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Looking Ahead to the Offseason UPDATED with Mock Draft

Grave DiggerGrave DiggerMember
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.
Last edited {1}
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HerschelHerschelMember
Shonn Greene is a younger Benson as Benson is today: Pedestrian. No thanks. I'd rather see them sign Javon Ringer. Otherwise I mostly agree but I wouldn't be surprised if they pursue Jones a bit prior to Free Agency with a low-end deal. I could also see TT standing pat at Safety and drafting another corner instead.
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BrainDedBrainDedMember
1. Jennings.

I agree with the tag at this point, but would want more than a moving up 14 slots if we were to trade him. I don't care if Greg doesn't like it, in the end, he will Wes Welker it and produce.


2. Unrestricted.

- Driver, he won't be a Packer.
- Grant, he won't be a Packer. We have Harris, Green, Starks and will add via draft. Not the greatest group, but is Grant better than any of those much younger backs?
- Benson, see Grant.
- EDS, hope the resign him. He might have to start at C one more season before moving back to utility while we draft a long term solution.
- Ross, like you said, minimal deal.

3. RFA

- Shields, agree with 2nd round tender.
- Crabtree is the only other guy I would tender. Low.

4. Draft needs

1. ILB
2. Nose tackle.. Raji may depart, Pickett farts dust.
3. Center
4. Safety
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packerboipackerboiI lick rainbows
I've long stopped predicting or holding out any kind of hope of TT being active in FA but he also shocked me with signing Jeff Saturday and going out and getting Ced Benson. 2 moves at the time that made sense and very much was out of the norm for him.

Just maybe TT has opened up to the idea that it isn't only drafting that can improve his team. I fully expect he will largely remain a draft and developement team but Im at least a little more hopeful he will explore FA with more aggression.

2 interesting TE UFA's IMO that TT could find reasonable if indeed they cut JerMichael:

Fred Davis (WAS) - Entering this season, Davis was expected to blossom after finishing his breakout 2011 season with 796 yards. With an improved quarterbacking situation, Davis should have been in line for a big payday entering his prime. Unfortunately, he tore an Achilles tendon midway through the year after playing in a more run- heavy offense leading to less receiving opportunities. Though Washington is still in play, Davis will likely strike a short "prove it" deal regardless of where he goes.

Martellus Bennett (NYG) - With 611 yards and fewer drops than expected, Bennett flourished in New York. His size and ability to attack the middle of the field fills a void the Giants have on offense. Recent history suggests the Giants won't overpay for a tight end, but a fair deal should keep the former Dallas underachiever in New York, where they value the balance he brings to the position.
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PackerRussPackerRussDo I amuse you?!
quote:
Originally posted by BrainDed:

2. Unrestricted.

- Driver, he won't will ALWAYS be a Packer.


FTFY

I don't want to hijack the thread, just wanted to put that out there. Driver won't be on the team, but he will ALWAYS be a Packer!
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turnip bloodturnip bloodMember
Jennings will not be tagged and traded. The Tag number for wides this year is close to 11 million, Jennings will not get 9 million on the open market. Just like Flynn last year if the Packers attempt to tag and tade they will get burned.
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"We"-Ka-Bong"We"-Ka-BongYou ungrateful biscuit eating son of a bitch
Shields is a tough one. Not worth the high tender IMFGTO, but some team would get a steal signing Sam and only losing a second round pick.

quote:
Originally posted by turnip blood:
Just like Flynn last year if the Packers attempt to tag and tade they will get burned.


and unlike Flynn, the burn would be a guy playing WR in 2013, not holding a clipboard. Different animal.
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GBFanForLifeGBFanForLifeLarge Member
quote:
- 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.


NFW
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Johnny BoyJohnny BoyMember
Green Bay needs to keep its impact players and add more via draft/free agency. OK, TT says no to free agency so we need a big draft. 10.3 Mil for Jennings is to much to pay. He will end up like Flynn. We get nothing for him. Safety is suppose to be deep this year so I'd say go O-Line 1st if top guy available then best available safety later. Our D would benefit greatly if the O could generate long drives, keep them fresher. Maybe a big running back is in our future.
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PakrzPakrzFREEZE!
1 - Jennings:

I think the tag and trade might be a pipe dream. You have to have a willing player to do something like that and I'm not getting the vibe from Jennings that he would be interested. I think he simply wants the most money he can get and expects the freedom to do so.

2 - UFA:

Driver is done in GB and I'd be surprised if any team wanted him.
Grant is done too but as suggested, not a bad guy to have on speed dial.
I see no reason why you wouldn't bring Benson back to compete in camp.
Something tells me EDS will be the starting C next year.
Ross should be back. He had a bad muff on the punt but he's a promising PR/KR.
Agree on Walden and Jones testing FA. I expect them both back though in backup roles.

I haven't looked ahead at pending FA players from other teams if for no other reason than TT normally stays away from it. I think there's too many players to re-sign in GB for TT to go out shopping for a guy that can make an impact.

3 - RFA:

A 2nd round tender is probably good enough for Shields but I'd match the offer if another team signed him. Young CB's that can play are very hard to find.
I could take or leave Boykin and Crabtree. Neither one of them are all that impressive.
Francois isn't terrible. Zombo has no business being in GB.

4 - Draft:

I'd like to see a heat-seeking missile at MLB taken high in the draft. I'm also not convinced Perry is the answer at OLB opposite CMIII. He looks more like a DE to me than an OLB. A C is also a good possibility. I think you can get by with EDS but he'll never be great. You know TT is taking a WR and a TE as well. I think we are good at T and G but taking a G/C makes some sense.
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RochNyFanRochNyFanMember
Not sure why so many think the tag and trade with Jennings won't work. To me, it is a no-brainer. If we have no takers, we have an excellent receiver for one year at @ $11 million. Or, we find a trading partner and pick up a draft pick or player that better fits our needs. As for Jennings, he has little leverage. If he doesn't like it, he sits home and does not get paid. No different for GB than if they just let him walk.
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HerschelHerschelMember
Beecause in any sign & trade you need to be prepared to sign & keep AT THAT PRICE.

The Vikings gomers are already salivating over Jennings in purple but I'll laugh if Spielman sticks to his guns on "draft & develop" and they whine for another season because the Vikings don't sign any shiny's either.
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The HecklerThe HecklerMember
I am too lazy to look but what is the Packer cap situation for next year? Could they keep Jennings at $11 million? I also like the idea of a sign and trade thing for him but I have a tough time seeing TT doing that.

I also was very interested in seeing TT testing FA with Benson and Saturday last off season. I have to wonder will that sour him more on FA or will his hand be forced and have to at least think about going that route for some help?

To me I think that the places ROTTT needs to concentrate are the front 7 on defense particularily at ILB get a better pass rusher at DE/OLB. Next I think would have to be center. IMHO they need an anchor in the middle and I think Jones from Alabama would be a good fit due to his versatility.

I guess with all of that said I fully trust ROTTT and he will do what is best for the team.
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packerboipackerboiI lick rainbows
quote:
Not sure why so many think the tag and trade with Jennings won't work. To me, it is a no-brainer. If we have no takers, we have an excellent receiver for one year at @ $11 million


As much as I can appreciate a healthy Greg Jennings, that's a very expensive WR who has missed 11 games in the past 2 seasons and who fills a role nearly identical to Cobb (both are best in the same slot position).

Jennings only good game this season came when Cobb was held out of it and Jennings filled his role. The problem is you have 2 players who excel best in the very same role. Now maybe a more creative OC finds ways to use them both on the field effectively but that wasn't what Tom Clements seemingly was able to do. Either Jennings played really well and produced or Cobb did. It never happened that both were having breakout performances in the same game.

The 2nd part to that is do you really want a malcontented Greg Jennings feeling like he's forced to be on this team and is otherwise losing out on millions? Ya sure, we can sit here and say "too bad so sad" Greg but we've all seen accross the NFL how a jaded team mate can really mess with team chemistry. No thanks I have no desire to see that.
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Grave DiggerGrave DiggerMember
I agree Roch, I thought it was a no brainer to tag and trade Jennings. It doesn't have to be contentious issue, I'm sure there will be a market for Jennings. Give him a choice of destinations which could include Miami, New York, etc. He probably would have had to pick from those teams anyway. He also will have to sign a deal anyway. Tag him, if no one wants him, rescind it and we neither lose or gain anything. If he walks we gain nothing.
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HerschelHerschelMember
quote:
Originally posted by Grave Digger:
I don't think he's as good as Zeitler, from what I've seen, but he's the 2nd best Guard and probably the 2nd best Center in the draft.


This is what I find tough to gauge. Does scarcity push him up a bit? I could see TT trading down and taking him but #26 seems awfully high.
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F FLPACKERMember
quote:
Originally posted by RochNyFan:
Not sure why so many think the tag and trade with Jennings won't work. To me, it is a no-brainer. If we have no takers, we have an excellent receiver for one year at @ $11 million. Or, we find a trading partner and pick up a draft pick or player that better fits our needs. As for Jennings, he has little leverage. If he doesn't like it, he sits home and does not get paid. No different for GB than if they just let him walk.


....alot of speculation that we'd do this with Flynn last season & it never appeared to come close to happening. It is against the rules (I know that teams have circumvented it) & I don't think that TT wants to be seen in the same light as NE.
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trumptrumpMember
quote:
Originally posted by Herschel:
Beecause in any sign & trade you need to be prepared to sign & keep AT THAT PRICE.

The Vikings gomers are already salivating over Jennings in purple but I'll laugh if Spielman sticks to his guns on "draft & develop" and they whine for another season because the Vikings don't sign any shiny's either.


Yeah, but to not sign any free agents and waste Christian Ponders best years?

A QB like that only comes around every so often ...
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BeerGuyBeerGuyMember
quote:
Originally posted by FLPACKER:
It is against the rules (I know that teams have circumvented it) & I don't think that TT wants to be seen in the same light as NE.


I don't see how the situation is really any different than the Corey Williams one. Thompson did it then, I think he would be fine with doing it again if they can live with the one year deal in the event no trade happens.
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PackerRussPackerRussDo I amuse you?!
quote:
Originally posted by chickenboy:
Best news of the offseason so far...

Drew Olson ‏@DrewOlsonMKE Breaking news from "Tuesdays with Aaron" -- Rodgers won't play in Pro Bowl.


Not really shocking, considering how bad he called out the game and the performances of most players last year. The game is a joke, the NFLFU needs to replace it with something different, (skills contest or something).
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sschumer - Packer Fan HoF'rsschumer - Packer Fan HoF'rMember
quote:
Originally posted by Grave Digger:
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.


I thought EDS was restricted, no?
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GBFanForLifeGBFanForLifeLarge Member
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth

quote:
In an interview with NFL Radio, free-agent-to-be Cliff Avril said he could play in either a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive scheme and that he'd prefer to play somewhere on a natural playing surface. "As far as what I would prefer, I definitely wouldn't mind playing on grass,
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titmfatiedtitmfatiedNo Code
quote:
Originally posted by packerboi:
Jennings only good game this season came when Cobb was held out of it and Jennings filled his role. The problem is you have 2 players who excel best in the very same role. Now maybe a more creative OC finds ways to use them both on the field effectively but that wasn't what Tom Clements seemingly was able to do. Either Jennings played really well and produced or Cobb did. It never happened that both were having breakout performances in the same game.
To be fair they were barely both on the field healthy for the whole season. Greg first with the groin and then Cobb with the knee/ankle/flu at the end. We never really got to see how creative they could be with both at full strength.

Having Cobb in the backfield and Jennings in the slot is a package no other team in football can replicate.

I'm not beyond getting a little sketchy with the cap in a future year to make a run next year but I don't think it even needs to come to that if you want to try a tag and trade. If he stays it shouldn't be that tough to cut some fat from the cap. It wouldn't be unfair to ask Woody (if they don't cut him), Hawk (or him), Tramon, Crosby (is there anyone more deserving of a salary cut?), or Kuhn to shed some of their salary and all of a sudden Greg's one year tag looks real manageable.
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