OTS (3-25-12) Packers Rumors

[Arrigo]

Here is the latest version of the OTS:



RUMOR:

n.

A piece of unverified information of uncertain origin usually spread by word of mouth.
Unverified information received from another; hearsay.
Before I start, I think people need to give Shawn Zobel (Draft Headquarters.com) A LOT of credit and kudos. So far this off season he broke the Mario Williams signing w/ Bills and numbers before the ESPN, Fox & NFL Network insiders. He also broke the Manning to Tennessee deal and the numbers to Saturday's deal 24 hours before the "real insiders". Salute Shawn!!

Now to the rumors:

The Packers coaches and staff do not think Nick Collins will be able to play again. While he holds out hope that he will be cleared, McCarthy & Thompson will do what is best for his life, not football career.

The Packers seem to like a few Alabama players: Courtney Upshaw, Dre Kirkpatrick, Marc Barron and Dontè Hightower.

I hear that they think Hightower can play OLB in their scheme and if drafted wold move him out there.

With the recent signings of Jeff Saturday, Daniel Muir and Anthony Hargrove, a source I spoke to says the Packers may be poised to move up in the draft and select an "elite" pass rusher or DE. The names he said that have been most mentioned with the Packers were Upshaw and Fletcher Cox.

Some don't agree on message boards, but I heard that the Packers think Marc Barron would fit into their secondary just fine. He played with-in the confines of the Crimson Tide defense and was looked upon as the leader of the defense.

I hear the Packers like Cam Johnson, DE/OLB, UVA and feel he'd fit just fine in their 3/4 defense as the pass rusher opposite of Clay Matthews III and should be available in the 2nd and possibly 3rd round.

They also like UVA CB Chase Minnifield. But Minnifield didn't run to well and some scouts think he may have "weak knees".

The Packers are still "in" on Manny Lawson. He has some other suitors around the NFL, but the Packers remain high on his list because he wants to win. I hear he should have a new team sometime this week.

If the Packers sign Lawson, a OLB that can rush the passer on 3rd downs would make sense. Since Lawson hasn't had a history of getting to the QB, drafting a "pass rush specialist" on 3rd down and passing situations would make sense. A guy to watch in that case is USC's Nick Perry. Perry doesn't work well in space but can get to the QB.

The Panthers are shopping RB Jonathan Stewart and the Packers are doing their "due diligence". No word on an asking price.

I hear a few RB's to keep an eye that the Packers have interest in are Lamar Miller, Chris Polk, Doug Martin and Isaiah Pead.

The team does have some concerns about the running game and James Starks health. He has yet to play a full season and Alex Green is coming off a knee injury. While Ryan Grant is an option, they want to get a young "bell cow back" as well I was told.

Look for the Packers to get a deal done with Greg Jennings before any other player. They want to wait to see what Drew Brees gets from the Saints and the cap to jump before they complete a deal with Aaron Rodgers. Also, Clay Matthews and BJ Raji are also on their list to get a new deal.

The Packers like a couple WR, Oklahoma's Ryan Broyles and Wake Forest's Chris Givens.



Thank you Longtimefan for the invite (or welcome back) here.

Joe

 

[longtimefan]

You are welcome...

It is off season and we need to have some big football talk

 

[Aaron rodgers is god]

Here is the latest version of the OTS:



RUMOR:

n.

A piece of unverified information of uncertain origin usually spread by word of mouth.
Unverified information received from another; hearsay.
Before I start, I think people need to give Shawn Zobel (Draft Headquarters.com) A LOT of credit and kudos. So far this off season he broke the Mario Williams signing w/ Bills and numbers before the ESPN, Fox & NFL Network insiders. He also broke the Manning to Tennessee deal and the numbers to Saturday's deal 24 hours before the "real insiders". Salute Shawn!!

Now to the rumors:

The Packers coaches and staff do not think Nick Collins will be able to play again. While he holds out hope that he will be cleared, McCarthy & Thompson will do what is best for his life, not football career.

The Packers seem to like a few Alabama players: Courtney Upshaw, Dre Kirkpatrick, Marc Barron and Dontè Hightower.

I hear that they think Hightower can play OLB in their scheme and if drafted wold move him out there.

With the recent signings of Jeff Saturday, Daniel Muir and Anthony Hargrove, a source I spoke to says the Packers may be poised to move up in the draft and select an "elite" pass rusher or DE. The names he said that have been most mentioned with the Packers were Upshaw and Fletcher Cox.

Some don't agree on message boards, but I heard that the Packers think Marc Barron would fit into their secondary just fine. He played with-in the confines of the Crimson Tide defense and was looked upon as the leader of the defense.

I hear the Packers like Cam Johnson, DE/OLB, UVA and feel he'd fit just fine in their 3/4 defense as the pass rusher opposite of Clay Matthews III and should be available in the 2nd and possibly 3rd round.

They also like UVA CB Chase Minnifield. But Minnifield didn't run to well and some scouts think he may have "weak knees".

The Packers are still "in" on Manny Lawson. He has some other suitors around the NFL, but the Packers remain high on his list because he wants to win. I hear he should have a new team sometime this week.

If the Packers sign Lawson, a OLB that can rush the passer on 3rd downs would make sense. Since Lawson hasn't had a history of getting to the QB, drafting a "pass rush specialist" on 3rd down and passing situations would make sense. A guy to watch in that case is USC's Nick Perry. Perry doesn't work well in space but can get to the QB.

The Panthers are shopping RB Jonathan Stewart and the Packers are doing their "due diligence". No word on an asking price.

I hear a few RB's to keep an eye that the Packers have interest in are Lamar Miller, Chris Polk, Doug Martin and Isaiah Pead.

The team does have some concerns about the running game and James Starks health. He has yet to play a full season and Alex Green is coming off a knee injury. While Ryan Grant is an option, they want to get a young "bell cow back" as well I was told.

Look for the Packers to get a deal done with Greg Jennings before any other player. They want to wait to see what Drew Brees gets from the Saints and the cap to jump before they complete a deal with Aaron Rodgers. Also, Clay Matthews and BJ Raji are also on their list to get a new deal.

The Packers like a couple WR, Oklahoma's Ryan Broyles and Wake Forest's Chris Givens.



Thank you Longtimefan for the invite (or welcome back) here.

Joe

Where are you seeing that we got Anthony Hargrove? All I've seen is that we brought him in for a visit and we are interested in him. I have not seen anything about us signing him yet

 

[CHIpackFAN]

It was reported on PFT.com that Hargrove has tweeted that he will be signing with the PACK....

 

[CarolinaPackerFan]

Great info. I'm especially interested in Lawson and J-Stew. It's going to be fun watching this off season play out.

 

[realcaliforniacheese]

Remember when I was in basic training we had a whole course on Rumors and Propaganda. But in the offseason I'll take whatever little straw I can get.

 

[TJV]

Some interesting rumors and a couple obvious ones (Collins & Jennings).

I've got a couple of questions for Joe: First, what does "OTS" stand for? And while of course no one would ask you to identify a source can you describe him, her or them? For example, 'a scout working for another NFC team', or 'someone in the Packers' organization', etc. Also, in your mock draft you had the Packers tagging Flynn - did that come from a source? BTW, I'm not challenging anything in your post - rumors are fun/interesting to consider, I'm just curious.

 

[longtimefan]

ots= on the streets..

a rumor from Joe is just that... a rumor..That is why he posts the definition of a rumor..

Some "rumors"may have been talked about and some might be a smoke screen, some are common sense, and some might be something he read somewhere..

 

[Arrigo]

Some interesting rumors and a couple obvious ones (Collins & Jennings).

I've got a couple of questions for Joe: First, what does "OTS" stand for? And while of course no one would ask you to identify a source can you describe him, her or them? For example, 'a scout working for another NFC team', or 'someone in the Packers' organization', etc. Also, in your mock draft you had the Packers tagging Flynn - did that come from a source? BTW, I'm not challenging anything in your post - rumors are fun/interesting to consider, I'm just curious.

OTS: On The Sidelines (almost got it right longtime!!)

I worked in radio (sports talk & FM) for over 10 years. I played NCAA (HBCU) football, have a "lil brother" (a person my grandparents help raise) that played 5 years in the NFL (now in the CFL). I know agents, scouts, "draft experts", front office personnel and players.

I have never and would never divulge who gives me my info. Sorry.

The mock was just that, a mock. In my most recent mock (last Thursday) it changed. In fact here it is:

I think the Packers will receive a 4th round comp pick for Cullen Jenkins, a 4th for Daryn Colledge, a 7th for Brandon Jackson & Jason Spitz to go along with the Jets 7th round pick they obtained at the end of training camp.

This draft I see Thompson focusing on the defense but trying to add quality players when he can on offense. None of the offensive players would be expected to make an instant impact in 2012, unlike last year with Randall Cobb, rather fill-out the roster and provide even more depth to an already deep team.

I think the following players will be traded/cut/released, not re-signed or retire:

Chad Clifton
Scott Wells (Signed by St. Louis)
Matt Flynn (Signed by Seattle)
Ryan Grant
Howard Green
Erik Walden
Frank Zombo
Pat Lee


I think the following players will be or have been re-signed

JerMichael Finley (re-signed 2 years $14+ million)
Donald Driver (restructured contract)
Jarrett Bush (re-signed 3years undisclosed dollar amount)Nick Collins (returns from neck injury)

Mock Draft V.6.0

Round 1: Kendall Reyes- DE- UConn: The Packers need to upgrade their 5 technique position and Fletcher Cox should already be gone by the time they pick. Reyes should be there and could be the guy to help the Packers out big time. He had a nice combine and solid production at UConn. He would be an instant upgrade over Jarius Wynn and CJ Wilson.

You must be logged in to see this image or video!

Round 2: Cam Johnson- OLB- UVA: Johnson played OLB in UVA's defense under Al Groh for a couple years and was a pass rushing machine. This past year he put his hand on the ground as a 4-3 DE and was decent. Johnson has the size and pass rushing ability to be a very good play opposite of Matthews and the understanding of the 3-4 defense to start from day one.

You must be logged in to see this image or video!

Round 3: Chase Minnifield- CB- UVA: Minnifield has some questions regarding his timed speed and his knee's which is causing him to slip into the 3rd to 5th round range. He fits what the Packers look for in a CB and has the intangibles and ability to come in and get playing time soon. I also know that the Packers front office really likes him.


Round 4 (1): David Molk- C- Michigan: Scott Wells left via FA (the Rams) and only Thompson knows if he bring in a FA to take over for Wells, possibly Jeff Saturday. But Molk brings that nasty that the Packers O-Line needs more of. He would be a great compliment to the Packers young O-Line that has gotten better over the past few years. .



Round 4 (2): Cyrus Grey- RB- Texas A&M
Grey fits the Packers running scheme nicely and would be a solid compliment to James Starks. He had a great combine capped off by running a 4.47. Some scouts question if he can be an every down back, but with the Packers and Mike McCarthy using a RB by committee, Grey would be fine.


Round 4 (3): Ryan Broyles- WR- Oklahoma
Broyles has the ability to be a 1st round guy but he tore his knee up his senior year and he will most likely start the year on PUP or IR. He reminds me of Greg Jennings, he's fluid, soft hands and understands the WR position. At this point he'd be a steal IF he were to be there.


Round 5: Akiem Hicks- DL- Regina
Hicks is a RAW prospect that has crazy tools and off the chart measurable's (6'4,/324, 84' wingspan). He was supposed to attend LSU but there were some recruiting issues that didn't allow Hicks to go play for the Tigers. Hicks needs work on technique and displays nice overall quickness. He has the look of a sleeper and potential to be a stud.


Round 6: Matt Reynolds- OT- BYU
Reynolds has the size and seems to have the ability to be a solid pro prospect. The Packers don't need him to start right away, they have Bulaga and Newhouse/Sherrod to hold it down. But with Sherrod possibly starting the season on the PUP list they do need to add depth and Reynolds would provide that.


Round 7 (1): Case Keenum- QB- Houston: I like Keenum more then most people. I think he has the basic fundamentals to be a guy that can develop into a solid NFL back-up QB. He has experience in the spread offense and is accurate. Like Matt Flynn his arm strength is a question mark, but learning under Mike McCarthy, Tom Clements and the Packers new QB coach McAdoo and attending McCarthy's QB camp, he could be another Flynn.

Round 7 (2): Chris Greenwood- CB- Albion
I really like this kid A LOT! Greenwood has the size (6'1/196) and projected speed (4.37) to intrigue teams late in the draft. The level of competition is a huge question with Greenwood. He literally shut down half of the field for 3 years while attending Albion. Greenwood also has the type of personality that would make him a perfect fit in the Green Bay locker room, humble, hard working and eager to learn. This kid is more of an athlete then CB right now, but if Joe Whitt Jr. can tap into his potential like he did Shields a couple years ago, the Packers would be suddenly deep at CB.


Round 7 (3): Julian Miller- DE- West Virginia
Bruce Irvin gets all kinds of credit and is the higher rated prospect but Miller has a knack to get to the QB. He provides depth and could be a steal at this point in the draft, a point where he most likely will fall too.


Round 7 (4): Kelcie McCray- S- Arkansas St.
At this point in the draft you want to try and add depth and maybe catch lightning in a bottle. McCray had a nice combine and his tape is even better. He is a player that is starting to climb up draft boards.

 

[TJV]

I worked in radio (sports talk & FM) for over 10 years. I played NCAA (HBCU) football, have a "lil brother" (a person my grandparents help raise) that played 5 years in the NFL (now in the CFL). I know agents, scouts, "draft experts", front office personnel and players. I have never and would never divulge who gives me my info. Sorry.

Don’t be sorry - if you divulged sources they would no longer be sources and your other sources would dry up too. Some Packers fans have criticized McGinn for quoting unnamed sources and it always amazes me. For example he's named them only has people who work in personnel for other teams in the division. Do fans really expect someone in the front office of the Bears, for example, to honestly evaluate the talent in the division publically? I appreciate the info - that's why I posted 'of course no one would ask you to ID a source'. Anyway thanks for info on where the info is coming from.

 

[Arrigo]

I appreciate the understanding. In the past not to many people have the same thinking process of you, and it seems most of the people here, and it has caused some issues.

I didn't take offense to it at all.

 

[Bagadeez04]

The only tidbit I find interesting is the interest in trading up to grab Fletcher Cox. That would be freaking awesome.

 

[PFanCan]

Great stuff, Arrigo! Thanks!

 

[AmishMafia]

We will see how you do this year.

I gotta say your effort last year was not exactly impressive:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/329814-arrigos-packers-mock-v90

9 mocks. 63 players. 0 correct.

 

[okcpackerfan]

We will see how you do this year.

I gotta say your effort last year was not exactly impressive:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/329814-arrigos-packers-mock-v90

9 mocks. 63 players. 0 correct.

ouch

 

[Arrigo]

We will see how you do this year.

I gotta say your effort last year was not exactly impressive:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/329814-arrigos-packers-mock-v90

9 mocks. 63 players. 0 correct.

ACTUALLY, the FINAL mock I did for my old site got more then 0 correct. Sherrod. I stopped writing for the BR after I focused on my old site.

 

[FrankRizzo]

We will see how you do this year.

I gotta say your effort last year was not exactly impressive:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/329814-arrigos-packers-mock-v90

9 mocks. 63 players. 0 correct.

Well, 63 misses is better than 64....... Arrigo's never gone 0-64 before.

 

[DoddPower]

We will see how you do this year.

I gotta say your effort last year was not exactly impressive:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/329814-arrigos-packers-mock-v90

9 mocks. 63 players. 0 correct.

You don't happen to participate in any mock drafts, do you?

 

[Southpaw]

I've seen quite a few mocks having us selecting Reyes with our first overall pick. I think it's a huge reach. I think there could and very well will be better players available at Both DE/DT and OLB when we pick. I like Jared Crick and Billy Winn more anyway if we're targeting that position

 

[AmishMafia]

You don't happen to participate in any mock drafts, do you?

You don't research your thoughts, do you? Check the draft section.

I usually only do 1 or 2. Last year I had 2 picks, I also had Greco and we picked him up as a FA. Most I've had is 3. Thats out of 14 picks mind you.

 

[JBlood]

OTS: On The Sidelines (almost got it right longtime!!)

I worked in radio (sports talk & FM) for over 10 years. I played NCAA (HBCU) football, have a "lil brother" (a person my grandparents help raise) that played 5 years in the NFL (now in the CFL). I know agents, scouts, "draft experts", front office personnel and players.

I have never and would never divulge who gives me my info. Sorry.

The mock was just that, a mock. In my most recent mock (last Thursday) it changed. In fact here it is:

I think the Packers will receive a 4th round comp pick for Cullen Jenkins, a 4th for Daryn Colledge, a 7th for Brandon Jackson & Jason Spitz to go along with the Jets 7th round pick they obtained at the end of training camp.

This draft I see Thompson focusing on the defense but trying to add quality players when he can on offense. None of the offensive players would be expected to make an instant impact in 2012, unlike last year with Randall Cobb, rather fill-out the roster and provide even more depth to an already deep team.

I think the following players will be traded/cut/released, not re-signed or retire:

Chad Clifton
Scott Wells (Signed by St. Louis)
Matt Flynn (Signed by Seattle)
Ryan Grant
Howard Green
Erik Walden
Frank Zombo
Pat Lee


I think the following players will be or have been re-signed

JerMichael Finley (re-signed 2 years $14+ million)
Donald Driver (restructured contract)
Jarrett Bush (re-signed 3years undisclosed dollar amount)Nick Collins (returns from neck injury)

Mock Draft V.6.0

Round 1: Kendall Reyes- DE- UConn: The Packers need to upgrade their 5 technique position and Fletcher Cox should already be gone by the time they pick. Reyes should be there and could be the guy to help the Packers out big time. He had a nice combine and solid production at UConn. He would be an instant upgrade over Jarius Wynn and CJ Wilson.

You must be logged in to see this image or video!

Round 2: Cam Johnson- OLB- UVA: Johnson played OLB in UVA's defense under Al Groh for a couple years and was a pass rushing machine. This past year he put his hand on the ground as a 4-3 DE and was decent. Johnson has the size and pass rushing ability to be a very good play opposite of Matthews and the understanding of the 3-4 defense to start from day one.

You must be logged in to see this image or video!

Round 3: Chase Minnifield- CB- UVA: Minnifield has some questions regarding his timed speed and his knee's which is causing him to slip into the 3rd to 5th round range. He fits what the Packers look for in a CB and has the intangibles and ability to come in and get playing time soon. I also know that the Packers front office really likes him.


Round 4 (1): David Molk- C- Michigan: Scott Wells left via FA (the Rams) and only Thompson knows if he bring in a FA to take over for Wells, possibly Jeff Saturday. But Molk brings that nasty that the Packers O-Line needs more of. He would be a great compliment to the Packers young O-Line that has gotten better over the past few years. .



Round 4 (2): Cyrus Grey- RB- Texas A&M
Grey fits the Packers running scheme nicely and would be a solid compliment to James Starks. He had a great combine capped off by running a 4.47. Some scouts question if he can be an every down back, but with the Packers and Mike McCarthy using a RB by committee, Grey would be fine.


Round 4 (3): Ryan Broyles- WR- Oklahoma
Broyles has the ability to be a 1st round guy but he tore his knee up his senior year and he will most likely start the year on PUP or IR. He reminds me of Greg Jennings, he's fluid, soft hands and understands the WR position. At this point he'd be a steal IF he were to be there.


Round 5: Akiem Hicks- DL- Regina
Hicks is a RAW prospect that has crazy tools and off the chart measurable's (6'4,/324, 84' wingspan). He was supposed to attend LSU but there were some recruiting issues that didn't allow Hicks to go play for the Tigers. Hicks needs work on technique and displays nice overall quickness. He has the look of a sleeper and potential to be a stud.


Round 6: Matt Reynolds- OT- BYU
Reynolds has the size and seems to have the ability to be a solid pro prospect. The Packers don't need him to start right away, they have Bulaga and Newhouse/Sherrod to hold it down. But with Sherrod possibly starting the season on the PUP list they do need to add depth and Reynolds would provide that.


Round 7 (1): Case Keenum- QB- Houston: I like Keenum more then most people. I think he has the basic fundamentals to be a guy that can develop into a solid NFL back-up QB. He has experience in the spread offense and is accurate. Like Matt Flynn his arm strength is a question mark, but learning under Mike McCarthy, Tom Clements and the Packers new QB coach McAdoo and attending McCarthy's QB camp, he could be another Flynn.

Round 7 (2): Chris Greenwood- CB- Albion
I really like this kid A LOT! Greenwood has the size (6'1/196) and projected speed (4.37) to intrigue teams late in the draft. The level of competition is a huge question with Greenwood. He literally shut down half of the field for 3 years while attending Albion. Greenwood also has the type of personality that would make him a perfect fit in the Green Bay locker room, humble, hard working and eager to learn. This kid is more of an athlete then CB right now, but if Joe Whitt Jr. can tap into his potential like he did Shields a couple years ago, the Packers would be suddenly deep at CB.


Round 7 (3): Julian Miller- DE- West Virginia
Bruce Irvin gets all kinds of credit and is the higher rated prospect but Miller has a knack to get to the QB. He provides depth and could be a steal at this point in the draft, a point where he most likely will fall too.


Round 7 (4): Kelcie McCray- S- Arkansas St.
At this point in the draft you want to try and add depth and maybe catch lightning in a bottle. McCray had a nice combine and his tape is even better. He is a player that is starting to climb up draft boards.

Terrific post. Thanks for the time spent.

 

[DoddPower]

You don't research your thoughts, do you? Check the draft section.

I usually only do 1 or 2. Last year I had 2 picks, I also had Greco and we picked him up as a FA. Most I've had is 3. Thats out of 14 picks mind you.

heh, well considering I conduct research for a living, my answer would be yes, I do. As for your specific question, no, I didn't spend time looking around the forum for anything you've done. I barely have enough time to read the posts here at work, more of less search around for something I barely care about. In fact, I rarely make it past the "Packer Fan Forum" section. Thanks for the link you provided, though, I'll be sure to check it out . . .

 

[13 Times Champs]

I really appreciate your posts Arrigo. Keep it up!!

 

[Pat4DaPack]

I would love if we could pick up Cae Keenum.

 

[13 Times Champs]

More.

http://blogs.greenbaypressgazette.com/blogs/gpg/insider/2012/03/27/keep-a-draft-eye-on-boise-state/