Top 20 current coaches who have yet to reach the Final Four

Honorable Mentions:

Ben Jacobsen, Northern Iowa (354-233, four NCAA Tournament appearances, one Sweet 16)

Fran McCaffery, Iowa (531-368, 12 NCAA Tournament appearances)

Andy Enfield, SMU (261-175, six NCAA Tournament appearances, one Sweet 16, one Elite 8)

Chris Holtmann, DePaul (251-171, seven NCAA Tournament appearances, one Sweet 16)

Penny Hardaway, Memphis (133-62, two NCAA Tournament appearances)

 

20. Steve Pikiell, Rutgers (329-297, three NCAA Tournament appearances)

Rutgers had a down season this past year but did make or would have made the postseason in each of the previous four seasons, which includes three trips to the NCAA Tournament. Rutgers had not made the Big Dance since 1991 prior to his arrival. Pikiell has turned around the program in a big way. In 2021, he led the Scarlet Knights to their first NCAA Tournament win since 1983 and nearly upset No. 2 seed Houston in the second round. He had three below .500 seasons with Rutgers to start his career, but then it all came together. Rutgers had only once made back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances (1975-76) before making it to two straight seasons in 2021 and 2022. Before going to New Jersey, he had a big turnaround at Stony Brook, winning just four games in his first year to a program that reached the postseason in six of his final seven seasons, culminating with an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2016.

 

19. Steve Alford, Nevada (683-357, 13 NCAA Tournament appearances, four Sweet 16s)

Alford and Nevada had a fantastic season this past year, but it ended with a dud, losing in its first game in the conference tournament and then again in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The team has rebounded after a few down years. He has made a huge difference for the Wolfpack. He has had a successful stint at all of his mid-major or lower conference schools. Alford led Southwest Missouri State to a Sweet 16 opponent, including a 30-point blowout of Tennessee in the second round. Prior to Nevada, he was fired mid-season at UCLA, but he did guide the Bruins to three appearances in the Sweet, including one in which he led them to 31 wins. That came after a sensational run at New Mexico, where he compiled a record of 155-52. It would be tough to make it at a school like Nevada, but I would not put it past him.

 

18. Mike Young, Virginia Tech (391-310, seven NCAA Tournament appearances)

Mike Young will need a good season or two more to continue to stay on this list because he is coming off back-to-back 19-15 seasons at Virginia Tech, both seasons ending in the NIT. In his five seasons, the Hokies have made the tournament twice. While his first season was the year cut short due to COVID, Virginia Tech finished 16-16 and would not have made it even if the tournament was held. He only once has finished better than seventh in the ACC and has not made it past the first round of the tournament with the Hokies. Prior to heading to Blacksburg, he helped lead Wofford to become a force as a small school, as the Terriers were 30-5 his final season and pushed Kentucky before falling in the second round in 2019. That was one of six 20-win seasons at Wofford. But he will need some strong seasons coming up.

 

17. Danny Sprinkle, Washington (109-50, three NCAA Tournament appearances)

It has been a meteoric rise for Danny Sprinkle. Just over a year ago, Sprinkle was the head coach of his alma mater, Montana State, and was fresh off back-to-back appearances in the NCAA Tournament. In April of 2023, he was hired at Utah State, where he led the Aggies to the second round of the tournament, defeating TCU in the first. After just one season in Logan, he was hired at the University of Washington, a program that has only made one NCAA Tournament since 2012 and has not made the Final Four since 1953. The Huskies now head into the Big Ten (still weird for me to type) and aim to make noise in a really difficult conference, as they are joined in heading to the conference from the Pac 12 with USC, UCLA and Oregon.

 

16. Leonard Hamilton, Florida State (643-491, 11 NCAA Tournament appearances, four Sweet 16s, one Elite 8)

After a few really strong seasons in which it looked like he and his Seminoles were on the cusp of breaking through into the Final Four, Leonard Hamilton and Florida State have had a few down seasons, going just 43-53 with no NCAA Tournament appearances in the last three years. Prior to that, the Seminoles made it to the second weekend the previous three NCAA Tournaments, excluding 2019-20. His head coaching career began in 1986 with Oklahoma State, and he lasted four seasons with a 47 percent winning percentage. He went to Miami for 10 years, turning around the program, making the NCAA Tournament his final three seasons with the Hurricanes. In 2002-03, he went to Tallahassee and turned things around once again. In 2018, he led them to their first Elite 8 in 25 years. However, at 75, I wonder when he’ll decide to call it quits.

 

15. Will Wade, McNeese (216-98, six NCAA Tournament appearances, one Sweet 16)

Coming back into coaching, Will Wade found a good fit to elevate himself into a top coach once again. In his first season with the Cowboys, he led them to a 22-2 record (he was suspended for the first 10 games and McNeese went 8-2) and were a trendy upset pick as a 12-seed against Gonzaga. While that didn’t come to fruition, the Cowboys are in good hands, especially since he is staying in Lake Charles for at least one more season. Prior to his firing from LSU, he led the Tigers to 105 in not quite five full seasons, including an SEC championship and Sweet 16 appearance in 2019. Between McNeese and LSU, he would have led his teams to NCAA Tournament appearances in each of his last five seasons, as the Tigers would have made it in during the COVID season. He’ll be back in the power 5 soon.

 

14. Ed Cooley, Georgetown (343-245, seven NCAA Tournament appearances, one Sweet 16)

Cooley made a surprising move by going from Providence to Georgetown, trying to resurrect a complete train wreck left by NBA Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing. The two conference victories in year one was as many as the Hoyas had in the previous two seasons combined. Granted, their only two wins came against a DePaul team that went 0-20 in league play by a combined four points. In his first five tournament appearances, his team only advanced past the first round once, but made it to the second weekend in 2022 and put a scare into eventual national champion Kansas and actually had the lead with under six minutes to play. I imagine Georgetown will not be a Big East bottom feeder for long under Cooley.

 

13. Mark Pope, Kentucky (187-108, two NCAA Tournament appearances)

Pope earned the job at his alma mater after a successful stint at BYU, where he led the Cougars to five 20-win seasons, including 23 victories and an NCAA Tournament berth last year in the school’s first season in the Big 12, the best conference in America. Pope takes over for John Calipari, who left Lexington for the University of Arkansas. While Pope has had strong success during his coaching career, he has not had postseason success as of yet. During both seasons his teams made the Big Dance, his teams fell flat and lost as the No. 6 seed to the No. 11 seed in the first round—UCLA in 2021 and Duquesne in 2024. He will aim to bring the Wildcats back to glory after not having reached the second weekend since 2019. Included in that stretch are losses to No. 14 Oakland (2024) and No. 15 St. Peter’s (2022). It will be interesting to see how he fares at his alma mater. He definitely has a chance to move up quickly (if not advancing to the Final Four and leave the list).

 

12. Greg Gard, Wisconsin (186-107, six NCAA Tournament appearances, two Sweet 16s)

This will be an interesting season for Greg Gard and Wisconsin. Gone are All-Big Ten First Team selection A.J. Storr and three-year starting point guard Chucky Hepburn, as well as the consistent Tyler Wahl. They brought in three transfers recently. Many think the Badgers will take a big step back. For Gard, that is when he does his best coaching. Wisconsin struggled down the stretch and lost in the first round in the NCAA Tournament to James Madison. Still, from missing the tournament to earning a No. 5 is a huge improvement.  The Badgers have not reached the second weekend since 2017, so that is why he is not higher. This is a big year for him, especially with the expanded Big Ten.

 

11. Buzz Williams, Texas A&M (350-217, 10 NCAA Tournament appearances, three Sweet 16s, one Elite 8)

After two seasons in which Buzz’s group recorded a record of 24-24, his Aggies have posted three consecutive seasons of at least 20 wins, with the last two ending in the NCAA Tournament. However, neither of those seasons reached past the first weekend. He came to A&M after a successful stint at Virginia Tech. With the Hokies, he led them to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1966-67 and nearly knocked off Duke. Before Virginia Tech, he averaged more than 23 wins per season with Marquette and made the Sweet 16 twice and an Elite 8. The former Mike McConathy assistant has Texas A&M headed in the right direction and it would not shock me to see him lead the Aggies to a great run that ends in a Final Four berth.

 

10. Randy Bennett, St. Mary’s (533-216, 10 NCAA Tournament appearances, one Sweet 16)

Bennett has been a mainstay in college basketball for years and has put together one of the most consistently good programs in the country. He is coming off leading the Gaels to one of their best seasons ever, winning 26 games and the West Coast Conference regular season and tournament titles. Unfortunately for him and St. Mary’s, it didn’t translate to NCAA Tournament success, as the Gaels lost to Grand Canyon in the first round of the Big Dance. That has been a theme for Bennett. With the exception of the COVID-shortened season, SMC has won at least 20 games every year since 2007-08, including at least 25 wins on 13 occasions in that time period. However, the Gaels have reached the Sweet 16 just once in that time—in 2009-10. He has been a remarkable regular season coach, but will he be a coach who can’t win the big one or finally make a run and make the trip to the Final Four after so many misses like Tony Bennett or Bo Ryan. When Bennett arrived in 2001, he inherited a program that went 2-27, and has turned it into one of top mid-major programs in the country. It will be interesting to see if he can finally make that run.

 

9. Jamie Dixon, TCU (488-233, 14 NCAA Tournament appearances, two Sweet 16s, one Elite 8)

Dixon has been a great coach for a number of years, from Pittsburgh to TCU. After 328 wins at Pitt, he took his talents to his alma mater and has not skipped a beat. He has won at least 20 games in each of the last three seasons and has done that six out of eight years, brining relevance to a program that was a dumpster fire before he got there. Making the tournament the last three seasons, it is the first time the Horned Frogs have done that in their history. He took over a dormant program after Trent Johnson couldn’t win in his four years with the program. TCU only had one winning season and was a combined 8-64 in conference play, never finishing higher than ninth in the conference under Johnson. Prior to Dixon, TCU had not made either the NCAA Tournament or NIT since 2005, and not made the Big Dance this millennium. One thing he does need to do, though, is finish above .500 in the Big 12, something he has not done quite yet.

 

8. Greg McDermott, Creighton (325-160, 12 NCAA Tournament appearances, two Sweet 16s, one Elite 8)

McDermott has turned Creighton into a legitimate power in the Big East, reaching 20 wins in all but one of his seasons in Omaha. In the four seasons since the COVID year, he has led the Blue Jays to an Elite 8 appearance and two berths in the Sweet 16, including this past year. Oddly enough, they were slated to get a high seed in the COVID year and tallied a 24-7 record, the best mark since his son Doug played for him in 2014. He took a leap and coached Iowa State for five seasons, leading the Cyclones to a 59-68 record and before that, led Northern Iowa to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances to round out his career in Cedar Falls. The future is bright for McDermott and he will continue to be in the upper echelon of the Big East.

 

7. Jon Scheyer, Duke (54-18, two NCAA Tournament appearances, one Elite 8)

While no one can fully replace Coach K, Jon Scheyer is not only keeping the train on the tracks, but has kept Duke rolling along. He has led his alma mater to back-to-back 27-9 seasons and is coming off a year where he led the Blue Devils to a second-place finish in the ACC and trip to the Elite 8. With that program, it really is just a matter of time before Scheyer gets his program to the Final Four. It is inevitable. His recruiting has still been top-notch. Under his tutelage, I expect Duke to be good for a while.

 

6. Brad Underwood, Illinois (252-115, eight NCAA Tournament appearances, 1 Elite 8)

Underwood has had strong season after strong season with the Illini, but this year, he finally had a bit of a breakthrough, advancing to the Elite 8 after posting a dominant performance against Iowa State in the Sweet 16. Underwood’s Illinois squad finished only behind Purdue in the Big Ten regular season standings but won the conference tournament. In the past five years, his Illini have won 117 games and 70.5 percent. After an incredible run at Stephen F. Austin in which he led the Lumberjacks to an 89-14 record and an incredible 53-1 conference record, he led the Oklahoma State Cowboys to the tournament in 2017. It feels like just a matter of time for Underwood to break through, although I say it with a lot of the coaches on this list.

 

5. T.J. Otzelberger, Iowa State (169-98, five NCAA Tournament appearances, two Sweet 16s)

Nobody has sky-rocketed up these charts in recent years than Otzelberger. He led the Cyclones to a Big 12 Tournament title and No. 2 seed this past year, and perhaps if he was in a different region, he would have had Iowa State in the Final Four. He has won 70 games in his first three seasons in Ames, including 29 this past year. Otzelberger has led ISU to the NCAA Tournament in all three years with two appearances in the Sweet 16. I say this quite a bit, but it just seems it is a matter of time before T.J. breaks through with a Final Four berth.

 

4. Chris Mack, College of Charleston (278-133, eight NCAA Tournament appearances, three Sweet 16s, one Elite 8)

Chris Mack has been all over the place recently. He was fired from Louisville after a successful stint at Xavier before being hired by the College of Charleston this offseason, as he tries to build on the success from Pat Kelsey, who led the Cougars to the NCAA Tournament. Kelsey took a job this offseason with, oddly enough, Louisville. His two best years at Xavier, in 2015-16 and 2017-18, were spoiled before the second weekend by Wisconsin and Florida State, respectively. Despite his failure at Louisville, Mack is a heck of a coach who will be back with a power program soon.

 

3. Tommy Lloyd, Arizona (88-20, three NCAA Tournament appearances, two Sweet 16s)

The good news is that Lloyd has led the Wildcats to 88 wins in 108 games in his first three seasons at the helm, including a pair of Sweet 16 berths. The bad news is that Arizona has lost to three lower seeded teams in the NCAA Tournament, including an embarrassing loss to Princeton in the first round in 2023. Still, the Wildcats have been a tremendous team since his arrival and will continue to be a strong program. Arizona was in a bit of turmoil when Sean Miller was fired. All Tommy Lloyd did was lead the Wildcats to a conference regular season and tournament title and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament and has won two regular season crowns in his three years. He was looked at as a rising star in the coaching profession at Gonzaga and the possible heir apparent once Mark Few retired. It just seems like it is a matter of time before he reaches the Final Four. I will say, though, I said that about Sean Miller a number of times, so we’ll see.

 

2. Eric Musselman, USC (221-93, six NCAA Tournament appearances, two Sweet 16s, two Elite 8s)

Musselman moves up to No. 2 on this list after Matt Painter took his Boilermakers to a tournament title game appearance. After a successful stint in Fayetteville, he packed up and moved to the west coast and a move to……the Big Ten. His Razorbacks had a down year last year, going just 16-17 in 2023-24 and missed the NCAA Tournament. In the last two years, he has finished 11th and 9th in the SEC, but still led his team to the Sweet 16 in 2023. But prior to that, he led Arkansas to back-to-back Elite 8 performances. Before landing in Fayetteville, he turned around a Nevada program that posted just nine wins in the season prior to his arrival. In his first season there, he led Nevada to a 15-win increase in 2015-16 and a CBI championship. In his next three seasons, he led them to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and a berth in the Sweet 16 in 2018. Being at USC, he should have a lot of resources to be able to push USC to a possible Final Four berth in the coming years.

 

1. Sean Miller, Xavier (465-184, 12 NCAA Tournament appearances, five Sweet 16s, four Elite 8s)

Sean Miller is back on top, and likely will be until he either loses his job or makes the Final Four. It is long overdue. From 2017-20, Sean Miller took home the top spot on this list before being let go by Arizona. After being hired by Xavier once again, he is back on top in this unfortunate list. Before being fired by Arizona, he was a monster there, going 302-109 in 12 seasons, winning at least 30 games four times. He led the Wildcats to the Elite 8 on four occasions. Arguably his two best teams ran into Frank Kaminsky in both 2014 and 2015. It seems like it is just a matter of time, but it is tougher to make the Final Four at Xavier than at a power school like Arizona. Before being relegated to the NIT this past year, he led the Musketeers to a Sweet 16 appearance as a No. 3 seed in 2023. At some point he has to make it to the Final Four, right?

Way-too-early Packers 2025 mock draft

We are just days removed from the 2024 NFL Draft and while Green Bay was able to fill a number of needs, but still a few were not able to be filled. That and three defensive linemen may not be on the team in 2025. So, why not take an early, early look stab at the 2025 Packers draft:

1.      1. Mason Graham, DL, Michigan

The Packers will have a big need along the defensive line going into 2025. Both Kenny Clark and T.J. Slaton will be free agents after next season and this is likely Preston Smith’s final season in Green Bay. The Packers will need to add defensive linemen, and more than likely a bunch of them. Graham may very well get taken before the Packers pick, but he would be a great pick for the Green & Gold if he was there. He is an athletic force and would instantly improve the Packers defense along the front.

2. Trey Moore, EDGE, Texas

Preston Smith is likely playing his final season in Green Bay. Next year, the Packers will hopefully start Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness with Kingsley Enagbare rotating in. However, a fourth guy rotating in would be extremely beneficial. Moore is a transfer from UTSA and was the American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2023. Last season in 12 games, Moore totaled 45 tackles with a whopping 17.5 TFL and 14 sacks. He could very easily have a huge season in his first year with the Longhorns and become a first round pick.

3. Jack Nelson, OT, Wisconsin

You had to know there was going to be a Badger in this mock, didn’t you? The Packers love their versatile offensive linemen and Nelson started at guard before becoming the Wisconsin left tackle. Green Bay could always use offensive linemen. If Jordan Morgan works out at left tackle, they still could take a tackle and move Zach Tom to center after Josh Myers leaves via free agency next offseason. Nelson is an athletic tackle who is quick, a guy who I think could see himself in Green Bay. It is always great to see former Badgers stay in Wisconsin.

4. Akheem Mesidor, DL, Miami

Same thing with the Graham pick. If Green Bay loses both Clark and Slaton, it will need multiple interior defensive linemen for the 4-3. I really like Karl Brooks and Colby Wooden, but they will need a bit more from Devonte Wyatt and then depth behind them. His 2023 season was crushed by injury, but he tallied seven sacks in 2022. Mesidor has durability issues, but he can be a really solid pass rusher for the Packers. He’ll have to prove he is back to normal in 2024 after dealing with injury issues last year.

5. Zy Alexander, CB, LSU

Many were surprised that the Packers did not take a cornerback early in this year’s draft. When Terrion Arnold and Cooper DeJean were slipping, a lot of people thought the Green & Gold would trade up for one of the cornerbacks. They never did. As a matter of fact, Green Bay didn’t even take a corner before the seventh round. Brian Gutekunst stated that Eric Stokes looks great coming back from injury, but after a promising rookie season, he has been hit with the injury bug, Green Bay is not picking up his fifth-year option, so it is a make-or-break year for the former Georgia Bulldog. After transferring to LSU, Alexander had four pass breakups, two interceptions and surrendered QB rating when targeted of 96.5.

6. Power Echols, LB, North Carolina

Packers always like to take linebackers late, mainly for special teams. Echols would be just a depth piece. Green Bay took two linebackers on day two of the draft, as it transforms from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense. Outside of having an awesome name, he is a good coverage backer, but he is a liability against the run. He’ll need to put on weight if he wants to be an every-down linebacker.

7. Jalen Travis, OT, Princeton

Green Bay likes drafting offensive linemen on day three, and I doubt there are any teams in the league where day three linemen develop as well as in Green Bay. The Packers have a type, preferring versatile linemen who can play multiple positions along the line. Travis can do just that. When picking a player in the seventh, you just hope to bring in some depth, but hopeful he can turn into a player like Rasheed Walker.

Packers mock draft

We are a little more than a week away from the NFL Draft and the first wave of free agency has come and gone. Out are Aaron Jones, David Bakhtiari, Aaron Jones, Jon Runyan Jr. and Darnell Savage and in are Josh Jacobs and Xavier McKinney. While the Packers still have a number of holes, they also have 11 picks in the NFL Draft, including five in the first two days. Green Bay could still add people before the draft, but I imagine Brian Gutekunst will wait to see how the draft falls before re-evaluating his team and see what positions need to be upgraded and who is out there on the market. Here is my first stab at a post-free agency Packers mock:

1. Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa

Going into the offseason, the Packers needed to revamp their secondary. Jaire Alexander is a top cornerback, but injury concerns are always there. We can’t really count on Eric Stokes and Carrington Valentine is still a young player. However, all of those guys are boundary corners. What Green Bay really lacks is a slot corner. In the divisional round at San Francisco, the 49ers really didn’t test Alexander and Valentine much, but picked on slot corner Keisean Nixon and the suspect safety group. Green Bay added a big piece to the safety room with McKinney, but now it needs an upgrade over Nixon. If Keisean is the backup at slot, then the Packers are in great shape.

DeJean can play in the slot or at safety. He is a versatile chess piece new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley can use. He is a great athlete with tremendous ball skills. DeJean also possesses tremendous special teams ability. Adding DeJean in addition to McKinney would give Green Bay a lot of firepower in the secondary.

2a. Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M

The Packers need an off-ball linebacker in the worst way. After Quay Walker, who likely will be an outside linebacker in Jeff Hafley’s new 4-3, Green Bay has Isaiah McDuffie and then…..not much. The Packers desperately need an upgrade at the position. Green Bay recently had a top-30 interview with Cooper. This could be a smokescreen, but I think the Green & Gold is legitimately interested in him, especially since he is a guy who plays a major area of need. Cooper is a physical linebacker who has terrific speed and athleticism, as evidenced by his 9.34 RAS. He was a First Team All-American who posted 83 tackles and eight sacks, as well as forcing two fumbles.

2b. Patrick Paul, OT, Houston

The Packers moved on from long-time left tackle David Bakhtiari this offseason and now might have a hole at that position. However, Rasheed Walker performed well down the stretch last season. I think Green Bay brings in competition for him at the position. Regardless, they are in desperate need of depth at the position after Yosh Nijman left via free agency and joined the Carolina Panthers. Paul is a big, athletic tackle who has a chance to play immediately. While he needs work as a run blocker, he has the top pass protection grade of anybody in this year’s class. He has all the tools to be a great tackle but will need to work on his technique at the next level.

3a. Javon Bullard, S, Georgia

While the Packers signed McKinney in free agency, they still need one more. Their safety room was that bad last year. Xavier will be the safety roaming center field, but they still need a box safety to finish revamping that safety room. Bullard is a good run defender, which certainly helps since the Packers were once again poor in that area in 2023. The Green & Gold also love their Georgia players.

3b. Jaylen Wright, RB, Tennessee

Green Bay made a surprising signing when it signed former Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs and let go of Aaron Jones. I was even more surprised when Green Bay brought back the mayor of Door County, A.J. Dillon. However, Dillon’s deal is very team-friendly and is only for one season. The Packers still need a running back in case A.J. leaves next season, preferably one with speed and can catch out of the backfield. Jaylen is a big-play threat, averaging more than seven yards per carry, and adding 22 catches as well for the Vols. He would get some carries in year one and be able to step up and be Jacobs’ backup in his second season.

4. Zak Zinter, IOL, Michigan

Green Bay needs to look to improve the interior of the offensive line, or the offensive line in general, outside of Zach Tom and Elgton Jenkins. That is true for every team, but especially true for a team with a young quarterback. With Jon Runyan Jr. off to the New York Giants, the Packers need to find some competition for Sean Rhyan and build the depth along the interior. When the Packers are really good, the team has an incredible offensive line. The organization has made a habit of finding interior offensive linemen in the mid-rounds and will aim to do it again. Zinter is coming off a broken tibia and fibula suffered in the big victory over Ohio State. He is a terrific leader along the offense and if he is healthy, could be a plug-and-play starter.

5. Gabe Hall, DT, Baylor

The Packers always like to add to the defensive line room. Honestly, the Packers could go more interior defensive linemen earlier in the draft, maybe even in the first round. Green Bay will likely take a defensive tackle, especially since Kenny Clark is on the last year of his contract. He has great size and athleticism, so he is a good dart throw late in the draft for the Packers.

6a. Tanor Bortolini, IOL, Wisconsin

The Packers need depth along the offensive line, especially in the interior with the loss of Jon Runyan Jr. and the team just needed to get better up front anyway. While the team still has hope for Sean Rhyan, a third round pick in 2022, the team needs to bring in competition. Bortolini has starting experience everywhere on the offensive line, but his best position is in the interior. He has an elite RAS grade, which shows his elite athleticism, which the Packers love. Add that in addition to his versatility and he would be a great addition along the offensive line.

6b. Andru Phillips, CB, Kentucky

The Packers could absolutely take multiple cornerbacks to create more competition for guys like Corey Ballentine, and we can’t really count on much from Eric Stokes at this point. He had a very promising rookie campaign but has been injured much of the last two seasons. I like Carrington Valentine, but he needs to keep improving going into year No. 2. Like Valentine, Phillips also played collegiately at Kentucky. Phillips had a very solid RAS score of 8.10 and the Packers certainly like athleticism. He potentially could have his best years in front of him, as he is still learning. Phillips is definitely worth a flier in the later rounds.

7a. Eric Watts, EDGE, UConn

The Packers have moved back to a 4-3 after a decade and a half playing the 3-4. Green Bay will have Rashan Gary, Preston Smith and Lukas Van Ness at defensive end with Kingsley Enagbare when he comes back. Until he comes back, someone needs to step up as a rotational defensive end. Eric Watts could be that guy. He has ideal height and weight, as well as traits that you cannot teach in terms of athleticism. He is a developmental project, but his athletic traits are well worth a late round flier, especially for a team that has double digit draft picks.

7b. Hunter Nourzad, IOL, Penn State

Green Bay really needs to prioritize the offensive line in this draft. The Packers likely will take one late, just to take a flier on someone after taking a few early since they need depth with the losses of David Bakhtiari, Jon Runyan Jr. and Yosh Nijman. Nourzad has played all around the offensive line during his collegiate career, but played guard and center after transferring from Cornell. Last year, he started all 13 games at center. He is athletic with position versatility, so he could be a Packers-type pick late.

Mock NFL Draft

1. Bears: Caleb Williams, QB, USC

2. Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

3. Patriots: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

4. Vikings (from Cardinals): J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

5. Chargers: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

6. Giants: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

7. Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

8. Falcons: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama

9. Bears: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

10. Jets: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

11. Cardinals: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, Washington

12. Broncos: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State

13. Raiders: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State

14. Saints: JC Latham, OT, Alabama

15. Colts: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

16. Seahawks: Byron Murphy, DL, Texas

17. Jaguars: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

18. Bengals: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

19. Rams: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

20. Steelers: Jackson Powers-Johnson, IOL, Oregon

21. Dolphins: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State

22. Eagles: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

23. Cardinals: Brian Thomas, WR, LSU

24. Cowboys: Graham Barton, OL, Duke

25. Packers: Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa

26. Buccaneers: Troy Fautanu, IOL, Washington

27. Cardinals:Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

28. Bills: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

29. Lions: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

30. Ravens: Darius Robinson, EDGE, Missouri

31. 49ers: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia

32. Chiefs: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas

Top five Twins prospects who should be promoted

 

I have not done this in a few seasons, but I always enjoyed doing this article, so I am bringing this back. I love following the minor league system of the Minnesota Twins. It helps me kind of feel a connection to these players and cheer for their success. I check up every day on how the prospects are doing. I like seeing these guys work their way up to promotions, so here are my top five players in the Twins minor league system who deserve to be promoted. A few of the guys who would be on my list were promoted earlier this season and thus, will not be on the list. I also tend to avoid people who have been on their teams for just 2023, but it doesn’t always happen. So here is my list:

 

5) Brooks Lee, INF, Wichita

If you just look at his numbers, they may not wow you, especially for a top 10 pick a season ago. However, he is having a really solid year. When looking for guys to put in this slot, I thought he was the best one, especially after guys who I originally had in my top five were C.J. Culpepper and Jack Noble, but Culpepper was promoted the day I started writing this. Lee, who many dub as the Twins top prospect, has clubbed seven home runs and a league-best 28 doubles, which have contributed to a more than respectable .800 OPS heading into the second half of the season. While he deserves a promotion, I think he will spend the entire season in Wichita and begin next season with the St. Paul Saints.

 

4. Kala'i Rosario, OF, Cedar Rapids

I debated putting him on the list, but ultimately, I could not find someone better. I mentioned that I try to avoid putting guys on here that are in their first season with the club, but Rosario is beasting. He is also just 20 and this is his first season of real success in the minors, as he posted a .239 batting average and .728 OPS in low-A Fort Myers in 2022. Not sure what has happened, but he has turned it on this season with the high-A Cedar Rapids Kernels. In 73 games this season, he has a terrific OPS of .864, hitting 12 home runs and driving in 50. Incredibly, he nearly had those exact home run and RBI totals last season. His on base percentage of .380 is worlds better than his .320 mark in 2022, helped in large part by drawing 44 walks, already more than the 34 he coaxed last season in 109 games. I don’t know if he’ll move up to double-A Wichita this season, but he will definitely be there next season and could work his way to the top 20 in Twins prospect lists.

 

3. DaShawn Keirsey Jr., OF, Wichita

It was getting late for Keirsey to reach the bigs, but the 26-year-old has been tremendous for the Wind Surge this season. Keirsey has a .303 batting average and a terrific .820 OPS. This is his fifth season in the minors and has already has more homers this season (9) than he had in his best homer season previously (7). He is a thief on the basepaths, stealing 28 bases this season and 42 last year and there is always use for that on the big league club. His two best seasons are in Wichita and is currently having his best year. In the coming seasons, I think he could be a really solid bench outfielder to play occasionally and come in and pinch run.

 

2. Yunior Severino, INF, Wichita 

Still just 23 years of age, it seems like he has been in the Twins system for about a decade. Severino was signed by the Atlanta Braves but became a free agent after the MLB penalized the Braves for breaking international signing rules. He got off to a blistering start and has cooled off but is still hitting a respectable .276 with 17 homers and an OPS of an impressive .871. With Austin Martin and Anthony Prato (who is having an outstanding season) kind of blocking him with the Saints, he could be in Kansas through the end of the year. Yunior has played in 114 games with the Wind Surge and has hit 25 homers and driven in 71. He only has walked 40 times and struck out 145 times, so he needs to work on that, but I think a promotion should be in order.

1.     1. Tanner Schobel, INF, Cedar Rapids

Tanner is tearing it up with Cedar Rapids. The 68^th overall pick from the 2022 draft has moved up rapidly. After being drafted, he went to the FCL before quickly moving up to Fort Myers. Schobel recorded just a .237 batting average in the two leagues, but still started in Cedar Rapids in 2023. After a slow start, he has turned it on since May. After one month, he was hitting just .203 with an OPS of .608, hitting just three homers and 13 RBI in 18 games. Since then, he has hit .322 with 11 home runs and 45 RBI. Since it would be four levels in two seasons, I am not sure he will be moving up, especially since just turned 22 years of age, but he has earned it.

First Packers 2024 Mock Draft

 

We are nearly a few months removed from the NFL Draft and the Packers will look a bit different this year, as Jordan Love will be the lead guy under center for the Green & Gold. With that, I decided to make a 2024 Packers mock draft…..and yes, I think Aaron Rodgers will play 65 percent of snaps to give Green Bay a second first round pick. So here you go…

 

1a. Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

I have seen Alt go top five and then I’ve seen him go in the mid-first. I will go with more the mid-first, which is where I think Green Bay will be picking. I don’t see David Bahktiari coming back in 2024, especially at his cap number. With him gone and Yosh Nijman being an unrestricted free agent, I think offensive tackle will be a major position the Packers go for early in the draft. He has tremendous size and athleticism for the position and could be the franchise left tackle of the future, protecting Love’s blind side. I also really like Zach Tom, but he could man the right side or even kick inside to center if Josh Meyers continues to disappoint.

 

1b. Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami

If there is one position that the Packers need more than most is safety. Going into the season, the Packers don’t really have a starting-caliber safety on the roster. Darnell Savage is still on the roster, but just because he has a guaranteed contract after picking up his fifth-year option last offseason. He will likely start, despite being benched late last year, with the hopes he can re-gain his 2020 form. After him, your guess is as good as mine as to who will start with the fifth-year man out of Maryland. If you were to tell me any one of Jonathan Owens, Rudy Ford, Tarvarius Moore and Anthony Johnson Jr. start with Savage, I could see it. With that, Johnson is the only player under contract after 2023. Kinchens has tremendous athleticism with great ball-hawking ability. He would be a day one starter for the Green & Gold.

 

2. Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin

You had to know he’d be on here, right? The Packers will have a situation on their hands next offseason, as Aaron Jones’ contract number explodes in 2024 and won’t be back at that number. Add in the fact that AJ Dillon is a free agent and you have a big need at running back. Allen has been the work horse at the position for Wisconsin. Fortunately for him, his body won’t be as beat up next season with the Badgers set to put the ball in the air more under offensive coordinator Phil Longo. He has some speed, evidenced by numerous runs of at least 50 yards. An extremely young prospect, the bruising back doesn’t turn 20 until January. Catching only 22 passes in his previous two seasons for less than 150 yards, he’ll have a chance to improve his pass-catching ability this season. He also needs to show more durability because he was banged up toward the end of each of his first two seasons.

 

3. Chico Bennett Jr., EDGE, Virginia

You can never have too many EDGE rushers. Green Bay has a good 1-4 group right now, but Preston Smith may be a cap casualty, which leaves them with Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness and Kingsley Enagbare. A group of four capable rushers is what they should strive for. Bennett is a candidate to actually shoot up draft boards and is actually in the first in a few mocks, but most have him in this range. In his breakout 2022 campaign, he tallied 34 tackles to go along with 7.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks. He also had an ACL injury the year before and will be one year more removed from it and could have a monster season.

 

4. Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma

As it stands right now, the Packers are not in need of an inside linebacker, but De’Vondre Campbell will need to return to 2021 form because last season was a disappointment. If he does and he is kept moving forward, I doubt inside linebacker is a need. But if he doesn’t, Campbell could be a cut candidate and the team could save a few million dollars. A tackle machine, Stutsman can also run and cover and could be a candidate to move up draft boards after one more year under Brent Venables.

 

5. Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota

Everything I mentioned under the Kinchens pick could be mentioned here. With only one player at safety under contract past 2023—Anthony Johnson, Jr., a 2023 seventh round pick—the team could very well pick multiple safeties in this draft. Nubin could go much higher than this with a good 2023 season. For a unit that has been so bad against the run in the last several seasons, having Nubin would help big time, as his 83.4 run-defense grade in 2022 was 11th among power five safeties.

 

6. Caelen Carson, CB, Wake Forest

The Packers tend to take a cornerback in every draft and I don’t think this one will be any different. Rasul Douglas has been a good player in his two seasons in Green Bay, but a release of him prior to next year would say more than $6 million. Another thing is that Eric Stokes is coming back from multiple scary injuries and they will need quite a bit of depth in case he is not back to his rookie season self. He is another guy who could shoot up draft boards with a terrific season.

 

7. DeWayne Carter, DL, Duke

The Packers always are on the lookout for defensive linemen, especially since they have yet to find a Robin to Kenny Clark’s Batman. They also can never stop the run, so they need to find someone who can help. His pass rushing is what stands out for him, though. Last season, he tallied 5.5 sacks. He also batted down four passes and forced/recovered three fumbles.

Final Packers Mock draft

Tomorrow is the big day, one of my favorite days of the year: the NFL Draft. I wanted to wait until Aaron Rodgers was traded to do another Packers mock, so since he was dealt so close to draft day, this will be my final one of the season. I don’t know if I have ever gotten one correct, so if you wanted one of these players, my apologies, because they’re not being picked now haha

 

1   1) Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa

This pick just screams Packer to me. Green Bay needs a pass rusher in the worst way with Rashan Gary out for a few months and Preston Smith likely to be gone after this year. Last year’s pick of Kingsley Enagbare looks good, but they will need a third EDGE this season and someone to line up across from Gary starting in 2024. Gary is an athletic freak with an RAS of 9.38. For whatever reason, he didn’t start many game with the Hawkeyes, but was still named second team All-Big Ten with 11 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. Van Ness and Gary could be a lethal duo rushing the passer during the rebuilding process.

 

2a) Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia

This is another guy who screams Packer, especially since he is great for the Matt LaFleur offense. Another athletic demon, Washington wasn’t really utilized much as a receiver with Brock Bowers on the same team. Bowers has a chance to be a top 10 pick in 2024. Washington, however, is a tremendous blocker with the ability to become an outstanding receiver. Brian Gutkekunst has also shown he loves to take Georgia players, having selected Eric Stokes, Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt early in the past two years. Green Bay needs a tight end in the worst way. Josiah Deguara is the only Packers tight end remaining who will make the roster. Robert Tonyan is in Chicago and Marcedes Lewis is a free agent. Even with those two, they needed overhaul the position. Washington would be a great place to start.

 

2b) Keeanu Benton, DL, Wisconsin

Of course this is a homer pick, but he would be great for the Packers. With Jerran Reed and Dean Lowry gone from Green Bay, the Packers need bodies, especially good ones. The Packers gave up approximately 4,000 rushing yards to Philadelphia, so they need some formidable defensive linemen. A line of Wyatt, Benton and Kenny Clark would have a lot of potential. Benton is another good athlete who is young, as he does not turn 22 until July. He is a nose tackle prospect and he has gotten better as a pass rusher. It would be a great fit to have him in Green Bay.

 

3)     3) Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss

With two of the top three picks being used on the defense, it is time to stockpile the offense. While Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs were promising as rookies, they need more at the position. Green Bay likes its big wide receivers and Mingo is 6-2 and 225, so he fits the bill. He has a great RAS score and runs the 40-meters at a 4.46 time, which is great for a guy that size. He has a chance to fit right in with the three rookies from last year to help first-year starting quarterback Jordan Love.

4)     4) Ricky Stromberg, IOL, Arkansas

      The Packers always draft interior linemen and with Jason Myers inconsistent and Jon Runyan Jr. replaceable, they could use Stromberg, who has experience at both guard spots and center. The Packers like versatility, which will make him more attractive to Green Bay. A two-time All-SEC selection, he could come in and push Myers for the starting center position from day one.

 

5)     5) Zack Kuntz, TE, Old Dominion 

      I mentioned above how the Packers need fresh talent in the tight end room. This is a really good class in the position and they could very easily take multiple players at tight end. After drafting Washington in the second round, they double up with the uber-athletic Kuntz here. He has a 10.0 RAS score, good for the top spot of all tight ends from 1,104 players at the position. He will struggle as a blocker, so we’ll have to hope he becomes a matchup nightmare.

 

6)     6) Clayton Tune, QB, Houston 

      After trading Rodgers, the Packers have no one behind Love who could be a capable backup. Tune would come into a great situation, as he would have a golden opportunity to be Love’s backup, much like Matt Flynn in 2008 as Rodgers’ backup. A four-year starter, Tune has a chance to make a splash with the Packers.

      7a) Evan Hull, RB, Northwestern

      Thankfully Aaron Jones restructured or else this would have been a bigger priority, but I still expect the position to be chosen late in the draft. The Packers tend to like their athletic guys and Hull has a 9.32 RAS score. A short, compact running back ran for nearly 1,000 yards on a putrid Northwestern team. Hull was the leading rusher for the Wildcats by a wide margin and was the second-leading receiver in terms of both catches and yards, recording 55 catches for 546 yards. He might start out on the practice squad but work his way onto the 53-man roster at some point.

      7b) Jordan Howden, S, Minnesota

      The Packers need a starting safety, but I have them waiting until the end to draft one. The only problem with that is they already have a number of special teams safeties—too many actually. Howden is athletic and is a really good tackler. Hopefully a few of the safeties pan out because it is a position of need for Green Bay.

      7c) Thomas Incoom, EDGE, Central Michigan

      The EDGE group is extremely talented, so it would make sense for the Packers to double dip at the position. The former Chippewas pass rusher posted 11.5 sacks, forcing one fumble and recovering two others. With Gary, Smith, Van Ness and Enagbare, he’d fight for the last one or two roster spots and potentially get a bit of playing time early on with Gary recovering from a torn ACL.

      7d) Ryan Hayes, OT, Michigan

      Hayes would be a typical Packers pick, just like when they took Rasheed Walker in the seventh last season. I really like last year’s pick of Zach Tom as a future offensive tackle, but David Bakhtiari is likely in his final season with Green Bay and Yosh Nijman is a free agent next offseason and will likely be paid. Hayes could be a guard in the NFL and the Packers have had success with those types in the draft, including TJ Lang, JC Tretter and Josh Sitton. He gave up zero sacks this past year and just four in his 37-game career.