After struggling two weeks ago against the Chargers on the road
and last week at home against the Browns, the Packers
finally put together a positive performance on the road against the
Cincinnati Bengals. Here are a
few of my quick thoughts on the Week 3 Packers/Bengals preseason game:
#1) Player that hurt his stock most: Marshall Newhouse is the
starter at left tackle unless the Packers move Bryan Bulaga from right
tackle to left tackle since Derek Sherrod is still recovering from a broken leg at the end of last season. In 2011 Newhouse played
decent against inferior competition but struggled mightily against good
competition. In Newhouse's first action of the preseason he struggled,
which is shaping up to be a big problem since the Packers expect to
transition seamlessly from Chad Clifton (former starting left tackle for the last
decade) to Newhouse. I hope the Packers give Newhouse more
reps next week to get him as much live action as possible even though the starters play only a few snaps in the preseason finale because Newhouse
does not look ready to protect A-Rodg's blindside.
#2) Player that helped his stock most: Last week I highlighted running back as the position to watch thanks to signing Cedric Benson. In Benson's first appearance for the Packers, he ran very
well against his former employer. There is no question the Packers lacked a powerful running back like Benson since Ahman Green's first
stint with the Packers. Green's second stint with the Packers was forgettable because physically he was a shell
of his former self. Ball security and blocking are the only things that
worry me about Benson because as long as Rodgers is healthy the Packers
are going to be a pass first team so Benson will see more of his
carries when the Packers have a lead that they are looking to protect.
#3) Position to watch: So far I've talked about linebackers and running backs. This week I want
to focus on the secondary. Assuming that Charles Woodson and Morgan
Burnett start at safety while Tramon Williams starts at one of
the two cornerback positions in the base 3-4 defense, that leaves one
starting cornerback position to fill. Davon House looked like he was going to
be the other starter until he predictably got hurt earlier this
preseason. House suffered a shoulder injury and I fear that will limit
his effectiveness in bump-and-run coverage in 2012 much like it did for
Williams in 2011. That leaves Sam Shields, Jarrett Bush, and Casey
Hayward as the other options at cornerback. None of the three
separated themselves so far, which means the Packers might as well
start the rookie Hayward since Shields regressed in 2011 and Bush is a
liability in coverage.
Final Note: My father-in-law has been a lifetime Bengals fan since he grew up in
Dayton, OH but lately he's become a Packer fan and is even a co-owner
like Papa Cheese, me, and what feels like a million other people. This
week we emailed about which team my father-in-law should root for. I
settled on rooting for both teams being healthy since they've both
suffered some fairly serious injuries to starters already. Besides Ryan
Pickett and Tom Crabtree, it looks like our wishes were answered on the Cheesehead side of the ball.
Showing posts with label Chad Clifton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chad Clifton. Show all posts
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Advice for Building 2012 Green Bay Packers for Ted Thomspon
I decided to change the format of my off-season advice for Green Bay Packers general manger Ted Thompson this year. Last year I went position-by-position. This year I am going to give a Thompson a 10-point plan for how to deal with players that were on the 2011 roster:
#10 - Wish Pat Lee (CB) good luck on his future endeavors: It is a coin toss between Ahmad Carroll and Pat Lee for the worst cornerback drafted in the last decade by the Packers. Carroll looks like the obvious choice since he was taken in the first round while Lee was taken in the second round but the Sherminator was dual coach and GM that decided to draft Carroll. The much maligned Lee was taken by the current regime and frankly I expect much more out of Thompson drunk than I do out of a sober Sherminator so I actually think Lee is a bigger bust. After one good college season at Auburn, Lee had four injury riddled seasons in Green Bay that caused me more pain than almost any other Packer defender besides Justin Harrell so please don't even attempt to resign Lee.
#9 - Resign Howard Green (DE/DT) to a short term contract: Since the Packers claimed Green off waivers from the Jets he has been a decent cog along the defensive line but weight has always been an issue. Offer Green a contract for a couple years with very low base salaries but high work out bonuses tied directly to Green's weight.
#8 - Let Ryan Grant (RB) and Erik Walden (OLB) test the free agent market: I expect the market to be soft for Grant (injury prone and hasn't had a 100-yard rushing game since X-mas '09) and Walden (production dropped off as he dealt with legal issues surrounding a domestic dispute where his girl friend changed her story). I am fine with the Packers resigning Grant or Walden for the league minimum with no real guaranteed money. Offering either of those guys any more than that seems foolish since there are better options on the roster at running back (Alex Green, Brandon Saine, and James Starks) and the Packers need to invest free agent money or a high draft pick at outside linebacker to help Claymaker.
#7 - Lock-up Jarrett Bush (ST) before free agency commences: Notice that I listed Bush as a special teams player not a cornerback or safety. Bush has cobbled together a pretty impressive special teams career and the Packers can ill afford to lose him. In baseball the old adage is, it only takes one team. Case and point, the Detroit Tigers signing Prince Fielder. By no means am I comparing Bush's worth to the Packers to Fielder's worth to the Brewers. Fortunately in the NFL, it is harder for teams to overpay players because there is a salary cap.
#6 - Don't even consider giving Matt Flynn the franchise tag: People want to point to the tag and trade deal Thompson did with Corey Williams but that is a totally different situation because the Packers could have kept Williams if they didn't find a suitable trade partner. That's not the case with Flynn because if the Packers placed the franchise tag on Flynn he would sign it before the team had a chance to announce the transaction. In the unlikely event that the Packers didn't trade Flynn they would be paying Flynn roughly $5 million more than Aaron Rodgers. Plus what can the Packers reasonably expect to get for Flynn, a second round pick? Don't forget that the Packers will get a compensatory pick for Flynn leaving via free agency that could be a third round compensatory pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. As a result it seems like there is a ton of expensive downside risk in tagging Flynn for getting a second round pick as opposed to a third pick so don't look for Thompson to franchise tag Flynn even if he works contracts with Scott Wells (C) and Jermichael Finley (TE).
#5 - Convince Chad Clifton (LT) to retire: As much as it pains me to say it, Clifton no longer deserves to be the starting left tackle in Green Bay. Marshall Newhouse (LT) had some trouble in 2011 but with that experience under his belt the outlook is much better for Newhouse at 20% the price of Clifton. Hopefully Clifton says that injuries have caught up with him and decides to leave on his "own volition" instead of forcing the Packers to cut him.
#4 - Rework Donald Driver's (WR) contract: With arguably the deepest group of wide receivers (Randall Cobb, Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, James Jones, and Jordy Nelson) in the NFL the Packers could just cut Driver and probably not miss a beat in terms of talent. Unfortunately talent is not the only factor in the equation for success. From an outsider's perspective, Driver is the glue that holds the wide receivers together. Obviously there are not enough balls to go around to keep everyone happy but if Driver pulls a LeRoy Butler and renegotiates to take less money in 2012 and 2013 he can continue to be the positive role model in the locker room the Packers desperately need.
#3 - Sign Jermichael Finley (TE): The Packers need to decide whether to break the bank for the 24-year freak of nature or come up with a short-term solution (franchise tag or short-term contract extension). I say either tag Finley or sign him to a short-term deal. Plus keep in mind that the NFL is poised for a huge revenue bump following the 2013 season so the salary cap will increase dramatically. That will allow the Packers to delay what they have to do with all their skill position players because at some point they will have to let some of their talented skill position players leave via free agency. Don't start that exodus with Finley though, delay it for at least a year or two until the salary cap jumps.
#2 - Sign Scott Wells (C): I would just say franchise tag Wells to buy another year to see if you can get a quality center in the draft (i.e. Wisconsin's Peter Konz) but the offensive line has a general franchise tag as opposed to specific position franchise tags. That makes no sense to me because there is a different franchise tag number for tight ends and wide receivers so there should be different franchise tag numbers for tackles, guards, and centers because tackles and guards artificially inflate the offensive line franchise tag number for centers. Since there is only a general offensive line franchise tag it doesn't make sense to tag Wells since that would cost the Packers $9 million in 2012. Plus this year is supposed to be one of deepest crops of free agent centers in years (Nick Hardwick, Dan Koppen, Chris Myers, and Samson Satele) so instead of waiting for the market to sort out, the Packers should stick with their loyal dance partner instead of dipping their toe into uncharted waters. Wells has been their most consistent Packers offensive lineman for almost the last decade. I hope Ted Thompson learned from failing to hold onto Cullen Jenkins last year and signs Wells even if it means signing Wells to a contract in the neighborhood of a five-years for $35 million.
#1 - Start talking about another contract extension for Aaron Rodgers (QB): Reggie White joined the Packers because of Brett Favre. With a Super Bowl ring and a league MVP trophy under his belt, Rodgers is entering the same stratosphere as Favre circa the mid-1990's. It might seem silly to re-negotiate with Rodgers now but the price is only going up for quarterbacks. Sure it might bristle some other guys in the locker room (i.e. Greg Jennings, Clay Matthews, or B.J. Raji) if the Packers take care of Rodgers first but the Packers are only going as far as Rodgers takes them so once they settle on another mega-extension with Rodgers they can start to take care of the rest of the roster.
Once the lockout was lifted last summer I gave Ted Thompson a free agent shopping guide. Although I plan to have a number of other Cheesehead sports post in between, make sure to check back in the middle of March for my 2012 free agent shopping guide for Ted Thompson.
#10 - Wish Pat Lee (CB) good luck on his future endeavors: It is a coin toss between Ahmad Carroll and Pat Lee for the worst cornerback drafted in the last decade by the Packers. Carroll looks like the obvious choice since he was taken in the first round while Lee was taken in the second round but the Sherminator was dual coach and GM that decided to draft Carroll. The much maligned Lee was taken by the current regime and frankly I expect much more out of Thompson drunk than I do out of a sober Sherminator so I actually think Lee is a bigger bust. After one good college season at Auburn, Lee had four injury riddled seasons in Green Bay that caused me more pain than almost any other Packer defender besides Justin Harrell so please don't even attempt to resign Lee.
#9 - Resign Howard Green (DE/DT) to a short term contract: Since the Packers claimed Green off waivers from the Jets he has been a decent cog along the defensive line but weight has always been an issue. Offer Green a contract for a couple years with very low base salaries but high work out bonuses tied directly to Green's weight.
#8 - Let Ryan Grant (RB) and Erik Walden (OLB) test the free agent market: I expect the market to be soft for Grant (injury prone and hasn't had a 100-yard rushing game since X-mas '09) and Walden (production dropped off as he dealt with legal issues surrounding a domestic dispute where his girl friend changed her story). I am fine with the Packers resigning Grant or Walden for the league minimum with no real guaranteed money. Offering either of those guys any more than that seems foolish since there are better options on the roster at running back (Alex Green, Brandon Saine, and James Starks) and the Packers need to invest free agent money or a high draft pick at outside linebacker to help Claymaker.
#7 - Lock-up Jarrett Bush (ST) before free agency commences: Notice that I listed Bush as a special teams player not a cornerback or safety. Bush has cobbled together a pretty impressive special teams career and the Packers can ill afford to lose him. In baseball the old adage is, it only takes one team. Case and point, the Detroit Tigers signing Prince Fielder. By no means am I comparing Bush's worth to the Packers to Fielder's worth to the Brewers. Fortunately in the NFL, it is harder for teams to overpay players because there is a salary cap.
#6 - Don't even consider giving Matt Flynn the franchise tag: People want to point to the tag and trade deal Thompson did with Corey Williams but that is a totally different situation because the Packers could have kept Williams if they didn't find a suitable trade partner. That's not the case with Flynn because if the Packers placed the franchise tag on Flynn he would sign it before the team had a chance to announce the transaction. In the unlikely event that the Packers didn't trade Flynn they would be paying Flynn roughly $5 million more than Aaron Rodgers. Plus what can the Packers reasonably expect to get for Flynn, a second round pick? Don't forget that the Packers will get a compensatory pick for Flynn leaving via free agency that could be a third round compensatory pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. As a result it seems like there is a ton of expensive downside risk in tagging Flynn for getting a second round pick as opposed to a third pick so don't look for Thompson to franchise tag Flynn even if he works contracts with Scott Wells (C) and Jermichael Finley (TE).
#5 - Convince Chad Clifton (LT) to retire: As much as it pains me to say it, Clifton no longer deserves to be the starting left tackle in Green Bay. Marshall Newhouse (LT) had some trouble in 2011 but with that experience under his belt the outlook is much better for Newhouse at 20% the price of Clifton. Hopefully Clifton says that injuries have caught up with him and decides to leave on his "own volition" instead of forcing the Packers to cut him.
#4 - Rework Donald Driver's (WR) contract: With arguably the deepest group of wide receivers (Randall Cobb, Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, James Jones, and Jordy Nelson) in the NFL the Packers could just cut Driver and probably not miss a beat in terms of talent. Unfortunately talent is not the only factor in the equation for success. From an outsider's perspective, Driver is the glue that holds the wide receivers together. Obviously there are not enough balls to go around to keep everyone happy but if Driver pulls a LeRoy Butler and renegotiates to take less money in 2012 and 2013 he can continue to be the positive role model in the locker room the Packers desperately need.
#3 - Sign Jermichael Finley (TE): The Packers need to decide whether to break the bank for the 24-year freak of nature or come up with a short-term solution (franchise tag or short-term contract extension). I say either tag Finley or sign him to a short-term deal. Plus keep in mind that the NFL is poised for a huge revenue bump following the 2013 season so the salary cap will increase dramatically. That will allow the Packers to delay what they have to do with all their skill position players because at some point they will have to let some of their talented skill position players leave via free agency. Don't start that exodus with Finley though, delay it for at least a year or two until the salary cap jumps.
#2 - Sign Scott Wells (C): I would just say franchise tag Wells to buy another year to see if you can get a quality center in the draft (i.e. Wisconsin's Peter Konz) but the offensive line has a general franchise tag as opposed to specific position franchise tags. That makes no sense to me because there is a different franchise tag number for tight ends and wide receivers so there should be different franchise tag numbers for tackles, guards, and centers because tackles and guards artificially inflate the offensive line franchise tag number for centers. Since there is only a general offensive line franchise tag it doesn't make sense to tag Wells since that would cost the Packers $9 million in 2012. Plus this year is supposed to be one of deepest crops of free agent centers in years (Nick Hardwick, Dan Koppen, Chris Myers, and Samson Satele) so instead of waiting for the market to sort out, the Packers should stick with their loyal dance partner instead of dipping their toe into uncharted waters. Wells has been their most consistent Packers offensive lineman for almost the last decade. I hope Ted Thompson learned from failing to hold onto Cullen Jenkins last year and signs Wells even if it means signing Wells to a contract in the neighborhood of a five-years for $35 million.
#1 - Start talking about another contract extension for Aaron Rodgers (QB): Reggie White joined the Packers because of Brett Favre. With a Super Bowl ring and a league MVP trophy under his belt, Rodgers is entering the same stratosphere as Favre circa the mid-1990's. It might seem silly to re-negotiate with Rodgers now but the price is only going up for quarterbacks. Sure it might bristle some other guys in the locker room (i.e. Greg Jennings, Clay Matthews, or B.J. Raji) if the Packers take care of Rodgers first but the Packers are only going as far as Rodgers takes them so once they settle on another mega-extension with Rodgers they can start to take care of the rest of the roster.
Once the lockout was lifted last summer I gave Ted Thompson a free agent shopping guide. Although I plan to have a number of other Cheesehead sports post in between, make sure to check back in the middle of March for my 2012 free agent shopping guide for Ted Thompson.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Top Green Bay Packers of Cheesehead Sports Nut’s Lifetime
A 10-part series on the NFL Network called "The Top 100: NFL's Greatest Players" just revealed their top NFL player of all-time...wide receiver Jerry Rice. I am sure that people are going to argue that certain guys should have been ranked higher while others should have been ranked lower. Either way, a blue ribbon panel of 85 voters by NFL Films put the list together. I love that it is called "blue ribbon panel". As opposed to what? An unqualified panel? A mediocre panel? Anyhow, the Green Bay Packer representatives on the list of “The Top 100: NFL’s Great Players” are:
#7 - Reggie White
#9 - Don Hutson
#20 - Brett Favre
#47 - Ray Nitschke
#51 - Bart Starr
#54 - Forrest Gregg
#64 - Herb Adderley
#86 - Willie Davis
The Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys, and Chicago Bears were the franchises with the most players on the lists with 8 players each. The Steelers, Raiders, and Colts were well represented on the list as well with 7 players each. That means that 45 players played for 6 teams, which shows why the aforementioned teams have been so successful.
I appreciated the history lesson that NFL Films gave me since I did not get to see most of the players on the list play. I was born in 1981, which means the 1985 Chicago Bears are a faint memory of my early childhood. Even better, it also means that the lean Packer years in the 70's and 80's were before my prime football watching. That also means that the only Packer representatives in the Top 100 that I saw play was Reggie White and Brett Favre. As a result, I decided to put together two lists of 8 players, the best 8 Packers of my lifetime and the 8 current Packers (not on the first list) with a chance to go down as all-time Packer greats.
Top 8 Green Bay Packers of Cheesehead Sports Nut's Lifetime:
#8 - Marco Rivera (G) and Mike Wahle (G): one of the biggest mistakes current Packers general manager Ted Thompson made was getting rid of Rivera and Wahle without having any adequate replacements.
#7 - Donald Driver (WR): has the most receiving yards in Packers history. With all due respect to Sterling Sharpe, Robert Brooks, and Antonio Freeman...Donald Driver is better than all three. Sharpe was probably more talented while Brooks and Freeman did not produce for long enough. It just goes to show you why Driver is on the list ahead of all those guys.
#6 - Ahman Green (RB): the shelf life is short for power running backs like Ahman Green. That said, Green is still the current record holder of most rushing yards in Packer history. What I liked the most about Green and what probably shortened his career was that he always fell forward for the extra yard.
#5 - Charles Woodson (CB): hands down the second best free agent signing in franchise history behind Reggie White. After winning the NFL defensive player of the year award in 2009, Woodson has regressed a little in 2010. A testament to Woodson’s skills is how well he will play as a hybrid cornerback/safety for the rest of his career in Green Bay.
#4 - Chad Clifton (LT): might feel a little high, but a big part of the Packers success over the last decade is thanks to having a consistent left tackle. Although Clifton does not have a ton of accolades on his resume, he has been a good left tackle for the last decade and is a big reason why the Packers have had a consistently healthy quarterback for the last decade.
#3 - LeRoy Butler (S): the ultimate team player. Butler made personal concessions to help the Packers field the most competitive team possible. When Nick Collins took #36, I thought it was a travesty because I thought the Packers should have retired Butler's number. That is the least the Packers could do as a thank you to the inventor of the Lambeau Leap right?
#2 - Reggie White (DE): the Minister of Defense helped bring the Lombardi Trophy back to Lombardi Avenue. It can't be understated how big of a free agent signing Reggie White was, and a big reason why Reggie signed with the Packers was the guy rated #1 on this list.
#1 - Brett Favre (QB): I am on record as saying I will go to Brett Favre's jersey retirement game and clap loudly for him. What has transpired since he "retired" three years ago has tarnished his legacy in the short-term. Over the long-term, Packer fans will look back at all the great memories Favre provided. Yes, Favre had some backbreaking interceptions in some big games (think of his last pass as a Packer) but Favre made the Packers relevant again after the franchise struggled for decades.
Top 8 Up-and-Coming Current Green Bay Packers:
There were a couple of current Packers that just missed the cut for "Up-and-Coming" Current Green Bay Packers for various reasons. Despite not having breakaway speed, Ryan Grant is the perfect running back for the zone-blocking scheme. Grant missed the list because of the aforementioned short shelf life for NFL running backs. Other guys on the current roster that I seriously considered was Nick Barnett (MLB), Ryan Pickett (DE), and Cullen Jenkins (DE) but much like Grant, they are a little on the old side to make the up-and-coming list.
#8 - Tramon Williams (CB): after struggling with penalties in 2009, Williams has become a premier cover cornerback in 2010. I know Charles Woodson is still a cornerback, but Williams has been the best cornerback on the Packers roster in 2010.
#7 - B.J. Raji (DT): now healthy, Raji has made quite a jump from year 1 to year 2, which helped justify being selected #9 overall in the 2009 NFL Draft. Raji is the ideal player for the 3-4 defense because he can play any position along the defensive line.
#6 - Josh Sitton (G): probably the most underrated player on the current Packers roster. I know it seems aggressive to say, but Sitton has a chance to be one of the best offensive linemen in Packers history.
#5 - Jermichael Finley (TE): is too tall for defensive backs to cover him and too fast for linebackers to cover him, which makes Finley a match-up nightmare for opposing defenses. Going into the 2010 season, despite having a ton of explosive weapons on offense, the Packers geared their offense around Finley. Unfortunately, for the second season in a row, Finley suffered a serious injury. Last year Finley only missed a few weeks, but this year a knee injury early in the year forced the Packers to put Finley on injured reserve.
#4 - Greg Jennings (WR): with all the back-and-forth about whether the Packers should have traded for Randy Moss a few years, the biggest beneficiary of the Packers failing to obtain Moss was Jennings. If Moss comes to the Packers, there is no way that Jennings is on this list and he might not even be playing in Green Bay right now. Instead, the Packers have an electric wide receiver that much like his wide receiving partner Donald Driver, might not be the biggest guy on the field, but boy are they effective.
#3 - Nick Collins (S): has a nose for making big plays and is quickly becoming one of the best all-around safeties in the NFL. Former Packer safety Darren Sharper made big plays but also gave up big plays and didn't like to tackle. That is not the case with Collins, who tackles well and does not guess in order to make those big plays.
#2 - Clay Matthews (OLB): it is hard to keep the Claymaker out of the top spot considering he has the most sacks in the NFL since he entered the league in 2009. Furthermore, Claymaker is making a push for the Packers to have consecutive NFL defensive players of the year. The sky is the limit for the future All-Pro.
#1 - Aaron Rodgers (QB): look who is #1 on both my lists…the quarterbacks always get all the glory. After putting up big stats in his first two NFL seasons, Rodgers is finding ways to win games without having to put up big stats. The biggest knock against Rodgers is that he hasn't done it in the close games or the playoffs. Rodgers career record and statistics are very similar to Favre's numbers at the same point in each of their respective careers. If Rodgers can continue to grow and starts to win big games, he will move out Favre's shadow and start casting his own.
#7 - Reggie White
#9 - Don Hutson
#20 - Brett Favre
#47 - Ray Nitschke
#51 - Bart Starr
#54 - Forrest Gregg
#64 - Herb Adderley
#86 - Willie Davis
The Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys, and Chicago Bears were the franchises with the most players on the lists with 8 players each. The Steelers, Raiders, and Colts were well represented on the list as well with 7 players each. That means that 45 players played for 6 teams, which shows why the aforementioned teams have been so successful.
I appreciated the history lesson that NFL Films gave me since I did not get to see most of the players on the list play. I was born in 1981, which means the 1985 Chicago Bears are a faint memory of my early childhood. Even better, it also means that the lean Packer years in the 70's and 80's were before my prime football watching. That also means that the only Packer representatives in the Top 100 that I saw play was Reggie White and Brett Favre. As a result, I decided to put together two lists of 8 players, the best 8 Packers of my lifetime and the 8 current Packers (not on the first list) with a chance to go down as all-time Packer greats.
Top 8 Green Bay Packers of Cheesehead Sports Nut's Lifetime:
#8 - Marco Rivera (G) and Mike Wahle (G): one of the biggest mistakes current Packers general manager Ted Thompson made was getting rid of Rivera and Wahle without having any adequate replacements.
#7 - Donald Driver (WR): has the most receiving yards in Packers history. With all due respect to Sterling Sharpe, Robert Brooks, and Antonio Freeman...Donald Driver is better than all three. Sharpe was probably more talented while Brooks and Freeman did not produce for long enough. It just goes to show you why Driver is on the list ahead of all those guys.
#6 - Ahman Green (RB): the shelf life is short for power running backs like Ahman Green. That said, Green is still the current record holder of most rushing yards in Packer history. What I liked the most about Green and what probably shortened his career was that he always fell forward for the extra yard.
#5 - Charles Woodson (CB): hands down the second best free agent signing in franchise history behind Reggie White. After winning the NFL defensive player of the year award in 2009, Woodson has regressed a little in 2010. A testament to Woodson’s skills is how well he will play as a hybrid cornerback/safety for the rest of his career in Green Bay.
#4 - Chad Clifton (LT): might feel a little high, but a big part of the Packers success over the last decade is thanks to having a consistent left tackle. Although Clifton does not have a ton of accolades on his resume, he has been a good left tackle for the last decade and is a big reason why the Packers have had a consistently healthy quarterback for the last decade.
#3 - LeRoy Butler (S): the ultimate team player. Butler made personal concessions to help the Packers field the most competitive team possible. When Nick Collins took #36, I thought it was a travesty because I thought the Packers should have retired Butler's number. That is the least the Packers could do as a thank you to the inventor of the Lambeau Leap right?
#2 - Reggie White (DE): the Minister of Defense helped bring the Lombardi Trophy back to Lombardi Avenue. It can't be understated how big of a free agent signing Reggie White was, and a big reason why Reggie signed with the Packers was the guy rated #1 on this list.
#1 - Brett Favre (QB): I am on record as saying I will go to Brett Favre's jersey retirement game and clap loudly for him. What has transpired since he "retired" three years ago has tarnished his legacy in the short-term. Over the long-term, Packer fans will look back at all the great memories Favre provided. Yes, Favre had some backbreaking interceptions in some big games (think of his last pass as a Packer) but Favre made the Packers relevant again after the franchise struggled for decades.
Top 8 Up-and-Coming Current Green Bay Packers:
There were a couple of current Packers that just missed the cut for "Up-and-Coming" Current Green Bay Packers for various reasons. Despite not having breakaway speed, Ryan Grant is the perfect running back for the zone-blocking scheme. Grant missed the list because of the aforementioned short shelf life for NFL running backs. Other guys on the current roster that I seriously considered was Nick Barnett (MLB), Ryan Pickett (DE), and Cullen Jenkins (DE) but much like Grant, they are a little on the old side to make the up-and-coming list.
#8 - Tramon Williams (CB): after struggling with penalties in 2009, Williams has become a premier cover cornerback in 2010. I know Charles Woodson is still a cornerback, but Williams has been the best cornerback on the Packers roster in 2010.
#7 - B.J. Raji (DT): now healthy, Raji has made quite a jump from year 1 to year 2, which helped justify being selected #9 overall in the 2009 NFL Draft. Raji is the ideal player for the 3-4 defense because he can play any position along the defensive line.
#6 - Josh Sitton (G): probably the most underrated player on the current Packers roster. I know it seems aggressive to say, but Sitton has a chance to be one of the best offensive linemen in Packers history.
#5 - Jermichael Finley (TE): is too tall for defensive backs to cover him and too fast for linebackers to cover him, which makes Finley a match-up nightmare for opposing defenses. Going into the 2010 season, despite having a ton of explosive weapons on offense, the Packers geared their offense around Finley. Unfortunately, for the second season in a row, Finley suffered a serious injury. Last year Finley only missed a few weeks, but this year a knee injury early in the year forced the Packers to put Finley on injured reserve.
#4 - Greg Jennings (WR): with all the back-and-forth about whether the Packers should have traded for Randy Moss a few years, the biggest beneficiary of the Packers failing to obtain Moss was Jennings. If Moss comes to the Packers, there is no way that Jennings is on this list and he might not even be playing in Green Bay right now. Instead, the Packers have an electric wide receiver that much like his wide receiving partner Donald Driver, might not be the biggest guy on the field, but boy are they effective.
#3 - Nick Collins (S): has a nose for making big plays and is quickly becoming one of the best all-around safeties in the NFL. Former Packer safety Darren Sharper made big plays but also gave up big plays and didn't like to tackle. That is not the case with Collins, who tackles well and does not guess in order to make those big plays.
#2 - Clay Matthews (OLB): it is hard to keep the Claymaker out of the top spot considering he has the most sacks in the NFL since he entered the league in 2009. Furthermore, Claymaker is making a push for the Packers to have consecutive NFL defensive players of the year. The sky is the limit for the future All-Pro.
#1 - Aaron Rodgers (QB): look who is #1 on both my lists…the quarterbacks always get all the glory. After putting up big stats in his first two NFL seasons, Rodgers is finding ways to win games without having to put up big stats. The biggest knock against Rodgers is that he hasn't done it in the close games or the playoffs. Rodgers career record and statistics are very similar to Favre's numbers at the same point in each of their respective careers. If Rodgers can continue to grow and starts to win big games, he will move out Favre's shadow and start casting his own.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
2010 Green Bay Packers 53-man Roster 3.0
As you know by now if you are an avid reader of the blog (or a football fan), NFL rosters are always a work in progress. On Sunday, September 12, 2010 the Green Bay Packers open their 2010 season on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles. Although the Packers will only have 45 guys on their game day roster, they will have 53 players on their active roster.
I didn't change my training camp predictions at the final 53-man roster too much over the last few weeks (first and second attempts) but it is still worth a read. Here is my third training camp crack at how I think Ted Thompson will pick the final 53-man roster for the 2010 Green Bay Packers (although I think there will be at least one trade around cut down time...the most likely guys to move are Jason Spitz and Donald Lee):
Offense: 26 (PUP: 1, PS: 5, CUT: 7, and IR: 1)
Quarterback: 2 (PS:1)
Aaron Rodgers
Matt Flynn
PS: Graham Harrell
Running Back: 3 (PUP: 1 and IR: 1)
Ryan Grant
Brandon Jackson
Kregg Lumpkin
PUP: James Starks
IR: Quinn Porter
Fullback: 2 (CUT: 1)
Korey Hall
John Kuhn
CUT: Quinn Johnson
Tight End: 4 (PS: 1)
Jermichael Finley
Donald Lee
Spencer Havner
Andrew Quarless
PS: Tom Crabtree
Wide Receiver: 5 (PS: 1 and CUT: 4)
Donald Driver
Greg Jennings
Jordy Nelson
James Jones
Brett Swain
PS: Jason Chery
CUT: Chastin West, Patrick Williams, Charles Dillon, and Shawn Gore
Offensive Line: 10 (PS: 2 and CUT: 2)
Chad Clifton
Daryn Colledge
Scott Wells
Josh Sitton
Mark Tauscher
Bryan Bulaga
Jason Spitz
T.J. Lang
Evan Dietrich-Smith
Marshall Newhouse
PS: Chris Campbell and Nick McDonald
CUT: Allen Barbre and Breno Giacomini
Defense: 24 (PUP: 2, PS: 3, and CUT: 7)
Defensive Line: 6 (PS: 1 and CUT: 2)
Ryan Pickett
B.J. Raji
Cullen Jenkins
Mike Neal
Justin Harrell
Ronald Talley
PS: C.J. Wilson
CUT: Jarius Wynn and Anthony Toribio
Linebacker: 8 (PS: 1 and CUT: 3)
Clay Matthews
A.J. Hawk
Nick Barnett
Brandon Chillar
Brady Poppinga
Desmond Bishop
Brad Jones
Frank Zombo
PS: Robert Francois
CUT: Cyril Obiozor, Alex Joseph, and Maurice Simpkins
Defensive Back: 10 (PUP: 2, PS: 1, and CUT: 2)
Charles Woodson
Tramon Williams
Brandon Underwood
Pat Lee
Sam Shields
Nick Collins
Morgan Burnett
Derrick Martin
Jarrett Bush
Will Blackmon
PUP: Al Harris and Atari Bigby
PS: Anthony Levine
CUT: D.J. Clark and Charlie Peprah
Special Teams: 3 (CUT: 1)
Kicker: 1
Mason Crosby
Punter: 1 (CUT: 1)
Tim Masthay
CUT: Chris Bryan
Long Snapper: 1
Brett Goode
I didn't change my training camp predictions at the final 53-man roster too much over the last few weeks (first and second attempts) but it is still worth a read. Here is my third training camp crack at how I think Ted Thompson will pick the final 53-man roster for the 2010 Green Bay Packers (although I think there will be at least one trade around cut down time...the most likely guys to move are Jason Spitz and Donald Lee):
Offense: 26 (PUP: 1, PS: 5, CUT: 7, and IR: 1)
Quarterback: 2 (PS:1)
Aaron Rodgers
Matt Flynn
PS: Graham Harrell
Running Back: 3 (PUP: 1 and IR: 1)
Ryan Grant
Brandon Jackson
Kregg Lumpkin
PUP: James Starks
IR: Quinn Porter
Fullback: 2 (CUT: 1)
Korey Hall
John Kuhn
CUT: Quinn Johnson
Tight End: 4 (PS: 1)
Jermichael Finley
Donald Lee
Spencer Havner
Andrew Quarless
PS: Tom Crabtree
Wide Receiver: 5 (PS: 1 and CUT: 4)
Donald Driver
Greg Jennings
Jordy Nelson
James Jones
Brett Swain
PS: Jason Chery
CUT: Chastin West, Patrick Williams, Charles Dillon, and Shawn Gore
Offensive Line: 10 (PS: 2 and CUT: 2)
Chad Clifton
Daryn Colledge
Scott Wells
Josh Sitton
Mark Tauscher
Bryan Bulaga
Jason Spitz
T.J. Lang
Evan Dietrich-Smith
Marshall Newhouse
PS: Chris Campbell and Nick McDonald
CUT: Allen Barbre and Breno Giacomini
Defense: 24 (PUP: 2, PS: 3, and CUT: 7)
Defensive Line: 6 (PS: 1 and CUT: 2)
Ryan Pickett
B.J. Raji
Cullen Jenkins
Mike Neal
Justin Harrell
Ronald Talley
PS: C.J. Wilson
CUT: Jarius Wynn and Anthony Toribio
Linebacker: 8 (PS: 1 and CUT: 3)
Clay Matthews
A.J. Hawk
Nick Barnett
Brandon Chillar
Brady Poppinga
Desmond Bishop
Brad Jones
Frank Zombo
PS: Robert Francois
CUT: Cyril Obiozor, Alex Joseph, and Maurice Simpkins
Defensive Back: 10 (PUP: 2, PS: 1, and CUT: 2)
Charles Woodson
Tramon Williams
Brandon Underwood
Pat Lee
Sam Shields
Nick Collins
Morgan Burnett
Derrick Martin
Jarrett Bush
Will Blackmon
PUP: Al Harris and Atari Bigby
PS: Anthony Levine
CUT: D.J. Clark and Charlie Peprah
Special Teams: 3 (CUT: 1)
Kicker: 1
Mason Crosby
Punter: 1 (CUT: 1)
Tim Masthay
CUT: Chris Bryan
Long Snapper: 1
Brett Goode
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Green Bay Packers Roster heading into the 2010 NFL Draft
According to most draft experts, despite being one of the deepest drafts in recent history the top half of the draft is rather thin at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, offensive guard, center, and inside linebacker. On the other hand, the top half of the draft is very deep at offensive tackle, defensive lineman (both tackle and end), rush outside linebacker, cornerback, and safety. Luckily the Green Bay Packers' needs and the top end talent in the 2010 NFL Draft match-up.
Here is a look at the Green Bay Packers roster heading into the 2010 NFL Draft:
Quarterback (2): Aaron Rodgers and Matt Flynn. The Packers have no pressing needs at quarterback. If there is another 7th round gem like Matt Flynn sitting there at the end of the draft, snap him up. Otherwise, Ted Thompson has shown that he is content to start the season with two quarterbacks.
Running Back (3): Ryan Grant, Brandon Jackson, and Kregg Lumpkin. If there is a game changing return guy available (i.e. C.J. Spiller in the 1st round or Ben Tate in the 2nd round), take him. Either Spiller or Tate would be a perfect home run hitter to pair with Ryan Grant.
Fullback (3): Korey Hall, Quinn Johnson, and John Kuhn. Ted Thompson better not draft a guy here. The Packer had to be one of the only teams in the NFL to carry more fullbacks than quarterbacks on their 53-man roster for the entire 2009 season.
Wide Receiver (6): Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, James Jones, Jordy Nelson, Brett Swain, and Patrick Williams. Despite Donald Driver getting up there in age, the Packers are all set at wide receiver for the foreseeable future. I completely support the Packers drafting a speedy kick returner that happens to play wide receiver late on day 3.
Tight End (3): Jermichael Finley, Spencer Havner, and Donald Lee. The Packers are all set with three NFL caliber tight ends on the roster. Havner is facing some legal trouble from an alleged DUI and Donald Lee is a nothing more than a blocking tight with suspect hands BUT with emerging NFL stud Jermichael Finley the Packers do not need to draft a tight end unless a game changer falls to them in the draft.
Offensive Tackle (5): Chad Clifton, Mark Tauscher, T.J. Lang, Allen Barbre, and Breno Giacomini. Despite resigning Clifton and Tauscher, Ted Thompson needs to get the offensive tackle of the future in the 2010 NFL Draft. If Bryan Bulaga or Charles Brown are still on the board at 23, the Packers should draft one them and let him learn behind Clifton for a year. That would allow the Packers to put Lang behind Tauscher and the Packers should be set at offensive tackle for the next decade. Absent injury, Barbre and Giacomini will be hard pressed to make the 53-man roster for 2010.
Offensive Guard (3): Josh Sitton, Daryn Colledge, and Jason Spitz. The good news is that Josh Sitton looks like the second coming of Marco Rivera. The bad news is after that the Packers have huge question marks at guard. Colledge has moved around the line throughout his career. Even when he has concentrated at left guard, he has struggled. Spitz shows tons of promise but can't stay healthy. A late developmental guard might help spark competition and give the Packers a little more depth at guard.
Center (2): Scott Wells and Evan Dietrich-Smith. Wells keeps on keeping on. If the Packers think Spitz is healthy enough, there is no need to draft a center. Either way, Dietrich-Smith's days might be numbered in Green Bay.
Defensive End (5): Cullen Jenkins, Johnny Jolly, Justin Harrell, Jarius Wynn, and Ronald Talley. With Jenkins and Jolly only locked up for 2010, it might be time to look at a traditional 3-4 end in the upcoming draft as insurance. As long as Jolly's legal troubles allow him to play in 2010 it looks like Harrell, Wynn, and Talley will fight with whomever the Packers draft for the final two defensive end roster spots in 2010.
Defensive Tackle (3): Ryan Pickett, B.J. Raji, and Anthony Toribio. There is no real reason to draft a player here with Pickett and Raji on the roster, especially if the carcus of Justin Harrell can contribute anything at defensive end or defensive tackle in 2010.
Outside Linebacker (5): Clay Matthews, Brad Jones, Brady Poppinga, Cyril Obiozor, and Robert Francois. If Brandon Graham or Jerry Hughes (Sergio Kindle to a less extent) are still available at 23, take him and thank your lucky stars. Adding either Graham, Hughes, or Kindle would give the Packers two outstanding outside linebackers for the next decade. The only players that are guaranteed a roster spot are Matthews and Jones. After that, the Packers will hold an open competition for outside linebacker roster spots.
Middle Linebacker (4): Nick Barnett, A.J. Hawk, Brandon Chillar, and Desmond Bishop. At middle linebacker, the Packers have one stud (Nick Barnett), two above average (Hawk and Chillar) and one high motor guy (Bishop)...suffice to say I don't think the Packers need to draft a middle linebackers.
Cornerback (9): Charles Woodson, Al Harris, Tramon Williams, Brandon Underwood, Pat Lee, Will Blackmon, Josh Bell, D.J. Clark, and Trevor Ford. If Ted Thompson is right and all the cornerbacks come back healthy, there is no reason to draft a cornerback. Unfortunately, there is a small chance that all the cornerbacks come back healthy so if the right cornerback is available, take him and be happy. The only cornerbacks assured a roster spot in 2010 are Charles Woodson, Al Harris, and Tramon Williams. After that, it will be a dog fight for Brandon Underwood, Pat Lee, Will Blackmon, Josh Bell, D.J. Clark, and Trevor Ford.
Safety (4): Nick Collins, Atari Bigby, Derrick Martin, and Khalil Jones. Bigby continues to be a head scratcher. When healthy, Bigby looks like a borderline pro bowler but we only get to see small glimpses of that because Bigby is rarely healthy. The Packers should add a safety on day two of the draft to compete with Bigby.
Special Teams (4): Chris Bryan, Mason Crosby, Brett Goode, and Tim Masthay. If there is a running back, wide receiver, or cornerback with return capabilities I completely support the Packers reaching for a guy. Besides that, the draft looks thin at punter so it looks like another season of crap punting is in our future.
The Green Bay Packers have eight selections in the 2010 NFL draft, here are rough guesses at positions Ted Thompson should look at depending on how the draft shakes out:
#23 (first round): offensive tackle or outside linebacker
#56 (second round): offensive tackle, defensive end or outside linebacker
#86 (third round): defensive back (cornerback or safety)
#122 (fourth round): outside linebacker or defensive back (cornerback or safety)
#154 (fifth round): offensive line or defensive back
#169 (compensatory selection): offensive line or defensive back
#193 (sixth round): best athlete available with return capabilities
#230 (seventh round): best athlete available with return capabilities
Here is a look at the Green Bay Packers roster heading into the 2010 NFL Draft:
Quarterback (2): Aaron Rodgers and Matt Flynn. The Packers have no pressing needs at quarterback. If there is another 7th round gem like Matt Flynn sitting there at the end of the draft, snap him up. Otherwise, Ted Thompson has shown that he is content to start the season with two quarterbacks.
Running Back (3): Ryan Grant, Brandon Jackson, and Kregg Lumpkin. If there is a game changing return guy available (i.e. C.J. Spiller in the 1st round or Ben Tate in the 2nd round), take him. Either Spiller or Tate would be a perfect home run hitter to pair with Ryan Grant.
Fullback (3): Korey Hall, Quinn Johnson, and John Kuhn. Ted Thompson better not draft a guy here. The Packer had to be one of the only teams in the NFL to carry more fullbacks than quarterbacks on their 53-man roster for the entire 2009 season.
Wide Receiver (6): Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, James Jones, Jordy Nelson, Brett Swain, and Patrick Williams. Despite Donald Driver getting up there in age, the Packers are all set at wide receiver for the foreseeable future. I completely support the Packers drafting a speedy kick returner that happens to play wide receiver late on day 3.
Tight End (3): Jermichael Finley, Spencer Havner, and Donald Lee. The Packers are all set with three NFL caliber tight ends on the roster. Havner is facing some legal trouble from an alleged DUI and Donald Lee is a nothing more than a blocking tight with suspect hands BUT with emerging NFL stud Jermichael Finley the Packers do not need to draft a tight end unless a game changer falls to them in the draft.
Offensive Tackle (5): Chad Clifton, Mark Tauscher, T.J. Lang, Allen Barbre, and Breno Giacomini. Despite resigning Clifton and Tauscher, Ted Thompson needs to get the offensive tackle of the future in the 2010 NFL Draft. If Bryan Bulaga or Charles Brown are still on the board at 23, the Packers should draft one them and let him learn behind Clifton for a year. That would allow the Packers to put Lang behind Tauscher and the Packers should be set at offensive tackle for the next decade. Absent injury, Barbre and Giacomini will be hard pressed to make the 53-man roster for 2010.
Offensive Guard (3): Josh Sitton, Daryn Colledge, and Jason Spitz. The good news is that Josh Sitton looks like the second coming of Marco Rivera. The bad news is after that the Packers have huge question marks at guard. Colledge has moved around the line throughout his career. Even when he has concentrated at left guard, he has struggled. Spitz shows tons of promise but can't stay healthy. A late developmental guard might help spark competition and give the Packers a little more depth at guard.
Center (2): Scott Wells and Evan Dietrich-Smith. Wells keeps on keeping on. If the Packers think Spitz is healthy enough, there is no need to draft a center. Either way, Dietrich-Smith's days might be numbered in Green Bay.
Defensive End (5): Cullen Jenkins, Johnny Jolly, Justin Harrell, Jarius Wynn, and Ronald Talley. With Jenkins and Jolly only locked up for 2010, it might be time to look at a traditional 3-4 end in the upcoming draft as insurance. As long as Jolly's legal troubles allow him to play in 2010 it looks like Harrell, Wynn, and Talley will fight with whomever the Packers draft for the final two defensive end roster spots in 2010.
Defensive Tackle (3): Ryan Pickett, B.J. Raji, and Anthony Toribio. There is no real reason to draft a player here with Pickett and Raji on the roster, especially if the carcus of Justin Harrell can contribute anything at defensive end or defensive tackle in 2010.
Outside Linebacker (5): Clay Matthews, Brad Jones, Brady Poppinga, Cyril Obiozor, and Robert Francois. If Brandon Graham or Jerry Hughes (Sergio Kindle to a less extent) are still available at 23, take him and thank your lucky stars. Adding either Graham, Hughes, or Kindle would give the Packers two outstanding outside linebackers for the next decade. The only players that are guaranteed a roster spot are Matthews and Jones. After that, the Packers will hold an open competition for outside linebacker roster spots.
Middle Linebacker (4): Nick Barnett, A.J. Hawk, Brandon Chillar, and Desmond Bishop. At middle linebacker, the Packers have one stud (Nick Barnett), two above average (Hawk and Chillar) and one high motor guy (Bishop)...suffice to say I don't think the Packers need to draft a middle linebackers.
Cornerback (9): Charles Woodson, Al Harris, Tramon Williams, Brandon Underwood, Pat Lee, Will Blackmon, Josh Bell, D.J. Clark, and Trevor Ford. If Ted Thompson is right and all the cornerbacks come back healthy, there is no reason to draft a cornerback. Unfortunately, there is a small chance that all the cornerbacks come back healthy so if the right cornerback is available, take him and be happy. The only cornerbacks assured a roster spot in 2010 are Charles Woodson, Al Harris, and Tramon Williams. After that, it will be a dog fight for Brandon Underwood, Pat Lee, Will Blackmon, Josh Bell, D.J. Clark, and Trevor Ford.
Safety (4): Nick Collins, Atari Bigby, Derrick Martin, and Khalil Jones. Bigby continues to be a head scratcher. When healthy, Bigby looks like a borderline pro bowler but we only get to see small glimpses of that because Bigby is rarely healthy. The Packers should add a safety on day two of the draft to compete with Bigby.
Special Teams (4): Chris Bryan, Mason Crosby, Brett Goode, and Tim Masthay. If there is a running back, wide receiver, or cornerback with return capabilities I completely support the Packers reaching for a guy. Besides that, the draft looks thin at punter so it looks like another season of crap punting is in our future.
The Green Bay Packers have eight selections in the 2010 NFL draft, here are rough guesses at positions Ted Thompson should look at depending on how the draft shakes out:
#23 (first round): offensive tackle or outside linebacker
#56 (second round): offensive tackle, defensive end or outside linebacker
#86 (third round): defensive back (cornerback or safety)
#122 (fourth round): outside linebacker or defensive back (cornerback or safety)
#154 (fifth round): offensive line or defensive back
#169 (compensatory selection): offensive line or defensive back
#193 (sixth round): best athlete available with return capabilities
#230 (seventh round): best athlete available with return capabilities
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Details on Clifton, Collins, Pickett, and Tauscher Contracts
Chad Clifton, Nick Collins, Ryan Pickett, and Mark Tauscher recently signed big contracts with the Green Bay Packers so I thought I would give the details of each contract along with my thoughts.
Chad Clifton signed a three-year, $19.4 million contract:
2010: $7.5 million = $6.4 million roster bonus, $855,000 base salary, and $250,000 workout bonus
2011: $6.2 million = $200,000 roster bonus, $5.75 million base salary, and $250,000 workout bonus
2012: $5.7 million = $200,000 roster bonus, $5.25 million base salary, and $250,000 workout bonus
Paying Clifton a large amount of up front guaranteed money means that if the salary cap is reinstated, the Packers can cut Clifton after the 2010 season without any salary cap charges. If the Packers draft a left tackle of the future in the 2010 NFL Draft, 2010 might be Clifton's last season in Green Bay despite just signing a three-year extension.
Nick Collins signed a three-year, $23.4 million extension:
2010: $14 million in compensation
2011 - 2013: $12.7 million in compensation for an average of $4.23 million a year
Nick Collins played nice by signing his tender instead of holding out for a long-term deal and the Packers rewards Collins' loyalty in a big way. The specific details of Collins' extension were much harder to find but I will do my best to break it down.
The basics of the deal are that this extension will keep Collins under contract in Green Bay through 2013. Collins restricted free agent tender which would have paid him $3.3 million this season and then Collins would have become and unrestricted free agent after the 2010 season. As a result, the $23.4 million extensions was added to the $3.3 million tender, which pushes the total value of the deal to four-years, $26.7 million.
This is a great deal for both sides. Collins is one of the best safeties in the NFL and now he is getting paid like that. Since Collins signed only a four-year deal, he can still become a free agent at age 30 and sign another mega-deal unless he re-ups before the end of 2013.
Ryan Pickett signed a four-year, $24.925 million contract:
2010: $9.9 million = $6.4 million roster bonus, $2 million signing bonus, $1.2 million base salary, $200,000 workout bonus, and $100,000 likely to be earned incentives
2011: $3.3 million = $2.7 million base salary, $200,000 workout bonus, and $400,000 likely to be earned incentives
2012: $4.8 million = $4.5 million base salary, $200,000 workout bonus, and $100,000 likely to be earned incentives
2013: $5.7 million = $5.4 million base salary, $200,000 workout bonus, and $100,000 likely to be earned incentives
The Pickett family is getting paid in 2010. As a point of reference, the Packers placed the franchise tag on Pickett earlier this offseason, which would have been a one-year, $7.03 million fully guaranteed deal had Pickett and the Packers not reached the aforementioned four-year accord. With all that up front money in 2010 and a relatively low salary for 2011, Pickett will play for the Packers at least through 2011. The development of Raji, the resolution to Jolly's legal troubles, and what the Packers do in the next few drafts will determine if Pickett plays out the entire four years of his new deal. If you check my math I have $1.225 million unaccounted for in Pickett's extension. If I get more details on Pickett's deal I will pass that information along.
Mark Tauscher signed a two-year, $8.28 million deal:
2010: $3.7 million = $1.4 million base salary, $2.1 million roster bonus, and $200,000 workout bonus
2011: $4.58 million = $4.1 million base salary, $280,000 roster bonus, and $200,000 workout bonus
Mark Tauscher's deal is similar to Clifton's deal in the sense that if the salary cap is re-instated in 2011 the Packers can cut Tauscher before the 2011 season without any salary cap ramifications. Whether Tauscher plays for the Packers in 2011 depends on the development of T.J. Lang, Breno Giacomini, and Allen Barbre (and to a lesser extent whether the Packers draft a right tackle in the 2010 or 2011 NFL Draft).
The Packers committed $79 million to four players, $35.1 million of which will be paid out in 2010. I like that Ted Thompson is trying to capitalize on the uncapped year, but I wonder whether Collins or Pickett might ask for more money towards the end of their deals despite how much money they were paid up front.
These extensions show that Thompson is not afraid to spend money. Some have quested why Thompson doesn't spend more money in free agency but as the Washington Redskins show every year, NFL teams can't be built solely via free agency.
Congrats to Chad Clifton, Nick Collins, Ryan Pickett, and Mark Tauscher for getting paid...now go earn your money fellas!
Chad Clifton signed a three-year, $19.4 million contract:
2010: $7.5 million = $6.4 million roster bonus, $855,000 base salary, and $250,000 workout bonus
2011: $6.2 million = $200,000 roster bonus, $5.75 million base salary, and $250,000 workout bonus
2012: $5.7 million = $200,000 roster bonus, $5.25 million base salary, and $250,000 workout bonus
Paying Clifton a large amount of up front guaranteed money means that if the salary cap is reinstated, the Packers can cut Clifton after the 2010 season without any salary cap charges. If the Packers draft a left tackle of the future in the 2010 NFL Draft, 2010 might be Clifton's last season in Green Bay despite just signing a three-year extension.
Nick Collins signed a three-year, $23.4 million extension:
2010: $14 million in compensation
2011 - 2013: $12.7 million in compensation for an average of $4.23 million a year
Nick Collins played nice by signing his tender instead of holding out for a long-term deal and the Packers rewards Collins' loyalty in a big way. The specific details of Collins' extension were much harder to find but I will do my best to break it down.
The basics of the deal are that this extension will keep Collins under contract in Green Bay through 2013. Collins restricted free agent tender which would have paid him $3.3 million this season and then Collins would have become and unrestricted free agent after the 2010 season. As a result, the $23.4 million extensions was added to the $3.3 million tender, which pushes the total value of the deal to four-years, $26.7 million.
This is a great deal for both sides. Collins is one of the best safeties in the NFL and now he is getting paid like that. Since Collins signed only a four-year deal, he can still become a free agent at age 30 and sign another mega-deal unless he re-ups before the end of 2013.
Ryan Pickett signed a four-year, $24.925 million contract:
2010: $9.9 million = $6.4 million roster bonus, $2 million signing bonus, $1.2 million base salary, $200,000 workout bonus, and $100,000 likely to be earned incentives
2011: $3.3 million = $2.7 million base salary, $200,000 workout bonus, and $400,000 likely to be earned incentives
2012: $4.8 million = $4.5 million base salary, $200,000 workout bonus, and $100,000 likely to be earned incentives
2013: $5.7 million = $5.4 million base salary, $200,000 workout bonus, and $100,000 likely to be earned incentives
The Pickett family is getting paid in 2010. As a point of reference, the Packers placed the franchise tag on Pickett earlier this offseason, which would have been a one-year, $7.03 million fully guaranteed deal had Pickett and the Packers not reached the aforementioned four-year accord. With all that up front money in 2010 and a relatively low salary for 2011, Pickett will play for the Packers at least through 2011. The development of Raji, the resolution to Jolly's legal troubles, and what the Packers do in the next few drafts will determine if Pickett plays out the entire four years of his new deal. If you check my math I have $1.225 million unaccounted for in Pickett's extension. If I get more details on Pickett's deal I will pass that information along.
Mark Tauscher signed a two-year, $8.28 million deal:
2010: $3.7 million = $1.4 million base salary, $2.1 million roster bonus, and $200,000 workout bonus
2011: $4.58 million = $4.1 million base salary, $280,000 roster bonus, and $200,000 workout bonus
Mark Tauscher's deal is similar to Clifton's deal in the sense that if the salary cap is re-instated in 2011 the Packers can cut Tauscher before the 2011 season without any salary cap ramifications. Whether Tauscher plays for the Packers in 2011 depends on the development of T.J. Lang, Breno Giacomini, and Allen Barbre (and to a lesser extent whether the Packers draft a right tackle in the 2010 or 2011 NFL Draft).
The Packers committed $79 million to four players, $35.1 million of which will be paid out in 2010. I like that Ted Thompson is trying to capitalize on the uncapped year, but I wonder whether Collins or Pickett might ask for more money towards the end of their deals despite how much money they were paid up front.
These extensions show that Thompson is not afraid to spend money. Some have quested why Thompson doesn't spend more money in free agency but as the Washington Redskins show every year, NFL teams can't be built solely via free agency.
Congrats to Chad Clifton, Nick Collins, Ryan Pickett, and Mark Tauscher for getting paid...now go earn your money fellas!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
2010 Packers Offseason So Far...
Unrestricted Free Agents:
The Packers put the franchise tag on defensive tackle Ryan Pickett which left them with 4 unrestricted free agents:
Chad Clifton (LT):
For a quick background on how nice of a guy Clifton is and how much he wanted to stay a Packer, check out former Green Bay Packer front office executive Andrew Brandt's recent article about the last contract that he negotiated with Clifton. As always, Brandt provides a great look at the inter workings of the Green Bay Packers from his time there.
Even though Clifton is 33 years old, he is still a top 10 left tackle in the NFL. As a result, Clifton rejected the Packers initial offers and tested free agency briefly before resigning with the Packers. Clifton ultimately signed a three-year contract worth $19,387,500. The contract is very cap friendly because the Packers will incur no cap charges if they cut Clifton after 2010. The Packers can draft a tackle in the 2010 NFL Draft but will not be forced to play him immediately thanks to resigning Clifton. Here is the breakdown of Clifton's contract:
- 2010: $7,481,250 = $6,376,250 roster bonus, $855,000 salary and $250,000 workout bonus
- 2011: $6,203,125 = $203,125 roster bonus, $5,750,000 salary and $250,000 workout bonus
- 2012: $5,703,125 = $203,125 roster bonus, $5,250,000 salary and $250,000 workout bonus
Ahman Green (RB):
Batman might be in Packers' plans if they don't draft a game changing running back or sign a younger running back in free agency. Plus, the suitors for Green will be few if any because of his advance age and mileage by NFL running back standards. Basically Batman would be lucky to be wearing Green and Gold in 2010.
Aaron Kampman (DE/OLB):
The Packers asked Kampman to move from defensive end to outside linebacker when they switched from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense heading into 2009. Despite the fact that Kampman was in the last year of his contract, he obliged and played out of position. As the season progressed, it became painfully obvious that Kampman did not fit as an outside linebacker in the 3-4.
Knowing all of that, why did the Packers hold on to Kampman at the 2009 NFL Trade Deadline? Refer back to my post on October 20, 2009 where I made the case for trading Aaron Kampman at the NFL trade deadline here. Unfortunately Ted Thompson doesn't read the blog and the Packers held on to Kampman.
We all know the story, Kampman tore his ACL towards the end of the season and started to plot his exit from the only NFL franchise he has ever known. Oddly, I thought Kampman tearing his ACL would be good for the Packers because teams might be scared to commit any significant money to him coming off such a horrible injury. I was wrong, Kampman's torn ACL didn't hurt him in the free agent market at all. Instead, Kampman refused any overtures by the Packers, preferring to move to a 4-3 system. Kampman found just that with the Jacksonville Jaguars where he signed a four-year contract worth $25 million. Not too sure how much sense it makes for the Jaguars to give Kampman such a hefty contract without knowing how healthy he will be, take a look at the breakdown of the contract:
- 2010: $11.025 million = $10 million signing bonus, $1 million salary and $25,000 workout bonus
- 2011: $2.475 million = $2.45 million salary and $25,000 workout bonus
- 2012: $5 million = $4.975 million salary and $25,000 workout bonus
- 2013: $6.5 million = $6.475 million salary and $25,000 workout bonus
Mark Tauscher (RT):
Speaking of ACL injuries, Tauscher tore his ACL in 2008 around the same point in the season that Kampman tore his ACL in 2009. Tauscher was unable to play for the Packers until October of 2009 but once he re-joined the Packers, the offensive line settled and the team started to win more games. Unless the Packers are 100% committed to drafting an offensive tackle in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft they better bring back Tauscher. Furthermore, Aaron Rodgers expressed a strong desire to have Mark Tauscher return to the Packers in 2010...that should be reason enough to resign Tauscher.
If Tauscher wants a long-term contract, the Packers might look elsewhere. If Tauscher agrees to come back on a reasonable one-year deal, the Packers should sign him tomorrow. If it was up to me, I would resign Tauscher to a one-year deal ASAP.
Restricted Free Agents:
Since the 2010 season is being played uncapped, players need 6 years of NFL service as opposed to 4 years of NFL service to become an unrestricted free agent. As a result, any player with 4 or 5 years of NFL service would have been an unrestricted free agent in the past but now they are a restricted free agent. That rule change impacts 212 NFL players, including 9 Packers.
The new rules allow the Packers to "tender" their 9 restricted free agents a one-year contract at 4 tender levels: 1st & 3rd rounds, 1st round, 2nd round, and original draft position. Those tender levels determine the compensation the player would get if they sign the one-year tender and the level of draft pick compensation the Packers would receive if the players signs with another team.
Once the tenders are placed on each player, they have the right to speak to the other 31 NFL teams about a contract. If one of the 31 other teams signs a player to an offer sheet, the Packers have the right to match the offer. If the Packers decline to match the offer then they receive the draft pick compensation from the team that signs their restricted free agents. Here is a look at the Packers 9 restricted free agents and how I think things will play out:
Atari Bigby (S):
Bigby was undrafted in 2005 out of the University of Central Florida. The Packers tendered Bigby at the 2nd round compensation level which is a one-year contract worth $1.76 million. Despite Bigby being injured and somewhat inconsistent this was a smart tender. If the Packers gave Bigby the lowest tender (original draft position) then teams would have been jumping at the chance to sign him to an offer sheet because they would be getting a starting NFL safety for no draft pick compensation. Instead, the Packers have their starting safety under contract for a reasonable price since there is no chance a team would surrender a second round pick for Bigby.
Will Blackmon (KR/CB):
Blackmon was originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2006 draft out of Boston College. The Packers tendered Blackmon at his original draft position which is a one-year contract worth $1.176 million. Blackmon has shown flashes as a kick returner but has been placed on injured reserve almost every season. Blackmon will garner little interest on the restricted free agent market and will have to show he can stay healthy to even make the Packers roster in 2010.
Daryn Colledge (OG):
Colledge was originally drafted in the 2nd round of the 2006 draft out of Boise State. The Packers tendered Colledge at the 2nd round compensation level which is a one-year contract worth $1.76 million. There are conflicting reports on whether Colledge is salty about only getting a second round tender. From the fan's perspective there are no conflicting reports, we are all salty with his play.
Colledge just hasn't played that well for the Packers and is a good example of how the rule changes in the CBA have helped the Packers. In the past the Packers would have had to make a long term contract offer to Colledge in order to retain his services. This offseason, the Packers can wait and hope a team signs Colledge to an offer sheet because they would gladly take a second round pick instead of Colledge since there is a chance Colledge won't even make the roster in 2010 depending on who the Packers select in the 2010 draft.
Nick Collins (S):
Collins was originally drafted in the 2nd round in 2005 out of Bethune-Cookman University. The Packers tendered Collins at the 1st and 3rd round compensation level which is a one-year contract worth $3.35 million. Collins took everyone by surprise and recently signed his offer sheet as a sign of good faith to induce the Packers to negotiate a long-term deal.
First off, not too many people are feeling sorry for Collins earning $3.35 million next season if the parties fail to reach a long-term agreement. That said, Collins has earned a long-term deal. Collins is a two time Pro Bowler and the only reliable safety on the Packers roster unless you count 2012 Chuck Woodson.
Some people have used the contract Antrel Rolle signed with the New York Giants (five-year, $37 million with a $10 million first year payout) as a benchmark for what Colllins should get. That seems a little rich but the price is only going up. Of all the restricted free agents on the Packers roster, Collins deserves a long-term deal and I expect one to get done before the start of the 2010 season.
Johnny Jolly (DT/DE):
Jolly was originally drafted in the 6th round in 2006 out of Texas A&M. The Packers tendered Jolly at the 1st round compensation level which is a one-year contract worth $2.521 million. This was again a good move by Ted Thompson.
There was some thought that with the uncertainty surrounding Jolly's pending court case for drug possession that the Packers could have gotten away with tending him at only a second round compensation level. If they did, I expected at least one team would have taken a gamble on Jolly because he thrived as a combo DT/DE in the 3-4 last season.
Even with his legal troubles pending, so many teams are gravitating towards the 3-4 which would made Jolly very enticing for only a second round draft pick. Jolly is another example of how the Packers lucked out with the new rules. The Packers would rather see how the court case plays out before offering Jolly a long-term contract.
John Kuhn (FB):
Kuhn was undrafted in 2005 out of Shippensburg University. The Packers claimed Kuhn off waivers from the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2007. The Packers tendered Kuhn at his original draft position (undrafted) which is a one-year contract worth $1.176 million.
The Packers were stuck between a rock and a hard place with Kuhn. There is no way they could put a second round tender on him but they would also like to get some compensation for him. Unfortunately if any team signs him to an offer sheet and the Packers decline to match the offer, they get Kuhn without having to sacrifice a draft pick.
The Packers already have two younger fullbacks on their roster so Kuhn is expendable. That said, the Packers carried 3 FBs for the entire 2009 season. In the end it would be a huge surprise to me if more than 2 FBs were on the 2010 roster and if one of them was named Kuhn.
Jason Spitz (C/OG):
Spitz was originally drafted in the 3rd round in 2006 out of Louisville. The Packers tendered Spitz at the 2nd round compensation level which is a one-year contract worth $1.76 million. Spitz has injury problems similar to Bigby and Blackmon. All three players show flashes of brilliance canceled out by long spells of injuries.
Similar to Colledege, the Packers would happily take a second round pick in the upcoming, talent laden draft for Spitz. But because of the aforementioned injury history, teams will likely shy away.
What will be interesting to see is if Colledge and Spitz (drafted the same year in the 2nd and 3rd rounds respectively) do in fact square off against one another for the starting left guard position next season. My money would be on Spitz to win in a land slide if he stays healthy but that is a big if.
Tramon Williams (CB):
Williams was originally undrafted in 2006 out of Louisiana Tech. The Packers tendered Williams at the 1st and 3rd round compensation level which is a one-year contract worth $3.043 million.
This was the most perplexing tender of the group. I thought Williams would get a 2nd round tender. Instead, the Packers blew right by that and the 1st round tender to give Williams the highest tender possible. There isn't a team in the NFL that is going to give up a 1st and 3rd round pick to sign Williams.
Although it is not an apples to apples comparison since Charles Woodson is much older, I am not even sure a team would surrender a 1st and 3rd round pick for Charles Woodson at this point and Woodson was the 2009 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Williams looks to be the corner back of the future in Green Bay but he is still a work in progress. My friends over at Football Outsiders call Williams "Arm Bar" because of how many pass interference penalties he draws. In the penalty department Williams reminds me a lot more Ahmad Carroll than Charles Woodson...shoot.
DeShawn Wynn (RB):
Wynn was originally drafted in the 7th round in 2007 out the University of Florida. The Packers decided not to tender Wynn because of his lengthy injury history.
I have said it before and I will say it again, if Wynn stayed healthy in 2007 then Ryan Grant is either a journeymen running back in the NFL or a runway model. It was Wynn's injury in 2007 that gave Grant a chance to play. Grant parlayed that into a huge contract before the 2008 season.
If you want to read how lucrative of a contract Grant actually got in 2008 while the Packers were dealing with the Favre saga click here to read my past post.
Exclusive Rights Free Agents:
This is what the aforementioned Ryan Grant was in 2008. These players are the exclusive rights of the Packers so they basically have to take what the Packers offer or sit out the season:
Spencer Havner (TE):
Havner was originally undrafted in 2008 out of University of Cudahy by the Lake Almost. The Packers offered Havner a one-year deal worth roughly $500,000. Not a ton of money by NFL standards but Havner has no leverage.
The Packers already have two TEs ahead of him on the depth chart (Jermichael Finley and Donald Lee) although really only one should be since Lee is really only good at dropping wide open TDs at this point. Havner caught 4 TDs this year and made an even bigger contribution special teams. The Packers will welcome back Havner with open arms for $500,000 this season unless they get a couple special teams mavens in the draft.
Jeremy Kapinos (P):
Kapinos was originally undrafted in 2007 out of Penn State. The Packers did not offer Kapinos a contract, which shows you how little they think of him. Kapinos would have earned between $400,000 and $500,000 next season but the Packers didn't even think he was worth that and they were right.
The Packers punting game has been in shambles since letting Craig Hentrich leave via free agency a million years ago. Kapinos was not the answer, he was last in the league in net punt average...don't let the door hit you on the way out.
Other Moves:
The Packers released Michael Montgomery (DE) and Matt Giordano (S) on March 5th at the start of free agency.
Montgomery, a former 6th round pick from the 2005 NFL Draft, lacked the size to play defensive end in the 3-4. Add in that Montgomery was scheduled to make $1.5 million next season and the decision was pretty easy for the Packers.
Giordano was signed during the 2009 season but never really made an impact for the Packers. Despite lacking depth at safety, keeping Giordano would have cost the Packers $850,000 which would have been a little rich.
The Packers put the franchise tag on defensive tackle Ryan Pickett which left them with 4 unrestricted free agents:
Chad Clifton (LT):
For a quick background on how nice of a guy Clifton is and how much he wanted to stay a Packer, check out former Green Bay Packer front office executive Andrew Brandt's recent article about the last contract that he negotiated with Clifton. As always, Brandt provides a great look at the inter workings of the Green Bay Packers from his time there.
Even though Clifton is 33 years old, he is still a top 10 left tackle in the NFL. As a result, Clifton rejected the Packers initial offers and tested free agency briefly before resigning with the Packers. Clifton ultimately signed a three-year contract worth $19,387,500. The contract is very cap friendly because the Packers will incur no cap charges if they cut Clifton after 2010. The Packers can draft a tackle in the 2010 NFL Draft but will not be forced to play him immediately thanks to resigning Clifton. Here is the breakdown of Clifton's contract:
- 2010: $7,481,250 = $6,376,250 roster bonus, $855,000 salary and $250,000 workout bonus
- 2011: $6,203,125 = $203,125 roster bonus, $5,750,000 salary and $250,000 workout bonus
- 2012: $5,703,125 = $203,125 roster bonus, $5,250,000 salary and $250,000 workout bonus
Ahman Green (RB):
Batman might be in Packers' plans if they don't draft a game changing running back or sign a younger running back in free agency. Plus, the suitors for Green will be few if any because of his advance age and mileage by NFL running back standards. Basically Batman would be lucky to be wearing Green and Gold in 2010.
Aaron Kampman (DE/OLB):
The Packers asked Kampman to move from defensive end to outside linebacker when they switched from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense heading into 2009. Despite the fact that Kampman was in the last year of his contract, he obliged and played out of position. As the season progressed, it became painfully obvious that Kampman did not fit as an outside linebacker in the 3-4.
Knowing all of that, why did the Packers hold on to Kampman at the 2009 NFL Trade Deadline? Refer back to my post on October 20, 2009 where I made the case for trading Aaron Kampman at the NFL trade deadline here. Unfortunately Ted Thompson doesn't read the blog and the Packers held on to Kampman.
We all know the story, Kampman tore his ACL towards the end of the season and started to plot his exit from the only NFL franchise he has ever known. Oddly, I thought Kampman tearing his ACL would be good for the Packers because teams might be scared to commit any significant money to him coming off such a horrible injury. I was wrong, Kampman's torn ACL didn't hurt him in the free agent market at all. Instead, Kampman refused any overtures by the Packers, preferring to move to a 4-3 system. Kampman found just that with the Jacksonville Jaguars where he signed a four-year contract worth $25 million. Not too sure how much sense it makes for the Jaguars to give Kampman such a hefty contract without knowing how healthy he will be, take a look at the breakdown of the contract:
- 2010: $11.025 million = $10 million signing bonus, $1 million salary and $25,000 workout bonus
- 2011: $2.475 million = $2.45 million salary and $25,000 workout bonus
- 2012: $5 million = $4.975 million salary and $25,000 workout bonus
- 2013: $6.5 million = $6.475 million salary and $25,000 workout bonus
Mark Tauscher (RT):
Speaking of ACL injuries, Tauscher tore his ACL in 2008 around the same point in the season that Kampman tore his ACL in 2009. Tauscher was unable to play for the Packers until October of 2009 but once he re-joined the Packers, the offensive line settled and the team started to win more games. Unless the Packers are 100% committed to drafting an offensive tackle in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft they better bring back Tauscher. Furthermore, Aaron Rodgers expressed a strong desire to have Mark Tauscher return to the Packers in 2010...that should be reason enough to resign Tauscher.
If Tauscher wants a long-term contract, the Packers might look elsewhere. If Tauscher agrees to come back on a reasonable one-year deal, the Packers should sign him tomorrow. If it was up to me, I would resign Tauscher to a one-year deal ASAP.
Restricted Free Agents:
Since the 2010 season is being played uncapped, players need 6 years of NFL service as opposed to 4 years of NFL service to become an unrestricted free agent. As a result, any player with 4 or 5 years of NFL service would have been an unrestricted free agent in the past but now they are a restricted free agent. That rule change impacts 212 NFL players, including 9 Packers.
The new rules allow the Packers to "tender" their 9 restricted free agents a one-year contract at 4 tender levels: 1st & 3rd rounds, 1st round, 2nd round, and original draft position. Those tender levels determine the compensation the player would get if they sign the one-year tender and the level of draft pick compensation the Packers would receive if the players signs with another team.
Once the tenders are placed on each player, they have the right to speak to the other 31 NFL teams about a contract. If one of the 31 other teams signs a player to an offer sheet, the Packers have the right to match the offer. If the Packers decline to match the offer then they receive the draft pick compensation from the team that signs their restricted free agents. Here is a look at the Packers 9 restricted free agents and how I think things will play out:
Atari Bigby (S):
Bigby was undrafted in 2005 out of the University of Central Florida. The Packers tendered Bigby at the 2nd round compensation level which is a one-year contract worth $1.76 million. Despite Bigby being injured and somewhat inconsistent this was a smart tender. If the Packers gave Bigby the lowest tender (original draft position) then teams would have been jumping at the chance to sign him to an offer sheet because they would be getting a starting NFL safety for no draft pick compensation. Instead, the Packers have their starting safety under contract for a reasonable price since there is no chance a team would surrender a second round pick for Bigby.
Will Blackmon (KR/CB):
Blackmon was originally drafted in the 4th round of the 2006 draft out of Boston College. The Packers tendered Blackmon at his original draft position which is a one-year contract worth $1.176 million. Blackmon has shown flashes as a kick returner but has been placed on injured reserve almost every season. Blackmon will garner little interest on the restricted free agent market and will have to show he can stay healthy to even make the Packers roster in 2010.
Daryn Colledge (OG):
Colledge was originally drafted in the 2nd round of the 2006 draft out of Boise State. The Packers tendered Colledge at the 2nd round compensation level which is a one-year contract worth $1.76 million. There are conflicting reports on whether Colledge is salty about only getting a second round tender. From the fan's perspective there are no conflicting reports, we are all salty with his play.
Colledge just hasn't played that well for the Packers and is a good example of how the rule changes in the CBA have helped the Packers. In the past the Packers would have had to make a long term contract offer to Colledge in order to retain his services. This offseason, the Packers can wait and hope a team signs Colledge to an offer sheet because they would gladly take a second round pick instead of Colledge since there is a chance Colledge won't even make the roster in 2010 depending on who the Packers select in the 2010 draft.
Nick Collins (S):
Collins was originally drafted in the 2nd round in 2005 out of Bethune-Cookman University. The Packers tendered Collins at the 1st and 3rd round compensation level which is a one-year contract worth $3.35 million. Collins took everyone by surprise and recently signed his offer sheet as a sign of good faith to induce the Packers to negotiate a long-term deal.
First off, not too many people are feeling sorry for Collins earning $3.35 million next season if the parties fail to reach a long-term agreement. That said, Collins has earned a long-term deal. Collins is a two time Pro Bowler and the only reliable safety on the Packers roster unless you count 2012 Chuck Woodson.
Some people have used the contract Antrel Rolle signed with the New York Giants (five-year, $37 million with a $10 million first year payout) as a benchmark for what Colllins should get. That seems a little rich but the price is only going up. Of all the restricted free agents on the Packers roster, Collins deserves a long-term deal and I expect one to get done before the start of the 2010 season.
Johnny Jolly (DT/DE):
Jolly was originally drafted in the 6th round in 2006 out of Texas A&M. The Packers tendered Jolly at the 1st round compensation level which is a one-year contract worth $2.521 million. This was again a good move by Ted Thompson.
There was some thought that with the uncertainty surrounding Jolly's pending court case for drug possession that the Packers could have gotten away with tending him at only a second round compensation level. If they did, I expected at least one team would have taken a gamble on Jolly because he thrived as a combo DT/DE in the 3-4 last season.
Even with his legal troubles pending, so many teams are gravitating towards the 3-4 which would made Jolly very enticing for only a second round draft pick. Jolly is another example of how the Packers lucked out with the new rules. The Packers would rather see how the court case plays out before offering Jolly a long-term contract.
John Kuhn (FB):
Kuhn was undrafted in 2005 out of Shippensburg University. The Packers claimed Kuhn off waivers from the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2007. The Packers tendered Kuhn at his original draft position (undrafted) which is a one-year contract worth $1.176 million.
The Packers were stuck between a rock and a hard place with Kuhn. There is no way they could put a second round tender on him but they would also like to get some compensation for him. Unfortunately if any team signs him to an offer sheet and the Packers decline to match the offer, they get Kuhn without having to sacrifice a draft pick.
The Packers already have two younger fullbacks on their roster so Kuhn is expendable. That said, the Packers carried 3 FBs for the entire 2009 season. In the end it would be a huge surprise to me if more than 2 FBs were on the 2010 roster and if one of them was named Kuhn.
Jason Spitz (C/OG):
Spitz was originally drafted in the 3rd round in 2006 out of Louisville. The Packers tendered Spitz at the 2nd round compensation level which is a one-year contract worth $1.76 million. Spitz has injury problems similar to Bigby and Blackmon. All three players show flashes of brilliance canceled out by long spells of injuries.
Similar to Colledege, the Packers would happily take a second round pick in the upcoming, talent laden draft for Spitz. But because of the aforementioned injury history, teams will likely shy away.
What will be interesting to see is if Colledge and Spitz (drafted the same year in the 2nd and 3rd rounds respectively) do in fact square off against one another for the starting left guard position next season. My money would be on Spitz to win in a land slide if he stays healthy but that is a big if.
Tramon Williams (CB):
Williams was originally undrafted in 2006 out of Louisiana Tech. The Packers tendered Williams at the 1st and 3rd round compensation level which is a one-year contract worth $3.043 million.
This was the most perplexing tender of the group. I thought Williams would get a 2nd round tender. Instead, the Packers blew right by that and the 1st round tender to give Williams the highest tender possible. There isn't a team in the NFL that is going to give up a 1st and 3rd round pick to sign Williams.
Although it is not an apples to apples comparison since Charles Woodson is much older, I am not even sure a team would surrender a 1st and 3rd round pick for Charles Woodson at this point and Woodson was the 2009 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Williams looks to be the corner back of the future in Green Bay but he is still a work in progress. My friends over at Football Outsiders call Williams "Arm Bar" because of how many pass interference penalties he draws. In the penalty department Williams reminds me a lot more Ahmad Carroll than Charles Woodson...shoot.
DeShawn Wynn (RB):
Wynn was originally drafted in the 7th round in 2007 out the University of Florida. The Packers decided not to tender Wynn because of his lengthy injury history.
I have said it before and I will say it again, if Wynn stayed healthy in 2007 then Ryan Grant is either a journeymen running back in the NFL or a runway model. It was Wynn's injury in 2007 that gave Grant a chance to play. Grant parlayed that into a huge contract before the 2008 season.
If you want to read how lucrative of a contract Grant actually got in 2008 while the Packers were dealing with the Favre saga click here to read my past post.
Exclusive Rights Free Agents:
This is what the aforementioned Ryan Grant was in 2008. These players are the exclusive rights of the Packers so they basically have to take what the Packers offer or sit out the season:
Spencer Havner (TE):
Havner was originally undrafted in 2008 out of University of Cudahy by the Lake Almost. The Packers offered Havner a one-year deal worth roughly $500,000. Not a ton of money by NFL standards but Havner has no leverage.
The Packers already have two TEs ahead of him on the depth chart (Jermichael Finley and Donald Lee) although really only one should be since Lee is really only good at dropping wide open TDs at this point. Havner caught 4 TDs this year and made an even bigger contribution special teams. The Packers will welcome back Havner with open arms for $500,000 this season unless they get a couple special teams mavens in the draft.
Jeremy Kapinos (P):
Kapinos was originally undrafted in 2007 out of Penn State. The Packers did not offer Kapinos a contract, which shows you how little they think of him. Kapinos would have earned between $400,000 and $500,000 next season but the Packers didn't even think he was worth that and they were right.
The Packers punting game has been in shambles since letting Craig Hentrich leave via free agency a million years ago. Kapinos was not the answer, he was last in the league in net punt average...don't let the door hit you on the way out.
Other Moves:
The Packers released Michael Montgomery (DE) and Matt Giordano (S) on March 5th at the start of free agency.
Montgomery, a former 6th round pick from the 2005 NFL Draft, lacked the size to play defensive end in the 3-4. Add in that Montgomery was scheduled to make $1.5 million next season and the decision was pretty easy for the Packers.
Giordano was signed during the 2009 season but never really made an impact for the Packers. Despite lacking depth at safety, keeping Giordano would have cost the Packers $850,000 which would have been a little rich.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Packers' Offensive Line Meets the Brewers' Starting Rotation
At the mid-point of the Packers' 2009 season their biggest weakness is the offensive line. That group is on pace to allow 74 sacks which would shatter the previous club record of 62 sacks from 1990. What do the 1990 and 2009 Packers' offensive line have in common? James Campen. In 1990 Campen was the starting center for the Packers. Now Campen is the under achieving offensive line coach for the 2009 Green Bay Packers. Speaking of underachieving, another group of five guys that comes to mind is the starting rotation for the 2009 Milwaukee Brewers. Since there are some parallels between both groups, I thought I would pair someone from each group:
Chad Clifton (aka Jeff Suppan):
Clifton has been injured most of the season and has had one of his worst seasons as a Packer. There is a reason why the Packers are giving a projected NFL guard (T.J. Lang) a look at tackle. Clifton and Suppan are getting paid much more than they earned in 2009.
Daryn Colledge (aka Dave Bush):
Colledge has been either boom or bust throughout his Packer career. Unfortunately, lately it has been bust for Colledge. Instead of keeping Marco Rivera or Mike Wahle, the Packers used a second-round draft pick on Colledge four years ago. So far this season Colledge has failed at left guard and left tackle. He is a restricted free agent in the off-season and has given the Packers very few reasons to resign him long-term. Sadly for "Mr. Alaska", I really thought about pairing him with Jeff Suppan. Colledge has earned the comparison with his play but fortunately Colledge does not have the same bloated contract as Suppan so I settled for Dave Bush.
Scott Wells (aka Braden Looper):
Wells and Looper are decent players. Nothing flashy, simple and steady performers. Neither will be the best of the group or the worst of the group.
Josh Sitton (aka Yovani Gallardo):
Sitton and Gallardo are the only real bright spots in either group. Both look young and hungry, only time will tell if they turn out to be pro bowl/all-start caliber performers.
Allen Barbre (aka Manny Parra):
Barbre shows flashes of promise but is not reliable, just like his counterpart Manny Parra (who had an extended stint in the minor this season because of his inconsistent pitching). There is a reason why the Packer brought in "The Neck Beard" (Mark Tauscher) even though he is only 11 months removed from ACL surgery.
Packers' coach Mike McCarthy alluded to the fact that rookie T.J. Lang might be given a chance to start on the offensive line at a position besides left tackle this week against the Dallas Cowboys. Lang has only played as an injury fill-in thus far for the Packers but he can't be worse then some of the guys (I am talking to you Mr. Alaska and Barbre) starting at this point. If "The Neck Beard" is out with a knee injury then give Lang a chance at right tackle ahead of Barbre. If "The Neck Beard" can play then give Lang a chance at left guard in place of "Mr. Alaska". Similar to Barbre, Colledge has been horrible this season so why not see what Lang has to offer.
The Packers will only go as far as their offensive line takes them. Yes Aaron Rodgers had held onto the ball too long. Yes the Packers have too many drops. The bottom line is that it all starts with protection up front. If the Packers' offensive line plays the last 8 weeks like they did the first 8 weeks then it is going to be a painful second half of the 2009 season for the Packers.
Chad Clifton (aka Jeff Suppan):
Clifton has been injured most of the season and has had one of his worst seasons as a Packer. There is a reason why the Packers are giving a projected NFL guard (T.J. Lang) a look at tackle. Clifton and Suppan are getting paid much more than they earned in 2009.
Daryn Colledge (aka Dave Bush):
Colledge has been either boom or bust throughout his Packer career. Unfortunately, lately it has been bust for Colledge. Instead of keeping Marco Rivera or Mike Wahle, the Packers used a second-round draft pick on Colledge four years ago. So far this season Colledge has failed at left guard and left tackle. He is a restricted free agent in the off-season and has given the Packers very few reasons to resign him long-term. Sadly for "Mr. Alaska", I really thought about pairing him with Jeff Suppan. Colledge has earned the comparison with his play but fortunately Colledge does not have the same bloated contract as Suppan so I settled for Dave Bush.
Scott Wells (aka Braden Looper):
Wells and Looper are decent players. Nothing flashy, simple and steady performers. Neither will be the best of the group or the worst of the group.
Josh Sitton (aka Yovani Gallardo):
Sitton and Gallardo are the only real bright spots in either group. Both look young and hungry, only time will tell if they turn out to be pro bowl/all-start caliber performers.
Allen Barbre (aka Manny Parra):
Barbre shows flashes of promise but is not reliable, just like his counterpart Manny Parra (who had an extended stint in the minor this season because of his inconsistent pitching). There is a reason why the Packer brought in "The Neck Beard" (Mark Tauscher) even though he is only 11 months removed from ACL surgery.
Packers' coach Mike McCarthy alluded to the fact that rookie T.J. Lang might be given a chance to start on the offensive line at a position besides left tackle this week against the Dallas Cowboys. Lang has only played as an injury fill-in thus far for the Packers but he can't be worse then some of the guys (I am talking to you Mr. Alaska and Barbre) starting at this point. If "The Neck Beard" is out with a knee injury then give Lang a chance at right tackle ahead of Barbre. If "The Neck Beard" can play then give Lang a chance at left guard in place of "Mr. Alaska". Similar to Barbre, Colledge has been horrible this season so why not see what Lang has to offer.
The Packers will only go as far as their offensive line takes them. Yes Aaron Rodgers had held onto the ball too long. Yes the Packers have too many drops. The bottom line is that it all starts with protection up front. If the Packers' offensive line plays the last 8 weeks like they did the first 8 weeks then it is going to be a painful second half of the 2009 season for the Packers.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Why the Green Bay Packers Should Sign Mark Tauscher
Various media outlets reported that the Green Bay Packers worked out former Packer Mark Tauscher on Tuesday and that both sides look close to reaching an agreement (source: here). Tauscher was the starting right tackle for the Packers from 2000-2008 but he tore his ACL on December 7th, 2008 and has been rehabbing ever since. The Kansas City Chiefs had Tauscher in for a workout last week but did not sign him.
All along, October 1st was the earliest date for Tauscher to return to action because that is 10 months from when he tore his ACL. The timing of this could not be any better for the Packers. Not only do the Packers have a bye week, which would give them time to re-acclimate Tauscher, they are currently $18 million under the cap. The Packers just placed Will Blackmon on injured reserve after he tore his ACL against the Vikings so the Packers have a spot on their 53-man roster for an "ACL swap."
Last week against the Vikings, for the second week in a row, Chad Clifton was unable to go at left tackle so the Packers started Daryn Colledge. When Colledge got hurt during the game, the Packers were forced to insert rookie T.J. Lang at left tackle. Lang looked wildly over matched, just like the rest of the offensive line.
Unless Tauscher's workout was horrible, the Packers should sign him immediately. Tauscher would provide the Packers with some much needed veteran depth at tackle. Although Tauscher strictly played right tackle for the Packers, inserting him into the starting offensive line gives the Packers options. First and foremost, it allows the Packers to give Allen Barbre reps at left and right tackle. Taushcer helps hedge against another injury because it gives the Packers a proven backup at each position: Barbre at tackle, Spitz at guard and Wells at center.
All along, October 1st was the earliest date for Tauscher to return to action because that is 10 months from when he tore his ACL. The timing of this could not be any better for the Packers. Not only do the Packers have a bye week, which would give them time to re-acclimate Tauscher, they are currently $18 million under the cap. The Packers just placed Will Blackmon on injured reserve after he tore his ACL against the Vikings so the Packers have a spot on their 53-man roster for an "ACL swap."
Last week against the Vikings, for the second week in a row, Chad Clifton was unable to go at left tackle so the Packers started Daryn Colledge. When Colledge got hurt during the game, the Packers were forced to insert rookie T.J. Lang at left tackle. Lang looked wildly over matched, just like the rest of the offensive line.
Unless Tauscher's workout was horrible, the Packers should sign him immediately. Tauscher would provide the Packers with some much needed veteran depth at tackle. Although Tauscher strictly played right tackle for the Packers, inserting him into the starting offensive line gives the Packers options. First and foremost, it allows the Packers to give Allen Barbre reps at left and right tackle. Taushcer helps hedge against another injury because it gives the Packers a proven backup at each position: Barbre at tackle, Spitz at guard and Wells at center.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Why Declare Clifton Out Early?
The Green Bay Packers stated that it is "very unlikely" that left tackle Chad Clifton will suit up against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night (source: here). Outside of how much this hurts the Packers (no pun intended) chance of beating the Vikings on Monday Night, I am baffled by this disclosure on Saturday morning on two levels. First, General Manager Ted Thompson and the Packers usually do not disclose ANY information. Thompson is the master of keeping his thoughts to himself. Second, Thompson and the Packers would not be breaking any NFL rules as long as they disclose Clifton's practice status as mandated by the NFL. Barring a miraculous recovery, the much maligned 2009 Packers Offensive Line looks to be even weaker on Monday Night against the Minnesota Vikings if Clifton is unable to play.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Preview of Week #1 of the 2009 NFL Season – Packers v. Bears
The Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears renew one of the oldest rivalries in professional sports this Sunday night on NBC. There are two subplots that jump-start the storied rivalry. First, the Bears made the blockbuster acquisition of quarterback Jay Cutler in the off-season. That gives the Bears’ their first pro bowl quarterback since Jim McMahon in 1986. Second, the Packers made the transition from the 4-3 defense to the 3-4 defense under new defensive coordinator Dom Capers. That gives the Packers’ a new look on defense, which they sorely need after their poor defensive performance in 2008. Here is a position-by-position breakdown of the upcoming game:
- Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers v. Jay Cutler Round 1. They are two of the youngest, undeniably talented and most promising QBs in the NFL. Cutler is learning a new system but by mid-season he should know it like the back of his hand. Rodgers returns to the same system that he has worked in for the last four seasons, which gives him a leg up Cutler. The Packers have the advantage at quarterback.
- Running Back: the Bears hold the advantage here with promising 2nd year running back Matt Forte coming off a very successful rookie year edging out incumbent Packers’ starting running back Ryan Grant. The Bears have the advantage at running back.
- Wide Receivers: the Packers have much better top end WRs with Greg Jennings and Donald Driver over the Bears’ Devin Hester and Earl Bennett. Furthermore, the Packers have better depth with James Jones, Jordy Nelson and Brett Swain over Rashied Davis, Devin Aromashodu, Juaquin Iglesias and Jonny Knox. On both top end talent and quality depth the Packers have the advantage at wide receiver.
- Tight End: although this season might be Finley’s coming out party, he has to prove it on the field. The Bears’ have better TEs in Greg Olsen and Desmond Clark over the Packers’ Donald Lee and Jermichael Finley. As a result, the Bears have the advantage at tight end.
- Offensive Line: both the Packers and Bears have a revamped offensive line coming into the 2009 season. The Bears signed starting left guard Frank Omiyale and left tackle Orlando Pace as free agents in the off-season. 2008 1st round draft choice Chris Williams takes over at right tackle for the retired John Tait. Holdovers, right guard Roberto Garza and center Olin Kreutz return. The Packers return starting left tackle Chad Clifton and left guard Daryn Colledge. Jason Spitz started all over the offensive line last season for the Packers; this season he took the starting center job away from Scott Wells. The Packers tabbed promising young players Josh Sitton at right guard and Allen Barbre at right tackle. With both offensive lines in flux, it almost too early to tell. The offensive line is a wash.
- Defensive Line: the Bears have a veteran line with Adewale Ogunleye, Tommie Harris, Anthony Adams and Alex Brown. As long as the Bear’s defensive line stays healthy, they have a very formidable front four on defense. The Packers are trying to see what players fit where in their new defensive scheme. NT Ryan Pickett and DE Johnny Jolly have excelled in the preseason but rookie defensive lineman B.J. Raji has been limited in the pre-season because of contract negotiations and an ankle injury. The Bears have the advantage at defensive line.
- Linebacker: although early reports are that Urlacher had one of his best training camps in years, the Bears’ linebackers got a year older with Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher. The Packers’ transition to the 3-4 means they will utilize more linebackers (they kept ten on their 53-man roster). Aaron Kampman seems to have made a smooth transition from defensive end to outside linebacker. Nick Barnett has made a healthy return to middle linebacker along side A.J. Hawk. With all of their depth and talent, the Packers have the advantage at linebacker.
- Defensive Backs: the Packers’ have a better starting defensive backfield in Charles Woodson, All Harris, Atari Bigby and Nick Collins over Trumaine McBride, Nathan Vasher, Kevin Payne and Daniel Manning. The Packers have the advantage at defensive back.
- Special Teams: Devin Hester, Daniel Manning, punter Brad Maynard and place kicker Robbie Gould are much more accomplished then Will Blackmon, Jordy Nelson, punter Jason Kapinos and place kicker Mason Crosby. The Bears have an advantage at special teams.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Packers and Bears both won two positions and tied on one. As a result, the offensive side of the ball is a wash. On the defensive side of the ball, the Packers won two positions and the Bears won one position. As a result, the Packers won on the defensive side of the ball. For special teams, the Bears have the advantage on paper. Add that all up and it looks like there will be a great battle between the Packers and Bears at Lambeau Field tune into NBC Sunday night to see it unfold.
- Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers v. Jay Cutler Round 1. They are two of the youngest, undeniably talented and most promising QBs in the NFL. Cutler is learning a new system but by mid-season he should know it like the back of his hand. Rodgers returns to the same system that he has worked in for the last four seasons, which gives him a leg up Cutler. The Packers have the advantage at quarterback.
- Running Back: the Bears hold the advantage here with promising 2nd year running back Matt Forte coming off a very successful rookie year edging out incumbent Packers’ starting running back Ryan Grant. The Bears have the advantage at running back.
- Wide Receivers: the Packers have much better top end WRs with Greg Jennings and Donald Driver over the Bears’ Devin Hester and Earl Bennett. Furthermore, the Packers have better depth with James Jones, Jordy Nelson and Brett Swain over Rashied Davis, Devin Aromashodu, Juaquin Iglesias and Jonny Knox. On both top end talent and quality depth the Packers have the advantage at wide receiver.
- Tight End: although this season might be Finley’s coming out party, he has to prove it on the field. The Bears’ have better TEs in Greg Olsen and Desmond Clark over the Packers’ Donald Lee and Jermichael Finley. As a result, the Bears have the advantage at tight end.
- Offensive Line: both the Packers and Bears have a revamped offensive line coming into the 2009 season. The Bears signed starting left guard Frank Omiyale and left tackle Orlando Pace as free agents in the off-season. 2008 1st round draft choice Chris Williams takes over at right tackle for the retired John Tait. Holdovers, right guard Roberto Garza and center Olin Kreutz return. The Packers return starting left tackle Chad Clifton and left guard Daryn Colledge. Jason Spitz started all over the offensive line last season for the Packers; this season he took the starting center job away from Scott Wells. The Packers tabbed promising young players Josh Sitton at right guard and Allen Barbre at right tackle. With both offensive lines in flux, it almost too early to tell. The offensive line is a wash.
- Defensive Line: the Bears have a veteran line with Adewale Ogunleye, Tommie Harris, Anthony Adams and Alex Brown. As long as the Bear’s defensive line stays healthy, they have a very formidable front four on defense. The Packers are trying to see what players fit where in their new defensive scheme. NT Ryan Pickett and DE Johnny Jolly have excelled in the preseason but rookie defensive lineman B.J. Raji has been limited in the pre-season because of contract negotiations and an ankle injury. The Bears have the advantage at defensive line.
- Linebacker: although early reports are that Urlacher had one of his best training camps in years, the Bears’ linebackers got a year older with Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher. The Packers’ transition to the 3-4 means they will utilize more linebackers (they kept ten on their 53-man roster). Aaron Kampman seems to have made a smooth transition from defensive end to outside linebacker. Nick Barnett has made a healthy return to middle linebacker along side A.J. Hawk. With all of their depth and talent, the Packers have the advantage at linebacker.
- Defensive Backs: the Packers’ have a better starting defensive backfield in Charles Woodson, All Harris, Atari Bigby and Nick Collins over Trumaine McBride, Nathan Vasher, Kevin Payne and Daniel Manning. The Packers have the advantage at defensive back.
- Special Teams: Devin Hester, Daniel Manning, punter Brad Maynard and place kicker Robbie Gould are much more accomplished then Will Blackmon, Jordy Nelson, punter Jason Kapinos and place kicker Mason Crosby. The Bears have an advantage at special teams.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Packers and Bears both won two positions and tied on one. As a result, the offensive side of the ball is a wash. On the defensive side of the ball, the Packers won two positions and the Bears won one position. As a result, the Packers won on the defensive side of the ball. For special teams, the Bears have the advantage on paper. Add that all up and it looks like there will be a great battle between the Packers and Bears at Lambeau Field tune into NBC Sunday night to see it unfold.
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