Green Bay Packers 7-Round Mock Draft 2013 (Pre-NFL Scouting Combine)

By Bob Fox


Part of the player evaluation process for the 2013 NFL Draft has already taken place.

The East-West Shrine game and the Senior Bowl have both been played. The NFL Scouting Combine will soon be upon us, and Pro Days will be utilized to evaluate players' draft stock for the scouts, coaches and general managers of each team.

This will be the first of several complete seven-round mock drafts that I will do for the Packers. In the last few years I've been able to pinpoint some of the players the Packers would select in a given draft.

I have correctly identified selections like B.J. Raji, Bryan Bulaga, Mike Neal, C.J.Wilson, Alex Green and Davon House, as well as Nick Perry and Casey Hayward last season, over the course of the past four drafts.

Also, in March, the NFL will award compensatory picks to teams. At this point, I would think the Packers will get at least one compensatory pick, perhaps two, as the Packers lost quarterback Matt Flynn, center Scott Wells and cornerback Pat Lee to free agency.

In addition, I believe Ted Thompson will continue to be aggressive in this year's draft, just like he was last year when he traded up three times. Those trades included two in the second round. One of those trade ups allowed the Packers to select Hayward, who had a great rookie year.

Having an additional compensatory pick or two helps, although a team cannot trade away those particular picks.

Based on what I have seen up to this point, I would believe the players I list in this mock draft would interest the Packers. Both from a talent standpoint and from a team need perspective.

Round 1: Defensive End Margus Hunt (SMU)

Height: 6'8"  Weight: 277 pounds

It should be noted, that the Green Bay Packers were one of a number of NFL teams that interviewed Margus Hunt at the Senior Bowl. Hunt not only has great size, but he is also quite an athlete with a background in track & field.

Hunt also has a frame that can add weight without losing any mobility.

Hunt had a solid senior year for Southern Methodist University, as he had 28 tackles, six sacks, one interception, two pass deflections and three blocked kicks in the regular season. Hunt followed that up with a great performance in the Hawaii Bowl against Fresno State with a sack for a safety and two forced fumbles in a 43-10 loss.

Hunt is still raw, but he just keeps improving. He has excellent speed for his size, an 82-inch wing span and was named to the 2012 All-Conference USA first team.

Hunt is sort of the modern day version of Ted Hendricks with his kick-blocking ability. He blocked 17 kicks in his career at SMU.

Hunt got better as the week wore on in drills for the North team at the Senior Bowl.

The Packers need someone with Hunt's height and athleticism at defensive end in their 3-4 scheme.

Hunt can bring a dynamic difference to the Packers defense; much like J.J. Watt has done with the Houston Texans. Why? His athletic prowess, not to mention his size.

Think of the 17 balls Watt batted down this year for the Texans to go along with his 20.5 sacks.

Hunt keeps moving up the draft boards (and the NFL Scouting Combine will only help). He's considered a guy who could be selected as early as the first round in most circles. Hunt definitely won't get past the second round.

Round 2: Wide Receiver Quinton Patton (Louisiana Tech)

Height: 6'0"  Weight: 202 pounds

Quinton Patton had a monster senior season for Louisiana Tech, as he caught 104 passes for 1,392 yards and 13 touchdowns.

This was after he had 79 receptions for 1,202 yards and 11 touchdowns in his junior year.

Patton was named to the 2012 All-WAC first team and the 2012 AP All-American second team.

Patton followed that up by having a great week at the Senior Bowl. When the ball was anywhere near him on a pass attempt, he always seemed to go get the ball and catch it at the practices, even with great coverage.

Patton can go get it over the middle on a crossing pattern or a slant, while being very effective on deep patterns as well.

With the retirement of Donald Driver, and with Greg Jennings most likely leaving via free agency, the Green Bay Packers need to address their depth at wide receiver.

Ted Thompson likes to go after wide receivers early in the draft, too. Thompson has selected four wide receivers (Terrance Murphy, Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb) in the second round in the eight drafts he has presided over for the Packers. He also has drafted one wide receiver (James Jones) in the third round.

Patton looks to be drafted in the third round at this point, but could go as early as the second round after his performance at the Senior Bowl.

Round 3: Running Back Montee Ball (Wisconsin)

Height: 5'11"  Weight: 215 pounds

Montee Ball finished his senior season strong, as he was named the Grange-Griffin Big Ten Championship Game MVP, rushing for 202 yards and three touchdowns against Nebraska. Then in the Rose Bowl, Ball rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown.

Ball also won the Doak Walker Award (nation's top running back) in 2012, and was named first-team All-Big Ten at running back in 2012 (like he was in 2011). Ball was named Big Ten Running Back of the Year this season as well

Like in 2011, Ball was also named to the first-team Associated Press All-American team at running back.

In 2012, Ball rushed for 1,730 yards and 21 touchdowns.

In 2011, when Ball was a Heisman finalist, the Badger running back rushed for 1,923 yards, had 33 rushing touchdowns and added six receiving touchdowns.

Ball also holds the Division I FBS all-time touchdown record with 82 trips to the end zone. Ball also holds the all-time FBS mark with 76 rushing touchdowns.

Overall in his career, Ball has 5,040 yards rushing, plus 58 receptions for 591 more yards.

Ball would fit a need for Green Bay at running back, plus he would adapt to the offensive scheme of Mike McCarthy very well. The Packers need a back that will bring the safeties up near the line of scrimmage, as opposed to playing strictly deep, like they did in 2012.

Ball is a natural cut-back runner who hits the hole hard and knows how to find the end zone.  He also has excellent vision to go along with a nice blend of speed and power. Ball is also a very good receiver and a good blocker.

Ball may be go as early as the second round, so Ted Thompson may have to trade up to get his services before the end of the third round.

Round 4: Offensive Lineman David Quessenberry (San Jose State)

Height: 6'5"    Weight: 295 pounds

David Quessenberry was the first offensive lineman in San Jose State history to be selected to the Senior Bowl. He certainly played like he belonged in Mobile, Ala.

Quessenberry was a key member of the offensive line for a San Jose State team that finished 11-2 and won the Military Bowl.

Quessenberry was also named to the 2012 All-WAC first team (coaches).

Quessenberry stood out at the Senior Bowl for a couple of reasons. First, he performed very well for the North team in drills. Second, he did that at multiple positions, including center. He also excelled at guard and tackle.

The Green Bay Packers absolutely love versatile offensive linemen.

The Packers need quality depth across their offensive line, especially on the inside, as there is no backup center behind Evan Dietrich-Smith right now, with Jeff Saturday retiring.

Quessenberry can fill that role, plus play guard or tackle if need be.

Round 5: Inside Linebacker A.J. Klein (Iowa State)

Height: 6'1"   Weight: 246 pounds

A.J. Klein had a good week in practice during the East-West Shrine game, as he showed his tackling prowess.

Klein was named to the All-Big 12 First Team (media), as he had a stellar senior season. Klein had 98 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss, one sack, one pass broken up and an interception for a touchdown.

As a junior, Klein had 116 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, six passes broken up, two sacks and an interception.

Klein is an inside linebacker who is very aggressive attacking the line of scrimmage and plays hard until he hears the whistle.

He could help fill a void at inside linebacker, especially if A.J. Hawk is not brought back in 2013 (due to his salary). The Packers also lost two inside linebackers (Desmond Bishop and D.J. Smith) to season-ending injuries last season. Brad Jones is also an unrestricted free agent.

Klein is originally from Kimberly, Wis.

Klein looks to be selected in either the fourth or fifth round

Round 6: Kicker Caleb Sturgis (Florida)

Height: 5'10"  Weight: 186 pounds

Caleb Sturgis had a very strong week of practice for the East-West Shrine game because of his booming leg. Sturgis didn't hurt his status in the game either, as he made both field-goal attempts, including one from 48 yards out that would have been good from 60 yards.

Sturgis was named to the 2012 All-American third team, as well as the 2012 All-SEC first team (by coaches and media).

In 2012, Sturgis was 24-of-28 on field-goal attempts (including the Sugar Bowl). In 2011, Sturgis made 22-of-26 kicks.

The Packers will need someone to push Mason Crosby in training camp in 2013, especially when considering the roller-coaster year Crosby had in 2012.

Sturgis has the leg strength and the accuracy to give Crosby a good battle in camp.

Sturgis probably won't last until the seventh round, so if Ted Thompson wants someone who can really compete with Crosby, he will most likely have to take the former Gator in the sixth round.

Round 7: Defensive Lineman William Campbell (Michigan)

Height: 6'5'   Weight: 315 pounds

William Campbell was a highly-touted recruit for Michigan out of Detroit, but until his senior year, he hadn't done too much. Campbell was named to the 2012 All-Big Ten honorable mention squad.

Campbell opened some eyes at the East-West Shrine game practices, and he fills the need for a bigger body along the defensive line for the Packers. The Packers need taller and bigger players on the defensive line in their 3-4 schemes.

Still, because he is looked at as an underachiever, most scouts rate him with a sixth- or seventh-round grade. The Packers might select someone like Campbell and hope that defensive-line coach Mike Trgovac can light a fire under the former Wolverine and get him to play up to his potential.

Bob Fox is a featured columnist at Bleacherreport.com and shares content with GBPackeraddicts.com

Donald Driver Will Always Be a Green Bay Packer

By Bob Fox

Don't believe the rumors you are hearing about the Minnesota Vikings showing interest in Donald Driver (via Fox Sports 11). Driver should instead retire as a member of the Green Bay Packers this week.

It would be apropos for Driver to retire on Super Bowl week, as it was just two years ago when Driver finally got his first Super Bowl ring as a Packer, after first joining the Packers in 1999 as a seventh-round draft choice out of Alcorn State.

Driver started his Green Bay career slowly, as he only had 37 receptions and three touchdowns his first three seasons in the league.

But that all changed in 2002, when Driver caught 70 passes for 1,064 yards and nine touchdowns. That season, Driver was selected to the NFC Pro Bowl team, the first of four times he would be selected.

Driver was also named the team MVP in 2002, as well.

Driver has had a fabulous career in Green Bay. So much so, that he is the all-time leader in receptions for the Packers with 743, plus the all-time leader in receiving yardage as well, with 10,137 yards.

Driver was also fantastic in the postseason as well, as he is second all-time for the Packers in both receptions (49) and yardage (675).

Donald could also excel on the dance floor, as he won the Dancing with the Stars competition in 2012.

The one thing that I will always remember about Donald is what a class individual he is. Also, I think he has learned how the legacy of Brett Favre was certainly harmed in Green Bay after he became a Viking, after 16 glorious years in Green Bay.

Driver has been a Packer for 14 seasons. That number is ironic too. No. 14 was the number of wide receiver Don Hutson, who is considered the greatest Packer of all time by many. There were other great receivers in Green Bay history too, with Sterling Sharpe, James Lofton, Boyd Dowler and Greg Jennings among them.

But great things were expected of all of those receivers. That was not the case with Driver, who was drafted in the last round in 1999.

Driver far exceeded his expectations and has become a champion on and off the field.

Yes...Donald Driver will always be a Green Bay Packer.

Bob Fox contributes content  to our site, he is a featured columnist at Bleacherreport.com.

10 Senior Bowl Prospects the Green Bay Packers Should Love

By Bob Fox

Like the East-West Shrine game in St. Petersburg, Florida, Ted Thompson traveled to Mobile, Alabama to scout prospects at the Senior Bowl this past week.

Unlike the East-West Shrine game, the Senior Bowl has quite a few players who can be expected to be selected in the first three rounds of the draft, including a number of players who will go in the first round.

Needless to say, there were a lot of prospects who looked impressive in Mobile, as well as being very productive on the field at their respective schools this past season and in their careers overall.

I'm naming 10 players who I believe Thompson would love to have on the Green Bay Packers, knowing the needs and questions of the team going into the 2013 season.
Defensive End Margus Hunt (SMU)

Height: 6'8" Weight: 277 pounds

First, it should be noted, that the Green Bay Packers were one of a number of NFL teams who interviewed Margus Hunt at the Senior Bowl. Hunt not only has great size, but he is also quite an athlete, who also has a track background.

Hunt also has a frame which can add weight, without losing any mobility.

Hunt had a solid senior year for Southern Methodist University, as he had 28 tackles, six sacks, one interception, two pass deflections and three blocked kicks in the regular season.

Hunt followed that up with a great performance in the Hawaii Bowl against Fresno State, as he had a sack for a safety, plus two forced fumbles in a 43-10 win for the Fresno State Mustangs.
Hunt is still raw, but he just keeps improving. He has excellent speed for his size, a massive 82-inch wing span and was named to the 2012 All-Conference USA first-team.

Hunt is sort of the modern day version of Ted Hendricks with his kick-blocking ability. He blocked 17 kicks in his career at SMU.
Hunt got better as the week wore on in drills for the North team.
The Packers need someone with Hunt's height and athleticism at defensive end in their 3-4 defensive scheme.
 Hunt keeps moving up the draft boards, and could be selected as early as the first round now. Hunt definitely won't get past the second round.

Defensive End Datone Jones (UCLA)

Height: 6'4"
Weight: 280 pounds

Datone Jones played in the 3-4 quite a bit at UCLA, so he is very familiar with the scheme. Jones played both inside and outside with the UCLA Bruins on their defensive line.

Jones had 57 tackles, five sacks and 19 tackles for a loss  past year year, while he had 6.5 tackles for a loss and three sacks in 2011.

Jones missed all of the 2010 season with a fractured foot, but had a very nice year in 2009, playing next to Brian Price, when Jones had 30 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and four sacks.
Jones was named to the 2012 All-Pac-12 Second Team.

The former Bruin had a great week at the Senior Bowl, first in drills during the week for the North team, and also in the game, when he also had his moments.

Jones has the frame to add weight, and he is almost the prototypical height to be a defensive end in the 3-4 scheme.

Jones will most likely get selected late in the first round or early in the second.

Nose Tackle Brandon Williams (Missouri Southern)

Height: 6'2"
Weight: 340 pounds

Brandon Williams dominated the AFCA Division II landscape for Missouri Southern, as he was named All-American for the third straight year in 2012.

The massive Williams is very strong at the point of attack, plus he moves very well for a man his size.

Williams had 68 tackles, 16.5 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks and five forced fumbles this past season. Overall in his career, Williams had 27 sacks.

Williams didn't disappoint in Mobile, as he was one of the best defensive linemen there and he played very well against BCS competition.

The Green Bay Packers should consider Williams, as Ryan Pickett is not getting any younger, and doesn't have much tread left on his tires. Williams would be a force, especially paired with B.J. Raji on run-stopping downs.

Because of his Senior Bowl performance, it would not be surprising if Williams was selected in the second round, and he certainly won't last past the third round.

Linebacker Kevin Reddick (North Carolina)
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 246 pounds

Kevin Reddick of the University of North Carolina was a four-year starter for the UNC Tarheels. He had 85 tackles in 2012, which included 18.5 tackles for losses and 6.5 sacks.

In his career, Reddick had 36 tackles for losses. What does that mean? It means that Reddick is aggressive and attacks the line of scrimmage.

Reddick was named to the 2012 All-ACC First Team (coaches and media).

Reddick can blitz effectively, plus has been decent in coverage as he broke up six passes in 2012.
The former Tarheel looked good in the practice sessions for the North team.

The Green Bay Packers definitely need to look at inside linebacker candidates in this draft. They have a number of issues at that position.

Green Bay lost both Desmond Bishop (hamstring) and D.J. Smith (knee) to season-ending injuries. Both are expected to be ready for the 2013 season, but nothing is a given.

Plus, there is the question of whether A.J. Hawk will be brought back with his $5.45 salary. Brad Jones is an unrestricted free agent. Terrell Manning has ability, but his 2012 season was marred due to illness and injuries.

It's expected that Reddick will most likely be selected in the fourth round.

Safety Phillip Thomas (Fresno State)

Height: 6'0"
Weight: 210 pounds

Phillip Thomas led the nation in interceptions this year with eight. Three of those picks were returned for touchdowns.

Thomas also had 82 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, four passes broken up and four forced fumbles.
He was a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award and was named to the AP All-American first-team.

Thomas obviously has great ball skills, but he also tackles well and hits hard.The former Fresno State Bulldog didn't hurt his cause at the Senior Bowl, in coverage drills with the North team.
The Green Bay Packers love defensive backs that have a nose for the football, and Thomas certainly has that.

The ball-hawking safety looks to be selected somewhere between the second and fourth rounds of the draft.

Running Back Stepfan Taylor (Stanford)

Height: 5'9"
Weight: 216 pound

Stepfan Taylor has had a very nice senior season at Stanford, helping to lead the Stanford Cardinal to the Rose Bowl. In the Rose Bowl, Taylor rushed for 88 yards and scored a touchdown in the 20-14 win by Stanford over Wisconsin. Taylor also caught three passes for 17 yards
.
Taylor was named to the 2012 All-Pac-12 second-team at running back. Taylor has 1,442 yards rushing this year, and has 12 touchdowns. In addition to that, Taylor has 38 receptions for 370 yards and two more scores.

In the last three games of the Pac-12 season, Taylor had 114, 161 and 142 yards rushing against ranked opponents Oregon State, Oregon and UCLA.

Taylor had 78 yards rushing and one touchdown versus UCLA in the Pac-12 title game. Taylor also caught six passes for 55 yards.

At the Senior Bowl, Taylor stood out among running backs, along with Mike Gillislee, and he rushed for 53 yards on just nine carries in the game for the South. He also caught two passes for eight yards.

Taylor is an all-around running back, as he is also an excellent blocker. He has the the attributes to be a three-down back with the Green Bay Packers.

The Packers need to address the running back position in this draft. Ryan Grant probably won't be back, plus Cedric Benson is now a year older and coming off a foot injury that shelved his season.
James Starks can't seem to stay healthy, while Alex Green wore down as the season progressed after having an ACL injury the year before.

DuJuan Harris looked pretty good late in the season and the postseason for the Packers at running back, but he looks more like a change of pace-type back.
Taylor is expected to be selected in the third or fourth round of the 2013 NFL draft.

Running Back Mike Gillislee (Florida)

Height: 5'11"
Weight: 207 pounds

Mike Gillislee of the Florida Gators was named to the All-SEC first-team at running back by both the coaches and the media.

Gillislee had a fine senior campaign, as he had 1,104 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns. Gillislee also had 15 receptions for 146 more yards and another touchdown.

The Gator running back had a great last game of the regular season, when he rushed for 140 yards and two touchdowns against arch-rival Florida State.

Gillislee is one of the main reasons the Gators finished 11-2 and played in the Sugar Bowl, where he gained 48 yards on just nine carries. He also caught a pass for 13 yards in the 33-23 loss to Louisville.

At the Senior Bowl, Gillislee looked very good during practice sessions, plus had 46 yards rushing on 10 carries in the game for the South.

Gillislee has the same abilities that Stepfan Taylor has, plus is an exceptional blocker picking up blitzes.

The former Gator is also expected to be selected in either the third or fourth round of the 2013 NFL draft.

Wide Receiver Quinton Patton (Louisiana Tech)

Height: 6'0"
Weight: 202 pounds

Quinton Patton had a monster senior year for Louisiana Tech, as he caught 104 passes for 1,392 yards and 13 touchdowns.

This was after he had 79 receptions for 1,202 yards and 11 touchdowns in his junior year.

Patton was named to the 2012 All-WAC first-team and the 2012 AP All-American second-team.
Patton followed that up by having a great week at the Senior Bowl. When the ball was anywhere near him on a pass attempt, he always seemed to go get it at practices.

With the expected retirement of Donald Driver, and with Greg Jennings most likely leaving via free agency, the Green Bay Packers need to address their depth at wide receiver.

Patton looks to be drafted in the third round, but could go as early as the second round after this past week.

Center/Guard Brian Schwenke (California)

Height: 6'3"
Weight: 307 pounds

The California Golden Bears didn't have a great season as a team (3-9), but center Brian Schwenke stood out with his play on the field.
In fact, Schwenke was named to the 2012 All-Pac-12 First Team.

Schwenke also stood out this week at the Senior Bowl. At least according to Mike  Mayock of NFL Network.  And Mayock definitely knows what he's talking about.

Schwenke was able to handle people like John Jenkins (Georgia) in practice, as he showed decent strength and some nice quickness. He also showed that he can use leverage to his advantage.

In addition to his prowess at center, Schwenke also has experience playing guard as well.

The Green Bay Packers need to address their quality depth on the offensive line in all areas in 2013, but especially on the inside.

Offensive Lineman David Quessenberry (San Jose State)

Height: 6'5"
Weight: 294 pounds

David Quessenberry was the first offensive linemen in San Jose State history to be selected to the Senior Bowl. He certainly played like he belonged as well in Mobile.  Quessenberry was part of an offensive line at San Jose State for a team that finished 11-2 and won the Military Bowl.
Quessenberry was also named to the 2012 All-WAC First Team (coaches).

Quessenberry stood out this week at the Senior Bowl for a couple of reasons. One, he performed very well for the North team in drills. Secondly, he did that at multiple positions, including center. He also excelled at guard and tackle.

The Green Bay Packers absolutely love offensive linemen who are versatile.

Based on his performance at Mobile, expect Quessenberry to be selected no later than the third round.

Report: Packers Interested in Revis

According to Mike Freeman of CBS Sports, multiple league sources constantly mention Green Bay as a possible trade partner for New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis.

It certainly is surprising that the Packers would be interested in Revis, as Ted Thomspon treats draft picks like gold and Revis would certainly cost some high picks. However, the Packers have been involved in some in trade talks for high profile players like Marshawn Lynch, Randy Moss and Tony Gonzalez, so it's not impossible.

On the surface the move appears to make no sense for the Packers. Revis is coming off a torn ACL and will cost draft picks and the Packers would have to give him a new contract. It would seem like the total anti Ted Thompson move. However, there have been multiple reports that Thompson was in love with Revis in the 2007 draft and wanted to trade up for him. Also, the Packers have a lot of players on their roster who could be traded.

While there is probably little to no chance it happens, trading for Revis would certainly not be the worst decision the Packers ever made. I am not somebody who always advocates trading for and signing the big name player and I am certainly an advocate of Thompson's draft and develop system. However, Revis is a once in a generation player who every NFL team should be interested in trading for.

While it's true that cornerback is one of the Packers' strongest positions that should not preclude them from getting Revis. Revis is not only the best cornerback in the NFL, but he is in a class of his own. He is likely a future HOF and at only age 27 he is still in his prime. Assuming he makes a full recovery from his torn ACL, Revis would completely change the way the Packers play defense.

Revis is the true definition of a shut down corner. The fact that you can put him on an island against the opposing team's best wide receiver and not have to worry about him at all is huge. It allows you to do so many other things with your defense. You can cover up other weaknesses on your defense and can get more creative with your blitzes. The Jets were able to have a pretty good pass rush without an good pass rusher and a lot of that was because of Revis' abilities.

Another argument against Revis is that the Packers need to pay Aaron Rodgers, Clay Matthews and B.J. Raji and don't have the cap space for Revis. However, the Packers have plenty of ways of creating room for Revis. Jeff Saturday's retirement cut $3.75 million off the cap today. Greg Jennings' deal was worth $9.2 million and is now gone. Charles Woodson won't come back at a $10 million cap hit and AJ Hawk is a potential cap casualty at $5.45 million. Also, if Revis were to come here Tramon Williams and his $6.5 million cap hit would be easily expendable.

Making those moves would clear a lot of money off the cap. Also, if it came down to signing Revis or Raji long term I would take Revis easily. Revis is beyond elite at his position, while Raji hasn't been elite the last two seasons. Revis would have a much greater impact on the defense than Raji has.

Having Revis and Matthews on the defense would give the Packers a very good chance to be an elite defense. All they would need to do is improve the defensive line. A secondary of Revis and Sam Shields on the outside with Casey Hayward in the slot would be scary good.

One might wonder why the Jets are willing to trade Revis. The Jets are a bottom line organization who cares about money first and winning second. They have had trouble selling tickets and are in salary cap hell. They cannot afford to give Revis a big deal and want to get something for him rather than letting him walk. Just because the Jets are trading Revis does not mean something is wrong with him.

The chances of the Packers trading for Revis are slim to none, but it is still a fun possibility to talk about. All I am saying is that it is something they should consider doing. You win in the NFL with elite players and with Rodgers, Matthews and Revis on one team the Packers would surely be in contention for a Super Bowl for years to come because those players can cover so many other weaknesses.

X & O' s Why I keep Jennings Over Finley

By 68md

I keep seeing a lot of threads about both Finley and Jennings and why they should stay or go. Here is my take and why I retain Jennings with the tag and trade Finley.

First by trading Fin I save his money and use that for the year on Jennings cap fee, I think this will upset Greg but also motivate him into a killer season.

With that said a defense has to respect Greg not only for his vertical threat but his route running and his awareness.

In my first set we line up twins left with Jennings wide and Jones in the slot... I have Nelson out to the right as a Flanker. I put Cobb in the backfield with two TE's Williams and Crabtree.

With this personal group we force the DC to make a chess move. I can use Cobb to run..throw or be a receiver. They have to respect Jennings and Nelson outside...if Rodgers gets an iso he has an instant green light to go deep.

However it gets even more interesting , I have Williams who has the speed to get open deep. I can use Crabby as a blocker or chip block and go hit the short pass. Just a ton of options.

In 4 wide with a RB we are just our loaded  with weapons and Jennings again makes a DC make a choice.


With Finley while a dynamic player he does not command the same respect anymore nor can he be as consistent as Greg Jennings.

From a X ands O's stand point keeping Jennings makes the packers a deadly passing team. Keeping Fin is a hit or miss proposition.

I would personally have no issues franchising Greg Jennings at this point.

Packers Face A Critical Offseason

By: Matt Bove
After another playoff embarrassment, the Green Bay Packers find themselves in a very interesting spot this offseason.

The 45-31 loss to the 49ers marked the third time in the last four seasons that the Packers suffered a humiliating playoff loss. The Packers have several complicated decisions to make on players and coaches. This offseason may determine the direction they go in for the next few seasons. The Packers have championship talent, but they still have holes to fill before they can raise another Lombardi trophy.

Defensice coordinator Dom Capers has come under the most heat for the humiliating performance of the defense in Saturday's loss. He has come under scrutiny by even his own players for not having a gameplan and not making adjustments to defend Collin Kaepernick. Charles Woodson did not shed Capers in the best of light after the game. 

"I think it's the right defense. I just think when the game is going that way, you've got to try something different. It's hard to do the same thing over and over again and continue to get burned," Woodson said. "That's what I was talking about going forward. "We need to figure out, could we have done something different as far as our gameplan was concerned."

I think it was a combination of personnel and scheme that was the problem against Kaepernick. The Packers should have used a spy on Kaepernick more, but the few times that they did he toasted Brad Jones and Erik Walden. When you use a spy it is one less man rushing and covering, so it puts stress on your defense. The problem was that the only spy the Packers could have used that could have matched up with Kaepernick physically was Clay Matthews. They did not want to take Matthews out of the rush, so they could not use him.

The Packers are a very good team in man coverage, but are a suspect team in zone. So they had a pick your poison dilemma  They could either play man and be vulnerable to Kaepernick's legs or play zone and be vulnerable to his arm. Also, it certainly is not Capers' fault that Walden looked like he didn't even know what the read-option was on Kaepernick's 56-yard touchdown run.

With all of that being said, Saturday's night loss falls squarely on Capers' shoulders, and the Packers should go in a different direction at defensive coordinator. I'm not usually a knee-jerk reaction kind of person, but this is not a knee-jerk reaction. This is a culmination of allowing 51, 45 and 37 points in playoff losses in the last four years, having the 32nd ranked defense a year ago and looking helpless against elite quarterbacks. The Packers getting out-schemed has become to much of a pattern.

Last year, I argued that Capers did not have the necessary personnel to succeed. However, after Ted Thomson used the first six picks in the draft on defense the talent was greatly improved. Desmond Bishop and Nick Perry were big losses, but the Packers still had a solid secondary, two huge lineman to take on blockers and one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. There are no excuses that Capers did not have an answer for Kaepernick whatsoever. According to ESPN Stats & Info Kaepernick gained 178 of his 181 yards rushing before contact, which indicates just how many times the Packers were out of position.

Unforunately, it does not appear like Capers will be going anywhere. Mike McCarthy, who is resistant to making big changes, defended Capers Tuesday in his season ending presser.  

"I think it's ridiculous that I have to answer the question, frankly. I'm appalled by it," McCarthy said. "I would not do my job, I would not fulfill my responsibility if I didn't look at the job Dom Capers has done, the job Mike McCarthy's done, what Tom Clements has done, all the way down. I can promise you that's what's going to happen."

As for the rest of the roster, there is a good chance that there will be a lot of change this offseason. Long time great Packer wide receivers Greg Jennings and Donald Driver are very likely to be gone. The Packers will have to make decisions on players with big cap figures like Charles Woodson ($10 million), AJ Hawk ($5.45 million), Jermichael Finley ($8.25 million), John Kuhn ($1.3 million) and James Starks ($1.3 million).

There is no chance Woodson will be brought back at his huge cap number. He will have to renegotiate his deal if he wants to return, and even then the Packers might not want him. Woodson has lost a few steps in coverage and the Packers might look to go with a younger player.

I think $5.25 million is way to big of a number for Hawk and I would cut him. Hawk has been known for as an assignment sure player, but that is not longer good enough. Guards getting to the second level have been a problemm but still Hawk should be better. He has not been involved in a turnover play in over two years and that is hard to do. The Packer seem to really like Hawk, which is how he has kept his job to this point, so who knows what they will do.

Jermichael Finley should and I think will be back after playing very well down the stretch. McCarthy greatly praised Finley in his presser on Tuesday, so it is a good bet that he will return. The offense just cannot afford to lose him and Jennings in one offseason. Finley is only on a one year deal, so the Packers are not committed to anything long term with him. Finley did not drop very many passes down the stretch and made numerous big catches in big spots.

The positions that the Packers need to address the most this offseason are safety, both the offensive and defensive lines and linebacker. At safety Morgan Burnett is solid, but counting on M.D. Jennings and Jerron McMillian if Woodson does not come back next season is an iffy proposition. The Packers can really use a big hitting and intimidating safety. The offensive line needs to improve at center and in it's overall depth since Bryan Bulaga and Derrick Sherrod are injury question marks.

The Packers need some added beef on the defensive line. Ryan Pickett and B.J. Raji are great, but guys like Jerel Worthy, C.J. Wilson and Mike Neal are small for a base 3-4 end. Getting another guy like Raji and Pickett would really help in stopping the run. Also, Pickett is getting up there in age, and you do not know how long he can continue his solid play.

Also, the Packers' linebackers unit could use some better talent. Hawk and Jones just were not physical enough this year. Getting Bishop back will be huge, but the Packers should cut Hawk and look for a new starter to go along with Bishop in the draft or free agency. All you have to do is take one look at San Francisco's defense to be able to tell what great inside linebackers can do for you. Also, getting Nick Perry back will be huge, but the Packers should still look for more pass rushing talent to go along with him and Matthews at outside linebacker.

Besides all of the personnel changes, the Packers will have to decide whether to give contract extensions to Rodgers, Matthews and Raji. It will be a very interesting offseason in Green Bay and it will be very interesting to see if Thompson and McCarthy are content with how the last two seasons have ended.

Packers 2012 Report Card

By 68MD

Another season in the books, I guessed 10-6 or 11-5 so nailed the record this year, Let's break down the Packers in 2012.

OFFENSE :

OL : This group was hit with injuries early and often, fairly inconstant from game to game. I saw progress in the running this year at times but still not the Juggernaut of the NFL.

Pass pro was awful, Rodgers was hit and pummeled far too often.  Grade D

RB/FB : Another group that was banged up, Take out Benson early and Harris late and well it's the same old. Starks is an injury waiting to happen, Green is hot/cold and Kuhn despite being a fan favorite still tends to not get a yard when needed.   Grade : C

WR : Jennings was out all year and yet we still received plays and production from Cobb and Jones both lit up the scoreboard. Nelson when healthy is still dynamic and Boykin shows Promise.
Grade: A-

TE : Tough group to grade. I thought Crabtree was outstanding this year and was the A TE, Finley is still inconstant and in some games fails to show up.

Taylor is a Crabtree clone and Williams has flashed the ability to get open but not catch. Grade : B-

QB : Aaron Rodgers is still the man, not a great year but look above and it's obvious why. Aaron continues to be a top 3 QB.  Grade A

DEFENSE :

DL : The group that continues to get beat up against physical OL and power teams. To be fair they were hung out to dry by MM with lack of depth more then once. ( more on that later)
I thought Mike Neal was decent returning and Raji and Pickett flashed a few games.
Worthy played like a rookie and needs an off season to recover from injury and add some muscle.
Grade C -

OLB : Clay M is an A player BUT continues to get hit with Hammy injuries, other then Clay the line of wanna be OLB flashed here and there but who else was consistent each game ?
Really don't have the robin to our batman at OLB. Grade B -

ILB : A position hit by injury except 1, AJ Hawk like him or not just plays. He had his best season in a while. Smith showed  promise when healthy. I can't down grade this group again because the DL failed to consistently keep the OL in our second level D. Grade B

CB : Hot/Cold and at times lost. Not the best year by this group. Sam Shields was much improved and Hayward was a rookie stand out. I think there is enough talent going forward but if hang out any DB without pressure up front .... more Hot/Cold will happen.
Grade B-

Safety :  They had their issues but a much better unit as whole this year, many times our safeties had to make the tackle on big backs like AP... most times they did. Room for improvement ? Yes but still much better then last year. Grade B

K/P/ST : The place kicking issues our what they are, no arguing that. Punting and overall ST are still much much better the last 2 seasons so as a group can't complain. Another kicker should be brought in though to shore things up. Grade B +

Coaching :  Toughest thing to grade is coaching because we don't know all the variables  I do think some of the inactive moves where poor and hung our DL/OL out to dry.
I think we tend to still get pass heavy at times but I saw more running game then the last 2 years.

You have to look at the body of work, 11-5 and NFC North champs AND a home playoff win. That is in a sense an improvement. Don't se a ton of staff movement this year.

Grade B+

Summary : Not the way I wanted the year to end but still consider the circumstances. With the injuries and some the odd things early(cough Seattle cough) it still adds up positive.

We still ended up as a top team in the NFL and won our division  Yes we have issues and yes personal changes our coming.

My Grade for the 2012/13 Green Bay Packers   B +

Until Next Time  GO PACK GO !