Reviewing The Recent Mock Drafts For The Packers

by Brandon on Mar 19, 2010 10:00 AM CDT in Green Bay Packers Draft Comment 43 comments

It seems like every mock draft I've come across lately (NFL Draft Scout, NFL.com, Shutdown Corner) has moved QB Sam Bradford up to No. 1. I'm not a believer, but it's the Rams franchise and they can do whatever they want. Incredibly it means DT Ndamukong Suh is moving down to No. 2, or even No. 3, or even No. 8. He's the best player in the draft, so that just seems crazy.

Unfortunately most of these mock drafts still have the Packers selecting an offensive lineman. As much as that's a long-term need, since LT Chad Clifton and RT Mark Tauscher can't play forever, the need for a pass rusher to replace LB Aaron Kampman is too obvious to overlook. Maybe the value for a pass rusher/OLB type isn't there at the end of the 1st round and they're a candidate to trade down.

Shutdown Corner threw a curveball and suggested the Packers might draft Fresno State RB Ryan Mathews:

Ryan Grant was the second-most efficient back in 2009, according to Football Outsiders’ statistics, but those numbers don’t factor in blocking. To put it bluntly, Grant is a terrible pass-blocker.

I've never watched a Packer game and criticized Grant for his pass-blocking. I'm sure he's not the best blocking back on the roster, RB Brandon Jackson usually came in on passing downs and made some great plays as QB Aaron Rodgers's protector, but finding a back who's a better blocker wasn't a need I had even considered.

No disrespect to Mathews. At 6'0", 218 lbs., and a 4.45 40-yard dash, I calculated his speed score at 111, which is about as good as Grant. I can understand why he's moving up draft boards.

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wouldn't shock me

if the packers select matthews with #23, imo, he’s the best running back coming out this year———no disrespect to spillar, but mathews has all the measurables of a nfl running back,

by hermitcrab on Mar 19, 2010 10:21 AM CDT reply actions

Mockers are starting to have CB Kyle Wilson as the Packers' pick

And I like it. There’s this site which gathers mocks from around the web.

The Dude abides

by SlowJoe445 on Mar 19, 2010 10:49 AM CDT reply actions

If Kyle Wilson falls to us we should take him.

He’s high character, the types Chris Petersen raises at Boise. we should take him unless an elite OT (bulaga) falls to us.

by ericforeman04 on Mar 19, 2010 8:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Bulaga to the Packers would ease my pain of him leaving the Hawkeyes

Who's leg do I have to hump to get a drink around here?-Brian

by fliphawk4 on Mar 22, 2010 12:03 AM CDT up reply actions

Sure we need someone to complement Matthews, BUT...

Which position, OLB or OT is more important for a first rounder. I think we could find a OLB in the second or third that would be able to complement Matthews just fine but if we pass on OT, we’ve all seen the numbers on later round Olineman. We need someone in that position that will anchor it for a decade, I think a first rounder at that position, if there is someone worthy still there is the way to go. I wouldn’t cry if we drafted a RB and certainly not if we drafted an OLB or CB.

by TrevorR on Mar 19, 2010 10:50 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs

My thought on a 1st Round draft pick is someone that can and should start right away. Unless a top ranked OT falls to us at #23, I’m not sold on the idea of having him sit for up to possibly 3-4 years. I think the talent of the 2nd Round OT in this years draft is the same as one in the 1st Round. I think after Kindle and Hughes, there is a significant dropoff in talent for 3-4 OLB’s.

We do need to address the OT early in the draft though, no later than the 2nd Round!

"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi

by Jabooty on Mar 19, 2010 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

Kindle is not a first round football talent. He is a first round caliber athlete. Not a good football player.

by turnitin.com on Mar 20, 2010 5:22 AM CDT up reply actions

Yeah, this is how I’ve looked at it as well. Most of the successful OTs in this league have come in the 1st and 2nd rounds. We need a LT, and this years class isn’t very deep at that position. I think if Brown is there, we should take him. An OLB would be great but I don’t see us picking one that early. We all know how much TT loves “his guys”, and because of that and the fact that Brad Jones was pretty good last year I would be shocked if he doesn’t start off the year as the starter at ROLB. I think picking Brown makes a lot of sense. His only knock was his weight and he showed up at the combine being 23 lbs. heavier. He is considered by many the best pass blocking LT in the draft, and he has played in the zone blocking scheme at USC. Plus, he could sit behind Clifton for however long Clifton is able to stay healthy.

I think going with a LT makes much more sense for our team. We can’t just continue to brush our OL needs aside. They need to be addressed.

by packallday555 on Mar 19, 2010 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions

You da man

I had a hard time believing that one has to take a tackle in the first round if you wanted him to be special. So I check this years Pro Bowlers. You are right. Half are early first rounders. In fact looking at all OL men in this year’s Pro-Bowl half were 1rst rounders and 3/4 are from the first and second.

The real surprise is that none came from rounds 3,4,6 or 7. There are three undrafted guys. But you might expect that given the large pool of guys that go undrafted.

My preference is that TT trades up for an LT. It just doesn’t seem likely with Chad getting $7M.

by 50 years and Counting on Mar 19, 2010 8:27 PM CDT up reply actions

I think our stratey should be pretty simple:

Take the best of the OLBs/LTs/CBs available at the pick, so long as he merits being selected at 23.

If we get there and the value isn’t there, trade back to the second and get some more picks, I’m fine with that.

I will say this: With TT’s recent off-season activity, it seems that he’s gearing towards putting together a group that can “Win Right Now.” With that being the case, I think OLB, the only position where a first rounder could come in and really make a difference right off the bat, is probably his number one priority right. And if a game-changing talent like Spiller falls to us, I wouldn’t be surprised if we jumped all over him.

"stay (green and) gold"

by Green and Bold on Mar 19, 2010 12:29 PM CDT reply actions

I agree

He would start from Day 1.

"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi

by Jabooty on Mar 19, 2010 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions

I’m sorry Jabooty but I think this is crazy! We all know TT and how he loves “his guys”. Brad Jones is his guy and was a huge steal as a 7th round draft pick. I can promise you TT feels good about that pick, and he should because Jones came in and actually improved our defense a bit. I can’t see how Jones does start of as the starter at ROLB, and honestly I think he deserves too. He was great in coverage and good against the run. The only thing he needs to improve on is rushing the passer and even that was better then most would think as he had 4 sacks in 9 games last year. The guy is going to get bigger and stronger, and will have more experience after this offseason. I think he deserves to show whether or not he can provide the pass rush we’re looking for.

by packallday555 on Mar 19, 2010 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions

TT

Does know his linebackers having been one, I think that he knew what he was doing and has a plan for Jones and Co.

by tkiller314 on Mar 19, 2010 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions

I hope you're right

because I would hate to look back at this draft because we stuck with Jones on the right side. Against the better teams in the league, I just don’t see him doing much of anything. I have a very bad feeling about our defense if we don’t get somebody that can rush the passer right away going into this season. We had a cupcake schedule last year. This year is the exact opposite. Jones would have to make one big step if we are to be playoff contenders again.

"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi

by Jabooty on Mar 19, 2010 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions

I would too but I just think the guy has a ton of room to improve. The guy came in half way through the year and really did a great job. That’s not an easy thing too do. When he came in most guys were finally getting used to our system and more comfortable with it. Obviously, only playing 9 games he didn’t get the same amount of time to get as comfortable with our system. Generally speaking, guys usually improve in the 2nd half of the season, especially in a situation where your running a new system.

I think experience, time in the weight room, and working with Greene will be enough to improve his pass rush and if he can do that he really would have no weaknesses. I personally think he will improve quite a bit but at the same time I’m certainly biased.

by packallday555 on Mar 20, 2010 1:35 AM CDT up reply actions

Oh and ps

Any mock draft by Bucky Brooks should never be given a mention. His mock drafts are atrocious. i’m sick of the “experts” on NFL.com, ESPN, and SI.

"stay (green and) gold"

by Green and Bold on Mar 19, 2010 12:34 PM CDT reply actions

except kiper jr

"stay (green and) gold"

by Green and Bold on Mar 19, 2010 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions

Think it through.

If Clifton goes down with injury, who steps in at LT?

OLB is a need, as is CB, but we’ve at least got guys who can play those positions in case of injury. At LT, there is NOBODY.

Now, we all know that TT is going to draft whoever he believes is the best player available, but to say that LT is no longer the biggest need on the roster is… I don’t even have the word for what that is. Brandon, your comments are usually good, but you dropped the ball big-time with this one.

We have an old, injury-prone player at one of the most key and difficult-to-fill positions on the field. We need a tackle. Not in the second round, not in the third, but NOW. Yesterday. Two years ago we should’ve found him so that he could’ve developed and been ready to step in this year. The fact that we’ve let it go this long is… Again, if (and when) Clifton has to miss time with injury, like Egons from Ghostbusters would say, it would be bad.

I hate to sound like Chicken Little, but, when Clifton goes down, the sky will fall on the offense.

by Curly Lambeau on Mar 19, 2010 1:02 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

How about signing CB Tye Hill

He is a former 1st round pick from the 2006 NFL Draft. How about signing him and having him battle with Pat Lee for the #4 spot on the depth chart. Working with Woodson and Collins could really do him a lot of good. He obviously has talent being drafted in the 1st Round. By signing him, we wouldn’t have to worry about drafting a CB early in this years draft.

"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi

by Jabooty on Mar 19, 2010 1:21 PM CDT reply actions

LT is still our biggest need, and it’s not even close. We could improve at Cb but we have to keep in mind that we had 3 guys on IR last year. All 3 are going to be back, and all 3 are at least better then Bush and Bell. I think we should draft a Cb but I don’t think we should do so until the 3rd round. OLB is a position we could improve at but again we have Brad Jones who will improve (or at least it’s pretty likely) and did a good job for us last year as a 7th round draft pick.

I think we need to take a LT, even if it’s a guy that can’t come in right away and start. We should have already found our OT replacements and we can’t afford to brush aside again.

Grant is an atrocious pass blocker but like you mentioned he isn’t ever out there on 3rd downs so it really doesn’t matter.

by packallday555 on Mar 19, 2010 2:10 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

LT isn't a big enough need

to reach for one at 23rd…if a guy who’s worth it is there fine, draft him. But if not, I have no problem with addressing a different need or even trading down.

"stay (green and) gold"

by Green and Bold on Mar 19, 2010 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions

ALSO

it’s not like there is necessarily a WORLD of a difference between a 1st and a 2nd or even a 3rd round starter. Then notion that we HAVE to used our 1st round pick to take a LT or we’re DOOMED is far-fetched. Yes, we need to come out of this draft with a decent LT prospect, but we can certainly find him in other rounds besides the first.

"stay (green and) gold"

by Green and Bold on Mar 19, 2010 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions

Not doomed but if you look at most of the good LTs in the league they were taken in the 1st round. I’d be fine using a 2nd on a guy I guess but no later then that.

LT isn’t that big of a need? How can you say that? The ONLY guy we have right now that can play LT well is Clifton and his skills seem to be fastly diminishing. He honestly looked like he was done last year. Can we really expect him to make it through even 1 season playing well or staying healthy? I don’t think so. LT is a HUGE need, more so then anything else.

by packallday555 on Mar 20, 2010 1:25 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

I think that's the general trend in LT's in recent years

That’s not always the case though, and I think most of those LT’s were taken early in the 1st Round. Chad Clifton was drafted in the 2nd Round. Gaithers from Baltimore was drafted in the 4th Round. We don’t have to follow the trend. You’re right though that if Clifton goes down, we may be in trouble. Lang did well when he was put in, but we also adjusted our passing game to getting rid of the ball quicker. That part picked up quickly and it eliminated Rodgers’ from getting sacked.

"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi

by Jabooty on Mar 20, 2010 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions

I know there can be cases where LT’s become great players despite being a late round pick or an undrafted guy but it doesn’t happen often. I just don’t think we’re in a position to try and find our future guy in the later rounds. It just doesn’t happen all that often, and TT has been tried doing this the past 3-4 years and it hasn’t worked out.

This years draft doesn’t have a whole lot for LTs, and it doesn’t really seem like after the 2nd round or maybe the 3rd that there will be any good prospects left. Okung, Davis, Williams and Buluga will all probably be top 15, and I kind of think Campbell will too just because of what he did at the combine. Then I think Brown gets taken late 1st round-early 2nd round. After that there is Veldeheeer, who looks like a 2nd round guy and Saffold who looks like a 2nd or 3rd round guy. I know it’s not like those are the only LT prospects available but all those guys seem to be considered the best prospects and obviously there is reason for that.

I just would hate to see TT wait until the late 3rd round or 4th to take an LT like he has tried to do before. Chances are he’ll need 2-3 years to develop, and we might not have that kind of time. I know Lang can go in at LT if Clifton goes down but he honestly wasn’t all that much better then Colledge when he played last year, and more so then anything else it would be a waste of his talent. The OL needs continuity, and continuing to use one of your starters to back-up nearly every position on the OL is a recipe for disaster.

by packallday555 on Mar 20, 2010 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions

About RB

I think it is likely the Packers could find one as good by the 3rd-4th round (Gerhart maybe) which would help the pass blocking as well, LT or RT seems to be a greater need which drops off after the first 5-6 which ends with Brown so I agree with you packallday that these positions have no depth at all and need to be addressed.

by tkiller314 on Mar 19, 2010 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

I think you guys pretty much covered it! : )

You all know I’m for improving the line! So I would go LT if there is one there! Then my second choice would be OLB. I’m hoping TT is planning on winning right now! If he isn’t, his job security is in serious question! I’m sure he’s got a dozen if not 3 dozen scenarios ready for draft day! I love all the speculation and discussion. Everyone of you brought up valid points! I think it’s going to be an awesome draft. Just have a feeling that TT & MM have done their homework this year and realize they are both running out of time, if they don’t come out of this draft with some serious talent to improve our O Line and Defense! : ) We all talk about NEED vs. BPA… I seriously think they will TAKE BPA at a need position this whole draft! If they don’t, I think they are kidding themselves! Can’t wait to find out!

Go Pack!

by BirdDogUni on Mar 19, 2010 4:54 PM CDT reply actions

Anyone willing to rep there team in a 3 round mock tomorrow?

Co-Leader of the annual 7 round live mock draft at MtD

by TheAngelsColts on Mar 19, 2010 5:53 PM CDT reply actions

Yah

im down…whe is it?

"stay (green and) gold"

by Green and Bold on Mar 19, 2010 7:37 PM CDT up reply actions

sorry it is actually Sunday

You can find all the info here: http://www.milehighreport.com/2010/3/14/1372742/mhrs-live-interactive-mock-draft

If you want it comment and email him and he will confirm as im sure you will be the first

Co-Leader of the annual 7 round live mock draft at MtD

by TheAngelsColts on Mar 19, 2010 8:12 PM CDT up reply actions

Also just realized I could use you in my Mock (we are now on the 3rd round) tomorrow if you could as my rep hasn't been around.

it would start at 1ET on Mock the Draft

Co-Leader of the annual 7 round live mock draft at MtD

by TheAngelsColts on Mar 19, 2010 10:20 PM CDT up reply actions

draft

ill b the packers tell me when and how

by FA get about it on Mar 20, 2010 8:50 AM CDT up reply actions

Mine Is today at 1ET over at Mock the Draft.

Green and Bold can do the one at MHR tomorrow if he contacted the guy. Here is a link to todays: http://www.mockingthedraft.com/2010/3/13/1371725/2-7-round-results-next-one-will-be

Co-Leader of the annual 7 round live mock draft at MtD

by TheAngelsColts on Mar 20, 2010 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions

To be honest, Shutdown Corner's comment on Grant's pass-blocking skills is ridiculous

And taking Ryan Mathews? WTF? We don’t NEED a running back, unless we plan on banishing Sir Ineffective Brandon Jackson to Minnesota. Besides, no blocking from a running back will save the QB if the offensive line is horrendous. And the offensive line was HORRIBLE until Clifton got healthy and Tauscher took his position back.

by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Mar 19, 2010 7:08 PM CDT reply actions

yah

drafting a RB in the 1st round cuz he can pass block is absurd…the only way we draft a RB in the first is if he is a game changer, ala spiller.

"stay (green and) gold"

by Green and Bold on Mar 19, 2010 7:38 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

Could Spiller = Percy Harvin?

I think CJ got screwed after the game against South Carolina. He had an AMAZING ACC Championship game, but people looked at his performance at South Carolina and said, “Eh, forget it.”

CJ definitely fits the definition of game-changer. Imagine him returning kicks for the Packers this season. Or punts. He’s worth a look.

by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Mar 20, 2010 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions

His Wonderlic Score of a 10 definately scares me a little bit though

He’s literally a dumbas s. He also shared his time while Best from CA is an identical player that carried the load. Either would be nice though, just CJ’s Wonderlic scares me a little bit.

"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi

by Jabooty on Mar 20, 2010 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

I don’t know if the Wonderlic score is really that big of a deal for Rb’s but a 10 is really, really bad haha. I like Best more then Spiller. Spiller seems like he is going to be exactly what Reggie Bush is, and while that’s valuable I would much rather have a guy who can sort of be a true Rb. Plus, Best has the same kind of explosive ability that Spiller does.

by packallday555 on Mar 20, 2010 4:08 PM CDT up reply actions

Javon Walkers was a 9.

That seems like a pretty good indicator to me. :D

-
The glass is more than half-full.

by NorthStarr on Mar 21, 2010 2:01 AM CDT up reply actions

It’s hard to imagine him and Myron Rolle getting a similar education. Walker is a straight moron

by turnitin.com on Mar 22, 2010 1:22 AM CDT up reply actions

Spiller

Personally I see Spiller being more like Chris Johnson and Best being the Bush…

Spiller is same size as Johnson, similar speed and explosiveness and both can run w/ power when needed. Bush and Best lack the ability to run w/ any power, they play to timid IMO…

I don’t know that I’d take Best as our 2nd rd pick. But I would take Spiller at 23 in a heart beat!!!

by Strohman on Mar 21, 2010 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions

He shared his time LAST season.

To my knowledge he got 70+% of the carries this year for Clemson.

Besides, he COULD just have Vince Young syndrome, where you get a horribly low Wonderlic score only to have it raised after the fact.

by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Mar 20, 2010 8:56 PM CDT up reply actions

The only reason to draft a RB early

the only reason to draft a Half back early (or at all) would be to get a smaller, faster, agile back to complement our (hopefully) permanently changed playcalling to more of a spread attack that happened after the tampa game. We have bigger less agile backs who run into people rather than avoid them. So since the playcalling has changed maybe coach Mikes’ taste in running backs will change with it.

by ericforeman04 on Mar 19, 2010 9:27 PM CDT up reply actions