Cory's Corner: Let's make a deal for DRC
But in order for that to happen, the Packers should go after Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. The disenfranchised cornerback has been suspended by the Giants for throwing his coach Ben McAdoo under the bus and isn’t exactly a shining beacon of cohesiveness.
Ted Thompson isn’t exactly known as a riverboat gambler.
The Packers general manager doesn’t take a lot of chances and likes to rely on the draft as his main stream of talent.
But this year, like last year, the Packers have a problem in the defensive backfield. Rookie Kevin King has shown flashes but now he’s recovering from a concussion and safety Morgan Burnett is still recovering from a pesky hamstring.
The Packers are 4-1 and are one of the best teams in the NFC along with Philadelphia, Atlanta and Carolina. They have a realistic shot of getting home-field advantage throughout the playoffs and having a leg up on advancing to their fifth Super Bowl.
But in order for that to happen, the Packers should go after Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. The disenfranchised cornerback has been suspended by the Giants for throwing his coach Ben McAdoo under the bus and isn’t exactly a shining beacon of cohesiveness.
Remember that the Packers have four compensatory picks next spring. I would be willing to bet that the Giants would be happy to let him go in exchange for a couple of fifth rounders.
That may sound outlandish for Thompson, but the NFC title game should be close to his memory. How Matt Ryan decimated and diced up the thin Packers defensive backfield. Damarious Randall has shown this season that he cannot be trusted in coverage and how long will King be out?
Green Bay’s defense has shown plenty of warts through five games. The pass rush has been spotty, the run defense hasn’t always been there but most importantly, the defensive backfield hasn’t gotten any better from a year ago.
When Major League Baseball teams make a deadline deal, it adds a certain juice to a team. Players become more confident because they know that the suits in the front office are putting all the chips to the middle and are showing a dedication to winning.
This would do the same thing. The Packers are right there. Rodgers-Cromartie is ranked as the No. 30 cornerback according to Pro Football Focus. His addition would be greatly appreciated by a defense that still has to face Drew Brees, Matthew Stafford, Jameis Winston and Cam Newton.
Is Rodgers-Cromartie the elixir for all of the Packers ills? No way. He’s a gamble because of the turmoil that he has left in his wake.
The ultimate question is the Packers locker room. Can defensive leaders Mike Daniels and Morgan Burnett keep him grounded? I think they can. With Daniels being the bad cop and Burnett being the good cop, this team can rein him in while showing him why he’s here.
Thompson has 17 days to work the phones and make a Halloween deal that would make the Packers defense pretty scary.
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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
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Comments (52)
TKWorldWide
October 14, 2017 at 06:36 am
FYI, a little 411: it's "DRC". Love 2 C it ASAP, but FWIW,IMHO, not going 2 happen.
4thand1
October 14, 2017 at 07:23 am
took me 5 minutes to figure out wtf you wrote.
EdsLaces
October 14, 2017 at 08:15 am
Hahahha IKR?
TKWorldWide
October 14, 2017 at 08:26 am
ONLY 5 minutes?
That's pretty good, when you consider that it took me like 45 minutes to realize this wasn't some kind of article about John Fogerty's old band.
I can still hear "Bad Moon Rising"...
dobber
October 14, 2017 at 09:32 am
I was never able to figure out how to program my DCR...
TKWorldWide
October 14, 2017 at 09:44 am
Mine always flashed "12:00"
snowdog
October 14, 2017 at 01:21 pm
Twice a day .
Somedumbname
October 14, 2017 at 07:47 pm
It's all Greek to me :/
NickPerry
October 14, 2017 at 06:41 am
With all those draft picks and the issues the defense has shown this season Thompson SHOULD be working the phones. Thompson SHOULD be looking for help at CB. Thompson SHOULD be looking for a pass rusher, maybe a guy like Dumervil could be had cheap from the 49ers. But I have the sneaking suspicion Ted won't do a thing. Hell if he didn't trade a 3rd rounder which turned out to be Alex Green (LMAO) to Buffalo for Marshawn Lynch, what makes us think he'll pull the trigger this year.
Before you point out the Packers still won SB 45 without Lynch, how much better might they have been the following years WITH Lynch. I guess we'll never know because Ted's not doing a damn thing. Funnier thing is the folks who could ask Ted about a possible trade CAN'T because Thompson doesn't talk to the media during the season. I mean WTF!!!! If he had numerous SB Trophies then I guess I wouldn't have such a issue with that. But he DOESN'T, and his defenses have been the biggest reason.
Sorry folks but until Thompson puts in a Rodgers like performance (Never Quits) for an ENTIRE season, I'll continue to think he's just a really weird, strange man who's been riding Rodgers Jock the last 7 seasons.
4thand1
October 14, 2017 at 07:27 am
Sadly I have to agree. I hate watching any game anymore, knowing we can't get a crucial stop when needed. This D needs a shake up and it starts at the top.
Razer
October 14, 2017 at 07:40 am
Nick, Nick, Nick - grab a coffee and relax. Yes, the missed draft picks have hurt and the injuries have been body blows. But this Defense will get better with health and time. Long term, better drafting and better coaching will need to happen to get to the next level.
Don’t lose the faith. And don’t put faith in guys like DRC, who can’t and won’t help their team.
NickPerry
October 14, 2017 at 08:20 am
I just don't think it would take a whole lot to get a few veterans who could help THIS year. Maybe Thompson already has looked into trades. I mean he says he's always looking for ways to improve the Packers, looking at all the options available to him. But because Bill Belichek always seems to find some excellent value each year via trades, I find it hard to believe Thompson is looking very hard to find those values too.
dobber
October 14, 2017 at 10:00 am
If DRC is really a thorn in the side to a 0-5 team, he may well come cheaper than the "two #5's" suggested here by Cory. It's hard to say how much bidding there will be on a CB (marquee position) who's creating locker room problems.
Here's DRCs contract situation (remember, the contract comes with the players):
spotrac.com/nfl/new-york-giants/dominique-rodgers-cromartie-3959/
Big (~$9M) cap hit this season, although it's about 1/3 gone, and a big cap hit for 2018 (~$8.5M) but he could be cut in the spring and only count about $2M.
Thegreatreynoldo
October 14, 2017 at 01:36 pm
That's very misleading, Dobber. The cap consequences for GB would be about a $4.51M cap hit in 2017 if we got him Monday. DRC's GB cap hit would be $6.5M in 2018 with no dead money (NYG eats all the guaranteed money because it came in the form of a signing bonus). The NYG would have to eat $4M in dead money, half in 2017 and half in 2018.
DRC is a pretty good man cover CB and is okay in zone, IIRC. What he can do on the field would make us better, and is probably worth a 5th and perhaps another conditional 5th. Don't know too much about his attitude.
He could mentor Randall. (Do I need a sarcasm font?)
dobber
October 14, 2017 at 02:05 pm
You're right: I forget about how the bonus is handled.
**tips hat**
Razer
October 14, 2017 at 07:27 am
Cromartie walked out on his team. We don't need another headcase around the lockerroom. Sorry, this is an obvious no.
Rossonero
October 14, 2017 at 08:06 am
Agreed. The last thing we need is a guy like this. Keep the compensatory picks to bolster the defense.
Lphill
October 14, 2017 at 07:44 am
Derrell Revis
jeremyjjbrown
October 14, 2017 at 07:50 am
DRC is actually the kind of guy who could do well in GB with Joe Whitt and the focus on football. However I'm not sure the CB room has space for 2 cribs. Randall's takes up a lot of space, and he doesn't like to share the diaper changing table.
Razer
October 14, 2017 at 08:32 am
This is my concern as well. Randall’s immaturity and attitude is not a passing phase. We will be managing that until the end of his rookie contract, then hitting reset once again on a high draft pick. Too many misses.
CAG123
October 14, 2017 at 10:58 am
Oh stop it Randall has been pretty much under the radar since he was drafted he makes one mistake and all of a sudden he’s a distraction? He’s still young and has plenty of maturing to do but how many chances did Letroy Guinon get and he was pushing 30!
jeremyjjbrown
October 14, 2017 at 12:45 pm
Guion kept it off the field and out of the locker room. Randall has played well but now he needs to act like an adult. DRC is a baby too.
jeremyjjbrown
October 14, 2017 at 04:16 pm
Yes, this is true. I didn't advocate for cutting Randall, so I'm not sure why you mention it.
CAG123
October 15, 2017 at 12:43 am
No where in my comment did I say you did or implied he should be cut I was more referring to you stating that Randall isn’t going to change as if he has multiple incidents
CAG123
October 15, 2017 at 12:45 am
My comment was for that Razor guy
CAG123
October 15, 2017 at 12:40 am
That makes no sense anyone added to the roster is in investment. I’m sure Guion took a roster spot from a linemen or two so he’s held to the same standard. Not much of a difference between a 30th pick and a 33rd pick anyway
carusotrap
October 14, 2017 at 07:54 am
This is about as likely as Mike Daniels taking the team unicorn for a ride around the parking lot.
Rossonero
October 14, 2017 at 08:13 am
..."but most importantly, the defensive backfield hasn’t gotten any better from a year ago."
Cory, what is this statement based on? We have the 6th ranked pass defense, only giving up 199 passing yards per game.
We're ranked 11th for total defense, only giving up 22 pts. per game. I agree that the rushing defense needs improvement (ranked 22nd) -- but to say our defense is a mess (which is basically what you hinted at) -- is simply inaccurate.
dobber
October 14, 2017 at 09:40 am
A year ago the Packers had the top-ranked run defense for the first few weeks until Dallas came in and splattered it against the wall...it was never the same after that.
This pass defense is benefitting from an offense that is efficient and controls the clock (they're still above even AFTER Dallas held the ball for virtually the whole 4th quarter last week), and games that have been--for the most part--tight. Game flow has not pushed the Packers D into long-term prevent mode like in 2011. I tend to agree that it will improve if the key pieces can get healthy and play together for a while, but until that point I suspect that someone (ahem, Drew Brees? Matthew Stafford?) is waiting to blow the doors off this defense, yet, and make it pretty ugly.
Rossonero
October 14, 2017 at 11:19 am
I hear you, Dobber. It's still early on, but we've already faced Russell Wilson, Matty Ice and Dak Prescott. I agree that huge tests will be Brees and Stafford.
These stats can be a little misleading, depending on how you look at them....like how this year the Chargers have the 4th ranked pass defense, but are awful vs. the run (in other words, they are facing far fewer pass attempts because everyone is running on them). Ill still hold out hope that this Packers defense has better depth than last year's secondary made up of duct tape and boogers.
Thegreatreynoldo
October 14, 2017 at 02:19 pm
What is the value of a 5th round pick or two? GB history:
Aaron Jones, Yancey, Davis, Hundley, Linsley, Abby, Hyde, Boyd, Terrell Manning, D.J. Williams, Newhouse, Quarless, Quinn Johnson, Meredith, Giacomini, Clowney, Martin, Moll, Coston, michael Hawkins. 20 TT picks.
So, one above average starter (Linsley), one average starter type (Hyde), couple of guys who started a lot (Newhouse, Giacomini eventually), a couple of decent rotational guys who don't get 2nd contracts in GB. Q. Johnson was pretty good, and got buried due to players ahead of him. Jury is out on Hundley and Jones a bit - give them positive nods for now.
Two fifth round picks aren't nothing - reasonably good, at least useful type players come at about a 40%, maybe 50% clip?
Still, the NFL so far doesn't seem to have any powerhouses. Seattle, Dallas, NE and Pitt all look down. This seems like a good year to go for it. I sure like our chances better with House, DRC, King and Hawkins as outside CBs (allows for an injury or two down the road).
Thegreatreynoldo
October 14, 2017 at 03:56 pm
We only played one team with a good QB, OL and WRs, and that was actually ugly. That resulted in 252 passing yards. It would have been more, but we got blown out. 252 yards would be good for 27th. Still meant 27 or 34 points given up in a blow out.
Prescott isn't bad. He threw for 251 yards. That would be good for 27th. And we still gave up 31 points.
Dalton threw for 212 yards. He is mediocre, and their only good receiver, AJ Green, got his 111 yards. Their OL and other WRs are hot garbage. Giving up 212 would put us 13th in pass defense. Still gave up 24.
Chicago has a lousy QB in Glennon, lousy WRs, and a fair OL. Glennon threw for 218 yards. That would put us 13th.
Seattle has Wilson, no WRs outside of Baldwin, and an OL that is horrible. Wilson threw for 158. That was encouraging.
We are giving up 22 pts/game (20th in the NFL) after having played 5 games, including 3 teams with inept offenses. Looks like MN with Keenum at QB, but no Cook or Diggs, should be hobbled offensively. Yes, we need help at CB and OLB.
NickPerry
October 14, 2017 at 10:20 am
"I don't think the Packers feel the desperation that the fan base does at CB."
I think that's been part of the problem. Thompson REFUSES to look at some of his picks as misses or outright busts. Instead he keeps them around for the length of the contract and either overpays them or moves on at the end. In the meantime no one is ever brought in to push them or just take the position away. Instead we play Ted Thompson "Hope" ball. We HOPE whoever was on the 53 man roster and PS at the start of the season are good enough to win a SB because Ted isn't bringing in anyone! At least anyone who isn't an UDFA living in Moms basement or working at the family store.
"We traded for a RB last year out of desperation."
Well if you look who was on the roster at the time of the trade it was a pretty desperate time. There's also WHO Ted traded for, Knile Davis. Did the Packers really even give him a chance? Was he even going to help the Packers in the first place? I'm not saying he would or wouldn't have but Ted cut him almost as fast as it takes to get to GB from KC. By doing so he didn't have to give up that 7th rounder...
dobber
October 14, 2017 at 10:34 am
"There's also WHO Ted traded for, Knile Davis. Did the Packers really even give him a chance? "
Did they really need to? He was a shot in the dark. He's out of football now, isn't he?
EdsLaces
October 14, 2017 at 08:18 am
DRC...isnt ..very...good. #patpeteorbust
dobber
October 14, 2017 at 09:45 am
DRC is the Giants's nickel and slot CB. How many nickel/slot CBs do the Packers need?
If King looks like he's hurt longer that a week or so and/or House looks like he's going to be hobbled longer term, then maybe there's a need to add bodies, but DRC's not a guy who's going to be playing outside much at this stage in his career. Isn't that what this defense could really use?
Who do you push onto the healthy scratch list if you bring DRC on board? Probably Rollins, because you'll need guys who can play outside and that will keep Hawkins active.
Thegreatreynoldo
October 14, 2017 at 02:48 pm
DRC was 2nd team All Pro as a slot CB. Being an All Pro is no joke. That isn't the BS Pro Bowl selection. DRC had 6 INTs and 21 passes defended while playing slot. He played some FS in preseason. PFF ranked the NY secondary #2 in the NFL for 2016. He got moved from the boundary because NY drafted Eli Apple with the tenth pick. DRC is still NY's top choice outside if Apple or Janoris Jenkins went down. He is 31, but he can still play outside. IIRC, DRC didn't play against GB, and AR exposed Wade and Sensabaugh. DRC played in 15 games, and 733 snaps (66%) which is normal because slot CBs get somewhat reduced snaps.
I so often agree with you, Dobber, but I think you should re-evaluate. 78.8 grade against Detroit, and 79.1 against the Chargers. We can add an All Pro CB for a couple of comp 5ths? Money isn't bad? Under contract for the rest of 2017 and 2018? No dead money?
AFL Ref daughter
October 14, 2017 at 09:24 am
Sometimes a GOOD player needs a home where he is given the chance to become a GREAT player. Home meaning a healthy environment where he is held accountable for his actions and encouraged to reach his full potential. This is achieved to a large extent by his fellow teammates and coaches. I'd say our Packers have demonstrated this dynamic for many, many years, wouldn't you, Cory? Just sayin'.
Lphill
October 14, 2017 at 09:26 am
Derrell Revis
BPEARSON21
October 14, 2017 at 09:35 am
This is an EXCELLENT article and a great understanding of where we're at and what we need. How lucky that a guy like DRC is potentially available. Let's put ourselves in the best position for the playoffs and sure up our weak spots now.
stockholder
October 14, 2017 at 10:21 am
Still think Capers is the problem. The DBs are better. Randall needs coaching. Capers should be all over his butt. Discipline is the only way you handle Randle. The draft picks today lack maturity. They become head cases. We've played some very offensive teams. I still feel better about are Dbs this year then last year. You have to stop the play ground stuff. And put it right out there. If your not here to win. Bench their butts and ship them out. Winning takes work. Save the money and find someone better. Sandbagging, whining, stupidity, lack of respect, should never be allowed. This defense should be run ship shape. Capers must show he means business , and not hide his head.
lou
October 14, 2017 at 10:50 am
If healthy (Burnett & King this week) on pure talent the defensive backfield has been upgraded from last season. King and Jones have no question marks on size and speed as did Randall & Rollins coming in 2 years ago. Randall & Rollins now have a considerable amount of snaps under their belt and several others Brice/Evans/Hawkins although not starters do as well. The key is the pass rush RIGHT NOW. Unfortunately Perry has a club on one hand again and the projected young backups to them were way over rated, Fackrell is a non factor and Elliott is already out of the NFL. Add Daniels push up the middle lost for 3 games to that and old Zeke Bratkowski could stand in the pocket all day against them. With just a decent pass rush this secondary can make plays they can win with.
Qoojo
October 14, 2017 at 10:56 am
I think scheme and backup talent is the main issue. This would help keep Rollins off the field which is a good thing. But the issue of over-complicated and confusing scheme would still be present.
packsmack
October 14, 2017 at 11:38 am
Ted and Mike have a relationship with McAdoo. Don't think they'll take a guy that can't make it work with a former assistant.
Thegreatreynoldo
October 14, 2017 at 02:56 pm
Talking to McAdoo even with permission from the GM would put McAdoo in an impossible situation. What is he supposed to say? The truth, if it is bad, while his GM is trying to fleece GB for as much as possible?
Maybe MM thinks he can handle a troublesome player better than McAdoo can. MM knows McAdoo's strengths and weaknesses, too.
flackcatcher
October 14, 2017 at 05:35 pm
Besides, cover corners in this league are gold. No GM gives them up.(Not even that evil genius in NE. It's a one for one with him) This is a problem that only NY front office can solve. McAdoo did not make this mess, and at this point only the owners can, if they are willing to take a hit the cap, or more likely, scrapped this season and start over next year.
Cartwright
October 14, 2017 at 12:34 pm
One Beigle and one Montravius = One Cromartie. We're 4 and 1, can't we just enjoy it and credit the players that made this possible. Don't worry be happy.
Thegreatreynoldo
October 14, 2017 at 03:01 pm
Zero NFL snaps + 4 NFL snaps = a 2nd team All Pro. Got it.
Point-Packer
October 14, 2017 at 12:49 pm
Seattle would do this. NE would do this. TT, no chance.
JohnnyLogan
October 14, 2017 at 03:48 pm
We've played 3 top notch QB's, Wilson, Ryan and Dak. Two of them scorched us. That's who we'll play in the playoffs
flackcatcher
October 14, 2017 at 05:21 pm
Frankly, I don't see NY giving up on DRC. Cover guys in this league are gold, and teams never have enough of them. We fans saw GB go through what NYG is going though in 2015. GB defense especially the secondary carried that team all year. NYG bigger problem is their OL play, and the constant hits their QB has taken this year. At some point the front office has to clamp down on the oversize egos or they will collapse their team. Whine all you want about Mike and Ted, but Green Bay rarely if ever has these issues to deal with.
Flow49
October 14, 2017 at 05:58 pm
Winning cures a lot of ailments, if the price can be a couple of 5th rounders and you can make the cap stuff work without hindering the ability to keep our home grown talent I say do it. I'd like to see TT push some more chips to the center of the table, if he can be had at the right price this is not an all in gamble it's a calculated risk with good upside.