2009 Packer Front 7

[LUKE23]

I know there are some people out there that think Raji can only play NT, but I think he comes in and shows he can play 3-4 DE, beating out Harrell and Jolly. Matthews, given how highly TT thinks of him with the trade up, is a lock to take Poppinga's OLB spot.

Jenkins
Pickett
Raji
Matthews
Barnett
Hawk
Kampman

I love this d, especially after reading that Matthews also excels in coverage. If Barnett is healthy, I think we have 4 LB's that can rush the passer now. I cannot wait.

Great draft by TT, his best draft yet IMO even if none of the later round guys pan out.

[LUKE23]

Bump. Was interested to see what people thought we would look like. Does Raji move to NT and Pickett to DE? Does Harrell start? Jolly?

I have to think Raji's size/talent alone make him a starter from day 1, but who knows.

[Enrique]

Bump. Was interested to see what people thought we would look like. Does Raji move to NT and Pickett to DE? Does Harrell start? Jolly?

I have to think Raji's size/talent alone make him a starter from day 1, but who knows.

I think they have alot of interchangeable parts. In base defense, they probably have Raji at NT and Jolly and Jenkins at ends. In run situations they probably would go with Pickett at NT and Raji and Jenkins at ends. On passing downs I could see them going with Raji at NT and Jenkins and Kampman at ends.
I know most people have already written Harrell off, as I have to a certain degree, but we don't have much evidence either way if he has talent or not. If he can stay healthy, you never know, he could be a player.

[Wade-A-Holic]

Well right now, I would guess the Packers are hoping the depth chart goes something like this...

Defensive Ends:
Cullen Jenkins
Ryan Pickett
Justin Harrell
Johnny Jolly
Alfred Malone
Michael Montgomery
Anthony Toribio
Jairus Wynn
Ron Talley

Nose Tackles:
BJ Raji
Fred Bledsoe
Ryan Pickett
Johnny Jolly

Outside Linebackers:
Aaron Kampman
Jeremy Thompson
Jason Hunter
Brady Poppinga
Clay Matthews
Brad Jones

Inside Linebackers:
Nick Barnett
AJ Hawk
Brandon Chillar
Desmond Bishop
Danny Lansanah
Spencer Havner

I'd still love to have one more outside linebacker with some experience and a defensive end with some experience, but this is starting to look like a very competitive group.

[Bernman]

NT- B.J. Raji
DE's- Johnny Jolly, Cullen Jenkins
OLB's- Julius Peppers, Brandon Chillar
MLB's- Nick Barnett, A.J. Hawk

Depth- NT Ryan Pickett, OLB Clay Matthews, OLB Brady Pop, MLB Dez Bishop, OLB/4-3 DE Jer Thompson, DE/4-3 DT Justin Harrell

[LUKE23]

No Harrell and you think Kampman is getting traded Bern?

[Bernman]

No Harrell and you think Kampman is getting traded Bern?

I just added him to depth but I don't think that Harrell should be starting. He's shown nothing thus far as a Packer and the only point in starting him would be to give us every chance to get our return on the immense investment we made in '07.

And yeah, I do think that Kampmann is traded after they see him as an OLB in the 3-4 system. He had a better shot at being a positive factor, adding 10 pounds and staying at DE. Motor isn't quite as important as a 3-4 OLB. You need speed and quickness to shoot through the gap and get to the QB and also to cover TE's. He really won't be able to either well, IMO.

Kampmann needs a 4-3 and Peppers prefers to play in the 3-4. We have the cap space to pay him in the interim. I think we make good trading partners.

[ReasonablySober]

NT- B.J. Raji
DE's- Johnny Jolly, Cullen Jenkins
OLB's- Julius Peppers, Brandon Chillar
MLB's- Nick Barnett, A.J. Hawk

Depth- NT Ryan Pickett, OLB Clay Matthews, OLB Brady Pop, MLB Dez Bishop, OLB/4-3 DE Jer Thompson, DE/4-3 DT Justin Harrell

Puff, puff, passssss.....

Anyway, McCarthy did an interview that's now on the JS.

(Are you OK with your defensive end position?)
The end position? Yeah, I think we've got ... I think Ryan Pickett can go out and play end. You watch Ryan Pickett, just the offseason program. You forget about his foot quickness and his agility. He may not look like the most prototype 3-4 defensive end, but that's definitely a position we will talk to Ryan when he gets back from vacation as far as playing out there. Johnny Jolly I think is an excellent prospect out there. Michael Montgomery has the levers to play that position. So we feel very good about the group.

Sounds like it's going to be Jenkins and Pickett at DE, with Jolly and Montgomery backing up. It's obviously very early, and a lot of things can change that.

[Sauce Boss]

DE: Jenkins
DE: Harrel
NT: Raji
OLB: Kampman
MLB: Barrnet
MLB: Hawk
OLB: Matthews

I really could ajust this several ways though. I heard that Raji and Pickett will likely rotate to keep each other fresh. The other scenario is that Raji moves to DE a la Haloti Ngata did for the Ravens a few years ago. Also don't rule out Soi, the guy we picked up in free agency. He isnt a known talent but he is huge (330+) and might be a nice diamond in the rough. Think of a huge front of DE-Soi NT-Raji DE-Pickett, that be a beefy front three.

[Bernman]

NT- B.J. Raji
DE's- Johnny Jolly, Cullen Jenkins
OLB's- Julius Peppers, Brandon Chillar
MLB's- Nick Barnett, A.J. Hawk

Depth- NT Ryan Pickett, OLB Clay Matthews, OLB Brady Pop, MLB Dez Bishop, OLB/4-3 DE Jer Thompson, DE/4-3 DT Justin Harrell

Puff, puff, passssss.....

Anyway, McCarthy did an interview that's now on the JS.

(Are you OK with your defensive end position?)
The end position? Yeah, I think we've got ... I think Ryan Pickett can go out and play end. You watch Ryan Pickett, just the offseason program. You forget about his foot quickness and his agility. He may not look like the most prototype 3-4 defensive end, but that's definitely a position we will talk to Ryan when he gets back from vacation as far as playing out there. Johnny Jolly I think is an excellent prospect out there. Michael Montgomery has the levers to play that position. So we feel very good about the group.

Sounds like it's going to be Jenkins and Pickett at DE, with Jolly and Montgomery backing up. It's obviously very early, and a lot of things can change that.

Marijuana is a mind expanding drug which causes one to think creatively.....I thought you'd know that given the user name and past experiences you've shared.

People who think Kampmann is worth 5-6 million or whatever as an OLB are on meth.

[LUKE23]

So if they go that route, it would be...

Starters:

DE: Jenkins (6-2, 305)
NT: Raji (6-2, 337)
DE: Pickett (6-2, 330)

With Jolly (6-3, 320), Harrell (6-4, 320), Montgomery (6-5, 273) as the sub DE's, and Pickett the sub NT. If Harrell is healthy, I like the talent, size, and depth there.

[ReasonablySober]

NT- B.J. Raji
DE's- Johnny Jolly, Cullen Jenkins
OLB's- Julius Peppers, Brandon Chillar
MLB's- Nick Barnett, A.J. Hawk

Depth- NT Ryan Pickett, OLB Clay Matthews, OLB Brady Pop, MLB Dez Bishop, OLB/4-3 DE Jer Thompson, DE/4-3 DT Justin Harrell

Puff, puff, passssss.....

Anyway, McCarthy did an interview that's now on the JS.

(Are you OK with your defensive end position?)
The end position? Yeah, I think we've got ... I think Ryan Pickett can go out and play end. You watch Ryan Pickett, just the offseason program. You forget about his foot quickness and his agility. He may not look like the most prototype 3-4 defensive end, but that's definitely a position we will talk to Ryan when he gets back from vacation as far as playing out there. Johnny Jolly I think is an excellent prospect out there. Michael Montgomery has the levers to play that position. So we feel very good about the group.

Sounds like it's going to be Jenkins and Pickett at DE, with Jolly and Montgomery backing up. It's obviously very early, and a lot of things can change that.

Marijuana is a mind expanding drug which causes one to think creatively.....I thought you'd know that given the user name and past experiences you've shared.

People who think Kampmann is worth 5-6 million or whatever as an OLB are on meth.

Nah, never been a weed guy.

Unless he has a big year I don't expect Kampman to be back here next season, nor would I want to pay Julius Peppers the insane amount he'll command. He'll be 30 next season with a lot of miles on those tires.

[MikeIsGood]

I'm liking the front seven on paper.

They definitely see Raji as a NT, but my guess is they also feel he's versatile enough to play end in certain situations. On passing downs, having Jenkins and Raji on the line makes for a pretty formidable penetrating line. As for the linebackers, I would bet they have every intention of starting Clay from the get-go. Still a lot of time to go, but my guess at this point would be Jenkins, Raji, Pickett (from what DB quoted TT said), with Kampman, Barnett, Hawk, and Matthews behind them.

[Ayt]

NT- B.J. Raji
DE's- Johnny Jolly, Cullen Jenkins
OLB's- Julius Peppers, Brandon Chillar
MLB's- Nick Barnett, A.J. Hawk

Depth- NT Ryan Pickett, OLB Clay Matthews, OLB Brady Pop, MLB Dez Bishop, OLB/4-3 DE Jer Thompson, DE/4-3 DT Justin Harrell

Puff, puff, passssss.....

Anyway, McCarthy did an interview that's now on the JS.

(Are you OK with your defensive end position?)
The end position? Yeah, I think we've got ... I think Ryan Pickett can go out and play end. You watch Ryan Pickett, just the offseason program. You forget about his foot quickness and his agility. He may not look like the most prototype 3-4 defensive end, but that's definitely a position we will talk to Ryan when he gets back from vacation as far as playing out there. Johnny Jolly I think is an excellent prospect out there. Michael Montgomery has the levers to play that position. So we feel very good about the group.

Sounds like it's going to be Jenkins and Pickett at DE, with Jolly and Montgomery backing up. It's obviously very early, and a lot of things can change that.

Marijuana is a mind expanding drug which causes one to think creatively.....I thought you'd know that given the user name and past experiences you've shared.

People who think Kampmann is worth 5-6 million or whatever as an OLB are on meth.

We'll play a hybrid 3-4 with Kampy long before we'll trade him. I frankly don't see any way we trade him.

[Enrique]

NT- B.J. Raji
DE's- Johnny Jolly, Cullen Jenkins
OLB's- Julius Peppers, Brandon Chillar
MLB's- Nick Barnett, A.J. Hawk

Depth- NT Ryan Pickett, OLB Clay Matthews, OLB Brady Pop, MLB Dez Bishop, OLB/4-3 DE Jer Thompson, DE/4-3 DT Justin Harrell

Puff, puff, passssss.....

Anyway, McCarthy did an interview that's now on the JS.

(Are you OK with your defensive end position?)
The end position? Yeah, I think we've got ... I think Ryan Pickett can go out and play end. You watch Ryan Pickett, just the offseason program. You forget about his foot quickness and his agility. He may not look like the most prototype 3-4 defensive end, but that's definitely a position we will talk to Ryan when he gets back from vacation as far as playing out there. Johnny Jolly I think is an excellent prospect out there. Michael Montgomery has the levers to play that position. So we feel very good about the group.

Sounds like it's going to be Jenkins and Pickett at DE, with Jolly and Montgomery backing up. It's obviously very early, and a lot of things can change that.

Marijuana is a mind expanding drug which causes one to think creatively.....I thought you'd know that given the user name and past experiences you've shared.

People who think Kampmann is worth 5-6 million or whatever as an OLB are on meth.

You can put me in the meth category. He's an excellent pass rusher and that's primarily what he's going to be doing as the rush OLB.

[LUKE23]

I'm liking the front seven on paper.

They definitely see Raji as a NT, but my guess is they also feel he's versatile enough to play end in certain situations. On passing downs, having Jenkins and Raji on the line makes for a pretty formidable penetrating line. As for the linebackers, I would bet they have every intention of starting Clay from the get-go. Still a lot of time to go, but my guess at this point would be Jenkins, Raji, Pickett (from what DB quoted TT said), with Kampman, Barnett, Hawk, and Matthews behind them.

I agree with that. On passing downs my guess is they go Jenkins/Raji/Harrell (if Harrell is healthy).

I don't see any way Clay doesn't beat out Poppinga at the other OLB spot.

[ReasonablySober]

Nickle and dime situations I think you see this:

Kampman / Jenkins / Raji / Matthews

[PkrsBcksGphsMqt]

This is what I'd like to see...

3-4

Harrell -- Raji/Pickett -- Jenkins
Kampman -- Hawk -- Barnett -- Matthews


4-3

Kampman -- Raji -- Pickett -- Jenkins
Hawk -- Barnett -- Matthews


I think both formations look pretty good. I'm optimistic Harrell will be healthy and contribute this year. I don't want to completely write him off until I see him healthy.

How often do you think we'll truly be in a 3-4? I'm thinking it's going to be 50/50 when it comes to the 3-4 and 4-3.

[El Duderino]

So if they go that route, it would be...

Starters:

DE: Jenkins (6-2, 305)
NT: Raji (6-2, 337)
DE: Pickett (6-2, 330)

With Jolly (6-3, 320), Harrell (6-4, 320), Montgomery (6-5, 273) as the sub DE's, and Pickett the sub NT. If Harrell is healthy, I like the talent, size, and depth there.

If either of Pickett/Raji plays some snaps at DE, i'd rather see Raji being the one getting snaps there because he has much more quickness/lateral movement than Pickett does.

As for Kampman and nickle/dime situations, i think a fair number of times we'll be in a 4-3 alignment anyways with all four guys Jenkins/Raji/?/Kampman) with their hand on the ground. Out of that though we'll likely see quite a few zone blitzes with one of those lineman dropping into a zone for coverage, something Sanders rarely ever did.

[Wade-A-Holic]

If either of Pickett/Raji plays some snaps at DE, i'd rather see Raji being the one getting snaps there because he has much more quickness/lateral movement than Pickett does.

As for Kampman and nickle/dime situations, i think a fair number of times we'll be in a 4-3 alignment anyways with all four guys Jenkins/Raji/?/Kampman) with their hand on the ground. Out of that though we'll likely see quite a few zone blitzes with one of those lineman dropping into a zone for coverage, something Sanders rarely ever did.

I actually think Pickett might be a little better at end in the 30 front. Raji has a much better chance of disrupting and breaking up run plays at nose than he does at end (and he's better at that than Pickett) where as Pickett is very good at holding the point and then pursuing down the line, so if a team runs away from Pickett, he's more likely to be involved in the play than Raji would be from the end spot.

Also, as far as Kampman is concerned, the shame is that one of the benefits of the 34 is the ability to disguise blitz packages, especially on 3rd down, but how often do you think the Packers will be dropping Kampman into coverage on 3rd down? I think on 3rd down, we'll see Kampman's hand in the dirt pretty often. That will still give us the ability to disguise what we're doing.