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

[ookook]

I am not surprised either, as you are in fact the sacred defender of all things front office.

I simply meant I would rather they had taken the 2nd and 3rd picks at the normal slots rather than trading up. But is minor. Mathews may be fine.

I am afraid we have to disagree on the state of the secondary. I think it very likely that Harris or Woodsen are injured at some point this season and still worry in the nickel as it is. I like Tramon okay, but am not really sure Blackmon will ever be a viable starter. For that matter, not sure about Tramon.

I like the pick they made at 9. Would have been fine with Orakpo too. BPA was fine here. But that is not why they moved up for Mathews, that was because the draft was weak at OLB. But they could have taken the best CB or S with their second pick and not been waiting forever to pick again.

We shall see about the success in past drafts. What is clear is that despite good play from Rodgers, the defense needed a lot more help than they had last year. And that "blame" falls to TT. So now we are playing catch up. I like Nelson, but did we need him last year?

I was not and am not thrilled with Poppa Pinga or the Chiller.

Do you still defend the Harrell pick? Don't get me wrong, the sentiment was right, but he had red flags all over the place.

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

2009 draft = boner city

 

[bcr8f]

King says 161...other sources I see say he walked on right around 200lbs...

He was a late bloomer and didn't develop until his last year in high school. 161 is pretty thin for someone now 6'3.

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

I probably weighed even less and was taller in HS. Of course I only played hoops.

I think Matthews will start soon, if not on opening day. It is rare for a 3-4 team to throw a rookie into that OLB position. We'll hear whether he picks up the defense quickly this summer. Coverages are the toughest element, so I wouldn't be surprised to see Matthews play 1st and 2nd down and then be replaced by Chillar in coverage situations until Matthews gains more experience.

Pointless for me to spend too much time guessing about this now. Anyway, I did think he had the profile of a pick GB would have liked before the draft, just not at #9 of course.

PS. Apparently T.J. Lang is not from the Brother Rice in Chicago, oh well.

 

[sho nuff]

I am not surprised either, as you are in fact the sacred defender of all things front office. I simply meant I would rather they had taken the 2nd and 3rd picks at the normal slots rather than trading up. But is minor. Mathews may be fine. I am afraid we have to disagree on the state of the secondary. I think it very likely that Harris or Woodsen are injured at some point this season and still worry in the nickel as it is. I like Tramon okay, but am not really sure Blackmon will ever be a viable starter. For that matter, not sure about Tramon. I like the pick they made at 9. Would have been fine with Orakpo too. BPA was fine here. But that is not why they moved up for Mathews, that was because the draft was weak at OLB. But they could have taken the best CB or S with their second pick and not been waiting forever to pick again.We shall see about the success in past drafts. What is clear is that despite good play from Rodgers, the defense needed a lot more help than they had last year. And that "blame" falls to TT. So now we are playing catch up. I like Nelson, but did we need him last year? I was not and am not thrilled with Poppa Pinga or the Chiller. Do you still defend the Harrell pick? Don't get me wrong, the sentiment was right, but he had red flags all over the place.

Defender of all things? Not at all.I don't mind the trade up because of getting a guy who seems very suited to play OLB for this team. It was a bit to pay, but after seeing the 3rd round go, it did not bother me much. There was not much gone there that looked that great.Its very likely that one of those are injured at some point this year? Based on what? They could be, though, they had injury issues the last 2 years as well. Blackmon looked ok at times in the nickel...I would expect both to keep improving (at least hope they have not hit their ceiling). It was more of a point that its not as if they have just failed to even try to address the problem that will come with the age of the other two.There were still some OLBs out there they could have gone for...but again, was CB or S a big need in the 2nd? I just don't agree that it was.I agree that the D had issues last year.And yes, they did need Nelson last year as both Jones and Martin missed time and Nelson did very well in their absence.I like Chillar, not so big on Brady though.Harrell...I think his potential is there still...the red flags with health were there sure...it was a little early for him (which I said the day he was drafted)...but I think if healthy he can still be a very good player in this league. Like I said, so far he is a bust.

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

I just wonder if Harrell has managed to improve in any way during these wasted seasons. At this point, any contribution he makes will be a pleasant surprise. If he can get a lot of reps in training camp and come into the season healthy I'll be willing to pretend that he was "developing" on the bench, as teams like Pitt. would do with a new DE.

 

[Phurfur]

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.

You make it sound so easy.

 

[ookook]

Hey guys,

I am not an expert on defensive alignments and have been reading up on 3-4 formations.

Can you educate me on who is liekly to play what positions now?

I pulled this link that seemed straightforward enough;

http://www.geocities.com/epark/raiders/foo...-4-defense.html

So who will be (based on best guess):

NT

LDE

RDE

LOLB

ROLB

LILB

RILB

TIA

 

[sho nuff]

NT...Pickett, Raji, Jolly, Soi, Bledsoe

LDE...Jenkins and just off of size right now Id say Malone

RDE...if healthy Harrell, Jolly, Montgomery, Wynn,

LOLB...Kampman, Thompson, Hunter, Brad Jones

ROLB...Poppinga, Matthews, Chillar

LILB...Hawk, Lansanah

RILB...Barnett, possibly Chillar, Matthews, Havner

 

[ookook]

Thanks.

Do ILB's in the 3-4 blitz much or are they mostly run stoppers?

 

[LAUNCH]

I'm not a big fan of the move to the 3-4 as it seems to be like buying M$ at $100 or oil at $140. There are too many teams that they are going to be competing with to get the type of players they need. Hopefully they just keep it as a hybrid defense that can play both a 4-3 and 3-4 depending on the situation and personnel on the field.

Health, and the moving of Kampman is going to be the key to the defense this season. Can he be as effective as an OLB rushing the passer and will he be a liability in coverage? If he struggles with the adjustment where is the pass rush going to come from and if he struggles in coverage they may be in worse situation.

I would have preferred that they made the move up for Oher as I think the need is bigger at tackle and may become very immediate if Clifton falls off the cliff. When you look at the chart they may have been able to deal to get to #23 because they gave up a lot to get to #26.

#26 = 700 pts

#162 = 27.6 points

#41 = 490

#73 = 225

#83 = 175

NE Patriots give up 727.6 vs Green Bay which gave up 890 net loss of 162.4.

Personally I think that keeping Rodgers upright is much more important than an OLB that has a career total of 5.5 sacks. That being said getting Raji to fall for them was very fortunate. Thank you Chiefs and Raiders!

 

[ookook]

How will Kampman do at pass coverage? I assume he will have to take TE's on some plays...

Sorry if I am playing catch-up. (Or ketchup for that matter).

 

[griz145389]

Before day 2 I was upset with the trade as I thought we gave up too much. However after the second day I was happy. If you had told me before the draft that we would end up with Raji, Mathews, Lang, and Meredith, I would have thought that there was no way we could be so fortunate.

 

[3nOut]

I thought this was interesting from KFFL:

Packers | Believe Johnson can be short-yardage backMon, 27 Apr 2009 14:03:10 -0700Rob Demovsky, of the Green Bay Press-Gazette, reports the Green Bay Packers believe FB Quinn Johnson is agile enough to be a short-yardage running back and a capable receiver out of the backfield.

Do you homers believe this? If so, does this drop Grant's FF value?

 

[Aaronstory]

I thought this was interesting from KFFL:

Packers | Believe Johnson can be short-yardage back

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:03:10 -0700

Rob Demovsky, of the Green Bay Press-Gazette, reports the Green Bay Packers believe FB Quinn Johnson is agile enough to be a short-yardage running back and a capable receiver out of the backfield.

Do you homers believe this? If so, does this drop Grant's FF value?

I look forward to a lot of this:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLMppXE97kE

Grant didn't get his first rushing TD until Week 7 against Indy, and now he has someone to vulture goaline TDs? I am staying far way this year. (Add to that I think there's a chance Lumpkin or Wynn could steal the job...)

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

I thought this was interesting from KFFL:

Packers | Believe Johnson can be short-yardage back

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:03:10 -0700

Rob Demovsky, of the Green Bay Press-Gazette, reports the Green Bay Packers believe FB Quinn Johnson is agile enough to be a short-yardage running back and a capable receiver out of the backfield.

Do you homers believe this? If so, does this drop Grant's FF value?

I look forward to a lot of this:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLMppXE97kE

Grant didn't get his first rushing TD until Week 7 against Indy, and now he has someone to vulture goaline TDs? I am staying far way this year. (Add to that I think there's a chance Lumpkin or Wynn could steal the job...)

And the Grant doubt continues. Lumpkin and Wynn aren't taking Grant's job. With a renewed commitment to the power gap run scheme, and less reliance on the zone scheme, I see Grant having a decent season. Green Bay's restocking the o line with much more physical players. Quinn provides another battering ram that will help in short yardage two ways. One is lead blocking for Grant. Two is taking some short yardage plays himself, like they did with Kuhn last year. I expect a bit of a bounce back season for Grant. I don't think he'll be what I'd consider 'great', but he'll be better. And he surely will not lose his job to Wynn or Lumpkin. I don't see that happening at all.

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

I realized today that if GB had risen to KC's asking price last season and traded the 2nd round pick for Gonzalez, they wouldn't have had the ammo to move up for Matthews in the draft (I doubt they would trade the 2010 1st).

 

[CletiusMaximus]

looks like Raji is taking Cole's #90

 

[Mario Kart]

(Add to that I think there's a chance Lumpkin or Wynn could steal the job...)

I plan on drafting Wynn and Lumpkin in back-to-back rounds to secure the Green Bay run game. No way Grant makes it out of camp this year with Wynn and Lumpkin breathing down his neck.

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

(Add to that I think there's a chance Lumpkin or Wynn could steal the job...)

I plan on drafting Wynn and Lumpkin in back-to-back rounds to secure the Green Bay run game. No way Grant makes it out of camp this year with Wynn and Lumpkin breathing down his neck.

What has either play done to warrant that kind of speculation? Wynn does not play tough, and will never stay on the field. Lumpkin is fine, but nowhere near ready to mount any serious challenge to Grant's job. Not to mention Brandon Jackson is still on the team.Honestly, if Green Bay was really worried about Grant, they probably would've taken a running back in the draft.

 

[Mr.Pack]

2009 draft = boner city

Talking about the Bears draft belongs in a different thread.

 

[Mario Kart]

(Add to that I think there's a chance Lumpkin or Wynn could steal the job...)

I plan on drafting Wynn and Lumpkin in back-to-back rounds to secure the Green Bay run game. No way Grant makes it out of camp this year with Wynn and Lumpkin breathing down his neck.

What has either play done to warrant that kind of speculation? Wynn does not play tough, and will never stay on the field. Lumpkin is fine, but nowhere near ready to mount any serious challenge to Grant's job. Not to mention Brandon Jackson is still on the team.Honestly, if Green Bay was really worried about Grant, they probably would've taken a running back in the draft.

All of the Lumpkin and Wynn haters should quit fantasy football if you don't believe. Those two are going to be steals in the 3rd/4th round respectively. Aaronstory = cause he knows things.

 

[J R]

(Add to that I think there's a chance Lumpkin or Wynn could steal the job...)

I plan on drafting Wynn and Lumpkin in back-to-back rounds to secure the Green Bay run game. No way Grant makes it out of camp this year with Wynn and Lumpkin breathing down his neck.

What has either play done to warrant that kind of speculation? Wynn does not play tough, and will never stay on the field. Lumpkin is fine, but nowhere near ready to mount any serious challenge to Grant's job. Not to mention Brandon Jackson is still on the team.Honestly, if Green Bay was really worried about Grant, they probably would've taken a running back in the draft.

 

[Aaronstory]

I thought this was interesting from KFFL:

Packers | Believe Johnson can be short-yardage back

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:03:10 -0700

Rob Demovsky, of the Green Bay Press-Gazette, reports the Green Bay Packers believe FB Quinn Johnson is agile enough to be a short-yardage running back and a capable receiver out of the backfield.

Do you homers believe this? If so, does this drop Grant's FF value?

I look forward to a lot of this:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLMppXE97kE

Grant didn't get his first rushing TD until Week 7 against Indy, and now he has someone to vulture goaline TDs? I am staying far way this year. (Add to that I think there's a chance Lumpkin or Wynn could steal the job...)

And the Grant doubt continues. Lumpkin and Wynn aren't taking Grant's job. With a renewed commitment to the power gap run scheme, and less reliance on the zone scheme, I see Grant having a decent season. Green Bay's restocking the o line with much more physical players. Quinn provides another battering ram that will help in short yardage two ways. One is lead blocking for Grant. Two is taking some short yardage plays himself, like they did with Kuhn last year. I expect a bit of a bounce back season for Grant. I don't think he'll be what I'd consider 'great', but he'll be better. And he surely will not lose his job to Wynn or Lumpkin. I don't see that happening at all.

Dude- I said there was a chance. McCarthy even said during his end of the season presser that Wynn warranted more looks. Look, McCarthy had been stuborn about wanting to use one back as the bell-cow - but that doesn't mean that there's zero chance that Lumpkin or Wynn couldn't be that back. Do I think it will happen? Unlikely - but to say he "surely will not lose his job" is naive. The guy was average at best last season. Average backs do not have lead-pipe-lock job security, no matter how good they looked two years ago.

 

[sho nuff]

(Add to that I think there's a chance Lumpkin or Wynn could steal the job...)

I plan on drafting Wynn and Lumpkin in back-to-back rounds to secure the Green Bay run game. No way Grant makes it out of camp this year with Wynn and Lumpkin breathing down his neck.

Thats pretty funny.

 

[sho nuff]

(Add to that I think there's a chance Lumpkin or Wynn could steal the job...)

I plan on drafting Wynn and Lumpkin in back-to-back rounds to secure the Green Bay run game. No way Grant makes it out of camp this year with Wynn and Lumpkin breathing down his neck.

What has either play done to warrant that kind of speculation? Wynn does not play tough, and will never stay on the field. Lumpkin is fine, but nowhere near ready to mount any serious challenge to Grant's job. Not to mention Brandon Jackson is still on the team.Honestly, if Green Bay was really worried about Grant, they probably would've taken a running back in the draft.

All of the Lumpkin and Wynn haters should quit fantasy football if you don't believe. Those two are going to be steals in the 3rd/4th round respectively. Aaronstory = cause he knows things.

Its not a hater to understand that Wynn and Lumpkin don't have near the value as you think they do.Especially to say that "no way Grant makes it out of camp".Sounds more like you are a Grant hater than other people being 3rd and 4th string RB haters.

 

[sho nuff]

I thought this was interesting from KFFL:

Packers | Believe Johnson can be short-yardage back

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:03:10 -0700

Rob Demovsky, of the Green Bay Press-Gazette, reports the Green Bay Packers believe FB Quinn Johnson is agile enough to be a short-yardage running back and a capable receiver out of the backfield.

Do you homers believe this? If so, does this drop Grant's FF value?

I look forward to a lot of this:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLMppXE97kE

Grant didn't get his first rushing TD until Week 7 against Indy, and now he has someone to vulture goaline TDs? I am staying far way this year. (Add to that I think there's a chance Lumpkin or Wynn could steal the job...)

And the Grant doubt continues. Lumpkin and Wynn aren't taking Grant's job. With a renewed commitment to the power gap run scheme, and less reliance on the zone scheme, I see Grant having a decent season. Green Bay's restocking the o line with much more physical players. Quinn provides another battering ram that will help in short yardage two ways. One is lead blocking for Grant. Two is taking some short yardage plays himself, like they did with Kuhn last year. I expect a bit of a bounce back season for Grant. I don't think he'll be what I'd consider 'great', but he'll be better. And he surely will not lose his job to Wynn or Lumpkin. I don't see that happening at all.

Dude- I said there was a chance. McCarthy even said during his end of the season presser that Wynn warranted more looks. Look, McCarthy had been stuborn about wanting to use one back as the bell-cow - but that doesn't mean that there's zero chance that Lumpkin or Wynn couldn't be that back. Do I think it will happen? Unlikely - but to say he "surely will not lose his job" is naive. The guy was average at best last season. Average backs do not have lead-pipe-lock job security, no matter how good they looked two years ago.

Id also like to see what he does when healthy again...he was better down the stretch than when he started out.And I think Jackson may get more looks before Wynn and Lumpkin.

Out of that group, those two are more likely to be cut than Grant or Jackson really (despite the opinions of a certain plumber turned racer).

 

[Mario Kart]

Its not a hater to understand that Wynn and Lumpkin don't have near the value as you think they do. Especially to say that "no way Grant makes it out of camp". Sounds more like you are a Grant hater than other people being 3rd and 4th string RB haters.

H... A... T... E... R... !!!!

 

[sho nuff]

Not at all. I liked Lumpkin...thought last year he ran harder than anyone else. The other RBs would get to the pile and go down while he kept the leg push going.

Wynn has had several opportunities and they like what he brings to the table...but he has not yet been able to sustain that for any amount of time.

Outside of the Chicago game 2 years ago, what has he done to make any of you think he will threaten Grant's job...or even Jackson's job as 2nd string?

 

[Sabertooth]

NT...Pickett, Raji, Jolly, Soi, BledsoeLDE...Jenkins and just off of size right now Id say MaloneRDE...if healthy Harrell, Jolly, Montgomery, Wynn, LOLB...Kampman, Thompson, Hunter, Brad JonesROLB...Poppinga, Matthews, ChillarLILB...Hawk, LansanahRILB...Barnett, possibly Chillar, Matthews, Havner

I think you are close. ALthough if Raji really has the goods, I've heard that the DL might go Pickett, Raji, Jenkins. At LB, I see it as.LOLB - KampmanLILB- ChillarRILB - BarnettROLB - HawkI don't see how Chillar doesn't start. He was their best linebacker last year in my humble opinion.I am not sold on Kampman at all but would be thrilled if he worked there. If not, perhaps Clay starts right away. At some point, if Barnett were to get hurt, the Packers may have 4 white starting linebackers. I wonder when was the last time that happened in the NFL. Steel Curtain maybe?

 

[Aaronstory]

(Add to that I think there's a chance Lumpkin or Wynn could steal the job...)

I plan on drafting Wynn and Lumpkin in back-to-back rounds to secure the Green Bay run game. No way Grant makes it out of camp this year with Wynn and Lumpkin breathing down his neck.

What has either play done to warrant that kind of speculation? Wynn does not play tough, and will never stay on the field. Lumpkin is fine, but nowhere near ready to mount any serious challenge to Grant's job. Not to mention Brandon Jackson is still on the team.Honestly, if Green Bay was really worried about Grant, they probably would've taken a running back in the draft.

All of the Lumpkin and Wynn haters should quit fantasy football if you don't believe. Those two are going to be steals in the 3rd/4th round respectively. Aaronstory = cause he knows things.

I appreciate the support Mario, but slow down a bit. For fantasy purposes, Wynn and/or Lumpkin should be taken way, way late if not picked up off of the waiver wire. No WAY should you spend a 3rd round pick on either one...

 

[Aaronstory]

NT...Pickett, Raji, Jolly, Soi, BledsoeLDE...Jenkins and just off of size right now Id say MaloneRDE...if healthy Harrell, Jolly, Montgomery, Wynn, LOLB...Kampman, Thompson, Hunter, Brad JonesROLB...Poppinga, Matthews, ChillarLILB...Hawk, LansanahRILB...Barnett, possibly Chillar, Matthews, Havner

I think you are close. ALthough if Raji really has the goods, I've heard that the DL might go Pickett, Raji, Jenkins. At LB, I see it as.LOLB - KampmanLILB- ChillarRILB - BarnettROLB - HawkI don't see how Chillar doesn't start. He was their best linebacker last year in my humble opinion.

No way, NO WAY does Chillar start inside. If he starts, it will be by beating out Matthews for the OLB spot opposite Kampman. Chillar is way too weak at the point of attack (go watch the Jacksonville game again - just brutal) and is much better flowing to the ball, moving side to side, is very good in coverage and has shown as a rusher as well. He would be wasted inside.

 

[packersfan]

(Add to that I think there's a chance Lumpkin or Wynn could steal the job...)

I plan on drafting Wynn and Lumpkin in back-to-back rounds to secure the Green Bay run game. No way Grant makes it out of camp this year with Wynn and Lumpkin breathing down his neck.

What has either play done to warrant that kind of speculation? Wynn does not play tough, and will never stay on the field. Lumpkin is fine, but nowhere near ready to mount any serious challenge to Grant's job. Not to mention Brandon Jackson is still on the team.Honestly, if Green Bay was really worried about Grant, they probably would've taken a running back in the draft.

I think Grant is shaping up to be a nice value pick this year. I like him as a solid RB2. He's easily the best RB on the roster in my opinion.

 

[ookook]

I thought Chillar looked pretty good in pass coverage. Not sure he can rush the QB well enough to be OLB. Then again, I am also not sure he can stop the run enough to be ILB. So my thinking had been he was better fit for 4-3 than 3-4.

I still wonder how Kampman will work. Is not part of the point for the offense not to know which OLB is rushing the QB?

 

[ookook]

I would also say that Jackson is the biggest threat to Grant's carries.

He seems to be improving and may be the starting back at some point, but probably not this season. I wonder about his durability some, so it could be a RBBC with Grant getting most and Jackson alternating every third series. Perhaps Winn as 3rd down back?

 

[CletiusMaximus]

This is how JSonline put the depth chart yesterday:

Packers depth chartPosted: Apr. 28, 2009OFFENSE (43)WR - Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Jordy Nelson, James Jones, Ruvell Martin, Jamarko Simmons, Jake Allen, Brett Swain, Andy Brodell, Patrick Williams, Kole Heckendorf, JaRon Harris, Lorne Sam.TE - Donald Lee, Jermichael Finley, Tory Humphrey, Evan Moore, Carson Butler.T - Chad Clifton, Breno Giacomini, Allen Barbre, Tony Moll, Jamon Meredith.G - Daryn Colledge, Josh Sitton, Duke Preston, Nevin McCaskill, T.J. Lang, Andy Hartline.C - Jason Spitz, Scott Wells, Evan Dietrich-Smith.QB - Aaron Rodgers, Matt Flynn, Brian BrohmRB - Ryan Grant, Brandon Jackson, DeShawn Wynn, Kregg Lumpkin, Tyrell Sutton.FB - Korey Hall, John Kuhn, Quinn Johnson.DEFENSE (39)DE - Cullen Jenkins, Johnny Jolly, Michael Montgomery, Justin Harrell, Alfred Malone, Jarius Wynn, Ronald Talley.NT - Ryan Pickett, B.J. Raji, Brian Soi, Fred Bledsoe, Anthony Toribio.LOLB - Aaron Kampman, Jeremy Thompson, Jason Hunter, Cyril Obiozor.SILB - Nick Barnett, Desmond Bishop, Spencer Havner.WILB - A.J. Hawk, Brandon Chillar, Danny Lansanah.ROLB - Clay Matthews, Brady Poppinga, Brad Jones.CB - Charles Woodson, Al Harris, Tramon Williams, Will Blackmon, Patrick Lee, Brandon Underwood, Joey Porter, Josh Abrams.S - Nick Collins, Atari Bigby, Aaron Rouse, Anthony Smith, Jarrett Bush, Charlie Peprah.SPECIALISTS (4)K - Mason Crosby.P - Jeremy Kapinos, Durant Brooks.LS - Brett Goode.

There's a chance that Barnett won't be healthy for the start of the season so we'll learn early in training camp who is the top backup at ILB. I see some good competition all over the roster and several players on both lines who can fill in at several positions. I would like to see them bring in a kicker and another punter as I still have not forgiven Crosby for losses at Minnesota and Chicago last year (and these punters are basically street guys).

 

[packersfan]

I would also say that Jackson is the biggest threat to Grant's carries. He seems to be improving and may be the starting back at some point, but probably not this season. I wonder about his durability some, so it could be a RBBC with Grant getting most and Jackson alternating every third series. Perhaps Winn as 3rd down back?

I've yet to see any indication that Jackson is as good as Grant. I think the Packers would be making a mistake using him more and Grant less. I'm not advocating over-working Grant but he should be the focal point of the running game. I'd also like to see him used more as a receiver like he was in 2007.

 

[ookook]

I would also say that Jackson is the biggest threat to Grant's carries. He seems to be improving and may be the starting back at some point, but probably not this season. I wonder about his durability some, so it could be a RBBC with Grant getting most and Jackson alternating every third series. Perhaps Winn as 3rd down back?

I've yet to see any indication that Jackson is as good as Grant. I think the Packers would be making a mistake using him more and Grant less. I'm not advocating over-working Grant but he should be the focal point of the running game. I'd also like to see him used more as a receiver like he was in 2007.

I agree with that...Grant currently looks better. And maybe always will. But I also think there is pressure to get Jackson on the field. No link, sorry. Just how I believe TT views his draft choices and his reluctance to sign grant to a long term contract worth much money. I think that Jackson will be #2 in carries on 1st and 2nd downs barring injury. How much workload he will get depend on how he does early in the season. I looked to me like he may have a quicker cut than Grant but less power.So I agree Grant is better, just not sure TT likes him as much as we do.

 

[packersfan]

I think if Thompson lacked faith in Grant he would've targeted a RB in the draft.

Unless he believes Jackson still has the potential to justify his draft pick.

And if he believes that, I'd have to question his judgment. Jackson hasn't impressed me in his first two seasons. He did look better last season but I think that was mainly because he was so awful as a rookie.

 

[sho nuff]

I would also say that Jackson is the biggest threat to Grant's carries. He seems to be improving and may be the starting back at some point, but probably not this season. I wonder about his durability some, so it could be a RBBC with Grant getting most and Jackson alternating every third series. Perhaps Winn as 3rd down back?

Something we definitely agree on.Jackson looked good in limited reps last year...he was pretty raw coming out...maybe just taking time with him. Who knows.I don't see a ton of huge play ability out of any of the backs right now though.Grant did it in 2007, last year he seemed to never get past that 2nd tier to break the long run.

 

[sho nuff]

I think what Jackson brings is a better ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.

 

[Aaronstory]

I think what Jackson brings is a better ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.

You see, people say that, but he fights the ball. Remember the first Lions game last year when he jumped for no good reason on a third down play and dropped the ball and the offense had to settle for a FG? Or how about Rodgers' first INT of the year, when he let the ball get into his body and it popped right out into a waiting defenders arms? If he's the 'good' one when it comes to catching out of the backfield, the Packers are truly hurting in that dept.

 

[trader jake]

I'm not saying he's going to be a stud but both came out of Nebraska so I ask...

How is Brandon Jackson any different than Ahman Green at this stage of their NFL careers?

 

[sho nuff]

I'm not saying he's going to be a stud but both came out of Nebraska so I ask...How is Brandon Jackson any different than Ahman Green at this stage of their NFL careers?

I was about to joke that he probably had like 10 fewer fumbles....but looking at it, pretty close.Jackson has a few more carries and receptions than Green did...but neither was a feature guy right away.Green wasn't til he got to Green Bay.

 

[bcr8f]

From Packer camp

* Clay Matthews lined up the entire time at right outside linebacker, where he projects to play since the Packers want to keep Aaron Kampman at his usual left side to ease the transition.

* Matthews had flowing locks out of the back of his helmet. Put A.J. Hawk's to shame. Kevin Greene probably dug 'em.

* Matthews is some kind of athlete. Just like at the Senior Bowl, he just jumps out at you on the field. Big (and will get bigger) and fast. Boy can he drop into coverage easily and fluidly. He is not a fish out of water in this scheme. I think it really helps that he and Brandon Jones, who was at LOLB have played in the 3-4. Matthews showed some good pass-rush moves. He just looks like he fits with ease.

* B.J. Raji is one wide body on the field. And as a nose tackle, he looks like he brings everything you want (keeping in mind he's going against mostly undrafted players). He's strong and quick. He was basically unblockable at times in 11 on 11. Just don't expect him to chase a play down from behind. That's not happening. He did play some at left defensive end.

* McCarthy: "We are trying to get to be a bigger and a more physical football team, and I think that helps us. Just take the first two picks, B.J. Raji and Clay Matthews, two big, very athletic individuals that will help both on defense and on special teams."

* T.J. Lang (RT) and Meredith (LT) both look smaller than what I imagined. Meredith is skinny. Lang has good feet, low base. After further thought, Lang might have just looked smaller since he they were just wearing shells. No question he's got strength and some push.

* McCarthy: "Lang could be inside too by (OTAs). I think he is another young man that I thought made a good impression today. He definitely has the strength levels for a young player to come into this league. I thought that was very apparent. He really reminds me a lot of a number of our current linemen. I really like the way he fits in with that group."

* Meredith didn't jump out during the positional drills, but in one-on-ones he really showed up. He has very quick feet, good balance and long arms. He has all the tools to be a left tackle. Will that happen? Hard to say. He definitely needs to get bigger. But he made a very good first impression. He might be the guy that impressed me the most today.

* Meredith will be given every chance to learn behind Chad Clifton at left tackle. McCarthy: "That's the position we really evaluated him for. I knew he moved to guard, but that is something our regional scout there, Brian Gutekunst, definitely felt that he had that ability. We want to take a real long look at him at left tackle."

* Brandon Underwood was at LCB. He was taken out early because of tightness in his leg.

 

[Bri]

Ruvell article, well done interview IMO

http://www.packers.com/news/stories/2009/06/01/1/

 

[Aaronstory]

Thought Packer fans (and others) might find some interest in the show we recorded last night with none other than Footballguys' own Sigmund Bloom breaking down the Packers' draft and Tom Pelissero from the Green Bay Press Gazette giving us all the latest from Packers' OTAs.

Enjoy.

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

Thought Packer fans (and others) might find some interest in the show we recorded last night with none other than Footballguys' own Sigmund Bloom breaking down the Packers' draft and Tom Pelissero from the Green Bay Press Gazette giving us all the latest from Packers' OTAs.

Enjoy.

I like where you're headed with this site. Keep it up, good stuff. Although I will say, I'd love to see the design spruced up a bit.

 

[Aaronstory]

Thought Packer fans (and others) might find some interest in the show we recorded last night with none other than Footballguys' own Sigmund Bloom breaking down the Packers' draft and Tom Pelissero from the Green Bay Press Gazette giving us all the latest from Packers' OTAs.

Enjoy.

I like where you're headed with this site. Keep it up, good stuff. Although I will say, I'd love to see the design spruced up a bit.

Thanks. Yeah, you and me both. I handle the writing, Corey handles the design. It's been that way since we started two years ago but he's been talking about a redesign for the last couple of months. Perhaps after Mini-Camp. Thanks again for checking it out.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Thought Packer fans (and others) might find some interest in the show we recorded last night with none other than Footballguys' own Sigmund Bloom breaking down the Packers' draft and Tom Pelissero from the Green Bay Press Gazette giving us all the latest from Packers' OTAs.

Enjoy.

I like where you're headed with this site. Keep it up, good stuff.

likewise - great work Aaron. Its become a regular stop for me. Are the forums picking up? Last time I checked they were pretty slow.

The only packer message board that I regularly post at is X4 - bunch of old crusty farts like me.