The Igor Olshansky Bandwagon Continues To Grow

by Brandon on Feb 18, 2009 2:00 PM CST

Expect to see more speculation about San Diego DE Igor Olshansky, who San Diego benched late last season, and Dallas DE Chris Canty, as it gets closer to the start of free agency. I've got nothing against these two players, they both could fill the role, but defensive end in a 3-4 is a thankless job. The Packers don't need to spend a lot of money in free agency to bring in players like that. They just need to look for the next Corey Williams, and Mike Sherman drafted him in the 6th round.

Now Bill Barnwell has suggested Olshansky too:

More than anything, they need players who fit into their new defensive scheme. They could use a big defensive end who's familiar with the 3-4, and fortunately, there are two who qualify: Cowboys defensive end Chris Canty and Chargers end Igor Olshansky each make sense, although the financing could be difficult. They could take a flier on Cowboys backup Stephen Bowen as well. They'll also need another linebacker on the interior; that could end up being Eric Barton, formerly of the Jets, or Andra Davis of the Browns.

Poll

Do they need pursue a defensive end in free agency or can they find a couple prospects in the April draft?

Free Agency

92 votes

Draft

43 votes

135 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Money

I wouldn’t be so sure about the Packers not needing to spend a lot of money if they want to grab Igor. With Canty at least, it’s been reported that he’s seeking Tommy Kelly-type money ($50M with $18M guaranteed). Not sure what Igor is looking for, but it likely isn’t going to be that cheap.

by Phoenix138 on Feb 18, 2009 4:36 PM CST reply actions

i think he'll be cheap

Brandon pointed out to me he was benched in San Diego, and some of the defensive coaches were questioning his effort. i think he’ll need to take a cheap deal and be motivated to play well to reestablish his market value.

G-d knows he has talent. maybe one or two years in sleepy Green Bay, Wisconsin should be just what he needs.

Maybe in order to understand mankind, we have to look at the word itself: "Mankind". Basically, it's made up of two separate words—"mank" and "ind". What do these words mean? It's a mystery, and that's why so is mankind.
-Jack Handey

by jobe on Feb 18, 2009 10:52 PM CST up reply actions

DE

Personally I see the Pack taking one or two in the draft. I also expect Thompson to sign 1 DE in FA. We need a couple DE that can play 3/4 DE. We MIGHT have a couple of them on the roster already though. Besides Jenkins who is slated for RDE, Jolly and Harrell both seem to be good fits for LDE. Jolly might be a bit short, but same can be said for Jenkins. Harrell has the best chance to really succeed at LDE!!! Yes, you can mock me for thinking he can be healthy… But I do think if he stays healthy he could really excel in that position!!! Jolly has his arrest to get through, so both come w/ ????

Which is why I see the Pack taking a DE in the early draft, likely 2nd rd, maybe 3rd and again in the latter part of the draft.

Also, I think unless Raji is available, THompson should trade down if possible. Having 2 1sts and a 2nd, or a 1st and 2 very high 2nds could really help fill the areas of need!!!

by Strohman on Feb 18, 2009 9:33 PM CST reply actions

I don't think

we should spend our first round draft pick on a two gap defensive end. Yes, they are important in this scheme, but the first round should be used for picking versatile playmakers like a Brian Cushing or a Clay Matthews. Two gap defensive ends can be found in the later rounds of the draft and as rookie free agents.

Plus, the 3-4 scheme is rarely run in college. If a guy is good enough to be a first round pick, he’s going to be in a scheme that showcases his talents. Being a 3-4 end doesn’t exactly do that. You have to grow into becoming a 3-4 end, I believe.

by jobe on Feb 18, 2009 10:48 PM CST up reply actions

no you didn't read!

I said if Raji is available they will take him… If not they might move down. Raji is a NT, not a 3/4 DE. Cushing is overrated IMO. He might be a good pick in rd 2, but no way is he worth #9 pick,and I don’t think he lasts until 2nd rd!! They need an impact player at #9 if they stay there! That spells Raji or a pass rusher to me!!! Cushing isn’t nearly the pass rusher of Orakpo, Brown, or even Maybin.

by Strohman on Feb 19, 2009 5:14 AM CST up reply actions

Yeah, your right

I didn’t read it all. But, I’m leaning towards us drafting Matthews over Cushing. I’m just not that interested in taking a college defensive end and having to teach how to drop into the flats. Matthews has experience in dropping into coverage, plus has a good bloodline.

by jobe on Feb 19, 2009 12:10 PM CST reply actions