The great unknowns.

[texaspackerbacker]

Sorry Patler. I'll try and read better next time

I definitely appreciate this and threads like this.

As for Thompson, I don't see him as that much like Kampman. Kampman came in bigger--295 or whatever--and slimmed down. He still isn't super athletic, although he certainly is more than adequate. He uses smarts and hustle to get the job done.

Thompson came in a little bit light and a lot inexperienced. Based on his measuraables and the way I thought he looked in limited time last year, he seems very athletic--not "stiff" as some have called him. It remains to be seen whether he will develop the smarts, get the experience, and show the hustle of Kampman--but I'm hopeful. He seems to have the makings of a prototype 3-4 pass rushing OLB.

[3irty1]

Thompson was just starting to come into his own as a pass rusher when he was drafted. When he was pressed into service last year he wasn't a pass rushing force or anything but he did look like a handful at times and did a decent job of bending and sealing the edge. If nothing else I think he compliments Kampman beautifully but could also become a terror in the rush game.

[wist43]

I like Thompson... he showed some ability last year. He looks like Kampman; similar builds, playing styles.

I see them both as a strictly 4-3 Ends... Silverstein wrote an article a week or so ago, saying the same thing. Just see both of those guys as being far too stiff and unathletic in space to function at OLB.

Kampman is great as 4-3 End, and I think Thompson can be good there too... both of them will be wasted as OLB's.

I agree with Silverstein about 1/2 the time now... rarely agreed with him in the past as I saw him as too much of homer - he seems to be seeing the pig w/o lipstick these days

I don't really agree. In fact, I think you have it backward. Just because they were playing in a 4-3 doesn't mean that is the best fit for them. I see them as two guys that weren't particularly suited for playing 4-3 end but their athletic ability and/or work-ethic allowed them to succeed as a 4-3 end.

I am willing to admit that I don't know for sure, but I think that you tend to overstate your position. Stepping back, don't you think that claiming that they will be wasted at OLB is a bit much. You realize it calls out everyone who was presenting facts and arguments to the contrary. Perhaps if explain why you see them as stiff and not-athletic? If not, I think that others have presented pretty solid analysis (supported with facts) to the contrary.

Not calling anyone out... and the fact that you think I am simply by disagreeing on speculative position changes is somewhat Orwellian. Agree, or be called out??? Is my name Winston Smith???

As I've said, my view is not the minority view in other venues... 1250, 620, Silverstein... haven't read McGinn lately, but he and I generally agree, so i wouldn't doubt that he's on board with a healthy dose of skepticism. The fact that my view is the minority view on this board, but in the majority in other venues, tends to make my case that PR is, in general, overrun with homers. I want our team to win too... but, I'm not going to go thru my Packer fandom wearing rose colored glasses.

When these guys were drafted... they were HOF 4-3 players, right??? They failed miserably playing the positions they were drafted to play, and now I'm supposed to believe you guys, that they are going to be HOF 3-4 players??? Snake oil...

I fully expect Kampman to get his sacks, but that doesn't mean he's a good fit for a 3-4... as I've said, I expect to be seeing a lot more 4-3, with Kamps hand on the ground, than I do seeing him drop into coverage... there are simply too many players on that side of the ball that lack the skills necessary to effectively carry out a 3-4 scheme.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Then around the 10th game, he made a play on ST that popped my eyes out. A return man broke one and was basically gone. Thompson (the player, not the GM) came from nowhere and made a saving tackle, showing unreal speed for a down lineman. The guy is talented. Our staff hasn't been the greatest for developing potential. Let's see if this new D staff can take guys like Thompson and refine their skills and make 'em stars for us.

You sure that was Thompson and not Hunter? I ask because I've seen Hunter make some "wow" plays on special teams, and it's part of the reason I like him. I've seen these types of plays a few other times with some young guys (Nick Collins and Corey Bradford stick out).