A gift from the sports gods is how I always view the NFL Draft, this year more than anything after the three-day zoom call, we are all about to live. Hopefully, we’re all healthy but thank god for the Green Bay Packers and welcoming the Tampa Bay Buccaneers back into our lives. I’ll be looking forward to a fall humid night on Sunday Night Football on the road against TB12’s new team. I have been writing this unofficially since the late 2000’s for my friends and family, below we even went into the archives so you can make fun of my previous picks.

I love the NFL Draft, always envisioned myself sitting in a war room making a big draft day trade for the Packers QB of the future, the jury is still out on that dream😊 I have had a virtual draft room setup since Paul Tagliabue was commissioner, so I’m available for any troubleshooting. This NFL Draft has as much talent as the 2014 Draft where we saw four receivers go high and my guy Johnny Manziel wreck another Browns draft (my video).

Packers fans have all screamed for a wide receiver, since the middle of 2019 and then we got boat raced in the Bay Area again. Not an enjoyable aftertaste heading into an offseason with expectations that now will get remembered regardless. Let the record show, I have not made an offensive joke yet, congrats to who hit that prop bet. A draft this stocked with immediate talent in the NFL seems like one we have never missed out on as a franchise since at least 1991, my inception. Printing Packers shirts established 1991 will be a memorable look at Super Bowl 53 in *Tompa Bay. The Packers need to come out of Day 1 and Day 2 with 2020 impact starter as I believe the team should be in contention for the lone bye in the NFC.

Buckle up for what should be a comical virtual NFL draft, make sure you are stocked with White Claw, Northern Chill, or your beverage of choice. We might ring in the Packers pick at 30 after midnight mountain time after multiple Roger Goodell pauses of the draft for half the owners falling asleep. Tua Tagovailoa will end up going lower than he should, I like Jordan Love over Justin Herbert and we might not see a running back in Round 1 which is smart. Jonathan Taylor is going to be a stud in the NFL, but I would be shocked if he’s around in Round 2 for the Packers.

Looking forward to celebrating with you all at Lambeau Field next season.

Three Positions of Need:

Wide Receiver: The famous Sports Illustrated cover showcasing the Packers stable of weapons for Aaron Rodgers seems like a myth it is so dated. Brian Gutekunst and company hopefully don’t feel pressure to reach for a receiver at pick #30 but let’s pray they are savvy enough to maneuver their way to at least one of the Top 8. Missing on the trio of Brandon Aiyuk, Michael Pittman Jr. and K.J. Hamler would be upsetting following the first wave off the board. Although, I’d love to celebrate the Packers moving up for one of the Alabama WR’s. Day 3 wide receivers that fit the bill for me are the following: K.J. Hill, Bryan Edwards, Van Jefferson, Jauan Jennings, Tyler Johnson, Juwan Johnson, or Quintez Cephus. Draft one of those guys, and I’m a happy man.

Cornerback: Some Packers fans started the offseason not seeing this as a need. I disagree. The Packers need a lockdown outside corner still. Kevin King is still a gamble. The smokescreen went off in my mind when I noticed the Packers met with cornerbacks the most during the draft process of any position. If C.J Henderson tumbles down the draft board causing us to move up it would be glorious. Ideally, we identify on Day 2, going big and tall hunting again. Cameron Dantzler, Bryce Hall, Troy Pride, or Jaylon Johnson would be phenomenal.

Offensive Tackle: Protecting Aaron Rodgers moving forward is almost as valuable as surrounding him with firepower. If the Packers could draft a potential Day 1 starter that would be massive. Ezra Cleveland or Josh Jones works for me, but I might be setting off an internal smokescreen. This position will only be in play in Round 1 and Round 2. But the Packers have been great at identifying offensive line talent over the years on Day 3 and hopefully, that trend continues this year.

Murph’s 1st Round Big Board for the Packers:

1. Justin Jefferson-WR-LSU
2. A.J Terrell-CB-Clemson
3. Trevon Diggs-CB-Alabama
4. Patrick Queen-LB-LSU
5. Ezra Cleveland-OT-Boise State

My projected Packers 1st round picks since 2012:
-2012: Shea McClellin(28)
-2013: Sheldon Richardson (26)
-2014: Eric Ebron (21)
-2015: Randy Gregory (30)
-2016: Robert Nkemdiche (27)
-2017: Derek Barnett (29)
-2018: Denzel Ward (14)
-2019: Nick Bosa (12)-(As have in previous years with Eric Berry for example, was willing to trade farm to move up for Bosa)

Murph’s Wishlist for Pick 2, Day 2 and beyond that haven’t already been mentioned:

Players highlighted over the years here: A.J Brown, Miles Sanders, Andy Isabella, Juju Smith-Schuster, Jacob Hollister, Micah Hyde, Zach Ertz, Terron Armstead, Tyrann Mathieu, Doug Martin, Cordy Glenn, Janoris Jenkins

-RB-DeeJay Dallas-Miami (FL)
-RB-Zach Moss- Utah State
-LB-Clay Johnston-Baylor
-LB Davion Taylor-Colorado
-OG-Netane Muti-Utah
-OT Jonah Jackson-Ohio State
-OT-Damien Lewis-LSU
-QB-Jacob Eason-Washington
-QB-Nate Stanley-Iowa
-TE-Thaddius Moss-LSU
-LB-Troy Dye-Oregon
-TE-Albert Okwuegbunam-Mizzo
-WR-Binjimen Victor-Ohio State
-OG-Solomon Kindley-Georgia
-RB-Darrynton Evans-App State

Nolan Murphy lives in Milwaukee, WI, please unfollow him on Instagram & Twitter @TheNolanMurphy.