Packers Need Clark To Exceed Expectations

Not long before the NFL draft, the Green Bay Packers lost nose tackle B.J. Raji to retirement.  Suddenly, there was a huge hole in the middle of the defense and on the line.  Sure, the team survived 2014 without him when Raji was hurt in preseason and should have reached a Super Bowl without their big guy.  But his presence and production last year was an important part of the defense's improvement and stellar play.  Quickly, the team's biggest focus early in the draft was exactly that, a big man to try and plug into Raji's old spot.  When the 27th pick came along, the Packers chose Kenny Clark to presumably man the middle of the defensive line.

Nose tackles don't tend to put up flashy numbers so I'm not going to regurgitate any of Raji's stats.  That's not what's important here.  They're typically prevalent in 3-4 defenses or a variation of it and are space hogs.  They make running the ball a lot more challenging on the offense and they occupy multiple blockers so the second level can come through cleaner and pressure the quarterback.  Raji had done an ample job of that since his arrival as the ninth-overall pick in 2009 and so the Packers were in need of another who could try and fill those shoes.  That's exactly what the Packers expect of Clark and if, in the end, the eyeball test shows us that Clark was what Raji was, then he's a raging success.

As a first rounder in the NFL, players are expected to come in and contribute right away.  Minus the quarterback position, there's not a lot of patience for those chosen with one of the first 32 picks and even quarterbacks are finding themselves thrown into the fire on day one.  Clark not only will have to come in and contribute, but the Packers need him to play above what would normally be expected of a late first-round selection.

I don't see the Packers wanting to rely on Letroy Guion or Mike Pennel any more than they've had to the last few seasons.  Guion is a good role player, but that's his ceiling.  He's capable of making splash plays a time or two during a game, but he's not likely to give them much more on a consistent basis.  Pennel is going to miss the first four games this season due to a suspension and the Packers will need to see what kind of shape he's in when he comes back.  Coming in a month late is like showing up to the bar after your friends are four rounds deep.  You have some catching up to do, in some form or another.  The coaching staff will be watching Clark closely and doing whatever they can to get him ahead of the curve.

The expectations on Clark may seem a bit lofty and some may think the idea of the team needing him to step right in and do what Raji did is near hyperbole.  If he doesn't, the defense is going to be challenged to take a step forward in 2016.  They were solid last year and kept the team in many games as the offense sputtered, but they fell short.  The entire team did.  As good as they were, they have to be better this year.  Getting Clay Matthews outside more often, freeing up the safeties to roam the middle and cover deep instead of focusing more on run support are just a few of the ways the Packers need to improve.  The more Clark offers and gives the defense, the better off they are.  It's asking more than a 27th overall pick should have placed on his shoulders, but this is the NFL, the big leagues, the big time.  It's time for Clark to pad up and go to work.

Before signing off, I want to thank all of our readers who are active military and those who are veterans for their service and sacrifices.  Also to those who have friends and family who serve or have served.  Have a safe and happy Memorial Day!

 

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Jason is a freelance writer on staff since 2012 and also co-hosts Cheesehead TV Live, Pulse of the Pack and Pack A Day podcasts.  You can follow him on Twitter here

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Comments (67)

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dobber's picture

May 30, 2016 at 06:30 am

The question ultimately is: what do we "expect" Kenny Clark to do? The Packers need Kenny Clark to be Kenny Clark, and the coaches need to find a way to fill around him for those things he can't do.

If this defense is going to play at or better than its 2015 level, it's going to take more than just Kenny Clark making a step up.

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Bearmeat's picture

May 30, 2016 at 06:45 am

I do think MM, Trogovac and Capers are hoping/expecting Pennel to make a jump this year, but he's suspended for the first 4 games. Plus, without Raji, there was a huge depth problem even if Pennel made the jump. This was the draft to grab DL - and I expected TT to come away with at least 1 in the first 3 rounds.

If Clark can do the job Raji has been doing since 2014, the DL will be ok. If not, we'll be in trouble. The good news is, that Clark may reasonably be expected to do that quality of a job.

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Oppy's picture

May 30, 2016 at 09:52 pm

If Clark can do the job Raji has been doing since 2014, the Packers will have made another questionable 1st round pick.

Raji wasn't a great NT, wasnt a good DE, and he wasn't a great DL in general. He was okay.

Kenny Clark needs to be good to great wherever the Packers put him.

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4EVER's picture

May 31, 2016 at 02:33 pm

In general, Raji was an unpredictable and undependable link in the DL. Tape says, Raji was sent 5 yards off the line of scrimmage, too many times to count. His Arizona playoff game tape is not good to horrible. Arizona knew who to go after when really needing a yard . GB 10 yard line, 3rd and 1, and Raji ends up at the 5 yard line. He's one of those pieces that consistently didn't seem to know his role in the defensive scheme. As a team, you need him more then ever to be the NT you pay him to be, third and 1, the opponent is on your 10 yard line, it's a divisional playoff game, instead, as if on queue, stands up and gets dramatically blown with ease from his gap to the 5 yard line...I for one, I'm glad he is gone.

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holmesmd's picture

May 31, 2016 at 08:02 pm

Pennel & Guion were more than expected for the past 2 seasons. Stop focusing on the stupid suspensions. Do the crime, serve the time and move forward. The author of this article predicates Pennel's value on a suspension. Really? Unless you are a position coach, you know not of what you speak. Big Mike will be a solid interior DL on this team. Write it down. The GB staff is more than pleased withGuion do the guy writing this seems completely disconnected from reality. They'll be fine. If Clark develops quickly, it's gravy.

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Rossonero's picture

May 30, 2016 at 07:34 am

I was thinking about this yesterday too. I know Clark is only 20, but we need instant dividends. None of this waiting around 2-3 years crap. He's a 1st rounder.

I don't know what it is, but since 2010, the only 1st rounders who stepped in immediately and contributed have been Bryan Bulaga and Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix.

Sherrod (2011), Perry (2012), Jones (2013) didn't do much of anything their first year either due to injuries or not being ready. These are first rounders!

The good news is during Pennel's absence, 3 of the first 4 games are against teams that had poor rushing offenses last year. The Jaguars ranked 27th, Lions ranked 32nd and the Giants ranked 18th. The Vikings on the road in week 2 will be the stiffest test. AP won the rushing title with 1,485 yards and the Vikings boasted the No. 4 rushing offense in 2015.

I hate to say it, but if I'm them, and with Clay Matthews moving outside, the Vikings are just gonna pound it up the middle to see what happens. Hopefully Clark is up to the task, as well as Barrington, Ryan and Martinez.

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Bearmeat's picture

May 30, 2016 at 08:17 am

True, but if the offense is "back to normal," as we have every reason to expect, then the Vikings won't be able to keep up - even with 150 yards from AP. We know they're not going to be able to pass the ball on us at all.

Keep in mind that AP is on the wrong side of 30. He looked very mortal last year - they ran him into the ground to get that 1500 yards.

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Branden Burke's picture

May 30, 2016 at 10:27 am

D. Randall probably has a good shot at getting the fit year option. Played well last year. If he doesn't fall on his face, with the cost of FA CB's, green bay will pay the 5th year because he would become a good value at that price.

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PETER MAIZ's picture

May 30, 2016 at 11:21 am

For this particular game, Mathews may play the middle.

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Oppy's picture

May 31, 2016 at 09:11 pm

Rare to have a DL prospect- even a first rounder- really ready to roll as a rookie.

2-3 years to hit their stride, understand the pro game, and get their bodies up to snuff, so says many DL coaches.

Of course it happens, but not enough to expect it.

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4thand1's picture

May 30, 2016 at 07:36 am

Looks like the defense plan is to big guys eat up blocks and have young line backers flying around from every angle and direction.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 30, 2016 at 07:58 am

My expectations for Clark are higher than normal, which perhaps is unfair to Clark, simply because TT had his choice of several DL, with just Bosa, Buckner and Rankins off the board. I like Clark, but preferred others.

The other problem not mentioned is that if Clark can't man NT, Guion would have to until Pennel returns. I have no idea who would play DE: Ringo? Datone? Lowry? As it happens, I think Lowry will be able to play the run early this season.

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Bearmeat's picture

May 30, 2016 at 08:19 am

Let's hope so. DL and ILB (once again) the weaknesses on the team. Lacy weight questions aside, some might fairly say, they're the only true question marks.

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dobber's picture

May 30, 2016 at 10:49 am

Given the personnel they have, if Clark isn't ready to play the nose on a regular basis this defense might play a lot more 4-3 until Pennel comes back. I think you're right on Lowry: he should step into the rotation immediately as a run-down end or a DT in an even-man front.

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Oppy's picture

May 31, 2016 at 09:13 pm

Peppers, Perry, and if Neal is resigned, all have the ability to help out and play DE in the interim as well.

Also, capers has a bunch of different fronts utilizing 2 down linemen (or 1) if need be.

Many options.

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TarynsEyes's picture

May 30, 2016 at 08:36 am

I have never accepted the point of view that a player drafted at the bottom of the first round should be excluded from day one expectations, perhaps not as high as a top ten but still more than our last two dl guys have offered in their first and second years and for one even his third and fourth with a near match of lacking from the other.
This, imo, is more justified via the fact that we have yet to make good a fifth year option of the first rd guy since it's install. Some may use the reasoning of signing him to a one year deal as a money saver, like Perry and Datone next season, but their play has not been such as to extend them prior if they had the ability of a first rd pick to start regardless of where in the rd selected and whether selected as need or bpa however one feels comfortable with accepting as draft mantra of GB.
Many argued my point and now it appears Clark is the outlier to the opposing belief to the 2-3 year period to learn and grow. How easy to change when circumstance erases such leisure thinking. But I will stand strong and even more so because Clark is only 20 which speaks to him being more ready by virtue of a 1st rd selection even at the bottom ten since the circumstances of the dl, via retirement, suspension and overall lacking in average or above, Thompson couldn't really be ok in waiting 2-3 years for him to learn and grow as the window is surely closing whatever it's speed. : )

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Branden Burke's picture

May 30, 2016 at 10:13 am

There are certain positions that are better tailored to the 5th year option than others. If you have a starting QB, LT, or CB, then those guys are much more likely to get the 5th year option exercised. Unless Clark ends up being one of the top 3 interior linemen in the league, he won't be getting the 5th year option either.

The 5th year option for D. Jones was between 8 mil and 8.35 mil. A very steep price to pay, especially for the cap aware packers. Thats almost mike daniels money. Many of the 5th year options that were exercised were poor values for the teams, but it gives those teams flexibility. It gives them an oportunity to find and develop a potential replacement without the cost of a franchise tag or the commitment of a long term deal. It gives the player one last opportunity to show their value for those who haven't met expectations.

Neither of those things are how green bay builds their team. So much like free agency, unless green bay hits another clay matthews and they feel the 5th year option is fair value or preferably a bargain, they will not be exercising it. Doesn't mean they won't be back. Perry is back and at a slightly better price. If they think they can save a million $, they won't do it.

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TarynsEyes's picture

May 30, 2016 at 10:45 am

Mike Daniels earned, via play, his extension/new contract while neither Perry or Jones played to even warrant talks of doing either or to eliminate the 5th year option to be the option of direction. The mindset/reasoning/excuse of both was the 2-3 year learn and grow which should be for other round draftees and not for any first round pick regardless of where and why...BPA or Need. Learn and grow isn't completely dismissed of first rounders but not to the extent of the mentioned.

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Branden Burke's picture

May 30, 2016 at 12:09 pm

Mike Daniels earned his contract, but by comparison it was still a good value for green bay. He wanted to stay in Green Bay because in FA he would have been worth even more.

If I understand, your are upset because you believe the first round picks should be producing more, and sooner because they are first round picks. You believe they are doing so poorly that they haven't been getting the fifth year option.

I agree that some could be more impactful, but the past two have been impactful. Randall probably has the best odds of getting the fifth year option so far. Clinton Dix has been good, but I don't know what his FA market would be compared to the option.

My point is, 5th year options are not the mark of weather a team values a player as a "bust" or not. It is a financial decision. You can obviously see free agency has gone a little crazy with midlevel CB talent lately, so if Randall continues to develop he will get a fifth year option. The Free agent market has as much to do with the fifth year option as the player. And a first round pick is only a first round pick based off of their potential. So if they arent producing yet but you can see the potential is still there, they get a little longer to show.

Nick collins, a second round pick, didn't look like the stud he was until probably his third year. You could see the potential and the flashes, but it took a little while. Devante Adams is similar. It was hard to see last year, but he will be a good player. He will probably replace Nelson in a few years. That's Green Bays system. You might not like it, but there must be something to it since so many teams are trying to emulate it now.

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TarynsEyes's picture

May 30, 2016 at 12:58 pm

Based on already seen play of Randall and Dix, the odds are higher that the 5th year option will not come to discussion as both will probably be extended.
The article is based on expectations of Clark and being a 1st rd pick as we're Perry imo 4-3 end and not ever the 3-4 linebacker drafted and Jones, and his day one expectations besides the constant regurgitated excuse of late rd selection and 2-3 year learning curve.
Selecting Clark while still much time after the Raji retirement and the Penney suspension to decide on the best dl guy to day one contribute at a position of need cannot be easily dismissed by usual fodder.
My issue is the drafting of players that don't even fit the scheme, given years to learn and still fail based on selection of known square peg and round hole syndrome being obvious, which I declared from draft day of Perry, Jones and the reach of Sherrod who lost to Newhouse before the injury but that is of no issue here. : )

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dobber's picture

May 30, 2016 at 04:29 pm

"My issue is the drafting of players that don't even fit the scheme, given years to learn and still fail based on selection of known square peg and round hole syndrome being obvious"

Certainly this thread has been beaten to death, and the lack of 3-4 defenses on the college level has required this kind of projection. In this year's draft, however, Clark, Fackrell, and Martinez all cut their chops in a college 3-4 while Lowry, even though he played in a 4-3, is made for the 3-4. There are more college teams running the 3-4 (or hybrid schemes) now than ever, which helps. Still, many college 3-4 OLBs are undersized (which requires a leap of faith) and you're likely to continue to see undersized 4-3 DEs drafted to fit that role.

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holmesmd's picture

May 31, 2016 at 08:11 pm

Really?! HHD is on his way to becoming a top 3 FS in the entire NFC, if not the NFL. He's not going anywhere, option, new contract, or whatever. SMH. It's the offseason and everyone is a GM perseverating about 2-3 years from now. Let's take it one season at a time and have fun. How about that?Lol;)

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Spock's picture

May 30, 2016 at 08:55 am

What we need from Clark IMHO is to be what Raji was on the goal line stands last year. Look back at the 2015 games and it was Raji, among others, who made those stops possible. Many times the tv commenters would should an isolation camera shot of Raji and point out he would actually start the play -On his Knees!. Clark's wrestling background and the way he plays with low leverage should be a great advantage for the young guy. What I really like about him is he is known for having a "high motor" and that excites me about this draft pick! I really likes this draft, no "sexy" picks, but solid "football players" who have the work ethic, smarts, and attitude to succeed. I can't wait for the games (even the pre-season games, I enjoy seeing the new faces competing for a roster spot) to begin.

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Nerd's picture

May 30, 2016 at 09:00 am

Dline isn't a position that typically has a huge learning curve.

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Andrew Lloyd Peth's picture

May 30, 2016 at 09:15 am

Clark will play well, assuming no injury. We may struggle a bit early, but once Pennel returns this D-Line will be the deepest and most talented Green Bay has seen in years.

Tarynfor12 is right about the unacceptably slow development we've seen from some recent 1st rounders. I expect Datone and Nick are primed for takeoff this season (and no, I'm not just Mr. Positive), but we can't wait that long on Clark without suffering some bad early losses.

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lucky953's picture

May 30, 2016 at 09:23 am

I look for Clark to be a rotational player (and hopefully Lowry as well). He's just not going to be strong enough yet to hold up against NFL interior linemen week in, week out to be a major contributor. Especially at 20 years of age, his body needs time to develop, to get stronger. I love the young man' ability to use leverage and that he's never had significant injury problems. DL is always position by committee. Anyone who has ever wrestled competitively can appreciate how intensely draining 3 minutes of combat can be.
Worse than Raji's retirement (could anyone else see his heart wasn't in the game anymore?), is Pennel's suspension because he's a guy with legitimate upside who could have anchored the middle. At least, Pennel will be fresh the second half of the season. Come playoff time, this unit could be a strength.

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Branden Burke's picture

May 30, 2016 at 10:24 am

I don't think Raji's heart wasn't in the game. He spent an entire year on IR and was practically a coach when he could have been at home being lazy for 3/4 of the season. I think his retirement was an emotional reaction to something with his family, based on what coach Mccarthy said about it anyway. When whatever he has going on gets taken care of, he will be back. Maybe even this year. I'm not "holding out hope." The team will go on if he doesnt. But if what they are saying is true, and unless he likes retirement too much, then he will be back.

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dobber's picture

May 30, 2016 at 10:26 am

My fear is that he (or anyone else with his body type) will not be able to get back into game shape if he misses a year outside an NFL training room...especially at 30+. I think he's done, and I wish him well.

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Branden Burke's picture

May 30, 2016 at 10:38 am

I thought that myself too, but NT isn't one of those positions where tip top cardio is that important. They usually last longer in the league as well compared to other positions, which is odd for the beating they take. I can only attribute it to the fact true nose tackles aren't required to do much running. It's leverage, strength, and requiring multiple people to block you. They usually come out on passing downs. NT is also becoming less used. Although Raji had some mIles put on him for a few years, it has almost become a sub position in today's passing league.

With most poaitions in football, when your legs are shot, youre done. The only reason James Jones is a free agent is because he cant run. Doesnt really apply to NT. I would be more suprised if he doesn't come back or at least attempt to. If he keeps lifting he will be fine.

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dobber's picture

May 30, 2016 at 10:55 am

I agree with you on many of your points, but I think that once he's away from an NFL nutrition and training program, it's too far to come back. As many pro athletes have said: the year-round dedication that it takes to stay competitive in their sport is the hardest part of the game and is what drives them to retire. Game days are easy. If he did try to come back, I don't think he'll be a difference-maker and he'll be a dime-a-dozen.

Maybe he'll be a Vince Fullgut and come back and be very effective, who knows. I'm just not very optimistic.

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Nerd's picture

May 30, 2016 at 11:38 am

If there is a "second year leap," it will be because of having an off season to get stronger in a pro environment. As well as allowing his body to age another year.

I think he's gonna be pretty good though.

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dobber's picture

May 30, 2016 at 10:25 am

"Anyone who has ever wrestled competitively can appreciate how intensely draining 3 minutes of combat can be."

I know a few former wrestlers (I wrestled at one point, too, but not above the HS level) and rugby players and they laugh at football players...high-level exertion for 6-10 seconds, then rest for 30-40. Not anything like some of those other sports.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

May 30, 2016 at 07:51 pm

Just how Boxers laugh at UFC fighters.

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dobber's picture

May 30, 2016 at 08:06 pm

I won't watch UFC...that's not sport. It's assault and battery.

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Lphill's picture

May 30, 2016 at 10:27 am

I'm tired of hearing about the Vikings , Bridgewater is not going to lead them to the promise land, when healthy the Packers should fear no team.

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ben's picture

May 31, 2016 at 09:01 am

the nfc NORTH champs are greatly improved from last year. Especially along the offensive line in aquiring 2 starters in Boone and Smith and the return recent starter Phil Leodholt. The Vikings offensive line will be twice as good as last year. Not to mention they drafted one of the best run-blocking college TEs ever.

At the same time, the decade old soft middle of the Packers defense may have gotten even softer. Kenny Clark is 20, his tape is average, and he is not, nor ever will be, the athlete BJ Raji is.

Expect not only AP to run for over a 100 yards versus the packers, but the just as talented Jerron McKinnon to add another 100 all-purpose yard against them. Jerron's only been playing the RB position for 3 years, he's special, and getting better and better.

The Vikings had yet another great draft.Their 1st round pick, 221lb WR Lequan Treadwell, is a perfect team fit, compliment, and will play day 1. I'm not even a huge fan of his, but think DeAndre Hopkins, Anquon Boldin.

2nd round Cornerback Mackensie Alexander is a pure competitor, a gamer, and may prove to be the best corner of the entire 2016 draft class.

Xavier Rhodes (my favorite NFL player), Trae Waynes, Mackensie Alexander, Terrence Newman, & Harrison Smith? are you kidding me?
Not to mention Anthony Barr, Erick Kendricks at LB.
or thee premier pass-rusher Everson Griffen and thee steal of the 2015 draft pass-rusher Danielle Hunter (a 3rd round pick, who I thought the packers had a chance of drafting with their 2015 1st round pick)
Then there's the man who owns the middle, a guy the Packers could really use, Linval Joseph. oh yea, ass kicker Sherrif Floyd is in there too.

That's special at every single defensive position. The Vikings defense is freaking scary.
and if this sound familiar, it should.....................................................................................................................................................................

(The Following Posted 1 year ago)

Packer Fan for 38 yrs. Viking fan for about a month now. Who's ever making decision in MN is doing a heck of a job. The Vikings have had the leagues best draft 2 years in a row. The Vikings will be special for the next 5-10 years. They'll have top 6 defense this year, and a top 3 by next. Not only will they be one of the best defenses, their one of the youngest

There is a chance the Vikings win the NFC north this year. A real decent chance they make the playoffs. A Very good chance they make it next year. Brand new stadium for the Vikes next year. They host the 2017-18 SuperBowl. It will be one of the greatest organizational turnarounds in sports when the mud-ducks are hosting their own Super-Bowl Victory.

2015 Top 6 Defense; 2016 Top 3 Defense:

DE Everson Griffin 273lbs, 4.60-40, 1.63-10yardsplit, 32-Reps (2014: 55 tackles 12 sacks)

DE Brian Robinson 259lbs, 4.73-40, 6.89-3cone, 40.5-vert, 27-reps (Last 4 year avg: 7.5 sacks)

DE Danielle Hunter 252lbs, 4.57-40, 1.57-10yardsplit, 6.95-3cone, 36.5-vert, 25-reps (ROOKIE)

DT Linval Joseph 328lbs, 5.04-40, 1.74-10yardsplit, 31.5-verticle, 39-reps (Last 3 years avg: 56 tackles, 3.4 sacks) 2nd Round Pick

DT Sharrif Floyd 297lbs,4.92-40,1.70-10yardsplit (2nd year: 4.5 sacks in 14 games) 1st Round Pick

LB Anthony Barr 6’5” 255lbs, 4.41-40, 1.57-10yardsplit, 6.82-3cone, 19-reps (rookie yr [12 games]: 70 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 forces fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, 3 passes defended, 5 tackles for loss) Top 10 Pick, Hall of Famer/Possible League MVP

LB Eric Kendricks 4.61-40, 38-vert, 22reps (ROOKIE) 2nd Round Pick

LB Chad Greenway 242lbs, 4.60-40, 7.00-3cone, 38-vert (8 year avg: 110 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 FF, 1.5 FR, 1 INT, 4 PD)

LB Brandon Watts 4.41-40, 1.51-10yardsplit, 6.89-3cone, 37.5-vert (2nd year)

CB Xavier Rhodes 6’1” 210lbs, 4.43-40, 40.5-vert, 11’-broadjump, 14-reps (Top 3 NFL Corner entering year 3) 1st Round Pick

CB Trae Waynes 6’0”, 4.31-40, 38-vert, 19-reps (ROOKIE) 1st Round Pick, Top 5 Talent

CB Terrence Newman 4.37-40, 6.88-3cone, 3.83-20yardshuttle, 41-vert, 11’04”-broadjump (career per 16 game avg: 68 tackles, 3.4 INT, 14.6 PD) TOP 5 Pick

CB Josh Robinson 4.33-40, 6.55-3cone, 3.97-20yardshuttle, 38.5-vert, 17-reps (one of the fastest guys in the NFL)

FS Harrison Smith 6’2” 213lbs, 1.56-10yardsplit, 6.63-3cone, 34-vert, 19-reps (1 of the best safeties in the league, 2014: 93 tackles, 3 sacks, 5 INTs, 9 tackles for loss) 1st Round Pick

SS Robert Blanton 6’1” 208lbs, 6.71-3cone, 3.97-20yardshuttle (3rd year: 106 tackles, 1 INT)

SS Antone Exum (2nd Year, converted corner, ball-hawk, good prospect, future starter)

shut up packeraaron. you moron

Lphill says:
May 28, 2015 at 06:58 am
I guess Ben knows more than the experts who don't have the Vikings winning more than 6 or 7 games this coming season . Bridgewater has to go deep more , that is a knock against him and a weak O line doesn't help

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ben's picture

May 31, 2016 at 12:47 am

You guessed right Lphill, I do know more than the experts. Certainly more than you hack homers.

a little off though, I did say the Vikings would have the 6th best defense last year, turns out they had the 5th best.

my word is fucking born

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dobber's picture

May 31, 2016 at 09:09 am

"the nfc NORTH champs are greatly improved from last year" <-- Who?

"my word is fucking born"

Mmm-hmmm.

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NickPerry's picture

June 01, 2016 at 05:45 am

I'm thinking the same thing each time I read one of hos post's dobber. I think he really likes the Vikings and thinks highly of his "word".

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holmesmd's picture

June 01, 2016 at 05:45 am

Uumm...you mean "word is bond"? SMH, Lol;)

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ray nichkee's picture

May 31, 2016 at 04:02 am

Hey ben, i heard coach zimmer cut out soup and cereal from the vikings diet because every time they get near a bowl they choke.

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NickPerry's picture

May 31, 2016 at 05:48 am

Are YOU Kidding me???? You can Think Hopkins all day when you think about Treadwell, Hopkins he's not. The Redskins took who the Queens REALLY wanted, Doctson.

Alexander?? Isn't that the player who went his ENTIRE College Career WITHOUT and INT??

Isn't Newman 40 years old?? Darrell Green he's not!!

Waynes looks like another of a LONG LIST of MSU Busts, but he might be okay. He sure SUCKED last year.

Chad Greenway?? Why are you telling us his Stats, he's almost as old as Newman!!

I HOPE Josh Robinson plays every snap against the Packers , we toasted him every year we weren't missing our 4 top WR's.

I could go on and on with you Ben but at the end of the day WHY? You should have been in a SB years ago with all the high draft picks you've had but you haven't, not FOR 40 YEARS!! The Vikings have drafted and drafted and drafted near the top and still have SQUAT to show, hell you couldn';t nmake a 26 yard FG!!! You keep track of those Combine Times in the Spandex Olympics, the Packers will keep winning World Championships.

The person who WAS a Packers fan and is now a Vikings fan WAS NEVER A PACKERS FAN IN THE FIRST PLACE!!

Packers.... Packers 13 Championships

Vikings ..... ZERO, without a sniff since Fran. Ummm, that's 40 years Ben. Now go play with Samson in the Bra section at Sears!

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dobber's picture

May 31, 2016 at 07:41 am

You'll have to give him time to respond. I think middle school goes for another couple weeks in Minnesota.

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ben's picture

May 31, 2016 at 09:35 am

Treadwell is the perfect fit, and I mean "perfect" fit. (I think even you get that Nick.) And Like I said, i'm not a huge fan, but Hopkins is the "perfect" comparison.

Alexander. hard to get interceptions when no QB throws your way. Alexander was only thrown against 12.5% of the time by opposing quarterbacks. Alexander is fierce.

Newman isn't Darrell Green. But he is faster, quicker, stronger, and can jump higher than Darrell Green ever could. oh and he averages more Interceptions and Passes Defended per game than Darrel Green did. But you are right his name isn't Darrell Green. Good point Nick, got me there.

Waynes looks like bust? well that's just intellectually dishonest Nick.

You do realize i posted most of this over a year ago? chump

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dobber's picture

May 31, 2016 at 10:35 am

"Waynes looks like bust? well that's just intellectually dishonest Nick."

Your own words from below...

"Emotionally matured fast?
starting out of necessity?
a gut feeling he'll be a fast learner?
No frills?

"One of TT's best picks", even in your own words, sounds like a bust to me."

You're in such a hurry to sling crap that you're not even paying attention to what you're writing...

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holmesmd's picture

June 01, 2016 at 05:52 am

Ok dude, now you have no credibility. Green was one of the fastest guys to ever play NFL....EVER!! He's so profoundly better than Newman that your comparison is outrageous. Green is a HOF player and an NFL icon. Newman is not.

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dobber's picture

May 31, 2016 at 08:42 am

"the nfc champs"

You mean the Panthers?

If you're going to troll a site, at least try to look smart in your introductory sentence.

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J0hn Denver&#039;s Gavel's picture

May 31, 2016 at 10:07 pm

"and the return recent starter Phil Leodholt."
His last name is actually Loadholt. His 15 minutes of fame involved giving a prostitute oral sex in front of many cameras and onlookers while enoying a rather infamous unofficial Vikings team outing on a boat, which many have affectionately named the "Vikings love boat."

a classy bunch your Vikings are. SKOAL?

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ES 1957's picture

May 30, 2016 at 11:24 am

You never know exactly what you'll get with rookies, but I'm optimistic about the Packers draft class, especially the top 3. They added size, athleticism and versatility. Clark is a rare combination of quickness and strength and can play any interior D line technique. He will do a lot more than just replace Raji. Spriggs is the most athletic OT in the 2016 draft. If he doesn't start, he'll be a solid swing tackle and an intriguing eligible tackle in short yardage. Fackrell has great length and can rush and cover well . Expect to see him moving around a lot and definitely expect to see him to see him play inside in dime. Some say the Packers were too predictable in 2015. Adding versatile players to the roster is a big step toward correcting that.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

May 30, 2016 at 11:32 am

What's the over/under of the amount of posters that's going to allude to Clark being a bust if he doesn't make the Pro Bowl (even as an alternate).

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 30, 2016 at 08:31 pm

Zero.

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PETER MAIZ's picture

May 30, 2016 at 11:35 am

I think Clark, despite being 20 going on 21, was one of TT's best picks. Emotionally, he matured very fast. Clark will start from day one, out of necessity, but I have a gut feeling he'll be a fast learner. There are no frills with this guy, he's the real deal.

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TXBadger's picture

May 30, 2016 at 10:43 pm

I guess I'm in the minority, but I expect Guion to be the starter at NT. Guion was more effective at NT in 2014 than he was as a DE in 2015. Both years he had a slow start. This year with a rookie behind him he'll need to start out strong.

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ben's picture

May 31, 2016 at 01:05 am

Emotionally matured fast?
starting out of necessity?
a gut feeling he'll be a fast learner?
No frills?

"One of TT's best picks", even in your own words, sounds like a bust to me.

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zeke's picture

May 31, 2016 at 03:23 am

He's no LaMichael James, that much is certain.

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J0hn Denver&#039;s Gavel's picture

May 31, 2016 at 10:57 pm

still hating Ha Ha?

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gr7070's picture

May 30, 2016 at 12:52 pm

BJ Raji was the hole in the defensive line.

Clark needs to disrupt the backfield. Stuffing the run is overrated; he was drafted for his ability to apply pressure up field. That's where he will be needed this season.

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dobber's picture

May 30, 2016 at 04:33 pm

"Stuffing the run is overrated"

...until you can't.

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ben's picture

May 31, 2016 at 01:10 am

or if you've been a Packer for the past 12 years

or if the Vikings are in your division

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John Galt III's picture

May 30, 2016 at 04:42 pm

Tyler Kuder DT/NT Idaho State, undrafted FA will likely make the team and spell Clark . He is a good find

92 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. All conference DT senior year.

6'-3'' 307 - 31 reps in the 225 lb BP - that would have been tied for 3rd place out of 60 DL's at the Combine. The 2 guys who beat him at 33 and 32 reps were 1st round draft choices. The guy who tied was drafted by the 49ers in the 5th round so this guy may be a hidden gem.

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ben's picture

May 31, 2016 at 01:08 am

I like it, but what does the tape say Johnny Galt?

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NickPerry's picture

May 31, 2016 at 05:54 am

What did the tape say for Patterson Ben? You must have one pathetic life to come here and make 435 comments to date on a team you obviously can't stand.

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RCPackerFan's picture

May 31, 2016 at 10:26 am

Clark's tape was very impressive especially after watching him playing over the center. I wasn't surprised that he was the Packers first pick.

I have high expectations of him, but at the same time it might take a bit for him to reach it. A lot of DT's struggle when coming into the NFL. But I think he will be used really well in a rotation and I think he will offer more as a pass rusher then most think he will.

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MarkinMadison's picture

June 01, 2016 at 06:21 am

The jump in physical strength to play at the NFL level on either side of the line is usually a hurdle for rookies. Bakh benched 28 reps at the combine and was described as a "gym rat" but you still saw some limitations on his play because of strength even though he was playing a more finesse position. Linsley had an astounding 36 reps and an excellent squat and came in and played very well right away. Clark put up 29 and is an ex-wrestler, and is reviewed as having good total body strength. We'll see, but I think he is going to struggle against guys like Linsley. Hopefully seeing him everyday in practice will help.

BTW for future reference, Memorial Day is for those who died, not those of us who served.

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PETER MAIZ's picture

June 01, 2016 at 11:45 am

I'd be happy if he just met expectations. Remember, he's only 20.

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PETER MAIZ's picture

June 01, 2016 at 11:59 am

I don't know why Pennell did to get suspended. If it was pot, it's nothing and a silly, stupid reason. After all, players don't get suspended for 4 or 5 shots of whiskey and as any somewhat educated person knows, alcohol is by far more deleterious to the body and brain than pot. So which uptight, holier than thou NFL bureaucrats make these very stupid rules. Furthermore, since football is a collision sport, a lot of these guys are taking medically supplied painkillers, much more noxious than pot.

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dobber's picture

June 01, 2016 at 12:41 pm

From where I sit, it's the stupidity on the part of Pennel. Regardless of what WE view as the severity or banality of the various drugs involved, the league has set its rules and its penalties, and the guy isn't smart enough to avoid those issues...twice.

It's mostly an IQ test, folks, and he ain't passing.

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