http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/players/Jeremy_Thompson/72377 Recent articles about Jeremy Thompson en-us There's been much celebration over the past few days in Packerland...another successful Fan Fest was held at Lambeau Field, and the Packers were able to bring in a couple of beloved veterans back into the fold with some hefty in-house free agent signings. There's a lot of optimism brewing for the Packers, and its nice to have some good offseason news (despite the loss of Aaron Kampman). So much so, that Mike Vandermause echoes some of the giddiness many Packer fans have exuberantly chanted the past couple days, indicating this is a sign of great things to come. Thompson is so high on his team that he’s willing to invest major dollars to lock down some of the core players. “I thought we had a good team,” Thompson said. “In fact, I thought we had a team that could play a few games in the playoffs and we just got in a shootout and couldn’t get out of it.” Translation: Thompson believes he has a Super Bowl contender on his hands and is willing to pay big bucks to keep it together. Now, Vandermause has never seen a move by Ted Thompson he didn't gush over, and these signings are no exception. And personally, I've already stated that these are the kind of moves that are wise ones to make in an uncertain transitional period of free agency. I give Thompson credit for having the discipline to stay within a budget (unlike several other NFC North teams) in a time when overspending with no cap could really come back to haunt you later. But, I want to throw in this cautionary nugget: keeping your own players in this era of free agency is a wise move in any offseason (and this one in particular), but it is maintaining the level of talent that we had last season, not necessarily adding to it. And, it's not like last year's talent level was anything to be ashamed of in the least. The Packers rebounded from a depressing 2008 with an 11-5 record and league-leading offensive and defensive squads. Pro Bowl players on both sides of the ball represented the team, and young players like Clay Matthews and Jermichael Finely added new and exciting dimensions. The Packers made the playoffs in a season not many predicted them to. They have solid leaders on both sides of the ball under contract, with Aaron Rodgers and Charles Woodson taking on the roles as the field generals for their squads. But the Packers did fold twice under the pressure of facing hated division rival Minnesota last year, and late in the season saw their top-ranked defense completely sieve against the Steelers and Cardinals (the latter in a playoff game). In order to truly be a Super Bowl contender, the Packers have to figure out how to shore up those weaknesses: there are no patsies in the playoffs, and the Packers have to come to the game loaded for bear. The goal for any NFL team, particularly one on the rise as the Packers have been, is how to make the product on the field better than it was last year, more complete. And, many of us have noted that an upgrade at just a couple of positions...safety, nickel back, outside linebacker, guard/tackle...may spell the difference between a playoff win and a playoff loss. And the Packers have taken one solid step towards that goal: keeping many of their solid vets in the fold. Kampman is a loss, especially as a solid team leader, but the guys they kept (Collins, Tauscher, Clifton, and Pickett) are all penciled in as starters at positions they have excelled in over their entire career. For a team that seems to be perpetually the youngest team in the league, year after year, this is a solid statement by Thompson that this team is no longer in building mode, but in "we're here" mode. The amounts of money that has been thrown at these four players, however, has to be a strong indicator that Thompson is (wisely) going to stay out of the outside free agent market, and I couldn't agree that this year is a good one to play five-card stud instead of drawing from the deck. So, this leads me to two important questions: is it possible to upgrade the talent on the roster while staying fiscally responsible in this transition year? And, if the answer is yes, what is the wisest route to go about doing it? The Draft: By most accounts, this draft is going to be one of the deepest in a long time, with many recruits bailing out of college early in the hopes of avoiding a possible rookie salary schedule in the future. The chances are quite high that you can get a kid that was a first-round talent last year in the second- or -third- round this year. I've already put my money down on such a player--Nate Allen, as free safety from FSU. This smart, ball-hawking safety might have cost the Packers their 23rd overall pick in another year, but this year he will likely last until the second or perhaps even the third round. But most of us know that putting your faith in a rookie to come in and be a solid upgrade right away is wishful thinking. Clay Matthews is by far the exception than the rule, and even Thompson's relatively good road record on draft day hasn't produced many impact starters right away. The fact that the rookies would have to supplant players on an 11-5 team make it an even tougher challenge: it's not like you're trying to upgrade from Wil Whittaker and Samkon Gado anymore. The chances are far greater that you may find a tackle and safety of the future in the first couple of rounds, but when it comes to getting the Packers over the one-and-done playoff hump, that may be a little long to wait. In-house Improvement: the Packers have several project players that they would love to see mature this season and truly bring the competition that Mike McCarthy covets in training camp. The offensive line has to be Thompson's Achilles Heel over his tenure, hoping that mid-round picks would be able to compete and create a solid offensive line. However, the huge contract extensions offered to Clifton and Tauscher is a sign that, after five drafts and ten offensive linemen drafted, the Pack still haven't found anyone to replace the aging holdovers from the Sherman regime. On the roster, the Packers have a couple of linemen they would love to see mature into solid starting-caliber players, most notably T.J. Lang, who played as a fill-in as a rookie and may project into one of the tackle spots. Breno Guacamole also has a lot of size and many were hoping he also would be able to come in last season and contribute, but spent most game days on the inactive squad. The Packers should have back their starting front three on defense, but question marks still cloud the future of Johnny Jolly (though, I will be the first to admit, if I ever get in trouble with the law, I sure would like to know the name of Jolly's lawyer). It is pretty much consensus that Justin Harrell, Thompson's ill-fated first round pick from 2007, is already a foregone conclusion to be a non-factor again this season (and likely gone in preseason if he struggles). However, if for some reason Harrell were to even show the consistency and ability to be a rotational player, it would be a tremendous addition to the line. At linebacker, the Packers have lost Aaron Kampman, and now have an open spot opposite Clay Matthews at OLB. Several players could not only take that spot over, but possibly upgrade AJ Hawk in the middle. Brad Jones did a yeoman's job in relief of an injured Kampman last year, but disappeared at critical times. A year of growth and maturity may mean that Jones can win that spot outright. Another player we could see taking a step forward is Jeremy Thompson, a guy who shone during minicamps last year but wilted when the pads came on. He's built for a 3-4 OLB position, and if he were to take that step forward, the Packers would be all the better for it. Brandon Chillar and Des Bishop are also chomping at the bit to see if they can take over full-time inside, leaving Hawk on the bench (and perhaps available for trade). Defensive back is the thinnest area right now, which might seem surprising when you consider that three out of the four starters were named to the Pro Bowl over the last two seasons. Yet, Al Harris will again be a question mark coming off on injury, and while super-sub Tramon Williams is solid in relief, he's a step down from Harris and the nickel position is subsequently an even further drop. Two players that could really bolster the cornerback position with a sudden maturing process would be both Will Blackmon, a return specialist who struggled in regular coverage, and Pat Lee, the former second-round pick who has struggled to stay healthy. Brandon Underwood also got some playing time last season with a mixed bag of results. At safety, the prospects are even worse. Atari Bigby is the defacto starter, but has yet to regain his 2007 form as he recovers from injuries. He's another strong safety type, like Collins, who struggles more in coverage. Behind Bigby are just two players: Derrrick Martin and Jarrett Bush, both of whom appear to be special team players and servicable backups, not the kind of players who will upgrade your starting lineup. So, there are possibilities to improve from within, with offensive tackle and safety being the positions with the thinnest talent potential behind the starters. Trade: This is pretty much unheard of in the Thompson era, but isn't completely out of the question. Thompson shocked us all last season with a massive trade-up in the draft, so there's the possibility he may be interested in trading away a draft pick or peripheral player for a good player with a contract in place. Brian Carriveau over at Railbird Central proposed such a trade today, with the Packers offering a tendered Daryn Colledge to Oakland for inside linebacker Kirk Morrison (also tendered). While that may not be the trade I'd pull off, it would send a disgruntled Colledge elsewhere, and likely bring in a good player just thrilled to no longer be working for Al Davis. Obviously, I'd rather see an offensive tackle or a free safety coming to the Packers for Colledge, but those positions are a little harder to find and a lot more expensive. Unlike Morrison, however, the player we might be looking for in trade doesn't have to be another RFA waiting to sign a tender: every team tends to have an overload at some position that makes a player expendable. Heck, I'd be willing to trade Colledge to the Raiders for Michael Huff, the safety we bypassed in 2007 to take AJ Hawk. Yeah, he's struggled, but I like to believe he was played out of position for several years. He's a natural free safety that was pigeonholed as a strong safety to start, and struggled as a result. If a new situation and good surroundings could help him find the talent that made a 7th-overall pick, why not take that risk?-- C.D. Angeli is a longtime Packer fan and Staff Op/Ed Writer for PackerChatters.com. Visit his blog at Tundra Vision at http://tundravision.com. Sun, 14 Mar 2010 14:29:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/Signings_Aside_Can_the_Packer_Upgrade_Their_2009_Roster/2246426 http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/Signings_Aside_Can_the_Packer_Upgrade_Their_2009_Roster/2246426 Signings Aside, Can the Packer Upgrade Their 2009 Roster? http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/Signings_Aside_Can_the_Packer_Upgrade_Their_2009_Roster/2246426 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/4/d/4d8cb60b71d96be416293fbb8775e0c9e795b0cd/mini/Tennessee_Titans_v_ed6c.jpg Roster Update: The Packers placed LB Jeremy Thompson on injured reserve today and elevated nose tackle Anthony Toribio from the practice squad. To replace Toribio on the practice squad, the Packers signed receiver Khalil Jones (6-1, 212), a rookie out of Miami who spent the summer with the Atlanta Falcons. Back To Work: The Packers resumed [...] Wed, 30 Dec 2009 12:07:12 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/Wednesday_Notes_8211_Roster_Change/1829101 http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/Wednesday_Notes_8211_Roster_Change/1829101 Wednesday Notes – Roster Change http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/Wednesday_Notes_8211_Roster_Change/1829101 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/f/1/f16ca0ea5e002725aeae3c6eaa6e4946151540fa/mini/GettyImageProxy.ashx_requestUrl_http_3a_2f_2fcache.gettyimages.com_2fxc_2f89630902.jpg_3fv_3d1_26c_3dEWSAsset_26k_3d2_26d_3d17A4AD9FDB9CF1937481C04F04AA2143568D35CDC950A788.jpg New Feature: This morning a new feature, article views, was added to PackerChatters.com. The feature can be seen at the end of each article. Weather Current and Forecast for Soldier Field Latest Official NFL Injury Report; Green Bay Packers Jeremy Thompson LB     Neck – Out – (Definitely Will Not Play) – Out Ryan Pickett     DT     Hamstring – [...] Sat, 12 Dec 2009 11:27:01 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Saturday_Notes_Updated_Injury_Report/1733461 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Saturday_Notes_Updated_Injury_Report/1733461 Saturday Notes- Updated Injury Report http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Saturday_Notes_Updated_Injury_Report/1733461 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/3/0/30f00094f74c9d7e615705b4712b237cbce88c3c/mini/GettyImageProxy.ashx_requestUrl_http_3a_2f_2fcache.gettyimages.com_2fxc_2f89630920.jpg_3fv_3d1_26c_3dEWSAsset_26k_3d2_26d_3d17A4AD9FDB9CF1937481C04F04AA2143A37D3AC1A9DD88A4.jpg Though the early indications look decent, Jeremy Thompson won't know for a couple of weeks whether his recent neck injury could end his NFL career.The second-year pro and outside linebacker suffered an injury to a nerve in his neck last week in practice that caused numbness and burning in both arms. The incident was scary enough that he was taken from practice in an ambulance and required a night's stay in a hospital.The Packers' medical staff has reviewed an MRI and X-ray of his neck and told him there was no damage to the bones, ligaments and tendons in his neck, which bodes well for continuing his career. However, he's scheduled to undergo another MRI and X-ray in about two weeks and also visit specialists in Charlotte and Chicago to see whether he sustained any long-term damage to the impinged nerve."Hopefully there are none," Thompson said of the risks of continuing playing. "That’s what I’m going to find out, I’m seeking some second opinions. If there is something lingering then I probably won’t be able to play anymore, but if everything clears out fine then there won’t be any more risk."Thompson said most of the numbness and soreness in his neck and arms has subsided. He still has some stiffness in his neck but no appreciable ligament or tendon damage.-- Pete Dougherty, pdougher@greenbaypressgazette.com Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:24:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/OLB_Thompson_not_out_of_woods_yet/1713680 http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/OLB_Thompson_not_out_of_woods_yet/1713680 OLB Thompson not out of woods yet http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/OLB_Thompson_not_out_of_woods_yet/1713680 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/6/9669d76bacf4e5514d2b181afb107da339ae4c72/mini/Green_Bay_Packers_3277.jpg When Packers linebacker Jeremy Thompson was injured at practice last week, he thought the worst. "My initial reaction was that I thought I broke my neck when everything went numb," Thompson told Greg A. Bedard of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. "But... Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:34:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/Packers_linebacker_Thompson_thought_he_broke_his_neck/1700704 http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/Packers_linebacker_Thompson_thought_he_broke_his_neck/1700704 Packers linebacker Thompson thought he broke his neck http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/Packers_linebacker_Thompson_thought_he_broke_his_neck/1700704 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/3/0/30f00094f74c9d7e615705b4712b237cbce88c3c/mini/GettyImageProxy.ashx_requestUrl_http_3a_2f_2fcache.gettyimages.com_2fxc_2f89630920.jpg_3fv_3d1_26c_3dEWSAsset_26k_3d2_26d_3d17A4AD9FDB9CF1937481C04F04AA2143A37D3AC1A9DD88A4.jpg Packers linebacker Jeremy Thompson should experience a "full recovery" after suffering a scary neck injury at practice Friday, according to coach Mike McCarthy.Thompson was released from a Green Bay hospital Saturday morning and is "doing pretty well . . .... Sat, 05 Dec 2009 13:40:54 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/Packers_expect_full_recovery_for_Thompson/1686866 http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/Packers_expect_full_recovery_for_Thompson/1686866 Packers expect "full recovery" for Thompson http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/Packers_expect_full_recovery_for_Thompson/1686866 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/3/0/30f00094f74c9d7e615705b4712b237cbce88c3c/mini/GettyImageProxy.ashx_requestUrl_http_3a_2f_2fcache.gettyimages.com_2fxc_2f89630920.jpg_3fv_3d1_26c_3dEWSAsset_26k_3d2_26d_3d17A4AD9FDB9CF1937481C04F04AA2143A37D3AC1A9DD88A4.jpg Green Bay Packers OL T.J. Lang was absent from Friday's practice because he suffered a concussion during Thursday's practice, according to Mike McCarthy.  The more serious injury was the neck stinger suffered by LB Jeremy Thompson on a hit during practice. An ambulance responded to the practice facility. Mike McCarthy didn't have any further information during his press conference, but the Journal-Sentinel reported that Thompson will be kept overnight in the hospital. Hopefully it's just precautionary and Thompson will be back to 100% soon. As far as the team on the field goes, Lang is the more serious injury. LT Chad Clifton is, according to the Press-Gazette, still struggling with a hamstring injury and it looked like Lang would start on Monday night. According to Jason Wilde, if neither Lang or Clifton can play, undrafted rookie LG Evan Dietrich-Smith would start, and Daryn Colledge would start at left tackle. From Jason Wilde: "We just talked about this," Colledge said after taking left tackle repetitions with the first team in practice Friday with Lang and Clifton out. "I’m ready to move if I have to, but I truly believe it won’t be a situation like that. I fully expect Chad to play, and I fully expect T.J. to be ready. He’s doing whatever he’s doing right now, but I expect him to find a way to be there on Sunday. Wilde did report some good news: Clifton seemed better on Friday then on Thursday, and the previous Press-Gazette article was published on Thursday. With Clifton starting, and Colledge at left guard, the o-line will be as it has been for the past couple weeks. I don't have much faith in Colledge's statement about Lang's concussion, and I don't know how it will be handled in light of the NFL's new concussion policy. One more practice on Saturday, and we'll see who's likely to play on Monday. Sat, 05 Dec 2009 01:00:22 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/Friday_Injuries_TJ_Lang_and_Jeremy_Thompson/1685925 http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/Friday_Injuries_TJ_Lang_and_Jeremy_Thompson/1685925 Friday Injuries: T.J. Lang and Jeremy Thompson http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/Friday_Injuries_TJ_Lang_and_Jeremy_Thompson/1685925 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/3/0/30f00094f74c9d7e615705b4712b237cbce88c3c/mini/GettyImageProxy.ashx_requestUrl_http_3a_2f_2fcache.gettyimages.com_2fxc_2f89630920.jpg_3fv_3d1_26c_3dEWSAsset_26k_3d2_26d_3d17A4AD9FDB9CF1937481C04F04AA2143A37D3AC1A9DD88A4.jpg Packers linebacker Jeremy Thompson will stay overnight at a Green Bay hospital after suffering a scary neck injury during practice Friday."Jeremy Thompson suffered a neck sprain near the end of Friday's practice," the Packers said in a statement. "There was... Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:28:06 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/Packers_linebacker_Thompson_injures_neck_at_practice/1682589 http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/Packers_linebacker_Thompson_injures_neck_at_practice/1682589 Packers linebacker Thompson injures neck at practice http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/Packers_linebacker_Thompson_injures_neck_at_practice/1682589 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/3/0/30f00094f74c9d7e615705b4712b237cbce88c3c/mini/GettyImageProxy.ashx_requestUrl_http_3a_2f_2fcache.gettyimages.com_2fxc_2f89630920.jpg_3fv_3d1_26c_3dEWSAsset_26k_3d2_26d_3d17A4AD9FDB9CF1937481C04F04AA2143A37D3AC1A9DD88A4.jpg The Packers just issued the following statement on linebacker Jeremy Thompson, who was taken to the hospital after injuring his neck in practice today:"Packers linebacker Jeremy Thompson suffered a neck sprain near the end of Friday’s practice. There was no loss of consciousness and no paralysis at any time."Packers medical staff took customary precaution in treating the injury, including transport of Thompson to St. Vincent Hospital for a full battery of tests."He will be kept overnight at Bellin Hospital for rest and further evaluation."-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.comhttp://twitter.com/tompelissero Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:54:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/Thompson_has_neck_sprain_will_stay_in_hospital_overnight/1682387 http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/Thompson_has_neck_sprain_will_stay_in_hospital_overnight/1682387 Thompson has neck sprain, will stay in hospital overnight http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/Thompson_has_neck_sprain_will_stay_in_hospital_overnight/1682387 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/3/0/30f00094f74c9d7e615705b4712b237cbce88c3c/mini/GettyImageProxy.ashx_requestUrl_http_3a_2f_2fcache.gettyimages.com_2fxc_2f89630920.jpg_3fv_3d1_26c_3dEWSAsset_26k_3d2_26d_3d17A4AD9FDB9CF1937481C04F04AA2143A37D3AC1A9DD88A4.jpg Several teammates said Packers outside linebacker Jeremy Thompson had movement in his arms and legs before being taken to St. Vincent's Hospital after sustaining a neck injury during practice.The injury occurred when Thompson collided with practice squad running back Kregg Lumpkin during a team (11-on-11) period near the end of practice."I heard a big scream of 'aaahhh,' and he was just laying there," linebacker Brady Poppinga said. "But he was talking and moving. They asked him where it hurt, and he said 'everywhere,' but he was fully moving his arms and legs."Lumpkin was clearly shaken while trying to describe the play."His head hit my shoulder pad as I was going through the hole," Lumpkin said. "After that, he just fell back on the ground. He just said, 'oh no,' and fell on the ground. I was just standing there like, 'what just happened?'"At the time, he was moving his feet, and they told us to move back. It's scary. It's hard to explain. It's hard to talk about."-- Rob Demovsky, rdemovsk@greenbaypressgazette.comhttp://twitter.com/RobDemovsky Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:52:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/Thompson_has_movement_in_arms_legs/1681327 http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/Thompson_has_movement_in_arms_legs/1681327 Thompson has movement in arms, legs http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/Thompson_has_movement_in_arms_legs/1681327 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/6/9669d76bacf4e5514d2b181afb107da339ae4c72/mini/Green_Bay_Packers_3277.jpg Packers linebacker Jeremy Thompson has been taken to the hospital with a neck stinger.Coach Mike McCarthy said Thompson was conscious but had no other information on the injury, which occurred near the end of practice today. An ambulance was called to The Don Hutson Center about 12:30 p.m. and took Thompson to a local hospital as a precaution.Thompson has had several neck stingers since he arrived in Green Bay as a fourth-round draft pick in 2008, most recent in training camp this year. He was expected to share some snaps at outside linebacker on Monday night against Baltimore as well as play his usual role on special teams. He almost surely will be inactive now.Thompson (neck) and rookie tackle T.J. Lang (concussion) were added to the injury report. Cornerback Charles Woodson upgraded from limited to full participation. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.comhttp://twitter.com/tompelissero Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:59:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/Thompson_taken_to_hospital_with_neck_stinger/1680952 http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/Thompson_taken_to_hospital_with_neck_stinger/1680952 Thompson taken to hospital with neck stinger http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/Thompson_taken_to_hospital_with_neck_stinger/1680952 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/6/9669d76bacf4e5514d2b181afb107da339ae4c72/mini/Green_Bay_Packers_3277.jpg by Morry Gash - AP 3 months ago: Green Bay Packers' T.J. Lang is reflected in a puddle as he rides a bike to NFL football training camp Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) View full size photo » It looks like the Green Bay Packers will have two players starting different positions for the first time. According to Tom Silverstein, it's a "lock" that T.J. Lang will start at right tackle. Mike McCarthy acknowledged that Brad Jones is getting more work at OLB than Jeremy Thompson. As far as Lang goes, I'm not sure about this move. Though I like his potential more than RT Allen Barbre, he has struggled this season when he's played at left tackle. Back at Eastern Michigan, he started 10 games at right tackle as a sophomore, but played exclusively at left tackle as a junior and senior. So this week was the first time he's played on the right side since 2006, although he might have gotten some reps on the right side during training camp. He doesn't have a lot of experience on the right side. RT Mark Tauscher is out this week, but he could be back for the 49ers game on the 15th. Barbre suffered a concussion near the end of the game in Tampa, but he's back at practice. The only other option would be T Breno Giacomini, but as far as I can tell, he hasn't been seriously considered for playing time this season. Moving Lang to an unfamiliar position is just the best they can do this week. I'd been hoping Jones could get some more playing time. He showed some good speed pass rushing moves in the preseason. He's been playing left OLB since his first preseason game, so it's not an unfamiliar position for him. That's probably why he's practiced more than Jeremy Thompson, who has played almost exclusively at right OLB. With LB Brandon Chillar, LB Brady Poppinga, and, of course, LB Aaron Kampman all likely to be out this Sunday, Jones and Thompson are the only options left. Or do you think Thompson deserves to start ahead of Jones at this point? Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:00:49 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/New_Starters_RT_TJ_Lang_and_OLB_Brad_Jones/1556776 http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/New_Starters_RT_TJ_Lang_and_OLB_Brad_Jones/1556776 New Starters: RT T.J. Lang and OLB Brad Jones http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/New_Starters_RT_TJ_Lang_and_OLB_Brad_Jones/1556776 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/6/9669d76bacf4e5514d2b181afb107da339ae4c72/mini/Green_Bay_Packers_3277.jpg The Packers fourth-round draft pick from 2008, Jeremy Thompson, is continuing his rise up the Packers defensive depth chart, not just taking advantage of the injuries to 2009 first-round pick Clay Matthews, but also taking advantage of a new workout regimen he started after he found out he would have to play linebacker in the 3-4 defense. Thompson is a big man at 6-4, 270, good size for the outside linebacker position.  The only problem for him was that his speed wasn’t up to par with what the position requires.  So he changed his workout pattern: This offseason, Thompson changed his workout regimen to make himself into a pseudo linebacker for the new 3-4 defense. That included changing the pace at which he lifted weights and adding hip work between lifts. He lifted the same amount of weight for the same repetitions but instead of resting between lifts, he did more situps and abdominal work or active stretching. “A lot of the stretches I was doing worked on my hip flexibility, swiveling my hips back and forth for flexibility just so I’m a more fluid athlete,” Thompson said. With that, Thompson has moved into the starting lineup of the defense this offseason.  He has seen most or all of the reps opposite Aaron Kampman and the two have developed a rapport that will be vital for the defense to succeed.  The combination of size and speed is important for an outside linebacker in the 3-4, as they have to rush, cover, and take on blockers.  It seems Thompson can do all three. If I were a coach, I’d want 11 Jeremy Thompsons on my defense.  The Wake Forest product has impressed nearly everyone he has worked with. “It definitely wasn’t easy, the whole defense being new, plus a new position. It definitely wasn’t easy,” Thompson said. “Whatever we went through during the day I studied that night. So I would study an hour every night.” Thompson has done so well he has drawn rare praise from coaches on the field for dropping back into coverage. Coach Mike McCarthy also sees potential for Thompson in disrupting the quarterback. “He’s a natural pass rusher,” McCarthy said. “His experience playing defensive end really will help him this year as it carries over to the outside linebacker position. He’s as natural of an athlete that you’ll see out there at that position as far as dropping and doing all the different things. I know our defensive staff, particularly Kevin Greene and Dom Capers, are very excited.” One of the best things this does for the Packers defense is create competition and flexibility on the defense.  Thompson’s improvement will push Matthews to get better, giving the Packers two outstanding possibilities for the defense.  It also gives the Packers choices on which athlete they want in the game in different scenarios, giving the opposing offenses more things to gameplan for and more things to think about in the line.  It’ll be a blessing for the defense. Still, Thompson comes off as a guy you can’t hate, someone that you just want to root for: “Anytime you work with the ones, it’s an opportunity,” Thompson said. “I’m just trying to be the best I can be. If he comes back and he’s better than me and he can help the team, I mean, I’m not going to be content. But I’m going to have to know my role. But I’m going to do the best I can. If it is being starter, I’m going to try to take off and be the best starter in the league.” Maybe we’ll see him rolling off of a battered Brett Favre at some point this year. Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:06:31 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Jeremy_Thompson_Continues_Upward_Rise/705136 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Jeremy_Thompson_Continues_Upward_Rise/705136 Jeremy Thompson Continues Upward Rise http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/Jeremy_Thompson_Continues_Upward_Rise/705136 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/e/4/e406817d4eaa54631d65a989d15c4dcaa92180f7/mini/Green_Bay_Packers_224d.jpg