Rookie D.J. Smith (51), played well near the end of 2011 when he was forced into action because of injuries to the Packers' linebackers. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

This four-part series concludes by showing the correlation between the Packers’ 2011 draft and their strategy for long-term team-building.

The 6th Rounders
Caleb Schlauderaff, OL, Utah
D.J. Smith, LB, Appalachian State
Ricky Elmore, LB, Arizona

This is what Ted Thompson loves: Hoarding late-round picks and taking as many players as possible, hoping that at least one becomes a starter. In the 2011 6th round, Thompson had one bust, one break-even and one big hit.

Ricky Elmore, projected as an OLB, was a complete bust in training camp. His college teammate, Brooks Reed, selected in the second round, and who had fewer sacks in college than Elmore, was a key cog in the Texans’ defense.

Schlauderaff couldn’t beat out Ray Dominguez, an undrafted free agent and was shipped to the Jets in exchange for most likely a 6th round pick this year. Thompson made sure this mistake wasn’t compounded by getting equal compensation for the light-weight guard.

Smith was the surprise of the draft. He stepped in and started when the Packers had both inside linebackers go down. He even played well enough that some people unhappy with A.J. Hawk’s play (and contract numbers) suggest that Smith could be a starter as soon as this season. In the least, Smith offers solid play from a backup and if he does become a starter, this pick will look like one of Thompson’s best in years.

The 7th Rounders
Ryan Taylor, TE, North Carolina
Lawrence Guy, DT, Arizona State

-between these two, Thompson selected Lawrence Taylor (we wish)

With Taylor, Thomspon finally found a guy who has a passion for special teams – a trait sorely lacking on the 2011 Packers. Taylor brought attitude and feisty play to a squad that previously tried to not be embarrassed on special teams plays. Taylor contributed in small ways on offense. His long-term value is special teams.

A long-term project, Guy spent 2011 on the Packers’ practice squad. He will face a lot of competition to make the 2012 roster.

Joe Tafura of GMEN HQ allowed lombardiave to talk about today’s Packers vs. Giants game – asking us about how we feel about who has the upper hand.

Here is our Q&A exchange:

Ray Rivard from Lombardiave.com checked in to answer some questions for us here at GMENHQ.COM

Q. Is anyone in Green Bay concerned that the defense is ranked last in the NFL, or is it simply a matter of them being able to take chances since Rodgers and the offense is so good?

(more…)

It’s somewhat surprising given the success Harrell has had this preseason. Many, including lombardiave, considered him a lock to make the team, not only because he has shown promise, but because in this age of the quarterback, how could a team go with just two? The Packers seem pretty confident in Rodgers and Flynn staying healthy.

According to the Green Bay Press Gazette, the Packers have at this point about 3:30 p.m., announced the release of 12 players, including Harrell. Rookie defensive end Lawrence Guy was also released, signed an agreement that would bring him back to the team with the stipulation he be place on the injured reserve list. That means the team thinks highly enough of Guy that they are willing to cut a deal like this.

Another surprise has been the announcement that safety M.D. Jennings has reportedly made the team. Jennings, as you might remember, made big special teams plays the final two preseason games – recovering two onside kicks, the first successfully completed by the Packers that led to the game-winning field goal by Mason Crosby and the send last week when he recovered the onside kick attempted by the Kansas City Chiefs.

Joby Branion, the agent who represents both Graham Harrell and rookie tight end Ryan Taylor, has told the Green Bay Press Gazette that Taylor has made the team – not a huge surprise given Taylor’s large presence on special teams and his skills in catching the football.

According to the Press Gazette, here’s a running list of the players the Packers have cut so far:

* FB Jon Hoese

* WR Kerry Taylor

* WR Chastin West

* S Anthony Bratton

* S Brandon Underwood

* G Caleb Schlauderaff

* NT Jay Ross

* DE Lawrence Guy, injury settlement, plan to bring him to IR and develop him in the offseason

* CB Brandain Ross

* WR Tori Gurley

* QB Graham Harrell

* C/G Nick McDonald