Rather than continue to argue the positives and negatives of Dan Compers, I'm interested in some of the other potentially big moves this offseason...
1. Greg Jennings
I think there's a possibility Jennings gets the Tag and Trade. Miami is loaded up with picks after trading Vontae Davis for a 2nd round pick (Indy) and Brandon Marshall for a 3rd round pick (Chitcago). Miami got the equivalent of a mid-2nd round pick for Marshall (two 3rds), but I can't imagine getting that kind of value for Jennings. He's older and has more of an injury history. As far as Miami goes, maybe GB could trade their 2nd (58) and Jennings for Miami's 2nd (44) and maybe another pick? I can't imagine Jennings wouldn't be amenable to this kind of deal. This is just an idea, but I do think there would be a market for GJ.
2. Unrestricted Free Agents
The list of UFA's looks like: RB Cedric Benson, WR Donald Driver, WR Greg Jennings, C/G Evan Dietrich-Smith, RB Ryan Grant, ILB Brad Jones, WR Jeremy Ross, and OLB Erik Walden.
- Jennings I have already discussed.
- Driver will try to move on, but I can't imagine there is a market for him...I think he retires.
- I can't see Ryan Grant re-signed. I think they will keep his number on speed dial during the season though.
- Benson is a tough one. They seemed to really praise him a lot for his play and his attitude, but I think they are going to pass on bringing him back.
- I think they re-sign EDS to a modest deal. He's a good back-up/utility player. I think they covet his versatility.
- Ross gets re-signed to a minimal deal IMO. I think he's in the plans.
- I think they let Walden and Jones test free agency. I can't imagine they will find many interested teams. Ultimately I think both are re-signed to compete in TC.
My big question is about UFA's NOT from Green Bay. Here are a couple guys I think would be solid additions:
- OLB Manny Lawson (Cincy)
He was available a couple years ago and the Packers were interested. He hasn't done much at Cincy, but he has been playing DE instead of OLB there. He's only 28 and I think still has some talent. Kevin Greene has done more with less talented OLBs.
- RB Shonn Greene (NYJ)
Sounds like the NYJ are done with the pounding offense. Greene is a workhorse though and has been productive in that role. I think you could sign Greene to a deal similar to what Michael Bush signed in Chicago a year ago which is around 16 million over 4 years. Not a huge commitment at all. GB has a bunch of role players at RB, but no true workhorse.
- S Jairus Byrd (Buffalo)
Sounds like they're working on a new deal with him and may even franchise him, but I'm hoping GB would be interested if he hits FA. He's a ballhawk and has done really well for Buffalo the last few years. Definitely would be an upgrade over MD Jennings/McMillan.
- DL Henry Melton (Chitcago)
I'd rather sign this guy than play against him. When he hasn't had injuries, he has shown game changing ability. I think he could be added to the DL rotation really thrive.
- ILB Brian Urlacher (Chitcago)
Might be blasphemous for a Packer fan and is probably a pipe dream, but I think he could do very well ending his career in GB. He has lost a step, but you don't have to cover the same range as a 34 ILB as you do as a 43 MLB. He's still strong, he's still very savvy, and I'd be willing to bet he's hungry to win a championship...something that has been put on hold with the coaching change.
3. Restricted Free Agents
Here's a list of the Packers RFA's: CB Sam Shields, WR Jarrett Boykin, TE Tom Crabtree, ILB Robert Francois, OLB Frank Zombo.
- Sam Shields will get the 2nd round tender. He's not good enough for the 1st round tender and we could survive if someone threw a 2nd round pick at him really.
- Boykin and Crabtree I think they give the low tender to. They're not worth more money, and I doubt anyone would sign them. If they did then we have replacements.
- I don't think they will tender Francois and Zombo. I think they let them become UFA's and test the market. Ultimately they may be re-signed, but they're not long for this team IMO.
4. The Draft
It's hard to gauge specific players at this point, but here is my list of draft needs:
1. Interior OL...either draft a Guard and shift Lang inside or draft a Center. It has to be a priority though.
2. Safety...I don't see Jennings, McMillan, or Burnett ever replacing Nick Collins or having that kind of impact. They need to find a Safety early.
3. ILB...I've made my feelings on this position known. Gotta find a player to pair with Bishop. Maybe Manning is the guy, but I don't think it hurts to bring in another quality ILB.
4. WR...Losing Jennings and Driver hurts. They are still 3 deep with quality WRs, but I'd still look for one early or in the mid-rounds.
5. Interior OL...they need depth.
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