Most Green Bay Packers fans were not overly enamored with the work of general manager Ted Thompson in his first 14 months on the job.

Hired in January 2005, Thompson's initial decisions led directly to the loss of starting guards Mike Wahle and Marco Rivera in free agency. Those defections -- and the substandard work of replacements Will Whitticker and Adrian Klemm -- would prove disastrous for the team's running game last season.

There was also an uneasy partnership with ex-coach Mike Sherman, who held down the GM position prior to Thompson's arrival. Sherman eventually signed a contract extension under Thompson, but he was never Thompson's guy. Thompson fired Sherman the day after the team finished a painful 4-12 season.

The Packers were also crippled by injuries to their wide receivers and running backs, but Thompson didn't go out of his way to snatch up proven veterans with which to surround Brett Favre. Other than rookie Samkon Gado, there was nary a positive personnel move to discuss. And that one was largely an accident.

In every corner bar and local eatery, fans were questioning Thompson's competence. Why didn't he do more to help Favre in what may have been the Hall of Famer's last season? How could he allow a terrific offensive line to disintegrate without a backup plan? Was he scapegoating Sherman, a popular coach that had led the team to three consecutive division titles prior to his arrival? And who, pray tell, was Mike McCarthy?

As the free agency period began two weeks ago, the questions multiplied. The team quickly lost Ryan Longwell to the hated Vikings, bringing to mind Darren Sharper's signing by Minnesota last offseason. Star wide receiver Javon Walker stated his intention to retire rather than return to Green Bay. And Favre began making public overtures toward hanging up his shoulder pads.

But all of a sudden, Thompson's diligent and measured approach seems to be making some headway. He began by re-signing tackle Aaron Kampman, a fan favorite and the team's defensive leader. Needing more defensive help, Thompson signed Seattle safety Marquand Manuel, St. Louis tackle Ryan Pickett and Cleveland linebacker Ben Taylor. None have great name recognition, but all are young (they'll each be either 27 or 28 years old this season) and affordable.

There were also some surprising re-signings. While it seemed highly unlikely that running backs Ahman Green, Najeh Davenport and William Henderson would all return in 2006, Thompson secured deals with each of them while allowing third-down back Tony Fisher to leave for St. Louis. Injury problems and age are still a concern, but the trio's familiar presence eases some concern for Packers fans.

There's plenty of work left for Thompson to do. Billy Cundiff may not be the answer to replace Longwell, but the Packers are likely to bring in at least one more leg to compete with the ex-Cowboy during training camp. Favre's status, despite rumors that Craig Nall's departure may signal #4's return, is an unknown. And the linebacking unit, sans Na'il Diggs and the mediocre Paris Lenon, is still thin despite Taylor's signing. A.J. Hawk, anyone?

But Thompson appears to have a plan. He targeted Manuel from his days in Seattle, where a team largely of his making advanced to the Super Bowl the year after he left. Pickett is the same type of player as tackle Grady Jackson, who is injury-prone and getting older. Kevin Barry's re-signing on the offensive line gives the team multiple options, such as moving Mark Tauscher inside to guard, where the unit is weakest. And Walker's possible holdout was partially mitigated by the signing of Kansas City receiver Marc Boerigter this week.

Free agency hasn't been filled with headlines, but Thompson's true time to shine is during the NFL Draft (April 29-30). The book on Thompson is that he prefers to build through the draft, not via splashy free agency signings. And with the #5 overall pick and some attractive options on either side of the football, he'll get that opportunity.

Thompson is certainly not Ron Wolf, whether you're judging by charisma, sound bytes or personnel decisions. But he's looking a little smarter every day. By the time training camp arrives, Packers fans may have formed a new opinion of the team's second-year GM.