2012 NFL Offseason: Green Bay Packers

Draft Grades, Season Previews, Offseason Needs, Free Agents

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Green Bay Packers (Last Year: 15-1)

2012 NFL Draft Grade: A-

Goals Entering the 2012 NFL Draft: Green Bay's defense really disappointed last year. Ted Thompson will undoubtedly be looking for help at defensive end, rush linebacker, cornerback and safety. An offensive home-run hitter would be a possible luxury.

2012 NFL Draft Accomplishments: I thought the Packers had to address the rush linebacker and defensive positions in the first couple of rounds, but I never mocked it that way because players who fit the range at those positions sometimes didn't fall to Nos. 28 and 59.

Well, they did on Draft Day. Nick Perry and Jerel Worthy were both really good picks. I didn't feel like the former fit the 3-4 really well, but Green Bay's head coaches apparently disagree. At any rate, these two players will bolster a front seven that couldn't put pressure on the quarterback last year, which will make things easier for the beleaguered secondary.

Speaking of which, Casey Hayward was a solid selection at No. 62. I wish I could say the same for safety Jerron McMillian, but he was a reach at the end of the fourth round.

I really liked Green Bay's draft overall though. Two great selections in the final few rounds pushed this up from a B+ to an A-; there's no way in hell Andrew Datko should have been available in the middle of the seventh.





2012 NFL Draft Individual Grades:

28. Nick Perry, DE/OLB, USC: A- Grade
Every single analyst on TV told me that Nick Perry wasn't a 3-4 prospect. Hmm... I guess Ted Thompson knows best. I'll trust Thompson, who's had success with USC pass-rushers. The Packers really needed someone other than Clay Matthews to get after the quarterback.

51. Jerel Worthy, DE/DT, Michigan State: A- Grade
The Packers surrendered a fourth-round pick to the Eagles for Jerel Worthy. And with that, their front seven projects to be so much better. Worthy, who was projected by some to be a late first-round pick, fills a big need at five-technique on the defensive line.

62. Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt: B+ Grade
There weren't many cornerbacks who fit Green Bay's defense in this class. Casey Hayward was one of them. The Packers had to find a cornerback to bolster the secondary because Charles Woodson won't be around much longer. Green Bay moved up for him, jumping up from No. 90 to No. 62. All it cost them, however, was a fifth-round pick. I don't understand why Bill Belichick couldn't get more from Ted Thompson.

132. Mike Daniels, DE/DT, Iowa: C+ Grade
This is a reach, and I'm not sure how Mike Daniels fits into Green Bay's 3-4 defense. I trust Ted Thompson, so maybe this will turn out to be a good pick.

133. Jerron McMillian, S, Maine: D Grade
The Packers had to find a safety, but they should have drafted someone in the fourth round who was actually in the top 225 of a major big board.

163. Terrell Manning, LB, N.C. State: A Grade
This is a really good value pick because Terrell Manning should have been drafted a round earlier. Manning can play multiple positions in Green Bay's defense; he can man the middle and perhaps eventually take over for A.J. Hawk, and he can also pressure the quarterback on the outside.

241. Andrew Datko, OT, Florida State: A+ Grade
Ted Thompson knows value. Andrew Datko was a second-round prospect prior to suffering a nasty shoulder injury about a year ago. He's a steal in Round 7. He definitely has starting potential.

243. B.J. Coleman, QB, UT-Chattanooga: A Grade
B.J. Coleman was the star of the East-West Shrine Game. He's raw, but has tremendous upside. The Packers could develop him and then trade him for a nice draft pick in a few years.

*** 2012 NFL OFFSEASON NEEDS BELOW COMMENT BOARD ***

Leave a comment Name Comment Verification: click on image to refresh it   Packneeds 05-14-2012 08:44 am xxx.xxx.xxx.125 (total posts: 1) 2     8 RB, S, C, NT, G, ILB, DE. Pack has nobody with significant lateral ability, and the only place to find one is in the 1st. Collins is gone. Peprah's contract is up. Saturday is old. EDS is not a viable center Ryan Pickett is the only man on the roster besides Raji who can play nose. Pickett is old and starts at DE. Both up in 2013. Lang and EDS are up. Francois is up, and Hawk is on the chop block already. Wynn, Hargrove, and Muir are all up. LS isn't a bad idea, speed WR never is. Tom to Johnny 05-07-2012 11:54 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.124 (total posts: 1) 46     4 Ted Thompson likely knows that Perry is an ideal long term fit at 3-4 OLB, just as he knew Clay Matthews was. Perry has 4.5 speed at 270 lbs. His rare athletic ability gives the Packers the opportunity to have 2 disruptive Linebackers on the outside. With that potent offense, the Packers could be 1 good pass defender away from another Super Bowl Trophy. Johnny Tequila 05-05-2012 11:56 am xxx.xxx.xxx0.84 (total posts: 1) 7     83 I really like the Worthy pick but Perry is going to play OLB. Really? Can he play there? That's a big risk with a first rounder. If Hawyard pans out then it could be a good draft though. It seems like the risks were high though. TheChainsawNinja 05-01-2012 03:07 pm xxx.xxx.xxx26.2 (total posts: 1) 80     20 I know most big boards had Jerron McMillian ranked much lower than he was drafted, but I'm curious as to how so many managed to travel all the way out to little Maine's Pro Day to properly evaluate him as a prospect. My guess is most just saw a random prospect from a smaller school and handed out a grade that seemed to fit based on a handful of stats they quickly googled. You'd die if you actually tried to go to all these Pro Day's and objectively analyze each prospect. guru76 04-30-2012 02:41 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.227 (total posts: 1) 47     3 I disagree about Mike Daniels, I have a good feeling about him, think poor mans John Randle, thats what he will be to GB's nickel defense. A guy who has the explosiveness and quickness to beat a block and get after the QB. We all know that is something that Mike Neal, CJ Wilson, Jarius Wynn, Howard Green, etc. can't do with any regularity. Matty from Wisco 04-30-2012 02:10 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.199 (total posts: 1) 20     23 I hope McMillian can earn a starting spot at SS. However, I would prefer if we had a better true FS in the secondary and allow Burnett to play SS. Either way, our DBs need to tackle better than they did last year! Ted Thompson 04-29-2012 07:44 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.102 (total posts: 2) 135     5 People laughed at me when I took Nick Collins, Jordy Nelson, and Greg Jennings too. You give me a D for McMillian at 133? I think my board is a little better than yours. KB 04-29-2012 03:21 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.250 (total posts: 2) 7     3 My bad I meant I wonder who is starting Beside Burnett next year I really hope it isn't Peprah***.. KB 04-29-2012 03:16 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.250 (total posts: 2) 12     4 As a Packer fan we can only hope the McMillian pick can resemble the Collins pick. It is similar in a lot of ways if you look at the players. Anyway I am excited to see who is starting besides Burnett next year. I really hope it isn't Burnett. They also picked up Sean Richardson who according to most sites is around the 8th rated SS while McMillian is the 13th dabeene1 04-29-2012 09:35 am xxx.xxx.xxx.219 (total posts: 1) 8     4 Ted Thompson said the reason they took mike daniels is that we rarely played a true 3-4. The packers put up points so the other team would go into passing mode which then made the packers play their nickle 2-3-4(2 smaller pass rushing dts) which is why the packer took daniels. The packers only play base 3-4 on about 5-10 plays in a game. Packer Backer Steve 04-29-2012 12:31 am xxx.xxx.xxx.226 (total posts: 2) 5     15 Kurt - I absolutely hate it when I make an error and I made one and it needs to be corrected. Kurt, you are 100% correct, I was thinking about Michigan State DE William Gholston. Somehow I competely messed that up and attributed the suspension of Gholston to newly drafted Green Bay Packers' DE Jerel Worthy (Michigan State). Thank you for the correction. Good catch. Kurt 04-28-2012 11:05 pm xxx.xxx.xxx2.98 (total posts: 1) 21     9 This was an excellent draft by Ted and the scouting department. Anyone taken after the 3rd round are always going to be role players to start and develop. You rarely get an immediate starter after round 3. We have 2 plug and start players will Perry and Worthy. Steve what stunt did Worthy do? What suspension? I think you are referring to Gholston ... their DE not Worthy. Anyways ... Manning could develop into an inside starting LB and Datko if he can stay healthy. I like Daniels as a pass rusher. No one knows what Hargrove's suspension is going to be by the league for the bounty with the Saints. If it is more than 2 games he probably get cut. Daniels is definitely insurance for that. I am not a fan of the McMillian pick .. but either was I when we took Collins so early when he had a 6th round grade on him. He hit a home run there. Defense is improved for sure with these picks. All we need them to be is a middle of the road D to make a Super Bowl run. Lets hope the rookies take them from 32 to middle of the pack! Packer Backer Steve 04-28-2012 09:27 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.225 (total posts: 8) 7     79 The picks of DE Mike Daniels (Iowa) and S Jerron McMillian (Maine) appear to be wasted picks. As a dedicated, since conception Packer fan, I truly hope I am wrong but I have my serious doubts about both achieving any level of success in the NFL. Daniels is a pure 4-3 DT, maybe even LDE, but no way does he fit the 3-4. McMillian - never heard of him, not in any of the publications that I have studied. The last three picks were much better. OLB Terrell Manning (North Carolina State) pretty much ensures that current Packer OLB Brad Jones will be looking for new employment this summer. LT / RT Andrew Datko (Florida State) has a chance to provide solid depth along the OL for the next couple of seasons. QB B. J. Coleman (Tennessee - Chattanooga) probably will be a practice squad guy in 2012. Nothing wrong with that as a #3 developmental type QB. ********** Certainly I hope all the new Green Bay Packers work out the way we all want them to but let's be honest, in most draft no more than two, three or four players really "make it". To me the most important guys in this draft are the first three, the other guys are more depth type / special teamers. Every organization needs those types; we are no different. However, I do like the potential of both Manning and Datko. However, Datko needs to get healthy and then stay healthy. ********** Okay everybody, tear it up. Positive or negative - I'm standing by. NJ 04-28-2012 09:22 pm xxx.xxx.xxx6.21 (total posts: 1) 84     16 One little quibble on McMillian "Thompson should have drafted someone in the fourth round who was actually in the top 225 of a major big board." Maybe this is just crazy talk from me, but shouldn't teams draft from their own board? Assuming he and his area scouts had the kid slotted here then that's where he should go, not where Kiper/McShay, etc. says he should go. Packer Backer Steve 04-28-2012 09:15 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.225 (total posts: 8) 6     14 I just flat out don't like a couple of these selections made by GM Ted Thompson. I know, I know Thompson has done very well with a majority of his selections but a couple of these just don't make any sense to me. I have my concerns about DE / OLB Nick Perry's (USC) ability to transition to OLB. He reminds me a lot of current Pittsburgh Steeler OLB LaMarr Woodley (Michigan). A career colligate 4-3 DE that needed a season to learn. Once Woodley learned he became a Pro Bowler; I hope the same for Perry. I hope DE Jerel Worthy (Michigan State) plays up to his ability at all times because he often disappeared for the Spartans. Personally, I don't like the guy after his dirty stunt he pulled off this past season. That's at least one suspension that I know of for him. I don't like punks wearing the green and gold. Hopefully all the B. S. is behind him and he acts like a professional now. I like the CB Casey Hayward (Vanderbilt) selection. He has a chance to develop into a solid #3 Nickel CB for DC Dom Capers. Maybe down the road, a starter, but I don't think so. To be continued... Pages: 12 3 4 ...17 18

Season Summary:
When the Packers were 13-0 and headed into Kansas City as huge favorites, who thought it could possibly end like this? Green Bay shot itself in the foot time after time in its opening playoff contest against the Giants and consequently were blown out. And thus, the Packers quickly transformed from one of the greatest teams ever to one of the biggest disappointments ever in a span of a few weeks.




Offseason Moves:

Packers cut S Nick Collins

Packers re-sign DE/OLB Erik Walden

Packers cut OT Chad Clifton

Packers sign DE/DT Tony Hargrove

Packers sign C Jeff Saturday

Packers sign DT Daniel Muir

Raiders sign CB Patrick Lee

Packers re-sign CB Jarrett Bush

Seahawks sign QB Matt Flynn

Rams sign C Scott Wells

Packers re-sign TE Jermichael Finley


Offseason Needs:

1. Rush Linebacker: Outside of Clay Matthews, the Green Bay rush linebackers are pathetic. Ted Thompson may target someone like Vinny Curry in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Re-signed Erik Walden
   
   
2. Safety: Nick Collins is coming off an unfortunate, career-threatening neck injury. Unfortunately, the 2012 safety class is a dud.
   
   
3. Defensive End: Green Bay's current five-techniques can't get to the quarterback whatsoever. Spending a first-round pick on someone like Fletcher Cox is a possibility. Signed Tony Hargrove
   
   
4. Cornerback Depth: Charles Woodson turns 36 in October. The Packers could use another talented corner on the roster. Re-signed Jarrett Bush
   
   
5. Center: Scott Wells is a free agent and absolutely must be re-signed. Signed Jeff Saturday
   
   
6. Running Back: Ryan Grant is a free agent, while James Starks is no good on passing downs. I'm not sure what happened to third-round pick Alex Green, but he didn't even play before tearing his ACL in mid-October.
   
   
7. Tight End: Jermichael Finley is a free agent, but it sounds like he'll be franchised. Re-signed Jermichael Finley
   
   
8. Offensive Line Depth: The Packers are thin here.
   
   

2012 NFL Free Agent Signings:

1. Jeff Saturday, C, Colts. Age: 37.
   Signed with Packers
   
   Jeff Saturday is coming off a great season, but the wheels could fall off at any moment because of his age. He'll be worth a 1-year deal though.
   
   
2. Tony Hargrove, DT, Seahawks. Age: 29. -- Signed with Packers

Green Bay Packers Free Agents:

Salary Cap: TBA.

1. Scott Wells, C, Packers. Age: 31.
   Signed with Rams
   
   Scott Wells is one of the top centers in the NFL. He excels in all areas, and is due for a big contract.
   
   
2. Jermichael Finley, TE, Packers. Age: 25.
   Re-signed with Packers (2 years, $15 million)
   
   Big things were expected out of Jermichael Finley this year, but he caught only 55 passes. Even worse, he had a whopping 14 drops - the most for any tight end in the NFL. The good news is that he's just 25, so the sky is still the limit for him.
   
   
3. Matt Flynn, QB, Packers. Age: 27.
   Signed with Seahawks (3 years, $26 million; $10 million guaranteed)
   
   When Matt Flynn threw for 480 yards in a Week 17 win over the Lions, he passed for more yardage than any Packer quarterback in a single game. There's a limited sample size, but the potential is clearly there. Flynn will be a starter somewhere next season. It's also worth noting that Charley Casserly, the man who spent early picks on David Carr and Dave Ragone, doesn't think too highly of Flynn. This could very well mean that Flynn has Pro Bowl potential.
   
   
4. Ryan Grant, RB, Packers. Age: 29.
   Ryan Grant doesn't have much left in the tank. He's a committee back at best going forward.
   
   
5. Nick Collins, FS, Packers. Age: 29.
   I'm really not sure what to do with Nick Collins in terms of these rankings. He's a 4.5-star talent, but his career could be over because of a neck injury. The fact that the Packers cut him speaks volumes.
   
   
6. Chad Clifton, OT, Packers. Age: 36.
7. Erik Walden, DE/OLB, Packers. Age: 27. -- Re-signed with Packers
8. Jarrett Bush, CB, Packers. Age: 28. -- Re-signed with Packers (3 years)
9. Howard Green, NT, Packers. Age: 33.
10. Patrick Lee, CB, Packers. Age: 28. -- Signed with Raiders (1 year)

2012 NFL Free Agent Rankings Coming Soon



Divisional Rival History:
Chicago Bears: Jay Cutler is 1-5 against the Packers.
Detroit Lions: The Packers have won 20 of the last 23 meetings. Detroit beat Green Bay at home in 2010, but Aaron Rodgers missed half the game.
Minnesota Vikings: The Packers had won nine of 12 in this rivalry; 11 of 12 if you exclude the 2009 season.



Features to be Posted This Offseason:

1. 2012 NFL Draft Grades (Pick-by-Pick NFL Draft Grades as well - Live on Draft Day!)
2. Detailed season preview
3. Fantasy football projections
4. Positional rankings
5. Daily updates on free-agent signings

2012 NFL Offseason Pages


2012 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 25


2013 NFL Mock Draft - May 22


Charlie's 2013 NFL Mock Draft - May 21


2012 NBA Mock Draft - May 19


2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 7