HarveyWallbangers
07-18-2007, 05:10 PM
Found this on another site. PackerUpdate.com, I think. It's interesting.
STARTING A TEAM? GO WITH KAMPY
The subject of our previous poll was, “If you were starting an expansion team, which Packer would you choose first?” Since this is a slow time of the year for actual football news, we thought it would be interesting to see how a professional would answer that same question. So we asked a scout for some help, and not only did he give us his top choice, but also the next nine players on his wish list.
1. DE AARON KAMPMAN - “Defensive ends who can play the run and rush the quarterback are extremely rare in today’s NFL. It’s usually one or the other. Also a high-character guy and an emerging leader. What’s not to love?”
2. RT MARK TAUSCHER - “A little older than you'd like, but quality tackles are really hard to find. Has been one of the most underrated players in the league for years. Could anchor an offensive line for the next four or five seasons.”
3. LB A.J. HAWK - “This is a choice based on potential. Played pretty well as a rookie, but should be much better in the years to come. Great attitude. Loves to play the game and never gives less than 100%. You win with guys like this.”
4. LB NICK BARNETT - “People tend to forget that he’s only 26. Probably a better fit on the outside than in the middle, but has the athleticism to play in any spot and in any scheme. Just a notch below the top players at his position.”
5. LT CHAD CLIFTON - “An old 30, but how do you pass up one of the best pass blockers in the game? Makes protecting the QB seem effortless. David Carr would still be a Texan if he had a guy like this guarding his blind side.”
6. DL CULLEN JENKINS - “Based on his play late last season, a case could be made for ranking him higher. Young and versatile. May not have the skills to be a star, but works too hard not to be an effective player for many years.”
7. OL DARYN COLLEDGE - “This may be a surprise, but he showed real potential as a rookie. The fact that he could probably slide over to tackle makes him even more valuable. Needs to get stronger, but that should come in time.”
8. WR GREG JENNINGS - “Almost didn’t make the list because of the position he plays. Receivers - other than the truly elite ones - are pretty easy to find. Nevertheless, he’s a good kid who should have a long and productive career.”
9. S NICK COLLINS - “Didn’t show much improvement in his second season, but a strong finish could be a sign of things to come. Has all the physical skills, but needs to be more consistent. This will be a very important year for him.”
10. DT RYAN PICKETT - “Quietly enjoyed a very strong season in '06. Not flashy, but does exactly what you want a 325-pound tackle to do. Stout at the point and moves just well enough to make an occasional tackle outside the box.”
The scout based his selections on the performance of the players, but even more so on their age and potential for improvement. That’s why only two of the 10 players are over 27.
STARTING A TEAM? GO WITH KAMPY
The subject of our previous poll was, “If you were starting an expansion team, which Packer would you choose first?” Since this is a slow time of the year for actual football news, we thought it would be interesting to see how a professional would answer that same question. So we asked a scout for some help, and not only did he give us his top choice, but also the next nine players on his wish list.
1. DE AARON KAMPMAN - “Defensive ends who can play the run and rush the quarterback are extremely rare in today’s NFL. It’s usually one or the other. Also a high-character guy and an emerging leader. What’s not to love?”
2. RT MARK TAUSCHER - “A little older than you'd like, but quality tackles are really hard to find. Has been one of the most underrated players in the league for years. Could anchor an offensive line for the next four or five seasons.”
3. LB A.J. HAWK - “This is a choice based on potential. Played pretty well as a rookie, but should be much better in the years to come. Great attitude. Loves to play the game and never gives less than 100%. You win with guys like this.”
4. LB NICK BARNETT - “People tend to forget that he’s only 26. Probably a better fit on the outside than in the middle, but has the athleticism to play in any spot and in any scheme. Just a notch below the top players at his position.”
5. LT CHAD CLIFTON - “An old 30, but how do you pass up one of the best pass blockers in the game? Makes protecting the QB seem effortless. David Carr would still be a Texan if he had a guy like this guarding his blind side.”
6. DL CULLEN JENKINS - “Based on his play late last season, a case could be made for ranking him higher. Young and versatile. May not have the skills to be a star, but works too hard not to be an effective player for many years.”
7. OL DARYN COLLEDGE - “This may be a surprise, but he showed real potential as a rookie. The fact that he could probably slide over to tackle makes him even more valuable. Needs to get stronger, but that should come in time.”
8. WR GREG JENNINGS - “Almost didn’t make the list because of the position he plays. Receivers - other than the truly elite ones - are pretty easy to find. Nevertheless, he’s a good kid who should have a long and productive career.”
9. S NICK COLLINS - “Didn’t show much improvement in his second season, but a strong finish could be a sign of things to come. Has all the physical skills, but needs to be more consistent. This will be a very important year for him.”
10. DT RYAN PICKETT - “Quietly enjoyed a very strong season in '06. Not flashy, but does exactly what you want a 325-pound tackle to do. Stout at the point and moves just well enough to make an occasional tackle outside the box.”
The scout based his selections on the performance of the players, but even more so on their age and potential for improvement. That’s why only two of the 10 players are over 27.