Draft Dilemma

[slackerbacker]

While most of us have read the debate between Hawk and Mario Williams, I wonder if any believe GB might be more inclined to go w/ the best available RB in the draft? Are L. White and or D Williams worthy of the #5 pick?? Could they have the impact Cadillac Williams had for Tampa this season??

 

[Toronto_Cheesehead]

I like White and Williams a lot, but I think drafting a halfback early isn't a smart move. Elite backs don't grow on trees, but good ones do, and in the right system any half decent back can have a 1000 yard season. Whereas Hawk and Williams could both be impact players on the defensive side of the ball and play at positions where it's a lot harder to find talent than HB. The only way you take running back high is if you think he's exceptionally talented (like Bush, although I'm not a big fan of his), or the draft year isn't great (like last season).

 

[paxvogel]

I don't consider our RB situation an extreme weakness. We need to upgrade but are not desperate. Plenty of other holes to fill especially when you can get an impact defensive player like Hawk or Williams.

 

[slackerbacker]

I have to agree w/ both of you. Hawk seems like the safest and best pick, but I find it hard to believe they couldn't find another guy his size and close to his ability later in the rd 2 or 3?? Mario seems to have the most upside between the two, but is his motivation lacking?? I'm curious though why you don't see RB as a more critical need for GB?

 

[Greg C.]

I agree with the others here that a running back would not be a good pick for the Packers in the first round. Gado showed a lot of promise last year, and Ahman Green should be back. Davenport may return as well. If Green and Davenport both leave in free agency, I may feel a little different, but as Toronto said, decent backs can be had in the lower rounds.

Coincidentally, I just read a ranking of draft prospects on the Sports Illustrated web site that had Lendale White at #5, though most mock drafts have him going much later than that. I just don't think he would be that big a difference-maker for the Packers.

If anyone really thinks a linebacker of Hawk's caliber can be found in rounds 2 or 3, I would like to hear some names.

 

[Raider Pride]

White or D Williams at #5 ??

I have not done my homework yet... The draft is still a little off.

Does anyone know if White or D. Williams excel at picking up the blitz? Can they block? I know Cadillac can not, or at least Gruden does not think so becuase he get's pulled in third down passing situations.

Mind you, some R.B.'s take a little time to develop that skill on the NFL level.

RP

 

[slackerbacker]

For the most part, I agree w/ you. I guess I'm just not sold on Hawk being what everyone says he is. It seems that everyone at the top of the draft board has their question marks. Anyone hear the rumor that GB and Miami might swap picks and GB would pick up R. Williams?? I don't know what they've been smoking, but I can't imagine GB being able to afford Ricky even if they wanted to do it??

 

[Toronto_Cheesehead]

For the most part, I agree w/ you. I guess I'm just not sold on Hawk being what everyone says he is. It seems that everyone at the top of the draft board has their question marks. Anyone here the rumor that GB and Miami might swap picks and GB would pick up R. Williams?? I don't know what they've been smoking, but I can't imagine GB being able to afford Ricky even if they wanted to do it??

I think Ricky made the veteran's minimum last year.

 

[Packersfan43084]

While a runningback is needed, we don't need one in the 1st round. This draft is laoded with RB's who'll be able to us in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. Hawk or Williams both make sense. However, a guy like Hawk is hard to find. He has a constant motor, like Aaron Kampman. Some people may say that other good LB's will be able in the 2nd to 3rd rounds, guys like D'Qwell Jackson, Abdul Hodge, and Bobby Carpenter. But I really like Hawk, so that's why I would take him.

 

[NDPackerFan]

While a runningback is needed, we don't need one in the 1st round. This draft is laoded with RB's who'll be able to us in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. Hawk or Williams both make sense. However, a guy like Hawk is hard to find. He has a constant motor, like Aaron Kampman. Some people may say that other good LB's will be able in the 2nd to 3rd rounds, guys like D'Qwell Jackson, Abdul Hodge, and Bobby Carpenter. But I really like Hawk, so that's why I would take him.

Hawk could very well bring an Urlacher-type presence to our defense! I'm all for getting him to GB.

 

[Aceschnd]

Hawk could very well bring an Urlacher-type presence to our defense! I'm all for getting him to GB.[/quote]

I've been saying that exact thing since after the Notre Dame/Ohio State game. Hawk is not only a tremendous athlete he is a scary Mfer. Also he could be a real team leader.

 

[carlos]

I'm with you Greg C, besides you're a Yooper. If you go with Hawk you can still pick up another good linebacker in the top rounds [if the right one drops] or maybe a free agent.

 

[paxvogel]

The other thing about Williams is that he is a pass rushing specialist but can he play every down with motivation. Reports I saw say he disappeared at times. Hawk would be a pressence teams would have to worry about every down. Resign Grady and we have decent linemen in place that get better with a good linebacking corp. I also think our DB's have looked bad because they have had to worry too much about the run because our LB are light and once the RB gets past the line they tend to gain big.

 

[Zero2Cool]

I think with a limping green and good gado ... our RB is okay as long as we retain davenALWAYSHURTport or fisher

 

[DakotaT]

Before drafting a running back in the top rounds, shouldn't the Packers implement their new offense and solidify a pourous o-line? I understand what a great running back can do, but I was soundly reminded this year what a dung heap offensive line can lead to. What did we have, 5 injured running backs. Does everyone want a great running back drafted to see him on IR his first season.

GB's draft needs are defense, defense, and more defense. The o-line should be fixed both internally (Coston, White, Wells) and through free agency. Resign Green or Poop, we still have Gado, and let the camp fodder fill out the roster. I don't think Denver has used a #1 pick on a rb in years, and they are always top ten in running. It's the system not the RB, with the exception of Barry Sanders.

Our defense was really improved last year, I think we should make it a great defense, and then worry about offense. If Favre truly is retiring we are not going to be winning shootouts anymore, we will have to win with our defense.

 

[NDPackerFan]

If there ever was a QB who couldn't handle being told not to LOSE games by relying on a solid defense and just manage the game, it would be Brett Favre.

I'm all for him coming back but if the Packers look to put a dominant defense on the field in lieu of building their offense, Favre probably wouldn't be the QB to turn to IMO.

 

[Greg C.]

Very good point, ND. It would be a waste of Favre's talents to have him just managing games, and he would hate it. But with an offensive-minded head coach, I doubt that the Packer offense will be neglected. (Then again, look what happened with Brian "the offensive genius and QB guru" Billick in Baltimore.)

 

[Heelntoe]

White or D Williams at #5 ??

Does anyone know if White or D. Williams excel at picking up the blitz? Can they block?

RP

Watching the sr bowl they said DW's biggest shortcoming was blocking. Then [as if on cue] he got blasted off his feet. Can't remember if it was a DT or LB tho; I think a lot of these games have banned blitzing.

In the 6 USC games I watched this year, White was solid blocking... but I'd still give my right nut to have Bush in GB.

Where the draft scenarios get interesting is if GB trades down 4-6 spots and Williams, Hawk, and Ngata are all off the board. Then I could see White coming into play. I personnally would look at DeMeco Ryans or Kiwanuka in 1st Round. Then Abdul Hodge Second rd, *maybe* Calhoun 3rd round...