Winston Moss to Oakland? Tom Clements to Chicago? And the No. 23 Draft Choice

by Brandon on Jan 13, 2010 10:00 AM CST in Green Bay Packers News

It's rumored that inside linebacker coach Winston Moss might become the next head coach of the Oakland Raiders. Moss was interviewed last year for the Rams' head coaching job, and also with the Raiders, so it wouldn't be a shock to see him be interviewed once again. Is the head coach really in control in Oakland? Should anyone want to coach the Raiders?

Will Mike McCarthy let QB coach Tom Clements interview with the Bears to be their offensive coordinator? It seems like Clements should be a candidate around the league for an offensive coordinator's job with the way QB Aaron Rodgers has turned out. Though I have no idea how much credit Clements should actually get for Rodgers's success.

The loss in Arizona officially awards the Packers with the No. 23 overall pick in next April's draft. Rob Rang and Chad Reuter at NFL Draft Scout think they'll draft Iowa OT Bryan Bulaga. Depending on what happens with LT Chad Clifton in the offseason (Resign? Retire?) that makes sense. I don't expect RT Mark Tauscher is going anywhere else next season. But I'm hoping they go for defense again in the 1st round and find someone who can cover or rush the passer, and there are a lot of defensive players currently projected near the bottom of the 1st round.

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I'm a big homer...

being a Iowa fan but i think that getting bulaga would be a great addition. When he is at full health he is a beast and would come in ready to go. In the Orange bowl he shut down the ACC defensive player of the year pretty easily. LIke i said I am a homer but I’d like that pick up and I think we are at the right part of the draft to get him.

Greg Jennings.. Future All Pro

by mkcubs21 on Jan 13, 2010 10:31 AM CST reply actions

I have seen Bulaga ranked as high as the #2 Tackle so he might not be there when we pick. It depends on the combine. Bruce Campbell from Maryland is another option. I definitely think Tackle is first priority unless Joe Haden (CB Florida) falls a bit.

"I agree but dont agree"

by juggernaut400 on Jan 13, 2010 10:54 AM CST reply actions

Why would u want defense?

i understand that it seemed like the Packer D gave up a million yards to the cards but we need to protect A-Rod or else he won’t last us for very long. drafting offensive tackles isnt ever the “sexy” choice but its worth making so that u can keep probably the best QB in the NFL healthy

by StevieV17 on Jan 13, 2010 3:10 PM CST reply actions

need tackle unless joe haden falls be hard to pass up would love bulaga or charles brown usc .

by packfan90' on Jan 13, 2010 5:42 PM CST reply actions

then next trade up to get best cornerback at that spot I like javier arenas from bama he can also do kr pr

he can plug lot of holes possible problem why he falls is size only 5foot 9 in but a great player

by packfan90' on Jan 13, 2010 5:48 PM CST reply actions

arenas is way to small...

if you think woodson got trashed by fitzgerald.

arenas will be a 2-3 rounder.

"stay (green and) gold"

by Green and Bold on Jan 13, 2010 9:40 PM CST up reply actions

Couple of things about Bulaga

he was predicted to be a first day pick after the 2008 season…his sophomore year, and was 1st team all Big 10, and the Big 10 O-lineman of the year that year. He was a 3 year starter, but missed 3 weeks this past year with a thyroid problem that has since been cleared up. As has been noted, he shut down the projected #5 pick in the draft, Derrick Morgan of GT.

Seeing as how the offensive line is one of the places this team needs improving on the most, getting Bryan Bulaga at #23 would be a good start.

by TarHeelHawk on Jan 13, 2010 9:00 PM CST reply actions

I watched in Bulaga in Iowa's bowl game ...

… and he was very impressive, going against an All-American DE in Derrick Morgan, no less. Of course, that’s kind of a double edged sword: it’d be great if he fell to us, but his excellent performance will make that unlikely.

I know CB and OT are our two biggest offseason needs, but seeing as how the draft is not top heavy in either PLUS TT’s penchant for drafting the best player available, here are two intriguing picks I think we could make in the early 20’s:

Jerry Hughes- OLB, TCU Hughes played DE for the Frogs but will be an OLB in a 3-4 scheme most likely. Great pass rusher with excellent explosion and a repertoire of moves to get by blockers. He’s targeted to go around this time. Look, I know we have Brad Jones and he played great for a rookie 7th rounder. The thing is, I don’t see him ever becoming more than a decent starter. He’s not a game changer, and in the 3-4, having OLBs that can get to the passer is essential. Hughes can do that.

CJ Spiller HB/KR Clemson CJ Spiller is an electrifying player, the type the Packers haven’t had in the backfield since, well, in my lifetime. He’s also an exceptional receiver and a fantastic kick returner. He is truly a home run threat every time he touches the ball. I know Grant has been very solid for us, but let’s face it, there’s no one in the backfield that scares our opponents. Aside from his 3 TD performance, Brandon Jackson has been a lackluster third down back. What’s more, with Will Blackmon possibly never able to return to full strength, the Packers should definitely consider investing in a bona fide return man (another season of Jordy Nelson will make me puke). I think CJ Spiller can have the effect Felix Jones has had in Dallas, and be the lightning to Grant’s thunder.

"stay (green and) gold"

by Green and Bold on Jan 13, 2010 9:37 PM CST reply actions

Look, I know we have Brad Jones and he played great for a rookie 7th rounder. The thing is, I don’t see him ever becoming more than a decent starter. He’s not a game changer, and in the 3-4, having OLBs that can get to the passer is essential. Hughes can do that.

A few weeks ago I would have disagreed with this. Jones is a solid guy, and will likely always be a solid guy who provides some good plays every once in a while. He’s smart, and never seems to blow an assignment, but like you stated, in the 3-4 defense you need game changers coming off the edges.

There is no doubt in my mind that Matthews is, and to add a guy opposite of him would be crucial. I watched Hughes a couple of times this year, and was super impressed both times. He has all the physical ability, plus the motor. If we’re able to get another guy close to Clay on the opposite side it would help shore up the secondary a tremendous amount. I mean hell look at the Vikings..they have a phenomenal pass rush and really an average secondary but because of the pressure they are able to generate, things are much easier on their secondary.

I’ve also watched Buluga and was pretty impressed with him, and think it would be hard for us to pass him up just because a good LT could do wonders for Rodgers, and our offense. I wouldn’t necessarily mind us taking a really good pass rusher who is athletic enough to translate into the 3-4 system, like Hughes, and then taking a couple of LTs in the 2nd and 3rd rounds.

by packallday555 on Jan 13, 2010 9:53 PM CST up reply actions

In Jones' Case

Has he benefited from Matthews presence like Ray Edwards to Jared Allen?

by tkiller314 on Jan 13, 2010 11:18 PM CST up reply actions

Yeah, this is probably a good point.

by packallday555 on Jan 13, 2010 11:53 PM CST up reply actions

Is Moss really a player?

Winston Moss, one of the NFL’s convenient pawns, used to cover the Rooney Rule.
Hopefully he gets his chance to become a successful D-coordinator. His big opportunities will grow from there.

by docg on Jan 14, 2010 1:14 PM CST reply actions