OUTSIDE LINEBACKERSNow that the Packers are in the 3-4, they need to find outside linebackers, think Demarcus Ware or Terrell Suggs. Currently, the Packers will be putting Kampman at one of the outside linebacker spots, where I expect that he will be very successful. So that leaves the other spot open. As of right now, Brady Poppinga, Brandon Chillar, Jeremy Thompson, and possibly Desmond Bishop are likely candidates for the last spot.
Of those candidates, Brandon Chillar probably has the best shot at winning the spot for next year. He is a good blitzer from his days as a Ram and he is the best coverage linebacker that the Packers have on the roster. That said, I also like Jeremy Thompson who is six feet, four inches, 270 pounds. With Thompson, there would be no problem with rushing the passer. The biggest question mark for him would be dropping into coverage, an areas where he has little to no experience.
The other route is for the Packers to either sign a free agent outside linebacker or to draft one. If they went the free agent route they could possibly sign Suggs, however from his recent remarks, it sounds like he would prefer to stay in Baltimore. There is also the possibilty of signing Julius Peppers the defensive end from the Panthers, who has recently expressed an interest in playing in the 3-4. However, if the Packers continue their recent free agent signing trends, which I don't mind, then they will have the opportunity to choose from several players in the draft. Aaron Maybin, Brain Orakpo, and Everrette Brown are all college defensive ends who are currently projected as outside linebacker prospects. Brown leads Maybin and Orakpo as a better pro prospects according to Scouts Inc.
So what will the Packers do? I expect that they will entertain the thought of signing a Suggs or Peppers because of the pressure put on the organization by the fans, but in the end, Thompson will stick to his guns and draft the Packers next outside linebacker.
I think Thompson needs to go ahead and sign a free agent- Suggs or Peppers would be great signs. The Packers are changing their whole defensive philosophy and we need some experience to make this work. I really like the draft system and it has worked but there are just some holes that you need to fill via free agency.
ReplyDeleteHa, this is funny because it's exactly what my Broncos are going through with the transition. I definitely agree with you that the Packers (or Broncos) should be targeting Peppers and/or Suggs. I keep picturing Peppers as a rush linebacker in a 3-4 and I almost drool. Whoever ends up with him is going to be really lucky.
ReplyDeleteAny Packers fan who watched James Harrison completely dominate the Super Bowl as a rush linebacker in the 3-4 defense and didn't think about Julius Peppers is crazy. Peppers is just as athletic and could transition to the position with his natural athleticism and experience with Carolina. The Packers have not signed a marquee free agent in what seems like forever and he would be the perfect player to generate energy along with their new defensive coordinator.
ReplyDeleteI agree, the only thing is that the Packers need to be absolutely sure that Peppers would be able to make that transition because whoever signs him will be backing a dump truck full of money right upto his front door.
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