NFL Draft, Finding Future Packer Difference Makers!

We have about 3 months to find players to make this good team, even better!  We will analyze many of the websites for ideas & players!  We will start with an ESPN list - their top 32 as of this week:

First, the top 20 players will probably not be there for the Packers, drafting at #30, but, if any slide through to the Pack, we MUST have a look.  And, remember, this is ONE list, with more to come and the next 3 months will have players sliding up and down the draft order!

My first NEED, is to Aaron help!  Wide Receivers:

Jerry Jeudy - 6'1" - 192 lbs - LSU

CeeDee Lamb - 6'2" - 191 lbs - Oklahoma

Henry Ruggs - 6'0" - 190 lbs - Alabama

Justin Jefferson - 6'3" - 192 lbs - LSU

Tee Higgins - 6'4" - 215 lbs - Clemson

Laviska Stenault - 6'2" - 220 lbs - Colorado

First thing I noticed, the teams - LSU, Alabama, Clemson, Oklahoma - winners!   Next, overall a tall group of receivers, will need to check their speed!  Packers are still looking for more speed! (Chiefs & 49ers speed)  Attitude, athleticism, and hands will all be checked.

Defensive Tackers:  oh boy, that last game run defense!  We need a stopper, someone that will demand double teams!!

Derrick Brown - 6'4" - 325 lbs - Auburn

Javon Kinlaw - 6'5" - 308 lbs - S. Carolina

Raekwon Davis - 6'6" - 315 lbs - Alabama

Nice size & from good programs!  Just like our wide receivers, need to see speed & agility!  Plus, of course, film study!  But, if any of these 3 slip, need to take a long look!

Next 12 will possibly slide down tp Packers.  2 wide receivers, 1 defensive tackle & an interesting offensive tackle:

WR - Brandon Aiyuk - 5'11" - 203 - Arizona St

WR - DaVonta Smith - 6'1" - 175 lbs - Alabama

DT - Marvin Wilson - 6'5" - 311 lbs - Florida St

OT - Alex Leatherwood - 6'6" - 310 - Alabama

Love the size of the big men!  The wide receivers again must pass the smell test.  But these 32 players will begin our search for taking the Packers to there next Super Bowl, IT IS TIME!

A Look At Possible Free Agent Help From Other NFL Teams

Who would you try to put on the Packer 2020 roster, stressing 20,000,000 to 30,000,000 to spend.


1 - 12 NFL Free Agents

I see two possibilities here, Marcell Dareus, defensive tackle, of the Jags and Michael Brockers, defensive tackle, of the Rams.  These are probably two players that may come cheaper this year considering their ages.  Dareus at 30 & Brockers at 29.  I would sign one if possible, around $10,000,000 for maybe 3 years.  Considerable homework must be done - injuries, attitude, etc.

13 - 24 NFL Free Agents

Nobody of this list excites me!  What do you think?

25 - 36 NFL Free Agents

I have one player here, Danny Trevathan, of the Bears.  First, the Bears!  Second, the Pack should know him!  And third, if he still is good at age 30, it strengthens the Packers & weakens the Bears!
Salary, say 6-$7,000,000.


37 - 48 NFL Free Agents

Tight End, Eric Ebron, is my pick from this list!  WE NEED A TIGHT END!  No brainer!
I may pay him 6-7,000,000 depending on homework on his play!

49 - 60 NFL Free Agents

Again, nobody out of these 12 players.

61 - 72 NFL Free Agents

Final 12, Mason Crosby of course!  Salary, 3 years at 3,000,000 per year.

So, if we sign 2-3, that would be around $15,000,000 to $20,000,000 out of the possible $30,000,000.  Considering the list of 72 players, I would go with my final pick of Trevathan, Ebron, & Crosby, around $17,000,000.  Again, what do YOU think?

Let The Shopping Begin, Packer Style!

In the NFL off season, the draft & free agent are an exciting look at what the next season will bring!  As a Packer Fan, building a roster is NOT rocket science!  Any serious fan can see needs & weaknesses!  And, as we begin our "window shopping" the 18 games the Packers played this year should make the "eye ball" test easy!

This list is the top 72 free agents according to Sport Trac: (Click on the tables to enlarge)

1 - 12 NFL Free Agents

13 - 24 NFL Free Agents

25 - 36 NFL Free Agents

37 - 48 NFL Free Agents

49 - 60 NFL Free Agents

61 - 72 NFL Free Agents

OK, Packer Fans, have a look!  Remember, we have around 30,000,000 to spend, and we have our own free agents!  My next blog entry will tackle these 72 players - What do you think??

Packers 2020? Good, Bad, & the Ugly! The Roster!

Going back to my Clint Eastwood theme - the Roster?

First & most important $$$$$$$.

$29,395,139 - this ranks 21st in the NFL.  To give some comparison:

1st - Tampa Bay Bucs - 91,779,675
5 - Dalas Cowboys - 77,931,128
17 - Philadelphia Eagles - 42,530,046
19 - New England Patriot - 44, 124,477
21 - Packers
22 - Baltimore Ravens - 29,293,537
23 - Kansas City Chiefs - 19,540495
25  - San Fransisco 49ers - 16, 034,333
32 - Minnesota Vikings - (-9,678,444) Yes, that is negative!

So, Packers will not be able to spend a lot, but, maybe a couple key players?

He is my request:

1 - Experienced wide receiver
1 - Experiences inside linebacker

A look at our top 10 players by salary in 2020:

1 - Aaron Rodgers - $21,642,000
2 - Za'Darius Smith - $17,250,00
3 - Davante Adams - $16,475,000
4 - David Bakhtiari - $14,700,000
5 - Preston Smith - $13,500,000
6 - Jimmy Graham - $11,666,668
7 - Corey Linsley - $10,500,000
8 - Adrian Amos - $9,400,000
9 - Kenny Clark - $7,690,000
10 - Billy Turner - $7,600,000

Do you see any issues there?  Good old Jimmy Graham!

More discussion to come!

Packers Free Agents

I always try to look at the bright side!  Some days are more difficult than others, this past Sunday was one of those days.  What good comes out of a good old fashion butt kick?  Here are some obvious needs for the 2020 Packers!

1 - Defense against the rush!!!

Inside Linebacker & Defensive Line!

2 - Wide Receivers & Tight Ends

We NEED speed and playmakers!

3 - Special Teams!

We need speed, a punter, and special team pride!

4 - Coaching Growth

Matt LaFleur - creativity & Mike Pettine  - you cannot out guess the opponent all the time!

Now, what free agents NEED to be signed?

Packer Free Agents:

RT - Brian Bulaga - (Maybe)
K - Mason Crosby -  (Yes)
FB - Danny Vitale (Maybe)
WR - Geronimo Allison - (No)
RT - Jared Veldheer - (No)
RB - Tyler Ervin - (Maybe)
OLB - Kyler Fackrell (Maybe)
ILB - BJ Goodson - (No)
TE - Marcedes Lewis - (No)
WR - Ryan Grant - (No)
CB - Tramon Williams - (No)
CB - Will Redmund - (Maybe)
WR - Allen Lazard - (Maybe)
CB - Chandon Sullivan - (No)
WR - Jake Kumerow - (Maybe)
TE - Ryan Tonyan - (Yes)
DT - Tyler Lancaster - (Maybe)
FB - Malcolm Johnson - (No)

In reality, almost the entire list, could be replaced!  18 players, here is how I, the general manager in my dreams, would sign these free agents - and remember, other teams have free agents, and I would look closely at that list!

2 - Mason Crosby & Ryan Tonyan

Mason Crosby has been dependable!
22 of 24 Field Goals - 92% - Longest 54 yards
79 Kickoffs & 49 Touchbacks - returns 24.2 average (remember touchback is 25 yard line)

Not the best, but still VERY dependable!

Robert Tonyan
Our top TE in receptions Jimmy Graham was 20th in receptions 38 - had 447 yards - 3 TD's
A look at the Super Bowl teams - Chiefs & 49ers
Chiefs - Kelce - 97 receptions - 1229 yards - 5 TD's
49ers - Kittle - 85 receptions - 1053 yards - 5 TD's

Tonyan - 10 receptions 100 yards - 1 TD  And, he should be cheap.  Last year made $570,000, I would offer 700,000 & they still have rookie Jace Sternberger.  Unless, Graham & Lewis are willing to come back VERY cheap (Graham 12,666,000 & Lewis 2,100,000)- I would let them go!  Rodgers was always high on Lewis's leadership, maybe AARON should try leading???

4 - WR's - Lazard, Allison, Kumerow, & Grant?  Maybe one of the 3, but need to be cheap.  At best, a 3rd receiver and then, Aaron has not connected with any(except maybe Lazard) of the 4 on a regular basis!

2 - Offensive linemen - Bulaga & Veldheer.  Bulaga has been a dedicated player, but major issues the last few years staying healthy!  Veldheer was a mid-season band-aid!  Again, cheap signing only.

2 - Fullbacks - Vitale & Johnson.  The 49ers proved a fullback in not a "dead" position.  What will LaFleur do?

3 - CB's - Williams, Redmund, & Sullivan?  In his second tour, Tramon Williams has been a great leader, but at his age, would be a great coach!  Redmund & Sullivan, expendable!

DT - Lancaster, started a lot of games, but is a backup at best!  OLB - Fackrell, a back-up at best.
RB - Ervin, showed promise as a returner, but had a crappy game against the 49ers!

So, overall, not impressed.  Other team free agents & draft choices should make all the players in this free agent group a long shot to be back in 2020!

49ers 37 - Packers 20

Well, that's it!  Another Green Bay Packer season in the books.  First, the NFC Championship Game:

1 - Disappointing

2 - Confusing

3 - West Coast?

Let's start with disappointing.  What a start?  Eye Ball Test, incredibly ugly & lack of emotion.  Was it, a team, the 49ers, finding a weakness (Pack could not stop the run) and the Packers defensive minds were unable to intelligently respond?  Or, lack of talent?  Defensive line & inside linebackers? Or, a little of both?  We all know, our best lineman, Clark, was hurting.  And, Lancaster & Lowry are not All-Pros.

Next, confusing?  Is Aaron Rodgers still Aaron Rodgers.  His ball security was terrible and many throws were off!  I have be saying all along, Aaron is NOT focusing on QB basics, footwork, ball security, are lacking.  He is SO talented he can get away with it, making throws from crazy positions. But, sometimes, he needs to step & throw like he was taught! Also, NFL Network & ESPN always show the wild & crazy passes from Mahomes, Jackson, & other young guns.  Is Aaron trying to demonstrate he is able to keep up with the young QB's?

Our defense, at times look great, other times, UGLY!  The run defense wow!

West Coast football, Chargers, 49ers, 49ers again, what is going on?  They look like an entirely different team!  And, LaFleurs ties with the 49ers, he needs to compete!  The next trip will be VERY important!

The game?  First on all Packer fans, HOW IN THE WORLD CAN YOU GIVE UP ALL THOSE YARDS RUSHING IN A CHAMPIONSHIP GAME!!!!!

Answer 1 - Pettine was out coached?  The Packers could never respond & gave up HUGE chunks of yards to an average running back!  As mentioned earlier, the inside BIG guys were moved & the inside linebackers were no were to be seen!  Probably both lack of talent & coaching?

Answer 2 - If Aaron is Aaron and just doesn't't turn the ball over, the defense is not put is BAD situations!  The offense, still is NOT creative enough for me and LACKS talent, especially at tight end & wide receiver.

Answer 3 - Would love to see more emotion!  Get pissed off!

Answer 4 - We got about as much out of this team as we could!

Next up - Packer Free Agents:

RT - Brian Bulaga
K - Mason Crosby
FB - Danny Vitale
WR - Geronimo Allison
RT - Jared Veldheer
RB - Tyler Ervin
OLB - Kyler Fackrell
ILB - BJ Goodson
TE - Marcedes Lewis
WR - Ryan Grant
CB - Tramon Williams
CB - Will Redmund
WR - Allen Lazard
CB - Chandon Sullivan
WR - Jake Kumerow
TE - Ryan Tonyan
DT - Tyler Lancaster
FB - Malcolm Johnson

NFC Championship Game 2019 - Green Bay Packers vs San Fransisco 49ers

Here we go!  Let's be honest!  Did you as a Packer Fan believe our Packers would be here?

This fan, "No, I NEVER expected a new head coach and a losing team from 2018 to be in the 2019 NFC Championship Team!"

Let's keep it simple.

Green Bay Packers 2018 - 3rd place in NFC North - Record 6 Wins - 9 Loses - 1 Tie
San Fransisco 49ers 2018 - 3rd place in NFC West - Record 4 Wins - 12 Loses

Aaron Rodgers vs Jimmy Garoppolo

And, my favorite - #3 - Super Bowl 1  Kansas City Chief vs Green Bay Packers

Go Pack Go!

Packers vs 49ers - Just Win!

All the stats, the analytics, the computer "nerds" cranking out data, well............

It is a human game, played by human beings, coached by humans & refereed by humans(I think!).

The "will to win".  The "hot" quarterback!  The crazy bounces (it is a funny shape football)!

Why not a flash back to 50 years ago!  Super Bowl I - Kansas City Chiefs vs Green Bay Packers!

I was 14 years old!  I was a Dallas Cowboys (SORRY) & San Diego Charger fan!  The AFL was a separate league!  The NFL was the BIG DOG!  Was the AFL up to playing the NFL?  Some people DID NOT want to see this!  But, somebody took a chance & the rest is history!!

The Kansas City Chiefs win & the Green Bay Packers win.... and it is.............

Back to the Future!  

Super Bowl I

Packers versus 49ers, What We Know!

Week 12 - 49ers 37 - Packer 8, looks like a good old fashion BUTT KICK!

1 - Our coach, Matt LaFleur going against a protege, Kyle Shanahan.  The LaFleur family is staying with his brothers family (WHO, coaches with the 49ers, AWKWARD!)  Our rookie coach, is going against a coach with 4 years experience.

2 - Stats from game:

Rodgers - 20 for 33 for 104 yards and 1 TD
Garoppolo - 14 for 20 for 253 yards & 2 TD's

This is NOT a typical Rodgers game - THIS MUST improve!

Davante Adams - 7 receptions - 43 yards - 1 TD
George Kittle - 6 receptions 129 yards - 1 TD

Adams MUST win this battle!

Running:
Williams - 11 for 45 yards - 0 TD
Jones - 13 for 38 yards - 0 TD

Mostert - 6 for 45 - 1 TD
Coleman - 11 for 39 - 1 TD
Wilson - 2 for 27 - 0 TD

Fairly even, but NO TD's for Pack. Jones & Williams MUST get into the end zone!

Defense:

Packers 3 sacks & 49ers 5 sacks, PACKERS will will sack battle!

Turnovers - Packers - 1 fumble & 0 interceptions
                     49ers - 0 fumble & 0 interceptions

Total Yards - Packers - Rush 117 & Pass 119 = 236 total yards
                       49ers - Rush 112 & Pass 253 = 365 total yards

Packers Defense was NOT that bad, but 37 points is too much.  In fact, the offense with 236 totals yards probably put too much pressure on the Packer D!

A look at the series chart:

Packers - 11 total series - 1 Fumble - 6 Punts - 2 Downs - 1 TD - 1 End of Game
49ers - 11 total series - 7 scores 4 TD's & 3 FG's - 4 Punts

First time Packers had ball Rodgers fumble & 49ers score on short field!  Out of 11 series for the 49ers, 7 lead to scores - THAT IS NOT GOOD!

Packers had 5 of 11 series end in 3 & out punts!  That is NOT GOOD!

So, win the turnover battle, sustain long drives with shorts passes, a solid running game & play action passes!  Take a few long shots to keep 49er defense honest!  And, ATTACK on offense & defense!!!

Lot's to improve on!  THREE keys:

1 - Aaron Rodgers
2 - Pressure Garoppolo!
3 - Matt LaFleur - GOOD decisions & quality play calling!!

Go Back Go!

According to NFL "Experts" Packers Should Just Stay Home?

As a "seasoned" citizen, I grew up in a world of no hype, few experts, and sports were sports and not an entertainment show!  I grew up in a world of no replay, and you shut up and deal with adversity!  Packers are underdogs and 49ers will win easily!

OK Packer players, you have bulletin board material.  You are being disrespected!  You are from a small midwestern, Green Bay, and not a "cool" city where you can take in a broadway show, eat sushi, and take a limo to the game!  No, you can ice fish in the morning, eat your fish for lunch, and wash it down with a Leinenkugel!

Aaron Rodgers had NO CHANCE against that top rated 49er defense!

NOT!

The Packers cannot stop tight end Kittle!

NOT!

The 49er pass rush is better than the Packers!

NOT!

The 49er Head Coach will out coach the rookie Packers Head Coach!

NOT!

The Packers cannot win on the west coast!

NOT!

Packers Win Over Seattle, Enjoy It!

Victory!
Any victory in the NFL is precious!!  A playoff victory is even BIGGER!

Beating the Seahawks!
Any victory over Pete Carroll is BIG!

Aaron Rodgers!
Aaron is becoming AARON!

Davante Adams!
WOW!  We need a #2 to show up - Graham, Lazard, Allison, etc.

Smith Brothers!
Za'Darius & Preston!  What a difference a year makes!!!

More to Come!
Why not?  Why not Packers over 49ers!

Enjoy the moment!!!

Lambeau - Playoff Mode!

Davante Adams at his BEST!

Rodgers vs Wilson (Rodgers wins)

Aaron being Aaron!

The "OTHER" Aaron being the "OTHER" Aaron!

Aaron Thanking the Fans!

Ad, Z, using a little MOTIVATION!

Go Pack Go!

The Packers Playoff and Players to Watch

OK, the game is Sunday Night, the last game of the divisional round.  What players MUST step up?

OFFENSE

AARON RODGERS
The obvious one of course Aaron Rodgers!  Our future Hall of Fame QB!  The BEST QB in the NFL?  A multiple Super Bowl winner?  A past NFL MVP.  We have seen greatness!  What have seen Hail Marys like no other HAIL MARYS!  We have seen throws that seem impossible!  Can we see this Sunday??

Rhythm - Any great athlete need to get into a rhythm!  On Sunday HOW do we get Aaron in a rhythm.  What I would do?  Run plays that are easy completions!  Quick slants, curls over the middle, swing passes, screen passes.........  Mix in the running game and attack the Seahawks middle line backer, Bobby Wagner head on!  Save the long bombs for later!

AARON JONES
The running game has been strange for the Packers?  That may start one of two way - the PASSING game sets up the RUNNING game, or the RUNNING game sets up the PASSING game?  My gut says, Sunday, the PASSING game must set up the RUNNING game!  Spread the ball around!  First half, use ALL the weapons - Adams, Graham, Lazard, Tonyan, Allison, Williams & Jones!

Jones has the speed & ability to break the 30-40 yarder on any play!  Get him into the passing game first & the running game will come!!!

BAHKTIARI & BULAGA
The left and right tackles!  Handle the pass rush (especially Clowney) and pop the running game holes!  The battle of the line of scrimmage always makes the game swing one way or another!  Also, Bulaga has been banged up, so, keep a close eye to see how long he will go into the game!

DEFENSE

ZA'DARIUS SMITH
The is no question Za'Darius & Preston Smith have been a breath of fresh air!  We missed and loved seeing Clay Mathews fly around the field, issue was, the last few years he was still flying, but MISSING!  I hope Petine keeps moving Z Smith around the field!  And, I hope Z Smith will be able to bring down Wilson as he runs around the field!!!  And, force 1-2 interceptions!

BLAKE MATTHEWS
Stop the BEAST!  My gut says the Seahawks will attempt to run more!  And, Lynch will get more carries!  Of course, key is 1st down & short yardage!  Matthews needs to bring an extra hammer to the game!  And, wasn't it great to see Matthews with a BIG interception the last game!

ALEXANDER & KING with WILLIAMS
Our corners need to aways be ready & in playoffs games even MORE ready!  The Seahawks, wide receivers are sneaky good!  Lockett is the speedster & Metcalf the "receiving BEAST"  Communication has been BETTER the month of December - that must continue in January!  And, how about another BIG player from the OLD vet - Tramon Williams!  Is he the "Woodson" of the 2019 Packers???

So, BIG games, need BIG plays, by BIG players!  WHO will they be????