Looking Ahead to the Offseason UPDATED with Mock Draft

I'll take CWII please.

quote:

Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas

NFL comparison: Charles Woodson, Free agent

Vaccaro is the kind of hybrid safety NFL defensive coaches covet. The Texas standout is not only an outstanding hitter and playmaker against the run, but he is a terrific cover man with outstanding man-to-man skills, to boot. He can match up with tight ends and slot receivers in space, while also excelling as a deep-middle player in zone. Most importantly, Vaccaro displays the versatility to align anywhere in the back end, which makes him a valuable commodity as a playmaking safety in the middle of a sub-package. With the NFL quickly shifting to a league governed by the pass, Vaccaro is the prototypical safety needed to diffuse explosive offensive attacks.

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Kenny Vaccaro

McShay has him going to the Cowboys & Kiper has him going to the Bengals. Both in the first round of course

He'd be a nice complement to the Pack's cornerback who tackles like Brenda Vaccaro.

quote:

Originally posted by Boris:
That's why some fans are clamoring for a RB. Slow the game down on offense to give the defense a chance to catch their breath.

However....MM likes Madden/Pinball football. Get a lead & make the defense defend the lead.

This draft will be very interesting.

The sack total on Rodgers broke the 50 mark for the second time last year, and it's never been below 31 (the total in 2010, when he missed a game and a half. Flynn took 7 sacks in that span he missed). A portion of that number is on him, and the talent on the OL remains poor (particularly LT and C, the two most important positions when it comes to protecting a QB), but the biggest fault lies in the pass happy offense that McCarthy is in love with. If he doesn't start working to solve this sack problem, it will probably just be a matter of time until Rodgers gets more concussions or some other type of serious injury.

I used to believe the sacks were primarily a result of the system, and to a degree they are. More drop backs, more sacks.

But Rodgers was 10th this year in pass attempts, and only 2 of the 9 guys in front of him even broke 30 sacks.

Rodgers is responsible for his share, but I believe the number I've seen mentioned a few times only pins 10 on Rodgers. That still leaves the GB oline getting outperformed by a noticeable margin.

And for the record, I think we will all live with the sacks that are on Rodgers since they beat INTs 10 times out of 10 and lead to the extended plays where he does some of his best work. Those could stand to come down with some more throwaways, but I'm far more concerned about the other 41.

That's interesting. I would have just guessed the Packers were in the top 5 in pass attempts. But I'd still like to take a look at the RB situation of those 9 teams in front of the Packers. I'd guess that at least a few of them have a quality every down RB that causes teams to throttle back on their eagerness to pin their ears back and rush the quarterback on nearly every down. As for the OL, I'm really hoping that they take a shot at a center in the first 2-3 rounds. Also, I'd really like to see Bulaga get a shot at taking the LT job. His arms are actually longer than Clifton's, so I don't buy this notion that he doesn't have the physical tools for the position.

Rodgers gets sacked, but he does not take a lot of big hits. He's able to survive because generally he is scrambling and gets dragged down. The hits that kill are the ones that are blind side, and I don't think I have ever seen Rodgers take a blind side blast. His elusiveness in the pocket prevents a lot of it, but also knowing his pre-snap reads and calling the right protections prevents the blast hits as well.

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Originally posted by chickenboy:
He'd be a nice complement to the Pack's cornerback who tackles like Brenda Vaccaro.

...I was thinking Sonny Vaccoro....but Brenda is even better!

Even on a routine take down, it's not all that unusual for a guy to get a leg or arm twisted in an awkward way as all the weight of his body and the other player's body is crashing down on it. A line that gives up 50+ sacks will give up at least a few of those big blindside hits (there were definitely a couple in that Seattle game), and even if Rodgers was never going to get hurt by all of these hits, it still loses a ton of yardage and kills many drives. If this continues, it's just a matter of time until he breaks his hand or gets more concussions, even if 95% of the hits aren't really major.

An interesting list of those likely to be available at 26

Likely suspects

13 guys likely available for the 26th pick? Don't go too far out on that limb.

I was going to post my first mock draft, but have already made changes based on other teams moving guys up/down thier draft boards based on my speculation. I've sent my picks to patty already, so she should get them in the mail (2 or 3 weeks from now). That mock won't come out officially until version 1.1.4.56.3

Still waiting on my guy to get me some more 40 times.

Patty.

cake

@TyDunne
A lot of receivers talking today. USC's Robert Woods was just at the podium and said he's scheduled to meet with the Packers this week.


Clearly this means Thompson is drafting DEF in the 1st.

Analysis
Strengths
Productive potential number one receiver who can excel on any route on the tree due to good foot quickness and shifty hips. Runs solid comeback routes and uses sharp cuts on skinny posts to free himself. Possesses good vision and a strong burst with the ball in his hands. Flashes the ability to catch passes away from his frame with his hands. Can make catches in traffic and track passes over his shoulder. At times shows the strength and agility to spin out of tackle attempts in the secondary. Willing to go over the middle, take a hit and hang on. Has the speed to run past defenders, but also uses his long arms to create space from defenders downfield. Gives his quarterback a target when plays break down by going deep or coming across the field. Does his job as a downfield blocker on run plays, mixes it up with multiple targets if necessary.
Weaknesses
Lean upper and lower body builds, strength is an issue when trying to get off the jam, fight for 50-50 balls. Has more than his share of drops in some games, fails to squeeze the ball with his hands to secure it. Settles for body-catches over when high-pointing passes over defenders. Could step in as a kickoff or punt returner in a pinch due to his willingness to run through traffic, but lacks the elusiveness and pure speed most NFL teams covet. Had surgery on his right ankle during the 2012 offseason, did not participate in spring practice.
NFL Comparison
James Jones
Bottom Line
The Trojans receiver racked up big numbers throughout his career with quarterback Matt Barkley due to his foot quickness and burst after the catch, though the right ankle that bothered him at multiple parts of his career must continue to stay healthy. Woods needs to catch the ball more consistently downfield if he wants to be a top receiver for a team in the NFL, but right now the junior thrives on short to intermediate patterns.

@TyDunne
Ball at the podium now. Wisconsin RB says he has met with the Packers. Patterned game after Terrell Davis. Thinks he runs like Curtis Martin


Clearly this means Thompson is drafting OFF in the 1st.

patty and I see things different on Ball. She is opposed to Ball, feels sacks will be a problem. See see's Balls play, makes her think of Curtis Paul Enis. Not a fan. In the other hand, I like Ball.

Sacks and Balls

freak patty out

(is this the start of a haiku?)

quote:

Te'o says Packers are one of two teams with which he has visited at combine
By Tom Silverstein of the Journal Sentinel Feb. 23, 2013 1:45 p.m.

Indianapolis - Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o, the subject of much controversy surrounding a fake girlfriend and a prank, said at the NFL scouting combine Saturday that the Green Bay Packers were one of two teams he had visited with so far.

Te'o said he had 18 visits set up and planned to be honest about the incident that has drawn national attention and forced Te'o and his family into hiding.

This was only the third time since news of the incident broke that he has spoken publicly about his ordeal. He declined to get into specifics of the hoax played on him or why he helped perpertrate a story that he had a long-distance relationship with a woman who died of leukemia.

The fact the Packers visited with Te'o is not a total surprise. The Packers have an interest in inside linebackers Te'o could be available when they pick 26th in the first round.

Teams are limited to 30 visits of 15-minutes in duration at the combine, so they pick players carefully. The visits can consist of asking a player to diagnose a play to questions about a tattoo on his arm.

Te'o said he was being completely honest with teams and hoped that would be good enough.

"Some go to certain lengths and some just ask me to give a short overview and then just get to business about football," Te'o said.

horrible judgement aside, where should he be drafted? Late first sounds about right.

Teo is Nick Barnett all over again to me. And, no, that's not a good thing.

Yep.

And considering the kinds of players TT's managed in the 2nd round (Nick Collins, Jordy, Cobb, Jennings etc) I honestly don't know that I'd want him in the 2nd either. Hopefully he's just taken higher in the 1st (Bears) and the Packers don't have to consider him.

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Originally posted by Tdog:
Teo is Nick Barnett all over again to me. And, no, that's not a good thing.

Notwithstanding the fantastic built in comedy, I would agree. Nothing but hype around him and that phony ass ND program.

this years Bushea McClellin

He got really manhandled in the game against Bama and I question if he's stout and tough enough to play effectively in the pros. No thanks

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Originally posted by packerboi:

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Te'o says Packers are one of two teams with which he has visited at combine

Which means he'll never be a Packer this year.

Ted setting the market? Glowing statements to come?

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Originally posted by Tom Tedson:
"We like him as a player."

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Originally posted by Iowacheese:
this years Bushea McClellin

You dumdums wouldn't know a talented TE LB if he slapped you upside the head

obtuse

C'mon now. I had to look twice because I thought you were Phaedrus.

Pick a different avatar please. One that nobody else has claimed

sorry...won't happen again

Better than Phaedrus avatar.

I expected nothing less

I've got some spare Justine Hénin avatars I'm not using. Would you like to assign one of them to Iowacheese?

T'eo news conference reaction.

He speaks, doesn't impress

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Combine medical test reveals Star Lotulelei has heart condition
Posted by Michael David Smith on February 24, 2013, 5:39 PM EST

APStar Lotulelei, a defensive tackle from Utah who is widely viewed as one of the best players in this year’s draft, was found to have a heart condition when examined at the Scouting Combine.

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports that Lotulelei’s left ventricle is pumping at 44 percent efficiency, below the normal range of 55 percent to 70 percent. As a result, Lotulelei will leave Indianapolis without going through any workouts.

Lotulelei’s condition was discovered via an echocardiogram conducted as part of the normal Combine medical evaluation. He will now return home to Utah to undergo more tests.

ESPN’s Scouts, Inc. ranks Lotulelei as the No. 1 overall player in this year’s draft, at any position. NFL Network’s Mike Mayock calls Lotulelei the second-best defensive tackle in the draft.

After reading this I sure hope if Ball is still on the board in the 3rd TT takes and he damn well better take him if he still there in the 4th.

There will a lot of teams that move Ball down their board due to the amount of carries he had in his career of Wisconsin, but there are a few teams that need a good, reliable running back now and are not worried about his longevity in the league that will be prepared to pounce on the Badger back. As a result, Ball could come off the board as early as the 3rd round but projects as more of a 4th round or even 5th round back in an incredibly deep and competitive class. Make no mistake; whoever takes Ball, they going to expect him to come in and compete for carries immediately and depending on the team, he could end up as a starter during his rookie year