From News Tribune wire services:

Told that The Sporting News had selected Ted Thompson as its George Young NFL Executive of the Year, Ron Wolf was not surprised.

“If I had told you before the season that the Packers would go 13-3 and make it to the NFC title game, you would’ve sent me to the loony bin,” says Wolf, the Packers’ former general manager who hired Thompson in 1992 as assistant director of pro personnel. “Ted understands every aspect of how an organization works. That’s why he was able to put together a winning team so quickly.”

Since rejoining the Packers as general manager in 2005 after a stint in Seattle, Thompson has blended the right mix of players.

He has kept productive veterans such as end Aaron Kampman, wide receiver Donald Driver and offensive tackle Chad Clifton while acquiring such players as linebacker A.J. Hawk, cornerback Charles Woodson, running back Ryan Grant, tight end Donald Lee and wide receivers Greg Jennings and James Jones.

Thompson also hired Mike McCarthy, who won a division championship in only his second season as a coach.

“Ted rebuilt the Packers quickly and efficiently with expert drafting and roster management and selected the right coach at the right time,” says Rams G.M. Jay Zygmunt.

Thompson displayed that same eye for talent when he was the Seahawks’ vice president of football operations from 2000 through 2004. Nine of Seattle’s starters in Super Bowl 40 were drafted by Thompson.

The Packers face another challenge this offseason with the retirement of Brett Favre, but Thompson began preparations for the post-Favre era in 2005 when he drafted Aaron Rodgers with the 24th pick.

“I’m sure the Packers had other needs at that point, but Ted saw the need for a young quarterback, and now that pick has a lot greater impact than it did at the time,” says Wolf.

“You can look pretty smart if you have a knack for planning ahead. That’s Ted. The Packers are in good hands.”

Giants general manager Jerry Reese finished second in the polling of 48 NFL executives, while VP of player personnel Scott Pioli of the Patriots was third.