The team is in the process of some pretty major changes and it looks like this will be a very important off-season that could determine their success in the next couple seasons. They have already changed head coaches and are in the process of putting the final touches on the rest of the staff. When free agency comes it will be very interesting considering most of the veterans will be unrestricted free agents. If, as expected, most of those veterans are not brought back, the team will be a very young one next year. There's still no certainty that Brett Favre will return either. If he doesn't return, the team might not have one player with more than 10 years of experience in the NFL. Currently there are a lot of young guys on the roster that look to have the potential to be very good players. If they continue to develop and the team continues to make quality selections in the draft like they did this past year the future could be very bright. A lot of fans of the team seem to have lost focus on that. To truly ensure that the team is good for years to come it takes a year or two of building it up properly. That was the case this past year when new general manager Ted Thompson had to clear some of the dead weight to get the team pointed in the right direction. It's no lock, but the future does look bright with the new staff in place.

Big Daddy' Hairston named defensive aide
By BOB McGINN
bmcginn@journalsentinel.com
Posted: Jan. 27, 2006

Green Bay - Carl "Big Daddy" Hairston, a veteran of 11 seasons as a defensive line coach in the National Football League, has been hired by the Green Bay Packers.

Hairston will coach the defensive line in conjunction with Robert Nunn, a holdover from last year. Their specific duties and titles have yet to be determined by coach Mike McCarthy.

New defensive coordinator Bob Sanders interviewed Hairston this week at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. An NFL source said the Packers also interviewed Brian Baker, the former defensive line coach for the Minnesota Vikings.

McCarthy offered Hairston the job Thursday night. He accepted a two-year contract.

"I'm going to turn cartwheels all the way to Green Bay," Hairston said Friday night. "It's, like, 'Green Bay? Are you kidding me?' It's a great situation and it's great for me. The Packer mystique has got to come back."

Hairston, 53, was released along with several other defensive coaches in Kansas City earlier in the month by new coach Herman Edwards. He coached the Chiefs' defensive line in 1995 and '96 under Marty Schottenheimer, the St. Louis Rams' defensive line from 1997-2000 under Dick Vermeil and Mike Martz, and the Chiefs' defensive line (along with Bob Karmelowicz) from 2001-'05 under Vermeil.

In 11 seasons as an NFL assistant, Hairston's teams posted a record of 101-81 (.555), including a victory in Super Bowl XXXIV. He served as a college scout for the Arizona Cardinals from 1991-'93 and a pro scout for the Chiefs in '94.

Hairston worked with McCarthy in Kansas City from 1994-'96.

"You have to stress the run game," Hairston said. "If you don't stop the run you can't rush the passer. Then you can have fun rushing the passer. I'm old school. And, it's all about winning."

Hairston registered 94 sacks in a 15-year career as a defensive end for the Philadelphia Eagles under Vermeil and Marion Campbell from 1976-'83, for the Cleveland Browns under Marty Schottenheimer and Bud Carson from 1984-'89 and for Arizona under Joe Bugel in '90.

As a player, Hairston's teams posted a record of 124-118-1 (.512). He played in Super Bowl XV for the Eagles. They drafted him in the seventh round in 1976 from Maryland-Eastern Shore.

Meanwhile, an NFL source said former St. Louis defensive coordinator Larry Marmie was a serious candidate for the Packers' secondary job after interviewing with the team in Mobile. McCarthy is seeking another coach to work alongside holdover Lionel Washington.

Marmie, 63, has been an NFL coordinator for the past six seasons, including 2000-'03 in Arizona and 2004 and '05 in St. Louis. In order, his units ranked 30th, 28th, 29th, 26th, 17th and 30th in fewest yards allowed.

From 1996-'99, Marmie coached the Cardinals' secondary. He was head coach at Arizona State from 1988-'91, compiling 22-21-1 record.

Tom Clements, who was fired as the Buffalo Bills' offensive coordinator after the season, reportedly has interviewed for the quarterbacks job in Green Bay. Clements, 52, has coached quarterbacks in New Orleans, Kansas City and Pittsburgh before joining the Bills in 2004.

Brad Miller, the Packers' assistant special teams coach in '05, still could be back with the organization but it probably would be in a different capacity. An NFL source said McCarthy had told people that he would hire a young coach from college football to assist Mike Stock on special teams.

Miller was regarded as the most expert member of Mike Sherman's staff in the use of computers.

McCarthy, Thompson visit Favre in Mississippi

By Chris Havel
Copyright 2006

PackersNews.com

MOBILE, Ala. — Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy and General Manager Ted Thompson did some recruiting as well as scouting during their trip to the Senior Bowl this week.

Now, it is Brett Favre’s turn to do some soul searching.

Thompson confirmed that McCarthy, the Packers’ first-year coach, made the 100-mile drive from Mobile to Hattiesburg, Miss., Thursday to visit Favre at his home. Thompson paid a similar visit to Favre earlier in the week.

Favre, 36, is in the midst of deciding whether to return for a 16th NFL season. Favre hasn’t discussed his future with the media since the season finale against Seattle, and the team hasn’t made any announcement about the quarterback’s plans.

Thompson declined to offer details of their conversation, except to say he left feeling confident that Favre still believes he can play at a high level “which is a good thing because he can, and he wouldn’t come back if he didn’t think so.”

In a December news conference, Favre speculated that the Packers might wish to rebuild without him, and that perhaps they didn’t know how to tell him. He also suggested his $10 million salary for this season might discourage the team’s interest.

Thompson’s visit may have allayed those concerns.

“He knows he’s wanted,” Thompson said. “I’ve told him we’re doing everything we can to get better and to make this a better team. But I really and honestly think Brett’s going to make this decision based on what’s best for him and his family.”

Clearly, McCarthy and Favre discussed the new coach’s offensive philosophy and how that might affect the quarterback.

“I know Mike wants to be a physical team that runs the ball and relies on play action and puts Brett in position to make plays and win games,” Thompson said. “I do think it’s a quarterback-friendly offense in that it establishes the ability to gain yardage – whether it’s through Texas (pass) patterns or running the ball – so the quarterback is constantly looking at second-and-5.”

Thompson believes a team develops the personality of its coach, and his description of McCarthy’s personality sounded like it could mesh with Favre’s.

“I think Mike’s a very naturally tough guy, and he wants his players to be that,” Thompson said. “Certainly his expertise is in the passing game, and I think we’ll go vertical more than we have in the past and attack defenses.”

The Packers haven’t imposed a deadline on Favre, and Thompson sounded like he is willing to wait at least until free agency heats up in March. But the Packers’ GM also sounded like he believes Favre will decide sooner than later.

“Brett and Deanna will make their decision when they make it,” he said. “But I also think everyone on all sides realizes that at some point a decision has to be made.”

Thompson said he and Favre have spoken regularly since the season ended. They talk about a variety of topics, he said, “and only a small part of it is football.”

“We get along pretty good, I think, and we know where each other is coming from,” Thompson said. “Shoot, we’re both just a couple of good old Southern boys.”

Thompson acknowledged Favre’s presence would be a bonus in the team’s efforts to attract big-name free agents.

“About 90 percent of it, I believe, is the money,” Thompson estimated. “Brett Favre’s being here is a drawing card, and historically the Packers have been really good at (acquiring free agents). We’re a little down right now but it’s temporary.”

Chris Mortensen says Favre is leaning towards retirement. As mentioned, Mort does have a rep of being off base sometimes, but they even have quotes from Favre about it.

on ESPN.com or sportscenter?

Don't make any assumptions on this one until the announcement is made official. Mort has been reporting that it's close for the last three years.

Did you hear his quotes?

Right now Favre might be leaning towards retirement but once we start getting closer towards next years season Favre will get that itch again and he will play for at least one more year. I would be shocked and amazed if he were to retire.

I didn't hear the quotes until this morning and that's all that they can talk about in the local media now. We'll see when the time comes. I'm indifferent to the whole thing. On one hand I'm just sick of hearing about it and on the other I do like watching him play.

For those of you that still think Thompson doesn't know what he's doing when it comes to the draft:

Thompson major draftsman of Seattle's success

He uncovered several gems
By BOB McGINN
bmcginn@journalsentinel.com
Posted: Feb. 1, 2006
Detroit - Ted Thompson's five-year résumé in Seattle convinced club president Bob Harlan to hire him as general manager of the Green Bay Packers.

Twelve months after the fact, the job that Thompson did in Seattle is even more impressive.

Buoyed by the sudden emergence of four key players drafted by Thompson and the coronation of running back Shaun Alexander as the National Football League's most valuable player, the Seahawks have ridden the work of their unassuming former chief architect to Super Bowl XL.

On Sunday, Thompson won't be at Ford Field. He'll be back in Green Bay for the start of month-long draft meetings.

That's fine with him. Thompson's name hasn't even been mentioned this week but that's the way it usually is at the Super Bowl, where the superficial usually reigns supreme.

"I'm very happy for those guys, the players and the equipment guys and all that," Thompson said. "I don't think it makes much sense for me to take a lot of credit. I think we should have won a few more games. But I like the people that we assembled. From where we came to where we were, I think we did pretty good."

Mike Holmgren, then the coach and general manager in Seattle, lured Thompson away from the Packers in January 2000. His title was vice president of football operations, and with rare exception in the drafts from 2000 through 2004 the selections were made by Thompson, according to Seahawks vice president Mike Reinfeldt.

Trading down six times and never once trading up, Thompson ended up with 46 choices in the five drafts, 12 more than the norm. Of those 46 players, three have made the Pro Bowl, 33 started at least one game, 19 are on the current 53-man roster (two are in reserve categories) and all but four played in at least one game.

During Thompson's tenure, the Seahawks posted a 41-41 record and made the playoffs twice.

Thompson's successor, Tim Ruskell, was given clear authority over Holmgren in personnel as president of football operations. From afar, Thompson has admired the job done by Ruskell that includes the drafting of starting linebackers Lofa Tatupu and Leroy Hill.

"I think he's done well," Thompson said. "He was able to make some decisions in terms of getting rid of a couple of bad apples that should have been done before."

While Ruskell put the final touches on a team that stands at 15-3, Thompson has taken his share of the blame for a team that finished 4-12 in Green Bay. Nevertheless, Harlan said he was pleased with Thompson's performance after 12 months and suggested that Seattle's emergence as a powerhouse should encourage Packers fans.

"Ron Wolf said he was the one that built that Seattle team," Harlan said. "I feel very good about his capability for rebuilding this ball club."

Under Thompson, the Seahawks' first-round picks in order were 19, 22, 9, 17, 28, 11 and 23. Alexander and guard Steve Hutchinson are all-pros, cornerback Marcus Trufant is nearing Pro Bowl caliber, tight end Jerramy Stevens has had a break-out season and defensive tackle Marcus Tubbs is much improved.

Reinfeldt said there was no doubt that Chris McIntosh would have been the starting right tackle for a decade if a neck injury hadn't forced him to retire in 2002.

Thompson's highest pick, wide receiver Koren Robinson, averaged 53 receptions and 791 yards over four seasons before off-field problems led to his release June 2. He went to Minnesota, made the Pro Bowl as a kick returner and might enter '06 as the Vikings' top receiver.

Thompson drafted a few busts along the way and didn't fare as well in the later round as did Wolf, his mentor in Green Bay.

"Consistently, Ted did a pretty good getting us good talent," Reinfeldt said. "We got some real, real impact players at 19 with Alexander and at 17 with Hutchinson, ranges you don't really know what you're getting. Ron saved himself in later rounds. Ted hit 50 to 60%, and when guys turn and go to the Pro Bowl, that will get you places."

During Thompson's watch, the Seahawks also traded Ahman Green to the Packers, acquired Matt Hasselbeck from the Packers and conducted free agency. It's more difficult to judge Thompson in those areas because Holmgren and others were so much more involved. The drafts, however, basically were all Thompson's. Here's a closer look at how he fared:


2000 (Nine picks, three starters)

On the day before the draft, Thompson informed Reinfeldt that he was targeting Alexander at 19 and McIntosh at 22. The Seahawks got whom they wanted.

"McIntosh held out for a while but then played very, very well," Thompson said. "I don't think he knew where the training room was at the University of Wisconsin. Some people get hurt."

In the second round, Thompson gave in to the defensive coaching staff and selected defensive back Ike Charlton. He was a bust. Thompson learned a lesson.

Midway in the third round, Thompson made Florida's Darrell Jackson the 15th wide receiver taken. Based on subjective judgment, you could say Jackson has been the most productive.

"He's not as big as Sterling (Sharpe) but he reminded me of Sterling the way he could stick his foot in the ground and come out of breaks," Thompson said.

Linebacker Marcus Bell (fourth round) and defensive tackle John Hilliard (sixth round) hung around for three years and combined for 20 starts. Another fourth-round choice, linebacker Isaiah Kacyvenski, is a backup with 22 starts.

2001 (11 picks, four starters)

Armed with the No. 7 pick, Thompson really wanted defensive lineman Richard Seymour. When Seymour went No. 6 to New England, the Seahawks traded down two notches and took Robinson.

"We had an itch for a big receiver," Thompson said. "I feel bad he didn't have more production. He had two really good years and in '04 he struggled. I think he's done a lot to turn his life around."

Hutchinson, probably the best guard in the NFL, was a simple choice for Thompson and turned out precisely as he envisioned.

Cornerback Ken Lucas didn't have a great collegiate career, but the Seahawks took him at No. 40 over defensive tackle Shaun Rogers, who went No. 61 to Detroit. Lucas started 47 games in Seattle, then left for Carolina in March with an $8.4 million signing bonus.

"Rogers had a medical concern that we couldn't quite get past," Thompson said. "Lucas turned out to be a good player. We did the right thing."

Three of the last eight selections are out of football, although all but one did play for Seattle. Wide receiver Alex Bannister (fifth round) made the Pro Bowl in '03 as a special-teams player. Linebacker Orlando Huff (fourth round) started 23 games in Seattle, left as a free agent in March and started for Arizona. Center Dennis Norman (seventh round) backed up four years in Seattle, departed in '05 and started down the stretch for Jacksonville.

2002 (10 picks, one starter)

The Seahawks traded down with the Packers, moving from No. 20 to No. 28 and gaining an extra second-round pick. Holmgren wanted a pass-receiving tight end and the pick was Stevens, a character risk who did little for two years but was terrific in '05.

"We messed around trying to trade up for (Jeremy) Shockey," Thompson said, adding that the Seahawks preferred Stevens to tight end Daniel Graham. "Watching (Stevens) the last two years, he's a really good player."

The Seahawks were ready to take running back Clinton Portis with the No. 54 pick but when he went No. 51 to Denver they made an uninspired pick with third-down back Maurice Morris. Anton Palepoi, supposedly a pass-rushing defensive end, was a major blunder. Cornerback Kris Richard (third round) didn't turn out, either.

Later, the Seahawks took defensive tackle Rocky Bernard (fifth round), and he leads the club after 18 games with 10 1/2 sacks. Backup tight end Ryan Hannam (sixth round) is good enough to start for some teams. An undrafted rookie free agent, linebacker D.D. Lewis, is in his first season as a starter.


2003 (Nine picks, two starters)


Trufant rivaled Hutchinson for the easiest pick ever for Thompson. In the second round, the Seahawks hit it big with free safety Ken Hamlin, an immediate impact starter. He played just six games in '05 before suffering career-threatening head injuries in a fight. The Seahawks appear increasingly optimistic that he will play in '06.

Tackle Wayne Hunter (third round) remains a backup, slow to develop but still a legitimate prospect. Undersized Seneca Wallace (fourth) is the No. 2 quarterback.

Josh Brown, the team's dependable kicker, arrived in the seventh round. Injuries ruined the promising career of fullback Chris Davis (fifth round). Nose tackle Rashad Moore (sixth round) started 18 games in two seasons but was cut Sept. 3.


2004 (Seven picks, three starters)


When nose tackle Vince Wilfork slipped, the Seahawks were ready to take him. But the Patriots took him No. 21 so they got Tubbs at No. 23.

In the second round, Thompson gambled by taking Michael Boulware, an outside linebacker he projected to strong safety. So far, Boulware has been a terrific player.

In the third round, Thompson took guard Sean Locklear. When Chris Terry self-destructed and Floyd Womack was injured, the Seahawks plugged in Locklear at right tackle. He has held out very well.

Linebacker Niko Koutouvides (fourth round), wide receiver D.J. Hackett (fifth round) and defensive tackle Craig Terrill (sixth round) contribute as situational substitutes. The Seahawks dumped punter Donnie Jones (seventh round) late in his rookie season after seven shaky games only to watch him lead the NFL in net punting average (39.3) in '05 for Miami.

An undrafted free agent, promising Jordan Babineaux, started four games at cornerback in '05 and will be the nickel back Sunday.

MONDAY, Feb. 13, 2006, 9:21 p.m.
Green figures into Green Bay's plans

The insiders at footballoutsiders.com predict that Packers running back Ahman Green will stick with Green Bay for at least one more season.

Green, an unrestricted free agent this year, had surgery to repair an injured quadriceps and will likely have to prove to the league that he's fully recovered. The Packers, the Football Outsiders say, will give Green that chance.

Green Bay has a lot of concerns at running back, where Najeh Davenport and Tony Fisher will join Green as free agents. Rookies Samkon Gado and Noah Herron will also be brought back for another look.

Panthers running back DeShaun Foster might figure into the Packers' plan as well, according to the Football Outsiders.

In addition, the site predicts that the Packers will have their eye on Ravens safety Will Demps once free agency begins on March 3.

I always wanted Green to stay for at least one more year. If healthy he can bring back a running game which was non-existent this past year. He along with Javon Walker can lead to a return of the GB offense and with an always improving defense, they CAN make a playoff push next year(dependant on the productivity of Walker and Green.)

Don't get those expectations too high for the Packers or Green. The team will be losing quite a few free agents this year and will become very young overall. I still have doubts that they go after any big names. As for Green, that injury is nothing to take lightly. The last few guys I can remember having that injury did not come back the same & were out of the league shortly after. None of the were backs either.

What exactly was it? A Quad tear ??

And who where some of those guys, I truly dont know...

As far as I remember it was a quad tear and the guy that really sticks out in my mind is Santana Dotson.

I'll hold out hope that Green comes back ready for the season. I can have that hope because it seems medicine gets better every year and the players are able to recover faster. It wasn't all that long ago that a torn ACL would end a career.

Jeff, that's a GREAT article about Thompson when he was with the Seahawks. I really enjoyed it as a Seahawks fan.

You guys got yourself a good talent evaluator in Thompson. At the time, it was a big loss, but then Tim Ruskell came along and all is forgotten. Thompson did a good job of putting things in place though and he deserves a tremendous amount of credit for that. However, he wasn't able to judge character and make a TEAM that plays like one, like Ruskell has.

Thompson always had a thing for toolsy guys. Guys with good size and speed, good measurables basically, and he always felt that a good coaching staff could coach these "athletes" up. Sometimes it worked like it appears to be with DJ Hackett, one of his last picks with Seattle, and sometimes it didn't work... as was the case with Koren Robinson, although all that can't be blamed on what happened on the field.

I'm hoping Thompson builds the Packers back up because it just doesn't feel right seeing them at the bottom of that division with Favre playing as poorly as he did last season.

It's good to see thoughts on Thompson from a Seattle fan's perspective. Too many Packer fans have been overly critical of his moves thus far, but they still fail to realize that Sherman's mismangment of the team forced him to do a lot of the things he did. Thompson has already brought more young talent to the team in his one season as a general manager than Sherman did. Maybe the free agents that Thompson brought in weren't the best, but some of the young guys that were drafted or signed as undrafted free agents made good contributions as rookies.

The Nick Collins pick alone was tremendous. I like some of the guys he went after in the draft and I have a feeling that his philosophy will be a good fit for the Pack.

What I worry about is how much he factors character, intangibles, etc. into the equation. With Seattle he drafted guys like Robinson, Hamlin, and Wayne Hunter who all have had run-ins with the law and their own personal problems. And when you look at those guys, two of them haven't panned out and both of those two were "toolsy" guys that were better athletes than they were football players. Hamlin on the other hand got himself into a bad situation at a club this past season and now it's uncertain what will become of him. When he was on the field however, absolute badass and a great pick by Thompson.

As long as, you as Packer fans, realize that with Thompson you are going to get a ton of stars along with a ton of busts, you'll like the guy. There really isn't much of a middle ground with Thompson, it's either his guys become stars or they do absolutey nothing.

I like the pick of Collins. I, like most everyone else, hated the pick on draft day. I like the pick now.

Carroll gets arrested after bar incident
Packers cornerback faces three charges
Associated Press
Posted: Feb. 18, 2006

Fayetteville, Ark. - Green Bay Packers cornerback Ahmad Carroll was arrested after allegedly arguing with a police officer in a Fayetteville bar.

Carroll, 22, was charged Friday with third-degree assault on a police officer, disorderly conduct and refusal to submit to arrest, Washington County sheriff's Sgt. Donna Smith said. He was released from the sheriff's custody on $1,550 bond.

Each of the misdemeanors is punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Carroll, who played at Arkansas, is scheduled to appear in Fayetteville District Court on March 10.

Packers spokesman Jeff Blumb had no comment.

Police were sent to question Carroll and former Arkansas teammate Dedrick Poole after a bouncer at a bar said he had gotten into an argument with the two men.

After an officer found them at another bar, he asked the two for a statement. Carroll yelled that he knew his rights and was leaving, police said. When Carroll began to leave, Officer Hunter Carnahan put his hand up to stop him. Police said Carroll slapped the officer's hand.

Carnahan told Carroll to put his hands behind his back, but Carroll refused, police said. The officer then pulled out an electric stun device and told Carroll he would use it if Carroll didn't put his hands behind his back.

Carroll started all but one game for the Packers last season, with 40 tackles and two interceptions.

All options being considered at the #5 spot?

Take a passer or pass?
Packers don't rule out drafting QB at No. 5
By TOM SILVERSTEIN
tsilverstein@journalsentinel.com
Posted: Feb. 24, 2006

Indianapolis - Armed with the fifth pick in the National Football League draft, the Green Bay Packers could find themselves on the clock April 29 with a shot at selecting a franchise quarterback.

So what exactly do they do if Southern California's Matt Leinart, Texas' Vince Young or Vanderbilt's Jay Cutler is available to them at No. 5?

"I think you have to take the best player available when you're picking that high," Packers general manager Ted Thompson said with no hesitation Friday during a news briefing at the NFL scouting combine.

There are so many variables in the Packers' draft equation that Thompson's answer might seem like an exercise in evasiveness. But he seemed serious about the prospect of the Packers taking one of the Big Three if the club deems him one of the five best players in the draft, regardless of which quarterbacks are on his roster.

Thompson and the Packers have removed the Brett Favre retirement question from the equation as they approach free agency and the draft because they can't predict which way it will go. They would like an answer from Favre relatively soon, but they want to give him time to assess his desire to return for a 16th season and are assuming nothing about his future.

"I feel very optimistic about his decision, but he needs to be 110% between the breastplates because you want him to come back and play like he always has and like we all enjoy and love," first-year Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. "We're going to give him the timeframe that he needs."

Favre's agent, James "Bus" Cook, said Friday that he talks to Favre every day and yet he couldn't shed any light on the situation for the Packers because he thinks the quarterback is still deliberating. If he thought there were a good shot of Favre coming back, he'd tell the Packers, but he can't say that.

"It's just something that he has to work out and when he makes up his mind, he'll let me know," Cook said. "Physically, I think he's fine. It's just whether or not mentally he wants to (play)."

And so in the meantime, Thompson, his personnel staff and the coaches must take seriously the prospect of selecting a quarterback with their top pick. It might seem silly to devote another first-round pick on a quarterback after taking Aaron Rodgers with the 24th selection last year, but as Thompson said, the Portland Trail Blazers took Sam Bowie over Michael Jordan in the 1984 National Basketball Association draft because they thought they didn't need another guard, and look where it got them.

Thompson's pronouncement that the Packers would take the best available player regardless of whether Favre was on the team certainly fits his Jordan Rules, but it also might signal the start of some posturing on his part. If one of the Big Three falls to No. 5, the Packers could receive a flood of lucrative trade offers from quarterback-hungry teams willing to give up the farm to move up.

Thompson definitely doesn't want to eliminate that possibility by declaring that he's not interested in a quarterback.

Handicapping how the first four selections fall is becoming increasingly difficult because of the rise of Cutler up the charts and the uncertainty of several teams' situations. Of the teams with the top five picks - Houston, New Orleans, Tennessee, the New York Jets and Green Bay - only the Saints are in definite need of a quarterback.

But the Titans aren't sure whether Steve McNair is going to be amenable to a contract restructuring, the Jets aren't sure whether Chad Pennington's shoulder will ever be the same and the Packers aren't sure whether Favre will be back. All three of those teams could be in the market for a quarterback.

"I think Drew Brees will have a lot of control over this draft," said an NFC personnel official. "If he goes someplace other than San Diego, it could change things. If the Jets can't sign Brees, then they'll take a quarterback."

Brees is the most attractive free agent quarterback available, but he is coming off a serious shoulder injury and it might be a month or so before anyone knows his status. Among the teams that would probably have a strong interest in Brees are the Packers, Jets and Miami Dolphins. The Packers reportedly had interest in Brees two years ago before he got hot and became the Chargers' established starter.

If they made a run at Brees - they'd have more salary cap room than any other team in the league if Favre retires and could easily outbid the competition - the Packers would have their veteran starter and a young guy to push him for the job.

But all of that is speculation and so Thompson and McCarthy came to the combine ready to study the Big Three quarterbacks.
McCarthy said he had always studied the top quarterbacks in the draft even if his team had no shot at drafting them, but in this case he is going to make sure he sees all of them perform first-hand. Only Cutler plans on throwing at the combine, so McCarthy will have to travel to Austin, Texas, on March 22 to see Young perform and to Los Angeles on April 2 to see Leinart perform in their schools’ respective pro days.

Seeing as many quarterbacks in the draft live will allow him to compare with the others what he saw of Rodgers last year when he did an extensive study of him coming out of the University of California. McCarthy was offensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers and had to stack Rodgers against Utah’s Alex Smith for the No. 1 pick in the draft.

"I like Aaron Rodgers,” McCarthy said. “And I’m excited to coach him now. But you can’t put blinders on and say, ‘We’re not looking at this position,’ because that may not be the best thing for your football team. If there’s a guy that can win football games, you’ve got to look at that."

Assuming USC running back Reggie Bush is Houston's pick, the Saints have to decide whether Leinart, Young or Cutler is best for their team. Most people think they'll go with Leinart, who is considered a safe pick because he is an accomplished pocket passer who played in a pro-style offense and should be successful right away.

The 6-foot-6 Young's size and athleticism is unparalleled among quarterbacks anywhere and he could become the league's best player. But his sidearm throwing motion and tendency to run a lot might scare off some teams.

Cutler is a bit of a dark horse, but at 6-3, 227 pounds, he's built like Favre and throws extremely well. The fact he is the only one of the three quarterbacks throwing at the combine speaks a lot to his competitiveness and if he performs well, he could solidify himself as the Jets' pick at No. 4.

"I think it's maybe the most interesting (trio) since I've been in the NFL because they're so different," St. Louis coach Scott Linehan remarked.

The question is where they'll wind up.

The Packers have to consider the possibility they'll be one of the teams offered a chance to draft one of them. The clock is running.

in more important news, in my eyes, talk about javon walker's contract dissatisfaction are coming up again.

Javon is getting on my nerves.

This should answer one question that has been asked a lot lately

Packers, Kampman not close
Team near deadline to sign defensive end
By TOM SILVERSTEIN
tsilverstein@journalsentinel.com
Posted: Feb. 26, 2006
Indianapolis - The Green Bay Packers have the ability to more than satisfy defensive end Aaron Kampman's financial demands, but the estimation of some National Football League observers is that unless they complete a deal with him before the start of free agency Friday, he'll be playing somewhere else next season.

If Kampman makes it to free agency, he will be one of the top ends available and stands to receive around $5 million a year on a long-term deal.

"He doesn't have a lot of flash, but if you study him he's a good player," said one personnel official attending the scouting combine. "If Kyle Vanden Bosch is worth what he got, I'd pay twice as much for Kampman. He's a better all-around player."

Vanden Bosch, the Tennessee Titans' pass-rushing end who came off the scrap heap to register 12½ sacks last season, signed a deal recently that is the measuring stick in negotiations between the Packers and Kampman.

Vanden Bosch, who was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent, signed a four-year, $21 million contract that included $14.5 million of guaranteed money. Vanden Bosch received a signing bonus of $4.75 million but the Titans also guaranteed base salaries in the first three years of the contract to help them deal with salary-cap issues.

Kampman, who at 26 is a year younger than Vanden Bosch, won't receive a $14.5 million signing bonus, but he is seeking an average salary similar to Vanden Bosch's and he'll want considerably more money up front. The Packers view the Vanden Bosch deal as well above market value and Kampman and his representatives think they can do even better if they reach free agency.

"Other teams always value the Packers' players more than they do," the personnel official said. "He's their best player on defense. If he gets to free agency, he's gone. They won't be able to afford him."

Packers vice president of finance Andrew Brandt and Kampman's agent, Jonathan Hurst, met over the weekend to discuss a deal but there were no indications that they were even close to an agreement. It's likely Kampman will test the market, knowing that he and New Orleans' Darren Howard will be the two highest-rated unrestricted free-agent ends in a league hungry for productive defensive linemen.

The Packers have made retaining Kampman a priority, but under general manager Ted Thompson they have been wary of paying more than market value. Last year, they refused to meet the demands for guards Mike Wahle and Marco Rivera, who both found their pot of gold on the open market.

Kampman's value to the Packers isn't as a dominant pass rusher or immovable force in the run game. Rather it's his consistent play, intelligence, leadership and unquestionable character that make him valuable. One of the most important things Kampman did last season was set the tone for the high-energy, hustle style of play the Packers were trying to develop with their young defensive line.

Both Thompson and new coach Mike McCarthy made reference at the combine to being committed to pursuing high-character players for their football team.

"It's important that we get the right kind of person," Thompson said. "The longer I'm in this, the more I'm convinced that character is overriding. Someone even if he's talented, if he's not the right fit for our place, then it's not the right fit. And I believe that in my heart."

Kampman definitely fits that mold.

But as grounded as he is, he has often bristled at suggestions that he's an overachiever and there's no question he is looking to gain the respect he thinks he deserves with a big contract. As a fifth-round draft choice, he received a signing bonus of $110,200 and has made about $1.35 million over a career in which he has been a starter in all but eight of the games he has played.

The down side for Kampman entering the free-agent market is the perception that he is not a difference-maker. In 48 starts, Kampman has 13½ sacks, including 6½ last season when he was playing in a system in which the ends were positioned wide to gain an advantage rushing the passer.

When teams evaluate the 6-foot-4, 284-pound Kampman they will see neither a classic edge rusher nor a stout run-stuffer. He offers a little bit of both pass rush and run-stopping ability and can play both at end and tackle as he did at times last season.

"The thing that hits you is that he's not flashy," said a pro personnel official from another team. "He's a good all-around player, but I don't see any flash out of him where teams will say, ‘This guy can go and get us 10 to 12 sacks a year.'

"In my opinion, he's more of a power end. He's not a guy you can run against consistently. But you can block him one-on-one in pass pro(tection)."

A prominent agent with years of experience said Kampman would suffer from not having big sack numbers. Whereas Vanden Bosch isn't considered very good against the run, but the fact he can get to the quarterback regularly makes him more attractive to teams.

On the other hand, the only dominant pass-rushing free agents are Howard and the New York Jets' John Abraham. Teams will have serious concerns about Howard's injury history and Abraham has the franchise tag on him so it would take two first-round draft choices or a trade with the Jets to pry him free.

According to an assistant coach who has a background with Kampman, teams that do their homework will be the ones that will value him the most. The coach said if his team were in the market for a defensive end it would strongly consider Kampman over others like Howard, Lance Johnstone, Anthony Weaver and Carlos Hall.

The reason is that Kampman is versatile enough to play three positions on the line and smart enough to execute exactly what a defensive coach wants. His attention to detail and ability to diagnose plays is what makes him valuable.

"Look at his brain," the coach said. "That's what you have to consider. He can play in any kind of defense. You have to follow his path. If you do your homework you can find out what kind of player he is. If he goes, they'll be losing a true Packer."

Even if he isn't an elite pass rusher, Kampman's worth the money. He makes everybody better around him, and I can't think of many strong side ends who can hold the point AND deliver a decent pass rush. It's just an incredible asset to have a guy do both. It opens up a lot of options for the rest of the front seven.

I agree that he is absolutely worth the money. He brings so much to the team that people can't even see. The team really doesn't need to upgrade his side unless he isn't kept. No one plays harder on that defense. Everyone gets caught up in the fact that he's not as flashy and he doesn't put up a lot of sacks, but he does apply steady pressure and he is absolutely relentless on every play. He has just outplayed his linemates every year he has been there and he deserves some recognition for it. KGB is the end that needs to be sent packing, not Kampman. Whoever signs him will probably end up paying close to what he is asking and they won't be disappointed. Even if he ends up playing for another team next year, I will have a lot of respect for one of the few defensive linemen that play all out on every play.

He reminds me alot of Rob Burnett, except he gets more pub. Burnett was the strong-side end for the Ravens at the height of their powers, but he never got the credit he was due. He was the glue that allowed that defense to do what it did. His ability to defend the run allowed Lewis to roll the Goose and Adams over to help McCrary out, and because he was still able to mount a pass rush on his own, which allowed them to keep their outside linebackers back if they needed to. He held his own at the perimeter, allowing Boulware and Sharper to collide with tight ends and fullbacks so Ray-Ray could hunt down running back. That defense would not have been what it was without Rob Burnett, and I think Kampman is the same kind of player.

From JSOnline.com

Not looking good: The chances of wide receiver Terrence Murphy gaining medical clearance to resume his career in Green Bay don't appear good.

Murphy, a second-round draft choice from Texas A&M in '05, went on injured reserve after the fourth game when doctors discovered he had a narrow spinal canal. Murphy and his family have talked to four or five neck specialists around the country trying to determine the level of risk if he returned to the game.

In the end, Thompson and team physician Patrick McKenzie will decide whether to put Murphy back on the field if he decides to play. The Packers would like to have an answer about his availability before the draft.

Indications from sources familiar with the situation are that Murphy probably won't play again.

In three games, Murphy caught five passes for 36 yards.

Looking for linebackers: Don't be surprised if the Packers make overtures to linebackers Bart Scott of Baltimore and Nick Greisen of the New York Giants early in free agency if they're not re-signed by their teams.

Scott, 6 feet 2 inches and 240 pounds, started the final 10 games in '05 at left inside linebacker and played well with 119 tackles and 4 1/2 sacks. He didn't start a game in his first three seasons for Baltimore.

Greisen, 6-1 and 245, also has played four seasons, mostly as a backup inside. He started seven games in '04 and 12 games in '05, all on the weak side. Greisen, who played at Sturgeon Bay High School and Wisconsin, had 79 tackles, three forced fumbles and three recovered fumbles in '05.
Ever hopeful: Scott Wells or Chris White might be the Packers' center of the future but neither one is the team's preferred center in '06.

That would be incumbent Mike Flanagan, another one of the team's 13 veterans headed for unrestricted free agency unless a new contract is forthcoming. Thompson said he wants Flanagan back as the starter.

"We've been talking extensively to him," Thompson said. "Whether or not it happens before the start of free agency, we'd like to. But that's part of free agency, too."

Flanagan, 32, didn't play up to his standards last season but part of that was the operation for a sports hernia that cost him two games and portions of several others. The Packers admired Flanagan for his courage and, according to Thompson, aren't trying to low-ball him now. His old deal was worth $10.2 million for five years.

"He does want to come back - under the right conditions," agent Jim Steiner said. "I think they do appreciate him and like him a lot. He's totally healthy - 100%. It's just a matter of coming to terms on a new contract."

Steiner has gauged interest in Flanagan and was confident he'd find another starting job if it wasn't in Green Bay.

Another veteran center, Grey Ruegamer, will enter unrestricted free agency and in all likelihood won't be re-signed.

man...there's seriously something wrong with the water in college station...jeez...that really sucks...murphy was talented as hell...the worst part is how people are gonna be talking about the wasted draft pick instead of the 23 year old with a f*cked up back...

This is getting ridiculous. He needs to quit being so wishy-washy. Either play or don't. Don't make a spectacle out or yourself about it. I am so damn sick of this.

Holy <censored>, definitely feel for Murphy. And I feel like Parks, people will see that pick as a wasted pick - which it wasnt. Hopefully he recovers well and if we dont see him on the field, at least have him recover well enough to continue living a normal life.

So what happens with Gado and Herron. Gado definitly showed his stuff. I don't know about Herron. What's the word on these two?

Herron is a PS player at best while Gado really showed some promise and will definitely be a top 3 back going into next year. ( for GB)

I would not mind seeing, Ahman Green, Samkon Gado and possibly a Vet sharing that role and maybe Green taking the starting job if resigned. Going to be hard coming from his injury though.

Diggs was released.
I really dont like this move because I really like Diggs. Going into last year I thought he was the best linebacker we had. He was the biggest at 6'4" 240 or so and was nearly athletic as the smaller barnett. He was strong against the run and could blow up plays by himself.
But on the other hand its probably best for the team. He had injury problems last year and his cap hit is semi high. He does not seem to be jelling well with the new system either. I really hope some one picks him up and gives him a chance to start right away.

And on the Favre thing. I think thats a very smart move for him and I think its a very good sign that he would really like to come back. With all the cuts this year, I really think the packers can bring in a bunch of younger guys to fill holes, build for the future, and still give favre a chance to bring the team somewheres.

What do you guys think is going to happen with the whole Javan Walker situation?

This is what is being said by the Packer front office.

I think he just needs to quit whining. He needs to realize that no team would be stupid enough to pay him at this point. He had one great year and then tore his ACL. He has too much to prove before he's worthy of being paid among the top in the league at his position. There is no one that feels sorry for him. He needs to just concentrate on rehabbing. If he can get the job done in the coming season, he'll get his money. Until then he should just shut up.

Kampy RESIGNED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOT!!!!!!!!!!!! I saw it on ESPN. Lemme grab the link.
WOOT!!!!

I guess we can have it here too. I already posted on the NFL board Ken, but it's good news as long as they didn't overpay him. Ryan Pickett is supposedly the next target.

I dont see walker coming back. he has already ruined any kind of future he could have had as a packer.