Packers Free Agency: Going Into Week 2
by Brandon on Mar 8, 2010 8:00 AM CST
in Green Bay Packers Free Agency
78 comments
In the first few days of free agency I've only read news regarding unrestricted free agents, the one lone restricted free agent who's getting interest is Broncos's WR Brandon Marshall. Things could change re: the Packers restricted free agents, only S Derrick Martin has official resigned so far, but it's unlikely to happen in the next few days.
So here are the five unrestricted free agents for the Packers: NT Ryan Pickett, LB Aaron Kampman, LT Chad Clifton, RT Mark Tauscher, and RB Ahman Green. Pickett will return as the franchise player, either signing the one-year tender contract or agreeing to a NT Casey Hampton type 3 year, $21 million, $11 million guaranteed contract. Kampman has been signed by the Jaguars. Clifton has been resigned. Green will probably resign with the Packers or retire.
That leaves Tauscher. I've read nothing to indicate he's in talks with another team, or planning to visit one. The resigning of Clifton may have erased any doubt he'll return next season, assuming the Packers want him. I do really hope the Packers want him back because finding his replacement last season was a disaster. From Tom Silverstein:
[Clifton's] best friend, Mark Tauscher, probably will be back with the Packers. He has a home in Green Bay. He has never lived in a city bigger than Knoxville, Tenn. He is 33 years old and his goal is to play with just one team his entire career.
The one loss in free agency was Kampman, so if there was a position to target in free agency, outside linebacker would be it. The last time the Packers lost a starter as good as Kampman and attempted to replace him with a veteran free agent was in 2005, when LG Mike Wahle and RG Marco Rivera were allowed to leave and replaced with the inept duo of Matt O'Dwyer and Adrian Klemm. The other notable free agent departure in 2005 was FS Darren Sharper, and they did a good job in drafting FS Nick Collins as his replacement.
Pro Football Focus lists the Top 5 unrestricted, 3-4 defense, linebackers. LB Tully Banta-Cain was resigned by the Patriots. LB Jason Taylor will never leave Miami. LB Derrick Burgess isn't really a linebacker. LB Mike Vrabel was resigned by the Chiefs. That leaves former Dolphins LB Joey Porter, who left his previous team on very bad terms. I can't imagine Porter having interest in the Packers, or visa-versa. It looks like his first choice is the Cardinals anyway, and Kampman's replacement will be LB Brad Jones or whoever they may draft in April.
I expect we'll hear some names rumored to the Packers in the coming weeks, but they'll all be considered for backup roles. It's possible we don't hear anything because there are so many additional restricted free agents this season. Is there anyone left out there that you'd like to see the Packers pursue?
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I keep hearing from a guy at my work,
that due to the lack of a salary cap the Packers have less money to spend than ever and it is hurting the Packers more than any other team because of their unique ownership. Being that I live in Illinois I dont get to hear the inside info on stuff like this, which people in Wis. are blessed to hear on the radio or in the papers every day. Just wondering if much has been said on this topic. Thanks.
2010 WhiteSox Baseball: "even if it works it's still stupid"
Eh…I think that is wishful thinking on his part. I don’t see the uncapped year mattering all that much in the grand scheme of money. The league won’t remain uncapped so teams going into the year acting like it will eventually will be destroyed when the cap comes back. Interestingly, the teams in the biggest markets who have the most money, aren’t even the ones signing players.
Washington has been quiet, Giants made ONE signing (well overpaid), Cowboys have done nothing (I don’t think they have a choice though…final 8 team), etc. I guess I don’t see this year being all that much different really. The Packers are doing exactly what they do every year. Let people overpay and then grab a role player or two and build through the draft.
“Is there anyone left out there that you’d like to see the Packers pursue?”
If the team is in a generally good position with current talent, and I think they are, given proven ability to succeed through the draft, there’s not necessarily anything wrong with just standing pat. Deliberate inaction can be one of the hardest things to do – so often there’s pressure to “do something” – but in this case I think it might be the right decision.
There’s not much worth pursuit, and if it’s going to (sooner or later) keep the Packers from resigning folks like Nick Collins, it’s even less worth it.
The Packers know that building a team in this age means using the draft first and free agency a very distant second: grow your players and keep the best of them. It’s a good sane and financially sound strategy; let’s hope they continue to succeed with it.
success
imo, would be defined as building a consistent winning football team. are the packers their yet? imo.no. lets try to put 2 winning seasons in a row first before we call this a success. right now it’s like riding a roller-coaster, up-down, up-down,.
i hope it works out, but right now it’s anybodys guess. only time will tell and at the next seasons end, fans should be able to see where this team is heading. are they going towards a super bowl or mediocrity.
Danniel Manning
Danniel Manning is a restricted FA the Bears put a 3rd round tag on. The Bears who do a poor job of “coaching up” their players have bounced him around from nickel back, free and strong safety and back again. So I’m not sure he even knows what is his best position. He’s athletic and if the Packers could decide on a position and “coach him up” he should be a reliable backup/potential starter.
He’s an excellent kick returner. McCarthy said this year he was one of the games dangerous KR’s. He therefore would address two areas of need.
W/ the Bears having spent 121 million in the first day of the FA market the Packers may be able to get him at a reasonable price or force the Bears to overpay by having to match their offer.
Also, it would weaken the Bears further at an already weak position.
The downside is the Bears don’t have 1st and 2nd round picks so they would now have an additional 3rd round pick in what John Clayton called “maybe the best draft in the last 20 years”.
I'd consider him once he becomes an Unrestricted Free Agent next year
"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi
Glad you brought him up! I was thinking about him a while ago but pretty much forgot about him. I don’t know if I’d give up a 3rd for him but it could be a good signing for us. He is a really great kick returner like you mentioned, and has blazing speed and athletic ability. It probably didn’t help him either that he kept constantly being moved from position to position either.
by packallday555 on Mar 8, 2010 12:39 PM CST up reply actions
Westbrook... No... CONCUSSIONS... Knees, Ankle, etc... IMO he's done.... Would rather draft!
by Bird Dog Uni on Mar 8, 2010 12:04 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
This^
I’d pass on him at a moment’s notice.
Besides, why pick him up when Ryan Grant is doing fine?
Who cares if he's a Cubs fan? This is a football forum! He is a PACKER fan as well. So, from now until March, I’m sure he’ll dedicate a lot of his time here. In late March, then we can be enemies during the baseball season. Besides, the Cubs have perhaps the most loyal baseball fanbase in the country. You have to respect that.
Go Pack!
by Jabooty on Jan 25, 2010 2:58 PM EST
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Mar 9, 2010 11:09 AM CST up reply actions
Westbrook
Here is the scenario if the Packers sign Westbrook.
Game one: He gets some good yards out of the backfield on short passes.
Game two: He gets some yards again, scores a TD.
Game three: He breaks a long reception scores a TD.
Game four: He gets a concussion and is no longer able to lead a full life, as this one combined with the previous ones takes its toll.
Don’t sign Westbrook.
Avoid Westbrook and LT
What have they done in the past couple years? Nothing! They are just big names from what they accomplished over a couple years ago. A lot has changed since then.
"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi
Re: LT
I’ve noticed over the past few years whenever the Chargers play a big game, he is always “too hurt” to play. Yet he complains every chance he gets about opponents behaving wrongly.
I guess, LT, if you’re upset about how they act, why don’t you play in the game in order to change things? Would it bother you to do so?
Who cares if he's a Cubs fan? This is a football forum! He is a PACKER fan as well. So, from now until March, I’m sure he’ll dedicate a lot of his time here. In late March, then we can be enemies during the baseball season. Besides, the Cubs have perhaps the most loyal baseball fanbase in the country. You have to respect that.
Go Pack!
by Jabooty on Jan 25, 2010 2:58 PM EST
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Mar 9, 2010 11:10 AM CST up reply actions
Orlando Pace
Of course he did a terrible job with the Bears. IT’S THE BEARS!!! In case anyone’s missed, Lovie Smith is the single most incompetent coach they’ve had in 30 years. Getting to the Superbowl was a fluke or maybe simply a matter of inheriting a young defense that was bound to make waves. Aside from coaching to beat the Pack, he’s managed to staff the organization with his buddies and ruin credible players.
When they let Pace go, I laughed, because I knew last season was a wakeup call and would bet this next season will be a good one for him.
Orlando has one, maybe two good years in him, I reckon and rotating him at Tackle might save some wear on the Pack’s O-Line.
Pricey of course, but I think the time to strike is now. Double D looks ready for a run, hopefully Woodson is capable of one more year like last. Packers shore up that line and anything’s possible.
"Show me a good loser, and I'll show you a loser." - Vince Lombardi
Eh, I don’t know. Pace looked pretty bad last year, and really has the last 2-3 years. This is now his second time being released, which is probably a sign. Plus, we already have a veteran LT declining in skill!
by packallday555 on Mar 8, 2010 12:42 PM CST up reply actions
To: AdamA
To say Lovie is the “single most incompetent coach for the bears in the last 30 years” is not accurate at all. I can think of at least 4 coaches that were way worse. Dick Jauron, Dave Wannstedt, Neil Armstrong, and Jack Pardee were terrible! Matter of fact Lovie Smith is probably the second best coach in the last 30 years for them. Mike Ditka is number one of course. And I hate the bears! But, you do not get to the Super Bowl on a fluke! You have to at least be one of the best teams in your conference. Also, Pace is washed up man! How old is he now? Like 40? Why would you want to overpay for an old, washed up has been?
It aint saying much being the best of the NFC that year
The NFC was God Awful that year, not to mention how pitiful the division was. Obviously we were in a down year and rebuilding, just as the Vikings were, and the Lions were being the Lions. Here is my proof: the 2nd seeded team in the NFC had a 10-6 recod, there were 2 11-5 wild card teams last year! So, was it a fluke? Most definately. There’s a reason the Bears got annhilated in the Super Bowl, and that’s it. The competition level between the two conferences wasn’t even close that year.
"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi
Yeah, the division was bad but the Bears defense was really, really, really good. Their offense was almost incompetent though.
by packallday555 on Mar 9, 2010 9:10 PM CST up reply actions
Let’s just be honest, it doesn’t really matter what we would like to see done in FA cause TT won’t do it. If/when he does sign somebody it will be in like 2 or 3 weeks when all the players worth bidding for are gone. I guess I’m still hoping that he’ll try and sign a Cb who can come in and play a nickel or dime spot for us like Philip Buchanon, Benny Sapp, or Lito Sheppard. I doubt it though. We’ll just have to hope TT has a good draft.
He's being patient and spending his dollars wisely
Sure, we need a CB. However, is it worth paying a CB like Dunta Robinson, Philip Buchanen, or Lito Shppard top dollars when we know they were already released from their team several times in their career for not playing up to their expectations? I think TT is looking at it from that perspective. In a couple weeks, their asking price will drop. I would love to sign someone like Buchanon to play only as our Nickel CB. I’m not too comfortable with him being our #2 CB at this point. He was released from Houston, Tampa Bay, and Detroit all in the last 3 years. That’s a red flag. I think we should eventually sign 1 FA CB though for insurance on Al Harris.
As for Benny Sapp…gosh, I recognize that name, but just can’t think of who he is or where he plays. Please enlighten me. I know I recognize that name.
"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi
I don’t think we should pay a guy a lot either but I don’t think Buchanon or Sheppard will sign for big money. They both got cut this year, and it’s hard to demand a lot of money when that’s the case.
I think Buchanon could be our nickel back and Sheppard could possibly be a #2 but probably a #3.
Benny Sapp is on the Vikings right now but is a UFA. He came on for them towards the end of the year when Winfield was out and actually did a pretty good job.
by packallday555 on Mar 8, 2010 10:54 PM CST up reply actions
true...my bad
He’s pricey though. Anyhow, he signed with Atlanta, so no hope for him now.
"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi
Forgot to mention
We should sign Tauscher. He was actually really good last year, and his knee will likely feel better this year as it often takes 2 years for your knee to really recover from an ACL tear. By doing this we can have Lang play LG, which would be his best position. That way we won’t have to play Colledge, and we might actually have a good interior line with Lang-Spitz-Sitton. We also will hopefully draft both Clifton and Tauscher’s replacements, and those guys will be able to sit behind them for a year or two (hopefully), and then come in and replace them.
From reading some articles though it seems like TT wants to go with either Gianconmin or Barbre (again), while MM wants Tauscher back. Who knows whether or not that holds any truth but I do know I’m going to be absolutely furious with TT if we go into the year with either of those guys at RT, and either one of them fails miserably like Barbre did this past year.
+1
At least for insurance. Tauscher did better than Clifton last year. It’s just unfortunate that our biggest need on the line is at the LT position.
"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi
Has anyone considered...
Justin Fargas? Just cut by the Raiders (I know I know that sounds bad) but he doesn’t have that much mileage on him due to splitting time his whole career basically, he’s only 29, and he’s managed to average 4.1 ypc, despite being on a team that has lost 11 games in each of the past 7 seasons.
I don’t think he’s much of a pass-catcher out of the backfield though, so that might be the thing that makes him a bad fit.
The other player I wonder about is former Patriots CB Leigh Bodden – although he might only look to go to places where he can start for sure and/or would be too expensive to use as a nickelback (assuming Al Harris returns to form).
Fargas
Fargas is almost exactly like Grant… Both are really good one cut RB, but not elite RB, and neither has top speed or elusiveness. Too much like Grant to make it worthwhile!
Bodden is the one FA I would like to see the Packers sign… But he will likely sign w/ someone soon. If he is still available in a week and the price tag is commensorate w/ abiltiy, I would love to get him in GB. Unfortunately, he probably will get overpaid in a couple days!
I think Porter would be fine if he is on a contending team like the Pack. We could use a little “Nasty” on our defense. I don’t think a lot of teams are gonna be beating down his door so we have time to see how Jones does in the offseason workouts and mini-camps and also see how the draft shakes out. If he is still on the market in June and we feel like we need a boost at LOLB then yes, we should look at Porter.
"I agree but dont agree"
by juggernaut400 on Mar 8, 2010 2:07 PM CST up reply actions
I agree, we should go after Porter
This will allow us to see if Brad Jones is our future at LOLB or not as he’ll play sparingly. Otherwise, we could sign him to a 1 year deal and draft our LOLB in the 1st Round. If we can get our LOLB in the 1st Round, we will solidify our front 7 for our defense, which is the most important part of the defense.
"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi
Bye Aaron(Kampman)
I can’t say that I’m surprised Kampman left and signed with the Jags. Even though he didn’t complain, you could see he wasn’t buying into the 3-4. I thought the guy who replaced him after his knee injury was good. He was a true linebacker and knew his job. I would like to see more production out of AJ Hawk. He needs to drop a few pounds and work on his speed. If we get him up to speed with Clay or Nick look out! I hope all of the other free agents sign with the team.
I was really surprised he went to the Jacksonville of all places. Don’t get me wrong Florida is great but the Jags..well really aren’t. I really thought he would sign with the Eagles.
Yeah, there is a lot of talk about our lack of pass rush and weak secondary this past season but I think some of our pass defense problems have to be attributed to Hawk and Barnett. Neither were very good at dropping back into coverage when we played our cover 2 and 3 zones, and when you pair that with Bigby never knowing where or what he is supposed to be doing it leaves the middle WIDE OPEN. Hopefully dropping into coverage is something that they’ll grow more accustom to this next year with more experience.
by packallday555 on Mar 8, 2010 4:36 PM CST up reply actions
I was really hoping he'd sign with Houston
Houston is slowly becoming a team I’m following (a 2nd team i assure you), so I was really hoping I could continue to follow his career there as he plays opposite of elite DE Mario Williams. If he would have signed there, Houston surely would have been playoff bound.
"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi
Anyone that the Packers should persue?
I would like them to take a chance on Jake Delhomme. Maybe he’s had better years, but at least he’s got experience. I cringe at the thought of Rodgers going down and who would come in to guide the Packers at that point.
that actually may be a possiblity
TT has been taking some flak for not having a vet incase Rodgers goes down
RIP Jim Thome 1-25-2010
an AL team not having a DH is like a giraffe fucking a mule. - larry
Jake would be a great guy in the locker room!
I know he had a melt down against the Cards… and Last year… and @ his press conference… but, he might be a great back-up… (He’s already made 12mil + this year) so we could probably get him cheap if nobody else is after him… Without the pressure to be #1… He may be a great back-up…
Go Pack!!
Free Agents... Wish list
A couple comments/notes… I think there are still a few players out there who could help the Pack in free agency but the price tags are simply too high. If I had a choice, and Mike McCarthy and Ted Thompson were listening, I would extend an offer to LT. He fits the third down style play we run, and has the desire and work ethic to solidify our backfield, while providing another pass catching, 3rd down option for Rodgers to throw/hand off to. LT would be a fit because he “wants to go out with a ring” not just play in Houston where he is close to home. That addition alone would make our offense one to be feared this year. He doesn’t have to run for 1,400 yds and 18 TD’s to be effective… just be LT. As for the defensive side of the ball, I have to disagree with the Joey Porter comments… he is a loud mouth, is all about himself, and can bring down a locker room, whereas the Packers tend to have class and are not so boisterous. No defensive talent that I see would benefit us (now that most have been passed up, although a run at Asomugha would have been a nice compliment to Charles Woodson…! This is a year of growing through the draft (the Ted Thompson way).
I think a little loud mouth
Might do this defense good. We aren’t exactly the most fired up energetic team in the NFL, a little smack talk from Porter might help.
Unless he sucked and got benched, and then he’d be a total disaster cancer situation.
by Archibaldcrane on Mar 8, 2010 10:44 PM CST up reply actions
attitude?
the D has that, especially when Barnett does that “samarai” and jolly does the “head-but”
sarcasm, of course.
we haven’t had a “bad a$$” on the d since wayne simmons left…we need a defensive intimidator.
I would be in favor of picking up Porter.
I don’t think he will cost much, and it would give TT less to worry about.
They want power. We want respect...
by SenorChuckles on Mar 8, 2010 10:52 PM CST up reply actions
Apparently Bodden
Is looking for 5M a year, 3 years.
As a starter? Maybe. But I doubt he’d beat out Al Harris as our #2 guy, and 5M is a lot for a nickel corner.
Maybe he’ll waver on that some though. I really don’t know anything about his play, just that he’s the best FA corner on the market – might not be saying too much.
Harris may not even be able to play at an effective level this year..He is 35 coming off a bad, bad knee injury. The Packers team physician actually advised him that he should probably retire but Harris decided otherwise.
I don’t think paying $5M a year for 3 years would be a bad deal for us at all. Bodden has 3-4 experience, and could be a good #2 next to Woodson. It could really help out our secondary but I doubt there is any chance we ever get him. It seems like there are too many teams involved with him right now.
by packallday555 on Mar 8, 2010 11:14 PM CST up reply actions
5M
5M per year might be a little steep for Bodden. But I wouldn’t oppose it either. Will be interesting if he isn’t signed in a couple weeks what his price might be! He is a good press CB, so his skills are very similar to Harris’.
Over on NationalFootballPost.com they have a video series on Harris’ recovery. Actually, McKenzie told Harris that his knee was in excellent shape, other than his injuries, which were significant. But he had NO other problems inside the knee of any kind. Something like the knee of a 25 yr old, not 35 yr old football player. So his chances for a quick and full recovery are pretty good! Still a long way to go though…
Unfortunately
We don’t have the luxury of waiting. If we don’t get Bodden, and Harris doesn’t come back to form, we’re f’ed hard in the secondary. If we get Bodden, but Harris keeps his job, we’re paying 5m a year for a nickle corner.
Anyway, this is rampant speculation on our part, as I don’t think the Packers have shown any interest in Bodden at all. But who knows.
by Archibaldcrane on Mar 8, 2010 11:57 PM CST up reply actions
speculation
Have to agree, it is speculation on my part… Just kinda throwing some ideas out, that won’t happen! LOL
Anyway, IF… IF we signed a FA, thats who I would target…
Secondary isn't that bad
Woodson and Williams are a nice 1/2 combo. Our problem was with the 3/4 corners, Bush and whoever. No sense paying big bucks to another #2 DB when TW is just as good for a lot less. Didn’t we have 2 high picks hurt last year at DB, perhaps they will round into shape for 3rd DB.
Having a pass rush other than Claymaker will make our secondary look a lot better. I’d rather spend the money on a one year deal for Porter than 3 for Bodden/Sheppard/etc.
We drafted Brandon Underwood in the 6th Round
He was drafted with the intention of being a project. Getting him on the field anytime soon for a lot of playing time would be a mistake. He needs to slowly get playing time and learn from the starters and coaches.
CB Pat Lee was drafted in the 2nd Round of the 2008 Draft, but had 2 injury plagued seasons putting him on IR early twice. Therefore, we have no idea how good he will be and if he will ever recover from his injuries.
We could sign a veteran CB to a 1-2 year contract, but we need to draft a CB somewhere in Rounds 1-3.
"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi
He was drafted with the intention of being a project. Getting him on the field anytime soon for a lot of playing time would be a mistake. He needs to slowly get playing time and learn from the starters and coaches.
I respectfully disagree. At the beginning of last year, or in the middle of last year this would have been my stance but Underwood actually came in and did a pretty good job this year. Granted that it was playing the nickel and dime spots, but still. He should be able to be a good nickel back for us next season or dime back depending on how Harris comes back.
MM said in an article I read recently that he really liked Underwood and that Capers did too. He also said along with T.J. Lang, he expects Underwood to improve the most from this past year to next.
It appears Underwood might become a bit of a steal, so if Lee can turn out to be an ok guy we could have an ok group between Williams, Lee, and Underwood for the future.
by packallday555 on Mar 9, 2010 9:14 PM CST up reply actions
Underwood
He is still a bit of a project… He never started at Ohio ST, and then the transfer to Cincinnati and move to Safety as a Senior… He was drafted based on his potential. He did play pretty well end of the year, but has a ways to go before you could call him the nickel back. He has a chance this offseason tho to grab that spot, if he can make tremendous use of OTA’s and training camp!!!
Nickel or dime back. Like you mentioned he played well at the end of the year, and I don’t see why he won’t improve. I think he could definitely be a good dime back and possibly a good nickel (depending on how much he improves.). If Harris can come back and give us some ok play at the nickel spot, our secondary could be much better next season.
by packallday555 on Mar 10, 2010 10:25 AM CST up reply actions
Who the Pack should get in Free Agency
This year doesn’t seem to be ripe with big time talent that would especially address our needs.
The offensive line needs some serious work, but Green Bay is a team that’s ready for the Super Bowl now, and there are no quick fixes for our o-line troubles. It would seem drafting the future of the o-line would be the wise thing to do and allow them to develop behind vets like Clifton and Tauscher. The interior line seems to be hit or miss, but I attribute that to the personnel being stretched pretty thin last season.
On defense we need to go after a strong safety to compete with or replace Bigby. His only good season was 2007. Even if he stays healthy I don’t see him returning to that form in this system. The new system calls for better pass coverage from the Strong Safety. I think going after a guy like Taylor Mays in the draft would be an interesting move and would really make the defense one of the most feared in the league.
Offensively we need a compliment to Ryan Grant. A player with X-factor type athleticism. There really aren’t many of those in free agency other than Brian Westbrook, who’s injury issues seem to be a liability at this point. I think another option for the draft would be to go after Jahvid Best. He’s a speedy and explosive runner who has great hands out of the backfield and isnt afraid of contact. And i can see Best getting taken early in the second round (maybe the Packers trade up to get him). In any case, we’re only one or two well thought out moves in free agency from being a Super Bowl favorite next year.
+10
I would love to see us do any and all of the things you just mentioned. Especially replacing Bigby and picking up an x-factor type athlete for our offense.
by packallday555 on Mar 8, 2010 11:15 PM CST up reply actions
All the Safeties out there
Are Free Safeties – if we got a guy to challenge Bigby, he’d have to switch positions to do so.
Similar to the Bodden situation, we’d run the risk of overpaying a guy who can’t beat out our current guy, but have a chance of improving at a needed position.
Tough calls like usual.
by Archibaldcrane on Mar 8, 2010 11:59 PM CST up reply actions
True
I agree that the safeties out there are all free safeties, but like I mentioned, Taylor Mays would be an excellent pick up. Though he worked out very well at the combine, which helped his draft stock, I think analysis of his game tape and senior bowl performance will make him a mid to late first rounder. If he falls I think Ted Thompson will jump at the opportunity, as he has a history of going for the best player on the team’s board, rather than drafting strictly for needs.
Let’s not forget how freakishly athletic Mays is. Putting him at strong safety would not be unnatural for him. The guys is a ball hawk who loves contact and can cover with the best of them. Running an official 4.43 40yd dash (which realistically may be closer tot he 4.3’s) the guy can break on the ball or on a run better than anyone. Also, Mays measures up at 6-3 230 pounds. Those measurements sound like the measurements of the prototypical strong safety.
With all that said, the chance of Mays falling to the Packers at no. 23 are slim considering the teams with DB needs drafting before us (the 49ers, Jags and Dolphins all have a need at the position). Still I don’t see it being all that far fetched to see Mays drop to no. 23 (I’ve seen crazier things. Like a young QB by the name of Rodgers dropping to no. 24….). Any way, this is more wishful thinking than realistic predictions. Most mock drafts have Mays going in the mid first to the 49ers. I could still see him going to GB, also, getting Jahvid Best int he second wouldnt be too off the mark if we’d be willing to trade up in the 2nd. Most mock drafts don’t even have Best going in the first round.
The Pack can address o-line needs in the 2nd or 3rd rounds, considering that this draft is extremely deep at the position. The only reason I’d see for us to take a linemen in the first is if a prospect like Bruce Campbell falls to us, which I don’t think will happen. This draft should be pretty exciting, lets hope we see gutsier side of T.T. this year like we did last year (trading up for Matthews was such a savvy move).
by Eddie Chavez on Mar 9, 2010 12:57 AM CST up reply actions
Im comfortable sticking with Bigby,
he doesn’t make a ton a mistakes, gets the job done.
2010 WhiteSox Baseball: "even if it works it's still stupid"
He does though. He blows a lot of coverages. Our new system calls for the safties to be much better in coverage, particulary zone coverage. In 2007 Bigby, along with Collins was pretty much just free to roam around and help out on WR’s on his side of the field. That’s not at all his job description anymore, and he didn’t really adjust to it well. Maybe he just needs an offseason and some more experience to really learn the system but I don’t really think so. He just never has been great in coverage and I don’t see why that would change now.
by packallday555 on Mar 9, 2010 10:15 AM CST up reply actions
Or Jarrett Bush.
Heck, I’d take just about anyone over Bush at this point.
Who cares if he's a Cubs fan? This is a football forum! He is a PACKER fan as well. So, from now until March, I’m sure he’ll dedicate a lot of his time here. In late March, then we can be enemies during the baseball season. Besides, the Cubs have perhaps the most loyal baseball fanbase in the country. You have to respect that.
Go Pack!
by Jabooty on Jan 25, 2010 2:58 PM EST
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Mar 9, 2010 11:17 AM CST up reply actions
I wonder if Kampman was going to a divisional rival
Such as Chicago, if the Packers would have tried harder to keep him.
I wish him well in Jacksonville.
OT: My absence over the past few weeks was due to the fact that my home Macintosh computer’s hard drive crashed in mid-February. I gave the computer to my father and he found out what was going on, and sent the computer to a repair shop.
Now as for me, I normally spend most of my time on Bleed Cubbie Blue. However, the crash affected my SB Nation time so much that my appearances on BCB became very sporadic and intermittent.
On Sunday, I finally got my computer back. However, it has been upgraded from Mac OS 10 Tiger to OS 10 Leopard, so it is almost as if I am using a new computer. I am still not used to the new operating system … it’s just going to take some time.
Who cares if he's a Cubs fan? This is a football forum! He is a PACKER fan as well. So, from now until March, I’m sure he’ll dedicate a lot of his time here. In late March, then we can be enemies during the baseball season. Besides, the Cubs have perhaps the most loyal baseball fanbase in the country. You have to respect that.
Go Pack!
by Jabooty on Jan 25, 2010 2:58 PM EST
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Mar 9, 2010 11:43 AM CST reply actions
Free Agents & Draft Prospects who we should pursue!
T- Marcus McNeil or Donald Penn
DB’s – Fabian Washington, Danieal Manning, Richard Marshall or Usama Young
LB’s – Chris Gocong or Joey Porter
RB – LenDale White or Justin Fargas
In the draft I would love to go after Taylor Mays, C. J. Spiller or Bryan Bulaga but, I know they will be long gone unless TT can trade up. Maybe Earl Thomas(DB) from Texas or Anthony Davis(T) from Rutgers. What do you guys think?
i mentioned mcneil a week ago, but since cliffy is resigned it’s not going to happen. besides, tt would have to give up a 1st and 3rd for eithe mcneil or penn.
lb’s, rb’s imo, the pack can find better ones in the draft than those mentioned.
as far as mays goes, he plays softer than what he tests. i’m hoping for brandon graham olb out of michigan..same factory that produced woodley for the steelers. the film don’t lie and he dominated at the senior bowl which earned him mvp honors. graham passes the eyeball test on film, mays imo does not……..
Besides Eric Berry, who is better than Taylor Mays as far as safeties goes? Brandon Graham would be a good fit. But, we would have to trade up to get him as well. I like him though. He had a great collegiate career. Yes, the Pack could potentially find better rb’s in the draft. But, that’s a big maybe. Vargas and White are established backs in the NFL. And it wouldn’t take a whole lot to get either one. But, we definitely need a safety, tackle, back, and backer.
berry
i would agree 100% that berry is better than mays. i would take berry over graham but he’ll be off the board before graham i believe….
Yeah, we would have to trade up to get either, Graham, Berry or Mays. Mays is probably the only one that may drop a little and that goes back to what you were talking about —film! So, what do you think about our RB situation? I mean Grant is okay. He turned it on about mid-season. But, we need a change-up type back. The draft can be tricky drafting backs. I mean, the Pack has not drafted a good RB since 1994 when they took Dorsey Levens! Davenport was okay for a couple of years.
The draft can be tricky drafting backs. I mean, the Pack has not drafted a good RB since 1994 when they took Dorsey Levens! Davenport was okay for a couple of years.
Tell me about it! I really don’t think it’s all that hard to find good Rb’s in the draft but we have really, really struggled too. Seems like every year teams find guys in the 3rd-7th rounds who become good Rb’s for them.
I personally would like to see us take McKnight, McCluster, or Hardesty in the 3rd-5th round.
by packallday555 on Mar 10, 2010 10:34 AM CST up reply actions
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