The Rams Have The Number One Pick
by Brandon on Jan 4, 2010 12:00 PM CST
in Green Bay Packers Analysis
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PrintAnd the winner is the Rams! They'll have the right to draft Nebraska DT Nadamukong Suh. The Lions have the number 2 overall pick, and while Suh should be unavailable, they'll still be getting a very good player.
The April draft is still a long, long way off, but here's a mock draft to chew on. The Packers draft order won't be determined until the playoffs are over. My first thought is depth for the secondary. The offensive line could use help too but they don't have to use a 1st round pick for it. What do you think is the most pressing need?
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Positive if Eric Barry is there at third
Tampa will take him. Berry and Talib in the same secondary could be special one day.
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
Needs
In addition to OL and Secondary, need to look for an explosive RB (thinking CJ Spiller if he drops in the 1st rd) and also a KR/PR speed returner (think Trindon Holliday from LSU)
Running Back is not an issue
We obviously need to get lineman help as well as secondary help. But we don’t need a running back that high. Go OL and secondary in the first 2, Marty Gillard in the third (I really like gillard), OL, then the best player for the rest of the way.
Ryan Grant is a serviceable running back and we have more pressing needs. We can keep Nick Collins, Atari Bigby, and Tramon Williams this year because they will all be restricted free agents due the the CBA. After that, don’t sign Collins, and resign Bigby and Williams. Collins is going to cost too much to resign.
Interestingly enough I agree with you. I say interestingly because about mid season I thought for sure we needed a new Rb. Grant looked so mediocore, and no better then he was in 2008.
Since that point he has really turned things around, and changed my mind as well. He finished the year with 1, 253 yards while averaging 4.4 ypc. It’s hard to ask for much more. Especially when considering what a pass heavy team we are. As of late he has actually looked explosive, and when he has had ok blocking he has been pretty darn good. I think a lot of us, myself included, see all these top Rb’s running all over defenses and think wow, why can’t Grant do that. There is something that all those Rb’s have in common, and that is a good, sometimes great o-line. We don’t. Our o-line is pretty average despite their improved play. So the fact that Grant had the numbers he did this year with our horrendous o-line for 8 games or so, and our average line for 8 games or so is pretty impressive. Think about what he could do with a couple of OT’s who are explosive off the line.
We don’t have tons of holes to fill like some other teams but the ones we do have are enough of an issue that pretty much the whole draft should be dedicated to them. (O-line and secondary)
I don’t agree that we should eventually let Collins go though. He is quickly becoming an elite safety around the league and we have the cap space to sign him to a long term deal.
by packallday555 on Jan 5, 2010 2:16 AM CST up reply actions
I am with you on Collins. Why not pay him what he is worth…its WAY too important of a position in this system to start over again…unless we have a chance at a BETTER one who is trained in the 3-4 already. Collins needs to get his money and lets lock him up for a long time so we can keep the backbone of this defense in place.
Regarding RB, its not about replacing Grant. Its about giving us that X factor player who can come out of the backfield in situations and on 3rd downs. We know Grant is a poor receiving back…its not speculation, its a fact! Most teams now have two backs…we have a middle of the road back and mostly a one back system. If we had a steven jackson type back this would make sense but Grant is just a good back, by no means an elite one. He needs someone to take some of the burden off and to mix things up. Having someone like that changes how teams can defend us too.
I’m with you on Grant but I don’t necessarily think we should use one of our top picks to get a 3rd down back. If we’re going to take a Rb in the 1st or 2nd round I would want it to be with the intentions that he will eventually become a starter. I just think our needs in the future at OT and CB are too great. There are always plenty of good Rb’s who get drafted later, who are really fast guys but are thought to be “too small”. I think that’s the approach we should take in trying to draft a 3rd down Rb.
by packallday555 on Jan 5, 2010 1:34 PM CST up reply actions
That mock draft...
is garbage…its pointless to do one until you at least know what the front of the draft look likes (teams that will be picking).
Rams trading down?
Everyone knows Suh is the best player in the draft, but the Rams have so many wholes to fill that I wouldn’t be suprised if they trade down for multiple draft picks, players or both. They need a quarterback badly as well, though this years draft won’t exactly hold a bumper crop at that position.
no one trades down in the first spot
The cost is too high AND the price tag is too high. Most teams don’t want the #1 pick. It would have to be a VERY special player for a team to give up picks again. I mean look at the last time it happened. The Giants gave up a TON to move up just three spots to get Manning instead of Rivers..how would they look with Rivers and all those picks?!?!
He won't slip to the Lions
or they could trade the pick but why? ahhh ownership issues? By the way Packers, beat the Vikes in the playoffs!
The Lions will be back .. hopefully better than the Bears (without a first rounder)in 2010 … one step at a time…
GO LIONS in 2010! the transformation starts now.. they have much to do.
I just read on espn
that the rams might take a quarterback instead of suh, since a qb would be more important to the team
Friends don't let friends be cub fans
by BIGPAMPERINO on Jan 5, 2010 12:30 AM CST up reply actions
If that’s the case then maybe they will trade down. Picking a Qb with the #1 pick would be a HUGE mistake in this years draft.
by packallday555 on Jan 5, 2010 2:17 AM CST up reply actions
I disagree with your logic Brandon
We need a solid starter at O-Line and depth in the secondary. For me, starter=1st round and depth=2nd round and beyond. Even if you exclude Al Harris, you still have a very good starting four in DPOY, Tramon, Nick (providing he re-signed or franchised) and Bigby. On the other hand, I really can’t see us heading into next season with Tausch and Clifton — at 32 and 33 respectively and about a million body organs ready to explode. I even can see us trading up for a better value.
The Dude abides
People are forgetting that we have Pat Lee as well, who very well could become a good player for us. Woodson will likely be good for 2 more years, and Tramon is good. If Lee can come in and play ok, then we should be ok. I still think we need a Cb in this years draft to eventually replace Woodson but I don’t think we’re as bad off as some people think.
I think we’ll keep both Clifton and Tausch going into next year provided they don’t retire. I could see Lang taking over at RT, and hopefully we draft a guy at LT who can come in and start relatively soon. If that happens then I would guess both would be backups.
by packallday555 on Jan 5, 2010 2:20 AM CST up reply actions
Yeah I forgot about him too…but I need to see him actually playing before I can really count him at this point.
He played a bit in 2008 and looked serviceable. Obviously that was in Sander’s system so who knows how he’ll adapt to Capers.
by packallday555 on Jan 5, 2010 1:40 PM CST up reply actions
Suh is anything but a done deal...
…as the Rams are desperate for a franchise QB, and lo and behold, Jimmy Clausen is available.
"stay (green and) gold"
I'll see your Brady Quinn
and raise you a Jamarcus Russell.
"Brandon Jennings needs a nickname before he gives himself one. Oh wait, Young Money, he already did."
by Mitchell Maurer on Jan 4, 2010 4:25 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I'm going to splash the pot
and say “Any Decision Made By Matt Millen”.
"Go. Sleep badly. Any questions, hesitate to call."
Akili Smith, anyone?
"Career highlights? I had two. I got an intentional walk from Sandy Koufax and I got out of a rundown against the Mets." - Bob Uecker
Russell
I think he was pretty easily the biggest disappointment of this last decade, and maybe even longer. When the guy was benched this year he had like 2 TDs and 9 INTs haha, and he is in his 2nd or 3rd year I believe.
by packallday555 on Jan 5, 2010 2:21 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
With the #1 Overall Pick???
That’d be waaaaaay overdrafting him. If you want Clausen, you trade down. In all honesty, I don’t think Clausen will be any better than Brady Quinn. I think St. Louis should draft Suh in the 1st, then get their QB in the 2nd. How about Tony Pike? The biggest perk for that QB is the fact that he has excellent footwork and technique. You can’t complain about that. His size is intriguing as well. All St. Louis needs is a game managing QB, something Pike is capable of doing. He should be available in the 2nd Round.
Go Pack!
True...
they have the #2 rusher in the NFL in steven jackson. As long as the QB is average to good, they should even out. They need WR!
Exactly
And that position can be addressed through Free Agency or the 3rd Round. Spag indicated that he wants his offense to be a power running offense and rely on his defense to win games. This leads me to strongly believe St. Louis will draft DT Suh with the 1st Overall Pick.
I’m hoping TT avoids drafting a WR this year, and drafts one in the first day in next year’s draft as there are I believe 5 WR’s with the height of 6’ 4 or taller. A WR that tall will be an excellent replacement for DD when the time comes.
Go Pack!
I agree with SlowJoe
The Pack needs a backup Tackle that can sub on multiple downs and start in case Chad and Mark go down. Depth in the secondary is a definite second and I’m not ready to say that these guys won’t be just as superb next year.
Knowing that the Packers have a great organization for drafting quality talent, I expect whoever they get will be somone that can become a recognizable part of the Packer “family.”
My question is: will they keep some of the late season signees?
"Show me a good loser, and I'll show you a loser." - Vince Lombardi
first round corner...
We havea BAD history there like the Lions have a history at WR. I think I’d rather see OL but only if there is a great option available. There are a lot of positions we can improve at still in the first round so you take the guy that can make the greatest impact quickly on this team. Sure we think all the guys starting are great now but maybe there is a guy that would make them look pretty mediocre out there…you can’t pass on them just cause you need OL help.
Ahmad Carroll is the only noticeable name I can think of
I say we go after a CB in the 1st Round. Move Charles Woodson to Safety to extend his career.
Go Pack!
There are more
Antuan Edwards, Terrell Buckley, and Craig Newsome immediately come to my mind. Newsome was the only one who didn’t suck terribly as a corner, but he wasn’t anything special. Edwards had to be moved to safety, and T-Buck…well…I hope I don’t need to explain that one.
And Woodson is playing fantastic ball right now in the role he fills in this defense. Don’t even think about changing up his position unless he starts showing signs that he’s slowing down.
"Career highlights? I had two. I got an intentional walk from Sandy Koufax and I got out of a rundown against the Mets." - Bob Uecker
He's only a year younger than Al Harris
Are you willing to take that risk? Woodson was already injury prone in his earlier days in Oakland. I say extend his career now while we have the chance. He’s getting old. I’d much rather have him for another 3-5 years as opposed to 1-3 years. The clock is ticking. Nick Collins and Charles Woodson would be an excellent Safety tandem.
Go Pack!
I don't understand
I thought you moved a CB to S when they lost a step and that prolonged their career. I wouldn’t move Woodson until he has shown he has lost something at corner.
Harris’ decline isn’t all age…its partially that all he knows is man/bump coverage. This system doesn’t fit his style.
How do we know that Woodson and Collins would be an excellent safety tandem though? Just cause he is a great corner doesn’t mean he’d automatically be a great safety!
I'm talking injuries, not by performance
Chuck Woodson is no doubt an amazing CB. However, the point was to move him before the injuries start piling up. He was after all injury prone in his days at Oakland.
Go Pack!
Haha I hear what your saying but have you been watching Woodson the past 3 years? He has looked even better this year then the previous two. Moving to the zone concepts really helps him, and might prolong his career a bit. The guy is the best all around Cb in the league right now. Unless he wants to move to S, don’t move him.
by packallday555 on Jan 5, 2010 2:24 AM CST up reply actions
Ok, that's fair
I agree, if he doesn’t want to move, then I wouldn’t want to do it. It’s up to him.
Go Pack!
it depends on who is there
There are needs at OL and Secondary. You probably take the best available between those two. Still, if there is a pass rushing 3-4 OLB available that the Packers have ranked high, they should probably take that player.
yeah, I'm ecstatic with Clay Matthews
I’m fine with Brad Jones, but I’d be ok with an upgrade there.
Brad Jones
I don’t think we need a guy to replace him. Let’s keep in mind he only came in about halfway through the season. He has looked better and better every single week. He is assignment sure and really gets the system. Plus, he is starting to become a better and better pass rusher. I say stay with him.
by packallday555 on Jan 5, 2010 2:26 AM CST up reply actions
He’s good, provides excellent depth, but he’s no All Star by any means. If we have a shot at at an elite pass rushing OLB for a 3-4 defense in perhaps, the 3rd Round, then we should do it.
Go Pack!
Haha how do you guys know how good he’ll be? His first start was week 12 against the Detroit Lions. So in his 6 starts this year he has had 4 sacks and 20 tackles. Since that week 12 game he has gotten better and better at rushing the passer. I think Thompson can challenge him but when you look at how assignment sure he always is and his improvement in rushing the Qb it’s hard to say we need another guy to replace him.
by packallday555 on Jan 5, 2010 1:53 PM CST up reply actions
Thats kind of the point though. some people are just assuming that position is locked up and while Brad has looked good we may be able to do better. If there is another Clay Matthews type playmaker there you can’t pass that up unless there is a lock at OT or CB that we can’t pass up at that point.
Yeah, I guess that’s true. Even Matthews was thought to be a bit of a stretch at the time. I think there is definitely enough depth at the OT spot to assume we can get a good one in the 1st round no matter what our position.
by packallday555 on Jan 5, 2010 5:20 PM CST up reply actions
I don’t see the Pack taking a LT in the 1st. None are better than Oher who went in the 20’s, but they will be picked alot higher for need. If one slips down to us, maybe, but that is unlikely and wouldn’t be good value! CB and OLB are likely candidates! Safety is not a big need, just for depth, as I like both Collins and Bigby and think they’ll be signed to contracts.
I am already on record as saying that CJ Spiller will be the pick, if available. He would provide the Pack w/ someone similar to Harvin for the queens. A dynamic kick and punt returner and a game breaker out of the backfield either recieving or running. Don’t think he’s an everydown RB, but still would be a playmaker, especially on ST.
IF a pass rushing demon OLB is there, you still have to take him. Someone like Woodley who went in 2nd would be a force on D.
Look at OT and DL in the 2nd and 3rd!
I really like the way you are thinking there Strohman. We NEED a gamebreaker. We have some great players on this offense but we need one of those Ray Rice, Harvin, Bush (sometimes), etc. type of player. While Grant is a nice back, having someone like Spiller back there to be an electric open field player would be AMAZING. I just don’t see there being any OL help for us there and I am nervous about taking a CB there so then you go for players that can make immediate impact on a Super Bowl ready team!!
why not just acquire Bush?
If GB is willing to take on some salary, he could be had for pretty cheap via a trade.
Wow! What short memories!
Remeber the 4 and 4 start where Rodgers spent more time on the ground than my 2 year old neice (37 sacks in first 8 games). That turned around markedly once Clifton and Tausher came back and got a couple games under their belts (13 sacks in last 8 games). I see potential in Lang and think he may work out after a couple years, but Barbre scares me. Assuming the Pack beats AZ this coming weekend, we’ll have a mid to late 20’s pick (I’m hoping for the 32nd pick). Unless all “worthy” OTs are already gone, I can’t see how we don’t take an OT in the 1st round.
You can’t just pick a position just because you need it. Not to mention it goes against EVERYTHING that TT does. He’ll take the best player on the board that can impact the team. Hopefully a LT/RT shows up that would make sense but the way things look right now I don’t know that there will be one. We’ve shown in the past that you don’t need to go first round to get a stud OL guy. Look at the guys he’d be replacing I don’t believe either was a very high pick and one of them was in like the 7th round!
I guess so...
In the 2000 draft Clifton was a 2nd rounder and Tauscher was a 7th! I just feel that we have such a good team, it would be a pity to see them flounder next year if one of the bookends goes down and we didn’t prepare with a decent replacememt.
Draft speculation is stupid.
It’s all blown to pieces after the first few picks. Also, I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out that Mel Kiper is a moron.
Suh is likely the first pick. He has the potential to be an exceptional NFL player. His combination of size and athleticism isn’t seen often.
Anyone suggesting that any of the available quarterbacks should be drafted in the first round hasn’t been paying attention. Bradford is coming off of a serious injury. Claussen is brought to you by NBC. Tebow’s mechanics are frighteningly bad.
The teams that succeed in the draft grab the best available player at any position. That’s how you end up with Aaron Rodgers, even though you already have Brett Favre. Drafting based on percived need leads to Ahmad Carroll.
by Dr O on Jan 4, 2010 6:24 PM CST via mobile reply actions
also, Boldin update
from Adam Schefter.
Cardinals not optimistic Anquan Boldin will play Sunday – ankle injury. But if anyone has a chance, it’s Boldin. He’s as tough as they come.
Wow
That would be a big blow to the Cardinals if he was out.
by packallday555 on Jan 5, 2010 2:29 AM CST up reply actions
This mock draft is confusing...
It was published Nov 4th. But aside from that…
Ciron Black was our pick. I don’t believe he is the best OT available at where we could potentially pick (20-32). Davis of Rutgers, Bulaga of Iowa, Brown of USC, and Williams of Oklahoma have been anywhere from 12 to 30th consistently. Ciron is projected late 2nd.
Some drafts have us selecting CJ Spiller, which I would be okay with at that pick.
It is a pretty thin year for CBs. Lindley of Kentucky, Haden of Florida and Warren from Michigan from the top of my head. Warren may be a reach at the end of the second round though. Now as I read some of the Mocks, Dowling of Virginia is projected around our spot.
A lot of mocks are just all over the board at this point. Very different assessment of values for various teams. Ryan Mallet listed highly on some boards (why?). But the Packers do have needs at OL, CB (depends on how guys pan out), and DL. I think we can address CB later in the draft. The draft is a funny thing though when positions go on runs and some teams overreach for players.
Looking to buy: General Manager Deputy Badge
by Bush League All Star on Jan 5, 2010 2:14 AM CST reply actions
Haden
If he dropped to us in the 1st round I would love to see TT take him. I watched him pretty much shut down Gilyard the other night from Cincy who is a good WR.
Mallet has a big, big, big arm so that’s probably why. He also has ideal size.
I guess I woud just like to see either a OL or Cb drafted with our 1st round pick. If there aren’t any great ones available then fine, but there are glaring needs when looking at our team 2-3 years down the road. I know some say TT will take the best available player but he did draft on need on nearly every pick.
by packallday555 on Jan 5, 2010 2:34 AM CST up reply actions
I like Lindley
Haden scares me. He wasn’t too flashy in some of the games I’ve watched and simply because he comes from Florida already puts a “Warning” label on him. I’ve never actually watched Lindley, but from the looks of his highlights, he appears to read the QB’s eyes very well. I think that would be a nice pick considering Charles Woodson can train him up even more.
Go Pack!
Interesting comments
I’ve never actually watched Lindley, but from the looks of his highlights, he appears to read the QB’s eyes very well. I think that would be a nice pick considering Charles Woodson can train him up even more.
I wonder what the success rate of new players that have excellent players in front of them. The general coaching from players could be a bonus to those guys for NFL prepping. I truly wonder if there is a difference between a player with no on-the-field instruction vs. a player who have great veteran support.
Looking to buy: General Manager Deputy Badge
by Bush League All Star on Jan 5, 2010 3:13 PM CST up reply actions
I’m sure there is. While Rodgers probably would have ended up being a good QB in the league no matter what, I would say it’s safe to assume that sitting behind Favre definitely helped his growth.
For this reason I have confidence that Pat Lee can be good for us. He had Woodson and Harris to learn from, and having a great defensive coordinator in Capers probably helps a lot too.
by packallday555 on Jan 5, 2010 5:23 PM CST up reply actions
I don't want to start a Rodgers/Favre thing so I will avoid that PAD555!
But Lee could be good someday, if he is not injured. I loved what I saw from him in training camps and brief pre-season play. He may have a bright future if healthy.
Looking to buy: General Manager Deputy Badge
by Bush League All Star on Jan 6, 2010 12:12 AM CST up reply actions
Here's the guy
Patrick Robinson from FSU. Guy is a great cover corner, is physical, but also can return punts. If anyone saw him run down Noel Divine, you get why I’m excited.
"That's not a weird stat. Rickie is a run-scorer," Yost said. "It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter," Yost told reporters. "See, you guys have no concept. He's a run-scorer. So there's nothing weird about it. That's what he does."
O-line first second and third
Seriously, if there are good lineman available for our first couple picks take them. Our tackles are old and worn and we’re lucky they had enough juice to keep rogers alive this season.
Other than that, an explosive offensive player with big speed is needed for returns. We don’t have one on the roster like our division rivals (hester/knox, harvin). Another CB although its hard to find decent cover corners, Woodson/Williams/Harris is still fantastic for next year.
Can't argue that
I think TT will go with the best CB or OT left on the draft board by the time our pick comes around. I have a big feeling he will trade down though just because this draft does not have huge depth at either position.
Go Pack!
I meant for the upper top notch OT's
there is plenty of depth, so we can draft an OT in the later rounds, but the best in the draft will most likely not fall into our lap.
Go Pack!
OT
If the Pack is goint to take an OT in the 1st, it is very likely they will have to trade up to get one. I, personally, don’t like any of the OT that much, and would be very leary of trading up for an OT. A trade down for an OT would make more sense. There are a couple that might be servicable OT, but aren’t really worth a 1st rd grade.
If your deadset on an OT, IMO, from where the Packers are sitting in the mid 20’s, move down and get one in the early 2nd!
Still think a playmaker on ST would be worth the 1st rd pick, and I would think Spiller would do wonders for the punt and kick returns!!
What don’t you like about Buluga or Black? I’m not trying to be a smart ass either. You seem like you know quite a lot about OL play.
by packallday555 on Jan 5, 2010 8:36 PM CST up reply actions
OT
I don’t dislike either of them, just that I don’t think either would be worth a 1st rd pick. Buluga is a Iowa OT which scares me a little, and he has had health issues. Even w/o that, I dont know if he has the feet to play LT in the pros. Black by most accounts had a better year last year than this. Which isn’t going to help his stock in the draft.
I would have no problems w/ the Packers taking either of them in the 2nd after a trade down, but don’t know if I would use a 1st rd pick on either… However there is a good chance that both will be taken for need before the Packers even have a shot at them…
BTW- I am only looking at them as LT because I think Lang will be the RT next year.
I like your assessment.
I think the Packers may fall into a good spot to draft a quality OT in the 20’s. There is a lot of depth this year. I would like to see how things go in NFL combines. I don’t put a lot of value there, but it makes for interesting talks.
Looking to buy: General Manager Deputy Badge
by Bush League All Star on Jan 6, 2010 12:14 AM CST up reply actions
I agree with Lang being RT next year, though if Tauscher has some more left in the tank I’d like to see what Lang can do at LG. I really don’t like Colledge, and think he is the weakest of our 5 starters now. Obviously, then we would have to find a RT as well as a LT, which isn’t always so easy.
by packallday555 on Jan 6, 2010 1:32 PM CST up reply actions
there will be ot there deep draft class
i like charles brown usc ciron black lsu both very good
packers need first round to b ot if one of the top 5 or 6 still n board
if not then need to think cornerback lindly ku jo haden will be gone though he is great totally agree the packers need someone with elite speed if both ot and good cb gone then would be hard to pass up on javid best or cj spiller if he falls or if dez bryant is still there but best would trindon holiday lsu kr/pr/rb
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