Green Bay Packers Q and A with Lombardiave.com

"3). What would you say is the drafting philosophy of the Green Bay Packers since Mike Mcarthy has become head coach?"

McCarthy and general manager Ted Thompson have teamed up to define consistency. I think you could count on one hand the number of draft picks that have been stinkers since McCarthy and Thompson have taken over. Their  philosophy has been simple – select good all-around athletes who are also solid football players and men with character. They have been able to select players that fit McCarthy’s system and can be molded to buy into the team’s goals.

"4). Who calls the shots on draft day…any insight into that?"

Collaboration is probably the crucial element in the Packers’ draft war room, but I think While Thompson leads the charge, McCarthy has the final say. He’s the coach … he’s the guy who has to work with these players and if he doesn’t think they will fit, they will move on to someone else.

"5). Are there some young players who might be expected to step up and fill the needs (from question two)?"

I’m very interested in seeing how cornerback Davon House develops this year. He didn’t get much of a chance last season, but might get his chance this year. In addition, running back Alex Green is intriguing … I’m hoping he comes back from his knee injury and shows Packers fans why the team selected him. In addition, Derek Sherrod, the Packers’ first round selection last year, broke his leg against the Chiefs last year and could make an impact with the team. I am also hoping that McCarthy begins the process of working WR Randall Cobb into the offense a bit more. His upside is huge and all Packers fans are waiting for him to break out.

"6). They say the third year is the breakout year, anyone you expect to break out from the 2010 class?"

OK … check it out. This was one of the Packers’ most interesting drafts. From that draft are starters Bryan Bulaga, Morgan Burnett, and James Starks. Add to that TE Andrew Quarless, Marshall Newhouse (who started most of last season when T Chad Clifton went down), and C.J. Wilson. The only pick who has been labeled a disappointment is Mike Neal – he has been suspended for the first four games next year and many are saying he will be cut before the team even gets to training camp.

"7) Is there any player the Packers have taken a particular liking too?"

There has been a lot of talk about Nick Perry around these parts, as well as Shea McLellin, but one just never knows who they might settle on or whether Thompson may trade up for a better shot at another defensive lineman.

"8). Is there any player the Fans seem to want the most?"

McLellin seems a popular choice, as is Perry. I think the fans will be satisfied with any defensive player who can lend a hand in helping this team continue to improve.

"9). Bigger threat to the Packers in 2012: Lions or Bears"

The Lions are more seasoned on the offensive side of the ball, but the Bears have added some firepower to their offense as well. Because the Bears have the advantage with their always-present defense one has to think they will be the Packers’ biggest threat this season.

"10). Anything else to add??"

One may ask, how do you improve a team that was 15-2 last year? Well, the idea is to get to the Super Bowl. The Packers missed the defensive pieces for that to happen last season. If they can add those pieces through the draft this week, they will again be the team to beat in the NFC North, the NFC and the entire NFL.

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