Friday, April 16, 2010
Ted Thompson talks about upcoming draft
Here is what Packers General Manager Ted Thompson had to say in his annual predraft press conference today:
*We'll do anything, including trading up, if something is of value and it helps the Packers.
*On the three-day draft format: There will be more trade conversations. When the rounds get to 5 minutes, that cuts into trade talk. The commissioner changed the format, so we love it (says while smiling).
* On disadvantages of new format: We haven't done it before. Change is not a comfortable thing for people like me in my business. It's different, so there's a certain amount of anxiety.
* Daryn Colledge, Tramon Williams, Johnny Jolly and Atari Bigby haven't signed their restricted free agent tenders.
* On what he's hoping to accomplish: We're hoping we get players that can help our team. If you get caught up in trying to reach for need at all, that's when you make mistakes.
*On last year's rookie class: Clay Matthews made an impact. Some guys got hurt. I thought they did pretty good. Hoping we can build on that.
*On whether you need a tackle from this draft: There are a lot of position where you could say we'd like to do this. I don't think it's a necessary thing.
*On why tackle isn't necessary: They are all important. Our offensive line group, our core is building up where we can have more flexibility. If there's someone available, that will be a consideration. We're not going to reach on someone.
*On Brian Westbrook: He's a good player but nothing is imminent.
*On character questions, will you take someone off your board: Yes. It happens every year.
* On draft class as a whole: It's a good draft class.
* On offensive line being a vexing position: It's an area that's normally a little more stable. Punting has been a vexing position for us.
*On trading up: It depends on circumstances. Weve moved up twice. Both times we felt like it was for players to give up extra picks.
*On short-term vs. long-term needs: It kind of depends on specific items. For much of draft, you are working on individual positions.
*He might consider drafting a punter, but he likes the two punters currently on the roster.
*On Obrien Schofield: I think hes viewed very highly. He was MVP of East-West game. Got late invitation to Senior Bowl. Its a shame he got hurt in Senior Bowl practice. Might be a little delay in getting started. Good player. Great kid.
*On good left tackles usually being drafted early: There are not that many of them. Sometimes you can get lucky.