Mike Neal has been a huge disappointment for the Packers.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Ted Thompson has been known as the king of the NFL Draft, consistently finding players in the mid to later rounds who contribute – not only as special-teamers or on the practice squad, but as starters.

This is true in light of the statistics below provided by With the First Pick. Considering that it takes at least three years to evaluate the value of a draft, the folks over at First Pick did just that, comparing and evaluating the drafts of all four NFC North Division 2010 selections.

Not only do these stats tend to support glowing words about Thompson, but they also solidify in the minds of many, and at least on the surface, the reason why the Packers, year-in and year-out, are among the elite teams in the league.

The draft and develop – or the “drafted and undrafted develop” program as Head Coach Mike McCarthy now calls it – has seemed to be the model upon which the Packers’ success has been built.

It’s true that the Packers have gotten a lot of guys who have contributed, but there are many out there who feel that  the “guys” who have been drafted and developed, are just “guys” and that’s it.

Bryan Bulaga
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Looking at the list below, you’ve got a single, maybe two, legitimate starters – Bryan Bulaga and Morgan Burnett. The others have had limited success, at best, even though they grade out high because they have played a good deal or have been starters.

Consider Mike Neal and James Starks. Both have played with some success, but both have spent a great deal of time on the injured reserve, so the jury is still out though they have been on the team for three seasons. Yes, Starks’ efforts down the stretch to the Super Bowl XLV title were huge – but what has he done since? Neal has been injured so much that when he does play he’s not been able to get into any consistent flow and has been the invisible man.

Andrew Quarless had two solid seasons before sitting out all of last season with a knee injury. Known for his blocking, he had a huge upside. Now with a full season on the shelf we don’t know if he’ll make the roster this season. It will be an uphill battle.

Marshall Newhouse and C.J. Wilson both came out of nowhere to make the roster – especially Wilson, who was a seventh-rounder in 2010. Both have been starters, but far from the polished players the team needs at their positions to be considered great draft choices.

Newhouse is being forced from his left tackle position to the right side where he will have to compete for the right tackle position. The same is happening to Wilson, who will be in the fight of his life because the Packers drafted two quality, hungry defensive linemen.

Morgan Burnett (42) celebrates with his teammates after an A.J. Hawk interception in 2010.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Now let’s consider Bulaga and Morgan – both have been starters since their rookie seasons, both have shown flashes of brilliance, but not all-pro-caliber play. Both have missed time through injuries. Morgan came back and has been steady, but it’s not clear just how well Bulaga will perform given that he’s been moved to a new position and is recovering from a hip injury.

So while these numbers provided by With the First Pick are glowing – mostly because of the playing time these players have accumulated, one can argue that, like most mid- to late-rounders, they are just guys.

Take a look at the numbers and go here to compare this draft with the other three NFC North Division teams. Clearly, when compared to the rather pathetic drafts by the Vikings, Lions and Bears, the Packers’ 2010 draft looks pretty good. But unless these players come into their own in the final year of their first contract, they too will be considered average.

Green Bay Packers

Total Raw Score: 78.79 (14th)

1. Total Weighted Score: 102.97 (12th)
2. Average Raw Score: 11.26 (5th)
3. Average Weighted Score: 14.71 (4th)
4. Total Draft Value: +196 (5th)
5. Average Draft Value: +28.00 (4th)

Analysis:  With seven picks in the draft a team needs to produce two starters if possible.  In a perfect world that same team will also procure a few other key contributors.  Well in 2010 the Green Bay Packers managed to grab themselves four starters and three other contributors, going seven for seven.  In Bulaga and Newhouse both tackles on the offensive line were filled with Newhouse coming in the fifth round.  Morgan Burnett grabbed ahold of the starting free safety position.  C.J. Wilson has been a spot starter on the defensive line.  Quarless spent 2012 on I.R. but was a major contributor his first two seasons.  Starks and Neal have been situational role players.  The only true negative of this draft has been Neal who has not lived up to the potential of a second round pick.  But given the value found later, all should be forgiven.  This draft had quality and quantity.

Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga is excited about the possibilities facing the team in 2013. Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

When Bryan Bulaga was drafted out of Iowa in 2010 he was proclaimed as the heir apparent to an aging Chad Clifton who had manned the Green Bay Packers tackle position for years.

Bulaga never got the chance to step into what many feel is the high profile position on the offensive line because he was forced into filling in for an ailing Mark Tauscher at the right tackle position. He became the Packers full-time right tackle and isentrenched.

Until this week.

Packers head coach Mike McCarthy announced that he was flip-flopping his offensive line, but not necessarily, he said, because he wanted better protection of his newly-minted $110 million quarterback, Aaron Rodgers.

Josh Sitton and T.J. Lang will swap positions as part of the makeover of the Green Bay Packers’ offensive line.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

You could read between the lines on this one, but McCarthy said that his decision was based more upon schemes and strategies being implemented by the head coach and his staff for the upcoming season than it was for a need to protect Rodgers’ blind side.

Either way, the work is under way to make it happen and in an interview with Bill Huber of the Packer Report published today, Bulaga said he is ready to make the best of his new position.

Here’s what Bulaga told Huber:

“I was excited about it. Obviously, I didn’t know that this was going to happen. This was just something that was brought to my attention. I was excited about it and very thankful for the opportunity, and I’m just excited to get going with it. I’m happy that in these IPWs (individual player workouts) and OTAs (organized team activities) that we can — me and Josh (Sitton) and Marshall (Newhouse) and T.J. (Lang) can get our footwork down and get used to the position switch. I’m very thankful that (McCarthy) did it.”

The shakeup along the line has been hailed across Packers Nation as a good thing. Clearly, something had to be done. McCarthy and GM Ted Thompson weren’t about to go through another season watching their franchise player being mugged in the backfield, nor were they prepared to enter another season without making changes that might lead to an improvement in the running game.

Enter Eddie Lacy and Johnathan Franklin in the offensive backfield and the drafting of two new rookie linemen – David Bakhtiari and J.C. Tretter.

All four of these draft picks were also praised by everyone following the Packers. It was time to make changes and these draft picks could only make things better.

Marshall Newhouse will have to compete for the right tackle job for the Packers.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

However, McCarthy and Thompson weren’t finished.

McCarthy announced his plans to flip-flop his line – not only giving T.J. Lang, Josh Sitton, and Bulaga new positions to play – but he also put former left tackle Marshall Newhouse on notice that if he was going to continue to be a starter that he would have to compete for a job as the new right tackle. He would be competing against Don Barclay, the undrafted free agent who stepped into the position at the end of last season. Barclay didn’t set the world on fire, but he did show a mean streak and held his own. In fact, his run blocking skills stood out as the Packers running game picked up steam as the season drew to a close.

So, the exact makeup of the line is still in flux, but the change is a good thing, according to Bulaga, who is coming back off a hip injury that kept him out of the majority of last season.

“We obviously need to be better in that category [the run game]. Everybody’s comfortable with the running backs we have in house, and obviously we did draft two guys. I think everybody’s excited the way the run game is going. I think everybody is anxious to start doing it in training camp because, obviously, there’s no contact in OTAs and whatnot. I think everybody’s excited to get going and we know it needs to be a major emphasis to help out the offense and help out Aaron to make sure that not everything is just him throwing the football. We need to be able to help him out running the ball and getting positive yards that way.”

The competition at right tackle will be fun to watch when the team starts live contact during training camp. Either way, the offensive line is going to have a different look next season and hopefully more production.

Bulaga thinks the same.

“I just look at it as Coach McCarthy wanting to make a switch and flip guys around. I’m happy that I got moved over to the left side. I’m thankful for it and it’s a good opportunity. I know all the talk that goes around — like you said about playing left tackle and it being a premier position and all of that — but I don’t look at it that way. I just look at it as playing a new position and doing the best I can.”

Protecting Aaron Rodgers is the ultimate goal.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Less than ten days removed from the 2013 NFL draft, and armed with two shiny new additions to the offensive line in tackle David Bakhtiari and guard J.C. Tretter, Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy are already shaking things up amongst the front five. Or should we say flipping.

T.J. Lang and Marshall Newhouse.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

News broke this morning that the Packers are planning to reshuffle their offensive front wall, with the most notable switches being Bryan Bulaga and Josh Sitton who are both moving over to play left tackle and left guard, respectively. There had been rumors that Bulaga, who played on the blind side during a standout career at the University of Iowa, would make the adjustment last year, but an injury early last season shelved those plans. Bulaga was originally slated to handle left tackle, but was slotted as the right bookend on the line after Mark Tauscher went into decline. He’s more than held his own and appears ready to step up to protect Green Bay’s new $110 million investment, quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Derek Sherrod.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

With the news of this re-alignment comes speculation as to who will be named the starter at right tackle. Don Barclay, who displayed a mean streak that McCarthy praised and more than held his own during a six-game stretch filling in for Bulaga, appears to be the incumbent there heading into the offseason program. Marshall Newhouse would presumably add depth behind both sides, as he started every game last year at left tackle and was capable, if not unspectacular.

The wild card among the group is Derek Sherrod and whether or not he can return to full strength since suffering a devastating lower leg injury that caused him to miss all of 2012. If he is cleared by the medical staff to resume football and team activities he has a chance to compete and possibly start somewhere.

T.J. Lang will shift to right guard in the new setup and Evan Dietrich-Smith is penciled in at center. Practice squad member, tackle Andrew Datko, will battle it out in the trenches alongside rookies Bakhtiara and Tretter in a bid for a roster spot come training camp.

Dec 30, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive tackle B.J. Raji (90) against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Packers 37-34. Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

If you’ve spent any time at Lombardi Ave, you’re surely aware that the Green Bay Packers are set to negotiate three major contract extensions – B.J. Raji, Clay Matthews, and Aaron Rodgers – over the next 12 months. Those extensions have been treated as a package deal in many ways, as all three players are represented by the same agent, David Dunn.

Because Raji and Matthews were drafted in the first round of the same year, they’re entering the final year of their rookie deals. Rodgers, having signed an extension midway through his first year as a starter, is under contract through 2014. Thus, the expectation for several years has been that Raji and Matthews will receive their new deals first, and then Rodgers’ extension will fall soon thereafter.

Jan 12, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) passes the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game at Candlestick Park. Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

However, if recent reports are to be believed, a Rodgers extension could be in the works now prior to any extension for Matthews or Raji. This may be very telling, as even though Rodgers is by far the team’s most valuable and indispensable asset, he has two years left on his contract. He’s not the biggest worry the Packers have in terms of contract negotiations. So why would the Packers hammer out an extension with Rodgers ahead of the sooner expiring Matthews and Raji deals?

The answer may very well be that Green Bay doesn’t anticipate room for all three contracts, and thus will let Raji test the open market.

As currently constituted, the Packers have about $20 million in cap space. Part of that figure is already earmarked for the incoming rookie class with some space reserved for free agency and emergencies. However, most of that figure will go toward extensions. Next year’s salary cap doesn’t figure to increase very significantly, and with even more contract negotiations coming into view after 2013 – James Jones, Bryan Bulaga, Jordy Nelson, and Randall Cobb chief among them – the Packers already have an idea of which deals they want to pursue and which ones they’ll pass on.

As we discussed as part of this week’s mock draft analysis, Raji presents all sorts of problems for Green Bay. His dominant 2010 season suggested he’d be one of the league’s best nose tackles for the foreseeable future, but Raji struggled to repeat that performance in 2011. This past year was even more confusing, as Raji returned to a high level of play but did so at the five technique position rather than the nose.

While there is value in a 3-4 end, a nose tackle is considerably more important to Green Bay’s defense. Furthermore, Raji will likely demand to be paid like a fulltime nose tackle rather than an end.

With just as much good tape as bad, no defined position, and limited cap space, how much can the Packers afford to invest in a Raji extension?

Dec 16, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) talk with outside linebacker Clay Matthews (52) before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Reading the tea leafs, it appears that Green Bay is letting their other extensions decide that question for them. Depending on how much it takes to re-sign Rodgers and Matthews, the Packers will know if a lengthy extension with Raji is reasonable.

They don’t want to be caught in a situation where they’ve extended Raji and don’t have enough cap space for either Matthews or Rodgers. Thus, Green Bay has prioritized their negotiations to prevent that scenario.

It’s unclear at this time what the end result will be, but it’s time to start wondering if this is Raji’s last season in the Green and Gold.

Jason Hirschhorn covers the Green Bay Packers for Lombardi Ave. He has previously written for Hail to the Orange, College Hoops Net, Mocking the Draft, LiveBall Sports, and the List Universe. He is currently a senior writer for Beats Per Minute, an indie-music webzine. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JBHirschhorn.

Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; A general view as members of the military are honored during the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Jason Hirschhorn covers the Green Bay Packers for Lombardi Ave. He has previously written for Hail to the Orange, College Hoops Net, Mocking the Draft, LiveBall Sports, and the List Universe. He is currently a senior writer for Beats Per Minute, an indie-music webzine. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JBHirschhorn.

The Post-NFL Combine edition of the FanSided 2013 NFL Mock Draft has been released.

The fine folks over at FanSided.com do a new mock draft every week right up until the actual draft in April, and we at Lombardiave.com have plenty of offseason information to pass along to our readers. Many of the players we’ve mentioned in previous mock draft posts have their Pro Days coming up, and we’ll get a good opportunity to eyeball them once again and evaluate their performance.

Draft positions are set save for the Super Bowl participants. Barring a trade, the Green Bay Packers will make their first selection with the 26^th pick.

Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Eddie Lacy (42) runs with the ball against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second half of the 2013 BCS Championship game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

According to FanSided, with the 26^th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select Eddie Lacy, Running Back, Alabama

Analysis: I’d love Barrett Jones here as he fills an immediate need but Lacy fills an even bigger one. The only knock on the Packers offense over the years has been the utter absence of a running game and the Alabama hammer can fix that right up. Running back is one of the most popular skill positions for fans to pull for and Lacy will help make the Packers offense even more dangerous than it already is. Besides, if you think Alex Green and Cedric Benson are the answer at running back for the Packers, please review the Packers 2012 running game and then check out how well Lacy ran in a devastating offense with the Crimson Tide.

There are three reasons I don’t like this pick. The first is I don’t think Lacy or any other running back in this draft is worth a first round investment. The second reason is that there are a lot of very comparable backs that can be had in later rounds, thus making this pick look even worse by comparison. Finally and most importantly, this selection rests on the assumption that the best and only way to improve the running game is to bring in a new running back.

April 14, 2012; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman D.J. Fluker (76) is blocked by defensive end D.J. Pettway (57) during the spring game at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

As the first two reasons are self-explanatory, let’s just dive into the last one.

The Packers have struggled to consistently and effectively run the ball since Ryan Grant’s 2009 season. Certainly, part of the blame for that rests on the stable of running backs the Packers have trotted out since.

However, the lion’s hare of the blame falls on the offensive line.

Outside of Josh Sitton and 2011 Bryan Bulaga, the Green Bay linemen have been sub-average at run blocking. This fact was mostly ignored prior to last season as the Packers have been so pass-dominant that the linemen have mainly been judged on their pass blocking. That’s not unfair either, but now that the receiving corps is undergoing a renovation, there will be a greater importance placed on running.

The better fix than reaching for a running back is to grab a dominant run blocker. For this, we need to look no farther than D.J. Fluker. As has been discussed many times on Lombardi Ave, Fluker would team well with Sitton to create a run mauling right side the Packers haven’t had since Ahman Green’s 2003 season. Fluker is also a vastly underrated pass blocker and will rarely require tight end or running back help.

With the Packers desperate to reduce Aaron Rodgers’ sack count, adding Fluker would allow Bulaga to move over to the left side and give Green Bay solid depth behind them.

Dec 1, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman John Jenkins (6) reacts after a sack against Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback A.J. McCarron (10) during the second quarter in the 2012 SEC Championship game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Packers are on the verge of a major decision regarding B.J. Raji. The 26-year-old defensive lineman is entering the final year of his rookie deal. The Packers have to decide whether to extend him now, or risk losing him after 2013 when he hits the open market.

While Raji has been dominant for large stretches of his career (the 2010 season, the second half of 2012), he’s also been invisible for just as long. As if the situation wasn’t complicated enough, Raji hasn’t been able to settle into a defined position. During 2010, Raji played mostly at nose tackle. He played in that spot again in 2011, but was not nearly as productive.

This past year, Raji moved to the five technique and had a resurgence. The problem, however, is defensive end is much less important to Green Bay, yet Raji is going to get paid as a full-time nose tackle. If the Packers believe Raji will return to playing effective nose tackle with additions and developments beside him at end, then extending Raji isn’t an issue. If the team believes Raji will never be an effective full-time nose tackle, then it’s a very good time to find Raji’s replacement.

While FanSided mocked him a pick earlier, Georgia’s John Jenkins is an ideal fit for the Packers’ defense. He’s even bigger than Raji and has just as much explosiveness. Like many nose tackle prospects, he needs to improve his lower body strength and work through double teams, but that’s why he might available at 26.

Another option that demands further discussion is the idea of trading down.

At 26, the Packers are in prime position to trade out of the first round with a team that wants to grab a quarterback. With the Alex Smith trade depressing rookie quarterback demand, it’s highly possible that only one quarterback has been taken off the board by the time Green Bay is on the clock.

Teams with an obvious need at quarterback always play coy about making aggressive moves to get one, but come draft time that James Bond-like neutrality gives way to nerves and impatience. The Packers have made a living off of those types of teams, and they could do so once again this year. With the strength of the 2013 draft lying in the second and third rounds, optimizing the number of picks in that territory seems wise. It may be a disappointment for fans wanting to hear a name called for their team, but that’s a small price to pay for the huge value upgrade such a move entails.

Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; A general view as members of the military are honored during the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

The second post-Super Bowl edition of the FanSided 2013 NFL Mock Draft has been released.

The fine folks over at FanSided.com do a new mock draft every week right up until the actual draft in April, and we at LombardiAve.com are preparing for the full chaos of the offseason to commence. As Packer fans, we have our own opinions about what needs the Packers should try to fill using the 2013 draft. In this article we’ll explore some possibilities for the Packers first pick.

Draft positions are set save for the Super Bowl participants. Barring a trade, the Green Bay Packers will make their first selection with the 26^th pick.

Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide center Barrett Jones (75) reacts in the huddle during a timeout in game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the 2013 BCS Championship game at Sun Life Stadium. Alabama won 42-14. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

According to FanSided, with the 26^th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select Barrett Jones, Offensive Line, Alabama

Analysis: Jeff Saturday called it a career and the Packers will need to look for a new body to plug into the center of their offensive line. For what the Packers need, there is no better “bang for their buck” than a guy like Barrett Jones that can play any position along the offensive line, but his strength is in the interior.

Does this sound familiar to you? Well it should, because this is the second straight week Fansided has mocked Barrett Jones to the Packers at 26. We’ve said just about everything we can say about Barrett Jones prior to Combine/Pro Day season. If his leg is healthy, he’s a versatile player who can help the Packers immediately. If you want to read our previous analysis of Jones, you can find it here and here.

Sep 1, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tackle D.J. Fluker (76) in action against the Michigan Wolverines at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Another option that hasn’t had as much discussion is the idea of drafting T.J. Fluker. Fluker is an enormous, mauling right tackle who would team well with Josh Sitton in the run game while providing above average pass protection. Where does that leave Bryan Bulaga? As we documented a few weeks ago, Bulaga could be on his way to left tackle, a position he played most of his college career and one that better utilizes his pass blocking ability. Drafting Fluker could potentially be like drafting both a franchise left and right tackle. This would also afford the Packers the chance to be more patient with Derek Sherrod who suffered yet another setback with his leg injury midway through the 2012 season. While Fluker was drafted just before the Packers in the Fansided mock draft, I find that selection unlikely as they already have 3 offensive tackles they’re comfortable starting.

I continue to believe targeting a wide receiver early is a necessity for the Packers with the pending loss of Greg Jennings. Two weeks ago I waxed poetic about Louisiana Tech’s Quinton Patton. Since then, his star has risen considerably, including a top 15 overall grade from Russ Lunde of the National Football Post. At this time I think it’s unlikely that Patton is taken in the first round, but he might very well be gone by the Packers’ second pick. If that’s the case, there should still be talented options like USC’s Robert Woods or either of Tennessee’s wideouts Justin Hunter and Cordarrelle Patterson.

Jan 26, 2013; Mobile, AL, USA; Senior Bowl north squad defensive back Jonathan Cyprien of Florida International (37) prior to kickoff of a game against the Senior Bowl south squad at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Safety could be another way to go. Eric Reid, with his combination of speed and tenacity, has long been a favorite of mine. A player we haven’t written much about is Florida International’s Johnathan Cyprien. Like Reid, he is speedy can deliver a bit hit. As with any small school player, there are questions surrounding Cyprien’s ability to play against elite competition. A great showing at the Senior Bowl has begun to silence the doubt, but it will remain a question until he proves it on an NFL field.

Jason Hirschhorn covers the Green Bay Packers for Lombardi Ave. He has previously written for Hail to the Orange, College Hoops Net, Mocking the Draft, LiveBall Sports, and the List Universe. He is currently a senior writer for Beats Per Minute, an indie-music webzine. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JBHirschhorn.

Aug 9, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga (75) after the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

The Milwaukee Journel-Sentinal’s Rob Reischel raised a few eyebrows yesterday when he suggested Bryan Bulaga might transition to left tackle for the Green Bay Packers this offseason. While the article mostly discusses Bulaga’s recover from a hip injury, it points out how current left tackle Marshall Newhouse hasn’t improved significantly in his second year as starter. Naturally, there are many concerns about such a move, yet it’s an intriguing possibility nonetheless.

Assuming that Bulaga doesn’t hit any setbacks, there are some obvious positives to such a move. While many observers get caught up in Bulaga’s poor performance against the Seattle Seahawks, he graded as either the best or second best offensive lineman on the team depending on whether you consult Football Outsiders or Pro Football Focus. The possibility of playing him at the premium position of left tackle has to be considered.

This is not the first time the idea of Bulaga at left tackle has been floated. Following the 2011 season, longtime blindside protector Chad Clifton retired. Bulaga, who was one sack away from a clean slate that year, was openly discussed by the coaching staff as a potential replacement. Bulaga had played mostly left tackle at Iowa, where he was the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year and First Team All-Big Ten his final season. Despite some doubts about his arm and hand size, Bulaga has demonstrated the ability to handle left tackle and the elite pass rushers that position faces.

From left to right: Marshall Newhouse, Don Barclay, and Derek Sherrod. All could be in play for the starting right tackle position if Bryan Bulaga becomes the starting left tackle.

But there are consequences to a Bulaga position shift. Newhouse, who relies on quickness more than brute strength, is probably ill-fitted for the right side. Undrafted rookie Don Barclay performed well for the situation in 2012, but he’s yet to demonstrate that he’s more than quality depth. Derek Sherrod possesses the size and strength to handle right tackle, but he has yet to recover from the nasty leg injury he suffered week 15 of the 2011 season. The Packers could draft another tackle early in the 2013 draft, but that is only likely if Ted Thompson feels he’s getting a huge value

While most of this offseason’s headlines will pertain to contractual dilemmas such as Greg Jennings and Charles Woodson, Bulaga’s return and potential position move may ultimately prove the most significant development. After the Packers gave up 51 sacks, everything relating to the offensive line will be scrutinized.

Jason Hirschhorn covers the Green Bay Packers for Lombardi Ave. He has previously written for Hail to the Orange, College Hoops Net, Mocking the Draft, LiveBall Sports, and the List Universe. He is currently a senior writer for Beats Per Minute, an indie-music webzine. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JBHirschhorn.

Sep 13, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga (75) during the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Bears 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Green Bay Packers General Manager Ted Thompson rolled the dice at the beginning of this season carrying only one backup offensive lineman with NFL experience. This past Sunday against Arizona that roll of the dice came up “snake eyes.”

Bryan Bulaga, whom many regard as the team’s best overall lineman injured his hip in that game, and was eventually placed on injured reserve.

So what does life without Bulaga look like?

We got a small glimpse against Arizona, and there was not much of a drop-off.  However that was only a preview, not the full length feature.

T.J Lang will slide over to right tackle for the rest of the season. While he has been solid at guard, his history at tackle is suspect at best. He started three games at tackle in 2009. He played inconsistently, giving up 5.5 sacks, and by week 5 they were calling Mark Tauscher out of retirement.

Evan Dietrich-Smith’s resume at first glimpse, is even less appealing. His lone career highlight  is being the recipient of “the stomp.” In reality,  he is an adequate backup, who seems to excel in spots, but has not been tested over the long haul.

After EDS, it gets a lot worse. Don Barclay and Greg Van Roten are both untested rookie free agents, who are yet to step on the field for any meaningful snaps. Derrick Sherrod has returned to practice, but has not had any football-related activity since December of last year, and he wasn’t that good then.

Next man up, right?

It’s not that simple anymore. The overall play of the offensive line had slipped before the Bulaga injury. They have dropped from 18^th in overall efficiency in 2011 to 28^th this year and have given up 29 sacks, which ties the team for 31^st in the NFL.

Also the rest of the schedule is chock full of teams that have elite pass rushers, and can really bring the pressure. In fact, only one team remaining on the schedule (Tennessee) is ranked outside the top 10 in rushing the passer.

Hopefully we can escape these games with a few wins…and a quarterback in one piece

Sep 13, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga (75) during the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Bears 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

The unmentionable has officially occurred for the Green Bay Packers.

The offensive line, which has been intact for much of the season, received a blow when it was officially announced today that Bryan Bulaga, the Packers starting right tackle, would be placed on injured reserve, ending his season.

So, with the likes of Ndamukong Suh, Jared Allen and Julius Peppers licking their chops to get after Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the likelihood is that their chances may have increased with the loss of Bulaga.

However, there are those who may think that Bulaga hadn’t been playing his best ball over the first eight games anyway and the line continued to perform fairly well in the third and fourth quarters when Bulaga went out with a hip injury against the Arizona Cardinals.

When Evan Dietrich-Smith replaced left guard T.J. Lang when he slid over to replace Bulaga, the line continued to play without  too much of a drop-off – something they will have to continue to do when they come back out of the bye and play their first game against the Detroit Lions.

No doubt, that group of defensive linemen will be ready to test the Packers.

The good thing is that the Packers have the entire week to get the new players entrenched into their new positions before they head into the final stretch of the season. Just like all the other injuries that have taken starters away from the field, this one is no different. The continuing mantra of “next man up” continues with the offensive line.

Our hope is that any other injuries along the line can be avoided in this crucial stage of the season just when the NFC North Division standings have tightened with the loss by the Bears to the Houston Texans. And the rash of concussions to big-time players – Chicago QB Jay Cutler included – only underscores how injuries are affecting all teams.

This is the time of the season when team depth is a big player with which teams make the playoffs and which advance deep into the tournament and end up in the Super Bowl.

It’s time to buckle down, play hard and win games.

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Aug 19, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Derek Sherrod (78) looks on from the bench during the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Cardinals 28-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

With the injuries to Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Charles Woodson, Sam Shields, Desmond Bishop, D.J. Smith, B.J. Raji, and Nick Perry, it’s easy to conclude that the Packers have become the walking wounded. I disagree. In my estimation, they’ve been extremely lucky that through roughly half an NFL season, their offensive line has been nearly unscathed.

It’s been a long time since the Packers had effectively the same five offensive linemen for a entire season: 2003 to be exact. Though the line has been up and down thus far, a single injury anywhere along line could likely result in disaster – knock on wood.

Aug 19, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Derek Sherrod (78) blocks during the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Cardinals 28-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

The first man up is Evan Dietrich-Smith, a journeyman who isn’t even replacement level on his best day. His best asset is that he can play any of the interior positions, but what if one of the tackles goes down?

In that scenario, T.J. Lang would move outside with EDS filling Lang’s spot. While Lang has improved considerably since the last time he played tackle, he struggles with finesse rushers. With Julius Peppers, Jared Allen, Chris Avril, and the Giants’ trio of Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora, and Jason Pierre-Paul left on the schedule, it’s a scary scenario.

All of which is why the news that Derek Sherrod is unlikely to play this year is a big blow to the Packers. Sherrod’s return would have given Mike McCarthy a serviceable option at tackle should something happen to Marshall Newhouse or Bryan Bulaga.

Think back to 2009 when Clifton was injured early in the season, Daryn Colledge slid from left guard to left tackle. The adjusted line played terribly, resulting in the aforementioned trial run of Lang as a tackle. Lang’s struggles on the outside led the team to re-sign longtime right tackle Mark Tauscher.

There’s no Tauscher fallback plan this year, and the Packers are just one injury away from needing one.

Will A.J. Hawk win the starting inside linebacking position this season? Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Since the Packers moved to a 3-4 defensive philosophy, their defense has been about as consistent as the lineup for the Monday Night Football broadcasters.

In 2008, they were twentieth in yards given up per game. In 2009, they jumped to 2nd, in 2010, they were 5th and in 2011 all way down to last.

While some might point to the presence, or lack thereof of a player like Cullen Jenkins (he played in only four games in 2008 and, of course we know by the unsullied jersey of Eli Manning last January, zero games for the Pack in 2012), the play of their linebackers hasn’t been a stellar example of consistency.

In fact, no position on the Packers defense has had to endure as many rotating starters since 2008 as the linebacking corps. For long periods of time, the following have been completely out or at the very least severely encumbered by injury: Matthews (hamstring, shin), Hawk, Barnett, Walden, Zombo, Brad Jones, Brandon Chillar.

Will D.J. Smith get more playing time or even a starting role this season? Raymond T. Rivard photograph

So it should come as no surprise when we, Packers fans to the enth degree, search for spectacular stability. We’ve had it at almost every other position for years, Rodgers, Jennings, Bulaga, Woodson, and until last year, Collins and to some extent Raji. With a breakout performance by Desmond Bishop last year, we know that spectacular play from the inside linebacking position is possible. That could be what’s suddenly driving speculation that Hawk is in a training camp battle to save his starting position (and therein his roster spot).

Since they lost to the Cardinals back in the 2009-10 playoffs, when it became painfully clear that Hawk just did not possess the speed necessary to track down running backs on the sideline, I’ve never been a big fan of the Ohio State product. But Hawk had a productive year in 2010 and the Packers, on a Super Bowl high, invested a multi-year contract in the linebacker and let Nick Barnett go.

Last season, Hawk was consistently blamed for not making enough big plays. When he did have to sit because of injury, Packer fans were treated to some excellent playmaking by his understudy, a rookie, D.J. Smith. He’s 5-11, 239 pounds, and came out of a small school, Appalachian State.

During his unlimited action last year, he had 40-plus tackles and an interception. It will be very interesting to see if Smith gets more snaps than usual during the preseason, especially if it is with the first team. The Packers will likely say it is to give Hawk a rest, but many will view this as a clue that Hawk has a fight on his hands, which is as good a motivator as there is for someone who has already inked his post rookie payday contract.

Over at Arrowhead Addict, Patrick Allen posted the Q&A we conducted this weekend about today’s match-up between the unbeaten Green Bay Packers and the (we won’t mention their record) Kansas City Chiefs.

I was as brutally honest with my answers, which didn’t sit well with those who at least took the time to post comments.

In addition to reading this post below, you might want to go to the site and read the comments, too. I’ve been called an idiot before, so that really doesn’t bother me. What does bother me is that they really think the Chiefs are going to win today.

Call me an idiot, but I would be really stupid to put money on the Chiefs today … but like they say, ” On any given Sunday …”

Well, we all know it won’t be this Sunday.

Chiefs vs. Packers: Inside The Enemy Camp

The Kansas City Chiefs will try to do what no team has done in some time by beating the Green Bay Packers tomorrow afternoon.

In an effort to gather some intel on how to beat an unbeatable team, I sat down with Ray Rivard of Lombardi Ave, FanSided’s Green Bay Packers site.

Let’s go Inside The Enemy Camp with Lombardi Ave.

Do you ever get bored after watching blowout wins every week?

It’s not been boring watching the Green Bay Packers this season. Though they have dominated teams with their offensive prowess, you just never know what the defense is going to bring.

That’s what’s made this team entertaining to watch … At least for me. The defense has allowed teams to move up and down the field, but always seems to come up with the huge defensive stop when they need it … The interception, fumble recovery, the fourth down stop … This opportunistic group just seems to know when to turn it up a notch.

And blowout wins are never boring … Especially when the team is 13-0.

Check out the rest of the post after the jump and don’t forget to Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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Green Bay Packers linebacker Erik Walden, the champions’ player arrested last Friday after an alleged altercation with his girlfriend, apologized today to the organization, coaches, fellow players, and fans as he was questioned by a throng of reporters at his locker.

“I want to apologize to the entire organization, my teammates and the fans,” Walden said. “You know, it’s an ongoing process, I respect that process, and it’s just unfortunate that I brought something negative from so much positive that’s going on with this organization.”

He didn’t say anything about the specifics of the incident and indicated he was accepting of the need to let the process run it’s course.

Walden’s girlfriend had originally told police that as she argued with the Packer player that he struck her.

However, she later changed her story to say she hit him first.

The conflicting story has prompted Brown County District Attorney John Zakowski to initiate a more thorough probe of the incident.

Brown County District Attorney John Zakowski said Monday that Walden’s girlfriend originally told police they were arguing and he pushed her but she has since changed her story to say she hit him first.

It’s unclear as to his playing status for Sunday’s game in New York against the Giants, but he did say he’s ready to move ahead.

“I feel terrible about the situation. Just ready to move on and play football.”

Whether he plays Sunday will be up to Coach Mike McCarthy. He is scheduled to talk to the press about it tomorrow. While the league is still looking into the case, it’s not out of the question that the Packers would sit him.

If he doesn’t play, Frank Zombo, who has had injury problems this season, would be his replacement.

Walden’s teammates have been supportive.

“I think everyone’s just behind him on the team, supporting him,” right tackle Bryan Bulaga said. “I don’t know much of the details of the whole thing.”

“…that’s why this team has been so good getting past adversity, whether it’s injuries or whatnot, being able to move on just because of the great leadership.”

Walden has played well this season and has started all 11 games this year. He had a team-leading 10 tackles against the Lions on Thanksgiving.

No formal charges have been filed against Walden though prosecutors are still investigating. Zakowski said he needs more time to interview others to see if this is a case of miscommunication or if the woman is trying to protect Walden.

Walden is scheduled to return to court Dec. 7.

As long as Marshall Newhouse plays well in Chad Clifton's absence, the Packers flags should be flying high. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

When Chad Clifton (Left Tackle) went out of the game against the Atlanta Falcons with a “significant” hamstring injury the entire state of Wisconsin took a collective “gasp.” Bryan Bulaga was already missing due to a knee injury and who would fill the spot that protects Aaron Rodgers’ backside?

Welcome to the lineup Marshall Newhouse, second year lineman out of Texas Christian University (TCU). 6’4” – 319 lbs. Listed as a guard on the draft board when drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 2010 draft.

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James Starks will play an important role in getting today's running game going. He and his teammates will also wear their 1929 throwback uniforms in today's game. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Justin Stine of Ramblin’ Fan queried Lombardiave.com about today’s game against the St. Louis Rams.

Here are Stine’s questions and our answers:

1. The Packers are the defending champs and are undefeated thus far in 2011. Would you call them the favorites again this season, or is there a weakness you see that could cause a problem?

Through five games, I would have to say the Packers performance so far gives them a great chance of repeating their championship from a year ago. It’s a team that’s focused and ready to take it to the next step … another Super Bowl title.

But to get there will be a huge challenge … especially with the many breakdowns so far by their defense. Though the team seemed to pull it together last week after the two early touchdowns by the Falcons, the Packers’ defense needs to show consistency in stopping the big plays and the big players.

They did that last week and if the D can continue to show that type of performance, then they will have a very good shot at repeating. The only ones who can stop the Packers’ offense is the Packers offense. They’ve had some injury issues on their offensive line, but have been able to limp through those difficulties.

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But there are two areas that should be and will be targeted by opponents as Achilles heels – the running game and even more importantly, the offensive line.

While the Packers’ running game, with the the return of Ryan Grant, a full season from James Starks, and the addition of rookie Alex Green, should be considered a strength, it will all depend on the play of the offensive line.

In theory, the starters are solid even with the loss of Daryn Colledge. But beyond that, we should be concerned. 

The backups: Derek Sherrod, Evan Dietrich-Smith, Marshall Newhouse, had their moments in preseason, but they are backups for a reason. Though Head Coach Mike McCarthy and his staff have proven they are masters at plugging holes in the lineup without missing a beat, we all know how key the offensive line is to protection of the MVP quarterback and in opening holes for running backs.

We saw what occurred in preseason and the 15-or-so sacks given up.

Couple that with the fact that the Packers could be playing in the league’s elite division and against teams with defenses led by the likes of Julius Peppers,   Ndamukong Suh, and Jared Allen and one has to wonder about the move to keep just eight offensive lineman on the 53-man roster.

I guess we will find out real quick whether this was a good move. 

If the Saints shut down the Packers run game Thursday night and pin their ears back in the second half with their eyes in the backfield, it could be a very long night for Aaron Rodgers and would provide the template for other teams to follow this year.

Our hope is McCarthy has enough tricks up his sleeve in providing protection schemes and play calling (including appropriate use of the no huddle) to make it all work.
 
I guess that’s why he gets the big bucks.

We can only hope he earns every cent of it.

Does the Packers defense need Nick Barnett? Raymond T. Rivard photograph

By Jimmy Riley, for lombardiave.com

The Green Packers have a number of things to address when the lockout ends, as it is supposed to in the near future.  There are several players whose futures with the Packers may not be so bright.

Among them Nick Barnett and Mark Tauscher (more…)

First-round pick OT Bryan Bulaga finalized a five-year contract.  He is expected to man the backup left tackle spot behind Chad Clifton when camp starts.  Adam Schefter reported the contract to be worth $14.75 million with $8.76 million in guaranteed money.