Looking Ahead to the Offseason UPDATED with Mock Draft

quote:

Originally posted by Grave Digger:
Oh wow I didn't realize South Carolina still had a football team! Good for them!

GB has drafted many USC players. Sterling Sharp and Robert Brooks come to mind.

So does Troy Williamson

speaking of Troy....the last time the vikes had (2) first round picks ahead of GB they selected Troy Williamson and Erasmus James, leaving the Packers stuck with Aaron Rodgers

Hope it works out as well this time around !

Here are the players I think Thompson would most likely be looking at if he sticks at 26 -- though I'm hoping he trades down into 2nd, picks up an extra 3rd:

DL Sylvester Williams (likely gone), John Jenkins, Datone Jones
Gone: S. Floyd, S. Lotulelei, S. Richardson
Don't think he goes for T. Carridine (4-3), B. Werner (4-3), D. Moore (4-3), Margus Hunt (intriguing, but no because of age/durability/better athlete than football player), Kawann Short (attitude, 2nd rounder), Johnathan Hankins (2nd rder) or Jesse Williams (2nd rdr)

OT's D.J. Fluker (likely gone), Menelik Watson
Gone: OT's L. Joeckel, E. Fisher, L. Johnson, G's C. Warmack, J. Cooper
Just don't see taking another OT #1 with Bulaga, Sherrod, Newhouse, Barclay and Datko on board. And none of these guys likely to move to G or C. Could see taking a Warmack or Cooper, moving T.J. Lang to C -- but don't expect them to be available. OT Terron Armstead more likely a 2nd rounder

LB's Jarvis Jones (likely gone), Alec Ogletree
Gone: D. Jordan, Z. Ansah, B. Mingo
Don't think he'll touch Ogletree based on character concerns, logjam with ILB's already on roster. See K. Minter, A. Brown as 2nd rounders. D. Moore more a 4-3 DE, but some project as a 3-4 OLB. Don't see us doing that two years in a row re: Nick Perry.

Longshots: C T. Frederick, HB E. Lacy, TE T. Eifert
Most things I read have Frederick a 2nd rounder. Same with Lacy -- also don't think worth #26. Eifert worth #26, but pure luxury pick, assumes Finley 100% gone in 2014 -- and I don't think Thompson or McCarthy see that way.

I don't see us taking any QB, WR, CB or S at 26
Gone: S K. Vaccaro
Don't see S' M. Elam (too short), J. Cyprien or E. Reid worth #26

Of all the above, I think he'd take Sylvester Williams if there, but highest possibilities of those likely available: John Jenkins or Datone Jones. Because Jenkins just a run stopper, Jones more valuable, most likely pick.

Did I miss anybody? What do you think?

Great write up as usual sschumer

@ 26, I hope one of those DL's is on the board. Last year GB grabbed Worthy and Daniels to add some pass rush to the sub packages, now they need some beef in base.

Does Jesse Williams fit or is that too early for him ?

Almost every draft site talks about how Eddie Lacy isn't worth a 1st round pick, but I'm curious what it is that people are seeing that make them think that. He was downright dominant, no matter the competition. Yes he had a really good OLine in front of him, but he didn't just get 4 yards and go down at first contact. He ran over DEs, LBs, and DBs and ripped off a lot of huge runs.

It's true the franchise/bellcow RB isn't as necessary as it used to be, especially in the Packers offense, but have there not been times when having a really good RB could have changed the game for GB? Lacy can be a role player, but he can also be a game changer in my opinion...just like Frank Gore.

patty, joe, joe and I think he can be a first rounder if one of the gm's decide to take him that early.

Time will tell. He's a first rounder on paper.

quote:

Originally posted by Satori:
Great write up as usual sschumer

Does Jesse Williams fit or is that too early for him ?

Thanks Satori. I don't know about Jesse Williams. I've seen some mocks where he goes late first. Reads to me like John Jenkins -- purely a run-stopper. But Jenkins bigger, I think higher rated by most. Some of Pro Football Weekly's comments: "Positives are outstanding strength, terrific straight-line speed, high-motor, tough and durable; Negatives are very top heavy, short arms, average quickness, minimal sack production (one-trick pony), questionable instincts, durability a concern." That just doesn't seem to me to add up for us at 26.

quote:

Originally posted by Grave Digger:
Almost every draft site talks about how Eddie Lacy isn't worth a 1st round pick, but I'm curious what it is that people are seeing that make them think that. He was downright dominant, no matter the competition. Yes he had a really good OLine in front of him, but he didn't just get 4 yards and go down at first contact. He ran over DEs, LBs, and DBs and ripped off a lot of huge runs.

It's true the franchise/bellcow RB isn't as necessary as it used to be, especially in the Packers offense, but have there not been times when having a really good RB could have changed the game for GB? Lacy can be a role player, but he can also be a game changer in my opinion...just like Frank Gore.

GD, maybe this says it all, not sure: http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/202556731.html Seems most reputable mocks have him in 2nd round. Pro Football Weekly though agrees with you -- terrific write-up, has him in late first: "A powerful, workhorse back..would fit most ideally as a smashmouth, downhill, zone power runner for a team such as the Bengals, Steelers, Falcons, Patriots or Packers." Certainly exciting to think of pairing him with D. Harris. But when PFW adds "Questionable work habits, focus and commitment to the game," those are all things I think Thompson requires for his draft choices -- especially for his premium picks.

Lacy's coming off a hammy injury so it's not surprising he wasn't quite "up to snuff" for his workout.

quote:

Originally posted by sschumer:
I don't see us taking any QB, WR, CB or S at 26
Gone: S K. Vaccaro
Don't see S' M. Elam (too short), J. Cyprien or E. Reid worth #26

Did I miss anybody? What do you think?

Elam's height isn't seemingly a big deal to Thompson. Collins was only 5'11" in his Stalone Shoes, Peprah was 5'9". He seems less stringent on height in the safety spots than corner if the guy can play.

Collins was 5-11 1/8. Since Marviel Underwood, every defensive back that Thompson has drafted has been a legitimate 5-11+. If Thompson drafts Elam, it would have to be considered a tendency-breaker.

Based on his past picks, Thompson sure seems to prefer the following:

-Quarterback
Every one he's drafted has been a legitimate 6-2+.

-Running Back (excluding fullbacks)
Has only picked four but no scat-backs to this point (all 210 pounds or better). Three of the four (7th rounder DeShawn Wynn being the exception) caught at least 27 passes during their final (playing) college season.

-Wide Receiver
Physical and athletic attributes seem to be meaningless at this position. Most were very productive players during their college careers.

-Tight Ends
All about production in the passing game and upside as a pass-catcher in the NFL. Only recent deviation from that is Ryan Taylor and Ryan was drafted for his special teams play, not his offensive potential.

-Offensive linemen
This is where Thompson has really changed gears. Early on he showed a definite preference for short-armed, squatty "trench-battler" types. But the last two drafts he's gone more for the athletic, linear types.

-Defensive front seven
Applies to both defensive linemen and linebackers...definitely prefers "athletes" over "players." There haven't been too many guys that have had below average workout numbers that Thompson has taken, and he certainly isn't scared off by the "taking plays off" reputation.

-Defensive backs
Last year was very revealing because the Packers were going to take a couple defensive backs regardless but there weren't many size/speed combo players available that Thompson had previously shown a preference for (like Davon House, Patrick Lee, etc). He ended up going with height over speed with the picks. Every defensive back that Thompson has picked in the last seven drafts has been a legitimate 5-11+.

It will be interesting to see if Thompson sticks with these preferences during the upcoming draft or if he'll go in some different directions. Personally I'd like to see much more attitude than what they currently get out of their front seven and wouldn't mind seeing the Packers taking a couple players there that would bring a little "edge" with them even if they aren't the greatest athletes.

So if no player meets the above listed criteria I guess TT will just pass.

Lacy could change the entire dynamic of the Packer offense. With him, we could've closed out the Seahawk game instead of giving it back to them in 3 plays. I'd love to take a chance on him. No more need for 5 wides on 3rd and 2, or inside the five yrd line either.

I don't disagree with you about Lacy, but the line and Kuhn blew that first block and so we'll never know if they could have closed out that last drive. I think they were like 2nd and 16 after that missed block.

quote:

Thompson will add 2 impact players with his 1st two picks

quote:

Originally posted by Green Crustacean:
I don't disagree with you about Lacy, but the line and Kuhn blew that first block and so we'll never know if they could have closed out that last drive. I think they were like 2nd and 16 after that missed block.

A big-time runner would be nice, but getting better at fullback and on the line is just as important.

I concur. We need a better fullback. Love Kuhn, but it is time.

quote:

Originally posted by ammo:
So if no player meets the above listed criteria I guess TT will just pass.

Hey! It worked for the Vikings.

quote:

Originally posted by Grave Digger:
Oh wow I didn't realize South Carolina still had a football team! Good for them!

Thanks! You might get Lacy+ in the 4th or 5th.




Somebody's gamble will pay off. SOD 2013.

How did Joe Thiesman's leg get stuck under that kid's body?

I know the draftniks are saying he's not worth a 1st, but when I watch him I see a guy who can handle the load. He's not a runner that is going to threaten the edge, but he doesn't pretend to be. He knows what he does best and he does it really well. He's a downhill runner who fights through contact and gets tough yards. When you're talking about what he could potentially be worth to the offense, does it matter if 26 is 12 spots higher than so-and-so rated him? People said Clay Matthews wasn't worth wasn't worth what the Packers gave up for him (they don't say that now), but his impact was so huge that it was worth the sacrifice. It's not like we're talking about taking a projected 6th rounder in round 1, were talking about a guy many think should go in the 40's/50's at 26. If Thompson thinks he can make a major impact, I doubt a little overdrafting will bother him...it hasn't in the past.

Round 1: Hodor? Hodor, Hodor.

Round 2: Hodor

Round 2: (Hodor from Hodor) Hodor.

Round 3: Hodor!

Round 4: Hodor

Round 5: Hodor

Round 6: Hodor, hodor hodor.

Round 7: Hodor.

Hodor tendency hodor.

And it begins: the smokescreens, the obvious desires to move up/down, mocking the mocks.

From twitter, NFL draft buzz...

- Bucs reportedly "love" Tavon Austin, Jets high on Barkevious Mingo

- Raiders, Browns reportedly looking to trade down in the first round

- Jags narrow draft possibilities to two

quote:

Originally posted by sschumer:

Datone Jones more valuable, most likely pick.

What do you think?

Here is a link to Greg Cosell of NFL Films talking about the DL candidates, including Datone Jones

http://www.philadelphiaeagles....5a-8489-fbea6b588c27

quote:

Raiders, reportedly looking to trade down in the first round

Reggie running the show now. Of course he's looking to trade down. He needs players & lots of them. No smokescreen there. Hue Jackson handcuffed him with that ridiculous trade for Carson Palmer

I get the feeling ROTTT will be taking a guy in round 1 none of the mocks have projected...or trading down.

or not

Tendency

http://www.jsonline.com/sports...9kf8o-203862411.html

Oh yeah...sign me up for a highly gifted, but lazy player.

Out of shape for his pro day? Give me an effin break...

Pass.

quote:

Originally posted by PackFoo:
Draft time silent killer

......he hadn't been able to train hard because of the hamstring, in addition when doing drills at the combine, you wait in line & get to catch your breath, not so much on pro day...again, alot being made of nothing, this guy will be a good player & is an upgrade over anyone we have.

But does he like & enjoy playing football?

Get exclusive draft analysis

From the article,

quote:

"Sqor is so simple... I was sold right away. This is a great way for athletes to grow their fan base," said Favre. "Sqor cuts out the middle man and allows athletes unfiltered access to their fans."

He spelled paid wrong.

quote:

Sqor takes Brett Favre.... and places them in the palm of your hand, providing the most engaging relationship platform in sports.

Sqor should have done a little background on the old texter. Bad choice of words.

Brett Favre as the go to source for draft insight. That's priceless.

Bovada gaming has the following odds.


2013 NFL Draft - Draft Position
Marcus Lattimore - Over/Under 84½

Tavon Austin - Over/Under 13½

Manti Te'o - Over/Under 25½

Eddie Lacy - Over/Under 22½

Tyrann Mathieu - Over/Under 75½

Since TT took over, draft stats of the NFC North:

Total picks:
GB - 76
CHI - 60
MN- 59
DET- 59

Games played by those picks:
GB - 2,880
CHI - 1,990
MN - 1,914
DET - 1,782

Games played per pick:
GB - 38
CHI - 33.2
MN - 32.4
DET - 30.2

Pro Bowls
GB - 15
CHI - 7
MN - 12
DET - 5

TT knows how to compile picks. He know's what to do with those picks. If not for some high draft picks that crapped out in ugly fashion, these numbers might really be slanted in GB's favor more than they are.

quote:

“I think in general philosophy, I’d rather have more (draft picks) than less, but at the end of the day I’d rather have more quality than anything,” Thompson said

Sooo, Austin likely to the Jets, Te'o to the Queens and Lacy or Lattimore to the Bengals. I just don't see a team spending a third on an angry Ganja Smurf.

2013 NFL Draft Dope Sheet
packers.com

there's a ton of info past the click including every pick TT has made and a breakdown of how many from each school.

quote:

If not for some high draft picks that crapped out in ugly fashion

Harrell & Brohm are who I was thinking.

Who were you thinking? Anyone different?

BJack did not turn out 2nd round production.

Sherrod?