Packers draft story

[Randall]

Packers draft overview: 'We should get a very good player'

By Pete Dougherty

pdougher@greenbaypressgazette.com April 20, 2007

General Manager Ted Thompson made no moves of note in free agency to upgrade the Green Bay Packers' personnel after going from 4-12 in 2005 to 8-8 last year in Mike McCarthy's first season as coach.

 

 

That doesn't preclude a significant signing or trade in the coming weeks — there's a chance, for instance, that Oakland receiver Randy Moss ends up with the Packers either via trade or as a free agent if Oakland cuts him later this offseason.

 

 

But for now, all the Packers' meaningful offseason additions will come via the 2007 NFL draft on April 28 and 29.

 

 

Unlike last year, when Thompson held a prime pick at No. 5 overall, this year he's picking in the middle of the first round, at No. 16 overall. That reduces, but doesn't eliminate, the odds of landing a Pro Bowl-caliber player in the first round. Considering the Packers' many needs, he can choose a player at nearly any position to play a significant, if not starting, role immediately.

 

 

"History tells you every time it's your turn to pick, if you do the right thing, you can get a good player," Thompson said this week. "Certainly, at 16 in this year's draft, we feel the draft is strong enough that we should get a very good player. Whether that player becomes a quote-unquote impact player, I find that hard to judge. If I can get a good football player, I'm happy."

 

 

Thompson has nine picks in this year's draft — his own in each of the seven rounds, plus a seventh-rounder acquired from the New York Jets for tackle Steve Morley and a free-agent compensatory pick in the seventh round.

 

 

"The way this team is going to improve the greatest is improvement from within — these younger guys getting a year older, having that experience, another good offseason," Thompson said. "That's the way you get better and the way you sustain getting better."

 

 

Thompson probably will need immediate help from this draft class to improve on last year's 8-8 record, and he has holes in his roster.

 

 

In no particular order, the Packers' greatest needs are a starting-caliber halfback; a quality cornerback to play the nickel role for a year or two and eventually take over for one of their two aging starters, Charles Woodson and Al Harris; a receiver who can stretch defenses and eventually replace 32-year-old Donald Driver in the starting lineup; a safety good enough to beat out Marquand Manuel or any of the other returnees at that position; and a tight end with the running and receiving talent to challenge defenses vertically.

 

 

That's a significant list that Thompson can't come close to filling in one draft. He will have done well to fill two of them with immediate help over draft weekend.

 

 

"I don't think you can ever guess (immediate major contributors from a draft)," Thompson said. "We'd certainly like to over the long haul, but whether right away or not, that's a little more difficult. But over the long haul, you'd like to have two starters out of every (draft)."

 

 

To set the Packers' draft board, Thompson has been meeting with his top scouts — personnel analyst John Schneider, director of college scouting John Dorsey, director of pro personnel Reggie McKenzie, and pro scouts Tim Terry and Eliot Wolf — since early April.

 

 

Then, starting Monday, Thompson brought in his college-scouting staff for meetings through the weekend, with the daily schedule generally running from 7 a.m. through 7 p.m. Beginning Monday through Thursday next week, he'll meet with the coaching staff for its input and set the final board.

 

 

There's always the chance Thompson will make a trade in the first round, but his history almost precludes a trade up. In his seven previous years running drafts — five with Seattle, two with the Packers — he's made no trades up in any round. He's traded back in the first round three times. Two of those came in 2001, when he had two first-rounders. He moved from No. 7 overall to No. 9 overall for third- and seventh-round picks from San Francisco, and from 10th overall to No. 17 in a deal that included acquiring Packers quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.

 

 

Then, in 2002 he moved from No. 20 to No. 28 overall for the Packers' second-round pick.

 

 

Thompson insisted he's had numerous talks to move up in every draft. But his failure to pull the trigger on any of those deals suggests he drives a hard bargain, because he hates to give up extra picks to move up.

 

 

Trading down is another matter. In his two drafts with the Packers, on draft day he's parlayed 13 picks into 23 total.

 

 

"I'm the kind of person that goes to two different grocery stores to try to find cheaper oranges or something," he joked. "… In this particular draft, it depends on how it falls and how things work out. We have added quite a number of young players to our team over the last few years. That's helped if in fact we don't add more picks to our current draft group."

[Fatman]

I really don't think that the Pack will draft Lynch, be it staying at 16 or trading down. WR/TE in the first, RB in the second.

[Swiss Cheezhead]

Thanks again for sharing good Packers info, Randall.

[Randall]

Packers know there are tricks to draft trades

 

By TOM SILVERSTEIN

tsilverstein@journalsentinel.com

 

Posted: April 19, 2007

 

If Ted Thompson was paying attention during the years he served under former Green Bay Packers general manager Ron Wolf, then he knows there are times when you have to come to the college draft ready to go all in.

 

In his seven years in charge of draft operations, five as vice president of football operations in Seattle and two as Packers general manager, Thompson has sat at the table but hasn't made the draft equivalent of a big play: trading up in hopes of a rich reward.

 

Of the 13 draft-day trades he has been involved in the past seven years, all have been to the rear with Thompson giving up his pick for multiple picks later in the draft. Wolf, his mentor, also mostly traded down - 10 of his 16 trades moved that way during his 10 years in charge of the Packers draft room - but he took his shots, too.

 

"I don't think it hurts to have volume, especially today," Wolf said in a phone interview Thursday. "Those guys have to make your team. If you have two chances to be right rather than one, then volume helps you. But I don't think there's any risk in trying to move up."

 

Such was the case in 2000, when Wolf desperately tried to move ahead of the Chicago Bears in the first round so he could select linebacker Brian Urlacher. Nobody would play ball with him and so he was stuck at No. 14, where he took tight end Bubba Franks.

 

Wolf did trade up three times in the first round during his tenure: in 1993, giving up two second-round picks for the 29th pick, which he used to select safety George Teague; in '94, giving up a first and a third for Miami's pick at No. 16, which he used to select offensive guard Aaron Taylor; and in '98, giving up a first and a second for Miami's pick at No. 19, which he used to select defensive end Vonnie Holliday.

 

Both moves netted the Packers a solid starter, but they weren't franchise-changing selections, leaving Wolf open for criticism.

 

"I never really worried about that," he said. "What I worried about was getting the individual I wanted. If I gave up too much, then I gave up too much."

 

Thompson, heading into his third draft as Packers GM, said the same thing when it came to discussing his philosophy about moving up. He said he tried to move up several times in Seattle, but couldn't find a trading partner.

 

He said if the right player were available, he wouldn't hesitate to give up more than what the draft value chart - a universally accepted tool for determining the worth of each slot in the draft - indicates is a fair deal.

 

"If we feel like there is a player that can add significantly to our team and the value doesn't add up on paper, you go with what you think the value is more than you do with some chart," Thompson said. "It depends on how you value that player."

 

During his first two years in Green Bay, Thompson went mostly for volume, trading down seven times to acquire a total of 23 picks. Sixteen of those players are on the roster, in addition to several free agents who were signed after the draft, so the team is full of youth and developing players.

 

With nine selections overall this year - one each in the first six rounds and three in the seventh - Thompson probably doesn't have enough ammunition to move up into the top 10 where he might covet Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson or Louisiana State safety LaRon Landry. But he could move up a few spots if there's a player he desperately wants.

 

More likely is a move down because there is depth in this draft at some positions and he might be able to get a talented player at Nos. 20-23 and still get a much-needed running back in the second round. Thompson said a move down becomes a thought when his draft board has several players of equal value lined up and moving back wouldn't affect the quality he has to choose from.

 

"It all goes back to following the board," Thompson said, a lesson he learned from Wolf. "If the board thins out and you need to trade up and get higher quality, you do that. If the board is looking good then you know you can trade back and get a similar player."

 

Wolf said the Packers became known during his tenure as a team that was willing to trade and so teams were constantly calling to make a deal. Thompson said nothing had changed because he has showed the same willingness to trade, even if it isn't upward.

 

"We're always glad to get phone calls," Thompson said. "Even though last year we made a lot of trades, we probably tried to, or people tried to with us, trade more times than we actually did. Ninety percent of the time the other team says no."

[Fatman]

Thanks again for sharing good Packers info, Randall.

 

 

[piratesownninjas]

[Chavez]

I really don't think that the Pack will draft Lynch, be it staying at 16 or trading down. WR/TE in the first, RB in the second.

Really looking at it, I'd rather see Leon Hall, Amobi Okoye, Jamaal Anderson, or Aaron Ross drafted before Lynch; Lynch would be fine with me, but I like the RB depth. And I am NOT a fan of Greg Olsen.

 

A RB or TE could come in the 2nd round, with Zach Miller, Kenny Irons, Brian Leonard, and Ben Patrick possibly/probably available at that point. Tanard Jackson isn't a bad prospect there either - could be a nickel CB/starting safety, as he's a bit of a tweener.

 

3rd round CB Fred Bennett, RB Brandon Jackson, S/CB/RB/athlete Eric Weddle, and TE Scott Chandler should be aroun to fill in whatever holes are left after the first couple picks.

 

I don't see WR as a glaring need at this point - I like the Driver, Jennings, Martin, Holliday, and Ferguson (and KRob?) unit enough where I don't see a need to spend a high pick on them. Though if they do go WR, Dwayne Bowe and Robert Meacham sound like either could be a good complement to the smaller Driver/Jennings combo, Robert Meacham; and Sidney Rice and Anthony Gonzalez are more like Driver/Jennings but look to be solid contributors (South Carolina WRs have been good to GB).

[Swiss Cheezhead]

I don't see WR as a glaring need at this point - I like the Driver, Jennings, Martin, Holliday, and Ferguson (and KRob?) unit enough where I don't see a need to spend a high pick on them.

 

 

I agree, and that's why I think Ginn is the only WR they'd take in the 1st. His true field-stretching speed would add a new dimension to the offense, and we've needed a dynamic return man for a long time.

[piratesownninjas]

Im all for trading down and getting more picks... I think there are about 10-12 true first round players in this draft, and a hugh surplus of 2nd/3rd round talent... I'd like to have as many picks in the 2nd and 3rd rounds and let TT work his magic.

[Chavez]

I agree, and that's why I think Ginn is the only WR they'd take in the 1st. His true field-stretching speed would add a new dimension to the offense, and we've needed a dynamic return man for a long time.

 

I like Ginn more as a Devin Hester-level return man than as a WR. Not that I don't think he could contribute as a WR, just I see him as a WR3/more of the same (undersized speedster) with Driver and Jennings around.

[Randall]

Patty's draft report is pretty good.

[Chavez]

I think $5 mil for a guy who has several 10-sack seasons is more than reasonable. Sherman overpaid for him at the time, and KGB is probably overpaid for what he now is - a 3rd down pass-rush specialist - but the salary doesn't hurt the cap, he works hard, is fairly productive, and he's a great citizen to boot. I wouldn't freak out if they traded him, but I don't really see why they would.

[Randall]

Some rumors-

 

The Packers never had a chance to sign free agent cornerback Tory James once New England entered the mix. Not only were the Patriots willing to offer substantially more money, but they can also provide the 33-year-old former Bengal with a legitimate opportunity to compete for a starting job – especially if Asante Samuel holds out …..

 

Kansas City and Philadelphia both contacted Green Bay about possible trades in the last few weeks. The Eagles are looking to move running back Ryan Moats and the Chiefs are trying to unload former All-Pro returner Dante Hall. Don’t expect GM Ted Thompson to bite in either case, although he could make a play for Hall should he eventually be released…..

 

Although the Packers are relatively happy with kicker Dave Rayner and punter Jon Ryan, don’t be surprised to see one or two highly-rated specialists signed as free agents immediately after the draft…..

 

And finally, Vernand Morency reported to workouts in terrific shape. While most outsiders project the former Oklahoma State standout as a change-of-pace back, those closer to the situation are more convinced than ever that he can be a 1,000 yard rusher.

[Swiss Cheezhead]

Some rumors-

 

And finally, Vernand Morency reported to workouts in terrific shape. While most outsiders project the former Oklahoma State standout as a change-of-pace back, those closer to the situation are more convinced than ever that he can be a 1,000 yard rusher.

 

 

 

 

Can you tell me where these rumors came from?

[Randall]

Can you tell me where these rumors came from?

 

 

 

Packer Update.

 

http://pu2006.typepad.com/packerupdate/

[piratesownninjas]

And finally, Vernand Morency reported to workouts in terrific shape. While most outsiders project the former Oklahoma State standout as a change-of-pace back, those closer to the situation are more convinced than ever that he can be a 1,000 yard rusher.

 

I really hope Morency takes the job from the start. He was very good in college, and I think he's strong enough for us to adress other weaknesses and draft a bigger back in the 3rd, 4th, or 5th. Outside of the Rams game last year, Morency was great in limited work. I know that there are durability concerns from last year, but I think they were just chance injuries.

[Chavez]

I really hope Morency takes the job from the start. He was very good in college, and I think he's strong enough for us to adress other weaknesses and draft a bigger back in the 3rd, 4th, or 5th. Outside of the Rams game last year, Morency was great in limited work. I know that there are durability concerns from last year, but I think they were just chance injuries.

 

I'd like to see them grab a quality RB in the 2nd or 3rd, but I saw enough last year to think the Morency and Herron in a RBBC could be adequate - not saying it would be McAllister/Bush, but enough of a run threat to keep some balance in the offense.

[piratesownninjas]

I'd like to see them grab a quality RB in the 2nd or 3rd, but I saw enough last year to think the Morency and Herron in a RBBC could be adequate - not saying it would be McAllister/Bush, but enough of a run threat to keep some balance in the offense.

 

Yeah, good enough that we could solidify greater areas of need... Personally, I wouldnt mind seeing them bring in Brian Lenoard Michael Bush or Tony Hunt to pair with those guys...

You're only as good as your weakest link, and Bubba and Manuel are not getting it done.

[Chavez]

Yeah, good enough that we could solidify greater areas of need... Personally, I wouldnt mind seeing them bring in Brian Lenoard Michael Bush or Tony Hunt to pair with those guys...

You're only as good as your weakest link, and Bubba and Manuel are not getting it done.

 

Agreed on all counts. It's also worth noting that in their final college seasons, both Morency and Herron shouldered pretty heavy loads.

[budlitebrad]

I would love to see them grab a defensive playmaker in round 1, like Nelson or whoever is BPA. Maybe even trade down and grab Meriweather and extra picks. Then grab a RB or a TE like Miller or Patrick 2nd and 3rd. Steve Smith wouldn't be bad either on day 1.

[piratesownninjas]

I would love to see them grab a defensive playmaker in round 1, like Nelson or whoever is BPA. Maybe even trade down and grab Meriweather and extra picks. Then grab a RB or a TE like Miller or Patrick 2nd and 3rd. Steve Smith wouldn't be bad either on day 1.

I think this is what the majortity of the homers on this board want...

In a perfect draft, We'd either grab Nelson or Hall at 16 or trade down and get Merriweather Griffin or Ross and additional picks. We've got to start to look for the future in our secondary. If Leon Hall or Aaron Ross is the choice, have him play nickel to start off, then transition him to corner and get Woodson at saftey... If Woodson would move to saftey, I think it would help out Collins a great deal...

It took me a while to come around on TT's drafting philosophy of trading down and getting more picks. After seeing the return we got with Cooledge, Jennings, Spitz, Moll, then adding great depth at MLB with Hodge... Geez. I think I have a man crush on TT.

[Swiss Cheezhead]

Packer Update.

 

http://pu2006.typepad.com/packerupdate/

 

 

Haven't seen that one before -- thanks.

[Randall]

More from Packer update

 

We asked the scout to take 15 prospects off the board and then play the part of Ted Thompson and select for the Green Bay Packers at No. 16. After hemming and hawing on the last two or three names, he finally removed the following players from consideration: quarterbacks Brady Quinn and JaMarcus Russell, running back Adrian Peterson, wide receiver Calvin Johnson, tackles Joe Thomas and Levi Brown, defensive linemen Gaines Adams, Amobi Okoye, Jamaal Anderson, Adam Carriker and Alan Branch, linebacker Peter Willis, corners Leon Hall and Darrelle Revis and safety LaRon Landry.

 

 

The scout told us that Revis was the player he really wanted at 16, but he just didn’t see the former Pitt star lasting that long. “I’d be thrilled if he was on the board,” said the scout. “If not, my focus would turn to a couple of other defensive backs. In my mind, Brandon Meriweather is one of the most talented prospects in the entire draft. He is one of those rare safeties who can match up one-on-one with wide receivers. Talent-wise, he’d be a perfect fit. The problem is his character.” The ex-Miami star was involved in a shooting in January 2006 and was suspended for one game last season for his part in an ugly brawl against Florida International.

 

 

If Meriweather’s character is too much of a concern - and it very well could be - then Florida’s Reggie Nelson would be the scout’s next option. “The kid is a true ballhawk at safety,” said the scout. “He would add a much-needed playmaker to the secondary and he’d make Nick Collins more effective by allowing him to stay closer to the line of scrimmage. But I wonder whether Thompson is willing to add yet another pure safety to the mix after drafting Collins, Marviel Underwood and Tyrone Culver and signing free agent Marquand Manuel in the past two years.”

 

So while the scout likes Meriweather and Nelson, he also concedes that neither player may be what Thompson is looking for. And that’s why trying to figure out who will be picked in the middle of round one is so difficult. Even a scout with over 20 years of experience has no way of knowing what Thompson actually thinks of specific players. That’s why mock drafts are seldom worth the time people put into compiling them. But, of course, it’s also this unpredictability that makes the draft so much fun. Anyway, since you’ve read this far, we guess it’s time to make a selection. Drum roll please...

 

 

SCOUT SAYS: “I’d select Meriweather, but my butt isn’t on the line. I also really like Nelson, but I just don’t see Thompson going in that direction. A trade down is definitely a possibility, but if I have to pick at this spot, I’m going to say [Tennessee's] Robert Meachem. The kid has the size that Thompson and Mike McCarthy desire in their wide receivers and he has the deep speed to stretch the field and make big plays. I’m not 100% convinced that he’s worth the 16th pick, but his potential is unlimited.” Now the only question is whether Thompson feels the same way (don’t bet on it).