Official Green Bay Packers Forum Thread

[bucky]

Canty has now officially signed with the Giants.

NFL.com is reporting that Cole signed a five-year, $20 million contract with a $5 million signing bonus. 6 million guaranteed.

Seattle WAY overpaid for Cole. I liked the guy, but he was a backup on a pretty mediocre D-Line. We are getting even thinner at D-Line, but I'd rather see Cole leave than drastically overpay him.

 

[packersfan4eva]

best thread ever. the packers never do shit in free agency...and it pisses me off. they need a cb, and there don't seem to be many stellar ones in the draft this year

 

[Spidey]

With Canty gone now, the Packers need to strike quickly on San Diego's Igor Olshansky IMO. Would be a good addition and likely much much cheaper than Canty went.

Another guy I'd like to see be brought in is Jim Leonhard. Maybe it's just the Badger fan in me but I think he'd be a great addition at Safety. He played quite well for the Ravens last year.

 

[Spidey]

And it appears Ted Thompson agrees with me...

Packers have contact with other DL while Kuhn visits Arizona
By Tom Silverstein of the Journal Sentinel
Mar. 2, 2009 1:32 p.m.

In the aftermath of free agent defensive linemen Colin Cole and Chris Canty signing with other teams, the Green Bay Packers have had preliminary discussions with three other prospects.

The agents for San Diego's Igor Olshansky, Baltimore's Marques Douglas and New England's Mike Wright have all had preliminary discussions with the Packers, although no visits have been set up, according to NFL sources. All three of the players would be able to help the Packers at the end position.

It's unclear the level of interest on the Packers' part with Douglas and Wright, but Olshansky appears to be someone they'll have more discussions about.

Olshansky and Douglas both played end in the 3-4 defenses and would not have trouble making the transition. Wright has played end and tackle for the Patriots and would be well-suited for end in the Packers' scheme.

Olshansky, 26, and Wright, 27, are unrestricted free agents. Douglas, 31, was released by the Ravens on Friday after playing in 16 games with them last year.

Of the three, the 6-6, 309-pound Olshansky is the only one who was a regular starter last year. He played in 16 games with 13 starts and compiled 29 tackles and two sacks. He is a big, strong run defender with limited lateral movement, which is a bit of a negative because the Packers' ends won't be standing still slugging it out with tackles the way most 3-4 ends do. They play just one gap and have to be able to engage the guard as well as the tackle.

Olshansky doesn't appear to have a lot going in free agency right now, although that could change.

The 6-2, 292-pound Douglas was a starter for three seasons in San Francisco and for two seasons in Baltimore before that. He was traded prior to last season from Tampa for a conditional draft pick. The Ravens are considering re-signing him, but he has also drawn interest from the 49ers, Broncos and Jets, according to the Carroll County Times.

The 6-4, 295-pound Wright, started two games for the Patriots. He had 28 tackles and 2 1/2 sacks in 16 games. He isn't as strong as Olshansky, but he may add more pass rush ability. He has visits scheduled this week, a source said without identifying the destinations.

In the meantime, one of the Packers' own players, restricted free agent fullback John Kuhn, is drawing interest around the league. Kuhn is visiting the Arizona Cardinals today and may visit an AFC team next week, according to his agent, Kevin Gold.

Kuhn played for Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt in Pittsburgh when Whisenhunt was the offensive coordinator. The Cardinals appear to be looking for a replacement for aging Terrelle Smith and Kuhn has proved to be an adequate blocker and special teams player.

 

[MvP]

Packers fan here...very boring time for us no doubt. Thompson loves the draft...

 

[packersfan4eva]

...and that's why he traded away our first round draft pick last year...

he always does pretty well in the draft, interesting to see who we pick up this year.

 

[MvP]

...and that's why he traded away our first round draft pick last year...

Yeah..for more draft picks lol

 

[packersfan4eva]

still, we coulda drafted jordy nelson or brian brohm without trading away our 1st round pick

 

[packersfan4eva]

http://packers.com/news/releases/2009/03/09/1/

The Green Bay Packers have signed free agent safety Anthony Smith. Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations Ted Thompson announced the signing.

The 6-foot, 200-pound Smith spent three seasons with Pittsburgh, drafted by the Steelers in the third round of the 2006 draft (No. 83 overall). In 46 games (14 starts), he has amassed 94 tackles (80 solo), and four interceptions among 10 passes defensed. Smith started a career-high 10 games in 2007.

Smith, 25, started three years at free safety for Syracuse, earning All-Big East honors his junior and senior seasons. His 14 career interceptions rank third in school history.

well, i don't think he's very good.

 

[Spidey]

http://packers.com/news/releases/2009/03/09/1/

well, i don't think he's very good.

Actually I'm quite pleased with this one personally. Everything I've read on the guy says he has the tools to be a great safety but just isn't there mentally. He was pretty highly thought of coming out of Cuse. I think at the very least hes an upgrade over Rouse and Peprah. A coach like Darren Perry may be exactly what Smith needs to turn that corner.

I think everyone overlooks any positives about the guy because of the whole NE fiasco. He certainly got embarrassed there but he was young with little experience. Doesn't mean he doesn't have potential and couldn't a solid player.

 

[packersfan4eva]

definitley a update over charlie peprah, but i liked aaron rouse. he has potential, but i still don't think he'll ever shine brightly. nick collins will always overshadow him

 

[bucky]

Just signed Duke Preston from the Buffalo Bills. Versatile OL, he can play either center or both G positions.

I like the move, we need a little more depth. Plus, I don't like Colledge at all

I was iffy on College too, but he has been improving.

Preston is really a backup. He started because of injury and really struggled. I don't expect this signing to be the answer to our O-Line. Like you said, it hopefully provides some depth.

 

[dMerch]

we need to resign tauscher, and we need to pay collins. end of story

 

[Spidey]

Personally I am fine with the wait and see approach with Collins. He got his raise this year so he should be happy. The Packers need a little more time to make sure last year wasn't a fluke before locking him up long term. I say give him a few weeks into the season. If the high level of play continues, get an extension done during the season.

Resigning Tauscher to me largely depends on the draft. If we end up going tackle in the early rounds then I can live with out Tauscher. If now, he needs to be resigned asap.

 

[Spidey]

Rejoice Packers fans, our only day to talk about anything during the offseason has finally come.

In an interesting twist this morning...

McGinn: WR Crabtree is highest-rated player on Packers' board
By Greg A. Bedard of the Journal Sentinel
Apr. 24, 2009

The Journal Sentinel's Bob McGinn is reporting that Texas Tech receiver Michael Crabtree is the highest-rated player on the draft board of Packers general manager Ted Thompson.

McGinn also has Crabtree sliding to the Packers at No. 9 in his mock draft, and the Packers making him their selection.

Other tidbits from McGinn:

* Packers are extremely interested in trading out of the top 10;
* Added twist: agent Eugene Parker represents Crabtree and Greg Jennings;
* Packers are high on: Baylor OT Jason Smith, Alabama OT Andre Smith, Mississippi OT Michael Oher and USC LB Rey Maualuga (though not at No. 9).
* Packers like Oher more than Virginia OT Eugene Monroe;
* Packers have no intention of re-signing RT Mark Tauscher;
* They like Boston College NT B.J. Raji over LSU DE Tyson Jackson;
* Packers would be tempted by Northern Illinois OLB Larry English and Ohio State LB James Laurinaitis in later rounds.

Well, that's a lot to chew on.

How's that sitting with you?

I have mixed feelings on this. A large part of me is like WTF, the last thing we need is a WR. But theres a large part of me that truly believes in BPA and if Crabtree is available at 9, there's little doubt he is BPA. He would also give insurance in case TT can't get Jennings resigned.

That said I think the chances of Crabtree being there at 9 are slim to none.

 

[Spidey]

If Crabtree is there, the Packers need to pick him or trade down and get some extra picks for teams who want him. Crabtree is easily the best player available at the #9 and some scouts say he's the #1 player in the draft. The Packers have 5 picks in the Top 84, and they can use the other picks to pick defense.

Pretty much agree 100%. If it were to fall that way you have to take him. Almost like back when we drafted Rodgers. That year QB was not our most pressing need but when the arguably #1 pick falls to you at #24, you take him.

 

[Spidey]

I'd rather trade down than taking Crabtree. Heard on another thread that Bellichick is trying to trade up into the top 10, giving their 1st (pick #23) and a second rounder. I'd love that trade.

Depends on which 2nd rounder they are tossing in. The rumor is their middle pick. For use to move back to 23, I would want the first of there 3 second round picks or their middle and another pick (probably a third rounder).

According to the value chart...

#9 = 1350

#23 = 760

That would leave the patriots 590 points short...
#34 = 560
#47 = 430
#59 = 320
#89 = 145
#97 = cant be traded cause its compensatory

 

[Spidey]

Well DMERCH, I get to give you a very friendly "told ya so" today. Hopefully you've lightened your stance against Raji.

Couldn't be happier with this pick.

 

[MvP]

I was hoping we would get Raji, good pick.

 

[bucky]

Wow, DID TT Trade UP to get another !st rounder? Way to go TT!!!!

Still need OT and DE.