packers will host an official top-30 visit with East Carolina running back Keaton Mitchell. 

The Green Bay Packers will host an official top-30 visit with East Carolina running back Keaton Mitchell.

He told reporters following his pro day that he has visits lined up with the Packers, Atlanta Falcons, New York Jets and Detroit Lions.

Mitchell might lack ideal size (5-8, 179) but not production. Over two seasons and 22 games, Mitchell rushed 357 times for 2,492 yards and 23 touchdowns while also catching 42 passes for 419 yards and a score. He returned six kickoffs over his collegiate career at East Carolina.

During the 2022 season, Mitchell forced 75 missed tackles and created 31 carries gaining 15 or more yards (first among running backs), per PFF.

At the combine, Mitchell ran the 40-yard dash in 4.37 seconds, the third-fastest time among running backs. He also hit 38″ in the vertical leap and covered 10-6 in the broad jump.

Mitchell said teams want to see how he handles punt-returning duties, highlighting a potential special teams role at the next level. His quickness and open-field speed might make him a returning weapon or even a gadget weapon in the right offense at the next level.

The Packers have generally preferred bigger running backs who can handle the full spectrum of duties at the position. Mitchell might not be an every-down back who can run between the tackles or take on blitzers as a blocker consistently, but his speed and big-play potential will be intriguing to any team.

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Packers meet with Virginia edge rusher Charles Snowden

The Packers had a pre-draft meeting with Virginia edge rusher Charles Snowden.

The Green Bay Packers met virtually before the draft with Virginia linebacker Charles Snowden, according to Justin Melo of The Draft Network.

Snowden (6-6, 243) produced 30.5 tackles for losses, 15.0 sacks, three forced fumbles, 18 pass breakups and two interceptions. He was an All-ACC selection each of the last two seasons.

The Packers could see Snowden as an ideal developmental linebacker capable of eventually replacing Preston Smith and a quality special teams player.

Snowden’s length helped him create 12 batted passes over the last three seasons, per Pro Football Focus. He also produced 22 pressures over just 131 pass-rushing snaps in 2020.

Dane Brugler of The Athletic ranked Snowden as the 15th best edge rusher in the draft class and give him a third- or fourth-round grade.

It’s possible Snowden could have a Leonard Floyd-like ceiling at the next level. Floyd, with his length and athleticism, was a disruptor for new defensive coordinator Joe Barry with the Los Angeles.

From Brugler’s draft guide: “Overall, Snowden comes with position and scheme fit questions, but his fluid athleticism, long-limbed frame and reaction skills are an intriguing combination. He projects best as a hybrid edge player in a 3-4 scheme.”

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Packers meet with Auburn receiver and returner Eli Stove

The Green Bay Packers held a virtual pre-draft meeting with Auburn receiver and returner Eli Stove, according to Justin Melo of The Draft Network. 

The Green Bay Packers held a virtual pre-draft meeting with Auburn receiver and returner Eli Stove, according to Justin Melo of The Draft Network.

Stove, an experienced special teams player, saw action in 52 games at Auburn. He caught 136 passes for 1,186 yards and six touchdowns, rushed 55 times for 554 yards and four touchdowns, and returned three kickoffs and four punts.

Stove ranks fifth in school history with 136 catches. He had career-highs in catches (40) and receiving yards (330) over seven games as a senior, including 85 total yards and a touchdown against LSU.

The Packers could see Stove as a gadget weapon on offense with an ability to contribute as a returner and cover man on kicks and punts.

Stove’s lack of elite-level athleticism will likely mean he’s an undrafted free agent option.

The SEC named Stove to the conference’s Community Service Team in 2020.  He participated in the Hula Bowl following the season.

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Packers meet virtually with Nebraska OL Brenden Jaimes

The Packers had a virtual pre-draft meeting with Nebraska offensive lineman Brenden Jaimes.

The Green Bay Packers had a virtual pre-draft meeting with Nebraska offensive lineman Brenden Jaimes, according to Justin Melo of The Draft Network.

Jaimes, who started 40 straight games over four seasons, was a three-time All-Big Ten selection. His 40 starts are the second-most by an offensive lineman in school history.

Jaimes started nine games at right tackle as a freshman and 31 at left tackle over his final three seasons.

The Packers will likely be looking to build more depth along the offensive line during the draft. The team released right tackle Rick Wagner and will likely lose center Corey Linsley in free agency, and left tackle David Bakhtiari is recovering from an ACL injury.

Jaimes might be a mid-round option.

According to Pro Football Focus, Jaimes allowed six sacks, four quarterback hits and 22 hurries over his last three seasons. He gave up just four hurries and no sacks over seven games in 2020.

From PFF: “Jaimes has been one of the most accomplished pass protectors in the country over the past couple of seasons at Nebraska. After struggling a bit between right tackle and left tackle in his first two years as a starter, he allowed only 13 pressures on 637 pass-blocking snaps over the past two seasons. He’s perfected his angle sets to an NFL-caliber level and has a counter seemingly for every edge he faces. Jaimes’ issue is that he’s light as can be — and not in a good way. He isn’t going to take anyone off the line of scrimmage and will have a heck of a time holding up to bull rushes in the NFL.”

The Packers could see Jaimes as a prospect worth developing given his abilities as a pass protector. General manager Brian Gutekunst holds 10 picks in the 2021 draft.

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Packers meet virtually with UCLA RB/WR Demetric Felton

The Packers had a virtual pre-draft meeting with UCLA running back and receiver Demetric Felton.

The Green Bay Packers held a virtually pre-draft meeting with UCLA running back and receiver Demetric Felton, according to Justin Melo of The Draft Network.

Felton (5-10, 200) led the Pac-12 in all-purpose yards per game last season. Over six games, he rushed for 668 yards and five touchdowns, caught 22 passes for 159 yards and three touchdowns and returned eight kickoffs for 168 yards in 2020, earning all-conference honors.

The Packers could see Felton and his versatile skillset as an ideal fit in the Tyler Ervin role within Matt LaFleur’s offense. He operated as a running back, from the slot and in the return game.

Ervin is a free agent, creating a potential need for an explosive playmaker on offense and special teams like Felton.

Felton’s profile at The Draft Network reads like a player that could help the Packers: “He is a very good athlete, as evidenced by his dynamic agility, change of direction, and body control. He’s been effective in the run game when used on the perimeter. He runs with the inclination to get outside and use elusiveness and wiggle In space. In the passing game, he is very good due to his effectiveness with the ball in his hands. He is competitive and willing in pass protection situations. He demonstrates good catching skills on screens and on check-downs. He is a good route-runner out of the backfield and linebackers have a difficult time covering him in space. He doesn’t have the prototypical size for the NFL. As a result, he will likely be a slot wide receiver or a “package guy” in the NFL.”

The Packers hold 10 picks in the 2021 draft.

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