One of my top candidates I came across a few weeks back when looking for some "lesser known" more "realistic" possibilities then the highly sought after Big 3: Gamble, Ross, Caldwell,
In learning about more about John Dorsey's qualifications, I learned that this is one guy that longtime Green Bay fans think very highly of and do not want to see go to another organization. Aside from a very quick "hiatus" with Seattle, John played & worked for the Packers since 1984.
In a recent Packer Update post:
"....a longtime NFL scribe thinks he might finally be ready to make the jump. “Dorsey is known for having a good eye for talent, and his college scouting background gives him a strong draft pedigree,” wrote Don Banks of Sports Illustrated. “He’s worked under both Ted Thompson and Ron Wolf in Green Bay, two of the most respected personnel evaluators in recent NFL history, and sources say he’s ready and willing to pursue all general manager opportunities after turning down offers to interview last year.”
One of the things that made Dorsey a top pick in my mind were some quotes I read in an interview done by Vic Ketchman in 2011 about his draft philosophy. Here are some parts I enjoyed and found interesting:
“Best player available. We live it,” Dorsey said. “Our job is to find the best player we can possibly find to improve our roster. I think that’s what we do. If we can make our roster as competitive as we possibly can, that’s all you can do. We’ve always been taught to stay true to the board, whatever you do, and we stay true to the board.”
The article goes on to mention how the selection of Aaron Rodgers as the 24th pick in 2005 as a prime example of sticking to best player available. We all already know who the Packers QB was back then, Rodgers was available because many teams drafting earlier didn't "need" a quarterback and passed on him.
The BPA strategy isn't exactly rocket science, not a very unique strategy used. In looking at previous Green Bay drafts, it seems that Thompson & his scouting team led by Dorsey, show strength is drafting for value. Something that any team needing to rebuild would gladly welcome.
Regarding the combine and interviewing prospects Dorsey states:
“Every team is going to approach those 15 minutes a little differently. I think you can get a basic feel for who he is, but I think these guys are so prepped and so trained today that there’s too big of a wall in that setting. If you can create it like a locker room, because that’s where they’re going to have to exist, I think you can find the five factors it’s going to take to succeed,”
“One, are they a good guy? Two, do they work at their craft? Three, do they love football? Four, are they going to be good in the locker room? And five, would you like to have them as your neighbor?”
Another funny tidbit regarding Dorsey's "getting to know prospects" approach:
A friend of mine goes to Dorsey's barber. The barber said that Dorsey has an interesting way of judging character with the players that they are looking at. When all the other scouts are questioning them in a formal setting and getting formal answers, Dorsey will watch for when the player goes to the restroom, follow him in there and talk to the guy while he is taking a leak or washing his hands. Just makes small talk to see if the athlete will talk to him or blow him off and then judges from there. Kinda freaky in a way but extremely clever. Get the player out of their element and in a different setting and see how they really are.
On second thought..... .... the last thing this team needs are media stories about the Jets new General Manager stalking players in the bathroom at the combine.....
Along with Caldwell, Gamble & Ross, I couldn't be happier to hear about this interview. What draws me to both not only Dorsey but Caldwell as well are not only the organizations they have "grown" in but the people they have learned from. Caldwell working under Dimitroff and John Dorsey under Ted Thompson. Both well respected great football minds with successful careers in their respectful organizations.
Looking forward to hearing how these interviews pan out, and other candidates that make Jed Hughes and Woody's list. GM Watch continues....
and PS.... ...I already know it's coming, so I may as well just beat you to it.
