Moving Zach Tom to center makes sense or the Green Bay Packers, but it changes draft strategy a LOT

Locked On Packers Podcast
15 Apr 202430:13

TLDRThe possibility of Zach Tom moving to Center for the Green Bay Packers is discussed, highlighting how this could significantly alter their draft strategy. The value of having a Hall of Fame level Center is emphasized, and the implications for the team's draft picks are explored, including potential selections of tackles and guards. The podcast also touches on the importance of the draft for the Packers' future success and discusses various player prospects.

Takeaways

  • 🏈 The Green Bay Packers are considering moving Zach Tom to the center position, which could significantly alter their draft strategy.
  • 🔄 If Tom is moved to center, the team would need to find a suitable replacement for his current position, emphasizing the importance of the draft.
  • 🎯 There is a debate over whether having Tom at a Hall of Fame level at center would be more valuable than him being a great right tackle.
  • 🤔 The podcast discusses the potential drafting of tackles like Amarius Mims or Tyler Gona, and how their drafting could affect Tom's position.
  • 📉 The value of drafting a player like Graham Barton could be diminished if Tom is moved to center, as Barton's best position is also center.
  • 💰 Zack Tom is expected to be paid in the 2022 draft class, and moving him to center could make him less expensive compared to his pay as a right tackle.
  • 📈 The Packers may need to expand their draft parameters if they decide to move Tom, considering the value and upside of potential players.
  • 🚨 The last time the Packers took an offensive lineman in the first round was in 2010 with Brian Bulaga, indicating a possible trend in their drafting strategy.
  • 🧐 The Packers are believed to be interested in players like Kingsley Suam Mata and Tyler Gona, who could potentially fill the right tackle position if Tom is moved.
  • 📝 The podcast host, Peter Bowski, has created a roadmap for the draft, analyzing the athletic consensus board, Packer history, and historical hit rates to predict the team's moves.
  • 🎉 The Locked on Packers podcast is part of the Locked on Podcast Network, providing daily coverage and analysis for Green Bay Packers fans.

Q & A

  • What position might Zach Tom be moving to according to the discussions within the Green Bay Packers organization?

    -Zach Tom might be moving to the position of Center, as suggested by conversations ESPN's Rob Demovsky had with people inside the Packers organization.

  • How could moving Zach Tom to Center affect the Packers' draft strategy?

    -Moving Zach Tom to Center would require the Packers to find a replacement for his current position at right tackle, which could significantly alter their draft plans and priorities.

  • What is the potential value of having Zach Tom play at a Hall of Fame level at Center compared to his current value at right tackle?

    -If Zach Tom can play at a Hall of Fame or near Hall of Fame level at Center, it could be more valuable than him being a really good right tackle, as a top-tier center can have a significant impact on the team's overall performance.

  • How does the discussion around drafting a new player for the right tackle position affect the decision to move Zach Tom to Center?

    -If the Packers draft a new player for the right tackle position who can perform at a sub-Pro Bowl level, it could make the transition of moving Zach Tom to Center more feasible, as it would mean an upgrade at the center position while only slightly weakening the right tackle position.

  • What is the potential financial impact of moving Zach Tom to Center in terms of his upcoming contract negotiations?

    -Moving to Center could potentially make Zach Tom less expensive in his next contract negotiations, even if he demands top market pay. Paying him as a center rather than a right tackle could be more financially palatable for the team.

  • Which player positions are typically valued higher in the draft - tackles or centers?

    -In the context of the Packers' draft strategy, tackles are typically valued higher than centers, as the team has historically preferred to draft tackles to play guard rather than drafting guards to play tackle.

  • What was the last time the Packers took an offensive lineman, specifically a tackle, in the first round of the draft?

    -The last time the Green Bay Packers took an offensive lineman, specifically a tackle, in the first round of the draft was in 2010 when they drafted Bryan Bulaga.

  • Which player from the 2022 draft class will need to be paid soon and how might this influence the Packers' decisions?

    -Zach Tom, from the 2022 draft class, will need to be paid soon. This could be a factor in moving him to Center, as it might be more financially beneficial for the team to pay him at that position rather than as a right tackle.

  • What are some potential draft picks for the Packers if they decide to move Zach Tom to Center and need to replace him at right tackle?

    -Potential draft picks for the Packers to replace Zach Tom at right tackle could include Airus Mims, Tyler Gon, or Ty Fuaga. These players offer different skill sets and levels of experience, which could fit the Packers' needs depending on their evaluation of each player's potential.

  • What is the significance of the 2024 NFL draft for the Green Bay Packers in terms of their offensive line strategy?

    -The 2024 NFL draft is significant for the Green Bay Packers as they may need to focus on reinforcing their offensive line, particularly if they decide to move Zach Tom to Center. This could involve drafting a new right tackle and potentially adjusting their traditional draft strategy to prioritize this need.

Outlines

00:00

🏈 Speculations on Zack Tom's Position Change

This paragraph discusses the rumors surrounding Zack Tom's potential move from right tackle to center for the Green Bay Packers. It highlights the impact this could have on the team's draft plans and the need for a replacement if Tom is indeed moved. The conversation emphasizes the value of having a Hall of Fame-level player at center, comparing the potential benefits of such a move to past players like Dangelo Hall and Ed Reed. The discussion also touches on the importance of considering the draft prospects and how they fit into the Packers' long-term strategy, especially in relation to the tackle position.

05:00

🤔 Evaluating the Draft Strategy Post-Zack Tom

In this paragraph, the focus shifts to the Packers' draft strategy if Zack Tom is moved to center. It explores the possibility of drafting a new right tackle and the implications of such a decision on the team's performance. The discussion includes various draft prospects like Amaris Mims, Tyler Gon, Kingsley Suamata, and Roger Rosen Garden, and how their potential selection could affect Tom's position. The paragraph also considers the financial aspect of Tom's contract and how his value might change depending on his position. Additionally, it examines the potential benefits of having a versatile player like Tom as a backup plan for the team's offensive line.

10:02

📈 Draft Prospects and Positional Value

This paragraph delves into the value of different positions in the draft and how the Packers might approach their selections. It highlights the importance of selecting players based on their potential to excel in specific positions, using Graham Barton as an example of a versatile player who could play either center or guard. The discussion also considers the historical success rates of drafting certain positions in the first round and the potential impact on the Packers' draft strategy. The paragraph further speculates on the Packers' potential draft choices, including players like Byron Murphy, Leu Leu, Chop Robinson, and Koolaid McKinstry, and how they could fit into the team's needs.

15:04

🏆 Building a Championship Team: Draft Considerations

The paragraph focuses on the Packers' draft strategy and how it aligns with the team's goal of building a championship contender. It discusses the importance of patience and the right approach to the draft, emphasizing the need to balance immediate needs with long-term planning. The conversation also touches on the Packers' history of drafting offensive linemen and the potential impact of drafting a tackle in the first round. The paragraph further explores the potential draft prospects, including pass rushers, linebackers, and defensive linemen, and how they might fit into the Packers' defensive scheme. It also mentions the Packers' potential interest in certain players and the strategic considerations behind selecting them.

20:05

🎲 Draft Scenarios and Official Predictions

This paragraph presents various draft scenarios and the speaker's official predictions for the Packers. It discusses the potential selection of a tackle in the first round and the strategic considerations behind this choice. The paragraph also explores the possibility of drafting a safety like Cooper De in the first round and the potential impact on the team's secondary. Furthermore, it considers the potential value of drafting a cornerback in the second round and the strategic implications of this decision. The speaker also shares his thoughts on the potential draft prospects in the third round, including defensive linemen, linebackers, and receivers, and how they could fit into the Packers' roster.

25:06

🎮 Monopoly Go and FanDuel Sponsorship

This paragraph shifts focus from the Packers' draft strategy to the sponsorship and promotional aspects of the podcast. It discusses the Monopoly Go game and its appeal to the competitive nature of the podcast's audience. The paragraph also highlights the partnership with FanDuel, emphasizing the platform's offerings for sports betting and the promotional offers available to new customers. Additionally, it mentions the Locked on Sports 24/7 streaming channel and its availability on various platforms, including YouTube and Amazon Fire TV, and encourages listeners to follow the podcast on social media for updates and insights.

Mindmap

Keywords

Zach Tom

Zach Tom is a player for the Green Bay Packers, an American football team. In the context of the video, there is speculation about his potential move to the position of Center. This move is significant as it indicates a strategic change for the team and could impact their overall performance and draft plans. The discussion revolves around his value as a right tackle versus his potential value as a center, and how this could affect the team's strategy in the upcoming draft.

Center

In American football, the Center is a crucial position on the offensive line, responsible for snapping the ball to the quarterback and often blocking defensive players. The video discusses the possibility of moving Zach Tom to this position, highlighting the importance of having a strong Center, especially considering the Packers haven't had a Hall of Fame Center in a while. The potential move to Center is seen as a strategic decision that could elevate the team's performance.

Draft strategy

The draft strategy refers to the plan a sports team has for selecting players in the annual NFL draft. This strategy is influenced by the team's needs, the available player pool, and the team's long-term goals. In the context of the video, the potential move of Zach Tom to Center has significant implications for the Green Bay Packers' draft strategy, as it could require them to focus on different positions or types of players than they would have if Tom remained at right tackle.

Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers is a professional American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) North division. In the video, the team's potential draft plans and player positioning, specifically the consideration of moving Zach Tom to Center, are discussed in detail.

Pro Bowl

The Pro Bowl is the National Football League's (NFL) annual all-star game, which showcases the league's most talented players as voted on by fans, players, and coaches. In the context of the video, the term is used to describe the high level of play that Zach Tom is expected to achieve if he moves to the Center position, indicating that he could be selected to participate in the Pro Bowl multiple times due to his exceptional skill.

Hall of Fame

The Pro Football Hall of Fame is a museum located in Canton, Ohio, which honors the greatest players, coaches, and contributors in the history of American football. In the video, the term 'Hall of Fame' is used to describe the potential career trajectory of Zach Tom if he moves to the Center position, suggesting that he could achieve such a high level of success that he might be considered for inclusion in the Hall of Fame.

FanDuel

FanDuel is a fantasy sports platform where users can participate in daily fantasy sports games and sports betting. In the context of the video, FanDuel is mentioned as a sponsor of the podcast. They offer promotions such as bonus bets for new customers, which is a common practice in the sports betting industry to attract new users to their platform.

Locked On Packers

Locked On Packers is a podcast that provides daily coverage of the Green Bay Packers. It is part of the Locked On Podcast Network, which offers team-specific podcasts for various sports teams. The podcast is mentioned multiple times in the script as the source of the information and analysis being discussed.

eBay Motors

eBay Motors is an online marketplace platform for buying and selling vehicles and vehicle parts. In the context of the video, eBay Motors is mentioned as a sponsor and is promoted for its wide selection of parts and accessories that can help maintain and upgrade vehicles to peak performance.

NFL Draft

The NFL Draft is an annual event where teams in the National Football League (NFL) select eligible college football players to join their rosters. The draft order is determined by the previous year's rankings, with the worst teams picking first. The video discusses the Packers' potential strategies and player selections in the upcoming draft, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right players to improve the team.

Highlights

The possibility of moving Zach Tom to the Center position for the Green Bay Packers is discussed, which could highly impact their draft strategy.

Zach Tom is viewed by the Packers as a potential Pro Bowl tackle, All-Pro Guard, and Hall of Fame Center.

The Packers would need a replacement for Tom if he moves to Center, acknowledging his higher value at right tackle.

The comparison of having a Hall of Fame Center like Jason Kelce versus multiple Pro Bowl cornerbacks is made to illustrate the value of Tom at Center.

Drafting a new tackle could affect the decision to move Tom, with the expectation that a rookie would need time to develop.

The Packers' draft strategy would change significantly if they were to draft a tackle, potentially altering their approach to the first round.

The potential financial implications of moving Tom to Center are mentioned, as he would become less expensive in that position.

The importance of having a versatile player like Graham Barton, who could play multiple positions, is highlighted if Tom is considered a Center.

The discussion includes potential draft picks like Kingsley Suamata from BYU and Tyler Gono from Oklahoma, as potential right tackles.

The Packers' last first-round pick of an offensive lineman was in 2010 with Brian Bulaga, emphasizing the rarity of such a move.

The potential of drafting a player like Edan Cooper or Marshon Neand is discussed, highlighting the need for a tackle to play tackle.

The strategy of drafting a player like Koolaid McKinstry from Alabama for his coverage abilities is considered.

The importance of historical hit rates in drafting and positional value is emphasized, influencing the Packers' draft approach.

The potential impact of drafting a player like Byron Murphy, a tackle from Texas, is discussed in relation to the Packers' needs.

The possibility of drafting a defensive lineman like Braden Fisk from Florida State or Chris Jenkins from Michigan is considered.

The discussion of drafting a pass rusher like Chris Brazwell from Alabama or Marshon Neand is highlighted, emphasizing the Packers' needs.

The strategy of drafting a receiver like Jaylen McMillan from Washington State and a defensive lineman like Ruk or Hororo is proposed.

The potential of drafting a player like Adisa Isaac from Penn State or an interior offensive lineman like Zach Ziner from Michigan is mentioned.