Packnut
02-26-2007, 01:47 PM
These next 2 months will have a HUGE impact on Thompson and even more crucial, on the future of our team. This will be TT's defining moments.
I still believe the majority of the Packer nation is on the fence with what Teddy has done. No doubt mistakes have been made, but also some positives have been accomplished. No matter whether you see the glass half full or half empty, I think we can all agree that what our GM does over the coming weeks will determine the path this franchise takes for years to come.
First off, there are some free agents that can have an immediate positive impact. I think it's only logical that as fans, we differ on who they are, but I believe it's safe to assume that the over-whelming majority of us agree that 1 or 2 signings will make a huge impact on our future. Our biggest need on defense at saftey can have the largest bearing on how good our D really is. After DE, an arguement can be made that saftey is the next most important part of a defense in today's NFL. Hamlin and Grant might both be available and adding either one imo makes our defense a top 6 or 7 unit.
I would agree that it's slim pickings on the offensive side as far as free agency goes. As much as most of us want Graham, his price tag is rising minute by minute. I've resigned myself to the fact that getting any of the available guys on offense will cost way to much. It just makes spending all available cash on the defensive side of the ball a much more sensible approach to take. I think all of us can stomach over-paying for a guy who will take our D to the next level rather than a guy like Graham or Stallworth who will not have the same impact on the offensive side.
May-be I'm wrong, but it appears to me that this is the deepest draft I've seen in a long time. This draft is Thompson's true litmus test. I think Ted's gotta be feeling pretty good sitting at 16. His options are wide open. In fact with all the choices there will be at that slot, I fail to see how he can make a "bad" pick. With the new talk of Buffalo being so unhappy with their present situation at RB, Lynch more than likely will be gone at 16. TT will then have a choice to make at WR unless 2 things happen. First would be striking out at the saftey position in free agency. Second would be one of the top 2 guys at that position in the nation being available at 16.
Let's say that for whatever the reason, Lynch still being there or going defense, we don't get a WR in the first round. This is where it could get interesting. TT has shown he's not afraid to go to the smaller programs like he did with Jennings. There are a couple of WR's from the small schools that could make Thompson look like a genious if they pan out.
With all the options open to him, this is his make or break time. As much as I'm excited about what he could pull off, I also have this sinking feeling that my first gut impressions of Ted Thompson turn out right. I'm mortified that he actually means it when he has stated Manuel is a good saftey and he is'nt writing him off after 1 season. I also get cold sweats when I picture him trading down. There are just to many good options at 16 to even consider trading down. The very real nightmare of Morency being our #1 RB next season is also reason enough to vomit.
It's all up to you Mr Thompson. Make the right choices now and some day you might be mentioned in the same breath as Mr Wolf. Make the wrong choices and you can send this team spiraling back into the 70's and 80's. The pressure is indeed on. The Packer faithful await..............
I still believe the majority of the Packer nation is on the fence with what Teddy has done. No doubt mistakes have been made, but also some positives have been accomplished. No matter whether you see the glass half full or half empty, I think we can all agree that what our GM does over the coming weeks will determine the path this franchise takes for years to come.
First off, there are some free agents that can have an immediate positive impact. I think it's only logical that as fans, we differ on who they are, but I believe it's safe to assume that the over-whelming majority of us agree that 1 or 2 signings will make a huge impact on our future. Our biggest need on defense at saftey can have the largest bearing on how good our D really is. After DE, an arguement can be made that saftey is the next most important part of a defense in today's NFL. Hamlin and Grant might both be available and adding either one imo makes our defense a top 6 or 7 unit.
I would agree that it's slim pickings on the offensive side as far as free agency goes. As much as most of us want Graham, his price tag is rising minute by minute. I've resigned myself to the fact that getting any of the available guys on offense will cost way to much. It just makes spending all available cash on the defensive side of the ball a much more sensible approach to take. I think all of us can stomach over-paying for a guy who will take our D to the next level rather than a guy like Graham or Stallworth who will not have the same impact on the offensive side.
May-be I'm wrong, but it appears to me that this is the deepest draft I've seen in a long time. This draft is Thompson's true litmus test. I think Ted's gotta be feeling pretty good sitting at 16. His options are wide open. In fact with all the choices there will be at that slot, I fail to see how he can make a "bad" pick. With the new talk of Buffalo being so unhappy with their present situation at RB, Lynch more than likely will be gone at 16. TT will then have a choice to make at WR unless 2 things happen. First would be striking out at the saftey position in free agency. Second would be one of the top 2 guys at that position in the nation being available at 16.
Let's say that for whatever the reason, Lynch still being there or going defense, we don't get a WR in the first round. This is where it could get interesting. TT has shown he's not afraid to go to the smaller programs like he did with Jennings. There are a couple of WR's from the small schools that could make Thompson look like a genious if they pan out.
With all the options open to him, this is his make or break time. As much as I'm excited about what he could pull off, I also have this sinking feeling that my first gut impressions of Ted Thompson turn out right. I'm mortified that he actually means it when he has stated Manuel is a good saftey and he is'nt writing him off after 1 season. I also get cold sweats when I picture him trading down. There are just to many good options at 16 to even consider trading down. The very real nightmare of Morency being our #1 RB next season is also reason enough to vomit.
It's all up to you Mr Thompson. Make the right choices now and some day you might be mentioned in the same breath as Mr Wolf. Make the wrong choices and you can send this team spiraling back into the 70's and 80's. The pressure is indeed on. The Packer faithful await..............