I’ve been a fan of Ted Thompson since he’s come to Green Bay. Ted has injected this team with a lot of young talent, and he’s done it through the draft. He’s traded down multiple times for more draft picks, and for the most part, it’s worked out pretty good. The team is chock full of young talent, so what’s the problem?
There’s no doubt going 6-10 last season was a huge disappointment after an incredible 13-3 season…so what happened? Favre wasn’t here last season, which may have gotten the Packers a win or two more, but that wasn’t the real problem. The problem was injuries, bad draft picks and the lack of free agent pickups were at the root of the problem.
Draft Picks
2008
The jury is still out on the 2008 class, but they contributed very little for the 2008 season. Their top pick Jordy Nelson, which I see as a great pickup, definitely wasn’t a need pick, and he saw a lot of action while James Jones was struggling with injuries. If Jones hadn’t been struggling with injuries, Nelson wouldn’t have had as much playing time. Ted’s second pick, Brian Brohm, was arguably the best player available, but he probably felt it was necessary since there were no backup quarterbacks on the team. Huge mistake! Thompson should have acquired a veteran QB to backup and support Rodgers through his first season as a starter, and drafted a QB later. Brohm could eventually develop into a fine QB and be trade bait, but he was beat out by a seventh round rookie and was relegated to third string. I like Patrick Lee, Jermichael Finley, and Jeremy Thompson, and they did contribute some this past season, but they weren’t exactly wowing anyone.
2007
The 2007 draft has got to be one of Thompson’s biggest blunders…..Justin Harrell. I really hope this guy can turn it around since he just can’t seem to stay healthy, but so far, he’s been a bust. There were games last year where Mason Crosby had more tackles than Harrell. How embarrassing! If you look at the players that were drafted after Harrell in the first round, I would take almost any of them over Harrell. Second round pick RB Brandon Jackson seems to have been a decent pick, but that pick was out of necessity since they didn’t have a starter; Ryan Grant was still with the Giants. Jame Jones was a great pick, and has been contributing from day one, but I wonder if he’s already hit a ceiling. Aaron Rouse looked like a safe pick, and I still love his athleticism, but he’s starting too look like a bust. Mason Crosby has been a great addition, and I also like LB Desmond Bishop.
2006
This was a decent draft, except for one black eye…..AJ Hawk. I loved the pick at the time, but he’s really no better than an average linebacker, and it’s time he got supplanted as a starter. Colledge seemed like another good pick in the second round, but again, nothing but average, but he’s probably better suited as a tackle. Greg Jennings was a phenomenal pickup in the second round, and currently, may be the only real playmaker on offense. Abdul Hodge was a bust. Jason Spitz is pretty average. Fourth round pick Cory Rodgers didn’t even make the team. Fourth round pick CB William Blackmon can’t win a starting job, but has turned into a decent returner. DT Johnny Jolly was a decent pick in the sixth round. Ingle Martin, Tony Moll, Tyrone Culver, and David Tollefson are no longer with the team. Overall, one great pick, and a handful of average players.
Free Agents
I can understand why Ted stayed away from free agency at the beginning of the building process, but why stay away from it now? The most successful teams build through the draft, fill holes through free agency, and occasionally role the dice on a big dollar free agent. Ted had some balls to sign Charles Woodson to such a big contract, but that decision has paid huge dividends. I sometimes wonder if Ted caved to the fans on that decision. The signing of Frank Walker was an odd choice. He was an over-aggressive corner that committed way too many penalties. I like the Brandon Chillar signing, he’s their best cover LB, and he might push for a starting job this Summer. This season? Nothing so far, which is kind of disappointing after a 6-10 season.
Needs
- 3-4 DT, DE, OLB, Safety, CB, RT
To Do – Here’s what I would do, but what do I know?
- I would have cut Jarrett Bush at the end of the 2008 season.
- Trade Aaron Kampman for draft picks and/or players. Julius Peppers would be at the top of my list.
- I would have targeted Bart Scott and Jim Leonhard in free agency.
- I’d open up all of the starting linebacker spots for competition.
- I would have created a two-headed monster by targeting RB Derrick Ward.
- Brandon Jackson would be the third down back.
- I’d sign Nick Collins, Greg Jennings, and Tramon Williams to extensions immediately.
- I’d resign Mark Tauscher to a 2-3 year deal without breaking the bank.
- I would have resigned Colin Cole to a reasonable contract before he hit free agency. Ted didn’t learn from losing Cory Williams last season.
- I’d probably let Clifton hit free agency next year.
- Unless Jason Smith or Michael Crabtree falls to them at #9, I’d try and trade down or draft an OLB or NT.
- I’d try and find more defense in the second round, someone like Clint Sintim or Connor Barwin…maybe a NT.
- I’d draft Chase Coffman if he’s available in the third round. Come on, his dad is Paul Coffman!
I’m thinking this list could go on forever, so I’ll just stop.
Conclusion
Overall, Thompson has injected this team with youth to build for the future, but the question is, when will Ted build this team for an upcoming season? Ted continues to hold onto his draft picks, will probably trade down in the upcoming draft, and so far, has played it safe in free agency. The team has lots of needs on both sides of the ball, and they’re trying to switch to a 3-4 defense. As a Packer fan, I have to say, I’m not looking forward to another losing season, so let’s just hope Ted has a trick up his sleeve, or we better pray for a miracle. That being said, one more losing season, and it’s time for a new GM.
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Principle vs. reality for Ted Thompson
