Packers Draft

[CJH]

Only a week until the draft. Pack has the 32nd Pick (last) in the first round. Not going to ask for a specific person, since at 32 that's pretty tough to pick, plus with Trader Ted, who knows which direction he will go in. Plus he usually picks value, and often a player falls into his lap who was projected to go earlier (Rogers, Bulaga).

Not a ton of holes to fill, but I hope they take an OLB to compliment Mathews - their D could be scary good with a playmaker on the other side. I could see them taking DE or OT, if a good one is still available. What do you think??

[walleyeking19]

I would hope they'd take a tackle if one slips down, but if not an outside linebacker would really make that defense tough. Thompson has made some good picks in the last few years. I got faith in him

[snoozebutton]

I don't think they're great at any one position so the best player available will be where they'll go. I'd like to see them take an offensive lineman, linebacker, D. end or tackle, or receiver in that order.

[mrklean]

i think they are gonna draft D

[SkunkedAgain]

I've never been a big fan of the "best player available" strategy, however, I agree that this is certainly a situation that warrants that approach. We don't have any specific needs (great to say that) but could benefit from a great player at any position. If I were TT, I would assess if a great player truly did slip down to the 32nd pick. If so, take that best player available. If not, I could see him trading out of the first round like he did in 2008 with the Jordy Nelson pick. I'm a big believer in drafting quantity over (perceived) quality in the draft.

[CJH]

Some good takes!!

Thought this was an entertaing quote from TT:

"There's a lot of interest in the draft. It's great. But quite frankly, most of the people that are commenting on it don't know anything about what they are talking about.''

-- Green Bay GM Ted Thompson

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/peter_king/04/24/mmqb/index.html#ixzz1KYe1Y8lr

[SkunkedAgain]

Haha, I love the bravado of the GM who's team just won the Super Bowl. He was probably thinking that in years past, but finally had the lumps to say it in an interview.

He's right though. I have never paid attention to the draft predictions unless the Pack has one of the first few picks. Otherwise there are too many variables to consider.

Good article.

[CJH]

I would have to agree that TT thinks most of these guys are clueless.

First Round of the draft is tonight!!!

No real consensus on who the Pack will pick at #32. Not the best position, but it is nice being in the Champs slot!!! Green Bay Press Gazette is guessing Brooks Reed, OLB. Here's some mocks from NFL.com:

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2011/mock-drafts

[mrklean]

Ha Mark Ingram or Andy Dalton what are they smoking

[SkunkedAgain]

At least our draft thread wasn't titled "Huh" like the Vikings thread! I like the pick of an OL that can train behind Clifton. Who knows if it will actually pan out, but I was half expecting the first night of the draft to end with a trade-down. It sounded like Sherrod was a little bit of a reach to the analysts, which means that Ted Thompson likely went for need versus the best player available. I expect old Teddy to be a little more shrewd in the later rounds.

[mrklean]

anything to improve there line makes me happy, i see them going D next, i think if Hayward was still there they would have taken him

[CJH]

I think Sherrod went right about where he was expected to go, if not a little later. Everybody thinks Chicago would have taken him if Carimi hadn't fallen to them.

He should be the solid RT of the future, w/ Bulaga sliding over to LT whenever Cliffy is done. He's smart, hard working, and a high character guy - classic TT pick. By taking him, that probably means TJ Lang will probably slide into the LG spot if/when Colledge leaves. Should be a solid OL for years to come!!!

I give it a thumbs up!!

I would expect them to take DE, OLB, or G in 2-3. TT could surprise us and take a CB or WR too, if the right one falls in his lap.

[CJH]

Well, all of the analysts are grading out the Pack at A's or B's. Two more playmakers on offense (Cobb and Green), plus Cobb is a good PR/KR. Both House and Elmore were considered good sleeper picks for the D. Surprised they drafted two more TE's, however there is speculation both may play other positions already, so we will see. MM loves his TE's, and supposedly they aren't happy with the FB's other than Kuehn.

As far as OLB, Capers already came out and said they expect Zombo to be better next year, so guessing he is penciled in as the starter. Kevin Greene seemed excited about Elmore and speculated he lasted until the 6th round because his 40 time was a little slow. However he said they don't make their linebackers do anything where that is really an issue (safety help in coverage). Look up Elmore on youtube for some of his athletic demonstrations. Had 11 sacks in 13 games last year.

[koonie]

Sherrod was a very good pick

Cobb will help on special teams. Maybe in the slot.

House was a good pick.

[mrklean]

im happy with what they drafted 10 picks to doesn't hurt

[SkunkedAgain]

I was surprised by the TE picks, but the reality is that Finley might not be around after this season. We all saw Finley's attitude his rookie season. He seemed to mellow out but you never know. Here is something that I read elsewhere:

Quote:

The Press-Gazette suggests that the Packers may be hesitant about paying Jermichael Finley when the tight end's contract is up following the 2011 season.

The Packers drafted a pass-catching tight end in D.J. Williams and already have both Andrew Quarless and Tom Crabtree under contract. While we highly doubt they'll let a difference-maker like Finley go, they are certainly stockpiling tight ends.

As for OLB, we have three guys that play decent football opposite CM3. They all need to stay healthy, but you've got Brad Jones, Frank Zombo, and Eric Walden. We won the Super Bowl with those guys. It could be better but none of them were a liability except for being injured. I would have liked to see a 2 or 3rd round CB but all-in-all things were good.