Well, folks, we've implemented a few subtle site changes here at PackerFansUnited.com. Yes, the general look you've become accustomed to and love (c'mon, admit it!) hasn't changed much. Still trying to keep it somewhat simple. The main area on the landing page is still devoted to our posts. In fact, you will now see that creatively titled "PackerFansUnited Posts" on the horizontal menu just about the most recent post. And the Privacy Policy is still there too; these pages were before listed at the very bottom of the righthand column, so you may not have even known that we have a privacy policy. Now you do.
Speaking of that righthand column, we did some reorganizing over there, moved some things around, removed some things, added some things. There's still our PackerFansUnited shop where you can get some really nifty (wait, did I just say "nifty"? Oh, man...) attire and gift items for yourself or others. Go take a look. You might be surprised to see all the goodies there and want to pick up something for yourself before we head into the start of the season. You'll also find our Twitter feed, latest headlines, links you might find of use, blogs and forums we suggest you check out, our blog archive (going back to 2005...yes, we've been doing this for the last eight years now!), as well as organizations to consider supporting.
One of the biggest new additions is our new PackerFansUnited Front Page, which is the second menu item just above the most recent post. This page will continually update with Packers and NFL news of interest, and perhaps a few other things that find their way in. Check it out. We think you'll like it.
Keep stopping back for our exceptionally insightful posts (if we do say so...and we do) and more. That's the only way we stay Packer Fans United!
Go Pack Go!!!
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Sunday, June 09, 2013
Packers weekly wrap up
This time of year -- with less than 90 days to go to the start of the NFL season -- is one during which, well, many of us are engaged in activities other than obsessing about football and all-things Packers. I know, I know, that may be considered blasphemy in some circles. But the fact of the matter is, particularly here in Packerland, we've waited so-o-o-o-o long for summer to arrive that we want to savor it when it shows up for that all-too-brief time. So, forvive us, please, for the gaps between posts here at PackerFansUnited.com. It's not that we're not paying attention to what's going on in Green Bay, it's just that there really isn't too much of note going on. Wait until training camp starts. Then there will be some news now and then.
Having said that, let's recap recent happenings just for the heck of it, shall we?
Mini-camp over and done; second chance for Jolly begins
The mandatory mini-camp was held earlier this last week. An item of note included the attendance and participation by defensive lineman, Johnny Jolly. After three years out of football due to a well-documented legal matter and suspension by the league, the now 30-year-old Jolly has a second chance with the Packers. He was an up-and-coming force on the D-line when old friends and bad habits back in Houston scuttled his promising career. Now an older and hopefully wiser Jolly will focus on football. His teammates were said to be very happy to have him back. He's got a way to go to get into playing condition again. But if he's not motivated now he never will be. This writer is rooting for him. Many other Packer fans are, too.
Cornerback Sam Shields, who was a no-show at the optional OTAs, was also on hand, although complaining about not "getting paid." Sam, please. You're getting paid better than 99.9% of the people on this planet. You'll get paid more -- and appreciated more -- if you let your play this season do the talking.
LB Desmond Bishop had said he'd be back from his rehab in time for OTAs, at least the second one. He was at mini-camp but didn't participate in any team drills. Training camp -- which begins in a little more than six weeks from now -- is supposedly his new target.
The biggest move of note, of course, was the switching of the offensive line. Brian Bulaga was reported to be struggling a bit at left tackle, his old college position, after having been moved from the right side. But other players also making the switch indicated to reporters that it would take a while to get everything in sync. No doubt.
Oh, and what about the news that RB DuJuan Harris -- who came on late last season -- had a fist-sized cyst removed from his lung? It was discovered during a routine physical. Yowza.
Dodgeball winner
Packers head coach, Mike McCarthy, typically likes to end his mini-camps with a fun team, non-football, activity. This last week, that activity wound up being dodgeball. It should go without saying that the guy with the golden arm (or should we say, Green 'n' Gold arm?) won. Yes, QB Aaron Rodgers prevailed. Read more about the details of that event here. It's worth a few minutes of your time to learn about Rodgers' dodgeball proclivities.
Favre finally fesses up
In a seemingly long-overdue admission that "I was at fault," former Packers QB and future Hall of Famer, Brett Favre, told Joe Buscaglia of WGR 550-AM during an interview in Buffalo. “It is what it is. It's over and done with. I was at fault,” he said. Although Favre did say that he felt "both sides had a part in it." For what it's worth, Favre said that "I think things will be fine in due time.” He and Packers President, Mark Murphy, have been in communication and that's a good thing for both parties. I wouldn't be surprised if the Packers did something this season in terms of retiring Favre's number to get that out of the way before Favre goes into the NFL Hall of Fame. It's about time to get this out of the way and move on, don't you think?
Having said that, let's recap recent happenings just for the heck of it, shall we?
Mini-camp over and done; second chance for Jolly begins
The mandatory mini-camp was held earlier this last week. An item of note included the attendance and participation by defensive lineman, Johnny Jolly. After three years out of football due to a well-documented legal matter and suspension by the league, the now 30-year-old Jolly has a second chance with the Packers. He was an up-and-coming force on the D-line when old friends and bad habits back in Houston scuttled his promising career. Now an older and hopefully wiser Jolly will focus on football. His teammates were said to be very happy to have him back. He's got a way to go to get into playing condition again. But if he's not motivated now he never will be. This writer is rooting for him. Many other Packer fans are, too.
Cornerback Sam Shields, who was a no-show at the optional OTAs, was also on hand, although complaining about not "getting paid." Sam, please. You're getting paid better than 99.9% of the people on this planet. You'll get paid more -- and appreciated more -- if you let your play this season do the talking.
LB Desmond Bishop had said he'd be back from his rehab in time for OTAs, at least the second one. He was at mini-camp but didn't participate in any team drills. Training camp -- which begins in a little more than six weeks from now -- is supposedly his new target.
The biggest move of note, of course, was the switching of the offensive line. Brian Bulaga was reported to be struggling a bit at left tackle, his old college position, after having been moved from the right side. But other players also making the switch indicated to reporters that it would take a while to get everything in sync. No doubt.
Oh, and what about the news that RB DuJuan Harris -- who came on late last season -- had a fist-sized cyst removed from his lung? It was discovered during a routine physical. Yowza.
Dodgeball winner
Packers head coach, Mike McCarthy, typically likes to end his mini-camps with a fun team, non-football, activity. This last week, that activity wound up being dodgeball. It should go without saying that the guy with the golden arm (or should we say, Green 'n' Gold arm?) won. Yes, QB Aaron Rodgers prevailed. Read more about the details of that event here. It's worth a few minutes of your time to learn about Rodgers' dodgeball proclivities.
Favre finally fesses up
In a seemingly long-overdue admission that "I was at fault," former Packers QB and future Hall of Famer, Brett Favre, told Joe Buscaglia of WGR 550-AM during an interview in Buffalo. “It is what it is. It's over and done with. I was at fault,” he said. Although Favre did say that he felt "both sides had a part in it." For what it's worth, Favre said that "I think things will be fine in due time.” He and Packers President, Mark Murphy, have been in communication and that's a good thing for both parties. I wouldn't be surprised if the Packers did something this season in terms of retiring Favre's number to get that out of the way before Favre goes into the NFL Hall of Fame. It's about time to get this out of the way and move on, don't you think?
Friday, May 31, 2013
What can we count on, Packers fans?
One of the things you can count on in the NFL offseason is that there really isn't much to count on. Oh, sure, there are draftee signings, undrafted free agent signings, veteran free agents moving from team to team, and so on. Even some rookie camps and OTAs. But aside from that...?
After all, who could have counted on the Packers braintrust deciding to flip-flop the offensive line? (Even though the consensus, it seems, among many Packer fans is that this is certainly worth trying in order to keep Mr. Rodgers a bit more upright than in past seasons.) Or that the Packers would be heading into this season without the veteran leadership provided by Donald Driver, Charles Woodson and Greg Jennings? What about the possibility of having an actual rushing attack for the first time in what seems like a generation...anyone here see that one coming? And yet, two big draft picks -- Eddie Lacy and Johnathan Franklin -- may fill that void in a way not seen in Green Bay in ages. What about the defense? Did anyone here count on DE Mike Neal being tried out at outside linebacker? Who'da thunk it?!
But we can count on one more OTA from June 11-14, which is interestingly preceded by mandatory minicamp June 4-6. Packers players will report for the start of training camp July 25, with the first practice on Friday, July 26. Then, we can almost taste the football in the air. (Wait...that doesn't sound so appetizing, does it? Well, you know what I meant...I hope...)
Football will be with us in less than 100 days from now. So stay tuned. As long-time readers of PackerFansUnited.com know, as we get closer to the start of stuff that matters we begin to ramp up our coverage. Until then, for those who need their daily fantasy sports, you'll just have to find other ways to keep entertained.
Please keep checking back with us. Follow us on Twitter (@packfansunited). We appreciate you stopping by and spending a few moments of your valuable time with us. We hope to make it worth your while more often than not.
Go Pack Go!!!
After all, who could have counted on the Packers braintrust deciding to flip-flop the offensive line? (Even though the consensus, it seems, among many Packer fans is that this is certainly worth trying in order to keep Mr. Rodgers a bit more upright than in past seasons.) Or that the Packers would be heading into this season without the veteran leadership provided by Donald Driver, Charles Woodson and Greg Jennings? What about the possibility of having an actual rushing attack for the first time in what seems like a generation...anyone here see that one coming? And yet, two big draft picks -- Eddie Lacy and Johnathan Franklin -- may fill that void in a way not seen in Green Bay in ages. What about the defense? Did anyone here count on DE Mike Neal being tried out at outside linebacker? Who'da thunk it?!
But we can count on one more OTA from June 11-14, which is interestingly preceded by mandatory minicamp June 4-6. Packers players will report for the start of training camp July 25, with the first practice on Friday, July 26. Then, we can almost taste the football in the air. (Wait...that doesn't sound so appetizing, does it? Well, you know what I meant...I hope...)
Football will be with us in less than 100 days from now. So stay tuned. As long-time readers of PackerFansUnited.com know, as we get closer to the start of stuff that matters we begin to ramp up our coverage. Until then, for those who need their daily fantasy sports, you'll just have to find other ways to keep entertained.
Please keep checking back with us. Follow us on Twitter (@packfansunited). We appreciate you stopping by and spending a few moments of your valuable time with us. We hope to make it worth your while more often than not.
Go Pack Go!!!
Saturday, May 11, 2013
A Packer Fan's Story - Part Deux - The Tebow Hex
While the recently drafted rookie class of the Green Bay Packers gathers this weekend to be wowed, dazzled and overwhelmed by all that is the Green 'n' Gold, we thought we'd share an update with you to the story of Steve, our longtime friend and regular reader of Packer Fans United. He said it was OK to publish this latest adventure. So, without further ado...A Packer Fan's Story - Part Deux, from Washington, D.C.
TheBiking Jogging Incident
By Steve
Which leads me to the Editor's moral of the story: it's great to be a Packers fan! Just be sure to wear your gear! (In fact, you can get some great Packer Fans United gear here.)! Get the respect you deserve! Don't be forced to wear some funky Jets-Tebow stuff. It's just not worth it, man. C'mon...order today!!!
Go Pack Go!!!
The
By Steve
In my first book, Theophilus, I dealt with how the wearing of a Packers t-shirt in Metro Washington, D.C. inspired the kind outreach in a biking mishap by a fellow Packer fan, also born in Wauwatosa, WI (see original post here). In this my second book, I ask, "Did the wearing of a New York Jets Tim Tebow shirt bring bad luck and hinder assistance during a Metro DC running incident?"Thanks again, Steve, for sharing this most recent sport attire incident with us. But really: Tebow? Jets? Had to be a freebie...no way you would have paid for that! And obviously, it sure didn't garner you any major assistance points either, did it?
Having already slept in the Tebow t-shirt, I rolled out of bed, changed from my Clareware pajama bottoms to running shorts, donned my freshly washed Catholic Charities disaster relief baseball hat, laced up the Sauconys, and prepared my wrists with my runners watch and "in case of emergency, call..." band. (Editor's note: any brands out there reading this...send the product placement mention royalties to me, please, not Steve. That is all...)
On this muggy Saturday morning, but a few hours from a spring thunderstorm, I began to sweat profusely as I ran around a campus block. Somewhat early on a Saturday morning, there were few university students to offer up a thumbs up or thumbs down to my New York Jets Tim Tebow t-shirt. As I ran around the block that constitutes the CUA Dufour Sports Center, I spotted an opening to the gate of the athletic track and chose the modern running track over the cracked sidewalk and streets -- much easier on the knees.
About 30 minutes later, attempting to exit the outdoor track through the same gate, I noticed that the gate was now locked shut. Hmm, adorned by my New York Jets Tim Tebow t-sirt, I ran around the premises to determine whether any other gates were unlocked. No luck; furthermore, the sports center building was locked. Basically, Theophilus, I was locked inside the outdoor athletic facility at The Catholic University of America. Would I be fed to the lions in this 21st century Coliseum?
Like all modern campuses, this one also has emergency phones ALL OVER THE PLACE. So, I approached the standard and called Security. I explained that I was a resident of one of the halls, had entered the track through an unlocked gate, but was now locked inside. The dispatcher assured me that she would send someone over to escort me through the building and off the premises.
A few minutes later, I waved down a robust security officer. He asked what I was doing on the grounds. I explained that the track gate was unlocked but was now locked. He looked at my New York Jets Tim Tebow t-shirt and asked, "Do you have a (University) ID?" I answered, "Yes, in my room...".
When he asked for any ID, I did wave my wrist at him, with the emergency band info to call in times of trouble! After looking at my shirt and asking me a few more times how I got inside the track and if I had an ID, he finally unlocked the sports center, and led me through the building. As I mentioned, it was rather humid, and my Sauconys did pick up some moisture and mud during the morning run, so I did almost wipe out on the stairs in the athletic center as he escorted me out the building. Great, I thought, first this guy wonders what the stranger with the New York Jets Tim Tebow t-shirt is doing running on our locked track; then, he breaks an ankle on our stairway while being escorted off the property.
He asked if I were OK, and I replied, "No worries, sir; I always use hand rails on stairs."
Moral of the story: "Packer gear: Don't leave home without it.
Which leads me to the Editor's moral of the story: it's great to be a Packers fan! Just be sure to wear your gear! (In fact, you can get some great Packer Fans United gear here.)! Get the respect you deserve! Don't be forced to wear some funky Jets-Tebow stuff. It's just not worth it, man. C'mon...order today!!!
Go Pack Go!!!
Saturday, May 04, 2013
Packers Bits and Pieces
It was an exciting post-draft week for the Green Bay Packers and their fans. Firstly, the Pack had, by most accounts, a successful draft overall. We gave it an A- and that seemed to be a popular grade among many if not most pundits. Yes, it could be argued the team needed to add a safety and didn't. Or a starting left tackle, and didn't. A few things like that brought down some people's opinion of the Pack's draft.
But on the other hand, the Packers picked up arguably the best running back in the draft -- Eddie Lacy -- and, according to some others, the second best back, Johnathan Franklin. Barring injury, that duo could be the starting backfield along with fullback John Kuhn. Given the paucity of a Packers running game since the departure of Ryan Grant at least and, some might say, Ahman Green, these two picks alone will give a much-needed boost and variation to an offense that for the last few years has been far-too one dimensional.
On the defensive side of the ball, DE Datone Jones may provide enough of a pass rush presence to make offenses account for more than just Clay Matthews in their protection schemes. DT Josh Boyd should help bolster and give relief to a defensive front that needed some depth. LB Nate Palmer spent time already with linebackers coach Kevin Greene. Greene, according to reports, told Palmer that he could help take his play to another level. Apparently, the Packers see something in Palmer they like. Very much.
The Flip-Flop
While the lack of offensive tackle picks bothered some, the Pack did add depth with the selections of David Bakhtiari and J.C. Tretter. But the other way the Pack addressed the offensive line issues of last year -- far too many sacks given up -- was to shuffle the existing players.
This week, head coach Mike McCarthy announced that they were moving Bryan Bulaga from the right tackle position to the left and also flipping Josh Sitton from right guard to left. Bulaga and Sitton are the two best offensive linemen the Packers have and it makes sense for them to be protecting the blindside of the $100+ million quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. Evan Dietrich-Smith will anchor the line at center, while T.J. Lang will move from right guard to left. Marshall Newhouse will move from left tackle to right. So the personnel is the same, but they will now be playing different sides of the line. Let's hope it works out as planned. Let's also hope they are able to create some lanes for what could be the best running attack the Packers have had in a generation.
Al Harris Retires as a Packer
Former Packers CB Al Harris retired as a Green Bay Packer this week, despite not playing for the team for about 3-1/2 years. But that's OK, Al wanted to retire with the team and in the city that meant the most to him during his long career. He had many memorable moments as a Packer before a torn ACL ended his run with the team. But can we ever forget that interception off Seattle QB Matt Hasselbeck in overtime of the playoffs? No. But if you need a reminder, just click here
Packers Shareholders Meeting Set for July 24
For those who are proud shareholders of the Green Bay Packers, the team announced that its annual meeting will be held at Lambeau Field on Wed. July 24. Once again, each shareholder will be able to bring a guest and, of course, revel in all things Packers. It doesn't get any better than that!
Learn more about the shareholders meeting here.
But on the other hand, the Packers picked up arguably the best running back in the draft -- Eddie Lacy -- and, according to some others, the second best back, Johnathan Franklin. Barring injury, that duo could be the starting backfield along with fullback John Kuhn. Given the paucity of a Packers running game since the departure of Ryan Grant at least and, some might say, Ahman Green, these two picks alone will give a much-needed boost and variation to an offense that for the last few years has been far-too one dimensional.
On the defensive side of the ball, DE Datone Jones may provide enough of a pass rush presence to make offenses account for more than just Clay Matthews in their protection schemes. DT Josh Boyd should help bolster and give relief to a defensive front that needed some depth. LB Nate Palmer spent time already with linebackers coach Kevin Greene. Greene, according to reports, told Palmer that he could help take his play to another level. Apparently, the Packers see something in Palmer they like. Very much.
The Flip-Flop
While the lack of offensive tackle picks bothered some, the Pack did add depth with the selections of David Bakhtiari and J.C. Tretter. But the other way the Pack addressed the offensive line issues of last year -- far too many sacks given up -- was to shuffle the existing players.
This week, head coach Mike McCarthy announced that they were moving Bryan Bulaga from the right tackle position to the left and also flipping Josh Sitton from right guard to left. Bulaga and Sitton are the two best offensive linemen the Packers have and it makes sense for them to be protecting the blindside of the $100+ million quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. Evan Dietrich-Smith will anchor the line at center, while T.J. Lang will move from right guard to left. Marshall Newhouse will move from left tackle to right. So the personnel is the same, but they will now be playing different sides of the line. Let's hope it works out as planned. Let's also hope they are able to create some lanes for what could be the best running attack the Packers have had in a generation.
Al Harris Retires as a Packer
Former Packers CB Al Harris retired as a Green Bay Packer this week, despite not playing for the team for about 3-1/2 years. But that's OK, Al wanted to retire with the team and in the city that meant the most to him during his long career. He had many memorable moments as a Packer before a torn ACL ended his run with the team. But can we ever forget that interception off Seattle QB Matt Hasselbeck in overtime of the playoffs? No. But if you need a reminder, just click here
Packers Shareholders Meeting Set for July 24
For those who are proud shareholders of the Green Bay Packers, the team announced that its annual meeting will be held at Lambeau Field on Wed. July 24. Once again, each shareholder will be able to bring a guest and, of course, revel in all things Packers. It doesn't get any better than that!
Learn more about the shareholders meeting here.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Packers Draft Re-Cap
The Green Bay Packers came through the three days and seven rounds of the 2013 NFL Draft with 11 selections when it was all said and done. GM Ted Thompson started off on Thursday with eight picks, wound up at the end of that day with a total of 10 yet to be used for the remaining rounds; yes, that would make 12 overall. But he used one of those picks on Day 2 to move up a few spots in Round 4 to select RB Johnathan Franklin of UCLA. When the draft finally completed last evening, the Packers had 11 new players to add to the pre-season roster mix. (This writer, by the way, in a pre-draft post had noted that Thompson would wheel-and-deal his way to wind up with at least 10 picks when it was over. I was close.)
What can we say, first, about the draft overall and, secondly, the selections in particular? Let's get the first question out of the way. I'd give Thompson and the Packers an A- on this draft. As I said in a reply to someone on Twitter during the draft, I had high expectations and they were exceeded. In scanning some of the pundit and media reviews of the Packers' picks, it seems as if the overall grades range from A to B depending upon the reviewer's view, of course (and individual player ratings generally ranged from A to C). So let's just not get into too many details about the overall grade. The Packers did well. Very well.
In particular, it seems as if many sportswriters' views of the success of the Packers' picks focuses around the two running backs they selected: Eddie Lacy out of Alabama and the aforementioned Franklin. Lacy, to many, was arguably the highest-rated running back in the draft and a likely first-round pick. He was a great value pick for the Packers, falling to number 61 in the second round. Franklin was also viewed very positively by many and for the Packers to wind up with both apparently left many in awe. Not just for the caliber of the backs themselves, but for the fact that the Packers might -- after so many years of floundering in the running game -- finally have a duo in the backfield that provides a thunder-and-lightening combination that could give defenses fits. Especially in terms of what it will do to further open up the Packers' passing attack. Add in last season's late arrival and impact running back, DuJuan Harris, and the Packers might finally have something to provide balance in the offensive scheme that we haven't seen in a long, long time.
The Picks for the Pack
Without further ado, let's just list who the Packers picked up in the draft. We'll then take a look at the undrafted free agents signed by the Packers so far.
The general consensus among pundits seems to be that, after the Packers got shredded by the 49ers in the playoffs, changes needed to be made on both sides of the ball. And that's what the Packers have done with these signings and a few recent moves. "Bigger," "faster," "stronger" are descriptors which can apply favorably in most sports, but especially football. The Packers definitely got bigger and stronger with their selections. They may have also gotten faster, particularly with the addition of Franklin and Johnson, both of whom are speedsters. Hopefully, they also perhaps got a bit tougher. They'll need it all to go head to head against the 49ers again this season -- and every other team on a tough schedule -- beginning in the 2013 season week 1 re-match.
There's an excellent article on this very topic in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel by sportswriter Tom Silverstein. I recommend you read it.
For now, it looks very good for the Packers going into their early pre-season OTAs and mini-camps. That's what we think. Tell us how you think the Packers did with their draft by taking our poll in the upper righthand column. Inquiring minds want to know: what grade would you assign?
What can we say, first, about the draft overall and, secondly, the selections in particular? Let's get the first question out of the way. I'd give Thompson and the Packers an A- on this draft. As I said in a reply to someone on Twitter during the draft, I had high expectations and they were exceeded. In scanning some of the pundit and media reviews of the Packers' picks, it seems as if the overall grades range from A to B depending upon the reviewer's view, of course (and individual player ratings generally ranged from A to C). So let's just not get into too many details about the overall grade. The Packers did well. Very well.
In particular, it seems as if many sportswriters' views of the success of the Packers' picks focuses around the two running backs they selected: Eddie Lacy out of Alabama and the aforementioned Franklin. Lacy, to many, was arguably the highest-rated running back in the draft and a likely first-round pick. He was a great value pick for the Packers, falling to number 61 in the second round. Franklin was also viewed very positively by many and for the Packers to wind up with both apparently left many in awe. Not just for the caliber of the backs themselves, but for the fact that the Packers might -- after so many years of floundering in the running game -- finally have a duo in the backfield that provides a thunder-and-lightening combination that could give defenses fits. Especially in terms of what it will do to further open up the Packers' passing attack. Add in last season's late arrival and impact running back, DuJuan Harris, and the Packers might finally have something to provide balance in the offensive scheme that we haven't seen in a long, long time.
The Picks for the Pack
Without further ado, let's just list who the Packers picked up in the draft. We'll then take a look at the undrafted free agents signed by the Packers so far.
- Round 1 #26 DE Datone Jones, UCLA
- Round 2 #61 RB Eddie Lacy, Alabama
- Round 4 #109 OT David Bakhtiari, Colorado
- Round 4 #122 OT J.C. Tretter, Cornell
- Round 4 #125 RB Johnathan Franklin, UCLA
- Round 5 #159 CB Micah Hyde, Iowa
- Round 5 #167 DE Josh Boyd, Mississippi State
- Round 6 #193 LB Nate Palmer, Illinois State
- Round 7 #216 WR Charles Johnson, Grand Valley State
- Round 7 #224 WR Kevin Dorsey, Maryland
- Round 7 #232 LB Sam Barrington, South Florida
- QB Matt Brown, Illinois State
- S Ben Ericksen, Illinois State
- G Patrick Lewis, Texas A&M
- OLB Andy Mulumba, Eastern Michigan
- RB Angelo Pease, Kansas State
- NT Gilbert Pena, Mississippi
- TE Jake Stoneburner, Ohio State
- G Lane Taylor, Oklahoma State
- CB Damond Smith, South Alabama
- S Cedrick Moore, Stony Brook
- C Patrick Lewis, Texas A&M
The general consensus among pundits seems to be that, after the Packers got shredded by the 49ers in the playoffs, changes needed to be made on both sides of the ball. And that's what the Packers have done with these signings and a few recent moves. "Bigger," "faster," "stronger" are descriptors which can apply favorably in most sports, but especially football. The Packers definitely got bigger and stronger with their selections. They may have also gotten faster, particularly with the addition of Franklin and Johnson, both of whom are speedsters. Hopefully, they also perhaps got a bit tougher. They'll need it all to go head to head against the 49ers again this season -- and every other team on a tough schedule -- beginning in the 2013 season week 1 re-match.
There's an excellent article on this very topic in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel by sportswriter Tom Silverstein. I recommend you read it.
For now, it looks very good for the Packers going into their early pre-season OTAs and mini-camps. That's what we think. Tell us how you think the Packers did with their draft by taking our poll in the upper righthand column. Inquiring minds want to know: what grade would you assign?
Saturday, April 27, 2013
What's in store for the Packers, NFL Draft Rounds 4-7?
Green Bay Packers GM Ted Thompson started the 2013 NFL Draft on Thursday night with eight draft picks. By the end of the second day of the draft (rounds 2 and 3), Trader Ted had accumulated 12 picks total at his command...10 of them for use today as the Draft winds up with rounds 4 through 7.
To briefly recap, Thompson and the Packers stayed put at number 26 in the 1st round and got someone they had apparently been targeting: UCLA DE Datone Jones. Former coach and now ESPN talking head, Jon Gruden, called Jones his "sleeper pick" of the 1st round. The general consensus was that the Packers did very well getting Jones, who should make an immediate impact on the defensive line's overall performance.
The Packers were set up in the second round to pick at number 55. However, they traded down out of that pick with the 49ers. For dropping six spots to number 61, they picked up the 173rd pick overall. The drop didn't seem to hurt them any, as they wound up selecting arguably the best running back in the Draft, Eddie Lacy out of Alabama. Why other backs were chosen ahead of Lacy -- who was projected in most mock drafts to be a 1st rounder -- is anyone's guess. As Packer fans, we may wind up viewing this as another gift from the football gods much in the same way as Aaron Rodgers falling into the Packers' lap. Gil Brandt, a highly-respected evaluator of league talent, had this to say on Lacy: "I think this guy has a chance to be better than Trent Richardson." We'd take that wouldn't we, Packer fans? You bet.
The Packers also had a pick at 88 in the 3rd round. But, they traded down again with the 49ers to the 93rd pick. Strap yourself in now...because when the 93rd pick came on the clock, the Packers traded that pick to the Miami Dolphins. Still with me? Anyway, for moving out of that slot, the Packers got numbers 109, 146, and 224 from Miami.
Packers Picks Coming Up
It can all get a bit confusing, can't it? So, let's summarize what's in store for the Packers during rounds 4-7 today, with the number of the overall pick and round (at least as the day begins and pending any other moves the Packers might make):
The Packers addressed two major needs with the first two picks. Now, the Packers and Thompson will address other needs: offensive line, safety, linebacker, receiver and tight end. With 10 picks to work with, Thompson should have a field day.
And when the draft is all said and done, it's not really all said and done. That's because the next day or two will bring about the signings of undrafted free agents. Again, given how deep this draft is, we can expect that Thompson may find a gem or two among the undrafted players, as well. It will be fun to watch.
C'mon...say it with me: It's great to be a Packer fan!
Go Pack Go!!!
To briefly recap, Thompson and the Packers stayed put at number 26 in the 1st round and got someone they had apparently been targeting: UCLA DE Datone Jones. Former coach and now ESPN talking head, Jon Gruden, called Jones his "sleeper pick" of the 1st round. The general consensus was that the Packers did very well getting Jones, who should make an immediate impact on the defensive line's overall performance.
The Packers were set up in the second round to pick at number 55. However, they traded down out of that pick with the 49ers. For dropping six spots to number 61, they picked up the 173rd pick overall. The drop didn't seem to hurt them any, as they wound up selecting arguably the best running back in the Draft, Eddie Lacy out of Alabama. Why other backs were chosen ahead of Lacy -- who was projected in most mock drafts to be a 1st rounder -- is anyone's guess. As Packer fans, we may wind up viewing this as another gift from the football gods much in the same way as Aaron Rodgers falling into the Packers' lap. Gil Brandt, a highly-respected evaluator of league talent, had this to say on Lacy: "I think this guy has a chance to be better than Trent Richardson." We'd take that wouldn't we, Packer fans? You bet.
The Packers also had a pick at 88 in the 3rd round. But, they traded down again with the 49ers to the 93rd pick. Strap yourself in now...because when the 93rd pick came on the clock, the Packers traded that pick to the Miami Dolphins. Still with me? Anyway, for moving out of that slot, the Packers got numbers 109, 146, and 224 from Miami.
Packers Picks Coming Up
It can all get a bit confusing, can't it? So, let's summarize what's in store for the Packers during rounds 4-7 today, with the number of the overall pick and round (at least as the day begins and pending any other moves the Packers might make):
- 109 - Round 4
- 122 - Round 4
- 146 - Round 5
- 159 - Round 5
- 167 - Round 5
- 173 - Round 6
- 193 - Round 6
- 216 - Round 7
- 224 - Round 7
- 232 - Round 7
The Packers addressed two major needs with the first two picks. Now, the Packers and Thompson will address other needs: offensive line, safety, linebacker, receiver and tight end. With 10 picks to work with, Thompson should have a field day.
And when the draft is all said and done, it's not really all said and done. That's because the next day or two will bring about the signings of undrafted free agents. Again, given how deep this draft is, we can expect that Thompson may find a gem or two among the undrafted players, as well. It will be fun to watch.
C'mon...say it with me: It's great to be a Packer fan!
Go Pack Go!!!
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