Is James Campen finally off the hook in the eyes of Packers fans?

There’s been something missing this offseason, and I’ve finally figured out what it is: the annual tirade of Packers fans against special teams coach Shawn Slocum and offensive line coach James Campen. What once was a common occurrence has quietly but certainly escaped from our foremost thoughts. They have only been mentioned in mere passing in recent news stories, and even the most rabid of fans have barely even whispered their names.

All of this, evidently, must be a good thing.

Just about 11 months ago, our own Zach Kruse wrote a post detailing five areas in which the Packers could improve in 2011, despite having won a Super Bowl title the previous year. Three of those areas were Kick and Punt Returning, Kick and Punt Coverage, and Pass Protection. In revisiting those now, we’ve seen some noteworthy improvements.

In first looking at Special Teams, the addition of Randall Cobb as a punt and kick returner was huge. Not only did he win the NFL Honors Play of the Year for his 108-yard kickoff return against the New Orleans Saints, but he made a significant mark on the statistics sheets. In yards per punt return, Cobb ranked third in the NFL (13.4), and he ranked seventh in yards per kickoff return (27.6).

While a lot of this is due to the athletic talent and vision that Cobb possesses, these plays would not have been possible without the blocking of the special teams units. And for that, we have to give credit to Slocum. If we are going to blame him for the failures, then it would only be right to praise him for the successes.

In fact, if you go by the advanced statistical measurements of Football Outsiders (FO), the Packers special teams unit ranked 8th in DVOA (3.5%) across the league in 2011. Last year they ranked 26th (1.6%).

Now how about that offensive line?

Well, to look at it statistically, they actually slid back a little bit. Their 41 sacks allowed last year numbered three more than the year of their Super Bowl run, and according to FO, their Adjusted Sack Rate rose from 7.2% to 7.4%. But if this is the case, why haven’t we heard the rallying cry against Campen lately?

Personnel changes have the most to do with it. The first big move of the year was inserting T.J. Lang into the left guard position as a starter, where he played just about all of the offensive snaps. After a couple missteps to begin the season, Lang has proven to be a significant upgrade over Daryn Colledge, who is now with the Arizona Cardinals.

The most important shift, though, was at the left tackle spot. Chad Clifton, recently released by Green Bay, was a big cornerstone of the offensive line in 2010 (and of course for many years prior). His injury against the Falcons in Week 5 shook up the offensive line in a big way. Marshall Newhouse, who was then filling in at right tackle for the injured Bryan Bulaga, slid over to left tackle while first round draft pick Derek Sherrod filled in the hole.

Bulaga started the next week against St. Louis, but Newhouse remained at left tackle and became the starter for the remainder of the regular season.

Having that much shifting around take place with the tackle positions is often a recipe for disaster, yet somehow the Packers were able to fight through it. Marshall Newhouse, though not without flaws, performed admirably at left tackle. And that, perhaps, is why offensive line coach James Campen seems to be getting a passing grade from fans this year.

Whether it’s being more lenient in the face of injuries, or giving credit for having Newhouse ready to take over, Campen wasn’t nearly on the hot seat as much as in previous years.

All that said, these two coaches are still under the microscope. Any misstep by them or their units will surely open the floodgates for past failures to come screaming back into our memories.

Truth be told, it could be something as simple as a lack of improvement. If there’s no noticeable improvement by Tim Masthay or Randall Cobb in the punting game, there will surely be some disappointment in falling short of their potential. Likewise, if Aaron Rodgers starts getting sacked like he was in 2009, then there’s no telling what fuming curses will be spewed at Coach Campen by the fans.

But for now, we must give credit where credit is due. Shawn Slocum and James Campen have silenced the critics for at least one year, and for good reason. Special teams has been perhaps the most improved unit in 2011, and the offensive line was able to manage the loss of one of its best players.

Slocum and Campen get the benefit of the doubt going into 2012, but as with every player, coach, and GM, they still must earn their worth from year to year.

Chad Toporski, a Wisconsin native and current Pittsburgh resident, is a writer for AllGreenBayPackers.com and The Packer Backer. You can follow Chad on twitter at @ChadToporski

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'Packers Coaches Campen, Slocum Out of the Fire?

Donald and Peta finished the season with their first perfect 10s across the board.  Len Goodman finally broke down and awarded Donald a 10 for the first time. Bravo Donald and Peta.

Remember to vote:  1-800-868-3403 or vote online here (until 10:00AM CT , 5/22/12).

Follow @JerseyAlGBP You can follow Jersey Al on Facebook and Twitter .

#82914 on the Packers Season Ticket Waiting List.

Be sure to bookmark Jersey Al’s AllGreenBayPackers.com where we are "All Packers All the Time"

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'Watch the Video: Week 10 (The Finals) of Packers’ Donald Driver on Dancing With the Stars: Freestyle

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Donald and Peta matched their season high (set just last week) with a score of 29 from judges Carrie Ann Inaba (10), Len Goodman (9) and Bruno Tonioli (10). Goodman has still not awarded the pair a 10, consistently finding something  imperfect with Donald and Peta’s performances. This time around, he thought they played it a bit safe.

Follow @JerseyAlGBP You can follow Jersey Al on Facebook and Twitter .

#82914 on the Packers Season Ticket Waiting List.

Be sure to bookmark Jersey Al’s AllGreenBayPackers.com where we are "All Packers All the Time"

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'Watch the Video: Week 10 (The Finals) of Packers’ Donald Driver on Dancing With the Stars: Argentine Tango

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Could the Packers lose their President?

Mark Murphy, current President and CEO of the Green Bay Packers, is reportedly interested in the Athletic Director job at the University of Stanford.  The San Francisco Chronicle was the first to break the possibility of Murphy leaving Green Bay.

The job as the AD of Stanford became available when previous AD Bob Bowlsby took a job as commissioner of the Big 12.  Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press Gazette reported today that Murphy tried to get the Stanford athletic director job in 2006, but Bowlsby got the job.

While the idea of leaving one of the most successful franchises in the NFL for a college may seem like a step down, Murphy has a long and rich history with the college game.

The bigger question that needs to be answered is what is happening with the Packers’ front office?

With so many coaches and staff leaving this offseason (i.e. Joe Philbin, Reggie McKenzie, etc.), losing Murphy could be another tumultuous hit to Green Bay.  It’s understandable that other teams or schools want to hire successful people, but at what point do the Packers need to pony-up some dough to keep these guys around?

Will Green Bay suffer in 2012 from these losses?  Maybe, maybe not, but it certainly is much harder to bring in a new coach or a new CEO than it is to keep one that has been there for years.

Hopefully this is all just the work of rumors and nothing comes from it, but just in case, Green Bay might want to start lining up some other options.

Any volunteers?

'Packers President Mark Murphy: Could He Be Leaving for Stanford?

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Have Packer fans seen the last of Driver's trademark smile?

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Donald Driver learned a brutal lesson last week on the power of social media.

Driver, whose place on the Packers’ 2012 roster is most certainly up in the air, sent out the following message on Twitter this past Thursday:

“Hello everyone: I’m a packer for life. It will never change. Go Pack Go!!!!”

With that comment, Packer Nation immediately awoke from its post-draft slumber. Had the Packers decided to hang onto one of the most beloved players in franchise history or was this a way for Driver to cryptically inform Cheeseheads all over the world that his time in green and gold was indeed up?

Even after clarifications issued by Driver and his agent, Jordon Woy, it’s currently the hot topic around the water cooler for Packer fans everywhere. Some see things through the eyes of GM Ted Thompson and say that while they will always love Driver, the Packers are so deep at the wide receiver position that Driver has to be a casualty to keep players like Tori Gurley on the roster.

Others feel that Driver, whom is often cited as the only offensive player to actually “show up and play” during the playoff debacle this past season against the New York Giants, is still better than any of the other options on the roster.

I would fall more into the first group than the second, thought I totally understand where people who insist Driver must stay are coming from. Although I have to say that Packer fans have to realize they have seen this script play out before and it is not a good idea to be going down this road again.

Remember the Summer of Favre in 2008? Well, 2012 is appearing to be the sequel: the Summer of Driver. I’m not accusing Driver of being a prima donna like Favre. Far from it. Driver has handled this situation perfectly, no doubt taking cues from the PR disaster that was Favre’s divorce from the Packers. Not to mention Driver has always been one of the most decent guys in the NFL.

Fans are obsessing over this pending decision to the point that it is going to consume discussion even more than it has already. Just wait until the cut down days during the preseason. It is reasonable to believe Driver could at least make it to training camp where he will actually be allowed to compete for a roster spot.

Should the Packers decide to move on from Driver, which I personally believe is still a crapshoot either way, Thompson once again will face backlash from fans although it will not even come close to rivaling what he heard back in 2008. However, with a Super Bowl title now to his credit, Thompson should by now have earned the benefit of the doubt with fans.

Unfortunately when it comes to players with a stature like Driver, the front office person usually takes a lot of heat for it no matter how much sense it makes in relation to the product on the field. Some fans cling to players like Driver, Favre and Peyton Manning because they’re links to an era of excitement and success despite the fact that those waiting in the wings could bring just as much success or perhaps even more.

I’m not saying FIRE TED THOMPSON protests will break out again, but I think there will be some genuine anger directed at the Packers GM.

Thompson believes that sentimentality does not win championships. He believed it in 2008 and thanks to the team’s Super Bowl XLV title and it’s 15-1 record in 2011 likely believes it even more now. It’s definitely going to be a tough call to make given what Driver has been willing to give up to remain on the Packers roster, but sometimes the right decision isn’t the easiest nor is it the most popular.

I totally understand why some people will be so upset should Driver be released. I’ll admit he’s been one of my favorite Packers for the past ten seasons as well. What he had to overcome to get where is today as well as how he carries himself on and off the field are truly remarkable stories.

Honestly, I’d feel the same way with any player. After what the team went through with Favre in 2008 and what the Indianapolis Colts went through this past offseason with Manning, fans need to come terms with the fact that no player is guaranteed to finish their career with the team that drafted them and that it is becoming even more of a rarity for such a thing to occur.

That means even Aaron Rodgers could play somewhere else in the future. I’m hoping not, but anything can happen in the NFL. Who would have thought in 2010 Manning would be a Bronco in two years or in 2007 who’d have thought Favre would be a Viking? The NFL is too unpredictable to assume anything with anyone.

Maybe that’s why it is so much fun to follow.

If Driver is indeed let go, fans need to salute him and then move on. You never know what could be around the corner and waiting in the wings. That’s not to say Driver should be forgotten. His impact and legacy will be felt around the Packers an the league for decades to come. He will be elected into the Packers Hall of Fame and just maybe even the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

It will be an emotional day for Packer Nation, but I ask all of you to keep things in perspective. The memories of Driver’s time in Green Bay will endure much longer than the story of this offseason and the debate over his future.

DD wouldn’t have it any other way.

Kris Burke is a freelance sports writer currently residing in Wisconsin. His work has been linked to by sites such as National Football Post and CBSSports.com. Follow @KrisLBurke

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'Donald Driver: Is It Packer Nation Vs Ted Thompson Part Two?

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It's too early to question Nick Perry's effort.

There are several words used by analysts to describe college players entering the NFL draft that drive me crazy.

Examples include:

• Athletic. What does it mean to be athletic? Shouldn’t all athletes getting paid to play sports be considered athletic?
• High upside. How many teams draft players because they have little or no upside?
• Get-off. This is a newer term and it’s just weird. Am I reading about NFL prospects or porn actors?

Perhaps my least favorite words, however, are “effort” and “motor.” I’m not 100 percent sure, but I think effort has to do with how hard you try and motor has something to do with how hard you try throughout an entire play/game/season (I’m not sure about motor. It’s another one of those words, like “athletic,” that people tend to throw out there even though they really don’t know what it means).

Nearly every prospect is judged as either a max-effort guy with a high motor or someone whose effort is questionable with a motor that runs hot and cold.

Look, I get it. We all want players on our favorite teams that give 110 percent so we feel obligated to make judgments about a guy’s effort before he even gets into town. But you have to understand something when reading scouting reports and stories about a player’s effort or motor: Only the really good players get critiqued on effort.

Typically, you don’t see the mediocre linebacker or struggling-to-get-by running back called out for being lazy. Those types of players really don’t stand out in the first place, so it’s tough to tell if they’re dogging it.

The good prospects — players that are good enough to play in the NFL — are held to a different standard. NFL-caliber prospects look more impressive than everyone else. When they’re not dominating or playing at a level we feel they’re capable of, well, then they must have low motors or issues with effort.

Packers first-round pick Nick Perry has had his effort questioned.

From Bob McGinn (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel):

“Perry, who hails from Detroit, didn’t give teams pause from a character standpoint. He just didn’t play hard. In fact, one scout maintained that if (Jerel) Worthy was a 70%-30% player in terms of giving effort, Perry was 30%-70%.”

From the National Football Post:

“Scouts believe Perry could play harder. One called him an underachiever. There are concerns about his conditioning. ‘His get-off can be lethargic,’ one general manager said.”

Not all scouting reports questioned Perry’s effort. Here’s a sample of reports that were impressed with Perry’s effort and motor:

From MockingtheDraft.com:

“I like Nick Perry’s consistent effort. He shows good range and is always making tackles downfield well away from his starting point. It is also encouraging to see him get his hands up on tons of passing plays in which he was unable to get to the quarterback. That shows both effort and awareness on his part.”

From CBSSports.com:

“Works hard to collapse the pocket with a relentless motor.”

From SidelineScouting.com:

“Plays with a good motor, works hard in pursuit, finds the football and has good range.”

So which is it? Does Perry dog it? Is his motor hot or cold? Is he lethargic or explosive?

We don’t know. And we won’t know until we see him play for the Packers. I understand that McGinn is just doing his job and relaying what others are telling him about Perry. McGinn also provides plenty of other insight about Perry beyond just his effort issues, but  I wish the words effort and motor would go away along with athletic, upside and get-off.

Tell me what we know about a player, not what we perceive. And even if we’re relatively sure that a player might have effort issues, let’s remember that these are 21-year-old kids straight out of college. A lot of us probably had effort issues at that point of our lives.

Unless it’s Randy Moss or Albert Haynesworth, we usually don’t judge a player’s “effort” once they’re in the NFL. Players are either good, or they’re bad. They either get the job done, or they don’t.

There’s no reason we shouldn’t use the same criteria to judge a player before he puts on an NFL uniform.

Adam Czech is a freelance reporter and a Packers fan living in the Twin Cities. Follow Adam on Twitter. Read more of Adam's writing on the Packers here.

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'Questioning the “Effort” and “Motor” of the Packers’ Nick Perry

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Surviving Sunday with no Packers Football

This is the time of year when we plant our flowers/veggies while NFL teams hold rookie camps. There are some parallels there.

We select what we think look like healthy new plants/vegetables, and give them an initial strong foundation, planting them firmly in the ground. We then watch over them, monitoring their progress and giving them the care and nurturing they need to sprout into flower or veggie-producing mature plants.

NFL teams pick this years plants (rookies) in the April draft and the free agency period in the days following. Rookie mini-camps are held, where the players are given their initial foundation of knowledge with regards to team operations and offensive/defensive schemes. They are evaluated by the coaching staff, who then decide what kind of individualized ongoing attention and care they will need.

Training expectations are established and their progress is monitored and assisted. The goal is for these young players to develop and blossom into valuable producers in their own right.

Staying on that theme, today’s “Surviving Sunday” will focus on these new Packers players. While we all know their names by now, here are some articles that will tell us a little more about some of these players.

Tyler Dunne of JSOnline.com does an in-depth profile of Packers UDFA running back Marc Tyler.

Over at Acme Packing Company, they take a look at Nick Perry getting all his camp reps at left OLB.

Lori Nicke of JSOnline.com  takes a closer look at new Packers defensive back Casey Hayward.

Brian Carriveau of CheeseheadTV devotes a full podcast to a discussion of the rookie camp happenings.

Tom Silverstein of JSonline.com looks at the boom or bust potential of Packers 7th round draft pick Andrew Datko.

B.J. Coleman researched Packers history before coming to camp.

Jerron McMillian plans to prove the doubters wrong.

The longest of longshots: the 5 players signed as tryout invitees are discussed at Packersnews.com.

Our own Chad Toporski take a closer look at Packers’ UDFAs Sean Richardson and Dezman Moses.

Follow @JerseyAlGBP You can follow Jersey Al on Facebook and Twitter .

#82914 on the Packers Season Ticket Waiting List.

Be sure to bookmark Jersey Al’s AllGreenBayPackers.com where we are "All Packers All the Time"

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'Surviving Sunday: Packers News, Notes and Links for the Football Deprived

Rookie S Sean Richardson

Ted Thompson and the Green Bay Packers have signed a total of 27 rookies to contracts this offseason. Eight of those were his 2012 NFL Draft picks, while the other 19 were undrafted free agents picked up immediately after the draft or brought in as tryout players during Rookie Orientation Camp. With the roster now at a full 90 players, it’s time to get to know some of these new faces.

Next up is safety Sean Richardson.

Born on Jan. 21, 1990, Seandre Antonio Richardson hails from Linden, Alabama, where he was given a key to the city upon his signing with the Green Bay Packers. He is the first football player from Linden to earn a Division I scholarship. He is the son of Darnell and Sandra Richardson and brother to Darnell, Jr., and sister Shonedra.

Sean was a starter at safety for his last three seasons with the Vanderbilt Commodores, and he never missed a single game, despite undergoing hand surgery in 2009. He became an instant contributor on special teams during his freshman year, concluding with the Commodore’s only touchdown (a muffed punt recovery) against Boston College in the Music City Bowl.

Both Richardson and Packers second round draft pick Casey Hayward were the anchors of the Vanderbilt secondary. As a junior, Sean Richardson set single-season career highs in virtually every statistical category: 67 solo tackles, 98 total tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 3 QB hurries, and 7 passes defended. He played mostly “in the box,” working more in run support than pass coverage. His only career interception came as a senior.

Measuring 6-2, 216 lbs., Richardson ran a 4.47 second 40-yard dash, 7.01 second 3-cone drill, 4.44 second shuttle, and bench pressed 22 reps at the NFL Combine. Though undrafted, he gained interest from 14 teams wanting to sign him afterward. Some clubs were interested in having Richardson add about 15 pounds to play linebacker. The Packers, however, plan on keeping Richardson as a safety.

Most scouts use the word “physical” to describe Sean Richardson. He is more of a straight-line player, but does well shedding blocks and has a nose for the football. He maintains a low pad level and will “run through his target,” generating some “thump” on contact.

Richardson’s weaknesses include an inability to consistently work in space, showing some struggles in zone coverage and even more issues when playing man. According to the National Football Post scouting report, he “plays upright in coverage, isn’t real fluid when asked to re-direct and struggles to generate a burst clicking and closing on the throw.”

While working on his technique in the passing game, Sean Richardson could make an instant impact on Special Teams with his athleticism and tackling skills. As a projected backup player, that could be his quickest way onto the 53-man roster.

Chad Toporski, a Wisconsin native and current Pittsburgh resident, is a writer for AllGreenBayPackers.com and The Packer Backer. You can follow Chad on twitter at @ChadToporski

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'Packers Rookie Bio: S Sean Richardson

LIONS

The LIONS made the Play-Offs with 10-Wins and but for a few less injuries, and a bit more talent at certain positions they might have been able to make a solid run at a Super Bowl appearance. Lots of teams could say the same thing, but those other teams weren’t setting a League record for futility by going 0-16 but a few years ago. The team has truly come a long way since the FORD family parted ways with MATT MILLEN, and turned most of the personnel matters, including the DRAFT, over to MARTIN MAYHEW. The 2011 DRAFT didn’t even yield much immediate help because of serious injuries to NICK FAIRLEY & MIKEL LESHOURE.

The 2012 LIONS DRAFT looks promising on paper. RILEY REIFF may be the most talented OL that the team has drafted in the past decade. Whether he takes over at LT or RT he almost certainly guarantees that MATTHEW STAFFORD will take less hits in the pocket starting now. He’s a good athlete and comes from the FERENTZ school of OL play, which means he’s fundamentally sound and tough already. He’s a great value at Pick 23. The team took a slight flier in Round 2, by picking OKLAHOMA/WR/RYAN BROYLES. He’s coming off a serious knee injury and will most likely start the season on the PUP list. But if he returns to pre-injury form he’ll make NATE BURLESON an extra piece by season’e end. He’s only the NCAA D1 all time receptions leader, and is a dangerous Return Man as well. Healthy, he was a marginal late first rounder only lacking in great speed.I like the calculated gamble.

Rounding out their Top 100 Picks at No. 85 was DWIGHT “BILL” BENTLEY/CB who may have been a slight unknown to those who only study Top 25 Boards on the internet, but is well regarded overall as potential starting CB, who should be ready for sub-package work at the least, immediately. These three Picks represent some very solid work by the end of Friday Draft Night.

MAYHEW and his staff regrouped for Draft Saturday and went right back to picking talented and useful players for HC JIM SCHWARTZ. RONNELL LEWIS, a pass-rush specialist came in Round 4. He’s undersized for every down work at 6’2/244, but he did a nice impersonation of ROBERT MATHIS/COLTS last season at OKlahoma. If he can eventually convert to OLB great, but if not he still brings good value at Pick 125. In keeping with the LB theme the team took TAHIR WHITEHEAD/TEMPLE in Round 5. He has a ways to go to play with the D, but certainly looks like a great combination of size, speed and toughness to shine on Special Teams. He was probably over-drafted for my money. It may take a while for the raw kid, from the small Indiana school to see much time on the field in the NFL, but CB/CHRIS GREENWOOD looks the part and has the measurables to cover fast receivers as a pro. He caught attention for his work during SHRINE Week, and looks like the real deal if coached up with a dose of patience.

Clearly, someone in the LIONS scouting department got up on the table and banged his fist for the potential of JONTE GREEN/CB/NEW MEXICO STATE. I had to dig deep to find his name when it was called. At this stage of the Draft (pick 196) it’s tough to get too critical, but I had names that looked a lot more useful to the team on my Board. Just loved the next Pick when they tagged TRAVIS LEWIS/LB/OKLAHOMA in Round 7. LEWIS was a sideline to sideline player, who started 53 games in his SOONERS career. He had the misfortune of breaking a bone in his foot last August. He returned to play, but was not as athletic or productive as he was pre-injury. I never expected him to fall this far from grace. He could be a super steal in a couple of seasons and earn a starting job, as well as dominate Special Teams play.

I cannot tell you I think they did anything special in signing Rookie Free Agents this year. PATRICK EDWARDS/WR/RS/HOUSTON is an old-fashioned smurf kind of receiver who might win a roster slot if indeed BROYLES can’t play as the season starts. It’s also possible that signee KELLEN MOORE/BOISE STATE might have a chance to be the third QB behind STAFFORD & HILL. Beyond that I see a bunch of smaller school, undersized players to take some reps in Training Camp only.

Other than a couple of “reaches” I think this is a very solid Draft class for Detroit. What I am particularly impressed with is that the team over and over again, got players at positions of need without reaching to fill their needs. They got quality and/or quantity at positions of talent needs at OT, LB, CB & WR. I’d say as many as half of their Draftees could become starters in the next few years, with REIFF being the biggest addition to impact things right from the start. BENTLEY could surprise and work his way into a starting CB position by October.

I’ll tab the team with a solid B grade.

DA BEARS

And so begins the PHIL EMERY Drafting regime in Chicago. Not a bad effort, but one that has raised plenty of heat from a fan base that just loves to second guess their sports managers. Other than this city’s love for the hapless CUBBIES, a case could be made that the cities fandom is just as heartless as the reviled residents of Philadelphia. But that’s another story for another day. Some solid picks were made, but so were some pretty questionable ones. And the attempt to reunite JAY CUTLER with BRANDON MARSHALL probably falls somewhere between genius and folly.

I really like the long term pro prospects of SHEA McCLELLIN/DE/LB/BOISE STATE, but not as high as Pick 19 of the entire DRAFT, and not going to a team where he will have to learn to play with his hand off the ground in a 4-3 scheme, as opposed to a 3-4. Every NFL associate that I have spoken with asserts that OLB in a 4-3 scheme is a horse of another color for most players. I will lay odds that SHEA gets the job done and strengthens and aging, thin LB group in the Windy City, but his Rookie contribution will be less than what the team needs while he learns and adjusts. ALSHON JEFFERY/WR in Round 2 is the kind of gamble that most teams make every year or three in the DRAFT. EMERY is taking the chance now that the 215 lb. JEFFERY we saw, post 2011 college season is the guy DA BEARS will see catching 50-75 balls a year and being a major force in the Red Zone with his height, leaping ability and big hands. If he balloon s back up to 235+, then the team is stuck with the second coming of MIKE WILLIAMS. But I like the risk/reward factor here. With his head on straight and JAY as his QB ALSHON could come on strong & fast.

BRANDON HARDIN/S is another transition player (CB to S) who could have been had a round later in my mind. He may eventually see a couple of Pro Bowls (whatever that becomes) once he adjusts, because he will be far more athletic than your current average NFL S. But the learning curve will be significant, so don’t count on too much from him as a Rookie. EVAN RODRIQUEZ is a major reach, with questionable value in DA BEARS Offense. He’s a hybrid TE/H-B/FB with a rap sheet that scared off a few teams. I am sensing that DA BEARS talent evaluators thought they saw a player very similar to AARON HERNANDEZ/PATS. I don’t think so. He is neither as fast as, as strong as nor as sure handed as AARON. He’ll make a nice, versatile roster addition, but I again suspect he’s a reach of 1 to 2 Rounds.

Let’s see a show of hands from BEARS fans if they had heard of CB/ISAIAH FREY before DA BEARS selected him in Round 6. I didn’t even have him on my Big Board, never mind Draftable. A much better pick was their final choice of GREG McCOY/CB/RS in Round 7. He’s a bit small, and will remind some of TIM JENNINGS, but he is super quick, has some cover skills and is incredibly elusive in the Return Game. Like they need more help supplementing DEVIN HESTER on returns than they do along the OL.

Before I summarize we have to consider BRANDON MARSHALL/WR as part of this year’s DRAFT. He also cost part of next years effort as well. Some years ago in Denver, he and JAY CYTLER were one of the most prolific pitch and catch duos in the League. They were very effective in the Red Zone. It may be a bit of folly to think that old spark can be rekindled, but neither one of the two players has even reached his 30th birthday yet. If they could combine for just 5-6 catches a game, in a mix with JEFFERY, a healthy JOHNNY KNOX and whatever role they have in mind for HESTER, CUTLER could have a very talented and deep receiving corps. It could happen!

They might have a few Rookie Free Agents who can win a roster spot, the best and most useful most likely being JAMES BROWN/OG/TROY. I had BROWN ranked as my 99th best overall prospect and believe he could start in a year or two with the help of OL guru MIKE TICE, if he’s not too busy being the new Offensive Coordinator.

I do not consider this a very strong year-one effort for EMERY. Tell me who starts from this Draft in 2012, besides the veteran MARSHALL. Even beyond this season, I question the upside potential of much of this group. They drafted too many guys too soon, with questionable compatibility to DA BEARS systems. I hope EMERY does better for his new organization next DRAFT, when he has filled his staff with his own guys, not primarily leftovers from the ANGELO regime.

I honestly don’t see that this DRAFT does a whole lot to upgrade the play of DA BEARS as a team in 2012. I think perhaps too many leftover people, like LOVIE SMITH, are being delusional about how good this team was last year. They look back to the hot streak run in mid-season and believe that without the CUTLER/FORTE injuries they had a chance to challenge the PACKERS for the NFC North title. There are more holes in this roster than that run would indicate. They needed more help and talent than this effort provides. I give then a C- grade.

VIKINGS

The VIKINGS are one of those teams, whose fans must remember that you cannot fix a bad team with only one DRAFT. And from a talent basis this has become a bad team. Some questionable to poor Drafts, expensive Free Agent signings and aging vets have put the team at an overall talent disadvantage in comparison to most NFL teams right now. So now that the CHILDRESS regime is over RICK SPIELMAN and his guys have the arduous task of significantly improving the team’s overall talent base. The good news is that SPIELMAN worked the DRAFT without getting too cute. He ended up having 10 Picks and getting value with almost every one of them.

MATT KALIL, is just what the doctor prescribed in Round 1. He may not quite be the second coming of RON YARY, but I would be surprised if he doesn’t anchor the LT slot for more than a decade, starting this September. If he can add another 10-15 lbs. of muscle mass without losing any quickness he could be monster good. I think they reached with their second Pick by taking HARRISON SMITH/S at Pick 29, but they were not alone in coveting him at that stage of the proceedings. I think he’s a tick slow in his anticipation of the ball in the air, but in today’s NFL guys who play S are asked to do a ton of things, and he can do a lot of them. He tackles like a small LB and pursues well. He’s a very good athlete, who may improve with pro coaching. And God knows they needed help at the position.

In Round 3 they helped their secondary again, but taking the fastest player at the 2012 COMBINE in JOSH ROBINSON/CB. But the good news is that ROBINSON is not just a straight line speed guy. In college he showed a nose for the ball, and used his speed to beat receivers to throws. He’s also not afraid to support against the run. He’s the 3rd probable immediate starter of the Draft class.

Way too many talented WR have exited Minnesota over the past few years and not been adequately replaced. SPIELMAN grabbed 2 guys from Arkansas with very different skill sets. In Round 4 the team took JARIUS WRIGHT who fits the mold of the speedy, quick cut slot receiver in the NFL. He’s a bit light @ 182 lbs., but id used correctly he’s going to be running away from  people not looking for contact on most of his routes. He also would seem to be a logical candidate for some return work on Special Teams. On the other side of the coin the team took his college teammate GREG CHILDS/WR later in Round 4. CHILDS led the team in receptions as a Soph but suffered multiple injuries in 2010. including a torn patellar tendon in his right knee. He came back in 2011, but was not 100%. He did seem to lay more like his old self later in the season, and showed flashes during SHRINE GAME week. If he’s fully healthy he potentially fills the role that SIDNEY RICE did a few years ago. Patience will be a key with CHILDS and his knee.

The team made an interesting Pick in between the Razorbacks in RHETT ELLISON/FB/TE from USC. ELLISON reminds many of a guy named KLEINSASSER, who just retired from the VIKES. He’s a FB/H-B/TE hybrid who blacks like hell, catches well and can run a little bit between the tackles. He’ll also play on just about every Special Teams unit in his spare time. He has NFL pedigree and should be a valuable jack of all trades for the team. In Round 5 the team took another versatile guy who may make a better pro than he did a collegiate player: ROBERT BLANTON/DB/NOTRE DAME. I think he was miscast as a CB in college. He was not flexible enough to stay with cutting receivers and looked a step slow. He should be solid on some sub packages, and if I’m the VIKES I start working on his long term conversion to S right away. At the very least he can earn his keep on Special Teams over the short term.

They say you can’t blow a Pick in the final Rounds, but i have some serious questions about K/BLAIR WALSH. He fell apart in his senior season at Georgia, and looked totally lost kicking during SHRINE GAME week in St. Pete. He needs a sports psychologist and a helluva kicking guru to coach him back up. And then they ship LONGWELL out of town to make room for him. This looks like the mistake of their Draft to me.

Great bounce back with their final 2 Picks. I don’t understand how AUDIE COLE/LB went from being a solid prospect last Fall to a 7th Rounder in April. He moved Inside at State to help out the team. He has a nose for the ball and makes big plays on a weekly basis. I think he might have been better served as an OLB in a 3-4 scheme, but he can play. ON a team with the VIKINGS current roster he should improve their overall talent more than you should be able to expect from a 7th Rounder. I think the same could be said of TREVOR GUYTON/DE/CAL. GUYTON played primarily as a 3-4 DE as a senior, but has been all over the DL as a collegian. He’s highly coachable, a good athlete and a hustling football player. These two guys are gems for Round 7.

It looks to me like the VIKINGS had too many personnel people in a hurry to get home Saturday night after the DRAFT was over. Given what I feel the overall depth was in this year’s Draft Class they should have done better in the Rookie Free Agent signing process. They certainly have plenty of roster room for young talent. I see 4 names that seem to me to be obvious candidates for roster spots in their RFA group. DERRICK COLEMAN/RB/FB/UCLA got some good reviews from his Pro Day work. UCLA was a tough team to analyze, but the general consensus is that there was some talent there that flew under the radar and COLEMAN might be a prime example. QUENTIN SAULSBERRY/G/C/MISS STATE, would be a First Rounder if you considered only heart and attitude. He should have a solid chance to outwork some of the pretenders in their current OL corps. He can play all 3 inside OL slots effectively. On the defensive side of the ball TYDREKE POWELL/DT/UNC is nothing special, but he’s reliable and has decent size and athleticism to play inside. Can this staff find the tools to motivate and teach him? And finally, if you’re a VIKINGS fan you gotta love those hard working IOWA LBs like TYLER NIELSEN. He’s a smart, hard working kid who should fit on Special Teams and maybe develop into a sub-package defender at LB.

Their DRAFT effort was solid, above average, but I think they should have done more with Rookie Free Agents. I give the organization a B- overall.

You can read more of Pigskin Paul’s Packers & NFL Draft musings at Pigskin Paul’s Place.

'Looking at the Packers’ NFC North Rivals: How the Lions, Bears and Vikings did in the NFL Draft

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Donald Driver: Packer for life?

When Donald Driver tweeted that he’d be a “packer for life”, speculation around the Internet and Twitter grew rampant.  Did Driver just re-work his contract?  Had he been released and will be retiring at the end of the year?

Mike Florio at ProFootballTalk.com spoke to Driver’s agent, Jordan Woy, who stated that, “the Packers have always wanted Driver back.”

He went on to add,

“He has been busy with the DWTS show and the team knows that.  I discussed deal structure with the team a while ago and we will work out the details once Donald returns to Green Bay.”

This clearly doesn’t put an end to the questions surrounding Driver and Green Bay’s plan for him in 2012.  However, upon first glance, it definitely appears as if Driver could be back for another year with the Packers.

This is certainly a bit puzzling because of the depth at wide receiver that Green Bay is already blessed with.  Without Driver, the Packers still have Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, James Jones and youngsters like Dale Moss and Tori Gurley.  So, with all this younger talent, where does Driver exactly fit in?

The honest truth is that he doesn’t fit in, and unless Green Bay plans on making him a coach for the foreseeable future, using a roster spot on him seems like quite the waste.  We all have to say goodbye to the players we love at some point, and now is the time for Driver.

'Donald Driver: Packer for Life?