DE wanted

[Deputy Nutz]

First Thompson isn't going to break the bank on any free agent signing. He might sign one maybe two medium to higher priced guys if that means a trip to the Super Bowl.

If the Packers sign someone like Justin Smith, who is a hard worker, good against the run, and only average as a pass rusher than expect to lose Corey Williams in free agency, and expect to see KGB get the axe. KGB is still our overall best pass rusher, although I think he is a one trick pony and really doesn't strike fear into any one offense.

If the Packers really wanted to upgrade this position in free agency than they have to look for the most bang for their buck and compete for some of these guys but spending over the top money is very risky considering we are going to have to re-up a lot of our own free agents in 2009 and 2010. The Packers have 25 million or so of cap space, and re-signing some of the Packers younger players is a better option than breaking the bank on superficial talent.

[Partial]

At the same time though, the cap is likely to go up and with Fave eventually gone that will free up some cap space. A lot of deals are near the end right now and paying out the "big buck" portion on them. I'm not especially concerned and think we could afford to make a run at a Jared Allen.

We all know TT won't do it, though. He's another failed piss test away from a year suspension.

[The Leaper]

Jenkins was crushed by injuries this year. I think he'll rebound next year--if he can stay healthy.

I agree.

The guy was a beast in preseason this year. He was virtually unblockable...and he was going up against some good OTs.

If Jenkins gets back to 100% and works hard on his conditioning and strength this offseason, he is a plenty capable 1st/2nd down DE.

I also agree with the notion that our defensive scheme needs to put more of an emphasis on attacking the QB with blitzes, as well as finding ways to disguise them. Stacking 7 men on the LOS isn't effective...the offense can see the blitz and adjust their blocking for it.

[run pMc]

Jenkins was hurt most of the year and couldn't play like he is capable of. I don't think he pulled a Cletidus with his contract.
I think Jared Allen will stay in KC...don't forget, this guys is one substance abuse violation away from sitting out a year. I know TT signed KoRo, but he knew him, and it was a smaller contract than what Allen will want. Also, conpared to the other guys on the list, is Williams really that bad? TT already knows what he'd be getting, so it's not out of the question. Smith and Suggs are intruiging. I think TT will let Williams walk, sign a lower tier guy, bring back Cole, and draft somebody. Don't know if Shaun Rogers has much in the tank...he might not be "Packer People" either....but that would be a pretty funny signing.
What about Grady? Nah...

[The Leaper]

Suggs couldn't be a DE in our system. I suppose he could be a LB, but I'm not sure he would want to do that.

I wouldn't mind going after Lance Briggs...make the Bears worse while giving yourself the best LB corp in the NFL.

[Bossman641]

I'd love to have Briggs. Who would you take off the field in the nickel defense? Hawk? Barnett? Briggs? Boy would that be a nice problem to have.

I'd play a lot of 3-3-5 on passing downs and then bring blitzes. You could bring them off the corner with a nickelback or send some linebackers.

[Partial]

Personally I am kind of for scrapping the Bobby Sanders system in favor of something of the flavor the Giants were running. We have the guys to stuff the run on 1st down and with some added depth could have some guys capable of getting some pressure.

[denverYooper]

Suggs couldn't be a DE in our system. I suppose he could be a LB, but I'm not sure he would want to do that.

I wouldn't mind going after Lance Briggs...make the Bears worse while giving yourself the best LB corp in the NFL.

I wouldn't mind seeing us pick up Briggs either. He could be one of those guys that help our D go from average to great.

[Partial]

Suggs couldn't be an LB. He is strictly a pass rusher.

[dissident94]

Main concern in offseason has to be both lines.
Agree our pass rush was ineffective last half of year. Our main sack guys, Kampan, KGB and Williams barely touched the qb in the last half. I really think we need to use Hawk and Barnett more in the pass rush.

[twoseven]

If the Packers sign someone like Justin Smith, who is a hard worker, good against the run, and only average as a pass rusher than expect to lose Corey Williams in free agency, and expect to see KGB get the axe.

That's losing 16 sacks from a D line that already has problems consistently pressuring the QB. It's also freeing up an additional, what, like 7+ million a year? (not sure what KGB counts against cap if we cut him a year early) Only to add an average pass rusher? I would hope we'd do a little more than that if we're saying adios to KGB too.

[Tyrone Bigguns]

Suggs couldn't be an LB. He is strictly a pass rusher.

Interesting since he is listed as a LB.

[Partial]

Welcome to a 3-4 defense. He rushs every play, just like Merriman in SD.

[twoseven]

Suggs couldn't be a DE in our system. I suppose he could be a LB, but I'm not sure he would want to do that.

I wouldn't mind going after Lance Briggs...make the Bears worse while giving yourself the best LB corp in the NFL.

I realize he's been 3-4 LB for the last 5 years, but Suggs was a DE in a 4-3 at AZ State, wasn't he? He's 6-3, 265. Has the size. He has posted some nice sack totals every year for Balt. They dropped some last season, but he also kicked his tackle total up from 60+ to 80+, that plus his size would suggest to me he could hold the line against the run. The guy plays like a beast if you've gotten to see some BAL games. What's your angle on him not being able to play DE for us? Just curious.

[Deputy Nutz]

Suggs couldn't be an LB. He is strictly a pass rusher.

Interesting since he is listed as a LB.

Actually you are both wrong.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/teams/depth?team=bal&formationId=16

Suggs is a defensive end in the Ravens base 4-3 defense.

I am not sure he is more of a product of the talented defense, or if he is an actual player. Again is he someone you want to give a <10 million dollar signing bonus to?