Draft Target #2: LB Aaron Curry

by Brandon on Feb 11, 2009 11:00 AM CST

Wake Forest LB Aaron Curry is not a player I'm familar with at all. I've never gotten to see him play. But as of February 9th, NFL Draft Scout has him rated as the 2nd best player available. As of the February 2nd mock draft, Football's Future expects him to go to the Packers at number 9.

LB didn't seem like the biggest need a couple weeks ago, after I first read about the switch to a 3-4 defense. The top 4 LBs from last season are returning and Aaron Kampman is moving to outside LB. There didn't seem to be any room for a rookie. Also, I'm not wild about having two top 10 picks in the last four drafts and then using both of them linebackers, which is generally not a position taken in the top 10. GM Ted Thompson could be in danger of becoming to drafting LBs what Matt Millen is to drafting WRs.

But Pat Kirwan at NFL.com mentioned that that they really need a LaMarr Woodley or DeMarcus Ware type on the outside opposite Kampman. LB Brady Poppinga and LB Brandon Chillar just aren't going to cut it as a fearsome pass rushing outside LB. And he specifically mentioned Curry:

Expect Kampman to be the least of the Packers' issues in the conversion. On the right outside spot, someone must come through as a ferocious pass rusher. Right now, Brady Poppinga and Brandon Chiller are penciled in, but here's a spot that Green Bay's front office might turn to the draft for an impact player. The Chargers drafted Shawne Merriman and the Cowboys took DeMarcus Ware to fill this role in their 3-4 defenses. Expect the Packers to take a long look at Larry English, Aaron Curry and maybe even defensive end conversions such as Everette Brown and Brian Orakpo.

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Comments

I LOVE Kirwan’s ideas, but what are the chances TT comes through for us and gets the right players in free agency?

by bleedgreenandgold on Feb 11, 2009 12:19 PM CST reply actions

TT is under rated in free agency

In the age of franchise and transition tags, if a team really wanted to keep a free agent, that free agent is kept. Usually a free agent is another team’s problem they are willing to let walk away. Or just aren’t worth what they are asking for. He’s been selective and not willing to give an undeserving free agent too much.

And he has signed guys that he’s targeted. He went after Ryan Pickett, at a a reasonable contract price, and signed him and Manuel early in the 2006 free agency period. He was wrong about Manuel, but he didn’t pay him a ton either. And when CB Charles Woodson slipped through the cracks, he grabbed him. He targeted LB Brandon Chillar last season.

I trust that he’s doing the right things in free agency, and using it when it’s a good deal.

by Brandon on Feb 12, 2009 12:20 AM CST reply actions

In the limited times I’ve watched Curry the guy is about as unblockable as you can get for a LB. He plays faster than everyone on the field and can play physical. We’d be lucky to get someone like him with the #9 pick.

by Ryeguy812 on Feb 12, 2009 1:36 PM CST reply actions