Rookie Review: Green Bay Packers With Ray Rivard of Lombardi Ave

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I chatted with Ray Rivard about the current success of the young guys on the Green Bay Packers roster. Ray, as always, provided great insight.

1) Is Ted Thompson the best G.M in the league?

A. If you take a look at the Green Bay Packers’ record over the past year, arguably anyone would say that Ted Thompson is the best GM in the National Football League. He has struck gold many times with picks deep in the draft … something that isn’t an easy thing to do. Thompson has also stuck to his guns through the years … he builds through the draft and rarely utilizes the free agent market to bolster the ranks. He has said from day one that is his strategy and he hasn’t wavered from that statement one iota. Let me take you back to midseason 2009 … the Packers traveled to take on the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers … a team with a young coach and a rookie quarterback named Josh Freeman who was making his very first start. The Packers were heavily favored and should have won going away … they didn’t. The Packers Nation exploded with venom against both Coach Mike McCarthy and GM Ted Thompson. Fans were already mad about the handling of the Brett Favre situation and management’s insistence that Aaron Rodgers was their guy. Everyone wanted their heads. But Ted Thompson continued to stay the course and believe in his coach and the system. Well, we all know how things have turned out. Now Thompson is God in Packers Nation and while we still feel that it might be sexy to go out and land a high profile free agent, it’s “In Ted We Trust.”
So, the bottom line is this … if he’s not the best, he’s in the top five general managers in the league.

2). They say it takes three years to evaluate a draft class how does the 2009 draft class look?

A. It was a hell of a draft for Thompson and McCarthy. From it came five starters, though not all are still with the team for various reasons. Can we say enough about the two first-rounders in B.J. Raji and Clay Matthews. Both are starters and stars. Add to that fourth-rounder T.J. Lang who has stepped in as the starting left guard this year and is playing himself into a long-term role with the team and Jarius Wynn, who has played steadily on the defensive line, and you’ve got players who have made major impacts. Quinn Johnson, who was a starter for two years before being traded just prior to the start of training camp, was a major contributor to the Packers running game last year. Though somewhat of a disappointment, Brad Jones, a seventh-rounder that year, has brought skills as a special-teamer and has filled in admirably at linebacker in spots. Jamon Meredith was a non-factor and was cut early, but Brandon Underwood was a good pick who would probably still be with the team had he not had legal issues earlier this season. In all, it was a solid draft for Thompson … one that added stars and steady players who have had major impacts with the team.

3). How’s Bryan Bulaga playing? What about the rest of the 2010 Draft?

A. Bryan Bulaga has developed into one of the team’s best offensive linemen. When you consider he has to go up against Clay Matthews in practice day in and day out you’re going to have a player who learns quickly. When Bulaga stepped in as a rookie for the injured Mark Tauscher, there was not a drop-off in production. In fact, once Bulaga got some playing time under his belt is when the Packers’ running game really to a step forward on their trek to a Super Bowl championship. Bulaga is a stud who will anchor the right side of the Packers’ line for many years to come. And looking at the rest of the draft from 2010, it’s clear that Thompson and McCarthy are skilled at measuring talent. Included in that draft were defensive lineman Mike Neal (who has had injury problems, but is expected back this week); Morgan Burnett, the Packers starting safety; Andrew Quarless, who stepped into the starting lineup last year when Jermichael Finley went down; Marshall Newhouse, who has stepped into the starting LT position with the loss of Chad Clifton; James Starks – need I say more?; and C.J. Wilson, who has worked hard to earn playing time. It’s a talented group that again has added depth and breadth to the Packers’ roster.

4). Based on how the Packers have played so far what are their needs for next year?

A. The Packers might have to look at more help in the defensive backfield, especially corner and safety, but also will need to look for a linebacker and possibly a defensive lineman. With Charles Woodson eyeing the sunset of a stellar career, it’s time to look at replacement or two at that position. The Packers should also seriously look at finding a complement to Matthews on the other side of the linebacking corps and get more depth at defensive line.

5). What about Derek Sherrod’s development?

"6). The second day picks (2nd and third round picks) how are they playing?"

A. Randall Cobb, the exciting wide receiver selected in the second round, has had his moments. He started with a bang in the season opener against New Orleans, but his performance has evened out as the season continued. Don’t get me wrong, I think he will be a star in this league and his upside is unbelievable. He just needs more touches and more experience. He has been solid on special teams and really hasn’t hurt the team and his play at receiver has been limited. When he does touch the ball, you can tell there’s something special about this guy. He just needs more of a chance. The team is bringing him along slowly, but he will one day explode … when he does, it will be exciting for all Packers fans. As for RB Alex Green, very little is known. He was playing special teams, but got only a handful of carries from the backfield before he blew out his knee. He could contribute in the future, but for now we have to wait until next year before we know.

7). Are there any third day picks or undrafted free agents that look like main stays on the Packers moving forward?

A. I feel there are players selected in the late rounds who could contribute more than they are, but it will take time. CB Davon House hasn’t had a chance, and the same could be said about TE D.J. Williams, linebacker D.J. Smith, and TD Ryan Taylor. All of these guys are on the field for special teams, but haven’t had the chance to make a splash with the starters … yet. In addition, Lawrence Guy, a defensive end, is on IR, so not much is known about him. Time will tell with these players.

8). Anything else to add?

A. Depth is the key to any championship team and the draft selections made by Ted Thompson have provided that depth. Clearly, that’s why the Packers won the Super Bowl last year and why the team is undefeated this year. The Packers will be Super Bowl contenders for years to come because of management’s ability to draft high quality, talented players who buy into the system.

Thank you, Ray. Be sure to check out LombardiAve.com for all of your Green Bay Packers needs. Also check out our updated Scouting report page now with 80 scouting reports.