With the draft getting closer and closer, the Packers have to address the team’s biggest question mark.
Ted Thompson must decide how much stock he needs to place in offensive linemen Derek Sherrod — who will have to beat out David Bakhtiari for the starting left tackle job. The former first rounder has only played in five games with no starts mainly because of a compound leg fracture.
It’s not only a huge risk to put Sherrod in a position to get some quality time. But it’s even more of a gamble when the guy who he’s protecting is the best quarterback in the league.
This is a make or break year for Sherrod. He is playing out the final year of his four-year, $6.6 million deal. The Mississippi State standout could have a dramatic turnaround for the first time in his four-year career this season. He could help own the line of scrimmage and give Rodgers ample time to see the field. But the biggest question is whether Sherrod can sustain abundant playing time.
The Packers aren’t in a position to turn away offensive linemen in the draft, especially if it means keeping Rodgers healthy. Quality offensive linemen are a premium and adding guys that can actually see the field aren’t just important, they’re mandatory.
The Packers must realize how much they need to invest in Sherrod. Fair or unfair, he hasn’t been a worthwhile investment. It’s hard to make any kind of an impact when you cannot see the field.
Sherrod is a case study in trust from both ends. The team has to trust that Sherrod is in fact 100 percent healthy, followed his training and rehab work perfectly applied in the offseason and is willing to work even harder as the season approaches. Sherrod must trust the team that the Packers don’t give up on him too soon and be transparent and up-front with him if they draft or bring in another offensive lineman.
Would we still be talking about Sherrod if he was a fifth round pick? Probably not. But the fact that he was a high pick is meaningless now. Nobody throughout the league truly knows what he can bring to a game and a team.
It may sound hollow, but the Packers are hoping that a contract year is enough to make Sherrod play through an amount of pain. David Bakhtiari isn’t exactly the answer at left tackle and unless the Packers move way up in the draft, it looks like that isn’t happening.
Which is why it’s in Thompson’s best interest to draft another left tackle that can be the bookend for years to come.
——————Cory Jennerjohn is from Wisconsin and has been in sports media for over 10 years. To contact Cory e-mail him at jeobs -at- yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter: Cory Jennerjohn
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I think its a little early to count out Bakhtiari at not being the LT of the future. For a late round pick, he’s been more than a bargain at his position. And far better than Newhouse has ever been!
We need balance, so defense will prevail in the draft. Unless a very good prospect falls to us. Also, Bakhtiari is the answer.
At worst, we find out Bakhtiari is slightly better at RT than he is at LT and keep Bulaga at LT. That’s not the plan in June minicamps, but that might be what they discover as Bakhtiari cross trains.
So the Packers do have two competent starting tackles.
We need balance, so defense will prevail in the draft. Unless a very good prospect falls to us. Also, Bakhtiari is the answer.
I am not quite ready to agree with you, Pete. I think Bakhtiari showed us in 2013 that he is serviceable, but not necessarily the answer at LT. Maybe in 2014 he’ll show us even more. However this turns out, I want to see Rodgers well protected so he can dominate opposing defenses all season long. Go Pack!
I tend to agree. Bakhtiari answered the bell in 2013, but needs to continue to grow as a player.
Sherrod is just another first rounder who has been unable to fully contribute to this team. Bulaga, Perry, Sherrod and to some extent Matthews have all watched as many games from the sidelines as they have played. Bad luck or bad genes, I don’t know BUT you need your 1st round studs to be a big and sure part of the team. At this point, Sherrod would be found money.
I am not so sure that David Bakhtiari isn’t the answer. He played better than any LT since Clifton. Our O-line problem was really from center to RT. We could barely run that way, let alone provide a pocket.
While our 1st rounders have struggled to find the field, you got to love the fact that last year’s draft crew picked up the slack. Lacy, Hyde, Bakhtiari and Boyd all pulled tremendous weight for rookies. We need another draft like that.
“Bakhtiari isn’t exactly the answer at LT”……apparently MM disagrees with you Cory, that’s why Bulaga is moving to the right side to compete with Barclay. Bak showed steadiness, composure and never backed down from anyone. Yes, he took his rookie lumps and struggled at times but so does virtually every LT not named Joe Thomas. Sherrod, if healthy, will push Bak and settle in (for now) as the backup LT. GoPack!
It might be better stated that Bakhtiari is the better option for NOW at LT. I think the math is pretty straightforward: Bakhtiari at LT with Bulaga at RT > Bulaga at LT and Barclay or Bakhtiari at RT.
Put the strongest position group on the field. I think Sherrod, like you say, might push Bakhtiari and will likely become the swing tackle on this team. If Barclay becomes an inside backup, that means the Packers have three reserves who can play on the outside in a pinch. Nice flexibility.
Sorry…two reserves plus Lang.
Sherrod is a bust, face the facts and move on. You don’t come back from an injury like that. Even if you can physically, there will still be mental blocks that Sherrod will not overcome. It was very nice of the Packers to keep him around. 6.6 million for hanging out with the guys and rehabilitating his leg. If someone offered me 6.6 million and the finest medical team to rehab and be able to hang out with the Green Bay Packers along the way, I would say, swing away break that leg, not like I have to work ever again. Kudos to the Packers for keeping him, taking care of him, and paying him. However, no one should feel sorry for Sherrod, 6.6 million and never started a game, not bad rookie…
Mike Flanigan disagees with you.
Flanagan. !
Sorry, Sherrod is no Flanagan…
I dunno…at one time, Flanagan was no Flanagan.
Jim, I love that response. I’d give it two likes if I could.
put your money where your mouth is, Jimmy
It took center Mike Flanagan a couple of years and a failed trade to Carolina before he became a starter. Same injury – compound fracture of the leg with possible nerve damage. Good or bad, I really want to see what Sherrod has on the field. He was a very good left tackle in college. If he can’t do it in the pros, OK, we paid you, kept you around, so long, see ya later, it was fun. If he has what it takes to play in the NFL, worse case he pushes Bahktiari for the LT position and everyone is better for it. I can’t see Bahktiari giving up his spot with out a fight. He’ll do whatever he has to do to be a better player. Sherrod will be in a fight for his NFL life, and if he is good enough we 2 good options. The Packers would definitely benefit from that scenario! But whichever it is – good and stays, bad and goes, I just want to see it. Everyone’s been waiting since his rookie year, but he hasn’t played enough to figure out if he is a bust or not!
I believe after almost 4 years if he hasn’t healed (mentally and physically) its not gonna happen. Time to stick a fork in Sherrod, he is done…
How can you tell he ‘hasn’t healed’ without giving him a chance to show it in camp?
There’s a reason the coaches kept him on the roster for the last few weeks of the 2013 season instead of putting him on IR when his PuP eligibility ran out.
I like your optimism, however, after 4 years how much more is a bone going to heal. Unless they are re-breaking the bone, the healing is done my friend.
That is my point — the healing is done *now* (not last summer, when they did in fact have to redo the surgery.)
He still gets to add weight and strength over the past recovery year and compete for a job this COMING summer.
You don’t like facts do you? Its been a little over 2 yrs and he had a 2nd surgery precisely to re-break the bone and properly reset it. So 2+ yrs and 2 surgeries later Sherrod is FINALLY going to get an offseason for the first time in GB, not too mention a full training camp!
Are you ignoring FACTS on purpose or are you just not very smart?
It hasn’t been 4 years. Sherrod was hurt 12/18/11 = 2 years 4 months and 12 days.
If you’re going to try to state a fact, the least you can do is take ten seconds to google it first.
Sorry nuncrusher I just read the article where it says he is in his last year of a 4 year contract. Better stop the press.
which means it’s been three years, not four.
It’s not about you misreading something, it’s about you blatantly embellishing to try to make a point. When people know what they’re talking about, they don’t need to stretch the truth.
. . . which is exactly why Big T needs to stretch the truth!
It took center Mike Flanagan a couple of years and a failed trade to Carolina before he became a starter. Same injury – compound fracture of the leg with possible nerve damage. Good or bad, I really want to see what Sherrod has on the field. He was a very good left tackle in college. If he can’t do it in the pros, OK, we paid you, kept you around, so long, see ya later, it was fun. If he has what it takes to play in the NFL, worse case he pushes Bahktiari for the LT position and everyone is better for it. I can’t see Bahktiari giving up his spot with out a fight. He’ll do whatever he has to do to be a better player. Sherrod will be in a fight for his NFL life, and if he is good enough we 2 good options. The Packers would definitely benefit from that scenario! But whichever it is – good and stays, bad and goes, I just want to see it. Everyone’s been waiting since his rookie year, but he hasn’t played enough to figure out if he is a bust or not!
I like Bak at LT for the next decade. You paid for Sherrod the last few years, you may as well hang on and see if becomes a quality swing OT. Patience grasshopper in all things.
That would be Archie channelling his inner Mr. Miyagi.
I agree on both points. Well stated. GoPack!
I couldn’t disagree with this article more. The Packers are in a GREAT position at every position on the OL except C. And you don’t have to take a replacement value C higher than the 4th round.
Sherrod is a good commodity to have as a backup to Bulaga and Bakh. Yes, he’s been injured, but we don’t NEED him (nor should he) to start.
I couldn’t disagree with this article more. The Packers are in a GREAT position at every position on the OL except C. And you don’t have to take a replacement value C higher than the 4th round.
Sherrod is a good commodity to have as a backup to Bulaga and Bakh. Yes, he’s been injured, but we don’t NEED him (nor should he) to start.
GAH! Sorry
Two things…
I think it’s too early to label Bakhtiari and Bulaga as bookend tackles for the Packers for the next decade. If Bulaga makes the switch to RT and stays at RT because Bakhtiari improves enough during this upcoming season at LT, then GB has their bookend tackles for the next decade.
Second, Sherrod may well be a draft bust but not along the lines of Justin Harrell. Sherrod arrived in GB penciled in as the starter at LG. That cost him reps at LT which is the position he was drafted for. The GB coaching staff bears responsibility for that decision. They did Sherrod no favors there.
Presuming Sherrod can stay healthy for the upcoming mini-camp, OTAs, training camp and preseason, there’s no great loss seeing what he has. I don’t think he’s in a position to beat out Bakhtiari and don’t expect him too. He’s in a position to beat out Barclay if Barclay doesn’t show improved versatility and competence.
The development (or lack) by Sherrod has 3 possible outcomes:
1) Sherrod is as good as was advertised in 2011, puts his ONE major injury behind him, and becomes a long term starter at LT (Bakh moves to RT, Bulaga leaves in FA next year).
2) Sherrod is not quite as good as advertised in 2011, still puts his ONE major injury behind him, becomes a decent backup at both OT positions, and either leaves in free agency next year or doesn’t find a team that will pay him and gets resigned by the Packers as a long term backup.
3) Sherrod is a bust.
In all outcomes, the Packers should draft at least one offensive tackle this year for depth, in addition to drafting a second OL who can at least become a back-up Center. Neither of those need to be 1st round picks.
So this year the OL situation is really no different than any other year for a value-drafting ‘draft and develop’ team like the Packers.
I would lean toward number 3
Maybe Sherrod is healed up, learns how to snap a ball and we get a long-term stud center for our trouble…
TT still has his buddy Marshall Newhouse on speed dial just in case.
Newhouse plays for CIncinnatti now.
Sorry nuncrusher I just read the article where it says he is in his last year of a 4 year contract. Better stop the press.
Ed, I know he plays for Cincy, TT could do an elaborate trade to get him back.
Keep trolling….
OK, we’ll go slow for you…Sherrod was hurt during the 2011 season, his rookie (first) year. He sat out TWO seasons rehabbing. 1 + 2 = 3. 2014 will be his FOURTH season, and the LAST year of his contract. Despite this time line, the time elapsed from the date of injury – 12/18/11 – to the present is two years, four months, and 12 days. So…EVERYBODY is right here. We just have to hold your hand to get you there, Big T.
I watched every game last year and was thoroughly impressed with how well Bak played. Consider he went up against Peppers, Allan, justin smith and aldon smith. And he was a fourth rounder. If he makes the ” second year jump” he will be a stud
I watched every game last year and was thoroughly impressed with how well Bak played. Consider he went up against Peppers, Allan, justin smith and aldon smith. And he was a fourth rounder. If he makes the ” second year jump” he will be a stud
I agree with Ed Schoenfeld’s comment on this one. If I had a chance I would have made a similar comment. Sherrod will either become a starting tackle, a reliable backup or bust. In any case, if a quality OL is available for the Packers to draft they should take him for additional depth. You can never have enough quality OLs to deal with injuries. Also, it doesn’t cost the Packers any additional $ to give Sherrod a fair shot during the pre-season. I would expect that if he’s healthy he will play very hard, knowing that this is his last shot. If he gets up to form he can be a great addition to the Packers’ line. Thanks, Since ’61
I don’t know why so many people agonise over getting a tackle this year. You have Bakhtiari and Bulaga. This year is when you should find out what you have in Sherrod.
If he bombs, NEXT YEAR is the time to go high for an OT, you should never, never waste a premium pick, and by next year the Packers should have a much better idea what they have in Sherrod and Bakhtiari.
This year the Packers have needs at S, ILB, TE and another NT. they could get another WR and CB as well. Most of those positions rate higher as a need, than OT.
The fact that the Packers tend to draft tackles and move them elsewhere on the line (see Tretter for example), means there are plenty of guys who have played some tackle.
I think you’re right: as it stands, the Packers have three guys who could play on the left side (Bulaga, Sherrod, Bakhtiari) and three guys who could play on the right side (Barclay, Bulaga, and Sherrod). That’s without considering Lang. I don’t put Bakhtiari in that right side group because he’s not a traditional ORT type (although those stereotypes don’t mean as much these days). The problem is if Sherrod can’t play at a level that allows him to make the team, but even then there’s depth to cover both tackle positions.
I could see the Packers taking a tackle if one fell to them in the draft and was such a value that they couldn’t pass him up. Otherwise–outside of the center position–the OL is in pretty good shape.
I love the optimism everyone has for Sherrod, I guess I will have to give in and admit he is the next coming of Tony Mandarich.
The team knows better than we do. Mike Neal was injured and a total bust on this website until he wasn’t. The coaches see 100 times more of a player than we do. They are not correct 100% of time but they are better than 95% of the folks who comment here.
I am disappointed with lots of players, but then we have (13) NFL titles so the coaches must be really bad.
Not sure what your talking about with DBak. According to PFF he was either #1 or #2 best pass blocking rookie tackle. He wasnt good in the run game and struggled against Bull rushes. He needs to add more strength and hell be fine. The guy is tough as nails. When he gets hurt and one of his teamattes try to help him up he pushes them away and plays through the pain. Hes going to be a stud. The funny thing is if he was a 1st rounder everyone would say hes the lt of the future.
Jon Michels? Ross Verba? Two guys who were high picks who played some LT early on but couldn’t maintain it. You make a key statement: he needs to add strength…but more than that, he needs to keep getting better. If all he does is bulk up a little, but doesn’t improve, the rest of the league will key on that. The rest of the OL might be excellent, but if the weak link is protecting your franchise QB’s back side, that’s a bad combination.
Both Michels and Verba showed that they weren’t good at LT during their rookie season.
Based on performance, Bakhtiari showed he is exactly the opposite of Michels and Verba.
As for adding bulk, improving technique, etc. that is usually something every rookie has to do regardless of talent. Usually coaches wait until they actually see if the player has done — you know, in this thing called a training camp they have a couple of months from now — that before making decisions on the player’s future role
Not sure what your talking about with DBak. According to PFF he was either #1 or #2 best pass blocking rookie tackle. He wasnt good in the run game and struggled against Bull rushes. He needs to add more strength and hell be fine. The guy is tough as nails. When he gets hurt and one of his teamattes try to help him up he pushes them away and plays through the pain. Hes going to be a stud. The funny thing is if he was a 1st rounder everyone would say hes the lt of the future.
He was the ONLY Rookie LT tackle to start.
Can we just FF to the draft?
It would be interesting to see what TT does if Taylor Lewan falls to #21, especially if Ha-Ha, Pryor, Mosley or maybe Shazier are off the board. TT might pass due to Lewan’s off field issues.
The thing about waiting to see what Bakhtiari and Sherrod do this summer is that this year’s draft is loaded with tackles. There are 10 to 12 good tackle prospects in the top 120 players. It wouldn’t surprise me if TT used a 3rd or a 4th on a tackle. I am content with Bakh, Bulaga, Sherrod and Barclay at tackle, so maybe TT addresses C/OG instead.
As I pointed out, TT will probably draft a tackle regardless, because that’s the way you improve a team for the future. With the depth you point out its likely they could get a capable player even in the later rounds.
Whether Sherrod is a ‘bust’ or not doesn’t really affect the need to draft someone at the position almost every year.
Agreed TT will probably draft a tackle and should most years, regardless of whether Sherrod is a bust. One reason for me is that Bulaga is in a contract year and Sherrod only has a fairly expensive option left after this year, and there is talent available this year at tackle. I don’t agree with those who in commenting on previous articles have suggested not taking an O-Line prospect at all.
But I also agree with Since 61 on the need for a center prospect too (i.e. drafting 2 O-line prospects). Despite my agreement with Since 61, when I do my own mock drafts, I usually only come away with 1 O-line prospect. That’s why being a good GM is hard, and I am thankful that we have TT! Of course, there was an article on this site or Cheesehead on Tackle prospects who could play center too.