The "BIG" Boys - Packer Offensive Linemen!

If I really was in charge(instead of dreaming), here is where I would build my team!!!  To me, if you give most QB's time, average 4-5 yards a rush, you can have a great offense!  If your quarterback is on his back, or it's 3rd and 10 - GOOD LUCK!!!

Just so happens, Aaron Rogers was the MOST sacked QB in the league!!  Aaron was sacked 51 times!!!!  That is 3.2 per game!!!  Just in case you forget, the MOST important player on the offense is Aaron Rogers & keeping Aaron healthy is critical!

The Packer starting offensive line at the end of the year:
                                         Years on the team
C     Dietrich-Smith                     3
RG  Sitton                                   5
LG  Lang                                    4
RT  Barclay                                R
LT  Newhouse                            3

and Bulaga - 3 yrs, Sherrod - 2 yrs

Very young offensive line!!!!!

Of course Jeff Saturday started the year, and was beat out at the end of the year and Bulaga was injured and did not finish the season at right guard!  First, a look at free agents.

Ryan Clady - Denver
Jake Long - Miami
Branden Albert - Kansas City
Sebastian Vollmer - New England
Andre Smith - Cinncinati
Brandon Moore - NY Jets
Andy Levitre - Buffalo

Some good ones here - Clady, Vollmer, Smith would all help the Pack, but would cost some money.  A few have injury issues, Pack doesn't need that, they all ready have that issue themselves!  I would pass on the free agents and look to the draft!  Who is out there?   Look at Walter Football.

The top Big Guys:

Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M  6'6"-310             5.30
Eric Fisher, Central Michigan  6'7"-305         5.05
Lane Johnson, Oklahoma  6'6"-302               4.72
DJ Fluker, Alabama  6'4"-355                        5.31
Menelik Watson, Florida State  6'6"-320        5.29

Lot of big boys!   I would look at the guys who played basketball, were on the track & field team, wrestled in high school!  Like the speed of Lane Johnson of Oklahoma & he is a BIG boy!  And a 34 inch vertical jump!

If we have a chance I would go for one of the young guys in the draft!  The Pack is young, but injury prone!

Tight Ends - Packers Need to Improve!!!!

Dropped balls, injuries, lack of consistency, & lack of production!  Tight Ends are critical in todays offenses!  Let's Look at production.
                                 Receptions          Yards        yds/Rec     Long     TD
Finley, Jermichael          61                    667           10.9          40          2
Crabtree, Tom                 8                     203           24.4          72         3
Williams, DJ                    7                      57              8.1         12          0
Taylor, Ryan                   1                      11            11.0          11         0


Finley?  What can I say about Finley?  Two or three years ago it looked like he would be one of the top 5 in the league.  And he still could be!  Problem is he is not.  I know he had to share receptions with Nelson, Jennings, Cobb, Jones & Driver!  But all I see is those drop balls!  My brain says move on, but my heart says give hime one more year?????

The other guys are average at best Crabtree is just a hard working, blue collar type of team player.  The other guys are just average.  And don't for get Quarless, he missed all last year!

Let's look at free agents:

Dustin Keller, NY Jets
Heath Miller, Pittsburgh
Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta
Fred Davis, Washington
Jared Cook, Tennessee
Dallas Clark, Tampa Bay
Delanie Walker, San Fransisco

Five years ago, no brainer Tony Gonzalez!! Not now.  The others are not a big improvement.

How about the draft?  Here are some good ones.

NFL Combine Results
                                                                        40 yd    Bench Reps   Vertical   Stand LJ
Zach Ertz, Stanford  (6'5"-249)                        4.76          24               35.5        111
Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame (6'5"-250)                4.68          22               30.5        119
Jordan Reed Florida (6'2"-236)                        4.72         16                 ?             ?
Dion Sims, Michigan State (6'5"-262)             4.75          22               35.0        112
Gavin Escobar, San Diego State (6'6-254)      4.84           ?                32.0        114

I would take a few shots here in rounds 3 & 4 if they are around.  Of course, like Stanford & Notre Dame players.

I would forget free agents, give Finley one more year, & draft the best one available rounds 3 or 4!

What Are Other Websites Saying About The Packers - NFL.com

Thought I would take a time out from my predictions and look at the NFL web page.  Read the article at:  Offseason Forecast: Green Bay Packers

The article does back up a few of my observations:

•  Packers new to play "more physical"
•  Pass Rush improvement
•  Improve running game

to quote the article:"The Packers need to improve their pass rush, running game, and overall team toughness."

The article also agrees with me that the Packers believe in draft & development.  Free agents Jennings is probably gone, and more like Woodson this week.  They also need to cut cost & may sign Rogers & Matthews early in 2013!

Take a look at the article and check out the website!

Packer Wide Receivers

Without doubt, on of the Packer strengths has been at the wide receiver position!  The names with be changing next year!  Let's look at this years stats:

Player                       Rec           Yds            Yds/Rec            Long             TD's
Randall Cobb           80             954              11.9                   39                  8
James Jones              64            784               12.3                   49                 14
Jermichael Finley     61            667               10.9                   40                  2
Jordy Nelson            49            745               15.2                   73                 7
Greg Jennings          36            366               10.2                   45                 4

All other receivers has less than 10 receptions - Crabtree - 8, Driver - 8, Williams - 7.

Driver is retiring and although he really had no chance to play this year, his career was amazing!  He seems to be an even better person that he is a football player!  THANK YOU Donald for all the great memories!!!!

OK, looks like we will have - Nelson, Cobb, & Jones.  That is a good start!  Finley, Crabtree, Williams,  Taylor, Bostock, & Quarless back from injury!  A lot of people, but is it enough talent?  Let's look at Free Agents.

Free Agents - Top Receivers

Greg Jennings (GB) - In the final year of the 4-year, $27 million deal he signed in 2009, Jennings will look to nearly double that on his next contract after seeing Vincent Jackson go 5 for $55 million. With consistency and humility, Jennings would be on a great asset for a rhythm- based offense that emphasizes precise route- running where Jennings has flourished as a top 5 receiver over the past few seasons. With other key extensions on the horizon and the emergence of Randall Cobb and James Jones in Green Bay, rumors suggest that Jennings will not be in green and gold next year.

Mike Wallace (PIT) - After a noisy offseason of threats and 9-digit contract talks, Mike Wallace backed down and returned to the field just in time for the regular season. Though his pathetic display of drops and inconsistency has dropped his value this offseason, he should have the opportunity to test the market. Fighting the cap and Antonio Brown's contract, the Steelers aren't likely to bring the franchise tag into play making the premier deep threat one of the big prizes in free agency.

Dwayne Bowe (KC) - Prior coaching and front office changes in Kansas City, it was almost a lock that Bowe had played his last down as a Chief. Now with a sliver of hope, the new regime can make him a pitch on why the next five years may be better than his last five. In the end though, Bowe's production as a number one receiver despite a quarterbacking crew that will looked to be replaced this offseason, will land him a lucrative deal this offseason. His biggest obstacles to receiving that payday will be the free agent interest drawn by his peers.

Wes Welker (NE) - A free agent a year ago, the Patriots refused to budge from their stance and Welker ended up playing on the franchise tag. Now 32 headed into free agency, Welker will have even less leverage and the Patriots less likely to give him a long term deal. In the end, though his loss would force the Patriots to make slight offensive changes, it's not a loss they can't overcome with Brady and Josh McDaniels. Expect Wes Welker to play in a different uniform in 2013.

Danny Amendola (STL) - With quickness and sure hands, Amendola is as good as any working the slots and the chains. Though playing only 11 games, Amendola reeled in 63 passes for 666 yards and providing Bradford his only reliable target. The Rams don't have much cap space to use the franchise tag, but they should make re- signing Amendola to a long- term deal a high priority this offseason if they wish to see Sam Bradford finally take another step forward.

Brian Hartline (MIA) - With his first 1000 yard season coming with Ryan Tannehill at the helm of the offense, Brian Hartline insists upon his return to Miami. The Dolphins need to be spending this offseason looking for another receiver or two, but losing Hartline as the eventual #2 in this offense would be a big step backwards for the organization and their developing young quarterback, especially if they can't land another starting caliber receiver this offseason.

Of course, the top pick for me is Greg Jennings!  Still think he has a lot in the tank!  But he may be toooo expensive.  Just like other NFL teams, the salary cap creates issues & Greg Jennings may be out of the question!  So may I be the first to say - Good Bye Greg, good luck and please sign in the AFC!  

How about the college crop - let's look at the receivers this year.  Here is one list I found.

1 - Keenan Allen, California               6'2"  215 lbs.  40 time - 4.49
2 - Terance Williams, Baylor              6'3"  205 lbs.  40 time - 4.50
3 - Tavon Austin, West Virginia         5'9"  176 lbs.  40 time - 4.39
4 - DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson          6'1"  200 lbs.  40 time - 4.40
5 - Justin Hunter, Tennessee               6'4"  200 lbs.  40 time - 4.48
6 - Cardarrelle Patterson, Tennessee    6'3"  200 lbs.  40 time - 4.40
7 - Da'Rick Rogers, Tennessee Tech  6'3"  208 lbs.  40 time - 4.48
8 - Cobi Hamilton, Arkansas               6'3"  209 lbs.  40 time - 4.58

Here is what the Packer web site is saying: Packers Receiving Corp in the Midst of Change

OK, this how I see it.  Wide Receiver is not a "panic" move!  We can spend our money in other positions first!  I would avoid the NFL free agents!  Still think Jennings has a few more good years, but he is too expensive for the Pack right now.  I would go draft if the right player falls in our lap, but I would put the draft choice behind Defensive Line, Offensive Line, Running Back, & Linebackers!  Right now my gut goes with the Baylor kid, Terance Williams, nice size & speed combo!

The Packer Merry-Go-Round, Running Backs

The only "sure" thing the past few years at running back is John Kuhn!  The fullback position has been in the competent hands of Kuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuhn!  Kuhn has finished his 7th season and should be good for at least one more.  His steady play, leadership, and special team help has been some of the best money the Packers have spent!  For depth, second year running pack Brandon Saine at 5'11 - 220lbs, should be able to fill in - just stay healthy!  Plus, in the Packer offense the many tight ends run similar patterns & pass block when needed.

Now, the running game!  Wow!  The past few years has been a revolving door!!  Alex Green, James Starks, Cedric Benson, Brandon Saine, Ryan Grant, and DuJuan Harris.

Here are the stats:
                                 Attempts        Yards             Yds/Att       Long            TD's
Alex Green                  135              464                   3.4              41                0
Cedric Benson             71                248                   3.5              11                1
James Starks                71                255                   3.6              22                1
Aaron Rogers              54                259                   4.8              27                2
DuJuan Harris             34                157                   4.6              21                2
Ryan Grant                 31                 127                   4.1             18                2
John Kuhn                  23                  63                    2.7             9                  1
Randall Cobb             10                 132                   13.2            28                0

As a team the Packers ranked 20th of the 32 NFL teams.  This ranking is deceiving, the teams of the Super Bowl, the 49er's & Ravens were ranked 4th & 11th respectively.  But also ahead of the Packers were the Chiefs who finished with the worst record in the NFL!  It would be nice to see a Green Bay running back break off a 60 yard run!  Or break a screen pass for 75 yards!

The key number is Yds/Att - Green 3.4, Benson 3.5, and Starks 3.6 doesn't cut it!!  Look at the top 5 rushers in the league Peterson 6.0, Morris 4.8, Lynch 5.0, Charles 5.3, and Martin 4.6.   The Packers need to have a better average per run, that make 2nd & 3rd down easier!!!

How about Free Agent Running Backs:

Reggie Bush (MIA) - Looking for his final payday at the age of 27, there's no guarantee that Reggie Bush will return to Miami where he's revitalized his career amassing 2000 rushing yards over the past two seasons and 2600 from scrimmage. However, both he and the Dolphins have expressed preliminary interest in each other, which casts a shadow over whether the "prize" of the running back crop may even go on the market.

Shonn Greene (NYJ) - The combination of productivity, explosiveness, and youth is nowhere to be found in free agency after Reggie Bush. Greene has some of those characteristics and averaged 4.2 per carry over his career and is coming off back-to-back 1000 yard campaigns, but hasn't broken a run longer than 36 yards in his career. Keep in mind that if Greene hits the market, it will be because the Jets are looking for an upgrade, which only affirms his modest value.

Felix Jones (DAL) - With DeMarco Murray missing significant time to injury again, Felix Jones turned in his worst statistical year to date and still did nothing to prove wrong his injury history. Though he played in every game, he carried a lingering injury from week to week, masking the explosiveness that made him so dangerous as a rookie. Looking at Murrary's numbers drop from just a year ago, it's possible Jones was just stuck behind a poor line and the expected change of scenery could bring some excitement back to his game.

Cedric Benson (GB) - It took Cedric Benson an awful long time to find an interested team a year ago. Only the running back-starved Packers were willing to give him a chance. A year later, there may not be much left for him if Green Bay decides to pass on Benson. Though he's received nothing but praise from inside the organization, backs on the downside of their career have become afterthoughts to an impressive infusion of young talent year after year.

Peyton Hillis (KC) - It's hard to tell if anyone will still buy into Hillis' 2010 season, but the list of suitors continues to diminish with each passing season. He's a bruising running back who gelled behind a good line and put up some unexpected numbers in Cleveland. Because he's only 26, he may get one more shot, but free agency wasn't kind to many running backs last time around.

Rashard Mendenhall (PIT) - Mendenhall is returning from a torn ACL, has been suspended a game for "conduct detrimental," and finished his season with 182 yards on 3.6 per carry. There may be some talent left in the former 1st round pick, but if he becomes a free agent, it'll be because a team that finish bottom 5 in yards per carry let him walkÑnot a good sign. Mendenhall could return to provide some surprise value, but he won't see a healthy payday right away.

Danny Woodhead (NE) - As a kick returner and passing down running back, Danny Woodhead has a niche that will draw interest. Shane Vereen looked okay at times and if the coaching staff believes he can fill Woodhead's role, he may be looking for a new employee, this time with an established brand.

Do not see anyone here that is a big upgrade on what we have now, maybe resign Cedric Benson, if we do not spend a ton of money!  He already knows the offense.

How about Running Backs in the draft:

1. Giovani Bernard | 5'10, 205 pounds | Running back | North Carolina **
2. Eddie Lacy | 6'0, 220 pounds | Running back | Alabama *
3. Marcus Lattimore | 6'0, 218 pounds | Running back | South Carolina *
4. Johnathan Franklin | 5'10, 205 pounds | Running back | UCLA
5. Jawan Jamison | 5'8, 200 pounds | Running back | Rutgers **
6. Andre Ellington | 5'10, 190 pounds | Running back | Clemson
7. Kenjon Barner | 5'11, 195 pounds | Running back | Oregon
8. Stepfan Taylor | 5'11, 208 pounds | Running back | Stanford
9. Montee Ball | 5'11, 212 pounds | Running back | Wisconsin
10. Mike Gillislee | 5'11, 209 pounds | Running back | Florida


How about Free Agent Running Backs:  2013 NFL Draft Running Back from SB Nation

I like Eddie Lacy from Alabama and Stepfan Taylor out of Stanford.  Lacy runs hard and looks durable and Taylor from Stanford looks like he could be a 3 down running back.

Quarterbacks For The Packers

As we get ready for the April NFL draft the focus will be on Packer needs and what we already have on the roster.  The Packer Website today started discussion withe the quarterback position!

On the Packer roster now is 

Aaron Rogers                    8th year

Graham Harrell                 1st year

BJ Coleman                      Rookie

Aaron Rogers is without doubt one of the top QB's in the league.  But, leading the league in being sacked sends a chill down most Packer fans backs!!!  Graham Harrell & BJ Coleman are very "green" and unknown!  Could we pick up a cheap veteran or draft someone this year?  First let's look the draft!

Geno Smith - West Virginia

Matt Barkley - USC

Mike Glennon - NC State

Tyler Wilson - Arkansas

Ryan Nassib - Syracuse

EJ Manuel - Florida State

Tyler Bray - Tennessee

Landry Jones - Oklahoma

Zac Dysert - Miami (Ohio)

Matt Scott - Arizona

Could have a Tom Brady here?  A million dollar question!  Here is my diamond in the rough:

Mike Glennon - NC State - nice size - 6'6" - 232 lbs & run 4.61 40!  Graduated early & took master degree courses!  Even we can get him in round 4-5 I would take him!

Free Agents?

Joe Flacco - Baltimore

Jason Campbell - Chicago

Tarvaris Jackdon - Buffalo

Matt Moore - Miami

Drew Stanton - Indianapolis

Forget Flacco!  The only one would be Matt Moore, if he was cheap!!!

Unless Farve would come back to back up Rogers!!!  Funny!!!!!

Thank goodness we have Rogers!  Enjoy the next 5-6 years!  I will!!

Thank You Donald Driver!

What can be said about Donald Driver?  It would probably take many, many paragraphs to answer this question!!!  Let's keep this blog entry simple!

First, check out the video with Donald Driver!

Next, how about a few words!

And his rank among Packer receivers!  Check it out:  Donald Driver Packers Career Stats

Talent!!!

Check out the numbers:

An American Success Story!

Driver, his single mother and his four siblings did without food, shelter and money at various times. When his mother, didn't have food stamps, it wasn't uncommon for them to eat mayonnaise sandwiches. They once lived in a car trailer without heat, water or electricity after a collection agency confiscated the family's possessions.

Class Act!!!

Family man, leader, and someone we are proud to call a Packer!!!!

Packers Draft 2013 - Offense

The Packer offense is one reason to bring a smile to most Packer fans, but I think we can still get better!!!!!  Let's look at the depth chart!

Starters                  Subs
QB - Rogers              Harrell, Coleman
RB - Harris                Benson, Green, Starks, Saine, Grant
FB - Kuhn
WR - Nelson              Jones, Driver
WR - Cobb                 Jennings, Ross,
TE - Finley                 Crabtree, Williams, Taylor, Quarless, Bostick
T - Newhouse             Datko
T - Barclay                  Bulaga, Sherrod
G - Sitton                    Van Roten,
G - Lang                     Gibbs
C - Dietrich-Smith      Gerhart, Saturday

Offense is a strength, but I submit, it is only because of one man - Aaron Rogers!!!!  Last year we had to look at defense in the draft, but this year we need to look for the BEST available athlete! Here are a few observations.

Offensive line - Aaron Rogers led the league in SACKS!!!  Not Good!  I think we need to look at at least one offensive lineman!  Here are my concerns - 1) We cannot stay healthy!  Bulaga, Sherrod, have had big time injuries!  2) I do not know if we are athletic enough?  Two years ago, Giants playoff game, their D-line ran circles around us!  And like I said, this year 51 sacks!!!!

Wide Receivers - We are losing Donald Driver (retirement) & Greg Jennings (free agent).  First, I would sign Jennings.  I still think he is our best receiver!  I think Cobb is more of a slot (multi-purpose guy), and Nelson & Jones are good because of Rogers & the strength in numbers - Jennings - Jones - Cobb - Nelson.  I think they have trouble with (press) coverage.  I would look for a bigger WR - (like Calvin Johnson or Julio Jones)

Running Back - Oh Boy!  I could talk an hour on this one!!  Why not draft a good one if available?  Injuries are also a concern!  Alex Green & James Starks always hurt!!!!  Grant will be gone. We could get 1-2 years out of Benson (and he was injured!!)?  I do like Harris, he may be a diamond in the rough!!!

Tight Ends - I am ready to say good bye to Finley.  Depending on his contract, the time is coming!  The other guys - Quarless (another injury!!), Williams, Taylor are OK, but that is it!  Again, If we can get a good one - GO FOR IT!!!!!

Fullback - Kuuuuuuhn!  Keep him!  Focus on the other positions

Quarterback - We are lucky!!  We have one of the best!!!  We need to 1 - cut back on sacks & 2 - give him the weapons!!!  Our backup is shaky, but most teams have the same issue!

A few questions:

1 - Why the injuries?  The last few years it has be a revolving door!!!  The good news is we have been able to win, the bad knows is - THEY NEED TO STAY HEALTHY!  Is it the strength training we are doing?  The conditioning?  Need to be looked at!!!

2 - Last year we focused on defense, we cannot do that this year!!!  Draft the best athlete on the board!!

3 - Why not look for one free agent?  We will look at free agents next.

Go Pack Go!!!