If anyone saw Ask Vic today on Packers.com, there was a guy who posted an interesting way to "beat the system" if you are always drafting near the end of each round, like the Packers have been. Here is his question and Vic's response.
If you were a GM, would you ever consider trying to do this? I wish they had started that in 2007 before they chose Justin Harrell! Ah, a crystal ball would be nice.Poster said: Here’s how to beat the draft. One year, trade your one for a one next year. Next year you have two ones. Take a player with the higher pick, and trade the lower pick for another one the following year. Lather, rinse, repeat.
Vic replied: It’s easier said than done, but it’s the kind of creativity necessary to beat the system. If you don’t like what’s available to you with your pick and you can trade it for a higher pick the following season, I’m all for doing it because, in my opinion, the draft is all about value and the future. Take care of the future and the future will take care of the present.
Read more: http://www.packers.com/news-and-even...#ixzz3yftl89Or
"Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts." -Daniel Patrick Moynihan
This sounds like a nice little formula, but there are three problems, the second bigger than the first and third:
One, you have to be willing, that first year, to give up a number one pick. In the win-today world of the NFL, that's tough to do. Plus, what if you do see a guy you really like in that late-round spot? Do you pass just because you're trying to set up the future?
Secondly, this formula assumes that every single year you're going to find a trading partner who will want your pick and will be willing to give you their next year's number one pick.
Third, this formula also assumes that the team you've traded your late-round pick to, in exchange for their next year's number one, will suck the following year, so you'll have a good pick.
Sounds cool and all, but wouldn't work in reality. Though I do wish, and did at the time, that the Pack would've traded that #16 overall to Cleveland for their #23 overall plus next year's number one. That might've set off a fun chain of events that might've led to another SB.
Although it might've set off a different chain of events that would've resulted in their never getting to the heights they did. You never know.
"The Devine era is actually worse than you remember if you go back and look at it."
KYPack
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap300...at-senior-bowl
Carson Wentz solidifies standing as first-rounder at Senior Bowl
By: Daniel Jeremiah ..... NFL Media analyst
Published: Jan. 29, 2016 at 04:23 p.m. .....Updated: Jan. 29, 2016 at 07:49 p.m.
** Since 2006 3 X Pro Pickem' Champion; 4 X Runner-Up and 3 X 3rd place.
** To download Jesus Loves Me ring tones, you'll need a cell phone mame
** If God doesn't fish, play poker or pull for " the Packers ", exactly what does HE do with his buds?
** Rather than love, money or fame - give me TRUTH: Henry D. Thoreau
Bud Adams told me the franchise he admired the most was the Kansas City Chiefs. Then he asked for more hookers and blow.
Carson Wentz
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/n...b-carson-wentz
Not surprising, but always fun to read. He said his favorite QB growing up was Brett Favre, but he also said he kind of rooted for the Vikings because they were the closest team. That's the biggest negative on him. In Bismarck it's kind of 50/50 for Packers to Vikings fans with a lot of Steelers and Broncos fans mixed in.Q: Is there a quarterback you look up to or try to model your game after?
A: Aaron Rodgers is extremely fun. I love watching him and Tom Brady because of the way they control the offense. They have the unique ability to put the ball wherever they want. They extend and make plays outside the given play. Those are guys I learn form.
"There's a lot of interest in the draft. It's great. But quite frankly, most of the people that are commenting on it don't know anything about what they are talking about."--Ted Thompson
PFT: list of scout picks at top of each position.
Also voted as top performers at their respective positions were Carson Wentz of North Dakota State, top quarterback; Kenneth Dixon of Louisiana Tech, top running back; Sterling Shepard of Oklahoma, top wide receiver; Jason Spriggs of Indiana, top offensive lineman; Noah Spence of Eastern Kentucky, top defensive lineman; Reggie Ragland of Alabama, top linebacker; Harlan Miller of Southeast Louisiana, top defensive back; and Jeff Overbaugh of San Diego State, top specialist.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...owl-standouts/
Bud Adams told me the franchise he admired the most was the Kansas City Chiefs. Then he asked for more hookers and blow.
** Since 2006 3 X Pro Pickem' Champion; 4 X Runner-Up and 3 X 3rd place.
** To download Jesus Loves Me ring tones, you'll need a cell phone mame
** If God doesn't fish, play poker or pull for " the Packers ", exactly what does HE do with his buds?
** Rather than love, money or fame - give me TRUTH: Henry D. Thoreau
I'd love to see the Packers draft RB Kenneth Dixon and WR Sterling Shephard. However, if they shine at the Senior Bowl, we probably won't have a chance at them. The cream rises quickly to the top after these bowl games and the Combine.
One time Lombardi was disgusted with the team in practice and told them they were going to have to start with the basics. He held up a ball and said: "This is a football." McGee immediately called out, "Stop, coach, you're going too fast," and that gave everyone a laugh.
John Maxymuk, Packers By The Numbers
I'm through QBs and RBs (pre-combine) and getting through WRs. I like Dixon. Might lack a little speed, so he might be ranked right about where he should be. Good all around RB. Of course, I was somebody who liked Bishop Sankey more than Tre Mason because of his all around skills. RBs are really hard to judge.
I like Shepard. I think he's ranked a little low in most rankings.
"There's a lot of interest in the draft. It's great. But quite frankly, most of the people that are commenting on it don't know anything about what they are talking about."--Ted Thompson
You mean the media catches up to what the teams already know?
Yeah, I guess. I'm talking mainly about the scouting report guys. Right now, based just on film and sketchy athletic measurements, the scouting gurus are all over the map. Once the rubber hits the road in the bowl games and official combine performances are in, low rated guys go up in mock drafts and high rated guys go down. See Paul Dawson last year for a typical example.
One time Lombardi was disgusted with the team in practice and told them they were going to have to start with the basics. He held up a ball and said: "This is a football." McGee immediately called out, "Stop, coach, you're going too fast," and that gave everyone a laugh.
John Maxymuk, Packers By The Numbers
Senior Bowlers to watch: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2...and-the-future
Jeremy Cash, safety, Duke
The Cardinals' success with Deone Bucannon may create a market for safeties who can play like linebackers. Cash, who lined up as everything from an outside linebacker to a slot corner for the Blue Devils, fits the bill. He's also coming back from December wrist surgery and can show he's ready to go through the full predraft process.
Paul McRoberts, wide receiver, Southeast Missouri State
Big-play receivers from smaller programs make the best prospect crushes. McRoberts is long and lanky, with a knack for tough catches. He makes great moves with the ball in his hands and shows willingness as a downfield blocker. Let's see how those skills ramp up against all-star competition.
Jonathan Williams, running back, Arkansas
Rushed for 1,190 yards as a junior, suffered a foot injury and missed the whole year as a senior. Williams is the kind of player the Senior Bowl is made for.
Shawn Oakman, defensive end, Baylor
I just want to see him. The dude looks like Drax from Guardians of the Galaxy. He appears to have the wingspan of a prom limo. I just want to see him with his shirt off and stuff.
Is that squicky? It's not meant to be squicky. It's scouting.
Others:
Carson Wentz, quarterback, North Dakota State
Jeff Driskel, quarterback, Louisiana Tech
Nick Martin, center, Notre Dame
Braxton Miller, wide receiver, Ohio State
Bud Adams told me the franchise he admired the most was the Kansas City Chiefs. Then he asked for more hookers and blow.
IMO the Packers need a hybrid ILB like Cash, who can tackle, but can stay with speedy RB's and TE's in man coverage and zone. When you think about it, there isn't much of a size difference between smaller traditional ILB's and bigger hybrid types. It boils down to speed and coverage ability.
That said, I didn't hear Cash's name called at all yesterday. Did he play?
McRoberts played well, especially in the clutch. He displayed good hands and RAC ability. Don't know about his downfield ability to separate.
If Williams played, he didn't stand out. The RB's who shined IMO were Aaron Green and Tyler Ervin (an undersized guy that TT would have to go way out of character to draft, but draft him he should). Kenneth Dixon is supposed to be a pass catching back, but he had a blatant drop on an easy out pattern.
Shawn Oakman stood out. He was a disrupting factor and had a couple of sacks. Was that because the D-lineman were all so good and outclassed the O-linemen creating opportunities for Oakman?
Driskel and Zak Prescott were the outstanding QB's. There seems to be a bumper crop of QB's this year. Same for D-linemen and WR's.
Speaking of which, Braxton Miller showed athleticism, speed and RAC. He'd do well in GB. He's like Monty on steroids IMO.
Other guys that impressed were Vernon Butler, Noah Spence, Eric Murray, KJ Dillon, Deone Jones, Nick Vannett and Darian Thompson. I could see Vannett as a Packer. Spence has had drug issues. Murray is a good tackler/hitter.
One time Lombardi was disgusted with the team in practice and told them they were going to have to start with the basics. He held up a ball and said: "This is a football." McGee immediately called out, "Stop, coach, you're going too fast," and that gave everyone a laugh.
John Maxymuk, Packers By The Numbers
Another prospective...
Seahawks BlogLouisiana Tech DT Vernon Butler could go in the first round
Before we get into the Senior Bowl highlights from yesterday, here are some observations I made watching games yesterday:
— Vernon Butler (DT, Louisiana Tech) is the most intriguing interior defensive linemen in the class. I watched him against Rice and Kansas State and you could see him playing for the Seahawks. His gap discipline is excellent and that’s a big deal for Seattle. They preach doing your job up front and it helps them dominate vs the run. There aren’t many DT’s with length (34 inch arms), size (325lbs) and this type of mobility/athleticism. They like unique players — Butler has a rare physical combination. He carries the size well with a nice blend of lower/upper body power. He’ll soak up a double team on one play allowing the linebacker to break through on a blitz. On the next down he’ll stretch out a run play and work to the sideline. Here’s the thing though — he isn’t a great pass rusher. He just isn’t. And that’s underlined by a poor stat-sheet against some below-par opponents in 2015 (three sacks). So while he has the potential to become a very impressive, solid pro-DT at the next level — is he likely to improve upon what the Seahawks already have? That said, I’m not sure there’s a DT I’d want to take earlier than Butler in the entire class.
— When I do my next mock draft, Kyler Fackrell (DE/OLB, Utah State) will be in the top-25. I can see why PFF graded him as one of the most underrated pass rushers in college football in 2015. Unlike Vernon Butler, his middling statistics (four sacks) don’t do him justice. He’s a splash play artist — constantly impacting snaps and forcing mistakes. He’s a relentless rusher responsible for so many bad throws, picks and poor decisions. Whether you want to use him in the 3-4 at linebacker, off the edge in a 4-3 or in a Jamie Collins type role — he’ll be able to make plays. He’s one of the most fun players you’ll see in this class — with the attitude, intensity and football character that will make him incredibly attractive to teams. If the Dallas Cowboys wanted to draw a line under the ugly Greg Hardy episode, Fackrell would be an ideal replacement. They won’t take him with the #4 pick — but if they trade down with a club looking to draft one of the top QB’s, it could be possible.
— Sheldon Rankins (DT, Louisville) is getting a lot of attention after what appears to be a terrific first day of practise at the Senior Bowl. I saw one clip where he embarrassed Graham Glasgow with a fantastic spin move. It was quick-twitch, fluid technique at its best. He apparently had a similar move against Evan Boehm. I recall not being overly impressed with his tape — so I went back yesterday to review that initial take. And I came away unimpressed again. Perhaps the nature of the drills and the 1v1 nature of the plays suit Rankins? There’s no denying he has an attractive combination of quick feet and compact size (6-2, around 300lbs) that you want to see in an orthodox 4-3 three technique (not that the Seahawks feature that type of player). Yet on tape he doesn’t beat anyone with the spin move, he doesn’t shoot gaps and penetrate. He hasn’t got that first step quickness to work into the backfield. He doesn’t get pushed around and he looks strong at the POA, he’ll hold his ground and occasionally force running backs to bounce outside. He can move along the line. But he’s not going to the NFL to be a run-stuffer. And there has to at least be some concern that he’ll always look great in these Senior Bowl drills — but will it translate to the NFL? I’m not overly convinced — but will try and watch another couple of different games soon.
Senior Bowl highlights
Jon Ledyard says Charles Tapper (DE, Oklahoma) had a good day (among his extensive notes). “His hands are deadly when he utilizes them, just has to get precision down. I thought Tapper had an impressive all-around day, and his thick build lends itself to a strong-side 4-3 defensive end who is pretty immovable against the run.”
Joe Marino thinks Jason Spriggs (T, Indiana) is helping himself. The Senior Bowl is always a good showcase event for athletic offensive linemen. Marino: “He has the skills to be a starter on the left side in the NFL.”
Tony Pauline also felt Spriggs performed well:
Three in a row for Jason Spriggs/Indiana over Jihad Ward/Illinois. Spriggs could cement himself as a first round pick this week.
— Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline) January 26, 2016
Pauline also praised Noah Spence (DE, Eastern Kentucky), Malcolm Mitchell (WR, Georgia) and Jordan Jenkins (OLB/DE, Georgia) on his Twitter timeline. On Jenkins: “(He) has been unstoppable. A man among boys.”
Todd McShay thinks Braxton Miller (WR, Ohio State) can have an impact this week. “Miller showed great play, speed and savvy. He can still work on getting a cleaner release against press coverage, but he really caught the ball — even when the throws were off-target. And you saw his ability to create big plays after the catch.”
Rosterwatch claim Miles Killebrew (S, Southern Utah) is getting plenty of attention. “One DC told us today he likes him best as a light LB in Thomas Davis mold.”
One time Lombardi was disgusted with the team in practice and told them they were going to have to start with the basics. He held up a ball and said: "This is a football." McGee immediately called out, "Stop, coach, you're going too fast," and that gave everyone a laugh.
John Maxymuk, Packers By The Numbers
Bleacher Report Slideshow on the game Pretty good analysis.
One time Lombardi was disgusted with the team in practice and told them they were going to have to start with the basics. He held up a ball and said: "This is a football." McGee immediately called out, "Stop, coach, you're going too fast," and that gave everyone a laugh.
John Maxymuk, Packers By The Numbers
Do you think NFL OC's will figure out how to scheme against the quick ILB's like Telvin Smith, Deone Buchannon and Thomas Davis? Seems like running at them with a lead block from a FB or G would give them trouble. I have to think this is a fad that will get outschemed...but I could be wrong. Telvin has been pretty good for 2 seasons with the Jags.