Packers Podcast: Knee-Jerk Reaction to Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
Moments after Clinton-Dix was selected, the gang from Cheesehead TV shared their opinion on the new Packers safety.
First-Round Reaction
Each round of the NFL Draft, Cheesehead TV will provide immediate reaction to the newest members of the 2014 rookie class. We kick off our coverage with discussion of the newest member of the Green Bay Packers, safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. I'm joined by our own Alex Tallitsch of our Pro Football Draft Preview publication as we talk about how he'll fit into the Packers secondary.
Enjoy.
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Comments (53)
hump
May 09, 2014 at 12:04 am
no brainer. dennard was the only other elite 1st rd player left besides dix. i like it,not so sure dix did,judging by his reaction.this guy is heady,and a true centerfielder that weve needed since nick went down. now for the trade up to get nix or hageman!!!
ben
May 09, 2014 at 03:05 pm
Morgan Burnett is a true centerfielder. F nix, fat weirdo. We don't need Hageman.
Another bad 1st round draftpick. A Top 5 AJ, top 15 Justin Harrell, top 8 raji, a bad even when healthy Sharrod, and mostly disappointing nick perry. Aaron was a Fn no brainer and fell into TTs lap. Favre was like 40 Fn years old. A monkey would picked him.
Clay was a good one.
Add Dix to the pile of bad 1st round picks for TT.
Lets hear it you Fn homers....
Oppy
May 09, 2014 at 06:55 am
Thanks, I always like to get the opinions of disgruntled fans from other
teams around the NFC North ;)
ben
May 09, 2014 at 02:10 pm
Sorry guys, Burnett isn't known for his tackling, run-support, or tight man to man coverage.
His game is not "in the box."
Morgan Burnett is a centerfielder.
Irish_Cheesehead
May 09, 2014 at 07:05 am
All I can say is... HA HA
ben
May 09, 2014 at 01:53 pm
Cooks and Verrett are in MY top 12.
I never said they would be drafted in the top 12.
I didn't have many picks right, but I did have Verrett to the chargers at 25. Cooks @16 to the Jets.
You are dishonest stroh, Maybe delusional.
NickPerry
May 11, 2014 at 01:27 pm
I normally don't insult people, you know treat people how I'd like to be treated, but you Ben, you're just rude and obnoxious and clearly not very bright Didn't mom and dad ever teach you if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all? All your posts are rants of a jealous NFC North opponent that's tired of losing.
Jamie
May 09, 2014 at 12:59 am
I think the good lord was intervening by garbling the line. Not sure who decided it was a good idea to put alex on for instant analysis, but that was terrible. He doesn't like the pick, but admittedly doesn't know $hit about the guy.
Says he can't tackle, when he's probably one of the most sound tacklers at the DB position in the draft. Says we should have traded down and gotten Bucannon, who BTW misses A LOT of tackles...doesn't even touch guys he's so stiff trying to change direction.
I think I would have actually preferred to listen to Naggler's drunk a$$ whine about the pick.
RCPackerFan
May 09, 2014 at 02:13 am
Yeah you can definitely tell that Alex isn't a fan of Ha-Ha and the Packers taking him at 21.
RCPackerFan
May 09, 2014 at 02:10 am
Love the pick. IMO this was the best move to make. I wouldn't have minded a trade back but then they would of risked losing out on a player they wanted.
Also while I'm typing this I'm watching the Alabama vs. Notre dame championship game and so far I have seen Ha-Ha play a lot of deep safety.
BTW Lacy is a freaking beast in this game.
JimTaylor31
May 09, 2014 at 05:57 am
Given the players available at the time I think C-Dix was either BPA or very close to it. He'll be a good solid starter for a long time. He's not as physical as Pryor but a better deep cover guy. Too bad we missed out on Shazier or Mosley but that's the way the draft rolls. I'm pleased with Ha Ha.
TommyG
May 09, 2014 at 06:09 am
We needed a safety, we got a safety. Anyone who thought that Hyde alone was the answer back there was simply being foolish. TT took a guy who is already a safety (not converting him from another position), has played at a high level (Bama), and is not already injured. Be effing happy!
JimTaylor31
May 09, 2014 at 06:39 am
Soooo, we're better off NOT making the playoffs so we can get a better draft pick?? Nice logic.
murphy
May 09, 2014 at 07:25 am
A championship contending team, like one that went 10-6 and slipped into the playoffs thanks to events outside of their control...
I agree with you. The Packers should avoid the playoffs at all costs, because earlier draft picks always end up being HoFers, and the Packers haven't been competitive for the last 20 years anyway.
jeremyjjbrown
May 09, 2014 at 09:14 am
There's just no pleasing some people...
Irish_Cheesehead
May 09, 2014 at 07:10 am
There's only been one round in the draft. At least wait until Sunday to spell out the doom and gloom.
TommyG
May 09, 2014 at 07:29 am
"Beating the Bears wk 17 cost the Packers Shazier"
Beating the Steelers in XLV cost us Von Miller. What's your point?
jeremyjjbrown
May 09, 2014 at 09:18 am
They barely snuck into the playoffs in 2010.
This is typical COW, lots of facts and very little wisdom!
jeremyjjbrown
May 09, 2014 at 09:35 am
Most people here "think it's ridiculous" how you talk about the Packers as if everything they Fucking do is wrong.
I have a few disagreements with TT and MM. But even the widely lauded move of shoring up the Safety position with what many, many people see as the top safety in this draft, and the best player available is seen by you with distain.
Now you are trying to say you wanted them to loose to the Bears and purposely miss the playoffs to get a higher draft pick? Really? Are you on the record with this shit? Show links if you are.
jmac34
May 09, 2014 at 11:42 am
You have to consider that if GB would have wanted to trade back, they would have had to do it with a team picking before Arizona as Dix was probably going to be taken by Philly at 22 if GB had passed at 21. Cleveland would be the only team that would fit that profile and even then you have to consider that Thompson seemed to like Dix (phrasing) a lot more than any other player at that point (he did seem disappointed that Shazier and Mosley didn't last longer). I may have agreed with your assertion that it might have been better if GB had lost week 17 if they had been blown out against SF, but they only lost by 3 and looked like they belonged on the same field as SF so I was happy they got there especially since it kept Chicago out of the playoffs
jeremyjjbrown
May 09, 2014 at 03:00 pm
Well, I attended a Playoff Game at Lambeau so it wasn't meaningless to the Packers, myself, my Wife, the other ~80,000 fans there that day.
I guess it was just meaningless to you. What does that say about you?
L
May 09, 2014 at 02:42 pm
While I really liked Bucannon too and I think he potentially could end up having a better career I nevertheless believe Dix can offer a bigger positive impact quicker than Bucannon thanks to his understanding of the game and because he offers better versitility/flexability overall.
Bucannon is older and looks a bit less natural in in his movements -- just not as fluid, but the kid plays quick and clearly has better straight line speed, plus in my opinion he's got slightly better ballhawk skills and definitely a better chance at being more of a thumper (inside the box presence) than Dix.
Overall, I think the Pack made the better pick for themselves at this time, but like I said perhaps down the road Bucannon proves to be the better player; nitpicking in hindsight that the Pack should have traded back to get an extra pick plus added Bucannon isn't fair as there's no telling what deals were offered or could or couldn't be swung. Who knows if they could or would have landed even Bucannon if they moved back. Getting neither would have been considered a disaster by all.
As much as I wanted to see Shazier as the Packs pick I wouldn't trade the win over the Bears in week 17 for him -- not a chance in hell.
jeremyjjbrown
May 09, 2014 at 09:29 am
Your right, Bucannon is not nearly as fluid in the hips as Ha Ha. He moves like Casey Hayward, turning and running at full stride. It's a great attribute that makes up for his lack of top end speed. He also has a great reach in disrupting the ball, something that I hope rubs off on Morgan (stone hands) Burnett who can't seem to make a play when the QB throws it at his face.
ben
May 09, 2014 at 02:41 pm
Burnett actually has good ballskills. 14 INTs @ college. Led the entire nation 1 year. 5 INTS & 16 passes broken up with the pack in 2011&2012.
He was used too much in the box last year. He had a down year.
Hasean's tape and measurables are terrible. Every INT of DIXs seems to be a tipped ball. His game is pedestrian. I watch his tape and see his teamates flash more than Dix, like Collins #26. Dre Kirkpatrick was a better prospect. Ward and Bucannon would have been better, later.
J0hn Denver's Gavel
May 09, 2014 at 12:19 pm
Shazier sucks. He's an undersized pussy.
Oppy
May 09, 2014 at 07:00 am
Ahh, yes. Comical, needless anger from posters on Packers sites.
It's official. We're in the thick of the draft!
murphy
May 09, 2014 at 07:27 am
I didn't think Rick Spielman got played too badly.
jeremyjjbrown
May 09, 2014 at 09:25 am
Don't worry, COW is upset about trading up for Bridgewater too.
THEMichaelRose
May 09, 2014 at 07:40 am
Happy with the pick. Need + talent. This is a random concern but seems like Alabama defensive guys in the 1st round have been pretty meh consistently in the Saban era. We'll see.
Other random thoughts:
- Hope Teddy's pro day was more indicative of his professional potential than the rest of his collegiate career
--- That said, I didn't get the same feeling when they took him as I did when they took Peterson or when Lions took Calvin
- I HATE THE 49ERS who have 5 SELECTIONS TODAY
Looking forward to today
hybridauth_Facebook_100007367743738
May 09, 2014 at 07:42 am
My take is somewhat broader in all this. The Lions and Bears and Vikes have a few needs to fill and will probably get it done this draft coupled with FA acquisitions.
I felt the Packers were on borrowed time and would need three very very good drafts to get back to contention. Hey you can't expect Rogers with no O line to get you past these teams who are improving every year. Dix won't hurt. He is only one piece of a box of puzzle pieces missing.
WIll Datone, Perry and Worthy show up at all and play some top level football or just be bodies out there? If not, two drafts were lost to our competition.
I see the Pack 6 -10 at best this year.
JimTaylor31
May 09, 2014 at 08:07 am
Yeah, the Bears, Lions and Vikings have been on the rise for quite some time now. Obviously they are better at evaluating talent and drafting and losing so they can get better draft picks. They have very successfully implemented the COW "lose til you can win" strategy. Now they just have to keep losing another year or two or three so they can get some better draft picks then look out!!
TKWorldWide
May 09, 2014 at 06:38 pm
I think he was being facetious.
Evan
May 09, 2014 at 08:19 am
I'm generally ambivalent about the Ha Ha pick. I'm not exactly sure why. He clearly fills a huge need. He was across the board the #1 or #2 rated safety this year, so the value at #21 was good. I like his size.
Here's hoping for the best.
People wanted to trade down, but with Ward and Bucannon coming off just after Ha Ha, there's a good chance they would have missed out on all the top safeties and ILBs.
jeremyjjbrown
May 09, 2014 at 09:27 am
Agreed, and I'll add that Bucannon and Ward are not likely as NFL ready as Ha Ha.
Evan
May 09, 2014 at 08:23 am
Going forward, with no clear cut ILBs in R2, I can see grabbing a TE or WR. Maaaaaybe OL, but probably not.
L
May 09, 2014 at 09:15 am
I hope a really good TE appears as one of the BAP when it comes time for the Pack to pick.
Evan
May 09, 2014 at 09:18 am
I think there is a good chance ASJ, Amaro or CJ are there.
Evan
May 09, 2014 at 09:37 am
Yeah, I'm torn which position I'd prefer. I'd be happy either way. There is more depth at WR, so from a value standpoint TE might make more sense.
The remaining ILBs are pretty scary. Brian's looking at OLBs like Van Noy or Bradford. I guess if Van Noy were there in the 3rd that'd be a decent pick. Or maybe if Borland were to fall to the 4th.
ben
May 09, 2014 at 03:03 pm
"I guess if Van Noy were there in the 3rd that'd be a decent pick."
"Or maybe if Borland were to fall to the 4th."
Come on Evan! a little effort here?
JimTaylor31
May 09, 2014 at 09:38 am
Anybody have an opinion of Carl Bradford LB Arizona St.? I haven't seen him play but have seen some OK things written. Appears to be a better fit at ILB than OLB according to scouts. Any thoughts??
Evan
May 09, 2014 at 09:45 am
I've just been reading about him after asking Brian about ILBs on Twitter.
I guess he'd be okay...I think I'd prefer Van Noy though - better size and speed.
Based on my limited reading, Bradford seems more like a physical tackler while Van Noy might be a little more of a finesse guy who can cover better. If forced to choose between the two, I think we need the speed guy who can cover.
If either are there in the 3rd, I'd say pull the trigger. Not sure about the 2nd round, though.
DrealynWilliams
May 09, 2014 at 11:05 am
I'm not saying this is a bad pick,but I feel TT now has to really hit in these next few rounds opposed to landing Mosley/Shazier and being able to take gambles.
Any Safety would be an upgrade from MD Jennings,so the pick looks like an A.
Replacing Brad Jones would have been an A+ while creating depth/competition.
I think the Pack might go defense again in the 2nd.
TKWorldWide
May 09, 2014 at 06:42 pm
Just gimme somebody good on either side of the ball.
Otto
May 09, 2014 at 01:59 pm
Great pick! BPA and need finally intersected for the Packers in the 1st round.
I'm looking forward to tonight. The Packers money rounds. My hopefuls are ASJ, Allen Robinson and Van Noy.
I wish they'd pick up some mental-deficient that terrorizes other teams for their D (in a Ronnie Lott/Wilbur Marshal sort of way, not a Cow "should have missed the playoffs" way). They haven't had a guy like that since Wayne Simmons.
Paul Ott Carruth
May 09, 2014 at 02:25 pm
Clinton-Dix is the most complete safety in the draft and is the best fit for the Packers. Pryor and Bucannon simply don’t have the coverage ability skills of Clinton-Dix or the closing speed to affect throws while playing a middle field safety which is what the Packers sorely need. The knock on Clinton-Dix is his lack of physical play when screwing down in to the box. Watching game film on him I would say he does play tentative when in the interior structure of the defense but on the edges as an alley or primary force defender he sticks people quite well. It really boils down to what you are going to ask the player to do. If the Cardinals and Jets ask their guys to cover down on slot receivers or close any type of distance from the middle of the field with any regularity they will be miscasting these two and their performance will suffer greatly. Likewise, if the Packers expect Clinton-Dix to be a run stuffing in the box type of safety he will suffer as well. Considering this is a passing league and the ability to be flexible with your personnel, Dix gets the nod over the other two. He can cover down on TEs and slot receivers with ease. His wingspan alone is quite impressive as is his change of direction. Pryor and Bucannon don’t possess the hip flexibility and fluid movement that of Clinton-Dix .
Mosley went about where I figured he’d go. He’s the most complete linebacker in this draft. Shazier went to the best team possible. He will do well in Pittsburgh. I wasn’t very high on him and don’t believe he was the most complete but he’ll be asked to be a chaser instead of a plugger. The Steelers have used undersized ILBs quite a bit with guys like Timmons, Foote, and Williams. He’ll play weakside in their defense, although I suspect they might move him around since he has played on the edges a bit.
The Packers may have a shot at some quality linebackers. Jones from Florida St. and Skov are bigger guys. With his size, Jones can play on the edge but both him and Skov don’t possess good speed. I think Yawin Smallwood would be a nice 3rd or 4th round pick. He has good size at 6-2 235-240 and possesses good change of direction. He’s definitely not a stiff hipped player.
Evan
May 09, 2014 at 02:34 pm
Nice recap, POC.
What are your thoughts on some possible OLB->ILB conversion guys like Kyle Van Noy and Carl Bradford?
4thand1
May 09, 2014 at 02:34 pm
As always, a voice of reason.
L
May 09, 2014 at 02:37 pm
I've said this in other places, but I really like Yawin Smallwood as an underrated ILB in this draft. I'd be very pleased if the Packers scooped him up around there.
Evan
May 09, 2014 at 02:47 pm
I don't know anything about him, but there are o-linemen who have faster 40 times.
L
May 09, 2014 at 02:58 pm
His 40 time isn't accurate; he tweaked his hamstring while halfway through his 40 at the combine and it hasn't been reported what he could have run later/earlier than that officially recorded time.
Evan
May 09, 2014 at 02:58 pm
Ahhhh...haha, okay. I was gonna say...
hump
May 09, 2014 at 06:17 pm
anybody out there that has the audasity to be negative about dix,can get on the next fkn plane to san fran or seattle!!! we had arguably the worst starting safety in the nfl in the last 5 yrs in jennings,and you are gonna complain about the highest rated safety in the last 2 drafts!!!! charlie casserly said dix and pryor were head and shoulders above vaccaro on most gm's boards, he had talked to. trade the 2nd 3rd 4th and 5ths so we can get nix and troy niklas and you got a blockbuster draft!!
ben
May 09, 2014 at 03:19 pm
Kyle VanNoy BPA.
but gone by 2.21