Top 20 UFA available

[retailguy]

Why would Dante Stallworth, a 2002ish draft pick, retire? He was picked 6th out of Tennessee in 2002 or 2003 I believe.

It was 13th in 2002. Picked ahead of javon walker.

Why would he retire? Because Merlin thinks he cannot play. And Merlin is NEVER wrong. :P

[Bretsky]

I'm sure Merlin meant NE will let him go

I know one thing about Free Agency. I will approach is much like I did this season.

I must admit I've enjoyed this season more than almost any; much of that was due to me stepping back with my fan like emotions and just figuring our chances of winning it all are so limited I'm just going to take the emotions out of it and sit back and watch and enjoy.

Once I did that I also think I became a more laid back poster

I will have absolutely no expectations whatsoever for TT going into free agency. Anything he does will be a bonus from my end.

Many argued that last year when we were still rebuilding was not the time to make one or two key signings because we were too far away from contention. For those who argued this, it seems to me that they should be all about TT taking a chance this year.

I think TT has done a great job deepening our level of talent via the draft and will continue his trade down style to keep doing so. I think he's setting our quality of talent up pretty well so we should be decent for many years.

I still wonder whether he's too much of a tight ass to play the free agent game; we surely have the money still sitting there on our cap for this year unused. Along with that I still wonder if the opportunity arose if he's be willing to take that chance some need to put us over the top.

Time will tell; like I said I'll enter free agency with no expectations at all so anything will be a bonus.

And I sure as hell won't attach TT signing free agents to a signature as long as I live.

[TennesseePackerBacker]

The Harrell pick has turned out phenomenal so far, are you kidding me? The Packers would be down to 2 starters right now and probably a midseason cut or something to fill-in. With Pickett now getting injured having Harrell is invaluable.

Harrell was probably the smartest pick of the top half of that draft, most of the posters here are just too blind to see that right now. Harrell is going in holding his own and not getting made to look silly, him being "solid" or "unspectacular" is a great sign right now. I wish I could find the statistics for the percentage of D-line 1st rounders that take a year or two before they even show a flash of anything, ex. Mario Williams from last year, Dwayne Robertson a few before that.

[Bretsky]

The Harrell pick has turned out phenomenal so far, are you kidding me? The Packers would be down to 2 starters right now and probably a midseason cut or something to fill-in. With Pickett now getting injured having Harrell is invaluable.

Harrell was probably the smartest pick of the top half of that draft, most of the posters here are just too blind to see that right now. Harrell is going in holding his own and not getting made to look silly, him being "solid" or "unspectacular" is a great sign right now. I wish I could find the statistics for the percentage of D-line 1st rounders that take a year or two before they even show a flash of anything, ex. Mario Williams from last year, Dwayne Robertson a few before that.

Completely disagree; I don't think we can classify it as a bust but certainly not phenominal.

TT expected Harrell to step into that rotation; at the beginning of the season he wasn't good enough to put a uniform on. Well below average talent like Colin Cole was outperforming him.

The only reason we use his name now is because we have several players injured. He's not playing at the level of a starter. But we're out of options.

I hope he develops over time; but up to this point I think it's fair for most to be at least slightly disappointed.

[Scott Campbell]

If Thompson does another "I am smarter then you" pick like Harrell, then he needs to be relieved of his GM duties.

I believe the "I am smarter than you pick" reference was made about Jones. Though I suppose that fact doens't conveniently fit into your latest I HATE TED lunacy.

[]{ilr]3]

Bob Sanders would be a great addition. I dont see how Indy can afford him after paying Manning, Harrison and Freeny!

[Scott Campbell]

TT expected Harrell to step into that rotation...

Source?

[Bretsky]

TT expected Harrell to step into that rotation...

Source?

Go back to packers.com and listen to his post draft interviews

[TennesseePackerBacker]

TT expected Harrell to step into that rotation...

Source?

Go back to packers.com and listen to his post draft interviews

I'm pretty sure TT expected Harrell to be a more long-term prospect, especially after only playing 3 games his senior year and being out of football for that long. Imagine what kind of shape the player has to get in to after that long of a layoff, and to top it off he's a lineman.

[Deputy Nutz]

Defensive tackle is a position where guys coming to the NFL from college usually struggle their first couple years. In college they can usually beat guys strictly on athletic ability or on strength. Technique is so important in the NFL on the defensive line. They have to be retaught everything. Harrell does well until he allows an offensive linemen to get inside him and lock on his shoulder pads. He doesn't get his hands extended on a regular basis. NFL coaching will help him with that. Harrell has as much talent as any defensive tackle on the roster, he just needs to take to coaching in the off-season and work on his health.

Anyways, Dallas Clark might be available on the free agent market, although Manning likes him. Indy has been developing their other tight ends so they might not franchise him. I like his ability to catch the ball, but in Indy's system he is freed up because of the two outside receivers and the slot back. He hardly ever lines up next to the offensive tackle, and he is a questionable blocker if he is asked to do so on the line. He is ok when he is split out and has to stalk block a safety or a defensive back.

I would take a hard look at some of the younger corners from the Patriots. G. Wilson A. Samuel.

LJ Smith has been hurt a lot, and would be a nice risk reward type player, pay him a little and he might perform at a pro bowl level which his talent should allow.

[Scott Campbell]

Thompson > Sherman? Don't bet on it.

Dude - get a grip on reality. You act like this is still in question. It's over. Thompon > Sherman. Hell, Millen > Sherman.

[Bretsky]

TT expected Harrell to step into that rotation...

Source?

Go back to packers.com and listen to his post draft interviews

I'm pretty sure TT expected Harrell to be a more long-term prospect, especially after only playing 3 games his senior year and being out of football for that long. Imagine what kind of shape the player has to get in to after that long of a layoff, and to top it off he's a lineman.

That could very well be; I won't argue fans expect immediate contributions from their first round selections. That might not have been fair to Harrell since our DL was a team strength. I'm kind of expecting GB to lose Corey Williams; if that happens we'll need Harrell to develop for next year

[Scott Campbell]

TT expected Harrell to step into that rotation...

Source?

Go back to packers.com and listen to his post draft interviews

Sorry B, I call BS until you can pinpoint a quote. Otherwise your assertation of Ted's mindset about the pick is nothing more than speculation. I'm sure he hoped Harrell would step into the rotation. But this line was deep, and cracking it would be no easy task.

[RashanGary]

meant to edit

[Bretsky]

TT expected Harrell to step into that rotation...

Source?

Go back to packers.com and listen to his post draft interviews

Sorry B, I call BS until you can pinpoint a quote. Otherwise your assertation of Ted's mindset about the pick is nothing more than speculation. I'm sure he hoped Harrell would step into the rotation. But this line was deep, and cracking it would be no easy task.

It's fine to call BS anytime you want; I really don't care enough to go Net Hunting for something that really doesn't mean a whole lot

Happy Holidays,
B