Free Agency: TE's

[Deleted member 6794]

Before you dismiss me hear me out on this.

It certainly would be nice if we could have someone who could stretch the defense but I don't know that we absolutely need someone. If the rest of our receivers can get back to the levels we thought they would be at prior to last year it makes the need at TE less and even though he is slow he catches the ball and is reliable. No doubt a Gronk or Kelce, or Olsen type would be a huge upgrade but those top receiving TE's are the top receiving threats in their offenses. Assuming we get Jordy and Cobb back to close to pre 2015 levels would that be the case in GB and if not would such a need at TE be as critical especially at the potential expense of upgrading a different position (LT or ILB for example)

If I could choose between the Packers receivers of 2014 and RR or the Packers WRs of 2015 and an unknown TE who could stretch the defense (Ladarius Green for example) I'd take the former in a heartbeat.

Since the return of the 2014 Packer WRs is far from a given I will say that it won't bother me at all if TT goes out and gets that defense stretching TE that everyone covets but in RR's defense I think his lack of speed and inability to break tackles was magnified by the overall pathetic performance of our passing game (WR, OLine and QB play as a whole.) If they make a few more plays his performance is not relied upon as much, his limitations are not as critical and his contributions are appreciated more.

I agree that Rodgers´ shortcomings were magnified by the receivers struggling last season but IMO he shouldn´t be anything more than a #2 tight end in the NFL.

Just as a side note, I don´t see LT as a critical position in need of an upgrade this offseason but would like Thompson to add depth on the offensive line later in the draft.

 

[mradtke66]

I agree that Rodgers´ shortcomings were magnified by the receivers struggling last season but IMO he shouldn´t be anything more than a #2 tight end in the NFL.

Eh, if he could block better in-line, I'd be fine with him as the starter. He runs good routes and tends to catch well. He's also blocked pretty well when H-Back motioned into the backfield as a fullback.

Different eras, of course, but Chumura didn't offer much after the catch either. Difference is he was as an above-average blocker. At 270, RR doesn't have much of an excuse. Maybe that's why we have a new TE coach?

 

[Deleted member 6794]

Eh, if he could block better in-line, I'd be fine with him as the starter. He runs good routes and tends to catch well. He's also blocked pretty well when H-Back motioned into the backfield as a fullback.

Different eras, of course, but Chumura didn't offer much after the catch either. Difference is he was as an above-average blocker. At 270, RR doesn't have much of an excuse. Maybe that's why we have a new TE coach?

I agree that I would be more satisfied with him as the starter if his blocking would be better. I´m not convinced he´ll ever improve in that regard though to make me change my mind. Maybe the idea of him losing weight to gain some more athleticism isn´t a terrible one after all.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Just as a side note, I don´t see LT as a critical position in need of an upgrade this offseason but would like Thompson to add depth on the offensive line later in the draft.

Think we previously agreed on the glaring need for depth on the O-line. I know we disagree on using a first for it, but if some how, some way TT fills the TE and ILB need via FA AND our D line isn't in need due to letting Raji and Guion go.........would you take Taylor Decker with the #27 if he was available? With Bulaga's history and Bahk being only a serviceable (IMO) LT I would feel better with having someone like Decker waiting in the wings. It might not be a luxury we will be afforded, but would be nice for 2016 and beyond.

I am not advocating taking Decker...unless other positions of greater need are addressed first.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

Think we previously agreed on the glaring need for depth on the O-line. I know we disagree on using a first for it, but if some how, some way TT fills the TE and ILB need via FA AND our D line isn't in need due to letting Raji and Guion go.........would you take Taylor Decker with the #27 if he was available? With Bulaga's history and Bahk being only a serviceable (IMO) LT I would feel better with having someone like Decker waiting in the wings. It might not be a luxury we will be afforded, but would be nice for 2016 and beyond.

If Thompson adequately addresses all of the Packers positions in need of an upgrade before the draft I would like him to select the truly best player available. If that happens to be an offensive tackle I would be fine with it. I don´t hold my breath though on TT using free agency to get that done.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I don´t hold my breath though on TT using free agency to get that done.

Nor do I. I also don't think Decker will still be on the board when we pick. If Conklin is, I will not be happy if we take him, no matter what we do in the FA market.

 

[Sky King]

Uhhmmm....he's a rookie sixth round pick. What exactly were you expecting out of him? Because I'm gonna guess that any disappointment you feel regarding Backman is more an issue of expectations rather than actual performance.

Keep guessing.

 

[mradtke66]

I agree that I would be more satisfied with him as the starter if his blocking would be better. I´m not convinced he´ll ever improve in that regard though to make me change my mind. Maybe the idea of him losing weight to gain some more athleticism isn´t a terrible one after all.

Hard to say. He's got the bulk. Blocking comes down to "want to" and "technique." Assuming his problem is the later, it can be easily fixed. If it's the former, it still can be fixed, but it's harder.

 

[Pkrjones]

I wouldn't mind seeing Rob Housler given a shot in GB. Did well in AZ for a few years, sucked in Cleveland (doesn't everybody?) and then was a Bear for a few games in 2015. 6'-5, 250 ish, with 4.5 speed. I think he could blossom with a real QB throwing him the ball up the seam.

His Cleveland contract was a 1 yr/$1.76Mil deal... peanuts compared to what Ladarius will cost somebody.

 

[Snoops]

Let's get T.Moss next year lol that would just be cool! Ha does anyone know if he is any good? He a sophomore now? Or going into freshman?

 

[Deleted member 6794]

I wouldn't mind seeing Rob Housler given a shot in GB. Did well in AZ for a few years, sucked in Cleveland (doesn't everybody?) and then was a Bear for a few games in 2015. 6'-5, 250 ish, with 4.5 speed. I think he could blossom with a real QB throwing him the ball up the seam.

His Cleveland contract was a 1 yr/$1.76Mil deal... peanuts compared to what Ladarius will cost somebody.

Housler has caught a total of one TD in 65 career games, for sure not the upgrade we´re looking for.

 

[Pkrjones]

Housler has caught a total of one TD in 65 career games, for sure not the upgrade we´re looking for.

It may not be the player, but the system/emphasis.
- 2012 played 15 games (started 9) and caught 45 for 417.
- 2013 Housler was supposed to be the starter but battled injuries & "rust" when he came back, leading to inconsistent play. Jim Dray had the most PT in '13 and had 26 catches for 215 yds, while Housler caught 39 for 454 and his sole career TD.
- 2014 John Carlson came in and was made the starter, catching 33 for 350 yds, while Housler caught 9 for 129 yds.
- 2015 was 3rd on the depth chart behind Barnidge and Dray, so didn't see much playing time. Cleveland was a run-first offense, so again didn't match his strengths.

Almost 1/2 of his receptions were first downs. Career average of 10.7 yds./reception with QB's Palmer, Stanton, Kolb and McCown throwing to him.

AZ's system required the TE to block 85% of the time, so receiving opportunities were limited for TE's in general. If GB wants a fast, receiving-type TE who can split the seam that guy might be Housler. He's rarely been sent mid-range or deep, as his successes were screens and short crossing routes. Maybe he's not the guy, but maybe he's been playing in systems that don't match his strengths?

 

[Sunshinepacker]

Keep guessing.

OK, so tell me, what are your expectation for a rookie sixth round draft pick? Because the only REALISTIC expectations for a sixth round pick is potential camp body and most likely practice squad player.

 

[Sunshinepacker]

It may not be the player, but the system/emphasis.
- 2012 played 15 games (started 9) and caught 45 for 417.
- 2013 Housler was supposed to be the starter but battled injuries & "rust" when he came back, leading to inconsistent play. Jim Dray had the most PT in '13 and had 26 catches for 215 yds, while Housler caught 39 for 454 and his sole career TD.
- 2014 John Carlson came in and was made the starter, catching 33 for 350 yds, while Housler caught 9 for 129 yds.
- 2015 was 3rd on the depth chart behind Barnidge and Dray, so didn't see much playing time. Cleveland was a run-first offense, so again didn't match his strengths.

Almost 1/2 of his receptions were first downs. Career average of 10.7 yds./reception with QB's Palmer, Stanton, Kolb and McCown throwing to him.

AZ's system required the TE to block 85% of the time, so receiving opportunities were limited for TE's in general. If GB wants a fast, receiving-type TE who can split the seam that guy might be Housler. He's rarely been sent mid-range or deep, as his successes were screens and short crossing routes. Maybe he's not the guy, but maybe he's been playing in systems that don't match his strengths?

Just a follow up that the Arizona offensive system is not one that uses the TE as even a fourth option in the passing game. I have no real opinion on Housler himself, but that kind of player tends to be the guy that comes out of nowhere; the guy in a system that doesn't utilize him fully.

 

[tynimiller]

OK, so tell me, what are your expectation for a rookie sixth round draft pick? Because the only REALISTIC expectations for a sixth round pick is potential camp body and most likely practice squad player.

Realistic expectations of him was minimum practice squad guy with realistic maximum being Special Teams player and fill in as a 3rd or 4th option here IMO.

 

[RepStar15]

If we can get Green or Fleener at a bargain it's worth it but highly unlikely. Not impressed with the FA pool for TE this year.

 

[Ace]

My buddy sent me an article about a week ago regarding potential cap casualties. One name stood out to me and that was Jordan Cameron. I have to assume he worked with our new TE coach during his time in Cleveland right? If he is in fact released, it doesn't count towards draft pick compensation. Other than that the list is pretty disgusting I think, and I'm not even overly excited about Cameron but it makes sense I guess.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I think Cameron would be a lateral move, no real improvement. If we can get TT to play in the FA market for a TE, I would hope its not one that makes us all go "and..now what?"

Speaking of FA's, found this an interesting thought.

http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/p...on-could-thrive-as-packers-outside-linebacker

 

[mradtke66]

Speaking of FA's, found this an interesting thought.

http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/p...on-could-thrive-as-packers-outside-linebacker

He really only projects to Weak Inside Linebacker in our scheme. Our outside guys have more in common with 4-3 DEs.

That said, he might be able to survive at WILB. He would likely offer some value covering running backs.

 

[Crockett&Tubbs]

Something negative about everyone mentioned. Nobody is perfect. Guys who teams keep, guys who get away.

 

[Sky King]

OK, so tell me, what are your expectation for a rookie sixth round draft pick? Because the only REALISTIC expectations for a sixth round pick is potential camp body and most likely practice squad player.

Suit yourself.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

My buddy sent me an article about a week ago regarding potential cap casualties. One name stood out to me and that was Jordan Cameron. I have to assume he worked with our new TE coach during his time in Cleveland right? If he is in fact released, it doesn't count towards draft pick compensation. Other than that the list is pretty disgusting I think, and I'm not even overly excited about Cameron but it makes sense I guess.

Cameron was very succesful working with Angelichio but I would prefer signing either Green or Fleener.

Speaking of FA's, found this an interesting thought.

http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/p...on-could-thrive-as-packers-outside-linebacker

No way that lining up a 212-pound former safety at outside linebacker works playing a 3-4 defense.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

No way that lining up a 212-pound former safety at outside linebacker works playing a 3-4 defense.

That's only 15 Happy Meals lighter then Joe Thomas and Joe Thomas has been........oh yes, I see your point Captain...

 

[Sunshinepacker]

Suit yourself.

Wow, I wasn't looking at it that way before. I find your argument compelling, rational and well-reasoned. Consider me a convert. From now on my expectations for rookie sixth rounders will be guys that can teach us poorly dressed SOBs to put suits on.

 

[ThePerfectBeard]

If the Packers don't go FA route to bring in another TE, which is likely, I would like to see Hunter Henry as a Packer and if he is gone and Nick Vannett is available in the 3rd, I like his potential.

Call me a Badger Homer, but another guy that intrigues me is Tanner McEvoy. He would have to bulk up and learn how to block, but the guy does everything, he is 6' 6", has decent speed and can catch the ball. Obviously a late round and definitely a priority UDFA, but I think he will get drafted.

I'd love Hunter, but the more I think about it, the more I don't see TT using #27 on him. He definitely won't make it to the us in the 2nd. As time goes on, I really like the potential of us grabbing Vannett though.