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Where we are :
The Packers appear to be a team on the rise. A key part (and a tricky one)to building a contender is the assembling of a solid offensive line. This has been addressed admirably by the additions of Colledge, Spitz, Moll, and Wells.
Here's the areas of concern - at least as I see them - and possible answers.
1. Playmakers : the Packers need to add players who can be gamechangers - able to change the 12 yd. play into an 85 yard one. From what I've seen of Greg Jennings, he seems to have a bit of that magic - even without blazing speed. Ahman Green has a modicum of it, too - but at 30, he is not a long range solution.
Answer : The rumored Moss gambit (3rd rounder) seems to be a low risk gamble with tremendous upside. Not only would the team add the quintessential big play threat, a side benefit would be to silence the magpies who are always screaming about Favre being shortchanged. Win-win.
TE : something needs to change. Bubba Franks , post-injuries, is clearly not the player he once was (and in my opinion, at his best he was only an average NFL tight end). The play of Martin - chronically undependable with injuries - and Lee, who failed to produce when opportunity knocked, is troubling.
Answer : There seems to be a nice selection in free agency. Perhaps Eric Johnson (S.F.) would be a worthwhile, low cost addition.
Secondary :
a. we need to be developing successors to Harris & Woodson - as well as finding a talented option at nickelback.
Answer : Blackmon could have an impact here, but even if he pans out, help is needed. The 2nd round of the draft might be the way to go here.
b. the ongoing search for a viable strong safety continues.
Answer : Manuel does not appear to be much of an upgrade over Roman. Underwood might be the answer, but more help must be added.
TT could take another flyer in free agency (Michael Lewis?) or perhaps look
for an instinctive safety in rounds 4-7. Historically, this type of player can be found in later rounds (they usually don't have the most worshipped computer numbers; safety is not the sexiest of positions).
RB : Green won't last forever. Even if he has another 2 years in the tank, he needs to be rested. Morency appears to fit the Tony Fisher role admirably. Noah Herron is an example of what Ron Wolf referred to as 'NFL Europe quality' players.
Answer : value is always the key in the draft. If the right player - the right fit for the team-is available in Round #1 (Lynch?), TT should make the move.
Misc. : depth/upgrades all along the roster.
Answer : I think TT has proven his aptitude here already. He need to continue to identify players who can fit our systems, decide if they can be had in lower draft spots, and make the moves which bring the biggest bang for the Packer buck.
The Packers appear to be a team on the rise. A key part (and a tricky one)to building a contender is the assembling of a solid offensive line. This has been addressed admirably by the additions of Colledge, Spitz, Moll, and Wells.
Here's the areas of concern - at least as I see them - and possible answers.
1. Playmakers : the Packers need to add players who can be gamechangers - able to change the 12 yd. play into an 85 yard one. From what I've seen of Greg Jennings, he seems to have a bit of that magic - even without blazing speed. Ahman Green has a modicum of it, too - but at 30, he is not a long range solution.
Answer : The rumored Moss gambit (3rd rounder) seems to be a low risk gamble with tremendous upside. Not only would the team add the quintessential big play threat, a side benefit would be to silence the magpies who are always screaming about Favre being shortchanged. Win-win.
TE : something needs to change. Bubba Franks , post-injuries, is clearly not the player he once was (and in my opinion, at his best he was only an average NFL tight end). The play of Martin - chronically undependable with injuries - and Lee, who failed to produce when opportunity knocked, is troubling.
Answer : There seems to be a nice selection in free agency. Perhaps Eric Johnson (S.F.) would be a worthwhile, low cost addition.
Secondary :
a. we need to be developing successors to Harris & Woodson - as well as finding a talented option at nickelback.
Answer : Blackmon could have an impact here, but even if he pans out, help is needed. The 2nd round of the draft might be the way to go here.
b. the ongoing search for a viable strong safety continues.
Answer : Manuel does not appear to be much of an upgrade over Roman. Underwood might be the answer, but more help must be added.
TT could take another flyer in free agency (Michael Lewis?) or perhaps look
for an instinctive safety in rounds 4-7. Historically, this type of player can be found in later rounds (they usually don't have the most worshipped computer numbers; safety is not the sexiest of positions).
RB : Green won't last forever. Even if he has another 2 years in the tank, he needs to be rested. Morency appears to fit the Tony Fisher role admirably. Noah Herron is an example of what Ron Wolf referred to as 'NFL Europe quality' players.
Answer : value is always the key in the draft. If the right player - the right fit for the team-is available in Round #1 (Lynch?), TT should make the move.
Misc. : depth/upgrades all along the roster.
Answer : I think TT has proven his aptitude here already. He need to continue to identify players who can fit our systems, decide if they can be had in lower draft spots, and make the moves which bring the biggest bang for the Packer buck.
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