2014 Green Bay Packers Draft Prospect: Connor Shaw

Shaw is without a doubt a player who plays above his 6’ 1 209lb frame. He may not be your typical drop back passer but he has a knack for winning and a “Favre” like toughness about him.

To look back at October 26, 2013 Shaw’s raw athletic toughness was on center display. The QB from Flowery Branch High School in GA was sidelined due to an illness and sprained left knee. With his team trailing by 17 points Shaw entered the game and led his Gamecocks to a double overtime victory over at the time the #5 Missouri Tigers.

During Shaw’s career at the University of South Carolina he became the All-Time winningest QB in school history with a record of 26-5 throwing for 6,074 yards and 56 TD’s not to mention a “Perfect” home record of 17-0.

His final campaign with the Gamecocks, Shaw threw 24 touchdowns to only 1 interception leading them to a Capital One Bowl victory. Shaw was named the MVP of the game that saw him run for a TD, throw for 3 TD’s and even catch one while going 22-25 for 312 yards.

If the Packers would like an upgrade and a guy who can come in should Rodgers ever go down again, I think they should look no further than South Carolina QB Connor Shaw. His toughness and track record as a winner is far and above that of most prospects and he also has the tools to put up numbers.

The Window For A Franchise QB…

The NFL is an ever changing vast field of talented athletes. One of the stats that really jump off the page is the age of Super Bowl winning QB’s. As a diehard Packer fan and I bet most agree I never thought Favre would win his last Super Bowl at the ripe old age of 27. Here are a few more for you Brady 27, P. Manning 30, Aikman 29, Bradshaw 31 even Montana was only 33 when he won his last Super Bowl.

This has a lot to do with the talent surrounding the QB but the Packers should read their history books and realize their franchise QB turns 31 this season and the time to strike is now. The weapons surrounding Rodgers have gone out to pasture or changed colors with the likes of Driver, Jennings, Jones and likely Finley with expiring contracts of Nelson and Cobb lurking. Windows open and shut quickly but you must give your franchise QB weapons to win you Super Bowls.

Most of your Super Bowl winning teams also have a good if not great defense to support their Quarterback. The Packers had a terrible defense last season and often got labeled “soft”. Bringing in Peppers is a great gamble and a smart contract but it can’t stop there. How can a team labeled “soft” pass up a chance to take Calvin Pryor off the board at 21 even if you have two Alabama defensive standouts still on the board…you can’t.

The foundation has been poured for this team to be successful and be a staple at the top of the NFC North. It’s up to the organization if they are happy with their franchise reaching the pinnacle at 27…Brady-NE/Favre…Rodgers??? Dedication to putting talent around your franchise QB will always lead to greater things. Making your QB turn a 3rd rounder into a 1st rounder looks great on the checkbook but what about the trophy case?

Ted Thompson and Free Agency…

Free Agency period is now upon us, but as a Packers fan it can be a dull almost disappointing season.  I do believe Ted Thompson is a smart man and knows how to work the draft to add talent.  More often than not free agent deals are way too pricey and end up flopping by year 2 or 3.  With all of that taking into consideration there are some moves I would like to see the Packers make.

The primary focus of the Packers should be to add a playmaker on the defensive side of the ball to go with the often injured some what “Fragile” Matthews.  In my opinion I think the first round pick should be used on Calvin Pryor from Louisville.  He adds an immediate play making, hard hitting and swagger to a very soft defense.  All you have to do is look to the upper west coast to see what the LOB brought to Seattle.

Next up the Pack must re-sign some of the free agents we have.  Yes, this defense was horrible but it also needs depth.  You can’t go into a draft needing to build a whole defensive line or replace a squad of tight ends.  There are plenty of fair market value players to plug the depth chart.

Third and not the most important but the need for addressing the backup QB role needs to be solved.  I for one would like a mobile, tough and proven winner.  He may not have the size or be able to sling it 70 yards but I believe you have to spend a late round pick on SC QB Connor Shaw.  All the guy does is win ballgames and I believe he is highly underrated.

The last thing and maybe one of the least talked about is the need for a return man.  Devin Hester would be an immediate answer that I would love to see but may not be a reality for Ted Thompson.  If you look at the draft you have a couple of late round guys that are very intriguing.  Dri Archer is a small Darren Sproles type back that adds an instant bang but TJ Jones adds another WR to the fold with sure hands that could also benefit the Packers greatly on special teams.

All in all it will be an exciting “off season” as there is no offseason in the NFL.  That is why it is the greatest league in the world.  It may be somewhat of a completely looking Packer team in 2014 as far as personnel but I have no doubts we will challenge or win the North.  After all #12 is driving this thing…right?