NFL.com Looks at the Packer Draft

Take a look at what the website - NFL.com and the Packer Draft is saying about the Packers!


I agree with most of what is said.  Starts out with Packers fans wanting the Notre Dame Tight End - Tyler Eifert!  I tend to agree, I think most fans are tired of watching Finley drop passes & listening to him talk!

Discusses the running back situation and reiterates the fact that the Packers may pick one in the lower rounds & a pass blocking back is critical!  I wish they would draft a "home run" hitting guy, a running back that would be able to score with speed & illusiveness!

On the offensive line the position of left tackle is discussed & the players Watson of Florida State & Pugh from Syracuse are discussed.  I agree!  With Rogers, you can never have enough good offensive lineman in front of him!  I would go offensive line early in the draft!

Defense, the discussion starts with Nick Perry!  I agree. Someone needs to take the pressure off of Matthews.  Stay healthy & improve!  Perry needs to show why he was picked #1 last year!!!

And safety, Woodson gone & a couple years without Nick Collins!  I think we really miss Collins!  He was a unsung hero that played very consistent football!  Burnett & MD Jennings give up to many big plays!  Either by pass or run!!  I can still see the QB from the 49er's run untouched all over the field in the last playoff game last year!  Where were the two safeties!!!!

They mention Elam from Florida & Thomas from Fresno State as a possibility!  Agree, need to get a quarterback on defense - maybe one of these guys can do it?  They do not mention inside linebackers!  We need a "nasty" one!  I think the Packers need an attitude changer!  I DO NOT think the Packers Defense is feared!!!!

Packer Fans - 30 Days Till the Draft!

Hey Packer Fans, 30 day till the draft!!!  It will be exciting to see what happens!  Did you see we signed a free agent kicker - puts a little heat on Crosby and he needs it!  Competition is good for all positions!

The kicker is Giorgio Tavecchio, from University of California!  He was picked up by the 49er's, played in 3 pre-season games and was cut.  Check out his bio:

Tavecchio (GEORGE-ee-oh tuh-VECK-ee-oh), a 5-foot-10, 182-pound first-year player out of the University of California, entered the league as a non-drafted free agent with the San Francisco 49ers in May 2012. He played in three preseason games for the 49ers, converting his lone field goal attempt and two extra points. As a collegian, Tavecchio appeared in 46 games during his career for the Golden Bears and finished No. 5 on the school’s all-time scoring list (No. 4 among kickers) with 256 points.

And he is a lefty!  Good to improve at every position!  Let the competition begin!

Draft day coming, the Packer website has been following a few college players.  Latest one is a good wide receiver from Tennessee, Cordarrelle Patterson, 6'2" & 216 pounds!  Nice size!  He also is very returned punts & kick offs!  That takes the heat off Cobb!

Some highlights:

• Games/Starts: 12/12
• In 12 starts, games, racked up school-record 1,858 all-purpose yards (154.8) to rank first in the SEC, tied for 18th in NCAA
• Mark of 1,858 all-purpose yards broke record of Reggie Cobb (1,721), set in 1987
• With 28.0 yards per kickoff return, ranks 19th in the NCAA and second in the SEC
• Average of 28.0 yards per kickoff return, ranks a UT record for any Vol with at least 20 returns in a season
• First player in NCAA to scored a touchdown four ways in a season since 2008 (Rec., Rush, Kick Return, Punt Return)
• One of seven players in NCAA to score a touchdown three different ways in 2012
• Led Vols with 10 touchdowns (five receiving, three rushing and one each on kickoff and punt return)
• Set SEC record for single-season total kick return (kickoff+punt) average per return with 27.6
• His 28.0 kickoff yards per return, rank as the second-most in a single-season in SEC history
• Returned 24 kickoffs for 671 yards, third-most yards in a season in UT history
• In 12 starts, had 46 catches for 778 receiving yards with five touchdowns
• Rushed 25 times for 308 yards (12.3 per carry), three TDs
• Became the second Vol to have a kickoff and punt return for touchdown in the same season, joining Bobby Gordon, who did it in 1957
• Became fourth Vol to have a kickoff and punt return in a career, joining Gordon, Stanley Morgan and Willie Gault
• Second Vol all-time to have touchdowns four ways in a career, joining Carl Pickens (1991-93), Patterson did it all in one season
• Became fifth Vol with a return touchdown and a TD by rushing or receiving with a 98-yard kickoff return score and an 11-yard touchdown catch at #19 Miss State (10/13); last was Carl Pickens in 1990
• Closed 2012 with 158 all-purpose yards with four catches for 88 yards including a 21-yard touchdown pass vs. Kentucky (11/24), also ran twice for 38 yards

Someone to look at!

Looks Like Finley is Back for 2013

Question - Who is the second highest paid tight end in the league?

Answer - Jermichael Finley!  Check out the Cheesehead Article -
Jermichael Finley Receives $3 Million Bonus, paid 8.25 millionin 2013!

What do you think?

Here is one ranking I found! - Ranking The Top Ten Tight Ends in the League
1 - Ron Gronkowski
2 - Jimmy Graham
3 - Vernon Davis
4 - Jason Witten
5 - Aaron Hernandez
6 - Jermicael Finley
7 - Antonio Gates
8 - Fred Davis
9 - Jermaine Gresham
10 - Tony Gonzalez

I would put Tony Gonzalez ahead of Finley.  Most places I see Finley somewhere in the middle of the top ten, but again, he is the SECOND highest paid!  As of now, I think he is overpaid.

Also, he still will say dumb things!  Of all the Packers the past few years, Finley has the stupid quotes lead!

He does not seem to make the big play, plus I remember big drops in key situations!

On the bright side?  He is still only 26 years old!  Maybe, this is the break out year!  He does have talent!  He is big & athletic!

Another issue the past few years, there is a lot of competition within the team to share the touches - Jennings, Driver, Nelson, Cobb, Jones, & Finley!  Driver & Jennings are gone!  That may be good for Finley!

All, in all, I think 2013 is the make it, or break it season!  I hope Jermichael has the year!  I hope he matures & becomes a leader!!!

How to Build an NFL Team? Packer Style

The last ten years the Green Bay Packers have been one of the best franchises in the NFL! Check out the stats below:

The Best in the NFL last 10 Years

This list of the past 10 years will tell you a lot!  How about Super Bowls?

                            

New England - Got to 4, won 2.

Indianapolis - Got to 2, won 1.

Pittsburgh - Got to 3, won 2.

Philadelphia  - Got to 1, won 0.

Green Bay - Got to 1, won 1.

How about quarterbacks?

New England - Tom Brady
Indianapolis - Peyton Manning
Pittsburgh - Ben Rothlesberger
Philadelphia  - Donavan McNabb & others
Green Bay - Brett Farve & Aaron Rogers

How they build their teams?  Draft - Free Agent - Both?

New England - Both
Indianapolis - Both
Pittsburgh - mostly Draft
Philadelphia  - Both
Green Bay - Draft

Coaches:

New England - Bill Belichick 18 years
Indianapolis - Chuck Pagano 1 year
Pittsburgh - Mike Tomlin 6 years
Philadelphia  - Andy Reid - last 10 now fired
Green Bay - Mike McCarthy - 7 years

What conclusions do you draw?  More to come this week!

Packers Get Extra Draft Pick

How about some good news, Pack will get an extra draft pick!  Check out the article at:
Packers Awarded Compensatory Pick

The key words are - Compensatory Picks.  They get these picks from basically losing more in the free agent market than they get!  This one was based on last year - losing Scott Wells(center) & Matt Flynn(quarterback).  So in Round 5, the Pack will get an extra draft choice!  Here is what the Packer picks look like:

First round (26 pick)
Second round (55 pick)
Third round (88 pick)
Fourth round (tentative 113 pick)
Fifth round (tentative 139 pick)
Extra Fifth round (tentative 167 pick)
Sixth round (tentative 192 pick)
Seventh round (tentative 218 pick)

Now, all we need is QUALITY picks!  Check out the Packer Website a look at draft choices:

I like the list:

Tavarres King              Georgia,  WR
Vance McDonald        Rice,   TE
Sean Porter                  Texas A&M,  LB
Brian Schwenke          California,  C

I like the four, especially the Tight End from Rice!

More NFL Free Agency Analysis

Another day, another free agent day with NO Packer movement!  It is great reading different Packer fan reactions!  Check out this one from the Packer website:

"The Great Free Agency Debate Rages"

And, the fans are asking questions! And good old Vic Ketchman gets a little testy!

The fans are sitting by and watching the 49er's & Seahawks make many moves!  And in their own division the Bears and Vikings are making moves!(Vikings sign Jennings, shades of Farve all over again!)

The Ravens lose 7 defensive starters!  Broncos pick up another weapon in Welker!

And the Packers stay pat!  Another website I found does a nice job looking at salaries, free agents, and cap room.  Check out - Green Bay 2013 Cap Hits

Now, only time will tell - no move by Packers on free agents, draft coming in April.  So far, the last few years the Packers have had some great seasons - let's review:

2012          Record 11-5          Playoffs         Second Round Loss
2011          Record 15-1          Playoffs         Loss First Round
2010          Record 10-6          Super Bowl Winner
2009          Record 11-5          Playoffs         Loss First Round
2008          Record 6-10
2007          Record 13-3          Playoffs         Loss in NFC Title Game
2006          Record 8-8
2005          Record 4-12
2004          Record 10-6          Playoffs        Loss in First Round
2003          Record 10-6          Playoffs        Loss in Second Round
2002          Record 12-4          Playoffs        Loss First Round
2001          Record 12-4          Playoffs        Loss Second Round
2000          Record 9-7
1999          Record 8-8
1998          Record 11-5          Playoffs        Loss First Round
1997          Record 13-3          Playoffs        Loss in Super Bowl
1996          Record 13-3           Playoffs        Won Super Bowl


Not bad! Last 17 years - Wins 176 - Loses - 96   64.7% Winning Pct.
Playoffs - 12 of 17 years
In Super Bowl - 3 times
TWO Super Bowl Wins!   1996-97 & 2009-10 Seasons!

Not bad!  Can we keep it going?

Here is the NFC North So Far:

Green Bay Packers

UFA: RB Cedric Benson (8), RB Ryan Grant (6), LB Brad Jones (4).

RFA: TE Tom Crabtree (3), OL Evan Dietrich-Smith (3), LB Rob Francois (3), CB Sam Shields (3), LB Frank Zombo (3).

ERFA:

Key arrivals:

Key departures: WR Greg Jennings, March 15 (to Vikings); LB Erik Walden, March 12 (signed with Colts); Released C Jeff Saturday, Feb. 18; CB Charles Woodson, Feb. 15; WR Donald Driver, Jan. 31 (retired).

Key re-signings:

Chicago Bears
UFAs: RB Kahlil Bell (4), CB Zack Bowman (5), QB Jason Campbell (8), CB Kelvin Hayden (8), DE Israel Idonije (10), OL Lance Louis (4), PK Olindo Mare (15), QB Josh McCown (10), CB D.J. Moore (4), S Troy Nolan (4), DT Amobi Okoye (6), OL Chilo Rachal (5), LB Nick Roach (6), OL Jonathan Scott (6), OL Chris Spencer (8), LB Brian Urlacher (13).

RFA: DT Nate Collins (3).
ERFA:
Key arrivals: Signed ex-Saints OT Jermon Bushrod (five years, $35.965 million with $17.715 million guaranteed); Signed ex-Giants TE Martellus Bennett, March 12 (four years, $20 million).
Key departures: LB Geno Hayes, March 13 (signed with Jaguars); Released TE Kellen Davis, TE Matt Spaeth March 13; Released WR Johnny Knox, Feb. 12.
Key re-signings: Franchised DT Henry Melton, March 8 (one year, $8.45 million).

Detroit Lions
UFA: LB Justin Durant (6), DT Andre Fluellen (4), OL Dylan Gandy (7), PK Jason Hanson (21), P Nick Harris (12), RB Jerome Harrison (7), TE Will Heller (10), DE Lawrence Jackson (5), CB Jacob Lacey (4), CB Patrick Lee (5), WR Stefan Logan (4), OL Don Muhlbach (9), RB Kevin Smith (5), DT Corey Williams (9).
RFA: OL Jason Fox (3), DE Willie Young (3).
ERFA:
Key arrivals: Ex-Texans S Glover Quin, March 13 (five years); Ex-Dolphins RB Reggie Bush (four years, $16 million); Ex-Seahawks DT Jason Jones, March 13 (three years, $9.5 million with a $2.5 million signign bonus).

Key departures: DE Cliff Avril, March 13 (signed with Seahawks); OT Gosder Cherilus, March 12 (signed with Colts); Released OG Stephen Peterman, DE Kyle Vanden Bosch, Feb. 5; Released WR Titus Young, Feb. 4.
Key re-signings: S Louis Delmas, March 15 (two years); CB Chris Houston, March 13 (five years); Amari Spievey (one year), Kassim Osgood, March 12 (one year); LB DeAndre Levy, March 6 (three years); OL Corey Hilliard, March 1 (two years).

Minnesota Vikings

UFAs: WR Devin Aromashodu (5), OL Joe Berger (8), LB Marvin Mitchell (6), S Jamarca Sanford (4).
RFAs: CB A.J. Jefferson (3), OL Troy Kropog (3).

ERFA:

Key arrivals: Ex-Packers WR Greg Jennings, Marh 15; Ex-Chiefs QB Matt Cassel, March 14 (one year, $4 million).

Key departures: OG Geoff Schwartz, March 15 (signed with Chiefs); LB Jasper Brinkley, March 14 (signed with Cardinals); Released CB Antoine Winfield, March 12; Traded WR Percy Harvin to the Seahawks, March 11.

Key re-signings: Re-signed LB Erin Henderson, March 12 (two years); Re-signed FB Jerome Felton (three years, $7.5 million), WR Jerome Simpson, (one year), OT Phil Loadholt, March 12.

Free Agency Begins & Packers Ignore It?

Here we are!  NFL Free Agency!  One of the most exciting times of the year, except if you are a Packer fan!  Many teams are making room to be under the NFL salary cap & letting people go - Super Bowl Champs for one!  Some are spending the money they have under the cap - the Cleveland Browns!

Packers have a few big salary demands coming up soon - Rogers, Matthews, & Raji!  Looks like the plan is to stay pat & maybe re-sighn Greg Jennings? Time will tell.

The plan been, build on the draft & the Pack has done well!  But, I do think one or two free agents could help - (memories of Reggie White!)

I still go back to my earlier blogs!  The "greed" of today's players make it almost impossible to maintain a team!  Especially quarterbacks!  Looks like Flacco will not have much of his team left the next few years - Good luck Joe!

Could Rogers & Matthews be enjoying their money & commercials while playing for an average team! Looks like the Vikings, Lions, & Bears are trying to build their team with free agents & the draft!

So far, entering day #2 of free agency the score for the Packers:

No Gains
One Loss - Eric Walden - goes to the Colts!

Stay tuned!

Packer Specialists

This is a small group, three players:

Kicker - Mason Crosby
Punter - Tim Masthay
Long Snapper - Brett Goode

Let's start with the kicker - Mason Crosby!  What a year for him!  21 of 33 Field Goal Attempts!!  Not very good!  In fact, that is LAST in the NFL of all regular season kickers!!!  Bring in the competition!!!
This was the yardage breakdown:

Less than 30 yards    5-5    100%
Between 30-40 yards  5-7    71%
Between 40-50 yards  9-12  75%
Over 50 yards             2-9     22%

Crosby seemed to lose his confidence - not good for a kicker!  Bring in competition!!

Punter Tim Masthay.  Most people look at net yards - Masthay was 27 out of the 32 starting punters.  Not very good.  The top punter, Cardinals Dave Zastudil 41.4 yards, Masthay was at 38.9 yards.  A better stat was Masthay was 7th in the league in punts inside the 20 yard line!  I like this!  Overall, I would keep him, but again bring in some competition!

Long Snapper, Brett Goode seemed to be adequate.  It is an important position, but sad to use a roster spot for this!!

Tim Masthay

Overall, Long Snapper, Punter - OK.  Our kicker?  Needs to compete!!!

Quick Look at Packer Schedule for 2013!

OK, let's take a time out from free agency & draft talk!  Let's look at he 2013 Packer Schedule!

Home Games

Away Games

Packer Roster Before Free Agents 2013!

Here is the present Packer roster before we begin free agency of Tuesday!  At the present time I count 69 players!  Let the fun begin!

2 days till 2103 Free Agency!

45 days till the 2013 Draft!

Click on the Roster to Enlarge!!!!!

Last Line of Defense - Packer Defensive Backs

It is time to talk about the defensive backs!  Here are the players on the roster as of today:

Safeties                 Years
Morgan Burnett        3
MD Jennings            2
Jerron McMillan       R
Sean Richardson      R
Chaz Powell             R

Cornerbacks          Years
Jarret Bush               7
Casey Hayward       R
Devon House          2
Sam Shields             3
Tramon Williams     6
James Nixon            R

First look - VERY YOUNG!!  Maybe too young with the loss of Woodson to retirement?  The recent article about Tramon Williams injury was revealing.  Hope he is fully recovered next year.  I think he is the closest thing we have to a shut down corner. Love Hayward, he is a ball hawk and seems to make plays.  Worried about safety.  We seem to give up too many big plays - pass and run!  Woodson was also a all over the field kind of guy - rush the passer on the blitz, cover a good receiver, and a hitter!  We don't have that on this team!

Let's look at free agents:

Cornerbacks
Charles Woodson - Packers
Brent Grimes - Falcons
Aqib Talib - Patriots
Sean Smith - Dolphins
Derek Cox - Jaguars
Cary Williams - Ravens
Dominique Rogers-Cromartie - Eagles

Safeties
Ed Reed - Ravens
Dashon Goldson - 49er's
William Moore - Falcons
Jarius Byrd - Bills
Louis Delmas - Lions

Again as all free agents, these players have a little mileage on their odometers!  Also, a few have injury concerns, Packers do not need that! I think someone is needed to provide leadership and aggressiveness! I would seriously look at safeties - Ed Reed & Dashon Golson!

How about 2013 draft choices?

Cornerbacks
Dee Milliner - Alabama
Jonathan Banks - Miss. St.
David Amerson - N. Carolina
Xavier Rhodes - Florida St.
Desmond Trufant - Washington

Safeties
Eric Reid - LSU
Kenny Vaccaro - Texas
Mat Elam - Florida
TJ McDonald - USC
Tony Jefferson - Oklahoma

Some good athletes here!  If they are available I would go for Corners Milliner of Alabama & Banks of Mississippi State!  They are both big (6'1 & 6'2) and good athletes!  At safety like Texas' Vaccaro & USC's McDonald.  Looking for a hitter & a guy that tackles!!!!

Overall, the Packer roster is young and deep, but lacking a leader & a hitter!  We need that!!!!

Are Big NFL Contracts Preventing Teams From Winning?

OK, Joe Flacco got his!  He has the highest average salary in NFL history!

What is more important, Super Bowl rings or highest salary?  Here is my prediction - the Ravens will not win another Super Bowl with Flacco as their QB!  Why?

Salary Cap!  Next year is not a big hit, but as the years go on - GOOD LUCK!  Here are the numbers:

In this case, the first few years are OK, but good luck in 2016 & beyond!!  Right now the cap is $123,000,000 for a team, so in year 2016 and beyond one player will demand 20-25% of the money!!!

One of the other concerns is "dead money"!  For a great explanation see - Dead Money Disasters

The "dead money" is money you still pay someone that is not on your team!  For example, the Colts are still paying Manning $16,000,000!!!

The reason for this discussion is the Packers - Aaron Rogers, Clay Matthews & BJ Raji!  They are due big contracts!  What will the Packers do?  What will the players do?

Here is what I would do - I'm dreaming!!  I could be the best QB in the league - Rogers!  Or I could have the best hair in the league - Matthews!  But I want - Super Bowl rings!!!!  I could live on 10 million per year!!!  Give me a team to win another Super Bowl!!!  What would you do?????

Check out discussion on the Packer Web Site!

Packer Linebackers!

When I think linebackers, I think FEAR!  Intimidation!  Big Hits!  Butkus! Singletary! Lanier!  Taylor!

When I think Packer linebackers, I think, RAY NITSCHKE!!!!  (Even the spelling of his last name is scary!!!!!!)

Guess what!  NOBODY on the present Packer roster of linebackers scares me!  Sure Matthews is good, but does this face scare me?

Alright, current linebackers on the roster?

Packer Linebackers        Years

Clay Matthews                   4

Eric Walden                       5

AJ Hawk                           7

Desmond Bishop               6

Robert Francois                 3

Brad Jones                         4

DJ Smith                            2

Dezman Moses                  R

Frank Zombo                     3

Jamari Lattimore                2

Terrell Manning                 R

Nick Perry                         R

Micah Johnson                  1

Big list!  These are all the linebackers on the total current roster! Just like tight ends, a lot of these players help on special teams.  Plus, we run a 3-4 defense.  The positives about our roster:

1 - we are young

2 - Matthews!

3 - That's it!

What free agents are out there?

Anthony Spencer, Dallas

Paul Kruger, Baltimore

Brian Urlacher, Chicago

Shaun Phillips, San Diego

The only one here I would go after is Kruger from Baltimore!  Had 7.5 sacks and has a little edge to him!

2013 Linebackers in the NFL Draft                      40 Time

Alec Ogeltree, Georgia  ILB (6'3 - 236)                 4.70 

Kevin Minter, LSU  ILB (6' - 246)                         4.81

Manti Te'o, ILB Notre Dame (6'1 - 241)                4.82

Kevin Reddick, ILB North Carolina (6'1 - 243)     4.72

Dion Jordan, OLB Oregon (6'6 - 248)                   4.60

Ezekiel Ansah, OLB BYU (6'5  - 274)                  4.63

Jarvis Jones, OLB Georgia (6'2 - 242)                   4.70

Barkevious Mingo, OLB LSU (6'4 - 241)             4.58

There are a bunch of interesting athletes here!  I would error on the side of speed!!  I like Ogeltee from Georgia and Mingo from LSU!  STAY AWAY FROM Manti Te'o!!!!!!

I would say Matthews is the only player safe.  We need speed & guys that can tackle!!!!

Time to "Tackle" Defense! - Defensive Line!

Tackle!  Over the passed few years watching the Packer's defense tackle has been frustrating!  THEY DO NOT TACKLE!  Also, the Packer defense does not seem to "scare" anyone!   Watching the super bowl this year, both the Ravens & 49er's HIT you!

So, draft people that hit!  Film work should show you that!

The Packer "D" does seem to have a few athletes - Matthews, Williams, the rookie this year Hayward.

I started with the defensive line because I think this is the first weakness!  We need more athletic defensive linemen!  Here is who we have:

Defensive Line                      Years
Wilson, CJ                                3
Worthy, Jerel                            R
Neal, Mike                               3
Raji, BJ                                    4
Daniels, Mike                          R
Picket, Ryan                            12
Miller, Jordan                           1

If I was an offensive coordinator on another team, no one on this list would scare me!  THAT'S NOT GOOD!  We need someone that will do that!  BJ Raji is probably one that I would keep, the others, they must earn their keep!  Not counting Matthews, 13 sacks, what did this group do?  Mike Neal(75th in league) 4.5 sacks, CJ Wilson 2.5(149th in league), Jerel Worthy 2.5(149th in league), & Mike Daniels 2(167th in league)!  NO VERY GOOD!!  Rushing defense 17th in the league! - Average!

WE NEED HELP!

Free Agents?

Michael Johnson (CIN) - DE - As 6'7, 270 pounds with terrific athleticism, the first round talent fell to the 3rd round due to rawness and questions about his motor, but has developed into one of the finer all- around ends in the league, making improvements each season. His 11.5 sacks and strong run defense will put him atop the team's priority list this offseason.

Henry Melton (CHI) - DT - Melton has come into his own as one of the top interior pass rushers in the NFL. With 6 sacks and a number of additional hits and pressures up the middle, Melton has quickly become one of the Bears most important defensive players. 

Randy Starks (MIA) - DT - Starks has played everywhere from DE to NT for the Dolphins effectively over the past few seasons.

Cliff Avril (DET) - DE - With a 9.5 sack season, Avril has proven worthy of a long- term extension.  Avril is a strong pass rusher that will help a team get to the quarterback.

Michael Bennett (TB) - DE - Working up from an undrafted free agent to a 9- sack balanced defensive end.

Richard Seymour (OAK) - DE/DT - Even at 33 and coming off an injury that sidelined him for nearly half of the 2012 season, there will be a strong market for Seymour, a rare bright spot on the Raiders over the past few seasons. With leadership and experience, Seymour improved a young defensive line and built the unit into something which the rest of the defense could be built around.

Dwight Freeney (IND) - DE - 33 years old and coming off a 5- sack season, it'll be interesting to see how much the market pays him. The strong free agent class of defensive linemen doesn't play to his favor either.

Who?  Again money is important!  I would go with Freeney or Johnson.

Draft Choices?
DE - Ezekiel Ansah (6'5 - 274)          BYU                   4.63
DE - Bjoern Werner (6'3 - 266)          Florida St            4.83
DE - Damontre Moore (6'4 - 250)      Texas A&M       4.70
DE - Alex Okafor (6'4 - 261)             Texas                  4.73
DE - Margus Hunt (6'8 - 277)            SMU                   4.60
DT - Star Lotulelei 6'3 - 311)             Utah                    5.00
DT - Sharrif Floyd (6'3 - 297)            Florida                4.92
DT - Sheldon Richarson (6'3 - 294)   Missouri              5.02
DT - Johnathan Hankins (6'3 - 320)   Ohio St               5.31
DT - Jonathan Jenkins (6'3 - 359)       Georgia              5.45

I would lean toward the DE's.  Look for the athletic linemen.  How about the 6'8 - 277 kid from SMU, Margus Hunt, runs a 4.60 40 yd dash!!!  Game tape should show the one!  Also like the kid from Florida, Sharrif Floyd!

Need to change the image of the defense - starts with the defensive line!!!

Reviewing Packers Current Offensive Roster

OK, time to review the current offensive roster.  Let's say you were the general manager or head coach, what is good & bad about the current Packer roster?

Quarterbacks
Aaron Rogers
Graham Harrell
BJ Coleman

Aaron Rogers, one of the best, if not the best in the NFL!  I do think there is room to grow.  For what ever reason, I do think he hold the ball to long at times.  Or. is it the offensive game plan, does he have a place to go with the ball when plays break down.  51 Sacks?  I would sit down with Aaron & look at each one & discuss options!  Overall, we a SO lucky to have Aaron Rogers!

Harrell & Coleman?  I do not feel good about the back-ups!  I would keep one & sign a veteran!  I would not spend a lot of money, but I would feel better some experience!

Running Backs
Alex Green
Brandon Saine
James Starks
Cedric Benson
Ryan Grant
Dujuan Harris

Wow!  Wouldn't it be nice if Aaron Rogers had a dependable, quality running back!!  Here is what I would do - CLEAN HOUSE!  What a mess!  All these guys you could pick up on the scrap heap!  In fact, most of these guys were after thoughts!  A quarterback of Rogers caliber deserves better!  Most of these running backs have been hurt.  Most were lower draft choices.  I would try drafting a quality running back in rounds 1, 2 or 3.  You will still have this bunch as quality backups!

Wide Receivers
Randall Cobb
Jordy Nelson
James Jones
Greg Jennings
Jarret Boykin
Jeremy Ross

Still a strength, but we must make smart moves!  We have Nelson, Cobb, & Jones!  Cobb is one of the most exciting players and will keep getting better.  Jones had a break out year and made some tough catches.  He is a physical receiver & every team needs one of these!  Nelson is still explosive, but the injuries are starting to hurt!!!  I would let Jennings go to save $$$, and I feel that old "diva" gene is starting to show!!  If the opportunity presents itself, I would draft a good one in rounds 1,2, or 3!

Tight Ends
Jermichael Finley
Tom Crabtree
Ryan Taylor
DJ Williams
Brandon Bostick
Andrew Quarless

Another Wow!  First, our roster has been tight end heavy the last few years.  Main reason, McCarthy does use the tight ends on all the special teams, which is fine.  As far as production, that is a concern.  Let's start with Finley.  Caught the most passes for him for a season, but I still see too many drops at key times!  And he still says dumb things!  Just this week, "I'd have to walk for sure, meaning I couldn't take a pay cut," Finley told ESPN's Josina Anderson. "Maybe I'd restructure if it's a deal that I like and it makes sense, but I'm not the guy that's just going to sign anything and let anything pass. I'm not that guy. Other than that, taking a pay cut or restructuring doesn't sound good to me at this time. I like my deal."  Another Wow!  I would cut him.  The other guys a just average or below.  Quarless was hurt the entire season.  Again, if a good one is there in the draft, take him!

Offensive Line
Bryan Bulaga
Marshal Newhouse
Andrew Datkow
Derrick Sherrod
Kevin Hughes
TJ Lang
Josh Sitton
Don Barclay
Joe Gibbs
Van Roten
Evan Dietrich-Smith
Garth Gerhart

Another position were the injury bug has made things interesting!  I think there is quality here, but the 51 sacks still pops up!  Injuries are a concern.  Like the starters, but here is one place I would look for a free agent.  We need to protect Rogers!  Once again, if there is a good one in the draft, take him!

Overall, the offense is still a strength!  To save money & keep quality players I would.....
Check out Packer Salaries at this web site - Green Bay Packers Salary Cap

1 - Let Greg Jennings go - use money saved to improve! Free agent Save?? - 9-$15,000,000
2 - Let Finley go - he is still young, but I'm tired of him save money! Save - $ 8,750,000
3 - One of my favorite - John Kuhn - $2,500,000 - I would keep hime GREAT LEADER Kuuuuuuuuuuuuuhn!!!!!!!!!!!!