We had planned on dedicating Tuesday night and this morning to recapping the release of the 2010 NFL regular season schedule, as many thought it would come out Tuesday. But, of course the NFL isn’t ready to do that yet. Why would they be? That [...]]]> Truth be told, this post wasn’t supposed to run until tonight.

We had planned on dedicating Tuesday night and this morning to recapping the release of the 2010 NFL regular season schedule, as many thought it would come out Tuesday. But, of course the NFL isn’t ready to do that yet. Why would they be? That would be giving us what we want.

So, in that case, here’s part two of our series on safeties. It’s a position the Green Bay Packers must address, sooner rather than later in this draft. Nick Collins is, obviously, an All-Pro at free safety. No worries there. His running mate, Atari Bigby, shows the occasional flashes of greatness, but is also often hurt and/or ineffective.

Behind those two? Jarrett Bush and Derrick Martin.

(Shudder).

Adam covered three of the top guys Tuesday. And here are three more:

• Morgan Burnett, Georgia Tech

The numbers: 6-feet, 1-inch, 210 pounds…turned 21 years old in January…forfeited his senior season to enter the draft…4.42 40-yard dash time at his pro day in March and did 16 bench press reps at the combine…second team All ACC in 2009…77 tackles, four interceptions and four passes defended in 2009…14 interceptions (one returned for a score), one sack and one forced fumble in his three years at Georgia Tech.

What he does that could work for the Packers: Instincts – Burnett’s got them. He can read the play quickly, and if he’s near the ball, there’s a good chance he’ll get his hands on it (look at those interception numbers). He clearly has speed to burn and he can be viscious – in a good way, not a penalty-ridden way – to receivers who cross his path. Didn’t have a defined position at Georgia Tech – the word “rover” has been used several times to describe him – but is able to play both safety spots.

What he doesn’t do that could hurt the Packers: The “rover” thing worked in college, but he’ll likely need to learn the intricacies of both safety spots in the pros. He’s a gambler, no question about it, something that’s hurt him at times. He can lay the wood, but he needs to become a more consistent tackler (really, more consistent overall).

Final thoughts: Overall, there isn’t much about Burnett to dislike. His speed and nose for the ball are things that can’t really be taught. He’s a hitter and, perhaps most importantly, he’s versatile. He could step in for either Bigby or Collins should one of them get hurt. In all honesty, I think he could overtake Bigby at strong safety before the end of this season, once he learns what to do at the position. The consistency issues don’t really worry me as those things can be improved with coaching. He’ll be hard to ignore in the second round and impossible to ignore if he’s still on the board in round three.

• Reshad Jones, Georgia

The numbers: 6-feet, 1-inch, 214 pounds…turned 24 years old in February…forfeited his senior season to enter the draft…4.54 40-yard dash time and 24 bench press reps at the combine (improved his 40-time to 4.52 for his pro day in March)…second team All SEC in 2008…61 tackles, four interceptions, one forced fumble and six passes defended in 2009…11 interceptions in three years at Georgia.

What he does that could work for the Packers: Jones has many of the same strengths that Burnett does. He’s versatile (can play either spot) and tough and he packs a viscious punch as a hitter. His ball skills, while not quite as good as Burnett’s, are definitely solid. He’s also a lot stronger than Burnett (not many safeties can put up 24 reps). He’s not afraid to play the run and has above average athleticism.

What he doesn’t do that could hurt the Packers: Again, like Burnett, Jones needs to become a more consistent tackler and has been overaggressive in coverage too often. Burnett has been able to get away with it more, though, because of his supreme instincts and speed, neither of which Jones has.

Final thoughts: While Jones has the ability to play both positions, he strikes me as purely a strong safety in the pros. His lack of instincts and pure speed wouldn’t hurt him as much at that position. Plus, that position would allow him to showcase his strongest attributes – playing the run and hitting. In many ways, Jones reminds me of Bigby (minus, hopefully, the injury problems). I don’t like him as a second round pick, but as a third rounder, he’s intriguing as he’s got some upside.

• Larry Asante, Nebraska

The numbers: 6-feet, 1-inch, 215 pounds…turned 22 years old in March…4.62 40-yard dash time and 14 bench press reps at the combine (40-time slowed to 4.66 at his pro day in March)…first team All Big 12 in 2009…77 tackles, two interceptions (one returned for a score), two forced fumbles and six passes defended in 2009…three interceptions, three forced fumbles and one sack over his final three years at Nebraska.

What he does that could work for the Packers: Throw versatility out the window with this guy – he’s strictly a strong safety. That’s not necessarily a bad thing when you look at what Asante does well, though. This guy’s a big-time hitter – perhaps the hardest-hitting safety in this draft. He’s a fantastic tackler who loves to play the run. He’s sharp, too; he can read the play quickly, which helps him make up for his lack of pure speed.

What he doesn’t do that could hurt the Packers: As a cover man, Asante is lacking. His ball skills are still very raw, his footwork needs improvement and his stiff hips make it hard for him to turn and run with tight ends and backs. 

Final thoughts: To me, Pittsburgh’s Ryan Clark is the prototypical 3-4 strong safety. In many ways, Asante is similar, particularly in his hitting, tackling and ability to play the run. Clark, however, is a very underrated cover man. Obviously, that’s where Asante needs the most work in order to catch up. With some good coaching, he could very well get there. Remember, Asante started his career playing linebacker at Coffeyville Community College and worked his way up to All Big 12. He’s got the ability to improve. I’m not sure that’s worth a third round selection, but I don’t see how Green Bay could pass him up in round four.

That wraps up part two of our look at safeties. If the league decides to hold off on the schedule release for another day, we’ll be back later today with the final part of our series on the position.

But if the league actually, you know, gives us what we want and puts the schedule out later today, we’ll conclude our series Thursday.

-Chris Lempesis

The deal is one-year for $3.3 million and takes Collins off [...]]]> Chris mentioned this morning he was hoping the Packers would take a serious look safety Ryan Clark before re-upped with the Steelers.  However, all may not be lost at the position as Nick Collins signed his restricted free agent tender today, according Journal-Sentinel’s Tom Silverstein.

The deal is one-year for $3.3 million and takes Collins off the free agent market.  The Packers previously placed the highest possible on Collins, a first and third-round draft pick compensation, so by signing the tender no team can come and offer Collins a deal anymore.  While it seemed unlikely that a team would give up that kind of compensation to sign Collins, crazier things have happened and it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibilities.

Signing the tender is news for three reasons.  First, many times restricted free agents will not sign the tender and use it as leverage for a new deal.  Secondly, Collins’ agent Alan Herman said today that signing the tender could be looked at as a good faith gesture and they are optimistic a long-term deal will be finalized soon.  And lastly, by signing the tender Collins now cannot holdout from mandatory offseason workouts and mini-camps.

“Based on the tender Nick received and based on Nick’s desire to stay with the Packers and to take part in the offseason program, which is something he really wanted to do, he elected to sign the tender,” Herman told Silverstein.  “Nick really likes it in Green Bay and wants to stay there.  Hopefully, this will help us finalize a deal as we move forward.”

Herman also stated that he doesn’t think that it shouldn’t be long before a deal is done, possibly in the coming weeks.  He probably is speaking the truth as it is hard to see Collins signing the tender if he didn’t think a long-term deal would be imminent.

There was no mention on what kind of terms each side are seeking in the new deal, but thanks to the Giants insanely giving Antrel Rolle $37 million over five years with $15 million guaranteed (I still believe Rolle has dirt on Coughlin), expect Collins’ deal to be around those numbers.  Every year free agents are overpaid, but that is just the nature of the business.

Not surprisingly Thompson has been quiet so far this offseason, only making news by re-signing Clifton.  However, just like last offseason when the biggest signing he could have made would be re-signing Greg Jennings, Thompson can make this year just as successful by signing Collins long-term.   Looks like that might be sooner than later.

-Adam Somers

Sure, you’ve cleared that Monday hurdle well enough – perhaps with some help of your fond memories from the past weekend – but now what do you have to look forward to? Those weekend memories (if you can remember what actually happened) fade quickly, leaving [...]]]> Let’s face it: Tuesday is the worst day of the week.

Sure, you’ve cleared that Monday hurdle well enough – perhaps with some help of your fond memories from the past weekend – but now what do you have to look forward to? Those weekend memories (if you can remember what actually happened) fade quickly, leaving you with two full days to get through before you can begin to get excited about the upcoming weekend.

That’s where we at OBOD come in.

We’re here with some Tuesday quick slants (copyright Adam Somers), a handful of interesting items that – hopefully – give you a little shot in the arm on this most dreadful of days.

Enjoy.

• Strong safety Ryan Clark re-upped with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday (four years, terms undisclosed). He was one player I thought Ted Thompson would take a serious look at. The Green Bay Packers are clearly trying to be Pittsburgh West and, with Atari Bigby oft-injured and up-and-down in his play, Clark would have been an upgrade. But, as we all know, Thompson won’t likely begin to look at signing anyone until later this week and Clark just didn’t make it that long.
• The Minnesota Vikings have finally signed someone…and it’s Rhys Lloyd, a kickoff specialist (guffawing over here). Ryan Longwell, as us Packers fans know, isn’t terribly great at booming kickoffs, so I guess Lloyd is an upgrade…I guess. He’s an alum of the University of Minnesota – as are Adam and I – so it’s unfortunate that we now have to turn on one of our own. But we are more than prepared to do it.
• The Vikings also could have some interest in LaDainian Tomlinson, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. They lost Chester Taylor to the Chicago Bears on Friday, so they have an opening for a third down/pass catching back. And, while LT brings some star power, he’s pretty much washed up and doesn’t scare me one bit as a Packers fan. Plus, is there a lockeroom big enough to contain the egos of LT and Judas? I’m not so sure.
• As you may or may not remember, I wrote a post during the season talking about which new jersey I might get. My A.J. Hawk one isn’t getting it done anymore, frankly, and I need an upgrade. I’ve since narrowed my list down to the final four: Aaron Rodgers, Clay Matthews, B.J. Raji and Johnny Jolly. I’d get a Charles Woodson one, but I think Adam’s going to beat me to it. We already both have Hawk jerseys (happened completely by coincidence). If we both get Woody jerseys, we’ll look like idiots. I hope to have a decision made soon and any other suggestions are welcomed.
• Mike Holmgren has found his quarterback of the future. Okay, so he hasn’t, but he has traded for Seneca Wallace (the longtime backup in Seattle whom Holmgren coached for quite some time), according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Apparently the Brownies surrendered an undisclosed 2011 draft pick. If I was Derek Anderson, I’d be giving my realtor a call right about now.
• Man, I’m not sure how we forgot to mention this sooner, but the Packers cut defensive end Mike Montgomery and safety Matt Giordano on Friday. Montgomery, for some unknown reason, was kept around for five seasons, producing a grand total of almost nothing. Even though he was undersized at end in the 3-4, Green Bay actually re-signed him last offseason. He and his (alleged) score of eight on the Wonderlic test – with a score that low, can you even spell your name? – will not be missed. Giordano was signed early in the season after being cut by the Indianapolis Colts. While not around as long as Montgomery, he also produced nothing and won’t be missed. The two moves save Green Bay just under $2 million next season.
• We’ve got a new addition to our blogroll: PocketDoppler. It’s a site for fans of all things Wisconsin sports-related. It’s a very entertaining site and you should definitely check them out.
• Finally, if you’re wondering where Gene Bosling went to college, I’m more than happy to tell you: He went to the University of It’s None of Your Damn Business. Their football team stinks but the softball program is just awesome.

-Chris Lempesis

Let’s cut to the chase. Here [...]]]> (Before we begin: Just to reiterate, if you’re worried this is it for OBOD’s offseason coverage, don’t be. We’ll be all over free agency when it starts and we’re already busy researching for the draft and we’ll be beginning our coverage of that soon enough. Three words: Mock drafts, baby!)

Let’s cut to the chase. Here is part two of our look at some potential free agent targets for Green Bay (scroll down a bit for part one).

Again, enjoy.

3. Strong safety – As I said earlier this week, I think Atari Bigby showed just enough flashes to warrant one more shot as the starter in the 3-4. He likely comes back on another one-year tender, but if the team decides to upgrade, it will have some very intriguing options. New Orleans’ Roman Harper, just 27, had a very good season (103 tackles, two forced fumbles, 1.5 sacks) playing opposite a ballhawking free safety in Darren Sharper. Well, the Packers certainly have one of those in Nick Collins. Indianapolis’ Antoine Bethea is perenially underrated, but has averaged around 87 tackles and three interceptions in his four years in the league. He’s restricted and, at just 25 years old, could command a high tender. Since the Packers are clearly in love with the way the Steelers do things on defense, Pittsburgh’s Ryan Clark could be a nice fit. He’s basically the same player as Bigby, but Clark is better in coverage. He’s 30 years old and has had some injury problems, but would definitely be an upgrade. Baltimore’s Dawan Landry, 27, is a restricted free agent who had a nice season, with or without Ed Reed in the lineup (89 tackles, four interceptions). If Reed makes good on his threat to retire, Baltimore likely locks Landry up long-term. Finally, Cleveland’s Brodney Pool had a good 2009 season with 50 tackles, four picks and 10 passes defended in just 11 games. Problem with Pool, though, is that he was put on injured reserve in early December due to multiple concussions. He’ll be restricted, but if the Browns decide to just let him go in fear of those concussions, he could make for an intriguing – and cheap – option. Side note: Pool was the player I wanted Green Bay to pick with its first-rounder in 2005. Good thing the Packers didn’t, eh?

4. Defensive line – If Ryan Pickett and Johnny Jolly both return (and I think they will), those two – along with Cullen Jenkins and B.J. Raji – could make for a solid d-line next season. The one problem, though, is that there isn’t much behind those four, meaning all of them have to stay healthy or else the remaining players get overworked. The Packers need one more guy to make that group formidable, and the odds are good that Ted Thompson uses the draft to find him (in, say, the third round). But if he opts for free agency, there are some players who’d be a nice fit. Pittsburgh’s Casey Hampton is getting older (he’ll be 33 by the time next season starts), but still competes at a very high level. He put up 43 tackles and 2.5 sacks, a lot from a 3-4 nose tackle. He’s only got a few years left, so he could be had at a reasonable rate. San Francisco’s Aubrayo Franklin, also a nose tackle, was outstanding this past season (36 tackles, two sacks) as the anchor of the Niners’ defense. He eats up blocks, doesn’t turn 30 until August and would instantly make Green Bay’s linebackers better. Only problem with him is that he’s a near-lock to be hit with the franchise tag, meaning he’d cost two first-round picks in addition to a big contract. If the Packers are in search of a defensive end, Dallas’ Marcus Spears would be a nice fit. His numbers aren’t overly impressive (25 tackles, 2.5 sacks last season) but he’s strong as a bull, can occupy blocks and turns just 27 in March. He’ll be restricted, so he’ll likely cost a bit (maybe a second-rounder). New England’s Derrick Burgess, obviously, has experience as an end in the 3-4. He’s a bit undersized – just 260 pounds, light for a 3-4 end – but recorded five sacks at the spot for the Pats last season. He’s older, turning 32 in August, so he could be had for a decent, short-term rate.

5. Punter – As I said earlier in the week, Jeremy Kapinos is pretty much awful and provides no help in winning the field position battle. Green Bay should just let him go and try to find an actual punter (for the first time, seemingly, in forever). We all remember Seattle’s Jon Ryan, of course, only now Ryan is actually pretty good (and still only 28 years old). Baltimore’s Sam Koch and Atlanta’s Michael Koenen are both under 30, as well, and both in the prime of their careers. Chicago’s Brad Maynard is still outstanding, despite being nearly 36. Did I dedicate enough space to punters? More than enough, I’d say.

6. Kicker – The Packers seem dead-set on bringing Mason Crosby back, although they are likely to bring in legitimate competition (thank God). They’ll likely take a kicker late in the draft or bring in an unsigned free agent or two. But if they decided to go get an actual, established kicker, there will be some options. Cincinnati’s Shayne Graham is as steady as they come and, at 32, should still have a few years left. New England’s Stephen Gostkowski and Pittsburgh’s Jeff Reed are both solid, if unspectacular, kickers who have experience kicking in crappy weather. Gostkowski is only 26, so he’d be a better target than the soon-to-be-31-year old Reed (plus, Reed seems to really like his booze, potentially a disaster in Green Bay). Did I dedicate enough space to kickers? WAY more than enough, I’d say.

7. Outside linebacker – The Packers appear to be set for the long haul at the position with Clay Matthews and Brad Jones (yet another seventh-round steal by the Pack). Still, if Brady Poppinga is cut (like I hope), Aaron Kampman isn’t re-signed (like I suspect) and Jeremy Thompson retires due to his neck problems (like I fear), the Packers could be short-handed in terms of depth. Thompson likely drafts a guy late – why not if you hit on Jones late last season, right? – but he should also target a veteran presence. Kansas City’s Mike Vrabel would be a perfect fit, despite the fact that he turns 35 in August. Plus, that’d give the Packers two linebackers who can catch touchdowns (Vrabel and Spencer Havner). That’d be kinda cool.

That concludes our week-long look at Green Bay’s post-season, pre-draft to-do list. Thanks for checking back throughout the week and I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did. Or, at the very least, hopefully I allowed you to kill some time at work.

-Chris Lempesis