Wrapping Up The Final Day

Aaron wraps up the 2010 NFL Draft from Radio City

Just when I was starting to think Ted Thompson was going to make 2010 strictly a meat and potatoes affair, he goes out and grabs Andrew Quarless and James Starks.

The rest of this draft was all about enforcing areas where players may/will move on and about creating competition at weaker spots on the roster. I had called into Jason Wilde's radio show a few months ago saying the Packers needed to draft Donald Lee's replacement. Quarless is a project with some off field issues but who as an amazing ceiling. If he reaches his potential the Packers could be even more dangerous on the offensive side of the ball with some potent two tight end sets.

The Starks pick has got to be the most exciting. The kid did not play in 2009 but is a big, physical runner who has very good hands. Everything I'm hearing and reading about this kid tells me he'll be a great compliment to Ryan Grant, Brandon Jackson and the offense as a whole. And yes, he'll be joining us as a guest on Tuesday nights Draft episode of Packer Transplants.

I know there are many fans (myself included) that wonder about the Packers not selecting an outside linebacker to rush the passer opposite Clay Matthews, but as Thompson said in his post-draft press conference, their defense is designed to get pressure from all over, not just outside linebacker. Capers is no doubt in the process of adjusting what looks and pressure packages he will want to use given the personnel on hand, especially with another full year to work on it.

Exciting times to be a Packer fan.

 

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Comments (47)

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packernate's picture

April 24, 2010 at 05:22 pm

Dear Ted Thompson,

You are a horrible GM.

Signed,

Packer fans who only want the team to draft players they've heard of.

--
On a serious note. I don't think we should be counting Quarless as some sort of felon. He got caught drinking and he got caught with weed, which wasn't his -- passed a drug test the next day. He made immature choices, but a lotta college kids do. I hope to goodness, him and Mike Neal prove these Packer fans wrong.

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Ron LC's picture

April 24, 2010 at 05:25 pm

A lot of unkowns in this draft. So, what's new? The only thing I'd criticize is taking Neal in the second. Then having to deal away the fourth to get Hunter at 3. GB could have had a shot at that OLB in the fourth. If TT and/or Capers hadn't thought he'd be taken before their third, they could have picked up their Safety in two and got Neal at three. Something must have changes their thinking. Lost one mid-round pick but they got what they wanted.
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As far as Newsome goes, GB's best young lineman is by far Josh Sitton. As I remember he was a fifth round comp pick. And, when he showed up in camp, a substantial portion of his body jiggles with each step. It would be nice to see the same path for Newsome.

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nerdmann's picture

April 24, 2010 at 05:29 pm

I think Starks could be the steal of the draft. Looks like they've signed Quinn Porter, another speedy RB who was undrafted.
Think Havner could play OLB? Just a thought.

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IronMan's picture

April 24, 2010 at 05:44 pm

I'm not much of a draft guy, but mad props to you for your efforts over the last three days.

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jack's picture

April 24, 2010 at 06:14 pm

looks like we signed OLB tim knicky. anyone know anything about him?

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Wiscokid's picture

April 24, 2010 at 06:16 pm

I gotta say that this was the most enjoyable draft experience that I've ever had. The live blog was great. The level of knowledge of the folks who participated was excellent. There also were also some pretty funny stuff said today and videos were awesome.

I'm not sure how thrilled I was with the selections but time will tell.

Normally I'm stuck watching the talking heads pontificate about things that I couldn't care less about and interviews with guys like Jerry Jones (really, how much anyone take of Jerry Jones)as well as the endless stream of commercials.

This was great! Nice job Aaron.

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PackerAaron's picture

April 24, 2010 at 08:47 pm

Thanks very much Wiscokid, but I probably did the least amount of work. Corey and Brian are the real heroes.

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Wiscokid's picture

April 25, 2010 at 12:43 pm

My bad, I should not have left them out. They really did a great job as well.

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packsmack25's picture

April 24, 2010 at 06:43 pm

Seems to me that Ted blames the failures at the end of last season in pass defense on injuries in the secondary and inexperience in the scheme, rather than just having bad players. And I tend to think he's right. There will be plenty of bodies at CB and LB in camp, why add any more?

Meanwhile, you can never have enough BIG bodies along the lines. I'm sure Ted remembers 2008 well, where Mike Montgomery and Tony Moll were forced into WAY too much action. Yikes.

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Ron LC's picture

April 24, 2010 at 08:59 pm

For them, any action was too much action.

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Nypacker's picture

April 24, 2010 at 06:51 pm

I think the biggest steal of this draft had to be CJ Wilson. This guy is an absolute monster. What's scary about this kid is that he looks like a 3-4 DE but pass rushes like an OLB. It'll be very interesting to see where this kid lands on our depth chart.

Aaron, Corey, and the rest of the cheeseheadtv.com staff deserve a lot of praise for this year's draft coverage. You guy's are amazing and I would like to thank you guys for an amazing draft experience. Keep it up and I'm hoping for more stuff like this in the years to follow! GO PACK!!

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PackersRS's picture

April 24, 2010 at 06:57 pm

I don't think there's a hole besides CM3, as I think Jones will be a very good complement, but if CM3 goes down, there's nothing. Maybe Obiozor can be something. Maybe Thompson develops some mean streak. But I doubt it.

And CB is still a need. I think if Superman, Al Harris, Tramon Williams, Will Blackmon and Pat Lee play, we're solid. But what are the chances that we DON'T have to put Underwood, Bell or Bush on the field? Slim. And that scares me.

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PackersRS's picture

April 24, 2010 at 07:00 pm

(I really wish there was a reply button).

But I think we had a very good, if not great, draft. Our OL suddenly looks very good, with plenty of depth, and future.

The same can be said for our DL, which I called as our weak link last year. Neal and Wilson could provide the needed interior pas rush. At least, we can have 6 bodies rotating consistantly, and let Raji and Jenkins with all their gas destroy the opposing OL...

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PackerAaron's picture

April 24, 2010 at 07:22 pm

I think Bell and Underwood are better than Blackmon and Lee right now.

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PackersRS's picture

April 24, 2010 at 08:05 pm

Damn, so we are even thinner than I thought...

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packsmack25's picture

April 25, 2010 at 04:54 am

I think you're very wrong. :)

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graham's picture

April 25, 2010 at 08:30 am

i think chillar takes cm3s spot if there is a significant injury

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Black Hawk's picture

April 24, 2010 at 07:01 pm

Another quality draft by TT, wasn't crazy about the Neal pick, but the more I read about him the more I like him. Loved how Ted moved up in front of da Bears to draft Burnett from them. Starks could be a steal, sat out the entire 2009 season w/ a shoulder injury, but it's not like he has any knee damage. Quarless is an interesting pick...and no one can deny that TT has an eye for TE talent. Sure he has a DWI and some other off the field issues. I read another post today on another site that read..."So Quarless has a DUI, but we made an alcoholic into a hero for 15 years".

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PackersRS's picture

April 24, 2010 at 07:03 pm

And, again, big thanks to all you guys, really, top notch coverage. I didn't have any stream from NFLNetwork or ESPN (only on first day I had), so I relied solely on you guys. And you delivered. Thank you for the effort!

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FITZCORE1252's picture

April 24, 2010 at 07:27 pm

That sux dude.

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FITZCORE1252's picture

April 24, 2010 at 07:26 pm

Nice draft. We got markedly better at three key areas: O-line, D-line, Secondary. It's not really possible to address everything with 8 picks (which turned into 7).

I will say this, I think Ted could have got better value with the 1st two picks, Had he gone Hughes & Brown. But hindsight is 20/20 and we gots who we gots, all in all, very successful draft.

Brian, Corey, Aaron (everyone else that helped) THANK YOU.

C.U.N.T.

What? C U Next Tuesday, what did you think...

GBP 4 LIFE

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Wiscokid's picture

April 24, 2010 at 08:07 pm

I've run into a few of those....oh, yeah, next Tuesday...riiiiight

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CSS's picture

April 24, 2010 at 08:00 pm

I have all kinds of thoughts about this but will limit it to my favorite new trend: The offensive line is getting larger, nastier and more likely to punch you in the mouth off the snap then 'dance with a defender' in pass pro. The mental makeup and physical nature of Bulaga & Newhouse, in addition to Lang/Sitton represents a metamorphasis away from the traditional, old school (pure) ZBS lineman.

I. Love. The. Direction.....

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FITZCORE1252's picture

April 24, 2010 at 08:22 pm

Yeah, hard to argue that. Gotta like it.

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Ron LC's picture

April 24, 2010 at 09:08 pm

I like big guys too. I especially like bodies like younger Sitton and Newsome. They make me feel better about myself. I call it the Fuzzy Thurston Mold.

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PackersRS's picture

April 24, 2010 at 08:11 pm

I'll say one thing, though: If we have Bulaga, Neal and Burnett last year, we don't lose to the Cardinals.

Bulaga gives Rodgers more time, so his facemask isn't held.

Neal gives fresh legs to the DL, keeps Jenkins fresh, and we bring more pressure to Warner.

And when Bigby goes down, Burnett doesn't completely kills us like Giordano did.

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FITZCORE1252's picture

April 24, 2010 at 08:30 pm

Man, that's a lot of projection for three rookies. But yeah, if they all turn out to be 'players', yeah, I could see that.

What about Hughes, Brown and Burnett? No way Zona puts up 50+ with both CM3 AND Jerry rushing (I won't be the least bit surprised if Brown turns out to be a better LT than BB, hope not)... I gotta get over this Hughes thing, it's unhealthy. LOL

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Ron LC's picture

April 24, 2010 at 09:12 pm

I especiially like your "Keep the Dline Fresh Concept." That has a whole lot to do with pass rush late in the game. Loses to Pitt and the Cards (playoff) would have been avoided.

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graham's picture

April 25, 2010 at 08:37 am

its hard to say more energy would have helped cullen get held less on the last play of the pitt game...

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Wiscokid's picture

April 24, 2010 at 08:36 pm

Did any of you see the video of the Packer's war room when they made their first round pick? I've seen more excitement at a wake. That was kind of the tone for the whole draft at least until they Quarless and Sparks.

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CSS's picture

April 24, 2010 at 08:55 pm

I like that disposition. Just like scoring a touchdown - act like you've been there before and starting processing what you've got to accomplish next. That's the way it should be: Steady and focused.

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Wiscokid's picture

April 25, 2010 at 02:39 pm

Well that's one interpretation. Another could be that the lack of enthusiasm said they didn't get they guy that they really wanted in the first round and settled for who they got. Let's hope you're right and it was just a business-like attitude. Ted's never been one to wear his emotions on his sleeve.

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MadMan's picture

April 24, 2010 at 08:38 pm

Thanks to all the guy's and gals at Cheesehead TV for a great 2010 draft production. When I talk to my co-workers here in CT about what I will be doing this week with the draft they are jealous. Best team draft coverage in the country!

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Nypacker's picture

April 24, 2010 at 08:49 pm

I think in everyone's mind we're looling at the pas rush coming from LBs. However every 3-4 defense has at least 1 DLineman who can get pressure simply all by himself. To me Green Bay never had that. Sure Jenkins was good but he fell off later in the season. TT did a great job to find said Dlineman with both Neal and Wilson. The line is supposed to set the tone for the pass rush, not the LBs.

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FITZCORE1252's picture

April 24, 2010 at 09:21 pm

"The line is supposed to set the tone for the pass rush, not the LBs."

In the 43, yes. Not so much in the 34. Sure they will try to generate rush with the line on occasion, but, by-in-large, the basic point of the 34 is to let the LB's fly around and make plays/get to the QB. While "for the most part" the D-linemen 'occupy' O-linemen.

GBP 4 LIFE

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Ron LC's picture

April 24, 2010 at 09:16 pm

We Packer Fans have access to the best analysis in the league. Thanks Corey, Aaron and Brian, you give us the very best internet coverage in the NFL.

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FITZCORE1252's picture

April 24, 2010 at 09:22 pm

Can't argue that, Ron.

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FITZCORE1252's picture

April 24, 2010 at 10:56 pm

ALERT*****ALERT*****ALERT

So, I'm watching Coach's presser over at Packers.com... 6:59 in... MM says that Bulaga, will be @ LT with Clifton and......Alan Barbre! WTF, over.

Somebody, anybody, PLEEZE, go watch that and tell me I'm hearing things. I'd rather admit myself to a mental institution than have Alan F'ing Barbre be in the mix @ LT.

GBP 4 LIFE

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mpd5301's picture

April 24, 2010 at 11:18 pm

Gentlemen: I think we have our outside rushing linebacker to compliment Clay Matthews..."C.J. Wilson" He might turn out to be a pretty good OLB.

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FITZCORE1252's picture

April 24, 2010 at 11:29 pm

6'3" 290, you are joking... right? He might turn out to be a good DE in the 34. That's quite the sense of humor you have though... almost had me.

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Dilligaff's picture

April 25, 2010 at 08:24 am

I am going to call it now, we will have 2 7th round picks starting side by side on defense with Brad Jones and CJ wilson before the season ends next year.

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Nypacker's picture

April 25, 2010 at 09:48 am

Ok I admit that I was a bit jumpy when I suggested Wilson could be a LB. Nonetheless I stand by what I said in that we should be more focused in the pass rush coming from the D-line a bit more than the LBs. When I said that the D-line should "set the tone", I meant that they're supposed to open up blitzing lanes for CM3 and Jones. Right now I'm not seeing that all too much. Maybe it's because the defense is new and the players are still learning it, but who knows.

As I stated before every successful 3-4 defense has that 1 D-lineman that can get pressure all by himself:

Cardinals - Dockett
Cowboys - Jay Ratliff
Jets - Shaun Ellis
Steelers - Aaron Smith
Ravens - Ngata
Old SB winning Patriots - Richard Seymour
Packers - ?????

There may come a time when you're left with no other options but to keep all your LBs in coverage. Thereby your pressure must come from your front 3. I thought that this is one advantage that you're supposed to have in the 3-4, that ability cover all parts of the field while generating pressure from 3 guys only. By drafting Wilson and Neal GB can now have this advantage.

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CSS's picture

April 25, 2010 at 12:07 pm

You're oversimplifying the 3-4. Every team listed above runs a different ratio of base (your traditional 3-4 look) with all the sub-packages that are unique to each defensive coordinator. The only thing the core '3-4' philosophy has in common among each team: it's predicated on stopping the run in early downs and creating favorable down and distance for the defense where they can adequately pressure the QB.

Let's move to 3 down and (3 and 8 or longer is considered the most unfavorable) and long where the philosophy changes for each squad you listed above:

*Jets (Rex Ryan) scheme depends on lock-down cover corners to manufacture pressure. It forces the QB through his progressions, he holds the ball and often dumps it short to a safety valve. Either way, it's about the corners and not the lineman.

*Ravens have evolved away from the Rex Ryan dominate cover corner with the acquisition of Ed Reed. With them, safety is the key and AGAIN it forces the QB into progression reads and throwing underneath. The Ravens also manufacture pressure through the blitz. Believe it or not Ravens fans constantly complaing that Ngata isn't living up to his pass rushing potential.

*Cardinals don't have the defensive backfield and are the opposite of the above two. They are fortunate to even get pressure as a byproduct of Dockets ability. Remember, they SUCKED against the pass because they couldn't get to the QB or cover. It's not about the pass rusher in the base 3-4.

I could go on and on with each group. Bottom line, they are all totally different once they're out of base and WHEN the '5' technique actually makes it to the QB it's typically due to an overload of linebackers coming up the middle, excellent safety coverage or lock-down cover corners.

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PackRat's picture

April 25, 2010 at 12:23 pm

Drafts are about imagining rookies stepping in and making a difference (ie. Matthews) but SEASONS are about 2nd, 3rd and 4th year players coming into their own. IMHO, the Packers playoff chances this year rely on (in no particular order):

1) James Jones stepping up and supplanting an aging and (now) inconsistent Donald Driver. Excellent hands, muscular/strong body now has to become the third and 7 go-to guy

2) Sitton has to play like an animal, Lang and Spitz have to ascend to the next level and push to win starting spots (RT or LG). Along those lines, was the potential seen by MM/JC of Barbre misplaced?

3) Raji has to become "the real beast" and funnel predictable run plays to Jenkin's side.

4)Williams or Lee has to outright win the job from Harris, not by injury recovery "default".

5) Obiozor and Wynn need to have improved enough to get a bunch of snaps this year

6) Crosby has to be the consistent strong leg he showed glimpses of two years ago, not the erratic wannabe of last year.

7)This is the year Harrell....oh, never mind.

The only rookie who I believe really needs to challenge for a starting role for the Pack to be successful this year is....Burnett. It's obvious that Bigby only can be there in spurts. Oh, and can someone punt?

The choices of Neal/Wilson make me think Jolly's trial is on the way and a suspension likely soon after.

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CSS's picture

April 25, 2010 at 12:26 pm

It's a huge win anytime a rookie makes a substantial contribution in his rookie year. It's rare, and players don't come into their own until years 2, more often 3.

Good list.....

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Black Hawk's picture

April 25, 2010 at 12:25 pm

CSS....very well said.
Some are complaining that Ted didn't address cornerback in the draft. I think former 2nd rounder Pat Lee comes up big this year.

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Scrumptrulescent's picture

April 26, 2010 at 08:34 am

Wow...some guys here are really into the draft and know more about the Pack and college players than I do. I just want to pile on and say I loved the move for Burnett, stealing him from Chicago. That kid could make an impact right away and I wonder, just wonder, if he could potentially move to CB.

Everyone's knocking the Neal pick (national media) but the guy could be a beast in the rotation. I love the looks of the Packer DL this year.

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