Chris Borland.
Originally Posted by MichiganPacker:
If there is an issue in the first round (and I'm not sure TT is worse than any other GM in the first round), it may be because there is more pressure to draft for need or for the player to make an impact right away. Once you get past the first round, maybe TT feels more comfortable just drafting BPA.
I stopped thinking Ted operates that way when he drafted Aaron Rodgers.
maybe its just me, but I don't put as much stock in the first round pics (as GB's picks are all lower part of round) as I do the whole draft...I am thankful we got TT, he hits more than he whiffs, which has put us in a pretty good place for the next while.
Good point, pkr. It's the overall quality of a draft that keeps the cupboards restocked, not just making a splash at the top. Many "analysts" would have us believe if you miss on R1 that you failed, despite how well you did in the lower rounds. With the rookie cap today, it's not such a big deal if you don't do well at the top as long as you hit most other picks. In the pre-cap days, you could hamstring your team for years if you missed on R1 (see Bradford, Campbell, etc.).
Before the current CBA and the rookie cap and pool, the round a player was selected carried more weight because of the financial implications. Now, really doesn't matter much where you get your new players. Draft or street FA, as long as they win a spot on the 53 and contribute to keeping the Packers contenders is what fans should want.
Originally Posted by Hungry5:
Thompson, Wolf, and Highsmith at the Badgers pro-day? Who might they be interested in?
Lunch at Forequarter?
30: R1P30
DT MICHAEL BENNETT OHIO STATE
62: R2P30
G TRE' JACKSON
FLORIDA STATE
94: R3P30
CB RONALD DARBY FLORIDA STATE
126: R4P30
OT CEDRIC OGBUEHI TEXAS A&M
158: R5P30
CB NICK MARSHALL AUBURN
190: R6P30
ILB TREY DEPRIEST ALABAMA
222: R7P30
ILB CURTIS GRANT OHIO STATE
@TomOatesWSJ: From #Badgers pro day: RB Gordon caught ball well, OT Havenstein improved bench from 16 to 20, DL Herring & WR Doe killed it athletically.
@TomOatesWSJ: Also from #Badgers pro day: UW-Whitewater WR Jake Kumerow showed his athleticism, including a 4.50 in the 40 at 6-foot-4.
@eliotwolf46: Thanks to @UWBadgers for doing everything first class at their pro day!
Doe's problem was never athleticism
Doe's problem was never that he was a white WR
Ted would look at him if he was, but he was eyeing up the UW-W guy.
Doe's best bet for a future where fans cheer for him is if there's another remake of the Wizard of Oz.
That said, I wouldn't be surprised if Doe is in someone's camp in July.
With Cobb back I just don't see TT drafting a WR before the 5th round. He has 2 pro bowlers and a high round pick from last year that is lacking only consistency. You can only put so many resources in the WR position......
Even prior to today there has been talk around Madison that the Packers had interest in Jake Kumerow. Warren Herring has surprising pass-rush ability. He's not a fit for a 3-4 which is what he got stuck in at Wisconsin as well, but he could turn out to be a decent situational rusher in pass-rush packages. Dallas Lewallen would be a nice prospect to bring in as a swingman on the interior of the offensive line, he'd be a longshot but could make an NFL roster as a versatile backup if a starter gets hurt in training camp. The Packers definitely need a kickoff returner, and Doe has a long history of doing that.
Ted probably wasn't there to evaluate Melvin Gordon or Rob Havenstein, he was probably there to convince one or two of these guys to sign with the Packers if they go undrafted (which probably applies to all of the guys I just named).
I go back to my post earlier.
My draft strategy - Best Available Badger
1: R1P30 RB MELVIN GORDON WISCONSIN
2: R2P30 DT WARREN HERRING WISCONSIN
3: R3P30 C DALLAS LEWALLEN WISCONSIN
4: R4P30 OT ROB HAVENSTEIN WISCONSIN
5: R5P30 TE SAM AMERSON WISCONSIN
6: R6P30 LB DEREK LANDISCH WISCONSIN
7: R7P30 OG KYLE COSTIGAN WISCONSIN
Did a 5 rounder
30: R1P30
RB MELVIN GORDON
WISCONSIN
62: R2P30
CB KEVIN JOHNSON
WAKE FOREST
94: R3P30
WR DEVIN SMITH
OHIO STATE
126: R4P30
TE NICK O'LEARY
FLORIDA STATE
158: R5P30
DT CHRISTIAN COVINGTON
RICE
Yes I could've had Bernardrick McKinney first
Unless someone special free falls I'm afraid my annual day 1 of the draft vodka party is going to end with Ted trading back into day 2. The bottom end of round 1 just feels like a trade is called for.
Originally Posted by CUPackFan:
With Cobb back I just don't see TT drafting a WR before the 5th round. He has 2 pro bowlers and a high round pick from last year that is lacking only consistency. You can only put so many resources in the WR position......
Odds are that either Abbrederis or Janis will contribute (maybe both).
Really need to rebuild the middle of the defense. No matter what they do with Raji and Guion, you have to believe they'll focus on ILB and NT.
Originally Posted by CAPackFan95:
I go back to my post earlier.
My draft strategy - Best Available Badger
1: R1P30 RB MELVIN GORDON WISCONSIN
2: R2P30 DT WARREN HERRING WISCONSIN
3: R3P30 C DALLAS LEWALLEN WISCONSIN
4: R4P30 OT ROB HAVENSTEIN WISCONSIN
5: R5P30 TE SAM AMERSON WISCONSIN
6: R6P30 LB DEREK LANDISCH WISCONSIN
7: R7P30 OG KYLE COSTIGAN WISCONSIN
Dream from heaven.
UConn CB Byron Jones looks like a really good prospect. He's the guy who set the combine record for broad jump (12' 3") and had a crazy vertical (44.5") to go with his 6'1"/200 lb frame. He reminds me of Casey Hayward when I've watched him, looks pretty instinctive and is a strong tackler. Looks like a 2nd rounder to me.
Saw this quote on his NFL.com profile:
"High-character player with the vision and instincts you want from an NFL cornerback. I'm not sure I like him in man coverage but there is a place for him in our league. Really nice young man who you cheer for." -- NFC North scout
Saw this quote on his NFL.com profile:
"High-character player with the vision and instincts you want from an NFL cornerback. I'm not sure I like him in man coverage but there is a place for him in our league. Really nice young man who you cheer for." -- NFC North scout
TT's not taking Gordon with Lacy and Starks. He'll go defense with someone who can start right away. RB would be one of the least needed positions even if Gordon is BPA.
"TT's not taking Gordon with Lacy and Starks."
Yes, it was a joke. He's rated #12 overall on the composite board.
If he does take Gordon, it's because he has a trade partner & trades down.
Like Chillijon said, "It seems like the perfect slot to trade down again." Or words to that effect
Can't see the Cowboys passing on Gordon if he's there unless they sign AP or take Gurley instead.
The Eagles taking Gordon with the 20th pick would be the greatest thing in the world.
Agree with others who want to look at DL and ILB in the draft.
We've learned from past experience we can't have too much DL depth. Not to mention we may need a starter depending on what happens with Raji and Guion.
ILB is the bigger 'need' position as far as needing someone to be good to go by day 1, IMHO. Still may need more to create depth/rotation.
big bodies before they go - never afraid of that
starts up front... we'll take an OT 
I think OLB should be a big draft consideration this year. After this season, Perry and Neal's contract are up, Peppers will be a huge question mark, and there's no telling whether Elliot will pan out. If CM3 is playing a hybrid ILB/OLB role again, then you can squeeze another OLB on the 53-man roster.
OLB is always a consideration when you run a 3-4. Good points though about the roster, however I don't see Neal and/or Perry getting big offers to go elsewhere.
I'd really be ok with any player drafted in the front 7. Other than CMIII and Daniels, there isn't a player in that front 7 who is guaranteed to be here in 2016.
Maybe they should look at a QB that isn't so injury prone.
I never thought of Tolzien as injury prone.
The issue w/ drafting a pass rusher at #30 is often value. With the demand, they often get overdrafted a bit. As such, Gregory, Beasley, Dupree, Ray, etc. are most likely gone by #30, so do you dip in to teh next tier of pass rushers or take a different position with better talent. Traditionally the heirarchy is roughly QB>Pass Rusher>CB>WR>LT, etc. with the least variance being among the first two groups.
Originally Posted by Goalline:
Pshh, no way Costigan lasts till the 7th round.
Easy solution to this. Switch Costigan and Landisch.
Originally Posted by Herschel:
Traditionally the heirarchy is roughly QB>Pass Rusher>CB>WR>LT, etc. with the least variance being among the first two groups.
Tell me more about this hierarchy. Will there be more details in your newsletter?
What does your consensus board tell you?
Rob Hamenstein is being underrated. Those blue collar lunch pail types don't test well.
Rob Hamenstein is being underrated. Those blue collar lunch pail types don't test well.
How would you compare him, prospect-wise, to Tauscher? ...not a loaded question, just looking for an honest take on him
Tauscher had terrific instincts, very good feet and deceptive athleticism. Super smart. Plus he just knew how to play OL. Angles and leverage.
Havenstein is just a big lug as far as I'm concerned. Maybe after a couple years in the weight room he'd amount to something in the bigs but IMO was totally overrated at Madison.
Havenstein is grading out as a late third rounder/early fourth rounder which is about two rounds higher than he should be.
Are compensatory picks announced this week? I'm guessing we might get a pick for EDS, Jones and Newhouse maybe? But, since we signed Peppers do we lose one of those picks?
Packy, good news is Peppers doesn't count in that formula, as he was first cut, and therefore considered a "street" free agent.
Forgot about maybe a compensatory for C. J. Wilson too?
Was never all that impressed with Havenstein. He was a good college tackle but he never lived up to the hype. A lot of people threw around lofty terms and projected great things from the guy but I don't think he's a great athlete and despite his size he never overpowered people.
Doesn't mean he can't play at the next level but I am not expecting much
Doesn't mean he can't play at the next level but I am not expecting much
I like the Oklahoma tackles, Tyrus Thompson and Daryl Williams, as mid-rounders, or Darrian Miller from Kentucky a little later.
IMHO drafting a corner just became priority 1. Marcus Peters or Kevin Johnson are interesting guys according to this article. http://www.acmepackingcompany....nfl-free-agency-2015
Draft Johnson and send him to Don Bebee and teach him how to run faster.
Love Kevin Johnson but he's going to be long gone. Jalen Colins should be there. Might be able to trade back and get him at the top of round 2 if that's the direction TT wants to go. Still think Kendricks is the pick at ILB though.
Just remember that the Packers two starting corners from the Super Bowl year forward were undrafted free agents coming into the league. Draft/acquire young talent/develop. With arguably the most accomplished position coach on the team to groom and mentor.
Ted will make the right decision based on what he knows at the time. Be it in round 1 or elsewhere.
UConn CB Byron Jones in r2 will be a really good value. I had a weird hunch Casey Hayward would be a Packer a couple years ago and I have the same hunch about Jones. He has top 15 upside, but he's an unfinished product at this point and doesn't have the body of work you want from a 1st rounder. I got a Charles Tillman vibe from watching him.
Originally Posted by cuqui:
Just remember that the Packers two starting corners from the Super Bowl year forward were undrafted free agents coming into the league. Draft/acquire young talent/develop. With arguably the most accomplished position coach on the team to groom and mentor.
Ted will make the right decision based on what he knows at the time. Be it in round 1 or elsewhere.
Neither was expected to start outside on Day 1 either though.
Woodson was one of the starting corners for the year of the super bowl, he was both drafted and picked up as a free agent
Woodson was already at that time playing more of the joker roll (more of a riddler as in "where am I going to line up and what position will the offense see me in?") he did so well in. He was no longer playing exclusively on the boundary. Would have been fun to see him finish the SB.
Beat me to it, DH. More often than not undrafteds Tramon and Sam were the boundary corners and Chuck the slot CB/LB/Swiss army knife.
Anybody know if Frank Kaminsky has a 40 time? He'd match up well with taller receivers.
I'd like to propose a new word in the X4 lexicon - undrafTED
Originally Posted by DH13:
Woodson was already at that time playing more of the joker roll (more of a riddler as in "where am I going to line up and what position will the offense see me in?") he did so well in. He was no longer playing exclusively on the boundary. Would have been fun to see him finish the SB.
Using the Super Bowl as an example, why the heck would you line up the extremely raw Shields inside on a Santonio Holmes or a Hines Ward instead of trying to line him up on the fellow rookie, Mike Wallace, running more limited routes outside? Do you have something against hot, vet-on-vet action?
You mean other than the A/C being broken in your Chevette?
Charles Woodson will go down as the greatest free agent heist job in NFL history.
A 29 year old first ballot Hall of Famer that twisted on the free agent list for a month and ended up costing TT $6 million per season for the first three years. That's never happening again.
Was he a first ballot hall of famer at that point? My recollection was that he was kind of a risky free agent who was coming off a major injury (broken leg I think?), had a so-so reputation from his early career, and had high demands. There was a reason he only got 1 other major offer and it was to play Safety. I think teams thought he was at the end of the line honestly. It was a risky signing, but it turned out to be genius as Woodson was a perfect fit and he thrived.
He was. The only reason he ended up pissed off and available is because Bill Callahan was a colossal douchebag. Charles made 3 straight pro bowls in Oakland and was well on his way to Canton. He was Mr Football in Ohio before the Heisman. Watching Charles his first few seasons in Oakland you knew who the most talented guy on the field was. He was like that in GB as soon as he and Mike cleared the air and got on the same page. That guy was born to play football.
He was a shapeshifter that played above the game to an extent. He didn't just do one or a couple things really well, he was able to sabotage plays and create turnovers from more than one "position" on the field. For a brief period he and Capers were lovers.
Any of us who played competitive team sports have seen at least one player who, from the second he takes the field, the court, or the pitch just knows he is the best player out there. To me that was Woodson. Wasn't the biggest, the fastest, the strongest, but the most serenely confident in his own abilities and belief that he was going to best you in that contest.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/gree...-100-Charles-Woodson
Definitely in the conversation for one of his best individual plays ever.
Another good one.
Originally Posted by Hungry5:
Great link.
WE'RE SORRY, BUT THIS VIDEO IS NOT AVAILABLE.
Hmmm? Works for me. Swapped for the full link. Maybe a cut and paste into another window/tab?
In the second video, AJ Hawk jumps on Peterson's back (and does nothing) almost a full 4 seconds after Woodson wraps AP up.
You could say those 4 seconds represent the talent chasm between Charles and AJ, if one second of talent chasm was like 9 hours of real time.
I'm not ripping Woodson, he's one of my all time favorites, but I just don't remember him necessarily having a first ballot HOF resume before he got to GB. Pro Bowl caliber player definitely, but I don't think he actually hit the prime of his career until get to GB. I don't think Oakland ever really knew what to do with such an incredible athlete. We knew he was one of the top athletes in NFL history, but there were things he did in GB that no one knew he was capable of (except probably Woodson himself) as evidenced by those videos above.
Gruden knew exactly what to do with him. Tuck rule anyone? He was everywhere from 98 to 2001. Then Callahan happened.
Tend to agree with you, GD. Only caveat being that I didn't get to see Woodson that much in his first time around with the Raiders. No question he significantly impacted games more after his move to Green Bay. His ability to bait QBs was extraordinary, as well.
I can't believe there hasn't been a "Charles in Charge" reference yet. 
I have a near Pavlovian response to hearing "Charles in Charge," but instead of drooling, I feel compelled to google "Nichole Eggert" images from the good years.
then I drool.
Good years referring to BW?
and "Blown Away"
Packers' comp picks revealed.
@TomSilverstein: #Packers have received two sixth-round compensatory picks in the 2015 draft.
@TomSilverstein: The two compensatory picks are Nos. 210 and 212 overall for the #Packers.
@TomSilverstein: According to NFL, only EDS, James Jones and C.J. Wilson were considered in net loss. Newhouse was not included
@jasonjwilde: Only team better at it than #Packers. RT @Ravens: #Ravens have received three compensatory picks. Two fourth-rounders and a fifth-rounder.
@jasonjwilde: Since #NFL compensatory picks began in 1994, #Ravens have gotten the most, with 44. #Packers have second-most, with 35.
Go get 'em, Ted.
Some background from the JSO:
No compensatory pick can be higher than the last pick in the third round.
The Packers have all seven of their own picks. They will select 30th, 62nd and 94th. Their other selections will be affected by the number of compensatory picks the NFL hands out this year.
Among the players the Packers have selected with compensatory picks are TE Richard Rodgers (3rd, 2014), WR Jared Abbrederis (5th, 2014), DE Josh Boyd (5th, 2013), DE Mike Daniels (fourth, 2012), S Jeron McMillian (fourth, 2012), CB Davon House (fourth, 2011), Newhouse (fifth, 2010), and Josh Sitton (fourth, 2008).
The comp pick expert at overthecap had the Packers getting two sixth rounder and also a seventh for Newhouse. Too bad it doesn't appear the Packers will be getting that free seventh rounder.
Now Ted is going to have to work harder to pick up that extra undrafted free agent he wants.
@AaronNagler: NFL says Pittsburgh, Baltimore & Green Bay all qualified for an additional pick but cap of 32 picks, per the CBA, had already been reached.
@christomasson: NFL announces compensatory picks. None for Vikings. Only team that gets any in NFC North is Green Bay, two in sixth round.
@RobDemovsky: If my math is right, adding in the compensatory picks, the Packers now have picks Nos:
30
62
94
129
166
205
210
212
247
Only EDS and James Jones qualified for comp picks.
Assuming the average comp structure holds the worst GB will receive for Tramon and House will be 2016 4th rounders. Possibly a 3rd for Tramon.
I wonder if a "make up" pick will be added next year for Pitt, Balt & Green Bay? Or maybe higher compensation in 2016?
Baltimore has 3 comp picks. CJ Wilson and Newhouse fell just below the 32 pick cut off. Sucks.
The comp pick expert at overthecap did a pretty good job. 23 of the 32 pick predictions were right on the money and another five were only off by one round. Only four complete misses.
This year's approximate cutoffs for the rounds were estimated at (adjusted the numbers from overthecap based on the awarded comp picks for this season):
3rd round = 8.2 million
4th round = 5.7 million
5th round = 4.05 million
6th round = 2.75 million
7th round = 0.795 million
Those cutoff numbers will increase next year. Even with the increase, it's a virtual lock that the Williams' contract will return the Packers a 4th round compensatory selection. The House deal averaged 6.25 million. Would the 5.7 million dollar cutoff increase enough next off-season to push the House contract from the 4th round down into the 5th round? I doubt it but the possibility is there. As it currently stands the Packers are probably in line for 2 4th round compensatory selections in the 2016 draft.
Originally Posted by PackerJoe:
The comp pick expert at overthecap did a pretty good job. 23 of the 32 pick predictions were right on the money and another five were only off by one round. Only four complete misses.
This year's approximate cutoffs for the rounds were estimated at (adjusted the numbers from overthecap based on the awarded comp picks for this season):
3rd round = 8.2 million
4th round = 5.7 million
5th round = 4.05 million
6th round = 2.75 million
7th round = 0.795 million
Those cutoff numbers will increase next year. Even with the increase, it's a virtual lock that the Williams' contract will return the Packers a 4th round compensatory selection. The House deal averaged 6.25 million. Would the 5.7 million dollar cutoff increase enough next off-season to push the House contract from the 4th round down into the 5th round? I doubt it but the possibility is there. As it currently stands the Packers are probably in line for 2 4th round compensatory selections in the 2016 draft.
Whoo hooo! That will sure help when we are picking 32nd!
Of course after seeing his play on-the-field it's hard to consider Newhouse a "loss".
@PeteDougherty: NFL releases official draft order, Packers 9 picks:
R1: 30
R2: 62 overall
R3: 94
R4 129
R5: 166
R6: 205, 210 (comp), 212 (comp)
R7: 247
So I watched the Dallas playoff game tonight. Unless a WR with crazy value drops into Teds lap I don't see any way GB drafts a WR this year with Abby and Janis looking for a roster spot.
Adams was a beast in that playoff game. 7 for 117 and a huge TD. Dallas took away Jordy and dared the kid to beat them and he came up nails. And remember he had confidence issues (allegedly) going into that game.
Nobody outside GB wanted to see Cobb back in a Packer jersey this year because Devante will be better than anyone's 3rd best DB. Kids going to be a star.
I agree. BPA, but at WR we have depth like nobodies business, especially if the redshirt guys come through....
I'm not trying to be a pessimist, but I think some have developed some unrealistic expectations for Abby. He's coming off a major knee injury and he hasn't played a down in the NFL, he may not contribute much this year. Historically our 5 WR hasn't done much but contribute on STs and maybe catch a few passes. He's a talented player, but we may not actually see him contribute much beyond fielding punts/kicks until 2016. Janis figures to get some PT, but even then our #4 WR doesn't usually do much except catch a couple passes a game.
Agreed Toxic Avenger. All heart but the kid has a infirmary record a mile long. MM stated he and Thorton were doing well in the weight room. I won't bet against him. Nothing wrong with having a good career as a special teamer.
I have more faith in Abby than Thornton right now. That guy just strikes me as completely unprepared for the bigs.
If Abbrederis can be a solid return guy and maybe play a few snaps to give Cobb a breather I think that would be a success this season.
And yeah, I'm not holding my breath on Thornton. Maybe he'll start to get it this year, but he looked to have a little Elmoreitis last year early. I highly doubt he'd encourage TT to not look at DEs in the draft, at least in the mid rounds.
Originally Posted by Henry:
I have more faith in Abby than Thornton right now. That guy just strikes me as completely unprepared for the bigs.
Which of your two favorites will step up in 2015, Thornton or Bradford ?
(not so)Bold prediction...unless they go on IR during 2015 neither Abby nor Thornton will be on the Packers opening day roster in 2016.
Jeezus....I guess 1 year is all you get to prove yourself, eh Mr. Pink Feather?
Some guys take up to 3 years to develop.
There's that word again. It's an important part of the process.
Some guys take up to 3 years to develop.
There's that word again. It's an important part of the process.
patience is a virtue
packer fans are not virtuous
Like those fans who too quickly and erroneously determined that Terrell Buckley sucked.
Originally Posted by ChilliJon:
Adams was a beast in that playoff game. 7 for 117 and a huge TD. Dallas took away Jordy and dared the kid to beat them and he came up nails. And remember he had confidence issues (allegedly) going into that game.
Nobody outside GB wanted to see Cobb back in a Packer jersey this year because Devante will be better than anyone's 3rd best DB. Kids going to be a star.
That shake n bake he did on the db was kind of silly. You usually don't see a guy beat another guy with that move unless its on a playground.
He also flashed in our second biggest win of the year vs. NE.