ESPN: On the Clock w/The Packers

Mike Tirico, Trent Dilfer, Chris Mortensen and Mel Kiper Jr. discuss what the Packers should be looking for with the 23rd overall pick in next months NFL Draft.

 

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Comments (33)

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frosty's picture

March 23, 2010 at 03:16 am

couldn't agree more with our drafting policy on the OL...that said, we obviously don't want to reach too far for somebody. just makes me wonder who was still on the board when we traded down and went after Nelson.

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Graham's picture

March 23, 2010 at 04:06 pm

There was not a OLman taken between the 30th pick and the 36th pick of the 2008 NFL draft.

The next lineman that was taken was at #39 Chilo Rachal USC Guard, who is a backup guard for the 49ers, then #59 Mike Pollak Arizona State C who is okay for the Colts. Those were the only two 2nd round draft choices on the offensive line in the 2008 draft.

I'll take Nelson over both of them.

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CSS's picture

March 23, 2010 at 10:18 am

I watched this yesterday, and considering you had an insider in Chris Mortenson, draft guru Mel Kiper and former QB Trent Dilfer I expected something prfound but instead had analysis that fell under the, 'well, duh' category.

Just so I get this straight, they're saying we perhaps need a lineman, our corners are aging/injured and maybe need a corner. Oh ya, an OLB to compliment Matthews. I love what ESPN has done over its life to bring sports to the forefront of television programming/analysis, but really? This is the depth we get?

Maybe I'm a snob but that was just too simple....

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PackerAaron's picture

March 23, 2010 at 12:55 pm

I had the exact same reaction - but it's great post fodder. ;)

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CSS's picture

March 23, 2010 at 10:25 am

Edit for harshness - Ya, it's intended to be primer and I'm excited. It's never enough this time of year.

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BubbaOne's picture

March 23, 2010 at 12:37 pm

CSS,
Screw it, stay w/ the harshness. Being Packer fans we rec'd nothing informative. They didn't mention the team needs help at S, KR, P or that the team needs a complement to CM3. They just said he was a good pick.
"The hair" could have framed the dilemma of what he thought TT would have to give up to move up for a Trent Williams.
What a waste of 2:46 of air time and expertise.

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CSS's picture

March 23, 2010 at 01:27 pm

Hey, just covering all my bases. Greg Bedard was lurking and in a 'fight'n' mood after discussion regarding one of his posts. I've heard Chris Mortenson is the Randy Coulture (MMA legend) of the blogosphere comments section: Well spoken and looks quite professional, but get him against the cage (metaphorically with your comments) and he will bust out the 'dirty boxing'.

Mort, if you're there, I'm sorry....

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bogmon's picture

March 23, 2010 at 11:28 am

NFL.com broke this down too....
I think that (depending on who's there?) either Taylor Mays or Anthony Davis are great choices...
Personally I'm leaning towards Mays...he has interesting size and Dom could mold him into a great hybrid S/LB for the system.
Not to mention, they've had good luck with USC guys before!

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CSS's picture

March 23, 2010 at 12:06 pm

History with USC:

Clay Matthews pick gets an 'A' so far. Let's see him repeat the productivity.

John Michaels 'F-'. I would give the pick an even lower grade if possible. I think he's one of the biggest Packer busts of all time.

That means USC first rounders with the Packers average a 'C'.

Personally, I wouldn't take Mays in the 1st. Go pop in that Notre Dame/USC game and you'll see a kid that has horrible feet, no instincts whatsoever and no ability to diagnose plays. That's a microcosim of his college career.

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CSS's picture

March 23, 2010 at 12:10 pm

BTW - Everybody interested in 'projecting' or 'mocking' the draft needs to read this National Football Post article:

http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Beware-of-the-mock-draft.html

One of the better articles recently published on that site. Very well said, sums up my feelings quite well.

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packsmack25's picture

March 23, 2010 at 02:21 pm

It is a great article, I saw it the other day. NFP is such a great site, so much better than that crap site PFT. Basically, if you want a TMZ-style read, go to PFT, and if you want a well-thought, informed article, go to NFP. Just another error on the part of NBC, shelling out money to Florio when they could have had better....

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dilligaff's picture

March 23, 2010 at 12:13 pm

it is pretty obvious to the rest of the NFL, we need Offensive lineman.

All we have done is maintained what we had last year. The only improvement we can look forward to from day one is Lang, there is some hope that Spitz can take over the LG spot, but he hasn't played in a long time.

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Ruppert's picture

March 23, 2010 at 12:23 pm

Didn't Ken Ruettgers go to USC? Right now, I'd take a ditto of Kenny.

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lmills's picture

March 23, 2010 at 12:25 pm

He reminds me too much of Aaron Rouse. Big physical safety. We all know how Rouse turned out.

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jerseypackfan's picture

March 23, 2010 at 12:50 pm

Funny how the NFL Network had the Packers "On The Clock" as well yesterday.
I gasped when Chris Mortenson revealed that J.Finley is going to be a star this upcoming season? WOW! Now there is some "Insider" information Chris! Glad you are jumping on the bandwagon a year late.
I think Mortenson`s insider information on the goings on in the NFL has really dwindled the past few years and he has become more of a gossip queen for ESPN.

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Graham's picture

March 23, 2010 at 04:17 pm

I saw that about ol #88. It just shows you that even with the full time job these guys have, many are not very good at understanding the team. I think ESPN should have 32 writers, one for each NFL team. And actually study the team, the players, and give the fans some actual information.

That might put CHTV out of business.... I'd volunteer to be the Packers ESPN guy!!

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dilligaff's picture

March 23, 2010 at 12:51 pm

Interesting that Trent D. had a little advice about a young QB's mental state or word of caution. How many times can A-rod get sacked before he loses confidence or his mental edge starts to fall apart.

Interesting that A-rod has been sacked over 80 times in the last 2 years, yet we are doing nothing but more the same with the O-line, both with players and coaches.

I like TT, but I am extremely disappointed in the way he has handled the O-line.

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dilligaff's picture

March 23, 2010 at 01:26 pm

We need better pass rusher in our front seven, but with Raji, Wynn, and Jones all coming back for the second years, their improvement from their rookie years maybe enough to make a big difference for our defense, which in turn will help our secondary.

Who are the Raji, Wynn, and Jones on our O-line. All I see is Lang. With the age and the general nature of the NFL we are 2 injuries away from a disaster on the O-line.

As long as TT is not reaching, its a no brainier we go for a lineman as long as he is worthy of a 1st round selection. If Davis, Bulaga, Iupatai, or Brown are avaible would be good choices.

I really like Iupatai, he can start day one and be a true upgrade and improve the unit as a whole from day one leaving Lang as the backup tackle and another year to develop. Drafting a LT would be welcomed as well, but will take time to develop and really only helps the Pack as far as depth in the short run which is needed badly, no guarantees that both Clifton and Tauscher stay healthy all season.

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CSS's picture

March 23, 2010 at 01:31 pm

Sitton will be even better this year and E-DS will surprise people after a year of offseason (assuming he's been dedicated and professional - applies to all). And yes, TJ Lang.

I love the flexibility of Iupati, but he's really raw yet. Don't think he's an 'instant' superman in the middle. He struggled at the senior bowl against Graham and other rushers. His technique is still bad enough (raw) now that he was holding, grasping and not moving his feet at all. He was getting overwhelmed by better competition than what he saw in Idaho. All fixable in the pros, but he will need a season of coaching and adjustment.

That being said, I would take him if he's there at 23.

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BubbaOne's picture

March 23, 2010 at 02:14 pm

"That being said, I would take him (Iupati) if he’s there at 23."

Wow, I respect your opinion so I'm surprised by this comment esp. after his Senior Bowl week. And w/ Colledge back at LG exclusively, w/ Spitz, maybe Barbre, maybe Lang and possibly EDS also vying for LG I think we're okay there.
Who would still be on your board if you took Iupati at 23...Kindle? Spiller? Brown? etc.

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CSS's picture

March 23, 2010 at 03:26 pm

Let me preface my response by saying this, BubbaOne: DB's and LT's are always 'reached' for (beyond how they are stacked on respective franchises boards) because the importance of the position is just at a premium for the elite and 'could be elite' guys. Hell, even above average guys.

While I don't believe Tauscher or Clifton make it through the season healthy I also don't believe you throw a single LT out there against the pass rushers the Packers have on their schedule in 10'....brutal. They have the luxury of waiting a year or taking a developmental pick in the 2nd or 3rd (your future LT).

Guys that are possibly going to be on the board at #23: Sergio Kindle, Brandon Graham, Jerry Hughs, Jared Odrick, Kyle Wilson, Devin McCourty, Kareem Jackson, Charles Brown.

The reason I say Iupati? He is what the Packers now covet in a hybrid ZBS guy (think Sitton and Lang). Flexible, athletic, slides to multiple positions and NASTY. A future lineup that includes Lang, Sitton and Iupati....three guys that FIGHT every snap and want to punch you in the mouth!

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CSS's picture

March 23, 2010 at 03:29 pm

EDIT: I meant to say I don't believe a rookie LT drafted this year can slide in behined Clifton and not get mauled to death. Considering the Packers 10' slate of pass rushers even Okung or Bulaga would get bruised egos (and they may go in the top 6 picks). I know it doesn't fit the biggest need (LT), just saying you COULD wait if there is something of higher value on TT's board than Charles Brown, who I personally think a team will reach for but he is a 1st round pick on future potential alone, not what he is NOW.

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dilligaff's picture

March 23, 2010 at 02:20 pm

I can see what you are saying about Iupatai (true of all rookies), but in an interview I saw of him after that he said he was nervous, but all he has to do is beat out Colledge and Spitz with a hurt back which his natural talent will do at this point.

I think a player like Iupatai will adapt quickly through a good training camp once his nerves have settled.

Spitz has not played in a year either and I am not sold on Colledge's skills, much less his attitude at this point.

I see a player like Iupatai contributing to the O-line quicker than any LT rookie we bring in to beat out Clifton, although that rookie LT may get into the line up quicker by an injury to Clifton.

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Graham's picture

March 23, 2010 at 04:21 pm

OOOOH remember back when all we had was 2 decent Tackles and had no middle of the OL? Well sorry Sitton looks good Spitz looks good, bottom we now have guards and no tackles, well not much young tackle talent maybe Lang is a tackle but he might be a guard who knows.

Also nobody thinks Taush is going to be better this year than last? Really? The guy was comming off of a bad knee played well enough to be a solid NFL starter and another year of rehab/practice wont get improve him? I find that hard to believe sorry.

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CSS's picture

March 23, 2010 at 04:25 pm

Sorry, but there's another phase to an offensive linemans game called 'run blocking' and neither Tauscher nor Clifton can do it very well at all. People (including NFL talking heads on my television set) try to analyze the pass-pro and run blocking skills as completely seperate functions. They're not. Great run blockers always have an advantage in pass pro. DE's shouldn't respect Tauscher or Clifton at all on the edge. They both are at the stage in their career where they 'scrap' and are technically sound. Packers will seriously hurt in that phase of the game with both veterans at tackle.

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Graham's picture

March 23, 2010 at 04:29 pm

Also you guys have no idea what this kid is like. You dont interview him, you dont talk to him, you havent even met him EVER. Nobody here knows what they are talking about.

FYI maybe he is the best G of all time, I dont know. But to sit around and pretend like you all know that this kid will fit in and might win a spot, or he is so NASTY we should get him is just stupid. He might be the 1st pick, or the 300th pick. People spend their WHOLE DAY on this kid for weeks. Those are the people making the decisions.

Luckly for us, TT is one of the best at it. He has to be because he is overly conservative in FA. He knows his talent and he makes the Packers better with it.

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CSS's picture

March 23, 2010 at 04:35 pm

Before you dive into your rant of righteous indignation you should probably read the entire thread where I posted a link to an NFP article that states it's nothing but pure fun and speculation. It acknowledges (and I agree) that we know nothing compared to the GM and scouting staff. Had you read it you would know we're not trying to be experts.

I'll step out of the way so you don't get injured while jumping off your pedestal

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PackerAaron's picture

March 23, 2010 at 04:40 pm

LMAO

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dilligaff's picture

March 23, 2010 at 03:02 pm

I would be happy if Charles Brown (LT) is their at #23 as well, he has a big up side and already possesses NFL type pass blocking skills, lacks bulk at 290 for the running game but would serve as an able backup this year for Clifton, giving Lang a real opportunity to start at RT or LG.

Tuff choice between Iupatai and Charles Brown. In terms of the short term and this years super bowl push I side with Iupatai, long term and on need alone Brown is the easy pick. Long term Iupatai would be a solid force on that left side, something we have been struggling with for 4 years with Colledge and Spitz. Spitz has had no break through in 4 years and is coming off back surgery. Well Colledge is Colledge.

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retiredgrampa's picture

March 23, 2010 at 05:29 pm

I know less than any of you guys and even I was disappointed with the "info" given out by ESPN. Hell, we've been discussing (and cussing) these same subjects for months now. Sounds like ESPN comes here for their info.

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Ron LC's picture

March 23, 2010 at 06:21 pm

Back to the Video - Stating the obvious comes to mind. One thing I did find interesting was the comments degrading the top OLinemen in this years draft. My takeaway here was there is only one good OLineman in the draft, Okunug (sp?). Not an overwhelming reason to tradeup.
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GB will have the Oline that started the last eight games to open camp. Hopefully, to open the season. If they stay healthy for the year GB will have played with a good line. Not great, not awful, good. Any injuries, and all bets are off. 2009 First eight games 32 sacks, last eight games 19 sacks. Why the change last year - Wells back at center, Barbre on the bench, Tauscher at RT, Clifton's knees getting better (until the last two games), and Spitz moving from center. Anyone betting that Clifton and Tauscher will both end the season at the tackles? And, can Wells still keep his back injury under control.
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There are a whole lot of good physical specimans at the Oline position in this years' draft. They will fall to the mniddle to lower rounds. So, any additonal choices should add some developmental players and that's not neccessarily bad.
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A good LT, not great and expensive, picked up in FA could cover the inury issue adequately. With Lang and the FA in T backup roles, the rest of the backup linemen can keep C and G in relatively decent shape.

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Oppy's picture

March 23, 2010 at 10:08 pm

All I'm saying is that if the Packers trade down from any spot, I'd love to see them insist on receiving the last pick overall in the trade, and use it to draft some kid who is a place-holding specialist. ;)

I think that'd be hilarious.

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FITZCORE1252's picture

March 23, 2010 at 11:21 pm

Yep,

Everything they said was pretty obvious. But Dilfer basically saying "enough with the projects, bring in some blue chipers on the O-line to covers your FRANCHISE QB"... I couldn't agree more.

GBP 4 LIFE

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