I think many thought it would be closer than the blowout that ensued immediately following the opening kick.  However, I don’t think anyone was shocked…sadly.  With that stated, the Packers really had more to gain than to lose heading into Atlanta’s new Mercedes-Benz Stadium (which is pretty cool looking).  No one really expected Green Bay to win, but had they – man that would’ve shown this team might be the best in the NFL.

Rodgers didn’t play well, he took blame for 14 points on his two turnovers, which is absolutely correct.  In a game like that, in that environment, where the Falcons play above their heads when home, the Packers need their stars to play well (let alone play).  Nelson and Daniels going out early essentially sealed the Packers’ fate, but it did lead to us being able to see a few things.

My man, Josh Jones, eventually was put on the field for defense once Kentrell Brice was injured (I also like Brice, but if given the choice, it’s not close) the defense actually held Atlanta to a 3 & out.  I believe that coincided with Kevin King being inserted at the #1 Cornerback to cover the best receiver on the planet (Julio Jones).  King fared quite well, having 1 defensed pass and altered another.  He only was turned around once, fortunately Matt Ryan didn’t throw his direction at the time.

Let’s enter the lowly Cincinnati Bengals.  On the 25^th anniversary of Brett Favre making his awesome Packer debut v Cincy the Packers welcome that same team in, except the Bengals are on a sharp decline ever since their playoff malfunction in the 2015 postseason v Pittsburgh (Burfict and Pacman kept committing personal fouls that killed Cincy).

Even though the Bengals haven’t scored a touchdown this year – they since fired their offensive coordinator – their defense has fared well against bad offenses, or at least we think “bad.”  There is absolutely one player on their defense everyone should keep an eye on: 97 Geno Atkins (DL).  He’s been a force for his entire career and is coming off two good games to start the season.  If the Packers’ OL is beat up that could be the Bengals opportunity to mess this game up.  Other than that, I don’t see how Marvin Lewis’ club can come into Lambeau (91 degrees???) and knock off one of the most-talented teams in the NFL, in need of a win.  The Packers outrank Cincinnati at every position except GB’s OL v Cin’s DL, but Aaron Rodgers should be able to get a free play or two and keep them off-balance enough to move the ball down the field – look at it this way, if Green Bay can’t put up 30 points at home, in ideal conditions against a good defense then What are we really trying to accomplish here?

Bengals 13
Packers 31

24-15: The Packers have an opportunity to get two quick wins and get healthy before a matchup with Dallas in a couple of weeks.  Yes, it’s ok to look ahead, we’re fans 🙂

Review: Martellus Bennett showed the attitude this team needs and hasn’t seen since Josh Sitton was cut some 53-54 weeks ago.  Some may say the penalty was dumb, however I firmly believe he knew the 1^st down had been attained before delivering the blow, and either way it’s an investment upon the season and not just that game.  That attitude was seen from the start with the Packers’ defense.  Forcing five 3 and outs….yep 5!!!!!  Actually, had Mike McCarthy not been aggressive and tried to get the ball back for the offense with about 0:20 left in the 1^st half, the D would’ve forced six 3 and outs…although I see what he was trying to accomplish (give his QB a chance to put points on the board before half).

Let’s take a look at ProFootballFocus’ grades from last week:
Edge Nick Perry, 89.8
LB Blake Martinez, 87.0
DL Mike Daniels, 86.6
WR Jordy Nelson, 81.8
RG Jahri Evans, 79.1
QB Aaron Rodgers, 78.1

This is why I like checking these grades as it may seem that Mike Daniels had the best game of anyone on the field – which I agree, because sports (especially football) comes down to a few key/big plays and Mike Daniels had the biggest one of all (a strip-sack of Wilson) on Seattle’s 3^rd play of the 2^nd half.  The ensuing play led to a 6-yard TD run by Montgomery to put the Packers up for good.  This does show consistency and that Perry was able to set the edge, and keep it throughout the game.  We saw how important that was.  Now keep in mind, as I said last week, that Seattle’s offensive line is straight trash, but still good to see J

Aaron Rodgers didn’t play well, and I’m not sure as to why, but I can’t get the lack of snaps in the preseason for him out of my head.  I know Kyle Murphy was starting in place of Bulaga and the Seahawks possess one of, if not the, best defenses in the NFL – however Aaron Rodgers and the endless weaponry at his disposal was only able to put up 10 points, at home, in ideal conditions?  I’m thinking (hoping, hate that word though) it’ll correct itself and improve throughout the season.

Preview: Atlanta had some major issues with the Bears on Sunday.  There could be a plethora of reasons as to why:

• Rust for being the 1^st game of the season
• Super Bowl hangover
• Matt Ryan realizing who he is? (biggest choke artist in history)

However, let’s give credit, they went on the road and won in the NFL on week 1 which is fairly tough to do…even if there were two dropped TDs by the Bears with < 0:10 left in the game, a win is a win.  Who played well for Atlanta?
LB De’Vondre Campbell, 86.6
C Alex Mack, 86.5
T Ryan Schraeder, 85.8
CB Brian Poole, 82.3
TE Austin Hooper, 81.3
QB Matt Ryan, 71.1

As you can see, the Falcons’ played fairly well also, AND the Packers have the pleasure of opening up yet another stadium in week 2 on Sunday Night Football, for the 2^nd consecutive season.  If you remember, Green Bay traveled to Minnesota to open US Bank stadium and played like absolute crap, and barely lost 17-14 to the fighting Stefon Diggs (he had a career night).  But I digress.

This should be a solid matchup between two of the top teams in the NFC, and could go a long way in deciding tiebreakers for playoffs and seedings, but for now it counts as week 2 and a great opportunity to build momentum to begin the season.  The Packers’ offense will be tested by Atlanta’s furiously fast defense coached by Head Coach Dan Quinn (who’s 5-0 facing Mike McCarthy teams, 3-0 as DC in Sea and 2-0 as HC in Atl).

Regardless of how the game flows, Rodgers and this Packers offense needs to be 1-step ahead of the Falcons’ offense.  This could turn into a track meet – I think it’ll mimic the week 8 matchup from last year at Atlanta, a 33-32 Falcon victory.  There should be plenty of speed on the field and it should be fun to watch!  Go Pack Go!

Packers 27
Falcons 31

23-15: I’ll get back to the opponents’ and Packers +/-‘s next week as this really is just an exploratory game for both of these teams.

 

Well, to say the story-lines heading into this week 1 matchup are plentiful would be a drastic understatement.  There’s the “main” one that the media wants to follow and that’s the Brothers Bennett and how goofy Martellus is and the agenda that Michael has…neither I care to touch as I focus and care about the on-field stuff, but not to mention it would be irresponsible.

There’s also the return of Eddie Lacy, the talented running back that ate himself out of Green Bay.  There were reports he got as heavy as 275-280lbs, which is comical.  I’ve always been an advocate for cutting ties with a player that has issues staying in shape.  That’s always been a minimal requirement for a professional athlete’s job, is to be in prime shape to perform.  Otherwise that opens Pandora’s Box by keeping a player like that.

Lastly, the 3^rd major story line, or at least the one that’s most applicable to me, is both of these teams’ seasons ended at the hands of the Atlanta Falcons in January.  I believe, including Atlanta, these are the top 3 teams in the NFC (Atlanta, Green Bay, and Seattle) which is what makes these first two games for the Packers so important.  If Green Bay can somehow come out 2-0 they’d have a stranglehold on home-field advantage for the entire season.  Not trying to get ahead of myself, because obviously GB can’t go 2-0 without going 1-0 – and there’s something about having home-field that bodes well to get to and ultimately win the Super Bowl (keep in mind, I have no interest in going to the Super Bowl and not winning…that’d be the ultimate worst-case scenario for a majority of reasons).

Both Seattle and Green Bay are different teams from the last time they faced one another (week 14, Packers W 38-10)…many of you reading know the changes that have occurred for the Packers, but Seattle hasn’t had too many differences – the major ones were signing Eddie Lacy (he still won’t be the feature back and if he is that’s good news for Cheesehead nation) and the trade with the Jets just last week that brought troubled, but extremely talented, Sheldon Richardson to Seattle in return for a marginal Wide Receiver (Kearse) and a 2^nd round draft pick.

Taking a look at Seattle- they feature the same QB, essentially the same WRs (sans Kearse), and essentially the same Defense (+ Richardson).  The Packers’ OL didn’t have too much trouble keeping Rodgers clean versus that daunting defense, however Seattle added a premier player while Green Bay lost one of the best Guards in the NFL, TJ Lang, to Detroit.  I believe the offense will be fine, maybe not in a position to pull Rodgers with 10+ min left in the 4^th in a 28-3 game, but I think hanging 30+ at home in ideal conditions should be the expectation.  Couple that with the fact that Russell Wilson has accounted for 10 INTs since the 2014 NFC title game (50.7 rating in those three games) – the interesting part is the Packers’ defense has only improved and gotten much faster since those 3 meetings.

Sea +: Their entire defense (4^th overall in 2016) returns essentially everyone, plus adding Sheldon Richardson only improves their strength.
Sea –: Their offensive line. A team that prided itself and that was built around the rushing attack, finished 25^th in rushing and gave up 42 sacks (6^th most) last season.

GB +: Their entire offense.  Although losing TJ Lang is a major loss, Ted Thompson bought some insurance by signing veteran Guard Jahri Evans and he should provide a solid veteran presence across that line, keeping them ranked towards the top OL in all the NFL.
GB –: Defensive experience playing together…does that make sense?  The loss of Micah Hyde shouldn’t prove too costly as he’s been replaced with Josh Jones (2^nd pick by the Packers in the draft), a player I absolutely believe can be an instant difference-maker.  The new #27 for Green Bay has the potential (dangerous word, I know) to be an Earl Thomas-type playmaker on this Packers’ Defense.  *Question, did I just turn my Packers’ negative into a positive?*

Overall, the Packers are a better team, and have shown to be the bully (which is quite refreshing) in this series the last two games.  If you can, head to NFL.com to watch 1 play – the game was in hand 31-10 with Brett Hundley in the game – with 5:50 left in the game, immediately following Wilson’s 5^th INT of the game, the Packers rand an end around to Jeff Janis to the left side of the offense.  Richard Sherman was lined up on Davante Adams, Sherman slipped on his drop back and Adams took that opportunity to absolutely destroy him on a block that allowed Wayne Larrivee to deliver his “dagger call.”  Yes Sherman slipped, but the attitude behind Adams to attack as a blocker is a note he took out of Jordy Nelson’s book of hustle and if this team plays with that tenacity and attitude, I believe there’s too much talent on this roster to fail in succeeding the goal of winning a Super Bowl…however January is a different time and execution has been lacking since Feb 2011 in that department.

Seahawks 17
Packers 31

22-15: It’s still tough for me to admit I allowed myself to be convinced the Packers were going to roll Atlanta.  But hey, when I’m wrong I’m wrong – however I don’t think that’ll be the case come Sunday!  Have fun!  Go Pack Go!!!

Finally football season is upon us!  Don’t worry, I selected my predictions prior to tonight’s kickoff (for those that care).  Looking back to last season, I projected the Packers to go 12-4, host the NFC title and lose to Seattle at Lambeau with the Seahawks to avenge their Super Bowl loss the previous season to the Patriots.  I was…kinda close, right?

This season I’ll kinda go the same route, picking chalk means you’re likely not to be too far off.  Let’s take a look at how this season may go.

NFC						AFC
1Green Bay	12	4		North		1Pittsburgh	13	3
5Minnesota	9	7				5Baltimore	11	5
Detroit	7	9				Cincinnati	8	8
Chicago	5	11				Cleveland	2	14
4Atlanta	10	6		South		4Houston	7	9
Carolina	8	8				Tennessee	7	9
New Orleans	7	9				Indianapolis	6	10
Tampa Bay	6	10				Jacksonville	4	12
2New York	12	4		East		2New England	13	3
Washington	8	8				Buffalo	6	10
Dallas	8	8				Miami	5	11
Philadelphia	7	9				New York	4	12
3Seattle	12	4		West		3Kansas City	11	5
6Los Angeles	9	7				6Oakland	10	6
Arizona	8	8				Los Angeles	8	8
San Francisco	3	13				Denver	8	8

Keep in mind, I actually take the time (the wife is NOT happy about this either) to fill out the schedule grid, meaning as I pick a win for one team the opponent I mark a loss…so this is a legit game-by-game record for all 32 teams.

Here’s how the playoffs will play out???  (Man I need to write more, to expand my vocabulary)

Wild Card: LA Rams @ Seattle; Minnesota @ Atlanta; Oakland @ Kansas City; Baltimore @ Houston
Divisional: Sea @ New York; Atl @ GB; Kansas City @ New England; Balt @ Pittsburgh
Championship: New York @ Green Bay  /  New England @ Pittsburgh
Super Bowl LII: Green Bay 24 v New England 27

Some may say that I “root against the Packers so I can be right.”  I can assure you that’s not the case.  Others may say that I don’t pick Green Bay to win so I can “hang my hat on being right if my team doesn’t succeed.”  Maybe, but I’m more worried about offering my opinion and sharing my knowledge to make others think in a different way, or at least I hope that’s the case.  Either way, there are plenty of scenarios and narratives I could create and write up suggesting why the Packers could (and should) beat the Patriots, but as for now – 159 days prior to the Super Bowl – Tom Brady and the Patriots seem to just win.  Until someone proves otherwise (besides Eli Manning who is below average until the postseason rolls around) I’ll have to figure New England is King…but man how sweet would it be to have Rodgers v Brady on the biggest stage??????  Let’s hope the fix is in as Goodell would absolutely relish that idea.

What typically is considered the Dress Rehearsal for the regular season, the 3^rd preseason game should offer the longest look at the starters prior to week 1 (Sept 10^th v Seattle).  In the first two preseason games, the Packers have shown their depth as their 3^rd and 4^th stringers have been playing well versus Philly’s and Washington’s 1^st and 2^nd string units.  In Landover, all of the quarterbacks seemed sharp – especially Rodgers and Hundley, the ones you’d expect.  Taysom Hill was able to move the ball down the field and ultimately get the game-winning TD, but he’s quite raw and needs a ton of more snaps before he’s ready.

Keeping with the QB theme, this should be a good test for Hundley as Denver boasted the 4^th overall defense last season.  Should Hundley play well, as he has this entire preseason, look for him to cement himself as a legitimate NFL backup QB with the potential for the Packers to trade next offseason (keep in mind Thompson traded UP to select Hundley in the 5^th round of the 2015 draft), meaning there could be tremendous return if flipped for a 3^rd or possibly 2^nd round draft pick.

Other players, positions to watch is the highly competitive Wide Receiver…position…  With the play and production of Jeff Janis so far this preseason, hopefully he’ll get a shot v Den’s 1^st unit to see how effective he truly can be.  Talent and ability has never been an issue with Janis, however understanding the playbook and (one of my favorite phrases) knowing how to get open, has.  If Hundley continues to show he’s healthy and productive that may lend a roster spot to the WR corps – the Packers may only keep 2 QBs on the roster, unlike last year where they kept 3.  Even with keeping 3 QBs last year Green Bay held on to 7 WRs, which is where I think it’s trending currently.  It’s a deep position and if there’s no trade value worthy of actually pulling the trigger to make a trade, look for this to be the most-competitive position for the remaining 8 days (roster cuts need to be made by Sept 2).  My prediction for the group (as of Aug 25) is:

• Jordy Nelson
• Davante Adams
• Randall Cobb (I’d cut or trade him, likely won’t happen)
• Geronimo Allison
• Trevor Davis
• Jeff Janis
• Max McCaffrey

The rookie wideouts (Dupre and Yancey) also seem to possess quite a bit of talent, hence why I’d be OK with moving on from Cobb ($12.6M this year).

Other groups to watch may be the punter Justin Vogel and Brett Goode (long-snapper).  Goode has been with the team for quite some time, but was just recently brought back to the team last week…it’s not a vital position until it is.

The defense, especially the D-line, needs to continue to show progress and speed.  Keep in mind neither team is scheming against one another, but fundamentals don’t scheme those are always in play.  Dean Lowry sure gave us a scare last week and he’s showing to be a true difference-maker for this defense.  Hopefully he can turn into an Aaron Kampman-type which would give this defense a much-needed boost.  If the Packers can produce a top half defense (ranked 16^th overall or better), what would be the reason for failure if another Lombardi trophy eludes the Packer trophy room?

The tease of football has reached us, finally!  For those addicted to football, or just eager for something besides a market correction to our Brewers, what we saw this past Thursday at Lambeau Field was both encouraging and depressing.  Let’s start with the depressing part, shall we?

Without major change, once again at any of the 3 key factors (General Manager, Head Coach, and Quarterback) it’d be insane to expect a different result than the last 6 years.  Now that that’s done with, on to the encouraging portion!

Overall team speed was addressed in the draft and it showed on the field v Philadelphia.  The first pick, Kevin King, flashed a few times coming up to make an instant stop after a short completion.  Something that may go unnoticed, but makes a monstrous difference over the course of a season.  That could be the difference between a 3^rd down stop and a drive that continues and possibly breaks for a long gain (see Julio Jones in the NFC title game).  With the good was some bad; King was burned on a deep pass down the right side against the 2^nd string.  I’m not sure if it was blown coverage by the safety, or if King was just beat, but either way that was happening in years passed without the tackling, so that’s a plus!

My favorite (yes, way too early to tell) player in the draft, Josh Jones, didn’t really make too much of an impact.  He overran a couple of tackles, but at least got there – which also has been lacking.  If he can mature and get the fundamentals down he could be a really nice player, for a long time.

The standout player for me, yes all on defense, was Dean Lowry.  Lowry generated a constant push which sets the tone for the play, by getting pressure up the middle – regardless of run/pass – it disrupts the entire play and increases the difficulty of execution for the offense.  As any quarterback will tell you, the worst type of pressure is that of which comes from the middle (between the tackles).  #94 wasn’t running free to completely beating his man, but he was pushing him in the backfield and if there’s a smidge of additional pressure from anyone else, it will help this team immensely.

Nice to see: Trevor Davis get an opportunity and make the most of it on punt return.  Much-welcomed speed at a position which requires speed and agility.  The speedster in his 2^nd year from Cal showed solid vision and wasted little movement taking a punt return 68 yards for a TD on his first try.  Hopefully he’s secured his spot as a punt returner and I’d love to see him on kick returns full time too.

For next week- keep an eye out for the 1^st team offense to actually hit a rhythm- it’ll be important for Brett Hundley to showcase his talents, not only for the Packers’ cause, but for his own as well.

Considering it’s been over 2 months since my last entry- I figured this to be a good time to catch up!  The Brewers continue to win me over as there were no major moves made in the trade deadline…at least no major moves to improve today.  I believe the system has shown to be working, and a superior of mine once said “Don’t deviate from a great long-term plan because you’re seeing short-term success.”  I don’t believe truer words could be spoken, especially when it comes to rebuilding.

The Brewers (as of 7/31) find themselves at 55-52, 2.5 games out of first in the NL Central.  The Cubs came in and took the series this past weekend and are showing why they’re the top dog in this division.  I understand why fans are frustrated about this team dropping in the standings, but if Milwaukee is this good now just think how good they’ll be when Stearns and Co. actually planned on the “window” opening.  For the remainder of this baseball season, of course root for the Brewers to win the division (as always) however, by no means should anyone be upset by season’s end.  The upcoming core of young talent has shown such promise and is a major reason the Brew Crew seems to be ahead of schedule.

Take a look down south in Houston, where David Stearns cut his teeth, they’re one of the top teams in baseball, are stocked with young talent, and possess a top 5 farm system….STILL!!!  This is the path the Milwaukee Brewers are on, and while experiencing early success the Crew (unlike Houston) did not make a major deal to shoot for the playoffs like the Astros did in 2015 by giving up 4 prospects (Domingo Santana and Brett Phillips being two of them) for Carlos Gomez and Mike Fiers.  That 2015 Houston team, very much like this 2017 Milwaukee club had no real shot at winning anything major – instead the Brewers held on to all of their young talent that projects to help come 2019 and beyond.

Many fans and local radio personalities tell me to “just enjoy the ride,” well without a doubt I can say “I have so far.”

After digesting the draft and other off-season moves for a month, let’s take a look at the state of the Packers.

As of Sunday, May 28^th the Packers have finished their first week of OTAs (Organized Team Activities), the first true look at the rookies.  The Packers were able to move back, acquire one of the 6 prospects I highlighted in last month’s draft preview (CB Kevin King) and still gain the first pick of the 4^th round – to which they selected Vince Biegel, from Wisconsin.

Green Bay went defense with their first four selections: King CB; Jones S; Adams DT; Biegel OLB.  King, Jones, and Biegel all have a chance to get considerable playing time in the coming season, with King likely getting the starting job pushing highly talented, oft-injured Damarious Randall to the nickel spot (covering the slot receiver when in passing situations).  This is a monstrous year for Randall and Rollins, but more on that in the coming weeks.

King has been well-documented since being drafted, but the prospect I’m “high” on and interested in watching is Josh Jones, the Safety from North Carolina St.  The “expert’s” in-depth scouting report of Jones is that he’s a fierce hitter that’s possesses the size and speed to be a long time starter in the NFL.  The Packers haven’t featured a player, especially on defense, with his skill set and if he’s able to control his aggression he could be an impact player this defense has been lacking since Charles Woodson donned #21 (before he became old and slow).  Comparing Jones to Jabrill Peppers (the highest hyped safety) is very intriguing:

Test	Jones	Peppers
40 yard	4.41	4.46
Bench Press	20	19
Vertical Jump	37.5″	35.5″
Broad Jump	132″	128″

The last note on Jones: a story from OTAs this week brought a smile to my face.  The Packers, practicing in a helmet and sweats, saw Jones come down hard on WR Jeff Janis and light him up and rock him as if they were going 100% with pads!  I’m sure the coaches scolded Jones for potentially injuring Janis, and himself, being that no one is protected – but I love hearing about a defender bringing the pain as the Packers have lacked a player of that mentality (coupled with potential) for quite some time.  To say I’m excited would be fair, and only time will tell if Jones turns out to be better than Jabrill Peppers, let alone good…

The departure of RG TJ Lang to Detroit left a gaping hole on the offensive line, which GM Ted Thompson “addressed” slightly by signing veteran Guard Jahri Evans.  While with the Saints, Evans was revered as one of the top guards in the NFL for an extended period of time…and although his skills have dropped considerably, he still knows how to play the position and he can’t be worse than backup, Don Barclay.  By signing Evans the Packers weren’t in a position to having to spend a high pick on an offensive lineman, allowing them to focus on defense in a defensive-deep draft.

The other picks by the Packers addressed need with appropriate value of each prospect.  Montravious Adams, DT from Auburn, was valued as a 2^nd-3^rd round pick and shows superior athleticism for a big man, however the concern he didn’t try until his last year at college begging the question Is he going to get drafted and revert to laziness and not produce?  Either way he should have an opportunity to get into a regular rotation on the defensive line with Kenny Clark, Mike Daniels, Dean Lowry, and newly acquired Ricky Jean Francois.

Next, most everyone knows, Vince Biegel.  What he lacks in talent and skills he more than makes up for in character.  The older I get, the more I care about building a team of good guys that can play.  The scouting report states the same – Effort-based worker bee with edge-setting hands and attitude, but a lack of power that could lead to inconsistency in play.  Biegel’s football character is off-the-charts and he can be counted on to put the effort into improving in areas that need work.  He lacks individual rush talent but could be a good fit for teams utilizing exotic rush packages.  Average NFL ceiling but has the demeanor and traits of a potential special teams demon. – Lance Zierlein

 

The other picks consisted of 2 Wide Receivers, 3 Running Backs, and an Offensive Lineman (a tackle that will likely be developed into a Guard).  The WRs have talent and likely one of the two will turn into a solid player and produce (Yancey tore up a very good Badger defense when they matched up last fall) and Dupre was regarded has a potential 2^nd round talent, but without any quarterback at LSU couldn’t showcase his talent/production.

The HBs were taken out of pure numbers…meaning if you take 3 it’s likely one will turn out to be solid, if not two.  Many talk about Jamaal Williams from BYU.  Seems like a good kid, but isn’t necessarily fast and didn’t play vs. top talent at the college level.  He’ll have an ideal situation for a mid-late round pick of sitting behind a smart player (Ty Montgomery) and learning the position while being given the benefit of doubt.  In addition to Williams, the Packers selected Aaron Jones from UTEP.  Jones isn’t necessarily fast (4.56 40-yard), but did test extremely well in the 20-yard (2^nd) and 60-yard shuttles (3^rd).  Being a local kid (along with his twin brother) to El Paso, TX, Jones stayed local allowing him to play, improve, and ultimately improve to a point to get drafted.  Like Williams, Jones will be given the benefit of the doubt to play and produce.  The last HB taken by Green Bay, Devante Mays (Utah St.) is unheard of but woke up many scouts with is testing: 4.5 second 40-yard; 40.5” vertical.  Standing at 5’11” and 230lbs possessing that athleticism, he too will be given plenty of opportunities to show what he can do.

In closing, following the draft the Packers addressed each need and brought in potential playmakers on defense while adding depth to offense…will it be enough to change the Packers from being a perennial disappointment into accomplishing something?  Time will tell, but many other players will have to step up and play to their expected level (ahem Clay Matthews, Damarious Randall, Quinten Rollins, the entire offense in January) in order for me to expect otherwise.

Ahh yes, the NFL Draft is finally here!  A time for all Thompson haters to come out to complain about not picking the sexy prospect, or not drafting for obvious need, and so on and so on.  I’ll clarify again, not sure if it’s needed, I’m a huge fan of Ted Thompson’s philosophy, system, whatever you’d like to call it.  Building through the draft, paying your own guys and rarely paying big money for free agents is how one keeps your team from really ever getting in trouble.  This eliminates many factors that contribute to teams being unable to compete for various reasons.  I’m happy to elaborate, but in the interest of time, and getting to the point let’s move on.

The need for the Packers is on defense, or so it seems.  The last time Green Bay took the field they were outplayed in all 3 phases of the game.  The D couldn’t get a stop, the Offense couldn’t score a point, and one of the most reliable kickers in the NFL missed a 40 yard field goal in a dome.  While many believe the offense will be “tough to stop,” there’s always a need for improvement on each side of the ball.  Hence why drafting the best player available is rarely the wrong decision, that player will eventually help, and help greatly.  If you’re still reading, let’s get on with players the Packers could take (in the 1^st round), and why.

TJ Watt – OLB Wisconsin: Of course this seems like a homer pick, however he seems to be the best edge rusher that’ll be available by the time GB picks.  He’s played one season, produced at a high level and likely will only improve.  It’s also impossible to look past the genetics, which have fared well so far at the next level.

Kevin King – CB Washington: mostly unheard of due to playing in the PAC 12/west coast.  However, he’s a big corner (6’3” 200lbs) that can run (4.43 40-yard dash).  The scouts say he’s not as physical as his body shows he should be, however he was a solid defender on a solid defense, which was ranked in the top 4 all season.

Chidobe Awuzie – CB Colorado: like King, Colorado plays in the PAC 12 and they weren’t expected to be nearly as good as they were this year.  However, according to the scouts and pundits (which may mean nothing) he’s a 4-year starter at a big time program, is big (6’0” and 202lbs), fast (4.43), and should be selected in the late 20’s.

Forrest Lamp – G Western Kentucky: this pick would send nearly every Packer fan into a frenzy, he may be the best player available if still on the board.  He’s 6’4” 309lbs, fairly strong (34 reps at 225lbs) and was a Tackle in college.  Thompson doesn’t draft college guards, but tackles in college and some convert to guard.  Reason being is tackles are more athletic than guards, while guards are usually more of a mauler.  If you find a good athlete at tackle that’s strong, that could trend well in the NFL.  I still have high hopes for Jason Spriggs (the Packers moved up in the 2^nd round last year to select him), as he’s an incredible athlete that needs to add weight and see the field.  The signing of Jahri Evans yesterday may take Lamp off the board for Green Bay, but I still wouldn’t be shocked if the Packers selected him as he’s very highly thought of by all scouts, teams.

Jabrill Peppers – S Michigan: a pick that would have Packer fans pinching themselves because they can’t believe Ted chose a cool player.  Peppers was productive and dangerous in college, but I’m not sure where he’d play in the NFL.  With the proper coaching he could be a Safety, or act as a linebacker in Nickel and Dime packages (defenses set up to defend the pass).  I wouldn’t hate this pick, but I’d be really interested to see how he’s used and produces.

Christian McCaffery – HB/WR Stanford: after a decorated career at Stanford, he could be a difference-maker as a rookie.  It helps he comes with football genes (his father played WR with the Broncos in the 90’s) and he knows how to play football and what to do with it once in his hands, and more importantly what to do when he isn’t holding it.  Somehow, without working out or playing football McCaffery has shot up draft boards, but if he’s selected by Green Bay he wouldn’t be fitting a need as he’s a similar player to his former teammate, Ty Montgomery, but absolutely fits the bill and phrase of having as many good players isn’t a bad thing.

What will Ted do?  That’s really what everyone is trying to figure out.  My choice?  I’d love for him to find a trade partner and trade back accruing as many 2^nd – 4^th round picks as possible as it seems this draft is loaded with talent and having the most picks gives one the best shot at obtaining as much talent for the long haul.  Keep in mind the draft isn’t about the year at hand, but the next 3-10 years.  Fans are sick of not “going all in,” but the failure of the last 7 seasons by the Packers is a direct result of not being successful drafting years prior and on-field execution, or lack thereof.

My guess?  Probably King from Washington, Awuzie from Colorado, or Watt from Wisconsin.  Regardless of whom the Packers take, there’s something about the NFL Draft that is exciting and great for true football fans!  Have fun!

Year 2 of the David Stearns era begins!  Or at least the baseball season is!  Few have begged as hard for a rebuild of the Milwaukee Brewers as I have since 2013 and now that we’re in full swing (pun intended) it’s so refreshing!  Unlike my feelings toward the Packers (apathetic), my feelings towards the Brewers and expectations are in line!  With a major rebuild I’ll give 4-5 years before I expect the Window to Open.

Many publications rank the Brewers’ Farm System in the top 3.  That’s exciting and should be the goal of every small-market MLB team.  The Brewers should always be in the top 10, even if trading pieces to gain MLB-talent to “make a run.”  This means drafting well, extremely well as well as ditching old expiring talent for kids to supplement their farm.  The 2017 season will be viewed as important to the rebuild by seeing what some of the young talent can do in the minors and majors (Santana, Arcia, Villar, and more), but also to see how many additional pieces the Brewers trade to acquire young talent to continue their loading of the minor leagues.  Will Braun be traded?  Hopefully to add more kids to the system and continue the strength for years 2019-2025.  That should be the target for the Milwaukee Brewers to compete for the postseason and eventually a World Series.

Last season the Brewers had a pleasant surprise by Jonathan Villar and should continue to expect other young players to “shock” some fans.  This is expected as when acquiring young talent and keeping with the system.  Milwaukee won 73 games last season which is about where many thought they’d fall.  This season the win total isn’t the goal like I implied earlier, but to determine the young talent – who can assist and be a part of this franchise when the Window Opens.  Since I’m a sucker for predictions let’s go!

The National League was dominated by the Chicago Cubs all last season and I don’t expect much to change in 2017.  The San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, and Washington Nationals should also compete and have strong teams, but the Cubs were built (similar to the Brewers now) the right way and have the best GM in baseball with deep pockets.  They’re strong and are set to be the class of the MLB for quite some time.

The AL last year had a balance of power, ultimately resulting with the Cleveland Indians representing the American League and holding a 3 games to 1 lead over the Cubs in the World Series.  Cleveland should have another strong team this year, but expect Kansas City to respond to last year’s disappointing season with another good showing.  Boston had a good team last year and with a rededicated Panda, he could add a great bat to a lineup that’s already the envy of the AL.

These are pure guesses, but was close last year saying Cleveland was going to be good and everyone knew the Cubs were poised.  Sadly, as a Brewer fan, the Cubs seem like the well-deserved obvious favorite to win it all again.  Hopefully the Brewers will see the fruits of their labor in a few years as the Cubs are now.

Brewers Record: 77-85
NL Champion: Chicago Cubs
AL Champion: Boston Red Sox
WS Champion: Chicago Cubs