Robert Thomas

[wist43]

Who can say what coaches see in some guys... In Barnett's case they've invested a 1st round pick. They're not going to let a 1st rounder rot on the bench... besides, Barnett can play a little, he stays healthy (he should, he's never involved in any collisions), he works hard, he has good speed, etc.

You do bring up an interesting point though... what do they see that I, or we, don't??? Maybe you, or someone could explain what they saw in Jamaal Reynolds??? or BJ Sander, or Antwan Edwards, or John Michaels, or Fred Vinson, etc... The list of Packer high draft pick busts is exhaustive. The second they drafted Reynolds I knew is was a bad pick. What did they see that I didn't???

If you like a LB that can't take on and shed, can't hold the point of attack, gets washed away in traffic, isn't a hitter, takes bad angles, and can't blitz - then Barnett is your man.

Give me a LB like Hawk or Hodge any day... no comparison between those two and Barnett. The very fact that the Packers drafted those two gives me some hope that maybe, just maybe they can get this defense turned around.

[Partial]

Great to have you here wist.

I am pleased that TT is turning our powderpuff squad into a group of men. Hodge hits like a mofo and Hawk will also be a very solid player. Good stuff if you ask me.

[wist43]

Good to see ya partial...

I really like Hodge too... I don't see how they can keep him off the field. Even if they have to play him out of position, he needs to be on the field.

Manuel and Collins are both physical hitters, and now Hawk and Hodge make the second level of the defense much tougher as well...

I'm actually encouraged with the direction the defense is moving... now, if they only had a pass rush???

[Patler]

You do bring up an interesting point though... what do they see that I, or we, don't??? Maybe you, or someone could explain what they saw in Jamaal Reynolds??? or BJ Sander, or Antwan Edwards, or John Michaels, or Fred Vinson, etc... The list of Packer high draft pick busts is exhaustive. The second they drafted Reynolds I knew is was a bad pick. What did they see that I didn't???

Many of the guys you mentioned never really played much, so in answer to your question, in Reynolds case the coaches saw nothing, in Vinson's, Edward's and Michels' cases they probably saw hoped for potential. They never saw performance, because these guys were all quickly replaced. Sander is still somewhat questionable yet.

You really can't compare the coaches treatment toward and use of Barnett to these other guys. They have come to depend on Barnett much more than they ever did with the guys you listed.

[mraynrand]

I think tonight I'll fly to Vail and drink eggnog with Bob Thomas.

[wist43]

My point Shamrock, would be that they, the Packers scouts and coaches, saw enough in those guys to make them all very high draft picks...

Those of us out here in armchairland, scratched our heads and wondered what in the heck they were seeing that we weren't... It's not rocket science.

Enough of the grousing, however; I really like the draft, and am now optimitic enough about the upcoming season that I may upgrade my prediction for the season all the way up to 7-9 or 8-8.

As I've been saying, best case scenario would be for the Packers to be back to being competitive again by 2008... I think this draft gets us heading that direction.

[RashanGary]

I it takes a certain type of finesse player to man up on TE's in the pass game. Barnett is the only LB the Packers have that could be great in that area. I really hope they move Barnett to the strong side because that is where he is best suited. He needs to be covering TE's and eating up blocks on the outside.

Hodge is good enough that he should start and his only position is the middle. I really think Barnett is going to have to move outside. I hope so anyway.

[Partial]

I it takes a certain type of finesse player to man up on TE's in the pass game. Barnett is the only LB the Packers have that could be great in that area. I really hope they move Barnett to the strong side because that is where he is best suited. He needs to be covering TE's and eating up blocks on the outside.

Hodge is good enough that he should start and his only position is the middle. I really think Barnett is going to have to move outside. I hope so anyway.

For once we agree. I think Barnett should be the Sam for a year atleast. Hawk will probably initially struggle in pass coverage since they'll be more complex. Hawk is probably faster and better suited to cover the tight ends, but with his immense skill set I think he is better suited for the weak-side so he can blitz and flatten players.

I predict Hodge will start from day 1 in the middle in camp. He is smart and will be the hard nosed player we needed at Mike since Koonce left

That dude is nasty. He killed a man in front of their own mama for a ten speed, i've heard.

[RashanGary]

We agree on things Partial.....My opinions on football players are changing on what is expected out of a player. I think I was a little too caught up with athletes...At teh end of the day, football players like Palomalu and Ward are some of the biggest differences in the league. Athletes almost never fulfill thier potential....Ed Reed is not a great athlete..Acctually when you look around most of the stars in the league arn't the most tremendous atheletes...I think I was a little wrong on a few things....

[Patler]

Wist, my comment was in reply to your statement that Barnett was a first round pick, so they weren't about to let him rot on the bench. Actually, they have let some first rounders rot. They haven't done that with Barnett. They apparently see value in having him on the field. I think you are much too critical of him, for whatever reason, but I also know your opinion won't change!

I like some aspects of this years draft, but right now I am more interested in seeing if the 2005 class makes a step forward. Can Coston play? Will Underwood be able to contribute? (The guy can hit.) Will Poppinga recover, and can his intensity become infectious? What really does Montgomery have to offer? If these guys pan out, the turn-around would get a huge boost.

[Partial]

agreed with previous 2 posts

[wist43]

I agree, there is a lot of potential there... Poppinga was my favorite pick from last year. The severity of his injury is definitely a set back.

Coston, Underwood, and Montgomery??? It's anybody's guess... a year in the system, another year for their bodies and minds to mature, hopefully two of those guys will step up and contribute regularly from scrimmage, not just ST.

[Partial]

I have a hunch it may take a while longer for Coston and White. Both of those guys are projects. Hopefully they can get some playing time this year, but I don't foresee them being anything special this year. Maybe in the future though.

[RashanGary]

I agree...I'm starting to wonder about Coston and Hawkins...Pysically both of them have it but they have just not proven to be football players to this point.....

[Partial]

I think they are going to ride the roster for another year or two. They're prospects they wanted to develop because they were raw. I think they'll pan out in the end. OLineman generally just take time.