dude doesn't mention wahle! -NERD


http://www.packernet.com/blog/?p=87
Free agents that could help the Packers - offense
As I continue to look forward, the next step in the NFL offseason is free
agency which begins in March. Here is a look at some players I think could
help the Packers on offense.

While the Packers are probably not interested, there are some good running
backs available. Michael Turner, Jamal Lewis and Julius Jones are three
players that would be an upgrade over incumbent Ryan Grant. I'm not sold on
Grant and if the price was reasonable I could see going after Jones. At the
very least the competition would be good for Grant and an new environment
might be just the thing for Jones to return to his 1000-yard form of two
years ago. Turner is going to require franchise-type money and the Packers
aren't that desperate with Grant on the roster and while Lewis would be
intriguing, you just don't know what you are going to get with a guy with
that much milage. Look at Ahman Green last year, the Texans got about 250
yards out of a former dominating runner. I would like to see Jones added.
You can't stand pat with Grant and Brandon Jackson, competition must be
added and Jones would do just that. It would be an interesting battle
between two former Notre Dame teammates. Jones won that round, maybe Grant
could beat him out now, it would be fun to watch.

There are some interesting receivers available in guys like Bernard Berrian
and Patrick Crayton, but if there is one area I think the Packers can stand
pat in it would be receiver. With Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, James Jones,
Koren Robinson and Ruvell Martin, the Packers deepest position is arguably
wide receiver. At tight end you might want some help but the only guy the
Packers might be interested in is Marcus Pollard from Seattle, but he is 35
and probably not worth the risk. Maybe Ben Troupe would be of some interest.
He was a second-round pick of the Tennessee Titans in 2004 and caught 55
balls as a rookie, but hasn't done squat since due mostly to injuries. I
would think they take a look at him at least. But the Pack might just look
for a tight end on draft day instead. I have to believe Bubba Franks days as
a Packer have come to an end as well.

The one area the Packers need improvement on the most is the offensive line.
Everybody knows about the Pittsburgh Steelers' Alan Faneca, who might be the
best available free agent at any position. Faneca would immediately upgrade
the Packers' line by sending the inconsistent Daryn Colledge to the bench
once and for all. The price tag may be too much for general manager Ted
Thompson to absorb, but I sure hope he at least tries, especially if Brett
Favre comes back. If you are going to make a one-year run with Favre, start
with improving the offensive line. Jake Scott of Indianapolis would also be
a nice addition, but the Colts will likely have something to say about that,
because like the Packers, they like to keep their own. Ruben Brown of the
Bears might come cheap and would be an upgrade for sure. As you can see, I'm
focused on the guard position. I'm happy with Mark Tauscher and Chad Clifton
at tackle. Replacements need to be groomed however as both tackles are
getting long in the tooth.

Thursday I will run down the free agents on defense. The Packers could use a
few of those as well.

More to come.

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