woodbuck27
05-28-2007, 01:52 PM
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/10197252
Offseason update: Green Bay Packers
By Vic Carucci
National Editor, NFL.com
(May 25, 2007) -- This is what I like about the Green Bay Packers' offseason moves: General manager Ted Thompson is remaining true to his philosophy of building through the draft. He should. The Packers have gotten solid contributions from the young players Thompson already has added. They are likely to get more from this year's draft choices.
Justin Harrell was a surprise choice, but he figures to help.
Although it didn't address a crying need, the selection of former Tennessee defensive tackle Justin Harrell in the first round fortified the strength of a defense that showed dramatic improvement during the course of last season.
The Packers have all 11 defensive starters at the end of last year returning. The 6-foot-4-plus, 314-pound Harrell will provide a large, powerful force for the middle of the defense. He should see significant playing time as a rookie, rotating with Corey Williams.
The Packers drew heavy criticism for using the 16th overall pick of the draft on a defensive lineman rather than a running back, which was where they needed the most help after the free-agent departure of Ahman Green. However, the two best backs in the draft (Adrian Peterson and Marshawn Lynch ) were gone by then.
No problem. The Packers still managed to find a quality replacement for Green in the second round, where they selected former Nebraska standout Brandon Jackson. Jackson is a big (5-9-plus, 206 pounds), strong runner who also has exceptional athleticism, balance and instincts. If he doesn't start right away, he will at least do quite a bit of alternating with Vernand Morency.
Free-agent cornerback Frank Walker, formerly of the New York Giants, should compete with Will Blackmon for the nickel back spot. Given that the Packers have two aging starters -- Al Harris and Charles Woodson -- Walker or Blackman could end up with an even greater role.
The rest of Green Bay's draft generated some outstanding athletes who figure to contribute as reserves and who eventually could find their way into starting spots.
Third-rounder Aaron Rouse will be in the mix to challenge starting strong safety Marquand Manuel. Third-year veteran Marviel Underwood has the edge based on experience, provided he is able to return from a knee injury that sidelined him for all of last season. But Rouse shows enough intelligence and savvy to be a factor.
This is what concerns me: Brett Favre sounding off in public about the Packers' failure to acquire former Oakland Raiders receiver Randy Moss, who wound up joining the New England Patriots. That promptly sparked reports that Favre had demanded a trade. Favre later denied that was the case, but the episode has created lingering doubts about the quarterback's enthusiasm to be part of a team that continues to follow the younger-is-better philosophy in acquiring talent.
Once Favre made the decision to return for a 16th season, he needed to be fully aboard with Thompson's program. As a living legend and the Packers' only choice to start at quarterback, Favre certainly might feel entitled to throw his weight around on player-personnel matters. But he should have kept his disappointment over the Moss situation to himself and moved on with the intention of getting the most out of his surrounding cast.
The fact is, the Packers started showing progress last year and there is a very good chance they'll show more this season. Will it be enough for a playoff spot? Given the NFL's competitive balance, anything's possible.
The bottom line is that the many young players on the team need Favre to be a positive leader, and his attitude will go a long way toward helping -- or hurting -- this team's ability to overcome the challenges presented by the roster's youth.
Comment woodbuck27:
The last concern I have is Favre's attitude harming our team.
Offseason update: Green Bay Packers
By Vic Carucci
National Editor, NFL.com
(May 25, 2007) -- This is what I like about the Green Bay Packers' offseason moves: General manager Ted Thompson is remaining true to his philosophy of building through the draft. He should. The Packers have gotten solid contributions from the young players Thompson already has added. They are likely to get more from this year's draft choices.
Justin Harrell was a surprise choice, but he figures to help.
Although it didn't address a crying need, the selection of former Tennessee defensive tackle Justin Harrell in the first round fortified the strength of a defense that showed dramatic improvement during the course of last season.
The Packers have all 11 defensive starters at the end of last year returning. The 6-foot-4-plus, 314-pound Harrell will provide a large, powerful force for the middle of the defense. He should see significant playing time as a rookie, rotating with Corey Williams.
The Packers drew heavy criticism for using the 16th overall pick of the draft on a defensive lineman rather than a running back, which was where they needed the most help after the free-agent departure of Ahman Green. However, the two best backs in the draft (Adrian Peterson and Marshawn Lynch ) were gone by then.
No problem. The Packers still managed to find a quality replacement for Green in the second round, where they selected former Nebraska standout Brandon Jackson. Jackson is a big (5-9-plus, 206 pounds), strong runner who also has exceptional athleticism, balance and instincts. If he doesn't start right away, he will at least do quite a bit of alternating with Vernand Morency.
Free-agent cornerback Frank Walker, formerly of the New York Giants, should compete with Will Blackmon for the nickel back spot. Given that the Packers have two aging starters -- Al Harris and Charles Woodson -- Walker or Blackman could end up with an even greater role.
The rest of Green Bay's draft generated some outstanding athletes who figure to contribute as reserves and who eventually could find their way into starting spots.
Third-rounder Aaron Rouse will be in the mix to challenge starting strong safety Marquand Manuel. Third-year veteran Marviel Underwood has the edge based on experience, provided he is able to return from a knee injury that sidelined him for all of last season. But Rouse shows enough intelligence and savvy to be a factor.
This is what concerns me: Brett Favre sounding off in public about the Packers' failure to acquire former Oakland Raiders receiver Randy Moss, who wound up joining the New England Patriots. That promptly sparked reports that Favre had demanded a trade. Favre later denied that was the case, but the episode has created lingering doubts about the quarterback's enthusiasm to be part of a team that continues to follow the younger-is-better philosophy in acquiring talent.
Once Favre made the decision to return for a 16th season, he needed to be fully aboard with Thompson's program. As a living legend and the Packers' only choice to start at quarterback, Favre certainly might feel entitled to throw his weight around on player-personnel matters. But he should have kept his disappointment over the Moss situation to himself and moved on with the intention of getting the most out of his surrounding cast.
The fact is, the Packers started showing progress last year and there is a very good chance they'll show more this season. Will it be enough for a playoff spot? Given the NFL's competitive balance, anything's possible.
The bottom line is that the many young players on the team need Favre to be a positive leader, and his attitude will go a long way toward helping -- or hurting -- this team's ability to overcome the challenges presented by the roster's youth.
Comment woodbuck27:
The last concern I have is Favre's attitude harming our team.