The person responsible for keeping the Packers stockpiled is general manager Ted Thompson, who is Sporting News' executive of the year for the second time; the first came in 2007. Thompson, with 14 votes, finished ahead of San Francisco 49ers GM Trent Baalke (seven), Houston Texans GM Rick Smith (five) and Cincinnati Bengals president Mike Brown (three). Though the Packers didn't repeat as Super Bowl champs, they are in position to remain contenders for years to come, thanks largely to Thompson’s front office acumen. What’s his secret? Thompson says he doesn’t have one, he works hard and trusts what a prospect does on the field more than his measurements. “I look for good players,†Thompson said at last year’s NFL Scouting Combine. “There are probably ideal heights and lengths and stuff like that in terms of body makeup that you look for, but it doesn’t necessarily translate into the best 3-4 outside linebacker. James Harrison of Pittsburgh does not fit those height-length requirements, but he’s a marvelous player. As much as we can, we try to stick with guys that have proven they can play the game.†Of the 22 players who started for the Packers in Super Bowl XLV, 15 were drafted by Thompson, the Packers are one of the league’s most talented teams but also one of the youngest and that’s a great combination—one Thompson is responsible for. Source: Sporting News
