2014 Green Bay Packers 7 Round Mock Draft

[Brandon494]

We begin with a trade with the Cleveland Browns...

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRPI--DSjXatRN3E-mcEqd5c2dTPngcaRGjljWJT9cpD4pTJ5nwPackers trade: 1st round pick (21st )

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQkoM2vcldRTWRi5VCwtvqTAmR5VjtsT QgWTRaajj3ZTYZBaltwyQBrowns trade: 2nd round pick (35th) and 3rd round pick (71st)



2nd Rd. 35th pick TE TROY NIKLAS (Notre Dame)


STRENGTHS Outstanding size with a well-proportioned, muscular build. Big target over the middle and in the red zone. Athletic with flexible hips and knees to run the full tight end route tree. Bursts into routes and stretches the seam. Good hands. Has playmaking ability. Lined up flexed and in-line. Good potential as a blocker. Bends his knees, shuffles and fans rushers wide. Works well in tandem and can combo block effectively. Takes care of his body and maintains low body fat. Has NFL bloodlines.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/troy-niklas?id=2543628

http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/collegefootball/troy-niklas-draft.jpg







2nd Rd. 53rd pick FS MARQUESTON HUFF (Wyoming)


STRENGTHS Lean, athletic build. Fluid and sudden with terrific balance. Outstanding speed -- carries receivers vertically and flies around the field. Sudden plant and drive. Can elevate to contend in the air and make athletic interceptions. Does not hesitate to support the run. Scheme versatile. Sharp mentally. Three-year starter. Rose to the occasion against better competition and produced big against Nebraska.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/marqueston-huff?id=2543776

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/trib.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/fb/cfb44c8d-c8e3-5926-b24d-35df7a8e5d73/5261c49d84545.preview-620.jpghttp://yulupr.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/7a419_haha-nelson.jpg







3rd Rd. 71st pick OLB Jeremiah Attaochu (Georgia Tech)


Strengths
Good burst off the snap. Heats up the edge and runs the arc. Quick inside move. Disruptive ability. Motor runs hot -- keeps coming after the quarterback and chases hard from the back side. Moves well laterally and can zone drop. Has experience in even and odd fronts, having played defensive end and stand-up linebacker. Power-leverage potential. Mature and intelligent. Cares about the game and prepares like a pro. Arrow pointing up (will be a 21-year-old rookie).

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/jeremiah-attaochu?id=2543717

http://onlineathens.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/full/12855522.jpg





3rd Rd. 85th pick ILB PRESTON BROWN (Louisville)


STRENGTHS Outstanding size. Physical tackler. Steps downhilll and attacks the run with the proper shoulder. Good eyes and instincts. Delivers some pop on contact and strikes with force. Experienced three-year starter. Good football intelligence -- makes the calls and lines up a defense.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/preston-brown?id=2543814

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/si/dam/assets/130815103445-preston-brown-single-image-cut.jpg







3rd Rd. Compensatory pick for Greg Jennings DT Brent Urban (UVA)


Strengths
Looks the part -- has stature on the defensive line thanks to a long, well-proportioned physique with relatively little body fat. Has ideal dimensions for an odd front and has a large wingspan that enables him to disrupt passing lanes (nine PBUs in eight games as a senior). Engages quickly off the snap, jolts blockers and gains extension. Can stack and shed or press single blocking and generate push. Flashes disruptive ability. Can slide inside as a nickel rusher to cave the pocket.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/brent-urban?id=2543765

http://linapps.s3.amazonaws.com/linapps/photomojo/fox10tv.com/photos/2013/11/g10008-13-reeses-senior-bowl-accepted-invites/191823-brent-urban-2cda6.jpg







4th Rd. 117th pick DE TAYLOR HART (Oregon)


STRENGTHS Terrific size and length. Good eyes and awareness. Plays on his feet. Holds his ground at the point. Gains extension and can stack and shed. Collapses the pocket. Good range and pursuit effort. Closes hard. Strong wrap tackler (very good production) -- snares ball carriers and drags them to the turf. Good soldier who falls in line willingly and has clean character. Three-year starter.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/taylor-hart?id=2543747

http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Justin+Worley+Taylor+Hart+Tennessee+v+Oregon+WPUeh zzp7z1l.jpg







5th Rd. 149th pick WR CHRIS BOYD (Vanderbilt)


STRENGTHS Excellent frame. Chews up ground with long strides. Controls his body and uses size to his advantage. Good hands -- extends to catch off his body. Adjusts to throws. Good potential as a blocker -- can engage and stalk. Good work ethic.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/chris-boyd?id=2543679

http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/collegefootball/chris-boyd-pleas-guilty.jpg








6th Rd. 181th pick QB JEFF MATHEWS (Cornell)


STRENGTHS Experienced, four-year starter. Very good arm strength. Good decision maker -- works through progressions. Fine accuracy and placement -- places the ball well. Highly intelligent, extremely determined, vocal team leader with an intricate command of the offense. Is given a lot of pre-snap responsibility to read defenses and audible into the right play. Three-time team captain (first in Cornell history). Outstanding football intelligence. Fiery on-field temperament. Challenges his teammates. Good eyes, anticipation and awarenesss. Coach on the field. Is very tough and battles through injuries. Outstanding production -- re-wrote the school's record books.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/jeff-mathews?id=2543797

http://www.rantsports.com/nfl/wp-content/slideshow/2013/10/2014-nfl-draft-20-best-under-the-radar-prospects/medium/Jeff-Mathews-Cornell.jpg







6th Rd. Compensatory pick for Erik Walden C Corey Linsley (Ohio St)


Strengths
Stout base. Works to re-anchor. Jolting punch. Strong upper body to latch onto and control defenders in short area. Generates movement in the run game. Understands angles and positioning. Excellent weight-room strength -- bench-presses 500 pounds and squats a small house. Smart and dependable. Communicated all the line calls and checks. Is tough and will play hurt. Hardworking team captain with leadership traits.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/corey-linsley?id=2543631

http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Corey+Linsley+Central+Florida+v+Ohio+State+Lt_L9qQ arD7l.jpg







7th Rd. 213th pick CB BENNETT JACKSON (Notre Dame)


STRENGTHS Good height and hands (former WR). Tough and durable. Has special-teams experience. Team captain with leadership traits and solid football and personal character.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/bennett-jackson?id=2543834

http://www.uhnd.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/bennett-jackson-matchups.jpg





MAKE IT HAPPEN TED!!!

[Fritz]

Uh, dude, you got that 6th round compensatory pick for Erik Walden all wrong.

The Packers have to give up a sixth rounder for getting Indy to take him.

[Smeefers]

An amazing piece of work. I think I say this every year, but I wish I paid attention to college football so that this time of year I'd have something to say. I do appreciate the guys to give a look at.

[3irty1]

I could get excited about a draft like this. Seems both realistic and also a reasonable prediction based on TT's past. One exception though is Chris Boyd. I'm sure I could get over the accessory to rape thing if I heard him tell the story, but he's also in a really weird extra slow Side Rice kind of mold. He got it done on the field in the SEC but somehow its hard to imagine Ted not finding something wrong with him.

[bobblehead]

Are we actually getting a 3rd for Jennings?

[3irty1]

Are we actually getting a 3rd for Jennings?

Conservatively most seem to be guessing a 4th but we still don't know for sure.

[red]

Are we actually getting a 3rd for Jennings?

fuck no

in theory we should, but we never get what we should

it'll be a 4th

[pbmax]

Are we actually getting a 3rd for Jennings?

Reasonably big contract and played all year. Of all the recent disappointments, his case is pretty strong. Limited by mediocre year and no awards. I'd still bet 4th, but its the best case for a 3rd in a while.

[Brandon494]

I could get excited about a draft like this. Seems both realistic and also a reasonable prediction based on TT's past. One exception though is Chris Boyd. I'm sure I could get over the accessory to rape thing if I heard him tell the story, but he's also in a really weird extra slow Side Rice kind of mold. He got it done on the field in the SEC but somehow its hard to imagine Ted not finding something wrong with him.

His speed was a concern for me as well and I almost went with Kevin Norwood (Alabama) http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/kevin-norwood?id=2543689 with that pick but I Chris Boyd game reminds me a lot of Marques Colston. My main reason for drafting him because we were horrible in the red zone last season, having him and Niklas would provide Rodgers with some big targets to throw to. I can almost hear it now... Rodgers to Boyd for the TD!!! :lol:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eV371FAi5TA

[Brandon494]

Are we actually getting a 3rd for Jennings?

Who knows after we got screwed last season but from what I've been reading we are projected to get a 3rd.

[Fritz]

Are we actually getting a 3rd for Jennings?

Of course the Packers will not get a third for Jennings. The hell with the big contract he signed; the hell with him playing all season. He didn't put up big enough numbers (thank you sucky Viking QB's), though that won't stop the NFL gods from giving some other team that lost a similar player a third rounder.

[smuggler]

Mike Wallace is the only player deserving of a 3rd rounder, if Jennings doesn't get one.

Based on that fact, it seems more likely we do get bumped to a 3, but I still have my money on the 4th rounder.

[Bretsky]

GOTTA GIVE KUDOS to a GREAT JOB on this !!!!

Would still have liked to see one or two of my Badger Boyz in here; They are going to be way better than the combine stuff.

[PaCkFan_n_MD]

I like it, good job. I like going with one of the athletic TE's in the draft with our first pick. A lot of good Wr's though, I would like to pick one higher than the 5th.

[woodbuck27]

Who knows after we got screwed last season but from what I've been reading we are projected to get a 3rd.


Packers Projected for 3rd and 6th Round Compensatory Picks

By Jason Hirschhorn  @JBHirschhorn on Feb 9 2014, 4:00p

http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2014/2/9/5395844/packers-projected-for-3rd-and-6th-round-compensatory-picks

Philly.com's Jimmy Kempski sees Green Bay receiving an extra third and sixth round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.

GO PACK GO !

[Brandon494]

I like it, good job. I like going with one of the athletic TE's in the draft with our first pick. A lot of good Wr's though, I would like to pick one higher than the 5th.

I tried to go heavy on defense after taking a TE with the 1st pick but I could see them taking a WR in the 3rd or 4th round depending on what they do in FA.

[bobblehead]

Ok, one more question. If your scenario plays out, the Browns have 3 1st round picks in a deep draft....will they still suck due to management chaos?

[BZnDallas]

Ok, one more question. If your scenario plays out, the Browns have 3 1st round picks in a deep draft....will they still suck due to management chaos?

Vikings had 3 first rounders last year and they are still umm... yeah...

[red]

Ok, one more question. If your scenario plays out, the Browns have 3 1st round picks in a deep draft....will they still suck due to management chaos?

this isn't the first time the browns have changed management, and they're always a mess

gotta be something in the water, probably the same stuff that causes lake erie to burn

[woodbuck27]

this isn't the first time the browns have changed management, and they're always a mess

gotta be something in the water, probably the same stuff that causes lake erie to burn

http://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/you-cant-escape-the-curse-of-cleveland-its-not-just-about-sports-people/Content?oid=3709320

You Can’t Escape the Curse of Cleveland: It’s Not Just About Sports, People

by Chris Clem


http://bleacherreport.com/articles/392399-the-ultimate-sports-curse-the-city-of-cleveland

The Ultimate Sports Curse: The City of Cleveland

By Jim Folsom , Analyst ... May 15, 2010

[run pMc]

Brandon, nice job, although I'd argue that some of the picks feel a bit early for me.
Wasn't sold on Niklas...especially at 35 and with guys like Amaro and Fiedorwzxqz likely still on the board, but I think he has more upside. They'd have to sign a vet like Quarless for sure though -- I think Niklas isn't ready to step into a starter's lineup. Also skeptical about Boyd; I think there will be other WRs there with a lot less baggage. Looks like he has good hands, but running a 4.7+ 40 means he's almost as slow as Niklas.

I really like the idea of trading with CLE.
For fun, I'll throw out
35. Jordan Matthews, WR
53. Troy Niklas, TE
71. DaQuan Jones, DT
85. Terrence Brooks, S
R3 Comp Christian Jones, LB
TT trades the rest of his picks for the entire 7th round, drafts a bunch of OTs so CampenSlocum can convert them to Guard/Punter, and re-signs Shields, Pickett, Kuhn, Jolly and Lattimore. Raji, JJ, Finley, CJ Wilson, Francois, et. al., are not retained. EDS is kept if he gets a Garza/Raiola type of deal.

[Brandon494]

Troy Niklas is rated higher then both the TEs you mentioned though. He also has the NFL bloodline...Clay Matthew is his cousin who some also thought couldn't step into a starters role right away. :grin:

Also don't focus so much on 40 times for WRs...Boykin had a 4.7 40 time. I like your picks especially Jordan Matthews but I don't think we would take two offensive players first with our current defense unless we make some changes in FA.

[red]

i'm not a fan of any players from ND, they always seemed to be more hype then substance and most turn out to be flops in the NFL

[run pMc]

Troy Niklas is rated higher then both the TEs you mentioned though. He also has the NFL bloodline...Clay Matthew is his cousin who some also thought couldn't step into a starters role right away. :grin:

Also don't focus so much on 40 times for WRs...Boykin had a 4.7 40 time. I like your picks especially Jordan Matthews but I don't think we would take two offensive players first with our current defense unless we make some changes in FA.

Very true. 40 times are helpful to gauge downfield speed...personally, I'm more interested in whether they can run a route, get separation, and catch the ball with their hands (not body). I like Matthews because of his size, and production in the SEC. Familiarity with a Rodgers (Jordan) and the bloodlines (Jerry Rice) don't hurt. :)

As for Niklas, I didn't like him at first but I think with a year or two of good coaching he could be a good one. I don't think he'll be the best of them next year but in Year 3 he could be pretty darn good. He's a project and a risk, and I'm skeptical TT goes that route. I do think he'll fill out the DLine and probably add an interior OL unless they keep EDS or think Barclay can do it. All the rumblings indicate they really like Tretter, they'll need someone else to play C-G. They are also talking about a QB (JSO was pumping David Fales, FWIW) and I like your Matthews suggestion.

One of the mocks someone threw out here had Devon Kennard and DeAndre Coleman in the R4/5...thought those were pretty good picks as well. Wouldn't be surprised if Neal gets a Waldenesque offer and they have to add an OLB.

I think TT will draft players that I didn't see coming but will make sense in hindsight. I also think taking offense with one of their first 3 picks is likely. (Don't think it will be QB, RB, or OT though.)

[bobblehead]

BTW if I didn't mention it, nice work. I appreciate it when posters put time into a good read.

[woodbuck27]

BTW if I didn't mention it, nice work. I appreciate it when posters put time into a good read.

ditto...an outstanding effort Brandon 494.

To get that done so soon is also a testament to your preparation. Your knowledge of the college game.

GO PACK GO !

[Carolina_Packer]

I think Marqueston Huff would be a reach as a second pick. I think there would be better rated talent, even at his position, at that point of the draft. I like the balance of offense and defense that you chose. I was waiting for an impact DL. I'm sure the Packers will address the DL, I'm just not sure how.

[Smeefers]

Our Defense doesn't want an impact DT. Look at Raji. Dude has the skills to be a pass disrupter but instead they ask him to be a hole plugger. They don't want DT's who have the ability to close the pocket. They wan't DT's that will hold the line for the run defense. And for that, all you need is some 350 # fatty. We can pick up two of those in the undrafted range.

[KYPack]

I'll join the chorus on this one.

That is one king hell job, Brandon.

If we do a deal with Cleve, should we get more than a 2-3?

Mebbe a 1-3?

I don't know, I just wanna get in an argument over something football related.

[Brandon494]

I'll join the chorus on this one.

That is one king hell job, Brandon.

If we do a deal with Cleve, should we get more than a 2-3?

Mebbe a 1-3?

I don't know, I just wanna get in an argument over something football related.

Maybe if a good player drops to us and they really want to move up to get him.

[smuggler]

Last year the Cowboys traded 18 to SF for a 31 and a 74. That's about what Brandon had the Browns giving up for our 21. Seems about right. If we wanted their 26 overall, we'd probably get their 4th rounder (#83 - from Pittsburgh) instead of their #71.

The Packers come out way ahead on the Harvard chart either way, in case anyone cares about that.

[Carolina_Packer]

Our Defense doesn't want an impact DT. Look at Raji. Dude has the skills to be a pass disrupter but instead they ask him to be a hole plugger. They don't want DT's who have the ability to close the pocket. They wan't DT's that will hold the line for the run defense. And for that, all you need is some 350 # fatty. We can pick up two of those in the undrafted range.

I don't doubt that TT can pick up talent anywhere. I think you greatly discount the skill set and talent needed to be a plugger to say you can find an undrafted fatty to do the job. I'm sure they drafted Raji at #9 overall because they thought he cold both provide some pass rush and be a plugger as you described. His problem wasn't that he was "mis-cast", he either wasn't talented enough to be a hold the point of attack guy, which means Green Bay missed on their projection of him, or he was good at in his first years and then lost production later, which means his skills are deteriorating. You'd think if you draft a guy #9 overall that he could be both a plugger and provide some pass rush. It just wasn't consistent enough.

It may not be a glamorous job, but it's important. Look at how exposed our defense gets when people like Raji can't hold the point of attack. We need run stuffers. It's all predicated on stopping the run and winning the down and distance battle. Otherwise, the defense is on their heels consistently. So, whether it's some "undrafted fatty" or a first round draft pick, what I hope for the Packers is that they fix the leaky defensive line so that their linebackers can shine. The pluggers/point of attack holders are the catalyst for the 3-4.

[Smeefers]

I don't doubt that TT can pick up talent anywhere. I think you greatly discount the skill set and talent needed to be a plugger to say you can find an undrafted fatty to do the job. I'm sure they drafted Raji at #9 overall because they thought he cold both provide some pass rush and be a plugger as you described. His problem wasn't that he was "mis-cast", he either wasn't talented enough to be a hold the point of attack guy, which means Green Bay missed on their projection of him, or he was good at in his first years and then lost production later, which means his skills are deteriorating. You'd think if you draft a guy #9 overall that he could be both a plugger and provide some pass rush. It just wasn't consistent enough.

It may not be a glamorous job, but it's important. Look at how exposed our defense gets when people like Raji can't hold the point of attack. We need run stuffers. It's all predicated on stopping the run and winning the down and distance battle. Otherwise, the defense is on their heels consistently. So, whether it's some "undrafted fatty" or a first round draft pick, what I hope for the Packers is that they fix the leaky defensive line so that their linebackers can shine. The pluggers/point of attack holders are the catalyst for the 3-4.

I did discount the skill set. Sorry. I get depressed this time of year because everyone talks about the guys TT might go out and pick up but in reality... well.. we all know that he's not getting anyone and that makes me sad. This is going to be the first time in a long time where I think the pack won't be able to sustain the loss we'll incur at free agency and we'll actually get worse. I agree with everything you said. It sounds like something I would say actually.

[wist43]

I don't doubt that TT can pick up talent anywhere. I think you greatly discount the skill set and talent needed to be a plugger to say you can find an undrafted fatty to do the job. I'm sure they drafted Raji at #9 overall because they thought he cold both provide some pass rush and be a plugger as you described. His problem wasn't that he was "mis-cast", he either wasn't talented enough to be a hold the point of attack guy, which means Green Bay missed on their projection of him, or he was good at in his first years and then lost production later, which means his skills are deteriorating. You'd think if you draft a guy #9 overall that he could be both a plugger and provide some pass rush. It just wasn't consistent enough.

It may not be a glamorous job, but it's important. Look at how exposed our defense gets when people like Raji can't hold the point of attack. We need run stuffers. It's all predicated on stopping the run and winning the down and distance battle. Otherwise, the defense is on their heels consistently. So, whether it's some "undrafted fatty" or a first round draft pick, what I hope for the Packers is that they fix the leaky defensive line so that their linebackers can shine. The pluggers/point of attack holders are the catalyst for the 3-4.

The Packers have invested a ton of high draft picks and money in the front seven - of course we rarely play seven in the front, so it's really the front six.

Raji, Perry, Jones, Matthews, and Hawk were all 1st round picks; Worthy and Neal were 2nd's; Daniels was a 4th; Pickett was a former #1; and they thru wasted $millions at Brad Jones.

That's 10 players who were high draft picks or overpaid playing in our defensive front - and yet we're garbage, and have been for 3 years running.

I'm not the only one pointing out that, with the exception of Matthews, all of those guys have been misused - especially Raji. I said a couple of years ago that if I were Raji, I'd just play out my contract and beat a hasty trail out of town as soon as I could.

Everyone knew when Raji came out that he wasn't a 2-gap player. His strength was penetration, and on the move, he was a load and difference maker who had to be accounted for. After his second year, Capers stopped using him that way, and his career tanked. His career tanked, and our defense tanked.

Either TT sucks at evaluating defensive talent - and I do think the Packers as an organization are dismal evaluators of defensive talent - or Capers is a complete idiot... which he obviously is.

I put almost all of the blame on Capers. I'm happy for Raji that he is leaving for greener pastures - as I'm happy for Mike Neal and Sam Shields. All 3 of those players should get pretty decent contracts and be much more productive with other teams.

[Carolina_Packer]

I did discount the skill set. Sorry. I get depressed this time of year because everyone talks about the guys TT might go out and pick up but in reality... well.. we all know that he's not getting anyone and that makes me sad. This is going to be the first time in a long time where I think the pack won't be able to sustain the loss we'll incur at free agency and we'll actually get worse. I agree with everything you said. It sounds like something I would say actually.

It's all good. We as Packer fans all want the same thing. I think we want proof that the team is trying to move toward improving the short-comings, the most obvious being defense. It will be interesting to see what they do. I would love nothing better than to have less complaining about the defense.

[red]

Our Defense doesn't want an impact DT. Look at Raji. Dude has the skills to be a pass disrupter but instead they ask him to be a hole plugger. They don't want DT's who have the ability to close the pocket. They wan't DT's that will hold the line for the run defense. And for that, all you need is some 350 # fatty. We can pick up two of those in the undrafted range.

thats what i've been saying. i don't know about undrafted range, but mid to later rounds at least

look at our best 3-4 guys over the years

pickett, was a first round pick, but not for us, infact he was a considered a bust in st louis before moving here
cullen jenkins- undrafted
jolly- 6th round
boyd- 5th round
cj wilson- 7th round
mike daniels- 4th round

guys who haven't done so well or haven't shown mush yet on the d-line

raji- top 10 pick
neal- 2nd round
worthy- 2nd round
datone- 1st round

[Carolina_Packer]

The Packers have invested a ton of high draft picks and money in the front seven - of course we rarely play seven in the front, so it's really the front six.

Raji, Perry, Jones, Matthews, and Hawk were all 1st round picks; Worthy and Neal were 2nd's; Daniels was a 4th; Pickett was a former #1; and they thru wasted $millions at Brad Jones.

That's 10 players who were high draft picks or overpaid playing in our defensive front - and yet we're garbage, and have been for 3 years running.

I'm not the only one pointing out that, with the exception of Matthews, all of those guys have been misused - especially Raji. I said a couple of years ago that if I were Raji, I'd just play out my contract and beat a hasty trail out of town as soon as I could.

Everyone knew when Raji came out that he wasn't a 2-gap player. His strength was penetration, and on the move, he was a load and difference maker who had to be accounted for. After his second year, Capers stopped using him that way, and his career tanked. His career tanked, and our defense tanked.

Either TT sucks at evaluating defensive talent - and I do think the Packers as an organization are dismal evaluators of defensive talent - or Capers is a complete idiot... which he obviously is.

I put almost all of the blame on Capers. I'm happy for Raji that he is leaving for greener pastures - as I'm happy for Mike Neal and Sam Shields. All 3 of those players should get pretty decent contracts and be much more productive with other teams.

We're all frustrated by the lack of bottom line success with the defense. You've been pretty consistent in blaming Capers for most of the Packers defensive woes. Time will tell if the players you predict will leave are so talented that once they can show their ability outside of Capers system that they will show how much more productive they could be.

I don't know if you agree, but I also look at what the players bring to the table. If a player is so good, then their talent will not hide in a system. Their talent will not hide in one on one battles. Good players "overcome" or transcend scheme. Average or system players may depend on it. To me, if some of these guy were so good, it would show out more consistently in one on one, or open field. That you can't lay at the feet of Capers.

It does no good to blame Capers anyway. They are obviously choosing to stick with him, not seeing him as the problem. I'm sure he feels the pressure. Anyone choosing to do what they do for a living must have a lot of pride in doing a good job. Blaming never really fixed anything. That said, I think the patience for bottom line success is shorter with each passing year, and next year may be his last if the Packers don't make strides, healthy or not. I hope he can finally take what TT brings him, has brought him, leaves him with, and can shape it into a competitive defense to complement our offense.

[pbmax]

It seems obvious now, but hasn't always been, McCarthy is the ideal coordinator to work with Ted and draft and develop. When Ted pans out a future All-Pro in the seventh, you don't know what specialty the kid will have. M3 tends to plug him in and adjust on the fly.

Capers on the other hand is a product of the unique Steelers structure, where the personnel guys, while in charge of the draft, are not in charge of the kind of player they are looking for or the choice of coach. The odd structure of their personnel front office (they had never had a GM until Colbert got a promotion in the last two years) and battles between HCs and VP of Personnel types were features, not bugs.

So this year we might finally see whether McCarthy can teach Capers to Be Like Mike and use all available talent, even if that means lining up with 7 LBs on the field.

[bobblehead]

thats what i've been saying. i don't know about undrafted range, but mid to later rounds at least

look at our best 3-4 guys over the years

pickett, was a first round pick, but not for us, infact he was a considered a bust in st louis before moving here
cullen jenkins- undrafted
jolly- 6th round
boyd- 5th round
cj wilson- 7th round
mike daniels- 4th round

guys who haven't done so well or haven't shown mush yet on the d-line

raji- top 10 pick
neal- 2nd round
worthy- 2nd round
datone- 1st round

When you list Wilson (who barely suited up) as a "best" guy and you list Raji (who plays a ton of snaps) as "haven't done so well" you lose a lot of credibility.

[bobblehead]

It seems obvious now, but hasn't always been, McCarthy is the ideal coordinator to work with Ted and draft and develop. When Ted pans out a future All-Pro in the seventh, you don't know what specialty the kid will have. M3 tends to plug him in and adjust on the fly.

Capers on the other hand is a product of the unique Steelers structure, where the personnel guys, while in charge of the draft, are not in charge of the kind of player they are looking for or the choice of coach. The odd structure of their personnel front office (they had never had a GM until Colbert got a promotion in the last two years) and battles between HCs and VP of Personnel types were features, not bugs.

So this year we might finally see whether McCarthy can teach Capers to Be Like Mike and use all available talent, even if that means lining up with 7 LBs on the field.

I am starting to question Dom's committment/work ethic. His history of starting out gangbusters then stinking up the joint screams complacency.

[pbmax]

I am starting to question Dom's committment/work ethic. His history of starting out gangbusters then stinking up the joint screams complacency.

I really don't think Capers record after a couple of years is that anomalous. That's opponent familiarity and film.

Later situations where he has succeeded probably have as much to do with player acquisition than work ethic. Like LeBeau, he has a scheme and wants to use it. And if it requires complex and tiny adjustments, he prefers that to alterations in scheme. So LeBeau and he prefer vets, but only LeBeau gets them.

But I do not mean to sell the adjustment he needs to make short. To change to a multiple player substitution scheme (more differentiated than base/nickel/dime) is a big step and maybe something he is not built to do.

[wist43]

I don't know if you agree, but I also look at what the players bring to the table. If a player is so good, then their talent will not hide in a system. Their talent will not hide in one on one battles. Good players "overcome" or transcend scheme. Average or system players may depend on it. To me, if some of these guy were so good, it would show out more consistently in one on one, or open field. That you can't lay at the feet of Capers.

That's absolutely not true.

The things asked of 3-4 personnel are far different than the things that are asked of 4-3 personnel.

Raji is the perfect example of that. Raji's natural position is a 3T in a 4-3 front, where his primary responsibility is 1 gap. If the defensive call is primarily designed to stop the run, his responsibility is still 1 gap. If the defensive call is a pass defense, his responsibility is 1-gap in conjunction with whatever stunt responsibilities he might have.

In a standard 3-4, Raji would okay at DE, but it would be a waste of his talent to play him there; and at NT he is a fish out of water b/c he simply is not a 2-gap player. He is not a 2-gap player, and everyone knew it when he was drafted.

Yet Capers has been not only using him as a 2-gap player, he has been using him as a 2-gap player in that idiotic 2-4!!! You might as well say that the 2 fat guys on the field each have 2 1/2 gaps, b/c no one else in the front six can take on blocks, shed, and get to the ball.

Then there is Perry. He didn't want to play OLB from the git-go, and said so before the draft - yet TT takes him anyway, and they immediately say they're going to play him at OLB. That experiment has not worked at all!!!

So instead of recognizing what Perry's strength is, and what Raji's strength is, and what Daniel's strength is, and what Datone Jones's strength is, etc; and using them accordingly, Capers keeps trying to shove those square pegs into round holes - and the results have been both dismal and predicatable.

Yes, it is Capers fault!!!


It does no good to blame Capers anyway. They are obviously choosing to stick with him, not seeing him as the problem. I'm sure he feels the pressure. Anyone choosing to do what they do for a living must have a lot of pride in doing a good job. Blaming never really fixed anything. That said, I think the patience for bottom line success is shorter with each passing year, and next year may be his last if the Packers don't make strides, healthy or not. I hope he can finally take what TT brings him, has brought him, leaves him with, and can shape it into a competitive defense to complement our offense.

I like a lot of the players in our defensive front - but as is obvious they are not a good fit for a 3-4.

Therein it is incumbent upon the DC to design a scheme that takes advantage of their strengths, and minimizes their weaknesses - Capers not only does not do that, he does the exact opposite of that, i.e. he plays them to their weaknesses!!!

The results have been awful for 3 years running - yet, the fault is not Capers, and he should not be held accountable??

[pbmax]

Capers does play Raji in a 3 tech in a front that is a 4-3 Under with an OLB at the wide DE position. Problem was not solved except maybe for part of 2011.

Raji was single blocked all year and rarely got off the block.

So you are not asking Capers to play a 4-3 (he is) and you are not asking for him to 1 gap Raji (he does a significant period of time, there are quotes from both Trgo and Raji on this). You are asking him to allow a Jet rush up the field on every down. You want to play a D like the Vikings did with Doleman and Millard. Please review Adrian Peterson's year in 2012 versus the Packers to see how Jetting up the field went.

Raji does one thing well and it doesn't fit the D. Why alter the D for one player who has ONE skill? Matthews would be out of place in a true 4-3 and he is a more valuable player.

[red]

When you list Wilson (who barely suited up) as a "best" guy and you list Raji (who plays a ton of snaps) as "haven't done so well" you lose a lot of credibility.

and the one who barely played was almost as productive as the one that played every snap.

most people can't wait for Raji to get his fat worthless ass out of town. wilson is one i wouldn't mind bringing back

fine take wilson out if you want. what about the rest?

raji played almost every snap for us, but was still not one of out top 3 or 4 linemen this year, and he wasn't last year either. i absolutely feel raji should be the the disappointments category, because he was out most disappointing lineman by far

[smuggler]

I'm doing a mock draft (as the Packers) on another FB site I frequent, and I'm possibly getting 30/94 and a 6th for our 21. What do you guys think about that? Seems pretty fair, but I'm not 100%.

[mraynrand]

Yet Capers has been not only using him as a 2-gap player, he has been using him as a 2-gap player in that idiotic 2-4!!! You might as well say that the 2 fat guys on the field each have 2 1/2 gaps, b/c no one else in the front six can take on blocks, shed, and get to the ball.

Except perhaps the two converted Des playing at OLB who are big enough to do just that.

[mraynrand]

The results have been awful for 3 years running - yet, the fault is not Capers, and he should not be held accountable??

I dunno, for some weird reason, the fact that TT drafted a bunch of defensive guys the past two years, and the Packers lost two all pro players to injury/age, and the fact that half the defense was injured this past year suggests to me that whatever Capers fault is, there are issues of personnel involved as well. For some strange reason, I can't see it as either all or none with respect to it being Caper's fault.

[Smeefers]

When you list Wilson (who barely suited up) as a "best" guy and you list Raji (who plays a ton of snaps) as "haven't done so well" you lose a lot of credibility.

I think CJ Wilson has far out shown Raji when given opportunity to play. The year he started for us, he was consistently ranked as a top run stopper on our D. Raji on the other hand had one good year and that was just about it.

[wist43]

I dunno, for some weird reason, the fact that TT drafted a bunch of defensive guys the past two years, and the Packers lost two all pro players to injury/age, and the fact that half the defense was injured this past year suggests to me that whatever Capers fault is, there are issues of personnel involved as well. For some strange reason, I can't see it as either all or none with respect to it being Caper's fault.

With the exception of Hawk and Brad Jones - who are both a waste of money and a waste of roster spots; there was still plenty of talent available to make use of in ways different than what Capers used.

Capers ran a 2-4 the vast majority of the time... hell, there were times when it was 3rd and 1, and he still had that idiotic 2-4 out there. I remember seeing the 2-4 on the field at 1st and goal from the 5; and again 1st and goal from the 1, lol... not surprisingly, both of those plays resulted in easy runs up the middle for TD's.

Our MLB's suck... that's on TT, but the rest of the front seven is arguably pretty talented - they just don't fit a 3-4, and they certainly don't fit a 2-4.

We've finished near the bottom of the league in just about every defensive catagory 2 out of the last 3 years, and the year we didn't, we had massive breakdowns b/c Mr. Spraypainted Hair was completely unprepared - wherein he admitted he had no idea what to do, lol...

No, Capers is a complete idiot and needs to be fired - he needed to be fired 2 years ago.... we're stuck with him though, and you can, to your heart's content, continue to make excuses for years to come. ;)

[Patler]

and the one who barely played was almost as productive as the one that played every snap.

most people can't wait for Raji to get his fat worthless ass out of town. wilson is one i wouldn't mind bringing back

fine take wilson out if you want. what about the rest?

raji played almost every snap for us, but was still not one of out top 3 or 4 linemen this year, and he wasn't last year either. i absolutely feel raji should be the the disappointments category, because he was out most disappointing lineman by far

Their (non)use of Wilson this year was odd, to say the least. All they talked about in camp was that Wilson showed a lot more pass rush than he had in the past. He has always been solid and accountable against the run. I expected to see him play a lot. Instead, for the first half of the season he was mostly inactive.

[woodbuck27]

I think CJ Wilson has far out shown Raji when given opportunity to play. The year he started for us, he was consistently ranked as a top run stopper on our D. Raji on the other hand had one good year and that was just about it.

BJ Raji is a bust.

[bobblehead]

Capers does play Raji in a 3 tech in a front that is a 4-3 Under with an OLB at the wide DE position. Problem was not solved except maybe for part of 2011.

Raji was single blocked all year and rarely got off the block.

So you are not asking Capers to play a 4-3 (he is) and you are not asking for him to 1 gap Raji (he does a significant period of time, there are quotes from both Trgo and Raji on this). You are asking him to allow a Jet rush up the field on every down. You want to play a D like the Vikings did with Doleman and Millard. Please review Adrian Peterson's year in 2012 versus the Packers to see how Jetting up the field went.

Raji does one thing well and it doesn't fit the D. Why alter the D for one player who has ONE skill? Matthews would be out of place in a true 4-3 and he is a more valuable player.

Actually the jetting up the field worked against AP, the problem was that he would then bounce to the outsides and our edge guys weren't containing. We fixed it for exactly one game then did the same thing with Kaperdick.

[bobblehead]

and the one who barely played was almost as productive as the one that played every snap.

most people can't wait for Raji to get his fat worthless ass out of town. wilson is one i wouldn't mind bringing back

fine take wilson out if you want. what about the rest?

raji played almost every snap for us, but was still not one of out top 3 or 4 linemen this year, and he wasn't last year either. i absolutely feel raji should be the the disappointments category, because he was out most disappointing lineman by far

To be fair, I am the president of the CJ Wilson fan club and think he needs more snaps, I was merely pointing out that he didn't suit up about 12 of the games, and thus the rankings were a bit "manipulated". I do think you would make a great global warming scientist on the other hand.

[bobblehead]

I think CJ Wilson has far out shown Raji when given opportunity to play. The year he started for us, he was consistently ranked as a top run stopper on our D. Raji on the other hand had one good year and that was just about it.

Again, if you want my opinion of CJ, go back to the preseason threads and read up. But the fact is he barely got on the field and that limited his production. Hard to tackle from the sidelines unless you are coach of the steelers.

[bobblehead]

All they talked about in camp was that Wilson showed a lot more pass rush than he had in the past. He has always been solid and accountable against the run. .

I think you may have read my posts and mistaken them for newspaper content :)

[Joemailman]

Their (non)use of Wilson this year was odd, to say the least. All they talked about in camp was that Wilson showed a lot more pass rush than he had in the past. He has always been solid and accountable against the run. I expected to see him play a lot. Instead, for the first half of the season he was mostly inactive.

Basically he was replaced by Jolly who probably makes more plays. You had Raji, Pickett,, Daniels, Jolly and Datone Jones. Packers don't usually dress more than 5 D-Lineman, unless they're playing 49ers. He could be in the picture if the Packers don't sign Jolly.

[mraynrand]

With the exception of Hawk and Brad Jones - who are both a waste of money and a waste of roster spots; there was still plenty of talent available to make use of in ways different than what Capers used.


With all the young guys in the last two years and the injuries this year, I just disagree with you on the talent point. But I can't help but agree about Jones being a waste of a roster spot.

[pbmax]

Actually the jetting up the field worked against AP, the problem was that he would then bounce to the outsides and our edge guys weren't containing. We fixed it for exactly one game then did the same thing with Kaperdick.

I don't know about that. Jetting into the backfield did net Raji some hits on Peterson and a TFL or two. But more often Peterson had a choice of gaps, Raji's vacated one and outside. Contain wasn't only a problem when Raji jetted though. Raji, to his credit, tended to do this in the second half after it was clear that Plan A was not working.

The last game, playoffs, where they finally played a passel of professional run defense against him, they all clogged lanes the entire game with eight in a box.

I agree Kapernick gets the same openings from pass rushers getting out of lanes, but bull rushing hasn't proven to be the D's strength either. I had high hopes that Jones would solve the burst up the middle problem when he caught CK in the first game of the year after an attempt to scramble and held him to 0 yards. Didn't pan out that way though.

[Smeefers]

Basically he was replaced by Jolly who probably makes more plays. You had Raji, Pickett,, Daniels, Jolly and Datone Jones. Packers don't usually dress more than 5 D-Lineman, unless they're playing 49ers. He could be in the picture if the Packers don't sign Jolly.

I agree with this. It's a shame though, because in the end I don't think Jolly was as good as he once was. He got tired half way through the season and never really stepped up his game.

[3irty1]

I still don't buy that Raji's misused just that he's of little use. He does a poor job of controlling the man in front of him (2 gap) but he's also simply lacks the anchor that a player of his size and experience should have. Put him at 3-tech, you'll still end up with a 330 lb man who can get washed out vs the run. Even if he is a great pass rusher for a 330 lb guy, he's probably not the best option on your roster to play 3 tech on 3rd down.

[pbmax]

I still don't buy that Raji's misused just that he's of little use. He does a poor job of controlling the man in front of him (2 gap) but he's also simply lacks the anchor that a player of his size and experience should have. Put him at 3-tech, you'll still end up with a 330 lb man who can get washed out vs the run. Even if he is a great pass rusher for a 330 lb guy, he's probably not the best option on your roster to play 3 tech on 3rd down.

Which is why Raji in base was always an odd fit. And taking him out of the nickel even odder. But it was a nice, natural experiment to prove he really only had the one talent to offer.

[Jimx29]

2nd Rd. 35th pick TE TROY NIKLAS (Notre Dame)


http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/troy-niklas?id=2543628

http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/collegefootball/troy-niklas-draft.jpg

I see tonight that Niklas comes from the Matthews bloodline.

http://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/new-nfl-royalty-matthews-bloodlines-pervading-professional-football

That is some crazy kind of breeding going on there

[Brandon494]

Like this center we just picked. :-)

[smuggler]

I was going to come back and give you a pat on the back for that prediction, but I see you've already done it. Heh. :J

[Brandon494]

I was going to come back and give you a pat on the back for that prediction, but I see you've already done it. Heh. :J

Lmao I couldn't help myself. ;-) I'm just glad I got one player out of 3 mock drafts haha.