Nonstopdrivel
16 years ago

Packers Show Unusual Aggression 
Posted Apr 26, 2009 1:05PM By BRUCE CISKIE

Ever since Ted Thompson took over as the Packers' general manager in 2005, he has developed quite the reputation. In four drafts since he got the job, Thompson became known as the master of the trade-down.

In his defense, Mike Sherman didn't exactly leave a loaded roster behind when he got canned. Because of that, Thompson felt the need to stock up on extra picks to build depth. Now that Thompson has built some depth with the Packers, he appears to be more comfortable being aggressive in the draft.

Thompson has talked about the importance of building depth in the past, but appeared to target impact players in this one.

Despite reports that wide receiver Michael Crabtree was the top player on his draft board, Thompson decided to make a pick to fill a significant need, taking Boston College defensive tackle B.J. Raji with the ninth overall pick.
"He's genuinely a powerful, powerful man, especially in his lower body," Thompson said. "The good Lord just didn't make many people like this."

... "When you watch Raji he is not necessarily just a guy who eats up space," defensive coordinator Dom Capers said. "I think he is a guy who can stunt and move things, which is rare for a guy of his size."
The surprise was still to come. While Packer fans were waiting for the second round, the Packers decided not to wait their turn. Thompson swung a deal with the New England Patriots for a player they targeted. That player was USC linebacker Clay Matthews, and the Packers traded back into the first round to make it happen.
"The more you watched him the more natural he looks as a player," Thompson said. "He's always on his feet. He has great hips and balance. He can use his hands effectively against offensive linemen and running backs. He can run. He can move in space. He plays the game remarkable."
The move left Green Bay without second- or third-round picks, but in a way, Thompson was doing exactly what he was taught. His mentor, former Packers general manager Ron Wolf, always believed in giving up value to get value you wanted. After all, it was Wolf who was ripped in Green Bay for his decision to trade a first-round pick to Atlanta for a little-known backup quarterback.

Sometime around 2012, we'll be able to fairly judge these moves. Right now, they look downright genius. Thompson believes in the young players he has brought in, and it was time to pick up some impact players. Since the Packers are generally a non-factor when it comes to free agency, this was the only way to pick up guys who could make a difference on the 2009 team.

Surely, those fans who have had their way with Thompson in recent years are thinking a little differently after Saturday. It is tough to criticize the decisions he made, and it appears the defense is on the right track.


UserPostedImage
Fan Shout
packerfanoutwest (5h) : Aaron Rodgers’s first pass of first team period was picked off
Mucky Tundra (10h) : tbh I didn't hear of his passing
Zero2Cool (10h) : Cosby Show. Malcom Jamal Warner I think is real name
Mucky Tundra (10h) : I was thinking of Ozzy and Hulk
Mucky Tundra (10h) : Who's Theo?
Zero2Cool (10h) : How is Theo alliteration?
Mucky Tundra (11h) : Bad week for people whose names are alliterations
Zero2Cool (12h) : Hulk Hogan gone too.
Zero2Cool (14h) : Oh, it's toe injury
Zero2Cool (14h) : Hope it's not serious. that would stink
dfosterf (14h) : Sounds like an ankle not a knee for Fields
dfosterf (14h) : Ya Flaccp on Browns
Zero2Cool (14h) : Maybe Tyrod Taylor instead
Zero2Cool (14h) : He's on Browns, right?
dfosterf (14h) : They would probably go with Flacco is my guess if Fields out
dfosterf (15h) : Fleece 'em again!
Zero2Cool (15h) : Malik Willis might be someone Jets come after
packerfanoutwest (15h) : Packers introduce 1923-inspired classic uniform, leather-look helmet
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : Both LB Quay Walker and Rookie DB Micah Robinson have passed their physicals
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : Happy to see site feels more snappy snappy
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : No sir. I did not.
dfosterf (23-Jul) : You didn't get free childcare when you were at work?
wpr (23-Jul) : These guys make hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. Pay for their own childcare.
dfosterf (23-Jul) : 2nd issue. Number 1 issue was no gameday childcare. 1 of 3 teams not providing it
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : Suppose if locker room is main issue, we sitting pretty
wpr (23-Jul) : I thought so Mucky. In those useless player polls GB always rates high overall. Locker is a part of it.
Mucky Tundra (23-Jul) : Wasn't the locker room just updated like 6 or 7 years ago?
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : I have forum updated on different site. We'll see how this one goes before going to that
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : Elgton Jenkins has a back injury, is expect to end contract dispute
wpr (23-Jul) : It's funny the PA complained about the locker room. It wasn't that long ago it was top shelf. Things change in a hurry.
wpr (23-Jul) : The site is much more better.
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : NFLPA report said Packers lockerroom needed upgrade. Whining bout where you change?
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : I saw that and thought it was kind of lame.
dfosterf (23-Jul) : Packers new locker room is pretty awesome. Great for morale, imo
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : Shuffled things on the web server. Hope it makes it faster.
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : Other times, it's turtle ass
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : Sometimes it's snappy, like now.
beast (23-Jul) : I feel like it's loading at the top of the next minute, or something like that.
beast (23-Jul) : Also the thanks/heart takes FOREVER to load, and posting in the shout box takes three times FOREVER!
beast (23-Jul) : Thanks for saying something, I thought it was slow, but assumed it was on my end
beast (23-Jul) : Thanks for saying something, I thought it was slow, but assumed it was on my end
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : Yeah, I noticed that too. Is it slow for PackerPeople.com too?
wpr (23-Jul) : I don't know what you IT guys call it but the page loading is very slow for me today.
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : SSL might be settled now.
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : Still working through SSL cert issues
wpr (23-Jul) : Glad to be back
Zero2Cool (23-Jul) : I think PH original finally working.
dfosterf (22-Jul) : Can tell you are having a fun day Kev
Zero2Cool (22-Jul) : Yep, I had to manually move them. It'll fix itself after more posts.
Mucky Tundra (22-Jul) : Same deal with the songs/videos thread, says you replied last but when I go there it's what I posted earlier is last
Please sign in to use Fan Shout
2025 Packers Schedule
Sunday, Sep 7 @ 3:25 PM
LIONS
Thursday, Sep 11 @ 7:15 PM
COMMANDERS
Sunday, Sep 21 @ 12:00 PM
Browns
Sunday, Sep 28 @ 7:20 PM
Cowboys
Sunday, Oct 12 @ 3:25 PM
BENGALS
Sunday, Oct 19 @ 3:25 PM
Cardinals
Sunday, Oct 26 @ 7:20 PM
Steelers
Sunday, Nov 2 @ 12:00 PM
PANTHERS
Monday, Nov 10 @ 7:15 PM
EAGLES
Sunday, Nov 16 @ 12:00 PM
Giants
Sunday, Nov 23 @ 12:00 PM
VIKINGS
Thursday, Nov 27 @ 12:00 PM
Lions
Sunday, Dec 7 @ 12:00 PM
BEARS
Sunday, Dec 14 @ 3:25 PM
Broncos
Friday, Dec 19 @ 11:00 PM
Bears
Friday, Dec 26 @ 11:00 PM
RAVENS
Saturday, Jan 3 @ 11:00 PM
Vikings
Recent Topics
3h / Around The NFL / wpr

9h / Around The NFL / Zero2Cool

9h / Green Bay Packers Talk / Martha Careful

23h / Around The NFL / beast

24-Jul / Green Bay Packers Talk / Mucky Tundra

23-Jul / Green Bay Packers Talk / bboystyle

23-Jul / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

23-Jul / Green Bay Packers Talk / wpr

23-Jul / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

22-Jul / Random Babble / Zero2Cool

22-Jul / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

22-Jul / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

20-Jul / Green Bay Packers Talk / Mucky Tundra

20-Jul / Green Bay Packers Talk / Mucky Tundra

18-Jul / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

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