The fun thing about pre-season games is evaluating individual players. Determining which new additions to the roster might make the cut, and, more importantly, make an impact. Rookie Randall Cobb showed encouraging signs of being one of those impact players the Packers hoped he was when they drafted him.
The Kentucky product could give a real boost to our return game, which was fairly anemic last year through a rotating door of return men. Cobb had two nice kick returns out nearly to the 30 both times, and showed elusiveness and sure hands, though no yards, in his one punt return. Cobb also lead Packer receivers with 3 receptions for 60 yards, including a beautiful quick cut up the field on a 5-yard crossing pattern that netted 28 yards and nearly a TD.
Cobb could be a perfect addition to an already potent receiving corps. His speed, cutting ability and good hands will present match-up nightmares for opposing defenses. They will need to cover him with a corner, and particularly in a 4-receiver set, that corner isn't likely to be very good. Cobb will either be open or he will open up something for another receiver. And his impact on the return game could be dramatic. Even if he averages just a few more yards per return, it will make a big difference in field position. And if he breaks one or two this season for scores, those are the kind of plays that decide games.
Another player I was watching closely was Derek Sherrod. He and T.J. Lang are in a dead heat to replace Colledge at the left guard position. Sherrod looked good and sounds very comfortable at the guard position, despite playing only tackle at Mississippi State. Sherrod and Lang actually were both in the game with the second team, rotating between the left guard and tackle positions. And, with the exception of a blown blitz pick-up which resulted in a sack, fumble and return for a touchdown, they both played well. One will start and the other looks start-able should the other guy or Clifton get injured.
Other players who stood out Saturday against the Browns included James Starks -- who only had 2 carries but looked to be back into his beastly form, blowing guys backwards for gains of 5 and 9 yards. Starks is just one of those guys who seems to stride 2-3 yards with every step, breaks multiple tackles, and finishes every run falling forward for several additional yards. He and Grant will give us one of the most high-impact running back tandems in the league.
Matt Flynn also had a nice night. He finished 11/18 for 126 yards and a TD with no interceptions. He clearly has a full command of the offense, calling audibles at the line several times based on his reads. He has the arm strength and accuracy to make tough throws. And he has great poise for a young player -- efficiently leading the Packers on a 9-play, 89-yard touchdown drive with less than two minutes left before halftime. As Flynn showed last year against the Patriots, he can effectively lead the Packers in the event Rodgers goes down -- which in the era of concussion sensitivity (which I support, by the way) will be increasingly likely.
Overall, it was great to see the Packers back on the field. Although they didn't win, the only mild concern was watching the first-team defense give up a touchdown (granted, it was 3rd stringer Pat Lee who gave up the TD catch). It all whets the appetite for the regular season opener against the Saints on September 8. Can't wait!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Jones and Kuhn Staying Home
Free agency continues to be fast and furious. Yesterday brought some good news with the re-signing of receiver James Jones and fullback John Kuhn. Jones' return is particularly welcome news. I thought he was all but gone, but he's back in what is shaping up to be a nasty receiving corps. The return of all 5 WRs, plus the addition of rookie Randall Cobb, who was apparently lighting it up in practice, and the return of Jermichael Finley, should make the Packers passing game a juggernaut.
Cobb feels to me like he could have a similar impact as the Vikings' Percy Harvin, hopefully without the migraines. Harvin had speed, quickness, and hands that enabled him to make an immediate impact and create mis-matches as DBs lined up against their bigger receivers. I'm hoping Cobb may also be able to finally add some punch to our return game.
So far, the Packers have lost five players to free agency, including DE Cullen Jenkins (Philadelphia), guards Daryn Colledge (Arizona) and Jason Spitz (Jacksonville), RB Brandon Jackson (Cleveland) and FB Korey Hall (New Orleans). Jenkins and Colledge are the two most concerning losses. Replacing Jenkins worries me less. He's 30 and has been getting injured more and more often the last few years. Plus, with some potentially promising young DEs, including Mike Neal, C.J. Wilson and Jarius Wynn, they had some backfill.
Colledge, though un-spectacular has been steady. And with Spitz leaving as well, their depth at offensive guard is shallow. First-round draft pick Derek Sherrod has been practicing with the first team offense at Colledge's left guard position, and is the presumptive opening day starter -- even though he played exclusively at the left tackle position in college. But the Packers lack many other options, besides T.J. Lang and Nick McDonald, and Sherrod sounds confident he can pick up the new role.
Not surprisingly, given Thompson's philosophy, the Packers haven't made any splashy free agency moves. But a major difference for the Packers is the number of players they will have returning from IR. Ryan Grant, Jermichael Finley, Brad Jones and Morgan Burnett are all impact players who should be back in the starting line-up week 1. If these were all new players we'd signed via free agency, we'd all be pretty psyched. So I don't necessarily expect or covet any big free agent signings in the next few weeks. Instead, I look forward to seeing which young players will emerge as this year's B.J. Raji or Clay Matthews.
Cobb feels to me like he could have a similar impact as the Vikings' Percy Harvin, hopefully without the migraines. Harvin had speed, quickness, and hands that enabled him to make an immediate impact and create mis-matches as DBs lined up against their bigger receivers. I'm hoping Cobb may also be able to finally add some punch to our return game.
So far, the Packers have lost five players to free agency, including DE Cullen Jenkins (Philadelphia), guards Daryn Colledge (Arizona) and Jason Spitz (Jacksonville), RB Brandon Jackson (Cleveland) and FB Korey Hall (New Orleans). Jenkins and Colledge are the two most concerning losses. Replacing Jenkins worries me less. He's 30 and has been getting injured more and more often the last few years. Plus, with some potentially promising young DEs, including Mike Neal, C.J. Wilson and Jarius Wynn, they had some backfill.
Colledge, though un-spectacular has been steady. And with Spitz leaving as well, their depth at offensive guard is shallow. First-round draft pick Derek Sherrod has been practicing with the first team offense at Colledge's left guard position, and is the presumptive opening day starter -- even though he played exclusively at the left tackle position in college. But the Packers lack many other options, besides T.J. Lang and Nick McDonald, and Sherrod sounds confident he can pick up the new role.
Not surprisingly, given Thompson's philosophy, the Packers haven't made any splashy free agency moves. But a major difference for the Packers is the number of players they will have returning from IR. Ryan Grant, Jermichael Finley, Brad Jones and Morgan Burnett are all impact players who should be back in the starting line-up week 1. If these were all new players we'd signed via free agency, we'd all be pretty psyched. So I don't necessarily expect or covet any big free agent signings in the next few weeks. Instead, I look forward to seeing which young players will emerge as this year's B.J. Raji or Clay Matthews.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Eagles Hunting for Bear... or Packers
I normally don't comment much about other teams in this blog, unless it's to taunt the Vikings on firing of their coach, or their stadium implosion, or their general status as a society... Let me re-phrase that, with the exception of the Vikings... or Bears, I don't normal comment much about other teams on this blog. But what the Philadelphia Eagles have engineered in free agency the last 48 hours is nothing short of impressive.
Let's break this down for a second: Eagles lose home divisional playoff game to the Packers, decide they need to get active in the free agency market to get over the proverbial hump -- a hump, incidentally, the Eagles have been stuck on for the better part of 50 years. Apart from losing appearances in Super Bowls XV and XXXIX, the Eagles haven't tasted a championship since 1960. That's quite a dry spell. If the Packers had gone 51 years without a championship (not to mention 0-for-2 in the Super Bowl era), we would all be getting a little antsy -- almost as antsy as this die-hard Eagles fan was to find a porta-potty without a line.
After their humbling loss to end the 2010 campaign, the Eagles wasted no time, after a short 5-month lock-out, in stacking up their defense. And their moves have been almost as impressive as the squatting pose struck by this fan. First was the deal everyone was anticipating, shipping Kevin Kolb to Arizona in exchange for cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Great move -- particularly once they signed Vince Young to a one-year deal to back up Vick. Kolb's style was very different than Vick's. And if/when Vick gets hurt, which I suspect he will, Vince is a much better back up that doesn't force them to change the way they call the offense. Shrewd. If this were the only move the Eagles made, it would have been a big upgrade. But they weren't done.
Yesterday came the news that the Eagles had landed the top free agent prize of the year: Oakland cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. Asomugha had gone somewhat forgotten in Oakland, but his skills are un-questioned. Dallas, NY Jets and Houston were rumored to be the most likely destinations, but the Eagles swooped in and stole perhaps the top corner in the league. Him, coupled with Cromartie and, presumably, a re-signed Asante Samuels will instantly give the Eagles one of the most high-octane defensive secondaries in all of football. But they still weren't done.
This is when it really touches Packer nation -- today the Eagles announced the signing of our very own Cullen Jenkins. Jenkins fits very well with their defense and should have plenty of time to get to the quarterback with their newly-signed shut-down corners. I'm not sure I would have given a 5-year, $25 million contract to a 30-year-old defensive end, but it was one of the last missing pieces for the Eagles defense.
Clearly the Eagles are sending a message: we're not going to be runners up again. We're blowing our wad this year to make a run at this thing. Anything less than a Super Bowl championship will be a disappointment. And Eagles fans are sending a message too -- you can practically hear them shouting, "Get me anutha' cheesesteak!" and "Whadda you lookin' at!" and "The line fo' da pissa is way too freakin' long!"
Whether this will be enough to finally get the Eagles past the Packers and on to Super Bowl glory, time will tell. But if there's one thing we can all agree on, it's that this classy fan base finally deserves a Lombardi trophy.
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| Sometimes you are just ready for championship... or a piss. |
After their humbling loss to end the 2010 campaign, the Eagles wasted no time, after a short 5-month lock-out, in stacking up their defense. And their moves have been almost as impressive as the squatting pose struck by this fan. First was the deal everyone was anticipating, shipping Kevin Kolb to Arizona in exchange for cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Great move -- particularly once they signed Vince Young to a one-year deal to back up Vick. Kolb's style was very different than Vick's. And if/when Vick gets hurt, which I suspect he will, Vince is a much better back up that doesn't force them to change the way they call the offense. Shrewd. If this were the only move the Eagles made, it would have been a big upgrade. But they weren't done.
Yesterday came the news that the Eagles had landed the top free agent prize of the year: Oakland cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. Asomugha had gone somewhat forgotten in Oakland, but his skills are un-questioned. Dallas, NY Jets and Houston were rumored to be the most likely destinations, but the Eagles swooped in and stole perhaps the top corner in the league. Him, coupled with Cromartie and, presumably, a re-signed Asante Samuels will instantly give the Eagles one of the most high-octane defensive secondaries in all of football. But they still weren't done.
This is when it really touches Packer nation -- today the Eagles announced the signing of our very own Cullen Jenkins. Jenkins fits very well with their defense and should have plenty of time to get to the quarterback with their newly-signed shut-down corners. I'm not sure I would have given a 5-year, $25 million contract to a 30-year-old defensive end, but it was one of the last missing pieces for the Eagles defense.
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| Eagles fan sending a message: "Get the beer guy!" |
Whether this will be enough to finally get the Eagles past the Packers and on to Super Bowl glory, time will tell. But if there's one thing we can all agree on, it's that this classy fan base finally deserves a Lombardi trophy.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Shaky and Peanut Sign with Packers
Packers fans can rest assured that we won’t be resting on our laurels through the frenzy of free agent signing this week. The Green Bay front office announced that the highly coveted Shaky Smithson, WR from Utah, and Peanut Joseph, NT from Temple – both undrafted free agents – have landed with the Packers.
Although “Shaky” may not be the most re-assuring name for a wide receiver, at least he’s not a brain surgeon. Or a calligrapher. And while one might hope for more of a "Brazil nut" or "Macademia" for a nose tackle, “Peanut”, a name presumably appropriate for its irony, could add some depth behind B.J. Most likely scenario is none of these guys make the team, but Sam Shields was plucked from last year’s undrafted free agent class, and now he has a Super Bowl Ring… as a neck tattoo.
So who am I to judge?
Other than Shaky and Peanut, the Packers dive into the free agency mosh pit hasn’t had many surprises. In case you’re out of date, here are the highlights:
My gut is Jones doesn’t come back, but you never know – there are several big-name WRs in the free agent pool this year, so Jones may discover he can’t get what he thinks he can get, and return to an heir-apparent #2 in Green Bay after Double-D retires. I’d like to see him stay. Maybe they can give him some of the money that Barnett and Colledge won’t be getting.
Stay tuned to TriggPack or risk missing more breaking news, like the Shaky and Peanut story.
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| Is this the future for Shaky and Peanut??? |
So who am I to judge?
Other than Shaky and Peanut, the Packers dive into the free agency mosh pit hasn’t had many surprises. In case you’re out of date, here are the highlights:
- Nick Barnett was cut. No real surprise – saved the Packers $5 million in salary for a guy who is probably past his prime, is injury prone, and, in all likelihood, would be a back-up to Hawk and Bishop.
- Daryn Colledge, as expected, is almost certainly leaving via free agency . It would be great to re-sign him, but the salary could be a hard nut to swallow and it sounds like he’s already out the door. I’m a little concerned about the O-line. Not quite sure what their plan is for back-filling him.
- Mason Crosby was re-signed to five-year deal worth $14.75 million, including $3 million guaranteed – making him one of the most highly paid kickers in the NFL. I like Crosby. Not sure I like him that much, but I’m not GM.
My gut is Jones doesn’t come back, but you never know – there are several big-name WRs in the free agent pool this year, so Jones may discover he can’t get what he thinks he can get, and return to an heir-apparent #2 in Green Bay after Double-D retires. I’d like to see him stay. Maybe they can give him some of the money that Barnett and Colledge won’t be getting.
Stay tuned to TriggPack or risk missing more breaking news, like the Shaky and Peanut story.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
HALLELUJAH!!!
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| Brown County officials welcome the end of the NFL lock-out. |
As a quick side rant, our friends in Washington D.C. would be well-served to follow the NFL's lead. It's a sad statement that the NFL owners and players association look reasonable and mature compared to our federal elected officials. One of many differences between a business and the federal government is that a business can see and measure when it is destroying its own equity through its own obstinance and idiocy. The government can't -- at least not until our bonds get downgraded to junk status. Regardless of your political leanings, there's really only one word that can be applied to Washington D.C.: dysfunctional. Maybe we just need Jeff Saturday to get in there and give John Boehner a big 'ol hug.
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| Can't the politicians just hug it out like the NFL? |
The next crop of losses that will hurt but are more survivable are James Jones, Brandon Jackson, and either Korey Hall or John Kuhn. Jones gets a bad rap among Packers fans for his untimely drops this season, but he will be hard to replace. Randall Kobb could be good, but he's unproven and has a very different body type -- not really a replacement. Jackson feels more expendable, assuming Grant returns to health and Starks keeps rolling. Suspect Kuhn and/or Hall will be re-signed since there isn't a frothy market for FBs, but both are unrestricted free agents and could get scooped away.
Finally, there are several back-up defensive players who could exit in seek of starting roles elsewhere, including Nick Barnett, Atari Bigby, Matt Wilhelm, Brady Poppinga, and Brandon Underwood. None of these guys would be big losses, and several could easily be re-signed if they don't find a new home in this compressed free agent period. But more players out means a loss of depth and continuity that was key to the Packers weathering the perfect storm of injuries last year, which happens many years.
Unfortunately, I don't hear the Packers coming up in the discussion for many top free agent prospects. This comes as no surprise, given Ted's inclination to build via the draft rather than free agency. There are no glaring holes that they need to fill, although there may be some backfilling to do. But it would be fun to see the Packers make some moves in next few days/weeks. As reigning Super Bowl champions, they have a persuasive selling point to lure players they want.
CAN'T WAIT FOR THE SEASON!!!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
It Is Time.
There were many spectacular moments in the Packers' Super Bowl victory, but one of my favorites wasn't discovered until I watched the replay of the game, complete with sideline cameras and microphones, on NFL Network. It was linebacker coach Kevin Greene telling Clay Matthews, "It is time... It is time!" On the next series, Matthews applied the hit that forced the fumble that probably won the game. Spectacular.
NFL owners and players would be well advised to heed these words: IT IS TIME! The ridiculousness of this lock-out has lasted long enough. We are at the deadline. If the two sides don't ratify this new agreement this week, missing games is a near certainty. There's no more time for negotiation. There's no more time for posturing in the media. It is time to finally do what they should have done months ago -- get a new collective bargaining agreement and get on with football. Damn it.
Monday, May 2, 2011
With the 233rd Pick in the Draft, the Packers Select… some Random "Guy"
Rounds 4-7 of the NFL Draft are a little different than the first 3 rounds. As you go deeper into the draft board, the predominant reaction as the picks are announced is… “Who??”
Not being nearly as big a fan of the college game as I am the NFL game, I needed to do some research on the Packers’ last 7 selections in the 2011 draft. Everyone hopes to find some diamonds in the rough in these later picks. The reality, of course, is that some of them may not even make the team. But if we get a Sam Shields or two out of this crop, we should all be happy.
The X-factor that is very hard to determine from game film is a players’ character. The Packers have consistently selected players with integrity, determination, and self-confidence without overly large egos. Perfect example, if you haven’t seen it already, is this ESPN story about Packers’ 5th-round pick D.J. Williams from Arkansas.
Guys who can overcome this upbringing have the character to make it in the NFL. The Packers obviously felt they could find some gems late in the draft as they traded down to amass three picks in the 6th round and two more in the 7th. Here’s my breakdown of the remaining picks.
Davon House, CB, New Mexico St. (Round 4, Pick 131)
I like this pick. Some boards had him as high as a second-round pick. He has good size, plays bump-and-run press coverage, and should challenge the Packers’ back-up DBs to be their dime back. House fits well with the Packers’ defense and has the athleticism to contribute on special teams as well. Good example, like Shields, of getting a gifted athlete. I also like the selection of a DB. We needed a little competition on the depth chart.
D.J. Williams, TE, Arkansas (Round 5, Pick 141)
Since seeing the video above, this guy is one of my favorites. Thompson evidently has an affinity for guys named “D.J.” since he picked two of them this draft. Williams was seen as one of the top 3-4 TE prospects in the draft. Like House, his skill set fits very well with the Packers offense – great hands and speed who creates match-up problems. He can also play in the fullback or halfback position, which presents some intriguing possibilities. One analysis described drafting Williams in the 5th-round as “highway robbery.” Certainly, with Finley back, and Quarless’s maturation, the Packers have an elite set of lethal weapons at TE.
Caleb Schlauderaff, OL, Utah (Round 6, Pick 179)
This was no steal, but it does add depth at a position we will likely need help at if Colledge and Spitz are lost. Schlauderaff reportedly has great toughness and work ethic, along with a “mean streak” which I like to see in offensive linemen. It’s not clear if he’s got the skills to be a true starter. Frankly, it’s not clear he’s got the skills to even make the team. But he should provide depth and some options at the interior of the Packers’ O-line.
D.J. Smith, LB, Appalachian St. (Round 6, Pick 186)
Many prognosticators (myself included) expected the Packers to select an OLB sooner in this draft. But at least we added someone to the mix. Smith is small, and certainly not obviously better than any of our other various options for OLB. Some speculate he may be better suited to play inside, or may just be a special teams player. Thompson commented on the pick, “What I like most about him, is his name is D.J.”
Ricky Elmore, DL/OLB, Arizona (Round 6, Pick 197)
By this point in the draft, you’re really taking flyers on guys. But Elmore could be worth the flyer. He again grades out high on the character quotient – with a reportedly “strong motor” and never-say-quit attitude. Several mock drafts had us taking another Arizona pass rusher and Clay Matthews look-alike, Brooks Reed. But Elmore actually out-produced Reed over their respective college careers, with Elmore logging a Pac-10 best 21.5 sacks over the 2009-2010 seasons. Again, should add depth and competition at training camp and has great potential up-side.
Ryan Taylor, TE, North Carolina (Round 7, Pick 218)
The Packers like their tight ends, and have selected many great ones. Taylor apparently caught the eye of the Packers scouts and coaches, and could make the team as a fourth TE. There will be plenty of competition, with at least 6 guys (including Crabtree and Havner) by my count coming into training camp. It’s possible the Packers see his value as mostly on special teams – Taylor was a special teams captain at North Carolina.
Lawrence Guy, DT, Arizona State (Round 7, Pick 233)
The appropriately named “Guy” wasn’t the last pick in the 2011 Draft (that honor went to Cheta Ozougwu from Rice with the 254th selection by the Texans), but at pick #233 he was pretty close. It’s an honor to be selected at all, but, statistically speaking, the likelihood of some “Guy” making an impact, or even making the team, as a 7th-round pick is low. That said, Thompson and his team have shown they can find great value deep on the board. I would not have guessed that defensive line, one of the areas I thought we needed most, was a position we would wait to select till the last round. But this “Guy” has the potential to be a surprise value. He’s big and athletic and probably could have gone higher in the draft. If nothing else, he will, hopefully, motivate Neal, Wilson and other Packers’ defensive tackles to step it up.
My overall reaction to the draft was positive. It was more heavy on offense than I expected. Although we addressed them late, I wish we had selected some more promising players at DT and OLB. That said, there are several players with upside potential. And the “best-available” approach that has served us well in the past could have been an effective philosophy again this year. Can't wait to see these guys in camp, assuming we ever sort out this labor mess.
Not being nearly as big a fan of the college game as I am the NFL game, I needed to do some research on the Packers’ last 7 selections in the 2011 draft. Everyone hopes to find some diamonds in the rough in these later picks. The reality, of course, is that some of them may not even make the team. But if we get a Sam Shields or two out of this crop, we should all be happy.
The X-factor that is very hard to determine from game film is a players’ character. The Packers have consistently selected players with integrity, determination, and self-confidence without overly large egos. Perfect example, if you haven’t seen it already, is this ESPN story about Packers’ 5th-round pick D.J. Williams from Arkansas.
Guys who can overcome this upbringing have the character to make it in the NFL. The Packers obviously felt they could find some gems late in the draft as they traded down to amass three picks in the 6th round and two more in the 7th. Here’s my breakdown of the remaining picks.
Davon House, CB, New Mexico St. (Round 4, Pick 131)
I like this pick. Some boards had him as high as a second-round pick. He has good size, plays bump-and-run press coverage, and should challenge the Packers’ back-up DBs to be their dime back. House fits well with the Packers’ defense and has the athleticism to contribute on special teams as well. Good example, like Shields, of getting a gifted athlete. I also like the selection of a DB. We needed a little competition on the depth chart.
D.J. Williams, TE, Arkansas (Round 5, Pick 141)
Since seeing the video above, this guy is one of my favorites. Thompson evidently has an affinity for guys named “D.J.” since he picked two of them this draft. Williams was seen as one of the top 3-4 TE prospects in the draft. Like House, his skill set fits very well with the Packers offense – great hands and speed who creates match-up problems. He can also play in the fullback or halfback position, which presents some intriguing possibilities. One analysis described drafting Williams in the 5th-round as “highway robbery.” Certainly, with Finley back, and Quarless’s maturation, the Packers have an elite set of lethal weapons at TE.
Caleb Schlauderaff, OL, Utah (Round 6, Pick 179)
This was no steal, but it does add depth at a position we will likely need help at if Colledge and Spitz are lost. Schlauderaff reportedly has great toughness and work ethic, along with a “mean streak” which I like to see in offensive linemen. It’s not clear if he’s got the skills to be a true starter. Frankly, it’s not clear he’s got the skills to even make the team. But he should provide depth and some options at the interior of the Packers’ O-line.
D.J. Smith, LB, Appalachian St. (Round 6, Pick 186)
Many prognosticators (myself included) expected the Packers to select an OLB sooner in this draft. But at least we added someone to the mix. Smith is small, and certainly not obviously better than any of our other various options for OLB. Some speculate he may be better suited to play inside, or may just be a special teams player. Thompson commented on the pick, “What I like most about him, is his name is D.J.”
Ricky Elmore, DL/OLB, Arizona (Round 6, Pick 197)
By this point in the draft, you’re really taking flyers on guys. But Elmore could be worth the flyer. He again grades out high on the character quotient – with a reportedly “strong motor” and never-say-quit attitude. Several mock drafts had us taking another Arizona pass rusher and Clay Matthews look-alike, Brooks Reed. But Elmore actually out-produced Reed over their respective college careers, with Elmore logging a Pac-10 best 21.5 sacks over the 2009-2010 seasons. Again, should add depth and competition at training camp and has great potential up-side.
Ryan Taylor, TE, North Carolina (Round 7, Pick 218)
The Packers like their tight ends, and have selected many great ones. Taylor apparently caught the eye of the Packers scouts and coaches, and could make the team as a fourth TE. There will be plenty of competition, with at least 6 guys (including Crabtree and Havner) by my count coming into training camp. It’s possible the Packers see his value as mostly on special teams – Taylor was a special teams captain at North Carolina.
Lawrence Guy, DT, Arizona State (Round 7, Pick 233)
The appropriately named “Guy” wasn’t the last pick in the 2011 Draft (that honor went to Cheta Ozougwu from Rice with the 254th selection by the Texans), but at pick #233 he was pretty close. It’s an honor to be selected at all, but, statistically speaking, the likelihood of some “Guy” making an impact, or even making the team, as a 7th-round pick is low. That said, Thompson and his team have shown they can find great value deep on the board. I would not have guessed that defensive line, one of the areas I thought we needed most, was a position we would wait to select till the last round. But this “Guy” has the potential to be a surprise value. He’s big and athletic and probably could have gone higher in the draft. If nothing else, he will, hopefully, motivate Neal, Wilson and other Packers’ defensive tackles to step it up.
My overall reaction to the draft was positive. It was more heavy on offense than I expected. Although we addressed them late, I wish we had selected some more promising players at DT and OLB. That said, there are several players with upside potential. And the “best-available” approach that has served us well in the past could have been an effective philosophy again this year. Can't wait to see these guys in camp, assuming we ever sort out this labor mess.
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