Since the NFL season kicks off in Green Bay tonight let’s use this venue to lead into the game.

    Hopefully most of you have recovered from a few of the cutdown roster deletions that TED & MIKE crafted last weekend. AS i had advised you on several occasions the roster is still decidedly young in overall composition. The PACK tied for the League lead with 10 Rookies making their active roster roster , and a 10th, LAWRENCE GUY, landing on IR.  Another of their Draft Picks, CALEB SCHLAUDERAFF, was traded to the JETS for a 2012 DRAFT Pick. And like last year 3 of their active Rookies were Free Agents. Conversely, the SAINTS have only 5 Rookies on their active roster, 4 of them Draftees.

    Not too surprisingly the Practice Squad currently lists 8 players; 6 of them Rookies. But none of the Rookies were Draftees. They are all Rookie Free Agents. The DRAFT Choice who was cut, ELMORE, is no longer with the organization. I am not surprised in his case. If you will remember, I had indicated several times that I felt he was an odd Pick in he first place, and not athletic enough to convert from DE to OLB in their 3-4 scheme. 

    I would not expect to see very much of this year’s Rookie class right away other than on Special Teams. But in that venue productivity will be expected right away from guys like TAYLOR (R7), D. J. SMITH (R6), D.J. WILLIAMS (R5), COBB (R2), JENNINGS (RFA), LATTIMORE (RFA). So that clearly means that much is expected from ST Coach/SHAWN SLOCUM.

    I also think that VIC SO’OTO/OLB (my favorite RFA) will force his way onto the field at OLB fairly soon, especially if FRANK ZOMBO cannot play for a while because of injury. I am also thinking that if SO’OTO plays during the regular season at a level even close to that of  his pre-season performances one of the PACK’s first roster moves might revolve around an overloaded LB group, which currently numbers 10 players. I could see a GREG JONES being cut, once ZOMBO is fully healthy, to beef up at another position like RB, DL or OL, where the team is a bit light on depth right now.

    Do you find it as ironic as I do that for a team that carried 3 FB on the roster the past 2 seasons, there is now only 1 player (KUHN) who is officially listed at that spot right now on their roster? I do truly expect that RYAN TAYLOR & D.J. WILLIAMS will both see some formation time as FB/H-B type players, especially TAYLOR.

    As opposed to last season the PACKERS at least start the year with the good news of listing only 2 players on IR, SHAKY & GUY. Let’s hope that list stays relatively short this year. Conversely, their opening opponent comes out of Training Camp with 11players listed on Reserve lists. That number includes some vets who were being counted on the contribute to the cause this season like RB/CHRIS IVORY, DB/PAUL OLIVER, CB/FABIAN WASHINGTON, et al. No offense to the SAINTS, but better them than us from a PACKERS perspective.

    One of the SAINTS players may find it difficult to stay on the correct side of he field tonight. KOREY HALL/FB/ST is now in a SAINTS uni, lest you forget he was traded to them this past Summer. After 4 full seasons it must be going to feel just a bit strange for HALL tonight on the other sideline, for a different  team. HALL will in fact be the only ex-PACKER in uniform tonight for the SAINTS.

    Before I bore you to death with this theme, would you like one more example of TED THOMPSON’s “grow your own” roster philosophy? I hope so, because I am going to give you another factoid, to paraphrase PEER KING. Of he 53 players on the PACKERS roster 40 out of 53 players began their NFL careers in the PACKERS organization. Just to put that in perspective 27 of the 53 SAINTS players can claim that distinction in New Orleans. That is much closer to the League norm.

    So, not that any of you are waiting for my game prognostication to go out and place any friendly (or otherwise) wagers, but I am guessing more than a few of you are thinking I need to “poop, or get off the pot”. OK here goes. I am taking the Green-and-Gold by 2 points in a real thriller tonight. But if I am wrong do not go off the deep end. It’s a long season and 10 Wins is going to capture a very competitive NFC North Division title.

    By the way of you want to bury your head in useful, and useless information before tonight’s game head on over and check out the PACKERS Dope Sheet @ http://prod.static.packers.clubs.nfl.com//assets/docs/dopesheet/2011/110904dopesheet.pdf

    That click will fill our head and then some.

8/27/2011    After reading a few quick items in he sports pages this morning I’m not sure how much extra insight I’m going to bring to the table regarding the PACKERS win over the COLTS Friday night, but here goes...

    What more can a coaching staff hope for in the Pre-Season than a game that goes right down to the wire and requires back-ups and Rookies to secure a victory in the clutch? How psychologically rewarding is it for MASON CROSBY to redeem himself from an earlier FG miss with a clutch game winning kick in the final minute?

    I would say I saw two negatives that I am sure MIKE McCARTHY and his staff will be concentrating on in the next two weeks. The first team offense was plagued by some untimely (not that there is any such thing as timely) penalties that hampered several scoring drives. The OL was a bit less than stellar in protecting AARON RODGERS from the COLTS pass-rush... in particular DWIGHT FREENEY.

    FREENEY, who is still at the top of his game, made CHAD CLIFTON look like an old man on multiple occasions. CLIFTON should be OK most weeks, since there are not many DEs in the League of FREENEY’s caliber. But I’ll just voice the opinion that for the long term DEREK SHERROD had better make a ton of progress during the 2011 campaign so that he can handle that LT position by the time the 2012 season rolls around.

    Though not dominant by any means, I thought the PACKERS RBs looked good overall. RYAN GRANT showed flashes of his old self, and JAMES STARKS was monster as a receiver out of the backfield. ALEX GREEN continues to show some ability, and tons of potential, in limited time as the 3rd RB. BRANDON SAINE continues to show flashes both as a runner and a receiver, but there isn’t room on the roster for 4 RBs this year. Not with the quality logjam at TE. And don’t forget JOHN KUHN will be a FB/RB swing man once again this season.

    Overall the PACKERS OL would seem to be the unit most in need of improvement as Camp winds down. This is not unexpected because of their youth and the team’s decision to let DARYN COLLEDGE leave town as a VFA, and hold open auditions for his replacement. My money is still on T.J. LANG, but he shows some of the same inconsistency that plagued COLLEDGE for years.

    It is also clear that even though DEREK SHERROD has a world of potential he is not likely to provide a lot of help to the unit in 2011. CHAN GAILEY his coach in Mobile at the Senior Bowl was quick to point out at a January Presser that SHERROD was a work in progress, with definite NFL starting potential down the road.I think he has shown that assessment to be quite accurate with his work thus far in Camp. Let’s just say I hope he is not forced into a starting role this year like BULAGA was last season. He is not as pro ready as BULAGA at this stage of his career.

    How about some quick thumbnails on youngsters who got my attention last night...

CHASTIN WEST/WR/RS continues to show good things out on the grass. He shows flashes both as a receiver and a return man. I think if he could make some progress on coverage units the job of BRETT SWAIN could be in jeopardy. Actually it is already, but the battle continues between those two for the 6th WR slot, if there is one in September. WEST has a definitive edge in the straight-line speed category if he can just translate that into productivity on the field.

RYAN TAYLOR/TE/H-B/FB    As if the TE position group wasn’t crowded enough here comes the 7th Rounder with 3 clutch receptions in the fourth quarter last night including a TD and two-point conversion. He looks like a natural athlete and productive football player... as advertised. His potential and versatility make him a virtual lock for a team like the PACKERS. If he could serve as a TE, FB and H-B, as well as play effectively on Special Teams he could fill the final slot at multiple position groups and force the team to make room for him.

VICTOR SO’OTO/OLB    From the start of Camp this young man has been making plays and opening eyes. He’s strong and athletic and appears to be very versatile. He has begun to show well on Special Teams and is earning a reputation as a difference maker as a position player. He will struggle for a while in pass drops at OLB, but as a pass-rusher and a ball chaser he is the kind of aggressive, attacking player every Defense needs to force the action. He got into the pocket on several occasions last night and forced a fumble for his efforts. I think he has several vet OLBs fighting for their roster lives.

BRANDON SAINE/RB    Most of us thought SAINE was a nice addition to the Training Camp roster who would provide some depth and speed to the RB group and cover up for nicks and bruises amongst the core group. I’m not saying he’s winning a roster slot, but he is contributing more than was expected to date. He is a smooth runner with the most speed at the position on the current roster. He has also shown excellent hands, and awareness out in space. If he gets cut in the second group don’t be shocked, but I would presume that the PACKERS coaches sees him as someone they want to have on their Practice Squad.

D.J. WILLIAMS/TE        He made a couple of mistakes last night, including a rare dropped ball from HARRELL, but as PHIL SIMMS pointed out he always seems to be open somewhere on the field, having beaten coverage somehow. He has decent speed for his size, normally excellent hands and good run after the catch ability. He got open out in the medium right flank shortly after his drop and was badly overthrown by HARRELL. Some fans seem to be down on him, but I don’t think the staff is disappointed overall in his body of work to date. And like COBB, I think Coach MM goes to sleep some nights with visions of multiple ways to make use of this guy.

    Just a quick positional group thought or two for you regarding the crowded TE position. I could see the team keeping 5 guys who currently are listed as TE.

JERMICHAEL FINLEY    The obvious starter and most talented, but a guy I could see them using as the 6th WR in some of their multiple receiver formations.

TOM CRABTREE        The most efficient in-line blocker of the TE corps. He can catch a little but he makes the team as a blocking TE for the Red Zone and running game in general.

ANDREW QUARLESS    Perhaps their best overall TE, who is a decent blocker who should be able to improve that facet of his game. He is a decent receiver who needs to be more consistent. Work habits & attitude will have a lot to do with his future.

RYAN TAYLOR         All the versatility and potential in the world as a virtual newcomer to the TE position. If he could back-up at FB, fill the H-B role and improve his TE skills he could merit a roster spot. CRABTREE beware long term, if this guy develops as a blocker.

D.J. WILLIAMS    He has a chance to fill multiple roles in MIKE McCARTHY’s multiple receiver sets. He could also help himself by improving as a Special Teamer. I can’t believe they want to let go of this player.

    That’s a lot of guys to carry as a TE corps, but their ability to fill multiple roles could allow the team to short itself a bit at let’s say the FB and WR positions. This staff, under the TED THOMPSON plan, will work to keep the best 53 players they have as opposed to being slaves to specific position numbers. Heres a possible roster position breakdown:

QB          2

RB/FB    5

WR         5

TE          5

OL          9

ST           3

DL          6

LB          8

DB         10

            Just thinking out loud a bit at this point. It is highly likely that over the next two weeks a couple of injuries will help sort through some roster position logjams, for better or worse.

8/18/2011    I was on the air with CHAD HOLMES @ ESPN Radio 100.5 in Wausau last night and he brought up a plethora of PACKERS questions for discussion. Since there is no posting of the show to send you to I thought I’d summarize some of our topics that might be of interest to PACKERS fans.

    We discussed the lack of off-season OTAs and such this year, and whether or not it hurts the PACKERS, or gives them a slight advantage as an experienced, defending Super BOwl squad. Other than teams with new coaching staffs I think the PACKERS as a team will be hurt by the 4+ months of no contact. I say that primarily because under the TED THOMPSON regime this team relies of developing younger players to develop into starters. Any time they lost that could have spent working with young guys like NICK McDONALD, FRANK ZOMBO, MARSHALL NEWHOUSE, JAMES STARKS, et al (not to mention their Rookies) can’t be regained. And progress lost, though hard to gauge, is a consequence of the Lockout. If the team should suffer through an injury plagued campaign such as last year, then time not spent developing these back-ups could be felt on the field of play.

    I reiterated that i felt the two places the PACKERS face a personnel challenge this season could be the DL and ILB positions. AFter HAWK & BISHOP I see ROBERT FRANCOIS & D.J. SMITH (R) as the next men up. I see lots to like abut both these young guys, but i am not sure how effective they would be if called upon to play a lot early in the season because of injury to the starters. Between knucklehead JOLLY and VFA loss JENKINS I am also a bit concerned about the DL rotation. That has become especially true with early injury issues with MIKE NEAL who was slotted to start in place of JENKINS. “next Man Up” is the football rallying cry, but right now HOWARD GREEN, JARIUS WYNN & LAWRENCE GUY don’t look like fill-in candidates that inspire Super Bowl repeat visions in my head.

    CHAD wondered if I felt RYAN GRANT was still the man at RB, or if he would see diminished touches in deference to STARKS & ALEX GREEN (R). I feel pretty strongly that GRANT is the man if healthy. STARKS & GREEN should see the field and touch the ball, but i think those two guys are primarily fighting for the JACKSON role as the 3rd Down RB. ALso don’t forget that JOHN KUHN, though realistically a FB type, could see some regular touches once the team gets inside the 10-yard line.

    A hot button topic also seems to be whether or not the team should trade MATT FLYNN, and what his trade value might be at this point. I think PACKERS fans are overrating his value around the league right now. He has improved greatly in his 3 years in Green Bay, but he has thrown a total of  83  passes in his NFL career. There would be some teams out there willing to acquire his potential, but I’d be pleasantly surprised to get anything more than a Round 4 DRAFT Pick. More importantly, if A-RODGE goes down, after FLYNN has been traded, exactly who is going to [play QB for the PACK? I have not heard any proclamations from MIKE McC that GRAHAM HARRELL is ready to start in the NFL... yet. A Play-Off team has got to have a solid back-up in place to keep the train from leaving the tracks completely if their starting QB goes down for more than a week. I cannot imagine MATT FLYNN not being on the roster come September.

    We discussed the Rookie impact of RANDALL COBB for the 2011 season. GIven the Lockout residue i would be surprised if we see Mike McC slot in much, if any, Wildcat type plays for COBB this season. I think his main role will be as a Punt Returner, where he could be a huge upgrade over recent guys trying to fill that role. He should also see some time as a slot receiver, and touch the ball on reverse type action, maybe even with the pass option being a reasonable possibility. I can’t see him moving past DRIVER, JENNINGS, JONES &NELSON, but injuries do happen an guys miss playing time. They will try to get him as ready as possible to step in/up when the time comes.

    I also expressed fascination, and anticipation, with the weapon potential of D.J. WILLIAMS, whom I see as a very versatile and fascinating “toy” for McCARTHY to blend into his Offense. I love WILLIAMS hands, speed for his size, and attitude toward the game of football. He should fit well into the locker room ,and perhaps out on the grass sooner than many people think. I’ll be watching D.J. closely over the next month, and hopefully beyond.

   I have been wondering since the DRAFT, who the PACK was grooming to replace SCOTT WELLS at the OC position. They have tried to groom replacements for him pretty much since WHITEY came to town but between WELLS’ determination, and injuries to his would-be challengers he is still the starter and doing a better than adequate job. But he is undersized, and now 30-years old, neither of which is a good thing in WHITEY’s world.  I know the current depth chart lists NICK McDONALD as being in the battle for an OG slot, but I still have the feeling he is the projected starter at OC for 2012. And don’t tell me they aren’t thinking of next season yet. TED THOMPSON is always looking years down the road, when it come to personnel issues.

      We ran out of time to discuss players I felt might surprise a lot of fans, and make strong roster pushes this month. WE can get into more detail later, but here are my 6 surprise roster contenders for you:

JOSH GORDY/CB Yr 2

RAY DOMINQUEZ/OL    RFA

TORI GURLEY/WR    RFA

‘PEANUT’ JOSEPH/ILB    RFA

SHAKY SMITHSON/WR/PR    RFA

VIC SO’OTO/OLB    RFA

   I am not including Drafted Rookies or vets who actually spent time on the active roster last year. Let’s see how this list holds up over 3 more weeks of Pre-Season.

    And one other thing to keep in mind. Even though this team is a defending Super Bowl champ don’t be surprised when they are still one of the youngest rosters in the League come September. WHITEY jettisoned 20 players, most of them seasoned vets, off the PACKERS roster right after the CBA was signed. That was to make room for another strong group of 16 Rookie Free Agents to go along with 10 Draftees. Combine that with another 18 second-year men and you already account for about 50% of the entire Training Camp roster. Mark my words... there will more vet names to appear on cut lists for this team between now and September. Youth will prevail, and fuel a very hungry team going into the 2011 season.

8/08/2011    It happens every Summer when Training Camp rolls around in Green Bay, at least under the TED THOMPSON regime. Some familiar veteran names show up as ‘cuts’ from the PACKERS roster as the team gets under way preparing for the upcoming season both financially & athletically. It may be less frustrating to deal with this year than most because the team has the Lombardi Trophy on display within the bowels of Lambeau. But once again a rather long list of vet players will no longer wear the Green-and-Gold.

Let me remind you who is MIA as the team prepares for its first Pre-Season game.

NICK BARNETT/ILB                BILLS    Too much $ already being paid to HAWK/BISHOP inside.

ATARI BIGBY/S                                      Once he got his big contract he’s been fighting HARRELL for hot tub time too often.

BRANDON CHILLAR/LB                        Was coming back to team until he hurt his leg (again) in offseason.

DARYN COLLEDGE/LG          CARDINALS    Never completely satisfied coaches with inconsistent play. Too expensive.

KOREY HALL/FB/ST                SAINTS        Pure Special Teamers get too expensive after a few years.

JUSTIN HARRELL/DE                                    The king of the training room was never available.

BRANDON JACKSON/RB        BROWNS     Solid 3rd Down RB, but wanted, and got, more $ than that role is worth.

CULLEN JENKINS/DE              EAGLES       Great attitude, average athlete who greatly benefitted under CAPERS schemes.

DERRICK MARTIN/S                                      Marginal player who helped during injury rash last year... no upside.

BRADY POPPINGA/LB             RAMS           Too old, too expensive for ST and back-up OLB with no speed.

JASON SPITZ/OG                       JAGUARS    Looked like the real deal until back injury made him a risky investment.

MARK TAUSCHER/RT                                    Could still play, if he wanted, but BULAGA & SHERROD are in town.

      I should probably add ANTHONY SMITH/S to the list because I don’t think the team has any serious intention of re-signing him. And I also believe JAMES JONES would have been on the list without a verbal shout-out from AARON RODGERS  to bring back one of his favorite targets.

     For those of you mathematically challenged, that’s a dozen vets no longer around to do their thing in a PACKERS uniform. It’s not as though they were all chopped liver. Even though most will not all start in their new NFL homes it is clear that other teams perceived value in most of the PACKERS cast-offs.

    Under the THOMPSON philosophy it was time for these guys to move on to make room for younger, less expensive, ascending players on the roster. Makes sense to me, and as I previously pointed out this is the NFL’s reigning championship team, or what’s left of it. I must honestly admit that I have called for the departure of about half of these guys in the past 6 months. But when you throw in the balance of the names I’m thinking that the team is gambling quite a bit on youth developing to fill the depth charts at some positions right now... maybe too much for a Super Bowl rerun.

    Do I even need to mention that there have not been, nor should you expect to see any new Veteran Free Agent names to appear on the transaction wires as headed to Green Bay?! Since the year that WOODSON & PICKETT came to town VFA is pretty much a 4-letter word around the PACKERS offices.

    So what does it mean to the team’s repeat plans to have so many roster spots open?

It mens that young, injured players from 2010 have to become productive starters this season. MORGAN BURNETT/S,  MIKE NEAL/DE, & FRANK ZOMBO would be the main names popping into my mind at the moment.

Young players who the team nurtured last season need to emerge as serious competitors to push for starting jobs and at the least provide reliable, quality back up for the starters. In this list I think of names like T.J. LANG, NICK McDONALD, C.J. WILSON, TOM CRABTREE, JAMES STARKS fit this category.

There also has to be an assumption that vets who missed parts of last season will be healthy and able to return to form in 2011. The big names here are RYAN GRANT/RB, BRAD JONES/LB, JERMICHAEL FINLEY/TE.

And last, but not least, the 2011 DRAFT Class has to step up and provide some immediate help, ay least on a part time basis.

    I would also sense that with the serious pruning of the roster an injury epidemic similar to the one suffered in 2011 could have more serous consequences that were avoided in 2010.

    No gnashing of teeth, or wailing and whining PACKERS fans. This is still a good team with a solid corps of quality players headed by AARON RODGERS, who is considered in any “elite QB” discussions in current NFL circles. But before you start proclaiming dynasty, and chanting of LOMBARDI era domination, please understand a lot of things still have to go right to consider championship repeat talk. Heck, let’s start by aiming for an NFC North title first.

    Next up I will take a look at specific roster positions where I think the soup is a bit thin unless good health prevails and some younger players really strut their stuff over the next month.

4/23/2011    I was just about to change this entry to be 2012, but then I remembered there is no NFL 2011 with the current lockout in effect. The 2011 DRAFT is technically the final chapter, or epilogue if you prefer, to the 2010 season. So here I go with one of the more popular entires I do each year, at least to the PACKERS fans that follow my website. Time for the...

2011 PACKERS MOCK DRAFT

Not to bore you with detailed minutia, but here is roughly how it works. I use the PIGSKIN PAUL Regardless List and scan the 10-12 players closest to each PACKERS Pick slot. Then I select the player that seems the best fit for the PACKERS schemes and style of play. And away we go...

PICK 32/R1       MUHAMMED WILKERSON/DE/TEMPLE/6’5/310    Freakishly athletic DL who can play anywhere but the nose, in any scheme. He is a bit raw, but the PACK has a staff that can ‘coach-up’ players. He should be able to contribute right away, and has great upside. He could be the defensive version of JERMICHAEL FINLEY/TE. If he really is available to them then WHITEY might not look to trade out of Round 1.Great value selection, as well as a need with unlikely return of JENKINS or JOLLY.

PICK 64/R2       DANIEL THOMAS/RB/KANSAS STATE/6’0/228      PACKERS Personnel people have been scouting THOMAS hard. He’s a one-cut runner with decent speed for his size and is excellent catching the ball out in space. He’s a bit raw as a RB, having played QB until 3 seasons ago. His style of running fits a zone blocking scheme. He needs to run over and through defenders with more power and will have to step it up in pass pro. But he is a willing learner and works hard. This pick is an insurance policy if GRANT does not return to form, and/or JACKSON goes elsewhere as a VFA.

PICK 96/R3        SHAREECE WRIGHT/CB/SOUTHERN CAL/5’11/185      Comes from a college defensive scheme as close to the PACKERS D scheme as possible. Has the size that fits WHITEY’s CB profile. May be a better long term 3rd CB option than PATRICK LEE. Is a good cover corner and he will support the running game. This selection would also help facilitate the possible move to S of WOODSON.

PICK 129/R4a       CECEL SHORTS/WR/MT. UNION/6’0/200        Small school guy who broke most of PIERRE GARCON’s school receiving records. Has good size, decent speed and excellent hands. It broke my heart when he exited SHRINE Week on Tuesday with a hammy pull. May also be able to perform some return duties while he moves up the WR depth chart. This pick makes a lot of sense for the long term, and could be important if the team decides it cannot afford to retain JAMES JONES as their No. 4 WR.  

PICK  131/R4b    STEVE SCHILLING/OG/MICHIGAN/6’4/300    Fits the PACK’s profile of a medium sized, decent athlete who is fairly cerebral and coachable. Should be a nice fit for zone blocking scheme that the PACK currently runs. SCHILLING showed well as long as he practiced inside during SR BOWL Week. He has also played OT a bit, and THOMPSON just loves versatile OL candidates on his roster. SCHILLING’s presence could help the team decide whether to pay fairly big bucks to COLLEDGE, and/or retain the services of oft injured JASON SPITZ.

PICK 163/R5    JOSH THOMAS/CB/BUFFALO/5’10/195    You can never have enough DBs in the pass-happy NFL these days. THOMAS could be just too promising to pass up at this Pick, if available. He’s a tad short for WHITEY, but not by much. He’s good now, but most scouts feel he has untapped upside right now. Once again, that’s something THOMPSON loves to provide his coaching staff with.He should also make a solid Special Teamer because of his feisty nature.

PICK 197/R6       TOM KEISER/OLB/STANFORD/6’5/245        KEISER is young, and fairly raw, but is very athletic and shows the size and strength that might remind some of a guy named MATTHEWS, who already plays in Green Bay. He’s not likely to contribute much as a Rookie, other than Special Teams play, but he might have more upside/potential than the current trio of WALDEN/ZOMBO/JONES who should be battling to start opposite MATTHEWS in 2011. A potential NFL starter who you’d never get at this slot if he’d returned to school, developed more skills and been around for the 2012 DRAFT.

PICK 204/R7a        CORBIN BRYANT/DE/NORTHWESTERN/6’4/302    A late bloomer, who was the Wildcats top DL in 2010. He’s athletic, and is still getting bigger. Stop me if you see the pattern here. Could easily slide into the PACKERS DL rotation with a year or two of pro coaching. A fairly raw player whose upside might be large. Add he and WILKERSON to the current corps of RAJI, NEAL & WILSON, and the team would have a strong group of young, improving DL for DOM CAPERS and his assistants to work with.

PICK 233/R7b        GREG McELROY/QB/ALABAMA/6’2/220        I’m going to label this the ‘BART STARR LEGACY PICK’ in honor of the former ‘BAMA QB who was a very late Pick of the PACK half a century ago. And that selection worked out pretty well for the franchise! McELROY isn’t a great athlete, but he excels in the leadership and intelligence aspects of the game. He could develop into an adequate NFL back-up, and might allow THOMPSON to trade MATT FLYNN a year from now, if FLYNN’s value goes up during the 2011 season. His prospect stature has grown with scouts over recent months.

    Odds are that one, or none of these guys ends up wearing the green-and-gold in 2011, but they all make good sense to me right now. Now if only TEDDY would agree I might look brilliant.

4/03/2011    Technically speaking this should probably come under the heading of  DRAFT stuff, but since it’s totally PACKERS oriented let’s put it here and call it a fit. Here are some various thoughts, observations and projections for late April based on my football intuition, a couple tidbits of “insider” information and a whole big dose of PIGSKIN PAUL logic.

    Complain all you want PACKERS faithful, but I think a 4th Round Compensatory Pick @ No. 131 is fair compensation for the loss of AARON KAMPMAN. Had he stayed healthy and put up double-digit sack numbers in Jax then they might have gotten a 3rd Rounder. But this slot is right in the TED THOMPSON wheelhouse and I would expect the odds to be high that he will be able to find a very useful player for the 2011 roster with said Pick.

    For a team that has had issues for over a decade with their Return Game the recent rules change that moves the kick-off spot back up 5 yards allows the PACK to put a little less emphasis on filling that need (especially on KR) in the DRAFT. And at least until cold weather hits Green Bay in mid-November it should allow MASON CROSBY to significantly improve his touchback numbers. So perhaps the defending Super Bowl Champs now have one less urgent need to fill with a Rookie prospect.

    Speaking of DRAFT needs... I tend to disagree with the hordes of PAKCER BACKERS who feel a top priority for the team is Drafting a pass-rushing OLB to compliment CLAY MATTHEWS. I am totally comfortable with a healthy competition between 3 relatively young players already on the roster for that starting slot opposite CLAY. That would be the healthy trio of  FRANK ZOMBO (23), BRAD JONES (24) & ERIK WLADEN (26). Some combination of those 3 could serve the team quite well.

    I think it should also be noted that in DOM CAPERS 3-4 scheme there will always be widespread use of Zone Blitzes to compliment MATTHEWS main talent. Check some film and see how many times CHARLES WOODSON was used in blitz packages last season. A his age that trend should continue.

    While we are on the WOODSON role in the PACKERS D scheme of things, I’d like to throw out the possibility that another young CB could be relatively high in the PACKERS Draft plans. It seems clear to me that WILLIAMS, SHIELDS & LEE are all currently considered to be solid Corners for CAPERS’ scheme. UNDERWOOD has physical skills, but may be too immature and too much of a knucklehead to be counted on long term.

    By Drafting a CB in the Top 3 Rounds the team might more-or-less move WOODSON to a S-type slot and part ways with ATARI BIGBY, who has been conspicuous by his absence all too often since getting his nice contract 2 seasons ago. CHARLES is still a valuable player both on the field and in the locker room, but he is getting to the stage of his career where CB coverage will be more and more of a challenge for him, His leadership, tackling and blitzing skills could be a better overall fit for a couple more seasons in the deep secondary, leaving the primary coverage chores to the younger CBs.

    It would seem to me that a more likely early DRAFT strategy for the PACKERS might be to target another DL to augment their young but thin DL group. If CULLEN JENKINS is deemed too expensive to keep, JOHNNY JOLLY too unreliable to count on (bet the farm on that one folks) and HOWARD GREEN too old to have much permanent roster value then it’s reasonable to assume that somewhere in their TOP 100 selection slots the PACK might have a guy in mind from a position group that is arguably the most talented and deepest prospect pool. RAJI, NEAL, WILSON, PICKETT, WYNN and “HOT TUB” HARRELL could use another young, talented body or two to ensure a solid position rotation group for the 5-plus month potential NFL season.

    Want a couple of guys to keep your eye on in the first 3-4 Rounds? In this order, I think the PACK should have interest in MUHAMMAD WILKERSON/TEMPLE, JARVIS JENKINS/CLEMSON & CEDRIC THORNTON/S. ARKANSAS in that order. Each of these guys has the potential to play multiple roles in CAPERS 3-4 Scheme, especially when they team goes to its Eagle-formation with only 2 true down linemen on the field. Talent and versatility are two cornerstones of the current PACKERS Drafting philosophy, and these 3 guys seem to fit that model nicely. And also don’t forget that the team under THOMPSON has had a propensity to select guys whom they have seen up close and personal in Mobile each Senior Bowl Week. JENKINS & THORNTON both performed well in Mobile back in January.

    The PACKERS are in the same boat as the other 31 NFL teams, but the lack of  a CBA means no teams will be able to hold the rights to any Rookies except those they Draft in April. The PACK, under the THOMPSON Regime, has made great use of the Rookie Free Agent avenue to fill their roster in recent years.  Last year ZOMBO & SHIELDS were RFA. Those kind of guys will have to head to Canada or the UFL until the NFL labor issues are resolved. That might be a better fate than the Draftees whose rights are locked into NFL teams, but who will have no source of income since they cannot be signed under the current labor impasse. But it could have an adverse impact on a very productive source of extra talent for the PACK.

    As the DRAFT unfolds you should be looking for a new dynamic when the proceedings get into the last two Rounds. Teams, who in the past, were sure they could sign certain guys they liked as Free Agents may now be forced into Drafting some of those players or risk not being able to get their rights later on. In most cases we won’t have much of a clue as to who the late Draftees are who might have gone undrafted in previous years, but it should be a prominent phenomenon in certain NFL Draft Rooms.

    Despite all the rumors I have heard over the past two months I would be very skeptical if the team were actively seeking to trade MATT FLYNN. I’ll give you three basic reasons why I don’t think such a transaction will not happen.

    First off, this should be a Super Bowl contending team again. FLYNN gave an indication of what he can do should A-RODGE go down again in 2011. A contending team cannot, in my opinion, head into the upcoming campaign with only GRAHAM HARRELL and a Rookie backing up a concussion prone RODGERS.

    Secondly, despite FLYNN’s progress and potential he hasn’t shown enough yet to command a price that the PACKERS can’t refuse. At best, I think you might be looking at some desperate team offering up a Round 4 Pick, and maybe a conditional future Pick for FLYNN. I doubt that would entice THOMPSON to part with his young back-up.

    Finally, and most importantly, barring a new CBA before April 28th there can be no trading of DRAFT Picks for current NFL players. Trades can only be consummated that involve DRAFT Picks for other DRAFT Picks.

    Right now assume that FLYNN will remain on the PACKERS  roster come May 1st.

    My final thought for you at this point in time, is that I could envision WHITEY being in the mood to entertain a trade for his end of the First Round Pick. If Pick 32 comes around and TED, DORSE & REGGIE have multiple players on their Value Board who they like still available, there might be a temptation to move down a half dozen slots, or so, to pick up someone’s Round 2 Pick and an additional 3rd or 4th Rounder, much like back in 2008 when the team ended up with NELSON, BROHM & LEE in Round 2.

    I see trading back as more likely than moving up for the PACKERS this year. But if a stud on the PACKERS Draft Board starts slipping into the teens, you know THOMPSON will consider going up to get his man, ala CLAY MATTHEWS two years ago.

    Do not assume that the PACKERS are married to Drafting at the 32nd sot. During the THOMPSON regime moving around has been almost a yearly occurrence in one direction or the other.

2/07/2011    It’s been a while folks, but I felt I had to comment on the  WORLD CHAMPION Green Bay Packers following their Super Bowl  45 victory.

        There can be no bad... there can be no ugly. When a team runs the PLay-Off table as a Wild Card entry and brings the LOMBARDI TROPHY back to Titletown, there can only be good.

    So here’s my short list of PACKERS good stuff.

AARON RODGERS is all that MIKE & WHITEY felt he would be when they stood their ground and bid adieu to a legend named FAVRE three seasons ago, when he refused to go quietly into that good night.

DOM CAPERS has shown that even though he failed twice as an NFL Head Coach, he is as good as it gets as a Defensive Coordinator.

The quiet leaders of the franchise MURPHY, THOMPSON & McCARTHY have put together exactly what every franchise in the NFL wants... a SUPER BOWL winning roster.

The PACK is a team that has more heart than you see most of the time in the NFL these days. They overcame 15 players lost to the IR list; the most games missed by starters in the League; lost two leaders before halftime of the big game (WOODSON & DRIVER). Resilience and heart should both have pictures of the 2010/1PACKERS next to them in the dictionary.

Even though some of the PACKERS young receivers have an annoying propensity for dropping catchable balls from A-RODGE, they also have a stronger tendency to atone for their transgressions with big play catches shortly after their miscues.

This was a magical season, and I hope you have enjoyed the ride. Season’s like this don’t come along often.

9/29/2010PIGSKIN PAUL is on one of the longest “road trips” in sports history. (Someday I will bore you with the details, but not now.) As a result of the logistical challenges I am going to somewhat abbreviate the weekly PACKERS report again. So here’s what I have for you to chew on. 

GAME THREE @ DA BEARS

                                            THE GOOD

AARON RODGERS continues to shine as a great passer, excellent running option and overall team leader. BRETT who? (But what a costly decision on that late (and correct) intentional grounding call.)

Despite playing with much less than a full compliment of troops DOM CAPERS got creative with what he had and really slowed down DA BEARS offense much of the night. He did more, with less, often on Monday night. I was grumbling about his “crazy” 1-Man DL formations for a while, until I realized how limited his personnel options were overall.

Even though there appears to be an epidemic of the dropsies right now, it still appears that the PACKERS defensive Back-7 (or 8 or 9) has a nose for the ball. If they can just hang onto the INTs things could be fine again, with a turnover machine D.

                                                         THE BAD

Poor roster balance and management by WHITEY and MIKE, which handcuffs their ability to play with a full deck because of injuries and lack of adequate depth at certain positions, like DL and RB. No offense to JOSH SITTON, but he shouldn’t be in the game as a DT at the Goal Line because of a lack of healthy D-Linemen. I might also mention that AARON RODGERS is now the PACKS best running option because of RYAN GRANT’s injury and a lack of talent/depth at the RB position.

DINGO JONES is a good receiver, and a good person, but he continues to make mistakes the more he sees the field. His fumble that gave DA BEARS their last possession to win the game was a a classic example of lack of ball security. How can you cary the ball that loosely in that sideline situation. I am questioning whether of nor JONES  has the mental necessities to play in the NFL.

MIKE McCARTHY has to be one of the League’s least affective coaches when it come to use of the appeal flag and instant replay. Either he or his staff upstairs are tossing the Challenge Flag based on wishful thinking, or bad eyesight, or both. There was no logical reason, other than wishful thinking, to toss the challenge flag on the JONES fumble. here was no visible evidence to support the challenge.... at all. That wasted Time Out would have been much better spent in preserving time during DA BEARS final drive, so A-RODGE had a chance at a couple of long passes in an attempt to tie or win the game.

                                                            THE UGLY

If I typed in ‘Ditto’ would you know what I meant for my two uglies this week? Many of you would I think, because it’s the same two areas I have harped on for years now (and it’s not just me).

PENALTIES Even the worst team in the League would be mortified to record 18 penalties for 152 yards. And the penalties came in every facet of the game. This shows an overall lack of preparation, concentration and maybe football IQ on the part of a lot of people on this team.

SPECIAL TEAMS Play    Let’s see... they make DEVIN HESTER look like his old self returning 3 Punts for 93 yards and a TD. They allow a blocked FG, which was predicted by some BEARS Special Teamers whose coaches uncovered PACKERS blocking flaws during film study. A reasonable number of those penalties were attributed to Special Teams. Overall, this group is still just this side of a disaster, and a real Achilles Heel for the team. Their own Return Game failed to help gain field position for the Offense again. Losing the battle for field position is a weekly occurrence for the PACK.

    Playing your first Conference game and coming up on the short end is not the end of the world, but it’s not the way a Super Bowl contender wants to kick things off. And despite a solid showing by DA BEARS, the PACKERS lost a game that was their’s to win. This team had better get serious in game prep this week and take care of business at home against a weaker divisional foe this coming Sunday.

9/16/2010                   Here is my thumbnail wrap-up of the PACKS opening season Win in Phily.

                                    THE GOOD

JORDY NELSON in the Kick Returner role. I always thought he had the tools to handle this role with his size and acceleration.  Now let’s see if he can keep up the solid work.

CLAY MATTHEWS as the Defensive star. There can be little doubt that this guy has what it takes to be everything the PACK thought HAWK would be, and then some.

The EAGLES throwback uniforms. I’m old enough to have seen those threads in action back in the day. I especially like the helmets.

                                       THE BAD   

Offensive Line play, in the first half. I was looking carefully to see if CLIFTON & TAUSCHER were out there. For a while it looked like the start of last season.

AARON RODGERS looking like BRETT FAVRE in the first possession, with high adrenaline and errant throws. I don’t remember seeing A-RODGE look so nervous and wild with his throws to start a game before. God help us if this is a trend, like it became with FAVRE.

Another no-show week for A.J. HAWK.  You can look the other way and make all the excuses you want for him, but this guy just doesn’t look like the real deal, especially in a League which now favors the pass so heavily. He gets lost and is a liability over the middle in Pass D.

                                    THE UGLY

JUSTIN HARRELL failing to last even one Half. Did you really have any doubts that he wouldn’t stay on the field very long? But even I am appalled it took less than 1/2 of 1 game.

A-RODGE’s turnovers. Yes the pressure was significant all day, but he was throwing off balance way too much for my liking. When in doubt chuck it? That too reminds of BRETT way too much.

RYAN GRANT out for year.  So now how does JOHN KUHN look as your No. 2 RB?  I like the guy overall, but I find this scenario frightening for a Play-Off contending team. How’s that OL gonna look  in pass pro with no semblance of a running game?                   

9/7/2010        Game 1 is just days away, and optimism is high for the PACK’s 2010 season hopes. But before we get that far, let’s take a look at their current roster. I have some real issues with the current composition of said roster and some of the players still around, as well as those gone. So let’s get right after it.

My biggest question for TEDDY & MIKE is why SPENCER HAVNER is no longer in town? I didn’t notice any drop-off in his overall performance this Summer. I also think his biggest asset is his versatility, which is a subject we listen to in Coach-Speak all year. How many things can a player do for his team? So HAVNER is now in Detroit with his ability to play Special Teams, TE and LB.

Meanwhile, the roster in Green Bay is populated by 3 FB (and don’t kid yourself into believing JOHN KUHN is a realistic 3rd string RB option at the NFL level) and 4 TE. TOM CRABTREE and KOREY HALL had better shine on ST this season since they aren’t likely to see the field from scrimmage very often.

Many NFL teams don’t even have a true FB on their roster, most have 1. So MIKE has 3 of them. Is it possible that  DONALD LEE had no trade value around the NFL last week? WHITEY, show some damn imagination once in a while. This One-Trick-Pony  Draftees only act is going to cost this team down the road, in it’s desired journey to the Super Bowl.

The first time I hear McCARTHY complain about lack of depth at any position HAVNER adequately backed up, I am going to scream and throw something at the TV screen.

In light of the overload at the above mentioned positions I am also going to express extreme concern over the team having only 6 DL on the roster right now. Especially, when one of those 6 is a guy named ‘HOT TUB’ HARRELL. I do realize that the PACK didn’t cut any Pro Bowlers  in getting down to their current 6, but they certainly look paper thin with the waiving of JARIUS WYNN. Perhaps this would have been an ideal position to add some talent to with the trade of say DONALD LEE who is one of those overkill 4 TEs. This may also be an indication that the Defense will go with a lot of 2-Man and even 1-Man DL formations in long yardage situations, like they did Pre-Season. All that being said I’d like to see a 3-4 DE added to this roster in the next week or so.

Nothing against RFA/NICK McDONALD/G/C, but this penchant the team seems to have for allocating one of their OL roster spots each year to some small school project is maddening to yours truly. I am thinking of guys like ALLEN BARBRE & EVAN DIETRICH-SMITH. In some cases the team goes on ad-infinitum waiting for progress, as with BARBRE. In other instances like DIETRICH-SMITH, it is one and done. Guys of this ilk (including McDONALD this year) should be on Practice Squads not your regular roster every season. I am seriously skeptical that another NFL team was waiting to grab McDONALD off the waiver wire.

Assuming that certain younger players come through in their development as NFL players there are certain aspects of their roster building that I find to be very positive. Its always nice to be a young team (remember the PACK had the youngest roster in the League the past 4 seasons in a row) but it only leads to Play-Off success when your Rookies on this year’s roster are still with the team and getting better 4 years from now. There are lots of teams in the League that keep 10+ Rookies each year, but only 3-4 of them make the team in their second year. That pattern just leads to constant turnover not roster building and development.

So here is what I like about the PACKERS roster building as indicated by it’s current roster:

9-Rookies active; 1 PUP; 1 IR.

8-2nd Year-men, all active.

7-3rd Year-men, all active.

Just as an added couple of numbers to chew on...

I show 12 new players on the current roster, including the 9 true Rookies.

That number would grow to 15 if you considered HARRELL, SWAIN, & PAT LEE, who IR’ed the entire 2009 season.

Realistically, there were no (0) real veteran additions to the team’s current 2010 roster, other than returnee  CHARLIE PEPRAH.

I have a big problem with our old friend (cough, cough) JARRETT BUSH still holding down a spot on the roster right now. MR. MISTAKE, which I have now labelled him, will most likely be around the whole year, and make more bad plays than good ones, no matter where or when he hits the field. But with both ATARI BIGBY & AL HARRIS likely to come off the PUP list by October, there could be two opportunities to see BUSH leave Green Bay. We can only hope.

There may also be a chance that when JAMES STARKS is healthy enough to be activated WHITEY may be able to trade someone at the currently SRO TE or FB positions. THOMPSON reiterated again this past week that he is hesitant to trade/move players just before final roster cuts less a last minute injury strike at the traded player’s position. So maybe he’ll work the phones in the near future to better balance his 2010 roster.

For those of you overly concerned about having 2 QBs on the roster please rest easy. You know that GRAHAM HARRELL is now the team’s insurance policy as a Practice Squad member. And if he were to be signed away, the team would find another out of work QB to add to the Practice Squad. Let’s be realistic folks if A-RODGE goes down for more than a few games FLYNN will most likely struggle at this stage of his career, and the team is not going to place a vet, over-the-hill QB on the roster. That is not how WHITEY’s team building philosophy works folks. But in this era of NFL football very few teams have a ready to go vet back-up QB. That has become a luxury item.

I’m sure I’ll think of some more concerns later, but let’s move on for now.

8/30/2010        As I mentioned last week, it’s time to give some progress reports on the 2010 PACKERS Rookie Class. So here they are with thumbnail observations, and whether I think they remain in Green Bay or not.

BRYAN BULAGA/OL    It’s just a matter of time before BULAGA is starting at one of the OT positions. His minor injury may be the only reason he didn’t beat COLLEDGE out at LG.

MORGAN BURNETT/S    He’s going to get beaten a few times, but I don’t think BIGBY is getting his starting job back even when he is finally proclaimed healthy.

CHRIS CAMPBELL/OT   He has shown excellent potential and athleticism, but is not ready to play in the NFL. I expect the team to re-sign him as a Practice Squad player.

SHAWN GORE/WR    His potential and athleticism are tantalizing, but he is so raw it is frightening at times. He too would look very nice on the Practice Squad to learn for a year, but he may go play in the CFL this season, which would also be good.

ALEX JOSEPH/ILB    He shows excellent pursuit and Special Teams aptitude, but may be caught up in a numbers game if everyone is healthy at LB. He is on the bubble but may also be headed to a Practice Squad, especially if BRAD JONES looks like he can also play on the inside.

ANTHONY LEVINE/S    He is who they thought he was, minus productivity on the field. He looks too raw to me to contribute much for a Play-Off team right now. Is the Practice Squad full yet?

NICK McDONALD/OG       A Camp guy/roster filler had his moments, but his best bet is to try to latch on in the UFL and play a lot of snaps. Good bye for now Nick.

MIKE NEAL/DE        Looks to be everything that the team thought he was when grabbing him in the 2nd Round. He is a solid part of the DL rotation already and should only continue to get better. One of the few Rookies who need to contribute this season. His strength and athleticism clearly indicate he is a future starter, and sooner rather than later.

MARSHALL NEWHOUSE/G/T    This is a tough one to call because of OL depth, but NEWHOUSE has held his own in this Camp, and has great size and athleticism. I say he makes the roster, because if not some other team will claim him on waivers if he is cut. He’s a better long term keeper than BARBRE or GIACOMINI for my money.

QUINN PORTER/RB        If his ankle injury is minor then he has a great chance to make this roster. He has been very solid and his skills are a little more advanced than many thought they would be coming from a D2 program. At worst, he will be sought after to be signed to their Practice Squad.

ANDREW QUARLESS/TE    I think he has looked good overall, but is in a very crowded TE picture. I could see him filling DONALD LEE’s roster spot if the team can trade LEE for a late round Draft Pick in the next week. Good receiving skills and a willing, almost effective blocker. If they cut him I am sure he will be lost to a waiver claim.

SAM SHIELDS/CB        With his blazing speed and ball skills he has already made this roster. He is also a potential stud as a gunner on Special Teams. With AL HARRIS not ready any time soon, SHIELDS is in the running for a Nickel Corner spot. He has long tern return potential, but not this year please.

JAMES STARKS/RB        Seems to me that he is headed for a spot on the PUP list, which gives the team 6 weeks into the regular season to have him ready to play or IRed for the season. With his lack of participation in the Pre-Season sitting out all of 2010 may be the best option for both parties.

CHASTIN WEST/WR/RS    I have been a bit non-plussed at his lack of playing time this pre-Season. The answer I keep coming up with is raw-raw-raw. He has shown flashes of Return ability, but the Coaches have not put him out on the field much. Looks like a guy they are trying to hide, for now, so they can get him onto the Practice Squad.

100. C.J. WILSON/DE        After a surprisingly slow start he as begun to show progress and contribute on the playing field. He would seem like a solid member of the DE rotation in 2010, and a nice Value Pick for a 7th Rounder.
     

FRANK ZOMBO/OLB    Probably the nicest surprise of their Rookie Class, considering he was a Free Agent signing. He has been nothing but productive once overcoming a minor early injury. In fact, he started against the COLTS and was more than productivity against their starting lineup. He may be so solid as an OLB back-up that his play is the main reason BRAD JONES is now getting some looks on the Inside.

    If you lost track I am basically projecting the following for the 16 true Rookies on the roster after the COLTS win...

On Roster:    BULAGA, BURNETT, NEAL, NEWHOUSE, QUARLESS, SHIELDS, WILSON, ZOMBO.

PUP/IR:        STARKS

PS/ROSTER:    PORTER

PRACTICE SQUAD:   CAMPBELL, GORE  (CFL), JOSEPH, LEVINE, WEST

GONE:        McDONALD

8/24/2010    Since Pre-Season games are such a conglomeration of disjointed circumstances, and the actual on-field performance of the team is an obscure, often misleading composite of disparate parts, I always wait until two games have passed before even attempting to put my finger on the pulse of the team. Said two games are in the books, with a fast approaching Thursday-nighter. So here are some impressions of the Green-and-Gold half way through the Pre-Season.

                                                THE GOOD

Is it possible that there is anyone out there in Packerland who does not realize that AARON RODGERS is the real deal, and in fact one of the elite QBs in the NFL? Evidently there are (primarily FAVRE cult followers), but their knowledge of NFL football is obviously severely lacking. A-RODGE is literally carving up opposing defenses with near perfection so far this Summer. There would seem to be no reason to think he won’t carryover his current level of play into the regular season. In limited playing time so far A-RODGE is completing passes at an 83% clip with 2 TDs and NO INT.

The ballyhooed battle between JAMES JONES & JORDY NELSON for the No. 3 WR slot has been highly competitive so far with DINGO seeming to have a slight edge for now. Perhaps the most important aspect of the battle is that both of these young receivers now look like they belong on an NFL field and understand the big picture. RODGERS seems to be comfortable with  looking for both players on any down. No doubt in my mind that RODGERS will find both receivers more this year than he did last season. With the continued emergence of TE/JERMICHAEL FINLEY can there be enough throws to go around with all these capable targets? Isn’t that a nice issue to face?!

It sure looks like BRYAN BULAGA is the real deal as an NFL lineman. He has been competing with COLLEDGE at LG, and taking over for CHAD CLIFTON at LT when the venerable vet makes his way to the bench with most of the first unit sometime before halftime. It’s not time to nominate him the the NFL All-Rookie Team quite yet, but he seems to keeping mistakes at a minimum, while putting some major hits on defenders with regularity. It is also clear that he is football smart and assignment sure a large percentage of the time for a Rookie. His days as a starting OL in the NFL are just a matter of exactly where (G or T?), and when.... not if. BULAGA seems to be leading the charge of some serious position battles along the OL, including the SPITZ/WELLS competition at Center.

                                                    THE BAD

Injuries in general are the nagging pro football version on mosquito bites here in Wisconsin. But the spate of them at the LB position has been very disconcerting. At one time or another BARNETT, HAWK & MATHEWS have spent about half of their potential game time sitting rather than playing over the first two weeks of the Pre-Season. On the assumption that they will all be healthy by September this is not an all bad thing. Right now the injuries are providing an opportunity for the PACKS young LBs to show what they can do. In particular both FRANK ZOMBO & CYRIL OBIOZOR showed flashes of their athleticism and potential in the SEA HAWKS game.

Similarly, the RB position is in a state of flux because of nagging injuries right from the start of Camp. There is little if any challenge being mounted by anyone to take away BRANDON JACKSON’s job as the No. 2 RB. In fact, conversation after the game in Seattle was that after watching JOHN KUHN pound through the SEA HAWKS third string DL for 30 yards Saturday night the team might consider him as the No. 3 RB on the Depth Chart. That would mean the team would in essence carry 3 FB again, though KUHN might be listed as a RB as well. It’s looking now like Draftee JAMES STARKS/RB will start the season on the PUP List with hope that he can be fully healthy by October and join the roster then.

It’s not a disaster area, or it would be listed below in the “UGLY” segment, but the DL is still leaving a lot to be desired right now. I am highly skeptical of RYAN PICKETT playing outside in place of JOHNNY JOLLY. PICKETT is a team guy and is losing weight to improve his quickness and pursuit, but it has to be remembered that the DL in a 3-4 Scheme does not regularly generate a lot of pass rush. B.J. RAJI is showing flashes, but he’s still not playing like a TOP 10 DRAFT Pick yet by a long-shot. I still believe the key to improvement up front lies clearly in the development of Rookie MIKE NEAL, who is already demonstrated his unique combination of strength and athleticism by lining up in both the 2-man and 1-man DL formations CAPERS is using more and more often in long yardage situations. There is still hope that fellow Rookie C.J. WILSON may be “getting it” after 3 weeks in Camp. For right now, I think it would be optimistic to say this group is a ‘work in progress’.

                                                    THE UGLY

Here we go again... talk about beating a dead horse. But then again if you don’t get rid of the carcass what else is there to do. The first name that comes to mind again this Summer is JARRETT BUSH. He continues to get plenty of playing time as a CB (back there so far in Camp) and on Special Teams. And if I were to describe his play in a nutshell, I would say... coverage mistakes & penalty prone. It is clear that the sideline is a better pass defender than BUSH is, and his two consecutive penalties on the final SEA HAWKS possession Saturday night pretty much sum up his inability as an NFL DB in my eyes. (Though I am prone to give him a mulligan on the first Personal Foul penalty.) Add that fun moment in time to his earlier errors on Special Teams, including a penalty, and once again BUSH ends up being a player who most consistent stat-line is for penalties.

Even more ugly than BUSH  individually is the continued poor play of PACKERS Special Teams in general. In particular, the return game has once again been almost non-existent through two games. SAM SHIELDS has the speed and elusiveness to make an excellent KR candidate. But his hands of stone make him a constant risk to fumble, as he has amply displayed since Camp opened. In fact it is time for the coaching staff to end the SHIELDS as a returner experiment, at least for this year. It is the staff’s job to put players in a position to succeed and build their skills. For now SHIELDS need to protected from himself and his kick fumbling.

The continued poor play of the Special Teams units puzzles me on another level. TED THOMPSON, signed as a RFA, forged a ten year NFL career with the Houston Oilers, making his mark primarily as a Special Teams demon. JOHN DORSEY played ST during his brief NFL career. West Coast Scout SAM SEALE was a ST player with good return skills. So my question is... with so many key talent evaluators on board, how is it that the PACKERS cannot accumulate a solid corps of good Special Teamers? I’m sure I am being too simplistic in my look at the situation, but it puzzles me greatly.

Despite lip service for the umpteenth year in a row, this teams propensity for committing penalties continues and is maddening to the point of distraction. In the opener against Cleveland the PACK suffered 6 accepted penalties for 40 total yards. That is an acceptable number, and a definitive improvement from last season. Then things regressed in Game Two in Seattle, when the team incurred 8 penalties for 64 yards. Do not look past the fact that there were another half-dozen declined penalties in those two weeks. It may be just this man’s opinion, but this lack of focus and discipline is a reflection on MIKE McCARTHY and his Coaching Staff. They may excel at X’s & O’s, but player discipline is not a strong teaching point for this staff.

   Early next week I’m going to take a look at the progress, or lack thereof, of PACKERS Rookies after 3 Pre-Season games.

7/05/2010    The OTA segment of the PACKERS 2010 season is over and all there is left to do is sign DRAFT Picks and get ready for the opening of Training Camp. Here are some thoughts that Pigskin Paul has as we hit that Dark Hole of the NFL season.

        If ATARI BIGBY continues to play the hardball/holdout game into Training Camp, despite two mediocre/injury filled seasons immediately behind him, he may find himself on his way out of the door in Green Bay. MORGAN BURNETT looked good in all of the OTA sessions, and seems to have progressed rapidly in the Rookie learning curve. If he gets a week or two into Camp and further establishes his potential to start beside NICK COLLINS it can only diminish BIGBY’s value to the team. It is also important to remember that THOMPSON/McCARTHY embrace the concept of the team’s own Draft Picks being their key players. BIGBY has not been the hell-for-leather, big time hitter he came to town as, once he got his first real NFL contract.

    God forbid that BIGBYs potential exit could lengthen the PACKERS career of JARRETT BUSH, but what the heck. It is clear that BUSH is going to make this team until someone finds those picture negatives he has hidden.

    I must confess I was a bit surprised to see the pre-Training Camp cut of RFA TIM KNICKY/LB. No doubt he was going to be a project as a potential NFL’er, but normally that is an intriguing challenge to PACKERS Brass. I am still thinking that part of the issue with his play was the fact that he is so leggy, and plays high coming out of his stance, that he ends up on the ground too often.

    Let us also hope that his departure is at least in part a testament to the further development of two 2009 Rookie OLB prospects: CYRIL OBIOZOR & BRAD JONES. The move may also speak highly of RFA/ILB ALEX JOSEPH  from Temple. He is the slightly undersized (6’2/240), but very active type of athlete the PACK prefers in their 3-4 Scheme. He could have a very solid shot at making the final roster this Summer if he excels on Special Teams, and if the PACK does indeed slide BARNETT outside in certain pass-rush situations. Because of the multiple player/position options, and their importance in a 3-4 scheme, the LB corps competition should be intense when Camp opens.

    Sorry to see RFA/QB/NOAH SHEPARD have such a brief stay in Green Bay this Spring. I think he is a solid athlete and a smart young man, whose name may resurface a few times over the next couple of years either in the CFL, UFL and/or Arena League. But I am anxious to see how the signing of GRAHAM HARRELL plays out. He is a decent athlete, with an average arm, and my guess is he is the kind of project that may interest McCARTHY/CLEMENTS. If he shows enough, but can’t make the final roster he is eligible to be signed to an NFL Practice Squad and the team might be able to hide him there for the 2010 season.

    Back during Senior Bowl Week 2009, I had a chance to sit with HARRELL over a bowl of gumbo at the Media Night dinner. He was soft spoken, but articulate. He was humble, but quietly confident of his overall abilities and his chances of finding a place in the NFL given some time to adjust to the pro offensive schemes. There is no reason to think that he won’t get a chance to prove a few things to PACKERS Brass during Training Camp.

       It will be very interesting to see how the all-out Punting battle goes between MASHTAY & BRYAN. The team is obviously well aware of how costly their poor Punting game was last season. It was refreshing to hear MIKE McCARTHY speak bluntly about the need for improvement at the position for the 2010 season. During a press Conference during June OTA, he clearly stated that the team’s 2010 Punter may not yet be on the roster. If neither of their current roster candidates can show distance, hang time and directional punting consistency in Pre-Season games it sounds like the team will not hesitate to bring in new candidates, sooner rather than later. The leash on both Punters seems to be pretty short right now.

    I think this situation now plays out under the oft-stated McCARTHY tenet of accountability.

    The other McCARTHY tenet that we hear during Pressers, to the point of ad nauseam, is that of availability. The simple principle that a player has to be on the grass, not in the hut tub, seems to be basic to life in the world of pro football. If that is to truly be the case in the Green Bay organization, then I can think of three players who have to be at the absolute end of the line if they have an injury plagued Training Camp.

    I have to start the list with JUSTIN HARRELL/DE, who may soon be asked to pay rent for his time in the PACKERS Training Room and hot tub. The sad reality is that this hopeful thinking about his recovery from a bad back by the organization may be nothing more than a smoke screen. The team may just be waiting for the day when HARRELL can pass a physical and be waived. You can’t cut a player who is injured without an injury settlement package or a potential lawsuit. I am now firmly in the camp that thinks that’s the game of cat-and-mouse underway between HARRELL and the team.

    My second suspect in this category is PAT LEE/CB. This will be his third NFL season, and it is well past time for him to be healthy enough to progress in his development as an NFL Corner. There is no doubt in my mind that he was basically Redshirted as a Rookie after only 1 year as a full-time starter in college. But I also suspect that the team was counting on him to at least win a sub-package job in 2009. If he is to stay, he must be able to play in 2010.

    The most painful player that I feel I must place on this list is ROLANDO BLACKMON/DB/RS. His ability to stay healthy in his first 4 years in the League has been abysmal. This has been doubly painful for the team because he has DB ability, and he is a game breaking RS when whole. Despite the potential two-headed help he could bring to the team we have to be getting precipitously close to the fish, or cut bait point with WILL.

    It would be a serious talent boost to the PACKERS roster if these three players could stay healthy and be available to play for 16 games in 2010. But history indicates to me that the probability of that happening would be a fool’s bet.

           

                      HARRELL                                    PAT LEE                               BLACKMON

                        Can MIKE McCARTHY count on these guys being AVAILABLE in 2010?

6/12/2010    Given TED THOMPSON’s penchant for building his team through the DRAFT, and retention of his own young players who have shown progress in their development as Pros, this time of year is generally pretty quiet in PACKERS Country. But primarily thanks to some unsettling off-field activity things have been a little more active within the PACKERS organization this June. Let’s take a look at some situations drawing attention right now.

    Unfortunately, BRANDON UNDERWOOD has put himself in some minor legal trouble, and perhaps a bit bigger trouble within the team’s infrastructure. It could be said he allowed the little head to think for the big head while spending time in the Wisconsin Dells area, ostensibly to help in a golf-outing, fund raising event. Let’s just say it is never a good thing when a family man, with two children at home, decides to pay for sex with some local ladies, in his spare time. There was some baggage that came along with BRANDON to Green Bay when he was Drafted last year. But the feeling was that his main issues dated back to his late teen years and he had matured, and learned from his youthful indiscretions. For now it appears he has escaped legal prosecution, but may face some serious scrutiny within the team organization. The team may be in a quandary dealing with the situation, since UNDERWOOD seems to have made solid progress on the field, at a position where the team cannot afford to discard talented players. Right now, I would project some kind of ‘minor’ discipline for UNDERWOOD from the team, with perhaps a more aggressive disciplinary approach from the League.

    He’s the leader of the Defense. He’s the reigning Defensive PLayer of the Year in the NFL. He’s a solid Locker Room presence in Green Bay. So how do the PACKERS respond to noises from CHARLES WOODSON that he wants a new contract? How does the team respond to such a situation when the player happens to be 33-years old, and plays the CB position, which traditionally is considered to be ‘no country for old men’. This is the kind of position that professional sports franchises dread getting into. Nothing can cripple your team long term more severely than tying up a satchel of money in player contracts for guys who have most likely hit the peak of their performance upside. On the other hand, turning your back on a team leader who is playing at a high level, can do irreparable damage to your team on the field and in the Locker Room. Good luck on this one THOMPSON/MURPHY/McCARTHY.

    If you have been watching the weekly shuffling of the JOHNNY JOLLY trial date deep on the heart of Texas, I would suggest you begin thinking of he 2010 PACKERS season moving forward without his presence on the team. I am hearing that the rash of postponements has more to do with his attorneys continuing to try to cut a deal with Prosecutors than anything else. it is looking more and more like there is no way JOLY skates away from this situation with just a slap on the wrist. The situation cries out for Rookies MIKE NEAL & C.J. WILSON to step up and contribute significantly at DE this season. I think it will be a step back in many ways if JOLLY’s absence forces RYAN PICKETT and/or B.J. RAJI to take very many snaps at the DE position.

    The pursuit of statistics/numbers is way down the list of priorities for DONALD DRIVER in his professional career. But I think it should be noted that he is now closing in on very lofty numbers beyond just team receiving records, after his team-leading reception season in 2009. With 53 receptions this year, DRIVER would hit the lofty figure of 700 career catches. With 950 receiving yards he would also crack the 10,000-receiving yards mark. Here’s hoping that one of the team’s hardest working, best attitude players puts up big numbers this season, and inches himself towards consideration for Hall of Fame induction when he retires, a few years down the road.

    And while we’re touching on stats for a moment, did you realize that AARON RODGERS just missed out on being the top rushing QB in the NFL last season, trailing DAVID GARRARD/Jacksonville by only 7 yards, 316/323. But he averaged 5.4-ypc, compared to GARRARD’s 4.2-ypc. He also scored 5 rushing TD, compared to GARRARD’s 3 TD. Even though MIKE McCARTHY has been quick to point out A-RODGE’s value because of his ability to tuck the ball and run when needed, you can bet he’d be OK  if RODGERS ran a little less in 2010... I think.

    While touching on RODGERS’ 2009 stats for just a paragraph longer I think it also worth pointing out that he was one of only 5 NFL starting QBs to rack up a Passer Rating of at least 100.0. His 103.2 rating was 4th best in the League. Not to be a name-dropper, but he finished behind a guy named FAVRE (107.2), but ahead of MR. PEYTON (99.9).

    Another stat that stood out to me in pouring over some 2009 numbers was the fact that the PACKERS end-of-season starting secondary amassed a total of 23 Interceptions, which was by far the most for a starting unit in the League. Individually, I will remind you of the ball hawks who patrolled the field for the Green-and-Gold: WOODSON- 9; COLLINS-6; TRAMON WILLIAMS-4; ATARI BIGBY-4. Their 30 team INT led the League.

    Surprisingly, perhaps, the 6-10 BILLS were a close second with 28 Picks. As a quick aside, maybe that INT mark in Buffalo may help you understand why the new Head Coach, CHAN GAILEY, specializes in Offense. It might also help explain why the GIANTS were so quick to snap former BILLS DC/PERRY FEWELL so quickly.

    That’s gonna have to satiate your PACKERS appetite at this site for another week or so friends. I’ll be back at you from Florida next week.

       

                    DRIVER                                            RODGERS                                WOODSON

   

5/14/2010    Let’s follow up on more of the PACKERS Rookie Free Agents today. I put on the tape of the TEXAS Vs. NATION All-Star game and checked out several players who ended up signing with the PACK. So here are my observations based on their play in that venue.

    KNICKY was without a doubt the best overall performer of the new PACKERS, in this game. He played extensively, as a stand-up OLB for the TEXAS team. He is long and lean, looking taller and lighter than his listed numbers. He has a BRYCE PAUP type body to my eyes. He also appears to have very long legs, which begs the question as to whether or not he can be tied up in knots, like a pretzel, trying to change direction multiple times to cover potential receivers in his pass coverage area. Having raised that question, let me note that he seemed to be very fluid in his coverage duties during much of this game. He looked comfortable in his back pedal, and was able to change direction well. I was particularly impressed with the way he jammed the TE at the line of scrimmage several times knocking that player off his route immediately. He also appeared to have a nose for the ball, and a willingness to pursue through the whistle. He stayed on his feet well, which is a big issue for a LB. He seems to have decent functional strength, but I am guessing he can add some muscle to his upper body in an NFL weight room.

    This guy looks like a football player, and I can’t help but believe that more than a few other NFL teams had him on their watch lists. The challenge for the PACK may be figuring out how to hang onto this player and get some usefulness out of him this coming season. My fear would be that if he is cut some team with a 4-3 scheme will sign him quickly with the thought of bulking him up a bit and putting him back at a DE position. In essence, I am saying he reminds me quite a bit initially of AARON KAMPMAN, and may indeed be best suited for a 4-3 scheme.

     Only time will tell, but based on what I saw of KNICKY in this particular game he will be a guy well worth watching for his progress (or lack thereof) during OTAs and Training Camp in Green Bay.

CHRIS CAMPBELL/OT/EASTERN ILLINOIS/6’5/328

    The first thing that struck me about CAMPBELL was his quick, agile feet for his size. He did a great job of getting to the second level for blocks on the LB/DB in the running game. His strength looks good, and his body certainly looks like he could add some additional functional muscle. His arms are long and he uses them well... most of the time. He is not overpowering, but once he locks onto his man there is no way to escape. And I do not mean to imply he was holding.

    His style of play, and size seem very well suited for the  PACKERS zone-blocking scheme. He dropped very nicely into his pass pro stance, without standing upright immediately, most of the time. He looks like a natural knee-bender. I think he gave a bit too much ground, too quickly on some occasions, but that should be a minor correctable coaching situation.

    In essence, I saw a very athletic player, who looks to have the talent needed to clean up some of his minor technique flaws with pro coaching. It will be a matter of want-to, hard work and desire on CAMPBELL’s part in making the jump in competition from small school to the NFL. Here’s an interesting dilemma for the PACK potentially: if  CAMPBELL comes on strong, would the team part with all of their back-up vets at OT (BARBE & GIACOMINI) and go to war with both BULAGA and CAMPBELL as their OT back-ups.

    Once again I am fearful that CAMPBELL may be too talented to risk losing if placed on the Practice Squad. Remember the team was burned twice last season when BROHM & MEREDITH were both grabbed by the BILLS. THat stung, and the Personnel Department was not pleased by that development.

   It is way too early for serious speculation, but give some thought to the following players actually being the 2010 OL group come September:

CLIFTON (T), TAUSHCER (T), BULAGA (T), CAMPBELL (T), SITTON (G), SPITZ (G/C), NEWHOUSE (G/T), WELLS (C),  LANG (G/T).

    That would mean cutting/trading the following players currently on the roster:

COLLEDGE (trade), BARBRE, GIACOMINI, DIETRICH-SMITH, DANIELS, McDONALD.

    Just had to throw that last segment at you. it seems risky to be that inexperienced, but hey TED THOMPSON loves that young, cheap talent to work with, doesn’t he?

5/10/2010    Time to get into some analysis of the Rookie Free Agents  signed by the PACK in what we in the trade commonly refer to as Day 4 of the DRAFT.

        One of the mystery men, who won a contract after his audition as an unsigned invitee to the 2010 Rookie Camp last week, was SHAWN GORE, who played his prep and college ball north of the border. So who better to give us a scouting report on GORE than our good friend COLIN LINDSAY @ www.gbnreport.com . Here is his synopsis in evaluating GORE coming out of college.

 

When word leaked out that Green Bay had a WR in for a tryout from little Bishop’s University in Canada, just about everyone assumed it was Stephen Turner who put on a remarkable athletic performance at this year’s Canadian league draft combine where he ran the 40 in just over 4.30 seconds. The former Gaitor signed by the Packers, though, was actually the less heralded, but ultimately more polished Shawn Gore. In fact, when the picks were in at the CFL draft earlier this month, Gore was selected 10th overall by British Columbia, whereas Turner lasted into the 4th round.  And while he lacks the jets that put former teammate Turner on notice, Gore is no slouch. Indeed, he’s a pretty good athlete with a respectable 40 time of 4.50 seconds of his own run at the CFL combine. What caught pro scouts attention, though, was the fact that the 5-11.5, 198-pound Gore was quicker than that with a 1.44 second time for the first 10-yards, while he also posted very athletic leaps of 39.5-inches in the vertical and 10-3 inches in the broad jump, both of which would have been among the top 5 figures at the position at the NFL combine. Gore is also a decent receiver who had 37 catches in 9 games in 2010 despite playing in an offense that didn’t throw the ball all that well; he also has a 21-game streak with at least one reception. Gore has good hands, but tends to let the ball get into his pads too often; he is also a decent route-runner who can find the soft spot underneath, but has never been asked to read coverages at the speed he'll need to make it in the NFL. He also uses his body well to shield defenders away from the ball and is a physical receiver who wins his share of jump ball type situations. Gore also has a quick first step after receiving the ball and averaged 16.5 yards per catch last fall while scoring 5 TDs, but lacks that extra gear when the ball is in the air. For good measure, Gore is also a solid special teams cover guy. Certainly, Gore has the physical skills to play at the next level including the NFL, but it is a very long way from the CIS to the NFL. College football in Canada is the equivalent of DIII or even NAIA. Teams play a somewhat limited schedule, there is no spring practice and the weight training and technical aspects of the game are very rudimentary compared with that which characterizes U.S. football programs.  Canadian players simply don't face the kind of pure aggression and athleticism like their counterparts in the U.S. do ever day in practice and on game days.  (CL)

    Thanks a bunch to friend Colin for his insight.

    I spent time over the weekend watching game tape of the TEXAS vs. NATION game which featured RFA signees ALEX JOSEPH/ILB, SAN SHIELDS/CB/RS, CHRIS CAMPBELL/OT, TIM KNICKY/OLB. I’ll be adding some reports on them in this space in the next couple of days... so stay tuned.

4/28/2009        It’s time to break down, Pick by Pick, the 2010 PACKERS DRAFT. So let’s get rolling...

ROUND 1    PICK 23    BRYAN BULAGA/OT/IOWA/6’5/315                   PPP RANK #11

     A big part of the job for Personnel People is to find good replacements for aging,  quality players. BULAGA will play LT, and do so very well, for a decade in Green Bay. He certainly has as much talent (if not more) than CLIFTON, who has been good enough to fashion a ten year NFL career, and even get to the Pro Bowl. He does not have as much athleticism, or upside as BRUCE CAMPBELL, the COMBINE Wonder Boy, but he is much more of a sure thing to play, and play well, soon. Great value at the Pick!

ROUND 2   PICK 56    MIKE NEAL/DE/PURDUE/6’3/295                        PPP RANK #128

    After the PICK I pulled out tape of both the SHRINE and SENIOR BOWL games to watch NEAL. The Coaches must have liked his work because he played as many, or more, snaps than any other DL in both games. He is incredibly quick off the ball, and it doesn’t look like he is guessing all the time. His biggest weakness was getting overwhelmed and buried when double-team blocked on the inside. I think the PACKERS Scouting Staff projected his talent outside to the 5-technique and they believe they have a potential starting player. I like the fact that he stays on his feet, and will pursue the ball downfield. He also seems to have a good feel for where the play is going. I had him ranked as a Round 4 Prospect as a 4-3 scheme, 3-technique DT, but I can see more value from him in the move outside.

   

ROUND 3   PICK 71    MORGAN BURNETT/S/GA TECH/6’1/210         PPP RANK  #90

    Fans will love his big hits, and his ball-hawing INTs, but will have to live with him getting beaten deep on occasion. Hopefully, he will develop into a DARREN SHARPER-type player, but with more desire to tackle and may receivers pay the price for catching the ball in his area of the field. He was a solid Round 3 value, and fills another PACKERS roster need.

ROUND 5A  PICK 154    ANDREW QUARLESS/TE/PENN STATE/6’4/250        PPP RANK #164

    I think his selection means two things for the team, assuming he is on the roster in September. DONALD LEE, with his contract and multiple dropped balls, could be a likely roster cut. Such a move would replace a 30-year old journeyman, with a more talented 21-year old, at a much more economical cost. Though QUARLESS’ main talent is as a tall, long armed receiver, he looks to have the frame and temperament to be a solid inline blocker, especially compared to LEE or FINLEY. This is undoubtably the riskiest Pick in the 2020 DRAFT for the PACK. But as ron wolf used to say... ‘I can’t build a team with only Boy Scouts on the roster’.

ROUND 5B  PICK 169    MARSHALL NEWHOUSE/OL/TCU/6’4/320            PPP RANK #157

    I think he really helped himself with his work at the COMBINE. He was the third fastest OL in the 40-yard dash with an amazing time of 5.00 seconds. He also had the fastest 3-Cone time of 7.40 in the OL group. Those work-out numbers alone do not make you an elite player, but they certainly indicate athleticism not typical of a player with his size numbers. We’ll find out if JAMES CAMPEN is a good NFL OL Coach, based on his success, or lack thereof, in developing this guy into an NFL starter.

    I almost forgot... as a big believer in quality genetics, I think it worth mentioning that his cousin is ROBERT NEWHOUSE who was a starting FB for the COWBOYS.

ROUND 6   PICK 193    JAMES STARKS/RB/BUFFALO/6’2/218                PPP RANK #134

    He’s a bit more athletic than many folks think. He had the 7th fastest 40-time at the COMBINE timing at 4.50 just behind HARDESTY. He also had the 5th best 3-Cone drill time in Indy, again just behind HARDESTY, who was selected in Round 2 by the  BROWNS.

    I’ve heard some fans question whether his skills fit the 3rd-Down NFL RB job description. Maybe many of those questioning him don’t realize that he averaged over 40 catches per year in his 3 seasons at BUFFALO. I sense very good value at this Pick . Notice the trend here?

ROUND 7   PICK 230    C.J. WILSON/DE/EAST CAROLINA/6’3/285            PPP RANK #123

    WILSON has nice size and athleticism for a 5-Technique job in the League. The biggest knock on him as a 4-3 DE for the Pirates was that he showed minimal pass-rush ability. That is much less of a factor in the 3-4 alignment. Mark this down as a major steal, with C.J. being a regular in the DE rotation this coming Fall.

    It may not have been a sexy DRAFT for the PACKERS, but I am very impressed at the Value-at-the-Pick quotient this year. A team never finds answers for all their needs in one DRAFT. But the PACK seem to have come up with some serious talent to plug into the majority of their apparent roster holes.

    In the next week I will also take a detailed look at the Rookie Free Agent class that Green Bay has signed, on the perverbial 4th Day of the DRAFT.