Why would the Packers want Mario Williams?

[Timinator 0]

Serious question in the fact that they have two starting DEs already and plenty of other holes to fill. Oh, I get that Mario is that "once in a blue moon" kind of player, but I got handed that same bill of goods with Tony Mandarich years ago. Sure, he could spell KGB, but then you'd have 15% of your salary cap in three DEs and no starting OLBs.

 

I've also read that 1.5 is to early to take AJ Hawk. Why? If he's good enough and fills a need... (I know one argument here is that a decent LB can be had at 2.5.)

 

Green Bay took a guy at 1.24 last year that was too good to pass up, but couldn't make an impact since he was behind Favre. How about taking a guy who can play this year instead of sitting behind Kampman and KGB? Novel idea.

 

I'm not so sure you don't pass up Mario even if he's there at 1.5. Tell me why that's foolishness

[Sho Nuff 720]

I think the talent aspect of the guy...and you can rotate KGB, Kampman, and Mario. also may look to move KGB or at least lower his cap number.

 

But I can agree with you as I think AJ fills a bigger need at LB than Mario does on the line.

[Guest stevejohnson]

I would go OL (D'Brickshaw) before DE......

[Sho Nuff 720]

I would go OL (D'Brickshaw) before DE......

 

And then talk about moving one of their Tackles to guard? Because OT is the only place on that line that is set right now.

[hoffdaddy 1]

And then talk about moving one of their Tackles to guard? Because OT is the only place on that line that is set right now.

 

Agreed. I like Ferguson just fine, but they have Clifton, Tauscher and Barry. Would seem like a waste to pick a guy that high who isn't even going to play. In this case, a trade down would be in order. However, I think this won't matter because I don't think Williams makes it to 5. With Pickett in and Kampan resigned, I think the focus is now Hawk, especially since Derek Smith resigned with San Franciso and Na'ill Diggs was released.

[Guest stevejohnson]

Yeah but this kid is projected to be the best OT to come out in years....in my opinion, you can never have too many of those guys.....you just move somebody to guard or trade one of the other Ts for a G.

[Sho Nuff 720]

Yeah but this kid is projected to be the best OT to come out in years....in my opinion, you can never have too many of those guys.....you just move somebody to guard or trade one of the other Ts for a G.

 

That is a great projection...but they already have 2 guys they know are great OTs...why risk it on a projection?

[Guest stevejohnson]

True....I can't kill the Packers for not taking him but that is just my humble opinion. They may be better off moving down a bit then because Mario is jsut a "projection" too....a lot of these great athletes on the DL never turn out to be productive NFL players. For every Peppers there is a Mike Mamula!

[Timinator 0]

Ferguson, Willliams and any QB appear, to me, to be wealth that the Packers just can't afford right now.

 

If too many of those guys are at 1.5, it's pretty likely that GB makes a trade. I like Hawk a lot, but decent LBs can be had later. In fact, you might get two of them for that traded 1.5 pick.

[Kitrick Taylor 0]

I think you are mistaking KGB as someone who can play everydown as a DE. He has been exposed as a situational pass rusher. If Super Mario is on the board the Packers will run their pick to the podium.

 

I think what you will see is that Kampmann will be moved to DT on obvious passing downs (although probably in a rotation with Cullen Jenkins and Corey Williams). Thats when KGB will be seeing the field. Only on obvious passing downs. With a fresh KGB, and Mario coming off the edges, the Packers could create serious problems for OTs. KGB is entering the 4th year of a seven year 37 Million dollar deal that had an 11 million dollar SB. (Well done Sherman). Look for the Packers to restructure that sometime soon to reflect KGBs true value to the team.

 

Don't make too much out the fact that TT was there for "AJ Hawks workout." It was the Ohio State workout, and it featured some of the best prospects in the country. Youboty, Carpenter, Holmes, Whitner just too name a few. I am sure Hawk is on their radar, but I doubt he is on the top of their wish list.

 

I don't see them drafting D'Brickashaw Ferguson at all. He's certainly worth the pick, however the Packers are already set with two very good OTs. Drafting Ferguson would be the same as taking an OG with the 5th overall pick. Just doesn't make any sense. I seriously doubt Ferguson makes it to pick 5 however. Every team in the top four needs a LT, and Ferguson is the one true "franchise" type LT in this draft.

[Guest stevejohnson]

You sound like you know a lot about the Packers situation. Any word on J. Walker? Are they really looking to trade him or will they decide to punish him by making him stay and hold out instead? I would love to see the Eagles make a move for him if he is available.

[Timinator 0]

I think you are mistaking KGB as someone who can play everydown as a DE. He has been exposed as a situational pass rusher. If Super Mario is on the board the Packers will run their pick to the podium.

 

I think what you will see is that Kampmann will be moved to DT on obvious passing downs (although probably in a rotation with Cullen Jenkins and Corey Williams). Thats when KGB will be seeing the field. Only on obvious passing downs. With a fresh KGB, and Mario coming off the edges, the Packers could create serious problems for OTs. KGB is entering the 4th year of a seven year 37 Million dollar deal that had an 11 million dollar SB. (Well done Sherman). Look for the Packers to restructure that sometime soon to reflect KGBs true value to the team.

 

 

No, I'm not making that mistake. As you noted, Sherman did. I was praying they would have sent KGB packing for the Eagle's 1.29 pick a few years back. My problem with taking Williams to rotate with Kampman and KGB is that we may never even get the opposition into that tasty third-down situation with the lack of talent at LB and DB.

 

And why would KGB restructure? The Packers can't really even afford to cut him. Team has no leverage there.

[Sho Nuff 720]

Ferguson, Willliams and any QB appear, to me, to be wealth that the Packers just can't afford right now.

 

If too many of those guys are at 1.5, it's pretty likely that GB makes a trade. I like Hawk a lot, but decent LBs can be had later. In fact, you might get two of them for that traded 1.5 pick.

 

I think they need more than a decent LB. And Hawk can be a star as well as a vocal leader on that defense (something I feel they have been lacking since Butler and White's days...)

 

I think you are mistaking KGB as someone who can play everydown as a DE. He has been exposed as a situational pass rusher. If Super Mario is on the board the Packers will run their pick to the podium.

 

I think what you will see is that Kampmann will be moved to DT on obvious passing downs (although probably in a rotation with Cullen Jenkins and Corey Williams). Thats when KGB will be seeing the field. Only on obvious passing downs. With a fresh KGB, and Mario coming off the edges, the Packers could create serious problems for OTs. KGB is entering the 4th year of a seven year 37 Million dollar deal that had an 11 million dollar SB. (Well done Sherman). Look for the Packers to restructure that sometime soon to reflect KGBs true value to the team.

 

Don't make too much out the fact that TT was there for "AJ Hawks workout." It was the Ohio State workout, and it featured some of the best prospects in the country. Youboty, Carpenter, Holmes, Whitner just too name a few. I am sure Hawk is on their radar, but I doubt he is on the top of their wish list.

 

I don't see them drafting D'Brickashaw Ferguson at all. He's certainly worth the pick, however the Packers are already set with two very good OTs. Drafting Ferguson would be the same as taking an OG with the 5th overall pick. Just doesn't make any sense. I seriously doubt Ferguson makes it to pick 5 however. Every team in the top four needs a LT, and Ferguson is the one true "franchise" type LT in this draft.

 

Would not say every team in the top 4 need an LT. Titans are in all liklihood moving Roos to LT to fill the hole left by Hopkins.

[Timinator 0]

I think they need more than a decent LB. And Hawk can be a star as well as a vocal leader on that defense (something I feel they have been lacking since Butler and White's days...)

 

This is why I want Hawk more than anybody. Wayne Simmons was never a huge star, I was actually pining for him recently. Hawk could bring a similar style/attitude with even more talent. That makes me more excited about 2006 (and beyond) than spelling KGB.

[Arsenal 3]

I also think Ferguson would be hard to pass up if he was still available at #5. If you figure that Mario is gone already, then either Ferguson or the #2 QB will still be on the table and either of those two should be more valuable than Hawk. I would rather see the Pack trade their pick than take him I guess, think about what they could have with the extra picks. You could possibly end up with a LB (maybe still get Hawk), TE, RB and possibly another impact player all within the first couple rounds - there is a lot of talent out there in this years draft.

[Kitrick Taylor 0]

I think they need more than a decent LB. And Hawk can be a star as well as a vocal leader on that defense (something I feel they have been lacking since Butler and White's days...)

Would not say every team in the top 4 need an LT. Titans are in all liklihood moving Roos to LT to fill the hole left by Hopkins.

 

 

Wouldn't you think that they would prefer to keep their RT on the Right side, and put Ferguson on the Left? I am not 100% sure of the situation there, but it would seem to make sense.

 

As for Walker, I don't think TT is going to trade him. Not while his value is at an all time low. If he comes out and has a great year, (which I kind of doubt, given the ACL timetable) they'll slap him with the franchise tag. At least at that point TT will be able to trade him for some value. (Honestly speaking I doubt he is worth more than a 4th rounder right now.)

 

 

This draft is loaded with LBs. The Packers will be able to choose from a number of excellent LB prospects with their 2nd round pick.

 

There is a reason LBs are rarely taken that high. Championship teams are generally built around great players at the QB, RB, DE, CB, OT and WR positions. Its why year in and year out those are generally the positions that get taken in the top 5. Their impact positions.

 

I really believe Mario Williams is at the top of the wish list for the Pack. He isn't the perfect prospect, 10 of his 14 sacks came in 3 games against inferior OTs last year. But he's got the ability to be a game changer from the DE position.

 

If Williams is drafted ahead of the pack, I would think they would seriously look at a small move down. Maybe with Oakland, Buffalo or Arizona. Pick up an additional 2nd rounder, and take either Vernon Davis, AJ Hawk or Michael Huff. Davis would be my choice based on the fact the Packers have really no playmakers on offense anymore.

 

my .02

[SmartassBoiler 0]

Since Edwards wowed everyone with his workout numbers, I would think the Packers could slide down a spot or two if they have Hawk in mind. That way they can get Hawk and some added compensation for moving down. I'm sure one of those teams in that area would enjoy drafting Edwards.

[Kitrick Taylor 0]

Since Edwards wowed everyone with his workout numbers, I would think the Packers could slide down a spot or two if they have Hawk in mind. That way they can get Hawk and some added compensation for moving down. I'm sure one of those teams in that area would enjoy drafting Edwards.

 

 

 

Who exactly is Edwards?

[Sho Nuff 720]

Wouldn't you think that they would prefer to keep their RT on the Right side, and put Ferguson on the Left? I am not 100% sure of the situation there, but it would seem to make sense.

 

As for Walker, I don't think TT is going to trade him. Not while his value is at an all time low. If he comes out and has a great year, (which I kind of doubt, given the ACL timetable) they'll slap him with the franchise tag. At least at that point TT will be able to trade him for some value. (Honestly speaking I doubt he is worth more than a 4th rounder right now.)

This draft is loaded with LBs. The Packers will be able to choose from a number of excellent LB prospects with their 2nd round pick.

 

There is a reason LBs are rarely taken that high. Championship teams are generally built around great players at the QB, RB, DE, CB, OT and WR positions. Its why year in and year out those are generally the positions that get taken in the top 5. Their impact positions.

 

I really believe Mario Williams is at the top of the wish list for the Pack. He isn't the perfect prospect, 10 of his 14 sacks came in 3 games against inferior OTs last year. But he's got the ability to be a game changer from the DE position.

 

If Williams is drafted ahead of the pack, I would think they would seriously look at a small move down. Maybe with Oakland, Buffalo or Arizona. Pick up an additional 2nd rounder, and take either Vernon Davis, AJ Hawk or Michael Huff. Davis would be my choice based on the fact the Packers have really no playmakers on offense anymore.

 

my .02

 

Roos was drafted to end up an LT. They knew going in last season that Hopkins would not be around long.

I think they may be more worried that Bell will be a bit undersized to be their RT.

 

I do like the LB at the 2nd round that have been discussed. And I would not mind Williams at all, Id love either he or Hawk there.

 

Championships are generally built around the Oline and Dline...then move to the other positions you mentioned. But look at some of the LBs who have been very key in the championship teams lately...pretty strong groupl.

 

I agree with the move down...do not see them going Davis...again TE is not really a position of great need. Depending how far they move down, I think they still like Chad Greenway...and if you want a playmaker on offense...one of the WRs with Walker up in the air would be a good pick as well.

[swamp dog 0]

sho:

 

i see greenway as being a barnett clone (good speed, iffy at point of attack)...wouldn't green bay be better served drafting a true mlb and moving barnett to the outside?

 

as for the other stuff in this thread: if mario is there, green bay should take him no question. a decent linebacker is easier had in this draft than a mario.

 

regardless, i think the packers need to spend 1-2 day one picks on linebacker--and at least one should be a bonafide mlb.

[Sho Nuff 720]

sho:

 

i see greenway as being a barnett clone (good speed, iffy at point of attack)...wouldn't green bay be better served drafting a true mlb and moving barnett to the outside?

 

as for the other stuff in this thread: if mario is there, green bay should take him no question. a decent linebacker is easier had in this draft than a mario.

 

regardless, i think the packers need to spend 1-2 day one picks on linebacker--and at least one should be a bonafide mlb.

 

There has been alot of talk about the whole moving Barnett thing on boards like these...but never anything from the coaching staff. And Barnett really excelled last season in Bate's scheme.

 

I would rather have Hawk...and Greenway has been a guy on my radar if a move down happens for a little bit.

 

I definately agree with the Mario thing...I go back and forth between he and Hawk. I think I am more concerned and gunshy after being burned before on DE's.

[BigSeXXXy 0]

You dont have to worry about drafting Super Mario, cause he will not be there at 5, Hawk makes the most since for the packs.

[Sho Nuff 720]

Good article on this topic...

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=thep...v=tsn&type=lgns

[BigSeXXXy 0]

Good article on this topic...

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=thep...v=tsn&type=lgns

 

You are correct nice article

[Let Da Big Dog Eat 42]

Think TT takes Mario if he's there. As others have said, KGB is an overpaid, situational pass rusher. Kampman moves inside of passing downs and KGB enters the game.

 

TT is totally enamored with the "build thru the draft" concept. So, if Mario is not there, he trades down to pick up another third (not likely a second unless a late second) and maybe a fifth. The Pack has so many needs and he realizes the Pack needs bodies that deserve to wear NFL uniforms.

 

And, to the poster who thinks the Pack can't cut KGB, let's give that a little thought. They are still 27 Million under the cap. Taking a hit this year makes a lot of sense if they are taking such a small role in FA market and can thus afford it.

 

Mario or no Mario, I would be surprised if KGB does not restructure. After the year he had last year, his FA value is probably vet minimum or only incentives more.

[uubeee 0]

Tough call all around. It's nice to be in this situation though. Think about it a year ago. SF couldn't trade the top pick. This year has so much talent. Hawk seems like the sure thing. Mario seems like 1 in 3 odds of hitting the lottery at 500 million. So which is it?

 

I have to agree with Swamp on this one. Mario would be a rare treat. I'd take Mario at 1.5 and Bobby Carpenter, Dqwell Jackson or Abdul Hodge at 2.5 and be very happy. Then perhaps a fallen DL or OL at 3.5. Maybe someone like Mercedes Lewis falls to the 3rd or 4th round.

[ROBOKOP 0]

It makes no sense paying big money to three DE's but there is the best player available philosophy or the favt that one of them (maybe Kampy) can be moved inside. Myself, I see too many other needs and would prefer trading down and stockpiling 2nd rounders.

[t.j 35]

Mario Williams is gonna be friggin awesome. He would be a steal at #5, even for a team that has two good DE already. Plus, KGB will be 29 this season, Mario will be 21. KGB maybe has 3 years left at a high level, Mario could be one of the NFL's all-time sack leaders before he's 30.

[uubeee 0]

It makes no sense paying big money to three DE's but there is the best player available philosophy or the favt that one of them (maybe Kampy) can be moved inside. Myself, I see too many other needs and would prefer trading down and stockpiling 2nd rounders.

 

Robokop, I agree that 3 DE's don't make sense. But here is my reasoning (as of today)...

 

1. KGB is good but 1 demensional. (perhaps the problem is that he is paid too much)

2. Kampman is good but not sensational. (good signing, but doesn't bring us top caliber DE)

3. I would trade either or both for Julius Peppers. Comparisons of Mario are to Peppers. (all I have to go on)

4. A Julius Peppers type DE can stregthen any D by drawing attention to him. Example. Holiday in his prime with KGB. One makes the other better. Also frees up LB to make the tackle and takes pressure off of the 2ndary.

5. How much better is Hawk than Greenway, Carpenter, Hodge, or Jackson?

6. Can you imagine KGB and Mario on the ends with Pickett and Kampman in the middle. Barnett and Dqwell Jackson at LB? This is leagues above what we had last year.

7. Despite having so much money tied up at DE. KGB is destined to be restructured or cut. The future is where we are going. The present is going have it's lumps.

 

 

Those are some of the things I am thinking about. It's all really up in the air. I would take Hawk in a heartbeat, but I think Mario is an everydown DE. And if he projects as good as he is supposed to be. He could be the start of something really really nice.

 

Just for arguments sake...

[t.j 35]

6. Can you imagine KGB and Mario on the ends with Pickett and Kampman in the middle. Barnett and Dqwell Jackson at LB? This is leagues above what we had last year.

 

Or how about this? Mario and Kampman starting, with KGB backing them both up, particularly spelling Kampman on passing downs.