Randall Cobb should be one the Packers’ top threats this season.
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The 2012 Packers offense was not abysmal by any means, finishing as the thirteenth ranked offense in the NFL, averaging 359.4 yards per game.One thing that is certain, the Green Bay Packers 2013 offense will be different.

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But this was clearly a fall-off from the 2011 season in which the Aaron Rodgers-led offense finished third in the NFL at 405 yards per game. But at the end of the day the Packers were not Super Bowl champs in either season and in both of the previous years they had a bad showing in the playoffs.

In the ever-evolving NFL, change is constant and Coach Mike McCarthy understood adjustments needed to be made.

To some degree the Packers offensive attack over the past three years has been boom or bust. Most of the boom came from the passing game. It’s hard to fault McCarthy for building around Aaron Rodgers, arguably the best quarterback in the game with an arsenal of receivers at his dispense. As a whole, the receiving corps was deep and talented. The problem was the offense’s predictability and the offensive line’s woeful showing.

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In 2011, the Packers clearly benefited from the talent at wide receiver and Rodgers’ ability to get them the ball. But other teams caught up to their scheme in 2012. They defended the pass and came after Rodgers fast and furious, sacking him 51 times on the year. The running game was irrelevant and the offensive line was clearly not functioning as a well-oiled machine.

The offseason moves and the draft indicated the Packers are working to bring balance to their offense in 2013. From a financial perspective it was not a big surprise that wide receiver Greg Jennings was not signed. But the talent of the receiving unit does take a hit. With that said, most teams in the NFL, and especially teams in the NFC North, would be happy to have Randall Cobb, James Jones, Jordy Nelson and tight end Jermichael Finley at their disposal.

The subtraction of Jennings was balanced by the addition of second round draft pick Eddie Lacy and fourth round selection Johnathan Franklin at running back. The logic here is undoubtedly to create a more balanced attack. In theory, by upgrading the running game, defenses will no longer be able to disregard the Packers rushing attack and key in on the passing game.

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Taking things one step further, Coach McCarthy recently announced that the offensive line would be getting a bit of a make-over, same faces really, just in different places. Right tackle Bryan Bulaga will flip-flop to left tackle and the same for right guard Josh Sitton, who will move to left guard. Last season’s left guard T.J. Lang, of course, is set to move to right guard. It seems the Packers are comfortable with Evan Dietrich-Smith at center. Right tackle, on the other hand, is an open competition between last year’s left tackle Marshall Newhouse, second year man Don Barclay, 2011 first round pick Derek Sherrod, and rookie David Bakhtiari from the University of Colorado.

The moves on the offensive line indicate the Packers are wisely looking to protect the blind side of franchise quarterback Aaron Rodgers and look to run behind a mauler of a guard in T.J. Lang on the strong side. The competition at right tackle will be interesting to watch develop.

On paper, which of course is not where the games are played, the Packers looked to be improved from an offensive perspective. If injuries hit the receivers, depth could be an issue. If the rookie running backs flop, then it’s back to square one in that department. And if the offensive linemen can’t make the adjustments, then that could be disastrous. But all of it is speculation and that is why the games are played.

In the end, the 2013 Packers season should be a fun one to watch unfold.

Of the changes made, which do you think will have the largest positive or negative effect?

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Charles Woodson, in my opinion, is one of the Green Bay Packers all-time great players. His dedication to his craft, leadership, and ability to get the job done on Sundays positions him alongside the likes of Leroy Butler and Willie Wood in the annals of Packers history. His willingness to tackle and his nose for the ball made the Packers defense better each and every game.

The Packers released Woodson in February. As of today he remains a free-agent. The San Francisco 49ers kicked the tires on Woodson earlier in the offseason and some reports state that he is still on their radar. Many argue the Packers should bring Woodson back. I believe it is in the best interest of the team to move forward without him.

In 2012, the Packers struggled with parting with another all-time great Packer, Donald Driver. Some may argue that Driver still had some good football in front of him. I’ll be frank; I am not one of them. Not to take anything away from the career contributions Driver made to the Green Bay Packers, but the game had passed him by.

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It seemed to me that Driver’s decreased playing time and diminished role had a negative effect on the team. Driver was not happy, but he handled a difficult situation with class. Several weeks Driver was not a part of the active roster, including the NFC Wild Card game against the Minnesota Vikings. Then the following week against the San Francisco 49ers Driver was activated. Driver had even gone as far to state that he would play special teams against San Francisco. To me the move to activate Driver was a sign of weakness that rippled through the locker room. It implied that there was a significant chance that the Packers may lose and it is best for the organization to have Donald Driver on the active roster.

When the Packers released Woodson in February it was reported that the Packers did not even attempt to bring him back at a reduced salary. From the outside looking in I believe this was very much intentional by Ted Thompson and the Packers. They learned from the 2012 experience with Donald Driver and did not want to repeat this scenario with Woodson.

Just like many believed Driver had something left in the tank, the same is thought about Woodson. I don’t doubt that there are still interceptions to be made and ball carriers to be brought down by Charles Woodson. But his ability to compete at a high level each and every down no longer exists. He has lost a step – maybe two – and his health, specifically his collarbone, is a liability.

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Sooner or later the Packers had to say goodbye to number 21. This is never easy with iconic players. Keeping Woodson around for the 2013 season stunts the growth of young players like Jerron McMillian, M.D. Jennings, and Sean Richardson. It creates unnecessary drama and simply does not make the team better.

Ted Thompson has been tasked with parting ways with a number of Packer greats. He handled the Driver scenario well, but probably should not have brought him back in 2012.

Fresh off that situation, Thompson simply tore off the proverbial bandage. It smarts at first, but then the healing begins. The Packers are better for it and I think Charles Woodson will find himself in a better situation as well.

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With the draft now in the rear view mirror, the offseason moves of the Green Bay Packers provide a peek into the offices at 1265 Lombardi avenue. A bit of insight into how Ted Thompson views the needs of the team and the direction Coach Mike McCarthy is steering the Packers can be understood by looking at the moves made over the past few months.

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One thing that is certain, the run game is thought to be relevant for the Packers moving forward. Over the past few seasons the Packers have placed very little emphasis on rushing the ball. This is of course Aaron Rodgers’ team and because of that and the stable of receivers at his dispense; it was a pass-happy offense.

The Packers passed 56 percent of the time in 2012. With that, Aaron Rodgers was sacked 51 times. On one hand the common assumption would be that the Packers need to improve the offensive line play. They do, but the real problem here was opposing defensive coordinators scoffed at the Packers feeble attempt at a running game.

Over the course of the season the Packers accumulated 1,702 yards on the ground spread out amongst nine different ball carriers. Aaron Rodgers accounted for 259 of those yards and Randall Cobb 132. The leading rusher, Alex Green, rushed for just 464 yards with 3.4 yard average and no touchdowns. Having no regard for the Packers ability to rush the ball, defenses came after Rodgers fast and furious. The common analogy was defensive linemen were just pinning their ears back and coming for Rodgers.

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With the additions of running backs Eddie Lacy from Alabama and Johnathan Franklin from UCLA the Packers add young talent, but also an interesting mix of running styles. Lacy is a power back and has been compared to Frank Gore. Franklin has a little wiggle and speed and draws comparisons to Shane Vereen of New England, and others liken him to Maurice Jones-Drew of Jacksonville.

With the addition of Lacy and Franklin at least two of the Packers six running backs from last year will not be returning for 2012. Ryan Grant is already a free-agent; therefore the favorite to be the odd man out is Cedric Benson.  However, Alex Green, DuJuan Harris, James Starks, and even the legendary John Kuhn are all equally sharing the hot seat, as it would be unusual for the Packers to carry six running backs on the active roster.

It is apparent with the addition of Lacy and Franklin that the Packers want to earn some respect on the ground rushing the ball. It will create what Thompson and McCarthy are always reciting, competition. And the competition should be fierce.

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All of the returning Packers running backs have at one point in time or another shined or shown promise. James Starks has been hampered by injury, but has demonstrated that when healthy he can be a threat.

DuJuan Harris in a small sample size was impressive in the latter portion of last season. Alex Green has potential and was probably called upon last year to do too much. Third down back might be the best role for him.

The running game opens up the passing game. Between the returning backs and the additions through the draft the Packers on paper look to be improving in the ground game.

A rotation of Lacy, Franklin, Harris and Starks offers a variety of different looks and will be interesting to see the 2013 backfield develop.

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The allure of the NFL Draft is intriguing for all football fans, including us in Packers Nation.

I understand that after all, what else is there to talk about for the fan bases of most teams between the months of January and April.  How is our team, in this case the Green Bay Packers, going to get better?  This of course ultimately leads to the conversation about the best available talent coming from the college ranks.

I am old enough to recall the early days of the 1980 brainchild of Chet Simmons and Pete Rozelle, an idea to broadcast the NFL Draft live on ESPN.  The olden days, of long broadcasts filled with lots of air time where Chris Berman and Bob Ley used their genius and vast football knowledge to entertain NFL geeks like me across the land.

It’s pretty amazing from a technological perspective how far we’ve come. Even hacks like me get the opportunity to play Mel Kiper Jr. in front of the world. A spectacle that in 1980 looked from the TV to resemble a Hair Club for Men conference or time share event has evolved into a full fledge Broadway Show love fest chocked full of embraces between embattled NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and his new employees.

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Why is the draft so fascinating? It must be for reasons other than scarcity. Is it a societal or primal urge to be picked, or selected? Or as Andy Warhol mused, everyone gets their 15 minutes of fame? Possibly living vicariously through the star offensive lineman from Central Michigan, because you played offensive line in high school?

I don’t know about all that. What I do know is the Green Bay Packers; my favorite NFL team did not win the Super Bowl this past season. Because of this they need to improve. They need help on the line on both sides of the ball and they need help in both the offensive and defensive backfields.

The 2013 NFL Draft intrigues me because it is a roll of the dice and an exercise in confidence. Trusting that Ted Thompson will fulfill the mad football scientist role he has assumed and will again pull together the right concoction of athletic talent, brains, brawn and football intuition to prepare the Green Bay Packers for another Super Bowl Run.

This is why the 2013 NFL Draft intrigues me.  In Ted We Trust and Go Pack Go!

Why does the NFL Draft intrigue you?

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North Carolina Tarheels defensive tackle Sylvester Williams moves in on Duke Blue Devils quarterback Anthony Boone. Could Williams be wearing the Green and Gold next season?
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This is an exciting time for Green Bay Packers fans and NFL fans in general.

The 2013 NFL draft is just around the corner. Despite free agent signings and the recent start of the offseason workout program, the draft is the alarm that wakes football fans from hibernation across the nation.

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Since the last tick ran off the clock against the San Francisco 49ers back in January “the experts” have been mocking the draft and agonizing over who the Packers might select. I for one have not been trying to predict the rationale of Packers General Manager Ted Thompson. Instead I took a much more secure approach. I looked at what Thompson has done in the draft in the past.

This week I write with a more reckless abandon. I will jump or at least nudge myself into the fray and take a couple of swings at whom I think would benefit the Green Bay Packers.

Let’s begin by considering what the Packers need. Most would agree that the Packers biggest areas of need are on the offensive and defensive line. With the recent departure of Greg Jennings, acquiring some more talent at the wide receiver position might be necessary going forward. Although they have some young talent in M.D. Jennings and Jerron McMillan at safety, I don’t know that they are sold just yet. Safety and defensive back is an area of need as well.

Everyone always concerns themselves with the first round pick and one small blemish on Thompson’s draft record is a few hiccups in selecting first round players. Justin Harrell was certainly a bust and the jury is still out on Derek Sherrod and Nick Perry. Last week I equated Thompson to a baseball player who hits for a good average and has enough power to keep the pitcher honest. If this is true, and Thompson is a .300 hitter this year’s selection should be at least a double.

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A few guys I would be happy to see in the Green and Gold coming out of the first round are on the defensive side of the ball are Sylvester Williams and Jonathan Jenkins. Williams, a big defensive tackle from North Carolina, has seen his stock climb of late.  He is a good combination of size and speed and can stuff the run and get to the quarterback. He has also been described as a “violent” tackler. That’s enough for me to hear after watching a few seasons of poor tackling by Green Bay defenders.

Jenkins, at 6-3 and 359 pounds, is as they say, “a load,” at the line of scrimmage. He seems to be strong against the run and eats up blockers. With Ryan Pickett getting up in age, Jenkins could pick up where he leaves off.

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On the offensive side of the ball, D.J. Fluker, a mean looking guy from Alabama, is a physical specimen who excels in the run game but is somewhat of a liability in pass protection. The Packers do need help in the running game and road graders up front could make the difference. But having another so-so pass protecting tackle responsible for keeping Aaron Rodgers upright concerns me.

At center, I like Travis Frederick, but the guy I would really like to see in a Packer uniform is Barrett Jones of Alabama. He is versatile and we know Mike McCarthy likes that in offensive lineman and he is intelligent. In college he played center, guard and tackle, with center being his strongest position. Jones is predicted to go in the second round. If as many are starting to speculate, the Packers trade down and out of the first round, I would be excited for Thompson to grab Jones.

I don’t know that the Packers need to select a wide receiver in the first round, but if one of value falls into their lap I wouldn’t be opposed. With Randall Cobb emerging as the Packers go-to guy I would like to see the Packers get a bigger receiver to balance their attack. Two guys that have caught my attention are Robert Woods of USC and Terrance Williams of Baylor. Both Woods and Williams have good speed and good hands and are projected to be available in the second or third rounds.

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Just like I prefer a bigger wide receiver I think the same can be said at the safety position. Phillip Thomas of Fresno State is intriguing as is the kid with a checkered past from Georgia, Bacarri Rambo. I don’t know about you, but Rambo at safety sounds pretty menacing. Both of these guys do not seem to shy away from contact and have put up numbers that indicate they have a nose for the ball.

Really, my guess is as good as yours. As they say, “In Ted we trust.”

But even more important – wake up, everyone! Football is back!

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Over the past eight weeks I have been reviewing Ted Thompson’s previous NFL drafts with the Green Bay Packers, beginning with his first in 2005. The conclusion I have reached is, although flippin’ awesome, Ted Thompson has a really difficult job.

He has drafted 75 players during his time with the Packers. In my opinion, based on my look-see analysis nearly 65 percent of the players selected managed to stick around at least two years and make reasonable on-field contributions. To make a baseball comparison of Thompson’s draft success, he hits for a high average, with a lot of doubles, and has home run power that keeps the pitcher honest. That’s a guy you want on your team. He’s going to win you games and you can depend on him.

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Thompson’s first five first round draft picks – not counting 2008 because the Packers’ first pick was in the second round, Jordy Nelson – were really solid. One MVP quarterback, one bust and three intricate pieces to either the offense or the defense.

As for the two most recent, it is too early to tell. Thus far it is a tough call. Both Derek Sherrod and Nick Perry have had their seasons cut short by injury. But they both still have the potential and opportunity to develop into solid players.

One could argue that Thompson’s worst draft class was his first, in 2005. You could also contend that it was his best. Aaron Rodgers was an obvious home run and Packers Nation may not have celebrated Super Bowl XLV without Nick Collins. But other than those two guys it’s pretty slim pickings. Brady Poppinga is the next note-worthy player to emerge from the 2005 draft.

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Thompson’s most consistent draft of his eight is the 2010 draft class.

All seven players selected are still on the team and each of them have made reasonably significant on-field contributions. The knock on this class might be that there have been no stars who have emerged and there is a decent chance that none do.

Many of these guys do have the ability for Pro Bowl seasons, but health has also been a concern for many of these players.

With the past behind and the 2013 draft in front of the Packers it is safe to assume that five of the Packers eight picks will make the team.

Continuing with the seasonally appropriate baseball analogy, it’s possible there might be a home run in the bunch, but it’s likely there will be a lot of doubles and a couple of singles.

However they drop, it will be exciting because the 2013 season is on the horizon.

Below is every draft pick of the Packers under Thompson’s regime. This is provided by NFL.com.

What are your thoughts? Leave a comment below, click on over and Like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.

Packers first round draft pick Nick Perry chases another 2012 draft pick, Russell Wilson, who was selected from the University of Wisconsin. Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

2012 marked Ted Thompson’s eighth draft with the Green Bay Packers. And at this point it looks to be very reminiscent of the 2010 draft. A year in which Thompson and the Packers didn’t necessarily select any individual stars, but did bring on board a number of guys who can play valuable downs for the team.

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With their first round pick and 28^th overall the Packers took a collegiate defensive end from USC, Nick Perry. The Packers drafted Perry, who at 6’3” and 265 pounds, was a little undersized to play defensive end, but they believe he can fill the void at outside linebacker in their 3-4 defensive scheme opposite Clay Matthews III. In 2012 the Packers gave Perry a chance to start right from the onset of training camp.

Unfortunately for Perry and the Packers, 2012 was an injury-riddled season for the rookie outside linebacker. Perry injured his wrist in the opening game of the season versus the 49ers. He continued to play with a brace. He then injured his knee in the Oct. 14 game against the Houston Texans. While out with the injured knee he got a second opinion on his injured wrist and it was determined it was in his best interest to have surgery. Perry finished the season with 18 tackles and 2 sacks.

Provided Perry can stay healthy the Packers should get a better understanding of Perry’s ability to counterbalance the pass rush opposite fellow USC alum Matthews. Perry did show some promise in 2012, but there are inklings that he is not a high effort guy. Packers fans hope that 2013 is a breakout season for Perry.

In the second round the Packers had two selections. Thompson traded the number 54 selection and the number 123 pick for pick 51 in the draft. With the fifty-first selection they took a defensive end from Michigan State – Jerel Worthy. Many experts thought Worthy would go in the first round, it was apparent that Thompson thought Worthy was a steal at the 51 spot and worked his magic to trade up for the defensive lineman.

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Worthy finished the 2012 season with 14 tackles and 2.5 sacks. He played well in spurts as a rotational player in the Packers defense. Like most rookies he improved over the course of the season. In the last game of the year against the Minnesota Vikings Worthy tore his ACL. He will be challenged to begin the 2013 season on the active roster.

The second selection in the second round proved to be the best selection by the Packers in the 2012 draft. With this pick the Packer brought on board a cornerback from Vanderbilt, Casey Hayward. With veteran Charles Woodson’s 2012 collar bone injury Hayward was a welcomed addition to the Packers’ secondary. Hayward recorded 53 tackles and six interceptions. In October 2012, he was named rookie of the month.

Most impressive was opposing quarterbacks had a 31.1 passer rating against him. Much is expected of Hayward in 2013.

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The Packers did not have any selections in the third round, but they had two picks in the fourth. With the first of those two picks they selected an undersized defensive lineman who made up for his lack of stature with desire and the proverbial motor - Mike Daniels from Iowa. Daniel’s biggest contribution of the year came on Dec. 9, against the Lions when he recovered a Matthew Stafford fumble and ran it in for a touchdown.

With the second selection in the fourth round the Packers selected a hard-hitting safety from Maine – Jerron McMillan. The Packers trusted the rookie enough to play him in nickel and dime packages in 2012. The 2013 draft will hint at the faith the Packers have that McMillan will blossom into a contributing player for their defense. If they draft a safety relatively high, it can be assumed they are not overly impressed with the young safety from Maine.

In the fifth round, Ted Thompson traded up to select Terrell Manning, an inside linebacker from North Carolina State. The fact that Thompson traded a sixth and seventh round pick to select Manning gives some indication that they expect a lot from him. However, Manning’s rookie season got off on the wrong foot and 2013 should be a better representation of his ability. Manning dealt with an unknown stomach virus in training camp that caused him to lose 15 pound while battling to make the team. He eventually discovered that it was a parasite that caused colitis, which leads to a swelling of the large intestine and constant diarrhea.

For the third time in the 2012 draft the Packers had multiple picks in a given round. The seventh round brought the Packers an offensive tackle from Florida State, Andrew Datko, and a quarterback from Tennessee-Chattanooga, B.J. Coleman.

Datko is an interesting case. He was highly regarded offensive tackle in college, but shoulder injuries knocked him out of his senior season at Florida State. This caused his draft stock to fall and slowed his progress with the Packers. He was released by Green Bay during final cuts and signed to their practice squad. If healthy, Datko could have the potential to be a 2012 draft surprise.

Coleman also landed on the practice squad in 2012. He is a bit of a project, but said to have a big arm. With a full off season it is possible that Coleman could challenge incumbent Graham Harrell for the backup quarterback spot.

Of the Packers’ first eight selections five of them played a significant amount of time for the Packers in 2012. Year two is often when guys make the biggest strides in their development. It will be interesting to see who from the 2012 class rises to the top. Certainly the Packers hope Nick Perry becomes an impact player in the coming season. Casey Hayward will most certainly challenge for a starting role in 2013.

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The 2011 Green Bay Packers draft class is peculiar one. Of the 10 players chosen, only one, Randall Cobb, has really made an impact. Other than Cobb, for the six players remaining from this draft, the 2013 off season and training camp is going to be an important time for these guys. For many of them have the potential to play good football for the Packers.  The question is in 2013 is will they take off or flame out?

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The Packers first round selection, the 32nd overall, offensive tackle Derek Sherrod, is the most intriguing prospect of this class. Sherrod, if you recall, suffered a gruesome leg fracture against the Chiefs in December of 2011, when Tamba Hali rolled into him in the fourth quarter of the game. Sherrod at that point in the season was just starting to get a feel for the NFL.

It was hoped that the 2012 offseason would give Sherrod the edge at the left tackle position needed to challenge for the starting spot against Marshall Newhouse. Those dreams were dashed, as Sherrod was forced to sit out the entire 2012 season rehabbing his leg. The Packers are hopeful Sherrod can return in 2013 and compete this season for a spot on the offensive line.

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In the second round the Packers selected a player that has quickly become a go to guy on offense. A versatile wide receiver from Kentucky, named Randall Cobb. The 2012 season was a break out year for Cobb, as quarterback Aaron Rodgers targeted him 104 times and connected 80 of those times for 954 yards and 8 touchdowns. Cobb lines up all over the field in the Packer offense and is also an effective return man. Although in 2013 it is likely Cobb’s return duties will dissipate, as his real value in on offense.

With their third round pick the Packer chose a running back from Hawaii, Alex Green. His rookie season was shortened after suffering an ACL injury early in the year. In 2012, his first full season, Green rushed for 464 yards averaging 3.4 yards per carry and no touchdowns. I don’t think the Packers have thrown in the towel on Green just yet, but 2012 certainly was underwhelming. Green will need to fight and scrap during the 2013 offseason to secure a place on this coming year’s roster.

Jim O

Ted Thompson selected a big corner back from New Mexico, Davon House, with their fourth round pick. The Packers like House, but he has had some difficulty staying healthy. 2011 he was hampered by ankle and hamstring injuries and in 2012 he suffered a shoulder injury that limited him to nine games. He did, however, show some flashes of the big physical corner that Packers thought they drafted. The highlight of his career thus far was in week 8 of 2012 when he blocked a punt against the Jacksonville Jaguars and teammate Dezman Moses returned it for a touchdown to secure the Packers 24-15 victory. As a result House was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week.

With a pick obtained from San Francisco via Denver the Packers selected D.J. Williams in the fifth round. A 6-2, 245-pound tight end from Arkansas some thought had the athletic ability to challenge Jermichael Finley for the tight end position. Thus far this has not been the case. Williams has collected just nine catches for 70 yards in the past two seasons. 2013 is almost sure to be a make or break season for Williams.

In the sixth round Ted Thompson had amassed three selections. Of those three, only D.J. Smith has stuck. With linebacker Desmond Bishop going down in the first preseason game of the 2012 season, Smith was almost assured a starting job. He ultimately won the starting inside linebacker position, but he too was injured.  In week six at the Houston Texans, he tore an ACL and reportedly more. Prior to the injury, Smith had 2 sacks and 39 tackles. If he can recover in time for training camp, which has been rumored to be doubtful, he will compete for playing time at the crowded inside linebacker position.

The other two picks in the sixth round, offensive lineman Caleb Schlauderaff and defensive end Ricky Elmore never made the Packers final roster. Schlauderaff was traded to the Jets on Sept. 3, 2011, for an undisclosed draft pick. Elmore is currently on the Redskins roster.

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Green Bay also had multiple picks in the seventh round. With their first pick in the seventh round they selected a Ryan Taylor from North Carolina. A tight end; a guy who plays with a mean streak, has proven to be a very good special team player. With the recent departure of Tom Crabtree, if Taylor continues to progress on special teams, it is a safe bet he’ll be returning in 2013.

With the other pick in the seventh round the Packers selected defensive end Lawrence Guy from Arizona State. Guy spent the 2011 season on injured reserve. In 2012, he was one of the last players released in training camp and landed on the Packers practice squad. The Indianapolis Colts signed Guy in October 2012.

As I said in the beginning this was an interesting draft class. Every player selected is still in the league, a reflection of Ted Thompson’s eye for talent. However, outside of Randall Cobb, none of these players have really identified themselves as solid contributors. With the exception of Cobb, Taylor, and Williams, all of these guys have suffered significant injuries at some point. This does of course factor into their lack performance.

In 2013, I would look for Davon House to take the next step towards becoming a valued player in the Packer secondary. If Sherrod can return healthy, at the very least he can add needed depth to the offensive line. The same can be said for D.J. Smith at the inside linebacker position. I would also expect Ryan Taylor to be a leader on special teams. For the others this offseason will probably determine if they return to the Packers regular season roster.

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If you’re a Green Bay Packers fan you know that the 2010 season was special.

The 2010 Packers draft class was also pretty special. Going into the 2013 season every player from the 2010 draft class is still on the team, and most have played a lot of football for the Packers.

After finishing the 2009 season 11-5 the Packers were slotted with the twenty-third pick in the first round. In desperate need of acquiring some youth on the offensive line, specifically at the tackle position, the Packers selected Bryan Bulaga, a 6-5, 314-pound tackle from Iowa.

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Initially drafted to play left tackle, Bulaga was called into action at the right tackle position in the fifth week of his rookie season. Bulaga went on to start the remainder of the 2010 season. In Super Bowl XLV, Bulaga was the youngest player, 21 years and 322 days old, to start a Super Bowl. There is some concern about Bulaga’s health going into the 2013 season, as he was placed on season-ending injured reserve with a hip injury in November 2012.

In the second round the Packers selected a bull of a defensive lineman, Mike Neal, from Purdue. The Packers have had high expectations for Neal, but injury has prevented him from meeting his potential. 2012 was probably his most consistent season after returning from a four-game suspension for testing positive for Adderall. Packer fans hope that Neal’s injury struggles are behind him and 2013 will be a breakout season.

With their third round pick and seventy-first overall, the Packers selected safety Morgan Burnett from Georgia Tech. Burnett tore an ACL in October of his rookie season. He successfully returned to the Packers’ defensive backfield in 2011 and has been a solid player every season since.

Without a fourth round selection Green Bay took a tight end with a slightly checkered past from Penn State – Andrew Quarless in the fifth round. Coming out of Penn State, Quarless was thought of as a good athlete and a solid receiver. With Jermichael Finley going down with a knee injury in 2010, Quarless received a lot of playing time during the Super Bowl run. He was not outstanding per se, but he did haul in 21 receptions. Quarless suffered a gruesome knee injury in Week 13 of the 2011 season and missed all of the 2012 season. With Tom Crabtree now departed for Tampa Bay, Quarless will be a candidate to fulfill Crabtree’s blocking duties.

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Fifteen selections later the Packers made another pick in the fifth round. This time they selected offensive tackle Marshall Newhouse from Texas Christian University. Newhouse played a limited role in 2010, but played in 16 games and started 13 in 2011. In 2012, with the departure of Chad Clifton, Newhouse became the Packers’ starting left tackle. Newhouse is an interesting case. He’s not great, but he’s not terrible either. Definitely serviceable, but do the Packers want a serviceable left tackle protecting the blind side of their franchise quarterback? It’s possible we will find out in the draft and or training camp this coming season.

In the sixth round the Packers selected a 6-2 running back from the University of Buffalo, James Starks. Starks is another guy cursed with the label “potential.” He is also cursed by the injury bug. These have been two consistent themes of the career of James Starks. He was very much a difference-maker in the 2010 Super Bowl run, but various injuries have kept him off the field for portions of his three seasons with the Packers. This is disappointing, because at times Starks has flashed skills which prompt some comparison to Adrian Peterson. 2013 will probably be a make or break season for Starks.

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With the Packers seventh pick and last selection of the 2010 draft they acquired a player who has proved to be a real value, defensive end C.J. Wilson from East Carolina. Wilson has played in 42 games since his arrival in 2010. He has only accumulated 3.5 sacks, but what he does do is stop the run and eat up blockers. Additionally the hulking defensive end is well known for his ability to play the piano.

In terms of pure value the 2010 draft was a success. At this point there are no perennial All-Pro’s in this class, though, if he can stay healthy Bryan Bulaga could possibly attain that status. There may also be a Pro Bowl in Morgan Burnett’s future.

Nevertheless all seven of these players have been solid and needed contributors at one point in time or another. A couple of these guys may see their time come to end in Green Bay in 2013, but most of them should continue to add value to the team.

2010 produced another solid draft class for Ted Thompson and the Green Bay Packers.

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 A disappointing 2008 season saw the Green Bay Packers finish a lackluster 6-10. This was good for the second to last spot in the NFC North, in front of only the lowly Detroit Lions who finished without a win that season. There is always an upside, and for the Packers their dismal 2008 showing positioned Ted Thompson with the ninth pick in the draft.

With that ninth selection Ted Thompson took B.J. Raji, a 6’2,” 337-pound defensive tackle from Boston College. Raji has proved to be a very good nose tackle for the Packers, the anchor of the defensive line. The 2010 Super Bowl season was Raji’s breakout year.  He recorded 39 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and defended three passes. Despite the impressive numbers in 2010, Raji’s most memorable moment that season was a “hula” dance that he did in the end zone following an interception against the Bears in the NFC Championship Game. At the conclusion of the 2013 season, Raji is due a new contract.

If there is one draft in which Thompson displayed his genius, it was in 2009. One thing that was omitted in the opening paragraph, was 2008 was also the year Brett Favre retired and then un-retired and then traded to the New York Jets. Provided Favre took a majority of the snaps for the Jets in 2008 the Packers would be awarded the Jets’ 2009 third round pick. Favre did take the majority of snaps. Ted subsequently packaged the Packers’ second round pick with the third round pick from the Jets, number 83 overall, for the New England Patriots’ first round pick, number 26 overall.  With that selectin the Packers took Clay Matthews III.

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Matthews for the aging gunslinger – some might say that Brett Favre is the gift that keeps on giving for the Packers. I mean all Matthews has done since his arrival in 2009 is record 204 tackles, 42.5 sacks, four interceptions, seven forced fumbles and score three defensive touchdowns. Not to mention the accolades – four-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time All-Pro, Super Bowl Champion and 2010 NFC Defensive Player of the year.

If Favre had just stayed retired, all the Packers would have gotten is a retired number and most likely some public relations.

Without a second or third round pick the Packers didn’t make another selection until the fourth round. With that pick they chose T.J. Lang. Evidently Ted was fond of players that went by initialized first names in 2009. Nonetheless Lang has evolved from a scrappy, undersized tackle with a frat boy mentality to a mauling guard who is yet to reach his suspected ceiling. Lang is a solid starting guard on an average offensive line with a knack for attracting attention on twitter – @tjlang70

Per usual, Thompson hit on about 50 percent of his draft selections in 2009. After selecting Lang in the fourth round, Ted didn’t snag another true keeper until the seventh round, when he selected linebacker Brad Jones from Colorado. Jones has been up and down, battling injuries, and learning multiple positions during his time in Green Bay. Last season was arguably his most productive. As a result he may very well make some money in free agency this offseason.

Outside of the aforementioned players, the Packers had two fifth round picks and two sixth-rounders. None of the four developed into players for Green Bay. Defensive end Jarius Wynn played quite a bit, including the 2010 Super Bowl run, but was released in 2012 during training camp and later signed by the Indianapolis Colts. Fullback Quinn Johnson from LSU also played on the Super Bowl XLV team. The Packers thought they had a bruising fullback who could block and run. Johnson was cut in 2011 after demonstrating that he could not do either exceptionally well. The biggest disappointment of these four was Brandon Underwood. An immature cornerback who you suspect the Packers thought they could capitalize on his potential and assist in his maturation process. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. Underwood had multiple scrapes with the law and did not produce on the field. Another guy Thompson missed on was fifth round selection Jamon Meredith, a big offensive tackle from South Carolina.

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Ted Thompson’s 2009 draft was very solid. He selected two guys who became Pro Bowl-caliber and one of them is multiple hamstring injuries from being a perennial All Pro. Six of the eight players selected were contributors on a Super Bowl team. Four years after the draft and having four players starting is a sign of success.

Jordy Nelson has been the biggest hit among those selected in the 2008 NFL Draft by the Packers.
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The 2008 Green Bay Packer Draft class was quite honestly hit or miss.

Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

The Packers did not have a first round pick as a result of a two-for-one swap with the New York Jets. The Jets received the thirtieth pick in the first round from the Packers and dealt Green Bay a second round pick, number 36 overall, and a fourth round pick, number 113 overall. After selecting Jordy Nelson with the pick acquired from the Jets, Ted Thompson seemed to be boom or bust with every other selection throughout the 2008 draft.

As Packers fans know Jordy Nelson has developed into a pass catcher that provides quarterback Aaron Rodgers with a deep threat on the outside. Nelson’s biggest season thus far was 2011 when he caught 68 passes for 1,263 yards and 15 touchdowns. He played a big role down the stretch for the Packers 2010 Super Bowl team and may have been Super Bowl XLV MVP had it not been for a number of drops. Hampered by injury in 2012 his numbers declined. It would be expected he will continue to rise in 2013 with the assumed departure of Greg Jennings.

Overall, the Packers had three second round picks. With the other two the Packers selected quarterback Brian Brohm from Louisville. Brohm came with a big arm, but was beat out in camp by seventh round selection Matt Flynn from LSU. With their third second round pick they selected Pat Lee a defensive back from Auburn. Lee played with the Packers from 2008-11. He never developed into the player the Packers thought he would become. After signing as a free-agent with the Raiders he was waived in November of last year. He then signed with the Lions.

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In the third round the Packers selected a tight end from Texas with a freakish combination of size and speed, Jermichael Finley. Some players get labeled with the dreaded “P” word – potential. A blessing and a curse and Finley most certainly shoulders the burden. His numbers have been solid. In fact, if Tom Crabtree put up Finley’s stats it would certainly turn heads. But some might consider Finely a disappointment. But his potential has positioned Finley to make a very healthy salary in the near future. Because of this, many, including Raymond Rivard, believe soon there will be a “Where are They Now” post about Jermichael Finley.

The fourth round produced a defensive end from Wake Forest, Jeremy Thompson. Thompson’s NFL career never really got off the ground. A neck injury forced him to the sidelines in December 2009. He retired in April of 2010 due to an undisclosed injury.

Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Green Bay also held two selections in the fourth round. With their second fourth round pick they snagged their now anchor of the offensive line, Josh Sitton. Recently Bleacher Report rated Sitton the third best guard in the NFL. Sitton, a 2012 Pro Bowl selection looks to have another stellar 2013 campaign.

To round out the draft the Packers took Breno Giacomini with their fifth round pick. Matt Flynn with their first of two seventh round picks.  To complete the 2008 draft the Packers picked Brett Swain, a receiver out of San Diego State.

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Giacomini is now in Seattle, where he started all 16 games for the Seahawks in 2012. Matt Flynn is also in Seattle. He landed a big pay day, but hasn’t netted much playing time due to the emergence of Russell Wilson. Swain latched on with the Packers long enough to earn a Super Bowl ring. He played with the 49ers in 2011 after being released in training camp that same year by the Packers.

The 2008 draft did not yield a bounty of talent, but the guys that did produce did so in a big way. The second round was especially disappointing only hitting on one of three picks. But as the norm, Thompson still came away with a better than average draft class.

Johnny Jolly was at the top of his game when his life spiraled out of control.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Often those who have shined the brightest have come to understand that there is no greater education than adversity – just ask Johnny Jolly who is asking for absolution from the Green Bay Packers.

Three years after being suspended indefinitely by Roger Goodell for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, Jolly has been reinstated by the league. Jolly, as many know, had a number of problems with the law as a result of an addiction to codeine. With the reinstatement, Jolly was awarded a second chance, the ability to rekindle an NFL career that seemed to be very much on the rise.

Johnny Jolly with former Packer Aaron Kampman await the start of play during a 2009 game at Lambeau Field.
Raymond T. Rivard photograh

At 6-3 and 310 pounds, Jolly was positioning himself to become the anchor of the Packers defensive line. In his first and only season in Dom Capers’ 3-4 defensive scheme Jolly tallied 24 tackles, one sack and 10 passes defended, including an interception that put his athleticism on full display. His length, ability to take up space and absorb blockers, coupled with speed and quickness, exceptional for a man his size, made him an ideal fit for the Packers’ defense.

His talent and untapped potential made it particularly frustrating for Packers Nation when Jolly’s legal troubles began to mount, ultimately resulting in the indefinite suspension and a prison sentence. Jolly was arrested four different times on drug possession charges. In November 2011, Jolly was sentenced to six years in a Texas prison. However, after serving just six months he was released and put on “shock probation” for the next decade.

With the shock probation Jolly caught a break. This was an opportunity to, first and foremost, get his life in order and secondly, the ability to resurrect his sidetracked career in the NFL. The Packers retain his rights and will need to decide if they will invite Johnny Jolly back into the Packers family.

A November 2011 ESPN Outside the Lines episode well documented Jolly’s troubles, a result of an addiction to prescription cough syrup, prometh with codeine. A beverage mixed with Sprite and Jolly Ranchers to create an opiate-laced concoction that was fashionable with the Houston Texas rap community in the 1990s. What began as recreational drug use ultimately spiraled out of control into full-fledge addiction that turned Jolly’s world upside down.

Within the Packers fan base there seems to be mixed emotions regarding bringing Jolly back to the Packers. From a practical perspective, Jolly has been out of football for three seasons. One would assume he is a bit rusty. However, a quick surf of the Web will direct you to blogs and tweets that reveal another sentiment in which Packer fans are more jaded and view Jolly as a criminal who doesn’t deserve another chance in Titletown.

It is true Johnny Jolly is a criminal. But his illicit behavior is a result of an opiate addiction. It is also true that this addiction stems from poor choices Jolly made to recreate with the codeine-laced beverage often known by the name “Purple Drank.” However, it should also be considered that Jolly is a high profile person whose struggle is illuminated in the limelight of NFL stardom.

Opiate addiction in the United States is a real problem. Jolly is one of millions who are struggling with an opiate addiction. It is estimated that nearly 30 million people or 10 percent of the population have used opiate-based pain medicine for non-medicinal reasons. Jolly, like numerous others in the United States, can recover from this addiction and be a contributor to society.

Jolly celebrates following a big play for the Packers.

Another thing to consider is Jolly is not the first member of the Packers family to struggle with an opiate addiction. In February 1996, Packers MVP quarterback Brett Favre slipped into a violent seizure following a surgery to remove a bone spur and chips from his ankle. Doctors said the seizure could have been attributed to his addiction to Vicodin, a narcotic analgesic painkiller.

Peter King of Sports Illustrated reported in a May 27, 1996, article that Favre said he quit using Vicodin cold-turkey after the seizure.  Favre’s opiate addiction was not a minor problem. King also reported that Favre checked into rehab willingly in accordance to NFL policy but was not initially thrilled with the idea. Favre ultimately was very open about his addiction.

In an October 2011 radio interview, Aaron Rodgers told ESPN Milwaukee radio host Jason Wilde that he felt the NFL shouldered some of the blame for Jolly’s continued struggle with addiction. Rodgers expressed concern about taking a person like Jolly away from his support system. Although Favre was eventually much more forthcoming about his addiction it seems he received a little different treatment from the NFL than did Jolly. It appears where Favre was assisted by the NFL, Jolly was subsequently exiled. But maybe there is more to Johnny Jolly’s story than we know.

If Jolly is sincere about his quest to return to football and most importantly a life apart from getting high on codeine he most certainly should get a second chance with the Packers.

A successful return by Jolly to the Packers and the NFL is good for everyone. If able to shake the rust, Jolly could be a big addition to the Packers’ defensive line. Even more important, Johnny Jolly can be a shining example of someone who overcame adversity and succeeded.

He doesn’t deserve this chance, he is worth the chance. And if he is genuine and committed, he earned the chance.

In classic Ted Thompson fashion, he was particularly active in the 2007 draft. In the seven-round draft, Thompson and the Packers came away with 11 new Packers, four defensive players and seven offensive players.

The 2007 draft is also notorious for producing Thompson’s biggest draft bust thus far. With the 16^th overall selection in the first round the Packers selected a 6’4” 320-pound defensive tackle from the University of Tennessee – Justin Harrell. Defensive linemen are always a premium and Thompson seemed to like Harrell. The odd thing is the usually conservative Thompson drafted Harrell with a pre-existing injury.

Harrell arrived in Green Bay nursing a torn biceps tendon. Harrell then stoked the ire of Packers fans by showing up for organized team activities (OTA’s) and training camp overweight and out of shape. He didn’t play in his first game his rookie year until the fifth week of the season.

The rookie campaign for Harrell was not overly impressive. 2008 was even more underwhelming. In 2008, he began training camp and ultimately the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list with a back injury. Harrell was first activated on Nov. 1, 2008.

2009 was another disappointment. Harrell injured his back in training camp and missed the entire season. 2010 was thought to be his last chance with the Packers. In the season opener he suffered a significant knee injury in the season opener. This was the last time Harrell appeared in the NFL. The Packers released him in July 2011 and he has not played since. In four seasons with the Packers Harrell played in 14 games.

With all the disappointment aside, the 2007 draft was very much a success for the Packers. Of the 11 players selected, six of them were contributors to the 2010 Super Bowl XLV team. Three of these players look to have big roles for the 2013 Packers squad.

Brandon Jackson was the Packers third down back and occasional starter, but started a bulk of the 2010 season after Ryan Grant went down. James Jones was a key contributor during the 2010 season and now looks as if he might become the Packers number one receiver going into the 2013 season. After being drafted as an inside linebacker out of Boise State, Korey Hall transitioned to fullback and was a key player on special teams from 2007-10. A sixth round pick in 2007, Desmond Bishop has blossomed into an outstanding inside linebacker for the Packers and probably brings more mean to the Packers defense than anyone on the team. The Packers third sixth round pick in 2007 was Mason Crosby, a kicker out of the University of Colorado. With the exception of a poor 2012 season, Crosby has been a very consistent kicker for the Packers.

The genius of Ted Thompson isn’t so much finding that one guy that turns into an All-Pro caliber player, but collecting numerous players in the draft that materialize into key contributors. There are not a lot of general managers that cannot claim to collect six players out of a seven-round draft that develop into worthwhile NFL players. Thompson seems to do this nearly every season. He’s not flashy but he’s consistent and the 2007 Packers Draft class is a shining example of this.

Johnny Jolly was a huge disappointment for the Green Bay Packers.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

A disappointing 2005 campaign saw the Green Bay Packers finish 4-12 and dead last in the NFC North.

The Packers looked to retool in the 2006 NFL Draft on both sides of the football. To do so Ted Thompson worked his magic in ways that have now become his draft trademark. Thompson traded disgruntled Wide Receiver Javon Walker to the Denver Broncos for a second round pick. He then parlayed that pick into a multitude of picks. In all, the Packers selected 12 players in the seven-round 2006 NFL Draft.

With the first pick and number five overall the Packers took a dominant collegiate linebacker from Ohio State, A.J. Hawk. A well- decorated college linebacker, Hawk was a unanimous All-American in 2004 and 2005. He was also the winner of the Lombardi Award and the Jack Lambert Trophy, awarded to the best college linebacker.

Jan 5, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) is stopped by Green Bay Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk (50) during the 1st quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Thompson hoped to solidify his linebacking corps for years to come. Hawk has proved to be a consistent NFL starter. He has often disappointed fans with a lack of flashy plays and having a knack of making plays well beyond the line of scrimmage. But he is a solid field general and a sturdy linebacker. His future with the team is up for speculation going into the 2013 season.

In the second round the Packers had two selections, numbers 47 and 52. With pick number 47 the Packers selected Daryn Colledge an offensive tackle from Boise State. With the fifty-second pick Thompson took a talented wide receiver from little known Western Michigan University, Greg Jennings.

Daryn Colledge played five years for the Packers primarily at left guard. Colledge was serviceable at guard, but often criticized for inconsistent play. Following the 2010 Super Bowl-winning season Colledge signed a five-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals.

Greg Jennings, on the other hand, has enjoyed a very nice run with the Packers. Jennings accumulated more than 6,500 yards during seven seasons with the Packers. Three times Jennings surpassed the 1,000-yard mark. His best overall season was in 2010 when he scored 12 touchdowns and amassed 1,265 yards receiving during Green Bay’s Super Bowl run. In both 2010 and 2011 Jennings was a Pro Bowl selection. Jennings is an unrestricted free-agent and it is likely his time with the Packers is up.

Of the remaining picks only Cory Rodgers was unable to carve out anything that resembled and NFL career. Abdul Hodge saw his promising career side-tracked by injury. After departing the Packers, Hodge spent time with the Cincinnati Bengals and the Carolina Panthers. Jason Spitz has played in 75 NFL games, starting 45. Spitz is currently with the Jacksonville Jaguars after signing a multi-year contract in 2011.

Will Blackmon was a  punt return specialist with the Packers. In 2010, he reached an injury settlement with Green Bay. In 2011, Blackmon won a Super Bowl ring with the New York Giants. He recently signed with the Seattle Seahawks after playing the previous year with the Arizona Rattlers of the Arena Football League.

Ingle Martin played football professionally until 2009. Martin served as the third string quarterback with the Packers, Tennessee Titans, Kansas City Chiefs, and Denver Broncos. He finished his career in 2009 playing with the New York Sentinels of the UFL.

One player that certainly overachieved from the 2006 draft class was offensive tackle Tony Moll. Injuries on the line created opportunities for Moll during his rookie season in which he played in all 16 games and started five games at right guard and right tackle. However, injuries slowed the development of Moll. After starting a handful of games in 2007 and 2008 he was traded in 2009 to the Baltimore Ravens for defensive back Derrick Martin. After spending time with the Jaguars, Chargers and Redskins, Moll is currently a free-agent.

Johnny Jolly intercepts a pass by Jay Cutler at Lambeau Field.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Probably the biggest disappointment of this draft class is Johnny Jolly. He was a gifted athlete and stout run-stopper who had a knack for disrupting plays. Jolly struggled with a codeine addiction that ultimately landed him in jail and caused him to be suspended indefinitely from the NFL. Jolly’s career and life becoming a train wreck is upsetting because he is a player who had a tremendous upside and the Packers could benefit from his talent to this day.

Tyrone Culver spent time with the Packers and the Miami Dolphins. Dave Tollefson spent the 2006 season on the Green Bay Packers practice squad. In 2007, the Raiders claimed Tollefson from the Packers practice squad. The Raiders cut him in 2007 and the Giants picked him up later that season. From 2007-11 Tollefson had a productive career as a key part of the Giants defensive line. He is currently with the Oakland Raiders.

Ted Thompson’s 2006 draft was very much a success. Three players from this class were essential to the Super Bowl XLV Championship. Several others were serviceable for the Packers. More than anything, Thompson’s keen eye for talent was put on display, with 11 of the 12 players drafted enjoying some level of success in the NFL.

In the spirit of the looming 2013 NFL Draft, the “Where Are They Now” series will take a look back at Ted Thompson’s eight previous draft classes. Beginning with the 2005 draft class, the one that when all is said and done, will have the most impact on Thompson’s legacy as Green Bay Packers’ General Manager.

With the first pick and twenty-fourth overall in the 2005 NFL Draft the Green Bay Packers selected a quarterback from the University of California, Aaron Rodgers. For Rodgers, being selected by the Packers provided him reprieve from the torture of waiting in the green room. For many anticipated Rodgers would be selected as the first pick in the draft by the San Francisco 49ers. Instead the 49ers picked Alex Smith and 22 other teams passed over A-Rod.

Whatever misconceptions those teams had of Rodgers’ ability has long been put to rest. Rodgers went on to nudge out the legendary Brett Favre for the quarterback job. And has since collected one Lombardi Trophy, one MVP award, a Super Bowl MVP award, and amassed more than 21,000 yards passing and 171 career touchdowns. It’s safe to say Ted Thompson’s first draft selection for the Green Bay Packers was a good one.

With the second pick Thompson selected a safety, Nick Collins, from the little known 1-AA college Bethune-Cookman in Daytona Beach, Florida. Collins who many thought would be a project quickly filled the big shoes of departing safety Darren Sharper. Throughout his career Collins was known for his speed, ability to intercept passes, as well as making big hits coming from the secondary.

Collins’ most memorable moment for the Packers came in Super Bowl XLV. Collins picked off an underthrown Ben Rothlisberger pass and returned it 37 yards for a touchdown. Upon breaking the plane of the goal line Collins dropped to his knees with arms raised above his head in jubilation, an iconic moment in time for Packer fans.

On Sept. 18, 2011, Collins suffered a neck injury attempting a tackle of Jonathan Stewart of the Carolina Panthers. On April 25, 2012, Collins was released by the Packers citing concern that he could successfully return from such a severe neck injury. In September 2012, Collins’ agent, Alan Herman, stated that it was unlikely Collins would most likely need to retire from football.

The Packers are still looking for a viable replacement for Collins.

Ted Thompsons’s first two picks will be remembered as legendary Green Bay Packers. The next nine selections are not so memorable.

Of the remaining nine selections only three, Brady Poppinga, Junius Coston and Mike Montgomery, made reasonable on field contributions. Terrance Murphy was forced to retire after a neck injury his rookie year revealed that he has spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal cord. Marviel Underwood struggled with knee injuries during his time with the Packers and was released during the 2007 season.

The 2005 draft did not produce an abundance of talent for the Green Bay Packers. But it did bring on board two players that will go down in the history of the green and gold. Quality beat quantity in 2005.

Driver joined the Packers as a 7^th round pick (ironically it was a pick the Packers acquired from the Bears) out of Alcorn State of the Southwest Athletic Conference (SWAC). Alcorn State is a 1A school in Mississippi that is part of a conference that is not exactly known as a football factory.

Every year more than 100,000 boys in their senior year in high school play football. Of those boys, roughly 9,000 become college players, about 2.4 percent. Let’s take this equation one step further, of those 9,000 only approximately 215 will make an NFL roster, a staggering .2 percent.

Donald Driver’s ability to make the Packer roster out of a small school as a 7^th round draft pick is exceptional on its own.  But then to become the Packers’ all-time leader in receptions and yards really amounts to incalculable odds.

We know a lot about what Donald Driver has done, and a little bit about where Donald Driver is headed. But when you look back at the Green Bay Packers’ 1999 NFL Draft class and compare the career success of Driver and the 11 other players chosen that year, it makes Driver look all the more special.

Of the other players not named Donald Driver drafted in 1999 only four players had reasonable success playing in the NFL. Cornerback Mike McKenzie had a nice career with both the Packers and the New Orleans Saints racking up 411 tackles and 28 interceptions over a 10 year career. After being drafted in the 4^th round, quarterback Aaron Brooks enjoyed a solid seven-year career primarily with the Saints and one year with the Raiders, amassing more than 20,000 yards passing and 123 touchdowns. Cletidus Hunt played five years for the Packers being more than serviceable as a defensive tackle. Punter Josh Bidwell played 11 years with three different teams and averaged 42.8 yards per punt.

Donald Driver beat the odds to have an outstanding career in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers.

He leveraged his ability to outshine the 11 players chosen by the Packers in front of him in the 1999 draft. He outplayed numerous receivers that came to Green Bay to wear the green and gold during his 14 years. And now he is the first Packer to have a public retirement ceremony.

Where is Donald Driver now?

He is at the top of Packers Nation.

With the retirement of Donald Driver and the probability that Greg Jennings will leave the Packers via free agency, the Packers’ huddle will look different next season.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Do you remember Sterling Sharpe? An incredibly gifted Green Bay Packer Wide Receiver, who at the peak of his career was forced retire because of a neck injury.

During Sharpe’s seven seasons sporting the Green and Gold he was on a pace to shatter all of Green Bay’s receiving records.

Sterling Sharpe Green Bay Packer Wide Receiver

When Sterling Sharpe’s career numbers are put beside Donald Drivers’ career numbers you can’t help but wonder what Sharpe would have done if he had Driver’s longevity.  Not only that, Sharpe played with Don Majkowski and Brett Favre, when Favre was still rounding into form. Can you imagine what Sharpe would have done if he had Favre for another seven years?

The intent of this comparison is not to undermine the achievements of Donald Driver on a day in which Packer nation is thanking him for his contributions.

Quite the opposite.

Donald Driver Green Bay Packer Wide Receiver Lambeau Leap

It is fixed on celebrating a man, Donald Driver, who went about his business as a Packer with class, dignity, and understanding that he was granted a gift. He was bestowed the athletic ability and body that enabled him to do things on the football field about which the common man could only marvel. He accepted this blessing with humbleness and a desire to use his clout to better those who celebrate him on Sundays.

Donald Driver’s career numbers and longevity are most impressive. They are however far from the greatest of all time. His career receiving stats most likely will not land him a spot in Canton, but sure to cement a spot in the Packers Hall of Fame.

When Sterling Sharpe retired from the Packers and the NFL he was not given a hero’s send off. There was not a Sterling Sharpe Day or a retirement ceremony in which fans braved the night through frigid temperatures to say one last goodbye. Sharpe did not take the time to make the connection with the fans and the community like Driver did. Maybe if he had more time or was a part of Super Bowl-winning teams things would have been different. It’s possible the ice around his persona would have thawed by the warmth of Packer victories.

Driver, by contrast, wholeheartedly embraced Packers Nation, Green Bay, and the state of Wisconsin. With a smile that could light up a coal mine he forged a connection with the community that will live on for generations. His work with Goodwill, a charity softball game, and time spent with kids at Children’s Hospital are among just a few ways he extended his presence outside the lines of the football field. Donald Driver’s legacy goes far beyond the numbers. He set the example of “The Packer Way.”

Nice job Donald Driver and thanks for the memories.

Johnny Holland was known for consistent play at primarily the right inside linebacker position along-side another reliable Packer linebacker – Brian Noble. During his impressive career with the Packers Holland posted 100-plus tackles over five consecutive seasons. Additionally he had 9 interceptions and 3.5 sacks.

During the 1992 season Holland herniated a disc in his neck and underwent corrective vertebrae fusion surgery. He returned to the field in 1993 and assisted the Packers in claiming their first playoff berth in 11 years by recording a career high 145 tackles. Following the season it was discovered that he had herniated a second disc. With that Holland hung up his spikes.

Off the field and during his collegiate career Holland was known for his smarts in the class room. After he retired from playing he leveraged his intellect to go on to a successful 16-year coaching career. The Packers provided him his first opportunity as a Defensive Quality Coach from 1995-1997, collecting a ring after the Packers victory in Super Bowl XXXI. In 1998 Holland served as Special Team Coach and 1999 he was Linebackers Coach.

In 2000 Holland went to Seattle and worked in a variety of coaching roles.  He also coached in Detroit, Houston and most recently Oakland where he was the Linebackers Coach until being released Dec. 31, 2012.

Oct 2, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; Former Green Bay Packers Paul Hornung (5) and Jerry Kramer (64) talk prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Broncos 49-23. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

This begins a series of walks down memory lane revisiting the careers of Packers of yesteryear, while taking a look at what these heroes of the gridiron are doing today.

When you think of the Green Bay Packers of the historic “Glory Days” you think of course of Vince Lombardi, Bart Starr, but right there with them is legendary right guard Jerry Kramer. Famous for his well-chronicled block of Dallas Cowboy left defensive tackle Jethro Pugh in the 1967 Ice Bowl which allowed quarterback Bart Starr to sneak into the end zone to put the Packers ahead 20-17. Following an extra point by Don Chandler time soon expired and the Packers went on to Super Bowl II to play the Oakland Raiders.

Jerry Kramer with former Packers wide receiver James Lofton.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Kramer is regarded as one of the best offensive lineman of the 1960s era NFL.  Number 64 is a five-time All-Pro and he is a member of the 1969 Fiftieth Anniversary Team. Despite the accolades and championship rings Kramer is a 10-time finalist for the Hall of Fame, but has yet to be elected to Canton.  He is, however, a member of the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.

In addition to his on the field fame Kramer is also well known for his work off the field.  In 1967 Kramer partnered with Dick Schaap to pen the book Instant Replay – an essential read for Packer and fans of the NFL in general.  Kramer chronicles his life as a Green Bay Packer during the 1967 season in between and outside the lines. This is an especially memorable point in history, for as it turned out this was Vince Lombardi’s last season as head coach of the Green Bay Packers. His depiction of Lombardi is very intriguing, most definitely a love/hate relationship founded on deep respect.

Following the 1968 season Kramer retired from the Green Bay Packers and the NFL. After football life he went on to write two more books, Farewell to Football, and Distant Replay. In 2006 Kramer re-released Instant Replay. Kramer also founded a charity called Gridiron Greats; this provides medical assistance for former NFL players in need.

He now resides in Eagle, Idaho, just outside of Boise with his second wife, Wink. Kramer has six children and four grandchildren. His son, Jordan, played linebacker in Idaho and then following in his dad’s footstep he played linebacker in the NFL for the Tennessee Titans and then the Atlanta Falcons.

Follow Jerry Kramer on Twitter @JerryKramer64GB and connect with him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jerrykramer64.  If you happen to connect with Jerry Kramer via social media, wish him a happy belated birthday, it was Wednesday, Jan. 23

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Saturday night fears of failure were realized as the Packers got stomped by the 49ers in the NFC Divisional Playoff game. The opportunities that got missed and the things that got swept under the rug over the course of the 16 game NFL season were revealed for everyone to see. The Packers found out that they were not as talented as they thought and like so many times this season they were not very lucky.

The Packers are a better team than they demonstrated Saturday evening. But to consider them one of the elite teams in the NFL is no longer possible. The 49ers on Saturday were simply bigger, faster, stronger and smarter. San Francisco is the team to beat. But they were not the only team to expose the Packers’ weaknesses throughout the course of the season.

Green Bay was not the dominating team that they were during the 2011 regular season. They played several close games and lost a number of games that they should have won. At times they faltered because they seemed to approach games like they just simply needed to show up to win. They also discovered that Aaron Rodgers and his wide receiver arsenal was not all that was needed to be successful.

Their prolific passing attack, although formidable, was not as dictating as it was the year previous. Despite injuries to Greg Jennings and Cedric Benson early on they still had a number of playmakers. What they lacked was pass protection on offense and speed, mean and bulk on defense.

It is clear now that General Manager Ted Thompson missed opportunities to upgrade the offensive line. Despite all their playmakers Aaron Rodgers was continually under duress and often unable to get the ball into the able hands of Cobb, Finley, Nelson, Jennings, and so on. Thompson also missed the opportunity to bring speed, mean and bulk to the defense. Granted, injuries took a toll on the defense. But the Packers can no longer expect to win by simply outscoring their opponents. They need a defense that can take their opponent out of the game.

Green Bay is not a media market like say New York where the smallest of issues become big issues faster than an ill-timed Jermichael Finley tweet. But that doesn’t mean there weren’t distractions inside the Packers locker room. The Packers did try to sweep a few things under the rug.

The biggest being how to handle Donald Driver. Coach McCarthy said a number of times that Driver was a class guy and handled his diminished playing time like a professional. Donald Driver playing or not playing on Saturday had no real consequence on the outcome of the game. But activating him for the NFC Divisional Playoff game simply because it could be his last NFL game or last game as a Packer has got to have some detrimental effects on the psyche of the team. Kind of comes across as a losing mentality. Let’s hope that they find the right way to address Charles Woodson as he enters the twilight of his career.

The other distraction was Greg Jennings. He wasn’t obnoxious in his complaints about his contract. But he was repetitive in his remarks. He came across as putting his own interests in front of the team.  He especially did this at the end of the season and into playoffs. It was off putting to fans and one would guess more than one of his teammates were rubbed the wrong way by his remarks.

An NFL team as they make their way through a season in some regards can be a reflection of day-to-day life. No one sets out to fail necessarily. The team evaluates their resources and then puts together a plan to succeed. They figure, well the situation may not be perfect but with some hard work and some luck things just might go their way. Calculated guesses are made that sometimes work. When they do heroes are born. When they don’t, goats are brought to life instead.

As it goes, maybe next year, you win some you lose some.