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

[griz145389]

I like the Raji pick. Not exactly what I wanted done, but I do like him, and he would have probably been my third option at that point.

I like Mathews, but I do not like the trade. I think he will be a solid player for us, but I don't like giving up the picks we did to get him. Also I thought we had much more pressing areas than LB to cover. I had been hoping that we would trade up to grab Oher, I would have loved that if Ted could have pulled that off.

 

[packersfan]

The trade for Mathews shows that TT knows he needs to win NOW! He realizes he needs to try and add impact defensive players instead of stockpiling picks for depth. I like what he did today but it also shows he knows he may be on a short leash.

I agree. Another poor season could result in Thompson losing his job - at least it's something that would need to be considered in my opinion. I think Thompson understood that and also understood that in order for his team to return to prominent status it needed to improve defensively. Raji is the guy I wanted with the first pick and I like Mathews as well. I also like the fact that for one of the few times in his tenure, Thompson was aggressive in pursuing a player he wanted (Mathews). That's been his biggest weakness as a GM in my opinion.

 

[Kleck]

It's all in the...

Hair!

 

[Kleck]

I wasn't sure about the trade at first, but the more I think about it the better I like it. I guess the bottom line for me is that the Packers got better today with guys that can make an impact now.

 

[sho nuff]

I wasn't sure about the trade at first, but the more I think about it the better I like it. I guess the bottom line for me is that the Packers got better today with guys that can make an impact now.

I agree...while they gave up quite a bit in the draft...they gave up other guys who you just don't know how they will do either. In the end, they may miss out on some OL projects, but they picked up a guy who can plug in right away in all liklihood and add to that defense.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

Still not at all convinced. But really hope that Matthews is a solid starter in '09.

 

[Kleck]

For anyone who hasn't listened to TT's comments about today's picks, you can get it HERE.

Also clips from Capers and Greene.

Funny line from the Raji presser:

Media Guy: It's been a couple of years since you didn't get booed at the draft party...

TT: Did I not get booed this year? They are getting soft.

 

[Mr Anonymous]

The price TT paid doesn't bother me one bit when you hear how enthused he is about getting Matthews. Thompson has been contemplating doing whatever it takes to get him for the past 2 weeks. And when you think about how weak the depth of this draft is, what did the Packers really give up? A bunch of marginal contributors? Guys slightly better than a few backups presently on a roster already chalk full of recent draftees? Would any offensive lineman drafted in round 3 be any better than the many recent mid round lineman drafted?

 

[griz145389]

The price TT paid doesn't bother me one bit when you hear how enthused he is about getting Matthews. Thompson has been contemplating doing whatever it takes to get him for the past 2 weeks. And when you think about how weak the depth of this draft is, what did the Packers really give up? A bunch of marginal contributors? Guys slightly better than a few backups presently on a roster already chalk full of recent draftees? Would any offensive lineman drafted in round 3 be any better than the many recent mid round lineman drafted?

Hard to say for sure, but we also need to keep in mind that Mathews and Raji aren't surefire bets to be hits either. I hope they are, but no can say for sure right now. I like Mathews, I think he could be really good. The problem I have isn't with the taking of Mathews, it is what he gave up to get a position that while maybe not stellar wasn't as big of a problem as other positions. Before the draft, we were probably looking at Popinga as our starter at LB. Now Mathews is there and I believe he should be an upgrade. But at least we had someone there who you could pencil in before. Who is our starter at RT? Who is our starter at DE? THose were much bigger holes that needed to be filled than LB. Had we traded up with the same package a few picks earlier and grabbed Oher, I would have zero problems. Also, take a look at some of the players that were taken after the 9th pick in the second round: For Linemen there were Loadhart, Unger, Levitre, Volmer, and Beatty. I believe Loadhart, Unger and Beatty all would definitely have been able to play RT for us this year. Levitre and Volmer I am not as sure on. Linebackers there were Everrette Brown, Sintim, Barwin, Veikune, Kruger, and Cody Brown. While I am not as high on any of them as Mathews, I still believe some of them also would have been upgrades over Popinga, while still allowing ups a chance to see what we could find for help in the 3rd round. I guess we will see how it turns out. I don't hate the pick, but I just wish we had an opportunity to fix some more holes. Hopefully we can pick up Vonnie as a free agent yet and at least get that hole plugged for a year.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I am not comfortable with the huge price paid for Clay Mathews, as everything I read gave the impression that the good value in this draft was around 25-40. At least one source I trust (NFPost) had E. Brown and Barwin above Mathews in the "3-4 OLB" category. That said, it is clear that Thompson really likes this guy, so I'll wait to see how he plays. McGinn (who I also trust on draft stuff) had Raji #5 and Mathews #12 in his top 100.

I don't see this as a desperation move from Thompson, but more a confirmation that he meant what he said a few weeks ago - that he really is comfortable with his roster across the board. He must know something about the backup tackles on his roster that is not apparent to the rest of the world.

 

[Mario Kart]

This trade sucks.

I have to respectfully disagree here. Yeah they gave up alot but they got arguably the best 3-4 LB in the draft. There defense sucked last year and they addressed their 2 biggest areas of weakness with guys who should be at the very least effective starters. What really did they give up? 3rd rounders are more misses than hits. To me I'd rather have a 2nd impact guy on defense instead of a LB who could compete for a starting spot (2nd round) and a 3rd or 4th string CB and 3rd or 4th string T (hypothetical 3rd round picks). Yeah they still need a tackle but I'm not sure a 3rd round pick would've made a huge difference in that area. I guess time will tell.

Here is the dilemma. There are holes or depth issues that those picks could have supported. There are two ways to fill holes; draft, free agency. The Packers chose to punt on the draft, as of now by trading away what has been typically a good round for some of their needs. Now, free agency is left to retool the team and Ted has not made power plays there either. So, I surely hope some key area free agents are brought in now.

 

[Kleck]

Rumor...

From another message board and according to someone who was at the draft, NE did try to trade up with GB for #9 to supposedly draft Raji. NE was also set to draft Matthews at #26 which is why GB offered up their 2nd and both 3rds.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

The price TT paid doesn't bother me one bit when you hear how enthused he is about getting Matthews. Thompson has been contemplating doing whatever it takes to get him for the past 2 weeks. And when you think about how weak the depth of this draft is, what did the Packers really give up? A bunch of marginal contributors? Guys slightly better than a few backups presently on a roster already chalk full of recent draftees? Would any offensive lineman drafted in round 3 be any better than the many recent mid round lineman drafted?

As a Viking fan, I am VERY disappointed in the Packers' draft because I think they got a TON better with their two picks. They needed the defensive help and although you can find some diamonds in the rough in the 2nd and 3rd rounds, the difference makers are in the first round and the Packers got two of them. Great first day - I'm just glad they don't have as much ammo to make a splash on day 2. Packer fans should be happy.

 

[Warhogs]

I felt a little unsure about the trade and loved the Raji pick but after thinking about this I like it more. After day 1 Green Bay walked away with 2 very good players in their areas of greatest need. I think they have had a great draft.

So how do we project the starters in Green Bay? Raji I think could be a starter right away? What about Matthews?

Might we see Kampman get moved on day 2?

 

[Balco]

I felt a little unsure about the trade and loved the Raji pick but after thinking about this I like it more. After day 1 Green Bay walked away with 2 very good players in their areas of greatest need. I think they have had a great draft.

So how do we project the starters in Green Bay? Raji I think could be a starter right away? What about Matthews?

Might we see Kampman get moved on day 2?

I just don't know what the market would be for Kampman. The guy is a tremendous player, who obviously will now be playing out of position. But there are not many pass rushers in the NFL like him.Now that I see Leroy Hill is out there (26 years old), I wouldn't mind seeing the PAckers trade Kampman if they could somehow nab Hill.

 

[Phurfur]

The trade for Mathews shows that TT knows he needs to win NOW! He realizes he needs to try and add impact defensive players instead of stockpiling picks for depth. I like what he did today but it also shows he knows he may be on a short leash.

I agree. Another poor season could result in Thompson losing his job - at least it's something that would need to be considered in my opinion. I think Thompson understood that and also understood that in order for his team to return to prominent status it needed to improve defensively. Raji is the guy I wanted with the first pick and I like Mathews as well. I also like the fact that for one of the few times in his tenure, Thompson was aggressive in pursuing a player he wanted (Mathews). That's been his biggest weakness as a GM in my opinion.

Where are you getting this inside information? TT is not close to losing his job.

 

[Sabertooth]

The trade for Mathews shows that TT knows he needs to win NOW! He realizes he needs to try and add impact defensive players instead of stockpiling picks for depth. I like what he did today but it also shows he knows he may be on a short leash. I think it also shows that TT likes his depth but again the pressure is on for the Packers to turn things around from a 6-10 season and thus he went away from his usual stance of stockpiling picks.

I disagree with this. This is just blind speculation and I think it is way off. I think this pick show that given the right player, Ted will do what he has to do.

 

[packersfan]

The trade for Mathews shows that TT knows he needs to win NOW! He realizes he needs to try and add impact defensive players instead of stockpiling picks for depth. I like what he did today but it also shows he knows he may be on a short leash.

I agree. Another poor season could result in Thompson losing his job - at least it's something that would need to be considered in my opinion. I think Thompson understood that and also understood that in order for his team to return to prominent status it needed to improve defensively. Raji is the guy I wanted with the first pick and I like Mathews as well. I also like the fact that for one of the few times in his tenure, Thompson was aggressive in pursuing a player he wanted (Mathews). That's been his biggest weakness as a GM in my opinion.

Where are you getting this inside information? TT is not close to losing his job.

I didn't say I had any inside information in this case. That is merely my opinion. If the Packers have another awful season, I would like to see Thompson get fired (though my guess is McCarthy would be canned and Thompson would get another year). Coming into this season, I have been very unimpressed with the job he's done. He's a build through the draft guy but his draft work has been unimpressive, especially when you consider the lack of top talent he has mined in the draft. If you're going to ignore free agency and trades (for the most part), then you had better land plenty of stud players in the draft. Other than Jennings and probably Rodgers, such players are noticeably absent on Thompson's draft record. Last season the team was very disappointing, especially when you consider it played in arguably the worst division in the league. That said, I think he had a strong start to the draft. Raji was the guy I wanted at 9 (I would've been very happy with Crabtree from a talent perspective) and I didn't want to see him trade down. My belief is that you don't want to be in the Top 10 again anytime soon so make it count and get an impact player. I believe Raji has the talent to be that guy. I also liked the aggressiveness Thompson showed (finally) in going after Mathews, who I also like. The inability to make that type of bold, aggressive move has been my biggest complaint of Thompson's so I was very happy to see that yesterday.

 

[sho nuff]

The price TT paid doesn't bother me one bit when you hear how enthused he is about getting Matthews. Thompson has been contemplating doing whatever it takes to get him for the past 2 weeks. And when you think about how weak the depth of this draft is, what did the Packers really give up? A bunch of marginal contributors? Guys slightly better than a few backups presently on a roster already chalk full of recent draftees? Would any offensive lineman drafted in round 3 be any better than the many recent mid round lineman drafted?

Hard to say for sure, but we also need to keep in mind that Mathews and Raji aren't surefire bets to be hits either. I hope they are, but no can say for sure right now. I like Mathews, I think he could be really good. The problem I have isn't with the taking of Mathews, it is what he gave up to get a position that while maybe not stellar wasn't as big of a problem as other positions. Before the draft, we were probably looking at Popinga as our starter at LB. Now Mathews is there and I believe he should be an upgrade. But at least we had someone there who you could pencil in before. Who is our starter at RT? Who is our starter at DE? THose were much bigger holes that needed to be filled than LB. Had we traded up with the same package a few picks earlier and grabbed Oher, I would have zero problems. Also, take a look at some of the players that were taken after the 9th pick in the second round: For Linemen there were Loadhart, Unger, Levitre, Volmer, and Beatty. I believe Loadhart, Unger and Beatty all would definitely have been able to play RT for us this year. Levitre and Volmer I am not as sure on. Linebackers there were Everrette Brown, Sintim, Barwin, Veikune, Kruger, and Cody Brown. While I am not as high on any of them as Mathews, I still believe some of them also would have been upgrades over Popinga, while still allowing ups a chance to see what we could find for help in the 3rd round. I guess we will see how it turns out. I don't hate the pick, but I just wish we had an opportunity to fix some more holes. Hopefully we can pick up Vonnie as a free agent yet and at least get that hole plugged for a year.

Rumors out there is that Poppinga may be moved to get back up higher into the draft. (or another LB who is possibly not happy with the switch to the 3-4...hopefully not the other guy Im hearing)As for those RTs...sure, some could have come out and played right away...then you have Poppinga at OLB (and some people on these boards have been saying over and over how GB did not have the LBs to make the switch...they move up to get one, and people are still not happy...).Brown is intriguing, I liked him actually in the first and almost thought that is who GB was trading up to get. But Matthews may be the much safer and more versatile pick. Brown is a tweener and right now seems to be just a pass rushing OlB. We have that in Kampman. This allows Kampman to be that guy (the Ware type guy) and let Matthews play the other side (and its said he can play inside too).OL will be interesting to see what happens at RT.

 

[sho nuff]

This trade sucks.

I have to respectfully disagree here. Yeah they gave up alot but they got arguably the best 3-4 LB in the draft. There defense sucked last year and they addressed their 2 biggest areas of weakness with guys who should be at the very least effective starters. What really did they give up? 3rd rounders are more misses than hits. To me I'd rather have a 2nd impact guy on defense instead of a LB who could compete for a starting spot (2nd round) and a 3rd or 4th string CB and 3rd or 4th string T (hypothetical 3rd round picks). Yeah they still need a tackle but I'm not sure a 3rd round pick would've made a huge difference in that area. I guess time will tell.

Here is the dilemma. There are holes or depth issues that those picks could have supported. There are two ways to fill holes; draft, free agency. The Packers chose to punt on the draft, as of now by trading away what has been typically a good round for some of their needs. Now, free agency is left to retool the team and Ted has not made power plays there either. So, I surely hope some key area free agents are brought in now.

To punt on the draft because they got rid of 2 3rd rounders?Punt because they used 2 picks on guys that can come right in and play right away?Free agency is now left?So Green Bay does not have 6 more picks today?Seems to me that it does not matter what Ted Thompson would have done, you would be unhappy with it.

 

[sho nuff]

I felt a little unsure about the trade and loved the Raji pick but after thinking about this I like it more. After day 1 Green Bay walked away with 2 very good players in their areas of greatest need. I think they have had a great draft. So how do we project the starters in Green Bay? Raji I think could be a starter right away? What about Matthews?Might we see Kampman get moved on day 2?

I don't see Kampman being moved...but I think Poppinga is possibly out the door (and rumor that Barnett is not happy with the scheme change and could be moved...I nope not on that one though).Raji could start right away at NT. I think it will be he and Picket in a rotation there, with Raji being in there in passing downs in the 4 man fronts (where Pickett would come out anyway). SOmething like Jenkins, Raji/Pickett, Jolly/Harrell...hah in the 3 man front.With Jenkins, Raji, Jolly, Kampman in the 4 man fronts.

 

[packersfan]

(and rumor that Barnett is not happy with the scheme change and could be moved...I nope not on that one though).

For what it's worth Barnett was fired up about the Raji pick on Twitter.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I felt a little unsure about the trade and loved the Raji pick but after thinking about this I like it more. After day 1 Green Bay walked away with 2 very good players in their areas of greatest need. I think they have had a great draft.

So how do we project the starters in Green Bay? Raji I think could be a starter right away? What about Matthews?

Might we see Kampman get moved on day 2?

I just don't know what the market would be for Kampman. The guy is a tremendous player, who obviously will now be playing out of position. But there are not many pass rushers in the NFL like him.Now that I see Leroy Hill is out there (26 years old), I wouldn't mind seeing the PAckers trade Kampman if they could somehow nab Hill.

Kampman is arguably their best player on defense and I am sure they will find a big role for him in the hybrid defense. As Thompson said yesterday, the team's success will come from the veterans, but they got two guys who can contribute. The more I think about the trade, the more I think that maybe Thompson looked over his roster and decided he doesn't want to bring in another large group of young developmental players. He's got a ton of 2-4 year guys who have been kind of quiet and are all ready to make the leap this season.I think Matthews will contribute immediately on special teams, which is where he excelled at USC and which was the Packers weakest piece last season. If he can work his way into the base group in a 4 linebacker set the first season, that would be a huge bonus. The potential of having three first round picks plus Kampman in the linebacker positions in a 3-4 defense is interesting.

Here is the current LB group as listed on the team website. I think it looks like there will be some good competition in camp this season:

LINEBACKER

LB 56 Nick Barnett 6-2 236 27 7 Oregon State D1-03

LB 55 Desmond Bishop 6-2 238 24 3 California D6b-07

LB 54 Brandon Chillar 6-3 243 26 6 UCLA UFA-08 (StL)

LB 53 Spencer Havner 6-3 248 26 1 UCLA FA-08

LB 50 A.J. Hawk 6-1 248 25 4 Ohio State D1-06

LB 57 Jason Hunter 6-4 271 25 4 Appalachian State FA-06

LB 74 Aaron Kampman 6-4 265 29 8 Iowa D5a-02

LB 58 Danny Lansanah 6-1 248 23 2 Connecticut FA-08

LB Clay Matthews 6-3 245 22 R Southern California D1b-09

LB 51 Brady Poppinga 6-3 247 29 5 Brigham Young D4b-05

LB 99 Jeremy Thompson 6-4 270 23 2 Wake Forest D4a-08

 

[Phurfur]

The trade for Mathews shows that TT knows he needs to win NOW! He realizes he needs to try and add impact defensive players instead of stockpiling picks for depth. I like what he did today but it also shows he knows he may be on a short leash.

I agree. Another poor season could result in Thompson losing his job - at least it's something that would need to be considered in my opinion. I think Thompson understood that and also understood that in order for his team to return to prominent status it needed to improve defensively. Raji is the guy I wanted with the first pick and I like Mathews as well. I also like the fact that for one of the few times in his tenure, Thompson was aggressive in pursuing a player he wanted (Mathews). That's been his biggest weakness as a GM in my opinion.

Where are you getting this inside information? TT is not close to losing his job.

I didn't say I had any inside information in this case. That is merely my opinion. If the Packers have another awful season, I would like to see Thompson get fired (though my guess is McCarthy would be canned and Thompson would get another year). Coming into this season, I have been very unimpressed with the job he's done. He's a build through the draft guy but his draft work has been unimpressive, especially when you consider the lack of top talent he has mined in the draft. If you're going to ignore free agency and trades (for the most part), then you had better land plenty of stud players in the draft. Other than Jennings and probably Rodgers, such players are noticeably absent on Thompson's draft record. Last season the team was very disappointing, especially when you consider it played in arguably the worst division in the league. That said, I think he had a strong start to the draft. Raji was the guy I wanted at 9 (I would've been very happy with Crabtree from a talent perspective) and I didn't want to see him trade down. My belief is that you don't want to be in the Top 10 again anytime soon so make it count and get an impact player. I believe Raji has the talent to be that guy. I also liked the aggressiveness Thompson showed (finally) in going after Mathews, who I also like. The inability to make that type of bold, aggressive move has been my biggest complaint of Thompson's so I was very happy to see that yesterday.

You didn't say it was opinion either!

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

I felt a little unsure about the trade and loved the Raji pick but after thinking about this I like it more. After day 1 Green Bay walked away with 2 very good players in their areas of greatest need. I think they have had a great draft. So how do we project the starters in Green Bay? Raji I think could be a starter right away? What about Matthews?Might we see Kampman get moved on day 2?

I don't see Kampman being moved...but I think Poppinga is possibly out the door (and rumor that Barnett is not happy with the scheme change and could be moved...I nope not on that one though).Raji could start right away at NT. I think it will be he and Picket in a rotation there, with Raji being in there in passing downs in the 4 man fronts (where Pickett would come out anyway). SOmething like Jenkins, Raji/Pickett, Jolly/Harrell...hah in the 3 man front.With Jenkins, Raji, Jolly, Kampman in the 4 man fronts.

Some talk this morning over at jsonline that Pickett could play some 3-4 defensive end as well. I truly believe Raji can play out there too. Drafting Raji really gives them a lot of flexibility on the line. The big key is the health of Cullen Jenkins. If he's back 100%, this D line looks pretty solid.

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

I felt a little unsure about the trade and loved the Raji pick but after thinking about this I like it more. After day 1 Green Bay walked away with 2 very good players in their areas of greatest need. I think they have had a great draft. So how do we project the starters in Green Bay? Raji I think could be a starter right away? What about Matthews?Might we see Kampman get moved on day 2?

I don't see Kampman being moved...but I think Poppinga is possibly out the door (and rumor that Barnett is not happy with the scheme change and could be moved...I nope not on that one though).Raji could start right away at NT. I think it will be he and Picket in a rotation there, with Raji being in there in passing downs in the 4 man fronts (where Pickett would come out anyway). SOmething like Jenkins, Raji/Pickett, Jolly/Harrell...hah in the 3 man front.With Jenkins, Raji, Jolly, Kampman in the 4 man fronts.

I have seen no information that would lead me to believe that either Jolly or Harrell will be in a position to contribute this year. Have you seen positive information on harrell's rehab or on Jolly's case that would lead yo to believe that they will be able to contribute this year. I would like to bleieve that even one of them could be available. If both are I think the Packers could be extremely impactful this year.

 

[packersfan]

The trade for Mathews shows that TT knows he needs to win NOW! He realizes he needs to try and add impact defensive players instead of stockpiling picks for depth. I like what he did today but it also shows he knows he may be on a short leash.

I agree. Another poor season could result in Thompson losing his job - at least it's something that would need to be considered in my opinion. I think Thompson understood that and also understood that in order for his team to return to prominent status it needed to improve defensively. Raji is the guy I wanted with the first pick and I like Mathews as well. I also like the fact that for one of the few times in his tenure, Thompson was aggressive in pursuing a player he wanted (Mathews). That's been his biggest weakness as a GM in my opinion.

Where are you getting this inside information? TT is not close to losing his job.

I didn't say I had any inside information in this case. That is merely my opinion. If the Packers have another awful season, I would like to see Thompson get fired (though my guess is McCarthy would be canned and Thompson would get another year). Coming into this season, I have been very unimpressed with the job he's done. He's a build through the draft guy but his draft work has been unimpressive, especially when you consider the lack of top talent he has mined in the draft. If you're going to ignore free agency and trades (for the most part), then you had better land plenty of stud players in the draft. Other than Jennings and probably Rodgers, such players are noticeably absent on Thompson's draft record. Last season the team was very disappointing, especially when you consider it played in arguably the worst division in the league. That said, I think he had a strong start to the draft. Raji was the guy I wanted at 9 (I would've been very happy with Crabtree from a talent perspective) and I didn't want to see him trade down. My belief is that you don't want to be in the Top 10 again anytime soon so make it count and get an impact player. I believe Raji has the talent to be that guy. I also liked the aggressiveness Thompson showed (finally) in going after Mathews, who I also like. The inability to make that type of bold, aggressive move has been my biggest complaint of Thompson's so I was very happy to see that yesterday.

You didn't say it was opinion either!

I apologize if I wasn't clear. I was just stating my opinion. Nothing more.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I felt a little unsure about the trade and loved the Raji pick but after thinking about this I like it more. After day 1 Green Bay walked away with 2 very good players in their areas of greatest need. I think they have had a great draft. So how do we project the starters in Green Bay? Raji I think could be a starter right away? What about Matthews?Might we see Kampman get moved on day 2?

I don't see Kampman being moved...but I think Poppinga is possibly out the door (and rumor that Barnett is not happy with the scheme change and could be moved...I nope not on that one though).Raji could start right away at NT. I think it will be he and Picket in a rotation there, with Raji being in there in passing downs in the 4 man fronts (where Pickett would come out anyway). SOmething like Jenkins, Raji/Pickett, Jolly/Harrell...hah in the 3 man front.With Jenkins, Raji, Jolly, Kampman in the 4 man fronts.

I have seen no information that would lead me to believe that either Jolly or Harrell will be in a position to contribute this year. Have you seen positive information on harrell's rehab or on Jolly's case that would lead yo to believe that they will be able to contribute this year. I would like to bleieve that even one of them could be available. If both are I think the Packers could be extremely impactful this year.

This is what Capers said yesterday about Harrell:

Harrell update: Capers is holding judgment on 2007 first-round pick Justin Harrell, but so far he has not been hampered by the back injury that caused him to miss most of last year.“Justin is here working hard and we are pleased with where he is at in terms of his work,” Capers said. “I cannot speak about what happened over the last few years. I know the injury factor has been a factor. I have been in to see his workouts at Tennessee and felt like he had a chance to be a 3-4 defensive end and had the build in what you look for in a 3-4 defensive end.”

I've been looking for any solid news on Jolly - he remains a big question mark.

 

[ScottyFargo]

The price TT paid doesn't bother me one bit when you hear how enthused he is about getting Matthews. Thompson has been contemplating doing whatever it takes to get him for the past 2 weeks. And when you think about how weak the depth of this draft is, what did the Packers really give up? A bunch of marginal contributors? Guys slightly better than a few backups presently on a roster already chalk full of recent draftees? Would any offensive lineman drafted in round 3 be any better than the many recent mid round lineman drafted?

As a Viking fan, I am VERY disappointed in the Packers' draft because I think they got a TON better with their two picks. They needed the defensive help and although you can find some diamonds in the rough in the 2nd and 3rd rounds, the difference makers are in the first round and the Packers got two of them. Great first day - I'm just glad they don't have as much ammo to make a splash on day 2. Packer fans should be happy.

Yes. With the Packers offense playing as well as they did last year, I was hoping that pieces for the 3-4 wouldn't be so easy to get ahold of to drag out the switch. Turns out 3-4 guys weren't as in demand early in the draft and the Packers did well with Raji @ 9. Now I think the Packers are going to be much closer to competing for the division next season.

 

[sho nuff]

(and rumor that Barnett is not happy with the scheme change and could be moved...I nope not on that one though).

For what it's worth Barnett was fired up about the Raji pick on Twitter.

I read up a bit more on the rumor...apparently at first Barnett did not like it...but they have supposedly talked him down from that. Part of it was from his first tweeter post that hit the news...but some other things as well.Poppinga I could see moved today...but not sure how much value he really has.

 

[sho nuff]

I felt a little unsure about the trade and loved the Raji pick but after thinking about this I like it more. After day 1 Green Bay walked away with 2 very good players in their areas of greatest need. I think they have had a great draft. So how do we project the starters in Green Bay? Raji I think could be a starter right away? What about Matthews?Might we see Kampman get moved on day 2?

I don't see Kampman being moved...but I think Poppinga is possibly out the door (and rumor that Barnett is not happy with the scheme change and could be moved...I nope not on that one though).Raji could start right away at NT. I think it will be he and Picket in a rotation there, with Raji being in there in passing downs in the 4 man fronts (where Pickett would come out anyway). SOmething like Jenkins, Raji/Pickett, Jolly/Harrell...hah in the 3 man front.With Jenkins, Raji, Jolly, Kampman in the 4 man fronts.

I have seen no information that would lead me to believe that either Jolly or Harrell will be in a position to contribute this year. Have you seen positive information on harrell's rehab or on Jolly's case that would lead yo to believe that they will be able to contribute this year. I would like to bleieve that even one of them could be available. If both are I think the Packers could be extremely impactful this year.

Well, we don't know what Jolly's case will be.Harrell...as I said hah, for a reason. The last I heard he was at least working out in GB during the rehab.Im not counting on him either.

 

[Balco]

(and rumor that Barnett is not happy with the scheme change and could be moved...I nope not on that one though).

For what it's worth Barnett was fired up about the Raji pick on Twitter.

I read up a bit more on the rumor...apparently at first Barnett did not like it...but they have supposedly talked him down from that. Part of it was from his first tweeter post that hit the news...but some other things as well.Poppinga I could see moved today...but not sure how much value he really has.

I can't see him having any trade value at all. What does his contract look like?I think Poppinga is going to be a valuable reserve.spot starter. He has experience at D End at BYU, and obviously he has played LBer in the pros. That's some good versatility in the 3-4.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

I think Matthews will contribute immediately on special teams, which is where he excelled at USC and which was the Packers weakest piece last season. If he can work his way into the base group in a 4 linebacker set the first season, that would be a huge bonus.

If Matthews doesn't start pretty much right away, this pick (and trade) is a bust. If he's going to be a special teams guy with potential to start next year....well, we could have picked 3 players with similar profiles......and then had 3 potential starters in 2010. So it's great to say he can contribute right away on special teams, but we need him to be starter caliber asap.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

The trade for Mathews shows that TT knows he needs to win NOW! He realizes he needs to try and add impact defensive players instead of stockpiling picks for depth. I like what he did today but it also shows he knows he may be on a short leash.

I agree. Another poor season could result in Thompson losing his job - at least it's something that would need to be considered in my opinion. I think Thompson understood that and also understood that in order for his team to return to prominent status it needed to improve defensively. Raji is the guy I wanted with the first pick and I like Mathews as well. I also like the fact that for one of the few times in his tenure, Thompson was aggressive in pursuing a player he wanted (Mathews). That's been his biggest weakness as a GM in my opinion.

Where are you getting this inside information? TT is not close to losing his job.

I didn't say I had any inside information in this case. That is merely my opinion. If the Packers have another awful season, I would like to see Thompson get fired (though my guess is McCarthy would be canned and Thompson would get another year). Coming into this season, I have been very unimpressed with the job he's done. He's a build through the draft guy but his draft work has been unimpressive, especially when you consider the lack of top talent he has mined in the draft. If you're going to ignore free agency and trades (for the most part), then you had better land plenty of stud players in the draft. Other than Jennings and probably Rodgers, such players are noticeably absent on Thompson's draft record. Last season the team was very disappointing, especially when you consider it played in arguably the worst division in the league. That said, I think he had a strong start to the draft. Raji was the guy I wanted at 9 (I would've been very happy with Crabtree from a talent perspective) and I didn't want to see him trade down. My belief is that you don't want to be in the Top 10 again anytime soon so make it count and get an impact player. I believe Raji has the talent to be that guy. I also liked the aggressiveness Thompson showed (finally) in going after Mathews, who I also like. The inability to make that type of bold, aggressive move has been my biggest complaint of Thompson's so I was very happy to see that yesterday.

You didn't say it was opinion either!

Lighten up Francis.

 

[Kitrick Taylor]

I think Matthews will contribute immediately on special teams, which is where he excelled at USC and which was the Packers weakest piece last season. If he can work his way into the base group in a 4 linebacker set the first season, that would be a huge bonus.

If Matthews doesn't start pretty much right away, this pick (and trade) is a bust. If he's going to be a special teams guy with potential to start next year....well, we could have picked 3 players with similar profiles......and then had 3 potential starters in 2010. So it's great to say he can contribute right away on special teams, but we need him to be starter caliber asap.

So if he gets beat out by Chillar or Poppinga in year 1, then goes on to a HOF career like his uncle he's a bust? I think this trade shows TT has had a plan throughout his time in Green Bay. There was little to no team depth left when Sherman left the building. It has since been restocked, and GB now has a roster full of 2-4th year players with potential. Its now time to add more impact players to that group. TT clearly felt Matthews can be an impact player in this system. My guess is that Capers and Kevin Greene both felt the same way. I also think TT passed on Crabtree due to his me first attitude recently. As fans we don't really think about how a guy fits in a locker room. Raji and Matthews strike me as players that will fit in very well.

 

[hauser42]

I came to the board today becaue I knew the circus was in town and all the clowns would be posting.

Ted bashers have railroaded him for the past years trading down and restocking the depth. These same people have been begging for a trade to add impact players. Yesterday he added two impact players on the defense where the Pack needs the most help, and there are still some whining.

Couple of things here:

Heard at the draft party I was at and on the net that they could have given up the same thing for Oher. Only the Packer decisions makers now what the cost was to move to get the pick to make Oher be a Packer. Some forget it takes two to tango when it comes to trading.

If the Packers stayed put they would have been adding more depth to the the team and this team doesn't have a lot of room for 2nd and 3rd backups, it needs starters.

Mathews has worked is way up to a starter at one of the nations top programs. He certainly has a chip on his shoulder and work ethic to make an impact in the NFL. To get that impact type player a team has to give up something to get into the spot to select that player.

For those wanting a OL with those 3rd picks Pack gave away, those types of players are all ready on the roster with a season or two under their belt.

 

[griz145389]

It looks like Jamon Meredith is still around. If we are able to get him yet, I will feel a lot better about giving up the 3rd round picks.

 

[jurrassic]

It looks like Jamon Meredith is still around. If we are able to get him yet, I will feel a lot better about giving up the 3rd round picks.

A couple of real good players left for this point in the draft, Meredith, Taylor, Sidbury, Cadogan. I think the Packers will stay with the OT, DL, OLB approach.

 

[Kleck]

It looks like Jamon Meredith is still around. If we are able to get him yet, I will feel a lot better about giving up the 3rd round picks.

I was just talking to a buddy about him. I'd like the pick.

 

[packersfan]

It looks like Jamon Meredith is still around. If we are able to get him yet, I will feel a lot better about giving up the 3rd round picks.

I was just talking to a buddy about him. I'd like the pick.

Ditto. I'd be happy with D.J. Moore too.

 

[Kleck]

Lang is a solid pick.

 

[griz145389]

Why did we just draft a guard???

 

[jurrassic]

Real solid pick. Lang plays with a mean streak just like Matthews. With the first 3 picks Thompson addressed their top 3 needs without reaching. Nice draft.

 

[Balco]

Why did we just draft a guard???

He's a tackle. Although he can play guard as well.

 

[jurrassic]

Why did we just draft a guard???

He's not a guard. The guy can actually play all 3 positions on the line. You wouldn't want to play him at center but he could. Typical Packers lineman pick. I have been saying it all off-season, but I think the Packers like their linemen more than people think. They have alot of young linemen.

 

[griz145389]

Why did we just draft a guard???

He's a tackle. Although he can play guard as well.

I know he was a tackle in college, but I don't see him playing tackle in the NFL.

 

[Balco]

Why did we just draft a guard???

He's a tackle. Although he can play guard as well.

I know he was a tackle in college, but I don't see him playing tackle in the NFL.

He can't play left tackle, but he definitely can play right tackle. Solid run blocker.

 

[Mr.Pack]

I think Matthews will contribute immediately on special teams, which is where he excelled at USC and which was the Packers weakest piece last season. If he can work his way into the base group in a 4 linebacker set the first season, that would be a huge bonus.

If Matthews doesn't start pretty much right away, this pick (and trade) is a bust. If he's going to be a special teams guy with potential to start next year....well, we could have picked 3 players with similar profiles......and then had 3 potential starters in 2010. So it's great to say he can contribute right away on special teams, but we need him to be starter caliber asap.

Lighten up Francis.Just because he might not start year 1 makes him a bust?

 

[jurrassic]

I'm hoping the Packers grab another D-lineman with one of the 5th rounders. There a few players who could play 5 technique

 

[Sabertooth]

Why did we just draft a guard???

He can play any position along the line. Which is not. I just worry that the Packers have 5 "Jacks of All Trades and Master of None" type of guys on the line.