"DRAFT ONLY PART OF GB'S SUCCESS

[Bretsky]

http://www.packerupdate.com/packer_update/2008/04/draft-only-a-pa.html

NTERESTING READ; here is the start..........

There’s absolutely no question that GM Ted Thompson believes in building a football team through the draft. That makes his first three years on the job a bit ironic, because truth be told, the Packers haven't been all that great on the last weekend in April. Other than wide receiver Greg Jennings and linebacker A.J. Hawk, the draft has produced a handful of average to slightly above average starters and a bevy of backups..............

[HarveyWallbangers]

I wouldn't disagree. His drafts have been average to slightly above average. Then again, they'd look a lot better if Rodgers pans out and Terrence Murphy hadn't gotten injured. However, this undrafted rookies and street FAs all point to his great ability to find good, young players. When he has gone the FA route, he's batted about 50% on his top ones. He's also done a great job of retaining the corps of the team and keeping them happy by showing that the Packers will pay their own. It's a great strategy if you are good at digging up these diamonds in the rough.

[Bretsky]

TT also seems to place great value on the late round picks.....unlike Sherman.
He understands he'll hit and miss on some so it's better to have more picks and play the odds. Wolf was often a master of the late rounders; if he'd have did that more he'd probably have had better results as well

[woodbuck27]

Re: "DRAFT ONLY PART OF GB'S SUCCESS

http://www.packerupdate.com/packer_update/2008/04/draft-only-a-pa.html

NTERESTING READ; here is the start..........

There’s absolutely no question that GM Ted Thompson believes in building a football team through the draft. That makes his first three years on the job a bit ironic, because truth be told, the Packers haven't been all that great on the last weekend in April. Other than wide receiver Greg Jennings and linebacker A.J. Hawk, the draft has produced a handful of average to slightly above average starters and a bevy of backups..............

OK come on let's toss Mason Crosby in there, so that's three.

Finally someone to reveal "the TRUTH". We feel so vindicated.

Here's to Wizard and Packnut and Retailguy and ME!!



HIP HIP HOOOORAAAAYYY!!

[red]

this is true, when you look at the drafts he has missed on a lot

but unlike sherman, he doesn't trade up and hope the few players he picks pan out

TT goes the other way. throw enough shit against the wall and something might stick

and he does seem to have a knack for the late rounds, but again, it seems to come from the fact that he acquires so many late round picks

one other thing he's also good at is cutting his losses. this might come from him having so many picks and players that he doesn't feel the need to hang on to a guy he just spent a decent pick on and he finds out the guy has no talent. like corey rodgers and clowney

[StPaulPackFan]

I'm not really sure what some people expect from the draft. It seems like there may be an unrealistic expectation that out of the 7 customary picks that a GM produce 3-5 all pros every year??

Through the draft, TT has done a solid job of producing some key starters (Jennings, Spitz, Hawk, Crosby, Grant [our 6th this year]) along with a few average starters (Collins, Poppinga). He also has several players that have a chance to blossom into key starters (Rodgers, Harrell, Jones, Colledge, Barbre, Rouse, Blackmon, Hall, Jolly). Of course, he has had some miss hits (Murphy, Underwood, Hawkins, Corey Rogers, Ingle Martin, Clowney) and some that seem likely to be miss hits (Hodge, Moll, Coston).

So far I like what TT has done. I liked what Wolf did when he was in GB. I also was a Sherman supporter during his time in GB. When Sherman was trading up to get D-linemen and that Punter I thought it might payoff. I thought Lee and Washington could be diamonds in the rough. But I'll admit, I have very limited knowledge (virtually none) when it comes to scouting draft prospects. In hindsight, Sherman's drafts were rather dissappointing, other than Barnett, Walker and Kampan.

I'm looking forward to seeing TT make Mel Kiper scratch his head with several of his draft picks this year. I'm also looking forward to the C/C- draft grade that GB will receive on Monday after the draft. Last season was a blast with the exception of the ending. If Rodgers is up for the task I don't see any obvious reason why GB shouldn't have more success this year.

[sheepshead]

I'm not really sure what some people expect from the draft. It seems like there may be an unrealistic expectation that out of the 7 customary picks that a GM produce 3-5 all pros every year??

Through the draft, TT has done a solid job of producing some key starters (Jennings, Spitz, Hawk, Crosby, Grant [our 6th this year]) along with a few average starters (Collins, Poppinga). He also has several players that have a chance to blossom into key starters (Rodgers, Harrell, Jones, Colledge, Barbre, Rouse, Blackmon, Hall, Jolly). Of course, he has had some miss hits (Murphy, Underwood, Hawkins, Corey Rogers, Ingle Martin, Clowney) and some that seem likely to be miss hits (Hodge, Moll, Coston).

So far I like what TT has done. I liked what Wolf did when he was in GB. I also was a Sherman supporter during his time in GB. When Sherman was trading up to get D-linemen and that Punter I thought it might payoff. I thought Lee and Washington could be diamonds in the rough. But I'll admit, I have very limited knowledge (virtually none) when it comes to scouting draft prospects. In hindsight, Sherman's drafts were rather dissappointing, other than Barnett, Walker and Kampan.

I'm looking forward to seeing TT make Mel Kiper scratch his head with several of his draft picks this year. I'm also looking forward to the C/C- draft grade that GB will receive on Monday after the draft. Last season was a blast with the exception of the ending. If Rodgers is up for the task I don't see any obvious reason why GB shouldn't have more success this year.

Boy St. Paul, this is my take exactly. I dont watch enough college football or study scouting reports to question anything our GM's do (well maybe a few moves - see: Sander, B. J.). If you look back on previous years NFL drafts, you'll see names in the first 2 rounds that you have never heard from save that draft day. Go further down then youre looking for anyone you know. Ted and his scouts and staff appear to know their stuff, they obviously are getting respect around the league with a 14-4 record last year. I'm not saying guys shouldnt have fun during the draft, Heck I was in NYC during the draft last year. I didnt go all the way in the venue but hung out for a while bought some hats, the place is mobbed, celebs here and there, looks like it would be a geart weekend.
The NFL knows how to market its product and God bless them. But we as fans need to put the whole process in prospective and recognize we have as-good-as-it-gets steering the ship at 1265.

[The Leaper]

Re: "DRAFT ONLY PART OF GB'S SUCCESS

Other than wide receiver Greg Jennings and linebacker A.J. Hawk, the draft has produced a handful of average to slightly above average starters and a bevy of backups..............

I disagree.

Crosby is a potential stud kicker. Jones probably will develop into a very good starter at WR in 2-3 years. Using a pick to get Ryan Grant provided another guy who probably will be well above average. Harrell is also likely to continue to develop into a very capable starter. Rodgers also has potential...we'll see. It takes more than 2 years for most players to fully develop, so claiming all Thompson has is average players neglects to take into account the future growth of some of these young kids.

Compare TT to Sherman...how many really good prospects did Sherman find through the draft or trading picks in twice the time Thompson has had so far? Barnett. Walker. Kampman. Harris. Sherman got fewer than 1 good player a year. Thompson seem to be well on his way to doubling that rate, which is why the team is rising rather than fading.

[packrat]

One of TT's strengths is his willingness to cut losses in a hurry. No two punters on the roster for him. Makes more room for more prospects who can actually make a difference, and gives religion to the lazy guys like Hunt. No crazy contracts that use up all the cap space and piss off the rest of the team, either. All pieces to the plan that turns out a 14-4 season in his 3rd year.

[Scott Campbell]

Re: "DRAFT ONLY PART OF GB'S SUCCESS

Here's to Wizard and Packnut and Retailguy and ME!!

Could you possibly be any more self absorbed?

[cheesner]

I'm not really sure what some people expect from the draft. It seems like there may be an unrealistic expectation that out of the 7 customary picks that a GM produce 3-5 all pros every year??

Through the draft, TT has done a solid job of producing some key starters (Jennings, Spitz, Hawk, Crosby, Grant [our 6th this year]) along with a few average starters (Collins, Poppinga). He also has several players that have a chance to blossom into key starters (Rodgers, Harrell, Jones, Colledge, Barbre, Rouse, Blackmon, Hall, Jolly). Of course, he has had some miss hits (Murphy, Underwood, Hawkins, Corey Rogers, Ingle Martin, Clowney) and some that seem likely to be miss hits (Hodge, Moll, Coston).

So far I like what TT has done. I liked what Wolf did when he was in GB. I also was a Sherman supporter during his time in GB. When Sherman was trading up to get D-linemen and that Punter I thought it might payoff. I thought Lee and Washington could be diamonds in the rough. But I'll admit, I have very limited knowledge (virtually none) when it comes to scouting draft prospects. In hindsight, Sherman's drafts were rather dissappointing, other than Barnett, Walker and Kampan.

I'm looking forward to seeing TT make Mel Kiper scratch his head with several of his draft picks this year. I'm also looking forward to the C/C- draft grade that GB will receive on Monday after the draft. Last season was a blast with the exception of the ending. If Rodgers is up for the task I don't see any obvious reason why GB shouldn't have more success this year.

Boy St. Paul, this is my take exactly. I dont watch enough college football or study scouting reports to question anything our GM's do (well maybe a few moves - see: Sander, B. J.). If you look back on previous years NFL drafts, you'll see names in the first 2 rounds that you have never heard from save that draft day. Go further down then youre looking for anyone you know. Ted and his scouts and staff appear to know their stuff, they obviously are getting respect around the league with a 14-4 record last year. I'm not saying guys shouldnt have fun during the draft, Heck I was in NYC during the draft last year. I didnt go all the way in the venue but hung out for a while bought some hats, the place is mobbed, celebs here and there, looks like it would be a geart weekend.
The NFL knows how to market its product and God bless them. But we as fans need to put the whole process in prospective and recognize we have as-good-as-it-gets steering the ship at 1265.

Agreed.

Looking at the drafts of other teams, we appear to definitely be above average.

People keep pointing to 2005 as a poor draft, well it was even worse for other teams. 2005 was the poorest talent level since I have followed the draft (7-8 years). Look at the results - a player here or there, but for the most part, not so good. There is Lofa Tatupa in the 2nd but there is a bunch of Troy Williams' and Cedric Bensons' in this draft.

http://www.drafthistory.com/years/2005.html

[sharpe1027]

Re: "DRAFT ONLY PART OF GB'S SUCCESS

wide receiver Greg Jennings and linebacker A.J. Hawk, the draft has produced a handful of average to slightly above average starters and a bevy of backups..............

This analysis is worthless without some context. Which teams have done better than that over the same span of years?

Let's start with our division:
Vikings:
1 Adrian Peterson Oklahoma
2 Rice Sidney South Carolina
3 McCauley Marcus Fresno State
4 Robison Brian Texas
5 Allison Aundrae East Carolina
6 Alexander Rufus Oklahoma
7 Thigpen Tyler Coastal Carolina
7 Williams Chandler Florida International

2006
Rnd Name College Note
1 Chad Greenway Iowa
2 Cedric Griffin Texas
2 Ryan Cook New Mexico
2 Tarvaris Jackson Alabama State
4 Ray Edwards Purdue
5 Greg Blue Georgia

2005
Rnd Name College Note
1 Troy Williamson South Carolina
1 Erasmus James Wisconsin
2 Marcus Johnson Mississippi
3 Dustin Fox Ohio State
4 Ciatrick Fason Florida
6 C.J. Mosley Missouri
7 Adrian Ward Texas-El Paso

So, they got 1 superstud in AD and what....3 starters that are O.K.? This on a team that didn't make the playoffs...

Chicago


2007
Rnd Name College Note
1 Greg Olsen Miami (Fla.)
2 Bazuin Dan Central Michigan
3 Wolfe Garrett Northern Illinois
3 Okwo Michael Stanford
4 Beekman Josh Boston College
5 Payne Kevin Louisiana-Monroe
5 Graham Corey New Hampshire
7 McBride Trumaine Mississippi
7 Brant Aaron Iowa State

2006
Rnd Name College Note
2 Danieal Manning Abilene Christian
2 Devin Hester Miami (FL)
3 Dusty Dvoracek Oklahoma
4 Jamar Williams Arizona State
5 Mark Anderson Alabama
6 J.D. Runnels Oklahoma
6 Tyler Reed Penn State

2005
Rnd Name College Note
1 Cedric Benson Texas
2 Mark Bradley Oklahoma
4 Kyle Orton Purdue
5 Airese Currie Clemson
6 Chris Harris Louisiana-Monroe
7 Rodriques Wilson South Carolina

No superstars (except Hester who is only special teams, but still outstanding)...and 3 or so starters, none that stand out. Again on a team that didn't make the playoffs.

I'm not saying that TT is a draft guru, but I don't think the analysis in that article provides any insight beyond one person's opinion.

I'm too lazy to do the lions, but I don't think we need stats to know how a comparison to their GM comes out.

[run pMc]

The thing that I like is that TT isn't afraid to trade down for extra picks if there are several available players he likes at the same spot. IMO the more picks (and the earlier), the better chance you have of finding some quality starters. I'd rather see the GM for my favorite team trade down a few spots and end up with two players to provide depth than to trade extras picks to move up and draft a punter or a backup Pac-10 DT.

I don't agree with everything he's done, but I think TT has done a good job so far. His drafts stack up well against those of CHI, DET and MIN during the same period.

[Chester Marcol]

It comes down to simple mathmatics. TT's 3 drafts got us 11-12-11 players. Look at the totals just posted for our NFC North mates. Look at what Sherman did, 6-9-6-6. I agree with those who consider the draft a crap shoot. I don't think TT's a draft guru either. He plays the numbers. TT only has to hit on 1 in 4 as compared to our counter parts in the division or what Sherman had to hit on. 25% of 12 is a heck of a lot better than 50% of 6.

Simple arithmetic.

[red]

It comes down to simple mathmatics. TT's 3 drafts got us 11-12-11 players. Look at the totals just posted for our NFC North mates. Look at what Sherman did, 6-9-6-6. I agree with those who consider the draft a crap shoot. I don't think TT's a draft guru either. He plays the numbers. TT only has to hit on 1 in 4 as compared to our counter parts in the division or what Sherman had to hit on. 25% of 12 is a heck of a lot better than 50% of 6.

Simple arithmetic.

you're dead right

the draft is a crap shoot, which we all know. TT gives himself more chances to find something

his hits per pick might not be any higher then anyone else (i don't know). but with more picks comes more hits