Thompson has bounced back in a big way
Dont look now, but Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson has found a way to quietly bounce back as former quarterback Brett Favre has been thriving in Minnesota. After a number of inconsistent NFL drafts, and the 07 nightmare pick of Justin Harrell(notes) that continued to dog the franchise, Thompsons 2009 draft has developed into one of the best hauls in the NFL.

The class has been a big part of Green Bays 5-1 surge since starting 4-4, particularly on defense, where both of Thompsons first-round picks have shown star potential. Nose tackle B.J. Raji(notes) struggled early with an ankle injury, but recently has flashed the strength, power and quickness necessary to be a top-tier lineman in the league. Consistency and stamina are still an issue, but he has improved significantly as the season has progressed. Meanwhile, outside linebacker Clay Matthews(notes) is already playing like a star, notching 10 sacks and 47 tackles and playing like a prototypical pass rusher in the 3-4 alignment.

Further down, fourth-round offensive lineman T.J. Lang(notes) has platooned at both guard and tackle, and should eventually settle into a starting role. Seventh-round linebacker Brad Jones(notes) has also shined after being pressed into the starting lineup by injuries, while defensive end Jarius Wynn(notes) and cornerback Brandon Underwood(notes) have both contributed in limited roles.

The developments with Raji and Matthews are particularly key, since both give Green Bay some young anchors in their continued transition to the 3-4. Hitting on two first-round picks in one draft isnt exactly easy, either. Take into consideration that Thompson, who has been in the position since 2005, made the fairly rare move (for him, anyway) of trading a bounty of valuable draft picks (a second and two thirds) to take Matthews 26th overall. And from a New England Patriots team that could badly use Matthews right about now.

While the rest of the season has yet to play out, that draft success could prove fairly vital to Thompsons survival. The 4-4 start was tough a tough pill for many Packers fans, especially with Favre flourishing with the Vikings. And some of Thompsons higher-profile draft misses Harrell, quarterback Brian Brohm(notes) and running back Brandon Jackson(notes) looked particularly damning. And while he has had some very solid middle- to late-round contributors during his run (tight end Jermichael Finley(notes), wideout James Jones(notes), defensive tackle Johnny Jolly(notes), etc.), youd have to go back to linebacker Nick Barnett(notes) in 2003 to find a first-round pick that has come close to the immediate impact of Matthews.

The fact that this author was so unimaginative that he had to bring Brett Favre into this article instantly discredits him (as an interesting writer, anyway) in my eyes. Surely there is a more creative angle he could have pursued. Trotting out the tired Favre line is so trite. But I agree with his central premise.

Now I'll sit and wait for the spanking from our fearless leader. :P

"Nonstopdrivel" wrote:

Actually, he mentions Favre twice. ;)

It's hard to call it an off-hand way when he leads the article with that angle, and that's what I was objecting to. Surely there was a way to introduce the topic without yet another reference to the controversy. I hope someday the comparisons end, but I'm afraid Rodgers will have to win a Super Bowl first. *le sigh*

"Nonstopdrivel" wrote: