Ted Thompson has his game face on most of the time, though many times it’s difficult to read what the man is thinking. Either way, he’s one of the best at what he does.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

CBS Sports NFL Insiders Jason La Canfora this morning released an interesting piece rating the top front offices of NFL teams – an admittedly subjective look at the best management teams – but one that not only ranks Ted Thompson and his crew in the top three and the best in the NFC, but seems pretty darned accurate.

There are those who might not like La Canfora, for whatever reasons, but he takes chances and backs his conclusions up with reasoning. Whether you agree with that reasoning is one thing, but at least he stands behind it.

As he admits, his listing of top front offices here is his own opinion, but the interesting thing I noted is that not only are the Packers the top NFC team on the list, but other NFC North teams, the Vikings, Lions, and Bears, did not make the cut.

Ranked number one is the team led in Baltimore by Ozzie Newsome … can you argue with that? At number two just ahead of the Packers is Bill Belichick‘s New England Patriots.

Both of those programs have had inordinate success for years because of the guys at the top and the Packers are no different. Thompson is the guy I like to call the invisible man, the guy who has been called many things, some that are not printable here. But the “In Ted We Trust” mantra that has circulated across Packers Nation has been the most accurate description of how we all feel about the guy.

There’s little that we can gripe about with Thompson’s personnel moves over the years. Sure, he’s had some clunkers like Justin Harrell and Derek Sherrod (thought the jury’s still out on that one), but the slow, methodical pace that Thompson has adhered to has produced one Super Bowl championship and two straight NFC North championships the past three years.

Clearly, the man does his homework and provides the league’s smallest city with the tools it needs to be competitive on the field and profitable at the bank. The Packers raked in more than $40 million profit last year not only because of sound fiscal management, but because of the sound football decisions. It’s those facts that have allowed the Packers to sign their two top players, Aaron Rodgers and Clay Matthews, as well as continue to hit paydirt in the draft – and the guy who’s fingerprints are all over those moves – Thompson’s (along with Russ Ball and Mark Murphy) – just keeps the machine humming.

Here’s what La Canfora wrote about the Packers:

3. Green Bay Packers:

Ted Thompson is so low key and so patient that you sometimes forget he’s even there, which is what he loves. But man, what a tremendous front office when you can lose a John Schnieder — the best young GM in the game — to Seattle and just keep on winning.

Mark Murphy and Russ Ball help man the ship and keep the cap and budgets humming along, and this ultimate small market team has Super Bowl or bust expectations every year, which is all you hope for. Getting Aaron Rodgers signed to a cap-and-cash friendly deal through the rest of this decade was another phenomenal move, as was waiting for potential impact running backs Eddie Lacy and Jonathan Franklin to fall to them in the draft. Remember, the Packers have had to deal with guys like Brett Favre and Mike Holmgren walking out the door not that long ago, and they have done nothing but thrive since.

Thompson won’t get goaded into overpaying or drafting for need, and his keen eye has resulted in guys like Randall Cobb – so huge now — being picked where others might not have done so with so many receivers already in the fold.

Mike McCarthy was a sage hire as head coach. He is a perfect fit with this team and that city, and Rodgers isn’t done winning Super Bowls by a long shot. When they do venture into free agency, they often find steals, like Charles Woodson, and this front office doesn’t get nearly the credit it deserves.

So, tell us what you think, Packers fans. Is La Canfora on the mark?

Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson talks with head coach Mike McCarthy prior to the Family Night scrimmage at Lambeau Field. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Fellow writer Travis Pipes has sparked an interesting discussion here at LombardiAve with a recent article about Ted Thompson and his success, or lack thereof, in the late rounds of the NFL Draft.

Just in case you missed it, I encourage you to check out Travis’s article here.

Travis takes a look at Thompson’s late round picks since Thompson took over as the Packers’ general manager in 2005, and makes the point that maybe his success in finding impact players in the later rounds of the draft isn’t as frequent as we typically perceive.

Desmond Bishop lines up against the Carolina Panthers. Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Outside of Josh Sitton (fourth round) and Desmond Bishop (sixth round), this seems to be the case. Both have proven to be excellent players for Green Bay and great finds late in the draft, but why hasn’t Thompson hit any other home runs in rounds 4-7 in his time as the Packers’ GM?

Just to get a frame of reference, I thought it would be interesting to take a look at how other general managers around the league fared in the late rounds of the draft during Thompson’s time with the Packers. I wanted to get a sense for how common it is for other teams to find impact players late in the draft, then this would give us a better understanding on how to judge Thompson’s efforts.

I compiled a list of all the GMs that drafted from 2005-12, and looked at each GM’s draft from 2005 to 2012. I focused on the players they selected in rounds 4-7 and noted any players that have played significant time for an NFL team. I also put an asterisk by any players that have proven to be either impact players or top players at their position.

So let’s see how the other GMs during Thompsons’ time with Green Bay did in finding impact players late in the draft.

(Both Rick Smith from Texans and Mike Tannenbaum from the Jets became GMs in 2006, but I included them on this list anyway becaue they were only one year removed from Thompson’s reign as GM.)

List of GMs and Late Round Success from 2005-2012

A.J. Smith – San Diego Chargers

2005 - Darren Sproles, RB, 4^th Round

Mike Brown – Cincinnati Bengals

2006 - Domata Peko, DL, 4^th Round

2010 - *Geno Atkins, DL, 4^th Round

Jerry Jones – Dallas Cowboys

2005 - *Marion Barber, RB, 4^th Round

- Chris Canty, DL, 4^th Round

- Jay Ratliff, DL, 7^th Round

2008 - Erik Walden, LB, 6^th Round

Rod Graves – Arizona Cardinals

2007 – Steve Breaston, WR, 5^th Round

2008 – Tim Hightower, RB, 5^th Round

Bruce Allen – Tampa Buccaneers/ Washington Redskins

2012 – *Alfred Morris, RB, 6^th Round

Mickey Loomis – New Orleans Saints

2006 – *Jahri Evans, OL, 4^th Round

- Rob Ninkovich, LB, 5^th Round

- *Marques Colston, WR, 7^th Round

2008 – *Carl Nicks, OL, 5^th Round

Bill Belichick  - New England Patriots

2005 – Matt Cassel, QB, 7^th Round

2010 – *Aaron Hernandez, WR, 4^th Round

Ozzie Newsome – Baltimore Ravens

2006 – Dawan Landry, S, 5^th Round

Kevin Colbert – Pittsburg Steelers

2007 – William Gay, CB, 5^th Round

2010 – Antonio Brown, WR, 6^th Round

Rick Smith – Houston Texans

2006 – *Owen Daniels, TE, 4^th Round

2009 – Glover Quin, S, 4^th Round

Mike Tannenbaum – New York Jets

2006 – Leon Washington, RB, 4^th Round

Ted Thompson – Green Bay Packers

2007 – *Desmond Bishop, LB, 6^th Round

- Mason Crosby, K,  6^th  Round

2008 – *Josh Sitton, OL, 4^th Round

- Matt Flynn?, QB, 7^th Round

2009 – T.J. Lang, OL, 4^th Round

- Brad Jones, LB, 7^th Round

2010 – Marshall Newhouse, OL, 5^th Round

- C.J. Wilson, DL, 7^th Round

2011 – Davon House?, CB, 4^th Round

2012 – Jerron McMillian?, SS, 4^th Round

As you can see, many GMs around the league have struggled to find impact players late in the draft. They seem to be lucky if they found one impact player in the late rounds in the past eight drafts. Many of the players on this list fall short of the definition of a true impact player, but either started or played a significant amount of snaps for their team.

T.J. Lang (70) during the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Compared to the other GMs, Thompson has done well finding players late in the draft that have come in and contributed significantly to the team. Players like T.J. Lang and Brad Jones may not be considered elite players at their respected positions, but they have found their role on the team and contribute significantly.

Newhouse and Wilson have started for the Packers the past few years, but have struggled at times. Due to the number of snaps they’ve played the past few seasons, I still consider these players decent selections late in the rounds of the draft.

The jury is still out on House, McMillian, and Flynn, but I included them on this list because of their potential. Even if you take away House, McMillian, Flynn, Newhouse, and Wilson, it seems Thompson has done well late in the draft when compared to his peers.

Only Mickey Loomis from the Saints has found more impact players in rounds 4-7 since 2005 (Evans, Colston, Nicks).

It seems it’s challenging for any GM to find true impact players late in the draft, especially when you look beyond the fourth round. Maybe it’s not as common as we think. It’s even a tall task to ask a GM to find a solid starter or role player in the bottom half of the draft.

But what do you think?

Do you think Thompson holds up well against his peers in finding talent late in the draft? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

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.

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

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.

Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

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.

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.

Datone Jones was the Packers first round draft pick.
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Another NFL Draft has come and gone for the Green Bay Packers and Ted Thompson has held tight to his “best player available” draft strategy.

Historically, Thompson has been known for selecting players based on value, not going after specific positions of need. Green Bay’s 2013 draft grades are all over the map, but value is a word that might best describe this year’s draft class.

Eddie Lacy
Eileen Blass-USA TODAY Sports

Datone Jones, whom the Packers selected with the number 26 pick overall, fills a positional need on the defensive line, but was one of their highest rated players – regardless of position. Jones has a great motor and a work ethic that should be contagious. At 6-4, Jones’ lean frame looks able to pack on a few additional pounds. He will certainly add some good length and intensity to the Green Bay trenches.

After waiting patiently in the second round, the Packers got one of the best value picks of the draft in Alabama running back, Eddie Lacy. Once rumored to the Packers in round one, the Packers got an absolute value steal at the end of the second round. Injury concerns are thought to be the reason that Lacy fell, but his injuries did not seem to hamper his production at Alabama. The Packers could have the steal of the draft if his production continues at the next level.

Andrew Fielding-USA TODAY Sports

This year’s best example of drafting according to value? Johnathan Franklin. The fact that Green Bay was able to snatch him up at the end of round four is impressive. Many are confused as to why the Packers would take two running backs and fail to directly address other positions of need. Frankly, there was more value on the board at other positions. Franklin was thought, by some, to be deserving of a second round pick. In addition, his character and leadership made him impossible to pass up. Worst case scenario, he is an insurance policy on Lacy – and a good one at that. Best case – he could challenge Lacy for the starting job. Not half bad for a fourth round pick.

But obviously value is tested with the passing of seasons. It is difficult to say for sure who is really “a value” in this draft class. However, one thing is for sure: Thompson will not waver from his highly-effective draft strategy that places value over positional needs.

Still doubt Ted Thompson?

Consider the Packers’ value pick in the first round of the 2005 NFL draft. That should help. This player just signed a contract that makes him the highest paid quarterback in history.

Good value?

I think so.

UCLA Bruins running back Johnathan Franklin.
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

If you’re a Dynasty fantasy football league player, you’ve probably wiped the drool off the corners of your mouth by now and are champing at the bit for your annual rookie league draft.

But before you lock in your rankings, let me make one final plea for slotting Johnathan Franklin ahead of Eddie Lacy in the Green Bay Packers‘ backfield.

On the surface, Lacy looks like the slam dunk pick for not only the first Packers selected, but the first player selected over the likes of Tavon Austin, Giovani Bernard, Le’Veon Bell and Montee Ball. Lacy should get more touches per game than Austin or Bell. And Green Bay’s offense is much more dynamic than the one Bell plays for in Pittsburgh.

I question Ball’s effectiveness in the NFL as well. Lacy is a 230-pound monster that beat up on SEC defenses on a weekly basis. The Ex-Badger Ball ran through holes the size of dairy farms at Wisconsin. They won’t be as big on the pro level.

And as much as I like Lacy, I think there are significant advantages to owning Franklin in fantasy as opposed to him. For one, unless you flipped an aging star for an additional first round pick this year, you probably won’t have a chance at both backs.

According to Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC) high-stakes dynasty fantasy football drafts, Lacy has been going a few picks higher on average than Franklin. And given that Lacy was drafted in the second round of the NFL Draft, as opposed to the fourth where Franklin was picked, that makes sense.

But Packers GM Ted Thompson traded up to get Franklin. He gave up both a fifth and a sixth round selection to make sure Franklin was wearing the Green and Gold. And while Lacy was selected higher, he simply fell to the Packers. Thompson did not feel the same inclination to trade up to snag the ‘Bama bruiser.

Furthermore, Lacy’s injury history would make even Super Dave Osborne’s eyes bulge out. In less than two years, Lacy has suffered injuries to a pectoral muscle, hand, elbow and knee.

In addition to those ailments, Lacy’s hamstring injury was blamed for his poor pro day workout. Plus a turf toe injury has forced him to have surgery once already.

Eddie Lacy
Eileen Blass-USA TODAY Sports

While Lacy’s toughness rarely cost him practice or game time, Franklin does not have the injury baggage that Lacy totes. Franklin didn’t missed one game in his four-year career at UCLA. Outside of a few minor contusions and bruises, Franklin does not have any major injury flags like Lacy has.

Nagging injuries seem to have a way of turning into long-term issues for NFL players. While it’s far too early to be concerned about Lacy’s long-term health, it’s not even in the conversation for Franklin right now.

So, go ahead and roll the dice. Trade down, and grab Franklin. And when Green Bay is limiting Lacy’s touches throughout the regular season in an effort to keep him healthy enough to grind out those cold weather leads in January playoff games, it will be Franklin reaping the regular season fantasy benefits.

St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson rushes against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at CenturyLink Field. Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Less than two months ago, Cheesehead Nation had its collective panties in a bunch because the Green Bay Packers were pseudo-courting free agent running back Steven Jackson.

Remember that?

When Jackson signed with Atlanta in mid-March, it seemed some broken-hearted Packers fans were ready to call it a lost season.

“[S]tarting to think ted might be more of a great college talent scout and not a great gm,” opined one reader on BleacherReport.com.

Hey, good lookin’. Mind if Ted Thompson buys you a drink? He’s not looking for anything serious, you know.

“Jackson is better then [sic] anything we have now,” wrote another, on ESPN.com, “and better then [sic] what is in the draft. He would have been a much needed upgrade. Now it will be another so-so year with the 2nd & 3rd rate running backs we have now.”

Even some LombardiAve.com readers were deflated and critical of what we’ll now refer to as The Steven Jackson Flirtation: “Other teams get better, and TT just sits there,” one reader commented. “Like the East end of a West bound horse! No running game, no problem we’ll lowball all the RB’s. Then we can say we tried!”

I almost expected some of those folks to start quoting old country songs. Or posting their heartbreak on their Facebook and Twitter feeds. “Thanks, Ted Thompson. I’ll never love again! Waaaaah!”

So, Packers GM Ted Thompson spurns on a 30-year-old running back with more than 10,000 yards on the tires, and then? He  drafts running backs Eddie Lacy and Jonathan Franklin — arguably the top two backs in the draft — and gets them at bargain prices in the second and fourth rounds. Younger, hotter. Faster.

Awww yeah.

So what would TT now say to those folks who panicked following the unconsummated Steven Jackson Flirtation? Probably something along the lines of, “Sorry, he just wasn’t my type.” Which is to say, too old and too expensive. And not a home-grown Packers draft product. “Used up” is a term some might use.

Not all Packers fans reacted negatively, but shouldn’t this serve as a cautionary tale for future free-agent signing periods? I mean, Ted Thompson didn’t exactly blindside us; you’d think the Packers faithful would have seen that coming. Ted is fickle when it comes to his flirtations. Hey, we all want the Packers to improve — that’s part of being a fan. But in spite of two straight embarrassing ejections from the playoffs, the team is still winning division titles, still making the playoffs. And Ted still manages to be the belle of the ball.

For this guy, Ted Thompson will make a real commitment. Photo: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

And look at what we got by way of Thompson’s failed flirtation: In Lacy, we potentially have a powerful, Jackson-esque pounder who actually has more wiggle and comparable receiving skills. Second round, folks.

In Franklin, we got a back who has been compared with Baltimore’s Ray Rice due to his speed and skill set. Suddenly, the team that lives and dies by the passing game may not have enough footballs to hand off. (Ooh, Ted. I’m a little turned on).

And what does this ultimately do? It helps protect Aaron Rodgers’ butt, for one thing, but it also should help the Packers re-open the downfield passing game at which Rodgers is so dominant when he can work play-action. As long as the newly-reconfigured offensive line can open holes in the zone blocking scheme the Packers use, we should begin to reap the rewards right out of the gate.

Perhaps even more importantly is that this gives Green Bay quality depth at the running back position for the foreseeable future. Remember the collective groan last year when Cedric Benson went down in game five, just when he was starting to gel with the offense?

This way, if Lacy’s turf toe injury re-asserts itself and he misses a couple of games, it isn’t the end of times, and DuJuan Harris and Alex Green won’t have to shoulder the load alone (you won’t have to take them to the prom, you just keep them in your phone in case you need a date).

When you consider all this in retrospect, it makes the Steven Jackson Flirtation seem much more like a win than a loss, don’t you think? I can hardly wait to see what Ted gives these guys next year for Valentine’s Day.

Eddie Lacy runs against Kent State. John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Like many Packers’ fans, I was excited when Green Bay selected Alabama running back Eddie Lacy at the end of the second round. What a steal at that point in the draft. I was also excited when they traded back into the fourth round to take running back Jonathan Franklin from UCLA. This completely surprised me.

Franklin was a guy I had tagged for Green Bay since his great week at the Senior Bowl. He just seemed to fit perfectly into the Green Bay offense. Lacy and Franklin were my two highest rated running backs going into the draft, and I would have been happy if the Packers got either one. Now I am ecstatic they got both. A surprising, yet brilliant move by Ted Thompson and his staff.

Eddie Lacy
Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

With Lacy and Franklin in the backfield the running back position could become a real strength for the Packers’ offense next season. Maintaining a consistent running game seems to have been the Packers’ Achilles heel the past few seasons. They haven’t had a back eclipse the 100-yard mark in a regular season game since Brandon Jackson did it early in the 2010 season. Since then, Green Bay has been shuffling various backs in and out of the lineup searching for “the guy” who will make opposing defenses account for the run. This running back carousel has been difficult to watch.

When the Kansas City Chiefs slowed the high-powered Green Bay offense at the end of the 2011 season and then the New York Giants did it again a few weeks later in the playoffs, teams finally found the formula to beat the Green Bay Packers.

Opposing defenses took away Green Bay’s big plays and throws over the middle by dropping their safeties into a two-shell coverage (Cover 2) and putting their linebackers back into zone coverage in the middle of the field. Opposing defensive linemen only needed to worry about rushing the passer. We saw this time and time again last season when Green Bay played teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks.

Aaron Rodgers is sacked by New York Giants linebacker Chase Blackburn during the first quarter of an NFL game at MetLife Stadium. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Teams weren’t made to account for the run. It wasn’t a threat. Their pass rushers didn’t have to hesitate and check for run. They just went after the quarterback. Play action was nearly a non-factor. The result was a significant drop in big plays for the Green Bay offense, and Aaron Rodgers getting sacked 51 times—most by any quarterback in the league last year. Rodgers was still able to make plays and put up good numbers, but the Packers weren’t nearly as dominant on this side of the ball as they had been in previous seasons.

Establishing an effective running game will force teams to account for more than just the pass, and get Green Bay’s offense back on track to being dominant, once again. Let’s look at how Lacy and Franklin may help Green Bay’s offense next season and force teams to play the Packers differently.

Eddie Lacy

At 5-11 and 231 pounds, Lacy is a big back, to say the least. He’s a powerful downhill runner who isn’t afraid to lower his pads and deliver a hit on opposing defenders. He has a natural knack for finding holes in the line and has quick feet for a back his size. The Packers haven’t had this type of running back since maybe Ahman Green.

Lacy can be a force. He sheds arm tackles easily and rarely goes down upon the first hit. The Packers need a guy like this that can pound the ball between the tackles and strike a little fear into defenses. I can just imagine Lacy running over 49ers linebackers like he did Manti Te’o in the BCS Championship game.

Some criticize Lacy because he ran behind one of the better offensive lines in college football, but if you watch Lacy’s footage, he’s breaking a lot of tackles and showing the right burst through the holes. His production in college is clearly more than just having a good offensive line. Plus, he ran the ball in the SEC, the toughest and most competitive division in college football, and put up impressive numbers. He ran for 1,322 yards and 17 touchdowns with a 6.7 yards per carry average in 2012.  I think this guy is for real.

Eddie Lacy is tackled by Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Manti Te’o

It is too early to tell if Lacy will be the clear favorite to start on Sundays at running back, but if he proves to bring some bite to the Packers running game it could be a real game-changer for Green Bay.

Opposing defenses would have to stop playing two-shell coverage all the time, and walk an eighth defender into the box to play the run. This would allow the wide receivers to get single coverage on the outside and enable Rodgers to pick the mismatch he wants to exploit. This would also allow the Packers to run an effective play action and hit more big plays downfield as teams are forced to respect the run and not drop their safeties on first and second down.

It will also prevent linebackers from dropping back in coverage on most downs, which will leave the middle of the field more open for the tight ends and crossing routes by receivers. Defensive linemen won’t just tee off on the quarterback. They’ll have to respect the run, which give Rodgers a little bit more time when dropping back to pass. If defensive linemen even hesitate for a split second before rushing the passer, this could make all the difference in the world.

A physical back like Lacy also can be effective on the goal line and in short yardage situations. No longer will you see the Packers go with empty-back sets on third and one. Yay! Having a physical runner will also help Green Bay close out games and dominate time of possession. Something they struggled with in key games last season. During our live NFL Draft blog, fellow lombardiave writer, John Dewey, made the point that having an effective running game also helps out the defense. If Green Bay can sustain drives and maintain time of possession, this would all their defense time to rest and be fresh when they take the field.

Finally, to run effectively late in the season when temperatures drop, you need a big, physical runner, like Lacy. Lacy could be the gameday closer that can sustain success late into the season. He’s the type of player Green Bay has lacked for years.

Get a feel for the kind of runner Lacy is and check out some of his highlights:

Johnathan Franklin

Franklin offers a different skill set than Lacy. Franklin was highly productive at UCLA, rushing for a school record 1,734 yards as a senior and recording 13 touchdowns.

He is more of a cutback runner who offers a good burst through the hole and has the speed to turn on the burners and break off a big run. Running backs coach Alex Van Pelt called Franklin “elusive” and “a guy that will make you miss.” That is exactly what Franklin is. He makes people miss. He is a change-ofpace type of back and potential home run hitter. Watch some of his footage against Nebraska and Colorado and you’ll see a back who can break through arm tackles and spin his way out of trouble. Franklin’s quick feet and good vision make him a dangerous weapon in space.

Johnathan Franklin runs with the ball in the first quarter against the Arizona Wildcats at the Rose Bowl. Andrew Fielding-USA TODAY Sports

Franklin may challenge Lacy for the starting spot at running back, and at the very least, Franklin will provide Green Bay with a very good third down back and situational player. Franklin can catch the ball out of the backfield and pass block just as well as he can run the ball. And that is saying something. Van Pelt called both Lacy and Franklin the “best two passing blocking backs in this year’s draft.”

Franklin will offer Rodgers additional pass protecting support, and he has the skills to receive effectively out of the backfield. He will frequently win one-on-one matchups against linebackers who try to cover him, giving the Packers another mismatch to exploit in the passing game.

Franklin will work great out of shotgun and spread formations (something the Packers like to run). If you notice in the footage, Franklin frequently ran out of the shotgun, and this is something that will add another dynamic to Green Bay’s no huddle and third down offense. If Franklin can offer a rushing threat from shotgun formations, this just gives opposing defenses another weapon to account for in the Green Bay Packers spread offense.

Franklin is also great in the screen game, which is another effective way to slow down the opposing team’s pass rush. If teams have to begin accounting for Franklin’s running and receiving ability out of the shotgun and spread formations, then that will force teams to play the Green Bay receivers and tight ends in single man coverage. This will only give Rodgers more options when trying to pick and choice which matchups to exploit on the field.

Check out some of Franklin’s gameday footage against Nebraska:

Both Lacy and Franklin should breathe life into the previously lethargic Green Bay running game. With the addition of these two backs and the potential of DuJuan Harris, the Packers’ backfield is beginning to look like a position of strength for the first time in long while. The competition at this position should be exciting to watch over the offseason, and it’s reasonable to think a featured back will emerge from this group next season.

An effective running game will make the passing game better, the pass protection better, the play action game better, the redzone offense better, the defense better, and even your beer and brat at Lambeau Field taste better (OK, maybe I got carried away on that one). The Packers will always be a pass-first type of offense with Rodgers at the helm, but adding a couple of quality backs that can revitalize the running game will help relieve some of the pressure on Rodgers and open up the passing game.

It should be exciting to watch unfold.

Former Green Bay Packers Director of Pro Personnel Reggie McKenzie is bringing a new attitude and some of the tactics he learned while in Green Bay to the Raiders.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Teams over the past decade have been known to throw money like confetti at any hyped prospect or free-agent, but recently a Green and Gold philosophy has inhabited an organization known to shred money like Nixon thugs – that team being the silver and black, the Oakland Raiders, under the guidance of one Reggie McKenzie.

Under former Packers Director of Pro Personnel Mckenzie, the team has abandoned the futile recklessness of former owner/general manager, Al Davis.

From former head coach Tom Cable knocking out assistants to senior executive John Herrera calling sportswriter Mike Silver a pot-smoker and challenging media members to a fight, the Raiders have been cursed, to say the least.

It must be one of those gypsy curses.

Ted Thompson’t influence on Raiders Reggie McKenzie has been important.
Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

JaMarcus Russell comes to mind as the biggest blunder in Davis’s reign. Instead of following then-head coach Lane Kiffin’s advice, Davis undercut his talented coach for a rocket-armed man-child with a penchant for stuffing his face with Devil-Dogs.

They eventually passed on the record-breaking wide receiver Calvin Johnson.

Compounding the problem, Davis dragged his Oakland fans through a divorce more messy than a Kardashian’s.

Holding an unneeded press conference, Davis began by lambasting Kiffin, praising the failure of Russell, and ultimately torpedoing any prospect of interest for any player in the league to join his circus.

Unless they wanted to be overpaid.

Tommy Kelly, Javon Walker and Carson Palmer are all pieces who have come and gone with atrocious sums of money, leaving devastating craters from their presence. Kelly was an unmotivated mess, Walker had mentally and physically checked out, and Palmer … well … did not care in the first place.

Ask the Bengals ….

With head coach Hue Jackson being handpicked by Davis in 2011, and substituting the future for a bleak shot at the playoffs, the Raiders threw a first round pick for quarterback Palmer in 2011.

Davis had finally found stability in Bengals castoffs, but the kind that last for as long as a paper airplane in flight.

Passing away Oct. 8, 2011, as deviantly as he lived, Davis never realized the costly roll of the dice he put his team through.

Choking at the end of the season, the Raiders squandered their chance at the dance against the San Diego Chargers, 38-26.

Now the ominous cloud of indecision they had caught finally rained on the team. No Al, no playoffs and no future.

A change was in order.

Ever wonder what kind of experience it must have been working under the dominating force of Davis and subsequently carrying his legacy?

Matt Flynn, another product of the Green Bay Packers system, has been penciled in as the starter in Oakland.
Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Try being his son, Mark Davis.

Besides the horrible atrocities done to his own hair, beneath the lid contains a great passion to fix a team consistently drowning under its own rancor and with the assignment of Mckenzie the ability to reverse course is not far off.

Namely with quarterback Matt Flynn - another product of the Green Bay Packers system.

There has not been a competent quarterback in the Oakland area since Rich Gannon swept up the MVP in 2002, but now with Flynn known for his stable demeanor and execution, the Raiders finally have the franchise’s future set.

Under Packers’ GM Ted Thompson, McKenzie learned patience through the draft while cutting ties to destructive forces within the franchise.

Linebacker Ronaldo McClain was a perfect example of the Davis regime, by his constant insubordination to McKenzie’s coach Dennis Allen.

Instead of coddling the talent of McClain, (as Davis had been famous to do) the axe fell quickly and the shockwave effect has righted the wayward ship.

Another trait passed on from Thompson included the art of the draft. Rather than reach or overvalue talent, McKenzie traded his spot in the draft from the third overall pick, (to former Packers offensive coordinator-turned-Dolphins-Head-Coach, Joe Philbin) to the 12th overall pick and for talented defensive back, D.J. Hayden.

Wielding picks and refocusing attention toward team fundamentals has done wonders for the Green and Gold, and from the looks of it the Raiders might return to their legendary owners mantra.

“Just Win Baby.”

Could the NFL consider a “most important player” tag?

In the wake of Aaron Rodgers’ new history making deal, some question how one NFL player can literally be worth $110 million.

From a football perspective, this can be understood. Yet at the same time from the blue collar 9-5 working man’s perspective, this is probably a little much. While watching the draft this weekend, I couldnt help but wonder, “should each team have a ‘Most Important Player’ tag separate from their team’s payroll?”

A few weeks back, I wrote an article questioning whether or not Rodgers’ next deal would potentially hamstring the organization moving forward. While this deal is absolutely monumental at first glance, Ted Thompson has structured it in a way to be as cap-friendly as it probably could have been moving forward. It’s probably safe to assume this deal is about as team-friendly as it could have been, as well.

I want to explore a tag option, however, that’s separate from the franchise tag.

Deals such as the one Rodgers received are becoming more of a trend within the league. This type of deal will not be going away anytime soon and it’s only a matter of time before Rodgers deal takes a backseat to the next “highest paid player in the NFL.”

To ease the burden of this on a team’s given salary cap, why not come up with a separate tag (maybe a most important player tag) that keeps them exempt from the original payroll? While this idea may currently seem a bit far-fetched, as I said before, these “mega-contracts” will not be ending anytime soon and this type of tag could help ease the blow of such lucrative numbers.

Don’t get me wrong, I am as big a fan of Rodgers as the next Packers fan and this is more speculation or thinking out loud more than anything. A deal such as his creates an interesting scenario for the league as to whether or not deals such as this should be separate from the rest of the team’s.

Aaron Rodgers’ new deal was surprisingly “cap-friendly.” Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

It’s also probably safe to say that at least half (probably more like three-fourths) of the teams’ most important players are all quarterbacks.

If not now, probably sooner than later. We’ve heard the phrase “it’s a quarterback-driven league” for some time now. Teams realize who their best player is – it’s no secret, and they obviously pay them as such. Why not distinguish them as such?

So have at it Packers Nation! Should the league create a separate tag (aside from the franchise tag) recognizing teams’ most important players?

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.

For those who do not remember, I predicted that the Packers would draft college kids who played football.  True to my predictions, every single pick the Packers made was someone from a college who played football (and many of you have questioned my $20 million dollar signing bonus!).

Take that, Mel Kiper!

Now that we have had some time to decompress and I have had time to read as much as I can about the picks that Ted Thompson made, I figured it was time I added my scholarly insight.

After the 2013 NFL Draft, Ted Thompson has a lot to smile about. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports photograph

In general I think TT had a very good draft in general terms.  Never one to dip into the free agency pool, Ted always looks to retool and revamp through the draft and he did exactly that.  Trading back to get more picks and then moving up to address needs, he did it all.

One thought that consistently stayed with me the entire draft was what all those fans who were clamoring for free agents as the solution to the team’s problems.  Be it running back or a guy for one of the lines, we heard how Thompson failed the team.  Now, being totally biased and impartial, those comments annoyed me for one simple reason:  Why should we spend money on someone who another team does not want and who may only be a short-term solution to a long-term problem?  Address the issue for the long-term.

Ted clearly put the skeptics in place (again, from my biased point of view) and clearly demonstrates why it is so important to have a good general manager at the helm and not Jerry Jones.

With the first pick, the Green Bay Packers selected  Datone Jones (or as I have already heard him refered to as Dat-One).  Well let’s just hope he is that one – the one guy that can step in and solidify the defense.  He brings to the table what the Packers have been lacking – a tough, large presence. At 283 pounds and six feet four inches tall, he will be the Pack’s biggest lineman.  Now the only question is will his size and physical conditioning equate to success.  Only time will tell.

Datone Jones, can he be the piece of the defensive puzzle that has been missing? Milwaukee Journal Sentinel photograph

Jones, however, has said many of the right things, with the most important being that he wants to “carry himself” in the footsteps of Reggie White.  If he pans out to be half the player that Reggie was, then Ted made a great first pick.

Ted then took the bull by the horns and with his second and fifth picks (second fourth round selection) chooses two of the top running backs in the nation.  Eddie Lacy out of Alabama and Johnathan Franklin from UCLA.

This is significant for two reasons.  One, Thompson, no matter what he says, clearly drafted based on the needs of the team with these two picks.  Secondly, he clearly recognized that the pieces that were in place, were not significant enough to establish a dominant run game that would take the pressure off of Aaron Rodgers (who, if you did not hear, is now the wealthiest NFL player of all time) to have to do everything and also allow the passing game to open up since the offense would no longer be one-dimensional.  Opponents will now have to respect our running game, now let’s just hope the O-line can create lanes for these guys to run.

In looking at Lacy and Franklin, what impresses me the most is that both of these guys are tagged as powerful runners.  Lacy can smash the ball up the middle, whereas Franklin is more of an elusive runner who has the ability to make you miss.  Both runners have the power and speed to break it open.  In fact, Lacy has been compared to Jerome Bettis in his style of running.

The only knock against Lacy is injury issues.  First hamstrings and secondly a fused toe.  Though it may lead to questions down the road, neither injury seemed to affect his productivity last year when he rushed for 1,322 yards.  Personally, knowing that these issues exist, clearly allows the medical staff to take preventative measures to ensure they do not become recurring problems.

Most of the pundits point out that with Franklin, he has not shown  the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and has had a history of fumbles. However, he only had one fumble all of last season while rushing for 1,734 yards with 13 touchdowns.

Can Eddie Lacy succeed where others have failed and be the punishing back the Pack has missed? Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Enough with the downside.  Seriously, look at what we have gone from – James Starks, Alex Green, Cedric Benson and DuJuan Harris – to Lacy and Franklin.  Then just for the fun of it, you can also throw in Randall Cobb.  Add that to our receiving corps, coupled with Rodgers, I personally see an offense that is going to be very entertaining and explosive.  No longer will defenses be able to key in on the pass.  The threat to run and run hard and often is there and we all know that will open up the passing game ( I wonder if Greg Jennings is having any second thoughts?).

Making it a one-two punch in the backfield for the Packers. Johnathan Franklin will bring an elusiveness that will force defenses to respect Green Bay’s running game. Andrew Fielding-USA TODAY Sports photograph

As the draft rolled on, Ted and company also took steps to address other needs both on the offense and defense.  So many others have taken the time to hash out those players that at this point there is nothing constructive that I can add to any discussion.

What is important though is to again realize that while many in Packers Nation were clamoring for action during the free agency period, Thompson was true to himself.  He decided that it was better to take as many bodies as possible to find what is needed than take a chance on a pricey free agent.

The 2013 draft looks good on paper and I truly believe that this may be one of Thompson’s finest drafts, but I do not think you assign a grade to it until you see how the players pan out.  Give it a few years and then we can honestly assess what was done the last three days and if it was worthy of an “A.”

With the draft over, I am now excited for the season to start moving ahead.  Rookie orientation is coming up and then Organized Team Activities.  There is a lot happening up in Green Bay and with our Wisconsin summer already over (two nice days), I am ready for some football!

GO PACK GO and IN TED WE TRUST!

Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Eddie Lacy (42) runs against Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback KeiVarae Russell (6) during the second half of the 2013 BCS Championship game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

After selecting defensive end, Datone Jones, from UCLA and running back, Eddie Lacy, from Alabama, it looks like the Green Bay Packers are assembling a pretty good draft so far. Well, expect a lot more from Ted Thompson and his crew on day three of the NFL Draft.

After several day two trades (so complicated the details will give you a headache) the Packers will be going into day three of the draft armed with 10 picks.

Yes, I said 10 picks!

OK, maybe that is not enough to get you excited about rounds 4-7 of the draft, but you should be excited, especially if you are a Packers fan. This is a deep draft with still plenty of talent left on the board, and finding great players in later rounds is Thompson’s calling card.

Simply put, day three of the draft is Thompson’s day. It’s his time to shine and really work his magic. Expect Green Bay to find considerable value and talent on day three.

Now, what will the Packers do with those 10 picks? Maybe they use them as ammunition to trade up and get the players they really like, or maybe they take more bites out of the apple and add more depth and competition at various positions on the roster.

It should be interesting to watch unfold. The Packers still need to add depth at offensive line, safety, wide receiver, outside linebacker, and defensive line. I could also seem them adding another tight end and possibly a quarterback later on.

Let’s look at a few players at these positions Green Bay may target on day three of the draft.

Senior Bowl north squad offensive lineman David Quessenberry of San Jose State. Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Line

The Packers desperately need to add depth to the offensive line. They may not need to find immediate starters, but they need to add competion at left tackle and center and find depth at guard. Look for versatile players, like Alabama’s Barrett Jones and San Jose State’s David Quessenberry, to help Green Bay solidify their offensive line. Both these players can play multiple positions on the line, and whereas Jones projects more to be an NFL guard or center, Quessenberry has the measurables (6-5, 302 pounds) and quick feet to play left tackle.

Safety

It seems many of the top safeties are off the board after the first two days, but there are still several players left with potential playmaking ability. Green Bay missed out on D.J. Swearinger in the second round and J.J. Wilcox in the third, but if a guy, like Fresno State’s Philip Thomas, falls to Green Bay in the fourth, expect them to take him without hesitation. I have been high on Thomas for a while and like his playmaking ability. He would be a great pick in the fourth round, but the Packers may have to use their extra picks to trade up and get him. Also, look for late-rounders, Tony Jefferson from Oklahoma or Bacarri Rambo from Georgia.

Wide Receiver

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs wide receiver Quinton Patton (4) makes a catch.

A lot of wide receivers came off the board on day two of the draft, but this year’s class is a deep one and provides plenty of options in rounds 4-6.

Quinton Patton from Louisiana Tech may be the best available wideout, but he will more than likely be gone by the time the Packers pick in the fourth round. They could trade up for Patton, but there are plenty of other options out there the Packers could wait until the end of the fourth to select, like Da’Rick Rogers from Tennessee Tech or Cobi Hamilton from Arkansas. Maybe, they wait even longer and take someone like Marques Wilson from Washington State with one of their three fifth round picks.

Outside Linebacker

Look for Green Bay to take another outside linebacker in rounds four or five. Chase Thomas from Stanford could be there in round four and would be a great fit for Green Bay, or maybe a guy like Michael Buchanan from Illinois will fall to the Packers somewhere in the fifth round. There are plenty of “tweener” rushbackers still available. I expect Green Bay to leave the draft with at least one more rushbacker (3-4 OLB) added to their roster.

Tight End

I am actually surprised how many tight ends have come off the board already. I just didn’t have this year’s tight end class rated that high. It doesn’t seem there are many complete tight ends left to select, but look for San Jose State’s Ryan Otten in rounds five or six to provide another receiving option for Green Bay. Dion Sims from Michigan St. and towering 6’7’’ Joseph Fauria from UCLA are still available, but both these players seem like project picks at this point.

North Texas Mean Green quarterback Derek Thompson (7) passes under pressure from Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jesse Williams. Kelly Lambert-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Line

The Packers went defensive line in the first round, but I expect them to pick up a nose tackle on day three. They need to continue to add depth to the interior of their defensive line and prepare for Pickett’s eventual departure.

If they could get Jesse Williams from Alabama in the fourth round that would be an excellent pick. Some mock drafts had Williams go to Green Bay in the first or second round. I am surprised he has fallen this far in the draft. However, Green Bay may target Williams, but they would probably have to use their extra picks and trade up into the top of the fourth round to get him.

If the Packers miss out on Williams, look for them to target massive defensive nose tackle, Kwame Geathers, from Georgia in rounds five or six.

It is always difficult to predict where players will go this far in the draft, but I expect Green Bay to have a big day. This is Thompson’s time to shine, and with the talent still left on the board it will provide good theater for the remaining rounds of the draft.

Though there have been some health concerns with Lotulelei (recently 100 percent cleared for football activities) there has been no reason to believe he would fall all the way down to Green Bay in the draft.

For most of the NFL Draft season, Lotulelei has been slotted as a sure top 10 pick. Now all of a sudden he has the potential to fall to the Packers at pick No. 26? I’m not buying it. That is until I read a much-respected sports journalist’s point of view. Sports Illustrated’s Peter King is considered one of the best in the business for covering sports, in particular the National Football League.

King, as of this afternoon, has the Packers selecting Lotulelei at No. 26. King didn’t offer up much analysis for his pick other than saying, “Star is going to be star.” Again, I can’t see Lotulelei falling past the Jets, Saints, Panthers, Chargers or Giants in the first round. Even if he survives past the Giants in the first round, someone will trade back into the first round to snag Lotulelei.

I agree with King that Lotulelei will be a star, (no pun intended) however, for a player as talented as Lotulelei to fall to No. 26, even with the injury history, is too difficult to fathom.

If by some miracle Lotlulelei falls to Green Bay, Ted Thompson is all but guaranteed to select him. Lotulelei is a game changer and will be a Pro Bowl player in the NFL sooner rather than later. He is extremely versatile and is able to play any defensive position. He is also a freak athletically for a guy who is 6-2, 310 pounds. He has tremendous strength, which allows him to be a top-notch run defender. A perfect NFL equivalent to Lotulelei would be Baltimore Ravens defensive linemen Haloti Ngata.

Other scouts have Lotulelei slipping down in their recent mock drafts also, but not to the extent of King. It’s unclear whether scouts don’t trust that Lotulelei’s injuries are indeed clear, or they just aren’t as high on him no as they once were.

Ravens’ defensive linemen Haloti Ngata

Other mock drafts that have Lotulelei slipping include: Mel Kiper Jr.has Lotulelei to the Titans at pick No. 10. Todd McShay has Lotulelei to the Panthers at pick No. 14. Finally, Matt Miller of Bleacher Report has Lotulelei going to San Diego at pick No. 11.

As you can see, three other well-respected draft  analysts don’t have Lotulelei escaping the top 14 picks.

It’s unclear what King knows that fans and scouts don’t, but in his last mock draft, Peter King has the Green Bay Packers selecting Star Lotulelei defensive linemen, Utah.

The Green Bay Packers struck gold in the seventh round of the 1999 draft when they selected wide receiver Donald Driver. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

Let’s say it’s day three of the NFL draft and teams, including the Green Bay Packers, are heading into the seventh and final round. There are just scraps left, right? A few crumbs here and there. No one to get too excited about.

Well, if you’re a Packers fan, think again.

Since the draft shrank from 12 rounds to 7 in 1993, the Packers have struck gold several times and added some very serviceable players to their roster. Not coincidently, the hand of Ted Thompson played a role with most of these picks. Ted joined the Packers in 1993. He took a Seattle sabbatical from 2000 to 2004, when he served as the Seahawks’ vice president of operations. Thompson returned to the Packers as general manager in 2005.

Here’s my Top 7 List of seventh-rounders chosen by the Packers. I can’t wait to see Ted’s pick in the seventh round this year.

(Note: Missing from this list are NFL Hall of Famers Jim Ringo selected in the seventh round in 1953 and Tony Canadeo selected in the seventh round in 1941. There were only 13 teams in the league in 1953 and 10 teams in 1941, so the seventh round was not the crapshoot that it is currently in today’s 32-team league.)

Packers Top 7 List of Seventh Round Draft Choices

Donald Driver
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

1. 1999. Donald Driver, Wide Receiver, Alcorn State, 213th Overall Pick
Packers all-time leader in number of receptions (743)
Packers all-time leader in receiving yardage (10,137)
Longest play in the playoffs in Packers’  history (90 yard TD pass, 1/8/2008, against N.Y. Giants)
Seven 1,000+ yards receiving, 61 regular season TDs
14-year career, all with the Pack
Super Bowl Champion
Pro Bowler

Adam Timmerman

2. 1995. Adam Timmerman, Guard, South Dakota State, 230^th Overall Pick
Four-time Pro Bowler
Second-team All-Pro
Two-time Super Bowl Champion
Started 172 games for Packers and Rams

Scott Wells

3. 2004. Scott Wells, Center, Tennessee, 251^st Overall Pick
Named starting center in spring of 2006
Pro Bowler in 2011
Super Bowl Champion
Started in 107 games for Packers and Rams

Brad Jones

4. 2009. Brad Jones, Linebacker, Colorado, 218^th Overall Pick
Starter at linebacker in 2009 and 2012
Super Bowl Champion
In 2012 recorded 77 tackles, 2 sacks, 4 passes defensed and one forced fumble
Signed new contract with Packers in 2013 for three years and $11.75 million

Matt Flynn

5. 2008. Matt Flynn, Quarterback, LSU, 209^th Overall Pick
Holds all-time Packer records for yards and touchdowns in a single game (480 yards and 6 TDs versus Detroit, 1/1/12)
Super Bowl Champion

C.J. Wilson

6. 2010. C.J. Wilson, Defensive End, East Carolina, 230^th Overall Pick
Played in 42 games in last three seasons, starting in 11 games
68 tackles, 3.5 sacks
Super Bowl Champion

7. 1996. Keith McKenzie, Defensive End, Ball State, 252^nd Overall Pick

Keith McKenzie

95 NFL games played
29.5 sacks
9 fumble recoveries
Super Bowl Champion

Will Margus Hunt still be around at the 26th pick? Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports photograph

While watching NFL 32 the other day, the program had prospects in-house that they were interviewing in lieu of the upcoming draft. What better way to see where prospects heads are before the biggest day of their lives. When it came time to talk with Margus Hunt, I just got the feeling that he could potentially be the perfect Green Bay Packer on and off the field. Obviously whether or not Hunt is still on the board at 26 remains to be seen, but defensive end is an area of need that Hunt could certainly shore up.

Hunt’s story is far from typical. Born in Estonia, he attended Southern Methodist University in 2007 and originally signed up for track and field. Football had never even been a consideration. Around the time he was finally able to attend school, SMU had actually dropped track and field altogether. Having been a shotput and discus thrower, Hunt’s athleticism simply couldn’t go ignored and that’s when his trainer suggested trying out for a football scholarship.

Needless to say, football coach June Jones was impressed. Then again, what’s not impressive about a man thats 6-8, weighs 275 pounds, and runs a 4.7 second 40-yard dash?

Come Combine time, Hunt nearly replicated these impressive numbers as his 40-yard dash time was officially clocked at 4.6 seconds and he was able to bench press 225 pounds 38 times.

While Hunt’s physical attributes and numbers on the field speak for themselves, it was the Margus Hunt off the field that struck me as most impressive. During his interview with ESPN, Hunt comes across as one of the most humble of prospects. You get the feeling that he is genuinely thankful to simply have this type of opportunity.

When asked if his family members (who still reside in Estonia) even knew what American Football was, he replied he was still in the process of explaining it to them. To me, this is the classic Ted Thompson draft pick. Not arrogant, extremely grateful and humble of the opportunity laid at his feet, and would fit in with the team from day one. It’s almost something that can’t even be described by words but after being a fan of the Green and Gold for so long, it seems as if the Packers Nation just knows whether or not a prospect such as Hunt has “it.”

Margus Hunt
Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

I believe Hunt would even provide a “spitting image” of the type of Packer Clay Matthews was recently quoted as describing – production on the field leads to the organization taking care of you as the player. I really don’t see Hunt as a “problem child” or an injury risk as he has remained healthy throughout college.

I for one must say I would be happy should Thompson decide to draft Hunt. In my eyes, he is more than worthy of a first round selection, and a relatively safe one at that.

However, as I stated earlier, whether or not he is still available at 26 remains until Thursday to be seen. In Ted we trust.

How does the Green and Gold nation feel about Hunt? Let us know, we want to hear what YOU have to say!

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

UCLA Bruins defensive end Datone Jones (56) brings down Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Taylor Martinez (3) in the end zone for a safety during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL draft is approaching, and now it’s time to play imaginary GM in this special seven-round mock draft for the Green Bay Packers.

It’s nearly impossible to predict how the draft will unfold. Every year provides plenty of surprise selections, last minute trades, and teams reaching to fill a need, and ultimately, screwing up everybody’s draft boards.

All we know as Packers fans is that Ted Thompson will select the player best available on his board. This should provide us some reassurance. Our team is in good hands — even if we don’t completely understand the science behind his methods. However, Thompson’s approach does make it difficult to conduct a feasible Packers’ mock draft, but alas, we try anyway.

Instead of being concerned with trying to get this one right and pinpoint who Thompson may select in each round, let’s do something different. Let’s pretend this year’s draft works out perfectly for the Packers. Everything falls their way and the players they target high on their board come right to them at the end of each round.

What would this draft even look like for Green Bay? This is even difficult to figure out, right?

But let’s give it a shot anyway — and with the caveat that this is just my best guess based on reading experts’ analyses of these players and where various mock drafts around the Internet have these players placed.

UCLA Bruins defensive end Datone Jones (56).
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Round 1 – Datone Jones , DE, UCLA, 6-4, 283 pounds

What’s not to like about this pick? Jones played 3-4 defensive end in college and was very productive his senior year, recording 19 tackles for a loss and 6.5 sacks. Jones has great length and size to play on the edge and played very well against the run throughout college, and he has the frame to add a little more weight and bulk up without losing any burst. Jones also offers some inside pass rush ability, giving Green Bay an every-down defensive lineman (something they’ve been desperately missing since Jenkins departed). With B.J. Raji and Ryan Pickett entering contract seasons and Jerel Worthy likely missing a significant amount of next season due to injury, the Packers’ top priority heading into this draft is strengthening their defensive line. Here is an instance where need and value meet and the Packers get one of the top 3-4 defensive ends in the draft.

South Carolina Gamecocks safety D.J. Swearinger (36). Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Round 2 - D.J. Swearinger, S, South Carolina, 5-10, 208 pounds

Swearinger is electric. This guy really packs a punch, and his high-motor makes him a ball of energy on the field. He could bring a physical presence to the Packers’ defense they were desperately missing last season. Swearinger lacks ideal size for a  safety, but he makes up for it with good agility and quickness. He’s a solid tackler, can play in the box in run support, and knows how to deliver a hit (check out some of his college highlights). His coverage skills are also solid, and if he was only a few inches taller, he would most likely be a first round pick. This could be the steal of the draft.

Round 3 – Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford, 5-9, 214 pounds

Jan 1, 2013; Pasadena, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Stepfan Taylor (33)

Here Green Bay gets their running back. A disappointing NFL Combine has dropped Taylor significantly on many draft boards. He posted a slow 4.76 40 time, which led many to wonder if Taylor has the explosiveness to be a productive back in the NFL. However, Taylor did improve his 40 to 4.63 at his Stanford Pro Day, and his production in college speaks for itself—rushed for 1,530 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior. Taylor also looked like the best back at the Senior Bowl, and his college game tape shows a back who has a natural knack for finding holes and making quick cuts. Taylor won’t wow anybody with his explosiveness and he isn’t great at any one aspect of the position, but he does do everything well and is a balanced runner. He is one of the best pass blocking running backs in this year’s draft — one reason I think the Packers will target him — and he can also be productive as a receiver. At the third round, Taylor will provide great value for Green Bay and his balance will compliment Dujuan Harris’s explosive running style.

Round 4 – David Quessenberry, OL, San Jose St., 6-5, 302 pounds

Quessenbery is one of the more versatile offensive linemen in this year’s draft. He spent most of his time at San Jose State playing left tackle, but Quessenbery is projected by some scouts as a guard or center in the NFL. Many see Quessenberry able to play any of the five offensive line positions, which would be a huge asset to Green Bay. Maintaining offensive line depth was one of the major struggles for the Packers last season and really came to hurt the team when Bryan Bulaga went down halfway through the season. Drafting Quessenberry would give Green Bay a player who could provide depth at both tackle and guard positions.

Marshall Thundering Herd wide receiver Aaron Dobson (3) makes a one handed catch. Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Round 5a – Aaron Dobson, WR, Marshall, 6’3’’, 210 pounds

Maybe Dobson won’t be here at the end of round five, but if he is, the Packers would find a lot of value this late in the draft (something Thompson is known for). Dobson’s tall frame makes him a good candidate as an outside vertical receiver in a pass-oriented offense. Dobson didn’t post great college numbers, but he possesses the physical tools to be a real weapon, especially down in the red zone. Dobson would provide a different type of receiver than is currently on Green Bay’s roster and would add depth to the roster after losing Jennings and Driver this offseason.

Round 5b – Jamie Collins, OLB, Southern Miss, 6’3’’, 250 pounds

The Packers need to add depth at outside linebacker. I still believe Nick Perry can do well starting opposite Clay Matthews, so this is why I have the Packers waiting this long in the draft to select another pass rusher. Collins doesn’t strike me as an every down outside linebacker. He struggles holding the edge against the run and lacks the strength to break through double-teams. However, Collins is quick and plays with energy. He can get to the quarterback and would make a great pass rushing specialist and situational player. The Packers could rotate him in on third downs to provide some extra juice in the pass rush.

Round 6 – Ryan Otten, San Jose St., TE, 6-5, 230 pounds

September 29, 2012;Annapolis, MD, USA;San Jose State Spartans tight end Ryan Otten (82) is tackled by Navy Midshipmen linebacker Vinnie Mauro (31) at Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Otten was a productive receiver at San Jose State and would give the Packers another receiving option at tight end. With Finley entering the final year of his contract and his future status as a Packer in question, it would be a good idea for Green Bay to find another receiving threat at the position. Even if Finley stays with Green Bay beyond next season, Otten would enable the Packers to utilize more two tight end sets in the passing game.

Round 7 – T.J. Johnson, South Carolina, C/G, 6-4, 310 pounds

Johnson has a good frame, but lacks athleticism to be a starter in the NFL. Johnson would add good depth at the interior line and could be a player Green Bay develops over the next few years into something more than just a backup.

There it is. Let me know what you think. Where did I get it wrong? Where did I get it right, in your opinion? Offer any suggestions on picks you would change. It will be interesting to see next week if any of the picks hit close to home.

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

Lawrence Okoye – future NFL star?

By Niall Connelly

of Lombardiave.com

Non-American prospects such as Margus Hunt, Bjoern Werner, Menelik Watson and British Olympian Lawrence Okoye are garnering a lot of attention and creating quite a buzz around the NFL.

All are raw prospects who will need a lot of personal coaching and development but their pure natural ability and potential has NFL teams salivating so much so that Hunt, Werner and Watson all regularly appearing in first round mocks.

It will be no surprise to see these three freakish athletes play in the NFL next season but if the other man mentioned above, Lawrence Okoye, manages to get a spot on an NFL roster, then it could be the start of a new highly exciting and beneficial trend for the NFL.

Australian Football and the AFL is a sport in a similar situation to the NFL, not in the way it is played but in its setup – a highly physical indigenous sport fighting off competition from other sports and trying to expand its worldwide popularity.

Around 10 years ago controversial former AFL player and famous sports agent Ricky Nixon began his Irish experiment. After seeing the success of Gaelic footballers “Big” Jim Stynes (R.I.P) and Tadgh Kennelly as converts to AFL, Nixon embarked on a project to find and develop the finest Gaa talent as Australian rules footballers. To date, Nixon has helped more than 40 Irish footballers forge successful careers down under.

The success of Nixon’s project has led to a whole new breed of Australian footballer – one whose unorthodox style and skill set baffles opponents and amazes spectators. The involvement of Irish players at an elite  level of the sport has greatly improved the sports appeal popularity in Ireland.

Jim Stynes Irish Australian footballer

Were Okoye to make an NFL roster and perform at a high level it may open the floodgates on an influx of foreign players into the NFL from other sports.

Fans are constantly talking about the similarities between sports such as rugby and American football so is it beyond reasonable doubt to suggest that sooner rather than later we will see rugby players donning pads and helmets on Sundays?

With the current day epidemic of poor tackling plaguing the NFL, adding guys who consistantly bring ball-carriers down without the use of helmets and the shoulder charge is a beneficial move for NFL defenses.

How does this have any relevance to the Green Bay Packers, you may ask?

Well not only do the Packers suffer greatly from poor tackling the are also one of the most resourceful and inventive teams when it comes to finding players. Packers General Manager Ted Thompson rarely makes waves in free agency with big money signings, but instead builds from within, taking undrafted and developmental prospects and turning them into contributors.

The Packers’ roster is littered with unheralded prospects – guys like Dezman Moses, DuJuan Harris, Jarrett Boykin, Sam Shields and Tramon Williams all went undrafted only to land with the Packers and land chances to shine.

Sam Shields and Tramon Williams two of TT greatest discoveries

With this resourcefulness and approach to finding guys to develop, I feel that Ted Thompson would be one of the GMs most willing to give guys from other backgrounds a chance to try their hands at Football.

It is I believe a strategy that could offer huge rewards for very little risk in return.

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?
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports photograph

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.

Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

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.

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

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.

Kelly Lambert-USA TODAY Sports

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.

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

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!

Aside from the production of Clay Matthews, the Packers other players have had a difficult time in getting to the quarterback. Here Brad Jones brings down Matt Hasselbeck in 2009.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Let us be blunt, the Green Bay Packers defense stunk last year when it came to tackling and just about everything else when it mattered.  So was this related to the number of injuries and lack of experience that the team was forced to use to plug the holes or was it the scheme?  That question we do not and probably will not know the answer to.

What we do know is this, that calls for the dismissal of defensive coordinator Dom Capers from the masses were met with a wall of support (just as strong as the one that was given to Mason Crosby).  Also, there was no movement on the free agent front to help resolve any questions or concerns with the defense.

Johnny Jolly is expected back with the Packers this week.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Where does that leave us as off season workouts have started and the draft is right around the corner?  Well pretty much where we were when the season ended, except that Charles Woodson has moved on and Johnny Jolly is trying to return.  Plus, Coach Mike McCarthy is reviewing his processes for offseason and preseason workouts and training in an attempt to prevent the Green and Gold MASH unit from going to a code blue for next season.  Finally there is also the hope that the injured players from last year will return.

Well here is my two cents worth, none of the above is going to really matter or factor into anything that happens next season if the defense does not improve in two simple areas.  The first is tackling and the second is generating a sustained pass rush.  I would guess that many of you agree with me on this as it does not take a rocket scientist to figure these two things out.

In analyzing this, we can then remove the portion of the equation that places blame on Dom Capers (though I still dislike his defensive schemes and lack of planning that was evident when we played any read-option team).  Capers is not the one on the field and he is not the one who is executing the plays, the players are, so it rests with them.

Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson

I am also removing Ted Thompson from the discussion as his part is to provide players and these guys have been playing since pre-school for the most part and should know how to tackle and rush at this point in their careers.  They all have the same skills and it is up to them to apply their abilities to their jobs, just like anyone in any employment environment has to.

Thus it is the players that need to step up.  They (in my opinion) have no excuse in missing a tackle.  Let’s be honest, how many whiffs and total misses did we see last year?  I can get paid a million dollars to make those same misses, so maybe the Packers should sign me.  I would save on the cap space and give them the same level of futility.

In looking at last season how many times was an opposing player wrapped up and yet managed to somehow break free and explode for a gain?  How often did the defense fail in just doing the most basic thing they are supposed to do?  The answer is a lot.  Also, what is this pushing a guy out of bounds about?  Lay a little smack down on them.  Inflict some pain and punishment!  This is not flag football.

Even though it is probably against some collective bargaining rule, I say the team should be allowed to implement a policy.  Every time a tackle is missed, the player or players who misses are fined $100.  If the missed tackle results in the offense scoring, the fine is $1,000.  Or better yet for each missed tackle, they forfeit .01 percent of their salary.  That would hurt the big money players and the low level guys equally.  How quick do you think the tackling skills would improve then?  I am guessing if you hurt a guy’s pocketbook things will improve quickly.

The Clay Matthews-led Packers defense has got to show improvement in 2013.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Now that I have solved the issues of missed tackles let’s move on to the pass rush.  Granted Clay Matthews was out for a good portion of the season and this can account for a portion of the dropoff in what was expected.  Yet again, this goes back to some basic principles.  These guys have been playing a long time and they understand the skills and techniques that they need to employ to break through and inflict pressure and take the quarterback down.

Why is it that our defense made every offensive line look like they were the premier line in the NFL?  Why can’t these guys provide the rush that is needed?  If it is so difficult to do this on a continuous basis why is it that when I watched Super Bowl 31 the other night, Reggie White was able to on three separate occassions just walk through the line to sack Drew Bledsoe?  Granted he was a phenomenal player but if he can do it, why can’t these younger guys give a little more?

Granted there were bright spots last year, but the consistency was lacking and you never knew what defense was going to show up.  I blame this on the players only because that is the one factor over which they have control.  Thus next season they need to be focused and resolve that their skills are better than what they have shown.

Now if I factor any players or undrafted signings into all of this, it changes nothing.  Again, these guys are professionals and have been doing this for a long time.  They know how to tackle and they know how to rush.  They just need to apply those skills and do what they are paid to do.  If we do not perform in our jobs we end up not having a job.  Maybe it is time that we apply this logic to the players.  You don’t do your job, you do not get paid and you do not play!

Having solved the defensive issues of the Packers, I think it is time to focus on other important issues that are more pressing, specifically how do we take back the tundra next season.  That little article by Bob McGinn, over at the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel calling the fans soft is still eating away at me.

Mr. McGinn, get ready cause I am a one-man wrecking machine ready to start the revolution to TAKE BACK THE TUNDRA!