Thompson: 'It Was A Pretty Successful Weekend'
GM Ted Thompson is on his way downstairs to wrap up the draft. I'll type as he talks ...
* Overview on the draft: "I think we had some guys targeted in spots where it worked out for us. There were some specific players that we'd sort of eyed, and those guys sort of fell down to where we thought they would go. ... All things considered, it was a pretty successful weekend."
* Specific guy that eyes got wide today? In fourth round, always talked about getting Lang. Had to watch for a long time, watched that one a little more than others.
* What like about Lang? Versatile, plays left tackle. Saw at all-star game in El Paso, where lined up at all five spots. Coaches like versatility. "He's got good feet, he's got good balance, he's a very good technician and I think he's a good player."
* Filled lot of needs, just that it lined up with best available? Stuck with approach. Didn't feel had to draft anybody at any position, were OK with core. Did try to balance offense/defense.
* See either of two offensive linemen as right tackle right away? Both have played tackle in college. "That's a coach's decision in terms of where they'll play them."
* On rest of NFC North: "Quite frankly, I've been so focused on what we've done ... I can't even recall what everyone did. ... This division's always tough, and I have no doubt it'll be difficult again." Will start looking at other people's drafts beginning tomorrow.
* Happy with what spent on defense? "I was happy we were able to get the players that we got." Success this year will depend on existing group, not just rookies.
* Keep track of Tauscher? "There hasn't been any determination made there. It's still a medical thing."
* If healthy, want Taushcer back? "I don't think it's a question of want. It's a question of timing."
* 3-4 affect draft? Certain guys fit, but doesn't change methodology.
* What done for pass rush, and what gives Jones a chance to be a player? Jones is interesting, started watching lot of tape the past month, more watched more like. Has rushed with hand down, detached from formation, as ILB, much like USC did with Matthews. Can really run, coverage ability, pass-rushing ability.
* Pass rush improved with the guys added? "I would hope they would add to the group ... but it's going to take the group, the scheme that Dom is going to put in, the whole thing." Want to create uncertainty on offense's part and more pressure.
* On Underwood: Versatile. Thought played CB and S well. Saw him in all-star game. Also saw at school in fall. Good size, runs well, very athletic. "We were pretty keen to him."
* Thinking on Quinn Johnson? "We just felt it was a great value pick." He and Alonso visited this year. SEC is physical. Effective lead blocker, physical presence. Big, physical guy.
* How long Underwood on radar? In mid-May, go combined scouting meetings and get first reports. Didn't know when at Ohio State or in high school, other than after the fact.
* How realistic/important which guys have immediate impact? "We'd like them to all pitch in and do their part." Coaches will determine how much, same as existing players.
* Two first-rounders: "I think they're capable of coming in and helping out" in first year.
* Raji and Matthews tough guys? "They're completely different players, obviously, but they're both physical guys. They play with strength, they play with leverage and I think they understand their position." Use hands, do things have to to play in NFL. "I think they're going to be OK."
* Filled holes for switch to 3-4: Didn't think there were gaping holes.
* How difficult to sit out second and third rounds, and have opportunities to get back in? No, nor did they try to. "I was pretty much done giving away picks." Long round when don't have picks for two whole rounds.
And we've been brought to an abrupt end.
We now have to buckle down to do stuff for the print edition, but keep it on the blog for further updates tonight.
Here once again are all the picks:
Rd. No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. School
1 9 B.J. Raji NT 6-1 337 Boston College
1 26 Clay Matthews LB 6-3 245 USC
4 109 T.J. Lang T-G 6-4 316 Eastern Michigan
5 145 Quinn Johnson FB 6-0 250 LSU
5 162 Jamon Meredith T 6-5 304 South Carolina
6 182 Jarius Wynn DE 6-5 275 Georgia
6 187 Brandon Underwood CB 6-1 198 Cincinnati
7 218 Brad Jones LB 6-3 230 Colorado