Mike Vandermause column: Thompson's drafts lack star power

Ted Thompson finally pushed that big monkey off his back.

It took long enough, but for the first time in his career, Thompson on Sunday traded up in the draft.

The Packers' general manager joked last week he might do it just to silence his critics. Maybe Thompson wasn't kidding. He gave up a fourth- and fifth-round pick to move up 11 spots to select defensive end Jeremy Thompson near the top of the fourth round.

There was barely time to strike up the band and celebrate before Thompson reverted to his normal routine and started trading down for extra picks.

Thompson made five trades over the weekend and parlayed eight picks into nine. For good measure, he tucked in his pocket a sixth-round pick from New Orleans for next year.

Thompson loves to stockpile draft choices. In the past four years, he has consummated 14 trades, and converted 31 picks into 44.

Thompson has used his large collection of draft choices to transform the Packers from a 4-12 vagabond in 2005 into a Super Bowl contender. By and large, his conservative approach has worked well.

However, the jury is out on the next phase of the Thompson era. It's one thing to accumulate draft picks and construct a solid nucleus, which Thompson has done. Now comes the hard part, when he must elevate the Packers to championship level.

The best way to accomplish that is to draft bona fide playmakers. Thompson has filled several starting positions, but it's necessary for some of that talent to rise to Pro Bowl-caliber, which separates a title team from a mere contender.

None of Thompson's draft picks in Green Bay has been invited to the Pro Bowl. It typically takes anywhere from two to four years for players to reach that status after entering the NFL, so it's too early to make any lasting judgments. But Thompson's draft success will depend on how many of his picks become elite players.

Thompson's mentor, Ron Wolf, drafted 13 Pro Bowl players during his 10 years as Packers general manager, including the trade of a first-round pick for Brett Favre.

Even Mike Sherman, who was considered a below-average GM, produced three Pro Bowl players in three drafts, including the trade of a second-round draft pick for cornerback Al Harris.

Who has Pro Bowl potential among Thompson's picks? Perhaps Aaron Rodgers and Justin Harrell will develop into elite players, although that is only wishful thinking at this point. A.J. Hawk should be on the list, considering he was the No. 5 selection in 2006, and Greg Jennings could be added. Maybe someone in the 2008 rookie class will emerge.

Thompson has proven he can wheel and deal with the best of them. Now, he needs some of his draft picks to produce in a big way. Otherwise, he'll soon be lugging an even bigger monkey on his back.

Mike Vandermause is sports editor of the Press-Gazette.

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"It was the principle of the whole deal. I wanted this deal done because the NFL gave me a price tag. I don’t believe any NFL player deserves the amount of money that we do get. But in the business that we’re in, they give us tags and say, ‘This guy’s worth this, this guy’s worth that.’ We play a game—a kids’ game—and get paid a king’s ransom.
tommie harris

It's great to have you and your articles back on the boards, DBears!!  Great contribution.  Thanks!

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Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness you are able to give. -Eleanor Roosevelt

Happiness and moral duty are inseperably connected. -George Washington

dbears54:

Mike Vandermause column: Thompson's drafts lack star power

Ted Thompson finally pushed that big monkey off his back.

It took long enough, but for the first time in his career, Thompson on Sunday traded up in the draft.

The Packers' general manager joked last week he might do it just to silence his critics. Maybe Thompson wasn't kidding. He gave up a fourth- and fifth-round pick to move up 11 spots to select defensive end Jeremy Thompson near the top of the fourth round.

There was barely time to strike up the band and celebrate before Thompson reverted to his normal routine and started trading down for extra picks.

Thompson made five trades over the weekend and parlayed eight picks into nine. For good measure, he tucked in his pocket a sixth-round pick from New Orleans for next year.

Thompson loves to stockpile draft choices. In the past four years, he has consummated 14 trades, and converted 31 picks into 44.

Thompson has used his large collection of draft choices to transform the Packers from a 4-12 vagabond in 2005 into a Super Bowl contender. By and large, his conservative approach has worked well.

However, the jury is out on the next phase of the Thompson era. It's one thing to accumulate draft picks and construct a solid nucleus, which Thompson has done. Now comes the hard part, when he must elevate the Packers to championship level.

The best way to accomplish that is to draft bona fide playmakers. Thompson has filled several starting positions, but it's necessary for some of that talent to rise to Pro Bowl-caliber, which separates a title team from a mere contender.

None of Thompson's draft picks in Green Bay has been invited to the Pro Bowl. It typically takes anywhere from two to four years for players to reach that status after entering the NFL, so it's too early to make any lasting judgments. But Thompson's draft success will depend on how many of his picks become elite players.

Thompson's mentor, Ron Wolf, drafted 13 Pro Bowl players during his 10 years as Packers general manager, including the trade of a first-round pick for Brett Favre.

Even Mike Sherman, who was considered a below-average GM, produced three Pro Bowl players in three drafts, including the trade of a second-round draft pick for cornerback Al Harris.

Who has Pro Bowl potential among Thompson's picks? Perhaps Aaron Rodgers and Justin Harrell will develop into elite players, although that is only wishful thinking at this point. A.J. Hawk should be on the list, considering he was the No. 5 selection in 2006, and Greg Jennings could be added. Maybe someone in the 2008 rookie class will emerge.

Thompson has proven he can wheel and deal with the best of them. Now, he needs some of his draft picks to produce in a big way. Otherwise, he'll soon be lugging an even bigger monkey on his back.

Mike Vandermause is sports editor of the Press-Gazette.

Dang...give em the Lombardi trophy...its over.... MAN moving UP in the fourth round.....wow

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Ralph Monroe-
Member of Caleb Hanie Hooterville fan club-

I said Hooterville and got away with it

denilew:

It's great to have you and your articles back on the boards, DBears!!  Great contribution.  Thanks!

thanks.. and yeah sometimes nice to remind the silly packer bandwagon the cold hard facts..

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"It was the principle of the whole deal. I wanted this deal done because the NFL gave me a price tag. I don’t believe any NFL player deserves the amount of money that we do get. But in the business that we’re in, they give us tags and say, ‘This guy’s worth this, this guy’s worth that.’ We play a game—a kids’ game—and get paid a king’s ransom.
tommie harris

No concern to me. I'd rather have a team full of solid players than a a team with a couple of stars and a bunch of stiffs.

---

ROLL ON THUNDER
SHINE ON LIGHTNING
THE DAYS ARE LONG
AND THE NIGHTS ARE FRIGHTENING
NOTHING MATTERS ANYWAY
AND THAT'S THE HELL OF IT

I was at the grocery store buying eight apples, and the clerk asked me if I would like a bag. And I said, "No, man, I juggle! But I can only juggle eight. If I'm ever here buying nine apples, bag 'em up!"

IHATETHEBEARS:

No concern to me. I'd rather have a team full of solid players than a a team with a couple of stars and a bunch of stiffs.

or in packers case... no stars AND stiffs : )

---

"It was the principle of the whole deal. I wanted this deal done because the NFL gave me a price tag. I don’t believe any NFL player deserves the amount of money that we do get. But in the business that we’re in, they give us tags and say, ‘This guy’s worth this, this guy’s worth that.’ We play a game—a kids’ game—and get paid a king’s ransom.
tommie harris

dbears54:

denilew:

It's great to have you and your articles back on the boards, DBears!!  Great contribution.  Thanks!

thanks.. and yeah sometimes nice to remind the silly packer bandwagon the cold hard facts..

I always enjoy reading stuff that isn't praising the enemy, lol.  Thanks db54.

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dbears54:

IHATETHEBEARS:

No concern to me. I'd rather have a team full of solid players than a a team with a couple of stars and a bunch of stiffs.

or in packers case... no stars AND stiffs : )

13-3.

---

ROLL ON THUNDER
SHINE ON LIGHTNING
THE DAYS ARE LONG
AND THE NIGHTS ARE FRIGHTENING
NOTHING MATTERS ANYWAY
AND THAT'S THE HELL OF IT

I was at the grocery store buying eight apples, and the clerk asked me if I would like a bag. And I said, "No, man, I juggle! But I can only juggle eight. If I'm ever here buying nine apples, bag 'em up!"

IHATETHEBEARS:

dbears54:

IHATETHEBEARS:

No concern to me. I'd rather have a team full of solid players than a a team with a couple of stars and a bunch of stiffs.

or in packers case... no stars AND stiffs : )

13-3.

Not gonna be 13-3 this year.

 

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IHATETHEBEARS:

dbears54:

IHATETHEBEARS:

No concern to me. I'd rather have a team full of solid players than a a team with a couple of stars and a bunch of stiffs.

or in packers case... no stars AND stiffs : )

13-3.

0-2 against bears

got-to-do-better-then-that-weak-smack ihtb

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"It was the principle of the whole deal. I wanted this deal done because the NFL gave me a price tag. I don’t believe any NFL player deserves the amount of money that we do get. But in the business that we’re in, they give us tags and say, ‘This guy’s worth this, this guy’s worth that.’ We play a game—a kids’ game—and get paid a king’s ransom.
tommie harris

NO, he was talking about the 13 times Brett said he was retired and the 3 times he has snuck in comeback talk

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calabis:

NO, he was talking about the 13 times Brett said he was retired and the 3 times he has snuck in comeback talk

LOL.. ahh gotacha good one!

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"It was the principle of the whole deal. I wanted this deal done because the NFL gave me a price tag. I don’t believe any NFL player deserves the amount of money that we do get. But in the business that we’re in, they give us tags and say, ‘This guy’s worth this, this guy’s worth that.’ We play a game—a kids’ game—and get paid a king’s ransom.
tommie harris

dbears54:

IHATETHEBEARS:

dbears54:

IHATETHEBEARS:

No concern to me. I'd rather have a team full of solid players than a a team with a couple of stars and a bunch of stiffs.

or in packers case... no stars AND stiffs : )

13-3.

0-2 against bears

got-to-do-better-then-that-weak-smack ihtb

0-2 against the Bears in two upsets.

0-1 against the Cowboys.

13-0 against everybody else, in spite of no Pro Bowl players drafted by Ted Thompson.

I'll take that same scenario every year.

---

ROLL ON THUNDER
SHINE ON LIGHTNING
THE DAYS ARE LONG
AND THE NIGHTS ARE FRIGHTENING
NOTHING MATTERS ANYWAY
AND THAT'S THE HELL OF IT

I was at the grocery store buying eight apples, and the clerk asked me if I would like a bag. And I said, "No, man, I juggle! But I can only juggle eight. If I'm ever here buying nine apples, bag 'em up!"

IHATETHEBEARS:

dbears54:

IHATETHEBEARS:

dbears54:

IHATETHEBEARS:

No concern to me. I'd rather have a team full of solid players than a a team with a couple of stars and a bunch of stiffs.

or in packers case... no stars AND stiffs : )

13-3.

0-2 against bears

got-to-do-better-then-that-weak-smack ihtb

0-2 against the Bears in two upsets.

0-1 against the Cowboys.

13-0 against everybody else, in spite of no Pro Bowl players drafted by Ted Thompson.

I'll take that same scenario every year.

or maybe 8-8 or 4-12 happen again

and last year the "fluke"

---

"It was the principle of the whole deal. I wanted this deal done because the NFL gave me a price tag. I don’t believe any NFL player deserves the amount of money that we do get. But in the business that we’re in, they give us tags and say, ‘This guy’s worth this, this guy’s worth that.’ We play a game—a kids’ game—and get paid a king’s ransom.
tommie harris

IHATETHEBEARS:

dbears54:

IHATETHEBEARS:

dbears54:

IHATETHEBEARS:

No concern to me. I'd rather have a team full of solid players than a a team with a couple of stars and a bunch of stiffs.

or in packers case... no stars AND stiffs : )

13-3.

0-2 against bears

got-to-do-better-then-that-weak-smack ihtb

0-2 against the Bears in two upsets.

0-1 against the Cowboys.

13-0 against everybody else, in spite of no Pro Bowl players drafted by Ted Thompson.

I'll take that same scenario every year.

See I love how Packers fans just totally act like Brett Favre didn't really retire.  Are you guys just ignoring it and hoping that it isn't true?  That tomorrow you'll wake up and he will have changed his mind?  Or that he'll hold another press conference and utter one single word:  "Psych!!"

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My Girls

MikePhipps:

IHATETHEBEARS:

dbears54:

IHATETHEBEARS:

dbears54:

IHATETHEBEARS:

No concern to me. I'd rather have a team full of solid players than a a team with a couple of stars and a bunch of stiffs.

or in packers case... no stars AND stiffs : )

13-3.

0-2 against bears

got-to-do-better-then-that-weak-smack ihtb

0-2 against the Bears in two upsets.

0-1 against the Cowboys.

13-0 against everybody else, in spite of no Pro Bowl players drafted by Ted Thompson.

I'll take that same scenario every year.

See I love how Packers fans just totally act like Brett Favre didn't really retire.  Are you guys just ignoring it and hoping that it isn't true?  That tomorrow you'll wake up and he will have changed his mind?  Or that he'll hold another press conference and utter one single word:  "Psych!!"

I'm not predicting 13-3 for Green Bay in 2008. Losing Favre is a big deal. I don't expect them to be as good or even better without him.

As the Bears have proven, teams can make the playoffs without a strong quarterback. Will Rodgers be strong? I have no idea. But I do believe the rest of the team is strong - and strong enough to be a playoff contender in 2008.

---

ROLL ON THUNDER
SHINE ON LIGHTNING
THE DAYS ARE LONG
AND THE NIGHTS ARE FRIGHTENING
NOTHING MATTERS ANYWAY
AND THAT'S THE HELL OF IT

I was at the grocery store buying eight apples, and the clerk asked me if I would like a bag. And I said, "No, man, I juggle! But I can only juggle eight. If I'm ever here buying nine apples, bag 'em up!"

I'm not predicting 13-3 for Green Bay in 2008.

 I don't expect them to be as good or even better without him.

Will Rodgers be strong? I have no idea.

But I do believe the rest of the team is strong - and strong enough to be a playoff contender in 2008.

 

waffle much? LOL

---

"It was the principle of the whole deal. I wanted this deal done because the NFL gave me a price tag. I don’t believe any NFL player deserves the amount of money that we do get. But in the business that we’re in, they give us tags and say, ‘This guy’s worth this, this guy’s worth that.’ We play a game—a kids’ game—and get paid a king’s ransom.
tommie harris

dbears54:

I'm not predicting 13-3 for Green Bay in 2008.

 I don't expect them to be as good or even better without him.

Will Rodgers be strong? I have no idea.

But I do believe the rest of the team is strong - and strong enough to be a playoff contender in 2008.

 

waffle much? LOL

"Waffling" - to flip from one opinion to the other. So you're saying that I said the following things:

"The Packers will go 13-3 in 2008."

"The Packers will be just as good (if not better) without Brett Favre."

"Aaron Rodgers will be a strong quarterback - I know it."

"The rest of the Packer team is weak, and will not be a playoff contender in 2008."

 

You are obviously joking. Find some quotes from me where I said these things. Good luck.

---

ROLL ON THUNDER
SHINE ON LIGHTNING
THE DAYS ARE LONG
AND THE NIGHTS ARE FRIGHTENING
NOTHING MATTERS ANYWAY
AND THAT'S THE HELL OF IT

I was at the grocery store buying eight apples, and the clerk asked me if I would like a bag. And I said, "No, man, I juggle! But I can only juggle eight. If I'm ever here buying nine apples, bag 'em up!"

IHATETHEBEARS:

dbears54:

IHATETHEBEARS:

dbears54:

IHATETHEBEARS:

No concern to me. I'd rather have a team full of solid players than a a team with a couple of stars and a bunch of stiffs.

or in packers case... no stars AND stiffs : )

13-3.

0-2 against bears

got-to-do-better-then-that-weak-smack ihtb

0-2 against the Bears in two upsets.

0-1 against the Cowboys.

13-0 against everybody else, in spite of no Pro Bowl players drafted by Ted Thompso