wpr
  • wpr
  • Preferred Member Topic Starter
13 years ago

Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers wins, cornerbacks lose in draft
 



The Green Bay Packers stocked their roster by drafting 10 players last week, which will leave some veterans either out of work or demoted come September.

Thats the nature of the NFL, where competition and General Manager Ted Thompsons constant quest for improvement keeps the revolving roster door spinning. The draft created clear winners and losers among returning players:

Winners

The Packers showered quarterback Aaron Rodgers with gifts. He received new offensive weapons in the form of receiver Randall Cobb and running back Alex Green, and extra protection with first-round tackle Derek Sherrod. Life is good for the reigning Super Bowl MVP.

C.J. Wilson was an unsung seventh-round draft choice last year but has the chance to play a significant role on the defensive line. The expected departures of Cullen Jenkins and Johnny Jolly already provided a window of opportunity. But it got even better for Wilson when the Packers ignored a college talent pool rich in defensive ends until the seventh round. Third-year defensive end Jarius Wynns career prospects also went up.

Graham Harrell isnt ready for prime time, but with Matt Flynns contract expiring after the season and no competition coming out of the draft, the Packers third-string quarterback has the chance to eventually climb the depth chart.

The Packers waited until the sixth round to draft an outside linebacker, which is a huge vote of confidence for Frank Zombo, Erik Walden and Brad Jones. One of those players likely will be in the starting lineup opposite Clay Matthews in the season opener.

The selection of Cobb, who doubles as a return man, means Pro Bowl-caliber cornerback Tramon Williams no longer needs to sacrifice life and limb returning punts. The Packers risked Williams health last season on special teams because there was no decent alternative. Williams can get back to focusing on what he does best, which is shutting down opposing receivers.

Jarrett Bush, formerly one of the most criticized players on the team, proved his worth on special teams last season and in the secondary with an interception in the Super Bowl. The Packers didnt draft a safety, which should allow Bush to stay for another year.

Losers


Its conceivable, maybe even likely, that Pat Lee and Brandon Underwood will make the roster, but their chances of earning more playing time were reduced when the Packers drafted cornerback Davon House. What formerly was a two-man scramble for cornerback duty behind Charles Woodson, Williams and Sam Shields has become a three-way battle.

The presence of Green, the third-round pick from Hawaii, could knock Brandon Jackson out of his third-down running back role, or make the Packers less inclined to give Jackson a new contract. If Green produces a big splash, it also could pave the way for the departure of Ryan Grant after this season.

The Packers wont feel as hard-pressed to re-sign James Jones now that Cobb, the second-round receiver from Kentucky, is in the fold. Even if Jones stays, he likely wont see as many balls thrown his way.

Conventional wisdom suggests the drafting of two tight ends will spell trouble for Tom Crabtree. But its possible the Packers will keep four tight ends at the expense of the fullback position. While the versatile and productive John Kuhn is a good bet to stick, the same cant be said for Korey Hall or Quinn Johnson. One or both might have to go.

Its almost a given that Sherrods arrival will hasten the departure of tackle Mark Tauscher. But veteran guards and potential free agents Jason Spitz and Daryn Colledge also could be on their way out the door if young and hungry linemen like T.J. Lang, Nick McDonald or sixth-round draft pick Caleb Schlauderaff develop.


UserPostedImage
Dulak
13 years ago
Nice article and sounds pretty accurate - I still want jones and jenkins back thou - even if these rookies would be on the bench or out.
musccy
13 years ago
agreed, and can't believe I'm saying this but I do want Jones back. I don't know what to expect from Driver or Swain, which could leave the team with only 2 viable threats and a rookie.

W/ Cullen, either they know something we don't about the potential of the 10 DL prospects they have in the barn, or they're going to make a big push for Cullen afterall.

It'll be interesting to see what competition does to guys like Grant, BJack, Lang, Underwood, Quarless and Crabtree...pressure makes diamonds and hopefully that's the case w/ some of these guys.
beast
13 years ago

agreed, and can't believe I'm saying this but I do want Jones back. I don't know what to expect from Driver or Swain, which could leave the team with only 2 viable threats and a rookie.

"musccy" wrote:



As well as a couple of very athletic TEs (which some can move like big WRs) and hopefully a running game.

W/ Cullen, either they know something we don't about the potential of the 10 DL prospects they have in the barn, or they're going to make a big push for Cullen afterall.

"musccy" wrote:



This DL has good potential even with out Jenkins... they just need to stay healthy and grow and get better a bit. But with Jenkins it could be an amazing DL...

My guess is they have put a dollar amount on Jenkins contract, but letting him test the FA market... when they get an idea of the market then the Packers will ether decide to match the best offer or not match it...

just like they did with Clifton last year... who rumored didn't want to change teams... and he smartly went to the Redskins (high spenders and seriously need help at the position) ... but I think Thompson felt he had to match it (to protect Rodgers... and that was before Tausher resign or the draft so no Bulaga ether).... I'm not sure he feels he needs to resign Jenkins... and I'm not sure dollar amount but one would think it's less than the Franchise tag amount because they didn't tag him.
UserPostedImage
musccy
13 years ago
You're right that a few of the TEs could almost double as WRs, I even wonder if they'd entertain 4 wrs on the roster this year to account for the TE depth. Regardless, w/o Jones, you only have 2 viable wr threats with Driver showing his age this past year (even prior to his quad injury), and Cobb an unkown thus far which makes me nervous (as if I matter).

You're right that they didn't franchise him, but that was also prior to the Jolly incident this spring, and who knows if that factored into their play on Cullen or not. Cullen isn't a spring chicken at 30, they seemed to play a lot of 5 lb sets last year, and they seem to have faith in CJ and Neal, so you may be right that they view him as being somewhat expendable.
beast
13 years ago

You're right that a few of the TEs could almost double as WRs, I even wonder if they'd entertain 4 wrs on the roster this year to account for the TE depth.

"musccy" wrote:



They had 4 TEs and 5 WRs last year... with 3 FBs and 2 RBs. One of the position will be lost to RB Green... most likely a FB one... but they could still keep 5 WRs. But MM has gone 4 WR and 4 TE before... so it's all about who helps the most at the last couple of positions.
UserPostedImage
musccy
13 years ago
I'm discounting Swain in this equation, and maybe I shouldn't. None the less I'm assuming they'd stick with Finley, DJ, and Quarless, and then if then it'd depend on upside and ST value which could really help with versatility when you have to cut down to the game day roster.

As for other skill positions, I'd imagine just 2 FBs, and maybe 4 rbs since BJack really is good at his niche. Even though Green seems to be the 3rd down back of the future, he's a JUCO w/ limited college experience, and out of the spread offense at that.
Wade
  • Wade
  • Veteran Member
13 years ago

agreed, and can't believe I'm saying this but I do want Jones back. I don't know what to expect from Driver or Swain, which could leave the team with only 2 viable threats and a rookie.

"beast" wrote:



As well as a couple of very athletic TEs (which some can move like big WRs) and hopefully a running game.

W/ Cullen, either they know something we don't about the potential of the 10 DL prospects they have in the barn, or they're going to make a big push for Cullen afterall.

"musccy" wrote:



This DL has good potential even with out Jenkins... they just need to stay healthy and grow and get better a bit. But with Jenkins it could be an amazing DL...

My guess is they have put a dollar amount on Jenkins contract, but letting him test the FA market... when they get an idea of the market then the Packers will ether decide to match the best offer or not match it...

just like they did with Clifton last year... who rumored didn't want to change teams...
and he smartly went to the Redskins (high spenders and seriously need help at the position) ... but I think Thompson felt he had to match it (to protect Rodgers... and that was before Tausher resign or the draft so no Bulaga ether).... I'm not sure he feels he needs to resign Jenkins... and I'm not sure dollar amount but one would think it's less than the Franchise tag amount because they didn't tag him.

"musccy" wrote:



The only potential problem with the bolded strategy: I don't think Cullen has the same depth of feeling about changing teams that Clifton had. It could just be public posturing/negotiating on his part, but my sense is that he's more than a little upset about the way the team has approached re-signing him to this point. A free agent doesn't have to give his current team a chance to "match"; and I wouldn't be surprised if even if some other team gave Jenkins something in the range the Packers would accept, Jenkins signs with the other team instead.

Hope I'm wrong. But I just get the feeling that Jenkins might take a "you had your chance" approach once free agency starts.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2 (NKJV)
DakotaT
13 years ago
Crabtree's ability is blocking at the line of scrimmage and he is a must unless the new guy from Carolina beats him out.

We should just franchise tag Jenkins for a year to make sure we have a player in Neal. Yeah, it's a cheesedick move, but all it's not unheard of.
UserPostedImage
13 years ago

agreed, and can't believe I'm saying this but I do want Jones back.

"musccy" wrote:



I just cannot for the life of me figure out a way to relate to this statement.

I agree with Twinkiegorilla.

bozz_2006 wrote:


Fan Shout
dfosterf (14h) : How long until Jeff Sperbeck's family sues John Elway ?
Zero2Cool (16h) : Packers are exercising the fifth-year option on DT Devonte Wyatt, locking in a guaranteed $12.9M for the 2026 season.
beast (21h) : Sounds like P Luke Elzinga has a rookie try out opportunity from the Titans
dfosterf (30-Apr) : Luke Elzinga Punter Oklahoma stil unsigned. Green Bay has been mentioned as good fit
beast (30-Apr) : The Packers re-signed three exclusive rights free agents WR Melton, P Whelan and RB Wilson.
Zero2Cool (29-Apr) : February 5, 2002 (age 23) ok no. packers.com is wrong
Zero2Cool (29-Apr) : Micah Robinson is only 19??
Zero2Cool (29-Apr) : 6 first rounders on Packers defense now
Zero2Cool (29-Apr) : LB Isaiah Simmons. Signed. Called it!!! Oh yeah!
Martha Careful (29-Apr) : ty bboystyle...fat fingers
bboystyle (29-Apr) : Tom*
Martha Careful (28-Apr) : RIP Packer Safety Tim Brown
beast (27-Apr) : Yeah, but also some of the wording suggestions Jax only pranked called the QB, not the others... and if he had an open spreadsheet & 3 calls
beast (27-Apr) : Thank goodness he's not leaving the Turtle in the Red Tide
Mucky Tundra (27-Apr) : Cowboys 1st round pick Tyler Booker will indeed be bringing his pet turtle to Dallas with him
Mucky Tundra (27-Apr) : that contained all prospects info and contact
Mucky Tundra (27-Apr) : beast, according the Falcons statement Jax came across it on an ipad. If I had to guess, probably an open spread sheet or something
Zero2Cool (27-Apr) : Simmons put up an emoji with cheese.
beast (27-Apr) : Not sure anyone is interested in Isaiah Simmons... Collin Oliver might of taken his potential slot
beast (27-Apr) : I'm going with Jax Ulbrich is not telling the whole truth... he accidentally came across it? Why would a defensive coordinator have a QB #?
Zero2Cool (27-Apr) : He's not that great, but final piece of the script.\
Zero2Cool (27-Apr) : If we add Isaiah Simmons, book your Super Bowl tickets
Mucky Tundra (27-Apr) : Colts 1st round TE Tyler Warren also got prank called, was that Jax Ulbrich as well?
Zero2Cool (27-Apr) : Jax Ulbrich, Jeff Ulbrich’s son, released an apology for his role in the Shedeur Sanders prank call.
Martha Careful (27-Apr) : apparently he did not participate in practice or play on the east west shrine game nor the NFL combine. The kid was a mediocre spoiled brat
Mucky Tundra (27-Apr) : Yeah that one that was a super wounded duck that Sanders supporters are highlighting to prove a point
Zero2Cool (27-Apr) : Shough is the guy who missed guys at combine isn't he?
beast (27-Apr) : It's not official until I'm dead! I have a chance still! (Not really)
Mucky Tundra (27-Apr) : I could feel my body decomposing in real time when I read that
Mucky Tundra (27-Apr) : @MIKEYSAINRISTIL Tyler Shough will officially be the last person drafted to the NFL born in the 1900’s
Mucky Tundra (26-Apr) : saw the tweet, he meant the city
Mucky Tundra (26-Apr) : Was that for the team or the city?
Zero2Cool (26-Apr) : Adam Schefter @AdamSchefter · 3m Draft grade is in: Green Bay gets an A. The people, the city, the venue were all superb. NFL Draft’s next
Zero2Cool (26-Apr) : Matt LaFleur says Jaire Alexander is participating in #Packers offseason program, which has been conducted virtually during this first week
Zero2Cool (26-Apr) : ✅ ...
buckeyepackfan (26-Apr) : Check
Zero2Cool (26-Apr) : Matthew Golden cahanged 81 to 22??
TheKanataThrilla (26-Apr) : Sam Howell to Vikings...guess no Aaron
Martha Careful (26-Apr) : 1 round 7 min, with one extra minute if there is a trade. 2nd round 4 minutes, 3rd -3, 2 thereafter IMO
Martha Careful (26-Apr) : Agree
dfosterf (26-Apr) : Great idea imo
dfosterf (26-Apr) : 1st round to 7 minutes with one extension
dfosterf (26-Apr) : NFL comissioner wants to shorten the 2st
Mucky Tundra (26-Apr) : @jalenreagors They’re discussing if Sheduer can go back to college on NFL Network LMFAOOOOO
beast (26-Apr) : Great point Martha
beast (26-Apr) : Buddy Ryan used to say if a candy bar goes missing, there are two to blame, Rex and Rob 🤪 jk 😁
Martha Careful (26-Apr) : Bum Phillips used to say there are two ways to get better. Get better players or get players to play better. We have a new DL coach
Zero2Cool (26-Apr) : Yes. Look at the losses last year. They can win.
beast (26-Apr) : Can Packers win with their current DL?
bboystyle (26-Apr) : waiting for a pass rusher.
Please sign in to use Fan Shout
2024 Packers Schedule
Friday, Sep 6 @ 7:15 PM
Eagles
Sunday, Sep 15 @ 12:00 PM
COLTS
Sunday, Sep 22 @ 12:00 PM
Titans
Sunday, Sep 29 @ 12:00 PM
VIKINGS
Sunday, Oct 6 @ 3:25 PM
Rams
Sunday, Oct 13 @ 12:00 PM
CARDINALS
Sunday, Oct 20 @ 12:00 PM
TEXANS
Sunday, Oct 27 @ 12:00 PM
Jaguars
Sunday, Nov 3 @ 3:25 PM
LIONS
Sunday, Nov 17 @ 12:00 PM
Bears
Sunday, Nov 24 @ 3:25 PM
49ERS
Thursday, Nov 28 @ 7:20 PM
DOLPHINS
Thursday, Dec 5 @ 7:15 PM
Lions
Sunday, Dec 15 @ 7:20 PM
Seahawks
Monday, Dec 23 @ 7:15 PM
SAINTS
Sunday, Dec 29 @ 3:25 PM
Vikings
Sunday, Jan 5 @ 12:00 PM
BEARS
Recent Topics
4h / Around The NFL / beast

5h / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

7h / Around The NFL / beast

12h / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

20h / Green Bay Packers Talk / dfosterf

29-Apr / Green Bay Packers Talk / Martha Careful

29-Apr / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

29-Apr / Packers Draft Threads / Mucky Tundra

29-Apr / Green Bay Packers Talk / wpr

29-Apr / Green Bay Packers Talk / wpr

27-Apr / Packers Draft Threads / Mucky Tundra

27-Apr / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

27-Apr / Green Bay Packers Talk / Mucky Tundra

27-Apr / Green Bay Packers Talk / Mucky Tundra

27-Apr / Green Bay Packers Talk / Martha Careful

Headlines
Copyright © 2006 - 2025 PackersHome.com™. All Rights Reserved.