***Official*** Green Bay Packers Offseason Thread, v. 2014 (1 Viewer)

[sho nuff]

Typical TT draft so far.

It's not about Packer fans or pundits being enthused about his picks.

It's about taking players they have rated higher then the pundits or un-named sourses/scouts that the papers quote. It's about realizing that TT was right about guys like James Jones, Jordy Nelson, Greg Jennings, Mike Daniels, Josh Boyd, Casey Hayward, Nick Collins, Josh Sitton, TJ Lang, David Bahktiari, Micah Hyde and James Starks.

IIRC these were all guys most were "less enthused about".

And with all those big hits, they went 8-7-1 last year. Ted hasn't knocked it out of the park in a long time. He just keeps whiffing on picks left and right last three years. Even when he hits, the guys can't stay on the field.

He found the NFL rookie of the year in the second round just a year ago.

And what appears to be a pretty good tackle later too.

 

[smackdaddies]

Jared Abbedaris is a packer - I think the first Badger TT has ever taken in the draft

 

[Balco]

Demetri Goodson. Another player who can't stay healthy. Would have liked Smallwood there.

 

[Sabertooth]

Yeah I don't understand how you have a team that is a walking MASH unit annually and keep taking injury risks.

 

[Sabertooth]

Typical TT draft so far.

It's not about Packer fans or pundits being enthused about his picks.

It's about taking players they have rated higher then the pundits or un-named sourses/scouts that the papers quote. It's about realizing that TT was right about guys like James Jones, Jordy Nelson, Greg Jennings, Mike Daniels, Josh Boyd, Casey Hayward, Nick Collins, Josh Sitton, TJ Lang, David Bahktiari, Micah Hyde and James Starks.

IIRC these were all guys most were "less enthused about".

And with all those big hits, they went 8-7-1 last year. Ted hasn't knocked it out of the park in a long time. He just keeps whiffing on picks left and right last three years. Even when he hits, the guys can't stay on the field.

He found the NFL rookie of the year in the second round just a year ago.

I was speaking more about the lack of defensive help. Since the awesome 2009 draft that netted Raji and Matthews (and propelled them to a Lombardi), he's had 36 picks. He's hit on 6 of those picks. That's not good enought to compete with Seattle and San Francisco and the record shows this.

 

[sho nuff]

Jared Abbedaris is a packer - I think the first Badger TT has ever taken in the draft

Love this late as a 5th wr and possible return guy.

 

[Balco]

Who are the free agents still around at LB? Or LB's on the trading block?

Still very concerned at ILB.

 

[werdnoynek]

Jeff Janis too. Interesting guy to watch.

 

[sho nuff]

Demetri Goodson. Another player who can't stay healthy. Would have liked Smallwood there.

Arm fracture...Id worry less about that than a guy with a bad back, knees, or hamstrings.

And a longshot to make the team anyway.

 

[sho nuff]

Who are the free agents still around at LB? Or LB's on the trading block?

Still very concerned at ILB.

Looks like they have signed 2 LBs...one listed as an OLB though. Neal is an interesting one at RB. Showed some promise at times...but what I saw at UT was him not being consistent...plus on a bad team.

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/258777251.html

• OG John Fullington, Washington State
• RB Rajon Neal, Tennessee
• LB Jake Doughty, Utah State
• QB Chase Rettig, Boston College
• CB Ryan White, Auburn
• OLB Jayrone Elliot, Toledo
• RB James Sims, Kansas

Also read they signed ILB Joe Thomas from South Carolina State

 

[Sabertooth]

Looks like Ted taking the "throw a lot of #### at the wall and see if anything sticks" approach to WR. I don't mean that as a dig. I like that approach and use it in my dynasty league. With Cobb and Jordy in contract years, this is a very prudent approach. I think Boykin is starting material but he's going to be hard pressed to hold of Adams. I don't think he can do it.

 

[sho nuff]

Going to be interesting to see what WRs make this team.

Myles White will push with his experience...Dorsey from last year...plus now 3 draft picks at WR to go with Cobb, Nelson, and Boykin.

Guessing they try and stash the 7th rounder on the PS this year.

 

[sho nuff]

Looks like Ted taking the "throw a lot of #### at the wall and see if anything sticks" approach to WR. I don't mean that as a dig. I like that approach and use it in my dynasty league. With Cobb and Jordy in contract years, this is a very prudent approach. I think Boykin is starting material but he's going to be hard pressed to hold of Adams. I don't think he can do it.

Right as I was typing...there are definitely some options...I don't think its just #### though.

Abbrederis as a 5th option and returner is not a bad problem to have IMO.

Watch the OSU game against Roby.

 

[sho nuff]

And now we have Raji, Neal...and Rajon Neal

 

[Ookie Pringle]

Going to be interesting to see what WRs make this team.

Myles White will push with his experience...Dorsey from last year...plus now 3 draft picks at WR to go with Cobb, Nelson, and Boykin.

Guessing they try and stash the 7th rounder on the PS this year.

White is nothing and doesn't want to get hit.

 

[Sabertooth]

Looks like Ted taking the "throw a lot of #### at the wall and see if anything sticks" approach to WR. I don't mean that as a dig. I like that approach and use it in my dynasty league. With Cobb and Jordy in contract years, this is a very prudent approach. I think Boykin is starting material but he's going to be hard pressed to hold of Adams. I don't think he can do it.

Right as I was typing...there are definitely some options...I don't think its just #### though.Abbrederis as a 5th option and returner is not a bad problem to have IMO.

Watch the OSU game against Roby.

i meant it more as a figure of speech. I don't know much about the latest two but I had Adams in my top 5-7 wideouts.

 

[Tool]

Looks like Ted taking the "throw a lot of #### at the wall and see if anything sticks" approach to WR. I don't mean that as a dig. I like that approach and use it in my dynasty league. With Cobb and Jordy in contract years, this is a very prudent approach. I think Boykin is starting material but he's going to be hard pressed to hold of Adams. I don't think he can do it.

Is the consensus that both will sign new contracts?

 

[Sabertooth]

I am not sure. I'd hope so but they are pretty elite talents. Packers might not be able to afford both.

 

[jurb26]

And now we have Raji, Neal...and Rajon Neal

Neal was my favorite late round flyer at RB. He could be good enough to carve out a backup role to Lacy.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

I am not sure. I'd hope so but they are pretty elite talents. Packers might not be able to afford both.

Jordy turns 30 next year in May. So while he is very good, it might be tough for him to break the bank....

 

[sho nuff]

I am not sure. I'd hope so but they are pretty elite talents. Packers might not be able to afford both.

Jordy turns 30 next year in May. So while he is very good, it might be tough for him to break the bank....

Agreed...if he wants the big big money, TT will let him walk. IMO, Cobb is still the one they need to lock up and do it before the season starts.

 

[Touchdown There]

Jordy is not in it for the money. He gave the Pack a hometown discount the last time and knows his production is tied to Rodgers.

 

[Balco]

Jordy is not in it for the money. He gave the Pack a hometown discount the last time and knows his production is tied to Rodgers.

This is Jordy's last shot at a big money contract. He played out his very below market contract. He is going to the highest bidder. And I don't blame him. I just don't think it will be the Packers.

 

[Touchdown There]

Jordy is not in it for the money. He gave the Pack a hometown discount the last time and knows his production is tied to Rodgers.

This is Jordy's last shot at a big money contract. He played out his very below market contract. He is going to the highest bidder. And I don't blame him. I just don't think it will be the Packers.

He will sign with the Pack

 

[FavreAndAwayAnIdiot]

Well, TT needed to hit this draft out of the park to stop the slide over the last few years (let alone close the gap with the elite teams), and I don't think he did. Time will tell, of course, and TT has proven many wrong before.

None of it will matter unless they can stay healthy for a year, though. Perhaps the crack investigative team the Pack hired to look into the injury problem will find the magic bullet?

 

[smackdaddies]

Well, TT needed to hit this draft out of the park to stop the slide over the last few years (let alone close the gap with the elite teams), and I don't think he did. Time will tell, of course, and TT has proven many wrong before.

None of it will matter unless they can stay healthy for a year, though. Perhaps the crack investigative team the Pack hired to look into the injury problem will find the magic bullet?

Well, idiot, thanks for that wisdom. After all, they were one missed interception away from the nfc championship, so exactly how much better do they need to get?

 

[FavreAndAwayAnIdiot]

Well, TT needed to hit this draft out of the park to stop the slide over the last few years (let alone close the gap with the elite teams), and I don't think he did. Time will tell, of course, and TT has proven many wrong before.

None of it will matter unless they can stay healthy for a year, though. Perhaps the crack investigative team the Pack hired to look into the injury problem will find the magic bullet?

Well, idiot, thanks for that wisdom. After all, they were one missed interception away from the nfc championship, so exactly how much better do they need to get?

Interesting way of looking at it (idiot?). Or of course, the year before when they were 200 yards of QB rushing defense from advancing... Or even the year before when they were 17 points away from not getting blown out at home... Keep drinking the kool aide! This team has not been championship-caliber for 3 years. Rodgers is the only reason they've been in the playoffs.

 

[sho nuff]

idiot? its in your name.

How is it Kool-Aid...you claimed there was some gap between then and the elite teams.

I would agree there is a bit of a gap...but the gap this past year...in a bad year where little went right...was still an INT away from closing out SF in the playoffs and advancing.

As for Rodgers being the only reason? Sure...he is playing this year right? Still under contract?

 

[cstu]

Jordy is not in it for the money. He gave the Pack a hometown discount the last time and knows his production is tied to Rodgers.

This is Jordy's last shot at a big money contract. He played out his very below market contract. He is going to the highest bidder. And I don't blame him. I just don't think it will be the Packers.

He will sign with the Pack

I found this link when I was reading about his contract situation. It doesn't appear money is the most important thing to him.

Now, 10 months after signing a contract extension, it can be argued that Nelson is underpaid, and the Packers got themselves an incredible steal.

The thing is, you'll never hear Nelson say that.

"I don't think anyone's worth $12 million to play football if you ask me," said the 27-year-old Nelson, who's beginning his fifth season. "It doesn't bother me. Obviously, you can sit there and look at it and wonder if I signed too early or whatever, but I'm fine.

"I've got bigger issues than looking for more money."

Read more from Journal Sentinel: http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/catching-a-break-vk6fi4f-166204736.html#ixzz31QYF62Qv

Follow us: @JournalSentinel on Twitter

 

[kwille]

SI likes the Packers draft http://nfl.si.com/2014/05/10/2014-nfl-draft-grades/2/

Green Bay PackersFew teams addressed obvious needs as aggressively and intelligently in this draft as the Packers, starting with first-round safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. The Alabama product can cover deep, and he’s a great hitter from linebacker depth up. Three underrated receivers — Fresno State’s Davante Adams in the second round, Wisconsin slot man Jared Abbrederis in the fifth and Saginaw Valley State’s Jeff Janis in the seventh — should make Aaron Rodgers very happy. Cal tight end Richard Rodgers is the Jermichael Finley replacement — a receiver who can flare wide and make plays. And Southern Miss defensive tackle Khyri Thornton will help a line in great need of young, tough talent.

Grade: A

 

[smackdaddies]

compared to the rest of the nfc north, the packers are still far and away the best team

Compared to the best teams, they are a little short

So, they need to get better. But compared to the bears/lions/vikings, the Packers are just shy of the best. The other teams are barely even competitive.

 

[Sabertooth]

We shall see. If a couple guys can shake the injury bug and develop (jones, Perry, Heyward) I think they have potential. Hard to even tell what they have on defense anymore because guys get hurt so often.

 

[sho nuff]

We shall see. If a couple guys can shake the injury bug and develop (jones, Perry, Heyward) I think they have potential. Hard to even tell what they have on defense anymore because guys get hurt so often.

Add in Worthy too.

Hayward is a big one...though, I do like Hyde there as well, Hayward had playmaker written all over him his first year. MIA with the hamstring issues since then.

 

[FavreAndAwayAnIdiot]

compared to the rest of the nfc north, the packers are still far and away the best team

In overall talent, Detroit has passed them. And I would say the gap is significant-- the effect of drafting high year after year. The difference is the QB, and at least for now, the HC. Rodgers is clearly superior, but if Stafford has a few more solid years (and continues to stay healthy) that Detroit talent will come together. Finally...

 

[Touchdown There]

Part of the injury bug comes down to lack of offseason preparation. It was not all bad luck. They had better be busting their ### this year.

 

[FavreAndAwayAnIdiot]

Part of the injury bug comes down to lack of offseason preparation. It was not all bad luck. They had better be busting their ### this year.

Did you just call the Packers lazy?

 

[The Kerminator]

Well, TT needed to hit this draft out of the park to stop the slide over the last few years (let alone close the gap with the elite teams), and I don't think he did. Time will tell, of course, and TT has proven many wrong before.

None of it will matter unless they can stay healthy for a year, though. Perhaps the crack investigative team the Pack hired to look into the injury problem will find the magic bullet?

At least 13 NFL draft analysts disagree with your assessment.

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/258967041.html

No shortage of NFL analysts willing to grade the Packers' draftBy Bob Wolfley of the Journal Sentinel
May 12, 2014 4:32 p.m.

Laughingly premature. Hopelessly superficial. Tragically popular.

We bring you the grades some pro football observers assigned to Packers general manager Ted Thompson and his staff for their performance in the 2014 NFL draft, during which Green Bay selected nine players.

Our search party could not locate a single bad grade for the Packers, which of course means, well, nothing. But it makes you a little suspicious.

Some analysts did not post a grade. We listed those who did, along with any decent commentary, if there was any:

- Sporting News: Grade A. “Although the big immediate impact from this group will be how well (Ha Ha) Clinton-Dix and (Khyri) Thornton address their defensive issues, it shouldn't be lost how they stockpiled some more weapons for Aaron Rodgers. Wisconsin's own (Jared) Abbrederis and (Jeff) Janis had the talent to be taken earlier.”

- Terez A. Paylor, Kansas City Star: Grade A-. “Yet another strong draft for the Packers. . . . They did not address inside linebacker, but it’s hard to complain about the collection of talent.”

- Tom Layberger, national NFL reporter: “Thunderous applause.”

- Bleacher Report: “Losing receiver James Jones in free agency won't hurt one bit with Davante Adams in town. He is a bigger, more talented version of Jones, who fared quite well in the Packers offense in recent years.”

- NFL.com: The Packers were one of six teams that “passed with flying colors.”

- Dan Lyons, yardbarker.com: Grade: A-. “General manager Ted Thompson was able to stick with his tried-and-true strategy of taking the best player available, and still fill a number of major needs.”

- Doug Farrar, SI.com: Grade: A: "Few teams addressed obvious needs as aggressively and intelligently in this draft as the Packers, starting with first-round safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.”

- Yahoo! Sports: “The Packers added athleticism, physicality and intensity each day of the draft, making it one of the NFL's clear winners in this year's draft.”

- Peter Prisco, cbssportsline.com: Grade B. Best Pick: “I like the pick of receiver Davante Adams in the second round.” Prisco wondered why GB waited until the fifth round to pick an offensive lineman. “Are they that good up front?”

- Foxsports.com: Grade: A. “Ted Thompson nailed this draft.”

- Mel Kiper, ESPN: Grade B- for need, B+ for value. “Another solid draft. . . . There's not a point where you feel like the Packers flat out got a steal, but aside from the question at ILB, there's not much not to like.”

- Todd McShay of ESPN picked a team in each NFL division that he thinks “will get the most impact from their rookie classes in the 2014 season.” McShay picked the Packers for the NFC North. “The Packers came away with several potential early contributors.”

- sbnation.com: Grade A. “This has the makings of another great class for Ted Thompson and the Green Bay Packers.”

I suppose they could be wrong.

 

[smackdaddies]

compared to the rest of the nfc north, the packers are still far and away the best team

In overall talent, Detroit has passed them. And I would say the gap is significant-- the effect of drafting high year after year. The difference is the QB, and at least for now, the HC. Rodgers is clearly superior, but if Stafford has a few more solid years (and continues to stay healthy) that Detroit talent will come together. Finally...

still living up to your name

 

[smackdaddies]

two very interesting FA's

Alabama outside linebacker Adrian Hubbard, one of the best players not to be selected in the National Football League draft, blamed his snub on a minor heart abnormality for which he has been cleared.

Hubbard, 6 feet 6 inches and 257 pounds, was projected as a mid-round draft choice. A fourth-year junior, he started the past two seasons as strong outside linebacker in the Crimson Tide's 3-4 defense.

He finished with 83 tackles (18 for loss) and 10 sacks in 36 games, including 26 starts.

"I talked to Eddie (Lacy) last night," said Hubbard. "He said, 'Come in here, you know how to work, do what you do.'"

Meanwhile, the Packers added another free agent when safety Tanner Miller of Iowa said he agreed to terms Saturday.

"Four teams called me toward the end of the draft," Miller said. "Dallas, Minnesota, Chicago, Green Bay. I talked to my agent and we decided Green Bay would be the best situation for me."

Miller (6-1, 212) started at free safety the past three seasons, finishing with seven interceptions. He became a starter in September 2011 when Micah Hyde, the Packers' fifth-round draft choice in 2013, was moved from free safety to cornerback.

"It's just a great situation where I can come in and have him there to help me out," Miller said. "To be able to pick his brain and jump the learning curve a little faster."

Miller ran the 40-yard dash in 4.60 seconds and had a 35 1/2-inch vertical jump.

Honestly - those are great FA signings.

 

[FavreAndAwayAnIdiot]

compared to the rest of the nfc north, the packers are still far and away the best team

In overall talent, Detroit has passed them. And I would say the gap is significant-- the effect of drafting high year after year. The difference is the QB, and at least for now, the HC. Rodgers is clearly superior, but if Stafford has a few more solid years (and continues to stay healthy) that Detroit talent will come together. Finally...

still living up to your name

Still contributing nothing.

 

[smackdaddies]

compared to the rest of the nfc north, the packers are still far and away the best team

In overall talent, Detroit has passed them. And I would say the gap is significant-- the effect of drafting high year after year. The difference is the QB, and at least for now, the HC. Rodgers is clearly superior, but if Stafford has a few more solid years (and continues to stay healthy) that Detroit talent will come together. Finally...

still living up to your name

Still contributing nothing.

I agree. Living up to your name and not contributing anything. Go troll somewhere else.

 

[The Kerminator]

compared to the rest of the nfc north, the packers are still far and away the best team

In overall talent, Detroit has passed them. And I would say the gap is significant-- the effect of drafting high year after year. The difference is the QB, and at least for now, the HC. Rodgers is clearly superior, but if Stafford has a few more solid years (and continues to stay healthy) that Detroit talent will come together. Finally...

still living up to your name

Still contributing nothing.

Well, his statement is a lot more accurate than yours regarding Detroit's talent level.

 

[smackdaddies]

I don't see any significant improvement over the packers based on the draft. Packers O has gotten better and D dbacks still suck.

QB/RB/WR - packers are better. . Calvin is the best WR in the league, but overall the pack have better WR and got better in the draft.

As bad as the Packers D backfield is, Detroits is worse

Dline is the only place Detroit is clearly better.

 

[sho nuff]

Haha is an unknown...Burnett may be better when being mire an in the box type player...but still below average.

Shields, Hyde, Hayward, and Williams dont suck at all.

 

[FavreAndAwayAnIdiot]

I don't see any significant improvement over the packers based on the draft. Packers O has gotten better and D dbacks still suck.

QB/RB/WR - packers are better. . Calvin is the best WR in the league, but overall the pack have better WR and got better in the draft.

As bad as the Packers D backfield is, Detroits is worse

Dline is the only place Detroit is clearly better.

Other than Rodgers, Lacy, Matthews, maybe Sitton, overpaid Shields, Cobb & Nelson (instead of CJ/Tate), I'd take the Lion at every other position.

The only reason GB has had more success thus far is the skill of Rodgers and the fact that Green Bay hasn't had a revolving door at coach.

I think it's an even field with the Lions toward the end of 2014 (potential, perhaps not record), depending on the success of this draft class.

 

[Sabertooth]

I don't see any significant improvement over the packers based on the draft. Packers O has gotten better and D dbacks still suck.

QB/RB/WR - packers are better. . Calvin is the best WR in the league, but overall the pack have better WR and got better in the draft.

As bad as the Packers D backfield is, Detroits is worse

Dline is the only place Detroit is clearly better.

Other than Rodgers, Lacy, Matthews, maybe Sitton, overpaid Shields, Cobb & Nelson (instead of CJ/Tate), I'd take the Lion at every other position.

The only reason GB has had more success thus far is the skill of Rodgers and the fact that Green Bay hasn't had a revolving door at coach.

I think it's an even field with the Lions toward the end of 2014 (potential, perhaps not record), depending on the success of this draft class.

Good thing we still have Rodgers I don't give a crap about "potential" or "on paper." Give me the "W" over those things every time. This isn't Dungeons and Dragons, games are not won on paper.

 

[FavreAndAwayAnIdiot]

I don't see any significant improvement over the packers based on the draft. Packers O has gotten better and D dbacks still suck.

QB/RB/WR - packers are better. . Calvin is the best WR in the league, but overall the pack have better WR and got better in the draft.

As bad as the Packers D backfield is, Detroits is worse

Dline is the only place Detroit is clearly better.

Other than Rodgers, Lacy, Matthews, maybe Sitton, overpaid Shields, Cobb & Nelson (instead of CJ/Tate), I'd take the Lion at every other position.

The only reason GB has had more success thus far is the skill of Rodgers and the fact that Green Bay hasn't had a revolving door at coach.

I think it's an even field with the Lions toward the end of 2014 (potential, perhaps not record), depending on the success of this draft class.

Good thing we still have Rodgers I don't give a crap about "potential" or "on paper." Give me the "W" over those things every time. This isn't Dungeons and Dragons, games are not won on paper.

Very true, but sometimes potential comes together with the right coaching staff. The Lions have obviously not had that, and maybe they still don't. But the talent is there to be the best team in the NFC North if they can finally put it together.

 

[Sabertooth]

I don't think McCarthy did much of a job last year to be honest. He couldn't circle the wagons at all when Rodgers and Cobb went down. So I think there is definitely room to improve on the Packers coaching staff too. I agree the Lions have some talent, but I think the Bears and Vikings do too. It isn't a cupcake division by any means. The players in the skill positions in the NFCN reads like a who's who of Fantasy stud - Alshon, Marshall, Calvin, Forte, Bush, Rodgers, Stafford, Adrian, Patterson, Lacy, Jordy, and Cobb.

Loads of talent. When Reggie Bush is the fourth best starting running back in your division, that speaks to talent. When neither Nelson, Alshon, or Cobb could start for your All NFC North Team, that's saying something too. We still have the best wideouts, running backs, and Quarterbacks in the entire NFL top to bottom. Tough sledding.

And I have a sneaking suspicion that Teddy Bridgewater is and always was the BEST QB in this class.

Going to be lots of fun to watch. Nobody is going to give Green Bay the title, that's for sure.

 

[smackdaddies]

2013 - Where Rodgers did not even play a number of games, the Packers O was better than Detroit O

If Detroit could not of done a better job on offense than the Packers did with the revolving door qb situation - Even without Rodgers, the Packers offense is better than Detroits.

Considering the draft, Detroit has not made that any closer

Now on Defense, yes, Detroit is better than the Packers. Not good enough to make up for the pathetic excuse that Detroit O is

 

[Sabertooth]

I don't

2013 - Where Rodgers did not even play a number of games, the Packers O was better than Detroit O

If Detroit could not of done a better job on offense than the Packers did with the revolving door qb situation - Even without Rodgers, the Packers offense is better than Detroits.

Considering the draft, Detroit has not made that any closer

Now on Defense, yes, Detroit is better than the Packers. Not good enough to make up for the pathetic excuse that Detroit O is

Wow, did not realize that. The defense is a shambles though. I just want to see what they defense could do if it actually starter all their starters or even 10 of 12.

What does the Packers starters look like right now?

LIne - Raji, ?. ?

Backers - Matthews, Hawk, Perry? , who else?

Backs - Haha, Burnett, Heyward, Shields, Tramon?