For the first time in my entire football-watching life (that part of my brain came online around 1992), the Packers enter the NFL Draft without a first-round pick. I’m not a Packers historian (paging Jon Meerdink), but I believe that the last time that happened was 1986. Sure, the Packers have sold off their first round pick during the draft more recently — but that doesn’t count.
In that situation, fans wake up to a world of possibilities and wait all day only to have their dreams ripped from under them like the old tablecloth trick. For the record, I find it hilarious when that happens. This is different.
For some of you, there may be a strange feeling of emptiness. Perhaps your FOMO is working overtime. Or maybe you’re at peace with the overwhelming meaningless of all things.Either way, you probably won’t be dialed in to the broadcast the same way you would be in past years.
So in the interest of filling that time with something, here’s a list of things Packers fans can do with their time:Draft Talk live stream – If you still want the feeling of participating in the party, check out Tyler Brooke’s Draft Talk live stream. You’ll get hours of insights and fun chatter, often with a Packers-specific lens. The stream will also feature a bevy of APC contributors coming and going.
The stream starts at 8 pm Eastern.Draft Talk big board – If a live stream isn’t your thing but you still value Tyler’s opinions as much as I do, check out the final Draft Talk podcast of the season, where he, Justis Mosqueda, and APC’s Rcon discuss historical Packers draft trends and their Packers big boards. Pre-draft visit tracker– We’ve kept this doc running for weeks now, but in case you’re just crawling out from under a rock in time for day one of the draft, we’ve been tracking every prospect the Packers have hosted before this year’s draft. Historically, this is not a smokescreen, but a true indication of interest (including draftable players, potential UDFAs, and occasional future waiver wire acquisitions over the next few seasons)Hug your family – Remember them?
The people you’re either related to or ones you’ve chosen to link up with on purpose? Give ‘em a hug. A long one. Science has repeatedly shown that hugs improve mental and physical health by reducing cortisol and releasing oxytocin.
A 20-second hug triggers a neurochemical response that can lower blood pressure, boost immune function, increase feelings of trust and security, and lower anxiety. Sounds nice!Pin your hopes on the Packers trading back in – You could also watch the draft as normal, follow it extremely closely, and hope and pray that Brian Gutekunst trades himself back into the first round to deliver you (personally) an exciting first-round pick. You could. But I don’t recommend it.Enjoy your Thursday everybody — see you in round two on Friday night.