Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson (left) talks with head coach Mike McCarthy during last year’s training camp at Ray Nitschke Field.
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Pocket aces. A second helping of Hamburger Helper. A Brewers twin bill on a lazy Sunday afternoon. The Wrigley Doublemint twins.

Besides having the distinction of being the only prime number, two has a certain intriguing appeal. Like the Green Bay Packers back-to-back Super Bowl I and II titles, as in life, good things do come in pairs.

However, for Ted Thompson, the number two represents the only middling blemish on his otherwise spotless record as general manager of the Packers. It’s the number of draft picks that can reasonably be considered in the top half of the league in terms of their skillset, role on the team and impact, relative to where they were selected.

Thompson has an ironclad reputation as both a player and personnel executive with a track record for hitting the jackpot on a number of early round draft picks as well as undrafted free agents during his tenure in Green Bay to this point. So what’s the explanation for his seemingly poor reputation between the fourth and seventh rounds of the NFL’s annual three-day talent infusion each April? What gives Thompson an edge as he transitions from typically anti-climatic closing stanzas in the warroom at 1265 Lombardi Ave. each April to sifting through the post-draft detritus to unearth productive, starter-caliber contributors on a regular basis?

Ted Thompson, the linebacker.

Thompson was a solid, if unspectacular, collegiate linebacker for Southern Methodist University. In a fitting twist of irony he went undrafted in 1975 and may know a thing or two about the post-draft mindset and experience for a lower-tier player that is forced to wander the streets of free agency before catching a break in the NFL. Thompson eventually signed with the Houston Oilers and his onetime coach at SMU, Bum Philips. He spent nearly a decade toiling in relative obscurity as a backup linebacker and on special teams from 1975 to 1984. He was durable, playing in 146 of a possible 147 games with eight total starts during his career. Some would say it was the model of consistency where he began to develop his evaluation skills that would later translate to his success as an NFL general manager.

Following his playing career and long before he hoisted the Super Bowl XLV trophy as the most powerful man in Titletown, Thompson was hired (in the same coaching coup that brought Mike Holmgren aboard) for his first-ever front office job in 1992 by Green Bay General Manager Ron Wolf. He was present in the early 1990s for the rebirth of a once proud Packers organization, operating in various scouting roles for seven years. During this period, Green Bay was a perennial playoff participant, ultimately winning the Super Bowl XXXI championship in 1996.

After helping spearhead the resurgence of the Packers, Thompson was lured to the Pacific Northwest by Holmgren, who was coaching the Seahawks. Thompson’s impact as GM in Seattle was significant. He oversaw the drafting of several standout players during his tenure, such as running back Shaun Alexander, receiver Darrell Jackson and even specialist Josh Brown. The formerly downtrodden Seahawks advanced to the playoffs twice, eventually making it all the way to Super Bowl XL.

In 2005, Thompson made his return to Green Bay as general manager and the dividends were nearly immediate. He demonstrated poise during his inaugural draft presiding over football operations by selecting Aaron Rodgers and Nick Collins. He also displayed fiscal responsibility, extricating the team from a volatile salary cap nightmare by releasing safety Darren Sharper and guard Mike Wahle.

Samkon Gado

Rodgers and Collins would ultimately help the franchise transition from and succeed following the post-Favre and Sharper era. At midseason, to replace an injured Ahman Green, Thompson procured his first notable street free agent in October, signing the diminutive Samkon Gado who played at Liberty University and was a relative unknown. Gado burst onto the scene, instantly becoming a fan favorite that season and stabilizing a running back unit that was decimated by injuries. The native of Nigeria was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Week multiple times while setting the Green Bay rookie record for most rushing yards (171) in a single game against the Lions in week 14.

The Packers never got rolling and finished a disappointing 4-12.

In 2006, Thompson fired head coach Mike Sherman and quickly hired ex-49er offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy to right the ship. That year’s draft produced linebacker A.J. Hawk and receiver Greg Jennings in round one and two, respectively. Thompson also inked fullback John Kuhn from the Steelers and signed castoff defensive back Charles Woodson from the Oakland Raiders. Woodson, who initially balked at the idea of playing for Green Bay, quickly became one of the most electric defenders in the NFL, intercepting 28 passes and scoring nine touchdowns. Next to Reggie White, Woodson is arguably the biggest free agent acquistion in franchise history and like White, during the twilight of his career, he was a focal point in a historic run to a world championship.

Thompson calmly presided over the messy Brett Favre divorce in 2007 after the future Hall of Famer infamously retired during a tearful press conference and then unretired in a span of three months. Along with McCarthy he made the decision to stick with newly-annointed starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers and maintained that commitment to the future by trading Favre to the Jets for a slew of draft picks.

In 2008, he drafted receiver Jordy Nelson. However, that was overshadowed when he erroneously waived standout punter Jon Ryan after his excellent 2007 season. Green Bay subsequently went through a stable of mediocre specialists which, along with the hangover from the Favre separation, contributed to a 6-10 season.

Clay Matthews
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Some of the compensatory draft picks from the Favre trade were used as ammunition to move up in a successful bid to acquire elite linebacker prospect Clay Matthews in the 2009 draft. Defensive tackle B.J. Raji, linebacker Brad Jones and guard T.J. Lang were among the crop of early picks that year that have blossomed into integral performers for Green Bay.

In 2010, Thompson netted tackle Bryan Bulaga who has been dominant on the right side. He recently was penciled in to start at left tackle. During the undrafted process that year he had arguably his biggest haul in terms of finding undrafted talent. Cornerback Sam Shields, punter Tim Masthay, tight end Tom Crabtree, linebacker Frank Zombo and center Evan Dietrich-Smith were all signed off the street. The year was capped with six consecutive wins (including four road playoff games) that culminated in a Super Bowl XLV title. The following seasons in 2011 and 2012, Green Bay was eliminated consecutively in the playoffs and are left searching for some answers on defense in order to return to prominence in an NFL that is rife with parity.

Thompson’s success limited after third round

However, for all of his accomplishments as an NFL GM, Thompson has had comparatively limited success targeting viable prospects in the draft after the third round. Collectively, of the 47 players he’s chosen between rounds four and seven during his eight seasons with Green Bay, exactly two have become relevant in some capacity. Sitton is a stalwart on the offensive line and was recognized as the NFL’s Offensive Lineman Of The Year in 2010. Bishop was arguably the best defender for Green Bay at the close of 2010 and through 2011, racking up 218 tackles and eight sacks. He spent the entire 2012 season on injured reserve and the jury is still out as to whether he’ll be the same explosive leader and tackling machine in Dom Capers’ 3-4 alignment. With a dearth of linebacker talent on the roster, it’s possible the California-Berkeley alum may find himself on the trading block this summer.

Thompson absolutely has a knack for finding talent amidst the pool of free agent and undrafted castoffs after the draft. The afore-mentioned Gado and tight end Donald Lee were discovered in 2005. In 2006, defensive tackle Ryan Pickett was claimed from the Rams. In September 2007, Thompson shelled out a sixth round draft choice to the Giants for the rights to running back Ryan Grant. We all know how the Ryan Grant experiment turned out. Recently, in 2012, linebacker D.J. Smith was signed out of Appalachian State. He made the final 53-man roster and was generally productive.

Ted Thompson
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Perhaps Thompson is so adept at identifying and signing undrafted and street free agents because he himself was one after his playing days at Southern Methodist. The talent pool, or lack thereof, each April likely is a major factor in Thompson’s ability to procure just two players who have had solid production in the Green Bay system. Ultimately, Thompson puts a high premium on players who demonstrate character and who are willing to be role players.

The Samkon Gados, Charles Woodsons, Sam Shields and Frank Zombos of the world all fit the mold of “Packer People” and it’s these types of players that have helped Thompson continue to add to a rock solid organizational foundation as he utilizes his cornerstone “draft and develop” philosophy. Given the recent continued prominence of the Packers, it’s safe to say his strategy has been a success.

The 2013 draft played into Thompson’s strategy perfectly. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Draft. Develop. Repeat.

These are terms with which we here in Titletown have become all too familiar. Ted Thompson’s draft philosophy has proven itself worthy in the past. This year’s draft was no different, as one of the league’s best known draft “czars” (if you will) was firing on all cylinders.

It’s difficult to label Thompson’s success with words as he just seems to have this subconcious “knack” for knowing when to risk trading down and still getting value and quality. If patience is said to be a virtue, patience can be equated to success in Titletown.

Going into Thursday evening, the Packers had a total of eight selections at their disposal. By Saturday evening, 13 players were chosen to represent the Green and Gold. While it will obviously take a few years to determine whether this year’s draft (as a whole) was a success or not, Packers Nation sure seems pleased with Thompson’s efforts at this point.

Ten picks going into Saturday? The man is an absolute genius, as to most, this was the prototypical draft to trade back and accumulate picks and value in the later rounds.

What seemed to make sense for other teams, really didn’t turn out that way. Not exactly a Vikings fan by any means, but you do have to give them credit for the draft they had, though I think they gave up a bit much for Cordarrele Patterson. Everyone assumed the Dolphins traded up for Sharrif Floyd when Dion Jordan’s name was called. And the jury will be out for a few years on the E.J. Manuel selection. These were just a few moves that played right into Thompson’s draft philosophy.

A few mocks had Datone Jones to the Packers at 26. But how many mocks had Eddie Lacy to the Packers, let alone at the 61st pick overall?

This particular trade-down I believe was made with the intention of selecting Montee Ball, but with Lacy still there, he had just accumulated too much value to pass at that point. Oh, and Johnathan Franklin just so happened to be available …. IN THE FOURTH ROUND! Many mocks had him as no worse than a third round back.

Packers running back James Starks has been placed on notice.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

It is very interesting, however, to think just how much Thompson has re-tooled the backfield. Few fans saw this much of a backfield makeover coming, but the masses are more than happy with it. While Alex Green, James Starks and Marshall Newhouse have all officially been put on notice, a subtle vote of confidence was also installed for the likes of Jerron McMillian and M.D. Jennings.

Sure some fans might be a bit distraught as Thompson opted not to address the loss of Charles Woodson, but the secondary is still quite young and he obviously believed in them enough to pass on Matt Elam and Jonathan Cyprien. It should be noted that Micah Hyde was one of the draft’s most underrated corners as well.

What say you Packers Nation? Did Thompson hit a home run this year?

Leave us a comment below, Like us on Facebook and/or follow us Twitter.

Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson may look and act like a cheapskate, but his strategy is sound. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Green Bay Packers GM Ted Thompson stood by and watched the shopping and spending sprees.  All that is left are a few expired names looking for one last gasp (Brian Urlacher).  Yet through it all, I have seen, heard and read post after post about how Ted Thompson once again failed to capitalize on what was available in the Free Agent market in order to strengthen the Green Bay Packers.

Well to all those who want to throw Ted under the bus, I suggest you break open you old high school economics book and do some reading.  Ted was prudent, conservative and wise with the money he had.  He clearly understands the basic principles of economics and has found a way to apply those theories to the free agent market.

First of all, there has to be supply and demand.  Did the Packers have “demands” that needed to be met?  Yes, they did.  Was there a significant supply of products that would have allowed the Packers to improve?  I would say the answer was no.  Supply did exist to complete the general equation, however, the resulting answers based on the availability of the supplies was such that the profitability was not worth the financial risk.

That is what the Free Agent market is all about, cost versus risk.  Is it a good idea to spend money on something that someone else does not want?  How often do the free spending teams see a substantial reward for the money they have spent?  In my opinion, based on being a fan, I see more times then not when spending big money has not brought about the desired results.  Even spending moderate money does not equate to the substantial growth that was hoped for.

In more basic terms, think of your own family budget.  You have $10,000 to buy a car.  The day comes for you to go shopping and up pulls a blazing red sports car.  Glistening and shining in the sun, new tires, a fresh wash job and it looks as beautiful as the day it rolled off the dealership’s lot.  It looks good and you know based on past performances that this ride can move.  Yeah it may have had a few issues (exploding gas tanks or rapid uncontrolled acceleration) that forced it into the shop but how often does something like this come along?

The problem is that the car is worth at most $8,000 and the price tag says $15,000.  So do you overspend for something fast and shiny? If you do, how are you going to afford the repairs when those issues start to pop up.  What are you going to drive when the car is spending more time in the shop for repairs than getting you from point A to B?  If you overspend, then you leave yourself vulnerable to the risks associated with paying more for something than it is really worth.

On the other hand you could take your $10,000 and sit on it.  Let it work for you and grow.  Maybe find a less expensive model.  It may not be fast or tricked out, but it is reliable and will meet your needs.  The quality is there for the right price.  That deal makes sense.  Spend less, save and use the savings down the road for other necessities.

The Green Bay Packers triumvirate: head coach Mike McCarthy (left), president Mark Murphy (center) and general manager Ted Thompson. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Ted was really no different than most of us.  He looked at what was available, heck he even kicked the tires on a few models, but in the end, the guys he looked at were not worth the money they were asking.  Yes that includes Greg Jennings and Charles Woodson.  By bypassing these two guys that had more wear, tear and issues, Ted can take that extra money and use it to develop younger players who are just as good now with a greater upside.

Initially those players may not net you the type of results you truly want, but over the long haul the chances of getting more for your dollar outweighs the cost of throwing money into something definitely not worth being fixed.  Plus why pay extra money for something that is going to sit on the shelf and can’t be used?

We (the Packers Nation) do not need to compete with the Lions and Vikings to see who can spend the most money in the offseason.  The only thing that matters is who is on top of the division at the end of the season and I don’t see either of those two teams making enough strides to overtake us.

You can spend all the money you want to fix up an old beater with 200,000 miles to make it look pretty and new, the only problem is, what is under the hood and how long will that look last?

I will stick with Ted and is “tightwad” ways.  So far all it has done is brought us a Super Bowl title.  How many titles have the Lions, Vikings and Bears won with the money they have thrown around?

In Ted We Trust!

There are many Packers fans who simply don’t like Ted Thompson … for whatever reason.

One of my favorite writers, John Rehor,  co-host of Cheesehead Radio and a Packers blogger, was on top of things this morning and offered up some of the juiciest of the Twitter posts over the past 24 hours about Ted Thompson and how he should be dismissed, fired, run out of town and just about any other descriptor.

Considering the venom in these tweets, I suggest you cover the children’s eyes, refrain from any exclamations of “Oh My God,” and read them with a smile on your face.

As an aside, you will notice that Rehor’s Twitter name and picture appear on each of these posts – that’s because he reposted the comments from various other sources – So don’t be sending your nasty notes to him … he’s simply the messenger!

Surely, many of these people can’t be serious. It also shows that there are many misinformed Packers fans who just like to spew. They have every right to do so … and without further adieu, I will let their tweets speak for themselves. Enjoy …

Another: “do cheeseheads not understand he dismantled our team”

— John (@jrehor) March 15, 2013

And another: “TT NEEDS TO GO…BITCH GOT LUCKY IN 2010…..BUT SAME OL BULLSHIT….FIRE TED”

— John (@jrehor) March 15, 2013

“Ted Thompson ‘s ego is starting to make Jerry Jones self righteous narcissism look like childs play”

— John (@jrehor) March 15, 2013

“someone has to get there act together they are letting to many good players slide by”

— John (@jrehor) March 15, 2013

“Ted Thompson needs to go every time we get a chance to get a good player he doesnt do anything to get them fire him”

— John (@jrehor) March 15, 2013

Part 1 “My dreams were actually shattered today! Years, I mean for years I’ve been hoping you guys would get a good RB..”

— John (@jrehor) March 15, 2013

Part 2:”and then this phenomenal opportunity is there for the taking and you shit the bed! I woulda dropped Jennings like a 5lb bag of shit”

— John (@jrehor) March 15, 2013

“Ted Thompson, you SUCK!!!!”

— John (@jrehor) March 15, 2013

This one’s fun: ” Raised tix prices see equals nothing in free agency.”

— John (@jrehor) March 15, 2013

“PLEASE FIRE TED THOMPSONS IDIOT ASS”

— John (@jrehor) March 15, 2013

Feb. 6, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers manager Ted Thompson speaks at the Donald Driver retirement event held in the Lambeau Field Atrium in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

Dear Ted Thompson,

I write this letter because, like all Green Bay Packers fans, I’m a bit confused – we don’t know what to expect from you anymore. We’ve come to know you as the fuddy-dud who’s gone about your business deep in the bowels of 1265 Lombardi Avenue, mixing together concoctions of undrafted free agent reports and scouting tapes mixed with analyses of draft day trades.

We’ve come to expect that you would horde all of your third and fourth round draft picks and scour those reams of papers to steal the best players available on your draft board … it’s come to be so boring.

And as for the Free Agency period? Well, we knew for sure that you might wake from your March slumber to make an occasional appearance to sign some sure-fire team contributors. Yes, we remember those scintillating signings – guys like Duke Preston in 2009, and Jeff Saturday and Anthony Hargrove last year. Those were huge.

Well, OK, so you did hit a home run in 2006 when you brought Charles Woodson and Ryan Pickett to town. Someone must have dropped something into your egg nog that year … you need to revisit that moment.

Have you had a resurgence, we all ask? Does the fact that you brought in Chris Canty for a visit signal a new beginning? Does all this talk that the Packers may be interested in bringing back Cullen Jenkins mark a turning of the page for you?

Might you even consider going after the Niners’ Ricky Jean-Francois, the Steelers’ Casey Hampton or the Raiders’ Richard Seymour?

And might you be enticed to consider that one player everyone is talking about? Steven Jackson? C’mon, you know that he’s the sexiest of any of the free agents out there and wouldn’t he shore up the Packers running game in one fell swoop? It might even help us forget about the failure that was Cedric Benson and Ryan Grant.

No, you say? No, no, no?

You won’t consider any of that nonsense? You won’t take the elevator out of the basement of Lambeau Field, but you might consider taking the slow walk up the spiral staircase? That you might make it to street level by the time the draft hits?

Well, we’re not surprised.

Just be sure to bring those reams of undrafted free agent reports with you.

We’ll see you in April.

Ted Thompson's press conference was interesting, but didn't provide any nuggets of information or surprises. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Going into Ted Thompson’s press conference this afternoon, everyone knew one thing: there would be no bombshells of information imparted.

He was true to form today.

Thompson talked about the process of the Packers’ draft day, how they approach it, and how they evaluate how they’ve done in the end.

That’s certainly not much to write home about, but there were a few somewhat interesting comments by the Packers’s GM.

Here are a few of his comments:

On whether the Packers go into the draft by targeting specific players or filling specific position: ” We don’t feel we have to target a particular position.”

On the draft process given the Packers have lost several front office people who previously participated: ” The process is exactly the same … we miss the fellas who have moved on … there are others who step in and pick up the slack … all of us have worked together for a number of years … it’s a grind. We have the grind meetings before the combine … we can’t predict it … the more into it the more you get back to basics and make sure have players ranked correctly … but that’s easier said than done.”

On anticipating the draft: “I get anxious and want to add the right players.”

On the compensatory picks: “I’m glad to have them … always good to have the extra picks … like Ron [Wolf] used to say, the more swings you have, the better.”

On whether Thompson enjoys the later rounds better than the first couple of rounds: It’s a different atmosphere. We treat all rounds very seriously, but the room is different by the time you get to Saturday … there are fewer people in the room and the excitement dies down and the pressure to do good the first two days is past … We have a number of picks in the 7th round and then we  get right into the college free agency thing.

On whether the team has a list of players that they target: “It’s difficult to predict who will be there. It always comes as a surprise and all of a sudden this guy on the board and we say, let’s see if we can get him …We haven’t done a lot of [trading up] but some …

On why the quality of defensive linemen is so thin in the draft: “It’s a tough position when you’re  pushing and shoving against 300- 350-pounders. They’re at a premium and it’s really a question of numbers.

On the Packers not having a single owner like he had when he was in Seattle: “Mr. Allen (Seahawks owner) was very interesed in the draft. He woould send emails … but there was no interference with the ownership [during the draft] … It’s no different here. Mark [Murphy] is in the draft room, but there is no interference. I have more trouble with the scouts – just kidding about that.”

On players coming out of college early and whether there’s a difference between the younger players and those who have finished 4-5 years of college: “There is a difference. I think, as a rule, people in my position wish more players would fulfill their term in college … they tend to be more mature …

On the qualities they look for in a QB: ”Good person, good teammate, good athlete, good arm, good decision-maker, good everything … there are intangibles at the position that you won’t know until you know …

On small versus big school athletes: It’s easier to see how they’re going to do if they played in larger college playing against higher quality competition. They have the competitive pressure. All rookies coming in, from first day, it’s about competition. So having competed for 4-5 years in major college gives a better background.

On whether there is room on the roster if the team selects 10-12 rookies: “That will be determined in the competitive market. We’re always looking at adding quality and class. Things happen. People get hurt … you can never have too many guys.

On whether the Packers look at the character of a potential player than most teams in the NFL: I think most people look at it … It’s no different for us than any of the other teams or any business … We’re always looking at adding good quality people – poeple that lift others up. We’re no different than any other team or business organization.”

Ted Thompson will give a press conference today.

Ted Thompson, the Green Bay Packers’ poster child for the mystery man, might reveal a few nuggets of insight today when he holds a live press conference at 12:30 p.m. today, Thursday, April 19, to talk about the status of the team, the schedule and of course the draft.

But don’t bet on walking away knowing anything more about the Packers draft plans than you already knew going into the press conference. The conference will be streamed live on the Packers official website.

In addition to the topics mentioned above, we’re hoping Thompson will also tip his hand with answers to questions about free agents still not signed – the likes of Ryan Grant, et al, as well as the status of Nick Collins, Donald Driver and Chad Clifton.

But however he decides to answer this most likely will be a press conference where Thompson continues to hone his skills of dodging and weaving questions. The true football politician will be at work today.

So why bother watching if he’s not going to relay any pertinent information?

Because it’s Ted Thompson, that’s why.

Yeah, I’ll be watching. You should, too.

And while you’re at it, head over and Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

What IS Ted Thompson doing during the free agency frenzy? Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Twitter has been alive the past couple of days with banter about free agency. What a hoot it’s been participating and reading.

If you don’t have a twitter account, you should; if not for the pure entertainment value, it’s a great way to catch the latest and greatest news in real time.

But if you do tweet, you may want to check out #WhatTedThompsonIsDoingRightNow … it was created in response to the Packers’ inactive role in free agency – nothing that’s surprising among Packers fans.

But if you want a good laugh at how people look at the Packers’ GM, take a look below at some of the tweets peeps have posted.

Here you go:

Tippet523‏ @tippet523

 Figuring out which 5th grader will be our third HOF QB in a Row#WhatTedThompsonIsDoingRightNow

The Packer Ranter‏ @PackerRanter

Leg cross. End of hashtag.#WhatTedThompsonIsDoingRightNow

http://lockerz.com/s/192498829

John ‏ @jrehor

#WhatTedThompsonIsDoingRightNow

getting ready for his weekly barber shop quartet practice

 

 

 

Jersey Al – Packers ‏ @JerseyAlGBP

#WhatTedThompsonIsDoingRightNow

Ironing his hair…

 

 

Annie ‏ @avanepern23

#WhatTedThompsonIsDoingRightNow

Growing a beard.