Who Should The Packers Draft: 1st Round

[Joemailman]

Well, it came earlier than expected, but it's time to start looking ahead to the draft. The last 2 years, TT has gone OL. Everyone will be looking for defense, but you never know what TT will do.

[Scott Campbell]

DE or Safety.

[Upnorth]

If we keep Finley and Wells trade up and get an impact DL or LOLB.

[Joemailman]

Poll is added now.

[ND72]

LaMichael James....give us a sproles type out of back field to go with Starks

[ND72]

I like to think outside the box. :-) I've seen in some mocks we take Polk, HB Wash, Wiley from Illinois, and a handful of other OLB/DL

[Joemailman]

I don't think you need to use a 1st round pick for a guy like that. Sproles was a 4th round pick. You can find those guys in the middle of the draft if that's what you're looking for.

[mraynrand]

this thread sucks

[wpony]

I would say if we cant get a high impact defensive player at 28 or what ever it is we try and trade down into the upper half of round 2 and try to get another 2nd rounderor high 3rd round and take Peter Konz C Wisconsin he is so impresive I know we need defense and should take it but if the person we want is not there go for konz he plays great center and pulls like a guard.

[packrulz]

The Packers defense struggled all season, I'm pessimistic that Nick Collins will return, and the pass rush opposite Clay Matthews was nonexistent. The safeties this year don't look first round caliber so I'm hoping this guy will slip to the Pack: OLB Courtney Upshaw
6-2, 265, Alabama

[Gunakor]

Premier OLB. Move up if needs be, as far as you can without giving up the farm. A formidable pass rush will help to mask the inadequacies of our defensive backfield. After seeing what happened to this defense after losing Cullen Jenkins with no replacement last offseason this has to be the priority IMO.

[Joemailman]

The Packers defense struggled all season, I'm pessimistic that Nick Collins will return, and the pass rush opposite Clay Matthews was nonexistent. The safeties this year don't look first round caliber so I'm hoping this guy will slip to the Pack: OLB Courtney Upshaw
6-2, 265, Alabama

I agree that Upshaw would be a great pick. I think TT would have to trade up to get him though. It's a possibility though, since it might not have to be a huge move. It would probably cost a 3rd to move from 28 to 20.

[packrulz]

It's probably time to move Woodson over to Safety anyway, TT moved up to get Clay, so I could see him trading up.

[mmmdk]

Draft defense, O-line & pray for a RB to emerge next season.

[ND72]

I could see TT at some point taking a QB and a RB...but other than that, nothing but defense...which means TT won't draft a single Defensive player until the 7th round when he takes a NT.

[Pugger]

Premier OLB. Move up if needs be, as far as you can without giving up the farm. A formidable pass rush will help to mask the inadequacies of our defensive backfield. After seeing what happened to this defense after losing Cullen Jenkins with no replacement last offseason this has to be the priority IMO.

Yes, a pass rush would cure a lot of our defense's ills.

[Smeefers]

I can definitely see us straying from "best player available" this year. I could see us moving up or drafting for a need. Namely an OLB or DL.

[Joemailman]

I can definitely see us straying from "best player available" this year. I could see us moving up or drafting for a need. Namely an OLB or DL.

TT will not "reach" for a need. He may well trade up though, especially since he should have some extra comp picks.

[Smeefers]

Well, I don't think he'll take third round talent in the first round, but I have a hard time seeing him pick up a wr or a te if they're bpa and I don't see him dropping back if a guy he wants may be gone by the time his turn is up. If that's reaching, then perhaps he will.

[ND72]

TT will not "reach" for a need. He may well trade up though, especially since he should have some extra comp picks.

can't be traded though remember. (comp picks)

[Freak Out]

You really need to add the "I have no fucking clue" option.......I could vote then. :)

[Joemailman]

You really need to add the "I have no fucking clue" option.......I could vote then. :)

The poll question is Who should they draft. You don't need a clue to say who you think they should draft. An uninformed opinion will do just fine.

[sharpe1027]

The poll question is Who should they draft. You don't need a clue to say who you think they should draft. An uninformed opinion will do just fine.

In that case, I voted other. I strongly believe that they should draft me. I'll take the signing bonus and guaranteed money. They can cut me at anytime.

[mraynrand]

In that case, I voted other. I strongly believe that they should draft me. I'll take the signing bonus and guaranteed money. They can cut me at anytime.

I agree with this, but I want my locker when I 'retire.'

[mission]

Melvin Ingram, South Carolina... dude could start at DE, OLB or HB. Super Athlete.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UuL8H2U-SA

WATCH!

The fake punt says it all; he's also on their hands team and can supposedly throw a football 75 yards.

[sharpe1027]

I agree with this, but I want my locker when I 'retire.'

Hold on just a minute, if you agree with me, then I'm the one getting drafted in the first round. Although...maybe they can trade the Patriots to get another pick in the first round.

[Tarlam!]

I can definitely see us straying from "best player available" this year. I could see us moving up or drafting for a need. Namely an OLB or DL.

I would have thought having 3 FBs on the roster would have taught most of us how TT drafts. At very latest, 5 TEs should have ended the lesson.

I just do not believe he moves away from BPA. He might do any number of things, but not that.

[PackerPro42]

Melvin Ingram, South Carolina... dude could start at DE, OLB or HB. Super Athlete.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UuL8H2U-SA

WATCH!

The fake punt says it all; he's also on their hands team and can supposedly throw a football 75 yards.

Ingram is especially impressive physically, but I think he would be kind of a tweener in our system. I'm not entirely sure he'd fit but it'd be interesting. Also I think he's one of those prospects that could be had in the early part of round two, so if that's the route TT decides to go the "trade down" option wouldn't necessarily be terrible.

I'd rather TT addresses the OLB position early on. Upshaw is good, as far a pass rush I'm not sure he's at the top of the OLB class but he definitely is capable. I think his strength lies in containing the edge and bull rushing if necessary.

One of the more interesting pure pass rushing OLB (IMO) is Bruce Irvin out of West Virginia. He was a JUCO player his first two years but burst on to the scene at WV his junior season putting up 14 sacks. His senior season stats digressed a bit as he only had 8.5 sacks but he was able to tally up 29 tfl. He's another prospect that could probably be had in the second, but he brings a lot of upside. Only downer on Irvin is questionable character concerns, which may ultimately take him off TT big board but he's definitely intriguing. Check him out.

Other possible prospects that TT could look for at #28 are... Dontari Poe, DT Memphis; Devon Still, DT PSU; Jared Crick, DE Nebraska; Alameda Ta'amu, DT Washington; and Zach Brown, OLB UNC. I might also see TT drafting a MLB in the first if a top talent like Vontaze Burfict out of Arizona St. falls to us. As far as secondary players that might be available at #28 I don't think this is a a great draft for the safety position. Mark Barron out of Alabama will likely be available but it might be a little bit of a reach to pick him. As far as CB's, the only player that I can see being available and worth the 28th pick is Janoris Jenkins from North Alabama. But he doesn't fit the size prototype TT looks for and has some serious off the field concerns.

It'd be logical to think TT will address either OLB or DL early after looking at various boards and seeing who may be available when we're picking, but we all know TT works in mysterious ways and I've learned to accept whatever the hell he does, because it typically works. One concern I'd have about drafting DL early in the draft is TT track record when trying to address that position. But if a good prospect is available I don't think TT will hesitate to pull the trigger on a DL player.

[MadScientist]

I like Mercilus. Not only can he seriously get after the QB, but we can give him the nickname Ming the Mercilus.

[SavedByGrace]

I know many people are not a fan because of his emotional instability, but do you think we could reign him in? I've seen him falling in a lot of mocks because of his problems, but Vontaze Burfict seems like a monster beast!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvcsffTQojI&feature=related

[woodbuck27]

LaMichael James....give us a sproles type out of back field to go with Starks

Darren Sproles 'type'. You can just go out and find one of those. GREAT! I was imagining that type of ' a football player ' was rare. Silly me. I have to check out this Super weapon.

[digitaldean]

I wouldn't mind a pass rushing DE. We need some heat on the opposing QB and BAD.

Though I'd like to see Blackmon in a Packer uniform (and so would he http://deadsp.in/x5LJCe), the Packers need is to upgrade that defense with some badass pass rushers.

[red]

i went for nick perry, we HAVE to have more of a pass rush next year. Hell our first 2 or 3 picks should be devoted to the pass rush

we absolutely don't need a RB. we don't use them, they just have to be there to set up the pass. both grant and starks averaged around 4.2-4.3 yards per carry. thats the same as frank gore and marshawn lynch and almost the same as arian foster. grant and starks though COMBINED for less then 270 carries on the year foster, gore and lynch all got more carries by themselves.

we're fine at RB

[Joemailman]

A look at who some people think the Packers will take 1st round:

http://www.drafttek.com/CMDRound1_17-32.asp Jared Crick DE Nebraska
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/mock Michael Brockers DT LSU
Courtney Upshaw OLB Alabama
http://www.gbnreport.com/2012projection.html Mark Barron SS Alabama
http://www.footballsfuture.com/2012/nflmockdraft.html Jared Crick DE Nebraska
http://www.draftcountdown.com/sub/Mock-Draft-B.php Nick Perry OLB USC
http://www.draftking.com/mock/2012/ Devon Still DL Penn State
http://walterfootball.com/draft2012_1.php Mark Barron SS Alabama

[denverYooper]

I've seen mocks with Fletcher Cox going to the Pack also.

[smuggler]

Voted 'other' for BPA

[smuggler]

I definitely believe that the cure to our pressure woes starts on the line, not with the backers.

[packrulz]

Here's a mock draft I don't necessarily agree with but it wouldn't surprise me: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfldraftscout-RobRang
If the draft did go down that way I would rather have TT draft Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin, since Scott Wells is a free agent and Konz would be a better run blocker.

[Pugger]

:oops: Wrong thread...

[Carolina_Packer]

If the 49'ers can fix their defense in 1 year after going 6-10 and making it to the NFC Championship game without a great offense, then the Packers, who do have a great offense, can also fix their defense in short order and be a more complete team next season.

We have to grade out who we have, try and get rid of the JAGs such as Peprah and Bush and get some more quality pass rush. If we were able to make guys like Eli more uncomfortable in the pocket and get off the field on third downs, then our secondary would not have to cover guys as long as they have to and get gashed for first downs. A much stronger pass rush and pressure overall would go a long way to solving the ills of this defense. We also seemed to just keep doing the same thing all the time, regardless of results. I'm not suggesting a vanilla defense, but if you are not getting to the QB anyway, while sening so many guys and putting your DB's on an island, then what's the use? You have to be able to rush with less and beat your man, or have guys who can beat their one on one matchup when someone like Clay is getting doubled.

[denverYooper]

If the 49'ers can fix their defense in 1 year after going 6-10 and making it to the NFC Championship game without a great offense, then the Packers, who do have a great offense, can also fix their defense in short order and be a more complete team next season.

We have to grade out who we have, try and get rid of the JAGs such as Peprah and Bush and get some more quality pass rush. If we were able to make guys like Eli more uncomfortable in the pocket and get off the field on third downs, then our secondary would not have to cover guys as long as they have to and get gashed for first downs. A much stronger pass rush and pressure overall would go a long way to solving the ills of this defense. We also seemed to just keep doing the same thing all the time, regardless of results. I'm not suggesting a vanilla defense, but if you are not getting to the QB anyway, while sening so many guys and putting your DB's on an island, then what's the use? You have to be able to rush with less and beat your man, or have guys who can beat their one on one matchup when someone like Clay is getting doubled.

The Packers have the luxury of focusing on pass rush this year, whether that be on the DL or from the OLBs. Hopefully they do so.

They should still get some value there out of Mike Neal, too, if he can stay healthy. Pretty hard for the guy to do much on that knee this year, though. I think just getting out there for the remainder of the season was a win as far as he's concerned. I wouldn't be comfortable in any way with them going into next season leaning too heavily on him, but he's got potential and it seems like he's got the will to get there if his body will hold out.

I guess what I'm saying is that I hope they attack the pressure problem through FA and the draft and I hope to hell Mike Neal comes around. They could go from farce to fierce there pretty quickly if a few things hit for 'em.

[Pugger]

Yes, if we can fix our defense we'll terrorize the league big time next season. :D

[packrulz]

65 underclassmen so far are coming out early for the draft, so that will cause some good players to slip for the Pack: http://rob-rang.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/13682485/34465372

[wist43]

We desperately need front 7 help... doesn't matter if it's DL or LB.

TT's approach usually calls for graduating guys from previous drafts - but the cupboard is bare. Pickett, Raji, and Matthews are the only keepers... everybody else either needs to be replaced immediately, or is nothing more than a pedestrian stop-gap.

[Cheesehead Craig]

Here's a mock draft I don't necessarily agree with but it wouldn't surprise me: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfldraftscout-RobRang
If the draft did go down that way I would rather have TT draft Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin, since Scott Wells is a free agent and Konz would be a better run blocker.
If TT drafted a C in the first round, there would be a riot at 1265 Lombardi Ave draft party.

[woodbuck27]

Bleacher Report is reporting it should be this fella at #28. What is your opinion on this once highly touted CB?:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janoris_Jenkins

and:

http://www.roarlions.com/Lion_Sports/Football/Current_Season/10_Bios/Janoris_Jenkins.htm

Janoris Jenkins North Alabama Lions (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Alabama_Lions_football) — No. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squad_number#American_football) 1 Cornerback (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornerback) Senior

Major: Social & Behavioral Sciences ...... !

Date of birth: October 29, 1988 (age 23) Place of birth: Pahokee (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pahokee,_Florida), Florida

Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) Weight: 183 lb (83 kg;

Personal Note ... woodbuck27:

IMO I would be surprized if TT chose this troubled young man. The risk.

[Cheesehead Craig]

I don't think a CB even enters the discussion in the first round. TT has to go OLB or DE.

[Smidgeon]

The Packers have the luxury of focusing on pass rush this year, whether that be on the DL or from the OLBs. Hopefully they do so.

They should still get some value there out of Mike Neal, too, if he can stay healthy. Pretty hard for the guy to do much on that knee this year, though. I think just getting out there for the remainder of the season was a win as far as he's concerned. I wouldn't be comfortable in any way with them going into next season leaning too heavily on him, but he's got potential and it seems like he's got the will to get there if his body will hold out.

I guess what I'm saying is that I hope they attack the pressure problem through FA and the draft and I hope to hell Mike Neal comes around. They could go from farce to fierce there pretty quickly if a few things hit for 'em.

After Neal's lost rookie year, I made the argument that he shouldn't be considered a savior because he needed to stay healthy. To this point in their careers, Justin Harrell had flashed more and stayed healthier than Neal has. I hope the offseason gets him the rest and recovery he needs because I don't want to see another talented player get lost due to injury issues.

[Joemailman]

Bleacher Report is reporting it should be this fella at #28. What is your opinion on this once highly touted CB?:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janoris_Jenkins

and:

http://www.roarlions.com/Lion_Sports/Football/Current_Season/10_Bios/Janoris_Jenkins.htm

Janoris Jenkins North Alabama Lions (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Alabama_Lions_football) — No. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squad_number#American_football) 1 Cornerback (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornerback) Senior

Major: Social & Behavioral Sciences ...... !

Date of birth: October 29, 1988 (age 23) Place of birth: Pahokee (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pahokee,_Florida), Florida

Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) Weight: 183 lb (83 kg;

Personal Note ... woodbuck27:

IMO I would be surprized if TT chose this troubled young man. The risk.

One thing TT never does is draft a character risk in the first 2 rounds.

[red]

i can see us taking a CB in the 1st round. we only have two real ones on the roster if woodson retires or gets moved to safety. and both of those two guys greatly underperformed this season

but its not going to be janoris jenkins. no way TT drafts that headcase

[woodbuck27]

I don't think a CB even enters the discussion in the first round. TT has to go OLB or DE.

TT likes to go BPA. BPA on his board. What can anyone ever say about that till years after TT makes the pick. 2005 - 2011 or 7 drafts X an average of what 8.5 players per or about 60 prospects out of the draft. Then there were a Noah's boatload of undrafted prospects signed. Of that group of draft pics and undrafted prospects. ** How many are Pro Bowl players ever or close to that status or the 'only' decent stick to measure an NFL players star value?

I realize that a good team is developed by working the roster to meet the system or winning attitude and philosophy of the team. MM has worked really hard on that aspect of the Packer way.

** Aaron Rodgers;Scott Wells;Brian Bulaga;Greg Jennings;Jordy Nelson and OK Jermichael Finley on 'O'. I have BJ Raji;Clay Matthews and Nick Collins on 'D'. Did I miss anyone?

That's nine players out of 22 starters or 41%. Is that really great? After 7 seasons we are set at 41% of the positions RE: Starters.

Everybody really happy? I am. We managed a Super Bowl last season and that had everything to do with team momentum and attitude. We got into a certain comfort zone based in effort and reward. This season we got to comfortable IMO. We failed to get that sense of urgency that was necessary to get ready to win our first playoff game.

If I"m correct it's just a lesson learned. Experience is the BEST Teacher.

I will continue to go with this. The 2011 season New York GIANTS are very similiar to the 2010 Season Green Bay Packers. The New York GIANTS will win the Super BOWL on Sunday 05 Feb. 2012.

GO PACK GO.

[smuggler]

other things (talent) being equal, I think the priorities for the team are:

1. DE
2. DT
3. CB
4. C
5. OLB
6. ILB

[Joemailman]

other things (talent) being equal, I think the priorities for the team are:

1. DE
2. DT
3. CB
4. C
5. OLB
6. ILB

Safety?

[Lurker64]

I say trade up to grab either Melvin Ingram or Courtney Upshaw.

We really need a "crush the pocket" guy across from Matthews, and the 5-tech crop this year is not great.

[smuggler]

Safety?

If we can't improve the pass rush, we are going to need better safety play. My plan would be to minimize the crappiness of Peprah by having Collins come back healthy, and hopefully get something a little more from Anthony Levine or some young safety, alongside improved pass rush.

Clifton, Woodson, Driver, HGreen, and Pickett are all candidates for retirement or the cutting block. Woodson and Pickett only via retirement, or (the very unlikely case) of Woodson becoming a cap casualty.

Those positions become targets in the draft, also.

Also, consider that Woodson may move to strong safety. It would probably be only a matter of title, though, and little more. He's still effective the way we are using him now.

[Brandon494]

Just pick the best available defensive player when its our pick.

[MadtownPacker]

There wont be a 1st round pick. TTs gonna get it turned into some 2s or 3s and go defense.

[woodbuck27]

TT likes to go BPA. BPA on his board. What can anyone ever say about that till years after TT makes the pick. 2005 - 2011 or 7 drafts X an average of what 8.5 players per or about 60 prospects out of the draft. Then there were a Noah's boatload of undrafted prospects signed. Of that group of draft pics and undrafted prospects. ** How many are Pro Bowl players ever or close to that status or the 'only' decent stick to measure an NFL players star value?

I realize that a good team is developed by working the roster to meet the system or winning attitude and philosophy of the team. MM has worked really hard on that aspect of the Packer way.

** Aaron Rodgers;Scott Wells;Brian Bulaga;Greg Jennings;Jordy Nelson and OK Jermichael Finley on 'O'. I have BJ Raji;Clay Matthews and Nick Collins on 'D'. Did I miss anyone?

That's nine players out of 22 starters or 41%. Is that really great? After 7 seasons we are set at 41% of the positions RE: Starters.

Everybody really happy? I am. We managed a Super Bowl last season and that had everything to do with team momentum and attitude. We got into a certain comfort zone based in effort and reward. This season we got to comfortable IMO. We failed to get that sense of urgency that was necessary to get ready to win our first playoff game.

If I"m correct it's just a lesson learned. Experience is the BEST Teacher.

I will continue to go with this. The 2011 season New York GIANTS are very similiar to the 2010 Season Green Bay Packers. The New York GIANTS will win the Super BOWL on Sunday 05 Feb. 2012.

GO PACK GO.

I realized just before retiring last night that I forgot our FB John Kuhn. We're solid at Kicker Mason Crosby and our punter Tim Masthay are solid. Randall Cobb gives us some decent return game or the best we've seen it since TT took the helm of our ship.

It's very possible that that GIANT ass kicking over us is a blessing in disguise.Maybe our Players got to into their 15-1 record and imagined that Aaron Rodgers was invinceble....a superior human being...something like that. When did Aaron Rodgers shoot that Insurance Sales pitch commercial? I see that up lately alot.Was that done close to the GIANT visit? Sure the death of Joe Philbins son may have affected some players more that others but these are Pro's and that cannot be used as an excuse.The correct mentle attitude must be drilled into them by Coach's or other hired Proffessionals. I will not ever agree that our team was prepared for the GIANTS in any sense of are you prepared..ready to win this fricken game? Something waqs screwed up. All they needed was a reminder of how the 2007 Season ended.Surely MM didn't need any reminder of how he handled the team that6 week of that loss.

Whateverthe bottom line today and the focus now is to see our team get back on the beat up to speed...fully running and ready to win a Super Bowl sometime within the next Five Seasons. It will not come easy. It will not come soon. TT has loasds of deadwood to cut and build that Packer House stronj and he must rip at his defense to do that.He needs to realize we have need all over on'D' and the Aaron Rodgers led 'high flying offense' has to protect the defense that MM marches out on the field as each game begins.

The bottom line at Packerrats..... EASY !

GO PACK GO !

[pbmax]

TT likes to go BPA. BPA on his board.

To reduce it this much is to ignore the decisions that brought BJ Raji (by several reports not the BPA at the time, Crabtree was higher) and Matthews and Burnett (trade up) to the team.

If you trust the grades of your scouting system, then there are waves of players grouped at certain levels. Depending on when you pick and other selections, those waves can disappear too quickly, leaving you with a board that is bereft of prospects worthy of the pick. That is why Burnett was the choice in Round 3 and part of the reason Thompson went back into round 1 for Matthews.

[denverYooper]

One thing TT never does is draft a character risk in the first 2 rounds.

They drafted Raji after a positive test for marijuana.

Anyhow, 5'10" would be the shortest corner on the team. I'd be a little surprised to see them dip under 5'11".

[denverYooper]

I've been thinking a lot about this: they should draft a difference maker with upside.

[Zool]

I've been thinking a lot about this: they should draft a difference maker with upside.

+1

An immediate starter would be nice. A multiple all-pro type player who makes impact plays every game and becomes a leader in a couple years.

[Brandon494]

I've been thinking a lot about this: they should draft a difference maker with upside.

So the opposite of AJ Hawk.

[pbmax]

Well, if the son of one former Browns player is good for the defense (Clay Matthews III, son of Jr.) then another would be good as well (Chase Minnifield, son of Frank).

Speaking of Franks, Gifford could NEVER remember Minnifields' last name when doing Browns game. He usually called him Minnifurd.

Frank was not the tallest CB at all, but had exceptional feet and recovery. If his son is truly 6 feet tall, might be worth a look.

[smuggler]

Green Bay would have Minnifield and Minnesota would have Greenway

[pbmax]

Green Bay would have Minnifield and Minnesota would have Greenway

But why do we drive on a parkway and park on a driveway?

[Lurker64]

They drafted Raji after a positive test for marijuana.

Anyhow, 5'10" would be the shortest corner on the team. I'd be a little surprised to see them dip under 5'11".

Thompson will not draft a corner south of 5'11". The only player he's drafted below 5'10" at any position is Brandon Jackson who is 5'9 7/8". Thompson has height requirements by position and is only willing to waver from them a little bit (like I think they fudged the 1/8" for BJax).

[mraynrand]

Green Bay would have Minnifield and Minnesota would have Greenway

Rob Deer played for the Brewers and Randy Breuer Played for the Bucks.

[denverYooper]

I've seen Ronnell Lewis or Vinny Curry go to the Packers in the 2nd of a few mocks lately. Curry has been impressing some.

Also, Harrison Smith (SS) and George Iloka look like nice mid-round safeties that might be available for GB. Matt Bowen mentioned both in his notes from the Sr. Bowl. (http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Notes-from-Mobile.html)

[Brandon494]

Thompson will not draft a corner south of 5'11". The only player he's drafted below 5'10" at any position is Brandon Jackson who is 5'9 7/8". Thompson has height requirements by position and is only willing to waver from them a little bit (like I think they fudged the 1/8" for BJax).

He did draft Randall Cobb and DJ Smith last season. I don't know if he would draft a CB with the first pick anyway, we need OLB or DE. A good pass rush makes even a shitty secondary look good.

[woodbuck27]

Thompson will not draft a corner south of 5'11". The only player he's drafted below 5'10" at any position is Brandon Jackson who is 5'9 7/8". Thompson has height requirements by position and is only willing to waver from them a little bit (like I think they fudged the 1/8" for BJax).

So that means any man athletic enough and with enough upside in TT's World is partially defined by a height requirementn of 5 ft - 10 inchs or >.

Good grief we're in for such a loss of potential talent in the draft and ** undrafted prospects. Some will say that's an oxymoron.

How tall is Maurice Jones-Drew...is he any good?

Are you aware of the height of a certain player in NO that looked like Superman this season. Was Drew Brees aware of that players potential when they were teammates in San Diego/ How tall is Wes Welker? How tall is the Panthers Steve Smith. Have these players made any contribution?

How many more Pro Bowl players can you name with a height below 5'-10" that bhave been active in the last three seasons? Active since TT became our GM? Does TT have a suggestion box for Packer fan input. Some common sense ideas for him to use to grow.

Doesn't TT know it's not the size of a man but the heart of a man that counts?

[mraynrand]

Doesn't TT know it's not the size of a man but the heart of a man that counts?

It'a a guide - not a hard and fast, incontrovertible rule. Jennings doesn't have prototypical #1 WR height, if you weren't aware.

[Freak Out]

I think we should try and trade up to get Luck. Rodgers showed us all he doesn't have "it" in that last Giants game.

[woodbuck27]

It'a a guide - not a hard and fast, incontrovertible rule. Jennings doesn't have prototypical #1 WR height, if you weren't aware.

But we got LUCKY with Greg Jennings as he was 'an OK a; BIG check mark; an ahh sure' in TT's book of Truth.Measurements and Sound Guides. Lucky for us Greg Jennings did a shitload of chinups and came in at one inch to the good...5'-11". GLORY BE!

[woodbuck27]

Now it's straightening out with us going with a reasonable prediction for selection of:
Nick Perry, Outside Linebacker, USC

Who cringes at the thought 'maybe, it might be' this pick?

Then there is a hybride DE/OLB also in the window at this time named Quinton Coples, N. Carolina.

[denverYooper]

Now it's straightening out with us going with a reasonable prediction for selection of:
Nick Perry, Outside Linebacker, USC

Who cringes at the thought 'maybe, it might be' this pick?

Then there is a hybride DE/OLB also in the window at this time named Quinton Coples, N. Carolina.

Coples has been a beast at the Sr bowl practices but I've heard his best fit would be in a 43. There's a good chance he's off the board by 28, too.

[Lurker64]

He did draft Randall Cobb and DJ Smith last season. I don't know if he would draft a CB with the first pick anyway, we need OLB or DE. A good pass rush makes even a shitty secondary look good.

Randall Cobb is 5'10 2/8", DJ Smith is 5'10 5/8" Both are over the 5'10" threshold that TT has only gone below once (for Brandon Jackson).

The only position TT has come right out and said that he has a height requirement for was DB (and empirically it's at least 5'11"), but it just seems like he doesn't want to draft players shorter than 5'10"... he didn't even do it in Seattle.

[mraynrand]

But we got LUCKY with Greg Jennings as he was 'an OK a; BIG check mark; an ahh sure' in TT's book of Truth.Measurements and Sound Guides. Lucky for us Greg Jennings did a shitload of chinups and came in at one inch to the good...5'-11". GLORY BE!


I see. Now it's just luck. You make no sense.

[sheepshead]

My canned answer every year: Get the hell out of the first round and get some picks.

[Bretsky]

Draft the next Brooks Reed........look for an endless pass rusher with a great motor and great attitude whose a proven smash mouth football player. Get er done TT

[Bretsky]

There wont be a 1st round pick. TTs gonna get it turned into some 2s or 3s and go defense.

this would probably be a great strategy this year IMO
We need mass help on defense and we didn't get it from last year's draft

[denverYooper]

this would probably be a great strategy this year IMO
We need mass help on defense and we didn't get it from last year's draft

A lot can happen in the next 3 months to change stock, but I would not be surprised to see TT move back into the early-mid 2nd and take Vinny Curry or Ronnell Lewis. Both guys have been mentioned as being good fits for GBs OLB need and both are early-mid 2nd round grades so far.

[ThunderDan]

Draft the next Brooks Reed........look for an endless pass rusher with a great motor and great attitude whose a proven smash mouth football player. Get er done TT

That would be awesome. You have Clay and other OLB attacking the edges and Raji, Pickett, Neal, and/or a draft pick pushing the pocket from the middle. That would help the DBs!

[smuggler]

DE is a much bigger need than OLB right now, but there's no reason not to take one if they are BPA

[Smeefers]

I don't know about you guys, but I think we have a gaping hole at TE and ILB that we need to fill.

[Brandon494]

We obviously need to draft a WR.

[pbmax]

I don't know about you guys, but I think we have a gaping hole at TE and ILB that we need to fill.

:lol:

As much as pass rush needs to improve, there is no skill that has lead to more draft busts. I would be happy if they went CB or safety (S unlikely in the first I know) and used the 2nd to secure a pass rusher. There needs to be a successor to Collins and Woodson will not be around forever. Perhaps not is House is considered a starter.

[sharpe1027]

:lol:

As much as pass rush needs to improve, there is no skill that has lead to more draft busts.

Jamal Reynolds was just misunderstood.

[woodbuck27]

To reduce it this much is to ignore the decisions that brought BJ Raji (by several reports not the BPA at the time, Crabtree was higher) and Matthews and Burnett (trade up) to the team.

If you trust the grades of your scouting system, then there are waves of players grouped at certain levels. Depending on when you pick and other selections, those waves can disappear too quickly, leaving you with a board that is bereft of prospects worthy of the pick. That is why Burnett was the choice in Round 3 and part of the reason Thompson went back into round 1 for Matthews.

I believe we are maybe at best three four seasons away from seriously being a Super Bowl contender. having said that we could get very lucky and repeat in the next 2-3 seasons but I would be surprized if that's a reality. We need to see alot to get the team ready again. I see TT trading our 28th pick. he knows he has a boatload of work to do...many holes to fill. He trades down.OUR system is based in development and team play and attitude. We need a flush of talent in TC to step in for too many players on their way to retirement.

We are so fortunate ton win one last season.The proof of that is we had a solid cast back (minus Collins and Jenkins) and a ZERO. That team last season was hungry and believed.

[smuggler]

Come on woodbuck. The defense is porous, but defenses can turn things around in one season. It's been done before. If we had a middle of the road D, we are the best team in the league.

[woodbuck27]

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2012/mock-drafts

At Number 28 The Green Bay Packers...

[Cheesehead Craig]

The Packers just come off a 15-1 season, still have an elite offense and they're 2-3 years away from being a serious contender? That's just crazy talk.

[denverYooper]

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2012/mock-drafts

At Number 28 The Green Bay Packers...

Colby Fleener, tee hee.

[smuggler]

Alabama players everywhere.

[mraynrand]

draft someone who can tackle someone for crissakes. IOr a tackle who can block and a tackler and not let Rodgerrs get trackled. U no what I mean

[smuggler]

If Upshaw is just sitting there at 28 that's who we're taking.

[MJZiggy]

draft someone who can tackle someone for crissakes. IOr a tackle who can block and a tackler and not let Rodgerrs get trackled. U no what I mean

Have you been in the grog again?

[woodbuck27]

Come on woodbuck. The defense is porous, but defenses can turn things around in one season. It's been done before. If we had a middle of the road D, we are the best team in the league.

We support an NFL team with not a really bad but the absolute bottom of the barrel... the worst 'D' in the NFL. We are pathetically bad on defense. Our players can't cover nor can they even do the basics like tackle. They have no sense of urgency or cannot demonstrate any need to step up and challenge themselves. When have you seen a Packer defense so pathetic?

OUR defense plain and simle....SUCKS horribly. I wouldn"t even contribute to pay to bus them out of town.

The reason fior that might be laziness.

The 'D' has been spoiled by OUR often dominating offense. Whatever the reason for this louyt defense we cannot hope to go all the way again as it is. The defense has to be set in the proper scheme to matchup well with every team we face. Match up!?? They can't even tackle.They are too lazy and need to get lost. We need to see a wholesale change PRONTO not well let's give them time to get it right.

While that plan goes into place more issues arise with greater urgency. ie Woodson and Pickett are aging rapidly now. Their days like Clifton's near done.

Some fans really expect that Nick Collins will be back! That dream weave should never be even remotely banked on.

When the strength of our 'D' is countered where is the depth to compensate that? NOWHERE man. Depth hjahaaha. It may be MM's fault to define OUR team with his offense but it's not right. You imagine it will be healed magically? If so your in for such disappointment. OUR defense need loads of work.

GO PACKERS!

[Pugger]

The Packers just come off a 15-1 season, still have an elite offense and they're 2-3 years away from being a serious contender? That's just crazy talk.

No chit. All we have to do is shore up the pass rush. And it can come from a DE or an OLBer opposite Clay. If we can rush the passer that will cure a lot of secondary ills too. When you give QBs all week to pass it doesn't matter who you have back here at safety or corner.

[Scott Campbell]

Pffft. Woody is the same guy that guaranteed that a Ted team would never reach the Superbowl.

[denverYooper]

If Upshaw is just sitting there at 28 that's who we're taking.

No doubt.

[packrulz]

FS George Iloka, Boise State: At nearly 6-4 and 222 pounds, Iloka looks more like a potential linebacker than a free safety, but his athleticism and instincts have been on display all week long. He intercepted a pass during Tuesday's practice, making an impressive diving pick-off of Michigan State's Kirk Cousins in front of Massachusetts' H-back Emil Igwenagu. Iloka is not surprisingly a bit high in his back pedal but he showed surprising agility and burst when asked to drop down and cover receivers when the offense switched to a three receiver set. In a relatively weak year for safeties (outside of Alabama's Mark Barron), Iloka's size, athleticism and experience (40 consecutive starts) stand out.

MOBILE, Ala. -- With Penn State's Devon Still -- NFLDraftScout.com's top-rated senior defensive tackle -- out of the Senior Bowl due to a sprained toe scouts were curious to see which of the remaining interior defensive linemen would be able to step up their play.

Based on Tuesday's North practice, Connecticut's Kendall Reyes and Michigan's Mike Martin are taking full advantage of the opportunity.

Physically speaking, the two couldn't be much different. Reyes, who measured in just a shade under 6-4 and 300 pounds lined up at the three-technnique and even was split out as a five-technique defensive end. His burst off the snap and quick hands made him a tough draw for even the most athletic and experienced of the North offensive linemen. Wisconsin's Kevin Zeitler, arguably the nation's top pure guard among seniors, struggled handling Reyes one on one during drills and during the scrimmages throughout practice, as well.

Martin, on the other hand, is a virtual bowling ball of muscle at a rocked 6-1, 307 pounds. He was able to consistently knock centers back onto their heels with his leg drive and surprisingly long arms. Though he nearly three inches shorter than Reyes, Martin's arms (31 3/4) are less than an inch shorter than Reyes' (32 5/8), who has the longest arms of any of the North's defensive tackles. Martin's long arms allow him to keep his opponents from grasping a firm hold of him. With good lateral agility, power and a relentless motor, Martin got the better of Ohio State's Michael Brewster, a possible top 100 pick, on numerous occasions. Not surprisingly, Martin was even more effective when locking horns with Zeitler (who saw some time at center) and Wake Forest's Joe Looney, who was an injury replacement Tuesday for Arizona State's Garth Gerhart.

[woodbuck27]

http://www.packers.com/news-and-events/article_ketchman/article-1/Defensive-linemen-star-at-North-practice/c5da892b-20bc-4737-86f7-ff7a73e2801f?campaign=e120127

Defensive linemen star at North practice

By Vic Ketchman, packers.com editor

Posted Jan 24, 2012

RE: UConn’s Kendall Reyes and Michigan’s Mike Martin were the stars of the morning session.

Reyes, 6-4, 295, flashed pass-rush potential that included a spin move that left Wisconsin offensive lineman Kevin Zeitler grasping at air.

Martin, 6-2, 304, used strength and tenacity to overpower blockers.

GO PACKERS !

[pbmax]

We support an NFL team with not a really bad but the absolute bottom of the barrel... the worst 'D' in the NFL. We are pathetically bad on defense. Our players can't cover nor can they even do the basics like tackle. They have no sense of urgency or cannot demonstrate any need to step up and challenge themselves. When have you seen a Packer defense so pathetic?

OUR defense plain and simle....SUCKS horribly. I wouldn"t even contribute to pay to bus them out of town.

The reason fior that might be laziness.

The 'D' has been spoiled by OUR often dominating offense.
GO PACKERS!

It was one season woodie. Last season it was the #1 or #2 unit. If such a change can happen in one year, then it will take exactly one year for it to change completely again.

It took Thompson 3 years to rebuild the entire team starting in 2005. This challenge is not as daunting.

[Pugger]

That Coples kid from NC looked good in the Senior Bowl (I only saw the first half). I'm sure he'll be long gone by the time our pick comes up.

[Joemailman]

That Coples kid from NC looked good in the Senior Bowl (I only saw the first half). I'm sure he'll be long gone by the time our pick comes up.

He's rated top 15 right now.

[smuggler]

Yeah. We would probably need to trade up for Coples, unless he doesn't impress at the combine or other guys show up and leapfrog him on the big boards.

[Joemailman]

There are some other D-Linemen (Jerel Worthy, Fletcher Cox) who could be in the Packers range.

[Gunakor]

When have you seen a Packer defense so pathetic?[/B]


2008. 2 years later our top 5 defense helped us to a Super Bowl victory. The year after that our defense dropped to dead last. That's how quickly things can change. We get a solid DE and an edge rusher opposite Matthews and this defense is in the top half of the NFL again; there's no reason why that can't happen in a single offseason.

[Pugger]

2008. 2 years later our top 5 defense helped us to a Super Bowl victory. The year after that our defense dropped to dead last. That's how quickly things can change. We get a solid DE and an edge rusher opposite Matthews and this defense is in the top half of the NFL again; there's no reason why that can't happen in a single offseason.

And that's all we need, really. If we can get this defense in the top half of the league with our offense we'll be damn difficult to stop.

[denverYooper]

NFP's Wes Bunting (http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Mock-Draft-Version-20.html) has GB taking Ingram in his 2nd mock. He has a lot of OL being taken in the first round, which is interesting because a lot of mocks I've seen are heavier on the more sexy CB/pass rush specialists. As a result, his mock leaves a good number of DL/OLB picks available at GB's slot, Ingram being one. Were the draft to actually see that many OL going early, Green Bay would potentially be looking at some decent players for their D.

He has a pretty nice big board set up that doesn't cost anything to check out, either: http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/college_big_board_rankings.html&position=de

[denverYooper]

Of course, we'll probably see Ingram, Upshaw, Perry, Cox, and Crick sitting there and Ted will take Coby Fleener.

[Joemailman]

I'll be interested to see some of Ingram's times at the Combine. 6-2, 276 is pretty big for an OLB.

[Freak Out]

1st round....it's probably going to be defense for sure....I'd still like to see a RB taken. When is that kid from WV/Hillbilly State projected to go (Brando..help me out here)?

[Pugger]

I don't want TT to take a RB before the 4th round.

[Joemailman]

1st round....it's probably going to be defense for sure....I'd still like to see a RB taken. When is that kid from WV/Hillbilly State projected to go (Brando..help me out here)?

You mean Bobby Rainey of Western Kentucky? CBS has him going 5th round. http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1278228/bobby-rainey

Or David Wilson of Virginia Tech? Projected to go 2nd round. http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings/TSX/2012_RB

[Smidgeon]

I don't want TT to take a RB before the 4th round.

+1

The Packers could conceivably be stacked with a RB committee of Starks, Saine, and Green next year--who are all above average with talent in my opinion.

[Joemailman]

+1

The Packers could conceivably be stacked with a RB committee of Starks, Saine, and Green next year--who are all above average with talent in my opinion.

Except that Starks hasn't been able to play an entire season since his junior year of college due to injuries, and Green tore his ACL this year. The RB situation isn't very stable at all.

[Brandon494]

You mean Bobby Rainey of Western Kentucky? CBS has him going 5th round. http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1278228/bobby-rainey

Or David Wilson of Virginia Tech? Projected to go 2nd round. http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings/TSX/2012_RB

David Wilson is exactly what this team is missing on offense, he would be to us what Sproles is for the Saints. Although I'm a huge Virginia Tech homer I really don't want us taking a offensive player until at least the 4th round.

[Freak Out]

David Wilson is exactly what this team is missing on offense, he would be to us what Sproles is for the Saints. Although I'm a huge Virginia Tech homer I really don't want us taking a offensive player until at least the 4th round.

That's the guy I saw. Wilson looked pretty amazing and I wouldn't mind seeing him taken in the 2nd if he's there for the Packers.

[Smidgeon]

Except that Starks hasn't been able to play an entire season since his junior year of college due to injuries, and Green tore his ACL this year. The RB situation isn't very stable at all.

Thus "could conceivably".

[Gunakor]

If a poor running game had been a hinderance to our offense I'd be more inclined to draft a RB early. But 2 injured backs on our roster each managed 4+ ypc. in limited opportunity this year. Our run game was plenty effective given what was asked of it this season. Bottom line, you don't want to take the ball out of Aaron Rodgers' hands any more than is required to keep a defense honest. Using a day 1 pick on a RB would be a waste IMO. If a good one is there in the third round I'd consider it. Maybe.

[mraynrand]

Starks is "Injury Prone" :lol:

[Patler]

Trade Rodgers to the Colts, draft Luck, re-sign Flynn.

[ThunderDan]

Trade Rodgers to the Colts, draft Luck, re-sign Flynn.

That's the Madden way to do it.