[badgerman]

I'm just kind of thinking out loud here................

We all know that the Pack needs a LT for the future along with secondary depth and help in the return game. Probably the biggest needs along with pass rush help.

A better pass rush makes for a better secondary, correct?

I'm fully aware that it is a steep price to pay but how about trading our 1st and 3rd round picks to Denver for Elvis Dumervil? He is 26 years old. 43 sacks and 10 forced fumbles in four seasons. This past season, his first as an OLB in a 3-4 he led the nfl with 17 sacks.

Teams could not account for both Dumervil and Matthews. Makes our secondary better also. Pass rush would lead to turnovers.

We would still have our 2nd,4th,5th, likely two 6ths, and 7th to address other needs.

A few years back Minnesota saw a glaring need and made a bold move for Jared Allen. Does anyone think they made a mistake?

Thoughts?

Looking at a few of the mock drafts posted here, looks like the needs could be met with the picks that would be left if the trade was made.

[VA_PackFan]

Too much invested in LB, so no thanks. Teams have to be willing to trade players to even think about it. There isn't a "Jared Allen type" free agent out there, and you can't sign who's not available.

Keep the picks, hit the draft, and go from there.

[Ellis269]

For starters, Elvis Dumervil is a Restricted FA and is free to sign with anyone. The Packers would have to give up 1st and 3rd round picks if Denver failed to match the contract, but it would still cost less (in terms of draft picks) than it would have to acquire Jared Allen and you don't have the character issues and DWI baggage that Allen had when the Vikings acquired him.

While I wouldn't be opposed to adding Elvis Dumervil considering the impact that he can have as a pass rusher. . . I do have some problems with the idea.

#1. The Packers have invested a TON of money and resources into the LB position and would again be neglecting the OT and DB positions in favor of a team strength.

#2. Elvis Dumervil is a ROLB and would probably need to stay there to maximize his effectiveness in a 3-4 defense in order to have his production match what would be an enormous contract.

#3. That means that our own developing ROLB Clay Matthews would then have to flip sides and play LOLB, replacing Aaron Kampman. Granted, they would be a force to contend with. . . but I really think that Clay Matthews could potentially end up being every bit as good as Dumervil, Ware and Harrison if he's given more help and allowed to develop into his position on the right side.

#4. Ted Thompson clearly values draft picks and I just can't see him making such a huge investment that costs him two premier draft picks this in what seems to be one of the most deep draft classes in years. The costs in terms of contract and draft picks is staggering and would cripple the team if it didn't pan out. I'd rather see them add players through the draft and develop them ourselves.

#5. Thomas Howard is also a RFA who could potentially start at LOLB opposite Clay Matthews who would cost the team less in terms of contract and draft picks (only a 2nd round pick.) While he's not the pass rusher that Dumervil is, he's also just as athletic and is better in pass coverage. I do think that he'd be a good player for the Packers to look into.

#6. If the team does in fact value Brad Jones as a starter at LOLB, I'd give him the chance to develop before investing a ton into a player to replace him. While I'm not entirely sold on the idea, he did play well given the opportunity last year, he played well in college, the coaching staff seems to really like him and he reminds me a lot of guys like Elvis Dumervil and James Harrison that needed some time and development before becoming the very good players that they are now. Give him the full offseason weight program, another year with Kevin Greene and a legitmate shot at the starting job and Brad Jones could very well end up being the star player that the Packers need opposite CM3.

[ray]

Go after Gaither he has a 1st round tender but is a pretty major talent.

[mitchconnor]

Go after Gaither he has a 1st round tender but is a pretty major talent.

I think that would make more sense in a year with a weaker OT draft crop. There will proably be better OTs than Gaither available when we pick, IMO.

[diesel]

Go after Gaither he has a 1st round tender but is a pretty major talent.

Agree with that. Ted should have gone after Allen and Hutch when they were FA's but that's his cup of tea.

[hauser42]

Agree with that. Ted should have gone after Allen and Hutch when they were FA's but that's his cup of tea.

If he goes after him some player would not be around, with all that cap space those two guys take up.

[diesel]

If he goes after him some player would not be around, with all that cap space those two guys take up.

Gotta take some risks to get over the top sometimes. Complacency builds mediocracy.

[gute]

I like the way you think, but I think GB is past that point now, especially with all the money TT invested in Clifton, Collins and Pickett - in my opinion money well spent. I believe TT will hold onto his picks and add youth - would not be suprised if he trades up again after our first pick to get a guy he believes will contribute right away like Wilson or Tate. Both would add a return ability will really need.

[donalde2121]

Agree with that. Ted should have gone after Allen and Hutch when they were FA's but that's his cup of tea.

Neither of these guys were FA's. One was traded for and the other was an RFA.