Packers Daily Links: Lang Projects Best At Left Guard

The position where T.J. Lang could possibly start in 2011 appears to be left guard. That and more in today's Daily Links...

T.J. Lang looks like his best chance of finding a spot in the starting lineup in 2011 is at left guard, according to Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. "For now, Lang’s best chance to get into the starting lineup is at left guard, especially if the Packers don’t re-sign Daryn Colledge, whose free-agent status remains in flux with the league’s collective bargaining agreement set to expire this week and no new agreement in sight," writes Dougherty. An argument can be made for him at right tackle as well, although it's less compelling.

An editorial is provided at the Packers' official website, a new feature ushered in by Vic Ketchman, and he makes a compelling argument the model the Packers  used to win a Super Bowl and how successful it is. "Because doing it the Packers’ way means having to stick with that way in losing seasons," writes Ketchman. "It means not firing the head coach after a couple of non-playoff years. It means standing firm in the face of fan criticism. It means being so committed to the model that you never crack and go for the quick fix." At first I wasn't sure how I'd react to an editorial at Packers.com, but this was presented very eloquently. I'm impressed.

Drafting Miami cornerback Brandon Harris is a possibility for the Packers, writes Kareem Copeland of the Press-Gazette. "University of Miami cornerback Brandon Harris could be in play for the Green Bay Packers on draft day as much as anyone considering that General Manager Ted Thompson tends to go for talent over need," writes Copeland. He's certainly talented, but I just can't see Ted Thompson drafting a 5-9 corner, especially in the first round or two.

Matt Bowen holds the Packers up as an example of how teams in the NFL are going to more and more spread offenses, and that means an easier transition for spread quarterbacks coming out of college. "Look around the league—because you will see signs of the spread offense," writes Bowen. "Although it is much more complex in terms of route progressions and coverage reads, we see the empty and wide open looks on offense in the NFL today. Not convinced? Go back to the Super Bowl tape and check out the Packers. The spread offense is making its way into the NFL for good. There will be some crossover for these rookie QBs." One thing I'm hearing from NFL analysts is the need for quarterbacks to be able to play under center and in a more 'pro style' offense in the red zone. Although I definitely agree that the transition is becoming easier.

I love the approach being taken by Thomas Hobbes at AllGreenBayPackers.com comparing players drafted by the Packers to those at the NFL Combine. First up is quarterbacks. "Ted Thompson apparently likes quarterbacks that are 6’2” as every quarterback he has drafted has been exactly 6’2”, which is a little odd since 6’2” is considered on the short side for quarterbacks," writes Hobbes. "Thompson apparently also likes his quarterbacks to weigh about 225 lbs as the standard deviation for quarterback weight is a mere 4.5 pounds, which is the lowest among all positions. To go even further, 2 out of the 3 quarterbacks that were signed for training camp last year also were 6’2” and 2 out of 3 quarterbacks were between 220 and 230 pounds." He notices Andy Dalton and Christian Ponder best fit this mold from the 2011 draft class, and I agree. I like Dalton a lot.

The connection between Reggie White and Nick Fairly is noted by Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley, like Peterson a possible top-five pick, tries to play like another ex-Packer. 'I model my game after Reggie White,' he said. 'He played the game the way it should be played.'" Interesting choice by Fairley seeing as he's primarily a tackle while White was an end. He was obviously inspired by White.

Also picked up by McGinn is Mike McCarthy's intention to win another Super Bowl. "I plan on winning another Super Bowl," McCarthy is quoted as saying. "Yes, I do."

Do the Packers have the best collection of quarterbacks in NFL history? That question is pondered over at Acme Packing Company. "Arnie Herbert, Bart Starr, and Brett Favre," lists blogger PackApologist. "The collection of these three can go toe to toe with any other collection of QB's for a franchise.  On top of that the Pack currently have Aaron Rodgers who is currently knocking on the door to greatness himself." Lynn Dickey, Cecil Isbel and Tobin Rote are a couple pretty good other names as well.

Players likely to be available when the Packers pick at no. 32 in the Draft are listed by Bob McGinn (subscription required).

Wisconsin's J.J. Watt is profiled by Jason Wilde of ESPNWisconsin and includes discussion on his ability to play end in a 3-4 defense.

Casey Matthews and Mike Pouncey are featured in an article about following in their famous brothers' footsteps in the NFL.

Seattle general manager and former Packers executive John Schneider was impressed by the Packers' run of success.

An off-putting video with Packers safety Anthony Smith is discovered by Alex Tallitsch of the Packers Lounge.

The annual tour of the Packers basketball team to benefit local charities includes a date at Portage high school in April.

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Comments (13)

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BubbaOne's picture

February 28, 2011 at 10:14 am

I also like Andy Dalton alot and in my early mock draft he's my 4th round comp pick, which is what I think we'll get for losing Kampman. BTW-My only reservation is TT/MM like their QB's to have big hands. Do you know what his are?

Agree also re Brandon Harris...he's below TT's "Mendoza Line".

Re Lang: Pete said "...and the organization remains split on whether guard or right tackle is the best place for him". Bring in Tom Lovat to be the tie breaking vote (tongue in cheek).
I don't care if "Lang’s best chance to get into the starting lineup is at left guard".
What I want is for him to be at the best position to help the team.

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Nerdmann's picture

February 28, 2011 at 11:53 am

Well, being that they've already got a couple tackles, in Marshall and Bulaga (with Cliffy likely back for one more year,) I'd say his best shot at playing will be at LG.
Dude can back up a T spot though. He's proven he can play. Let's just hope he can get back up to full speed after that whole fiasco vis a vis losing time after the wrist surgery last year. I think he'll be fine.

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Chad Toporski's picture

February 28, 2011 at 12:25 pm

If Lang wasn't good enough to start at LG this year, then why let Colledge go unless a rookie is drafted/signed who can take his place?

Or do they think Lang will be better next year than Colledge was this year?

Or are fans prematurely writing Colledge out of the equation?

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Brian Carriveau's picture

February 28, 2011 at 12:44 pm

It's not all about what the Packers want. Colledge will be a free agent and can choose to sign with another team if he wants. Or even if the Packers want him back, they may not be able to compete with the type of money he'll be offered by another team. As usual, there's a lot of factors at play here.

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NoWayJose's picture

February 28, 2011 at 03:19 pm

I also think there is also a feeling that Lang will be much improved this year. He missed out of a lot of off-season/pre-season work last year with a wrist injury.

Use of the hands is critical on the O-Line, and the thinking seems to be that it really hampered him.

Wouldnt be shocked at all to see a guy drafted a guard, but I think the Packers expect Lang to make a run at the starting job either way.

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Chad Toporski's picture

February 28, 2011 at 10:30 pm

Remember, Sitton was drafted in the 4th round, and he's currently considered the best O-lineman on the team.

There's hope.

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jeremiah's picture

February 28, 2011 at 01:24 pm

Marshall newhouse has almost no shot to play OT in this league. His best spot is OG and he needs to get a lot stronger to even play there. He does not posess the speed to handle the outside rushers he would consistantly see in the NFL, and has even shown he has trouble handling speed inside at gaurd.

I had lang peggef as a LG from the get go. And as far as him not being good enough to beat out college last year that is not completely accurate. Because of his wrist surgery and the time he missed in MC and TC he didn't get a shot to outplay darren. Bulaga was in the mix and was pushing college HARD until brian himself got hurt. College at his best, is slightly above average, and he has shown a prpensity for getting beat in big situations. Losing him is not the end of the world.

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Nerdmann's picture

February 28, 2011 at 02:44 pm

Newhouse might make it at LT, but not guard. He's LT or bust, imo.

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Franklin Hillside's picture

February 28, 2011 at 03:11 pm

I think "Vic Ketchman" might be an alias.

I'm not sure Packers.com needs to have have an editorial section. Weird.

Seriously, "Vic Ketchman"? Totally an alias.

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PackerAaron's picture

February 28, 2011 at 04:17 pm

Vic is actually a very well known and respected writer. ;)

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Franklin Hillside's picture

February 28, 2011 at 04:33 pm

But what's his real name? j/k

What are your thoughts on an editorial on Packers.com, Aaron? I just think it's odd. It's like they're trying to convince me of something I aleady believe in. Like gravity.

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PackersRS's picture

February 28, 2011 at 08:33 pm

I don't like Brandon Harris. I get the same feeling I got last year from Chris Cook. A guy that isn't fluid enough and doesn't have enough awareness.

I watched the bowl game. Okay, Michael Floyd is a BEAST. But Harris was abused the whole game. And there's also the 5'9" thing when TT never got a CB below 5'11"

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Boothie's picture

February 28, 2011 at 09:58 pm

The Anthony Smith video has been removed... there's enough remnants from the comments to say Good-night Gracie to him...

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