Nonstopdrivel
15 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.


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Zero2Cool (1h) : He probably plays DB.
Zero2Cool (1h) : I don't even know who that Don is
packerfanoutwest (1h) : What position does Lemon play ?
dfosterf (2h) : I read this am that Don Lemon quit x, so there's that
Zero2Cool (13-Nov) : Seems some are flocking to BlueSky and leaving Tweeter. I wonder if BlueSky allows embeded lists
beast (12-Nov) : He's a review guy
Zero2Cool (12-Nov) : Jordy Nelson is still in the NFL.
Zero2Cool (11-Nov) : Ok, will do.
wpr (11-Nov) : Kevin, donate it to a local food pantry or whatever she wants to do with it. Thanks
wpr (11-Nov) : Kevin,
Zero2Cool (11-Nov) : Wayne, got your girl scout order.
dfosterf (11-Nov) : I believe Zero was being sarcastic
dfosterf (11-Nov) : Due to that rookie kicker Jake Bates that Zero said "he didn't want anyway". 58 yarder to tie the game, 52 yarder to win it. In fairness,
Mucky Tundra (11-Nov) : Lions escape with a win
Mucky Tundra (11-Nov) : and now Goff looking better
Mucky Tundra (11-Nov) : Goff with ANOTHER INT
Mucky Tundra (11-Nov) : and now Stroud throwing INTs
Mucky Tundra (11-Nov) : Goff having an ATROCIOUS game
wpr (11-Nov) : Happy birthday Corps. Ever faithful. Thanks dfosterf.
Mucky Tundra (10-Nov) : stiff armed by Baker Mayfield for about 5-7 yards and still managed to get a pass off
Mucky Tundra (10-Nov) : Nick Bosa
wpr (8-Nov) : Jets are Packers (L)East
Zero2Cool (8-Nov) : Jets released K Riley Patterson and signed K Anders Carlson to the practice squad.
wpr (8-Nov) : Thanks guys
Mucky Tundra (7-Nov) : Happy Birthday wpr!
Zero2Cool (7-Nov) : Anders Carlson ... released by 49ers
dfosterf (7-Nov) : Happy Birthday!😊😊😊
wpr (7-Nov) : Thanks Kevin.
Zero2Cool (7-Nov) : Happy Birthday, Wayne! 🎉🎂🥳
beast (7-Nov) : Edge Rushers is the same... it's not the 4-3 vs 3-4 change, it's the Hafley's version of the 4-3... as all 32 teams are actually 4-2
Zero2Cool (6-Nov) : OLB to DE and player requests trade. Yet folks say they are same.
beast (5-Nov) : In other news, the Green Bay Packers have signed Zero2Cool to update their website 😋 jk
beast (5-Nov) : Might just re-sign the kicker we got
beast (5-Nov) : Are there any kickers worth drafting next year?
Zero2Cool (5-Nov) : Preston Smith for Malik Willis
Mucky Tundra (5-Nov) : Getting a 7th rounder from the Stillers
Zero2Cool (5-Nov) : At least we get 7th round pick now!! HELLO NEW KICKER
Mucky Tundra (5-Nov) : Steelers getting a premier lockdown corner!
Zero2Cool (5-Nov) : Packers are trading edge rusher Preston Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers, per sources.
Mucky Tundra (5-Nov) : Preston Smith traded to the Steelers!!!!
Zero2Cool (5-Nov) : CB Marshon Lattimore to Commanders
Zero2Cool (5-Nov) : Bears are sending RB Khalil Herbert to the Bengals, per sources.
Zero2Cool (5-Nov) : ZaDarius Smith continues his "north" tour.
Zero2Cool (5-Nov) : Let the Chiefs trade a 5th for him
Zero2Cool (5-Nov) : Nearing 30, large contract, nope.
Martha Careful (5-Nov) : any interest in Marshon Lattimore?
Zero2Cool (4-Nov) : What does NFL do if they're over cap?
Mucky Tundra (4-Nov) : They've been able to constantly push it out through extensions, void years etc but they're in the hole by 72 million next year I believe
hardrocker950 (4-Nov) : Seems the Saints are always in cap hell
Mucky Tundra (4-Nov) : Saints HC job is not an envious one; gonna be in cap hell for 3 years
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