Your Official Packers Draft Wish List

[Guiness]

Yeah, I think TT trusts his ability to find RB talent most anywhere in the draft or free agency. But, we could both be wrong if Lacy is the back that they covet, but historically, this hardly seems TT's style.

Mhm. And what ability to find RB talent would that be?

He's drafted well at a lot of positions. RB - not so much.

[Carolina_Packer]

Mhm. And what ability to find RB talent would that be?

He's drafted well at a lot of positions. RB - not so much.

Of course I didn't say I thought that...I just think he thinks there's RB talent to be found without reaching, or committing too high of a pick, especially the way the Packers use their running game. That seems to be his MO. Brandon Jackson was his highest draft choice at RB, but never really panned out. I don't think anyone ever saw why he was drafted so high. DuJuan Harris has way more burst and quickness than Brandon Jackson every showed, and he was a practice squad pickup. Perhaps TT shouldn't be allowed to draft any RB higher than 5th round but I guess now that Alex Green is fully recovered from his 2011 knee injury, he will have the chance to show if he's capable of being the full-time starter with Harris possibly being the change of pace back, or check-down guy on passing downs, which he seemed pretty good at in a small sampling. Do they still need to bring in some talent at the position? Yes. Does it need to be Eddie Lacy? Hmmm.

I like the idea of a 5 Technique DE. Here is a good article link that breaks down 4-3 and 3-4 DE's for this year's draft.

They don't list Jesse Williams as a DE for a 3-4, but I think he could do it, ala Cullen Jenkins, because I think he's got power and get off, and some quicks for a person his size, and you know he has strength. Not sure why some people are down on him.

[Smeefers]

Of course I didn't say I thought that...I just think he thinks there's RB talent to be found without reaching, or committing too high of a pick, especially the way the Packers use their running game. That seems to be his MO. Brandon Jackson was his highest draft choice at RB, but never really panned out. I don't think anyone ever saw why he was drafted so high. DuJuan Harris has way more burst and quickness than Brandon Jackson every showed, and he was a practice squad pickup. Perhaps TT shouldn't be allowed to draft any RB higher than 5th round but I guess now that Alex Green is fully recovered from his 2011 knee injury, he will have the chance to show if he's capable of being the full-time starter with Harris possibly being the change of pace back, or check-down guy on passing downs, which he seemed pretty good at in a small sampling. Do they still need to bring in some talent at the position? Yes. Does it need to be Eddie Lacy? Hmmm.

I like the idea of a 5 Technique DE. Here is a good article link that breaks down 4-3 and 3-4 DE's for this year's draft.

They don't list Jesse Williams as a DE for a 3-4, but I think he could do it, ala Cullen Jenkins, because I think he's got power and get off, and some quicks for a person his size, and you know he has strength. Not sure why some people are down on him.

Brandon Jackson was a monster coming out of Nebraska. He was worth a 2nd round pick, he just didn't pan. It hasn't helped him that he hasn't had a fantastic line to run behind. Put him behind the packers 1995 line and he might of torn the house down.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7LqfRdnT0I

I don't think that just because TT hasn't drafted a RB in the first round that it means he wont. There are a whole lot of positions he hasn't drafted in the first round, that doesn't mean he'd turn down superior talent. I also think TT has no problem targeting for an area of need that we have. He proved that last year with his defensive minded draft. If the packers are weakest at RB and the #1 RB is on the board, I have to think that he'd seriously consider taking him.

[woodbuck27]

I haven't looked at safties much... I don't see it as being much of a need compared to other positions.

Burnett is a keeper, and I'm willing to give McMillian, Jennings, and Richardson time to develop. Besides, fixing the front seven will go a lot further toward helping the secondary than adding another young guy. The mess that is our front seven makes it tough to evaluate the secondary.

If TT goes S early, whoever he picks had better be a difference maker - otherwise he's just spinning his wheels, and the team isn't substantially improved.

I'm working on my Mock for this draft now. I've been doing so for most of this week and it's hell.

Ted Thompson (if he uses #26) must hit a home run with that pick. He has to use #26 to get a football player that will most assuredly fit right in. That prospect has to be a stout/durable/difference maker. A total boost for the Green bay packers. No more First Round Pick, for any reason, not contributing in games. No more it's a crap shoot ...excuses. Ted Thompson must get this one right.

Will such a difference maker/contributor be available at #26 in terms of real value and BPA grade?

I wish he had said 'NO' to JerMichael Finley and made it easy in terms of a target at #26. All day he's targeting TE Tyler Eifert. That as long as TT's convinced that Tyler Eifert is pumped to be a long term Green Bay Packer. He still might make a solid move picking Tyler Eifet at #26 because sorry packer fans. I've no faith in JerMichael Finley. Add in his cost to the packers CAP. Ouch !

I'm not excited with the most likely players to be available at #26 outside of the playmakers. Is this one time that going BPA isn't exactly the right move in terms of the Green Bay Packers and now?

I keep coming back to TT trading down. That move is simply so much smarter considering this draft and unless a player on the level of an Aaron Rodgers fall to Ted Thompson.

Thoughts? Anyone??

PACKERS !

[Carolina_Packer]

I'm working on my Mock for this draft now. I've been doing so for most of this week and it's hell.

Ted Thompson (if he uses #26) must hit a home run with that pick. He has to use #26 to get a football player that will most assuredly fit right in. That prospect has to be a stout/durable/difference maker. A total boost for the Green bay packers. No more First Round Pick, for any reason, not contributing in games. No more it's a crap shoot ...excuses. Ted Thompson must get this one right.

Will such a difference maker/contributor be available at #26 in terms of real value and BPA grade?

I wish he had said 'NO' to JerMichael Finley and made it easy in terms of a target at #26. All day he's targeting TE Tyler Eifert. That as long as TT's convinced that Tyler Eifert is pumped to be a long term Green Bay Packer. He still might make a solid move picking Tyler Eifet at #26 because sorry packer fans. I've no faith in JerMichael Finley. Add in his cost to the packers CAP. Ouch !

I'm not excited with the most likely players to be available at #26 outside of the playmakers. Is this one time that going BPA isn't exactly the right move in terms of the Green Bay Packers and now?

I keep coming back to TT trading down. That move is simply so much smarter considering this draft and unless a player on the level of an Aaron Rodgers fall to Ted Thompson.

Thoughts? Anyone??

PACKERS !

Well, the choices are 1) Stand pat and draft the BPA, and hopefully it's the same scenario as 2005 where you're almost compelled to make the pick. We don't have a QB succession/possible retirement scenario like then, but we do have some small to medium sized holes to fill. The other choices are 2) move up and give up picks if there is a player that you feel will not be available by the time the team has their slotted pick. There is a little history for this with TT. Clay Matthews, Morgan Burnett and Casey Hayward come to mind, there may be another or two. I don't see there being that kind of impact player that they have to move up to get, but I could be wrong. The other choice is 3) move back out of the first round if someone else is jonesing for a particular guy and we can move back slightly and still get a player that can be had later. TT did this when he drafted Jordy Nelson, and that seemed to work out. Something tells me that scenario number 3 is as good a possibility as standing pat. Again, I don't see him moving up in the first round to get someone, but there might be a guy they covet that they think will be gone. That's more Jerry Jones's style, not TT's.

[The Shadow]

As with every year, there will be Ted surprises.

[Carolina_Packer]

Here is a link to an article that offers some interesting analysis of what the Packers should and should not do in the draft.

Another article that I read, quoted Edgar Bennett, who obviously knows something about the Green Bay offense saying that perhaps the most important job of a running back in Green Bay's offense is blitz pickup and understanding protection calls. The obvious importance of blitz pickup is protection, but the other importance of a back who can do blitz pickup well is the deception that it can help create between the run and pass game. If a guy is known to be average to below average on blitz pickup, that might telegraph to the defense that this is likely a run play. I had never really thought about that side of it before, so I found that interesting.

If the Packers are looking to address the running game in this year's draft, the more I read, the more I think I would be happy with the following backs wherever they come off the board...Johnathan Franklin, Michael Gillislee, Stepfan Taylor or Montee Ball because I think they could all be the type of back that Green Bay needs. They all have multiple skill sets, but the one that can be a three down back may win out. I think Franklin might be the most intriguing. Eddie Lacy might be considered the top back in the draft, but may not be worth the position where he is likely to be chosen.

[woodbuck27]

I think you're right. They're smoking something. I've heard a lot of talk that the real strength of this draft is from the mid-1st through the 2nd round. Short on superstars but a lot of really good players. Given that, I think it's highly unlikely that TT trades picks to move up in the 1st round. He'll be happy to wait and see who falls to him, or even trade down out of the 1st round if someone offers a deal.

I'm not sure Vaccaro has the type of speed the Packers are looking for in a Safety. Not one you would draft in the 1st round, something TT has never done.

The strength of this draft. According to the fellas in the know from pick #15 to #50.

[woodbuck27]

Well, the choices are 1) Stand pat and draft the BPA, and hopefully it's the same scenario as 2005 where you're almost compelled to make the pick. We don't have a QB succession/possible retirement scenario like then, but we do have some small to medium sized holes to fill. The other choices are 2) move up and give up picks if there is a player that you feel will not be available by the time the team has their slotted pick. There is a little history for this with TT. Clay Matthews, Morgan Burnett and Casey Hayward come to mind, there may be another or two. I don't see there being that kind of impact player that they have to move up to get, but I could be wrong. The other choice is 3) move back out of the first round if someone else is jonesing for a particular guy and we can move back slightly and still get a player that can be had later. TT did this when he drafted Jordy Nelson, and that seemed to work out. Something tells me that scenario number 3 is as good a possibility as standing pat. Again, I don't see him moving up in the first round to get someone, but there might be a guy they covet that they think will be gone. That's more Jerry Jones's style, not TT's.

Your bang on but that's not helping me and my Mock.

Making a Mock this year is more masochistic than usual. I'm losing sleep. My hygene is less than perfect. My hair is brittle. My eyes are burning because of all the reading and video I watch. I want to quit this job I assigned to myself but I'm too invested.

PACKERS !

[The Shadow]

Here is a link to an article that offers some interesting analysis of what the Packers should and should not do in the draft.

Another article that I read, quoted Edgar Bennett, who obviously knows something about the Green Bay offense saying that perhaps the most important job of a running back in Green Bay's offense is blitz pickup and understanding protection calls. The obvious importance of blitz pickup is protection, but the other importance of a back who can do blitz pickup well is the deception that it can help create between the run and pass game. If a guy is known to be average to below average on blitz pickup, that might telegraph to the defense that this is likely a run play. I had never really thought about that side of it before, so I found that interesting.

If the Packers are looking to address the running game in this year's draft, the more I read, the more I think I would be happy with the following backs wherever they come off the board...Johnathan Franklin, Michael Gillislee, Stepfan Taylor or Montee Ball because I think they could all be the type of back that Green Bay needs. They all have multiple skill sets, but the one that can be a three down back may win out. I think Franklin might be the most intriguing. Eddie Lacy might be considered the top back in the draft, but may not be worth the position where he is likely to be chosen.

The link was interesting & informative - but I really do not agree with the reasoning.

[woodbuck27]

Here is a link to an article that offers some interesting analysis of what the Packers should and should not do in the draft.

Another article that I read, quoted Edgar Bennett, who obviously knows something about the Green Bay offense saying that perhaps the most important job of a running back in Green Bay's offense is blitz pickup and understanding protection calls. The obvious importance of blitz pickup is protection, but the other importance of a back who can do blitz pickup well is the deception that it can help create between the run and pass game. If a guy is known to be average to below average on blitz pickup, that might telegraph to the defense that this is likely a run play. I had never really thought about that side of it before, so I found that interesting.

If the Packers are looking to address the running game in this year's draft, the more I read, the more I think I would be happy with the following backs wherever they come off the board...Johnathan Franklin, Michael Gillislee, Stepfan Taylor or Montee Ball because I think they could all be the type of back that Green Bay needs. They all have multiple skill sets, but the one that can be a three down back may win out. I think Franklin might be the most intriguing. Eddie Lacy might be considered the top back in the draft, but may not be worth the position where he is likely to be chosen.

I'm going to analyze Johnathan Franklin, Michael Gillislee, Stepfan Taylor Vs Montee Ball soon. More on that later.

I agree with you as the best all round bet at RB as Eddie Lacy. I'm getting down to this:

That first round pick at RB isn't likely to be an Adrian Peterson. So that question becomes moot in terms of possibly moving on a BPA RB in Rd. 1.

Our running game should be informed with this:

These RB's... Arian Foster, UFA 2009; Frank Gore 2005 Round: 3 Pick #65; Marshawn Lynch 2007 Round: 1 Pick #12; Ray Rice 2008 Round: 2 Pick #55; Doug Martin 2012 Round: 1 Pick #31; Chris Johnson 2008 Round: 1 Pick #24; Trent Richardson 2012 Round: 1 Pick #3; Matt Forte 2008 Round: 2 Pick #44; Jamaal Charles 2008 Round: 3 Pick #73; Alfred Morris 2012 Round: 6 Pick #173 and CJ Spliller 2010 Round: 1 Pick #9 ....

All of the above RB's play huge roles in their teams offense.

Take that RB away from most of these teams and that team is looking for 'that guy' at RB. The strength of that team is sapping.

I don't care if TT has missed at RB and LT (OL) in the draft. He cannot rely on being 'The Draft Guru'. After Aaron Rodgers and the quality WR's he's drafted. Not that in any manner or fashion in terms of our offensive future.

You don't drive a car looking too often and for any sustained time in the rear view mirror.

Ted Thompson has got to slow down on finding those improbable 'diamonds in the rough'. Ted Thompson has it sitting right there in front of him; a long time before any draft. With far more advantage of resources than any member of this board.

Ted Thompson has to get it right more than ever now.

I just don't get it. I'm here and somehow convinced otherwise. No more!

We need a solid running game to compete with the best. This allusion of belief that Aaron Rodgers is all we really need is simply dumb. Aaron Rodgers needs help in the form of a solid running game. Aaron Rodgers has to be willing to share the fricken' spotlight. If 'no running game' has anything at all to do with Aaron Rodgers and EGO. I'm not able to judge if that's even the case. If it is it should or has to end as soon as he's the highest paid player in the NFL. It's finally for Aaron Rodgers 'get that stupid chip' off your shoulder time.

It's all about getting over yourself; getting the Green Bay Packers another Super Bowl. Nothing else will, after that contract be acceptable.

Back to the primary focus of this post:

That running game that makes such a difference !

Ted Thompson cannot get that by flicking away at a RB with a late round pick. Bringing in UFA's from anywhere especially smaller Division II College Programs.

Ted Thompson has to assert himself in the draft with a statement that says confidence in a solid pick at RB. This season is upcoming and there's never any other, 'right time for everything' ... like now.

If this so deemed value isn't there at pick #26; but there's a player that gives him a best chance to improve the Packers in a big way. A bigger way than a pick at DL, OL, DB, and WR. Ted Thompson has to pull the trigger. He has to do so courageously with conviction/fervour.

Hesitation never served any man.

If that pick doesn't serve the Green Bay Packers as well as he or we the fans hope it will. Can we say we havn't been there before and not remained hopeful? Do we want to see it and say... Ted Thompson didn't take the shot?

I'm becoming really convinced that if TT wants to add a difference maker to the Green Bay Packers. He might simply pick RB Eddie Lacy if he's available at; moreso close to pick NO. 26. Forget this 'is it carved in stone like Vince Lombardi' don't waste a pick on RB in Round 1.

If you want evidence of the falseness of that pseudo idiom 'you don't pick a RB in round one/two of the NFL draft' rather use a mid round pick. Here's that proof:

Marshawn Lynch; Doug Martin; Ray Rice; Chris Johnson; Trent Richardson; Matt Forte and CJ Spiller.

GO PACK GO !

[Carolina_Packer]

The link was interesting & informative - but I really do not agree with the reasoning.

I'd be curious to know what part(s) you didn't agree with and why. I'm not saying the author is right, it's just interesting when people have different points of view.

[woodbuck27]

This on Eddie Lacy and his current issue with his hammy injury that he sustained while training at the NFL Scouting Combine. ** This article will help the forum better understand this particular injury in term of degree and consequence. We're aware of this injury and the cost of it to two of our star players. Clay Matthews III and Jordy Nelson.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1562685-how-worried-should-nfl-teams-be-about-eddie-lacys-injured-hamstring

How Worried Should NFL Teams Be About Eddie Lacy's Injured Hamstring?

By: Dave Siebert March 2013


"Hamstring injuries, called "strains," occur when one or more of the muscles are over-stretched or torn. A grade-one strain is a simple over-stretch without any tear, while grade-two and grade-three strains represent partial and complete muscle tears, respectively."


NFL scouts need to see Lacy run. That's scheduled to happen on April 11, 2013. It's important for him to do very well for any first round potential:

http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2013/03/former_alabama_rb_eddie_lacy_r.html

Former Alabama RB Eddie Lacy ready to run for NFL scouts -in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on April 11,2013

By Andrew Gribble | agribble@al.com al.com

GO PACK GO !

[The Shadow]

I'd be curious to know what part(s) you didn't agree with and why. I'm not saying the author is right, it's just interesting when people have different points of view.

It's not the trading down part I disagree with - it's the author's preoccupation with a running back & safety. There are 2 parts to the running back question in my opinion. One, I don't know how Thompson views the maturation of Harris, Starks & Green - perhaps he feels with the experience gained last year they will make a leap. Two, I'm not so sure that the Packers offense needs to spend a higher pick on RB, since Rodgers' arm is the focal point - and that higher pick could go towards shoring up what Ted thinks are more pressing needs.
As far as safety, again, I don't know what Ted makes of McMillian, Jennings & Richardson's progress.

For me, adding to that defensive line would be more important.
Just an opinion.

[woodbuck27]

It's not the trading down part I disagree with - it's the author's preoccupation with a running back & safety. There are 2 parts to the running back question in my opinion. One, I don't know how Thompson views the maturation of Harris, Starks & Green - perhaps he feels with the experience gained last year they will make a leap. Two, I'm not so sure that the Packers offense needs to spend a higher pick on RB, since Rodgers' arm is the focal point - and that higher pick could go towards shoring up what Ted thinks are more pressing needs.
As far as safety, again, I don't know what Ted makes of McMillian, Jennings & Richardson's progress.

For me, adding to that defensive line would be more important.
Just an opinion.

No!

The most important issue is keeping our QB behind center and not concussed in a hospital trying to figure out what put him there. On the sidelines simply not ready to take any more punishment. Watching the Packers get a royal shit kicking with an offense guided by one of our present backup QB's.

How is any defensive position player going to assure that doesn't happen?

You improve the running game to help protect your QB. You do that by upgrading our running game with a RB that has the real potential to do so.

Arn't you aware of the fact that Aaron Rodgers was sacked an outrageous 51 times?

Doesn't that concern you? It sure as hell better start concerning Ted Thompson. I don't see many options early in this draft going OL. I certainly see options and probable upgrade at RB.

TT has to at least be considering #26 and Eddie Lacy and that and more or less interest after his workout on April 11th.

TT has options in to name a few Johnathan Franklin, Stepfan Taylor and Montee Ball in rounds 2 and 3. If Ted Thompson doesn't come out of this draft with an option at RB he's clearly made an error.