CLARK COULD HELP
You know this year’s group of unrestricted free agents is weak when a player (Chad Clifton) who has undergone more surgeries than Heidi Montag and a player (Aaron Kampman) who won’t be able to practice for another four to six months figure to be two of the more desirable entities on the open market. “You knew the pickings would be slim as soon as the owners opted out of the collective bargaining agreement and 212 unrestricted free agents suddenly became restricted,” said a former scout. “That’s where the talent is. Aside from a handful of studs like [Carolina defensive end] Julius Peppers, [Arizona linebacker] Karlos Dansby and [Houston corner] Dunta Robinson, the majority of the unrestricted free agents are either has-beens or never-weres.” Nevertheless, we asked the scout to give us a list of second, third and even fourth-tier players who might be able to help the Packers next season. It wasn’t easy, but here’s who he came up with:
JUSTIN BANNAN (DL/Ravens/30) – “Tough player who gives max effort on every snap and who has plenty of experience in a 3-4. Would provide better depth at end than either Mike Montgomery or Jarius Wynn.”
TYLER BRAYTON (DE/Panthers/30) – “A little small for end in a 3-4 and probably not athletic enough to play standing up, but he was a favorite of [defensive line coach] Mike Trgovac’s in Carolina.”
JEREMY BRIDGES (OL/Cardinals/29) – “Didn’t embarrass himself at tackle last season, but his best position is probably guard. Size, versatility and experience make him a useful backup.”
DERRICK BURGESS (OLB/Patriots/31) – “Former pass rushing end hasn’t done much since 2007, but he showed some potential as an outside linebacker last season in New England.”
RYAN CLARK (S/Steelers/30) – “One of the better second-tier players available, but it won’t be easy to get him out of Pittsburgh. Physical and tough, he’d be an excellent fit in Green Bay.”
NICK EASON (DE/Steelers/29) – “Journeyman who has plenty of experience in the 3-4. Worth bringing to camp, but the type of player who teams are always trying to replace.”
SHAYNE GRAHAM (PK/Bengals/32) – “Has connected on at least 82% of his field goals in every season since 2002. His choke job in the playoffs will make him a bargain in free agency.”
JARVIS GREEN (DE/Patriots/31)- “On the down side of his career, but still pretty solid against the run. Has only 3 sacks in the past two seasons after posting a combined 14 in 2006 and 2007.”
VONNIE HOLLIDAY (DE/Broncos/34) – “Wanted to play for the Packers last season, but Ted Thompson showed little interest. Did a nice job in Denver – both vs. run and as a pass rusher.”
NATHAN JONES (CB/Dolphins/27) – “Doesn’t have the ability to start for a winning team, but he’s a good backup. Smart kid who’s a much better player today than he was three or four years ago.”
SEAN JONES (S/Eagles/28) – “One of the few unrestricted free agents with extensive starting experience who’s under 30. Solid backup who can get the job done for a few games, but gets exposed the more he plays.”
KEN LUCAS (CB/Seahawks/31) – “Thompson drafted him in Seattle. Very good player a few years ago, but now he’s just hanging on. That said, the Packers could’ve used someone like him late last season.”
RANDY McMICHAEL (TE/Rams/30) – “Didn’t put up impressive numbers in St. Louis the past few seasons, but look at who was throwing him the ball. Still runs OK and is probably a better all-around tight end than Donald Lee.”
CHIKE OKEAFOR (OLB/Cardinals/33) – “Another player Thompson knows from his days in Seattle. Not much tread left on the tires, but he’s still a much better player than Brady Poppinga.”
JERMAINE PHILLIPS (S/Bucs/31) – “Missed most of last season with a thumb injury. Huge safety with surprising straight-line speed, but very limited range. Not sure if he’s any better than Atari Bigby.”
CHESTER PITTS (OL/Texans/30) – “Started 114 consecutive games before missing most of last season with a knee injury. If healthy, he’s a solid guard who could move outside if necessary.”
CORY REDDING (DE/Seahawks/29) – “Was a very good player a few years ago, but hasn’t done much recently. Would have to learn a new position in Green Bay, but being a 3-4 end might agree with him at this stage of his career.”
BRYAN SCOTT (S/Bills/28) – “Journeyman safety who actually looked pretty good as an emergency linebacker last season. Nothing special, but he’s better than any of the current backups in Green Bay.”
BARRY SIMS (OT/49ers/35) – “Old and not pretty to look at, but he usually finds a way to get the job done. The kind of player who can save a team’s season when injuries hit on the offensive line.”
HUNTER SMITH(P/Redskins/32) – “Packers showed some interest in him a year ago. Dependable punter who lacks a huge leg, but is pretty consistent. Would be a significant upgrade from Jeremy Kapinos.”
CHAUN THOMPSON (LB/Texans/29) – “Former high draft pick who hasn’t done much in seven seasons. Still runs well and is worth bringing to camp. At worst, he can help on special teams.”
DESHEA TOWNSEND (CB/Steelers/34) – “Undersized but scrappy corner who has played in Pittsburgh since 1998. Would make sense for the Packers if Al Harris is forced to begin the season on PUP.”
MATT TURK (P/Texans/41) – “Older than dirt, but he’s still a pretty effective punter. Born and raised in Wisconsin, so the opportunity to end his career with the Packers might be appealing to him.”
FRANK WALKER (CB/Ravens/28) – “Played one nondescript season in Green Bay before signing with Baltimore two years ago. Decent backup who keeps things loose in the locker room.”
BEN WATSON (TE/Patriots/29) – “Never lived up to his potential in New England, but he’d be a nice backup in Green Bay. High-character player who’d be a good influence on Jermichael Finley.”
JIMMY WILKERSON (DLBucs/29) – “Packers almost signed him three years ago. Played surprisingly well for Tampa Bay the past two seasons, but may not have a natural position in a 3-4.”
Not excited by this list? We don’t blame you, but that’s what happens when players have to wait six years instead of four to become unrestricted free agents. The list of restricted free agents is much more impressive, but it won’t be easy to pry the best of those players away. “Teams are placing first or second-round tenders on just about any halfway decent player,” said the scout. “The only way a general manager will be able to acquire one of the better restricted free agents is if he’s willing to not only give up a high draft choice but also pay an awful lot of money. That will happen, but probably not very often.”
