I think the worst thing that could come out of this is jamming Lang in at LT as a stop-gap, not because I think Lang would be horrible, but because it would deny us his skills at RT where I agree he should be for the future. Maybe Clifton's strategy was to make the Packers think 'well, what's another 2 million in an uncapped year?' because there are definitely going to be other teams out there that will think like that. The Lions just signed Burleson for 25 million for crying out loud, a lot of teams are going to be willing to pay big bucks to lure players they think can help and Washington have always been on that list anyway.

I've seen this movie before. Does not end well. What about Jared Gaither? He's restricted, but he might be worth the first round pick.

Good morning, Packer fans...

It might cost $7 mil a year to keep Cliffy around? Wow. We can't win, no matter which way we go. I love the guy, but there's no way he stays healthy for one year, let alone 2 or more. He grew up in Tennessee...which is a lot closer to DC than Green Bay. I thought there was a very good chance he'd be back next year, but now I'm not thinking so.

Jermon Bushrod from the Saints has a 2nd round tender. Eh?

Clifton can not play all the games nor pactice, much less make it through the playoffs, he is not an option. The Saints put a second round tender on their left tackle Bushrod, starter in the Super Bowl and held Jerad Allen to no sacks in the NFC Championship game. I would rather throw 5 to 7 million to a young player with experience than waisting anymore time with Clifton, wondering when he is going to get hurt. I hate to say this but if we do not sign Tauscher, good chances Barbre gets to start again. Clifton goes to the Redskins, Colledge has an attitude problem, and Spitz has had back surgery, remember Justin Harrell was supposed to be 100% after his surgery. Where does that leave the Pack? Bottom line the O-line can not be addressed through the draft alone, we need veteran help.

If Clifton goes to Washington, what does that mean for Tauscher? I would like to see the Pack give up their second pick for a veteran Tackle. This is what I would like to see, LT-Bushrod LG-Lang C-Wells RG-Sitton RT-Tauscher Then for the icing on the cake sign Chester Taylor, giving the vikings a taste of their own medicine, IMO that combination would reduce our sack total significantly.

Washington is in a rebuilding year, they just want a good left tackle to protect an up and coming quarter back, if Clifton gives them 11 or 12 good games thats what they need, they are not in the playoff hunt. The Packers can not afford to give up 4 or 5 games at that position. Thats why Clifton IMO was not an option for next year.

I love the Bushrod idea at LT. He's only 25 and a second round pick is nothing for a starting LT. Then in the draft, we don't HAVE to get a LT. Odds are that we weren't going to get a first year starting LT anywhere in the draft. Now we get an established one for a 2nd rounder and focus on the other holes with the rest of our picks. No-brainer in my mind. which doesn't say much.

I think getting Bushrod with the #2 pick then focusing on OLB or CB with #1 would really go a long way toward solidifying the roster and filling needs. I don't know a ton about Bushrod, but he's only 25 and showed promise last season (I believe he held his own against both Allen and Peppers). I think it's safe to say that the Packers won't find a better OT prospect in round #2.

For everyone talking about Bushrod, remember, they'd still be able to match the offer, so it's not as simple as just signing him and giving up the pick.
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I'm actually kinda glad they didn't go after Clifton. I'm sorry, but the guy had an ugly 2008 and then missed a lot of 2009. I'd rather draft a couple of tackles high in the draft, let them duke it out in camp, and then see what we get. Much better in the long AND short term, IMO.

Yes, Lang is much better suited at playing RT. But he's already better than Clifton at LT. Even with Clifton back, I'd rather have Lang at LT and Tauscher at RT anyway. Not a big loss to me... I don't know the state of Tauscher, but losing him would be the real blow.

True, Aaron. But with 1st and 3rd round tenders on Jamaal Brown and reports that the Saints are about to make their RFA guard the highest paid in the league, I don't see why the Saints would match the offer.

I think the Jared Veldheer kid could be a GREAT value at OT in round 2 or 3, so yeah, it's possible that they find one. I'd REALLY love it if the Packers traded out of round 1, snagged Veldheer in the second, and grabbed Sam Young to be the new RT in the 3rd or 4th. Then you could shift Lang back inside to Guard, get rid of Colledge, and have Spitz ready to go as a backup at all 3 interior positions.

Clifton should have been replaced last year. I would still gladly trade BJ Raji for Michael Oher. (Not that I don't think Raji will be a good player.)

D.D. Driver, an intersting observation.

Everyone knows that any draft pick, no matter how highly touted, can be a bust - for every Joe Thomas there is a Robert Gallery. In fact, prospects probably have a greater than 50% chance of not amounting to anything. I'd much rather throw a 2nd round pick at a guy like Bushrod (who is still very young but has shown ability at the NFL level) over probably any college prospect.

Something that not a lot of people may realize is that Clifton's agent was also the agent for Chris Samuels who retired last week from the Redskins. If anyone is wondering why TT couldn't get Clifton signed before free agency started I'm guessing that has something to do with it. If I had arguably the best LT available and I knew the team most famous for wasting money on free agents was going to be desperate for a player I represented I'd make sure he saw free agency no matter what. If the three year contract with 20 million guarenteed is what Clifton is really being offered I'd be willing to bet that he gets more money in millions than games played over the course of the contract. 20 million vs. 20 games? Yep I'd definitely go with the money on that wager.

....

As for Bushrod, please god no. He is TERRIBLE. I watched about 8 or 9 Saints games because I had Brees and Colston in a couple fantasy leagues and Bushrod got beat consistently. Halfway through the season they had to completely alter their offense to make sure he was getting help at all times from a tightend or chipping back. In the minnesota game he may not have given up any sacks but Allen was getting pressure on nearly every play forcing Brees to frequently get rid of the ball quicker than he wanted to. As bad as Bushrod is at pass protection he's even worse at run blocking. I'd go so far as to that he could be seriously consider in the worst run blocking tackle conversation from last year. There have got to be better options out there.

Lot's of fanatics in here. I wouldn't mind Bushrod either, but Ted won't overpay for him I'm sure, and he doesn't like giving away his picks.

Velheer is going to be a project. He played at Hillsdale.....HILLSDALE! Going from the D2 kids he threw around in college to pro DL, he's going to be behind the curve.

I think the Pack should be working hard to resign Kampman personally. The Cromartie to NYJ trade was telling to me. Cromartie could be a really good CB when his DL gets pressure on the QB and causes him to pass earlier than planned. GB should get Kampman back and work on getting more of a pass rush in 2010.

Someone mentioned the Saints paying Jahri Evans a ton of money. He was a D-2 guy. Then again, so was Barbre, which could explain why he looked like he was 3 seconds behind most of the guys he tried to block last season. Either way, I think while Veldheer may be a "project," I'll take a 6'8", 320 lb-er any day, especially one who is apparently as athletic as this kid. If he needs time to develop, Lang could fill in until he's ready, but you gotta think that with size like that, he wouldn't take long.

Do a search on where starting LTs have been drafted. the last time I did that search, Clifton was the only one of 32 that wasnt a first round pick. Sure there are Gallerys and Mandarichs, but theres more like 18 success stories to offset them.

Aaron – I hate to be an ‘instigator’ again, but if you want to differentiate yourself in the ‘trade’ market (or even jockeying for draft position) why not float your 29 year old, out of place DE with 1 year left on his contract as incentive/trade bait? I’m looking at you, Cullen Jenkins…..

Finding a replacement 3-4 end is a hell of a lot easier than finding a healthy, durable, competent and young Left Tackle.

Order of position importance in the modern NFL: QB, LT, RUSH END, CB. Notice I have rush end in CAPS. In a 3-4, a dominate rush end is a luxury, not a requirement. Linebackers are now the name of te game. Jenkins will be almost 31 after next year when his contract expires and that’s the wheelhouse for his agent to demand that one last big contract.
Just sayin’ …….

CSS - Off of that, that Cory Williams trade is looking better and better (even if the pick was wasted on Brohm). Traded to the Lions along with a 7th round pick for a #5.

Aaron Kampman has stated he wants out of Green Bay? I haven't seen that anywhere and can't find it either. Do you have a link to that Aaron?

packsmack--isn't that Giacomini type measurements?? He's been less than stellar so far.

Aaron, I'm just saying that measurables aren't everything. Vernon Gholston?? Do you think Giacomini has a chance to contribute yet??

First of all, Giacomini was 6'7", 300 when drafted. Veldheer is like 6'8 1/4", 320 or something ridiculous and has true OT strength, and if I remember correctly that was why Giacomini was drafted so low, was because he lacked strength. Not saying the Packers will definitely draft Veldheer, but his situation is much different than Giacomini's, and I'd definitely like to see it.

Second of all, Breno hurt his ankle at the end of the 2008 season and I don't think was ever truly ready or healthy this past year. He could still turn into at the very least, a competent backup Tackle.

Lets not address depth on the O-line until we get enough starters.

Only 50% of current starting LT’s were drafted in the 1st round. Quick and dirty, folks:

Levi Brown (Ariz) – (5th pick)
Sam Baker (Atl) – (21st pick)
Jared Gaither (Bal) – (5th round supplemental)
Demetrius Bell (Buff.) – (7th round)
Jordan Gross (Car.) – (8th pick)
Chris Williams (Chi.) – (14th pick)
Andrew Whitworth (Cinc.) – (55th pick)
Joe Thomas (Cle.) – (3rd pick)
Flozell Adams (Dal.) – (38th pick)
Ryan Clady (Den.) – (12th pick)
Jeff Backus (Det.) – (Round 1)
Chad Clifton (GB) – (44th pick)
Duane Brown (Hou.) – (26th pick)
Tony Ugoh (Ind.) – (2nd round)
Eugene Monroe (Jac.) – (8th pick)
Brandon Albert (KC) – (15th pick)
Jake Long (Mia.) – (1st pick)
Bryant McKinnie (Min.) – (7th pick)
Sebastion Vollmer (NE) – (58th pick)
Jermon Bushrod (NO) – (4th round)
William Beatty (NYG) – (60th pick)
D. Ferguson (NYJ) – (4th pick)
Mario Henderson (Oak) – (91st pick)
Jason Peters (Phil.) – (UFA)
Max Starks (Pitt.) – (3rd round)
Marcus Mcneil (San D.) – (50th)
Joe Staley (San Fran) – (28th pick)
Sean Locklear (Seat.) – (84th pick)
Alex Barron (St. Louis) – (19th pick)
Donald Penn (TB) – (UFA)
Michael Roos (Ten.) – (41st pick)
Levi Jones (Wash.) – (10th pick)

Another thing...if the Skins sign Clifton, couldn't Ted just give Levi Jones a small deal to replace him for a year? Didn't he flirt with Jones last year but not sign him because Jones wanted to be an LT and not a RT?

CSS, that's a skewed stat, since a lot of those guys are either fill-ins for injured starters or just really bad.

CSS....nice work on the 32 starting LT. Clifton can walk as far as I am concerned, although solid for 10 years...he can no longer stay on the field

Steelers IMO could get by with lesser talent at left tackle because Ben is so hard to bring down, A-rod does not have the physical strength to do the same.

Actually, I may have skewed it in the opposite direction. Some men listed were on injured reserve at years end and their replacements were even further down the draft board. In 2002 it was 64.5% of starters:

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1208/is_10_226/ai_83794037/

There are no "current" starting LTs though, because there are no games being played. That list will look a lot different at the start of next season, and with as many as 6 OTs going in the first round this year and Oher possibly moving over to LT, it could look more like 23 of 32 teams with starting LTs drafted in the first round. As it is right now, 24 of the 32 teams are starting AT LEAST a 2nd rounder, meaning it could be close to 30 teams starting AT LEAST a 2nd rounder at LT by the start of next season. So yes, you need to get your LTs early, or you need to get really, really lucky.

Blachawk: u seriosly want to include old washed up IR guys such as Walter Jones or Chris Samuels? You would be advocating to skew it in the wrong direction.

Packsmack: and every year the Brandon Alberts, Robert Gallery's and Andre Smiths of the world get forced inside cause' they were reached for in the 1st round as LT's. This years draft class will be no different. I bet you at least half of thos drafted as LT's in the 1st round r forced inside cause they can't cut it.

Ok, you guys are right. TT should find a starting LT in round 3 or later and focus on other, much more important things in rounds 1 and 2. It is clearly MUCH easier to fail at finding a LT in round one or two, because the Bills, Raiders, Seahawks, Bucs, and Steelers can do it without a first rounder! What's that? All of those teams were HORRIBLE at protecting the QB, mostly because they DIDN'T have a stud LT? That's insane! They are all OBVIOUSLY going to stick with that same dreck at the position, because they don't want to draft a LT in the first or second round, that NEVER works! I mean, Gallery, Albert, and Andre Smith are all out of the league! What? They are still assets to their teams, just at a different position? But what about MANDARICH!!!!??? That happened like, last season! Or was it a long time ago? I forget. Well, as long as TT doesn't draft a LT in rounds one or 2, everything will work out. TJ Lang and Barbre will be fine, and there's always Colledge to fill in! Yeah, I know they all are better suited to play Guard, but comeon, if any of them start at LT, it will make another starting LT in the NFL that wasn't drafted in round 1! Duh!

Why should I believe the rumor that Kampman wants out of Green Bay more than the rumor that Anthony Smith had an attitude problem and/or freelanced too much?

Packsmack - Please point out where myself or others advocated drafting an LT in any specific round? We didn't. If anything, it's a matter of personnel evaluation and player development.

My bottom line: Don't reach in the draft and don't mortage your future by giving up a ton of future draft picks for an average FA. There are some great restricted FA's out there, but it's unlikely their respective franchises will let them walk...they will match the offers.

P.S. - Saying Donald Penn for the Bucs is 'dreck' is sad. You need to watch more football.

The Bears are getting better, Just signed Chester Taylor and as soon as Peppers passes a physical will also be signed. Lions are making moves while we sit with no O-line, with only 2 of the 5 posithttp://www.rotoworld.com/Content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=NFL&... set.

Dilgaff: Debateable they're getting better. Bears leadership (GM and Coach) wreak of desperation to save their jobs. Paying top dollar for a couple of 30+ year olds when your offense is 2 - 3 years away from developing? The offense will mature and your defense will be 33 years of age on average.

Leadership in Chicago is mortgaging their future in an attempt to save their asses (jobs) today.

Lombardi at National Football Post is right: "They are the new Washington Redskins."

Good teams make it work. OK. Final 8 teams last season, how many of those teams "made it work?"

Colts - Ugoh, 2nd
Jets - Brick, 1st
Ravens - Gaither, 5th...but drafted Oher last year...
Chargers - McNeill, 2nd
Saints - Bushrod, 4th...ok, you got me here.
Vikes - McKinnie, 1st
Cards - Brown, 1st
Cowboys - Adams, 2nd
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So essentially, 6 of the final 8 teams drafted guys to play LT in the 2nd round or higher. And a 7th drafted a guy in the 1st last year to BECOME their LT soon. I know, I know, Bushrod is the exception here, and the Saints won the Super Bowl, just like the Steelers won with Starks, but seriously, do we think TT should just roll the dice on a CHANCE that he can find a diamond in the rough? I don't.

McKinnie, Adams, Brown and Ugoh all SUCK. Their teams and QB" advanced in spite of them, not because of them. Seriously, they are aweful...

Favre, Romo, Warner and Manning all have extremely quick releases or, Romo's case, great moving the pocket. You're reaching with your above statement big time.

Packsmack - Right on with your last statement when it comes to Tackles, TT hasn't assessed them for crap. He has keepers in Lang and Sitton inside, but has failed on Tackles. You and I are in complete agreement on this.

With the state of our current O-line, it may be just enough to put a monkeys wrench in the Packers plans. I don't see them going to the super bowl, but enough to cost the Pack at least one lose, if not two. It comes down to match ups. Our current O-line agianst the talent in our own division is not looking good.

CSS, I didn't mean to include Penn as a part of the "dreck" comment. I meant mainly the Raiders and Bills, to be honest. Starks isn't good either, but he's not necessarily "dreck," either. And the verdict for Locklear isn't in yet, but it seems as though Seattle wants to replace him anyway.
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But I know you weren't advocating picking at a specific spot. I was just illustrating why those stats were skewed. Like I said, of the 32 teams next year, probably 28-30 of them will be starting a LT that was drafted in rounds 1&2. I'd say that speaks more to the necessity of getting a LT early than the whole "50%" stat you posted. It's irrelevant what guys started at LT for bad teams at the end of last season. Call me crazy, but usually bad teams have bad LTs, and most try to fix that issue in the offseason.

Dilgaff: On the bright side, Sitton, Wells and TJ Lang or Spitz are/will be the best interior in the NFC north. Seriously, name any good interior combo in the NFC North......short exercise, my friend. Packers can dominate the interior because I don't see anybody getting better. Vikings are older up the middle too. Bears and Lions stink up the middle.

Trying to see the silver lining here!

Packsmack: In 02' it was 64.5% at the BEGINNING of the year. By week 6 of the season I'm willing to bet you it's closer to 60% or less of the starting, game day LT's are 1st, even 2nd round picks. Most are guards that slide over and are merely 'adequate'. That's why I (in my world as coach) would throw TJ Lang into the mix at left guard and get him used to the left side since he will be option 1B if/when whatever tackle for the Packers misses time with injury next season.

Why are you going all the way back to '02? I'm confused.

02' is the only article to confirm a number and I'm extrapolating in between. It took me a while to compile my current list above and there's no way I could do it in less than 3 hours for the prior decade.

Look, I'm not calling you out or saying your wrong. The hit rate on 1st round Tackles is exponentially higher than any proceding rounds...you are correct. My maing point: In any given year you're looking at roughly 70% or less of your starting LT's coming from RD's 1 & 2. Here's the thing: That number drops to 50% or less by the latter half of every year due to injury. You can advance in spite of average LT play.

However, TT hasn't done well in evaluating tackles. I love the direction they've gone the last two years (Sitton and Lang) with an emphasis on moving towards a hybrid ZBS where your lineman are getting larger and can flex to other positions. Let's see if it continues this year.

Iupati will not slide past the Packers if he gets to #23. Think flexible with updside, larger than traditional ZBS guys. Roger Saffold (IU), Jerry (Miss.). If you can't get a Okung that's in all probability a franchise LT then get value and flexibility.

Giacomini was the furthest from this philosophy, drafted on 'upside' alone.

I do, Aaron. A LT, CB or top rush end will slide on draft day. I don't see a team that values a guard up until you reach the Stealers at the #18 slot. However, the Stealers (#18) should have great CB/S options including Earl Thomas, whom they desperately need. #19 Falcons, #20 Texans desperately need defensive help, especially pass rush. The Bengals at #21 need a receiver and/or defensive line or safety help (desperate for a TE). The Patriots desperately need a WR and defense (specifically end) at the #22 spot. So, if Iupati makes it past the Stealers at #18 (where I think he will go) the next four (4) teams have desperate needs outside of guard.

So yes, I don't see a sure-fire tackle available at #23 and Iupati has huge upside and possibly even tackle down the road. This is a distinct possibility, not fantasy land at all.

The packers better get some O-Line help, now that the bears got Peppers, he could easily get to Rodgers with what we've got.

CSS, I don't see where we have a this dominate interior line, one position is up in the air. Lang has no NFL experience at guard and Spitz has a surgically repaired back. IMO the O-line is as strong as its weakest link and has to be thought of as a unit. One Barbre = disaster. The way I see it last year the vikings had a defensive line that gave us problems. The bears and lions both may give the Pack similar problems next year if we do not improve our O-line with their current signings before the draft.

Basically what I'm saying is that IF TT doesn't see a Tackle he values at #23, then he needs to trade up or down to get into a spot to get one that he DOES value. It is the biggest need, and the only one where the Packers don't have (at least some) control of a guy who could adequately fill the void, punter excluded. Whether that means signing Levi Jones for a year or 2 and trading down to take Veldheer in the 2nd or trading a 1st and next year's second to get into the top 15 and grab someone, then he needs to get it done, period. He can't just sit back and take a guy in the 3rd round or beyond and just "let them compete." There's too much competition amongst a BAD line. We need someone to come in that won't have to compete because it's obvious that he is best for the job. Those guys are usually found in rounds 1 and 2.

Dilgaff: My point stands, name a better interior line in the NFC North. Also, make a case for other NFC North interior defensive units that are worth anything. I'll give you the Vikings, but Williams (Pat) will be 38 and Kevin is the only legit kid on the roster. I'm not saying our interior is 'Great', but it's better then the division. The outside pass-rush may be an issue in the North, but teams are ignoring the interior.

Again, Packsmack, nobody is saying take a tackle beyond round 2, and I agreed with you that the success rate is better for the LT position in round 1.

I do disagree with you about trading up if the value isn't there. Bulaga and Okung are the only two kids I see with minimal risk, both will be gone by #10 and it will take a boatload of picks to move into the top 10 (unless we move somebody like Jenkins).

Also, this is the deepest CB class in a decade and starters will be in round 2. I have no problem trading into round 2.

Let's see how it plays out, I certainly don't know.

I get the concern I really do but if TT is letting Clifton hit free agency that means he is done. Here is a list of all the free agents he let go that lived up to or exceed their contracts.
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Notice there are ZERO players on that list. He's batting a hundred over 5 years in letting free agents go so I'm gonna give him the benefit of the doubt until . It may scare us right now but I'd be willing to bet in 3 years none of us will be saying ''Wow we sure missed the boat on not giving Clifton 20 million!'' People freak out and overreact every year around this time. Each of the last 3 years the sky was falling in March and when September came around we were highly competitive. News Flash for people (and some will really hate this)....TT is WAY smarter than us when it comes to this stuff and he's consistantly proven he knows what he's doing. The guy isn't an idiot. Relax.

See, I'd rather NOT waste a high pick on a CB. We don't have AS pressing a need for an immediate starter at CB, since Harris and Lee could both fill the void and both are already under contract. That's why I think it's important to find an LT. As for Bulaga and Okung being the only guys worth a top pick, I STRONGLY disagree. I think there are an inordinate amount of good-to-great tackles available this year, and it's important that we don't miss out on the party. Campbell, Davis, Brown, Williams, and even Veldheer are potential anchors. TT probably values one of those guys more than the others, and it's up to him to get whichever one he thinks fits the best. He won't have to get into the top 10 for any of those guys, more than likely, but he might have to jump up 8 spots to #15 or so.

WGB, I think pretty much everyone is in agreement that Clifton leaving isn't that big of a deal. It just puts the pressure on TT to find a viable replacement. I think (hope?) he will.

Campbell - Looks like Tarzan plays like Jane. Was average at best all season on tape. Huge risk, huge potential.

Davis - Terrible work ethic, inconsistant and beaten by average competition all year. Huge boom or bust.

Brown - Could be a good pick, but he's raw and a former TE, not tackle. Boom or bust.

Williams - Excelled at RT last year, sucked at LT this year getting beaten like a rag doll in the Big XII. RT only.

Veldheer - Division II prospect, boom or bust not a round I kid.

Look, I'm not a scout but I've watched every one of these kids play (spare Valdheer). Bulaga and Okung dominated superior competition all year, DE's that will be drafted in Rd. 1 & 2. All the other kids you listed will a) need at least 1 if not 2 years on the pine to progress and learn. b) Not really graded as 1st round LT talent but will be drafted there as a byproduct of their upside.

I said round 2 for CB, not 1.

I think all the kids you listed above will be round 1 picks (Valdheer will be late 2, early 3) but the kids you list are 1st round risk that will need time to develop. There will be a premature run on LT's just like every year, and teams will reach.

. Here is a list of all the free agents he let go that lived up to or exceed their contracts.
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.Brett Favre?

Sorry, had to.

CSS, I don't know that you can necessarily say that any of those guys are "boom or bust" types, with the exception of Veldheer, who I admit I am probably WAY too infatuated with. He just seems like a TT type to me. Anyway, all of those other guys are graded as 1st rounders, and whether it's based on potential or what have you, there's a reason. I'm not a fan of Williams or Brown, but some scouts are, so go figure. I'm sure TT and his staff have their favorites of the bunch. And I know you meant a 2nd rounder on a CB, but I just don't think even THAT is necessary, unless there's a guy who is just impossible to pass up. As far as any of the LTs taking a year to develop, that's why I've suggested signing Levi Jones - or perhaps another veteran who gets cut by someone later on - to a short contract. Either way, TT has to find SOMEONE to groom to be the LT of the future sooner than later.

hyperRevue, he wasn't let go as a free agent, and Brett Favre's trade helped to net Matthews.

Packsmack - I know. Just a joke.

FWIW: "Greg_A_Bedard
RT @Russellmania09: Source feels strongly UFA LT Chad Clifton is solely visiting #Redskins to drive up the #Packers price, no real interest."

To me it's pretty simple. Get Charles Brown. It's solved!
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Have you watch him play? Talk about talent. Questions about his strenght and lenght were immediately dismissed after the combine. Very athletic, talented guy, with lots of starting experience in a ZBS team...

I figured that hyper, but seriously, you never know with some of the commenters here. That Tweet from Bedard is interesting though, because the Skins could also be using Clifton in order to low-ball Jones.

Packers RS - Charles Brown has a ton of potential but there's rampant speculation that he skipped the Senior Bowl to put on weight for the combine. Sources out of USC say his mid-year playing weight was 290 lbs.

Good athlete, though.

Packsmack - I'm not a scout. I watch an inordinate amount of football and the DVR is packed with it. I trust the Packer staff to evaluate, but TT stays true to how his board is stacked. I just don't see him reaching if his board doesn't have all other prospects being equal.

P.S. - We just had our first child so my 'inordinate' football watching will abruptly end:)

With Peppers in the NFC North the Packers MUST, MUST, MUST bring some well above average talent in at the OT spots. Clifton will be a Packer. Who's going to pay a big proce for a guy who is likely to miss 2 to 4 starts next year. Taucsher will get the team off to a better start than they had last year. Again it is likely he will miss some time.

Breno and Barbre are not capable backups. Spitz to date has not shown talent at a level above barely acceptable. Lang could be a good player, but still too soon to tell. And Colledge after 4 years is still a below average player. Do they believe he can still get better? What has he done that would give that impression?
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The line needed imrovement going into last year. The line going into this year still needs a whole lot of help. Time to roll up the sleeves and get to work.

Ha, funny you say that Aaron. I watched every second of the scouting combine......during the early AM's while feeding and changing our daughter!

My wife says 'ridiculous', I say "practical and tactical" (Kirk Lazarus - Tropic Thunder)

Bears are going absolutely crazy today - In addition to Peppers, it looks like they have made a deal with Chestor Taylor and they are in talks to sign Bolden and Brandon Marshall and trade Greg Olsen.

Aaron this is coming from the SCORE so it could be over enthusiasm. Sounded like they were going after one of the wR's seriously, probably not both.

Boldin is tendered with a 3rd, Marshall with a 1st. Signing Marshall would mean the Bears go 3 years without a round 1 pick.

Talk about 'gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today'. That would be extremely desperate of Angelo and Smith.

Whoa. Boldin (plau a 5th) for a 3rd and 4th rounder? That strikes me as a great deal for the Ravens.

Desperate is exactly what the Bears are. The fans are ready to run De Angelo and Lovie out of town on a rail. De Angelo said in an interview today, "We are not done yet, more moves are coming."

You know I really LOVE you guys when I am sitting in a Hong Kong airport, find a free internet portal, and the first site I go to is CheeseheadTV!!!!

But...WHAT!! I'm not even suprised about the asking price for Clifton, what blew me off his feet is that he thinks he can play for THREE more seasons!!!! WHAT! Everytime he fell to the ground, I thought that was it for him. I'd give him a two-year 10 million dollar deal where $7 million is for this year with a $3 million option for next...If he doesn't take that...then tough titties, I love Clifton, but dude is not playing for THREE more years!

P.S. I'm still standing here at the kiosk and a guy on his way to Vietnam came up to me (must've seen my screen) and said, "You know, the Bears signed Peppers" We then had a talk about what the Packers are up to! He also knew about CheeseheadTV

Packers fans are worldwide, baby! Let's Go Packers!!

CSS, it's a good thing that he was able to sit the Senior Bowl, put weight, and still perform as well as he did in the combine.
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He was able to put on weight without losing athleticism... To me that's a good thing, not a bad thing. Yeah, I know, the tape is with him being slimmer. But in this situation the combine is a good thing.

Clifton is back. Everyone off the ledge!