If you were to ask Green Bay Packers fans which direction the team could – and likely should – go on day two of the draft, most would have said defense, specifically cornerback and outside linebacker.
Well, as it turns out, Ted Thompson agreed with those people on the first part.
He did not share their sentiments on the second part, however.
By targeting defensive line and safety with Green Bay’s day two selections, Thompson showed he has much more confidence in his team’s outside linebackers and corners than most fans/analysts do.
And when you really think about it, Thompson’s viewpoint makes quite a bit of sense.
Yes, the Packers need to find someone to pair opposite Clay Matthews at OLB. But, as I’ve written numerous times this offseason, I really think Brad Jones can be that guy. As a seventh round pick, he showed some serious flashes last season. He could easily make the jump this season.
Even if he fails, there are some options. Brandon Chillar could move over from inside linebacker, as could A.J. Hawk. And, as Adam pointed out to me over the phone, Jeremy Thompson’s still an option if his neck heals up.
Same goes for the corner spot. Charles “2009 NFL Defensive Player of the Year” Woodson and Tramon Williams make for an elite starting tandem. The injury issues surrounding Al Harris, Pat Lee and Will Blackmon are all concerns, yes, but you have to think at least two of those guys will stay healthy. And Brandon Underwood could always develop into a player, too.
I do not mean to suggest Green Bay is above adding some depth at these spots, mind you. But, in contrast, look at the defensive line/safety spots for a second.
The Packers have a solid front four in Johnny Jolly, Cullen Jenkins, B.J. Raji and Ryan Pickett, no question about it. But remember last season when Pickett was hurt and had to miss some time? The other three had to play almost every snap and the result was increased fatigue and decreased impact.
Green Bay got lucky that Pickett’s injury wasn’t significant. Had it been – or had any of the other three been injured – the entire defense would have struggled.
The selection of Purdue’s Mike Neal, while perhaps a reach, assures tremendous depth on the d-line for the short-term. For the long-term, it covers the Packers as Jenkins and Jolly are scheduled for free agency after this season (and Jolly, of course, could still end up in the clink on those drug charges).
And the more I learn about Neal, the more I like. He’s a tough, hard-nosed player who knows how to tackle. He’s got a quick first step and can pressure the quarterback (always a plus from 3-4 ends). He’s strong as a freakin’ bull, able to bench press 500 pounds. I’m worried about the consistency issues, but with insane d-line coach Mike Trgovac all over him, I don’t think that will be much of a problem in the end.
Now, let’s look at the safety position. We all love Nick Collins, obviously, but Atari Bigby has spent much of his time, post-2007, being either injured or ineffective. The Packers needed someone to seriously challenge Bigby for his job – or, at the very least, provide depth. Remember, the backups at safety, as of now, are Derrick Martin and Jarrett Bush.
Gulp.
The selection of Georgia Tech’s Morgan Burnett, a player I’ve liked for the past two weeks, accomplishes both those goals. Burnett can play either safety spot. That means he can challenge Bigby right away, which I think he will (prediction: He’s starting by week six). Even if he loses out to Bigby initially, he’s a massive upgrade in terms of depth at two positions.
In other words, he was absolutely worth trading up for.
The selections of Neal and Burnett – along with Bryan Bulaga in the first round Thursday – were smart, safe, solid picks, meant to provide immediate depth and future starters. It’s very easy to see Thompson’s mindset after these three picks.
He’s more interested in tightening up what he already has than finding replacements. You know who operates like that? Someone who thinks his team is Super Bowl ready.
After the past two days, I think he’s right.
-Chris Lempesis
Recent Comments