What about the Packers?
The 2012 NFL draft has come and gone, and teams have made the next steps towards their futures. Some grasp at straws as they spiral downward, some toss their life savings behind unproven potential, and some just make damn smart decisions. The latter are usually the least talked about drafts, the "boring" picks. Nothing exciting happening here, just good football decisions. Call me a homer, but I see this in the Green Bay Packers 2012 draft. Let's keep in mind that this team was 1 hung over Sunday from running the table in 2012. They are not losing a whole lot on the offensive side of the ball. If anything, I think they are going to be better than last year. They had no real reason to address any issues in this draft, and yet they come away with 2 solid players in the late afternoon rounds on Saturday. A quarterback who will build himself and develop himself behind the league's best. No pressure, no push, just learn. They were also able to bring in a promising tackle with the same stipulations. They won't need to get immediate contribution, but in 2 year we could have a starting tackle. Those are really the sexy picks of the Packers. From there, it just gets boring... and good.
The best offensive team in NFL history could have walked to the Super Bowl with any form of an NFL -ish defense. Unfortunately, they did not have one. The Packers saw the true value of Cullen Jenkins and Nick Collins this past season. Cullen made EVERY linebacker better by keeping guys off them, and was able to penetrate the backfield occasionally. He needed to be blocked. Last year, BJ Raji, Clay Matthews, AJ Hawk... they all felt the pain of no Cullen plugging the front. With Nick Collins in the lineup, Sam Shields looked like a pro-bowl candidate. Morgan Burnett simply could not be what Collins was, and his absence will be the most difficult to address. But remember, this defense doesn't need to be the NFL's best... it just can't be the NFL's worst. The Packers addressed some concerns immediately in Free Agency. No, they didn't pay top dollar to the sexy free agents... they paid bargain prices for guys to come in and work for a job. Working for your job will bring the best out of anyone. At the very least, Anthony Hargrove and Daniel Muir will force those around them to play to their potential.
Fast forward to today, the week following the NFL draft. Ted Thompson immediately addressed the most glaring concern by picking Nick Perry and Jerel Worthy. Perry can be a force on the edge, and will make an immediate impact. Having a threat opposite Clay Matthews instantly makes this defense better than last season. Throw in Worthy, who has the potential to work inside, take up space, and still get in the backfield (see Jenkins, Cullen). Toss in Mike Daniels, and we have an all out battle just to make this roster. The presence of the newfound pass rush instantly improves the Packers' entire defense. Insert Casey Hayward. A solid corner with a nice ceiling, not to mention this kid is the definition of a ball hawk. Oh yeah, he gets to learn from Charles Woodson.... If Hayward is able to push for a starting role, he may actually move Chuck to the back of the defense, solving the problem of replacing Collins. Jerron McMillian can be a special teams contributor immediately, and can help with depth in the secondary. Don't expect to hear his name a lot, but expect him to grow. The biggest intrigue comes in Terrell Manning. There was once a time when this kid was a top prospect, and he slid a ways down to land in Green Bay. He will be a special team specialist his first year, but he has the potential to be a big contributor in Green Bay. I think we look back at this draft in 4 years, and Manning is listed as a big pick by the Packers. (I mean come on, he's got the #1 thing every star needs in GB... dreads!)
Overall, a very boring draft for the Packers... and a boring draft typically means a good draft. Look for the Packers to be Super Bowl favorites yet again this season.
I couldn't agree with you more about the Packers draft. I actually like every pick. I don't have high hopes for Coleman, but he could be ok. If Datko can get and stay healthy, he will be the steal of this draft. He would have been a second rounder if it wasn't for his shoulder injuries. He's a 4-year started at left tackle for Florida State, great pick.
ReplyDeleteI like Nick Perry and Jerel Worthy a lot. I think they will give the defense a great boost and will be great players. And I am very intrigued by Manning and Hayward. I don't think people realize how good Hayward could be. He is a very smart and instinctive player who could do a lot of damage in our defense. Manning could also become the steal of this draft. I can't believe he fell that late and I think he is going to surprise a lot of people. He is very talented and could become a starter for the Packers in the future.
Another solid draft by TT. You never know what will happen with guys transitioning to the NFL, but I really like what Thompson did this year. I think he gave the team a lot of solid options.