I don’t think DE is nearly the problem most people do… I think we draft one DE at some point but not before Rd 4. Heres what I have heard and read:

I read a scout who said he thought Harrell was born to play 3/4 DE. Granted he has to get and stay healthy, but if he does he has the ability to play DE and play it well…

Also read that Capers was the HC in Houston and had a DE on his team that is now on the Packers. A. Malone… And Capers apparently didn’t just have him on the roster. He really likes Malone and thinks he will be one DE who could start!

If we have those 3, we may draft one as a backup/developmental guy! I would not be at all surprised if the Packers don’t sign a FA DE. Between Jolly, Harrell, Malone one should be able to hold the job. Hopefully he doesn’t just hold it, HE OWNS IT!!!

Just a few things I have read… Make what you wish of it.

I think Thompson is (and should be) more concerned about DE than OLB. I think they really like Jeremy Thompson at the LB opposite Kampman, and the DE/OLB prospects are very deep in this year’s draft. I think they address DE by selecting Tyson Jackson from LSU (who has a lot of versatility and could move around quite a bit) either at No. 9 or by trading down a few spots… and addressing a OLB position with one (or both) of the round 3 selections. I’d like to see Darius Butler drafted in the 2nd round as a corner who can also flat out fly when returning kicks.

Yeah, I’ve been saying Justin Harrell’s career should prosper as a 3-4 DE. He is quick for his size and very athletic, it is just his injury problems that gives him a bad rep. 3-4 DE’s are basically DT’s in a 4-3 scheme. As for OLB, i think Jeremy Thompson fills the void perfectly, but we should draft an OLB in the later rounds of the draft for depth. You will know why here if you read any of my old comments regarding Jeremy Thompson. We need BJ Raji at #9 and an OT in the 2nd Round!!!

Justin Harrell has been one of the biggest disappointments to date. This kid cannot stay healthy. When we suffered major injuries on defense this past year, where was Harrell? Soaking in the hot tub, that’s where. Texas DE/OLB Orakpo is and should be our choice at number 9. We need to add some nastyness to this defense and start knocking peoples heads off. Other teams in this division are putting a bullseye square on the Packers back. Rogers and the offense have already shown they are ready for prime time so the defense needs to step up. A.J. needs to return to his Ohio State days and start rubbing quarterbacks and running backs faces in the dirt. There I feel better…

Yes, Justin Harrell has had issues with injuries. However, that does not mean Harrell is not talented. I am just as upset as you with how early he was picked in the draft and how he has not recovered from his injuries in the past, but rumor is he will be healthy this year. Sooner or later this guy will be healthy and he does not have have a huge salary, so lets hope he comes through and we can make the most of our 07’ first round draft pick. He was very talented in college and was thought to be an excellent 3-4 DE, lets take advantage of his skills!!!! If we believe in him, he will believe in himself. If he believes in himself, the defense will be strong! Go Pack Go!

Harrell could end up being a talented player but from his career so far it doesn’t look like he will. He is and has been so injury-ridden, even back in college he was injury prone. I agree OLB is more of a concern, but that’s not to say that DE isn’t cuz it is. I think we draft an OLB because this class is loaded with them, and that makes the pick safer. I was hoping before free agency that we would draft Orakpo or Brown with the 9 pick and we would pick up olshansky or canty, or at least somebody. But we didn’t. I really hope we pick up K Carter because he would be a perfect fit. If not i guess we can just rely on Jolly, Malone, Harrell, but that’s pretty much what we been doing the last 2-3 years and it jasn’t worked for us. But we’ll just have to wish for the best

I am comfortable with workout freak Jeremy Thompson trying out opposite of Aaron Kampman. However, I do feel depth is extremely important. I am all for drafting an OLB, but I feel NT and OT are the top 2 priorities.