Rate the 2008 draft

[pbmax]

Not me. We just won the Super Bowl without Finley. We probably wouldn't have won the Super Bowl without Jordy. He had Finley-like numbers in the postseason this year-

Divisional @ATL 8 catches for 79 yards and a TD
Conference @CHI 4 catches for 67 yards
Super Bowl v. PIT 9 catches for 140 yards and a TD

I don't strictly agree with sharpe, but I think you have taken this comparison a bit too far. By this logic, Peprah is more valuable than Al Harris, Jarius Wynn over Mike Neal and Jarret Bush over Woodson. Each was productive while the nominal starter was unavailable but that's not the whole story.

I think Nelson's production means he is definitely better than the backup TEs and possible Jones, but it doesn't place him above Finley. With a bit more time, it might have told us he is more durable than Finley, making him the more valuable player. But its hard to fault a TE for being hurt on a tackle attempt after an O turnover.

[Brandon494]

But its hard to fault a TE for being hurt on a tackle attempt after an O turnover.

EXACTLY!

[Brandon494]

Jordy Nelson, TT traded back into the second round and with his first pick he selected Nelson. Through three season Nelson has averaged 33 catches for 422 yards, and 2 touchdowns. His biggest game to date was in the 2010 Super Bowl where he caught 9 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown. He has been a consistent 4th wide receiver for the Packers who value a rotation of their wide receivers so Nelson has had a limited chances to be the focus of qb Aaron Rodgers. Nelson is a deep ball threat and has the ability to run after the catch. Still he has not had a break out season to date and will still be no better than 3rd on the depth chart at the start of the 2011 season. Grade C+

Brian Brohm, Was considered one of the NFL ready QBs from this draft but as soon as camp started any notion of that was a huge misunderstanding. He demonstrated a lack of arm strength, problems with accuracy, and poor footwork. Made the Roster in 2008 but was cut in 2009 when 7th rounder Matt Flynn demonstrated a better understanding of the playbook, and skill on the field. Brohm signed on to the Practice Squad but was then signed by the Bills. Has yet to make a positive impact for the Bills. Grade F

Pat Lee, another second round pick that has shown a tremendous lack of production on the field due to injury. He was dubbed a raw talent in the 2008 draft but had the size and talent that TT looks for in his defensive backs. Like Nelson saved his biggest impact for the Super Bowl where he filled in for the injured Charles Woodson and had a solid game. Will be in a fight for a roster spot in 2011. Grade D

Jermicheal Finnely, 3rd round draft pick that has played close to the book that was written on him before the draft. A tremendous talent, most talent among Tight Ends in the 2008 draft but a complete lack of maturity. Had a break out season in 2009 but after the season it was reported that he missed or showed up late to several meetings and had upset the coaching staff. He also missed all but 4 games of the 2010 season and missed a handful of games in 2009 as well. Finely might be the top talent on the roster, but his lack of maturity might be the reason that TT has drafted Tight Ends in two of the last drafts. Grade B

Welcome back on the bandwagon

[swede]

Don't be pissing off Nutz, now....

he's like a recovering Packaholic who has come back to work as a bartender. There is precious little good football content and Nutz brings some good stuff when he is the mood to write.

[retailguy]

Welcome back on the bandwagon

Nutz has forgotten more about football than you'll ever know. At least he had the common sense to mostly shut up when he was unhappy.

[Brandon494]

Retail suck my fuckin dick and choke on a nut!

[retailguy]

Retail suck my fuckin dick and choke on a nut!

Truth hurts, my opinionated friend.

[swede]

Boys, I'm counting to three and so help me God if you two don't stop it I'm pulling this thread over and you both can walk to Uncle Ted's house.

[retailguy]

Boys, I'm counting to three and so help me God if you two don't stop it I'm pulling this thread over and you both can walk to Uncle Ted's house.

NO! Anything but that. I'll behave, the last time at Uncle Ted's, I found a whole book in his closet. It was very weird and I think he spends a lot of time there!....

[Patler]

Anyone who doesnt think drafting a talent like Finley in the 3rd round doesnt deserve an "A" seriously needs to get their head checked. You guys are acting like hes Justin Harrell or somebody. He got extremely unlucky last season getting injuried making a tackle, then got an infection and now all of sudden hes injury prone? Overreact much?

See, this is exactly how you and I differ in this thread.

I agree, the act of drafting Finley gets an "A" based on his potential. I give TT an "A".
But, in rating how it has "panned out", which is what the original question was, I don't see how it's an "A" for his actual performance. Just one season and a few games.

Good decision by TT that will hopefully pay greater rewards in the years to come.

[mraynrand]

See, this is exactly how you and I differ in this thread.

I agree, the act of drafting Finley gets an "A" based on his potential. I give TT an "A".
But, in rating how it has "panned out", which is what the original question was, I don't see how it's an "A" for his actual performance. Just one season and a few games.

Good decision by TT that will hopefully pay greater rewards in the years to come.

This is the whole issue - actual performance versus expectation/promise. Finley's had some amazing glimpses at the first, and a whole lot to look forward to - but there's no guarantee he'll produce over the long haul. That's why I like to wait 15-30 years before evaluating a draft.

[ThunderDan]

This is the whole issue - actual performance versus expectation/promise. Finley's had some amazing glimpses at the first, and a whole lot to look forward to - but there's no guarantee he'll produce over the long haul. That's why I like to wait 15-30 years before evaluating a draft.

I wouldn't wait that long most dogs are extremely lucky to see 12-15 years.

[Deputy Nutz]

Jordy Nelson, TT traded back into the second round and with his first pick he selected Nelson. Through three season Nelson has averaged 33 catches for 422 yards, and 2 touchdowns. His biggest game to date was in the 2010 Super Bowl where he caught 9 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown. He has been a consistent 4th wide receiver for the Packers who value a rotation of their wide receivers so Nelson has had a limited chances to be the focus of qb Aaron Rodgers. Nelson is a deep ball threat and has the ability to run after the catch. Still he has not had a break out season to date and will still be no better than 3rd on the depth chart at the start of the 2011 season. Grade C+

Brian Brohm, Was considered one of the NFL ready QBs from this draft but as soon as camp started any notion of that was a huge misunderstanding. He demonstrated a lack of arm strength, problems with accuracy, and poor footwork. Made the Roster in 2008 but was cut in 2009 when 7th rounder Matt Flynn demonstrated a better understanding of the playbook, and skill on the field. Brohm signed on to the Practice Squad but was then signed by the Bills. Has yet to make a positive impact for the Bills. Grade F

Pat Lee, another second round pick that has shown a tremendous lack of production on the field due to injury. He was dubbed a raw talent in the 2008 draft but had the size and talent that TT looks for in his defensive backs. Like Nelson saved his biggest impact for the Super Bowl where he filled in for the injured Charles Woodson and had a solid game. Will be in a fight for a roster spot in 2011. Grade D

Jermicheal Finnely, 3rd round draft pick that has played close to the book that was written on him before the draft. A tremendous talent, most talent among Tight Ends in the 2008 draft but a complete lack of maturity. Had a break out season in 2009 but after the season it was reported that he missed or showed up late to several meetings and had upset the coaching staff. He also missed all but 4 games of the 2010 season and missed a handful of games in 2009 as well. Finely might be the top talent on the roster, but his lack of maturity might be the reason that TT has drafted Tight Ends in two of the last drafts. Grade B

Jeremy Thompson, TT traded up to get him. He was set to play defensive end in a 4-3 defense. Did little in his first year with the Packers. Had a good off season and was switched to a 3-4 olb when the Packers brought in Dom Capers and was set to compete for a starting position in 2009. A severe neck injury in preseason cut not only his season short but his career. Nothinig he did Jumped off the monitor at me during his first season and unfortunately that is all the chance he got. Grade F

Josh Sitton, Bright spot of the draft. considered the best guard in the NFL by his peers. Snubbed in 2010 by pro bowl voters. Sitton is a mauler and at first look that would be all he appears to be, but then you watch him pass pro and his footwork is the best on the field next to Chad Clifton. Sitton is a reminder why GM's can wait later in the draft to hit on interior linemen. If the 2008 draft was redrafted Sitton would land in the first round. Grade A

Breno Giacomini, Just wasn't ready for the NFL. He was an oversized tight end that moved to tackle in college. Poor footwork and lack of technique kept him off the game day roster for most of the season. Had a chance in 2009 to start at right tackle but ended up 3rd on the depth chart and was cut in 2010. Giacomini is going to have to earn a roster spot with what ever team has his rights in 2011 but he has a long way to go before he could be intrusted a starting position in the NFL. Grade F,

Matt Flynn, smart gritty QB that could be a borderline starter in the NFL. Had on start in 2010 against the Patriots and had a solid game for a reserve QB. Considering he was a 7th round pick and he has been Aaron Rogers backup for the last two years and the one of the only 3 QBs to start for the Packers in the last 19 years. Flynn was a championship QB at LSU and his grit and determination got him drafted in the 7th round but his work ethic allowed him to become a highly sought after free agent in 2012. Grade A-

Brett Swain, Swain has done little to impress as a wide receiver, but he has demonstrated a knack for special teams. Special teams is the reason he has a roster spot, the Packers have cut more talented wide receivers to keep Swain on the team because of his ability as a gunner on punt coverage and kick coverage. Swain is going to have to prove something as a wide receiver in 2011 or he will be looking to land on another teams roster. considering he was seventh round pick and he has managed to stay on the active roster for three seasons is impressive career considering where he came from. Grade C

Here is the rest of it.

[Deputy Nutz]

Don't be pissing off Nutz, now....

he's like a recovering Packaholic who has come back to work as a bartender. There is precious little good football content and Nutz brings some good stuff when he is the mood to write.

Just not committed emotionally anymore.

[channtheman]

Just not committed emotionally anymore.

Which isn't necessarily a bad place to be. I hate when my whole week is ruined by a loss. On the flipside, you can't bring me down after a win.