Franks Released

[Farley Face]

I'm not shocked but I little surprised. Wonder if he was offered a paycut and refused.

[Farley Face]

I'm not shocked but I little surprised. Wonder if he was offered a paycut and refused.

From Packers.com:

http://www.packers.com/news/releases/2008/02/20/1/

[PaCkFan_n_MD]

How much does he free in cap and how much do we still have to pay him?

[Farley Face]

I'm not shocked but I little surprised. Wonder if he was offered a paycut and refused.

From Packers.com:

http://www.packers.com/news/releases/2008/02/20/1/

Doesn't sound like we should hold our breath for a return engagement at a lower salary. Nice words from TT, but not much sense he left that door open:

"We thank Bubba for everything he has given to our franchise," general manager Ted Thompson said in a release. "He was a productive player on the field, a good teammate in the locker room and a fine representative of the Packers in the Green Bay community."

[Joemailman]

How much does he free in cap and how much do we still have to pay him?

Bubba would have counted 4.5 million against the cap in 2008. I believe the Packers save 3.5 million cap money with this move.

[b bulldog]

Crumpler ???

[RashanGary]

Another good move. KGB might be the next one, but KGB is still a good player. It's harder to cut a good player, esspecially one that puts pressure on the QB.

I'm really hoping we find a DE near the top of this draft. Thompson is doing a lot of good things, but he hasn't done anything to perpetuate the good DE situation that Sherman left him.

[RashanGary]

I could see keeping KGB one more year to buy Thompson time to find a DE in either this draft or the next one.

I could also see Thompson cutting KGB and signing Travis Leboy to a long term deal as our next pass rush specialist.

I'm leaning more toward keeping KGB for one more year and hopefully drafting one soon. DE is fast becoming a big need though.

[Freak Out]

KGB getting cut? That would be a surprise to me.

[b bulldog]

I hope he takes a reduction in pay. Best of luck to Bubba.

[GBRulz]

Shocking move IMO. I guess I would understand if we had someone else waiting in the wings but we don't.

[b bulldog]

He is a second stringer, Lee is the starter.

[Lurker64]

Shocking move IMO. I guess I would understand if we had someone else waiting in the wings but we don't.

I'm not so sure it's all that shocking. We saw what the Packers looked like without Franks for the better part of the 2007 season, and it wasn't all that terrible. Franks would have been hard pressed to get the starting job in 2008 and 4.5 million for a backup TE (while we could have afforded it) wouldn't have made a lot of sense economically.

Still, I wish Bubba all the best.

[Brando19]

I wonder if anyone picks Bubba up? Will Favre be upset b/c he liked Bubba.

[BallHawk]

Does TT have a plan? Splash in FA? Trade?

I'm not sure, but it doesn't make much sense to release your 2nd best TE when you have plenty of cap space to keep him.

[packrulz]

I've been supportive of Bubba over the years but he is getting old, I was a little shocked when I saw footage of him at the airport on the news this year and he was dressed kind of crappy and looked like an old homeless guy. He never was fast and it would be nice to find a TE who can block AND be a threat to catch a pass. As for KGB, I think he's worth the money for another year, until they can find someone who's better, and that's not easy. I thought Jenkins would be better this year, but he was banged up a lot.

[The Leaper]

He is a second stringer, Lee is the starter.

Yeah...I think the writing was on the wall for Bubba. The decision to tag Williams basically forced Green Bay's hand...at least if they are hoping to have the resources to land a significant FA.

So, IMO, this move speaks to the notion that TT probably is considering making a strong move in free agency somewhere...otherwise cutting Franks now would not be a necessity.

[GBRulz]

Shocking move IMO. I guess I would understand if we had someone else waiting in the wings but we don't.

I'm not so sure it's all that shocking. We saw what the Packers looked like without Franks for the better part of the 2007 season, and it wasn't all that terrible. Franks would have been hard pressed to get the starting job in 2008 and 4.5 million for a backup TE (while we could have afforded it) wouldn't have made a lot of sense economically.

Still, I wish Bubba all the best.

I just hope there is a plan, perhaps in FA or something. If Lee gets hurt, I don't want us to depend on our 7th round TE pick to fill the starting role.

Alcorn just signed a two year contract with Seattle so we can't get him. :oops:

[PaCkFan_n_MD]

He is a second stringer, Lee is the starter.

Yeah...I think the writing was on the wall for Bubba. The decision to tag Williams basically forced Green Bay's hand...at least if they are hoping to have the resources to land a significant FA.

So, IMO, this move speaks to the notion that TT probably is considering making a strong move in free agency somewhere...otherwise cutting Franks now would not be a necessity.

Or he's just trying to give Babba a chance to get the best deal possible in free agency.

[The Leaper]

Or he's just trying to give Babba a chance to get the best deal possible in free agency.

Perhaps...although Bubba is not going to break the bank. He looks to me to be a veteran's minimum at this point in time.

[Lurker64]

I just hope there is a plan, perhaps in FA or something. If Lee gets hurt, I don't want us to depend on our 7th round TE pick to fill the starting role.

Our 7th round TE of last year is currently with the Detroit Lions, so I don't see us starting him. Our actual backup TE (Ryan Krause) is actually entering his fifth year in the league and was a sixth round pick. He played okay too, for a guy who didn't have an offseason to learn the offense.

[Harlan Huckleby]

i don't know if he is worth the money, evidently not. slightly odd in that Franks was a steady contributor this past season for the first time in three or four years.

[cheesner]

He is a second stringer, Lee is the starter.

Yeah...I think the writing was on the wall for Bubba. The decision to tag Williams basically forced Green Bay's hand...at least if they are hoping to have the resources to land a significant FA.

So, IMO, this move speaks to the notion that TT probably is considering making a strong move in free agency somewhere...otherwise cutting Franks now would not be a necessity.

I don't see TT as a guy who would plan on any particular FA. Maybe he sees several and figures he can get better production at a cheaper rate, and one should be available. Or maybe, TT just thinks Bubba doesn't fit the direction we are headed and he would rather have potential with the right tools than the wrong thing.

[RashanGary]

I believe that average guys are a dime a dozen in the NFL. Any team that doesn't have a TE right now and is good at evaluating talent shoudl be able to scower the scrap heap and dig up a guy who is rated at a 3 out of 10 on the 10 scale. Over the course of 2 or three years, there is no reason you shouldn't be able to find a guy who's rated a 5 or 6 out of ten.

Franks was what? A 5 out of 10? Those are guys you should be able to replace over the course of two years. It's not like we're losing an unreplacable part and the drop from Franks 5/10 to whoever replaces him (if we're unlucky a 3/10 at the #2 TE position or maybe even someone equal or better) is small enough where it barely hurts. By next year, I'll bet our 2nd TE is better than Franks. It's really as simple as not being worried about replacing a dime a dozen player.


As you move up the scale of player quality, I'm of the belief that they get much more rare. You start talking about guys who are 7/10 or 8/10 and you're talking about guys who make a difference. Guys that would probably take you 5 years to replace naturally or guys that you'd have to blow big money to replace. These guys are guys you don't let go because of their rarity and impact. Corey Williams and KGB are guys in that 7-8/10 range. We're NOT going to get guys who pressure the QB like them this year or next year most likely. It's hard to do. Those are guys you value more.

Anyway, that's my take on letting Bubba go. He's average. He's making above average money. He's on the decline. He's easy to replace. Letting him go makes sense to me.

[Carolina_Packer]

I'd be up for Crumpler. It would be cool to be able to run double TE sets. I hear there are about 10 or so teams looking at him.

[pack4to84]

Shocking move IMO. I guess I would understand if we had someone else waiting in the wings but we don't.

I'm not so sure it's all that shocking. We saw what the Packers looked like without Franks for the better part of the 2007 season, and it wasn't all that terrible. Franks would have been hard pressed to get the starting job in 2008 and 4.5 million for a backup TE (while we could have afforded it) wouldn't have made a lot of sense economically.

Still, I wish Bubba all the best.

I just hope there is a plan, perhaps in FA or something. If Lee gets hurt, I don't want us to depend on our 7th round TE pick to fill the starting role.

Alcorn just signed a two year contract with Seattle so we can't get him. :oops:My answer to this is: I think TT must of graded the TE class in this years draft and have enough TE graded above Bubba that he could draft in rounds 2-4.

[MadtownPacker]

Small surprise but likely a smart move. Bubba showed a lil something at the start of 07 but he aint worth the fat pay check. He made good $$ those 2 years he didnt produce much.

[KYPack]

I'd be up for Crumpler. It would be cool to be able to run double TE sets. I hear there are about 10 or so teams looking at him.

Crumpler will probably wind up in your place. The Panthers are interested and he's from that area.

[oregonpackfan]

The move was a bit surprising. Franks has definitely slowed down. He was also plagued with injuries the past several years.

I will state, however, that in the last few games of the season, his blocking was as strong as ever. In the playoff game against Seattle, his blocking was as outstanding. He made solid blocks in several of Grant's runs.

For pass blocking he helped Mark Tauscher hold pass-rushing ace Patrick Kearney to zero sacs and zero hurries.

Most pro GM's want a TE who not only can get open and catch a pass but can consistently block well. Bubba, though still strong as a blocker, just lost his effectiveness to get open and run with the ball after the catch.

[Deputy Nutz]

Does TT have a plan? Splash in FA? Trade?

I'm not sure, but it doesn't make much sense to release your 2nd best TE when you have plenty of cap space to keep him.

I am in this boat. I would have at least brought him into camp, but I understand giving a player time to search for the best deal possible and giving him time to find the right spot.

Well at the very least Bubba failed to live up to his contract. Two seasons ago he was terrible, and unfortunately he got hurt this season when he was playing really good football. The Packer hopefully look to fill his role of blocker and protector in the draft or maybe spend a little doe in free agency.

Hopefully TT is cutting Bubba to make a run at some free agents, otherwise if he just sits on the money to give out extensions I find the move a bit harsh in terms of coming out of camp with the best 53 guys. Bubba at this point without any improvement to the roster is the second best TE on the roster, cutting him without replacing his skill and talent makes this roster weaker. TT really needs to invest in a high round talent at tight end or sign a skilled TE in free agency.

[Deputy Nutz]

The move was a bit surprising. Franks has definitely slowed down. He was also plagued with injuries the past several years.

I will state, however, that in the last few games of the season, his blocking was as strong as ever. In the playoff game against Seattle, his blocking was as outstanding. He made solid blocks in several of Grant's runs.

For pass blocking he helped Mark Tauscher hold pass-rushing ace Patrick Kearney to zero sacs and zero hurries.

Most pro GM's want a TE who not only can get open and catch a pass but can consistently block well. Bubba, though still strong as a blocker, just lost his effectiveness to get open and run with the ball after the catch.

You can't lose what you never had. Franks never was YAC player, he was a threat in the read zone and for short intermediate routes. Even in his first couple of years he couldn't split the seam in the cover two. He came out of college running a 4.9. That is ridiculously slow for a tight end taken in the first 16 picks.

[KYPack]

The move was a bit surprising. Franks has definitely slowed down. He was also plagued with injuries the past several years.

I will state, however, that in the last few games of the season, his blocking was as strong as ever. In the playoff game against Seattle, his blocking was as outstanding. He made solid blocks in several of Grant's runs.

For pass blocking he helped Mark Tauscher hold pass-rushing ace Patrick Kearney to zero sacs and zero hurries.

Most pro GM's want a TE who not only can get open and catch a pass but can consistently block well. Bubba, though still strong as a blocker, just lost his effectiveness to get open and run with the ball after the catch.


You can't lose what you never had. Franks never was YAC player, he was a threat in the read zone and for short intermediate routes. Even in his first couple of years he couldn't split the seam in the cover two. He came out of college running a 4.9. That is ridiculously slow for a tight end taken in the first 16 picks.

Sherm and his O liked a blocking TE. One that could curl and sit down in the red zone.

M3 wants TE's that can run the seam and split those cover2 safeties. That ain't Bubba. I know he cut a seasoned hand, but they want to get a guy that can execute Mac's offense.

I did think it was funny that it really seems to be over that 1/2 mil roster bonus. We cudda paid that & still cut Bubba in camp, when we were sure we had a back-up. TT must like that Humpherys. I can't say I've ever seen him, but some think he can help us.

This cut also is a hang-over from 2006. Bubba had one of the worst seasons I've ever seen that year.

It helped to cost him his gig.

[Farley Face]

The move was a bit surprising. Franks has definitely slowed down. He was also plagued with injuries the past several years.

I will state, however, that in the last few games of the season, his blocking was as strong as ever. In the playoff game against Seattle, his blocking was as outstanding. He made solid blocks in several of Grant's runs.

For pass blocking he helped Mark Tauscher hold pass-rushing ace Patrick Kearney to zero sacs and zero hurries.

Most pro GM's want a TE who not only can get open and catch a pass but can consistently block well. Bubba, though still strong as a blocker, just lost his effectiveness to get open and run with the ball after the catch.

You can't lose what you never had. Franks never was YAC player, he was a threat in the read zone and for short intermediate routes. Even in his first couple of years he couldn't split the seam in the cover two. He came out of college running a 4.9. That is ridiculously slow for a tight end taken in the first 16 picks.

Bubba was a big name from a successful program (Miami at the time) that filled a need when we drafted him. It isn't his fault Chewy tried to bang his kid's babysitter and got thrown off the team forcing our hand. We reached for need in that draft and he played to his potential. Not his fault he had big shoes to fill and was only athleticaly gifted enough to trip over his own. I wish him well.

[Scott Campbell]

Shocking move IMO. I guess I would understand if we had someone else waiting in the wings but we don't.


Many of us anticipated this move the day we found out the details of his back-loaded contract. He was never going to play the thing out.

[The Leaper]

Anyway, that's my take on letting Bubba go. He's average. He's making above average money. He's on the decline. He's easy to replace. Letting him go makes sense to me.

He remains one of the best blocking TEs in the game, even if he isn't worth much as a receiver anymore. Sure he's on the decline...so is Al Harris and Donald Driver. Should we get rid of them too? Until you have a capable replacement, there is no reason to get rid of someone...even if they are average. Ryan Krause, who is behind Franks, is certainly below average.

This move does not make sense to me UNLESS Thompson has made up his mind to go after some FAs. The only logical reason to get rid of Franks now rather than during camp cuts after knowing you have a capable replacement is to free up money to sign other FAs.

[Chester Marcol]

The Bubba move wasn't a surprise. He's a backup now with little chance of taking the starting job back. For most positions, if you have a good starter there's no way you keep an older player as their backup. That is the only way we will stay a young and improving team.

I think this is a formula we have to get use to now the more we add depth, and not just any depth, fairly good quality depth. We will continue to see some veterans shown the door or not resigned. We also shouldn't be surprised when it happens to be someone we consider as still being a good contributor. With TT's unwillingness to give up draft picks, there will always be an influx of youth. I would be very surprised if this teams average age ever ranks in the top 25% under TT.

[run pMc]

I wish him the best.

He would be grossly overpaid for a #2 TE. Injuries forced him into more of a blocking TE. With CHI, MIN and DET using so much Cover 2 you need TE's who can run down the middle or find the seams fast.

JSO claims this is a TE-rich draft; I don't know about that, but I'm guessing TT has his eye on someone. Otherwise, there's always FA.
:lol:
Maybe TT and M3 saw something in Humphrey that makes them think he can be the #2 guy with another offseason.

[Joemailman]

My recollection was that Tory Humphrey was impressing the coaches before he was injured at the end of July. I would imagine he enters camp in 2008 as the #2 unless TT drafts a TE very early.

[Tyrone Bigguns]

The move was a bit surprising. Franks has definitely slowed down. He was also plagued with injuries the past several years.

I will state, however, that in the last few games of the season, his blocking was as strong as ever. In the playoff game against Seattle, his blocking was as outstanding. He made solid blocks in several of Grant's runs.

For pass blocking he helped Mark Tauscher hold pass-rushing ace Patrick Kearney to zero sacs and zero hurries.

Most pro GM's want a TE who not only can get open and catch a pass but can consistently block well. Bubba, though still strong as a blocker, just lost his effectiveness to get open and run with the ball after the catch.

You can't lose what you never had. Franks never was YAC player, he was a threat in the read zone and for short intermediate routes. Even in his first couple of years he couldn't split the seam in the cover two. He came out of college running a 4.9. That is ridiculously slow for a tight end taken in the first 16 picks.

Bubba was a big name from a successful program (Miami at the time) that filled a need when we drafted him. It isn't his fault Chewy tried to bang his kid's babysitter and got thrown off the team forcing our hand. We reached for need in that draft and he played to his potential. Not his fault he had big shoes to fill and was only athleticaly gifted enough to trip over his own. I wish him well.

You have it spot on.

And, if you recall there was a debate between who should be the first TE taken..bubba or Anthony Becht.

Clearly, we chose the better of the two.

[woodbuck27]

The move was a bit surprising. Franks has definitely slowed down. He was also plagued with injuries the past several years.

I will state, however, that in the last few games of the season, his blocking was as strong as ever. In the playoff game against Seattle, his blocking was as outstanding. He made solid blocks in several of Grant's runs.

For pass blocking he helped Mark Tauscher hold pass-rushing ace Patrick Kearney to zero sacs and zero hurries.

Most pro GM's want a TE who not only can get open and catch a pass but can consistently block well. Bubba, though still strong as a blocker, just lost his effectiveness to get open and run with the ball after the catch.

You can't lose what you never had. Franks never was YAC player, he was a threat in the read zone and for short intermediate routes. Even in his first couple of years he couldn't split the seam in the cover two. He came out of college running a 4.9. That is ridiculously slow for a tight end taken in the first 16 picks.

Bubba was a big name from a successful program (Miami at the time) that filled a need when we drafted him. It isn't his fault Chewy tried to bang his kid's babysitter and got thrown off the team forcing our hand. We reached for need in that draft and he played to his potential. Not his fault he had big shoes to fill and was only athleticaly gifted enough to trip over his own. I wish him well.

You have it spot on.

And, if you recall there was a debate between who should be the first TE taken..bubba or Anthony Becht.

Clearly, we chose the better of the two.

The whole world knew that we'd take Bubba Franks as well.

[Tyrone Bigguns]

The move was a bit surprising. Franks has definitely slowed down. He was also plagued with injuries the past several years.

I will state, however, that in the last few games of the season, his blocking was as strong as ever. In the playoff game against Seattle, his blocking was as outstanding. He made solid blocks in several of Grant's runs.

For pass blocking he helped Mark Tauscher hold pass-rushing ace Patrick Kearney to zero sacs and zero hurries.

Most pro GM's want a TE who not only can get open and catch a pass but can consistently block well. Bubba, though still strong as a blocker, just lost his effectiveness to get open and run with the ball after the catch.

You can't lose what you never had. Franks never was YAC player, he was a threat in the read zone and for short intermediate routes. Even in his first couple of years he couldn't split the seam in the cover two. He came out of college running a 4.9. That is ridiculously slow for a tight end taken in the first 16 picks.

Bubba was a big name from a successful program (Miami at the time) that filled a need when we drafted him. It isn't his fault Chewy tried to bang his kid's babysitter and got thrown off the team forcing our hand. We reached for need in that draft and he played to his potential. Not his fault he had big shoes to fill and was only athleticaly gifted enough to trip over his own. I wish him well.

You have it spot on.

And, if you recall there was a debate between who should be the first TE taken..bubba or Anthony Becht.

Clearly, we chose the better of the two.

The whole world knew that we'd take Bubba Franks as well.

Once agan, old man, your memory fails you.

From Ron Wolf:

"The Green Bay Packers rated West Virginia's Anthony Becht over Miami's Bubba Franks as recently as two weeks ago by the thinnest of margins, general manager Ron Wolf conceded Saturday."


What others are saying...
Rich Snead, Tennessee: "With Franks you have a chance to have a great player, but you also have a chance to have a bust. (Anthony Becht) will be a solid guy but I think he's a self-made guy. If you're going to take one in the first round I'd take Franks."

NFC scout: "I didn't like him. He's all right but I don't think he's a No. 1 special guy. He looks slow and lethargic to me. I didn't see any snap or anything like that. Franks is a big, hulking guy. Becht isn't. There was a difference in the way they moved."

NFC scout: "I think he can be (a success). I think he has to grow up. I think that will be a process with him."

Phil Savage, Baltimore: "I like Franks the best because of his upside. Everyone's knocking him on that 40 time and on tape he doesn't play real fast, but he does play athletic. He's big. He's only a junior. You have to kind of project where he will be a year from now. To me, he's as good or better than most of the tight ends that have come out in the last few years."

John Butler, Buffalo: "I would be happy with either one of them. Franks has got some super hands. Becht runs better. Franks made some great catches. I think he's the best blocker on the board."

Bill Rees, Chicago: "He has the most potential. He's not as refined as Becht. He's the No. 1 tight end."

AFC scout: "Becht is No. 1. It ain't Franks. I ain't all that excited about 4.95 tight ends. Becht runs better. His hands are equally good."

Tom Braatz, Miami: "Becht might be a little bit better than Franks because Franks runs 4.9. Franks is a better blocker. Becht isn't going to be a great blocker. He's a much better workout than Franks."

Charley Armey, St. Louis: "Becht is No. 1 but they're right close together. Franks isn't as fast or as big. Becht is the better blocker."

Billy Devaney, San Diego: "He's a solid guy. He doesn't scare me."

Jon Kingdon, Oakland: "I think Becht is the safer pick. He ran better and blocks a little better than Franks. The only knock on Franks is his 40 time. He plays faster."

NFC scout: "No question Becht is the best. Franks has a lot of ability. He's a good kid. I don't know that he knows what it takes yet. There's a little immaturity there. He can catch the ball. He's an inconsistent blocker. He's blocked well against good competition and (struggles) against average guys. Eric Green had more physical ability than this guy. This guy's not a speed merchant. This guy can block. You'd just like to see his motor run a little bit faster. But he's a first-round guy."

NFC scout: "I think Becht works at the game harder. He knows how to play the game a little bit better. He may be a tad faster. Blocking may be a tad better. But there's nothing wrong with Franks, either."

Mike Hagen, Atlanta: "Franks has the tendency to get overextended. Franks has good hands. Becht is a little quicker and faster than Franks. A lot of those Franks routes were drags across the field in which he builds speed up, not acute-separation type routes where you stick your foot in the ground and run out of a cut. You've got to uncover just for that split second. Franks isn't going to be as elusive as Becht."

John Dorsey, Seattle: "I don't give a (expletive) what anyone thinks. I've watched Franks since he was a freshman. I like him."

Tom Donahoe, formerly Pittsburgh: "He didn't run very well but when you watched him on tape you never worried about his 40 time. He plays fast enough. He makes plays up the field. Becht ran faster, but if you studied them on tape you would think Franks was faster."

--Bob McGinn

Franks at a glance
Big, athletic talent caught 45 passes for 565 yards and 5 TDs last year. Projects well at pro level. Might be the only TE picked in first round.
Strengths: Powerful second-team All-American has good speed and remarkable hands for a man his size. Big, soft hands that just swallow the ball. Can make acrobatic catches. Can block, catch passes and get downfield. A complete TE. Extremely agile. A rare weapon built for the NFL.

Weaknesses: Had a poor private workout in early March. Appeared a bit out of shape. Must work on blocking technique and getting yards after catch.

[woodbuck27]

The move was a bit surprising. Franks has definitely slowed down. He was also plagued with injuries the past several years.

I will state, however, that in the last few games of the season, his blocking was as strong as ever. In the playoff game against Seattle, his blocking was as outstanding. He made solid blocks in several of Grant's runs.

For pass blocking he helped Mark Tauscher hold pass-rushing ace Patrick Kearney to zero sacs and zero hurries.

Most pro GM's want a TE who not only can get open and catch a pass but can consistently block well. Bubba, though still strong as a blocker, just lost his effectiveness to get open and run with the ball after the catch.

You can't lose what you never had. Franks never was YAC player, he was a threat in the read zone and for short intermediate routes. Even in his first couple of years he couldn't split the seam in the cover two. He came out of college running a 4.9. That is ridiculously slow for a tight end taken in the first 16 picks.

Bubba was a big name from a successful program (Miami at the time) that filled a need when we drafted him. It isn't his fault Chewy tried to bang his kid's babysitter and got thrown off the team forcing our hand. We reached for need in that draft and he played to his potential. Not his fault he had big shoes to fill and was only athleticaly gifted enough to trip over his own. I wish him well.

You have it spot on.

And, if you recall there was a debate between who should be the first TE taken..bubba or Anthony Becht.

Clearly, we chose the better of the two.

The whole world knew that we'd take Bubba Franks as well.

Once agan, old man, your memory fails you.

From Ron Wolf:

"The Green Bay Packers rated West Virginia's Anthony Becht over Miami's Bubba Franks as recently as two weeks ago by the thinnest of margins, general manager Ron Wolf conceded Saturday."


What others are saying...
Rich Snead, Tennessee: "With Franks you have a chance to have a great player, but you also have a chance to have a bust. (Anthony Becht) will be a solid guy but I think he's a self-made guy. If you're going to take one in the first round I'd take Franks."

NFC scout: "I didn't like him. He's all right but I don't think he's a No. 1 special guy. He looks slow and lethargic to me. I didn't see any snap or anything like that. Franks is a big, hulking guy. Becht isn't. There was a difference in the way they moved."

NFC scout: "I think he can be (a success). I think he has to grow up. I think that will be a process with him."

Phil Savage, Baltimore: "I like Franks the best because of his upside. Everyone's knocking him on that 40 time and on tape he doesn't play real fast, but he does play athletic. He's big. He's only a junior. You have to kind of project where he will be a year from now. To me, he's as good or better than most of the tight ends that have come out in the last few years."

John Butler, Buffalo: "I would be happy with either one of them. Franks has got some super hands. Becht runs better. Franks made some great catches. I think he's the best blocker on the board."

Bill Rees, Chicago: "He has the most potential. He's not as refined as Becht. He's the No. 1 tight end."

AFC scout: "Becht is No. 1. It ain't Franks. I ain't all that excited about 4.95 tight ends. Becht runs better. His hands are equally good."

Tom Braatz, Miami: "Becht might be a little bit better than Franks because Franks runs 4.9. Franks is a better blocker. Becht isn't going to be a great blocker. He's a much better workout than Franks."

Charley Armey, St. Louis: "Becht is No. 1 but they're right close together. Franks isn't as fast or as big. Becht is the better blocker."

Billy Devaney, San Diego: "He's a solid guy. He doesn't scare me."

Jon Kingdon, Oakland: "I think Becht is the safer pick. He ran better and blocks a little better than Franks. The only knock on Franks is his 40 time. He plays faster."

NFC scout: "No question Becht is the best. Franks has a lot of ability. He's a good kid. I don't know that he knows what it takes yet. There's a little immaturity there. He can catch the ball. He's an inconsistent blocker. He's blocked well against good competition and (struggles) against average guys. Eric Green had more physical ability than this guy. This guy's not a speed merchant. This guy can block. You'd just like to see his motor run a little bit faster. But he's a first-round guy."

NFC scout: "I think Becht works at the game harder. He knows how to play the game a little bit better. He may be a tad faster. Blocking may be a tad better. But there's nothing wrong with Franks, either."

Mike Hagen, Atlanta: "Franks has the tendency to get overextended. Franks has good hands. Becht is a little quicker and faster than Franks. A lot of those Franks routes were drags across the field in which he builds speed up, not acute-separation type routes where you stick your foot in the ground and run out of a cut. You've got to uncover just for that split second. Franks isn't going to be as elusive as Becht."

John Dorsey, Seattle: "I don't give a (expletive) what anyone thinks. I've watched Franks since he was a freshman. I like him."

Tom Donahoe, formerly Pittsburgh: "He didn't run very well but when you watched him on tape you never worried about his 40 time. He plays fast enough. He makes plays up the field. Becht ran faster, but if you studied them on tape you would think Franks was faster."

--Bob McGinn

Franks at a glance
Big, athletic talent caught 45 passes for 565 yards and 5 TDs last year. Projects well at pro level. Might be the only TE picked in first round.
Strengths: Powerful second-team All-American has good speed and remarkable hands for a man his size. Big, soft hands that just swallow the ball. Can make acrobatic catches. Can block, catch passes and get downfield. A complete TE. Extremely agile. A rare weapon built for the NFL.

Weaknesses: Had a poor private workout in early March. Appeared a bit out of shape. Must work on blocking technique and getting yards after catch.

Who did we take?

I sat there and watched it closely and was absolutely sure that Bubba would be taken as our first pick and well. . . I got that one right.

Don't tryn to take that from me like all else. by the way. I'm no old man, You'd never say that to my face and not be forced to flinch buddy.

Are you wearing two names on this forum Tyrone Bigguns?

If you are? Get rid of this one today, Tyrone Bigguns,

K!!

[MadtownPacker]

Are you wearing two names on this forum Tyrone Bigguns?

If you are? Get rid of this one today, Tyrone Bigguns,

K!! :lol: Good one.

[Scott Campbell]

Internet macho.

:bs:

[Tyrone Bigguns]

Who did we take?

I sat there and watched it closely and was absolutely sure that Bubba would be taken as our first pick and well. . . I got that one right.

Don't tryn to take that from me like all else. by the way. I'm no old man, You'd never say that to my face and not be forced to flinch buddy.

Are you wearing two names on this forum Tyrone Bigguns?

If you are? Get rid of this one today, Tyrone Bigguns,

K!!

Oh, because you got the pick right means that EVERYONE knew? No one is claiming that we weren't talking a TE..so you and everyone else had a 50/50 shot.

You aren't an old man? Then what is your excuse for the senility you constantly poor unto this board?

And, i'd say it right to your face and not flinch. Do you actually think some Canuck is gonna scare me? Tyrone would filet you like a salmon.

As for two names. I would respond but i don't know what the hell you are talking about. And, i'm pretty sure you don't either.

[KYPack]

Tyrone Bigguns

or

Emerson Bigguns?

Which is it, Pal?

[Tyrone Bigguns]

Tyrone Bigguns

or

Emerson Bigguns?

Which is it, Pal?

I'm not getting the joke. Tyrone's brain is fried from many years of crack. Please explain.

Also, why did you choose emerson?

[Fritz]

How much does he free in cap and how much do we still have to pay him?

Guess this made me laugh a little. Somebody posts the thread - Bubba Franks, long-time Packer, released, a bit of a fan favorite according to JSO - and the very first response is how much does he free up in cap space?

Ah, humanity!