Ted Thompson and the Draft and Develop: Could it restrict Aaron Rodgers to one Super Bowl ring?

Ted Thompson has been successful with the draft and develop program, but does he need to be more creative in player management? Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Considering Green Bay Packers General Manager Ted Thompson‘s record, it is difficult to question his track record of success, but can the “draft and develop” system be too much of a good thing?

It may be early yet, but from looking at the recent 49ers contest, the Packers appear to be having some of the same problems that have plagued them in recent years – lack of a consistent pass rush, stout defensive back play and a sporadic running game. Is it time for the Packers to consider a possible trade or a dip into the free agent pool?

We have seen time and again other teams being active in those two venues (e.g Seattle with RB Marshawn Lynch, Denver with QB Peyton Manning, New Orleans with Drew Brees, etc). That is not to say that these teams are often successful in taking such gambles, but there can sometimes be gold at that rainbow.

What Packers fans may hate to see is a replay of the time when Brett Favre was in his prime and the team failed to put more offensive playmakers around him and the team, while still a contender, and never won another Super Bowl with Favre. Could that happen again with Aaron Rodgers because our defense is playing at an inconsistent level?

Just wondering at this point and it is certainly far from time to panic but if the Packers want to be considered prime contenders for the NFL title this season, one of two things need to happen – first, the defense needs to find its identity and make plays with more consistency with its current cast of players or, second, Ted Thompson needs to find a player or two from somewhere else who can provide the boost the team has needed for the past two seasons.

If Thompson fails to do so, history could repeat itself and Rodgers, like Favre, will have one Super Bowl ring.

Topics: Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers, NFL, Ted Thompson

Mark Gladney

Mark Gladney writes about the Packers from the Lone Star State. Mark was born and bred in Wisconsin and bleeds Green and Gold and is a long time stockholder. A UW-Madison grad many many moons ago and is very pleased to be able to write about the greatest professional sports franchise in the world. Follow Mark on his Twitter page @MarkGladney1. Giddy-up!

Guest

THE HORROR, you know, for your team to have 2 superbowls with just 2 quarterbacks over the span of 20 years. Or you could be a Vikings fan. Or a Lions fan. Or a Browns fan.
palmercottrell

I think there paying Rodger somewhere in the nature of 100 million dollars in the next few years that may make it worth his while to Wear a little green costume and play a game once a week for 16 weeks.
disqus_4W6glc6T7B

There’s no doubt in my mind that Thompson’s philosophy is flawed and will result in no more super bowls. Let’s put aside the fact that he can’t evaluate offensive lineman worth a crap, but every year his team is amongst the top 5 youngest squads in the NFL which means key positions are being manned by very inexperienced players. Look what Baalke in SF has done and others with free agents, like Ron Wolfe before them they aren’t afraid to get the right veteran to fill very important positions to get their team over the top. Wolfe never had an issue making the deal and giving up draft picks or future contract issues when building the “96″ & “97″ super bowl Packers. Ted Thompson is an old man who hordes things, he hordes draft picks for a future that may never come. Like still having timeouts after the game is over. Boy, sure glad I saved those timeouts. Hey, whaddya mean I can’t use them next week?