15 years ago

I can't help but think people are REALLY expecting too much too soon from Raji.

Yes, he is the 9th pick. But he is a rookie, and a rookie DL to boot. They usually need a year to get adjusted to the NFL.

Right off the top of my head, Mario Williams and Sedrik Ellis are two D-Linemen that were less than steller in their rookie year.

I'm not saying Raji is going to be a bust (nor am I saying he's the next coming of Haloti Nagata), but I can't help wonder if people are setting themselves up for disappointment by expecting huge things from Raji in just his first year.


Also, I'm hoping out for contributions from Harrell and Jolly. Both, IMO, are essential to succes on along the front seven - Harrel is a great fit for DE in the 3-4. Although I'm referring about the 6-4 300 lbs. Harrell that got here when drafted, not the 320-325 lbs. walking wounded Harrell of the last couple of years.


As for Jolly, I've got a suspicion that he'll surprise people - I think he'll be asked to play as a DE/NT in the 3-4 base, will being a decent pass-rushing option as a DT in the sub packages. The more I think about it, the more I think the success along the d-line will depend a lot more on how Jolly fares than how Raji fares. I just don't see Raji being thrown out for 30-35 snaps a game as a rookie.

"all_about_da_packers" wrote:



Very true re: Raji - good thing is we have almost stockpiled defensively to allow for schemes within a scheme if you may - Matthews and Raji will have plenty of rotation with the likes of Harell, Jolly et al
 
Zero2Cool is my captain.
zombieslayer
15 years ago
AADP - I see where you're coming from, but Raji should contribute as part of the rotation immediately. I think the secret to our DL is freshness. Keep everyone fresh, and they'll produce.

Last year, they were worn out, and it really showed in the 4th Q.

If they're fresh, you'll see more run stuffing in the middle and more sacks and hurries.
My man Donald Driver

(thanks to Pack93z for the pic)
2010 will be seen as the beginning of the new Packers dynasty. 🇹🇹 🇲🇲 🇦🇷
all_about_da_packers
15 years ago

AADP - I see where you're coming from, but Raji should contribute as part of the rotation immediately. I think the secret to our DL is freshness. Keep everyone fresh, and they'll produce.

"zombieslayer" wrote:




I agree, but the thing is though can Raji hang on for 30 snaps against the likes of someone like the Vikings' G Hutchinson?

There is something to be said for freshness, but Raji is going against players a whole league above in terms of strength, speed, and quickness.

For what it's worth, I think Jolly instinctive-ness is highly underrated. If he can just focus on football and show up to practice and on Sundays, you'll see a dude that is going to cause problems for other teams. And Jolly isn't one to back away; he has the toughness to him - albeit he stupidly displays that against fellow teammates sometimes - that I think will be key on the run.

For sure Raji will provide key relief for Pickett and even Jolly. However, I honestly think asking the kid to play more than 15-20 snaps a game is pushing it.

We're talking as if Raji will just walk in and play - he won't, he'll have to show that he's ready and can handle the job out there. I don't think he'll be able to show he deserves a continuous amount of reps, the coaches will utilize him in short busts.

I can see Jolly be used for around 25 snaps, and being a lot more effective. Raji certainly provides depth which is key, but I don't he's going to be a Nagata type player who plays and is just unstoppable. He's got that ability, but I think it needs to progress now that he's on this level... that'll take at least a year IMO.


EDIT - I recall reading something about how Pickett / Jolly were playing close to 40 snaps a game. That's just WAY too much, and Raji will be essential to getting that number down. From that end, Raji is going to be very important.

But I don't think he'll be able to consistently hold is own. Some are talking as if Raji is going to get 30 snaps, and just dominate. I don't see that happening, especially in his first season.
The NFL: Where Greg Jennings Happens.
Pack93z
15 years ago

AADP - I see where you're coming from, but Raji should contribute as part of the rotation immediately. I think the secret to our DL is freshness. Keep everyone fresh, and they'll produce.

"all_about_da_packers" wrote:




I agree, but the thing is though can Raji hang on for 30 snaps against the likes of someone like the Vikings' G Hutchinson?

There is something to be said for freshness, but Raji is going against players a whole league above in terms of strength, speed, and quickness.

For what it's worth, I think Jolly instinctive-ness is highly underrated. If he can just focus on football and show up to practice and on Sundays, you'll see a dude that is going to cause problems for other teams. And Jolly isn't one to back away; he has the toughness to him - albeit he stupidly displays that against fellow teammates sometimes - that I think will be key on the run.

For sure Raji will provide key relief for Pickett and even Jolly. However, I honestly think asking the kid to play more than 15-20 snaps a game is pushing it.

We're talking as if Raji will just walk in and play - he won't, he'll have to show that he's ready and can handle the job out there. I don't think he'll be able to show he deserves a continuous amount of reps, the coaches will utilize him in short busts.

I can see Jolly be used for around 25 snaps, and being a lot more effective. Raji certainly provides depth which is key, but I don't he's going to be a Nagata type player who plays and is just unstoppable. He's got that ability, but I think it needs to progress now that he's on this level... that'll take at least a year IMO.


EDIT - I recall reading something about how Pickett / Jolly were playing close to 40 snaps a game. That's just WAY too much, and Raji will be essential to getting that number down. From that end, Raji is going to be very important.

But I don't think he'll be able to consistently hold is own. Some are talking as if Raji is going to get 30 snaps, and just dominate. I don't see that happening, especially in his first season.

"zombieslayer" wrote:



All hinges back to one of Thompson's most critical mistakes to date.. the roster numbers at defensive line early last season. We lacked rotation before Jenkins went done, after that it was a slippery slope.

Banking on Harrell and KGB to give us a boost proved to be costly as well..

You have to have solid front line talent, then followed by at least margin players and depth... it was a mistake in the roster makeup...
"The oranges are dry; the apples are mealy; and the papayas... I don't know what's going on with the papayas!"
Fan Shout
Zero2Cool (2-Apr) : WR who said he'd break Xavier Worthy 40 time...and ran slower than you
Mucky Tundra (2-Apr) : Who?
Zero2Cool (2-Apr) : Texas’ WR Isaiah Bond is scheduled to visit the Bills, Browns, Chiefs, Falcons, Packers and Titans starting next week.
Zero2Cool (2-Apr) : Spotting ball isn't changing, only measuring distance is, Which wasn't the issue.
Zero2Cool (2-Apr) : The spotting of the ball IS the issue. Not the chain gang.
Mucky Tundra (2-Apr) : Will there be a tracker on the ball or something?
Zero2Cool (1-Apr) : uh oh
Martha Careful (1-Apr) : Too bad camera's can't spot the ball as well.
Mucky Tundra (1-Apr) : So will the chain gang be gone completely or will they still be around as a backup or whatever?
Zero2Cool (1-Apr) : The method for measuring first downs in the NFL will switch from chain gangs to camera-based technology in 2025, the league announced.
Martha Careful (1-Apr) : A big step in the right direction. Just put in the college system is very very good.
Zero2Cool (1-Apr) : NFL has passed a rule that allows both teams to possess the ball in OT during the regular season
Zero2Cool (1-Apr) : Touchbacks on kickoffs will now bring the ball to the 35-yard line.
beast (31-Mar) : It might of gotten more popular recently, but braiding hair (even men) in certain cultures goes back for centuries.
Martha Careful (30-Mar) : Is men braiding their hair a new style thing? Watching the NCAA men's tournament many players have done
Zero2Cool (29-Mar) : Ha. Well, it'd be nice for folks to reset their own password. Via validated email 😏
beast (29-Mar) : Monopoly was supposed to be an educational game, that show how evil capitalism was and how we should avoid it
beast (29-Mar) : Lol, I was thinking username would be better, as then I wouldn't have to keep an email up to date lol 😂
beast (29-Mar) : Zero2Cool (25-Mar) : I was thinking email because I think it'll make folks keep it up todate lol
wpr (29-Mar) : sure is
Zero2Cool (29-Mar) : Monopoly is a rip off of The Landlord's Game
wpr (27-Mar) : 28 days until the draft
earthquake (27-Mar) : Which seemed strange to my 9 year old self, that you could be a fan for a team other than the one you play for
earthquake (27-Mar) : Nothing eventful happened, other than it being clear that he was a bengals fan
earthquake (27-Mar) : And we went and hung out with him one afternoon, I must have been 9 or so
earthquake (27-Mar) : That’s wild, when I was a kid my friend lived in the same apartment complex in De Pere
Mucky Tundra (27-Mar) : Only career highspot was a 200 yard rushing game while playing for the Cardinals
Mucky Tundra (27-Mar) : He is a former Packer. Drafted out of Northern Illinois. Didn't do much in GB.
dfosterf (26-Mar) : Despicable
Zero2Cool (26-Mar) : Former NFL. I think Packers too
Zero2Cool (26-Mar) : NFL RB Leshon Johnson has been charged in a massive dog fighting operation, with the FBI seizing over 190 Pit Bulls
Mucky Tundra (26-Mar) : Some real irony of a QB as short as Wilson playing for the Giants
Mucky Tundra (26-Mar) : Giants country, let's be the tall beings of lore!
Mucky Tundra (26-Mar) : Russell Wilson signs with the Giants.
Zero2Cool (25-Mar) : I was thinking email because I think it'll make folks keep it up todate lol
wpr (25-Mar) : I don't think there is a significant difference. I use a user name for many. Others email.
Martha Careful (25-Mar) : email
Zero2Cool (25-Mar) : would it be better to use EMAIL or USERNAME to log into a site?
wpr (25-Mar) : Thanks Zero
Zero2Cool (24-Mar) : New forum has the ability to Thank a post now.
beast (24-Mar) : And the only time they have won the Championship in an even year, was the first time they did, in 2006.
beast (24-Mar) : Since 2007, there have been 10 odd numbered years, Wisconsin Women have won the Championship in 7 of those 10 odd numbered years.
buckeyepackfan (24-Mar) : Congratulations Lady Badger Hockey Team. NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!!
Zero2Cool (23-Mar) : I don't think it's completed yet. it was just announced last month, right?
dhazer (23-Mar) : did netflix ever release the Packers documentary
Zero2Cool (21-Mar) : And it is glorious!
beast (21-Mar) : Unsigned FA QB Rodgers is supposedly in the Steelers building
Martha Careful (19-Mar) : But I don't own a car! So can I still use it in my apartment?
Zero2Cool (19-Mar) : btw, new site auto updates
Zero2Cool (19-Mar) : Woohoo!
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
Sunday, Jan 12 @ 3:30 PM
Eagles
Recent Topics
2-Apr / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

2-Apr / Green Bay Packers Talk / bboystyle

1-Apr / Green Bay Packers Talk / Mucky Tundra

1-Apr / Green Bay Packers Talk / wpr

31-Mar / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

30-Mar / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

29-Mar / Random Babble / wpr

28-Mar / Feedback, Suggestions and Issues / dfosterf

28-Mar / Random Babble / Martha Careful

26-Mar / Random Babble / Mucky Tundra

25-Mar / Random Babble / Martha Careful

24-Mar / Random Babble / packerfanoutwest

24-Mar / Random Babble / Zero2Cool

21-Mar / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

19-Mar / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

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