Meredith still out there. I didn't research this year's draft that deep so I'm running out of guys I'm familiar with. Any other interesting guys people like?Ditto. I'd be happy with D.J. Moore too.I was just talking to a buddy about him. I'd like the pick.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 wouldn't mind Mitch KingMeredith still out there. I didn't research this year's draft that deep so I'm running out of guys I'm familiar with. Any other interesting guys people like?Ditto. I'd be happy with D.J. Moore too.I was just talking to a buddy about him. I'd like the pick.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 love this...if a guy does not start right away, the pick is a bust...not even giving any consideration to what he may do later in his career...he is just a bust if he does not start right away.LOLMichael Fox said: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.CletiusMaximus said: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.
Tell Brett Favre he was a bust becaue he did not start right away same will be said about Rodgers.I love this...if a guy does not start right away, the pick is a bust...not even giving any consideration to what he may do later in his career...he is just a bust if he does not start right away.LOLMichael Fox said: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.CletiusMaximus said: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.
From an immediate impact standpoint comparing quarterbacks to outside linebackers probably isn't your best argument here.Looking at the competition already on the roster at OLB (ie, not much) if Clay Matthews doesn't start from day 1 I'd say that would be disappointing.Tell Brett Favre he was a bust becaue he did not start right away same will be said about Rodgers.I love this...if a guy does not start right away, the pick is a bust...not even giving any consideration to what he may do later in his career...he is just a bust if he does not start right away.LOLMichael Fox said: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.CletiusMaximus said: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.
And there is Meredith now too...great value there.
Good value there.
Scout.com Link"The intelligent and athletic zone-blocking offensive tackle from South Carolina could be an option for the Packers in the second round on Saturday. Learn more about him in an exclusive interview with Packer Report."I am really liking the draft now!!!
Id be fine calling it disappointing...but not a bust.And if he can contribute on special teams and work his way into the lineup...its a very nice pick.From an immediate impact standpoint comparing quarterbacks to outside linebackers probably isn't your best argument here.Looking at the competition already on the roster at OLB (ie, not much) if Clay Matthews doesn't start from day 1 I'd say that would be disappointing.Tell Brett Favre he was a bust becaue he did not start right away same will be said about Rodgers.I love this...if a guy does not start right away, the pick is a bust...not even giving any consideration to what he may do later in his career...he is just a bust if he does not start right away.LOLMichael Fox said: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.CletiusMaximus said: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.
Same reasons others drop...you have people who think different of him, you have teams reaching in earlier rounds here and there.And there is Meredith now too...great value there.Good value there.
Scout.com Link"The intelligent and athletic zone-blocking offensive tackle from South Carolina could be an option for the Packers in the second round on Saturday. Learn more about him in an exclusive interview with Packer Report."I am really liking the draft now!!!
So why did Meredith drop into the 6th round?
Players with 2nd round talent don't just drop 3+ rounds. Some thought he could go as early as the 2nd round while others think he's a bust waiting to happen. He was an academic star and has all the physical qualifications draftniks look for...so why did he drop so far? Apparently he doesn't project as a left tackle, is lazy, plays with poor technique, was hampered by injuries last season, and according to the Sporting News "won't last long regardless of where he lines up."Same reasons others drop...you have people who think different of him, you have teams reaching in earlier rounds here and there.So why did Meredith drop into the 6th round?

Players with second round talent do drop 3 + rounds. It doesn't happen all the time, but it does happen. Yes, there are some character concerns with Meredith, but he is very solid athletically, and has the frame to put on more size. TO get him in the 5th round is a great pick. Could he end up doing nothing? Sure, but in the 5th round you don't count on the guy to make the team anyways. But on the other hand, you rearely find a player with Meredith's upside in the 5th.Players with 2nd round talent don't just drop 3+ rounds. Some thought he could go as early as the 2nd round while others think he's a bust waiting to happen. He was an academic star and has all the physical qualifications draftniks look for...so why did he drop so far? Apparently he doesn't project as a left tackle, is lazy, plays with poor technique, was hampered by injuries last season, and according to the Sporting News "won't last long regardless of where he lines up."Same reasons others drop...you have people who think different of him, you have teams reaching in earlier rounds here and there.So why did Meredith drop into the 6th round?![]()
I have to agree with him. Look at all the busts the Packers have had just on this squad! Guys like Greg jennings, Aaron Rodgers, and Aaron Kampman. Complete busts.I love this...if a guy does not start right away, the pick is a bust...not even giving any consideration to what he may do later in his career...he is just a bust if he does not start right away.LOLMichael Fox said: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.CletiusMaximus said: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 character and motivation concerns are what caused him to drop. And that is a concern now going forward. But I think at that point in the draft he was worth it. He has the talent to succeed and if he does play to his potential, you're talking about a guy who had second-round potential as you stated. I think using a fifth-round pick on a gamble like that is worth the risk.Players with 2nd round talent don't just drop 3+ rounds. Some thought he could go as early as the 2nd round while others think he's a bust waiting to happen. He was an academic star and has all the physical qualifications draftniks look for...so why did he drop so far? Apparently he doesn't project as a left tackle, is lazy, plays with poor technique, was hampered by injuries last season, and according to the Sporting News "won't last long regardless of where he lines up."Same reasons others drop...you have people who think different of him, you have teams reaching in earlier rounds here and there.So why did Meredith drop into the 6th round?![]()
If the Packers can stay healthier than last year they should easily be in the mix for the division title.I still believe the Bears and Vikings are the favorites in the NFC North but if Raji and Mathews in particular are as good as many (myself included) believe, the Packers could re-enter the mix after a horrible 2008 season.
I think it's possible. Both teams were better than the Packers and both teams addressed their primary weaknesses in the offseason (the Bears significantly). The Packers have some catching up to do but hopefully this draft will help them get there.If the Packers can stay healthier than last year they should easily be in the mix for the division title.I still believe the Bears and Vikings are the favorites in the NFC North but if Raji and Mathews in particular are as good as many (myself included) believe, the Packers could re-enter the mix after a horrible 2008 season.
Fair enough sho - bust is too strong of a word. But ANY Packer fan should be disappointed if Matthews can't crack the starting lineup this year. Our talent at LB ain't all that great, so if he isn't one of our top 4 LBs.....well, I'm keeping my fingers crossed.I love the Raji pick and it looks like TT took some good risks in this draft. Hope it works out!Id be fine calling it disappointing...but not a bust.And if he can contribute on special teams and work his way into the lineup...its a very nice pick.From an immediate impact standpoint comparing quarterbacks to outside linebackers probably isn't your best argument here.Looking at the competition already on the roster at OLB (ie, not much) if Clay Matthews doesn't start from day 1 I'd say that would be disappointing.
I have to agree with him. Look at all the busts the Packers have had just on this squad! Guys like Greg jennings, Aaron Rodgers, and Aaron Kampman. Complete busts.I love this...if a guy does not start right away, the pick is a bust...not even giving any consideration to what he may do later in his career...he is just a bust if he does not start right away.LOLMichael Fox said: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.CletiusMaximus said: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.
Jennings was a star in the making already his first year, Kampman wasn't a 1st round pick, and Rodgers is a QB - in case you haven't noticed, even stud QBs often sit on the bench 1-2 years. How often do you expect a stud LB to sit a season?I think both teams were pretty darn close...as referenced by the season split with both of them...all close games except the one where GB just drubbed Chicago.Though, Chicago took a big step in getting Cutler.I think it's possible. Both teams were better than the Packers and both teams addressed their primary weaknesses in the offseason (the Bears significantly). The Packers have some catching up to do but hopefully this draft will help them get there.If the Packers can stay healthier than last year they should easily be in the mix for the division title.I still believe the Bears and Vikings are the favorites in the NFC North but if Raji and Mathews in particular are as good as many (myself included) believe, the Packers could re-enter the mix after a horrible 2008 season.
At this point there is only one open spot for a starting LB Kampman and Hawk are locked in. Barnett should be back this year to take the other inside spot. Chillar is not going to just roll over and let Mathews take the other starting spot. If Chillar steps up and has a better camp than a rookie LB I will not be disappointed one bit as the team will have the best players out there. Mathews will get his chances and at the very least add to the special teams while he learns.I dont see the Bears being close to the top of this division. Cutler still needs some weapons on the outside to get the ball to and we will see how their line holds up this year. Vaunted Bears D is starting to have some age to it and cracks were showing last year. Right now I would put the Packers in front of them to start the season and the Choke Vikes as the team to beat.Fair enough sho - bust is too strong of a word. But ANY Packer fan should be disappointed if Matthews can't crack the starting lineup this year. Our talent at LB ain't all that great, so if he isn't one of our top 4 LBs.....well, I'm keeping my fingers crossed.I love the Raji pick and it looks like TT took some good risks in this draft. Hope it works out!Id be fine calling it disappointing...but not a bust.And if he can contribute on special teams and work his way into the lineup...its a very nice pick.From an immediate impact standpoint comparing quarterbacks to outside linebackers probably isn't your best argument here.Looking at the competition already on the roster at OLB (ie, not much) if Clay Matthews doesn't start from day 1 I'd say that would be disappointing.
I think the entire concept of a "starting lineup" is a bit vague with NFL defenses these days, and that will be even moreso the case with the Packers this season. They may open the game in a base 4-3 or 3-4; some days they play more nickel than any other defensive set. The main thing is that the guy finds a role in which he can contribute week to week. I love the concept of having some real competition at the linebacker positions among Barnett, Bishop, Hawk, Chillar, Poppinga, Kampman, Thompson and Matthews. I also don't think anyone should underestimate the need for good special teams players on this team. Obviously the injuries to starters took a huge toll on special teams last season. If you include the kicking game, one could easily say that poor special teams play directly caused 4 losses, including their only two division losses last year. A big improvement on those teams will be an important part of the team's success next season.At this point there is only one open spot for a starting LB Kampman and Hawk are locked in. Barnett should be back this year to take the other inside spot. Chillar is not going to just roll over and let Mathews take the other starting spot. If Chillar steps up and has a better camp than a rookie LB I will not be disappointed one bit as the team will have the best players out there. Mathews will get his chances and at the very least add to the special teams while he learns.I dont see the Bears being close to the top of this division. Cutler still needs some weapons on the outside to get the ball to and we will see how their line holds up this year. Vaunted Bears D is starting to have some age to it and cracks were showing last year. Right now I would put the Packers in front of them to start the season and the Choke Vikes as the team to beat.Fair enough sho - bust is too strong of a word. But ANY Packer fan should be disappointed if Matthews can't crack the starting lineup this year. Our talent at LB ain't all that great, so if he isn't one of our top 4 LBs.....well, I'm keeping my fingers crossed.I love the Raji pick and it looks like TT took some good risks in this draft. Hope it works out!Id be fine calling it disappointing...but not a bust.And if he can contribute on special teams and work his way into the lineup...its a very nice pick.From an immediate impact standpoint comparing quarterbacks to outside linebackers probably isn't your best argument here.Looking at the competition already on the roster at OLB (ie, not much) if Clay Matthews doesn't start from day 1 I'd say that would be disappointing.
He had ankle surgery in like December? So, his health will be a factor. They seemed pleased with the way he progressed last year. If I were to guess right now, I'd pencil him in as the starter in camp. He fits the mold of the way this team is shaking out up front. Strong with a mean streak. Very aggressive.Sure seems like they've seen the error of drafting 'athletes' up front with limited strength, and they seem to be returning to a power gap setup in the run game.sho nuff said:Any word from anyone on Breno Giacomini?We keep talking about RT and how we needed to draft one this year...but they did draft one last year...any news?
And while I always will agree to keep drafting Oline prospects...I just keep thinking, why are people so mad that they traded 3rd round picks away and complaining that they needed to use those on an RT. Just odd.He had ankle surgery in like December? So, his health will be a factor. They seemed pleased with the way he progressed last year. If I were to guess right now, I'd pencil him in as the starter in camp. He fits the mold of the way this team is shaking out up front. Strong with a mean streak. Very aggressive.Sure seems like they've seen the error of drafting 'athletes' up front with limited strength, and they seem to be returning to a power gap setup in the run game.sho nuff said:Any word from anyone on Breno Giacomini?We keep talking about RT and how we needed to draft one this year...but they did draft one last year...any news?
Agreed on this. I don't see any gap between the guys available in round 3 and the guys they grabbed in round 4 and beyond. By that point, there isn't much difference.And while I always will agree to keep drafting Oline prospects...I just keep thinking, why are people so mad that they traded 3rd round picks away and complaining that they needed to use those on an RT. Just odd.He had ankle surgery in like December? So, his health will be a factor. They seemed pleased with the way he progressed last year. If I were to guess right now, I'd pencil him in as the starter in camp. He fits the mold of the way this team is shaking out up front. Strong with a mean streak. Very aggressive.Sure seems like they've seen the error of drafting 'athletes' up front with limited strength, and they seem to be returning to a power gap setup in the run game.sho nuff said:Any word from anyone on Breno Giacomini?We keep talking about RT and how we needed to draft one this year...but they did draft one last year...any news?
I think if he wants to accuse a player of taking steroids, he should come out and say that clearly. If he's not saying that, I think he needs to be a bit more clear on what his point is.I don't trust Clay Matthews, but we'll see. Why? He walked onto the USC campus weighing 161 pounds. Is his frame fine, adding 80 pounds in such a short time?
It happened to work out in our favor in this draft, so I am good with it now. However heading into day 2, I didn't think there was any way that Lang and Meredith would make it out of the third.Agreed on this. I don't see any gap between the guys available in round 3 and the guys they grabbed in round 4 and beyond. By that point, there isn't much difference.And while I always will agree to keep drafting Oline prospects...I just keep thinking, why are people so mad that they traded 3rd round picks away and complaining that they needed to use those on an RT. Just odd.He had ankle surgery in like December? So, his health will be a factor. They seemed pleased with the way he progressed last year. If I were to guess right now, I'd pencil him in as the starter in camp. He fits the mold of the way this team is shaking out up front. Strong with a mean streak. Very aggressive.Sure seems like they've seen the error of drafting 'athletes' up front with limited strength, and they seem to be returning to a power gap setup in the run game.sho nuff said:Any word from anyone on Breno Giacomini?We keep talking about RT and how we needed to draft one this year...but they did draft one last year...any news?
I was quite surprised too. The value the Packers got seems unreal when compared to some of the pre-draft rankings I saw for Lang and Meredith.It happened to work out in our favor in this draft, so I am good with it now. However heading into day 2, I didn't think there was any way that Lang and Meredith would make it out of the third.Agreed on this. I don't see any gap between the guys available in round 3 and the guys they grabbed in round 4 and beyond. By that point, there isn't much difference.And while I always will agree to keep drafting Oline prospects...I just keep thinking, why are people so mad that they traded 3rd round picks away and complaining that they needed to use those on an RT. Just odd.He had ankle surgery in like December? So, his health will be a factor. They seemed pleased with the way he progressed last year. If I were to guess right now, I'd pencil him in as the starter in camp. He fits the mold of the way this team is shaking out up front. Strong with a mean streak. Very aggressive.Sure seems like they've seen the error of drafting 'athletes' up front with limited strength, and they seem to be returning to a power gap setup in the run game.sho nuff said:Any word from anyone on Breno Giacomini?We keep talking about RT and how we needed to draft one this year...but they did draft one last year...any news?
I don't find it shocking that I have some issues with what you say here.1. Like drafting Harrell and other LBs and bringing others in over the years? OLB was a need because of the switch...had they stayed in a 4-3, the need would not have been there. But DE for a 4-3 would have been (something they have drafted as well)2. I think they did take BPA early on. Helped that those players were also needs for this team. What NT would have been out there in FA that was so good? OLB?On the secondary, do you forget that Tramon and Blackmon have been developing and both were better last year than before. That they used a 3rd round pick on a CB last year? Spent several picks on safeties and brought another in free agency. They have not been ignoring Woodson and Harris' age. Thats not to say that Tramon, Blackmon, and Lee are the end all be all...but its not like TT has just forgot about the age of the corners.the 2nd pick was an OLB...as for 3rd rounders...what impact guys did they miss on? They used a 3rd rounder on Lee last year (I think it was a third).TT sensitive to PR concerns? Umm...when?First, let me say I am fine with the draft outcome. So my points below are relatively minor.1). It seems to me TT was in "putting out fires" mode this time around. And it was created by inattentiveness to key defensive personnel in the past drafts.2). I would rather see some needs filled in free agency in order to give more lattitude to take BPA. TT clearly hates paying for FAs. What these combine to is I think we needed fewer early WR picks in the past and at some point better attention to the defensive secondary. Okay, we may now be caught up on LB and DT (I still hate the Harrell pick BTW, was too early and too risky). But who is going to replace Woodsen and Harris? That is the downside to trading up. I would rather the 2nd and 3rd picks had been OLB and CB based on BPA without trading up. Hope Mathews exceeds my expectations, but right now I wonder if he will really start and fi he does will it be just because of pressure to get him on the field. TT has been a little sensitive to PR concerns now and again.
I liked Oher too...but people also forget they did draft Breno last year...as has been brought up...drafted several other prospects this year too.I would have been fine with Oher for sure...but I have no issue with the Matthews pick. A solid 3-4 backer who is said to be a heck of a special teamer too.Had we traded up with the same package a few picks earlier and grabbed Oher, I would have zero problems.
That would have been my preference as well.