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With the NFL Draft almost a week in the rear view mirror, it’s time to take a closer look at what exactly the Green Bay Packers have in their prospects and what they can contribute in 2021 and beyond.
In short, the Packers are really hedging their bets particularly on their early round selections.
Eric Stokes is likely expected to come in and compete immediately for the second starting cornerback slot next to Jaire Alexander. Green Bay did bring back Kevin King and Chandon Sullivan but taking a cornerback in the first round sends a clear message that the two veterans are not viewed as the long term answer.
Second round pick Josh Myers could very well open the season in the starting lineup too. With Corey Linsley gone to Los Angeles, Myers was taken to be the center of the future but could he be the answer for the present as well? He is an improvement over Lucas Patrick and gives the Packers more flexibility to move Elgton Jenkins around if David Bakhtiari isn’t ready for Week 1.
Amari Rodgers in the third round is a little trickier to predict in terms of 2021 but long term the Packers clearly see him as a contributor. Rodgers will likely be at least in the Tyler Ervin role and likely return kicks but in regards to a traditional receiver role, the Packers can at least ease him in there. It’s in 2022 when he will likely be expected to perform there given the contract situations of the current group of receivers.
In short, the Packers are expecting big things from their top prospects. Now comes the time where they will begin to get molded into the professionals Green Bay needs and wants.
The bottom line is if this class can hit on the top three picks, the Packers should be in good shape going forward.
Why Packers have plenty riding on their top three draft picks—PackersNews.com (subscription)
Unlike last year, the Packers are going to be counting on their top rookies to make some contributions immediately. Brian Gutekunst deserves credit for addressing needs in the early rounds and finding players that can improve the team immediately.
Packers film review: Breaking down first-round pick Eric Stokes—Packers Wire
What the Packers have in Stokes as a raw rookie is an incredible athlete who was so effective he was only targeted 90 times over two seasons. That sends a clearer message than anything but there’s always room for improvement and Stokes has some things he can work on.
You don’t take a center in the second round and not expect him to start. There might be some semblance of competition in camp, but the starting job is already Myers’ to lose.
Key dates for the Packers’ offseason program announced—Packers.com
Mandatory minicamp is set for mid-June and it will be interesting to see if a certain MVP will report, assuming he’s still on the roster that is.
Village of Hartland Police asks students to stop playing nude ‘Nerf Wars’—CBS 58
There is a certain decorum to having a Nerf war and these students are showing a blatant disregard for that.