Thompson Finally Got It Right

After getting verbally flogged by the Packers faithful the last two NFL Drafts, Ted Thompson finally got it right.

Thompson—who wears multiple green and gold hats as the executive vice president, general manager and director of football operations—has been Green Bay's tallest lightning rod, and for good reason.

In 2007, Thompson led off the two-day draft circus by selecting defensive tackle Justin Harrell. The same Justin Harrel that only played three games his senior at the University of Tennessee due a torn left biceps tendon.

When it was announced that the Packers had selected him with the 16th overall pick, the 6'4", 320-pounder actually looked shocked when his oversized paws clutched the phone, informing him of his impending first round millions.

The injury bug will likely stick with Harrel his entire career. Entering just his third NFL season, he has only played in 13 games—starting just two. Yet, the Packers were more than willing to open up the public coffers and sign him to a five-year deal in 2007 worth just under $15 million, with nearly $8 million guaranteed.

The draft problems were compounded the following year when Thompson decided to showcase his intelligence by selecting wide receiver Jordy Nelson with the Packers' first pick.

This was after the Packers had a strong stable of pass catchers in three-time Pro Bowler Donald Driver, Greg Jennings—who racked up over 17 yards per catch in 2007—and up-and-coming rookie James Jones.

When the pick was announced to the Packers faithful, who made their yearly offseason pilgrimage to their Mecca, loud boos reverberated throughout the Lambeau Field Atrium. 

But you can't really blame them. For a town that is the smallest NFL city by over 170,000, collecting a paycheck has put Thompson under the microscope.

After following in the footsteps of the erratic Mike Sherman in 2005, Thompson looks to have finally gotten it right this past April.

He addressed the need for an anchor on the defensive line by selecting 6'2", 337-pound B.J. Raji ninth overall and instead of drafting down for more warm bodies—which had been his M.O.—Ushe sent a second rounder (41st overall) and two third round picks (73 and 83) to New England for the 26th overall pick and a fifth rounder (162).

Thompson then used that on the speedy 6-3, 245-pound linebacker Clay Matthews to give new defensive coordinator Dom Capers plenty of talent to mold the new 3-4 defense around.

After swinging and missing several times, it's safe to say that Thompson has finally made solid contact.