2017 Draft/FA Needs - Ranked

[rodell330]

Gilmore had some real highs and lows in 2016, but he was playing for the Ryan bros, who probably ask more of their corners than anyone else in the league (not to say that Capers' system is super corner friendly). But he's had more than one excellent season as a #1, and even if he only gave the Packers his 2016 self, that would be majorly impactful. But I think there's a good chance that he's better outside of Buffalo and that Ryan system. But the reality is that the Packers need a #1 corner, and Gilmore has far and away the best chance of being that guy of anyone on the market. There are other names, but none that rival him in terms of quality. Trumaine Johnson is probably the next best, but he's much riskier.

But weren't you just expressing your displeasure that people were talking positions other than corner? So when I do talk corner, do I need to check in with you regarding which ones I may talk about? Or are you just here do "Lol"?

Yea. Especially since my opinion on Gilmore meant we can't talk about other corners. Can't get anything past you huh?

 

[Deleted member 6794]

Equally as baffeling is a guy that is comfortable with Matthews and Fackerell as your complete list of pass rushing specialists on the entire roster as of now.

I haven't seen a single poster being comfortable with the Packers current situation at outside linebacker. That's why I'm advocating for the team to re-sign Perry and Elliott as well as add a veteran pass rusher and an early round pick at the position.

There's no doubt that cornerback has to be significantly upgraded this offseason as well though.

Which goes back to 'hey, maybe it's pass rush that's the #1 priority'.

A) Perry prices himself out of here by demanding to be paid like one of the game's top LB's - which he's not.
Take his money give it to the Pat's Donte Hightower.
B)Cut Thomas, don't resign D.Jones or Peppers, take the savings and give it to Hightower.
C) Cut Matthews, give the money to Hightower.

I have absolutely no idea how releasing Matthews, letting Perry walk in free agency and signing Hightower would improve the Packers' pass rush.

Gilmore isn't as good as some of you think he is. I have many Friends that are Bills fans and they can't stand Gilmore.

Gilmore had an up and down season in 2016 and allows a few too many big plays but he is the safest cornerback available in free agency this offseason. Bouye might have a higher ceiling but after only performing at an elite level for a single season it would be a huge risk offering him an expensive contract.

 

[Dantés]

If the Packers look for a mid level FA to bolster the CB group, my pick for them would be Dre Kirkpatrick. It has taken him a long time to come along, but he's grown into a solid starter in Cincinnati. Plus, he's best off in press man, which is how I believe this staff would use him the majority of the time. He's more durable, a better scheme fit, and has more upside than a player like Amukamara.

Certainly Kirkpatrick wouldn't just solve anything all by himself. But in tandem with one of these highly talented CB prospects in the draft, the unit could be reasonably improved over the 2016 version.

If TT is going to make any foray at all into the market, a guy like Kirkpatrick strikes me as more likely than a top end target like Gilmore.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

If the Packers look for a mid level FA to bolster the CB group, my pick for them would be Dre Kirkpatrick. It has taken him a long time to come along, but he's grown into a solid starter in Cincinnati. Plus, he's best off in press man, which is how I believe this staff would use him the majority of the time. He's more durable, a better scheme fit, and has more upside than a player like Amukamara.

Certainly Kirkpatrick wouldn't just solve anything all by himself. But in tandem with one of these highly talented CB prospects in the draft, the unit could be reasonably improved over the 2016 version.

If TT is going to make any foray at all into the market, a guy like Kirkpatrick strikes me as more likely than a top end target like Gilmore.

While Kirkpatrick is at his best preventing catches he has missed a ton of tackles as well as been penalized a lot over the last two seasons. I agree he might be a decent option at a reasonable price though.

 

[Dantés]

While Kirkpatrick is at his best preventing catches he has missed a ton of tackles as well as been penalized a lot over the last two seasons. I agree he might be a decent option at a reasonable price though.

Yeah, that's the thing... this FA corner group is lackluster and you can poke holes in any of them. So I'm just looking for guys who might improve with a change of scenery/scheme.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

While Kirkpatrick is at his best preventing catches he has missed a ton of tackles as well as been penalized a lot over the last two seasons. I agree he might be a decent option at a reasonable price though.

Yeah, that's the thing... this FA corner group is lackluster and you can poke holes in any of them. So I'm just looking for guys who might improve with a change of scenery/scheme.

Agree with both of you and who are some people thinking is the Packers GM? TT won't be competing for or shelling out major dollars for one of the top FA CB's. I will be surprised if he even goes after a mid range CB or OLB, pleasantly surprised that is.

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[GreenBaySlacker]

I want poe from kc.....

 

[rodell330]

I want poe from kc.....

Man that'd be a great pickup. Imagine if Raji came back motivated and in shape as well?

 

[Deleted member 6794]

I want poe from kc.....

Man that'd be a great pickup. Imagine if Raji came back motivated and in shape as well?

Poe is another example of a player fans recognize the name of but who has regressed significantly since performing at an elite level in 2013. It's possible that playing over 4,500 snaps in five seasons has taken a toll on him and he might be more effective playing less but I don't want the Packers to spend a huge amount of money banking on it.

 

[Pkrjones]

Imagine if Raji came back motivated and in shape as well?

Any news about BJ, lately? His Aunt had breast cancer and his mother was sick is last I heard when he took his hiatus last March. Would be 30 but I would imagine more "rested" after playing a lot of snaps earlier in his career.

 

[brandon2348]

Gilmore isn't as good as some of you think he is. I have many Friends that are Bills fans and they can't stand Gilmore.

He is way way better then anyone on Packers roster right now. He has all the tools to be successfull too. Plus he has experience and is at a good age. Of course there would still need to be an improvement in the pass rush to help him out and make it work.

If Buffalo thinks he is so bad then let them watch Randle for a season.

Also, Rex Ryan has screwed things up everywhere he has been.

 

[Mondio]

I have my doubts a big guy like Raji stayed in shape away from football for a year. but he could have I guess. Haven't heard a word, my guess would be he wouldn't cost a lot to sign because of the hiatus and he wasn't really dominant when he stepped away either. Started strong that year, but kind of fizzled towards the end I thought, but improved over what he had given us the previous year.

Regardless, he could sign anywhere he wants if he came back. i'm not holding my breath on it being in GB

 

[rodell330]

I have my doubts a big guy like Raji stayed in shape away from football for a year. but he could have I guess. Haven't heard a word, my guess would be he wouldn't cost a lot to sign because of the hiatus and he wasn't really dominant when he stepped away either. Started strong that year, but kind of fizzled towards the end I thought, but improved over what he had given us the previous year.

Regardless, he could sign anywhere he wants if he came back. i'm not holding my breath on it being in GB

I don't think that's true. He'd still be under contract with Green Bay I believe.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

I don't think that's true. He'd still be under contract with Green Bay I believe.

Raji was an unrestricted free agent at the time he decided to take a hiatus from the NFL. Therefore he could sign with any team if he wants to return to the league.

 

[rodell330]

Raji was an unrestricted free agent at the time he decided to take a hiatus from the NFL. Therefore he could sign with any team if he wants to return to the league.

Ahh. I thought he had 1 yr in his deal.

 

[brandon2348]

Just about everyone wanted Raji gone saying he was washed up and now peope hoping he can make a comeback.

I guess thats the state of things right now.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

Just about everyone wanted Raji gone saying he was washed up and now peope hoping he can make a comeback.

I guess thats the state of things right now.

I wouldn't mind Raji adding some depth on the defensive line but don't expect him to have a huge impact if he returned to the Packers.

 

[brandon2348]

I wouldn't mind Raji adding some depth on the defensive line but don't expect him to have a huge impact if he returned to the Packers.

Did you see that article where it says Packers are interested in trading for Conner Barwin and dont want to bring Perry back?

 

[Deleted member 6794]

Did you see that article where it says Packers are interested in trading for Conner Barwin and dont want to bring Perry back?

I saw an Eagles beat writer mentioning the Packers as one of the teams interested in trading for Barwin. Hopefully that's not true as he has significantly regressed over the last two seasons.

In addition I wouldn't put too much stock into the report.

 

[brandon2348]

I saw an Eagles beat writer mentioning the Packers as one of the teams interested in trading for Barwin. Hopefully that's not true as he has significantly regressed over the last two seasons.

In addition I wouldn't put too much stock into the report.

Yeah, I would have to agree on that.

 

[Pkrjones]

I saw an Eagles beat writer mentioning the Packers as one of the teams interested in trading for Barwin. Hopefully that's not true as he has significantly regressed over the last two seasons.

In addition I wouldn't put too much stock into the report.

Barwin was a beast as a 3-4 OLB (against RT's) who was forced to become a 4-3 DE (against LT's) and his production dropped off. He lives in the offensive backfield and would become a 3-4 OLB again. Salaries would be $7.35Mil in '17 and $8.35Mil in '18... pretty reasonable for a starting OLB who can rush. If there's any chance of trading for Barwin I vote "yes".

http://www.csnphilly.com/philadelph...pens-about-declining-production-future-eagles

 

[Deleted member 6794]

Barwin was a beast as a 3-4 OLB (against RT's) who was forced to become a 4-3 DE (against LT's) and his production dropped off. He lives in the offensive backfield and would become a 3-4 OLB again. Salaries would be $7.35Mil in '17 and $8.35Mil in '18... pretty reasonable for a starting OLB who can rush. If there's any chance of trading for Barwin I vote "yes".

http://www.csnphilly.com/philadelph...pens-about-declining-production-future-eagles

Barwin already significantly declined playing in a 3-4 defense during the 2015 season. I would prefer the Packers to pass on him.

 

[brandon2348]

Maybe there trying to build a rotation of guys. I could see Barwin still effective if used that way.

 

[PackerDNA]

I have absolutely no idea how releasing Matthews, letting Perry walk in free agency and signing Hightower would improve the Packers' pass rush.

First off , they were separate; a,b and c.
Second, there are then other moves to make after; didn't think I needed to find time to write a book for that to be figured out.

 

[Arthur Squires]

Damn the suspense of the off season, I need to know if we bring back Perry,Lang,Hyde. I can't wait anymore!!