I know it's 5 weeks early, but I can't wait - My FA Analysis and Draft priority
by Nels Winkler on Jan 7, 2012 12:46 AM CST
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PrintSo as an ex army military intelligence specialist, I like to put my training to good use sometimes. Each year, I take a deep look at our team, where our strengths are, and our weaknesses. Then, I pretend I'm playing Madden, and come up with a comprehensive strategy for our teams comtinued dominance and hopefully 3 to 5 rings in a row.
LOSSES
QB – Matt Flynn - We will certainly lose Matt Flynn to Free Agency. My best guess is Seattle / Washington in the NFC, Miami / Cleveland in the AFC. I see him getting somewhere in the 3-4 years 4-6 million per year range. I’d love to keep him, but it’s not going to happen.
Replacements – Graham Harrell looks to get a shot next year, but don’t be surprised if they draft a middle round QB to refill their stock.
RB – Ryan Grant – I personally think resigning him would not be a bad idea. He is reaching the magic number for RB’s where their output severely drops, however, he hasn’t had a lot of wear and tear on his body (except for the injury) and I can see him still running very had for a few years to come. However, I am prepared to let him go. Between Saine, Starks, and Green, we should be set.
Replacements – A RB will be drafted this year. I doubt it will be a priority so it would not be earlier than a 4th or 5th round pick.
FB – There will be no losses at this position.
Replacements – I feel slightly uncomfortable rolling the dice with one RB, but our core of TEs gives that protection. I would not draft anyone at this position.
TE – Jermichael Finley – I am torn about him. I do think that he is a great talent, and we are better with him than without. I’m not sure we really need him, especially with such a deep TE corps as well as his ability to make the easiest catches turn into drops and the hardest catches into the spectacular. The other TEs have 0 drops I think this season, whereas Finley leads the team…
Replacements – If Finley leaves, I would maybe take a late round TE, but nothing else.
WR – Donald Driver – Everyone is under contract, which means that the only possibility for loss would be from retirement. While I don’t think the fire has quite left our good old loyal DD, I think the Packers may be able to lure him into retirement by signing him to a lucrative deal as our WR’s Coach. I’m sure that if there were some injuries next year, he could return as a player/coach.
Replacements – We already have 1 WR on IR, Shaky Smithson, and two WRs on the Practice squad, Diondre Borel, and the proven loyal Tori Gurley (not proven in the game, just proven loyalty mind you). Give them a chance to prove themselves on our team, and if there is an injury, we can get Driver back into #80 immediately.
OT – Chad Clifton – This injury may have been his death knell in the pros. Especially given the two young guns behind him trying to lock themselves in that position, the likelihood that we will see Chad in the Green and Gold again is unlikely.
Replacements – As I said before, We’ve got two good talents chomping at the bit for their shot to be called the undisputed starter. We’re covered if there is any sort of injury. Draft a middle/late rounder.
OG – There will be no losses at this position.
Replacements – If a solid pick in the 6th and 7th rounds is available, pick him up. Otherwise, no worries for a year or two.
C – Scott Wells – Resigning him is the second highest priority for the Packers next to Finley. I’m sure he will take a home team discount. He is, however, getting slightly up there in age, and a solid backup would not be a bad idea.
Replacements – I’m not sold on Sampson Genus (Practice Squad) as our guy to lead us on the line in a few years or if he gets hurt. A middle round pick to push him/replace him would not be a bad idea.
DE –Mike Neal / C.J. Wilson – Neither of these players are what we thought they were going to be. They aren’t free agents, but Neal and Wilson, along with Wynn are all in jeopardy of not making this team next year. Only Wynn has shown some spark of talent.
Replacements –
Free Agency
Robert Mathis (IND) - DE - In a big offseason for the Colts, no defensive free agent is more important than Robert Mathis who has publicly stated his discontent with the lack of a long-term extension. The Colts defense relies upon quarterback pressure and Mathis is an enormous part of that. It will be expensive, but he is a dominant pass rusher and putting him on the other side of Clay Matthews would make them a very impressive tandem. Besides, isn’t it about time for us to make one of those large Free Agent Splashes we’re known for?
Cliff Avril (DET) - DE - Avril has been a member of the Detroit D-Line revolution under Jim Schwartz and Ndamukong Suh. He's an explosive pass rusher off the perimeter, perhaps Detroit's best. Even so, the Lions line has had no problem getting to the passer regardless of who they play at defensive end; so while retaining their best exterior pass rusher may seem important, it's probably less so considering the coaching staff and the offensive attention the interior linemen garner. To take such a player away from a divisional rival would make sense. Add to your team and subtract from someone you see twice a year. He is a hard worker, and I don’t think he’s been put in the same association with the dirty play that Suh, VandenBosch, and the rest have.
Drafting – This would be an instant priority, first round caliber. We’re seriously missing not resigning Jenkins right now and would have a much better defense if we could actually put pressure on the QB.
DT – Howard Green – He hasn’t played with the fire that he showed last year. Still, I think he can be had fairly cheap. If we offer him a 1.5-2 million per year contract, I think he jumps at it.
Replacements – Sione Pouha (NYJ) - NT – A solid interior lineman would allow BJ Raji to be exclusively an outside pass rusher, otherwise, look at drafting at the position.
Drafting – This would be a slightly lower priority than DE. A higher round pick would be nice, but not necessary.
OLB – Erik Walden – I can’t see him on our team next year. He’s got a weak pass rush and if often unable to shed tackles to get to the running back. Zombo and So’oto seem to be better players, if one can get healthy, the other will work hard. If he signs for 1.0-1.5 million / year, ok, sure, we sign him, but otherwise, don’t offer him a contract.
Replacements – If we can get a top flight OLB to run next to the Claymaker, jump on him early. Otherwise, I think we can hold off and draft a later pick. I think So’oto will become a very solid player.
ILB – There will be no losses at the position.
Replacements – All of them four have strengths and faults… but they all can make plays and are solid tacklers. Bishop is the future star here. Drafting one lower pick to push the guys wouldn’t hurt, but it’s not necessary.
CB – Jarrett Bush and Pat Lee – Bush would not be a bad resign. He’s rough in coverage, but tackles well and is the hardest worker in our entire group. He’s also very solid in special teams… something Pat Lee showed inept at on the final regular season game of the year. He is a goner. Off field issues mixed with stupid play is a quality the Jets look for in players, not the Packers.
Replacements – Woodson is winding down, Lee is gone. We need to get a top flight guy. There isn’t anyone I’d like from Free Agency, short of Grimes and Carlos Rodgers, and Brandon Carr, but I doubt they’ll be available at a reasonable price. A first or 2nd round pick would be great and hope that Davon House can see the field next year.
S – Nick Collins – I’m hoping that Nick can get back for sure, but a neck injury is scarry. If he comes back, we’re set at the position. If not, we need to sign someone.
Replacements – If Nick doesn’t come back, this becomes a top 3 pick priority. Otherwise, we can forget it.
KP – There are no needs at this position.
Order of Priority
1. Defensive End
a. Robert Mathid
b. Cliff Avril
c. Draft 1st / 2nd Round
2. Outside Linebacker
a. Draft 1st / 2nd / 3rd Round
3. Cornerback
a. Draft 1st / 2nd / 3rd Round
4. Defensive Tackle
a. Sione Pouha
b. Drafting 2nd / 3rd / 4th Round
5. Safety
a. Drafting 2nd / 3rd / 4th / 5th Round only if Collins can’t play
6. Quarterback
a. Drafting 4th / 5th / 6th Round
7. Runningback
a. Drafting 5th / 6th / 7th Round (1st if Richardson is available)
8. Inside Linebacker
a. Drafting 5th / 6th / 7th Round (undrafted FA?)
9. Center
a. Drafting 5th / 6th / 7th Round (undrafted FA?)
10. Tight End
a. Drafting 5th / 6th / 7th Round (undrafted FA? – only if Finley is not reassigned.
11. Offensive Tackle
a. Drafting 6th / 7th (undrafted FA)
12. Offensive Guard
a. Drafting 6th / 7th (undrafted FA)
13. Fullback
a. Undrafted FA
14. Wide Reciever
a. Undrafted FA
FREE AGENT LIST
QB
Drew Brees (NO)
Matt Flynn (GB)
Alex Smith (SF)
Kyle Orton (DEN)
Jason Campbell (OAK
Donovan McNabb (MIN
Derek Anderson (CAR)
Shaun Hill (DET)
Brady Quinn (DEN)
Chad Henne (MIA)
Vince Young (PHI)
Rex Grossman (WAS)
RB
Ray Rice (BAL
Matt Forte (CHI
Ryan Grant (GB)
Peyton Hillis (CLE)
Mike Tolbert (SD)
LaDainian Tomlinson (NYJ)
Cedric Benson (CIN)
Marshawn Lynch (SEA)
Arian Foster (HOU)
Michael Bush (OAK)
Justin Forsett (SEA)
Tim Hightower (WAS)
Kahlil Bell (CHI) - Restricted
LeGarrette Blount (TB) - Exclusive Rights
WR
Reggie Wayne (IND)
Wes Welker (NE)
Vincent Jackson (SD)
DeSean Jackson (PHI)
Dwayne Bowe (KC)
Marques Colston (NO)
Steve Johnson (BUF)
Brandon Lloyd (STL)
Robert Meachem (NO)
Mario Manningham (NYG)
Mike Wallace (PIT) - Restricted
Early Doucet (ARZ)
Earl Bennett (CHI)
Pierre Garcon (IND)
Steve Smith (PHI)
Ted Ginn (SF)
TE
Jermichael Finley (GB)
Fred Davis (WAS)
John Carlson (SEA)
Jacob Tamme (IND)
Visanthe Shiancoe (MIN)
O-LINE
Demetrius Bell (BUF) - OT
Carl Nicks (NO) - OG
Ben Grubbs (BAL) - OG
Chris Myers (HOU) - OC
Jeff Saturday (IND) - OC
Nick Hardwick (SD) - OC
Scott Wells (GB) - OC
D'Anthony Batiste (ARZ) - OT
Levi Brown (ARZ) - OT
Brandon Keith (ARZ) - OT
Mark LeVoir (BAL) - OT
Demetrius Bell (BUF) - OT
Erik Pears (BUF) - OT
Anthony Collins (CIN) - OT
Dennis Roland (CIN) - OT
Oniel Cousins (CLE) - OT
Artis Hicks (CLE) - OT
Guy Whimper (JAC) - OT
Jared Gaither (KC) - OT
Barry Richardson (KC) - OT
Vernon Carey (MIA) - OT
Kareem McKenzie (NYG) - OT
Robert Turner (NYJ) - OT
Khalif Barnes (OAK) - OT
Stephon Heyer (OAK) - OT
King Dunlap (PHI) - OT
Trai Essex (PIT) - OT
Max Starks (PIT) - OT
Breno Giacomini (SEA) - OT
Adam Snyder (SF) - OT
Adam Goldberg (STL) - OT
James Lee (TB) - OT
Mike Otto (TEN) - OT
C.J. Davis (CAR) - OT - Exclusive Rights
Geoff Schwartz (CAR) - OT - Restricted
Garry Williams (CAR) - OT - Restricted
Jermey Parnell (DAL) - OT - Exclusive Rights
Chris Clark (DEN) - OT - Exclusive Rights
Corey Hilliard (DET) - OT - Restricted
Lydon Murtha (MIA) - OT - Restricted
Patrick Brown (MIN) - OT - Exclusive Rights
Brandyn Dombrowski (SD) - OT - Restricted
Alex Boone (SF) - OT - Exclusive Rights
Deuce Lutui (ARZ) - OG
Chad Rinehart (BUF) - OG
Mackenzy Bernadeau (CAR) - OG
Roberto Garza (CHI) - OG
Nate Livings (CIN) - OG
Mike McGlynn (CIN) - OG
Bobbie Williams (CIN) - OG
John Greco (CLE) - OG
Steve Vallos (CLE) - OG
Derrick Dockery (DAL) - OG
Russ Hochstein (DEN) - OG
Ryan Diem (IND) - OG
Dan Connolly (NE) - OG
Stacy Andrews (NYG) - OG
Chilo Rachal (SF) - OG
Jacob Bell (STL) - OG
Jeremy Zuttah (TB) - OG
Jake Scott (TEN) - OG
Kory Lichtensteiger (WAS) - OG
Will Montgomery (WAS) - OG
Kraig Urbik (BUF) - OG - Restricted
Dorian Brooks (PIT) - OG - Exclusive Rights
Ramon Foster (PIT) - OG - Restricted
Todd McClure (ATL) - OC
Matt Birk (BAL) - OC
Andre Gurode (BAL) - OC
Ryan Pontbriand (CLE) - OC
Don Muhlbach (DET) - OC
Casey Wiegmann (KC) - OC
John Sullivan (MIN) - OC
Dan Koppen (NE) - OC
Olin Kreutz (NO) - OC
Scott Mruczkowski (SD) - OC
Ken Amato (TEN) - OC
Edwin Williams (CHI) - OC - Exclusive Rights
Jon Weeks (HOU) - OC - Restricted
Ryan Wendell (NE) - OC - Restricted
Justin Drescher (NO) - OC - Exclusive Rights
Mike Windt (SD) - OC - Exclusive Rights
Fernando Velasco (TEN) - OC - Restricted
Def Ends
Robert Mathis (IND) - DE
Antonio Garay (SD) - NT
Calais Campbell (ARZ) - DE
Jason Jones (TEN) - DT
John Abraham (ATL) - DE
Cliff Avril (DET) - DE
Aubrayo Franklin (NO) - NT
Sione Pouha (NYJ) - NT
Israel Idonije (CHI) - DE
Igor Olshansky (MIA) - DE
Brodrick Bunkley (DEN) - DT
Howard Green (GB) - DT
LBs
Mario Williams (HOU)
Curtis Lofton (ATL)
Anthony Spencer (DAL)
Stephen Tulloch (DET)
Dan Connor (CAR)
London Fletcher (WAS)
E.J. Henderson (MIN)
D'Qwell Jackson (CLE)
Erik Walden (GB)
CBs
Brent Grimes (ATL)
Carlos Rogers (SF)
Cortland Finnegan (TEN)
Brandon Carr (KC)
Tracy Porter (NO)
Terrell Thomas (NYG)
Marcus Trufant (SEA)
Jarrett Bush (GB)
Pat Lee (GB)
Will Allen (MIA)
Al Harris (STL)
Safeties:
LaRon Landry (WAS)
Michael Griffin (TEN)
Chris Harris (DET)
Tyvon Branch (OAK)
Brandon Meriweather (CHI)
Gerald Sensabaugh (DAL)
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Comments
I may have misread
But were you suggesting Mathis and Avril as DE’s? Both would be too small for DE in the 3-4.
Yeah, they are both more of OLBs in the 3-4
Russell Wilson and Montee Ball: The Greatest QB/RB tandem in College Football history.
Tajh Boyd and Dre' Ellington are the future. Don't count out Sammy Watkins.
by BlackPack-fan on Jan 7, 2012 11:11 AM CST up reply actions
Between him suggesting a 250ish pound pure speed rusher as a 3-4 DE
and his J-Mike comments, it’s kind of hard to take this seriously…
I can tell he worked on it for a while, it just doesn’t seem very good.
"I'm here to talk about the economy today -- about the need to get four quarters of strong, consistent performance. That wasn't another Jay Cutler joke, I swear. It could be, but it's not."
just getting one or the other
and if thse are too expensive of options, then we draft someone.
Gotta agree
If Mathis were young it might be worth trying him at OLB. But at this stage of his career it seems like too much risk (in terms of money spent) for it to be worth it.
"I'm a relatively respectable citizen. Multiple felon perhaps, but certainly not dangerous."
— Hunter S. Thompson
by I voted for Kodos on Jan 8, 2012 2:14 PM CST up reply actions
Draft/FA
In the Draft, gotta go for defense, mainly on the front 7.
1st rd- DT/DE (Flecther Cox, Jared Crick, Brandon Thompson, etc)
2nd rd- Rush OLB (Brandon Lindsey, Ronnell Lewis, etc)
3rd rd- DB (If Collins is done, then safety. if not, corner). (Aaron Henry FS Wisc, or a corner)
4th-7th rds- BPA, look to strengthen interior OLine depth. Developmental QB maybe.
I like Mathis, he’s a good fit for 3-4 OLB if he’s willing to play it, and if he likes winning (which the Colts don’t do much of, and it’s all we do) he should give us an opportunity to sign him.
A free agent I really like is Kendall Langford DE, from the Dolphins. His numbers aren’t great because he’s part of a rotation, but he’s got talent and he’s young (25). He won’t cost alot, and while he’s no star, he’s slightly better than Wynn and Wilson, and Neal can’t stay healthy. Perfect fit for the 3-4 DE, he plays it in MIA and is 6’6’ 295, ideal measureables.
Sorry you had to read all of that (you didn’t really have to), anyways good post, yeah it’s early but we have a bye week and other teams started talking about the draft in Week 6 (but that’’s only because they’re playoff chances were shot by then lol).
Russell Wilson and Montee Ball: The Greatest QB/RB tandem in College Football history.
Tajh Boyd and Dre' Ellington are the future. Don't count out Sammy Watkins.
I'd switch the 1st two
Go OLB in the 1st, DL in the 2nd, maybe even trade up for Upshaw if he falls to the late part of the round. Otherwise, maybe a guy like Perry/Jenkins/Curry/Lewis. Besides, aren’t Cox & Thompson more 4-3 DL guys rather than 3-4? Crick is projected to fall out of the 1st (and I’ve seen as late as 4th round). Devon Still likely won’t be there, and he’s about the only guy who would be worth a 1st round pick.
13.
Build Lasers And Stuff For More Ownage, Dude!
I think Crick will be there in the 2nd round.
Maybe not all the way to GB’s pick, but they could trade up from the 2nd or trade back from the 1st and still get him. I’d love to have him if they could find a 3-4 Rush OLB in the 1st.
Mathis is unreasonable. Why would a great 4-3 end risk a position switch at this point in his career.
"I'm here to talk about the economy today -- about the need to get four quarters of strong, consistent performance. That wasn't another Jay Cutler joke, I swear. It could be, but it's not."
I agree
Crick’s injury and slowing production before the injury is going to push him down draft boards. This class has a bunch of 5 techs, so we can get one in the second or third. However, there are not a lot of impact 34 OLB’s in this class (at least that don’t require to much development), especially with Brandon Jenkins going back. If we want an impact OLB, 1st round is the likely spot to target them.
the two DEs you listed are 4-3 DEs, not 3-4 DEs, and they are completely different positions
Also, your player/coach idea is pretty farfetched.
football does not build character, it reveals character.
One can dream, though
I’d love coach/emergency player Donald Driver. It’s something I’ll only be able to dream about but it’s a beautiful dream!
"I'm a relatively respectable citizen. Multiple felon perhaps, but certainly not dangerous."
— Hunter S. Thompson
by I voted for Kodos on Jan 8, 2012 2:22 PM CST up reply actions
Couple things...
I seriously doubt DD becomes a coach right away. Maybe after a couple years.
I think Wells is gone. Not much money to sign him and he is going to want top C money (which is deserved).
And we don’t really need to go over THIS again…
I’m not sure we really need him, especially with such a deep TE corps as well as his ability to make the easiest catches turn into drops and the hardest catches into the spectacular.
SUPER BOWL CHAMPS
Sounds like the logic for getting rid of Jones last year
13.
Build Lasers And Stuff For More Ownage, Dude!
Welsl will be back IMO and we will have the money
i think it is Driver, Clifton and Grant’s last year. That is 3 really big salaries gone
Clifton and Driver would save about 10.5 million next year.
I will wait until I see how he does in the playoffs to decide whether or not Clifton should come back. As for Driver, if he doesn’t return it will be because he retires. I really don’t see the team cutting him after the season.
Packers' Magic Numbers:
Clinch Division = DONE!!!
Clinch 1st Rd Bye = DONE!!!
Clinch Homefield = DONE!!!
Not sure if Grant will be gone
He’s not going to command a big salary, and if he’s willing to come back as a platoon/backup RB than I’d love for them to resign him.
"I'm here to talk about the economy today -- about the need to get four quarters of strong, consistent performance. That wasn't another Jay Cutler joke, I swear. It could be, but it's not."
I don't know how much they'd be willing to pay him
and how much he’d be willing to accept.
13.
Build Lasers And Stuff For More Ownage, Dude!
Veteran minumum v. undrafted rookie
Salary might have the final say on this one.
"I'm a relatively respectable citizen. Multiple felon perhaps, but certainly not dangerous."
— Hunter S. Thompson
by I voted for Kodos on Jan 8, 2012 2:23 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah, my thoughts exactly.
Considering Saine/Starks/Green are all under contract.
13.
Build Lasers And Stuff For More Ownage, Dude!
If Collins is done, what about taking a look at Landry?
I know its not TT’s style to sign FA’s and I guess I don’t know enough about him to make an educated opinion but what does everyone else think? Other than the question mark at safety, I think they are fairly well covered in the secondary and won’t make any big FA signing for a CB, but could draft some secondary help in the later rounds.
I could also see an OLB or two drafted in the early to mid rounds, but I think that is another area where they are pretty much set along with ILB. Therefore, the draft should concentrate on the DL, and more specifically DE. I don’t see them making a FA signing for anyone listed, but there may be a buy low type of guy in there that they may take a chance on.
Plus, I think this year showed that you can never have too much depth on the OL so I expect to see a couple picks spent on that along with a back-up QB. I may sound like a Wisconsin homer on this, but maybe Russell Wilson wouldn’t be a bad fit for a late round QB. I haven’t seen him projected higher than a 4th or 5th rounder, but he seems like his style would fit in GB.
Packers' Magic Numbers:
Clinch Division = DONE!!!
Clinch 1st Rd Bye = DONE!!!
Clinch Homefield = DONE!!!
IMO
If Collins is done it might be time to officially move C-Wood to safety and then draft or sign a NB to replace him
"I'm here to talk about the economy today -- about the need to get four quarters of strong, consistent performance. That wasn't another Jay Cutler joke, I swear. It could be, but it's not."
From another Wisconsin homer
I’d love to see us pick up their center. I realize he’ll be drafted too high for it to be worth it – considering our defensive needs – but he’s amazing. But I really think we need to reinvigorate the pass rush to get our defense back to 2010 form.
"I'm a relatively respectable citizen. Multiple felon perhaps, but certainly not dangerous."
— Hunter S. Thompson
by I voted for Kodos on Jan 8, 2012 2:28 PM CST up reply actions
I wouldn't mind Konz at #32
I don’t think there’s any way he lasts that long, though. I think he’d easily be BPA at that point.
13.
Build Lasers And Stuff For More Ownage, Dude!
You don't seem to understand...
All these smallish DE don’t wanna learn to play standing up… It very difficult to go from playing w/ your hand on the ground to learning to play on your feet all the time. So all those guys like Mathis and Avril that are gonna want big $$$, don’t wanna learn to play an entirely new position. And even if they are willing, do we really wanna waste big money on them while they learn, IF they can learn? Hell NO… You can’t just take a guy that has been playing DE and stand him up and say play OLB! IT’s really difficult to adjust too.
Secondly, Neal showed alot in limited snaps last year. We still don’t really know what they have in him. Even when he came back from injury this year, he’s been playing in Pain. This offseason will give him the time to fully recover and become pain free. I don’t know if I wanna count on him, but they aren’t going to cut him either. So while you may think thats the right thing to do, its an entirely different matter to cut ties w/ him. Gotta give him a chance next year. I don’t see them using a 1st round pick on a DE, unless he’s a stud, and those guys don’t last till the end of the 1st. Pitt drafted Ziggy Hood at bout 28 or 30 and have spent the last 3 years developing him into a contributor. Its not like they’ll be getting a sure-fire contributor at the bottom of the 1st. More likely to get an OLB at the end of the 1st that can contribute.
I think if they can get an OLB late 1st and a CB in the 2nd they’ll be happy. I wouldn’t be surprised if Guy turns into a player at DE either. I don’t see them drafting a Safety in the top rounds. I don’t think theres a Safety in this draft thats a 1st round pick.
Packers are a draft and Develop team, so they are going to give guys like Neal, House and Guy a chance before they reach for a player that might not be much better in the late 2nd.
Definitely gotta pass on guys like Mathis and Avril. That would be a waste of alot of $$$ for very little return.
Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!
Jets got Wilkerson late last year
I was really hoping he would fall to us, but not quite. I was pleased with Sherrod as a consolation prize. Thanks, Pete Carroll, LOL.
13.
Build Lasers And Stuff For More Ownage, Dude!
I Really Wanted Wilkerson...
Would have taken him in a heart beat over Sherrod. He had a pretty good year but nothing I would call impact. I think he’ll become an impact kinda player, but he wasn’t really this year. He would have easily been my choice instead of Sherrod. And after he went, I was quite happy to get Sherrod.
Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!
by Strohman on Jan 7, 2012 11:16 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, we agree again
13.
Build Lasers And Stuff For More Ownage, Dude!
by Wiedmann on Jan 7, 2012 11:47 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Lawrence Guy
He is really interesting. Declared early for the draft, but his learning disorder help push him down boards. He definitely has a lot of potential for us as a DE.
Brees is a FA. What about signing Brees to back up Rodgers?
He’s a FA who could be cheaper than franchise-tagging Flynn, since Brees is much older.
I know Packers organization may be against signing a dome cat to play in a frozen tundra, but it could be worth giving it a shot, especially if Brees’ price is not outrageous. Maybe he will balk at a chance to win a second SB, albeit as a backup.
by Rodgers_for_MVP on Jan 7, 2012 10:41 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Nah, Flynn will set the market too high & Brees will be out of our price range.
13.
Build Lasers And Stuff For More Ownage, Dude!
Screw that
Grossman for the role of clipboard holder!
by king.nothing on Jan 7, 2012 11:54 PM CST up reply actions
You know watching him on the sidelines would be fun.
Go far Harrell! No farther! Farther! Kevin Greene get on him. Darren Perry and Joe Whitt you join in also. Slocum, what you doing? Coaching? You don’t know how to coach, get in there. Now Harrell you watch this. This is what the Ole Gunslinger would do back in the day. Back before that little bitch on the field took his place and ran this team to shit. And I expect you to catch it. You know what, move back even farther. Now farther. Thats good. Just jump high and bring it down.
Throws it. Slocum calls for fair catch. Ball sails short on Harrell.
Well I’ll be damn. There is a crazy cross wind here. Where is my clipboard.
by king.nothing on Jan 8, 2012 12:25 AM CST up reply actions 4 recs
then we can get "good rex" when we bench Rodgers when we're 14-1 next year.
and he can throw for 400 yards and 5 TDS and we can have the same system QB shit we’ve had for the last week.
by Nels Winkler on Jan 9, 2012 12:02 AM CST up reply actions
My Opinion and Order
Defensive End
Draft 1st / 2nd Round
-TT motto: We build from within. I doubt he goes out and gets a free agent. Plus Mathis is going to want some big money. Money we don’t have and if we did, we spend on resigning Raji and Matthews.
Outside Linebacker
Draft 1st / 2nd Round
-Personally like Ronell Lewis out of Oklahoma. If he falls in first round, grab him. Great addition outside of Clay.
Cornerback
Draft 3rd/ 4th Round
-Start to groom the successor to Woodson, even though technically it would be the successor to Tramon because Woodson’s crown will soon become Tramon’s.
Defensive Tackle
Draft 3rd / 4th Round
-Depends on Collins. If he can play then use our 3rd on DT. If he can’t I would secure a Safety with the 3rd and a DT with the 4th. The player would play limited downs with Raji playing DT dominantly so it doesn’t need to be a superstar that can rush Raji out of his spot.
Safety
Draft 3rd / 4th Round
-If Collins can’t play. If he can, then possibly not picking a Safety at all and looking at undrafted.
Quarterback
Draft 5th / 6th/ 7th Round
-Draft is loaded with QBs that could be "project quarterbacks." Russell Wilson, Kellen Moore, and Brandon Weeden to name a few. I doubt Weeden falls that far but if he does, great pick up. I would like to see Wilson but I think Moore’s style would fit the Packers mold.
Offensive Tackle/Guard/Center
Draft 5th/ 6th / 7th
-I’m grouping them all together. The reason for it is we have some great youth there but we also have some guys that are getting up there. Wells is going to possibly want some big time money. In the last few rounds, I would take a center for sure and possibly a tackle and guard for depth. I would try to find a Evan Dietrich-Smith, that could play multiple positions. Also, EDS can play some Center.
Running back
- We have Starks, Saine, and Green. In a pass dominated team, they are plenty. Maybe look at undrafted rookie for Practice Squad, but that is about it.
Inside Linebacker
-Undrafted rookie.
Tight End
-Even without Finley, I would be fine with Quarless, Crabtree, Taylor and Williams. Undrafted rookie at best.
Fullback
-Kuhn is all we need. Plus we have Jon Hoese in case something bad happens.
Wide Reciever
-Our talent pool is amazing here. Even our Practice Squad has full of talent. Avoid everything here. If anything, look at trading Jones for some draft picks and promote a guy. If Driver hangs them up, promote a guy. Smithson and Gurley look like they could be some key players in the future for us.
Yes.
EDS is the backup Center and its his “natural” position, much more so than OG.
Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!
Yeah
But looking over his college stats, he really never started that position. I mean, it states he has played all over the line during college and I haven’t looked at pro but when was the last time he played Center?
Though having a guy like EDS and Newhouse who can play more than just LT or RG is going to help our line out extremely well.
by king.nothing on Jan 8, 2012 11:31 AM CST up reply actions
This is much more likely than the one written above
SUPER BOWL CHAMPS
by Chief Oshkosh on Jan 8, 2012 2:15 PM CST up reply actions
Raji has been far from dominant this season
In fact, if you read any of the articles about pro-bowl voting, he may be one of the most undeserving pro bowl participants in the game. He’s not gotten any inside pass rush this year and has been a real disappointment when considering how he played toward the end of last year. I don’t know if he’s tired because he’s playing a lot of snaps, but he hasn’t made the kind of impact that one would expect of someone who needs to be locked up.
by ceverettsdinosaurs on Jan 8, 2012 3:37 PM CST up reply actions
Not dominat in the sense of a power force
Dominat in the sense of he takes 85-90% of the snaps.
Me too...
and boy are my fingers tired!
/rimshot
In Every Climb and Place....
by PhoenicianPakFan on Jan 8, 2012 9:21 PM CST up reply actions
...
Taked baby. Meet at later bar, night or day sometime.
by Charlie Kelly on Jan 9, 2012 10:06 AM CST up reply actions
Nose tackles and 3-4 DEs normally don’t get many sacks. Raji’s 6.5 sacks and interception last year were exceptional.
When people say that Raji has had a bad year because his sack total is down, it simply means they are “stat” people and not “football” people. In a 3-4 the DL occupies space and keeps blockers off the LBs. The really good ones also get some penetration. But sacks are a bonus.
by MikeDB on Jan 8, 2012 8:00 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs
I agree that sacks aren't everything, but take a look at this quote from Profootballfocus:
“While the Pro Bowl is now considered a universal symbol of inadequacy, certain selections go beyond poor and border on the surreal. In what world can a player as big as B.J. Raji (-3.5) play so poorly for so long and still make the trip? It’s inconceivable to think of a 350lb man as invisible, but despite playing 79% of all defensive snaps, his play is generally undetectable.
In 885 snaps he’s picked up three sacks, one hit, 16 hurries and 13 tackles. Thirteen. One-three. In almost 200 less snaps Brandon Mebane has 37. Thirteen is the same number as the following NFC interior linemen with their snaps in parentheses; Shaun Rodgers (301), Trevor Laws (315), Dan Williams (244), Matt Toeaina (401), Letroy Guion (508).
No doubt we’ll have some comments below about how "he was always double-teamed" or "he was standing up the center so someone else could make a play". I hope not, because that would be rubbish; complete unadulterated nonsense. The truth is he’s been terrible, but no one with a vote watches enough football to either do the right thing or care. If one of the 50 souls with an All-Pro vote sees fit to waste it on him then they should have it confiscated immediately. If you are interested in what he contributed in this game then there is plenty of footage of him leaning on Detroit linemen and absolutely none of him helping his team."
http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2012/01/02/re-focused-lions-packers-week-17/
My point is that, Raji has not been good this year, irrespective of his sack numbers. And he’s not just there to take up space. The people who wrote the above quote chart every play and grade the performance of the individual players (similar to how the Packers do to evaluate player performance after each game). They have concluded that Raji has not played well. Stats tell the story, but it’s also hard to remember watching Packer games this year and remembering him making much of an impact. I never brought up sacks in my original point, just that he hadn’t provided pass rush.
by ceverettsdinosaurs on Jan 9, 2012 10:53 PM CST up reply actions
Does it even matter?
No Packers are playing in the Pro Bowl anyway.
Packers: Working on a dynasty.
Blackhawks: Taking care of business as usual.
Badgers: Chin up, boys.
Brewers: Move along, nothin' to see here.
Raji
I’m hoping that things will be different next year. I had a feeling his performance would drop the moment I found out Pickett was taking over the NT position. Moving Raji back to NT and getting another pass rusher or 2 in the draft by OLB or DE will help rejuvinate Raji.
One game at a time...
Really?
I’m not sure we really need him, especially with such a deep TE corps as well as his ability to make the easiest catches turn into drops and the hardest catches into the spectacular. The other TEs have 0 drops I think this season, whereas Finley leads the team…
It’s easy to not drop the ball when you can’t get open for Rodgers to throw to you…
"I'm here to talk about the economy today -- about the need to get four quarters of strong, consistent performance. That wasn't another Jay Cutler joke, I swear. It could be, but it's not."
More picks
Quinn Johnson was traded to the Tennessee Titans for an undisclosed draft pick and
Caleb Schlauderaff was traded to the New York Jets for an undisclosed draft pick.
Does anybody know what these draft picks will turn into? Normally, they are 7th Round picks. Just curious if anybody has heard of anything.
The Quinn Johnson trade will net us nothing
Not sure about Schlauderaff, probably will be a 6th or 7th.
13.
Build Lasers And Stuff For More Ownage, Dude!
Draft Needs and Free Agents
Pass rush is to NFL defense what location is to real estate.
I really hope we find a guy who can get to the QB with our first pick. And maybe even our second pick.
As far as the free agents are concerned, I’d love to pick up LaRon Landry if he’s available at a reasonable price (and if Nick Collins can’t play). I like some of the corners, too. But none of the linebackers seem realistic, nor do any of the D-linemen. I’d like Aubrayo Franklin but that just can’t happen unless Pickett decides to retire.
"I'm a relatively respectable citizen. Multiple felon perhaps, but certainly not dangerous."
— Hunter S. Thompson
by I voted for Kodos on Jan 8, 2012 2:39 PM CST reply actions
DL and Safety
Can Davon House learn something from Admiral Armbar?(Trammon remember 2009)
Move C-Wood to safety to replace Nick if need be. Draft something called Jerel Worthy with the last pick in the draft. Front three of Ryan Picket, BJ Raji and Jerel Worthy with rotating the injury riddeled back ups, Mike Neal etc……
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