Post Training Camp 2013 Offseason Predictions

[rbens06]

I know it is very early for a 2013 offseason prediction, but I had some free time and thought I would get a jump start on this.

I am predicting the Packers win the Superbowl and thus are picking 32 in each round.

Retirements
Donald Driver: Driver has stated he wants to play until he is 40, but with no contract and another Superbowl victory he can ride off into the sunset on a high note.

Resignings
TJ Lang: Lang finally broke into the starting lineup and played solid football. Saturday has noted that having Lang and Sitton next to him have helped him get acclimated to the playbook faster and easier. Maintaining that continuity is important and Lang should not break the bank to resign.

Evan Dietrich-Smith: EDS is a tough and gritty player that has been solid in the couple of relief appearance he has had to make. I do not know if he is a future starter, but at the very least he is a solid backup at all interior positions.

Brett Goode: No reason not to sign him, he has been unheard of through his tenure here, which is a good thing for a long snapper.

Greg Jennings: Jennings is a top echelon receiver that is a no-brainer to resign. He is a guy that can play all over the field and has been very reliable and consistent throughout his career.

Sam Shields: Shields is a restricted free agent and I feel will get the highest tender level. The money would not be that much and if someone would bite on him we would be getting a high return on him.

Tim Masthay: Masthay has progressed into a decent punter. He is not a top tier guy like Lechler, but he is solid and seems like he is becoming more consistent.

Frank Zombo: I think Zombo could be like Waldon this offseason, he is not initially resigned, but when everything is all said and done having him on the roster gives the teams a good backup and someone that will push other guys in practice.

Tori Gurley: Gurley has the size to create a lot of mismatches and be a redzone nightmare. I think the Packers will carry 6 receiver with the 6th being Gurley. He also was a terror on special teams, blocking several kicks.

Brad Jones: I think Jones, assuming he sticks this year, will get the same as Zombo, a one year deal that gives us a good depth and for Jones someone that can contribute on special teams. Jones is being trained at inside too, so he also would offer a lot of versatility.

Free Agency
I cannot foresee Thompson changing his ways and making any big signings. I think we could see a couple of players, similar to what he did this year, but no one big.

Draft
1. Johnathan Hankins DT/DE Ohio State 6’4 325 5.15

I realize the Packers just spent picks on Worty and Daniels, but both are more tailored for pass rushing than run stopping. Hankins is a massive defensive tackle that is extremely good at anchoring against the run. He is very stout and strong at the point of attack and is able to close running lanes. He is still developing as a pass rusher and should get better with time, but he is someone that can take over for Pickett in the next coming years. Plus Hankins has the size and ability to give Raji some breaks and keep the line fresh. The Packers really do not have a run stuffer behind Pickett and Hankins can be that guy of the future.

2. Khaled Holmes OC/OG USC 6’4 305 5.30

Holmes might not drop to the end of the second round, but Peter Konz fell to the end part of the second round and I feel Konz is a better prospect than Holmes. Plus, this draft could have a lot of offensive lineman picked early, mainly tackles, but something that could push Holmes further down. Holmes does offer versatility, being that he played guard his sophomore season. He has very good quickness and has a good first step allowing him to gain position on his man. However, he does need to become stronger, something that should happen throughout this season and with a year to develop behind Saturday.

3. Kenjon Barner RB Oregon 5’11 195 4.45

Barner is a speedster that has the ability to score every time he touches the ball. Barner nearly recorded 1000 yards rushing and had 11 touchdowns this past season, and that is with James getting a lot of the carries and Thomas taking some touches too. Barner can double as a punt and kickoff return specialist too, something the Packers may want to have if Cobb becomes more active offensively. I do have faith in the Starks/Green combo, Barner just offers something both of them do not, in a homerun speedster back, and could be a good third down back too.

4. Ronald Powell DE/OLB Florida 6’4 250 4.60

Powell did tear his ACL in spring ball, but was given an optimistic return time of 4-6 months meaning he could play for part of the season. Otherwise, he may elect to redshirt and save a year of eligibility. Either way, Powell may elect to enter the draft (Kniles Davis considered it this past year after missing all of the season). He was the nations top recruit in 2010 and came on really strong at the end of 2011. He plays the “Buck” linebacker, a position that Kindle and Orakpo played under the same system at Texas, so he would not have as much of a transition as Perry has. Powell has good speed and quickness off the ball and if he enters 2013 draft he would be a good pass rusher to add to the mix.
5. Kenny Okoro CB Wake Forest 6’0 190 4.50

Okoro has the size Thompson tends to draft and solid speed to go with it. He did not have a ton of interceptions so far, but he did break up a good amount of passes. Okoro is someone that can provide the Packers with more depth and should be able to contribute on special teams.

6. Rashard Hall S 6’2 195 4.58

Hall started his career off with an impressive freshman season, but has never been able to build off of that success. He has periods where he will make some impressive plays, but than will go quiet for a few games. He is someone that can come in and add to the competition of the position. Ultimately he probably will not win the battle, but he should push Jennings and McMillian to become better.
7. Joel Foreman OG Michigan State 6’4 310 5.30

Foreman is a player that does everything good, but nothing spectacular. He is a lunch pail guy that will come to work everyday for you. He has good technique and plays the run and pass both well. He is someone that can be a good backup and someone that if he goes into the game he should be able to get you out of it. Adding depth behind Lang, Saturday, and Sitton is important. Between Foreman, Holmes, and EDS we should have solid depth along the interior line.

[CWood21]

Haven't even had a remote desire to start looking at next year's prospects. Probably won't start looking until September when college football starts up again. Just a few things I wanted to touch on.

You talk about Peter Konz falling into the second round, that was largely in due to the significant medical red flags that Peter Konz had regarding his ankles in particular. He was a late first, early second round talent but teams weren't willing to invest a high pick into him because they didn't know if he could stay healthy. As far as Holmes go, I see shades of Kristofer O'Dowd which is why I'm hesitant to jump on board right away with him.
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[Victor1124]

Like the draft but would love a playmaking safety to replace Nick Collins in the first round.

I know people say TT doesn't draft for need but that has been pretty much proven wrong. Everyone drafts for need. Just like this year he knew we needed help at every level of the defense.

With that being said, i hope he uses that same strategy and goes S,RB, and C with the first 3 picks.

[PossibleCabbage]

[blankman0021]

[rbens06]

[rbens06]

[cpnesdude41]

I like the idea of another top talent for the dline.. thats what the Giants have and thats how they beat the best of the best. But is the idea with Hankins that eventually he eventually takes over the the middle and worthy n raji are our outside guys? (i'm talkin about our base look of course)
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[PackFan4Life]

[rbens06]

[rbens06]

[bookend57]

looks good to me. If Powell checks out medically he would be a steal in the 4th.
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[rbens06]