Sky King
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Thompson active in free agency? Sure, when ducks bark and dogs quack.
We've had some busts in that area, I.e. Datone Jones and Perry. I think if Jaylon Smith is available when we're on the clock, that's the way you have to go. Probably won't happen, but it's possible.
Even if QB is BPA, no reason not take the "Best Player Available". Ever under any circumstances.TT could throw darts at a list of "top 10 best players available" and hit one that is BPA AND a "need" position of OT, TE, ILB & OLB.
Wouldn't mind seeing TT trade back into early round 2 and get another top 100 pick so that ALL 4 positions get a 2nd or 3rd round caliber pick.
THAT would be a definite trade-back situation, with all of the QB needy teams. If the BPA is a QB that means some of: Cleveland, Dallas, San Fran, Philly, Houston, LA Rams and even Chicago have passed on a 1st round QB and would be looking to trade-back into the 1st round (for 5th year option-ability). TT won't take a QB in the 1st, but he'd be in a powerful place at #27.Even if QB is BPA, no reason not take the "Best Player Available". Ever under any circumstances.
Okay...to label them a bust is saying they are like a Harrell type pick. To now Perry has underperformed expectations somewhat but he is beginning to show he can be an above average contributor on this defense and may very well prove to be the fiscal secure future as well playing his role. Underachiever could be argued but a bust is a stretch. Cannot expect more than contribution from draft picks, starting and pro bowling is something you just can't expect.
Jones seems to be a slow learner or grower as well and again we've seen his ability in spurts this year...just the sheer number of years he's been here gives me pause to use the term bust...too early and he's still here...if a true bust he'd be gone already.
Maybe labelling Perry and Datone as busts is a bit harsh but there's no doubt in my mind both of them have been disappointing for first-round picks.
I'd agree with that, I still sense one of them at least is going to be above serviceable for us moving forward for a while. (I hope!)
It seems like Datone's value increased late last season once he lined up at OLB as well, hopefully he can continue to build on that. I expect Perry to sign with a team using a 4-3 defense.
Is Perry up this offseason or next? If next I could see a scenario where he stays. He's proven capable but never panned out for where we drafted him unless he explodes. If he doesn't play into a contract elsewhere he could be one of those "sign him back because price garners his ability and familiarity to the system" type retentions.
Perry will be a free agent this offseason unless the Packers re-sign within the next few weeks.
Okay in that case I think unless a team really makes a "head scratching" offer he's back on a short leash 2 year contract that is cost effective and may have some back end incentives handy as the carrot in front of the horse. I don't feel he's done enough to garner a ton of interest from other teams but enough to be serviceable here.
Maybe TT and MM are counting on Barrington's return to good health lessening the need to draft an ILB as a priority. And Matthews returning to the OLB group may offset the departure of Perry.
I share your concern. Barrington is another one of TT's/MM's projects. Veteran depth would be very helpful to the cause. It would not have to be a big ticket, All-Pro type of veteran, just somebody who doesn't hurt them.I desperately hope the front office doesn't rely on Barrington being the answer at inside linebacker, especially with the coaching staff wanting to move Matthews outside again.
I share your concern. Barrington is another one of TT's/MM's projects. Veteran depth would be very helpful to the cause. It would not have to be a big ticket, All-Pro type of veteran, just somebody who doesn't hurt them.
We haven't mentioned yet another project, mystery man Carl Bradford, in this discussion. If they are counting heavily on unveiling him to back-fill the ILB position I may need to start drinking.
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Who goes and who stays? Bradford can be added to the list, as well.
I don't care if Thompson addresses the position via free agency or an early round draft pick. Just spending a fourth-rounder on it like last year wouldn't cut it for me though.
IMO the Packers defense can get by with Raji playing nose tackle, especially defending the run.
In addition the team played their base defense on only 17.7% of the snaps, so maybe you overvalue the NT position in Capers defense.
Or maybe they'd play more base defense with a decent NT...doesn't make sense to play a defense that depends on a poor player. Upgrade that player and you'll probably see more actual 3-4.