Going into the draft most fans were of the mindset that we needed to address the defensive line, linebackers, and offensive line. Mission accomplished.
We’ve never seen a Ted Thompson draft like this and might not ever again. The packers G.M. attacked our problems head on and even shocked Packer nation when he traded UP in the first round!
After the first day of the NFL draft, the Packers were a much better team than the day before. They brought in a stud nose tackle in B.J. Raji with the ninth overall pick. That was followed up with an uncharacteristic aggressive move by Ted Thompson to trade away draft picks so he could get a kid his coaches and scouts really like, Clay Matthews.
After day one a lot of fans cried that we gave up too much for CM3. “What will we do on day two now,” they asked. The answer to that question is “We will put on a drafting clinic and be the envy of every team in the NFC North.”
Day two of the NFL draft is where Ted Thompson makes his money. He brings in guys we never heard of or takes advantage of how a situation is playing out. This is exactly what the Packers did on day two.
Not many people thought T.J Lang would be there at 109 and the Packers took him. Lang is versatile, can play both guard and tackle, and was one of the more touted tackles in the draft. He’s a Packer now. Our offensive line offended a lot of people last year. It just got better.
Our running game struggled in 2008. We don’t really need more running backs since Jackson, Grant, and LumpkinWynn are fine. We addressed the offensive line, so what else is there? How about we draft the #1 ranked fullback in the draft? Welcome to the Packers, Quinn Johnson. Boom.
Then “the steal of the draft” happened with the 162nd pick. We drafted an offensive lineman that was ranked in the top 60. We drafted Jamon Meredith. That offensive line I said just got better? Well it just got even better.
As important as bringing in an outside linebacker when you transition to a 3-4 defense is bringing in defensive ends who fit that scheme. We did just that with the 6-3 277 pound Jarius Wynn.
At this point with our biggest needs addressed everything else was just butter, so when we ended the draft with cornerback Brandon Underwood and outside linebacker Brad Jones, you couldn’t help but acknowledge that we now have depth and special teamers who won’t allow us to be one of the league’s worst again.
It’s amazing how two days in April can push your team over the edge. The Packers are now the team to beat in the NFC North.
16 - People Actually Wrote Something Here
Andyman Said,
Fantastic draft, actually happy with who we got and now I thirst for more Packers!
Posted on April 26th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Profizzle Said,“It’s amazing how two days in April can push your team over the edge. The Packers are now the team to beat in the NFC North.” Bring it on Superbowl
Posted on April 26th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
Asshalo Said,“It’s amazing how two days in April can push your team over the edge. The Packers are now the team to beat in the NFC North.”
I liked the picks but it’s a little premature to say Mission Accomplished.
Mitch King out of Iowa (big ten defensive player of the year) wasn’t drafted. He’s got a motor and is a steal if you can get him as an undrafted free agent
Posted on April 26th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
Jersey AlTwitter: JerseyAlGBP
Said,
I actually like the Fullback pick. How many short yardage situations did we fail in last year? Way too many. This guy is a path clearer – according to his bio, he had 11 touchdown-producing blocks last season.
Asshalo Reply:
April 26th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
right. he can play special teams very well too and we all know that was a problem last year.
Posted on April 26th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
Ezra Johnson Said,You would have to think the Packers will be getting a good grade from the critics on their draft. I was jumping up and down and screaming when the Pack chose Matthews. My wife walked in and said “Whats wrong with you?”
So I explained to her what happened and she says…”You are retarded!”
She does not care too much for football…ahhh fuck her!
Franklin Hillside Reply:
April 27th, 2009 at 9:16 am
Mel Kiper gave them an A. The highest grade of any team. Boom.
Posted on April 26th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
nick Said,Great draft we filled many needs. I am really happy with the pick of the bone bruising fullback, can`t wait for the season.
Posted on April 26th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
bozz_2006 Said,i’m psyched!
Posted on April 26th, 2009 at 9:59 pm
IronMan Said,“I liked the picks but it’s a little premature to say Mission Accomplished.”
Amen to that.
Posted on April 26th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
Dale Z Said,Quote: IronMan
I’m sorry, did we NOT address the problems we had by drafting NT,LB,OT,OG,DE?
Franklin Hillside Reply:
April 27th, 2009 at 9:17 am
Some people can never be happy. They feel guilty.
Posted on April 26th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
Jayme Said,All I could think of when I read “Mission Accomplished” was W standing on an aircraft carrier in a Navy jumpsuit. Yes, the draft is praiseworthy now. You have to admire the boldness Thompson showed and the fact that instead of going straight best player available, he addressed specific needs. That being said, this may turn out to be a crappy draft and all of these players may suck. Don’t count your eggs before they’re hatched, my friend.
Posted on April 26th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
Master Bates Said,I think Ted likes “muscle-y” LB’ers, with long blonde flowing hair….
(Are you sure there are no cameras in the player’s shower..?)
Mission Accomplished?
Someone needs to photoshop Tedro on that aircraft carrier, codpiece, and all…
How did Harrell and Abdul Hodge work out? Plus, I could name plenty of others…
Too early to tell. One thing for sure, the O-line will still suck, and I think the defense will be shaky all year…..
But yeah, go ahead and believe that the Mission is accomplished though, if that helps some of you..
Posted on April 27th, 2009 at 10:21 am
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