For the Packers.Free-agent story stays the same

[woodbuck27]

http://www.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070322/PKR01/703220489/1989

Posted March 22, 2007

Free-agent story stays the same

By Tom Pelissero
tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Green Bay Packers General Manager Ted Thompson lets scouts handle most pro day workouts, but he took time to attend the University of Texas' annual circus Wednesday in Austin.

The Longhorns have built a reputation for their extravagant setup, which includes two catered meals, meetings with coaches and trainers and a separate room for screening film.

It left Thompson a little wiped out by the time he returned to Green Bay on Wednesday night.

"They're getting longer and longer, I'll tell you that," he said.

Among the players working out in Austin were two potential first- or second-round picks — safety Michael Griffin and tackle Justin Blaylock — as well as running backs Ramonce Taylor and Selvin Young, who are expected to be available late on the second day of next month's NFL draft.

The Packers remain in need of backfield help since the loss of starting running back Ahman Green, who signed with the Houston Texans, and release of longtime fullback William Henderson this month.

Thompson declined to comment on the status of contract talks with fullback Terrelle Smith, who visited Green Bay on Tuesday.

Smith's agent, Ryan Tollner, also was attending a pro day workout — one of 20 around the country Wednesday — and did not return messages.

Smith, 29, has said he would like to play for the Arizona Cardinals, who until recently shared a stadium with his alma mater, Arizona State.

He spent the first four seasons of his NFL career in New Orleans — when Packers coach Mike McCarthy was offensive coordinator — before signing with the Cleveland Browns, who cut him last week. If signed, Smith likely would compete for the starting fullback job with Brandon Miree.

Nearly three weeks into the free-agent signing period, the Packers have entertained a handful of veterans but signed only one — former New York Giants cornerback Frank Walker, who isn't expected to compete for a starting role.

Asked for his feelings on free agency so far, Thompson said. . .

''It's going "OK. We have people evaluating guys, doing our thing. … We're still plugging along."


comment:

Oh good.

[woodbuck27]

Packers News Online Poll Problems viewing poll?


Are you satisfied with the offseason performance of Packers' general manager Ted Thompson?

Yes at 22.9 %

NO at 36.1 %

It's too early to tell at 41%


Number of votes cast: 19960

[Packnut]

Packers News Online Poll Problems viewing poll?


Are you satisfied with the offseason performance of Packers' general manager Ted Thompson?

Yes at 22.9 %

NO at 36.1 %

It's too early to tell at 41%


Number of votes cast: 19960

I find that poll a pretty good indication of how the majority of Packer fans feel. Hell, they make national political polls using less people. It actually says that right now 72% ain't jumping for joy. I also believe Packer fans are very knowledgable about what is going on. I take a lot of crap from people like harvey around here for my Thompson views, and it turns out, THEY are the ones in the minority!

[HarveyWallbangers]

It actually says that right now 72% ain't jumping for joy.

Or you could read it as 64% say it's too early to judge. That's probably how most feel about it. Really, who cares? I'd hope a GM wouldn't care about fan sentiment.

[Packnut]

Poll

It actually says that right now 72% ain't jumping for joy.

Or you could read it as 64% say it's too early to judge. That's probably how most feel about it. Really, who cares? I'd hope a GM wouldn't care about fan sentiment.

What it reads is out of almost 20,000 fans, only 22.9% share your view that he's done a good job so far this off-season. Twist it any way you want and it still comes out the same. But that could change. Hell, may-be Thompson will sign Hamlin and those numbers will change.

[Patler]

Re: Poll

It actually says that right now 72% ain't jumping for joy.

Or you could read it as 64% say it's too early to judge. That's probably how most feel about it. Really, who cares? I'd hope a GM wouldn't care about fan sentiment.

What it reads is out of almost 20,000 fans, only 22.9% share your view that he's done a good job so far this off-season. Twist it any way you want and it still comes out the same. But that could change. Hell, may-be Thompson will sign Hamlin and those numbers will change.

It also reads that of almost 20,000 fans, only about 36% share your view that he's done a bad job so far this off-season. Twist it anyway you want and it still comes out the same!


What it really shows is that the largest group of fans are knowledgeable and patient, realizing that the off season is a long time and the roster won't be finalized for many months. They will judge TT on the totality of his off-season performance, not just a small snippet of it.

[Scott Campbell]

Re: Poll

What it really shows is that the largest group of fans are knowledgeable and patient, realizing that the off season is a long time and the roster won't be finalized for many months. They will judge TT on the totality of his off-season performance, not just a small snippet of it.

Agreed. Only 36% of the respondents were of the "sky is falling" variety.

I count myself among the undecided.

[gbpackfan]

It is a bit alarming that TT did not upgrade ANY starting position via free agency. NOT ONE! Kind of pathetic. Who is going to score? We were terrible in the red zone last year and it looks like we will be terrible in the red zone again this year.

[HarveyWallbangers]

I'm going to wait until after the preseason to judge. I might even wait until the regular season. It's clear we need to get a RB, WR, and TE before the start of the regular season. I'm thinking we'll need a S also, but maybe Underwood or Culver is the answer. If we aren't going to sign any guys, it will be important to hit on the draft big-time and for young guys like Ruvell Martin, Carlyle Holliday, Brady Poppinga, Will Blackmon, Tory Humphrey/Zac Alcorn, and others to step up. The team is young in its backup positions, so maybe there's hope for some of these guys. There's also a need for young guys like Jason Spitz, Daryn Colledge, Greg Jennings, A.J. Hawk, Brady Poppinga, Nick Collins, Corey Williams, Cullen Jenkings to continue to improve and take the another step up.

[Bretsky]

Re: Poll

It actually says that right now 72% ain't jumping for joy.

Or you could read it as 64% say it's too early to judge. That's probably how most feel about it. Really, who cares? I'd hope a GM wouldn't care about fan sentiment.

What it reads is out of almost 20,000 fans, only 22.9% share your view that he's done a good job so far this off-season. Twist it any way you want and it still comes out the same. But that could change. Hell, may-be Thompson will sign Hamlin and those numbers will change.

It also reads that of almost 20,000 fans, only about 36% share your view that he's done a bad job so far this off-season. Twist it anyway you want and it still comes out the same!


What it really shows is that the largest group of fans are knowledgeable and patient, realizing that the off season is a long time and the roster won't be finalized for many months. They will judge TT on the totality of his off-season performance, not just a small snippet of it.

Nearly twice as many fans are disappointed than happy. The undecided group are pretty dam patient. That's how I read it.

[HarveyWallbangers]

It's never sexy to build from within. Big name FAs will get the publicity, but most teams get good because their young players develop.

[pack4to84]

If TT doesn't sign a big free agent this year with the lost of Green and his 5.5mil contract. Packers could receive a 3rd rd draft pick in compensation in 2008. We all know how much TT loves draft picks. If you where him would you sign a free agent to waste your chance on losing your 3rd rd compensation pick. I think not. TT wouldn't sign any free agent that would effect this most likely out come.

[prsnfoto]

Come on guys he has the same stellar approval ratings as our president ultimately his legacy will be determined from the results, I already know one of them has failed and will be judged the worst of all time lets just hope it doesn't happen to both that would be to damn depressing.

[Bretsky]

It's never sexy to build from within. Big name FAs will get the publicity, but most teams get good because their young players develop.

You are right; it's the model to "slowly" build from within.

If you are of the mindset that our window to a potential title has closed with Favre at the helm it's a great model.

If you are of the mindset that we don't have to close the window you won't be too fond of it.

That might be a good topic.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Come on guys he has the same stellar approval ratings as our president ultimately his legacy will be determined from the results, I already know one of them has failed and will be judged the worst of all time lets just hope it doesn't happen to both that would be to damn depressing.

Yawn!