Green and Bold: Don't Write Off Jason Spriggs Just Yet
The Packers moved up nine spots in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft to select offensive lineman Jason Spriggs at No. 48 overall. But a little more than a year later, some aren't sure that move is paying dividends.
By mnbruton
The Packers moved up nine spots in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft to select offensive lineman Jason Spriggs at No. 48 overall.
But a little more than a year later, some aren't sure that move is paying dividends.
A long (6'7"), athletic, natural tackle, the selection made sense when the Packers were facing the prospect of losing starting left tackle David Bakhtiari, whose deal was set to expire. But when Bakhtiari re-signed through 2020, and with right tackle Bryan Bulaga under contract through 2019, Spriggs became an intriguing chess piece for Green Bay, seemingly too talented to be a depth player but with no starting tackle positions open to him.
In that reserve role in his 2016 rookie season, Spriggs played 239 offensive and 78 special teams snaps. Those offensive snaps included time spent at guard; tackle, to a lesser degree; and even as a blocking tight end in a package similar to the way Mike McCarthy had used JC Tretter. It was nothing to write home about, but then again, the Packers didn't give him much of a stage to show off his skills.
This offseason, Spriggs arrived at training camp about 20 pounds heavier thanks to putting in some offseason weight training, according to offensive line coach James Campen.
Getting stronger is crucial for Spriggs because it's becoming obvious that to see any time on the field in 2017, the second-year player will have to line up inside, assuming no injuries befall Bakhtiari and Bulaga.
Right now, the Packers' interior duo of Lane Taylor and Jahri Evans seems hardly likely to measure up to the tandem of T.J. Lang and Josh Sitton it is replacing, but Taylor's performance last season and Evans' camp so far suggest it will be serviceable.
At this point, Spriggs appears to be the primary backup at both tackle positions, and would likely heed the call should injuries arise at guard, as well.
But that's not necessarily reassuring for those who have watched Spriggs in the preseason thus far.
It's no secret that Spriggs has looked a little...outmatched in the Packers' first three preseason games.
Here he is giving up a sack to the Philadelphia Eagles' Derek Barnett in Week 1:
Shot 1 - Derek Barnett's first professional sack. Beats Jason Spriggs inside. He has been working on similar rushes all offseason pic.twitter.com/ckdmrOuxyJ
— Fran Duffy (@fduffy3) August 15, 2017
Packers Twitter voiced its collective displeasure about Spriggs' performance in the second game against Washington, which, admittedly, was a struggle for the still-green offensive lineman:
Jason Spriggs is having a really tough game for the #Packers and Brett Hundley is paying the price with sacks because of it. #GBvsWAS
— Chris Barriere (@chrisbarriereTV) August 20, 2017
Jason Spriggs has not looked more outclassed since joining the Packers.
— Jason B. Hirschhorn (@by_JBH) August 20, 2017
jason spriggs is going to want to burn this game film
— Ross Uglem (@RossUglem) August 20, 2017
There's no easy way of putting this but Jason Spriggs absolutely terrible tonight.
— Packers Fans (@PackersFans_) August 20, 2017
Is it our prerogative as Packers fans, analysts, viewers, to criticize poor play when we see it? Sure.
But let's take a step back for a moment.
Spriggs cost a lot of draft capital, and now he's not even starting. That's hard to stomach.
At the same time, offensive line depth has been a huge issue for the Packers in recent years. If Spriggs, given time to develop, can prove to be reliable in a reserve role, the move will have been worth it.
Technique and patience can be taught. Natural athleticism cannot. The Packers are banking on Spriggs learning to make the most of his natural talent, which is present in spades.
Just think back to the 2016 combine:
Look at the movement skills of a 300 + lb man. Jason Spriggs has eye popping athleticism. #Packers pic.twitter.com/Xcsk9fVCEX
— Eye In The Sky (@The_Green_Gold) May 14, 2016
Even in the week between preseason Week 2 against Washington and Week 3 against Denver, Spriggs made improvements.
On one third down against the Broncos, Spriggs held his own against Von Miller, one of the hardest tests he could face in the preseason or otherwise. Of course, he later gave up a sack to him, but still: progress.
The most important thing for Spriggs in his young career is to keep gaining functional strength and refining his technique and, crucially, not allowing his own mistakes or outside criticism to impact the level of his play.
Thankfully, offensive coordinator Edgar Bennett doesn't think that's going to be a problem. On Tuesday, Bennett said Spriggs "doesn't have the type of personality to get down on himself with rough patches of play," per Michael Cohen.
For now, all Spriggs can do is make the most of the limited opportunities the Packers are able to afford him.
Comments (67)
porupack
August 30, 2017 at 06:11 am
so why exactly shouldn't we give up on him? He might turn it around? Because he put on 20 lbs, isn't down on himself, and stood up Von Miller once. And cost draft capital.
ok. fine. He might turn it around then.
ricky
August 30, 2017 at 11:31 am
He's a second year player who is having a rough exhibition season. This is a fact. James Campen is a terrific OL coach. Another fact. If Campen gives up on him, then definitely, it's time to say that TT whiffed in moving up to draft this guy. But it's not unusual for players to take a bit longer to bloom. How many were ready to move on from Crosby after his terrible year? Or from Adams after his disappointing second season? How many are still ready to bail on Randall and Rollins after rough sophomore seasons? Let's wait and see. But also hope there is no need to put him on the field right now.
dschwalm
August 30, 2017 at 03:00 pm
That is NOT a fact, but merely a 'value judgement'. In many people's eyes, he is a terrific coach.
L
August 30, 2017 at 06:33 pm
Other examples:
How many people were ready to move on from M.Burnett, J.Finley, B.Bulaga, and C.Hayward after showing some disappointment?
Answer: A lot.
Point is, just as your post implies, fans are way to quick to judge and often base their judgement off of knee-jerk reactions.
Thank God, the Packers have a front office and coaching group who are not so easily susceptible to public opinion and the potential emotional out-cries of a majority owner.
Oh, one more example:
Remember after the Packers released J.Sitton last year how L.Taylor had a somewhat "down" pre-season game and everyone was up in arms claiming that there was evidence of him not being capable or ready to take on that starting role and position at LG for the season... yup.
sheppercheeser
August 30, 2017 at 06:46 am
If he evolves into a 'reserve' role, he'll be worth it? Really, a 2nd round pick as a 'reserve'? That's an utter fail. A 5th/6th rounder as a 'reserve' maybe, but not a 2nd rounder. Wasted pick- hopefully he's just a slow learner and can upgrade his skill level.
Bearmeat
August 30, 2017 at 10:57 am
No. He was drafted because we absolutely sucked with Bakh hurt in 2015 and Bulaga was hurt (again) in 15 as well. At the time, it looked like TT might move on from Bulaga because he was hurt all the time and resigning Bakh was far from a sure bet. Plus, Spriggs was the last to be drafted of the top tier of a very good OT class - something that hasn't been seen in the draft since.
It was the right move then. It's still the right move. He's struggling, but he's got the ability. It's good we don't have to start him. Give him time.
NickPerry
August 30, 2017 at 06:51 am
Sigh..... I can't say anything nice about Spriggs so I'll just "Sigh" and say nothing at all.
Off Topic... Ted Thompson..Please sign Brooks before he lands ANYWHERE else like Denver who's GM will never let him leave without signing him. Your Assistant Head Coach for the Defense Mr. Moss feels he'd "Fit Right In" with what the Packers do defensively for whatever that's worth. THIS is the type of move most Packers fans would like to see more of. The kind that actually suggests you see the glaring weakness at OLB and want to do more than grabbing the UDFA and plugging him in.
For the record...Brooks had more sacks, pressures than Matthews last year and had 7 run stuffs which were more than Perry who had 5.
Sigh...
RCPackerFan
August 30, 2017 at 07:30 am
"For the record...Brooks had more sacks, pressures than Matthews last year and had 7 run stuffs which were more than Perry who had 5."
I just love when people cherry pick stats to make an statement.
Yup that's a fair statement to make, he had more sacks then Mathews. Especially considering Mathews started 9 games, played in 12, and the last 3 games of the year he played with 1 arm. But he played so no excuses...
How about finding a better and more fair comparison. Compare his stats to Peppers. Peppers had 7.5 sacks last year. Brooks had 6.
How about another stat. Tackles for a loss. Nick Perry had 12. Brooks had 10. Daniels had 8. Mathews had 7. Ryan had 7. Guion had 6. Peppers had 5. Elliott had 4. Martinez had 4. Lowry, Joe Thomas and Datone Jones had 3.
How about another stat that doesn't get shown enough. Hurries.
Last year Mike Daniels led the team with 20 hurries. Perry had 17 Mathews with 15. Jones with 14, Peppers with 12, Fackrell with 6. Brooks had 16.
So Mathews started 9 games and had 15 hurries. Perry started 12 games and had 17. Brooks started 16 games and had 16.
So all the people that just want to continue to rip on Mathews because his 'sacks' number wasn't higher. Sorry but that isn't he only meaningful stat. He isn't paid to just have sacks. He had 7 tackles for loss and only started 9 games. He had 15 hurries.
I want them to bring in Brooks. I hope they sign him. As of 7:25 am they have not yet. Him with Perry and Mathews would create a very good rotation. Also when healthy, it would allow Mathews to move to they hybrid ILB role more often.
Hopefully we see a deal made soon.
carusotrap
August 30, 2017 at 08:19 am
I think defending Clay Matthews as the defensive juggernaut his PR convinces us he is may be a losing proposition. In all of those stats you correctly cite, you forget to mention one thing: Clay is the highest cap hit at his position IN THE LEAGUE. I don't think it's unreasonable to expect him to be at least in the mix in stats, if only on his own team.
RCPackerFan
August 30, 2017 at 09:01 am
* Correction. Mathews is the 3rd highest in 2017. He was the highest in 2016.
https://overthecap.com/position/3-4-outside-linebacker/2017
To be fair. I thought he was in the mix of stats with the ones I provided? When you factor in based on how many games he played.
I know what I stated is an unpopular opinion. I'm just trying to be honest and take a broad picture view of it.
croatpackfan
August 30, 2017 at 01:31 pm
I'm with you, RCP... I do not understand that level of panic. It is like there is no tomorrow...
RCPackerFan
August 30, 2017 at 03:23 pm
Big time Croat.
dschwalm
August 30, 2017 at 03:04 pm
Take a couple of grammar lessons or hire an editor, RC. Your posts are getting harder to read.
RCPackerFan
August 30, 2017 at 03:24 pm
Here is a simple thought. Might blow you away...
If you don't like it then simply don't read it.
I didn't realize that we were sitting in English class and I was being graded on grammar or punctuation.
pooch
August 30, 2017 at 04:06 pm
That's the point,Packers cannot rely on part time player
NickPerry
August 31, 2017 at 05:03 am
I think you misunderstood... I wasn't being critical of Matthews, just mentioned a few stats I had actually read on another Packers site. I was playing up Brooks more than anything else.
Personally the stat I was most impressed with was "run stops". Perry is considered a hell of a run defender yet Brooks actually had more than him (7 to 5). Lets face it, Matthews doesn't play the run as well as he did a few years ago so having Brooks AND Perry on the edges and Matthews freelancing all over the defense this is a HUGE signing for GB.
BTW... Both of us didn't mention tackles. Brooks had 41 tackles and 12 assists. Matthews had 20 tackles and 4 assists. Sure Matthews played with one arm and can be excused for the complete lack of production. Obviously that played a huge role in averaging less than 2 tackles a game. Now if/when Clay is injured this year they have a viable player to put in. Better against the run than Peppers IMO too.
RCPackerFan
August 31, 2017 at 07:13 am
Nick. I like you. I usually agree with most of your stuff. And trust me i wasn't trying to attack you or anything.
Honestly, my post was more based on the last however many days of reading non stop crap talk about Mathews. It wasn't directed at you but towards everyone. Mathews all of a sudden has become the target by many fans and writers. I agree some of it is warranted. But some of it has been just plain dumb.
I think Brooks and Perry will form a really good run stopping duo. They both are very stout and can destroy the run game. Also like I have posted in other spots it allows Mathews to play inside a bit more. Like you said he will be able to freelance a lot more now. What made Polamalu so good was he was able to free lance. Well Mathews now can be allowed the same type of freedom.
I think Brooks is an upgrade over Peppers overall.
You are correct neither of us brought up the tackles. Most of my post was about Sacks or sack related things. So many seem to believe that sacks are the end all be all for determining how good a player is.
I can't wait for this year to get started!
NickPerry
September 01, 2017 at 05:59 am
RC...Thanks and I know you weren't trying to "attack" me. No offense taken here. We DO seem to agree on many things like Montgomery and Matthews being used all over to name a few. Personally I LOVE the idea of Brooks and Perry outside with Matthews coming for God knows where. I think that will be a grouping along with for example Daniels that will be pretty damn tough to defend for any O-Line. I'm very optimistic, borderline confident if they stay healthy.
carusotrap
August 30, 2017 at 08:15 am
Ted is like the guy buying the car ready to walk out of the dealership if they can't give him the deal he believes is right. Doesn't matter if his old car is broken down by the side of the road or the circumstances that lead him to the dealership. He has a dollar amount and a contract length in his head, and he will walk away in a heartbeat if Brooks' agent can't come down to his number. It doesn't matter how much we need him. I don't think Ted believes in "market forces." He's always been that way and always will be.
cheesehead1
August 30, 2017 at 09:47 am
Hope we sign Brooks "just in case" the injury bug hits. Hope I'm wrong, but it's almost a given Perry or Mathews will go down at some point. As far as Spriggs goes, from all reports he's had a poor camp/preseason. Can't give up yet though. Would also like TT to add some OL help after the cuts.
TarynsEyes
August 30, 2017 at 09:45 am
He who uses ' stats ' to justify either side of the debate likely believe the House of Mirrors reflects true imagery.
Ferrari Driver
August 30, 2017 at 10:42 am
N.P. echoes the sentiments of most silent Packer fans, myself included, albeit I'm not always quiet.
The talk about Spriggs brings me back to 1989 when the Packers drafted Tony Mandarich, a 6-5 320+ tackle with numbers even better than Spriggs.
I saw him in training camp that year and he looked like he had two left feet. High hope was flying for Mandarich like it has been for Spriggs... it never materialized.
IMO, had Spriggs been an UDFA he would have been released by now.
By the way, a big thumbs up for Nick P. on his post!
Finwiz
August 30, 2017 at 10:50 am
Big difference between Mandarich and Spriggs. The two aren't at all comparable. Mandarich was the number two pick in the draft, and we passed up Barry Sanders and Deion Sanders to pick him. Spriggs was a 2nd round pick. Criticize Spriggs all you want, because he hasn't been good. But to put 2nd pick in the draft, can't miss prospect, best tackle of all-time expectations on him is totally misguided. Not sure where this is all coming from.
Fire_Gute
August 30, 2017 at 01:48 pm
I don't get it either. Brian Brohm was absolutely terrible and a complete waste of a pick. But he can never be JaMarcus Russell or Ryan Leaf, simply by where he was picked
lou
August 30, 2017 at 03:57 pm
Agree Finwiz with the Mandarcih vs Spriggs pick background you provided. Looking back on that draft, if we would have lost to the Cardinals in the season finale the year before we would have had the #1 overall pick and Troy Aikman, that hurts even more than the other HOFers we passed to take Manarich, we would have gotten to a Super Bowl sooner with Aikman.
Finwiz
August 30, 2017 at 04:21 pm
Remember it well Lou. It was like uhhhh....you really HAD TO win that last game? If you got Aikman, you'd never have had Favre. Favre played a lot longer. Hindsite, I'd of loved to have had either one of the Sander's.
Mandarich on steroids they should have checked on it, and didn't do their homework. It was well known he was "cycling" at Michigan State. Fired Tom Bratz ( I believe) and hired Wolf after that debacle. The rest is ancient history.
rdent
August 30, 2017 at 12:31 pm
Tony "Manimrich" as they called him after drafting him was a steroid bomb coming out of college and once he got to the NFL he had to stop using, thus he became known as "The incredible shrinking lineman."And TT wasn't the GM in GB in 1989. I can't make a comparison here.
RCPackerFan
August 30, 2017 at 06:55 am
To me it seems that Spriggs is lacking in consistency and confidence.
Like against the Broncos. He had a really good and I mean very good rep against Miller. Then later he has a bad one and gets his QB sacked.
He seems to be fine on most plays during the game. But then he has 2-4 really bad ones. He needs to get more consistent.
JDK52
August 30, 2017 at 10:11 am
Part of that has to be his lack of playing time. Going against one of the elite NFL pass rushers is going to test the very best starting tackles, and as Michelle pointed out he did win the previous rep.
I think it's fair to be critical of Spriggs and the drafting/coaching that has put him where he is. But it is also fair to remind us all that he has upside, and can improve his technique and strength.
Let's give him time to prove himself. Our OL development has been among the best in the league for the past few years, so I have some confidence in their opinions.
RCPackerFan
August 30, 2017 at 03:15 pm
I thought he looked good last year when he played. I don't remember every play of his, but I know he wasn't that bad.
Its definitely fair to criticize Spriggs. His play has been horrible on some plays. (not all but some).
I do think he has upside, just needs to be developed. Hopefully he won't have to be used this year and can take the time to develop.
rdent
August 30, 2017 at 12:33 pm
That's what practice is for.
RCPackerFan
August 30, 2017 at 03:13 pm
Exactly... Draft and develop!
Fire_Gute
August 30, 2017 at 07:15 am
You might not want to write him off and that's understandable, but you still have to find a different plan for this year. Because he's absolutely terrible. Yes Von Miller is great, but he doesn't get a sack or tackle every play. Sometimes running backs or tight ends even block him. So one play in the midst of a awful game doesn't mean anything.
The draft capital doesn't matter either. If he was a backup tackle with minor drop off when replacing the 2 very talented tackles ahead of him, one who is a little more injury prone than we would prefer, he'd absolutely be worth what we gave up for him, even with no clear cut opportunity to start in the near future.
And what is Edgar Bennett supposed to say, man Spriggs sucks right now? He hasn't had limited opportunities, he's a 2nd round pick playing against people who will never play in the NFL again after this weekend. And they are getting their one career highlight against him. He's getting the opportunity to look way better than he is, being as he's supposed to be starter quality going against construction worker quality.
Razer
August 30, 2017 at 07:51 am
I am curious how Bakhtiari looked by year 2. Seems that you got it or you don't when it comes to playing tackle. Over the last couple of years we have been fortunate with our tackles, I doubt that will continue. Spriggs will be needed so he better figure it out fast.
Thegreatreynoldo
August 30, 2017 at 07:54 pm
Bakh was considerably below average going into year 2, but he had one completely redemptive quality: he was always pretty good in pass pro. Many fans did not realize just how awful he was as a run blocker early in his career. As long as AR was not getting blindsided by vicious hits from the guy Bakh was supposed to block, he got a lot of slack, and also because he was a 4th rounder. I subscribed to that idea at the time as well.
In GB, if you can't pass block, the fans will criticize the hell out of you. It actually makes considerable sense.
JerseyAl
August 30, 2017 at 09:03 am
If he put on 20 lbs, why is he listed as 301 lbs on the roster?
rdent
August 30, 2017 at 12:49 pm
Jersey Al, I notice that too, a lot with players weight, seems like teams list the weight of players coming out of college and they don't update it. Like Eddie Lacy, listed at 235 or so out of Bama, lol but as far as I know he was still listed at that weight 2 years later and we all seen him bloat to 250-260. I bet the last time Lacy was 235 was in High School.
rodgersrules
August 30, 2017 at 09:08 am
Anybody remember Mike Wahle, Marco Rivera? Those guys were atrocious their first couple years and developed into very good, borderline all pro players. You'll have no idea what Spriggs will be for at least another year.
lou
August 30, 2017 at 10:09 am
Whale had to be moved inside when it was apparent he could not play in space and leveraged his talent to be a Pro Bowl player with the Panthers after signing as a free agent. Rivera his first couple years was graded by Bob McGinn as the 5th O-Lineman but through hard work and coaching made himself into a Pro Bowl player (02-04). Playing in space especially LT has become one of the highest paid NFL positions and there is real concern about Sprigg's ability to do that at this point in his career and it they have to move him inside it will be a shame. In reference to Michele's comments about Spriggs being the "swing tackle", this morning in the Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel, Edgar Bennett indicated that Murphy at this point is the RT opening day provided Bulaga does not play, to think that the OC has made this public does not bode well for Spriggs.
Mojo
August 30, 2017 at 11:11 am
'You'll have no idea what Spriggs will be for at least another year."
The way he plays tackle - probably a guard at best.
Bure9620
August 30, 2017 at 10:07 am
PUMP the Brakes!!
Packer fans are the most negative worrisome folks!!
Has Spriggs looked good? No. Has he mastered footwork, no. Anybody that is even thinking of cutting bait a little over a year later is nuts! Tackle is the second most difficult position to develop in this league, it takes years. We are spoiled with Bahktiari, he developed quickly we found a gem with him. Let Spriggs develop. Those of us that watch Big Ten football and watched Indiana saw we were getting a great athlete that was VERY raw. He still is. At this point I just want to see progression and there was some against Denver. Let's give him time? Eh? Are we really going to dog him after he got schooled by Von Miller??? Who makes elite Tackles routinely look silly? A generational pass rusher in his prime. Spriggs actually sealed him off twice before that.
Also for those screaming for Brooks, not saying you are wrong or right. The grass is not ALWAYS greener. Will he add to the outside rush? Sure, I buy that. Has anyone watched his film from last year? In coverage? Getting burned in coverage? Stiff 33 year old hips not getting open and turned? Covering a RB and TE? My point is you would have to take the extra rush with some negatives attached.
dobber
August 30, 2017 at 09:49 pm
What I wouldn't give to have MY 33-year-old hips back...
Mojo
August 30, 2017 at 11:08 am
I keep reading comments suggesting Spriggs hasn't been that bad, that we're overreacting. Well consider this, his teammate - Bakhtiari gave up four sacks and pressures combined last year. For the whole season.
That's the type of standard the top tackles in the league set. It might not be fair to expect Spriggs to be at that level yet, but he's greatly exceeded Bakhs sack totals in limited action in just 3 preseason games much of it against 2nd and 3rd teamers. Just doing well most of the time isn't enough.
Should the Pack give up on him? - not yet. But for the regular season they should consider making him a game day inactive until he gets his s**t together (if that ever happens).
croatpackfan
August 30, 2017 at 02:59 pm
Mojo, can you explain me why is important that OL need to gel together. I can understand that sometimes Tackles are on the island, but lot of times Jason was left to deal with more than one player to cover. I think that Al made wonderful analysis regarding Jason Spriggs. And I believe we should be patient.
Thegreatreynoldo
August 31, 2017 at 03:39 am
Mojo, I need a source for 4 sacks/pressures combined. Positive McGinn assigned more to Bakh (I have McGinn's #s on a spreadsheet, but I'm on the wrong computer). TBH, I doubt any LT ever alllowed only 4 combined sacks and pressures. IIRC, Bakh was well into the teens at least, and I think he was in the twenties.
[Edit: Per McGinn, Bakh allowed 5 sacks and 27 pressures in 2015 while playing 79.5% of possible snaps. In 2016, Bakh was charged with 4.5 sacks and 19 pressures while playing 97.4% of possible snaps. Those are great numbers for 2016.]
Mojo
August 31, 2017 at 09:51 am
You're right TGR, Bahk did have 20 pressures per PFF: profootballfocus.com/news/pro-why-david-bakhtiari-was-the-nfls-best-pass-protector-this-season
I tried to get this to you yesterday, but CHTV wouldn't allow - something about URL's in the same thread or something. I tried again today but the URL warning came up again, so I'm going to remove the https://www. in front of the PFF article and see if that works.
What I should have said was he gave up a combined 4 sacks or hits. Still amazing considering all the snaps he took. Now compare that to what Spriggs has done in a very limited number of snaps.
The point was to illustrate to those posters stating how good at times Spriggs is, doesn't even compare to what a top tier tackle is expected to do.
dobber
August 30, 2017 at 09:53 pm
How many holding penalties did Bakhtiari take last year? I think only 4 were accepted, which is an improvement.
scullyitsme
August 30, 2017 at 11:44 am
Wow, it's still amazes me the hate. Every year its somebody, This year its Spriggs as the favorite whipping dog of fans, Last year Randall. Year before, was Adams. that's after the always perennial favorites, Mike McCarthy ,Ted Thompson and Clay Matthews. If we ditched them all they'd still B@@tch. Crazy the hate.
Mojo
August 30, 2017 at 02:01 pm
Speaking for myself, I don't hate Spriggs, Adams, Randall or the rest. But I also don't have a problem pointing out certain players who are habitual underperformers.
I hope all the above players become perennial All-Pros with GB, but to look at everything with rose-covered glasses isn't objective. I'm a fan, but not a fool.
And I saw Elvis in a potato chip once.
RCPackerFan
August 30, 2017 at 12:55 pm
There it is...
Ian Rapoport@RapSheet
The #Packers are signing LB Ahmad Brooks to a 1-year deal that can be worth up to $5M, source said. Another(!) GB free agent signing coming.
So another free agent signing is happening?
Finwiz
August 30, 2017 at 01:04 pm
Well this just says they're very afraid of what's ailing Perry and Matthews, and/or how they're performing, and also the effectiveness of Elliot and Fackrell. 4 players that should be good, but can't find TWO to count on in the bunch! So here we are. I don't like the character, but now I'll get behind it and hope he helps. 1 year deal is great, and $5M is reasonable, although I would have preferred 3. They wanted him bad.
RCPackerFan
August 30, 2017 at 01:18 pm
Ian Rapoport@RapSheet
Back to new #Packers LB Ahmad Brooks: He was to make $4.5M with #49ers. Gets $3.5M base in August from #Packers…. with a chance to make $5M.
This is his contract. Those numbers are very good.
Brooks provides insurance, depth and more flexibility to the defense. This was a really good signing. A signing that made to much sense to not make it.
Finwiz
August 30, 2017 at 01:46 pm
$3.5M base is good, and if it's incentive based, on sacks in excess of 6 to attain the $5M, that's even better. This also tells me Biegel isn't going to be ready for 6 games, and that makes me feel crappy.
RCPackerFan
August 30, 2017 at 03:21 pm
I think the contract is really good actually. I am not sure what incentives will be included, but I think the pay is right where it needs to be.
Yeah, Biegel will definitely be starting on the PUP list. Which that will hopefully give him time to be fully healed. He may not be able to contribute much this year, but maybe towards the end of the year he possibly could. That is likely when we will need him and if he is fresh entering the playoffs he could possibly help provide a spark.
Not trying to make comparisons or anything, but Bosa last year basically held of everything and didn't start playing until week 6. He came in and had 10.5 sacks as a rookie. I'm not saying that Biegel will have an impact like that, but we can't rule out him coming in and having an impact.
Thegreatreynoldo
August 30, 2017 at 08:10 pm
I don't care if he gets a $1.5M incentive if he is still breathing on Sept 3rd. I'd have paid up to $5M to begin with.
RCPackerFan
August 31, 2017 at 07:14 am
personally I would have too. But I think they got a hell of a deal.
Gianich
August 30, 2017 at 12:59 pm
Brooks instantly helps the depth at OLB.
Packer_Fan
August 30, 2017 at 01:02 pm
You have to let Spriggs work through his issues. Yes, the Pack need to sign Brooks. And yes, they need to look at CB Haden that was just released. If his style of play fits the Packers system, get him and get rid of Gunter.
croatpackfan
August 30, 2017 at 01:03 pm
Brooks is signed for 1 year! It is confirmed by several sources...
TXCHEESE
August 30, 2017 at 01:26 pm
If it is true, the Brooks signing is good news. I hope they can find another after final cut downs, because it sounds like Biegle (sp?) is not coming around as quick as everyone hoped. We don't need superstars, just a couple solid rotational rushers. I believe Spriggs will bounce back. This is just year number 2 for him. I relate line play to wrestling. It takes a lot of serious training and repetitions to get smooth at all the hand and foot placement, but once you get it down, the better athlete starts to shine.
billybobton
August 30, 2017 at 01:32 pm
good article and I like the non 'everyman is an expert" pov
could have been a G R E A T article if you tied a timer on the plays you have picked, if you had reminder readers that 2.7 seconds is the time by which NFL QBs have to get rid of the ball
and that Spriggs provided 2.7 seconds
proving once again the OL grades in GB are inflated a letter grade each by AROD whose foot work and pocket presence would have prevented the sacks
Mojo
August 30, 2017 at 01:57 pm
"proving once again the OL grades in GB are inflated a letter grade each by AROD whose foot work and pocket presence would have prevented the sacks"
You mean like Rodgers last play against Denver?
http://www.denverpost.com/2017/08/26/von-miller-sacks-aaron-rodgers-dances/
lou
August 30, 2017 at 04:06 pm
Hopefully Bahkt stays healthy all year and before the year is out Sprigg's is ready to be annointed the "swing tackle". All of the comments show the importance of the LT position. In that regard, some may have forgotten that 2 years ago the plan was to move Bulaga to LT (drafted but did not know what they had in Bahkt yet) but he tore his ACL in the pre-season, that is how important the LT position is.
snowdog
August 30, 2017 at 05:10 pm
My take on all the free agents signings. TT is going for broke . (not literally,but close) .and as it has been said using all the tools in the tool box , leaving the next GM a fresh toll box to work with . Cap space included .
PETER MAIZ
August 30, 2017 at 06:35 pm
Spriggs will be here for 2017. Despite his good
athleticism, it's always mental mettle too. It would be great if they can develop him this year. It takes a while. So we've signe Brooks? If so, this will place a bit less pressure on the cornerbacks and Gunter may not be around.
flackcatcher
August 30, 2017 at 08:13 pm
Drafting guys like Bahktiari is what makes the packers front office one of the best in the NFL. Also the packers rated Taylor a starting caliber OL a year before he replaced Sitton in the starting line up. And Josh Sitton got exposed for having no lateral movement when he shifted out to LT for one game.(JC Tretter saved the packers 2015 season:) Three points here. 1. You cannot teach god given talent like Bahkiaris. Either you have it, or you don't. 2. Talent does not win in the end. (WHAT!) Take a hard look at Bulaga. You would think he couldn't move to get a drink cause he's so stiff. (HA) Yet he is rated as a top OL in the league. The nasty little secret in the NFL is everyone who walks on to the field is a superior athlete. Those who make an NFL club, make it for one, and only one reason. They are mentally prepared to play this brutally physical game. 3. Time waits for no man. Josh Sitton, as tough as any player in this league, was cut cause he can no longer play at the level needed to win a championship in the NFL. He is flat wore out. It happens. Spriggs will be fine, he's close to integrating his physical talent with the work he has put into the room. At this point, it is mostly mental. Murphy is all most there, he needs to mentally adjust to the game speed of the NFL. Both will be either be starting, or playing in the core units for years to come. Good article Michelle.
billybobton
August 31, 2017 at 02:22 pm
Want to under line your comments on Spriggs. To me it seems there are 2 issues demonstrated that are Spriggs related in the sack Spriggs gave up that people who do not understand football get excited about. First Spriggs is a LT, not a RT and not a guard. Playing out of position matters. The spin move went to Sprigg's LEFT which would be outside at LT which is exactly where a LT wants a rusher to go. Second, Spriggs (IMO) has demonstrated that he needs help in line calls and that he does not adjust quickly so position changes are worse for him than most packer OL.
AND IMPORTANTLY it was not a training camp chump who beat him.