All in all, I think this was a pretty good draft. Interesting, in that I think TT drafted for need this year moreso than any other year.

Regardless, I think we got some starters out of this draft and some additional competition at several positions. Kudos to TT and I'm looking forward to the rest of the offseason.

Hello

With certain reservations I agree. I thought the Quinn Johnson pick to be the most interesting. This guy is suppose to be a smash mouth FB with limited ball skills (so goes the bio), but if he can help open it up for Grant and the rest of the O backfield I am all for it.

I was pleased to see Meredith get picked. I heard Mayock on NFL network say there were concerns about him off the field and inconsistency on. I could find nothing on him about any problems off the field or team related. Seems like a very solid guy. He even mentored several younger players while on the team.

The Raji pick I understand but based on his academic issues, this pick still scares me. Hope he lives up to his hype. We have had enough John Micheals/Tony Mandrich/Jamal Reynolds types on this team.

The pick I think was wasted was the Underwood pick. How many players who play football at OSU get kicked out of the school much less the team for academic and personal issues. Just doesn't happen that much there. He is not a Packer type player.

It will be real interesting to see what this class looks like in 2-3 years. This could be one of the best or it could be just another draft class for the Pack.

Thanks

Wolfman 24

I think that because it looks like Thompson drafted for need, people are praising this draft more than past ones. Despite the fact that it's kind of dumb to try and apply a grade to a draft the day after it happens, people do anyway. Because no one knows how the players will pan out immediately, their draft rating is based on how many players "filled holes" (which is looking at nothing more than which positions were drafted). Because this draft we picked more players at "positions of need", people are going to grade it higher than a draft like last years, where we got a WR, QB, etc that weren't considered necessary positions to fill.

Four years from now when we can actually give a reasonable assessment on the draft no one will remember whether the players picked in this draft were picked for "need" or were the "best available" -- they'll look at how many quality players were picked.

While we here maybe see that trading a lot to move back into the 1st round and may downgrade the draft, the draft pundits do not. GB gets a higher grade for drafting Matthews. Yes, Raji was a need pick, but also was expected to be drafted a few picks earlier, even in the top 5. This is not a reach and while maybe, just maybe Crabtree was rated higher, Raji had to be in the same tier, no doubt. On many mocks, Raji was drafted ahead or right behind him. If GB drafts Crabtree, while he maybe the BPA, he does not make this team that much better like Raji. Both players have a risk of being a bust. Raji is in a good place, he is not stupid and has players to mentor him, Pickett, Kampman, even Jenkins. He will have every opportunity to succeed. He needs some leeway for sure. He needs to get stronger, but he has players around him. He only needs to be a solid contributor this year. These big guys need to get stronger.

As to Matthews, he has all of the signs of a top notch player. I think that Capers will do wonders with our LBs. Kampman, Barnett, Hawk and Matthews. Would be interesting to see a DL come out on passing downs and keep all 4 LBs in with 5 DBs and 2 down lineman. Kampman could go into a three point or not. Interesting dynamic. This year will be Caper's year to show he is a genius or not. He probably does not have all of the pieces, but I think GB runs a lot of 3-4, unlike previously stated.

Underwood was one of the better value picks here...watching the Bearcats play, he's the guy who really stood out.

Good points, however I think the potential is there to see much more from this draft in terms of immediate production than from long term improvement as they improve from within.

The future will show if this is correct.

All in all, this may be as solid a draft we have had for a while. At least on paper and the experts analysis. For what it is worth, my thoughts.

I can not complain with any of the picks - except the pick of Wynn. He just doesn't seem to fit the mold of the DE for the 3-4 scheme being only 270. I know they have said he can put some weight on, but even at that, another 15 to 20 doesn't seem enough. And, he has been limited in games and experience. Someone really likes him, but just doesn't seem to fit.

Obviously the first two picks are great ones. No need to discuss them.

Today's picks have a lot of value. If they pan out, we get a tackle for the next years to come in Meredith - hopefully a LT and another guy in Lang that could fill any spot except C.

Underwood is a player. Period. He is fast and covers well. This is a guy that can play either safety or corner and will have that value. He may never be a starter, but a valuable nickel guy and special teamer.

Johnson is good. Probably the best run blocker for a FB in the draft. He will absolutely run you over. And he is a tough guy.

The guy that people had better not forget is Brad Jones. The 7th rounder is also a player. This guy is fast and covers as much ground as any LB we have. He will be a back-up and will be a special teams demon. Write it down now - he will be the talk of training camp.

All in all, TT went out and got some tough physical guys that will punch you in the mouth and will not back down from doing it. We are getting three starters out of this group I think. Raji, Matthews, and Johnson. Meredith will be in the mix for RT also.

I totally agree with your assessment except for this one part:



If he gains 20 pounds, that puts him at 290. That's about the same weight as the 2 starting ends of the Steelers, Keisel and Aaron Smith. I think it is a development player that sits on the roster for a year, bulks up and starts seeing more time next year. That's one thing I think Thompson likes to do, and if you watch the Steelers, they rarely play their rookies on defense. They are almost always 2-3 year players before they become a starter (Polamalu excluded).

What did Kampman play at....265#?

Different role as a pass rushing end in the 4-3 and line control in the 3-4. A 3-4 end. Different responsibilities, different size requirement.

-Thought this was an excellent draft for the Pack. Really liked the distribution of picks, especially 4 for the front seven and 2 for the OL.
- Raji was a pleasant surprise, really didn't think the Pack would have a shot at him. Wynn was more TT-like pick, seems to have a real upside - I'll be pulling for him. Thought the Pack would have selected King or Jean-Francois. Following the DL this offseason sure will be fun.
- Was so relieved with the Lang pick. A little curious why Merideth fell that far, but he sure seems right for the Pack.
- The thought of lining up CM with AJ, NB, and AK is very exciting. Jones could be an ST demon.
- Had hoped for a blocking TE, instead we may have the second coming of William Henderson on the roster - FB Johnson.
- Also had hoped for higher CB, given Woodson's and Harris' age. Underwood was another TT-like pick, hopefully his past is history and can play to his potential. Will be interesting to see if he goes on the PS or can contribute on ST. Look forward to seeing how the Pack's DB situation pans out.
- These rookies are going to make training camp extremely competive and there will likely be hard choices made.

Given all that can happen in a draft, this is about as ideal as I could have hoped for. We upgraded big time in the size department. This team is full of speed, and now we have the size to go with it.

Last year, I thought we did a lot of, "cute" things. Moved guys around, tried a lot of different lineups, moved Woodson to Safety, etc. Now, we just have some big ol', dirty, mean, corn-fed dudes that can line up in their own spot and say, "let's go."

Personally, I happy both Lang and Merideth fell as low as they did-surprised-a little luck assisted TT in having a very solid Draft and provided a little OL help-most needed this year! God love's the Packers!

I liked the draft and I like the FAs signed after the draft. Looks to be solid all around. Since most people seem to like it and many experts thought it was great; that means it's going to suck terribly in a few years. That seems to be the way of the world wrt the draft.

Suprised that BJ lasted to 9. Once the Raiders picked Darius I knew we had either Monroe or Raji. Trading back into the first for all those picks tells me that the Packers had Mathews rated significantly higher. Getting Mathews was great since he is a complete LB. Most of the guys at 41 would have to learn the position (guys like Barwin, Johnson, Brown..). I think it will be a real jolt to get 2 bonafide starters in our front 7. Big upgrade IMO.

I was anxiously awaiting round 4 to see which tackle we got (I was locked into OT). Pleased with Lang. He's a RT or an OG in the NFL. Then the ridiculous run on WRs and other odd picks helps us to what appears to be an awesome round 5. After our first 3 picks on the second day I no longer cared if TT picked my mailman in the 6th. But we got a versatile CB/S who I believe will make our squad. Safety will be an interesting position this year. Wynn is a bit intriguing. From what I read a lot of scouts think he has great potential. He'll need some time. He needs a bit more size but his skills are that of a 3-4 DE. Even the kid we drafted in round 7 looks like he's faster than lightning. As an OLB he'll have a tough time making the squad though. There is a LOT of competition at LB on this club.

Take it for what its worth...

Mel Kiper gave GB the best grade in this years draft.

"Green Bay Packers: GRADE: A
I love what this team did to solidify its shaky defense in the first two picks alone, with the selection of two excellent players in defensive tackle B.J. Raji and outside linebacker Clay Matthews. Tackle T.J. Lang was a good pickup for the offensive line, while Quinn Johnson could be a bruising lead fullback in the league. Sixth-round pick Brandon Underwood could make this team and give the Packers depth as a backup."

Well, I for one am Pleased , but wanted to place it all in perspective on what the Packers got in this Draft and Transactions prior and right after the draft:

BJ Raji- I feel will come in and help right away versatile enough to play all over the line , just as Capers had stated about Picket and Jenkins

Clay Mathews- This guy has to impresses some of us and with me he does, a Walk on at USC and was one of there core LB's , he will challenge for a spot and will probably be on ST- Yeah he may or may not but it does provide the ST more flexibility with Poppinga, Chillar and Jones and Underwood-Maybe.

TJ Lang and Meredith and Preston add much needed depth and long term solutions and add in Barbrie, Spitz, Giacomni, Wells, Sitton,Colledge, Clifton, Maybe Tasucher the Line again could be a very positive strength of this team. I added Preston as he is like adding another Pick.

Quin Johnson- A Bruising fullback that can lead the way - Can allow Kuhn to be the third down back and maybe Hall takes his claim to ST- again another ability for flexibility for ST - I Think in some ways this draft also helped out our other area of concern in Special teams. Also According to ESPN Roster on the Packers Korey Hall is now on the Defense Roster--hmmmmm


Wynn, Underwood and Jones - All have potential and could be ST players or could help us out in Depth, Wynn could make an impact and get into the rotation if he listens to Greene and Capers.


Besides the Draft , adding Smith to the DB and Underwood and Rouse and Pat Lee having one more year under there belts could help us take a stance with Collins if needed.


Adding a lot of Depth at DL, the Soi guy is interesting and I think Capers knows what he got in that since he was in Miami with him. Never know, having him along with Pickett , Jenkins, Raji and Harrell comes back strong along with Kampan ,Jolly , Montgomery and Thompson may gel in the new system as I know we have seen sporadic flashes from Montgomery..and Malone possibly to help....Lot of depth here, but would not mind adding Carter and or Holliday..This would just Strengthen the line even further

Now the LB corps I feel is the strength, Chillar, Barnett, Bishop, Hawk , Mathews, Poppinga, Havner, and Lansanah is someone to keep an eye on, Parcells loved this guy so TT signed him so not to lose him..we will see if they are right on this guy...and now maybe Korey Hall...

The RB rotation is good and I like this little scat back they signed from NW Sutton , could be that change of pace once in awhile, with Wynn, Jackson and Grant doing a 3 headed monster like the Giants did a few years back and Lumpkin. Not sure of Suttons speed, but maybe a KR or PR...he has the ability to make people miss since he is so low to the ground, once again I think they were also thinking ST possibly.


So overall a lot of new pieces added to the mix and we still have some possible UFA that could be had for the lower price as TT seems to always find one or two before the season starts..

I am feeling very positive on this year, Capers and Green will add real intensity and fire to a Defense that I think is really what they needed as well as a DC that knows how to scheme against the offenses that will keep them guessing.

If the D and ST does improve even 20-30 % over last year that should compute to a around 2-3 more wins. any more improvement over that and we have a very hard team to beat for anyone..As Long as the Offense does as good as last year and hopefully improves as well....

So lets see I had placed this under a seperate Topic, and it gets moved, But yet I see others posting some of the same stuff under a NEW TOPIC and there Posts are Not moved...Whats Up MODS...

Lets not start new threads when there are ones up on the same subject.

Thanks.

I guess in retrospect to me, this draft just seemed totally out of character for Thompson. I'm not say he reached for players, but every pick seemed like a need pick to me. It even got to the point where you could look at the list of players available at the time of selection and predict who it would be to some extent.

Not complaining, as I said earlier I think we'll get some immediate production and maybe even starters from this draft class. It's just that it's nice to see that possibility instead of a bunch of potential and projects.

Lare, I agree that this draft seemed so different. It makes sense, and it was perhaps lucky. Obviously need always factors in, and always has. Hawk, Harrell, Rodgers, Jackson, Colledge, Jennings, these all seemed like guys where need was very much in mind, either short-term or down-the-road. (Granted, what TT thought he needed, not necessarily immediately but a year out, may not jive with what posters often thought they needed.)

But this one really was a neat case where guys of reasonable merit were selected who fit need very well. I'm no ranker; but it might seem that Lang was the only one who seemed even remotely like a reach, and there's no indication that he was.

The Matthews trade, that obviously was a stunner. Both that TT would trade up at all; so aggressively; and with an unfavorable point-value differential. Both the action and the comments confirm that, rightly or wrongly, TT had him ranked significantly higher. He said in the 12-18 range or something like that, he'd expected. And IIRC, even at about pick 20 or so the trade value would have been level. So if he figured he's getting a #20 pick and getting a #20 guy, the trade value thing works. If he feels he's getting a #14 guy, all the better.

But, we'll see. Will Matthews be good? Or just a guy. Will either of the tackles really be NFL players? Or will they be two more on the list of Coston-Spitz-Moll-Barbre mid-round picks that look more like guys who'll take a couple years to become decent backups but won't be quality starters ever, much less early on?

Who knows. If Raji and Matthews prove to be cornerstone quality players on the defense, and one of the tackles works out, incredible draft. With Raji and matthews not being long-term projection guys, but experience players who should be ready pretty quickly, it will be nice not to have to wait so long to get some judgement.

I also do think it fits with what TT's rebuild has involved. There is more roster depth now than there has been before. Perhaps if more of his picks from drafts 1 and 2 and 3 had worked out better, we might have reached this point sooner. But the roster doesn't have room for 10 new rookies anymore.

A very encouraging change.

Obviously having a high pick for only the second time in his 5 drafts helps. As does having the extra 3rd rounder.

We got some corn fed dudes that I like as well...Im very happy bout draft if you look

If the 2009 draft turns out 5 eventual starters as some are saying ( me included ) how does that affect our future drafts?Especially if Lang and Meridith pan out our Oline will be young and set for the future , RB position is young and stocked and the same with TE and FB. WR Driver is nearing the end but the other guys are all young yet.

On the defense Woodson and Harris are up there in age but we have Williams, Lee and Blackmon so I could see where the CB position needs help and probably it is wise to draft CB's every year to keep it replenished. Safeties if Collins is resigned and Bigby comes back from injury we should be set with some depth there with Rouse ,Smith . Underwood if he pans out along with Bush should provide backup depth at both CB and Safety for a few years. At linebacker we have alot of young guys but Kampman/ Barnett are getting up there. Hawk, Matthews , Bishop , Thompson , Hunter and the others are all young yet .Chillar and Poppinga are middle aged. On the line Pickett and Jenkins are older but if Harrell pans out and Raji does well we have some good players there as well as the other guys we now have on the roster at Dline are also young.

So if this draft pans out well TT will have a pretty good situation on coming draft days . It looks to me as defense will be the theme of coming drafts stocking up on DB's , Lineman ,linebackers and WR. Anyway if this draft is as good as it looks GB should be good team for awhile .Now I realize that injuries occur and draft picks dont always turn out to be Pro Bowlers ( there are also undrafted free agents that one or two make the team and produce) but I think that TT has buildt up some good depth on this team and is staying on top of the age of the team with his draft philosphy.The 2009 draft(and the defensive coaching changes ) is what will TT's legacey will hinge on .