Cory's Corner: Keep Bringing In Big Fellas
The Packers found the franchise quarterback. The second piece of the puzzle is to keep him upright.
The biggest need for the Packers heading into next week’s NFL draft is easily the offensive line.
The biggest challenge is to find a franchise quarterback. Once you nail that position down, your best option is to protect him. And that’s where the Packers currently stand.
Jordan Love proved that he’s the guy after throwing for 32 touchdowns and 11 picks this past year.
Which is why I love that Green Bay added Andre Dillard. It’s a low risk addition with a guy that had a 93 athleticism score in the 2019 NFL Draft. That’s why he was the 22nd overall pick by the Eagles.
I get that the 28-year-0ld has struggled to find his niche in the NFL, but finding depth on the offensive line is very important — especially now that the NFL plays 17 games a year.
Bring in as many offensive linemen and see what sticks. The Packers also have an ace in the hole. They have proven that they do an excellent job of developing the big fellas. That goes back to when the Packers took Adam Timmerman in the seventh round of the 1995 NFL Draft, Mark Tauscher in the seventh round of the 2000 NFL Draft, Scott Wells in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft, Josh Sitton in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft, David Bakhtiari in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Corey Linsley in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft and Zach Tom in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
That’s quite a list of guys that have been overlooked and cast aside. There weren’t many people that thought Bakhtiari was going to be one of the best left tackles in the game, but the Packers knew what they had and they molded him into a very special player.
Why can’t the same thing be done with Dillard? He is coming to Green Bay with loads of talent. He should be coming to Green Bay plenty hungry. He should be ready to prove the folks in Philadelphia and Tennessee wrong. In four seasons, he only started 19 games with lackluster production.
I love bringing in a veteran like that with plenty to prove and loads of talent to back it up. Obviously, the best reason is because it’s a very low risk situation for the Packers. Even if Dillard struggles, Green Bay isn’t going to be saddled with much.
But if he can figure it out and offer depth and leadership at a position that is thirsting for it, that would be a welcome sign for a team that just wants to keep their quarterback upright.
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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
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Comments (38)
Guam
April 20, 2024 at 07:27 am
I'm not sure they are bringing in Dillard to "develop" him. He will be in his sixth year and guys that far along in their NFL career pretty much are who they are going to be. He was a starter for Tennessee last year albeit not a good one. He should provide good depth as a swing tackle for the Packers this year, but I see him as a veteran reserve, not a guy to be developed into a starter.
With Dillard now on the team, I suspect the Packers will only keep one of Jones, Tenuta and Telfort on the 53 giving them two backup/special teams tackles provided they don't draft a rookie which is entirely possible. Jones has been on the 53 for two seasons, but has not played a single offensive snap. I believe this year will be "put up or shut up" time for him.
Coldworld
April 20, 2024 at 08:41 am
Dillard has to make the roster. He’s going to be 29 in October. He’s not a developmental prospect, he’s at the last chance saloon. His technique is poor. He looks like he’s never worked at it or can’t learn it. He might even be a cheap roll if the dice as a G conversion.
To say he was awful last year is not exaggeration. He might be G depth in reality as much as a T. Let’s wait for his contract but he going to have to play a lot better than he did last year to be an upgrade at T on Nijman, even with Dillard on his favored side and Nijman playing less well than previously and on his less favored side. He’s better than Newman as a T, but Newman never should have been out there as one.
As to Jones and Tenuta, they can’t prove it one way or the other unless they are given a chance. Illness and Injuries respectively have been a factor, but these Packers coaches generally need to be forced to blood players that aren’t in their initial plans for the season. Wyatt, Tom, Melton, Nixon being examples that were not getting snaps despite the inadequacy ahead of them. Is it ability, popularity or luck?
Guam
April 20, 2024 at 09:07 am
You raise a fair point about opportunity - Jones certainly hasn't had one in the regular season although he played quite a bit during the preseason last year. I would like to see him get a shot to prove or not prove his capabilities. Having said that, I still think this is his last rodeo with the Packers - he either needs to step up or lose his position on the 53 to a player that can be developed into a starter/key reserve.
PFF certainly didn't think much of Dillard last year, so I wonder what the Packer front office sees. Clearly they see something they like and our local newspaper made a big deal out of the fact that the Packers were battling with Kansas City to sign Dillard. Apparently multiple teams still believe Dillard can play. We will see come preseason.
Coldworld
April 20, 2024 at 09:21 am
He took a free agent visit to Kansas. I don’t know if that represents a battle for his services given the numbers of such visits teams routinely go through. The only source is the following and this is all he said;
@JFowlerESPN
“Before signing with Green Bay, Dillard took a free agent visit to the #Chiefs, per source. Kansas City needs tackle help, which it could find in the draft.”
There no suggestion he was offered anything or even that there was subsequent informal interest.
There was a lot of chatter around the Eagles about Dillard’s approach to technical improvement and handling adversity. The suggestion was that he didn’t see a need to work on his craft, struggled mentally with being on the island that is LT and would gets progressively worse the more he is beaten. Last year could be seen to support all those rumors. The suggestion was that he needs to be a G but a cheap one. The Titans rendered the debate over trying that moot.
I’d be fascinated to see what Jersey Al made of his technique last year. To my not so informed eyes, his footwork and thus balance looked awful—note the diminutive kick step.
As to Caleb Jones: He actually injured his very ankle early in the first preseason game last year and was sidelined. I think he was landed on. He was expected to play a lot in preseason, but that injury derailed that to Walker’s benefit. He did play 32 snaps later in the third game, but may have not been fully healthy. Tenuta was injured and lost for the season as it turned out, so both largely remained mysteries.
Guam
April 20, 2024 at 09:51 am
The local paper indicated that KC was in the process of making an offer to Dillard when GB signed him. No sources were quoted so I have no idea of the veracity of the claim.
Coldworld
April 20, 2024 at 10:38 am
Everything I see out in the internet builds off Fowler’s above-quoted tweet. Perhaps there’s more insider knowledge. There’s no doubt the Chiefs have on paper an even bigger need and less cap than we do. Dillard’s contract will likely shed light when it comes out.
Guam
April 20, 2024 at 10:48 am
Many of the local Wisconsin newspapers are tapped into the Packer front office and have "unnamed sources" for this kind of stuff. Was that case for this report or was the Packer insider making crap up, I have no idea. That's why I like to attribute this kind of information so readers can judge for themselves.
dobber
April 20, 2024 at 09:27 am
"You raise a fair point about opportunity - Jones certainly hasn't had one "
Yeah, but opportunities aren't just handed out. Maybe the issue he had is that he was playing behind Tom, but he hadn't moved the needle enough to create his opportunity.
"PFF certainly didn't think much of Dillard last year, so I wonder what the Packer front office sees."
I don't think they see a starter, but they likely see a guy who has played NFL snaps and can be a game-day active. If he gets beat in camp, then a better player is on the roster. He's enough of a player to potentially make it so they don't have to draft 4 OL this year if the board doesn't fall their way, can look for other opportunities next week, and can spread their picks on the OL over a couple drafts.
Coldworld
April 20, 2024 at 09:54 am
At that point the depth chart was Bakh, Tom, Walker, Nijman by the third preseason game, Jones having missed the second completely and first effectively only got second tier snaps in the second half primarily of the third when Tom and Walker took the lions share:
Zach Tom 50, Rasheed Walker 50, Jake Hanson 43, Royce Newman 35, Yosh Nijman 35, Sean Rhyan 32, Caleb Jones 32, Michael Menet 24, Jon Runyan 17, Josh Myers 17
Although Bakh didn’t play after game 1, the trio of Walker, Tom, and Nijman took all the rest. The pecking order was settled and injuries forced no further change.
Therefore the mystery remains and any projection is pointless. In 2022, Jones was the second highest rated OL in preseason behind Myers. Take that for what you will (Newman was the highest rated in the league a year earlier). Mano then took away any real chance to get in-season snaps that might have existed that year.
I don’t jump either way on Jones or Tenuta and their prospects. I do question some of the confident deductions I see and their foundation in what has actually happened and why. We saw the same over Nijman too before he actually played. Let’s wait and actually see this time.
Guam
April 20, 2024 at 09:55 am
I don't think they see a starter either, but he should fill Nijman's role as the reserve swing tackle if he is as advertised.
Starrbrite
April 20, 2024 at 02:05 pm
“Last Chance Saloon”—excellent point.
stockholder
April 20, 2024 at 07:47 am
Easier said the Done.
We've had are share of misses.
Especially since Tony Mandrich.
And how did Newman turn out?
So who plays Defense; if we go after
all that protection for Love?
I seriously Doubt DeJean would
be leading the wish board, if you're correct.
And you must think anyone can replace
Campbell, or Owens.
So if Love wants protection.
It starts with not making an outrageous salary.
Bitternotsour
April 20, 2024 at 08:36 am
Tony Mandarich was drafted in 1989. Do the math. If you'd like to argue something about the drafts of Gutekunst or his mentor Ted Thompson, have at it. But Tony Mandarich is now 52 years old.
Coldworld
April 20, 2024 at 08:56 am
57. Born in 1966. Tom Braatz was the GM who picked him in 1989.
TKWorldWide
April 20, 2024 at 10:17 am
Lotta greats were born in 1966!
LLCHESTY
April 20, 2024 at 11:45 am
Sure, but 1967 was better!
stockholder
April 20, 2024 at 10:28 am
I'm referring to Green Bay as a Franchise.
Luck or not.
It still hurts, when the success rate sucks.
Untylu1968
April 20, 2024 at 09:13 am
Replacing the three years ago, Campbell might be tough, but the last two, not so much. As far as replacing Owen's, GTFOH!
stockholder
April 20, 2024 at 10:30 am
I used Owens- But the here and now of it-
There are 2 holes in the defense.
Zero in the OL.
jannesbjornson
April 20, 2024 at 11:27 am
If he drafts like Reuter's Mock on NFL.com, he will set the franchise in reverse. Five higher selections to bag two O line and two DBs and an ILB. He still has SIX of his one picks on the defensive side of the LOS. Ted's guy still performing at a high level. You make the call. I protect the Franchise QB.
Oppy
April 21, 2024 at 10:44 am
In 2022, Rodgers made $50m, and that left only $158 M to pay the rest of the team.
If Love gets extended and earns $50m/year, that would leave $205 M in 2024 to pay the rest of the team.
So..... yeah..
Next?
stockholder
April 21, 2024 at 12:08 pm
Think Profits- Not Spending.
The League sets the cap-
What they give, They can take away.
Gute bought the Smith's ,Amos, and Turner,
because of TT .
Oppy
April 21, 2024 at 01:18 pm
"Think Profits- Not Spending"
This means absolutely nothing in the context of your original statement.
"The League sets the cap- What they give, They can take away"
Yeah, well, not exactly. The cap is set by a mathematical formula that involves dividing the the league revenue by the 32 teams in the league. Since the only time in the history of the league since the merger that revenue decreased was during the first Covid year, and 2024 was a record year for media contracts, it's unlikely to go down anytime soon. Now, if the NFL owners do away with profit sharing? That's a problem, and a big one that would create an existential crisis for the Packers' viability- and it wouldn't matter if we're paying top dollar for a QB or not.
"Gute bought the Smith's, Amos, and Turner, because of TT."
Uh, what?
HarryHodag
April 20, 2024 at 08:21 am
Dillard is a fine example of why you shouldn't get too hyped up about the NFL draft. Dillard was a high first round pick. He appeared to be a 'can't miss' prospect. While he's had a solid NFL career, he's far from the All-Pro many had picked him to be. The draft is a crapshoot.
While many are calling for the Packers to draft an o-lineman(tackle) in the first round I first draw attention to the fact that the team's premier left tackle of the past, David Bakhtiari, was a fourth round pick. With the abundance of really good tackles, no need to take one in the first round. You'll get a good one later. Better to find a player to fill a hole on defense. Last year the national sports media dopes were laughing at the Packers for not having picked a wide receiver recently in the first round. Don't hear much laughter about that now. This year it's offensive tackle.
Dillard will likely fill the Yosh Nijman role. I scratch my head when the 'experts' are quick to replace Walker and Tom even though the team did more than ok with them last year.
Starrbrite
April 20, 2024 at 02:08 pm
Well said Harry.
GregC
April 20, 2024 at 05:38 pm
A solid NFL career? Dillard has had a terrible career. He's missed a lot of time due to injuries, and he's played poorly.
I'm with you on Walker and Tom, though. Neither one of them needs to be replaced. I think the only thing the O-line needs in this draft is depth, although if they can get a future starter at center or right guard, so much the better.
LeotisHarris
April 20, 2024 at 09:17 am
The next Cub Buck and Baby Ray are out there, just gotta find 'em. As the saying goes, even if the horse is blind, you still have to load the wagon.
BruceC1960
April 20, 2024 at 09:54 am
Really curious to see fan reaction after day 2 of the draft. We all hope Gutey can continue the success he had the last 2 drafts. Will everyone throw a fit when he takes unexpected or possibly flawed players. Or will we be content knowing he has a plan?
Here are the first 3 rounds of the last 5 drafts. Can anyone say they were “excited “ about any of these picks?
Van Ness, Musgrave, Reed, Kraft
Walker, Wyatt, Watson , Rhyan
Stokes, Myers, Amari Rodgers
Love, Dillon, Degaura
Gary, Savage, Jenkins, Sternberger
Don’t remember much “buzz” about any of them. Maybe Watson, but not after the trade up. None of the #1 picks even received luke warm acceptance from the fan base.
Coldworld
April 20, 2024 at 02:24 pm
It’s a long time since I was happy about a draft immediately after it. A few days later, some digging and Gute’s drafts tend to look better.
CanPackFan
April 20, 2024 at 10:03 am
My hope is that we use the first 2 rounds to choose the best players at position of greatest need - like LB and Safety. While u can never have enough Olinemen, this article past drafts confirm that we can find Oline gems after round 2 of the draft. Let's shore up our team now - not wait until 2025. GPG
Untylu1968
April 20, 2024 at 07:37 pm
I can see a DB being the best value with our first pick. We can get one of the top MLBs, once again, with good value, along with an o-lineman in the second round. With safety being down this year, we could still get one of the higher rated ones in the third , along with a BPA, which could be anything from RB, OL or DL. There will be some very good talent sitting there in the third. Thirsty Thursday can't get here fast enough.
TKWorldWide
April 20, 2024 at 10:20 am
Right now I’d put both safety and linebacker ahead of O-line as positions of need. That does not mean, however, that the top 2 picks have to be at those two spots. This is going to be a very interesting draft! But remember, it’s a three day process.
Gman1976
April 20, 2024 at 10:23 am
I suspect Dillard was brought in for competition with our 2nd and 3rd stringers. He won't start, but could be the one to light a fire to see whether Jones and the others are going to improve.
stockholder
April 20, 2024 at 10:49 am
I think he's looking for experience.
The Versatility to move guys around has
worked. And it buys Time.
jannesbjornson
April 23, 2024 at 03:53 pm
Like Newman, Hanson and Wagner holding down the RT in the NFC
PackAttack4155
April 20, 2024 at 11:29 am
If his contract is more than the vet minimum, he fleeced the Packers. Allowed 12 sacks in 562 snaps last season. Head case, who only plays LT. Titans fans are happy he's gone. For the continued good health of Love, here's hoping he, and Newman, are never on the field together.
Alberta_Packer
April 20, 2024 at 11:34 am
Dillard is strictly a stopgap player - who's ceiling is to be a little less bad than his Titans underperformance. He shouln't alter at all Gutekunst's OT draft plan. So if he wants a top tier OT - he should be prepared to draft one in the 1st and very early 2nd round. Afterwhich, it's Tier 2 Tackles - with a number available in rounds 2-4 - Amegadajie, Puni, Fisher, Rosengarten, Wallace, Coleman - to name a few.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
April 21, 2024 at 10:10 am
I am glad the Pack picked up a vet like Dillard on the cheap and I understand why the Packers signed him but he also has to make the team. Quite frankly if Jones, Tenuta, and Telfort cannot unseat Dillard it is time to part ways with them as Dillard is not someone I prefer to have protecting Love. It just takes one unnecessary hit and the Packer season goes by the wayside.
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday are going to be interesting draft days that can change the trajectory for the Packers. They are close and if they can hit a home run in the draft the team is young enough that they have a shot at creating a mini-dynasty. There are so many needs on the team but I do hope the Packers add 3 big dudes on the OL (one OT and two IOL), and a good to very good DL. For years the Packers did not have team speed but that is no longer the case. They need to win in the trenches on both sides of the ball as every year come playoff time the Packers get whipped in the trenches when the game matters. At this point, while I would not be against Amarius Mims I just do not believe he moves nearly as well as a guy like Tyler Guton. Even with all the needs on this team and the great addition of Josh Jacobs the Packers IMO are currently missing a major weapon at RB. Other than Jacobs the Packers do not appear to have a backup RB who can do anything near what Aaron Jones did to keep defenses honest and on their toes. Several RBs in the draft would take the offense to a different level in guys like Jaylon Wright, Jonathan Brooks, or Trey Benson. I am wondering how Gutey is thinking about giving up a top-100 pick to get one of these RBs when he has so many needs at other positions such as S, CB, LB, and OL but if one of these RBs is available I just think he needs to do it.
I do not believe Gutey would take a WR with the first couple of draft choices with the needs on this team and quite frankly I hope he doesn't but I will admit if he does Brian Thomas Jr is one hell of a good WR and the offense with a good OL and another good RB would truly be the most explosive in the league and unstoppable. I just don't see how Thomas isn't going to be a star in the league.