OFFICIAL - Green Bay Packers 2008 Offseason Thread (2 Viewers)

[Sabertooth]

Let's get those predictions out. Knowing Thompson and the fact they draft at #30 it will be hard to predict the actual player. I am hoping for a trade out of 30 perhaps to the early second and also pick up a 3rd or 4th rounder. If they stay at 30, I think Thompson may suprise and draft Desean Jackson or James Hardy if they are there. Jackson is smaller wr but has blazing speed and is a great returner. He would be a great fit in the current offense which requires the wr's to make plays in space after the catch. Hardy has a little Javon Walker to him. With the offense the Packers run, the age of Driver, and the need to possibly get Rodgers as many weapons as possible, I could see Thompson taking a wr. The guy is enamored with wr's, and has taken 1 in the first 3 rounds of every draft he has conducted in Green Bay. Defensive end Lawrence Jackson may also be the choice in round 1. In round 2 he can make a move for Tracy Porter or Reggie Smith at cb, and still get a tackle or tight end.

Yet he has passed on WRs in the first round before. Why start now?He has 2 very good young WRs...and also just signed Ruvell to an extension.WR is one area I would be completely surprised if Thompson touched before the 3rd round.My surprise pick would be an LB. Just with the signing of Chillar...it does not seem like the pick that would be needed.2nd surprise would be TE...and this is actually probably more likely than LB.But I figure it will be O-line, DE, or secondary.

No position would surpise me. Thompson follows his board, and if the best player on his board ia WR, I don't see him having any reservations about picking him...

Exactly. (Toots own horn...)

I nailed that one as well. I really like this draft and this one confounds me less than the other drafts he ran. I do think their talent at wr was deep but it wasn't incredible. Nelson will help improve what is a very important position for the Packers.I would have liked to see them draft a second db or another rb, but I guess they are hoping Blackmon and Williams continue to improve. I am still not sold on Jackson at rb, but I am sure he has shown them more in practice than I would know. I think they will eventually need to upgrade at both rb and fb in a year or two but the passing game looks to have some serious potential with the addition of Nelson and Finley.

Again though, TT drafts BPA. He wasn't looking to fill holes specifically. I don't know what good a 4th round DB would have done, with Tramon Williams, Jarrett Bush, and Patrick Lee all there already. Williams really improved by the end of the season plus has value as a returner. Bush bagged up a few plays, but made a few others. He does seem to have a nose for the ball, although he's not quite sure what to do when he gets it. I think if anything, TT strayed from his BPA philosophy a bit on day two where he took some needs along the offensive line.All in all, I think this was a good draft. The fact that he did match up to the needs is either a great sign in that the BPA was also a need, or a bad sign in that he started to waiver from the philosophy that got him to where he is. Time will tell.

 

[sho nuff]

Again though, TT drafts BPA. He wasn't looking to fill holes specifically. I don't know what good a 4th round DB would have done, with Tramon Williams, Jarrett Bush, and Patrick Lee all there already. Williams really improved by the end of the season plus has value as a returner. Bush bagged up a few plays, but made a few others. He does seem to have a nose for the ball, although he's not quite sure what to do when he gets it. I think if anything, TT strayed from his BPA philosophy a bit on day two where he took some needs along the offensive line.All in all, I think this was a good draft. The fact that he did match up to the needs is either a great sign in that the BPA was also a need, or a bad sign in that he started to waiver from the philosophy that got him to where he is. Time will tell.

Not sure...maybe those two Oline guys were on his BPA.As for WR...I was surprised til I started thinking about it.Not every WR plays as well as Jennings and Jones did in their first years (and 2nd year for Jennings).When Nelson hits his 3rd year...(that magical year for WRs that we all hear about)...Driver would be 35 and Krob (if still around) would be 30.Meanwhile Jennings and Jones would be established veterans and if they continue on their current track will be very good WRs. So the addition of Nelson into that trio could be huge in 3 years.Thompson is a guy who likes to build through the draft...not for "this year" but for the future big time.I think he will now go into that 2nd/3rd tier of free agency and find veterans for some of the "needs" the team has.

 

[sho nuff]

Looking at the 1st round...Im wondering if TT had one of the DBs (Jenkins) or OTs rated as his best guy and what he was really targeting.

When 7 OTs, 1 OG, and 5 corners were drafted ahead of him. It was time to trade down.

 

[jurrassic]

Looking at the 1st round...Im wondering if TT had one of the DBs (Jenkins) or OTs rated as his best guy and what he was really targeting.When 7 OTs, 1 OG, and 5 corners were drafted ahead of him. It was time to trade down.

Best thing that happened to the Packers was ATL reaching for Baker. I am so glad he did not make it to the Packers. Like I said, I would have liked to seem them draft 1 more db or possibly a free safety but that didn't happen. Besides that, I am satisfied with the picks and the approach. I don't know how many o-lineman they are going to carry, because now they have a ton of young guys (Coston, Spitz, Colledge, Moll, Barbe, Sitton, and the kid from Louisville). Add Clifton, Tauscher, and Wells to that and you are already at 10. They also have Toledo, Thompson, and Stevenson on their roster. Eventually they need to decide where all of these guys are going to play. Are Barbre, Colledge, and Moll tackles or guards. Who is the backup center, will it be Spitz? I know they like the versatility in their linemen, but I think part of the problem has been they keep drafting tackles and then try converting them to guards. These guys need their positions defined.

 

[Sabertooth]

Looking at the 1st round...Im wondering if TT had one of the DBs (Jenkins) or OTs rated as his best guy and what he was really targeting.When 7 OTs, 1 OG, and 5 corners were drafted ahead of him. It was time to trade down.

I think Jenkins was the guy. He almost made it to them. But when he didn't TT didn't reach, he just went to plan B.

 

[Dusty Rhodes]

This is a ridiculous discussion. We aren't talking about a 1st or 2nd rd pick here. Get over it.

I agreeETA, but you still don't trade within your division.

Who gives a crap that they traded within the division. We're talking about late round picks here not starters. I don't hear you calling out the Vikings for trading picks within the division. It's not that big of a deal as it helped both teams. TT need not concern himself with what the Vikings are going to do with it, just concern himself with what the Packers need. Relax..

This Dusty Rhodes guy just doesn't get it. It's been spelled out for him practically...

If GB didn't trade them that pick, they would have came right behind GB to get him anyways. So regardless, MIN would be with Booty. Might as well be the recipient of that trade getting a 7th round pick, who could actually turn out pretty decent. Flynn is pretty solid and will make an excellent #2 backup QB (once Rodgers gets hurt ). In all seriousness, it doesn't matter who traded with MIN, they were going to move up and get their guy, might as well be us so we can pick up an extra player because of it.

Yes, I agree, helping your own divisional rivals isn't smart, but this trade really didn't help them. Unless GB was going to take Booty with that pick, MIN was going to get him (someone would have traded down immediately behind GB). So it doesn't matter. And as it's been said, it doesn't matter- it's late round picks. Booty isn't going to be their savior and he's not a very good QB. If GB had a top 10 pick in the first round and traded it to MIN, then we'd all have something to scratch our heads about. But 5th round really doesn't mean much, especially a QB selected 5th round (yeah yeah, Brady was selected in a late round, blah blah blah... Booty is not Brady, not close). Booty is a younger version of Brooks Bollinger for them. Just laugh as they gave up the shot to draft a D. Wynn in round 7, but gave that up to us.

Maybe you DO get it....... Then again maybe not.

 

[sho nuff]

Looking at the 1st round...Im wondering if TT had one of the DBs (Jenkins) or OTs rated as his best guy and what he was really targeting.When 7 OTs, 1 OG, and 5 corners were drafted ahead of him. It was time to trade down.

Best thing that happened to the Packers was ATL reaching for Baker. I am so glad he did not make it to the Packers. Like I said, I would have liked to seem them draft 1 more db or possibly a free safety but that didn't happen. Besides that, I am satisfied with the picks and the approach. I don't know how many o-lineman they are going to carry, because now they have a ton of young guys (Coston, Spitz, Colledge, Moll, Barbe, Sitton, and the kid from Louisville). Add Clifton, Tauscher, and Wells to that and you are already at 10. They also have Toledo, Thompson, and Stevenson on their roster. Eventually they need to decide where all of these guys are going to play. Are Barbre, Colledge, and Moll tackles or guards. Who is the backup center, will it be Spitz? I know they like the versatility in their linemen, but I think part of the problem has been they keep drafting tackles and then try converting them to guards. These guys need their positions defined.

Agreed on the line.I think Colledge is going to be moved to T. Just a gut feeling as the young kids seem pretty versatile as well.Im also glad TT did not reach for Brandon Flowers. And was very happy he was then taken right before them in the 2nd as well.

 

[Pipes]

Looking at the 1st round...Im wondering if TT had one of the DBs (Jenkins) or OTs rated as his best guy and what he was really targeting.When 7 OTs, 1 OG, and 5 corners were drafted ahead of him. It was time to trade down.

I think Jenkins was the guy. He almost made it to them. But when he didn't TT didn't reach, he just went to plan B.

I heard the Packers had Cason on the phone when San Diego picked him right before the Pack's pick.

 

[sho nuff]

Looking at the 1st round...Im wondering if TT had one of the DBs (Jenkins) or OTs rated as his best guy and what he was really targeting.When 7 OTs, 1 OG, and 5 corners were drafted ahead of him. It was time to trade down.

I think Jenkins was the guy. He almost made it to them. But when he didn't TT didn't reach, he just went to plan B.

I heard the Packers had Cason on the phone when San Diego picked him right before the Pack's pick.

Yeah...I was hoping for him and then he went off the board.

 

[Sabertooth]

He was the one I saw in most mock drafts. At least TT didn't piss his pants and trade up to get a guy.

 

[uwgb96]

Not sure...maybe those two Oline guys were on his BPA.

As for WR...I was surprised til I started thinking about it.

Not every WR plays as well as Jennings and Jones did in their first years (and 2nd year for Jennings).

When Nelson hits his 3rd year...(that magical year for WRs that we all hear about)...Driver would be 35 and Krob (if still around) would be 30.

Meanwhile Jennings and Jones would be established veterans and if they continue on their current track will be very good WRs. So the addition of Nelson into that trio could be huge in 3 years.

Thompson is a guy who likes to build through the draft...not for "this year" but for the future big time.

I think he will now go into that 2nd/3rd tier of free agency and find veterans for some of the "needs" the team has.

That's what I LOVE about Thompson. He is continually looking at ways to improve the team, not only for this year, but for the future as well. He doesn't let public opinion or the media sway his decisions. This in part comes into play with his Oline picks. They may not be the highest "rated" guys, but they fit the system.Some of these GMs are fighting for their jobs and have to impart a "win now" mentality, the future be damned.

 

[sho nuff]

Not sure...maybe those two Oline guys were on his BPA.

As for WR...I was surprised til I started thinking about it.

Not every WR plays as well as Jennings and Jones did in their first years (and 2nd year for Jennings).

When Nelson hits his 3rd year...(that magical year for WRs that we all hear about)...Driver would be 35 and Krob (if still around) would be 30.

Meanwhile Jennings and Jones would be established veterans and if they continue on their current track will be very good WRs. So the addition of Nelson into that trio could be huge in 3 years.

Thompson is a guy who likes to build through the draft...not for "this year" but for the future big time.

I think he will now go into that 2nd/3rd tier of free agency and find veterans for some of the "needs" the team has.

That's what I LOVE about Thompson. He is continually looking at ways to improve the team, not only for this year, but for the future as well. He doesn't let public opinion or the media sway his decisions. This in part comes into play with his Oline picks. They may not be the highest "rated" guys, but they fit the system.Some of these GMs are fighting for their jobs and have to impart a "win now" mentality, the future be damned.

Me too.Especially after watching Sherman screw the team over with his attempts at winning now which left the team without a title and an aging lineup with no depth.

 

[Aaronstory]

Looking at the 1st round...Im wondering if TT had one of the DBs (Jenkins) or OTs rated as his best guy and what he was really targeting.When 7 OTs, 1 OG, and 5 corners were drafted ahead of him. It was time to trade down.

ETA: I've read rumors (only) that he was targeting Baker from USC.

 

[Sabertooth]

This was posted over at Packerchatters.com

April 27, 2008

Written by Joe Arrigo - PackerChatters Staff

After the first day of the 2008 NFL draft Packers fans didn't know exactly what to expect. General Manager Ted Thompson traded out of the first round and added a wide receiver that has the size/speed the Packers look for in Jordy Nelson. Nelson had 122 receptions for over 1,600 yards and 11 touchdowns last year at Kansas St. The Packers then selected their back-up quarterback (and a possible future starter if Aaron Rodgers can't sat healthy) in Louisville quarterback Brian Brohm in the second round and later in round 2 he added a player the Packers think is a good fit in their defensive scheme in Auburn cornerback Patrick Lee.

Day two started off with the Packers picking late in the third round (ninety first) and adding a player that I have been saying was linked to them since the scouting combine in Texas tight end Jermichael Finley. Finley is an athletic tight end that has soft hands and the frame to add more weight and will continue to improve as a blocker. The Packers then added defensive end help 9 picks later (#102), in round 4, with the addition of Jeremy Thompson out of Wake Forrest. Thompson traded up for him with the Jets giving up picks #113 and 162.

Also in round four the Packers added some "needed" offensive line help by selecting Josh Sitton of Central Florida. Sitton will play guard for the Packers. In round 5 the Packers did something I never thought I would ever see in my lifetime, trade back with the Minnesota Vikings to add picks #150 and #209. AT #150 the Packers selected Brohm's teammate, Breno Giacomini, who played left tackle and Thompson says can play 4 offensive line position (both tackle and guard spots).

The Packers didn't pick again until the seventh round and they had 3 picks there selecting another quarterback in LSU signal caller Matt Flynn and San Diego St. wide receiver Brett Swain. The packers traded their third seventh rounder to the Saints for the Saints sixth round pick next year in 2009.

I don't like to give out a "grade" on drafts because you never know how any of these players will transition to the pro level. There are some big name players from big name programs, but also there are some players from smaller programs that caught the Packers fans by surprise. I know that the Packers were disappointed that some of the players they targeted in the forth and fifth round were taken before they had an opportunity to select them. The scouts are know working hard to sign some undrafted rookie free agents to try and compete for a roster spot and the list of players that were not drafted has some pretty good names on it. That list includes Erin Henderson (LB-Maryland), Tommy Blake (DE-TCU), Ali Highsmith (LB- LSU), Wesley Woodyard (LB- Kentucky), Devon Bess (WR- Hawaii) and Jaime Silva (S- B.C.).

Since I feel forced to give a grade I will say a solid B+ with the possibility for this draft to be an A-. All in all it was a draft that may not have been as sexy as the Chiefs or to the Packers fans because it lacked some big names and players that were linked to the Packers for weeks, but the players picked added depth and competition to the Packers players that are already on the roster, something Ted Thompson made no bones about doing when he had his pre draft news conference and he has been preaching since he first came to Green Bay.

 

[sho nuff]

Listening to Thompson's post draft presser on Packers.com.

Jeremy Thompson is Orrin Thompson's brother.

And it very well might be Rodgers, Brohm, and Flynn as the Packers' QBs with no veteran brought in.

And I love seeing this guy ont he list of guys they are going after...Ali Highsmith (LB- LSU)

 

[Dusty Rhodes]

Not sure...maybe those two Oline guys were on his BPA.

As for WR...I was surprised til I started thinking about it.

Not every WR plays as well as Jennings and Jones did in their first years (and 2nd year for Jennings).

When Nelson hits his 3rd year...(that magical year for WRs that we all hear about)...Driver would be 35 and Krob (if still around) would be 30.

Meanwhile Jennings and Jones would be established veterans and if they continue on their current track will be very good WRs. So the addition of Nelson into that trio could be huge in 3 years.

Thompson is a guy who likes to build through the draft...not for "this year" but for the future big time.

I think he will now go into that 2nd/3rd tier of free agency and find veterans for some of the "needs" the team has.

That's what I LOVE about Thompson. He is continually looking at ways to improve the team, not only for this year, but for the future as well. He doesn't let public opinion or the media sway his decisions. This in part comes into play with his Oline picks. They may not be the highest "rated" guys, but they fit the system.Some of these GMs are fighting for their jobs and have to impart a "win now" mentality, the future be damned.

This we can agree on. But this only works if his picks work out. [/Capt. Obvious]

He has shown a knack for having very good drafts and knowing what he's doing. Best GM in the NFC North no question about it. He drafts the BAP but also mixes in "Needs-Players"

Obviously the jury is still out on this draft, but it seems pretty solid.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Listening to Thompson's post draft presser on Packers.com.Jeremy Thompson is Orrin Thompson's brother.And it very well might be Rodgers, Brohm, and Flynn as the Packers' QBs with no veteran brought in.And I love seeing this guy ont he list of guys they are going after...Ali Highsmith (LB- LSU)

Highsmith made plays but he's pretty small....might be a good ST guy though. I would think Erin Henderson would be a better fit.

 

[bcr8f]

That's what I LOVE about Thompson. He is continually looking at ways to improve the team, not only for this year, but for the future as well. He doesn't let public opinion or the media sway his decisions. This in part comes into play with his Oline picks. They may not be the highest "rated" guys, but they fit the system.Some of these GMs are fighting for their jobs and have to impart a "win now" mentality, the future be damned.

He goes down to the Atrium(at Lambeau) to announce the pick to the fans and gets booed every year. It doesn't seem to bother him. He works for a team without an owner or normal pressure to win now. GB's a great place for him.I think he likes picking un-heralded guys. He is the opposite of a flashy GM and picks players that aren't too.

 

[uwgb96]

I think he likes picking un-heralded guys. He is the opposite of a flashy GM and picks players that aren't too.

I hear that all of the time from fans and some in the media and I just don't buy it. "TT has a huge ego, and likes to pick unknown players so that when they pan out he can say 'I told you so'".

The bottom line is, he likes picking players he feels will perform and that fit the system. He doesn't care if they are heralded or unheralded; flashy or not.

The Fans/Media get way too caught up in mock drafts and expert rankings. NFL GMs and scouting staffs spend tons of money on this stuff (of course they aren't always right). Just because Kiper thought Player X should go in Round 4 doesn't mean it's a reach to take the guy in Round 2, because there certainly may be other GMs that feel that player is worth a 2nd or 3rd round pick as well.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

The Fans/Media get way too caught up in mock drafts and expert rankings. NFL GMs and scouting staffs spend tons of money on this stuff (of course they aren't always right). Just because Kiper thought Player X should go in Round 4 doesn't mean it's a reach to take the guy in Round 2, because there certainly may be other GMs that feel that player is worth a 2nd or 3rd round pick as well.

This is pretty much the long and short of it for me. The draft went nothing like any of them planned. Not even close. The mock drafts end up being a mockery because every one of these guys are looking to make fits with the players they think are best. Go read Wright's reactions to the Green Bay draft on his nfldraftcountdown site. He hated it because it didn't fit needs. He hated the Nelson pick and the Brohm pick. It didn't fit for what he thought so he considers it a bad draft.Look at last year's drafts. I don't know what grades the Packers or the Giants got initially after the draft, but by the end of the year both of those drafts deserved A++.They're clueless.I have a question. I'm wondering if there's still possible activity now before camps? It's after the draft and Philly still has Lito Sheppard on their roster even though they don't need/want him and he doesn't want to be there. And I'm wondering about potential diamonds in the rough being the odd men out at CB in Oakland. There could still be some solid DB pickups for GB's system with the cuts to come.

 

[Illegal Pants Downfield]

FWIW, Sirius NFL Radio Movin' The Chains (Pat Kirwan?) said he & Gil Brandt were talking at the beginning of the second day of the draft.

They were asked who they thought the top remaining players were after rounds 1&2 and both of them had DE Jeremy Thompson in their top 10.

So, they both think for the Packers to get him in the 4th was a good value...

 

[bcr8f]

I think he likes picking un-heralded guys. He is the opposite of a flashy GM and picks players that aren't too.

I hear that all of the time from fans and some in the media and I just don't buy it. "TT has a huge ego, and likes to pick unknown players so that when they pan out he can say 'I told you so'".

The bottom line is, he likes picking players he feels will perform and that fit the system. He doesn't care if they are heralded or unheralded; flashy or not.

The Fans/Media get way too caught up in mock drafts and expert rankings. NFL GMs and scouting staffs spend tons of money on this stuff (of course they aren't always right). Just because Kiper thought Player X should go in Round 4 doesn't mean it's a reach to take the guy in Round 2, because there certainly may be other GMs that feel that player is worth a 2nd or 3rd round pick as well.

That was my point except I don't think he has a huge ego. I think he does have an ego. I think he like to prove he is right but I don't see him patting himself on the back. He was an un-hearalded player and feels for them imo. Like Jennings. He wasn't offered a scholarship to Michigan and played at W Michigan. Now he's one of the best in that draft.I haven't seen him say I told you so, he lets his work speak for him.

 

[The Kerminator]

The Fans/Media get way too caught up in mock drafts and expert rankings. NFL GMs and scouting staffs spend tons of money on this stuff (of course they aren't always right). Just because Kiper thought Player X should go in Round 4 doesn't mean it's a reach to take the guy in Round 2, because there certainly may be other GMs that feel that player is worth a 2nd or 3rd round pick as well.

Every year the Milwaukee Journal/Sentinal does a post draft wrap up where they interview scouts and publish opinions of the Packer's draft choices. It's always interesting to see the WIDE varied opinion on the players. Scout A will say "we liked him. He'll be a superstar" and Scout B will say "Have no use for him". To each their own. I like Ron Wolfes philosophy. He always said he couldn't figure out the perfect way to evaluate players so he figured quantity was better than quality. Just pick a whole lot of players and some will work out. I think that's TT's philosophy as well.

 

[uwgb96]

I like Ron Wolfes philosophy. He always said he couldn't figure out the perfect way to evaluate players so he figured quantity was better than quality. Just pick a whole lot of players and some will work out. I think that's TT's philosophy as well.

Many fans get sick of TT trading down, but I would do the same thing. Throw a lot of darts and you should find parts that fit. I'm surprised he traded up in the 4th (giving up a 5th). Part of me thinks he just wanted to shut people up and prove he "could" trade up, but of course he doesn't care what the media thinks. He obviously liked Thompson as stated above and didn't give up anything too valuable to get him.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

I like Ron Wolfes philosophy. He always said he couldn't figure out the perfect way to evaluate players so he figured quantity was better than quality. Just pick a whole lot of players and some will work out. I think that's TT's philosophy as well.

Many fans get sick of TT trading down, but I would do the same thing. Throw a lot of darts and you should find parts that fit. I'm surprised he traded up in the 4th (giving up a 5th). Part of me thinks he just wanted to shut people up and prove he "could" trade up, but of course he doesn't care what the media thinks. He obviously liked Thompson as stated above and didn't give up anything too valuable to get him.

So I agree with everything above -- but the logical extension of it is "fire all the scouts". Seriously, if you can't (or don't) track the success rate of scouts, measure results and reward/hire/fire based on those results, then what good is it to have scouts? Anyway, I love TT's approach. He is the exact opposite of Mike Sherman....and that's a great thing for a GM.

 

[ookook]

I like Jordy Nelson fine, but it seemed too early for him. I wonder when he would have been taken by another team?

I was sort of hoping they would take Thomas at 30, but given their 4th round picks it is hard to quibble. But still hard to pass on Devin Thomas. Or Brandon Flowers for that matter.

I would have been MOST happy if Flowers had fallen one more spot.

 

[Sabertooth]

I think he likes picking un-heralded guys. He is the opposite of a flashy GM and picks players that aren't too.

I hear that all of the time from fans and some in the media and I just don't buy it. "TT has a huge ego, and likes to pick unknown players so that when they pan out he can say 'I told you so'".

The bottom line is, he likes picking players he feels will perform and that fit the system. He doesn't care if they are heralded or unheralded; flashy or not.

The Fans/Media get way too caught up in mock drafts and expert rankings. NFL GMs and scouting staffs spend tons of money on this stuff (of course they aren't always right). Just because Kiper thought Player X should go in Round 4 doesn't mean it's a reach to take the guy in Round 2, because there certainly may be other GMs that feel that player is worth a 2nd or 3rd round pick as well.

AJ Hawk and Abdul Hodge were both highly touted. One worked out and the other, well not so much. I agree with you, he is indifferent on the hype stuff.

 

[Sabertooth]

I like Jordy Nelson fine, but it seemed too early for him. I wonder when he would have been taken by another team?I was sort of hoping they would take Thomas at 30, but given their 4th round picks it is hard to quibble. But still hard to pass on Devin Thomas. Or Brandon Flowers for that matter.I would have been MOST happy if Flowers had fallen one more spot.

It isn't hard if you have Nelson rated higher than Thomas. It reminds me of the time Ted traded back when highly touted Chad Jackson was sitting right there for the taking, and WR was a huge need at the time. People cursed him for that. All he did was trade back and select little known Greg Jennings from Western Michigan. A throw away it seemed. Damn that Ted Thompson.

 

[jurrassic]

The Fans/Media get way too caught up in mock drafts and expert rankings. NFL GMs and scouting staffs spend tons of money on this stuff (of course they aren't always right). Just because Kiper thought Player X should go in Round 4 doesn't mean it's a reach to take the guy in Round 2, because there certainly may be other GMs that feel that player is worth a 2nd or 3rd round pick as well.

This is pretty much the long and short of it for me. The draft went nothing like any of them planned. Not even close. The mock drafts end up being a mockery because every one of these guys are looking to make fits with the players they think are best. Go read Wright's reactions to the Green Bay draft on his nfldraftcountdown site. He hated it because it didn't fit needs. He hated the Nelson pick and the Brohm pick. It didn't fit for what he thought so he considers it a bad draft.Look at last year's drafts. I don't know what grades the Packers or the Giants got initially after the draft, but by the end of the year both of those drafts deserved A++.They're clueless.I have a question. I'm wondering if there's still possible activity now before camps? It's after the draft and Philly still has Lito Sheppard on their roster even though they don't need/want him and he doesn't want to be there. And I'm wondering about potential diamonds in the rough being the odd men out at CB in Oakland. There could still be some solid DB pickups for GB's system with the cuts to come.

Fabian Washinton was traded on draft day. I don't think there will be any more Oakland db's released.

 

[Sabertooth]

I like Ron Wolfes philosophy. He always said he couldn't figure out the perfect way to evaluate players so he figured quantity was better than quality. Just pick a whole lot of players and some will work out. I think that's TT's philosophy as well.

Many fans get sick of TT trading down, but I would do the same thing. Throw a lot of darts and you should find parts that fit. I'm surprised he traded up in the 4th (giving up a 5th). Part of me thinks he just wanted to shut people up and prove he "could" trade up, but of course he doesn't care what the media thinks. He obviously liked Thompson as stated above and didn't give up anything too valuable to get him.

So I agree with everything above -- but the logical extension of it is "fire all the scouts". Seriously, if you can't (or don't) track the success rate of scouts, measure results and reward/hire/fire based on those results, then what good is it to have scouts? Anyway, I love TT's approach. He is the exact opposite of Mike Sherman....and that's a great thing for a GM.

Logical? How so?

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I like Jordy Nelson fine, but it seemed too early for him. I wonder when he would have been taken by another team?I was sort of hoping they would take Thomas at 30, but given their 4th round picks it is hard to quibble. But still hard to pass on Devin Thomas. Or Brandon Flowers for that matter.I would have been MOST happy if Flowers had fallen one more spot.

It isn't hard if you have Nelson rated higher than Thomas. It reminds me of the time Ted traded back when highly touted Chad Jackson was sitting right there for the taking, and WR was a huge need at the time. People cursed him for that. All he did was trade back and select little known Greg Jennings from Western Michigan. A throw away it seemed. Damn that Ted Thompson.

Packer fans were going nutz on this board that day - we had a shot at the great Chad Jackson and passed it up!

 

[Sabertooth]

I like Jordy Nelson fine, but it seemed too early for him. I wonder when he would have been taken by another team?I was sort of hoping they would take Thomas at 30, but given their 4th round picks it is hard to quibble. But still hard to pass on Devin Thomas. Or Brandon Flowers for that matter.I would have been MOST happy if Flowers had fallen one more spot.

It isn't hard if you have Nelson rated higher than Thomas. It reminds me of the time Ted traded back when highly touted Chad Jackson was sitting right there for the taking, and WR was a huge need at the time. People cursed him for that. All he did was trade back and select little known Greg Jennings from Western Michigan. A throw away it seemed. Damn that Ted Thompson.

Packer fans were going nutz on this board that day - we had a shot at the great Chad Jackson and passed it up!

Belichick foiled our plans.

 

[Illegal Pants Downfield]

Packer fans were going nutz on this board that day - we had a shot at the great Chad Jackson and passed it up!

Oh, how I remember that...I was fuming.

 

[uwgb96]

Many fans get sick of TT trading down, but I would do the same thing. Throw a lot of darts and you should find parts that fit. I'm surprised he traded up in the 4th (giving up a 5th). Part of me thinks he just wanted to shut people up and prove he "could" trade up, but of course he doesn't care what the media thinks. He obviously liked Thompson as stated above and didn't give up anything too valuable to get him.

So I agree with everything above -- but the logical extension of it is "fire all the scouts". Seriously, if you can't (or don't) track the success rate of scouts, measure results and reward/hire/fire based on those results, then what good is it to have scouts? Anyway, I love TT's approach. He is the exact opposite of Mike Sherman....and that's a great thing for a GM.

Logical? How so?

I was wondering the same thing. I wasn't saying that scouting is useless, quite the contrary. You still want to try and be as accurate as possible with the picks you do make. A majority of them aren't going to pan out, but that doesn't mean you don't do as much due diligence as possible.

 

[sho nuff]

I like Jordy Nelson fine, but it seemed too early for him. I wonder when he would have been taken by another team?I was sort of hoping they would take Thomas at 30, but given their 4th round picks it is hard to quibble. But still hard to pass on Devin Thomas. Or Brandon Flowers for that matter.I would have been MOST happy if Flowers had fallen one more spot.

I was hoping they would not take Flowers. I had visions of Ahmad Carrol running through my head.I don't think he has the size to do what GB wants to do with their corners.

 

[uwgb96]

Or Brandon Flowers for that matter. I would have been MOST happy if Flowers had fallen one more spot.

I was hoping they would not take Flowers. I had visions of Ahmad Carrol running through my head.I don't think he has the size to do what GB wants to do with their corners.

I agree and had the same thoughts. I had dreams of Jenkins falling to 30, but knew that wasn't going to happen, and TT wasn't very likely to trade up to get him. My wish going in was Cason, but when that wasn't going to happen I wanted the trade down.

 

[Sabertooth]

Nice article on the competition along the offensive line.

 

[Sabertooth]

Or Brandon Flowers for that matter. I would have been MOST happy if Flowers had fallen one more spot.

I was hoping they would not take Flowers. I had visions of Ahmad Carrol running through my head.I don't think he has the size to do what GB wants to do with their corners.

I agree and had the same thoughts. I had dreams of Jenkins falling to 30, but knew that wasn't going to happen, and TT wasn't very likely to trade up to get him. My wish going in was Cason, but when that wasn't going to happen I wanted the trade down.

I agree completely. Although I'd have selected Brohm with the first rounder. I guess that's why he's the GM.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Or Brandon Flowers for that matter. I would have been MOST happy if Flowers had fallen one more spot.

I was hoping they would not take Flowers. I had visions of Ahmad Carrol running through my head.I don't think he has the size to do what GB wants to do with their corners.

I agree and had the same thoughts. I had dreams of Jenkins falling to 30, but knew that wasn't going to happen, and TT wasn't very likely to trade up to get him. My wish going in was Cason, but when that wasn't going to happen I wanted the trade down.

I agree completely. Although I'd have selected Brohm with the first rounder. I guess that's why he's the GM.

Personally, I wouldn't have minded them taking Phillip Merling (DE from Clemson) at #30 and I thought that was going to be the call.

 

[sho nuff]

Looks like they will go with the youth at QB and roll the dice. I would guess that if Rodgers got hurt seriously that they would bring in someone like Nall who knows the system already though.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/8127462...13162&ATT=5

Packers coach Mike McCarthy told us on Friday that the team is not in the market for a veteran quarterback. This is Aaron Rodgers' team and he will be backed up by two neophytes in Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn. Brohm is a perfect fit in McCarthy's system.

Even sans Brett Favre, the Packers remain the most complete team in the NFC North.

and this little nugget.

And you just get the feeling from talking to people around the team the 2008 Packers aren't exactly thrilled that they have to deal with a Brett Favre retirement ceremony on the night they usher in the Rodgers era.

As for this...some idiots will surely try to put that on Favre. But it was Thompson's decision I believe...and while he should have consulted the team for this type of reaction...it is probably better to get it done right away and let the team and Rodgers put it all behind them.

 

[a_rackowski]

No way - the Packers open on MNF and thats a stage that Brett has so often shined. Its only fitting that the retirement ceremony is done on a national stage.