It's no secret that the primary focus of the offseason is acquiring bodies to fit the more dynamic 3-4 defense. The defensive roster, as currently constructed, has pieces that seemingly fit into the new system but ultimately the Pack need to obtain at least two more impact starters - preferably at OLB and NT (need to upgrade Poppinga and Pickett).
Unfortunately for the Packers, this year's free agent market is a dud. There are no starter-worthy 3-4 NTs* and the players who fit perfectly as OLBs in Dom's defense (Julius Peppers, Terrell Suggs, Karlos Dansby, LeRoy Hill) have been franchised. Although the franchise tag does not prohibit these players from coming to Green Bay, it is not Ted's style to give up what it takes - two first round picks or a blockbuster trade - to get a "franchise" player.
With that said, the most likely plan of attack for Ted is to acquire mid-level free agents to fill other needs (depth at CB, OL, DE) and use the draft to fill the NT and OLB slots; and lord knows Ted loves him some draft.
Holding the #9 and #41 picks in the NFL Draft, the Packers are in a great position to get themselves starters at OLB and NT.
If Ted goes NT at #9, it will be Senior Bowl sensation B.J. Raji out of Boston College. He's moving up draft boards and is projected by many scouts as an ideal 3-4 NT. With Raji on board, the 41st pick would be used to select an OLB. Most likely one of the following: Michael Johnson (G Tech), Connor Barwin ('nati), Paul Kruger (Utah), Larry English (NIU), Clay Matthews (USC), or Clint Sintim (U Va)
Alternatively, if he selects an OLB at #9 it will be either Everrette Brown (FSU) or Brian Orakpo (Texas), both stud athletes who have all the necessary versatility to play OLB in a 3-4 scheme. With either one of those men heading to the corner of Lombardi and Oneida, the #41 pick will be spent on Raji's college teammate Ron Brace or Michigan's Terrance Taylor. While neither are as explosive or decorated as Raji, they have the size necessary to anchor a defensive line.
This weekend's combine may provide insight as to what the Packers are thinking, but here's my best guess.
If Raji's around at #9, as is projected, the Packers will take him because they'll have more option later for an OLB. If they pass on Raji for an OLB in the 1st round, there is chance - albeit small - that Brace and Taylor are off the board before they pick again, leaving the Packers with a gaping hole at NT. They'll grab Raji at #9 and be happy to pick from one of the three or four OLB prospects who will be hanging around at #41.
Pagel's Preference: Orakpo and Brace
What Ted will do: Raji and Barwin
Defensive line and linebackers work out Monday at the Combine. Stay tuned.
* I won't even entertain the thought of Albert Haynesworth coming to GB. First off, I don't want him because he's the ultimate candidate to get a fat contract and take the next four years off. Second, he's going to Tampa. They have unlimited cap space, warm weather, and no income tax - sounds like a good deal to me.
Nice analysis. One thing to consider is that ol' Teddy Bear might think he has more depth at NT than you're letting on, with Pickett, Jolly, Cole (potentially), and HARRELL as compared to Poppinga and Chillar. Yeah, Raji would really help bolster the corps, and it's been said the NT is the most important position in the 3-4, but BJ might be deemed more of a luxury than a need as compared to an impact OLB, which the Packers seem sure to find at 9 between Curry, Orakpo, Maualuga (switch someone outside), Brown, Maybin, etc., or even a stud OT.
ReplyDelete(NOTE: This all will be moot when the Packers sign Haynesworth and trade for Peppers)
All the "depth" you're speaking of at NT doesn't exist unfortunately. Harrell and Jolly have been identified as DEs, leaving only Pickett as NT possibility.
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