Seeing as how I traded both of my early picks, and since Cosmo talked about his side of the trade, I'll explain the
GB-
CHI trade from the
Packers POV (Point of Vince).
When looking at the Packers team needs, there were 3 gaping holes going into the draft:
RB- which unless Fournette fell to me, I wasn't going to address early in the draft.
DB- The Packers already have 3 young CB's on their roster, that they have spent high draft picks on in recent years. And
EDGE- With Julius Peppers leaving in free agency, and Clay Matthews' history of injuries, I saw this as the Packers biggest need to address in the draft.
Now at pick
#29, I didn't see anyone in that range that was going to bolster my defense. However, I did see an opportunity with
Watson still on the board to try and pry a promising and young defensive player off of one of my bitter rivals. Insert:
Leonard Floyd
While injuries were certainly a concern in making this deal, his production on the field last year, (7 sacks in 12 games) along with his pro-bowl upside, made it a risk worth taking. With Clay Matthews Jr. and Nick Perry already in the fold, adding a motivated Floyd makes them a devastating bunch.
As far as the
outgoing stuff, I viewed Leonard as more valuable than any two players I could get at
#29 and
#61. And with
Davante Adams due for a big payday at the end of next year, the Packers were able to cash in on his value by making it look like he was needed to pull of this big trade, when in reality they preferred Randall Cobb over him and believe any third option can look like a star when Aaron Rodgers is throwing it to him.
It's odd to think that division rivals could pull off a blockbuster like this, but in this trade I truly think each teams gets what they coveted.
Packers: young stud pass rusher.
Bears: Hopeful Franchise QB, WR, prospect.