A new philosophy

General manager Ted Thompson and the Green Bay Packers really did some drafting in 2008 that was a bit of a change in philosophy from what we've seen in the past.

There's three things the Packers have done differently than they've done in the past:
These guys in the 2008 draft class aren't special teams players like the 2007 draft class was. That's not to say some of these players won't play special teams. The wide receivers, Jordy Nelson and Brett Swain, look like they can return kicks. And others might be part of some coverage teams. But just look at the 2007 class: Mason Crosby, Korey Hall, Desmond Bishop, and Aaron Rouse were all special teams regulars. Running back Brandon Jackson didn't figure to become a special teams player after beginning the season as the starter, but he became one. And don't doubt that first round draft pick Justin Harrell joins the field goal and extra point block squads this year with those long levers of his now that he's healthy. more...