privatepacker
03-26-2007, 09:14 AM
This is from Green Bay Updates, and explains why we didn't go after any WRs in FA. It appears that TT will not go after another WR in the early rounds either.
March 26, 2007
Pack expects big things from Jennings
Even though the Packers desperately need to add talent at wide receiver, GM Ted Thompson has made virtually no attempt to upgrade the position through free agency. That’s because both the front office and the coaching staff firmly believe that Greg Jennings is already a better player than any of the veterans that were on the market. “Thompson viewed guys like Drew Bennett, Donte’ Stallworth and Kevin Curtis as No. 3 receivers in Green Bay, and he wasn’t going to pay $30 million for a backup,†said a person close to the situation. “That’s how much he believes in Jennings.†Last year’s second-round draft choice caught 45 passes for 632 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2006. And while the former Western Michigan star struggled down the stretch, he still posted some pretty impressive overall numbers for a rookie - especially one coming from the MAC. “I thought he looked like a future star in September and October,†said a former scout. “The ankle injury slowed him down late in the season, but I don’t think any less of him. He’s going to be really good.â€
Thompson feels very comfortable with Jennings and Donald Driver as his starters in 2007, but that won’t be enough. And while youngsters Ruvell Martin and Carlyle Holiday showed potential late last season, neither can be counted on to fill the No. 3 role. The same holds true for embattled vets Robert Ferguson and Koren Robinson. So what’s the solution? “I expect a new wave of experienced and proven receivers to hit the market in May and June,†said the scout. “The kind of players who won’t cost $30 million, but can come in and make a positive contribution.†(Justin McCareins of the Jets was mentioned as a possibility). Another way to fill the void would be via next month's draft. This is considered to be a pretty deep year for receivers. “I think Thompson’s preference would be to bring in a veteran," added the scout, "but Driver just celebrated his 32nd birthday, so there’s certainly no harm in stockpiling quality youngsters.â€
And how can any conversation about potential acquisitions at wide receiver be complete without mentioning a certain ex-Viking with a proclivity for mooning the Lambeau faithful? “I have no idea whether a trade for [Randy] Moss will actually happen," admitted the scout. "And even if it does, I'm not so sure that he’d put up better numbers than Jennings in this offense.†That’s both an indictment of Moss - an aging player who avoids the middle of the field at all costs - and a tribute to Jennings. “He’s a talented young player who seems to fit this offense to perfection,†added the scout. “He has a chance to make the jump from impressive rookie to standout sophomore.†And in an offseason of relative inactivity, that would be sweet music to the ears of any diehard Packers fan.
Posted at 12:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
March 26, 2007
Pack expects big things from Jennings
Even though the Packers desperately need to add talent at wide receiver, GM Ted Thompson has made virtually no attempt to upgrade the position through free agency. That’s because both the front office and the coaching staff firmly believe that Greg Jennings is already a better player than any of the veterans that were on the market. “Thompson viewed guys like Drew Bennett, Donte’ Stallworth and Kevin Curtis as No. 3 receivers in Green Bay, and he wasn’t going to pay $30 million for a backup,†said a person close to the situation. “That’s how much he believes in Jennings.†Last year’s second-round draft choice caught 45 passes for 632 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2006. And while the former Western Michigan star struggled down the stretch, he still posted some pretty impressive overall numbers for a rookie - especially one coming from the MAC. “I thought he looked like a future star in September and October,†said a former scout. “The ankle injury slowed him down late in the season, but I don’t think any less of him. He’s going to be really good.â€
Thompson feels very comfortable with Jennings and Donald Driver as his starters in 2007, but that won’t be enough. And while youngsters Ruvell Martin and Carlyle Holiday showed potential late last season, neither can be counted on to fill the No. 3 role. The same holds true for embattled vets Robert Ferguson and Koren Robinson. So what’s the solution? “I expect a new wave of experienced and proven receivers to hit the market in May and June,†said the scout. “The kind of players who won’t cost $30 million, but can come in and make a positive contribution.†(Justin McCareins of the Jets was mentioned as a possibility). Another way to fill the void would be via next month's draft. This is considered to be a pretty deep year for receivers. “I think Thompson’s preference would be to bring in a veteran," added the scout, "but Driver just celebrated his 32nd birthday, so there’s certainly no harm in stockpiling quality youngsters.â€
And how can any conversation about potential acquisitions at wide receiver be complete without mentioning a certain ex-Viking with a proclivity for mooning the Lambeau faithful? “I have no idea whether a trade for [Randy] Moss will actually happen," admitted the scout. "And even if it does, I'm not so sure that he’d put up better numbers than Jennings in this offense.†That’s both an indictment of Moss - an aging player who avoids the middle of the field at all costs - and a tribute to Jennings. “He’s a talented young player who seems to fit this offense to perfection,†added the scout. “He has a chance to make the jump from impressive rookie to standout sophomore.†And in an offseason of relative inactivity, that would be sweet music to the ears of any diehard Packers fan.
Posted at 12:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)