Pre-Draft NFL Lineup Rankings ... A Surprize At The Top.

[woodbuck27]

http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/nfl/42824/59/pre-draft-nfl-lineup-rankings

Pre-Draft NFL Lineup Rankings ... Thursday, March 21, 2013

BY: Evan Silva ... ROTOWORLD ... Offseason Low Down

GO PACKERS !

[smuggler]

Seattle is a good team, but I don't think they will be significantly better than last year. We'll see how they do when the suffer a (regular season) injury of note.

[wist43]

Seattle is a good team, but I don't think they will be significantly better than last year. We'll see how they do when the suffer a (regular season) injury of note.

Right now I'd put Seattle at #2 in the NFC. They're a damn fine team, and they're built properly IMO. Their philosophy is that of playing championship calibur defense, running the ball, playing field position, and not making mistakes. It's a winning formula.

The Packers have a few teams to climb over. Right now, pre-draft, still way early in the offseason, I rank the Packers about 5th in the NFC, maybe 6th.

1) Forty Niners
2) Seattle
3) Atlanta
4) NYG
5) Washington/Green Bay

All of those teams can out-physical the Packers - on both sides of the ball. Even Atlanta is more physical than the Packers. Until TT fixes both lines, I don't see us being able to play our way through a playoff run trying to go thru those teams.

Our SB win from a couple of years ago is now looking like a perfect storm that came together for that 2 1/2 month period. Rodgers was playing at an All-Galaxy level, every Packer played to their utmost ability, we played other finesse teams in the playoffs (Philly and Atl), and the one physical team we played, Chi, we know inside and out and were able to beat Caleb Haney by a TD; and in the SB we faced a fading Pittsburgh team.

The Packers have really been a pretty average team ever since KC beat the living snot out of us and ended our unbeaten season a couple of years ago.

[3irty1]

Right now I'd put Seattle at #2 in the NFC. They're a damn fine team, and they're built properly IMO. Their philosophy is that of playing championship calibur defense, running the ball, playing field position, and not making mistakes. It's a winning formula.

The Packers have a few teams to climb over. Right now, pre-draft, still way early in the offseason, I rank the Packers about 5th in the NFC, maybe 6th.

1) Forty Niners
2) Seattle
3) Atlanta
4) NYG
5) Washington/Green Bay

All of those teams stay much healthier than the Packers - on both sides of the ball. Even Atlanta is healthier than the Packers. Until TT invents actual working magic spray, I don't see us being able to play our way through a playoff run trying to go thru those teams.

Our SB win from a couple of years ago is now looking like a perfect storm that came together for that 2 1/2 month period. Rodgers was playing at an All-Galaxy level, every Packer played to their utmost ability, we played other finesse teams in the playoffs (Philly and Atl), and the one physical team we played, Chi, we know inside and out and were able to beat Caleb Haney by a TD; and in the SB we faced a fading Pittsburgh team.

Fixed. You just keep outdoing yourself with the doom and gloom.

http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/18bp1bn1vthsypng/ku-xlarge.png

[Patler]

Two years ago, the Packers roster was the one every team was compared to. Young, experienced and coming off a SB win, they were predicted to be the team to beat for a few years, at least.

A few things we should all know by now:
- Off season rankings don't mean much once the season starts. Philly, Atlanta, GB, NYG, and others have proven that recently.
- The differences among the better teams are not all that much, and can change quickly.
- A key rookie, a young player blossoming, vets having their best years can make the difference.
- On the flip side, key injuries, vets going downhill, young players disappointing can also make the difference.
- An "unstoppable" offense one season is not so unstoppable the next year when DC's have a chance to analyze it.
- A play here or there can change a game, a game here or there can change a season.
- End of the year momentum means a lot, and no one can predict which teams will have it.

So long as a team stays in the hunt, a SB win remains possible.

[pbmax]

Packers beat Seattle in Seattle (one of the toughest places to play apparently) but are robbed of the game by a terrible call. Even if you agree with the call, it was a very lucky and likely not to be repeated play.

But the Packers are four spots worse than the Seahawks?

[smuggler]

The sky isn't falling, and people are having trouble understanding that.

As long as we can get healthy, we stand a chance against anybody. That's all you can ask for, really.

[woodbuck27]

Two years ago, the Packers roster was the one every team was compared to. Young, experienced and coming off a SB win, they were predicted to be the team to beat for a few years, at least.

A few things we should all know by now:
- Off season rankings don't mean much once the season starts. Philly, Atlanta, GB, NYG, and others have proven that recently.
- The differences among the better teams are not all that much, and can change quickly.
- A key rookie, a young player blossoming, vets having their best years can make the difference.
- On the flip side, key injuries, vets going downhill, young players disappointing can also make the difference.
- An "unstoppable" offense one season is not so unstoppable the next year when DC's have a chance to analyze it.
- A play here or there can change a game, a game here or there can change a season.
- End of the year momentum means a lot, and no one can predict which teams will have it.

So long as a team stays in the hunt, a SB win remains possible.

Your right again but let's look at it closer.

Of the TOP NFC teams that are legitimately in the hunt next season for the Super Bowl. Expert analysis or any NFL fan analysis, if your paying attention. Would rank the Green Bay Packers below the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks. The Atlanta Falcons are accelerating or having an excellent off season and have caught up to; more likely gone ahead of the Green Bay Packers in terms of roster quality.

Is this a fact? With the Packers need for upgrades all over and even at CB. Because an NFL team cannot have too many solid CB's. Because Ted Thompson has placed player upgrades 'on HOLD' and those other top NFC teams re-loading. It gets to 'the obvious'.

Do we have to wait for the results next season to see it?

I don't believe that we'll enjoy 'another Perfect Storm' in this upcoming season. That in terms of the Green Bay Packers playing 'lights out football'. Overcoming all odds as we did in the Super Bowl run of the 2010 (10-6) regular season. Looking back at that season; that late season loss Vs 'the Lions'. We were fortunate to make the playoffs more so demonstrate something better than any movie script.

That 'Perfect Storm' continued throughout most of last season. Then the inevitale 'there must be change' or else, happened against our team. The bubble burst. It's not been put back to rights since.

How well did we do last season? We lost two games to the San Fran 49ers. It's tough for a top NFL team to defeat another top NFL team back to back. We didn't 'just lose' a second game to the San Francisco 49ers. San Fran humiliated us in the playoffs.

No matter how it went down or the results in two other games. We clearly collapsed Vs the COLTS and had one stolen from us in Seattle. Two more 2012 season playoff teams that are obviously/seriously using this off season to improve.

We managed a 1-1 record Vs the Minnesota Vikings . A NFCN rival that has a smart GM and should improve next season. ditto the Chicago Bears.

All the above teams are demonstrating to us this off season a determination to improve on thier 2012 season performance. What are the Green Bay Packers doing but little to nothing. It's too obvious all effort by Ted Thompson to this point in our off season is directed to the matter of signing 'the Big Three'. Retaining some possible depth at the LBer position.

No matter how worthy that effort is. It will not 'change the water on the beans' in terms of upgrading our current roster that has obvious holes/needs.

To take pressure off of his upcoming draft Ted Thompson needed to get just a little busy in Free Agency. He's neglected to do so. I question that neglect.

Discussing 'Crunch Time'. How well have we done in the playoffs the last two seasons? Can't we admit that we saw our team not just lose a close one Vs the GIANTS and 49ers. Rather the Green Bay Packers CRASHED upon landing in successive seasonal playoff defeats.

I might bet $100.00 with anyone on this forum that the Green Bay Packers do not win the Super Bowl next season. Except.... to go there, is akin to stealing. Being a Packer fan isn't about getting into another Packer fans pocket.

It's certainly not about lieing to yourself.

GO PACK GO !

[3irty1]

Your right again but let's look at it closer.

Of the TOP NFC teams that are legitimately in the hunt next season for the Super Bowl. Expert analysis or any NFL fan analysis, if your paying attention. Would rank the Green Bay Packers below the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks. The Atlanta Falcons are accelerating or having an excellent off season and have caught up to; more likely gone ahead of the Green Bay Packers in terms of roster quality.

Is this a fact? With the Packers need for upgrades all over and even at CB. Because an NFL team cannot have too many solid CB's. Because Ted Thompson has placed player upgrades 'on HOLD' and those other top NFC teams re-loading. It gets to 'the obvious'.

Do we have to wait for the results next season to see it?

In the 2013 season ... I don't believe that we'll enjoy 'another Perfect Storm', in terms of Packers playing 'lights out football', as we did in the Super Bowl run, after the 2010 (10-6) regular season.

Yes that 'Perfect Storm' continued throughout most of last season. Then the inevitale 'there must be change' or else happened against our team or the bubble burst.

How well did we do last season? We lost two games to the San Fran 49ers. It's tough for a top NFL team to defeat another top NFL team back to back.

We didn't 'just lose' a second game to the San Francisco 49ers. San Fran humiliated us in the playoffs.

No matter how it went down to the results in two other games. We clearly collapsed Vs the COLTS and had one stolen from us in Seattle. Two more 2012 season playoff teams that are obviously and seriously using this off season to get better. We managed a 1-1 record Vs the Minnesota Vikings . A NFCN rival that has a smart GM and should improve next season. ditto the Chicago Bears.

All of the above teams are demonstrating to us this of season. A determination to improve on thier 2012 season performance. What are the Green Bay Packers doing but little to nothing. It's too obvious all efforts by Ted Thompson to this point in our off season is directed to the matter of signing 'the Big Three'. No matter how worthy that effort is. It will not 'change the water on the beans' in terms of upgrading our current roster that has obvious holes/needs.

To take pressure off of his upcoming draft Ted Thompson needed to get just a little busy in Free Agency. He's neglected to do so. I question that neglect.

Discussing 'Crunch Time'. How well have we done in the playoffs the last two seasons? Can't we admit that we saw our team not just lose a close one Vs the GIANTS and 49ers. Rather the Green Bay Packers CRASHED upon landing in successive seasonal playoff defeats.

I might bet $100.00 with anyone on this forum that the Green Bay Packers do not win the Super Bowl next season. Except.... to go there, is akin to stealing. Being a Packer fan isn't about getting into another Packer fans pocket.

It's certainly not about lieing to yourself.

GO PACK GO !

Good lord woody. I'll pay you $100 if I can pry 'your single quote key' off your keyboard.

You work under the assumption that the Packers can't improve by doing nothing and this is clearly false. Desmond Bishop, Derrick Sherrod, Nick Perry, DJ Smith, Brian Bulaga, Andrew Quarless, and John Jolly are as big of an acquisition as any team in the NFC has made this offseason. If getting all that back isn't reloading then I don't know what is. Our "glaring holes" really comprise about 3 positions where marginal players are expected to start and that's before the draft. Go down to the Canadian socialism clinic and get yourself a bottle of chill pills.

[run pMc]

Packers beat Seattle in Seattle (one of the toughest places to play apparently) but are robbed of the game by a terrible call. Even if you agree with the call, it was a very lucky and likely not to be repeated play.

But the Packers are four spots worse than the Seahawks?

Apparently that's what Percy Harvin gets you.
3irty1's post showing injuries is pretty interesting. Most of wist's top ranked teams were on the low side of injuries. Regression to the mean suggests that's not likely to recur, and we know how that can impact a season. That, plus an offseason of study by DC's will produce different results. Teams sure figured out ways to give the Packers' high powered offense trouble by the end of their 15-1 season.

Also -- I'm not sure Russell Wilson is Drew Brees II, but he's about that short. One good bell ringing and I think Carroll will have to reel in his scrambling and Wilson will have trouble finding throwing lanes.

[woodbuck27]

Good lord woody. I'll pay you $100 if I can pry 'your single quote key' off your keyboard.

You work under the assumption that the Packers can't improve by doing nothing and this is clearly false. Desmond Bishop, Derrick Sherrod, Nick Perry, DJ Smith, Brian Bulaga, Andrew Quarless, and John Jolly are as big of an acquisition as any team in the NFC has made this offseason. If getting all that back isn't reloading then I don't know what is. Our "glaring holes" really comprise about 3 positions where marginal players are expected to start and that's before the draft. Go down to the Canadian socialism clinic and get yourself a bottle of chill pills.

You and I are about as far on either sides of that fence as can be.

You wear the Homer hat. I selected Doubting Thomas. :wink:

[3irty1]

You and I are about as far on either sides of that fence as can be.

You wear the Homer hat. I selected Doubting Thomas. :wink:

Well in all fairness it is really hard to imagine a season not ravaged by injuries after the last 3 years.

[run pMc]

San Fran humiliated us in the playoffs.

I agree the defense did not play well. I haven't watched the game again, but my impressions at the time were that we lost because we turned the ball over and blew a couple of key plays on defense. 'Humiliated' is a bit strong, especially for a 14 point road playoff loss and when you think about the 37-20 home beatdown by NYG in 2011 or the 48-21 beatdown GB gave in ATL 2010.

I got the sense that the 49ers (and the Ravens, if you think about their OT win at Denver) had charmed seasons insofar as they were healthy and were riding a lot of momentum. Kaepernick was something of an unknown and people were trying to catch up with how to defend him. Also -- SF had a better healthier roster. I don't know who their 3rd string LB is, but I'm betting that if they had lost Ahmed Brooks and Patrick Willis their defense would be different.

Yeah, I admit I'm making excuses. GB lost. I think they have holes (at OL, DL and S) but I don't think the 'window is closed' or they can't make the playoffs and go on a run. I think they're a tough game on any team's schedule...it's not like they're Jacksonville or the Marinelli-era Lions.

[MadScientist]

Seattle is getting a lot of press this year for
1) trading (a lot) for a talented, but head case WR.
2) signing a Detroit Lions cast off.
3) a $5M backup DT.

They played great at the end of the year, but last year was the year of the read-option. This year defenses will adjust and the QB hits will pile up. I don't see them as the team to beat next season.

SF earned the SB bid and are should be listed at the top of the NFC. I don't think their FA gains really outweigh their losses, but they have a shit-load of draft picks, and that will help them. Their biggest risk again is a QB in the read-option once defenses make the adjustment.

Atlanta upgraded at RB, but not by a huge amount, and I think Gonzo is going to prove that he came back one year too many. While Jones may be entering his prime, the lost picks that were traded to get him will start to have an effect as well.

The Packers didn't do anything, but they should be able to hold their own, if they can protect AR's blind side.

[woodbuck27]

Well in all fairness it is really hard to imagine a season not ravaged by injuries after the last 3 years.

Packers results:

If it's loaded in terms of results; and adversity or injuries being the reason for those results. If all blame is based in adversity?

The next point of discussion is depth. Part of that... that depth takes time and experience to develop.

Focused on those criteria:

The Packer Way is best in terms of future playoff appearances.

I believe that Ted Thompson must realize that alot has to go perfect. In order for us to win the Super Bowl next season. With a HOLD based on that. It's time to focus on making the likes of Aaron Rodgers and Clay Matthews happy as household names for Green Bay Packer fans.That he has to consider BJ Raji in a similiar light.

I hope that after all that cost, that Jordy Nelson and James Jones etc. in the future are realistically, in that same conversation.

GO PACKERS!

[smuggler]

I agree the defense did not play well. I haven't watched the game again, but my impressions at the time were that we lost because we turned the ball over and blew a couple of key plays on defense. 'Humiliated' is a bit strong, especially for a 14 point road playoff loss and when you think about the 37-20 home beatdown by NYG in 2011 or the 48-21 beatdown GB gave in ATL 2010.
.

The 9ers beat us, hands down. The Giants game was more of a fluke. It was clear which team was better on the field in the 49ers game. In the Giants game, it was just a poor showing by us, with a bunch of unforced errors and the Giants getting a freebie TD at halftime.

[Smeefers]

Packers results:

If it's loaded in terms of results; and adversity or injuries being the reason for those results. If all blame is based in adversity?

The next point of discussion is depth. Part of that... that depth takes time and experience to develop.

Focused on those criteria:

The Packer Way is best in terms of future playoff appearances.

I believe that Ted Thompson must realize that alot has to go perfect. In order for us to win the Super Bowl next season. With a HOLD based on that. It's time to focus on making the likes of Aaron Rodgers and Clay Matthews happy as household names for Green Bay Packer fans.That he has to consider BJ Raji in a similiar light.

I hope that after all that cost, that Jordy Nelson and James Jones etc. in the future are realistically, in that same conversation.

GO PACKERS!

Things have to go just about perfect for ANY team to win the superbowl. The days of the Cowboys just crushing the competition, or the 49ers winning for years is over.

[red]

i would put us as the #2 or 3 team in the nfc right now. although i do think it is tough to gauge where we are without jennings, woodson, driver, ect.

i think we can beat (on any given sunday) the seahawks, falcons and the redskins, vikings, bears etc.

i do think we would need help (major injury problems) to pass up the 9ers and we have all kinds of problems with the giants (although they have also lost some key pieces)