I posted this on another forum which may give away my identity, but here's my overall take on Thompson.
There are things you can criticize Ted Thompson for, but you HAVE to realize you never have the full story when Thompson is concerned. The original story should tell you that much. None of us know the complete story about Randy Moss. Ted Thompson certainly made some sort of effort and maybe compensation wasn't the result he didn't come to GB. It could have just as easily been Randy's fault. Using hindsight, I'm super glad we didn't acquire him. I can't imagine wanting to hurt Driver or Jennings in any fashion. What they bring to the team and city is unbelievable. It's the "Packer people" that really make all the wins here in GB that much more fulfilling. It's knowing we have very few dirtbags on this roster and a group that loves playing with and for each other. Those little things make me proud to be a GB fan and even though Randy is one of my favorite players, I don't think I'd want to see him wear the Green and Gold. I don't think he'd even help us
that much to be honest.
I'll also admit that I wanted Gonzo this year, but do we honestly think we'd be getting much better production out of the TE position? Sure we'd be able to upgrade Lee as a blocker and receiver a little bit, but I don't want to stunt Finley's growth. He's gonna be a special one I think. At this point, I think Thompson was better off for not giving up that much for Gonzo.
Sure you can blame Ted Thompson for not trading up enough, but you have to realize how much depth and all the starters he's gotten by just trading down. Also remember that with trade ups, you also put more risk onto one asset. All draft picks are risky and spreading the risk out over a number of players is sometimes better than putting it on one player, especially if that one player is dropping significantly. Usually, there's a reason he's dropping...it's because MANY ACTUAL experts have decided he's not as good as the media has.
You can blame Thompson for not upgrading our offensive line enough, but I think that's about it. You also have to keep in mind that he's sticking to his guns and strategies which have yielded SO much depth and good play at other positions. It just hasn't payed dividends on the offensive line like it has at other positions for one reason or another.
It's not very often you're going to agree with all of a GM's moves, but you have to realize they have SO much experience doing what they do and are there for a reason. When you're fielding a competitive team week in and week out over a 3 year span now, you're doing something right. Not many every GM can be applauded for the same things. Thompson's time here in Green Bay is still relatively short and given the mess he was handed, I think he's done a fantastic job. It's still too early in my opinion to rank Thompson among the elite GM's. But ask yourself this: How many other GMs ranked ahead of him have been with their current team for as short a time as he has?
Using this list:
1. Rooney/Colbert - 8 years together
2. Polian - 12 years
3. Belichick - 10 years
4. Newsome - 8 years (Inherited much of the Super Bowl team)
5. Reid - 9 years + 2 coaching
6. Parcells/Ireland - A legend with many teams. Wouldn't be a top 10 GM alone based on just his success in Miami.
7. Reese - 8 years including Director of Pro Personnel
8. Fisher/Reinfeldt - Fisher 16 years with the team, Reinfeldt 3 years (and roommate of Ted Thompson at one point 😃
9. Ted Thompson - 5 years10. Dimitroff - 2 years
Graves - 12 years with the team -- slow rise to GM
Pioli - 9 years with the Pats
Loomis - 8 years
AJ Smith - 7 years (current tenure)