Filling The Defensive End Void

by Brandon on Apr 15, 2009 11:08 PM CDT in Green Bay Packers Analysis

DE Cullen Jenkins will fill one of the two starting defensive end roles, but former DE Aaron Kampman is moving to outside linebacker, so someone has to take his place on the strong side (over the right tackle).

At the start of free agency the Packers showed interest in unrestricted free agents DE Chris Canty and DE Igor Olshansky, but they were priced much higher than GM Ted Thompson was willing to pay.

There hasn't been much mention of filling the spot since then. I assume Thompson is interested in adding a defensive end if he was talking with their agents. The only player mentioned in a while was veteran DE Kevin Carter, but there has been very little news about him recently. From his career stats at NFL.com, he's been a starter every year since his rookie season in 1995, so he's probably looking for another starting job. I wouldn't be surprised if Thompson told his agent that nothing would be guaranteed in Green Bay, and so Carter is still waiting for the right offer. At age 35, he might never get that offer again, so he might still be willing to consider the Packers. He's the best remaining free agent at defensive end that can fill the run stuffing role the Packers need. Right now, it looks like Thompson intends to find someone in the draft instead of free agency.

As it stands without a free agent signing, or a rookie defensive end drafted, it might be DT Johnny Jolly. Maybe they're keeping the opening job warm for DT Justin Harrell. I wouldn't be surprised if recently resigned DE Michael Montgomery is a possibility too.

..........

I'm out of here for a long weekend. I'll have something fresh up next week.

Poll

What should they do about finding a new starting defensive end?

Give the job to Justin Harrell

114 votes

It's Johnny Jolly's job to lose

216 votes

Look for someone in the draft

375 votes

Sign Kevin Carter

168 votes

873 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

DE

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.

by Strohman on Apr 16, 2009 2:45 AM CDT reply actions

I agree..

I dont think the DE is as much of a need as OLB first and OT 2nd. Maybe later in the draft to use up the 50 some draft picks we have in the later round but nothing early…

I havent heard of this Malone fellow, any stats on him or anything?

by bizzle4 on Apr 16, 2009 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions

Tyson Jackson

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.

by Great Odin's Raven on Apr 16, 2009 7:35 AM CDT reply actions

I like Tyson too

I’m really hoping they can trade down to #17 (the Jet’s spot) and pick up an extra pick later in the draft. Hopefully Jackson will still be there, if not Cushing wouldn’t be a bad plan B.

by Wittness on Apr 16, 2009 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions

Harrell and Thompson

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!!!

by Jabooty on Apr 16, 2009 8:36 AM CDT reply actions

Harrell

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…

by Frankybagodonuts on Apr 16, 2009 10:20 AM CDT reply actions

Harrell?

Ha ha. Good one.

by uglyfatpimplynerd on Apr 16, 2009 11:09 AM CDT reply actions

Justin Harrell should prevail

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!

by Jabooty on Apr 16, 2009 11:42 AM CDT reply actions

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

by packallday555 on Apr 16, 2009 9:32 PM CDT reply actions

Jarron Gilbert

6’5 288lb extremely athletic and explosive 3-4 DE from San Jose State. Has the frame to add bulk and ran a sub 4-7 on pro day. If we don’t get Raji at # 9 then trading down to the bottom of the first and getting Cincinatti’s hybrid OLD/DE Connor Barwin (6’4 250+lbs sub 4.5 on his pro day), take Gilbert with # 41, and trade one of the 3rd round picks and a 5th to get Raji’s mammoth DT teammate at BC Ron Brace in the late 2nd. We’ll be set on the d-line and OLB and still have a 3rd and 4th to address OT and CB.

by Rocko Wells on Apr 18, 2009 4:52 PM CDT reply actions

OLB

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.

by Jabooty on Apr 21, 2009 1:28 PM CDT reply actions