**Not-so-offical Green Bay Packers Off-season Thread** (1 Viewer)

[Eviloutsider]

Questions to be answered...

-Does Jennings get a new contract?

-Does Taucher and Clifton come back?

-Does Sanders get canned?

-Does Stock come back as special teams coach?

-Do Driver and Al Harris fit into Thompson's younger team philosophy?

-Do they pick up any free agents to fill in the gaps (OL, DL, and LB)?

-Who are they picking at 9?

Others?

 

[scott72]

I don't have answers to all those questions, but I was reading though some stats earlier and couldn't believe what I saw..Check these numbers out and tell me how we ended up 6-10..

Total Points Scored - GB 419, OPP 380

Points Per Game - GB 26.2, OPP 23.8

Yards Per Game - GB 351.1, OPP 334.3

First Downs - GB 299, OPP 295

Sacks (defense) - GB 27, OPP 34

Interceptions (defense) - GB 22, OPP 13

Field Goal % - GB 79.4%, OPP 83.3%

Time of Possession - GB 31:37, OPP 28:56

Turnover Ratio - +7

Interception Return Yards - GB 685, OPP 70

Two 1000 yard receivers. A 1000 yard rusher. QB threw for over 4000 yards with 28 TD's and 13 INT's. 3 defenders with 5 or more INT's.

By comparison, the 2007 squad - 13-3

One 1000 yard receiver. Zero 1000 yard rushers. QB threw for over 4000 yards with 28 TDs and 15 INTs. 1 defender with 5 or more INTs.

Crazy eh?? Talk about underachieving..

 

[Ozymandias]

Hmmm...I wonder how the decision to go with Rodgers is looking now?

 

[Eviloutsider]

I don't know what happened this past year but I sure as hell would put the house on over 7.5 wins for next year.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Does Mason Crosby get some competition? He's been good, but blew two huge games with misses in clutch situations that a good kicker should make. The Packers really should have been 6-0 in the division this year.

Otherwise, Stock definitely gone, Tausch definitely gone and I don't want any part of Albert Haynesworth.

 

[scott72]

Does Mason Crosby get some competition? He's been good, but blew two huge games with misses in clutch situations that a good kicker should make. The Packers really should have been 6-0 in the division this year.Otherwise, Stock definitely gone, Tausch definitely gone and I don't want any part of Albert Haynesworth.

Stock and Sanders are toast. Tausch is done, Cliffy may be done too..I'm not sold on Wells at C either. Big changes for the O line next year me thinks. TT is a fool if he doesn't get Jennings signed. I think Harris and Woodson stick for another year. The draft is obviously huge. Need a lot of help on the D line.

 

[hauser42]

Sanders and Stock are out the door by the end of next week.

Jennings will be signed dont see Ted letting one of his own get away.

Tauscher will retire as Packer and enjoy the rest of his life.

Clifton and Wells will be back for one more season. Spitz and Colledge will take over for them in 2010.

Harris and Woodson are not going anywhere as they will play better with a better pass rush.

Day one picks are made to fix d-line and depth in O-line.

 

[Eviloutsider]

Another question is do we make any major changes to the schemes (3-4 or getting rid of zone blocking)?

 

[Eviloutsider]

Does Mason Crosby get some competition? He's been good, but blew two huge games with misses in clutch situations that a good kicker should make. The Packers really should have been 6-0 in the division this year.Otherwise, Stock definitely gone, Tausch definitely gone and I don't want any part of Albert Haynesworth.

Stock and Sanders are toast. Tausch is done, Cliffy may be done too..I'm not sold on Wells at C either. Big changes for the O line next year me thinks. TT is a fool if he doesn't get Jennings signed. I think Harris and Woodson stick for another year. The draft is obviously huge. Need a lot of help on the D line.

An O-line without Clifton, Wells, or Taush would be scary. Clifton is the only one I don't trust anymore.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

-Does Jennings get a new contract?

If he doesn't, TT should be fired immediately afterward.

-Does Taucher and Clifton come back?

Clifton looks done. Tauscher will depend on his recovery from surgery. Seems like a good locker room guy, smart player who is used to being one of the least athletic guys on the field anyway. Not sure a knee injury really hurts him that much post-rehab.

-Does Sanders get canned?

Uh, I sure hope so.

-Does Stock come back as special teams coach?

See previous response. This guy did a horrible job, and then tried to pass the buck complaining that we cut backup LB and special teams standout T White. Newsflash Coach Stock: if your success depends solely on one player, it might be nice to speak up before he gets cut.

-Do Driver and Al Harris fit into Thompson's younger team philosophy?

TT needs a few MORE veterans. He certainly doesn't need to cut quality guys who can still play. DD and Harris should be back.

-Do they pick up any free agents to fill in the gaps (OL, DL, and LB)?

Probably. Hopefully we get someone better than, say, Joe Johnson. Or that scrub ex-Pats player who we signed 2-3 years ago (Adrian Klemm...was that his name?).

-Who are they picking at 9?

Who knows with TT. Hopefully not the next Justin Harrell.

 

[coyote5]

Does Mason Crosby get some competition? He's been good, but blew two huge games with misses in clutch situations that a good kicker should make. The Packers really should have been 6-0 in the division this year.

A missed 50~ yarder, and a blocked field goal??? Meh.

 

[GreenNGold]

We need a new GM this off-season.

 

[Chachi]

If Stafford is around look for the Packers to draft a real QB.

 

[griz145389]

I think the Packers are in for another rough year next year. Too many holes too fill on the O and D lines. And between Teds tendency to not sign free agents, and his lack of success of getting good players at those positions, I don't see a way that the huge problem areas for the Packers will be fixed.

Not too mention those corners aren't getting any younger.....

I agree that Sanders and Stock will most likely be canned soon. Next year if they continue to stink, which I think is a good probability, Mccarthy will probably be gone. Then Ted will really be on the hot seat.

 

[Crippler]

I agree with the one poster that if they do not take care of getting another DE or hope that Thompson develops because Montgomery is backup material, that it will be a rough season. With that in mind, I would let Driver go but make sure I throw that money at Jennings. Jones and Nelson would move up to the #2 and 3 spots and there is nothing wrong with letting these young guys develop with Rodgers. Now if Thompson spends some money this year and can bring in some players to help, than by all means keep Driver but that is not his MO and thus Driver should go. Harris/Woodson I keep though as I think Packers can survive without Driver but what is behind these 2. Tramon Williams and Patrick Lee. Not very enticing.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Does Mason Crosby get some competition? He's been good, but blew two huge games with misses in clutch situations that a good kicker should make. The Packers really should have been 6-0 in the division this year.

A missed 50~ yarder, and a blocked field goal??? Meh.

A good kicker should make a 52 yard kick in a dome with the game on the line - that's the difference between a good kicker and a just-a-guy kicker. The block in Chicago, according to McCarthy, was due to a low kick (not blocking, snap or hold).I don't think the team is as bad as the record indicates. With a few breaks, they could have / should have won 9 or 10 games. They need to mature and learn to focus for 60 minutes. They were only really outplayed twice (cowboys and saints) and still have good talent at most positions in comparison to the NFC North. There are a few really bright spots that emerged this season - Rodgers obviously, but also Spitz, Finley, Collins.I thought Clifton played much better than Tauscher this season, Spitz really emerged, and Colledge and Sitton could develop into good NFL starters with a good offseason. If Wells can stay healthy, he'll be fine, but won't ever be a Birk or Kreuz.btw: Interesting note in the packers blog today regarding Grant losing some big bonus money on Sunday when his long run was reversed:

Grant out cash; Aided by official?By Greg A. Bedard of the Journal SentinelDec. 29, 2008 Green Bay - Instant replay can’t just cost a team a game, it can hurt the wallet, too.When referee Ed Hochuli reversed the ruling on the field that Ryan Grant had scored an 80-yard touchdown run in the third quarter Sunday against the Detroit Lions – and instead had just a 21-yard gain -- Grant lost $1.35 million.Grant could have earned a $1.5 million bonus if he reached 1,250 yards for the season. He only earned $500,000 for finishing with 1,203. Grant also could have earned another $600,000 for placing in the top five among NFC rushers. Grant finished sixth – 35 yards behind Matt Forte of the Bears – to pocket $150,000.“Yeah, that’s the way the ball bounces,” Grant said. “I told (running backs coach Edgar Bennett), ‘If we were playing in your day, that’s a touchdown. No replay.’”Grant said one of the game officials encouraged him to keep going on the run.“I’ve been playing football a long time, I run to the whistle,” Grant said. “I saw the ref running with me, saying ‘Grant, you weren’t down, keep running.’ When I got to the end zone he said, ‘Good job, you weren’t down.’ I was like, ‘There you go.’“He was running by the sideline, I wasn’t talking to him. He’s like, ‘No, no keep running.’ …First time a ref ever said anything to me.”On the television broadcast, there was no evidence of an official near Grant although he did look to someone in the end zone off camera.A league official did not comment when asked whether player-official communication was allowed during a play.

 

[Phase of the Game]

Does Mason Crosby get some competition? He's been good, but blew two huge games with misses in clutch situations that a good kicker should make. The Packers really should have been 6-0 in the division this year.

A missed 50~ yarder, and a blocked field goal??? Meh.

A good kicker should make a 52 yard kick in a dome with the game on the line - that's the difference between a good kicker and a just-a-guy kicker. The block in Chicago, according to McCarthy, was due to a low kick (not blocking, snap or hold).I don't think the team is as bad as the record indicates. With a few breaks, they could have / should have won 9 or 10 games. They need to mature and learn to focus for 60 minutes. They were only really outplayed twice (cowboys and saints)

Take the TT homer glasses off for a minute, please.They were outplayed by Houston, Tampa Bay and even the game they lost against the Vikings at the Metrodome. The Vikings had 18 first downs compared to only 12 for the Packers. The Vikings outgained the Packers 361-184 and controlled the ball for 36 minutes compared to 23 for Green Bay.

 

[jurrassic]

Questions to be answered...

-Does Jennings get a new contract?

Jennings will have his deal done by training camp.

-Does Taucher and Clifton come back?

Clifton will be back for one more year. Tauscher will not be. Look for a starting line of Clifton, Spitz, Wells, Sitton and Colledge at RT

-Does Sanders get canned?

He will be gone. The interesting thing is whether McCarthy will promote Moss or try and shake it up by signing a veteran D-coordinator

-Does Stock come back as special teams coach?

He will be gone as well

-Do Driver and Al Harris fit into Thompson's younger team philosophy?

Both of these guys will definitely be back. Driver still has it and is a hell of leader and still a pretty good bargain. Harris played great when he returned.

-Do they pick up any free agents to fill in the gaps (OL, DL, and LB)?

I don't see the Packers making any move on the OL in free agency. They have alot of young guys and seem to really like Sitton. Barbre is still someone who could come on and they seem to like the progress of the kid from Louisville. Their philosophy will be to let these guys develop. I also don't see them picking up anyone at LB. With Barnett coming back and Bishop playing fairly well, I think they will let those 5 guys battle it out.

DL help is needed across the board. Jenkings will be back, but they have nothing behind him and Kampmann and their DT rotation is not good. The problem will be in who is out there. I think DT will be their pick in the first round, and they may try to sign a 3rd down rush end in free agency.

-Who are they picking at 9?

DT. This team can't stop the run and with Jenkins and Kampmann on the edges, they will want a guy who can start right away. Jolly and Cole are not starters in this league. Also, with a new defensive coordinator, a change to a more aggressive blitzing defense will most likely occur, which will require big DT to occupy blockers.

Others?

 

[Eviloutsider]

It seems like I am in the minority but I like Thompson's approach. With that in mind I do feel as though he will spend money this year on a big(ger) FA more than likely on the line though there are a number of LB that would be an upgrade.

 

[Sabertooth]

We need a new GM this off-season.

 

[Sabertooth]

Does Mason Crosby get some competition? He's been good, but blew two huge games with misses in clutch situations that a good kicker should make. The Packers really should have been 6-0 in the division this year.

A missed 50~ yarder, and a blocked field goal??? Meh.

A good kicker should make a 52 yard kick in a dome with the game on the line - that's the difference between a good kicker and a just-a-guy kicker. The block in Chicago, according to McCarthy, was due to a low kick (not blocking, snap or hold).I don't think the team is as bad as the record indicates. With a few breaks, they could have / should have won 9 or 10 games. They need to mature and learn to focus for 60 minutes. They were only really outplayed twice (cowboys and saints)

Take the TT homer glasses off for a minute, please.They were outplayed by Houston, Tampa Bay and even the game they lost against the Vikings at the Metrodome. The Vikings had 18 first downs compared to only 12 for the Packers. The Vikings outgained the Packers 361-184 and controlled the ball for 36 minutes compared to 23 for Green Bay.

True, they had no bidness even being in the Vikes game. That said, they had a chance to win it late and couldn't.

 

[Aaronstory]

Questions to be answered...

-Does Jennings get a new contract?

Yes

-Does Taucher and Clifton come back?

Yes

-Does Sanders get canned?

Yes

-Does Stock come back as special teams coach?

No

-Do Driver and Al Harris fit into Thompson's younger team philosophy?

They stay

-Do they pick up any free agents to fill in the gaps (OL, DL, and LB)?

Yes - but not Haynesworth

-Who are they picking at 9?

They trade down

Others?

 

[TitusIII]

Is they decide Grant isn't the right back for the next 5 Packers teams, how easy is his contract to un-load? He 'aint a bad back, but should they go in another direction...

 

[Phase of the Game]

Questions to be answered...

-Does Jennings get a new contract?

Yes

-Does Taucher and Clifton come back?

Yes

-Does Sanders get canned?

Yes

-Does Stock come back as special teams coach?

No

-Do Driver and Al Harris fit into Thompson's younger team philosophy?

They stay

-Do they pick up any free agents to fill in the gaps (OL, DL, and LB)?

Yes - but not Haynesworth

-Who are they picking at 9?

They trade down

Others?

I sure hope that TT doesn't trade down at #9. It seems most of the Packers beat writers fell the same way. He needs to get some impact players and stop loading up on 2nd day picks.

 

[Aaronstory]

Is they decide Grant isn't the right back for the next 5 Packers teams, how easy is his contract to un-load? He 'aint a bad back, but should they go in another direction...

They should, but McCarthy is in love with him, for whatever reason.

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

Questions to be answered...

-Does Jennings get a new contract?

Yes

-Does Taucher and Clifton come back?

Yes

-Does Sanders get canned?

Yes

-Does Stock come back as special teams coach?

No

-Do Driver and Al Harris fit into Thompson's younger team philosophy?

They stay

-Do they pick up any free agents to fill in the gaps (OL, DL, and LB)?

Yes - but not Haynesworth

-Who are they picking at 9?

They trade down

Others?

I sure hope that TT doesn't trade down at #9. It seems most of the Packers beat writers fell the same way. He needs to get some impact players and stop loading up on 2nd day picks.

Has he ever traded down in the first?

 

[Aaronstory]

Questions to be answered...

-Does Jennings get a new contract?

Yes

-Does Taucher and Clifton come back?

Yes

-Does Sanders get canned?

Yes

-Does Stock come back as special teams coach?

No

-Do Driver and Al Harris fit into Thompson's younger team philosophy?

They stay

-Do they pick up any free agents to fill in the gaps (OL, DL, and LB)?

Yes - but not Haynesworth

-Who are they picking at 9?

They trade down

Others?

I sure hope that TT doesn't trade down at #9. It seems most of the Packers beat writers fell the same way. He needs to get some impact players and stop loading up on 2nd day picks.

That was mostly a joke, though it wouldn't surprise me. It also wouldn't surprise me for him to pick any player at any position. Thompson has shown he straight up refuses to draft for need.

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

It seems like I am in the minority but I like Thompson's approach. With that in mind I do feel as though he will spend money this year on a big(ger) FA more than likely on the line though there are a number of LB that would be an upgrade.

I do too, and yes, we're the minority.However I do agree on this year. I think he'll make a move or two in Free Agency to shore up some weaknesses. We'll see.

 

[Aaronstory]

Questions to be answered...

-Does Jennings get a new contract?

Yes

-Does Taucher and Clifton come back?

Yes

-Does Sanders get canned?

Yes

-Does Stock come back as special teams coach?

No

-Do Driver and Al Harris fit into Thompson's younger team philosophy?

They stay

-Do they pick up any free agents to fill in the gaps (OL, DL, and LB)?

Yes - but not Haynesworth

-Who are they picking at 9?

They trade down

Others?

I sure hope that TT doesn't trade down at #9. It seems most of the Packers beat writers fell the same way. He needs to get some impact players and stop loading up on 2nd day picks.

Has he ever traded down in the first?

Last year - out of the first round.

 

[Phase of the Game]

Questions to be answered...

-Does Jennings get a new contract?

Yes

-Does Taucher and Clifton come back?

Yes

-Does Sanders get canned?

Yes

-Does Stock come back as special teams coach?

No

-Do Driver and Al Harris fit into Thompson's younger team philosophy?

They stay

-Do they pick up any free agents to fill in the gaps (OL, DL, and LB)?

Yes - but not Haynesworth

-Who are they picking at 9?

They trade down

Others?

I sure hope that TT doesn't trade down at #9. It seems most of the Packers beat writers fell the same way. He needs to get some impact players and stop loading up on 2nd day picks.

Has he ever traded down in the first?

Yes, last year. They need to get an impact defensive player at #9 this year.During his tenure with the Seahawks, Thompson traded down six times, amassing 46 choices in five drafts, or 12 more than the league average. He took the same approach in Green Bay, trading down nine times in three drafts, selecting a league-high 34 players prior to the 2008 draft.

Then in 2008

“Trader Ted” was true to form. For the 10th time in his four drafts as Green Bay’s GM, Ted Thompson traded down, delivering the Packers’ first-round pick to the Jets in exchange for the Jets’ No. 2 pick (36th overall) and an extra fourth-round pick. Thompson then used that No. 2 pick to select Kansas State WR Jordy Nelson, even though the Packers have one of the deepest and most talented WR corps in the league. In the back of Thompson’s mind, no doubt, was the fact No. 1 WR Donald Driver recently turned 33 and No. 2 WR Greg Jennings is expected to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2009 season. With the No. 2 pick the Packers obtained in the trade with Cleveland for DT Corey Williams, Thompson selected Louisville QB Brian Brohm to back up the team’s new starter under center, Aaron Rodgers. The Packers like Brohm’s accuracy and consistency and apparently are comfortable with him despite his lengthy injury history (he was injury-free in ’07 at Louisville). Four spots later, the Packers picked CB Patrick Lee to provide badly needed backup help behind aging starters Charles Woodson and Al Harris. The team likes Lee’s feistiness and believes he’s a good fit for the defense’s bump-and-run scheme. Third-round pick Jermichael Finley is a solid, hardworking blocker targeted to replace the departed Bubba Franks as the backup tight end behind Donald Lee, although he could stand to bulk up. With their two picks in the fourth round, the Packers took DE Jeremy Thompson, who has exceptional physical ability but questionable commitment, and Josh Sitton, who enters the mix at offensive guard now that Tony Palmer has been released. Green Bay continued to focus on its offensive line in the fifth round, selecting OT Breno Giacomini, a good fit in the team’s zone-blocking scheme who adds depth behind veteran starters Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher. After resting in Round Six, the Packers jumped back into action in the final round, selecting QB Matt Flynn, a decent intermediate-range passer who could qualify as the team’s No. 3 signalcaller, and developmental WR Brett Swain.

http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFL/N...DraftReview.htm

 

[bcr8f]

It seems like I am in the minority but I like Thompson's approach. With that in mind I do feel as though he will spend money this year on a big(ger) FA more than likely on the line though there are a number of LB that would be an upgrade.

I do too, and yes, we're the minority.However I do agree on this year. I think he'll make a move or two in Free Agency to shore up some weaknesses. We'll see.

IO hope so. Isn't Jovan Haye a FA too?

 

[Eviloutsider]

I know it's not TT's approach but I do hope he drafts for need this year in the first. If Crabtree falls to him at 9, which I doubt, I don't see TT passing on him.

 

[Sabertooth]

Questions to be answered...

-Does Jennings get a new contract?

Yes

-Does Taucher and Clifton come back?

Yes

-Does Sanders get canned?

Yes

-Does Stock come back as special teams coach?

No

-Do Driver and Al Harris fit into Thompson's younger team philosophy?

They stay

-Do they pick up any free agents to fill in the gaps (OL, DL, and LB)?

Yes - but not Haynesworth

-Who are they picking at 9?

They trade down

Others?

I sure hope that TT doesn't trade down at #9. It seems most of the Packers beat writers fell the same way. He needs to get some impact players and stop loading up on 2nd day picks.

Has he ever traded down in the first?

Didn't he do this last year?

 

[fatkid]

Questions to be answered...

-Does Jennings get a new contract?

Yes, so does Nick Collins and Jason Spitz.

-Does Taucher and Clifton come back?

Clifton yes, Tauscher only on a one year deal.

-Does Sanders get canned?

Yes

-Does Stock come back as special teams coach?

No

-Do Driver and Al Harris fit into Thompson's younger team philosophy?

They do until they whine for new contracts.

-Do they pick up any free agents to fill in the gaps (OL, DL, and LB)?

I doubt it, their biggest need is DL, and not many good players are available, so those who are available will be very expensive. Plus, new contracts for Jennings, Collins, and Spitz will eat into their cap room. The player I want is Shane Lechler. I don't think LB is a weakness.

-Who are they picking at 9?

DL. Far more economical to draft a DE or DL then to sign one in the offseason. I would be happy to see them going DL with thier 1st and 2nd pick. They think their style of OL blocking can get them players in later rounds, so OL is not a priority unless it is a Pass Blocking Tackle.

Additional Questions.

Will Johny Jolly be in Jail next season?

Will Barnett be back at MLB next year, or will they flip him with Hawk?

Did Williams show enough that they trust him to be the long term replacement for Harris?

Are we OK with an OL of Clifton, Spitz, Wells, Sitton, and Colledge/Tauscher? I personally want to move Colledge to Tackle, as he isn't strong enough to play gaurd whereas he may be quick enough to play tackle.

Who is the new Defensive Coordinator? This team is built for a specific style of play, so no 3-4 guys, and no Tampa 2 guys. I would take Ryan from Oakland if that staff gets blown up again.

 

[packersfan]

RB is the least of this team's problems in my opinion. I like Grant a lot and feel he's a quality starting RB. What I'd like to see is McCarthy show more of a consistent commitment to him.

There are glaring holes nearly everywhere else unfortunately so there's a lot of work that needs to be done to stop the massive regression the team showed this season. I'd love to see Thompson do a 180 and pursue FA's like Peppers or Haynesworth and throw a ton of money at them but Thompson has been very passive in free agency so unfortunately I doubt that will occur. He'll keep building through the draft but as I posted in another thread his draft record has not been strong thus far. That doesn't lend confidence to the hope he'll land a major impact player at 9.

I think the team is strong at WR and RB and with the starting QB (depth there could remain a major issue). I'd identify every other position on the team as being a need of various degrees.

 

[Phase of the Game]

RB is the least of this team's problems in my opinion. I like Grant a lot and feel he's a quality starting RB. What I'd like to see is McCarthy show more of a consistent commitment to him. There are glaring holes nearly everywhere else unfortunately so there's a lot of work that needs to be done to stop the massive regression the team showed this season. I'd love to see Thompson do a 180 and pursue FA's like Peppers or Haynesworth and throw a ton of money at them but Thompson has been very passive in free agency so unfortunately I doubt that will occur. He'll keep building through the draft but as I posted in another thread his draft record has not been strong thus far. That doesn't lend confidence to the hope he'll land a major impact player at 9. I think the team is strong at WR and RB and with the starting QB (depth there could remain a major issue). I'd identify every other position on the team as being a need of various degrees.

Thompson put himself in a position where he has to look at free agency differently this offseason like he did the year he added Pickett and Woodson. Woodson and Harris have stated the team needs to add some veterans on defense. Thompson needs a strong draft and add some veterans to the team to help provide leadership and improve the team. If the Packers struggle again next season Thompson may not have a job in 2010.

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

Questions to be answered...

-Does Jennings get a new contract?

Yes

-Does Taucher and Clifton come back?

Yes

-Does Sanders get canned?

Yes

-Does Stock come back as special teams coach?

No

-Do Driver and Al Harris fit into Thompson's younger team philosophy?

They stay

-Do they pick up any free agents to fill in the gaps (OL, DL, and LB)?

Yes - but not Haynesworth

-Who are they picking at 9?

They trade down

Others?

I sure hope that TT doesn't trade down at #9. It seems most of the Packers beat writers fell the same way. He needs to get some impact players and stop loading up on 2nd day picks.

Has he ever traded down in the first?

Didn't he do this last year?

Yes, that was pointed out. Forgot about it.

 

[jurrassic]

RB is the least of this team's problems in my opinion. I like Grant a lot and feel he's a quality starting RB. What I'd like to see is McCarthy show more of a consistent commitment to him. There are glaring holes nearly everywhere else unfortunately so there's a lot of work that needs to be done to stop the massive regression the team showed this season. I'd love to see Thompson do a 180 and pursue FA's like Peppers or Haynesworth and throw a ton of money at them but Thompson has been very passive in free agency so unfortunately I doubt that will occur. He'll keep building through the draft but as I posted in another thread his draft record has not been strong thus far. That doesn't lend confidence to the hope he'll land a major impact player at 9. I think the team is strong at WR and RB and with the starting QB (depth there could remain a major issue). I'd identify every other position on the team as being a need of various degrees.

I agree with you on this team having holes, the biggest being on the d-line and lack of impact from the linebacker position. I also have concerns with what Thompson will do with the #9 pick. However, I disagree with you on how strong the rb position is. I think Grant is the worst starting rb in the division. He lacks vision and elusiveness. If the hole is there, he will hit it and he has speed, but he is far from being a special player.

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

Questions to be answered...

-Does Jennings get a new contract?

Yes

-Does Taucher and Clifton come back?

Yes

-Does Sanders get canned?

Yes

-Does Stock come back as special teams coach?

No

-Do Driver and Al Harris fit into Thompson's younger team philosophy?

They stay

-Do they pick up any free agents to fill in the gaps (OL, DL, and LB)?

Yes - but not Haynesworth

-Who are they picking at 9?

They trade down

Others?

I sure hope that TT doesn't trade down at #9. It seems most of the Packers beat writers fell the same way. He needs to get some impact players and stop loading up on 2nd day picks.

It also wouldn't surprise me for him to pick any player at any position. Thompson has shown he straight up refuses to draft for need.

Which is fine by me. Especially at #9. Drafting for need certainly didn't help the previous regime. Ahmad Carrol...Joey Thomas.....BJ Sander?Some would also argue that AJ Hawk was indeed a need, and was indeed worthy of the #5 pick at the time.

Draft your highest rated player and move one.

 

[griz145389]

RB is the least of this team's problems in my opinion. I like Grant a lot and feel he's a quality starting RB. What I'd like to see is McCarthy show more of a consistent commitment to him. There are glaring holes nearly everywhere else unfortunately so there's a lot of work that needs to be done to stop the massive regression the team showed this season. I'd love to see Thompson do a 180 and pursue FA's like Peppers or Haynesworth and throw a ton of money at them but Thompson has been very passive in free agency so unfortunately I doubt that will occur. He'll keep building through the draft but as I posted in another thread his draft record has not been strong thus far. That doesn't lend confidence to the hope he'll land a major impact player at 9. I think the team is strong at WR and RB and with the starting QB (depth there could remain a major issue). I'd identify every other position on the team as being a need of various degrees.

Thompson put himself in a position where he has to look at free agency differently this offseason like he did the year he added Pickett and Woodson. Woodson and Harris have stated the team needs to add some veterans on defense. Thompson needs a strong draft and add some veterans to the team to help provide leadership and improve the team. If the Packers struggle again next season Thompson may not have a job in 2010.

With the weird love for Thompson, I doubt if he gets canned after 2010 even if the Packers record is bad again. I would expect Mccarthy gone if the record is bad again.

 

[GreenNGold]

RB is the least of this team's problems in my opinion. I like Grant a lot and feel he's a quality starting RB. What I'd like to see is McCarthy show more of a consistent commitment to him. There are glaring holes nearly everywhere else unfortunately so there's a lot of work that needs to be done to stop the massive regression the team showed this season. I'd love to see Thompson do a 180 and pursue FA's like Peppers or Haynesworth and throw a ton of money at them but Thompson has been very passive in free agency so unfortunately I doubt that will occur. He'll keep building through the draft but as I posted in another thread his draft record has not been strong thus far. That doesn't lend confidence to the hope he'll land a major impact player at 9. I think the team is strong at WR and RB and with the starting QB (depth there could remain a major issue). I'd identify every other position on the team as being a need of various degrees.

Thompson put himself in a position where he has to look at free agency differently this offseason like he did the year he added Pickett and Woodson. Woodson and Harris have stated the team needs to add some veterans on defense. Thompson needs a strong draft and add some veterans to the team to help provide leadership and improve the team. If the Packers struggle again next season Thompson may not have a job in 2010.

With the weird love for Thompson, I doubt if he gets canned after 2010 even if the Packers record is bad again. I would expect Mccarthy gone if the record is bad again.

Holmgren 2010?

 

[Kleck]

It won't break my heart to see Stock gone. I'll even help him pack his bags. We can also upgrade from Sanders so I won't have any ill feelings if he is let go either. Hopefully McCarthy is already watching game tapes and learning from repeated mistakes the team made this year.

The team lacks veteran leadership already, so I'm not in favor of cutting Harris or Driver.

With James Jones missing a lot of time due to injury, Nelson still learning and Martin being a FA, I'd like to see the Packers hang onto Driver as both an offensive weapon and for his leadership. I like what I've seen from Jones and Nelson, but neither are ready to take over Driver's spot yet. Maybe they will be soon, but I don't think it's worth the risk and Driver is still playing well enough for defensive coordinators to have to respect what he brings each game.

Harris and Woodson have stated this week that they would like to see more veteran leadership and players on the defense, and that the lack of defensive veterans showed in a few close losses this year. I couldn't agree more. I'd really like to have a defensive player that puts some serious fear into offenses. The Packers haven't had that since Reggie. They do have some solid defensive guys, but none that will keep offensive coordinators up all night trying to figure out how they can get around them. I know this kind of a player is rare, but it tops my wish list.

Injuries are going to happen, from TT on down to the assistant coaches, they need to do a better job of preparing for them. It's nice to get young guys some playing time, but there are no bonus points for being the youngest team in the NFL (I'm really sick of hearing that). I like the philosophy of building through the draft, but you have to know where you are weak and bring in some FAs to fill those holes. If a young player steps up, even better. Now you have great depth.

If a good RB falls to the Packers and brings something different to the table than they have now I'd be OK with it. I don't think they need one though if they can keep the group of Grant, Jackson, Wynn (FA) and Lumpkin (injury, ERFA). Improving the run blocking of the Oline I believe would be more of a help than finding a better #1 RB. I'd also be open to the idea scrapping the ZBS.

I've always had a soft spot for Tausch. I hope he recovers well and would like to see him get the most money he can. I wouldn't mind the injury possibly keeping other teams from going after him and allowing the Packers to resign him at a good price though. The draft seems top heavy and fairly deep at OT this year, and the Packers are in good position to land one of the top OTs at #9.

There are no DTs I like in the draft at #9. At DE I'm not completely sold on Orakpo yet. I see his potential and it's an area we could use some good speed so I wouldn't argue against the pick, but I also wouldn't be surprised if he's gone by #9. I'm also not sure about Michael Johnson yet. Lots of hype on this guy because of his physical abilities. He'll be a workout warrior and a monster at the combine. I would feel safer using the #9 on him if had shown more production at GT, but if he did people would be including his name in top 5 talks. Huge boom or bust, and if he booms that is exactly the kind of player I think the Packers need.

The Packers don't really need a LB, but I'm a fan of Curry. Maualuga looks like quite a beast as well. Mays and CBs Jenkins and Davis look promising too. Finding talent at #9 shouldn't be a problem. I think the Packers could drop down a few spots and still get a great player, but I don't want to see them drop too far and miss out on an impact player. Either way, I'm excited for the draft.

 

[bcr8f]

Driver will re negotiate.

 

[Balco]

I am in the minority, I do not think they should throw big money at Jennings. Money could be better spent in other areas, like the abysmal o line, and d line and linebacker. I actually see a lot of talent at WR. I think Jordy Nelson and James Jones can both be effective starters. The guy needs to shake his nagging injury problems, but I really like James Jones.

 

[Kleck]

I know this is an offseason thread, but I wanted to post this somewhere.

Packer Update - One scout's review: Player by Player

I'd copy and paste, but you have to scroll over the player's name to read the review and I don't feel like typing it all out.

Only 2 A's were given - Woodson and Jennings. Rodgers received a B+. I haven't read them all yet, but there are some interesting comments.

 

[Balco]

I know this is an offseason thread, but I wanted to post this somewhere.

Packer Update - One scout's review: Player by Player

I'd copy and paste, but you have to scroll over the player's name to read the review and I don't feel like typing it all out.

Only 2 A's were given - Woodson and Jennings. Rodgers received a B+. I haven't read them all yet, but there are some interesting comments.

Thanks for the link. Can't wait to read it.

 

[Ookie Pringle]

RB is the least of this team's problems in my opinion. I like Grant a lot and feel he's a quality starting RB. What I'd like to see is McCarthy show more of a consistent commitment to him. There are glaring holes nearly everywhere else unfortunately so there's a lot of work that needs to be done to stop the massive regression the team showed this season. I'd love to see Thompson do a 180 and pursue FA's like Peppers or Haynesworth and throw a ton of money at them but Thompson has been very passive in free agency so unfortunately I doubt that will occur. He'll keep building through the draft but as I posted in another thread his draft record has not been strong thus far. That doesn't lend confidence to the hope he'll land a major impact player at 9. I think the team is strong at WR and RB and with the starting QB (depth there could remain a major issue). I'd identify every other position on the team as being a need of various degrees.

Thompson put himself in a position where he has to look at free agency differently this offseason like he did the year he added Pickett and Woodson. Woodson and Harris have stated the team needs to add some veterans on defense. Thompson needs a strong draft and add some veterans to the team to help provide leadership and improve the team. If the Packers struggle again next season Thompson may not have a job in 2010.

With the weird love for Thompson, I doubt if he gets canned after 2010 even if the Packers record is bad again. I would expect Mccarthy gone if the record is bad again.

What do you mean weird love? Packerland has never been so divided over a GM. If the Packers record is bad again that will make one year out of 5 that TT has made the playoffs. His job will definately be in jeopardy if that happens.

 

[Ookie Pringle]

Does Mason Crosby get some competition? He's been good, but blew two huge games with misses in clutch situations that a good kicker should make. The Packers really should have been 6-0 in the division this year.

A missed 50~ yarder, and a blocked field goal??? Meh.

A good kicker should make a 52 yard kick in a dome with the game on the line - that's the difference between a good kicker and a just-a-guy kicker. The block in Chicago, according to McCarthy, was due to a low kick (not blocking, snap or hold).I don't think the team is as bad as the record indicates. With a few breaks, they could have / should have won 9 or 10 games. They need to mature and learn to focus for 60 minutes. They were only really outplayed twice (cowboys and saints)

Take the TT homer glasses off for a minute, please.They were outplayed by Houston, Tampa Bay and even the game they lost against the Vikings at the Metrodome. The Vikings had 18 first downs compared to only 12 for the Packers. The Vikings outgained the Packers 361-184 and controlled the ball for 36 minutes compared to 23 for Green Bay.

 

[Sabertooth]

It won't break my heart to see Stock gone. I'll even help him pack his bags. We can also upgrade from Sanders so I won't have any ill feelings if he is let go either. Hopefully McCarthy is already watching game tapes and learning from repeated mistakes the team made this year. The team lacks veteran leadership already, so I'm not in favor of cutting Harris or Driver. With James Jones missing a lot of time due to injury, Nelson still learning and Martin being a FA, I'd like to see the Packers hang onto Driver as both an offensive weapon and for his leadership. I like what I've seen from Jones and Nelson, but neither are ready to take over Driver's spot yet. Maybe they will be soon, but I don't think it's worth the risk and Driver is still playing well enough for defensive coordinators to have to respect what he brings each game.Harris and Woodson have stated this week that they would like to see more veteran leadership and players on the defense, and that the lack of defensive veterans showed in a few close losses this year. I couldn't agree more. I'd really like to have a defensive player that puts some serious fear into offenses. The Packers haven't had that since Reggie. They do have some solid defensive guys, but none that will keep offensive coordinators up all night trying to figure out how they can get around them. I know this kind of a player is rare, but it tops my wish list. Injuries are going to happen, from TT on down to the assistant coaches, they need to do a better job of preparing for them. It's nice to get young guys some playing time, but there are no bonus points for being the youngest team in the NFL (I'm really sick of hearing that). I like the philosophy of building through the draft, but you have to know where you are weak and bring in some FAs to fill those holes. If a young player steps up, even better. Now you have great depth. If a good RB falls to the Packers and brings something different to the table than they have now I'd be OK with it. I don't think they need one though if they can keep the group of Grant, Jackson, Wynn (FA) and Lumpkin (injury, ERFA). Improving the run blocking of the Oline I believe would be more of a help than finding a better #1 RB. I'd also be open to the idea scrapping the ZBS.I've always had a soft spot for Tausch. I hope he recovers well and would like to see him get the most money he can. I wouldn't mind the injury possibly keeping other teams from going after him and allowing the Packers to resign him at a good price though. The draft seems top heavy and fairly deep at OT this year, and the Packers are in good position to land one of the top OTs at #9.There are no DTs I like in the draft at #9. At DE I'm not completely sold on Orakpo yet. I see his potential and it's an area we could use some good speed so I wouldn't argue against the pick, but I also wouldn't be surprised if he's gone by #9. I'm also not sure about Michael Johnson yet. Lots of hype on this guy because of his physical abilities. He'll be a workout warrior and a monster at the combine. I would feel safer using the #9 on him if had shown more production at GT, but if he did people would be including his name in top 5 talks. Huge boom or bust, and if he booms that is exactly the kind of player I think the Packers need. The Packers don't really need a LB, but I'm a fan of Curry. Maualuga looks like quite a beast as well. Mays and CBs Jenkins and Davis look promising too. Finding talent at #9 shouldn't be a problem. I think the Packers could drop down a few spots and still get a great player, but I don't want to see them drop too far and miss out on an impact player. Either way, I'm excited for the draft.

I haven't looked at anything yet draft wise. But after finishing in the bottom third of the NFL in most defensive stats, how can you say they don't really need one. Hawk has been a disappointment. He's no better now than he was as a rookie. He failed to impress inside and he's kind of a one trick pony. He can tackle, but he just isn't really an impact player. Barnett isn't getting any younger and he seemed like he took a step back this year. He can't fight through traffic very well at his size. He needs two big boys up front. Poppinga is a situational player.

 

[Aaronstory]

Driver will re negotiate.

Why? They re-did his deal two years in a row. (2005 & 2006) Driver isn't going anywhere. The thought that he could be cut or traded was made up by fans who don't like Thompson. There is absolutely ZERO substance to this rumor.