motife
09-05-2007, 06:52 PM
http://www.startribune.com/vikings/story/1404020.html
Green Bay is putting it on the line
By Mark Craig, Star Tribune
Last update: September 05, 2007 – 6:20 PM
GREEN BAY, WIS. - The pick wasn't sexy, and it certainly didn't satisfy quarterback Brett Favre's thirst for more offensive firepower, but the selection of Tennessee defensive tackle Justin Harrell 16th overall in this year's draft definitely was consistent with General Manager Ted Thompson's longterm blueprint for the Green Bay Packers.
"It's complicated playing defense in this day and age because all the rules are tilted in the offense's favor," Thompson said. "You're never going to come out of a game without getting your nose bloodied some. But if you have those big guys up front, it makes everything better. You just can't have enough of those guys."
Harrell is big. He's Kevin Williams big. As in a 6-4, 310-pound frame that looks country big.
"We look at what the Vikings have with the two Williamses at tackle, and we'd like to be up on that level, the way they play the run," Thompson said. "That's the goal we're all shooting for. We feel we have good depth and good, quality starters."
With Kevin and Pat Williams, the Vikings led the NFL in run defense last season, giving up only 61.6 yards per game. The Packers ranked 13th (114.1).
When Thompson was hired as GM following the 2004 season, the defensive line was one of the Packers' most glaring weaknesses. Today, it's the strongest, deepest position on the team.
Thompson took a chance on left end Aaron Kampman before last season, giving him a four-year, $21 million contract that included $11 million in guarantees. Kampman, who had 13½ sacks in four seasons up to that point, responded with 15½ sacks last season.
Thompson also signed former Rams defensive tackle Ryan Pickett before last season. Pickett played a key role in helping the Packers defend the run.
This past offseason, Thompson paid right end Cullen Jenkins $16 million over four years with $6 million guaranteed. Jenkins, who can play tackle or end, supplanted longtime right end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila late last year. KGB, who has 64½ career sacks, is now a situational pass rusher who is good enough to start for several teams.
Thompson then pulled a surprise on draft day by taking Harrell higher than any draft analyst had projected him. Harrell was highly regarded but had played only two games in 2006 because of a torn biceps tendon.
"I was very happy with the pick," Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy said. "Everybody in that room felt very good about getting Justin Harrell 16th overall."
The Packers plan patience with Harrell because they are comfortable with a tackle rotation that includes former Viking Colin Cole and Johnny Jolly, a 2006 sixth-round pick.
"I know our defense is pretty darn good," McCarthy said. "They're going to be the catalyst for our football team. And it all starts up front."
Mark Craig • mcraig@startribune.com
Green Bay is putting it on the line
By Mark Craig, Star Tribune
Last update: September 05, 2007 – 6:20 PM
GREEN BAY, WIS. - The pick wasn't sexy, and it certainly didn't satisfy quarterback Brett Favre's thirst for more offensive firepower, but the selection of Tennessee defensive tackle Justin Harrell 16th overall in this year's draft definitely was consistent with General Manager Ted Thompson's longterm blueprint for the Green Bay Packers.
"It's complicated playing defense in this day and age because all the rules are tilted in the offense's favor," Thompson said. "You're never going to come out of a game without getting your nose bloodied some. But if you have those big guys up front, it makes everything better. You just can't have enough of those guys."
Harrell is big. He's Kevin Williams big. As in a 6-4, 310-pound frame that looks country big.
"We look at what the Vikings have with the two Williamses at tackle, and we'd like to be up on that level, the way they play the run," Thompson said. "That's the goal we're all shooting for. We feel we have good depth and good, quality starters."
With Kevin and Pat Williams, the Vikings led the NFL in run defense last season, giving up only 61.6 yards per game. The Packers ranked 13th (114.1).
When Thompson was hired as GM following the 2004 season, the defensive line was one of the Packers' most glaring weaknesses. Today, it's the strongest, deepest position on the team.
Thompson took a chance on left end Aaron Kampman before last season, giving him a four-year, $21 million contract that included $11 million in guarantees. Kampman, who had 13½ sacks in four seasons up to that point, responded with 15½ sacks last season.
Thompson also signed former Rams defensive tackle Ryan Pickett before last season. Pickett played a key role in helping the Packers defend the run.
This past offseason, Thompson paid right end Cullen Jenkins $16 million over four years with $6 million guaranteed. Jenkins, who can play tackle or end, supplanted longtime right end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila late last year. KGB, who has 64½ career sacks, is now a situational pass rusher who is good enough to start for several teams.
Thompson then pulled a surprise on draft day by taking Harrell higher than any draft analyst had projected him. Harrell was highly regarded but had played only two games in 2006 because of a torn biceps tendon.
"I was very happy with the pick," Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy said. "Everybody in that room felt very good about getting Justin Harrell 16th overall."
The Packers plan patience with Harrell because they are comfortable with a tackle rotation that includes former Viking Colin Cole and Johnny Jolly, a 2006 sixth-round pick.
"I know our defense is pretty darn good," McCarthy said. "They're going to be the catalyst for our football team. And it all starts up front."
Mark Craig • mcraig@startribune.com