Packers 2010 Draft (1 Viewer)

[Ditkaless Wonders]

Best player available is fine in theory, but this team needs Tackles and corners. Perhaps Kampman can be traded for one, but with his injury there are doubts. Woodson and Harris are old,effective still, but old and the drop off could be precipituos. Clifton and Tauscher have been warriors, but they are p;aying on borrowed time and clearly well past their primes and caqnnot be relied upon.

I want to see tackle, corner, corner, tackle, unless free agency or trades address those needs somewhat prior to the draft. Fortunately, at their draft spot there is usually some quality available.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Brian Bulaga - LT - Iowa!

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

Best player available is fine in theory, but this team needs Tackles and corners. Perhaps Kampman can be traded for one, but with his injury there are doubts. Woodson and Harris are old,effective still, but old and the drop off could be precipituos. Clifton and Tauscher have been warriors, but they are p;aying on borrowed time and clearly well past their primes and caqnnot be relied upon.I want to see tackle, corner, corner, tackle, unless free agency or trades address those needs somewhat prior to the draft. Fortunately, at their draft spot there is usually some quality available.

I suppose, but I don't think the O line is as thin as you're making it out to be. With a healthy Spitz, they are very solid inside. Colledge/Spitz/Sitton/ (Wells backing up) can hold down those spots for a long time.Which leads us to TJ Lang. They guy's done enough to earn playing time, and filled in admirably for Clifton on Sunday due to injury. I'd be OK with Lang out there full time next year, though some seem to think he's destined for guard.To me, that leaves right tackle. While Tauscher isn't nearly as good as he once was, I wouldn't be opposed to signing him to a reasonable deal for another year and drafting another tackle prospect there. I don't think much of the Barbre experiment at right tackle.All in all, some depth would be good, but I don't think the cupboard is bare.

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

I do feel that with another year in the system T.J. Lang may be an answer at one spot. He showed a lot of heart this year while never being allowed to settle in at any position. If he took reps exclusively at right tackle I think he could be serviceable. I also think Tauscher might have another year left in him. Clifton I believe is done. I also believe Harris will have a tough time coming back while Woodson has some time left, though likely not too much.

 

[sho nuff]

It will be interesting.

I like TJ Lang...but think he might be better suited at RT from what I have seen than LT (did well last night though after Clifton went down).

The bad part is I think Clifton is done at LT and if I don't like Lang at LT....that sucks as I think Tauscher could play another year.

And yes...they do need CB help...preferably one who can return kicks and/or punts as Nelson stinks back there.

Id love Arenas from Alabama (if he comes out and would make it to the 2nd round...Junior right?)

So yes...OT and CB are the need.

I don't think they go safety as they will keep Collins one way or another. Not sure what they do with Bigby though. I think they might eventually try to put Woodson back there at safety if they had another corner.

LB is not a huge need...but something Id like to seem them take a couple. Hawk is still just a solid unspectacular player (did not look good last night but had a pretty good year).

Matthews and Barnett are fine and they do have Bishop to backup Hawk and Barnett. But maybe another OLB to push Jones some (they do have Thompson coming back next year). This is a later need.

A punter? Hate to draft one...but our punter sucks.

a late round or undrafted kicker to push Crosby some. I still think Crosby can be fine. He has such a big leg. I would hate to give up on him only to have him catch on and do well somewhere else like what happened with Jon Ryan (our previous punter).

RB is another thing I would not mind. Not a huge Brandon Jackson fan...so a smaller quick change of pace guy would be great. I know Spiller won't fall and they don't need to give up anything to trade up for him...but maybe a round or two later pick on Noel Devine type (who may also be able to do some return duties).

Id hope like most that they go heavey on OT and Corner though.

Interesting thought that their two best corners are guys they either traded for or signed as free agents. Can they find another gem there?

 

[sho nuff]

Best player available is fine in theory, but this team needs Tackles and corners. Perhaps Kampman can be traded for one, but with his injury there are doubts. Woodson and Harris are old,effective still, but old and the drop off could be precipituos. Clifton and Tauscher have been warriors, but they are p;aying on borrowed time and clearly well past their primes and caqnnot be relied upon.I want to see tackle, corner, corner, tackle, unless free agency or trades address those needs somewhat prior to the draft. Fortunately, at their draft spot there is usually some quality available.

I suppose, but I don't think the O line is as thin as you're making it out to be. With a healthy Spitz, they are very solid inside. Colledge/Spitz/Sitton/ (Wells backing up) can hold down those spots for a long time.Which leads us to TJ Lang. They guy's done enough to earn playing time, and filled in admirably for Clifton on Sunday due to injury. I'd be OK with Lang out there full time next year, though some seem to think he's destined for guard.To me, that leaves right tackle. While Tauscher isn't nearly as good as he once was, I wouldn't be opposed to signing him to a reasonable deal for another year and drafting another tackle prospect there. I don't think much of the Barbre experiment at right tackle.All in all, some depth would be good, but I don't think the cupboard is bare.

I disagree on Spitz starting and Wells backing up. I think Wells proved this year he should be the starter. Though, we may need Spitz at LG if we don't keep Colledge.I don't think Lang is destined for guard...I think he is destined for RT.Maybe try him at LT next year...give Tauscher another year. But still draft at least 2 OTs.I agree on barbre...time to cut ties with that guy.

 

[jurrassic]

Best player available is fine in theory, but this team needs Tackles and corners. Perhaps Kampman can be traded for one, but with his injury there are doubts. Woodson and Harris are old,effective still, but old and the drop off could be precipituos. Clifton and Tauscher have been warriors, but they are p;aying on borrowed time and clearly well past their primes and caqnnot be relied upon.I want to see tackle, corner, corner, tackle, unless free agency or trades address those needs somewhat prior to the draft. Fortunately, at their draft spot there is usually some quality available.

I suppose, but I don't think the O line is as thin as you're making it out to be. With a healthy Spitz, they are very solid inside. Colledge/Spitz/Sitton/ (Wells backing up) can hold down those spots for a long time.Which leads us to TJ Lang. They guy's done enough to earn playing time, and filled in admirably for Clifton on Sunday due to injury. I'd be OK with Lang out there full time next year, though some seem to think he's destined for guard.To me, that leaves right tackle. While Tauscher isn't nearly as good as he once was, I wouldn't be opposed to signing him to a reasonable deal for another year and drafting another tackle prospect there. I don't think much of the Barbre experiment at right tackle.All in all, some depth would be good, but I don't think the cupboard is bare.

I disagree that they are good at o-line. They are serviceabe and that's it. Spitz hasn't even proven he can play center yet, as he was hurt all season. Colledge and Sitton are average at best. They don't have a single player on the roster who is a legitimate tackle on the team. Barbre and Breno haven't shown anything to have confidence in them. Lang looks like he might be decent but as you said he looks like a guard. Unfortunately, I think the Packers will try him out at LT which is the wrong move. The Packers are a team with 11 o-lineman, and 9 of them are best suited for guard. That is the biggest indictment on Thompson as a GM. He can not draft o-lineman. I'm done with the "versatile" lineman approach. Draft a tackle and play him at tackle. I do agree that the secondary is the biggest issue. Bigby is not a legitmate safety in my opinion and is injury prone. Williams is at best a nickel and noone behind him is special at all.

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

For a guy with none of the traditional tools to play left tackle, and for having very few reps out there, Lang did extraqordinarily well when called upon. He is smart, has drive, and stays after his guy.

Maybe saying he has none of the traditional tools goes too far as the kid has really good balance and quick feet. I think he is a more natural guard or right tackle, but right tackle is not quite as pressing a need next year.

Any word on Clifton's injury, not that I think it really matters as i think he is just plain used up. I would like to see the Packers keep him around as a coach. He has been an excellent part of the team and an overachiever for years. You can't have too many guys like that around.

 

[jurrassic]

For a guy with none of the traditional tools to play left tackle, and for having very few reps out there, Lang did extraqordinarily well when called upon. He is smart, has drive, and stays after his guy. Maybe saying he has none of the traditional tools goes too far as the kid has really good balance and quick feet. I think he is a more natural guard or right tackle, but right tackle is not quite as pressing a need next year.Any word on Clifton's injury, not that I think it really matters as i think he is just plain used up. I would like to see the Packers keep him around as a coach. He has been an excellent part of the team and an overachiever for years. You can't have too many guys like that around.

I don't see how the Packers can go into next year relying on Clifton. If he can play, great, but they need to find someone else as well.

 

[sho nuff]

Best player available is fine in theory, but this team needs Tackles and corners. Perhaps Kampman can be traded for one, but with his injury there are doubts. Woodson and Harris are old,effective still, but old and the drop off could be precipituos. Clifton and Tauscher have been warriors, but they are p;aying on borrowed time and clearly well past their primes and caqnnot be relied upon.I want to see tackle, corner, corner, tackle, unless free agency or trades address those needs somewhat prior to the draft. Fortunately, at their draft spot there is usually some quality available.

I suppose, but I don't think the O line is as thin as you're making it out to be. With a healthy Spitz, they are very solid inside. Colledge/Spitz/Sitton/ (Wells backing up) can hold down those spots for a long time.Which leads us to TJ Lang. They guy's done enough to earn playing time, and filled in admirably for Clifton on Sunday due to injury. I'd be OK with Lang out there full time next year, though some seem to think he's destined for guard.To me, that leaves right tackle. While Tauscher isn't nearly as good as he once was, I wouldn't be opposed to signing him to a reasonable deal for another year and drafting another tackle prospect there. I don't think much of the Barbre experiment at right tackle.All in all, some depth would be good, but I don't think the cupboard is bare.

I disagree that they are good at o-line. They are serviceabe and that's it. Spitz hasn't even proven he can play center yet, as he was hurt all season. Colledge and Sitton are average at best. They don't have a single player on the roster who is a legitimate tackle on the team. Barbre and Breno haven't shown anything to have confidence in them. Lang looks like he might be decent but as you said he looks like a guard. Unfortunately, I think the Packers will try him out at LT which is the wrong move. The Packers are a team with 11 o-lineman, and 9 of them are best suited for guard. That is the biggest indictment on Thompson as a GM. He can not draft o-lineman. I'm done with the "versatile" lineman approach. Draft a tackle and play him at tackle. I do agree that the secondary is the biggest issue. Bigby is not a legitmate safety in my opinion and is injury prone. Williams is at best a nickel and noone behind him is special at all.

I think you sell Sitton and Colledge a bit short (especially Sitton after 1 year starting) saying they are average "at best". And I always hate that "at best" line of though. Saying a guy after one year of starting...and he had a pretty solid year too...is at best just average seems a bit odd.Agree on Barbre and so far on Breno. Who knows what he might do.But to say that they have no legit tackle...then saying Lang might be? I think Lang is a legit RT for sure. Not sure about LT though.And I agree on Thompson and his biggest failure has been the OL.I disagree on Bigby not being a legit safety. He had a pretty solid year as well...but I could see him giving way to another player or even Woodson.

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

Best player available is fine in theory, but this team needs Tackles and corners. Perhaps Kampman can be traded for one, but with his injury there are doubts. Woodson and Harris are old,effective still, but old and the drop off could be precipituos. Clifton and Tauscher have been warriors, but they are p;aying on borrowed time and clearly well past their primes and caqnnot be relied upon.I want to see tackle, corner, corner, tackle, unless free agency or trades address those needs somewhat prior to the draft. Fortunately, at their draft spot there is usually some quality available.

I suppose, but I don't think the O line is as thin as you're making it out to be. With a healthy Spitz, they are very solid inside. Colledge/Spitz/Sitton/ (Wells backing up) can hold down those spots for a long time.Which leads us to TJ Lang. They guy's done enough to earn playing time, and filled in admirably for Clifton on Sunday due to injury. I'd be OK with Lang out there full time next year, though some seem to think he's destined for guard.To me, that leaves right tackle. While Tauscher isn't nearly as good as he once was, I wouldn't be opposed to signing him to a reasonable deal for another year and drafting another tackle prospect there. I don't think much of the Barbre experiment at right tackle.All in all, some depth would be good, but I don't think the cupboard is bare.

I disagree that they are good at o-line. They are serviceabe and that's it. Spitz hasn't even proven he can play center yet, as he was hurt all season. Colledge and Sitton are average at best. They don't have a single player on the roster who is a legitimate tackle on the team. Barbre and Breno haven't shown anything to have confidence in them. Lang looks like he might be decent but as you said he looks like a guard. Unfortunately, I think the Packers will try him out at LT which is the wrong move. The Packers are a team with 11 o-lineman, and 9 of them are best suited for guard. That is the biggest indictment on Thompson as a GM. He can not draft o-lineman. I'm done with the "versatile" lineman approach. Draft a tackle and play him at tackle. I do agree that the secondary is the biggest issue. Bigby is not a legitmate safety in my opinion and is injury prone. Williams is at best a nickel and noone behind him is special at all.

I think you sell Sitton and Colledge a bit short (especially Sitton after 1 year starting) saying they are average "at best". And I always hate that "at best" line of though. Saying a guy after one year of starting...and he had a pretty solid year too...is at best just average seems a bit odd.Agree on Barbre and so far on Breno. Who knows what he might do.But to say that they have no legit tackle...then saying Lang might be? I think Lang is a legit RT for sure. Not sure about LT though.And I agree on Thompson and his biggest failure has been the OL.I disagree on Bigby not being a legit safety. He had a pretty solid year as well...but I could see him giving way to another player or even Woodson.

I think Woodson only has one more year at corner. I could see him extending his career by going to safety, ala Rod Woodson. He is undersized for a safety, but he is all heart and he had some of his best plays this year when playing safety.

 

[sho nuff]

I only say it may come sooner with Woodson at safety because of Bigby being a free agent. ( I think he is).

 

[Kitrick Taylor]

Best player available is fine in theory, but this team needs Tackles and corners. Perhaps Kampman can be traded for one, but with his injury there are doubts. Woodson and Harris are old,effective still, but old and the drop off could be precipituos. Clifton and Tauscher have been warriors, but they are p;aying on borrowed time and clearly well past their primes and caqnnot be relied upon.

I want to see tackle, corner, corner, tackle, unless free agency or trades address those needs somewhat prior to the draft. Fortunately, at their draft spot there is usually some quality available.

I suppose, but I don't think the O line is as thin as you're making it out to be. With a healthy Spitz, they are very solid inside. Colledge/Spitz/Sitton/ (Wells backing up) can hold down those spots for a long time.Which leads us to TJ Lang. They guy's done enough to earn playing time, and filled in admirably for Clifton on Sunday due to injury. I'd be OK with Lang out there full time next year, though some seem to think he's destined for guard.

To me, that leaves right tackle. While Tauscher isn't nearly as good as he once was, I wouldn't be opposed to signing him to a reasonable deal for another year and drafting another tackle prospect there. I don't think much of the Barbre experiment at right tackle.

All in all, some depth would be good, but I don't think the cupboard is bare.

I disagree that they are good at o-line. They are serviceabe and that's it. Spitz hasn't even proven he can play center yet, as he was hurt all season. Colledge and Sitton are average at best. They don't have a single player on the roster who is a legitimate tackle on the team. Barbre and Breno haven't shown anything to have confidence in them. Lang looks like he might be decent but as you said he looks like a guard. Unfortunately, I think the Packers will try him out at LT which is the wrong move. The Packers are a team with 11 o-lineman, and 9 of them are best suited for guard. That is the biggest indictment on Thompson as a GM. He can not draft o-lineman. I'm done with the "versatile" lineman approach. Draft a tackle and play him at tackle. I do agree that the secondary is the biggest issue. Bigby is not a legitmate safety in my opinion and is injury prone. Williams is at best a nickel and noone behind him is special at all.

You were doing fine until you got to the secondary part. Tramon Williams is a fine corner. He's not as crafty yet as Woodson or Harris, but he's pretty damn good. I would bet that he ranks in the middle of the pack as far as starting CBs go in the NFL. Lets also not forget that the Packers were playing without Harris (#2 CB), Blackmon (#4) and Pat Lee (probably #5) yesterday. Jarrett Bush was never meant to see the field as a CB, and Josh Bell was added to the roster after Harris' injury. As for the offensive line, while I wouldn't want to completely rely on these guys, but Giacomini and Barbre aren't done yet. Anybody remember the Mike Wahle experiment at LT? He was about as bad as Barbre was this year. They moved him to LG and he became a pro bowler. I wouldn't be surprised to see Barbre make the same kind of move. As for Giacomini, it sounds as if he has a legitimate chance to start next year. Remember that he played TE until his final year at Louisville, then one season at Tackle. He's 6'7" and 315lbs. Here's what Campen had to say about him back in November:

"He's a big-boned kid who is as solid as this wall," Campen said. "He's very strong and has a motor that just won't quit. He has no learning problem. He's very assignment-sure."

I guess what I am saying is that I don't feel the cupboard is bare at either one of those positions. I would lean toward both if they have players ranked similarly that are available in the draft, but I wouldn't go to grabbing somebody at either position based on need.

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

Best player available is fine in theory, but this team needs Tackles and corners. Perhaps Kampman can be traded for one, but with his injury there are doubts. Woodson and Harris are old,effective still, but old and the drop off could be precipituos. Clifton and Tauscher have been warriors, but they are p;aying on borrowed time and clearly well past their primes and caqnnot be relied upon.

I want to see tackle, corner, corner, tackle, unless free agency or trades address those needs somewhat prior to the draft. Fortunately, at their draft spot there is usually some quality available.

I suppose, but I don't think the O line is as thin as you're making it out to be. With a healthy Spitz, they are very solid inside. Colledge/Spitz/Sitton/ (Wells backing up) can hold down those spots for a long time.Which leads us to TJ Lang. They guy's done enough to earn playing time, and filled in admirably for Clifton on Sunday due to injury. I'd be OK with Lang out there full time next year, though some seem to think he's destined for guard.

To me, that leaves right tackle. While Tauscher isn't nearly as good as he once was, I wouldn't be opposed to signing him to a reasonable deal for another year and drafting another tackle prospect there. I don't think much of the Barbre experiment at right tackle.

All in all, some depth would be good, but I don't think the cupboard is bare.

I disagree that they are good at o-line. They are serviceabe and that's it. Spitz hasn't even proven he can play center yet, as he was hurt all season. Colledge and Sitton are average at best. They don't have a single player on the roster who is a legitimate tackle on the team. Barbre and Breno haven't shown anything to have confidence in them. Lang looks like he might be decent but as you said he looks like a guard. Unfortunately, I think the Packers will try him out at LT which is the wrong move. The Packers are a team with 11 o-lineman, and 9 of them are best suited for guard. That is the biggest indictment on Thompson as a GM. He can not draft o-lineman. I'm done with the "versatile" lineman approach. Draft a tackle and play him at tackle. I do agree that the secondary is the biggest issue. Bigby is not a legitmate safety in my opinion and is injury prone. Williams is at best a nickel and noone behind him is special at all.

First, I didn't say they were 'good'. I said I don't think they're as thin as being made out in some places. Sitton was a real find at guard, and has proven to be one of their more reliable O lineman. He's young and has a lot of room for growth. Under the radar guy that had a nice season. Read more from the Journal Sentinel.

Colledge is not great, but he doesn't have to be. He's just fine at left guard.

Jury's out on Spitz, as he was hurt. I tend to think he's a better run blocker than Wells, while Wells is better in pass protection. Regardless, it'd be nice to upgrade Center, but not a huge need.

TJ Lang probably needs to play. He's good enough to start right now.

It's very rare that all five starters on an O line are great players. I think between Sitton/Spitz/Wells/Lang you have the makings of a pretty good offensive line. Mix in a Tauscher if they can sign him cheap, or another FA or draftee, and you'll be fine.

LT is a big concern for sure. I still maintain Lang could play effectively there.

And before we condemn them as a whole, realize that they improved as the season went on, and blocked for a 1200 yard rusher. A guy that everyone seems to think isn't very talented. How does that happen then?

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Regarding the OL, I see a good core in the middle with Spitz, Colledge and Sitton, with Wells backing up and TJ Lang playing the role of versatile backup up and down the line. It will be interesting to see what becomes of Barbre and Breno. If Breno wasn't ready to at least do some spot-duty this season given what transpired at the tackle position, I can't imagine why he is taking a roster spot. I don't believe he played a single play from scrimmage.

I have no idea what Thompson will do of course, but the one move I am strongly pining for is bringing in Bobby April. I read that he has cleaned out his stuff in Buffalo and stated that he wants to move on. I think special teams have been the achilles heel of this team the past two seasons. It is a very rare opportunity to have a guy like April available, and I hope Thomspon is on the phone with him this morning.

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

I have no idea what Thompson will do of course, but the one move I am strongly pining for is bringing in Bobby April. I read that he has cleaned out his stuff in Buffalo and stated that he wants to move on. I think special teams have been the achilles heel of this team the past two seasons. It is a very rare opportunity to have a guy like April available, and I hope Thomspon is on the phone with him this morning.

I would love to see that.

 

[jurrassic]

Best player available is fine in theory, but this team needs Tackles and corners. Perhaps Kampman can be traded for one, but with his injury there are doubts. Woodson and Harris are old,effective still, but old and the drop off could be precipituos. Clifton and Tauscher have been warriors, but they are p;aying on borrowed time and clearly well past their primes and caqnnot be relied upon.

I want to see tackle, corner, corner, tackle, unless free agency or trades address those needs somewhat prior to the draft. Fortunately, at their draft spot there is usually some quality available.

I suppose, but I don't think the O line is as thin as you're making it out to be. With a healthy Spitz, they are very solid inside. Colledge/Spitz/Sitton/ (Wells backing up) can hold down those spots for a long time.Which leads us to TJ Lang. They guy's done enough to earn playing time, and filled in admirably for Clifton on Sunday due to injury. I'd be OK with Lang out there full time next year, though some seem to think he's destined for guard.

To me, that leaves right tackle. While Tauscher isn't nearly as good as he once was, I wouldn't be opposed to signing him to a reasonable deal for another year and drafting another tackle prospect there. I don't think much of the Barbre experiment at right tackle.

All in all, some depth would be good, but I don't think the cupboard is bare.

I disagree that they are good at o-line. They are serviceabe and that's it. Spitz hasn't even proven he can play center yet, as he was hurt all season. Colledge and Sitton are average at best. They don't have a single player on the roster who is a legitimate tackle on the team. Barbre and Breno haven't shown anything to have confidence in them. Lang looks like he might be decent but as you said he looks like a guard. Unfortunately, I think the Packers will try him out at LT which is the wrong move. The Packers are a team with 11 o-lineman, and 9 of them are best suited for guard. That is the biggest indictment on Thompson as a GM. He can not draft o-lineman. I'm done with the "versatile" lineman approach. Draft a tackle and play him at tackle. I do agree that the secondary is the biggest issue. Bigby is not a legitmate safety in my opinion and is injury prone. Williams is at best a nickel and noone behind him is special at all.

You were doing fine until you got to the secondary part. Tramon Williams is a fine corner. He's not as crafty yet as Woodson or Harris, but he's pretty damn good. I would bet that he ranks in the middle of the pack as far as starting CBs go in the NFL. Lets also not forget that the Packers were playing without Harris (#2 CB), Blackmon (#4) and Pat Lee (probably #5) yesterday. Jarrett Bush was never meant to see the field as a CB, and Josh Bell was added to the roster after Harris' injury. As for the offensive line, while I wouldn't want to completely rely on these guys, but Giacomini and Barbre aren't done yet. Anybody remember the Mike Wahle experiment at LT? He was about as bad as Barbre was this year. They moved him to LG and he became a pro bowler. I wouldn't be surprised to see Barbre make the same kind of move. As for Giacomini, it sounds as if he has a legitimate chance to start next year. Remember that he played TE until his final year at Louisville, then one season at Tackle. He's 6'7" and 315lbs. Here's what Campen had to say about him back in November:

"He's a big-boned kid who is as solid as this wall," Campen said. "He's very strong and has a motor that just won't quit. He has no learning problem. He's very assignment-sure."

I guess what I am saying is that I don't feel the cupboard is bare at either one of those positions. I would lean toward both if they have players ranked similarly that are available in the draft, but I wouldn't go to grabbing somebody at either position based on need.

I'm not as optimistic. This was an o-line that was on pace to give up the most sacks ever. The Packers had to make adjustments to their offense to account for those deficiencies. Their two best o-lineman, at best, have 1-2 years left. While you may be right about Barbe, how many LG and RG's can one team have on their roster? At some point they have to draft college tackles to play tackle. In regards to the secondary, Williams is average. He gives up a ton of huge plays, and while he has talent, he still doesn't have the mental side of the game down. Bush is terrible, I think everyone will agree on that. Bell is a borderline NFL player He probaly won't be on the roster next year. Blackmon is at best a dime db and can't be relied on. He has only made it through 1 full season in 5 years. Lee was drafted for the old defense as he was a physical bump and run corner in college. He has been on the team for 2 years and hasn't contributed at all.

 

[JJP]

I would think it would have to be left tackle, although the situation did seem to improve as the season went on. Other than that, I'd say CB. Harris is up in age, and depending on how he returns from injury, it could be a big need. The guy who replaced him cannot cover. Looks like he interferes on nearly every play. Woodson also is up in age although not showing signs of it.

Any chance the Packers give the Bears permission to talk to Tom Clements to become their O-C? You wouldn't think they would.

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

I only say it may come sooner with Woodson at safety because of Bigby being a free agent. ( I think he is).

He is (pending CBA negotations). Underwood is also an option at safety, kind of a tweener.

 

[trader jake]

Ted Thompson will draft the best player available, regardless of position. With that said here is a list, in order, of positions I hope TT upgrades in some way this offseason:

LT

CB

...

SS

OLB

...

special teams (KR/PR, P, coach)

I wouldn't mind seeing more playmakers drafted and groomed as well. The Packers offense looks set right now but I don't want an injury to Finley taking away 1/3 of our playbook, one to Grant leaving us with no legitimate running threat, and/or it could mean a legit return man is added to help improve our poor special teams. BTW - Don't tease me with this Bobby April talk.

 

[sho nuff]

I would think it would have to be left tackle, although the situation did seem to improve as the season went on. Other than that, I'd say CB. Harris is up in age, and depending on how he returns from injury, it could be a big need. The guy who replaced him cannot cover. Looks like he interferes on nearly every play. Woodson also is up in age although not showing signs of it.Any chance the Packers give the Bears permission to talk to Tom Clements to become their O-C? You wouldn't think they would.

Williams had the one game against Balt where he got called a lot for interference...not sure where you are getting that he interferes on every play.

 

[sho nuff]

I only say it may come sooner with Woodson at safety because of Bigby being a free agent. ( I think he is).

He is (pending CBA negotations). Underwood is also an option at safety, kind of a tweener.

With Bigby being undrafted...is he affected by the CBA as far as restricted vs. Unrestricted?Collins is...but not sure about Bigby.

 

[Titus Pullo]

Ron Wolf said one of his biggest mistakes was drafting need over best player.

Drafted Southern Cal offensive tackle John Michels in the first round in 1996, 27th overall. Michels lasted just two seasons in Green Bay.

Wolf: "I had an opportunity that year to trade down, which would have left on our board [defensive end] Tony Brackens, plus I would have gotten another third rounder out of it. But I opted not to do that. That was one time where I was blinded by taking a need pick. We needed an offensive lineman. It was an idiotic decision on my part."

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

I only say it may come sooner with Woodson at safety because of Bigby being a free agent. ( I think he is).

He is (pending CBA negotations). Underwood is also an option at safety, kind of a tweener.

With Bigby being undrafted...is he affected by the CBA as far as restricted vs. Unrestricted?Collins is...but not sure about Bigby.

According to this, Bigby would be among the guys still RFA - http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/A-look...gents-5315.htmlI think the # of seasons in the NFL required for UFA with no new agreement would be the same for every player (6).

 

[sho nuff]

I only say it may come sooner with Woodson at safety because of Bigby being a free agent. ( I think he is).

He is (pending CBA negotations). Underwood is also an option at safety, kind of a tweener.

With Bigby being undrafted...is he affected by the CBA as far as restricted vs. Unrestricted?Collins is...but not sure about Bigby.

According to this, Bigby would be among the guys still RFA - http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/A-look...gents-5315.htmlI think the # of seasons in the NFL required for UFA with no new agreement would be the same for every player (6).

Thanks...I was unsure how much applied to him as an undrafted free agent rather than a player they drafted.

 

[nlgb1]

i dont mind where we take what position, but as long as we come away with either parrish cox or donovan warren, ill be happy.

i really think we need db over ot

 

[Aaronstory]

#1 question heading into 2010, and it isn't even close, is 'Who is going to play LT?' They simply can't count on Clifton anymore.

Other than that, drafting a corner is def in order and a OLB to play opposite of Matthews.

 

[jurrassic]

#1 question heading into 2010, and it isn't even close, is 'Who is going to play LT?' They simply can't count on Clifton anymore.Other than that, drafting a corner is def in order and a OLB to play opposite of Matthews.

I agree LT is slightly more important because Rodgers needs to be protected, but don't undersell how thin they are at db. As I stated, I think Williams is okay but after that they really don't have much. Now Underwood could make a big jump from year 1 to year 2 and Lee could finally contribute something but the Packers changed their defensive scheme yesterday to "hide" Underwood and Bush. They played about twice as much zone as they normally do and they still weren't successful.

 

[valence]

OL and DB are definitely the need. I wouldn't mind them throwing a later round pick at some sort of speed back to compliment Grant either though.

 

[cr8f]

Green Bay — It's a fact. Cornerback Sam Shields is the fastest man on the Green Bay Packers.

This will take time, but it's also entirely possible that Shields could rival Derrick Martin as their most dynamic special-teams player.

For a $7,500 signing bonus and a minimum contract, the Packers got themselves a free agent from the University of Miami with the speed and the versatility to find a way onto the 53-man roster.

Seven teams wanted to sign Shields when the draft ended Saturday. Green Bay, one of the two clubs Shields visited, won out.

"I liked Green Bay, the Hall of Fame, everything," Shields said from Miami. "I talked to my head coach, Randy Shannon, and I also did my homework on the depth chart and how I could fit in as far as special teams. I thought it was the best fit for me."

You won't find many wide receivers-turned-cornerbacks talking about their chances to play special teams. Shields didn't mean returning kicks, although he'd like to try that. He meant covering kicks.

Shields, 5 feet, 10½ inches and 186 pounds, did that his last three seasons at "The U," both punts and kickoffs.

"Gunner - that's one of my specialties right there," said Shields. "I love it. I (forced) a lot of fair catches."

Wiry and tough, Shields wasn't often manhandled at the line. Give him half a step and it was see you later.

At pro day March 26 in Coral Gables, scouts clocked his two 40-yard dashes in 4.30 and 4.33 seconds. Some teams then subtract 0.02 because of the grass surface.

So put Shields down for 4.28, a number that would blow away everybody on the roster.

"He can flat fly," an AFC personnel man said. "And he plays it with pads on. In the Texas vs. the Nation Game, when he turned to run, it was special."

Recruited as a wide receiver out of Sarasota, Fla., Shields started 15 of 36 games from 2006-'08. Each year, his playing time and production decreased. Shields finished with 75 receptions for 971 yards (12.9) and seven touchdowns, but scouts say he dropped way too many passes.

Rather than relegate Shields to a special-teams only role as a senior, Shannon moved him to cornerback last spring. He started 10 games there for a 9-4 team, breaking up two passes and intercepting none, and was named the team's most improved player.

"He might be that (special) teams guy you make a spot for," the AFC scout said. "He can run all day with wideouts, but his problem is finishing at the ball. It's all new to him. But he might be your fifth corner, and he might end up being your fifth wideout."

Before the events of March 18, Shields figured he might be drafted in the third or fourth round. Several scouts pegged him in the later rounds.

An unmarried father of two daughters, Shields was en route to pick up one of them at her grandmother's house in Sarasota. Shortly after arrival, Shields was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of possession of marijuana (less than 20 grams). He spent that night in the Sarasota County Jail.

The story made headlines across Florida and was noted everywhere else.

Now move ahead to April 14, when the charges were dropped after Shields paid some court costs.

"Basically, everybody thinks I got pulled over because I was smoking pot and all that," Shields said. ". . . I was never arrested before. I never tested positive on a drug test. I smoked in high school, but I didn't like it. That was about it."

According to Shields, Sarasota police raided the residence shortly after he arrived because they suspected drugs were being sold there. Shields said he was not using marijuana and was falsely arrested.

Shields conceded that he deserved to be suspended by Shannon for the '07 opener because "I was immature at the time and wasn't going to class."

Shields also didn't complain about Shannon benching him for another game in '07 because of poor practice habits.

"He knows how fast I run," Shields said. "I didn't think so, but Coach Shannon said I wasn't running fast enough. He's tough. That's what I like."

Having interviewed Shields at length, the AFC executive expressed no misgivings about his character.

"Talking to him, going over his history, how he talked about other people and coaches. . .  he never bad-mouthed anybody," the scout said. "You don't detect attitude in him. He's humble. Well-mannered. Unassuming. He'll do the best of his ability whatever they ask him to do."

Aside from apprenticing under Charles Woodson, Shields can't wait to resume his relationship with cornerbacks coach Joe Whitt.

"When we were looking at my film, he saw the raw talent and said he could coach me up," said Shields. "I was at the wrong place at the wrong time. It will make me better in life."