Packers' Priorities

Greg Bedard has not been sitting around twiddling his thumbs down in Mobile.

His piece in today's Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is stuffed with information regarding the Packers' plan of attack when it comes to their mammoth free agent class. As was reported toward the end of the year, the Packers are talking contract extension with Ryan Pickett, which is, in my view, the absolute right thing to do. Pickett did much better than expected at the nose tackle position, and the fact that his backup, top draft pick B.J. Raji, was less than awe-inspiring when he filled in at the nose, makes getting Pickett back in the fold all the more important. The defense simply operated on a different level when Raji was allowed to rotate in at defensive end and nose. Add in that Pickett reportedly is a fantastic locker room guy, I love that he seems on track to be back, with Bedard writing he could be signed within a few weeks.

In a mild surprise, Bedard also reports that the Packers next move will be to resign Clifton with an eye to trade for or draft a tackle as well. They don't view Clifton as 'the answer' obviously, but as a safeguard, which is fine.  Like I wrote a few weeks ago, you simply can't count on the guy for a full season but the Packers would do well to protect themselves there.

The surprise comes in the form of the Packers plans in regards to Mark Tauscher. According to Bedard:

...the Packers may make an offer, but it's almost certain to be on the low side.Thompson said Breno Giacomini, a fifth-round pick in '08 who was active for three games his first two seasons, will be expected to compete for the job.

Jesus weepin' on the Cross, here we go again.

Not content to screw up the 2009 season with Alan Barbre, Thompson seriously intends to trot out Giacomini? The guy is a complete stiff who can't bend, can't set the edge and has a first step in pass pro that makes Barbre look like Michael Roos. I mean, it's just absurd. This reeks of Thompson trying to justify keeping Giacomini around all year, even though with the offensive line falling apart early in the year the coaching staff wouldn't make him active on game day on a dare.

I'm all for letting guys develop, and we've seen guys struggle early before only to watch as they blossomed into quality players. But that's the thing - we watched them. They were in games. Guys like Mike Whale and Mike Flanagan at least had the natural abilities to get on the field. Giacomini is so obviously not ready for prime time it's scary.

Lots more in Greg's piece that you should check out, from the plans for Colledge (see ya Daryn) and Bigby (a true disappointment) to Thompson's thoughts on Kampman coming back to the Pack (they'll offer him a contract - I'll be shocked if he doesn't sign with a 4-3 team)

Make sure you read it all. Great stuff.

 

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__________________________

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Comments (70)

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IronMan's picture

January 28, 2010 at 09:15 am

Aaron, I believe it was you who suggested that Ted should show Nick Collins and his agent, film from the Pittsburgh, and Arizona games. Well, my buddy dfosterf from PackersHome expanded on that idea:
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He said: "Have it running on the wall behind Ted's desk when the agent rolls into the office.

Don't say anything, just have his position coach watching (and swearing), with his back to both Ted and the agent.

Ted should have his back to it, with the agent facing Ted (and the film)."
--
Brilliant.

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Ruppert's picture

January 28, 2010 at 09:29 am

That Giacomini talk had better be a dodge to deflect attention from all the O linemen that the Packers plan on drafting.

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Dilligaff's picture

January 28, 2010 at 09:33 am

I don't see Clifton accepting a back up role. If you bring back Clifton why not bring back Tauscher? If they do not bring back Taucsher I would think Lang would be the leading candidate at right tackle. I believe that our first draft pick should be the best available left tackle or guard. I think we draft a guard with our first pick and had high hopes on Iupati from Idaho, but his stock is rising so fast. I just think that due to the lack of left tackles available and our low pick, we can find a stud guard this year for the left side easier. As free agents go Clifton may be the best available, sad. If that happens I would keep Tauscher, let Clifton go(unless he is willing to be a back up cheap)and start Lang-Iupati-Wells-Sitton-Tauscher

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Brian Carriveau's picture

January 28, 2010 at 09:33 am

There's enough information from Bedard to fill up five articles. I hope they treat each of those issues more in-depth in the future.

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Andyman's picture

January 28, 2010 at 09:34 am

I assume you mean 4-3 team for Kampy?

Great stuff by Greg though. Should be a very interesting offseason, especially with all the labor issues in the air.

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Dilligaff's picture

January 28, 2010 at 09:50 am

I think Kampman is gone. His priorities are first playing DE and signing a big contract of which he deserves. The Packers are tight on money and can not offer him a DE position. I think TT is just playing games with the reporters in a public relations scheme.

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hyperRevue's picture

January 28, 2010 at 09:54 am

I'd be thrilled if they bring back Pickett.

---------

What's Jolly's contract status again? Is he a UFA no matter what? Or is he also in the Collin's RFA/UFA boat?

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PackerAaron's picture

January 28, 2010 at 09:59 am

Thanks Andyman. Fixed.

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Dilligaff's picture

January 28, 2010 at 10:02 am

Someone please tell me we are not putting our season hopes in the hands of Breno Giacomini who has not even had a full season as a backup. Holly crap batman. At least Lang as some experience in big game situations. I don't understand this thought process. Have you heard the reports on Giacomini by the coaches, they literally blow him off as a TT guy.

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CSS's picture

January 28, 2010 at 10:03 am

Anybody speculating on what TT will actually be doing is, well, speculating. When has he ever tipped his hand at anything? I enjoyed the write up and article, but it's nothing but fodder for discussion. I doubt more than 3-4 individuals beyond TT know what who the Packers intend on extending or developing for starting roles.

My 2 cents...

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afrenchpackersfan's picture

January 28, 2010 at 10:42 am

Aaron,

I totally agree with you as to Kampman. He should defintely join a 4-3 defense team rather than trying to fit the outside linebacker job in Green Bay.

Concerning Raji, I agree with the fact he wasn't as good as expected this yea (except his penetration during the game against the Lions). I really hope he will improve his physical condition during the offseason.

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PackersRS's picture

January 28, 2010 at 11:03 am

I had never heard about day lag... Here in Brazil, it's January 28th. Apparently, it's April 1st in there...
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C'mon! Are you serious! Clifton be insurance but offer the low deal to Tauscher and let Guacamole compete for the job? I must've watched a completely different game, because I saw a Tauscher almost as good as ever, and a completely washed up Clifton...
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The rest of the moves I agree, though.
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Now, say with me, Donald Penn and Jahri Evans!

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Franklin Hillside's picture

January 28, 2010 at 11:11 am

At least he qualified the Giacomini statement with a "sink or swim". Unfortunately, I fear it may be a reenactment of the Lusitania.

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Ron LC's picture

January 28, 2010 at 11:16 am

Did TT miss the games when Breno was standing still as the opponent's DE's sailed by him? Like Barbre, he is AWFUL! I think that the O line started protecting better with the arrival of Tauhscher and Wells taking over center from Spitz. That says to me that to go back to the same guys who couldn't play last year as an answer for the future is WRONG - JUST WRONG.
_____
Solving the O line depth problems is critical for the future. Cliffton, Wells and Taucsher are still good performers that can play most of the snaps next year. The backups must be upgraded this year with an eye to the future.

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hyperRevue's picture

January 28, 2010 at 11:18 am

Just finished reading the CNNSI piece on Reggie Bush: "Still, I think somebody will figure it out. If the Saints really do let Bush go after the season, I hope he finds a team with a creative offensive coordinator -- somebody who sees him as part receiver, part Wildcat quarterback, sometime running back and some other thing I'm not smart enough to invent. I still think Reggie Bush can transform a team. But first, some team has to transform Reggie Bush.

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Aaron - you tweeted about the Packers need for a speedy, versatile offensive guy like that. If Bush were to become available, what would you think of him on the Packers, serving a Percy Harvin-type role?

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RockinRodgers's picture

January 28, 2010 at 11:32 am

If we don't bring back Bigby and Tauscher thats fine, but TT better find guys outside the organization to replace them.

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PackersRS's picture

January 28, 2010 at 11:40 am

hyperRevue: http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Biggs-Ford-blazing-a-trail-to-NFL.html
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"Teams have been racing to get information on Ford, who is one of the better wide receiver prospects this season. He said he’s had meetings with the Bears, Bucs, Colts, Jets, Packers and Vikings already and has one arranged with the Panthers for tonight."

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hyperRevue's picture

January 28, 2010 at 11:44 am

PackersRS - Yes, that's who Aaron mentioned in his tweets. But, from what I've been able to gather, he's almost certain to go in the late 1st/early 2nd round. I don't think the Packers can afford to use their 1st round pick on a WR when they have such a glaring need at OT. If he's available when their 2nd round pick comes up, then I'd be all for it.

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PackersRS's picture

January 28, 2010 at 12:03 pm

I haven't seen him being picked in the 1st in any mock drafts so far. But anyway, this draft is filled with such players. My dream player? Golden Tate. But there's Gilyard, McCluster, ANDRE ROBERTS (remember this name)...
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I also heard we're keeping a close eye on Staffon Johnson, who could be a very good complementary back.

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nerdmann's picture

January 28, 2010 at 12:30 pm

They'll sign Kampy and then trade him to ANY team other than the Queens. That is the whole point, to keep him away from Minny.
They'll get a conditional pick, due to his age and current injury status, but if they throw in Hawk, (who apparently will refuse a pay cut) maybe they can get a solid LT.
Meanwhile, they are set at RT with Lang and either Barbre or Tauscher as backup. Yeah, I would prefer Tauscher too, for another year or so, but Barbre is fine AS A BACKUP.
I think we're fine on defense. Wouldn't mind picking up a safety or CB, but we're adequate there.

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PackerAaron's picture

January 28, 2010 at 12:39 pm

nerdman - you don't get a a conditional pick if you trade someone. Only if they leave in free agency. And I don't think there's anyway Kampman signs.

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wgbeethree's picture

January 28, 2010 at 12:31 pm

Does anyone know how exclusive rights free agent are effected in the uncapped season? If unresticted moves from 4 to 6 years of service and restricted moves from 3 to 5 years of service I always sorta assumed exclusive rights would move from 0-2 to 0-4. It only makes sense that it would have two years added to it just like the others making most of our free agents ERFA but that doesn't seem to be the case and I can't find anything on it anywhere one the net.
Secondly, I know a lot of people are down on Colledge but he grades out just fine over the last couple of seasons as long as he isn't playing LT. Now I know profootballfocus isn't the be all end all or definitive in any way but it's about the only place I know of that has olinemen ''stats''. They have him rated in the top 20 for guards. He played very well two seasons ago at LG and then RT when Tauscher went down. A second round tender for him at around 1-1.5 million in an uncapped year seems like an absolute no brainer to me. I wouldn't mind at all if tried to upgrade but if worse comes to worst we have a capable back up who can step in at 2 positions (I'd put him in at RT before Breno or Barbre and LG before Spitz or EDS) and we'll be ok for 1.5 million or we get a second round pick if he signs somewhere else. Just don't see why we would let him walk away for nothing when he is better IMO than at least 4 of the linemen we would have.

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PackerAaron's picture

January 28, 2010 at 12:45 pm

wgbeethree - that's a great question about ERFA's - I'll ask around and see what I can find out.
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I hear what you're saying about Collegde, and I agree the money makes sense if he comes back for that price. But he showed real regression this year. Also, you're right, he was good in 08, but not when he moved over to RT. He was terrible there before getting injured.

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hyperRevue's picture

January 28, 2010 at 01:17 pm

nerdmann - I can't imagine Kampman will have any trade value seeing as he's coming off a torn ACL and most likely won't be ready until training camp.

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Furthermore, a rehabbing 30-year-old DE and an under-achieving LB will not yield a LT worth much of anything.

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wgbeethree's picture

January 28, 2010 at 01:40 pm

Aaron....I know you and I are never gonna see eye to eye on Colledge, which is fine, but terrible at RT is a little harsh. He wasn't spectacular but he was certainly servicable. IMO, and again I'm not sure you'd agree, he was clearly better than Barbre in pass protection and Tauscher in run blocking while at RT. I'll assume we both think he's better than Breno. That should at least put him in the picture as a RT possibility. Maybe not the ideal option but an option none the less when compared to the others.

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PackerAaron's picture

January 28, 2010 at 02:27 pm

wgbee - No, he was terrible. Just because he was better than Barbre at pass blocking doesn't mean he was serviceable. It means he was better than the worst right tackle on an NFL opening weekend roster in 2009. That doesn't mean much. I don't want him anywhere near RT. Like you said, I don't mind him back as a backup at RG or LG - but no more tackle for Mr. Colledge. Just brutal.

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Aaron Rogders's picture

January 28, 2010 at 02:44 pm

Has anyone got this email that has been floating around yet?

God asks Peyton Manning first: "What do you believe?"

Peyton thinks long and hard, looks God in the eye, and says, "I believe
in hard work, and in staying true to family and friends. I believe in
giving.
I was lucky, but I always tried to do right by my fans."

God can't help but see the essential goodness of Manning, and offers him
a seat to his left.

Then God turns to Aaron Rodgers and says, "What do you believe?"

Aaron says, "I believe passion, discipline, courage and honor are the
fundamentals of life. I, too, have been lucky, but win or lose; I've
always tried to be a true sportsman, both on and off the playing
fields."

God is greatly moved by Aaron's sincere eloquence and he offers him a
seat to his right.

Finally, God turns to Brett Favre: "And you, Brett, what do you
believe?"

Brett replies, "I believe you're in my seat."

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PACKERS.'s picture

January 28, 2010 at 04:08 pm

Giacomini may be a mistake, but I think we need as many offensive linemen as we can get our hands on. Out of all of the positions, they seem yo get hurt the most, and we need at least some new talent after this year's early disasters.

I've noticed you haven't said much about our defensive secondary yet. Apart from the offensive line, they are the weakest unit on the team. I could even see how you could make the case for them being the weakest unit. They may have had Woody, but it wasn't enough to totally redeem them. Maybe I'm just overreacting because of all the injuries, but I'm starting to get a little nervous about them.

Go Pack Go!

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PACKERS.'s picture

January 28, 2010 at 04:09 pm

Aaron Rodgers: Nice one! I haven't seen that before.

Go Pack Go!

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Pack Fan In Enemy Territory's picture

January 28, 2010 at 04:47 pm

Jakeomeaney is my new favorite Packer...right next to Jarrett Bush;)! I'm rooting for Jakeomeaney to succeed though if given the chance. He really does have good size for the position & being a former TE, he should be nimble enough. Here is to hoping that he can put it together to silence the naysayers that believe he can't succeed at the NFL level...GO PACK GO!!!

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Ron LC's picture

January 28, 2010 at 04:58 pm

AR - very good! Thanks
_____
Whatever the result of this off-season, the O line needs to come into Game #1 at the level they started playing in Game #8 in 2009.
_____
On to the DB's. Another area of dire need - especially backups.

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Jim in DC's picture

January 28, 2010 at 05:34 pm

...and kickers (P & PK)!

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Dilligaff's picture

January 28, 2010 at 06:34 pm

The weakest part of the team is not the secondary, with 2 probowlers and the defensive player of the year. Injuries and lack of depth hurt the secondary. BF, Steelers, and the Cardinals showed that we need another legit pass rusher in our front 7. Kampman and Hawk have proved not to be athletic enough to play this 3-4 defense and the jury is still out on Barnett. We get better presure from our front 7, our secondary problems will go away.

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retiredgrampa's picture

January 28, 2010 at 06:55 pm

If Tauscher isn't re-signed, TT is just BEGGING for trouble next season. He CAN'T be serious expecting Geocomini to be able to play at a high level. Has he NO respect for Aaron's health? I can only hope and pray he is trying to convince the other GMs that he is satisfied and won't go after every LT in sight.

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hyperRevue's picture

January 28, 2010 at 06:56 pm

I agree that they could use another pass-rushing linebacker, Dilligaff (although I am excited to see what Brad Jones can do with some more maturation) but I disagree that the jury is still out on Barnett. He had a great season.

-----

retiredgranpa - I think re-signing Tauscher is less important than re-signing Clifton. I think Lang is the RT of the future and if that future is opening day 2010, I think they'll be in good shape.

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foundindaho's picture

January 28, 2010 at 07:21 pm

I really like Bigby, his attitude is good and he seems like a helluva guy. But he's injury prone and that puts us in a bad position.

Draft - O Line, O Line, O Line.

I hear the Lions are interested in Mike Iupati. I feel sorry for the Packers and Mike if he goes to Detroit, simply because I think he'd be an asset to the Packers and the Lions suck.

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FITZCORE1252's picture

January 28, 2010 at 07:55 pm

Aaron,

WAAAAY to early to take any of that to heart, you know better.

I'm not gonna take any position battle serious 'till camp starts. Every year it's the same. OTA's last year J Thompson was looking like the starter, everyone (myself included) was real pumped, Barbre was a young up-and-comer with a "mean-streak"... just way too early to tell.

GBP 4 LIFE

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PackerAaron's picture

January 28, 2010 at 08:10 pm

Fitz - you have to pay attention when Thompson answers questions directly. If he's being evasive, he says "We'll see." When he answers things like giving Kampman a contract and giving Breno a shot with direct answers - I pay attention.

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nerdmann's picture

January 28, 2010 at 08:07 pm

I'm not saying let Kampy go and get a conditional pick. I'm saying make a deal with another team, where we get a solid LT and they get Kampy and either a 2nd or 4th, depending on how much he plays/how well he does or whatever.
Throw in Hawk and you might be able to swing a deal somewhere.

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PackerAaron's picture

January 28, 2010 at 08:11 pm

Nerdmann - you are living in a fantasy world if you think any team would give the Packers a piece of chewing gum, let alone a solid LT for a player coming off Kampman's injury.

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nerdmann's picture

January 28, 2010 at 08:58 pm

Ha ha, that's why I throw in a conditional pick and Hawk.

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ctSharpeCheddar's picture

January 28, 2010 at 09:10 pm

They need another fullback

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Andrew In Atlanta's picture

January 28, 2010 at 09:58 pm

It simply has to be smoke from TT regarding Breno. There is no other sane explanation. Aside from Breno I don't really have a problem if Bedard is correct on the other plans. Nice piece from Greg B.

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PACKERS.'s picture

January 28, 2010 at 10:12 pm

In refrence to Breno, TT used the expression, "sink or swim". This doesn't sound like another one of his mindless dedications to struggling players IMHO.

Go Pack Go!

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jack's picture

January 28, 2010 at 10:31 pm

thompson just said that he was going to let breno compete. that's fine- he is terrible and will most definitely fail. we need to resign tauscher as a "safeguard" as well. didn't tt learn anything from this past season?

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nerdmann's picture

January 29, 2010 at 02:15 am

Yo, Jack. Let's let Breno compete. I'm down on him too, but I ain't writing him off. The coaches kept his ass on the roster for SOME reason.

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Dilligaff's picture

January 29, 2010 at 08:35 am

I am not so sure the coaches kept him as you say (nerdmann), as much as it was a decision by TT. In interviews with assistant coaches they do not have anything positive to say and will not go out on a limb to defend him, like they do with Lang.

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Dilligaff's picture

January 29, 2010 at 08:44 am

It comes down to this, Clifton and Tauscher are old and a big risk if they can complete a 16 game season and a playoff run. Tauscher only started and FINISHED 6 regular season games and Clifton would not have been able to play the next playoff game had we won. As much as I like Tauscher, a big IF he can stay healthy all 16 games, Clifton showed how hard that is for an old tackle to do this. To compete next year we have to have viable back ups for both positions. Breno is not it.

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Ron LC's picture

January 29, 2010 at 10:12 am

First 8 games - 38 sacks
Last 8 games - 13 sacks
_____
Why? Wells at center, Tauscher at RT, and Clifton hanging on. With the exception of Sitton who played well and Lang who showed some potential, there is no one on the current roster who can step in to fill the loss of any one of the three old guys (I include Wells here). Breno plays with the speed of a statue, Barbre is Barbre, EDS is an undrafted FA that likes to jump on the pile so he gets noticed, Spitz a slightly below average G at best and a bad center, and after 4 years, Colledge will never get better than he is now.

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BlackHawk's picture

January 29, 2010 at 11:18 am

I can see the Queens going after Kampman if they lose younger, up and coming Ray Edwards to FA. I would rather have the Queens get Kampy, then have them keep Edwards. We need O-line and secondary, Harris is becoming a ? and the jury is still hold on Patrick Lee. Bring in another vet to push Crosby and TT should admit he made a mistake and resign Jon Ryan who is a FA. Teddy ball game has the best poker face than any other GM.

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PACKERS.'s picture

January 29, 2010 at 04:22 pm

I think they need to keep Tauscher, just as some veteran presence in an extraordinarily young line. There seems to be a direct relationship between his return and the eventual success of the offensive line at the end of the season.

Go Pak Go!

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PACKERS.'s picture

January 29, 2010 at 04:24 pm

Darn, these iPod keyboards are killing me. That would be "Go Pack Go!"

Go Pack Go!

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Brett Cristino's picture

January 29, 2010 at 05:08 pm

I'm calling it now, we take Jared Odrick with our 1st Rd Pick. Big Ten DPOY, PERFECT 5-tech build, next Richard Seymour IMO. Word out of Mobile is that we kept a close eye on him, great character guy as well.

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ZeroTolerance's picture

January 29, 2010 at 05:49 pm

IMO Bigby is not a dissappointment. I never expected anything from him except raw hitting power (which results in injuries) and no coverage ability. His one surprise 1/2 season was exactly that - a surprise. This player needs to be replaced and shown the door.

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FITZCORE1252's picture

January 29, 2010 at 06:15 pm

"Fitz – you have to pay attention when Thompson answers questions directly."

For the most part I agree, BUT; after hearing Ted say that he didn't watch the NFC Championship (if anybody believes that, look me up, I've got some great property for sale, REAL CHEAP), I guess I'm kinda thinking Ted's working on his "change-up" right now... probably wrong, wouldn't be the first time.

GBP 4 LIFE

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Oppy's picture

January 29, 2010 at 07:16 pm

Just wanted to mention that I've seen it written that Ted Thompson was named Executive of the Year by SI/Peter King recently.
.
I'm just amazed at how little to nothing has been made of this honor by the local media. Just the fact that Peter "Favre" King gave the nod to TT speaks volumes.
.
Can't help but feel like too many Packers fans still want to hold onto and believe all the anti-TT propaganda, even though the man seems to be so well respected by his peers and some of the national sports media. The man isn't perfect, but he's done a good job of rebuilding this team. Give the man his due.

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Brett Cristino's picture

January 29, 2010 at 07:22 pm

Yeah Bigby is the type of player that is good enough to win with but you'll always be looking to replace. I was screaming to take Kenny Phillips in 08, wish we eould have, love Jordy but...

If Earl Thomas is there at 23, I think TT will take a long, hard, look at him.

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FITZCORE1252's picture

January 29, 2010 at 07:32 pm

Packer fans, here is something to wake you up at night -

"Thompson added the team still has high hopes for Lee, a second-round pick in 2008 who has played in five games because of injuries.

"We're hoping so," Thompson said. "We're counting on him."

Man, I hope Ted IS throwing "change-ups", 'cause if we're "COUNTING" on Pat Lee... that has the potential to suck quite a bit. But, as I said, I'm not gonna get too worked up about anything until August, been there, done that (who am I kidding, yeah I will).

GBP 4 LIFE

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hyperRevue's picture

January 29, 2010 at 08:18 pm

Brett Cristino - if the Packers pick a DT with their 1st pick, I'll officially join the Fire Ted Thompson gang.

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FITZCORE1252's picture

January 29, 2010 at 08:21 pm

hyper,

You and me both.

GBP 4 LIFE

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Ron LC's picture

January 29, 2010 at 09:45 pm

#1 Oline
#2 D Backs all sizes and shapes
#3 Punter
#4 FG Kicker to goose Crosby out of his doldrms.

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FITZCORE1252's picture

January 29, 2010 at 09:47 pm

Check out the comments from this - http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/38195514.html article (this time last year). We were gonna get Malcom Jenkins, Albert Haynesworth, Julius Peppers, Al Harris was trade bait.

Learn something from this folks, don't get to worked up about anything you hear this time of year, curb your enthusiasm.

GBP 4 LIFE

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Brett Cristino's picture

January 29, 2010 at 11:26 pm

He's not a DT, he's a DE, and Cullen Jenkins is gone after next season when his contract is up IMO. He's complained about the scheme in the past, and he seems like a guy who is going to chase a big contract. Say we can't re-sign Pickett, and Jenkins walks after next season, in 2011 we're stuck with Raji, Jolly, and ? along the Defensive Line. The only guys on our Defensive Line who are under contract after next season are Raji, Wynn, and Harrell, nothing is guarenteed in the NFL and i'd love to get another stud on the D-Line to pair with Raji in the future. This Draft is as deep of a class as i've seen in a long, long, time, so TT is going to have his hands full trying to decide who to Draft.

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Brett Cristino's picture

January 29, 2010 at 11:41 pm

Meant to add this in:

Ted always Draft with the future in mind, and I believe every position(obviously excluding FB, K, P) outside of WR, C, QB, TE, and RB are a definate possibility in the 1st Round. If Ted took a WR in the 2nd Round when Driver, Jennings, Jones, and Ruvell were already in the fold, it wouldn't surprise me in the least bit to see him take a guy like Odrick in the 1st. Plus, there's nothing wrong with having a surplus of Defensive Lineman, as long as the other holes are adequetly filled. Sure I'd love an OT in the 1st Round but if Bulaga is gone, I'd hate to reach for a guy like Charles Brown in the 1st in such a deep draft, and I think Ted would agree. Brown is on the wrong side of 290, gets pushed around in the run game, and just isn't ready to start right now. The ideal situation would be to go after Jammal Brown of NO if they let him go. Bushrod stepped up in a big way after Brown went down and i'm not sure NO is going to want to pay the last year of Brown's contract, especially after they give Jahri Evans a nice pay raise. I hope Ted aggressively tries to land a LT prior to the Draft so we can focus on other needs on Draft Day, maybe give Lang a long look there but I think he's better suited inside. I get giddy thinking about the prospects of a Lang-Spitz-Sitton interior, those 3 would certainly get after you.

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FITZCORE1252's picture

January 30, 2010 at 06:34 pm

Brett,

I wouldn't be opposed to adding some depth to the D-line in the late rounds. If we go D-line before the 4th, I would really have to question that, lots of other more pressing needs. Although Ted is known for going with the BPA, so we'll see.

GBP 4 LIFE

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hyperRevue's picture

January 30, 2010 at 09:48 pm

Brett Cristino - Every web site I checked out (CBS Sports, NFL Draft Scout, ESPN, etc) list him at DT. But, really, I don't follow college football, so I have no idea.

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All that said, if he was a DE in college, do you see him as a 3-4 DE or OLB?

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Brett Cristino's picture

January 30, 2010 at 10:10 pm

Hyper: He's a DT in college, in the 3-4 he'd be a DE or 5-technique. Think Johnny Jolly and Cullen Jenkins, DTs in a 4-3, DEs in a 3-4. All about body types, 3-4 DEs are asked to hold the point and stuff the run, which is why they're generally around 300 lbs. It's probably the most unglorious position on Defense but good ones are tough to find.

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FITZCORE1252's picture

January 30, 2010 at 10:54 pm

hyper: I watch an inordinate amount of college football, in this instance it doesn't matter how much college you know. Because if we're going D-line in the 1st round, we both should focus on the pro-game as there is obviously much for us to learn.

Now if you wanna talk about someone like Graham from Michigan (had a solid senior bowl, I was impressed) who is a DE but would be ask to convert to an OLB, that is definitely something I could see. I really hope that's the direction we go @ 23 (not necessarily graham but OLB), a complimentary OLB/beast pass rusher opposite Clay would only help the secondary (which will be getting as many as 3 players back next year that were on I.R. this year, I don't know if we're as thin as people think... @ CB anyway).

If a C.J.Spiller or a Jahvid Best were there @ 23, THAT would be tempting. I really think if we added a guy like that, our offense would be VERY hard to outscore, and if we maintain a top 15 D, that would be a potent combo.

BUT, deep down, we all know... O-line is probably the right thing to do in the 1st... WE'LL SEE.

GBP 4 LIFE

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BigbyATTACK's picture

January 31, 2010 at 10:28 pm

Aside from the first round, we badly need a punter. It's not a glory position, but if we start the season with Kapinos I'm gonna pull out my hair.

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hyperRevue's picture

February 01, 2010 at 07:53 am

BigbyAttack - I think I read on here that Jon Ryan is going to be a free agent. Maybe TT can have a do-over.

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