The Packers haven't yet cut their roster from 75 to 53 (which must be completed by 6 PM EST), but they have made a move. Baltimore has traded CB Derrick Martin to Green Bay for a conditional draft choice in 2010.
So who is Derrick Martin? A sixth round pick in 2006 out of the University of Wyoming, he's a 5'10", 200 pound cornerback that the Ravens were experimenting in moving to safety. According to scouting reports, he's got a knack for big hits at the expense of solid tackling mechanics. He also has decent coverage abilities, racking up 7 deflections and 2 interceptions in limited playing time in 2007. His most impressive highlight was this in the 2008 preseason against Minnesota.
(Note the scowl on Childress' face. Let's hope we see that several times this year, hopefully on similar plays involving another #4 for Minnesota.)
So why did Green Bay pick him up? He's a solid DB coming from a team that had a surplus of solid DBs and looks to compete for the Dime back spot with Will Blackmon, Brandon Underwood, and Pat Lee. This move could leave Green Bay with a tough decision roster-wise. Woodson, Harris, Williams, and Blackmon are locks for the roster at CB. Pat Lee may or may not go on IR. Assuming he does (thus opening up a roster spot), does the team keep both Martin and Underwood, a sixth round pick back in April? Or do they try to stash Underwood on the practice squad?
In any case, the last time I remember Thompson trading a conditional draft pick for a player on a team that had a surplus at the position netted us Ryan Grant. At the very worst, this trade gives us depth and flexibility in the defensive backfield. My only hope in the long run is that Pat Lee can somehow get healthy so that we don't have to keep stashing him on IR.
UPDATE: For a post that wasn't slapped together haphazardly, check out Brandon's piece here.