Packer Offseason Moves

[packiowa]

I disagree that the Packers are in dire need of playmakers. In my opinion, they need to teach their line to block effectively and things will open up all over the field. In all honesty, with the max protect we were running last year, the only solution for quick tds is to get a deep threat. However, if the te's weren't blocking and were instead, running down field and getting the respect of lbs, the running game will be more effective. A good running game means the safeties worry about the run and receivers get open. As we've all always known, it starts up front in football.

Now, a #1 TE other than Bubba would be great, but I don't think it is required to take a big step offensivley. JMO. I don't turn down a deep threat in FA or #25-#50 in the draft, but I don't take one at #16 either. I'd be disappointed if we stayed at #16 and chose a wr other than the only one that won't fall to us.

[BooHoo]

I like it Shadow, good job.

And YES, we need TE help.

[the_idle_threat]

We don't want Eric Johnson. We have a similar guy already and his name is David Martin. Plays well for a while and then when you start to count on him, he gets hurt. You end up wasting money and a roster spot on a part-time starter and filling in most of the year with backups.

Look at Johnson's history, and don't get too caught up in the one big season out of six. Johnson has a very Rex Grossman-esque durability history. At least Grossman (or David Martin for that matter) shows up for a game or two at least each year. Johnson spent all of 2003 and all of 2005 on injured reserve. Didn't play a single game either season.

Guys who are this injury prone can't be depended upon. Worthy of a backup spot at best, and we need a starter.

[woodbuck27]

We don't want Eric Johnson. We have a similar guy already and his name is David Martin. Plays well for a while and then when you start to count on him, he gets hurt. You end up wasting money and a roster spot on a part-time starter and filling in most of the year with backups.

Look at Johnson's history, and don't get too caught up in the one big season out of six. Johnson has a very Rex Grossman-esque durability history. At least Grossman (or David Martin for that matter) shows up for a game or two at least each year. Johnson spent all of 2003 and all of 2005 on injured reserve. Didn't play a single game either season.

Guys who are this injury prone can't be depended upon. Worthy of a backup spot at best, and we need a starter.

I agree with you. At TE we need the very best talent we can obtain in FA. We need a tested talent at this very important WCO spot. The real problem is cost given Bubba's contract weighed against his value as a blocker, if not an Offensive weapon.

The rumor of Moss to us for a 3rd and Bubba Franks doesn't wash with me given who Oakland drafted last season in Rd. 1. So dumping part of Franks salary may not be an option.

If that was a possibility I'd be looking at the best talent available at TE (Daniel Graham ?), but he must be able to block well and protect Favre on passing downs for deep routes.That is the value of Bubba Franks.

So. . . coming full circle. I believe that we give Bubba Franks another season. I hold little value in keeping Martin or Lee.

[the_idle_threat]

Also, you will notice by looking at Johnson's numbers that he is not a down-the-seam speed TE like we really need to stretch the offense. He's a dink-and-dunk guy who moves the chains. We have that already in Bubba, and Bubba's problems with drops are more than offset by Johnson's durability issues. I'd rather keep Bubba around, perhaps sending him to a Lasik eye surgeon in the offseason, rather than recycle another team's garbage in the name of "grass-is-greener."

[woodbuck27]

Also, you will notice by looking at Johnson's numbers that he is not a down-the-seam speed TE like we really need to stretch the offense. He's a dink-and-dunk guy who moves the chains. We have that already in Bubba, and Bubba's problems with drops are more than offset by Johnson's durability issues. I'd rather keep Bubba around, perhaps sending him to a Lasik eye surgeon in the offseason, rather than recycle another team's garbage in the name of "grass-is-greener."

Bubba Franks isn't going anywhere.

[the_idle_threat]

Also, you will notice by looking at Johnson's numbers that he is not a down-the-seam speed TE like we really need to stretch the offense. He's a dink-and-dunk guy who moves the chains. We have that already in Bubba, and Bubba's problems with drops are more than offset by Johnson's durability issues. I'd rather keep Bubba around, perhaps sending him to a Lasik eye surgeon in the offseason, rather than recycle another team's garbage in the name of "grass-is-greener."

Bubba Franks isn't going anywhere.

Touche

[The Shadow]

"I disagree that the Packers are in dire need of playmakers. "

I think they need a speed receiver to open up things for Driver & Jennings.
Also, Ahman will not last forever - and Morency seems more, to me at least, like a (solid) #3.
A dependable tight end - receiving AND blocking - would be welcome (a 'superstar' is not a must; just a very solid one).
On defense, a truly intelligent safety with the knack for the pick would be wonderful. Also, a cornerback with great raw skills to develop as a nickel while maturing to someday replace Harris or Woodson would be nice.

[The Shadow]

Can't wait till the draft magazines start appearing.

[Fritz]

I disagree that the Packers are in dire need of playmakers. In my opinion, they need to teach their line to block effectively and things will open up all over the field. In all honesty, with the max protect we were running last year, the only solution for quick tds is to get a deep threat. However, if the te's weren't blocking and were instead, running down field and getting the respect of lbs, the running game will be more effective. A good running game means the safeties worry about the run and receivers get open. As we've all always known, it starts up front in football.

Now, a #1 TE other than Bubba would be great, but I don't think it is required to take a big step offensivley. JMO. I don't turn down a deep threat in FA or #25-#50 in the draft, but I don't take one at #16 either. I'd be disappointed if we stayed at #16 and chose a wr other than the only one that won't fall to us.

A team always needs playmakers. The Pack needs speed, baby. A receiver with speed and hands. Yes, the blocking needs to improve, but you still need a receiver to stretch the field.

[BooHoo]

Can't wait until FA season begins. Doesn't it start March 2nd?

[Fritz]

My sense is that this year TT will have targeted one or maybe two guys he really likes, and get after them right away.

Then again, he waited until the dust settled last year and did okay.

[The Shadow]

Pro Football Weekly ran a list of avail. free agents - but it's just so hard
knowing which show something the Packers would be interested in.

[BooHoo]

Maybe TE help can be found in FA. It would mean one less thing to worry about in the draft.

[The Shadow]

Don't worry; he HAH-PPY, mon.