OTA Surpises Big And Small
A few notes on today's OTA practice.
By PackerAaron
Some interesting things from this afternoon's practice. (Remember, it's May. This time last year, Jeremy Thompson was an all star. So take it for what it's worth, which is not much)
- Brady Poppinga starts at LOLB ahead of Brad Jones
This has got to be the most surprising thing to come out of the first OTA session open to the public. Again, it's May so this doesn't mean much at all. But it will be interesting to hear McCarthy's explanation here. Is this an indication that the coaches aren't happy with Jones' work during the break? Are they simply deferring to the veteran? Like I said: Surprising.
- B.J. Raji starts at NT, with Ryan Pickett at DE
Basically a flip of what they were doing last year, today saw the Packers kick Pickett out to RE and saw Raji manning the NT. This doesn't seem to be a huge surprise, given that this is what they drafted Raji for. But I wonder how Pickett feels about moving to end. I'm sure this must have been discussed when his new contract was negotiated. Regardless, the Packers have some serious beef up front in their base defense.
UPDATE: This is a permanent switch.
Both Raji and Pickett confirmed they have switched positions. Raji is now starting nose, Pickett at left end. It is permanent.
- The starting offensive line is the same one that ended the year
With the drafting of Bryan Bulaga and Marshall Newhouse, a lot of people have been buzzing about how the Packers could upgrade their line this season. But for today, the same five guys who started in Arizona got the call with the first string. Clifton, Colledge, Wells, Sitton and Tauscher were your starting five, with the mild surprise perhaps being Daryn Colledge getting to start the OTAs defending his starting job rather than battling for it. A small distinction, to be sure, but distinction nonetheless.
- Defensive line coach Mike Trgovac takes a special interest in Justin Harrell
The word is that Trgo spent the entire afternoon getting after Harrell, getting in his face and yelling at him all day. If, and that's a mountain of an if when it comes to Justin, Harrell can stay healthy, I'm very excited to see what Trgovac can get out of this kid.
- Donald Lee will indeed need to play special teams to make this team
Lee was spotted on the kickoff coverage unit this afternoon. Earlier this year, when he indicated that Jermichael Finley would be the starting tight end, McCarthy was quoted saying that Lee would need to be open to expanding his role of special teams. Seems McCarthy wasn't kidding.
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Comments (60)
May 19, 2010 at 02:17 pm
Poppinga at left outside backer? Hoo boy :(
May 19, 2010 at 06:59 pm
Threw up in my mouth a little bit. Who needs Jerry Hughes, when you've got the 'Swarmin' Mormon'. AHHH, it's early, I've got faith in Jones (please God...).
GBP 4 LIFE
May 21, 2010 at 01:05 pm
Maybe his swarming is done best in a neighborhood near you!
May 19, 2010 at 07:00 pm
Yeah Brad Jones SHould be starting
May 19, 2010 at 02:19 pm
I read that Collins got paid, too
PackerAaron
May 19, 2010 at 02:22 pm
Tony - that was an old Tweet from Pete Dougherty. The GBPG simply had the feeds from all their guys. That was from a few months ago.
May 19, 2010 at 07:01 pm
I was wondering what that old news was all about. A tad confusing for a minute.
May 19, 2010 at 02:24 pm
All make sense in my mind, and yes, that includes Poppinga getting 1st reps. He is the so-called "proven" vet and so you give him first shot and hence that gives Jones more incentive to work hard to win the job. Don't get me wrong however, I would say it's Brad's job to win, not Brady's job to lose.
May 19, 2010 at 05:57 pm
The only thing Poppinga's proven is he can't get it done.
May 19, 2010 at 07:25 pm
100% TRUE
May 21, 2010 at 02:03 pm
Hence why I called him a "proven" vet, not a proven vet ;)
May 19, 2010 at 02:26 pm
Interesting changes, but like you said, it is still early. I hope the Jones/Poppinga is just testing the waters.
May 19, 2010 at 02:26 pm
Big move, Raji at NT and Pickett at DE.
Guess the Packers want Raji to feel more confortable in there, and to have more pressure from the nose spot. And Pickett at DE, which he'll probably only play in the base package, means that he'll probably hold 2 guys in there, allowing a slimmer than the avreage OLB Jones to shoot more freely, and not be engulfed by the OL in running plays...
May 19, 2010 at 02:33 pm
I don't think it's a matter of comfort. Raji isn't just big, kid is athletic. He's capable of being so disruptive if he's healthy and in shape. Pickett did dirty work last year, but Raji has such sudden movement he can kill the interior. This is probably the most likely to stick.
Otherwise, veterans getting #1 reps is no surprise.
May 19, 2010 at 02:36 pm
This is Capers defense meaning moving pieces everywhere. While their depth chart position is "permanent" I still expect Pickett and Raji to rotate positions over the course of the season.
May 19, 2010 at 05:44 pm
This move will also save a lot of wear and tear on the veteran Pickett, as well.
Let the young, athletic, fresh Raji do what he was drafted to do- take the nose and absorb the pounding of constant double-teams that NT's in the 3-4 suffer, and let the rock-solid anchor that is Pickett set the edge where he is less likely to encounter 2 massive OL's, more likely a OT and a TE..
May 19, 2010 at 09:12 pm
Actually, I think it would be easier and less of a pounding for Pickett to seal the edge on running downs. He's not that mobile, can anchor against the run and will take less of a pounding at the end position. Raji is so quick latterally and so sudden up the field that he's the ideal guy when the move OUT of base and in a favorable down and distance scenario.
They will both rotate, but Raji adds another dimension and has such athletic ability for a guy his size. The MLB blitz packages will be scarier as well. Raji gets to a gap very quickly and the linebackers will have more space, better angles.
May 19, 2010 at 11:57 pm
Yep. Those ILB cross blitz were sometimes the most effective blitzes. Other times they completely failed. Would be interesting to look back on a few of them and see who was in at Nose and how they did on the play.
May 20, 2010 at 08:33 am
...and w/ teams passing more on 1st and 2nd downs Raji's inside pressure is there on every down, not just the sub pckg's.
May 19, 2010 at 02:33 pm
I think the Pickett move to DE is a combination of wanting more out of Raji and trying to attain more gap control. It also explains the Mike Neal pick. On his scouting report it said that his greatest asset is to open up blitz lanes for the LBs to rush through.
May 19, 2010 at 02:45 pm
RE: Poopinga they could be looking at what they have from him at the position, and if they don't like what they see then he may be gone sooner than later.
PackerAaron
May 19, 2010 at 02:52 pm
He was the starter in Week One at that position last year. What more could they possibly need to see?
May 19, 2010 at 02:55 pm
I mean, depth is overrated, but the existence of a backup LOLB who is not a UDFA is in my mind not to hindering.
May 19, 2010 at 03:04 pm
Depends on what he is paid this year. I think as long as his contract is reasonable they will keep him, but you never know, he may have gotten better after being in the system for a year.
May 19, 2010 at 07:14 pm
They may be looking at him to see if he has improved and if not decide he's contract isn't worth it and this could be his last training camp as a packer. Maybe a trade for a draft pick?
May 19, 2010 at 08:15 pm
i thought kampman started at lolb week one last year.
May 20, 2010 at 07:39 am
Yeah. But Pops was on the right. He was moved to the left after Matthews pretty much took the spot by force.
May 19, 2010 at 02:51 pm
My thoughts exactly Erdie
May 19, 2010 at 03:51 pm
Was Hawk a starter at ILB?
Poppinga starting over Jones is significant from a coaching stand point, the play of Jones in that playoff game must have been poor enough to make the switch.
May 19, 2010 at 05:24 pm
The Pickett/Raji switch will only matter when they are in a 3-4-4 alignment, and last year they spent most of the year in a 2-4-5. Will have to watch how much they use the 3-4-4 this year. What nobody seems to be talking about is Jolly, and where he fits into all of this. I imagine any injury to Raji and they will switch Pickett over to NT, and rotate Jolly in with Jenkins/Pickett. Hopefully Harrell can get on the field as well.
May 19, 2010 at 07:09 pm
RE: BJ & Picket
Nothing earth shattering there. I know I was surprised last year when it was announced he would be playing DE in base sets. It was largely thought that he was drafted to be inserted as our (Casey)Hampton from day 1.
I think it's great. He's the future at the position... the future is now. There is so much dang BEEF on that line, no reason 3 can't 'occupy' 5 on most plays. Our linebackers are gonna thrive in year 2.
GBP 4 LIFE
May 19, 2010 at 07:27 pm
Pickett... man I miss the edit feature, people like me need it!
May 19, 2010 at 07:30 pm
Blackmon @ Satefy??? I like it.
http://blogs.greenbaypressgazette.com/blogs/gpg/insider/
GBP 4 LIFE
May 20, 2010 at 01:39 am
I like it too. I like Blackmon, but I don't think he's good enough to be a CB. Might be an upgrade over Peprah. If he can stay healthy. Don't consider him to be much of a hitter. He's athletic, though. S might be a better spot for him.
May 20, 2010 at 01:40 am
Satefy? Fitzcore, you been drinkin'?
May 20, 2010 at 07:36 pm
HAHA, unfortunately no, I had not been. Contrary to popular belief... the Fitz... is... HUMAN! 8-)
May 20, 2010 at 08:05 pm
You see what you've done, Chuck? You made THE FITZ talk in 3rd person!!!!
Shame on you!!!
And, you, fitz, go grab yourself a cold one!
May 20, 2010 at 09:17 pm
LOL, RS. Will do. If my spelling is off today... I'll have an excuse!
8-)
May 19, 2010 at 08:15 pm
this team has tons of big dudes.
May 19, 2010 at 08:31 pm
I'm happy the coaches are giving the vets (Poppinga) first shot to see if they've improved. The cream will rise to ther top for sure. I'm estatic (as much as an old man can be) about Raji taking over at nose. The fact that he WANTS that thankless job shows that he IS a pro. (Compare him to Haynesworth, if you dare). Pickett enjoyed nose he says, but also as a consummate pro, he knows what's best for the team. He knows he wasn't moved because he couldn't handle it, but because the DL will be better for it. TT has built a team of REAL pros who just love the Packers. The fans return the feeling.
May 19, 2010 at 09:29 pm
I agree with that from start to finish.
I don't think anybody 'wants' to see Brady starting opposite Clay week 1 (I think that would amount to an admission of failure by Ted), but I can see giving him a chance early. That way, WHEN it's clear Brady's not the-guy right away, they can move forward and prepare Brad to be 'the-guy' ASAP.
Couldn't agree with you more about Raji and Pickett. It's refreshing to read how excited BJ is about taking over the most thankless position in the 34 (I believe he will thrive). And Ryan is just a consummate pro, a real 'team 1st' guy... refreshing to say the least.
Well put Gramps
GBP 4 LIFE
May 20, 2010 at 01:41 am
At least one of those undrafted free agent guys will be a player.
May 20, 2010 at 05:55 pm
Don't get me wrong, Pickett is a class act, great guy..
but let's be real honest here- the fact he got paid with a long term deal in the off season goes a long, long way towards his amiable acceptance of his new role. :)
May 20, 2010 at 07:34 pm
Sure it does Oppy. But, he could be an absolute whiny bitch about the switch like A-Haynesworth.
May 21, 2010 at 02:03 am
I don't think Pickett could ever be anything like Albert Haynesworth, and I mean that in a good way!
May 19, 2010 at 09:29 pm
I have a feeling the Raji/Pickett move has more to do with Jolly than anything else. Could it be they don't expect Jolly back?
May 19, 2010 at 09:45 pm
Isn't Neal and Wilson a more clear statement of that?
May 19, 2010 at 10:26 pm
Possibly. This theory goes one of two ways: Wilson and Neal were both value and had to be taken, or they were clearly replacements for Jolly this year or down the road. The only problem with this: if the Packers were sending a message and were eventually going to 'move' Jolly, why the hell tender him so high? Doesn't make sense.
Where this could come back to bite them: There's no way they can hide either Wynn (3-4 end) or Wilson (3-4 end) on the practice squad this year. There are sooooo many teams converting to the 3-4 that practice squad is not the place to hide your 'future' players. Last year everybody said, 'why 3 fullbacks'? I think once the 53 man roster is set in 10' we'll be saying, 'why so many DE's? Talent baby, talent....
May 19, 2010 at 11:03 pm
"or they were clearly replacements for Jolly this year or down the road."
I still contend Jenkins will go before Jolly. As long as the legal troubles don't appear to be very... troubling.
May 20, 2010 at 08:50 am
CSS, agreed. I said in another posting DL will have the extra player(s)this year. If Neal, Wynn, Wilson, Talley, Toribio, and even Harrell show enough talent it's possible Jolly and/or Jenkins (contract years)could be traded esp w/ teams likely to overpay for 3-4 DE's.
May 20, 2010 at 08:56 am
I think the market for 3-4 ends is heating up and some contracts are being inflated for the 3-4 ends as a byproduct of guys like Tyson Jackson and Tyson Aulalu (sp.) and their recent draft positions (creates a new floor/ceiling).
However, there's an established market where teams overpay for 4-3 ends, and folks, Jenkins is a 4-3 end. (screaming commences in 3..2..1)
May 20, 2010 at 11:26 am
Jenkins is a 4-3 DT I thought? A pass rushing DT, he isn't a 4-3 DE I don't think.
PackerAaron
May 20, 2010 at 11:49 am
He's done both.
May 20, 2010 at 08:08 pm
But he's been better as a 4-3 DE... I think he's our better 3-4 DE, when he's fresh. But with so much depth now, wouldn't mind trading him for an elite CB or OLB...
May 20, 2010 at 09:25 pm
Could not agree more. Fact of the matter is, he or JJ are likely gone after this year. I know this, you know this, Ted knows this... we might as well get something for him now, EH? If his roster spot were to be vacated, we could def keep Neal and CJ on the 53 (I don't know if CJ would last on the PS).
Shit, the bayurzs would probably give us a future 1st rnd'r so Cullen could start opposite Pepp.?.?
GBP 4 LIFE
May 20, 2010 at 01:46 am
Overheard on Twitter:
Will Blackmon to Clay Matthews:
"remember today when ted t told us, "this weather is like cali weather". Mmm nope not quite lol."
Clay Matthews' reply:
"I was fooled for a sec... till the smell of pasture burned my nose!! lmao"
remember today when ted t told us, "this weather is like cali weather". Mmm nope not quite lol.
May 20, 2010 at 01:49 am
Maybe I'm the one who's been drinking ;)
May 20, 2010 at 03:00 am
I think the move of Pickett to DE says more about what they expect from Johnny Jolly (jailtime) than anything else.
May 20, 2010 at 09:44 pm
Disagree.
BJ was drafted @ #9 to play 'the nose'. I was initially surprised when it was announced he would be playing End in base. I think they did that to 'ease' him into the Pro's (with Pickett on the team, it wasn't necessary to throw BJ right into 'the fire').
This move is just letting the Big Fella get settled into the position he was drafted to dominate. Pickett did an admiral job, but I've seen glimpses that show BJ can just absolutely DESTRRRROY the pocket. That 'presence' up the middle could do wonders for the back-end.
Ryan will do great @ DE. A Pro's Pro all the way.
And Jolly will be on this team next year... book it!
GBP 4 LIFE
May 20, 2010 at 10:42 pm
Admiral? He was in the Navy?