Since we were forced to sign a player (Miree) off of Denver's practice squad last year after Hendu washed out, it seems to me that solidifying the FB position should be a priority. Considering the blocking scheme we run, there is possibly nobody better than Justin Griffith from Atlanta. Atlanta is only a few million under the salary cap and he seems ripe for the picking. Thoughts?

Quote from an article a few weeks ago in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:



And from a Scouts, Inc. profile:

i would easily prefer signing Griffith to drafting Brian Leonard in the 2nd.

Me too!!!

I would love griffith..a beast IMO

FB has to be upgraded. Henderson has been well below average for three seasons. Miree, while young and aggressive isn't very good either. Griffith is one of the best FB in the game and would certainly add to the run game a guy who gets the system, can produce and would help get ground yards.

I'm all for it.

I think griffith would be a solid addition, but I also think leonard would be one as well. he's a very versatile player....

I don't think Leonard is any better than Griffith is and Griffith won't cost a first day pick. Not a tough choice there.

Yes, why not. I like the intrest in finding some good running backs. I would have liked a little more attention last year but better late than never.

I'm cool with Miree. He's young, agressive, and best of all, CHEAP. He's decent and still getting better. Not to mention look at Green Bays record last year when Miree started as compared to when Henderson started. GB had a winning record when Miree started and ran the ball better. Not really a need to upgrade this position at this time.

Don't get me wrong, I like Miree too -- but he's not a top 15 FB in the league. If we really want to have a top rushing attack, I think you need to look at all avenues for improvement. Miree and Griffith together would be an awesome FB tandem. Now just imagine that with Green, Morency, and Marshawn Lynch running behind it....

Isn't FB becoming somewhat obsolete in the modern day NFL?

I think [forgot his name] in San Diego has a lot to do with LT's success. A good FB I think can really spring a RB. I'm all for getting Griffeth, but wouldn't say he's a "top priority"

And Strong in Seattle is a monster, he definitely helps Alexander.

A great RB is a great RB and can make things happen no matter what, but I think our line needs all the help it can get. Griffith leading the charge for Lynch? Puts a smile on my face

I'm of the opinion that we should build like Denver and make your blocking scheme (OL, TE, FB) so bulletproof that Edgar Bennett could put on his uniform and still get 1000 yards.

Lorenzo Neal. That guy is a monster. I can remember back when Tampa Bay had him and they would throw him in to lead block, with Alstott at halfback. That was brutal!

The zone system does rely a lot on the FB. He's got to be fast, agile - and like everyone else in the system - identify targets and hit them on the run. Oh, and they have to be able to block well too. And catch. Show me a list of FB's who do that and I promise you it'll be a short list.

Sign Griffith!

IMO Justin Griffith is a beast.

He's young and really starting to come into his own as a top FB in this league. Plus he's a perfect fit for what the Packers want to do on offense. The time has come to replace William Henderson, and IMO it's a mistake to go the cheap route and just ignore the position. I think that to sign him at this stage of his career would be nothing short of grand larceny.

The only reason we would even have a shot at getting a player like Justin Griffith is because of the coaching and philosiphy changes that are taking place in Atlanta right now. If Jim Mora hadn't been fired, I'd be willing to bet that there's no way they let JG hit the open market. He's got All-Pro potential and would be an amazing asset to the Packer's offense.

There ya go.. I had him Madden and he did well..lol

justin griffith is headed to the free agent market and would be a great addition to the offense....he is only 25 and runs the zone-blocking scheme in atlanta, he can also catch the ball out of the backfield, i would love to see him paving the way for marshawn lynch for years to come

I agree, Griffith is the kind of free agent you look for; young and fits your scheme. He would be a great addition at the right price.

From KFFL:

I was hoping we'd jump on this one right away and sweep him up before anybody else got a chance. Apparently that's not in the cards.

I guess the Brandon Miree experiment continues

Why, because Griffith is visiting the Bucs?

Frankly, I think the team may be bringing Big Will back again to start -- which I think is a mistake. You can't pass on a talent like Griffith.

Here's a quote from jsonline.com

He'd be a solid pick-up, for sure. if he can catch we can use him in a Noah Herron type roll.

But make no mistake: the big issue right now isn't who is going to block for the RB - it's who is going to BE the RB.

Good point rpiotr01. No doubt about it. A good RB can make his FB look better too.

The FB position, however, is in need of an upgrade IMO.

Absolutely, and like I said, if this guy can catch and has some decent speed (which I don't know) then he can be used in the Noah Herron role. It'd be great to have a young, good vet in the spot, especially one who is familiar with our system and has succeeded in it. But FBs don't win games as well as RBs do, and with Green 1.) on the market and 2.) getting up there in years, we have a much bigger need at RB.

I wouldn't bet on it!

In the meantime, 36-year-old William Henderson's future in Green Bay remains in limbo. Agent Butch Williams said the Packers had given him no indication if they want another year from Henderson.

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=572372

Ovie Mughelli signed in ATL for 18 million over 5! wow.

I guess that sets the market for fullbacks.

John Clayton's actually reporting it as a 6-year deal for $18 million, with a $5 million signing bonus. Biggest contract ever for a fullback.

Link

It will be announced soon.



Edit by Faede. I'd appreciate it if we went with titles that weren't so absolute until a topic is confirmed to be true.

No offense, but do you have a link or source for this?

How about a little more than a one liner. Give some support to your statement.

i hope this has some validity, im very anxious right now, i check profootballtalk.com every 5 minutes to see if we got moss or made a FA signing

I'll join the chorus: what is your source, what is your evidence, how do you know this? I don't think anyone wants you to be extremely specific, but some indication of veracity would be welcome. No offense meant- just curious.

Would that be Archie???

Yesssssssss! I'll check back.

Mr. Buege

Which one ? Robert the safety with Arizona or the running back from the Falcons.

Is this guy known for having inside info?

soure please

yes he is, however, it's pretty lame to start a thread this way and leave everyone hanging

yes he has his sources. give him time.

If true, this is gonna piss Henderson off! TT thinking we will get Lynch maybe????

I would be happy with the signing of either Griffith. We either have a decent pass catching fullback that knows zone blocking, or a veteran free safety who is an upgrade from Manual, to help out Underwood and Collins.

I don't care if it pisses Henderson off. Don't get me wrong. I like William and will always think of him as a GREAT PACKER. However, his age is becoming an issue and TT OWES it to the fans to upgrade the team and keep the Packers competitive. Griffith is an upgrade at FB, period. If Henderson wants to play, he will have to earn it.

Pretty vague but I'll take anything postive at this point. I hope Henderson stays on as a backup for leadership but think it may be time for Hedo to move on soon, Coach Henderson anyone?

Well why not Henderson was like 50/50 on retirement.

Why would anyone want Robert Griffith. He is a shell of himself.

And his self was pretty mediocre to begin with

It is the fb from Atlanta