Defensively, do we need to consider redoing our LB corp?
Barnett is a solid player, but a bit light for runstuffing. How will he recover from his knee injury?
Hawk is an enigma. In theory he should be a solid LB. In theory a top 5 pick would be an impact guy...haven't seen it yet. He seems too small and appears to have a difficult time disengaging from blockers. Is he a "bust" for a top 5 pick? Would a different system fit him better?
Poppinga is a high energy guy with limitations. However, I'd almost rather watch him play than Hawk at this point. He is a converted rusg end who has the potential to be a stud in a 3-4 system. Unfortunately we run a 4-3.
Chillar is a solid guy who runs well but lacks the pop for run support.
Bishop makes plays, unfortunately he also gives them up. In a perfect world he probably is a MLB in a 4-3 or a ILB in a 3-4. Just not a complete package at this point.
Do we need to consider adding a FA LB or draft one? There are some solid players in the FA market at teh LB position, do we need to consider signing one? Do we need to consider drafting a guy like Curry?
Without a doubt this group needs to play better next season. An improved DL and different scheme might allow us to make a go of it with the pieces in place...we shall see.
"minnypacker" wrote:
I think the Packers have good players at this group so I don't think a shakeup is needed where the Packers go out and sign Ray Lewis or draft someone No. 9.
I really don't think Brady Poppinga would be a stud in a 3-4. In fact I think he'd be an average player at best. He just doesn't have the pass rushing skills to play that system. He is what he is and that's an average starter.
That's why I think you obviously stick with the 4-3 and put your players in their best positions.
A.J. Hawk is a decent weakside backer. Is he a bust? Hard to say. He was solid for his first two years, but arguably below average this year. Nick Collins went through the same thing and in his fourth year (this season) he was outstanding. I expect similar results out of Hawk, but he needs to be on the weakside in my opinion.
Nick Barnett is strong in coverage and it's time to utilize that. Move him to the strong side backer, but play him in dime and nickel positions still. He wouldn't have to unlearn anything. He knows the Packers dime and nickel defense. He could easily do all that. He's been paid so he doesn't have to worry about racking up stats to get a big contract anymore.
The last starter should be Desmond Bishop in the middle. He's proven to be stout against the run. He's the best tackler out of the three or at least has shown that and he fills the gaps much quicker. His instincts have gotten better which is rare for a young player. You could argue that he could be put on either the strong or weak side as well with Barnett in the middle or Hawk at strong side. Either way, Bishop is a starting caliber player and he's proved it in my opinion over the course of the past two seasons. He needs to be on the field.
You put those three on the field and with an improve line, GB would have three linebackers who could absolutely fly around and flock to the ball which they didn't do this year.
Poppinga can be given a tryout as a pass rusher via linebacker and defensive end. GB can move him around and use him in situations.
That's what I would do.