April 28, 2003

Draft Recap

In a first for Packers fans, first round draft pick, Nick Barnett e-mailed this message to his new fans:

Dear Packers Fans -

Being drafted yesterday was exciting to begin with, but being drafted by the
Green Bay Packers just added to the experience.

Nothing can beat playing for an organization like this, with such great
tradition, an excellent coaching staff and great current players.

When the Packers picked me in the first round I was with family and friends
in Barstow, Calif., watching the draft on TV. Last night I drove two hours
from Barstow, Calif., to L.A., and then took a 12:45 a.m. flight to get to
Green Bay this morning.

Once I got here I met with my coaches and talked to the media. Then my
linebackers coach, Mark Duffner, took me to see Lambeau Field for the first
time.

Just walking out of that tunnel you can feel it -- the tradition, the vibe
that is going to be there on game day. I can't wait to see all the
Cheeseheads in the stands! I think I have a Lambeau Leap in my future and
I'm ready get out there.

I want Packers fans to trust that I'm going to work hard to be the best that
I can be. I really want to have an impact on this team and help us win a
Super Bowl.

I'm excited to be your first-round pick. Go Packers!

-- Nick Barnett

The theme of this draft was speed. The Packers want to build a fast defense that gets to the ball quickly and makes big plays. What they want is an NFC North version of the Tampa Bay defense. To really emulate the Bucs they'll need to find a dominant defensive lineman. A qualm I had with the Packers' draft was little emphasis on wide receivers. Mike Sherman must be satisfied with what he has. I'm not, but maybe a vetern receiver will be available through free agency when teams do some salary cap cutting.

"Packers Go on the Offensive Defensively"