Originally posted by PackerBlues
You can certainly argue that they could've or should've taken somebody else who could have provided more help in the short term. But none of us know yet if the Rodgers pick was a mistake. Brunell didn't do anything in a Packer uniform, would you call drafting him a mistake? He has gone on to have a productive career.
Second, although I agree with your statement that Thompson is building a strong defense, I infer that your meaning is that he is building a strong defense at the expense of the offense, and that his blueprint is a team like the Dilfer led Baltimore SB team. I don't see that. The one consistent thing I've seen out of Thompson is that he is building for the long term, not the short term. Considering the state of the defense since he took over the team, his moves have had a greater short term impact on improving the defense. But based on what he has done he is hardly neglecting the offense. He spent a first round pick on Rodgers. He has spent high picks on Jennings, Jones, Jackson, Colledge, Spitz. The common thread that I see with his moves, including the Harrell pick, is drafting for the future and for value, not immediate need and defensive focus. His approach is debatable, but to suggest that he is only trying to build a strong defense seems inaccurate.
Two examples of winning teams that had great defenses but lacked great QBs were the 2000 Ravens (Dilfer) and 2002 Buccaneers (Brad Johnson). These teams tend to be the exception, not the norm, and you usually need a balanced team to win the SB. If the goal is to build a great defense but punt the QB position, then Thompson would be making a huge mistake.


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