The Green Bay Packers started the 2012 NFL Draft with 12 draft picks.
After general manager Ted Thompson traded up three times (you read that
correctly), 8 new players were added to the roster.
Following
the draft, the Packers signed a number of undrafted free agents* (roster sizes increased from 80 to 90 this off-season) and
offered open tryouts as well**. Although there is always a chance an
undrafted free agent makes the opening day roster (think Sam Shields or
Frank Zombo), we don't have enough information on those guys yet so I am
not going to give them one of the coveted 53-man roster spots. Here are my thoughts on the 53 guys that I would keep if I
were Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson:
Quarterback:
Cut: B.J. Coleman and Nick Hill
Keep: Aaron Rodgers and Graham Harrell
Analysis:
It's hard to say how the Packers should proceed until all four
quarterbacks go through McCarthy's vaunted quarterback camp.
Unfortunately last year Harrell was unable to participate in the
quarterback camp because of the lockout but since Harrell spent all of
the 2011 season with the Packers, he looks much more prepared to take meaningful
snaps if Rodgers gets hurt as opposed to Hill or Coleman.
Running Back:
Cut: None
Keep: James Starks, Alex Green, and Brandon Saine
Analysis:
News reports last week claimed the Detroit Lions were interested in
signing Ryan Grant. Not sure whether those reports are true or if
Grant's agent was just trying to drum up interest in his client. Either
way the Packers do not run the ball very much so if Alex Green returns
healthy from a torn ACL, they should be fine with the young three-headed
monster of Starks, Green, and Saine.
Fullback:
Cut: Jon Hoese
Keep: John Kuhn
Analysis: Since
the Packers kept five tight ends last year it would make sense that they
would do something silly like keeping two fullbacks. You've been
warned. All kidding aside, the
Packers love Kuhn's versatility so his roster spot is guaranteed.
Tight End:
PUP: Andrew Quarless
Cut: None
Keep: Jermichael Finley, D.J. Williams, Ryan Taylor, and Tom Crabtree
Analysis:
Quarless
suffered a gruesome knee injury at the end of last season so I would be shocked if Quarless recovered enough to go full speed by the start of the 2012 season. Fortunately the Packers have a ton of young
depth at the position and with Finley locked down through at least
2013, the Packers should not miss a beat even if Quarless misses
the first part of the season with an injury.
Wide Receiver:
Cut: Diondre Borel, Tori Gurley, and Shaky Smithson
Keep: Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Donald Driver, James Jones, and Randall Cobb
Analysis:
The Packers refuse to comment on whether DD will play for the team in
2012. I get that DD may only have a few years left but he was the 3rd
most reliable wide receiver (behind Jennings and Nelson but ahead of
Jones and Cobb) on the team last year. It would be a public relations
nightmare if the Packers cut DD as callously as they cut Clifton
and Collins last week, especially while DD is on Dancing with the
Stars. I devoted this much discussion to DD because he offered to take
a pay cut so if I were in charge, DD would be playing for the Packers next
year. May be on raw talent alone Borel, Gurley, and Smithson are
superior to DD but for his veteran locker room presence alone the Packers
should keep DD instead.
Tackle:
Cut: Chris Campbell and Herb Taylor
Keep: Bryan Bulaga, Marshall Newhouse, Derek Sherrod, and Andrew Datko
Analysis:
Absent injuries the Packers have right tackle covered with Bulaga. The
big question is how the Packers will proceed at left tackle. Chad
Clifton was supposed to attend Packerpalooza 2012 at Will's
Northwoods in Chicago but he was unceremoniously cut earlier in
the week. When you factor in salary and health, I can't blame Thompson
for cutting Clifton but its never east to see your blind-side protector cut after such a successful decade plus in Green Bay. I agree with the move, I just wonder whether Newhouse can make drastic improvements from 2011 to 2012 because although he logged a bunch of reps in place of
Clifton, Newhouse was far from perfect. Add in that the other guys I
kept are either coming back from a serious injury (Sherrod - broken leg)
or trying to prove they can stay healthy (Datko - smattering of
injuries throughout college) and you can see that left tackle is far
form settled.
Guard:
Cut: None
Keep: Josh Sitton, T.J. Lang, and Ray Dominguez
Analysis: I could see Lang playing any position
besides left tackle next year thus Lang is turning into the Poor
Man's Marshall Yanada, which
gives the Packers a ton of versatility along the offensive line. The
real question is whether we will see the impressive 2010 version of
Sitton or the disappointing/injured 2011 version of Sitton.
Obviously we are hoping for the 2010 version because if not, the entire
line will suffer.
Center:
Cut: Sampson Genus
Keep: Jeff Saturday and Even Dietrich-Smith
Analysis:
I am not surprised that Thompson let Scott Wells leave via free agency
but I am shocked that he turned to Saturday. Not often do the Packers
let a younger player leave in favor of an older player. Saturday had a
ton of success letting Peyton Manning fondle him but I question whether Saturday has anything left in the tank. Plus the Packers do not have a
legitimate back-up center, which is one of the only positions on the roster without an up-and-coming guy so the Packers are putting a ton of faith in Saturday
despite the fact that he is a few years away from collecting social
security checks.
Defensive End:
Suspended: Anthony Hargrove and Mike Neal
Cut: Lawrence Guy and Johnny Jones
Keep: Jerel Worthy, C.J. Wilson and Jarius Wynn
Analysis:
After Saturday, the second most perplexing off-season signing is
Hargrove. There is no denying Hargrove's talent as a penetrating pass
rush, which can neutralize offensive lineman, but the Packers knew he could
be suspended because he was the NFL's informant for Bountygate. Add in Mike Neal's suspension for using PEDs and the Packers were looking
thin at defensive end heading into the 2012 NFL Draft. Luckily the Packers were able to add
Worthy in the draft so once he hits the rookie wall, Hargrove and Neal should be
returning from their suspension.
Defensive Tackle:
Cut: None
Keep: B.J. Raji, Ryan Pickett, Mike Daniels, and Daniel Muir
Analysis: It will be interesting to see how many of
the second-tier defensive lineman (Wilson, Wynn, Daniels, and Muir)
actually make the opening day roster. Right now I have the Packers
keeping all four guys but my guess is that two, may be three at most actually make the opening day roster. I would rather roll the dice with
Daniels and Muir because I think we've seen the ceiling on Wilson and Wynn.
Outside Linebacker:
Cut: Erik Walden and Jamari Lattimore
Keep: Clay Matthews, Nick Perry, Brad Jones, Vic So'oto, and Frank Zombo
Analysis:
2011 was supposed to be a breakout contract year for Walden but he
ended up having arguably the worst 2011 of any Packer. Right as Walden
was accused of domestic abuse he started to struggle on the field, which
totally eviscerated his free agent value so he signed a non-guaranteed one-year
contract instead of a lucrative long-term contract. That is a long way of saying that I don't see Walden beating
out Jones, So'oto, or Zombo unless he has a radical transformation. In fact I think Lattimore has a better
chance of making the roster than Walden. Claymaker and Perry have the
only guaranteed roster spots so it will be
interesting to see how the Packers actually fill out the rest of the roster at outside linebacker.
Middle Linebacker:
Cut: Robert Francois
Keep: Desmond Bishop, A.J. Hawk, D.J. Smith, and Terrell Manning
Analysis:
I know it seems crazy but I would totally support the Packers cutting
the Business H.J. (A.J. Hawk) and letting Smith, Manning, and Francois
fight for the other starting linebacker spot opposite Bishop.
Unfortunately I don't see that happening, which made it even tougher to
cut Robert Francois after how well he played last year. Manning
looks
like Brandon Chillar 2.0 so his versatility gives him a leg up over
Francois.
Cornerback:
Cut: Brandian Ross
Keep: Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams, Sam Shields, Davon House, Casey Hayward, and Jarrett Bush
Analysis:
2011 was not kind to Williams (injured shoulder), Shields (inconsistent
play), and House (injured). With the addition of Hayward, the Packers
looked stacked at cornerback but those guys will have to prove it on the
field because they were sieve-like in 2011 when they yielded the most
passing yards in NFL history.
Safety:
Cut: Anthony Levine
Keep: Morgan Burnett, Charlie Peprah, Jerron McMillian, and M.D. Jennings
Analysis:
People are clamoring for the Packers to move Woodson to safety.
Although that makes sense on paper, the Packers still need to develop
safeties because I actually think Woodson's best position is to rove
between cornerback and safety. With the Packers cutting Collins
because they feared for his long-term health, they are essentially
starting over at safety opposite Morgan Burnett. McMillian is
guaranteed a roster spot because he was a fourth round pick. After that, it will be a totally open competition.
Specialists:
Cut: None
Keep: Mason Crosby (K), Tim Masthay (P), and Brett Goode (LS)
Analysis:
Absent injury the Packers are set at kicker, punter, and long snapper
for the next five years so let's warp this up since this post is getting
rather lengthy.
If there is one thing I hope Thompson takes away from the lengthy
discussion above, its that DD's locker room presence alone will be a huge
boost for the 2012 Green Bay Packers so don't you dare DD. Despite going 15-1,
the youth movement keeps on trucking...I just hope DD is not a casualty.
Related Posts:
- Sunday Funday - 2012 Green Bay Packer Draft Picks
- Quick Thoughts - 2012 NFL Draft Day 2 Packers Preview
- Quick Thoughts - 2012 NFL Draft Day 1 Packers Preview
- Cheesehead Sports Nut's 2012 First Round NFL Mock Draft
- Wednesday What (Should) Happen - 2012 Green Bay Packers Schedule
- Sunday Funday - 2012 Free Agent Shopping Guide for Ted Thompson
- Wednesday What (Should) Happen - Advice for Ted Thompson
Footnotes:
* = Don
Barclay (G/T, West Virginia), Duane Bennett (RB, Minnesota), Jaymes
Brooks (G, Virginia Tech), Nic Cooper (FB, Winston-Salem St.), Tommie
Draheim (C, San Diego St.), Cameron Ford (TE, Wake Forest), Eric Lair
(TE, Minnesota), Mike McCabe (T, Holy Cross), Dezman Moses (OLB,
Tulane), Dale Moss (WR, South Dakota St.), Sean Richardson (S, Vanderbilt), Marcus Rivers (WR, Buffalo),
Dion Turner (CB, Southern Utah), Mark Tyler (RB, USC), and Drew
Vanderlin (DE, Michigan Tech).
** = Tyler Butzler (OT, Wisconsin-Stout), Casey Casper (LS,
Wisconsin-Whitewater), Grant Cook (DL, Arkansas), ElToro Freeman (LB,
Auburn), Andrew Lambert (OT, Indiana), Luke Lambert (LB, Missouri),
Jaymar Latchison (DE, New Mexico), and Dave Nadeau
(K, Minnesota-Duluth).
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Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Sunday Funday - 2011-12 Milwaukee Bucks Final Player Ratings
With the 2012 NFL Draft happening last weekend I decided to
wait an extra week before doing my final rankings for the 2011-12
Milwaukee Bucks.
Fortunately I waited because we just learned that general manger John Hammond and head coach Scott Skiles will return next season despite being a lottery team (missing the playoffs) three of the last four years together so they will both enter their "contract" year on a short leash.
If that was not newsworthy enough, Milwaukee Bucks owner Herb Kohl said that he is interested in contributing to a new all purpose arena. Kohl purchased the Bucks in 1985 and the Bradley Center opened in 1988. The Bradley Center was designed in part to lure a mythical hockey team to Milwaukee. Unfortunately that mythical hockey team tuned out to be the Florida Panthers and the Bradley Center is now severely outdated.
Kohl is no stranger to paying for arenas, he generously donated $25 million (reportedly 30% of the total price) to the University of Wisconsin-Madison to build a new on-campus arena. I will leave my extended thoughts on Bradley Center 2.0 for another day but needless to say it will cost Kohl much more than $25 million this time around.
Back to the 2011-12 Milwaukee Bucks, after going 3-7 in their final 10 games the Bucks finished 31-35 (after finishing 35-47 in 2010-11) and were the last Eastern Conference team eliminated from playoff contention. The Bucks feasted on the bad teams going 22-5 against teams that finished below .500. Sadly the already discussed Bradley Center was not that friendly to the Bucks, they finished a mere 17-16 at home. Although half of those home losses were by five or less, they were .500 nonetheless.
The only real quality wins the Bucks had this season were at home against the Lakers, Heat, and Spurs as well as on the road over the Heat.
Going into the season it looked Brandon Jennings, Stephen Jackson, and Andrew Bogut were going to be the new "Big Three" in Milwaukee. As we all know now, that couldn't be further from the truth. Only one of the three remains on the roster, the injured Bogut and a disinterested Jackson were shipped to the Warriors for Monta Ellis, Ekpe Udoh, and Kwame Brown.
Jackson played for the Bucks less than a season, a lockout season nonetheless, but showed his true colors becoming a one-man team saboteur. I don't get how people can still claim Jackson is a good teammate.
As for Bogut, it's sad to see him go but hopefully a change of scenery will help him stay healthy. Bogut was named to the 3rd team All-NBA team in 2010 but besides that he has been hurt more than healthy. Picking Bogut over Chris Paul and Deron Williams will go down as one of the biggest "What If's" in Cheesehead sports history.
Since the collective interest in the Milwaukee Bucks is at an all-time low, let's end the foreplay and get to the actual final player rankings:
#15 (NR, NR) Kwame Brown (#54, C, 6'11", 270 lbs, Glynn Academy, 10th NBA Season):
A salary inclusion in the Bogut & Jackson for Ellis, Udoh, & Brown trade never actually suited up for the Bucks so the only thing he really earned from the Bucks besides way too much money was the 15th spot out of 15 on my player rankings. By the way, great move MJ taking Brown over Tyson Chandler and Pau Gasol.
#14 (13, 14) Jon Brockman (#40, PF/C, 6'7", 255 lbs, Washington, 3rd NBA Season):
Only played 35 games this year despite being the high energy guy on the roster. Much like Hammond and Skiles, Brockman is in a contract year next year so hopefully he gets more opportunities next year or Europe will be his likely destination for the 2013-14 instead of the NBA.
#13 (8, 9) Shaun Livingston (#9, PG/SG, 6'7", 175 lbs, Peoria Central High School, 7th NBA Season):
Once upon a time a healthy season was a successful season for Livingston. Now that Livingston put together two healthy seasons in a row, it's time for him to be a regular member of the rotation. Although Livingston has a slight build, his length allows him to play anywhere from point guard to small forward. Livingston better hope Delfino signs elsewhere in the off-season or best case scenario his minutes will be diminished next year while worst case scenario the Bucks will decline their $3.5 million team option for him for the 2012-13 season.
#12 (11, 13) Tobias Harris (#15, SF/PF, 6'8", 226 lbs, Tennessee, Rookie):
After just one season, Faried proved he should have been the pick instead of Harris. Great move Hammond.
#11 (9, 7) Beno Udrih (#19, PG/SG, 6'3", 203 lbs, Slovenia, 7th NBA Season):
It will not make-up for Harris over Faried but if Hammond can talk Udrih into declining his $7.8 million player option for the 2012-13 season, the Bucks will actually have salary cap space for the first time in over a decade (thanks Ernie Grunfeld and Larry Harris).
#10 (7, 6) Jon Leuer (#30, PF/C, 6'10", 228 lbs, Wisconsin, Rookie):
While most players sat on their butt and played video games during the lockout, Leuer played professionally in Germany so that he could hit the ground running when the season started. Not sure whether Leuer ran into Kobe or A-Rod as they went to Germany for "therapy" that is not technically legal according to the FDA but Leuer burst on the NBA scene like a comet and quickly faded as the season progressed. Leuer and Harris will benefit next year from actually having an off-season with the team so look for a dramatic improve from both players next year.
#9 (5, 3) Carlos Delfino (#10, SG/SF, 6'6", 230 lbs, Argentina, 7th NBA Season):
Unfortunately for Delfino but fortunately for the Bucks and Livingston, Delfino didn't have a great contract year performance. If the Bucks can re-sign Delfino on cheap, great. If not, let him walk because he is a borderline NBA starter when healthy.
#8 (10, 12) Larry Sanders (#8, PF/C, 6'11", 235 lbs, Virginia Commonwealth, 2nd NBA Season):
Some people take issue with Sanders getting tossed from two games in the last month of the season. May be I am drinking the Hey Now Kool-Aid but I chalk that up to Sanders being unable to control his passion for the game...okay maybe I am drinking the Kool-Aid. The most the Bucks can hope for is that Sanders turns into the Poor Man's Ben Wallace. Anything less and Sanders could see his minutes taken by Udoh, Leuer, and tweener power forward/center fill-in-the-blank that the Bucks draft in the first round of the 2012 NBA Draft.
#7 (4, 4) Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (#12, SF/PF, 6'8", 230 lbs, UCLA, 4th NBA Season):
The highlight of the year for The Prince is that the Bucks matched the four-year, $19 million offer sheet that he signed with the Denver Nuggets as a restricted free agent heading into the 2011-12 season. The Prince is a defensive stopper that is starting to improve on the offensive end of the court. Unfortunately The Prince suffered through an injury riddled season so hopefully he will bounce back healthy next year or $5 million a year for a defensive stopper feels a little rich. Add in that The Prince is not a candidate for the amnesty clause since the Bucks signed him after the ink dried on the new CBA and next year will be a big year for The Prince.
#6 (NR, NR) Ekpe Udoh (#13, PF/C, 6'10", 245 lbs, Baylor, 2nd NBA Season):
Apparently the Bucks held out for Udoh before they would make the Bogut & Jackson for Ellis, Udoh, & Brown Trade. That is looking like a very wise move because there is a good chance Bogut is never healthy again so the Bucks could end up with the two best players (Ellis and Udoh) in the entire trade. One quick reality check before we move though, Udoh doesn't look like he has the NBA rebounding gene. Fortunately Udoh protects the rim enough defensively so I see him turning into a Very Rich Man's Larry Sanders.
#5 (6, 11) Mike Dunleavy Jr. (#17, SG/SF, 6'9", 230 lbs, Duke, 10th NBA Season):
Like the late great Jerry Orbach said in Dirty Dancing, when I'm wrong, I say I'm wrong. Dunleavy ended up being the guy that I thought Udrih would be for the Bucks. Even if Dunleavy regresses next year, he will enter the discussion for one of Hammond's shrewdest free agent signings just based on how well he played for the Bucks during the 2011-12 season.
#4 (2, 10) Drew Gooden (#0, PF/C, 6'10", 236 lbs, Kansas, 10th NBA Season):
Before the 2010-11 season the Bucks signed Gooden to the mid-level exception that turned out to be a five-year, $35 million contract. Year 1 was a total disaster since Gooden did his best Bogut impression (he struggled with injuries for those that don't get the reference). Gooden was so horrible in the 2010-11 season that he looked like a strong candidate for the amnesty clause. Fortunately Gooden was healthy in Year 2 and much more productive. In fact after the Bucks lost Bogut for the season, Gooden filled in admirably at center despite power forward being his natural position.
#3 (3, 8) Ersan Ilyasova (#7, SF/PF, 6'10", 235 lbs, Turkey, 4th NBA Season):
Well my Poor Man's Dirk characterization at the start of the season is looking pretty astute right now. For how horrible Delfino performed in a contract year, Ilyasova guaranteed that he will definitely get paid and most likely overpaid this off-season. Ilyasova lead the Bucks in rebounds despite being one of the least muscular players on the team, which proves that rebounding is in your DNA (old-school think Dennis Rodman and new-school think Kevin Love or Kenneth Faried). Add in that Ilyasova finished second in three point shooting percentage for the entire NBA behind former Warrior Steve Novak and things are looking up for the Poor Man's Dirk. Keep in mind that Ilyasova is only 24-years old (turns 25 on May 15th) so it might be in the Bucks best interest to break the bank for Ilyasova, even if that means overpaying him.
#2 (NR, NR) Monta Ellis (#11, SG, 6'3", 185 lbs, Lanier High School, 6th NBA Season):
Looks like the perfect irrational confidence guy for a playoff team. There is no way that the Miami Heat could afford to fit Ellis under the cap but he would be the absolute perfect fourth banana. Who am I kidding, he would be the third and a half banana since the Heat have the Big Two and a Half. Ellis is under contract for next season but holds a player option for the following season so next season will be a huge season for Ellis and the Bucks.
#1 (1, 2) Brandon Jennings (#3, PG, 6'1", 169 lbs, Oak Hill Academy, 3rd NBA Season):
Despite ruffling a few Cheesehead feathers earlier in the year when he talked about wanting to play in a bigger market, Jennings was the most consistent player for the Bucks this season because he continues to improve on both ends of the court. Only time will tell whether the Jennings/Ellis combo meal will work in Milwaukee. They have one season to figure it out before Ellis gets to decide whether to opt-out and Jennings decides whether he wants to sign an extension.
The Bucks are headed back to the lottery again for the 5th time in 6 seasons and have a 0.7% chance of winning the 1st pick in the draft for the right to take Unibrow. We all know the Angel of Stern will not let a small market team besides the MJ owned Bobcats win the lottery so don't dream about Unibrow too long. If the ping-pong balls bounce as expected, the Bucks should pick 12th in the 2012 NBA Draft.
Feel free to call be captain obvious for the next sentence but every move the Bucks make this off-season will be with an eye towards the 2013-14 season when roughly $16 million comes off the books (Udrih = $7.8 million, Dunleavy = $3.75 million, Livingston = $3.5 million, and Brockman = $1 million).
Check back after the 2012 NBA Playoffs for my annual advice for John Hammond.
Related Posts:
- Wednesday What Happened - Bucks trade Bogut and Jackson to Warriors for Ellis
- Wednesday What (Should) Happen - 2012 NBA Trade Deadline Advice for John Hammond
- Sunday Funday - 2011-12 Milwaukee Bucks Midseason Player Ratings
- Sunday Funday - 2011-12 Milwaukee Bucks Initial Player Ratings
Fortunately I waited because we just learned that general manger John Hammond and head coach Scott Skiles will return next season despite being a lottery team (missing the playoffs) three of the last four years together so they will both enter their "contract" year on a short leash.
If that was not newsworthy enough, Milwaukee Bucks owner Herb Kohl said that he is interested in contributing to a new all purpose arena. Kohl purchased the Bucks in 1985 and the Bradley Center opened in 1988. The Bradley Center was designed in part to lure a mythical hockey team to Milwaukee. Unfortunately that mythical hockey team tuned out to be the Florida Panthers and the Bradley Center is now severely outdated.
Kohl is no stranger to paying for arenas, he generously donated $25 million (reportedly 30% of the total price) to the University of Wisconsin-Madison to build a new on-campus arena. I will leave my extended thoughts on Bradley Center 2.0 for another day but needless to say it will cost Kohl much more than $25 million this time around.
Back to the 2011-12 Milwaukee Bucks, after going 3-7 in their final 10 games the Bucks finished 31-35 (after finishing 35-47 in 2010-11) and were the last Eastern Conference team eliminated from playoff contention. The Bucks feasted on the bad teams going 22-5 against teams that finished below .500. Sadly the already discussed Bradley Center was not that friendly to the Bucks, they finished a mere 17-16 at home. Although half of those home losses were by five or less, they were .500 nonetheless.
The only real quality wins the Bucks had this season were at home against the Lakers, Heat, and Spurs as well as on the road over the Heat.
Going into the season it looked Brandon Jennings, Stephen Jackson, and Andrew Bogut were going to be the new "Big Three" in Milwaukee. As we all know now, that couldn't be further from the truth. Only one of the three remains on the roster, the injured Bogut and a disinterested Jackson were shipped to the Warriors for Monta Ellis, Ekpe Udoh, and Kwame Brown.
Jackson played for the Bucks less than a season, a lockout season nonetheless, but showed his true colors becoming a one-man team saboteur. I don't get how people can still claim Jackson is a good teammate.
As for Bogut, it's sad to see him go but hopefully a change of scenery will help him stay healthy. Bogut was named to the 3rd team All-NBA team in 2010 but besides that he has been hurt more than healthy. Picking Bogut over Chris Paul and Deron Williams will go down as one of the biggest "What If's" in Cheesehead sports history.
Since the collective interest in the Milwaukee Bucks is at an all-time low, let's end the foreplay and get to the actual final player rankings:
#15 (NR, NR) Kwame Brown (#54, C, 6'11", 270 lbs, Glynn Academy, 10th NBA Season):
A salary inclusion in the Bogut & Jackson for Ellis, Udoh, & Brown trade never actually suited up for the Bucks so the only thing he really earned from the Bucks besides way too much money was the 15th spot out of 15 on my player rankings. By the way, great move MJ taking Brown over Tyson Chandler and Pau Gasol.
#14 (13, 14) Jon Brockman (#40, PF/C, 6'7", 255 lbs, Washington, 3rd NBA Season):
Only played 35 games this year despite being the high energy guy on the roster. Much like Hammond and Skiles, Brockman is in a contract year next year so hopefully he gets more opportunities next year or Europe will be his likely destination for the 2013-14 instead of the NBA.
#13 (8, 9) Shaun Livingston (#9, PG/SG, 6'7", 175 lbs, Peoria Central High School, 7th NBA Season):
Once upon a time a healthy season was a successful season for Livingston. Now that Livingston put together two healthy seasons in a row, it's time for him to be a regular member of the rotation. Although Livingston has a slight build, his length allows him to play anywhere from point guard to small forward. Livingston better hope Delfino signs elsewhere in the off-season or best case scenario his minutes will be diminished next year while worst case scenario the Bucks will decline their $3.5 million team option for him for the 2012-13 season.
#12 (11, 13) Tobias Harris (#15, SF/PF, 6'8", 226 lbs, Tennessee, Rookie):
After just one season, Faried proved he should have been the pick instead of Harris. Great move Hammond.
#11 (9, 7) Beno Udrih (#19, PG/SG, 6'3", 203 lbs, Slovenia, 7th NBA Season):
It will not make-up for Harris over Faried but if Hammond can talk Udrih into declining his $7.8 million player option for the 2012-13 season, the Bucks will actually have salary cap space for the first time in over a decade (thanks Ernie Grunfeld and Larry Harris).
#10 (7, 6) Jon Leuer (#30, PF/C, 6'10", 228 lbs, Wisconsin, Rookie):
While most players sat on their butt and played video games during the lockout, Leuer played professionally in Germany so that he could hit the ground running when the season started. Not sure whether Leuer ran into Kobe or A-Rod as they went to Germany for "therapy" that is not technically legal according to the FDA but Leuer burst on the NBA scene like a comet and quickly faded as the season progressed. Leuer and Harris will benefit next year from actually having an off-season with the team so look for a dramatic improve from both players next year.
#9 (5, 3) Carlos Delfino (#10, SG/SF, 6'6", 230 lbs, Argentina, 7th NBA Season):
Unfortunately for Delfino but fortunately for the Bucks and Livingston, Delfino didn't have a great contract year performance. If the Bucks can re-sign Delfino on cheap, great. If not, let him walk because he is a borderline NBA starter when healthy.
#8 (10, 12) Larry Sanders (#8, PF/C, 6'11", 235 lbs, Virginia Commonwealth, 2nd NBA Season):
Some people take issue with Sanders getting tossed from two games in the last month of the season. May be I am drinking the Hey Now Kool-Aid but I chalk that up to Sanders being unable to control his passion for the game...okay maybe I am drinking the Kool-Aid. The most the Bucks can hope for is that Sanders turns into the Poor Man's Ben Wallace. Anything less and Sanders could see his minutes taken by Udoh, Leuer, and tweener power forward/center fill-in-the-blank that the Bucks draft in the first round of the 2012 NBA Draft.
#7 (4, 4) Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (#12, SF/PF, 6'8", 230 lbs, UCLA, 4th NBA Season):
The highlight of the year for The Prince is that the Bucks matched the four-year, $19 million offer sheet that he signed with the Denver Nuggets as a restricted free agent heading into the 2011-12 season. The Prince is a defensive stopper that is starting to improve on the offensive end of the court. Unfortunately The Prince suffered through an injury riddled season so hopefully he will bounce back healthy next year or $5 million a year for a defensive stopper feels a little rich. Add in that The Prince is not a candidate for the amnesty clause since the Bucks signed him after the ink dried on the new CBA and next year will be a big year for The Prince.
#6 (NR, NR) Ekpe Udoh (#13, PF/C, 6'10", 245 lbs, Baylor, 2nd NBA Season):
Apparently the Bucks held out for Udoh before they would make the Bogut & Jackson for Ellis, Udoh, & Brown Trade. That is looking like a very wise move because there is a good chance Bogut is never healthy again so the Bucks could end up with the two best players (Ellis and Udoh) in the entire trade. One quick reality check before we move though, Udoh doesn't look like he has the NBA rebounding gene. Fortunately Udoh protects the rim enough defensively so I see him turning into a Very Rich Man's Larry Sanders.
#5 (6, 11) Mike Dunleavy Jr. (#17, SG/SF, 6'9", 230 lbs, Duke, 10th NBA Season):
Like the late great Jerry Orbach said in Dirty Dancing, when I'm wrong, I say I'm wrong. Dunleavy ended up being the guy that I thought Udrih would be for the Bucks. Even if Dunleavy regresses next year, he will enter the discussion for one of Hammond's shrewdest free agent signings just based on how well he played for the Bucks during the 2011-12 season.
#4 (2, 10) Drew Gooden (#0, PF/C, 6'10", 236 lbs, Kansas, 10th NBA Season):
Before the 2010-11 season the Bucks signed Gooden to the mid-level exception that turned out to be a five-year, $35 million contract. Year 1 was a total disaster since Gooden did his best Bogut impression (he struggled with injuries for those that don't get the reference). Gooden was so horrible in the 2010-11 season that he looked like a strong candidate for the amnesty clause. Fortunately Gooden was healthy in Year 2 and much more productive. In fact after the Bucks lost Bogut for the season, Gooden filled in admirably at center despite power forward being his natural position.
#3 (3, 8) Ersan Ilyasova (#7, SF/PF, 6'10", 235 lbs, Turkey, 4th NBA Season):
Well my Poor Man's Dirk characterization at the start of the season is looking pretty astute right now. For how horrible Delfino performed in a contract year, Ilyasova guaranteed that he will definitely get paid and most likely overpaid this off-season. Ilyasova lead the Bucks in rebounds despite being one of the least muscular players on the team, which proves that rebounding is in your DNA (old-school think Dennis Rodman and new-school think Kevin Love or Kenneth Faried). Add in that Ilyasova finished second in three point shooting percentage for the entire NBA behind former Warrior Steve Novak and things are looking up for the Poor Man's Dirk. Keep in mind that Ilyasova is only 24-years old (turns 25 on May 15th) so it might be in the Bucks best interest to break the bank for Ilyasova, even if that means overpaying him.
#2 (NR, NR) Monta Ellis (#11, SG, 6'3", 185 lbs, Lanier High School, 6th NBA Season):
Looks like the perfect irrational confidence guy for a playoff team. There is no way that the Miami Heat could afford to fit Ellis under the cap but he would be the absolute perfect fourth banana. Who am I kidding, he would be the third and a half banana since the Heat have the Big Two and a Half. Ellis is under contract for next season but holds a player option for the following season so next season will be a huge season for Ellis and the Bucks.
#1 (1, 2) Brandon Jennings (#3, PG, 6'1", 169 lbs, Oak Hill Academy, 3rd NBA Season):
Despite ruffling a few Cheesehead feathers earlier in the year when he talked about wanting to play in a bigger market, Jennings was the most consistent player for the Bucks this season because he continues to improve on both ends of the court. Only time will tell whether the Jennings/Ellis combo meal will work in Milwaukee. They have one season to figure it out before Ellis gets to decide whether to opt-out and Jennings decides whether he wants to sign an extension.
The Bucks are headed back to the lottery again for the 5th time in 6 seasons and have a 0.7% chance of winning the 1st pick in the draft for the right to take Unibrow. We all know the Angel of Stern will not let a small market team besides the MJ owned Bobcats win the lottery so don't dream about Unibrow too long. If the ping-pong balls bounce as expected, the Bucks should pick 12th in the 2012 NBA Draft.
Feel free to call be captain obvious for the next sentence but every move the Bucks make this off-season will be with an eye towards the 2013-14 season when roughly $16 million comes off the books (Udrih = $7.8 million, Dunleavy = $3.75 million, Livingston = $3.5 million, and Brockman = $1 million).
Check back after the 2012 NBA Playoffs for my annual advice for John Hammond.
Related Posts:
- Wednesday What Happened - Bucks trade Bogut and Jackson to Warriors for Ellis
- Wednesday What (Should) Happen - 2012 NBA Trade Deadline Advice for John Hammond
- Sunday Funday - 2011-12 Milwaukee Bucks Midseason Player Ratings
- Sunday Funday - 2011-12 Milwaukee Bucks Initial Player Ratings
Monday, April 30, 2012
Quick Thoughts - City completes the double over United
Just a mere three weeks ago Manchester City trailed Manchester United by
eight points so the league title look settled. Unfortunately for
United's sake, the month of April has not been kind them. After
United's shock loss away to potentially relegation bound Wigan earlier
this month, United followed that up a few weeks later with a 4-4 tie at
home to Everton despite leading by two goals with less than 10 minutes
remaining.
That all meant instead of coasting to the league title, United only lead City by three points ahead of the most anticipated Manchester Derby of my lifetime. Heading into the match, ESPN's soccer power index (SPI) claimed that City had a mere 27.7% chance of winning the league title.
Luckily I was able to watch the match live with my buddy Brian at Stocks & Blondes despite the weekday kickoff at 2 pm CST from the baby blue Etihad Stadium.
After a back and forth first half, David Silva's corner kick found Vincent Kompany's head thanks to poor marking by Chris Smalling for a powerful finish to put City up 1-0 in stoppage time of the first half. City has a league leading 14 goals from corner kicks, which was quite a home slump buster for City against United since City hasn't scored a home goal against United in over four matches.
Besides the goal, the only other real noteworthy happenstance in the match followed Nigel de Jong aka Kung Fu Panda's slightly cynical challenge on Danny Welbeck. United manager Sir Alex Ferguson got vocal with City manager Roberto Mancini. City had a few other chances throughout the match but no real on-target scares.
The five minutes of stoppage time at the end of the second half felt like the longest fives minutes of my life, especially since I was having flashbacks of Michel Owen's winner in the 47th minute of second half stoppage time to give United a home win over City in the 2009-10 EPL season.
Luckily City hung on to complete the double over for United for only the second time in 40 years. Don't get too excited yet fellow City fans though because the last time City completed the double over United, unfortunately United won the league title that year.
All rooting interest aside, City was the better side than United. City out shot United 15 to 5 and none of United's shots were even on goal. That was due in large part to the fact that City was much more effective in the attacking third. City completed roughly 70% (101 of 147) of their passes in the attacking third while United only completed 56.7% (59 of 104) in the the attacking third.
Don't get me wrong, this obviosuly was not the 6-1 beat down that City gave United at Old Trafford but it might be the most significant win for City in their 131 year rivalry.
City and United both have 83 points and two matches remaining. The good news is that City would win the league if the season were to end today thanks to a +61 goal differential, eight better than United.
Unfortunately City has a much tougher slate of matches since they are away against Newcastle (currently 5th in the EPL) and home against Queens Park Rangers (currently 17th in the EPL) while United hosts Swansea City (currently 12th in the EPL) and away against Sunderland (currently 11th in the EPL). Despite having a much tougher slate of matches, SPI now claims that City has a 65.8% of winning the EPL.
City has not won the top league in England since 1968 when they clinched the title with a 4-3 win over Newcastle. Typical City would be wilting against Newcastle to give away the league title but winning a match like today over United marked a new era for City. Don't get me wrong, City could still stumble against Newcastle and/or QPR but they control their own destiny. That means for the first time in my lifetime, it is City's title to lose.
That all meant instead of coasting to the league title, United only lead City by three points ahead of the most anticipated Manchester Derby of my lifetime. Heading into the match, ESPN's soccer power index (SPI) claimed that City had a mere 27.7% chance of winning the league title.
Luckily I was able to watch the match live with my buddy Brian at Stocks & Blondes despite the weekday kickoff at 2 pm CST from the baby blue Etihad Stadium.
After a back and forth first half, David Silva's corner kick found Vincent Kompany's head thanks to poor marking by Chris Smalling for a powerful finish to put City up 1-0 in stoppage time of the first half. City has a league leading 14 goals from corner kicks, which was quite a home slump buster for City against United since City hasn't scored a home goal against United in over four matches.
Besides the goal, the only other real noteworthy happenstance in the match followed Nigel de Jong aka Kung Fu Panda's slightly cynical challenge on Danny Welbeck. United manager Sir Alex Ferguson got vocal with City manager Roberto Mancini. City had a few other chances throughout the match but no real on-target scares.
The five minutes of stoppage time at the end of the second half felt like the longest fives minutes of my life, especially since I was having flashbacks of Michel Owen's winner in the 47th minute of second half stoppage time to give United a home win over City in the 2009-10 EPL season.
Luckily City hung on to complete the double over for United for only the second time in 40 years. Don't get too excited yet fellow City fans though because the last time City completed the double over United, unfortunately United won the league title that year.
All rooting interest aside, City was the better side than United. City out shot United 15 to 5 and none of United's shots were even on goal. That was due in large part to the fact that City was much more effective in the attacking third. City completed roughly 70% (101 of 147) of their passes in the attacking third while United only completed 56.7% (59 of 104) in the the attacking third.
Don't get me wrong, this obviosuly was not the 6-1 beat down that City gave United at Old Trafford but it might be the most significant win for City in their 131 year rivalry.
City and United both have 83 points and two matches remaining. The good news is that City would win the league if the season were to end today thanks to a +61 goal differential, eight better than United.
Unfortunately City has a much tougher slate of matches since they are away against Newcastle (currently 5th in the EPL) and home against Queens Park Rangers (currently 17th in the EPL) while United hosts Swansea City (currently 12th in the EPL) and away against Sunderland (currently 11th in the EPL). Despite having a much tougher slate of matches, SPI now claims that City has a 65.8% of winning the EPL.
City has not won the top league in England since 1968 when they clinched the title with a 4-3 win over Newcastle. Typical City would be wilting against Newcastle to give away the league title but winning a match like today over United marked a new era for City. Don't get me wrong, City could still stumble against Newcastle and/or QPR but they control their own destiny. That means for the first time in my lifetime, it is City's title to lose.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Sunday Funday - 2012 Green Bay Packer Draft Picks
Welcome to my third annual review of the Green Bay Packers draft (2010 and 2011). One of my only qualms with Green Bay Packers general manager Ted
Thompson is that he usually trades back instead of moving up in the
draft. The Packers had a number of defensive needs so fortunately this
year Thompson bucked his trend of trading back and actually traded up in
the draft. Its obviously way too early to tell but the 2012
NFL Draft reminds me of the 2009 NFL Draft when Thompson traded up to
add Claymaker. This year Thompson traded up three times:
#1) Packers traded the 59th pick and the 123rd pick to the Eagles for the 51st pick. The Packers used the 51st pick to draft Jerel Worthy (DT/DE, Michigan State) while Vinny Curry (DE, Marshall) went 59th and Brandon Boykin (CB, Georgia) went 123rd. I like all three guys. I would probably rather have Curry and Boykins than just Worthy but there is no way the Packers could predict that Boykins would still be available at the end of the 4th round.
#2) Packers traded the 90th pick and the 163rd pick to the Patriots for the 62nd pick. The Packers used the 62nd pick to draft Casey Hayward (CB, Vanderbilt) while the Patriots drafted Jake Bequette (DE, Arkansas) with the 90th pick and traded 163rd pick back to the Packers.
#3) Packers traded the 197th, 224th, and 235th pick to the Patriots for the 163rd pick. The Packers used the 163rd pick to draft Terrell Manning (LB, N.C. State) while the Patriots drafted Nate Ebner (S, Ohio State) with the 197th pick, Alfonzo Denard (CB, Nebraska) with the 224th pick, and Jeremy Ebert (WR, Northwestern) with the 235th pick.
Congratulations to the eight players drafted by Thompson in the 2012 NFL Draft, today is truly a Sunday Funday for all of them:
1st Round (28th Overall): Nick Perry, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker
School: USC (Pac-12)
Height: 6'2¾"
Weight: 271 lbs
Arm Length: 33.0"
Hand Size: 9.4"
40-yard Dash: 4.64 seconds
3-Cone Drill: 7.25 seconds
20-yard Dash: 4.66 seconds
225-pound Bench Press: 35 reps
Vertical Leap: 38.5"
Broad Jump: 124.0"
Wonderlic: 29 out of 50
Other Possible Picks: Harrison Smith (SS, Notre Dame), Courtney Upshaw (OLB, Alabama), or Derek Wolfe (DT/DE, Cincinnati)
Analysis: Still feels odd to write Pac-12 instead of Pac-10. The 2011 Green Bay Packers gave up the most passing yards per game in NFL history. The simple solution would be to add a cornerback but pressuring the quarterback has a positive waterfall effect on the entire defense. That is a long way of saying I fully support adding Perry, one of my 2012 NFL Draft crushes, because I fully expect him to make the entire defense better because now Claymaker has a legitimate pass rushing threat at the other outside linebacker position for the for the first time in his career.
Second Round (51st Overall): Jerel Worthy, Defensive Lineman
School: Michigan State (Big Ten)
Height: 6'2⅜"
Weight: 309 lbs
Arm Length: 33.0"
Hand Size: 9.3"
40-yard Dash: 5.08 seconds
3-Cone Drill: 7.6 seconds
20-yard Dash: 4.56 seconds
225-pound Bench Press: 28 reps
Vertical Leap: 28.5"
Broad Jump: 107.0"
Wonderlic: 20 out of 50
Other Possible Picks: Devon Still (DT/DE, Penn State), Pete Konz (C, Wisconsin), or Vinny Curry (DE, Marshall)
Analysis: Let the comparisons of Ryan Pickett and Worthy start. Trust me, if Worthy is 75% as productive as Pickett the Packers hit a home run with this pick. When Kendall Reyes (DT, UConn) went 49th overall to the San Diego Chargers, the Packers sensed there might be a run on defensive lineman. Thompson wisely traded up to take Worthy. As I said in my preview of Day 1 of the NFL Draft for the Packers, although Worthy didn't put up huge numbers in college, he is an effective pass rusher that takes up ton of space. That is exactly the type of player the Packers thought they were getting in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft in Mike Neal, which I guess is why they let versatile defensive lineman Cullen Jenkins leave before the 2011 season. With Mike Neal continuing to look like Justin Harrell 2.0, the Packers desperately needed an impact defensive lineman like Worthy.
Second Round (62nd Overall): Casey Hayward, Cornerback
School: Vanderbilt (SEC)
Height: 5'11⅜"
Weight: 192 lbs
Arm Length: 30.2"
Hand Size: 9.0"
40-yard Dash: 4.57 seconds
3-Cone Drill: 6.70 seconds
20-yard Dash: 3.90 seconds
225-pound Bench Press: 19 reps
Vertical Leap: 34"
Broad Jump: 119.0"
Wonderlic: 16 out of 50
Other Possible Picks: Trumaine Johnson (CB, Montana), Josh Robinson (UCF, CB), or Brandon Brooks (Miami of Ohio, G/T)
Analysis: The Packers took three defenders with their first three picks for the first time since 2004 when they took Ahmad Carroll, Joey Thomas, and Donnell Washington. Let's hope 2012 is not a repeat of 2004, otherwise the rampant optimism for Perry, Worthy, and Hayward joining the Packers will quickly turn to disappointment. Hayward is apparently a complete ball hawk, which means he will fit in well in Green Bay since they've had one of the opportunistic secondaries for the last five years. This pick was really a three horse race between Hayward, Johnson, and Robinson. As I said in my preview of Day 2 of the NFL Draft for the Packers, I probably would have taken Johnson just because he is a few inches taller than Hayward or Robinson but for the mere fact that Thompson traded into the second round to get another defender, I am going to trust his judgment.
4th Round (132 Overall): Mike Daniels, Defensive Tackle
School: Iowa (Big Ten)
Height: 6'0½"
Weight: 291 lbs
Arm Length: 32.4"
Hand Size: 9.1"
40-yard Dash: 4.86 seconds
3-Cone Drill: N/A
20-yard Dash: N/A
225-pound Bench Press: 27 reps
Vertical Leap: 36.5"
Broad Jump: 124.0"
Wonderlic: 28 out of 50
Other Possible Picks: Josh Chapman (DT, Alabama), Malik Jackson (DE, Tennessee), or Zebrie Sanders (OT, Florida State)
Analysis: Not often do teams have two picks in a row. Daniels was the first of two consecutive picks and the Packers took their sweet time getting their names submitted because "the pick is in" flashed on the bottom of the screen for what felt like 15 minutes. Leaving all that aside, watch out C.J. Wilson and Jarius Wynn, it looks like a three-horse race between you guys and Daniels for the last defensive lineman roster spot.
4th Round (133rd Overall): Jerron Mcmillian, Safety
School: Maine (CAA)
Height: 5'11⅛"
Weight: 203 lbs
Arm Length: 30.5"
Hand Size: 9.3"
40-yard Dash: 4.56 seconds
3-Cone Drill: 6.69 seconds
20-yard Dash: 4.22 seconds
225-pound Bench Press: 17 reps
Vertical Leap: 36.5"
Broad Jump: 120.0"
Wonderlic: 15 out of 50
Other Possible Picks: Robert Blanton (S, Notre Dame), Josh Norman (CB, Costal Carolina), or Bradie Ewing (FB, Wisconsin)
Analysis: Opinions are all over the board on Mcmilliam. Todd McShay had Mcmillian rated as a non-drafted free agent while Mel Kiper Jr. claims that he had a 4th or 5th round grade on him. The one thing we do know is that Mcmillian was a good tackler in college so if he can continue that in the NFL, Morgan Burnett might be able to turn into the ball-hawk at safety with Mcmillian doing the dirty work on the back end. People are trying to make Nick Collins comparisons because Mcmillian is an athletic tackler from a small college. Let's not forget that Collins was a second round pick and is undoubtedly one of the best safeties in franchise history so let's see Mcmillian make the team before we start comparing him to former safety Nick Collins.
6th Round (163rd Overall): Terrell Manning, outside linebacker
School: N.C. State (ACC)
Height: 6'2⅛"
Weight: 237 lbs
Arm Length: 32.2"
Hand Size: 9.2"
40-yard Dash: 4.79 seconds
3-Cone Drill: 7.18 seconds
20-yard Dash: 4.43 seconds
225-pound Bench Press: 22 reps
Vertical Leap: 32.5"
Broad Jump: 114.0"
Wonderlic: 23 out of 50
Other Possible Picks: George Iloka (S, Boise State), Emmanuel Acho (MLB, Texas), or Billy Winn (DT, Boise State)
Analysis: Seems like a versatile linebacker that can play any of the four linebacker spots in the 3-4. A new-school Brandon Chillar if you will. Although take my comparisons with a grain of salt because last year I claimed that Ricky Elmore would be Aaron Kampman 2.0, clearly I was wrong so I don't want to get to overexcited about Terrell Manning. In fact I would be more excited about Manning if it didn't come at the expense of my Boise State draft crushes George Iloka (S, Boise State) and Billy Winn (DT, Boise State). Finally A.J. Hawk better hold make sure he still has the compromising pictures of Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy because the Packers have a ton of young, cheaper inside linebacker options in D.J. Smith, Robert Francois, and Terrell Manning.
7th Round (241st Overall): Andrew Datko, Offensive Tackle
School: Florida State (ACC)
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 315 lbs
Arm Length: 33.7"
Hand Size: 10.0"
40-yard Dash: 5.32 seconds
3-Cone Drill: 7.71 seconds
20-yard Dash: 4.54 seconds
225-pound Bench Press: 20 reps
Vertical Leap: 29.5"
Broad Jump: 100.0"
Wonderlic: 25 out of 50
Other Possible Picks: Mike Harris (OT, UCLA), Josh Ogelsby (OT, Wisconsin), or James Brown (G/T, Troy)
Analysis: Is this Neckbeard 2.0 (Mark Tauscher) for the Packers? Luckily the Packers have been investing high picks in offensive tackles the two years because after cutting Chad Clifton earlier this week, there will be a new full-time starting left tackle in Green Bay for the first time in over a decade. I am sure the Packers will be working the phones to make sure a few "priority" non-drafted free agents come into camp to compete for backup lineman spots but they have a ton of quality depth at offensive tackle already so adding Datko feels like gravy or at the very least insurance in 2012 on Derek Sherrod's broken leg. On the plus side, the Packers got a guy that played a ton of games at left tackle for a big time program and fits well in the zone blocking scheme that the Packers use. The only reason Datko fell to the 7th round was the injury issues. If Datko can get healthy, this pick will be the steal of the draft.
7th Round (243rd Overall): B.J. Coleman, Quarterback
School: Chattanooga (Southern)
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 233 lbs
Arm Length: 31.5"
Hand Size: 10.3"
40-yard Dash: 4.95 seconds
3-Cone Drill: 7.07 seconds
20-yard Dash: 4.38 seconds
225-pound Bench Press: N/A
Vertical Leap: 29.5"
Broad Jump: 109.0"
Wonderlic: 25 out of 50
Other Possible Picks: Chandler Harnish (QB, Northern Illinois), Kellan Moore (QB, Boise State), or Case Keenum (QB, Houston)
Analysis: I like Thompson following the Ron Wolf model of taking developmental quarterbacks late in the draft. Best case scenario the Packers develop Coleman into a serviceable back-up. Worst case scenario they threw away the 243rd pick. I am sure there will be one or two Matt Flynn comparisons since the 7th round is the same round the Packers drafted Flynn. Let's not forget that Flynn won a national championship in college, while Coleman could barely stay healthy long enough to get on the field. One other footnote to Coleman, he might help lay the ground work for having Favre return to Green Bay for a proper retirement ceremony sooner rather than later because they share the same agent (Bus Cook). Not only that, Favre has done extensive one-on-one work with Coleman leading up to the draft. Heck if this pick was merely Ted Thompson's way of extending an olive branch to Favre it will go down as one of his better picks of the 2012 NFL Draft.
As we we all know, the 2011 the Packers went 15-1 in the regular season but lost at home in the Divisional Round to the New York Giants because of their porous defense. Normally the Packers don't draft for need but clearly the Packers needed to add a number of defenders. If even two or three of the defenders above turn into NFL starters then the 2012 NFL Draft will go down as the greatest defensive drafts in franchise history.
Related Posts:
- Quick Thoughts - 2012 NFL Draft Day 2 Packers Preview
- Quick Thoughts - 2012 NFL Draft Day 1 Packers Preview
- Cheesehead Sports Nut's 2012 First Round NFL Mock Draft
- Sunday Funday - 2011 Green Bay Packer Draft Picks
- Sunday Funday - 2010 Green Bay Packer Draft Picks
#1) Packers traded the 59th pick and the 123rd pick to the Eagles for the 51st pick. The Packers used the 51st pick to draft Jerel Worthy (DT/DE, Michigan State) while Vinny Curry (DE, Marshall) went 59th and Brandon Boykin (CB, Georgia) went 123rd. I like all three guys. I would probably rather have Curry and Boykins than just Worthy but there is no way the Packers could predict that Boykins would still be available at the end of the 4th round.
#2) Packers traded the 90th pick and the 163rd pick to the Patriots for the 62nd pick. The Packers used the 62nd pick to draft Casey Hayward (CB, Vanderbilt) while the Patriots drafted Jake Bequette (DE, Arkansas) with the 90th pick and traded 163rd pick back to the Packers.
#3) Packers traded the 197th, 224th, and 235th pick to the Patriots for the 163rd pick. The Packers used the 163rd pick to draft Terrell Manning (LB, N.C. State) while the Patriots drafted Nate Ebner (S, Ohio State) with the 197th pick, Alfonzo Denard (CB, Nebraska) with the 224th pick, and Jeremy Ebert (WR, Northwestern) with the 235th pick.
Congratulations to the eight players drafted by Thompson in the 2012 NFL Draft, today is truly a Sunday Funday for all of them:
1st Round (28th Overall): Nick Perry, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker
School: USC (Pac-12)
Height: 6'2¾"
Weight: 271 lbs
Arm Length: 33.0"
Hand Size: 9.4"
40-yard Dash: 4.64 seconds
3-Cone Drill: 7.25 seconds
20-yard Dash: 4.66 seconds
225-pound Bench Press: 35 reps
Vertical Leap: 38.5"
Broad Jump: 124.0"
Wonderlic: 29 out of 50
Other Possible Picks: Harrison Smith (SS, Notre Dame), Courtney Upshaw (OLB, Alabama), or Derek Wolfe (DT/DE, Cincinnati)
Analysis: Still feels odd to write Pac-12 instead of Pac-10. The 2011 Green Bay Packers gave up the most passing yards per game in NFL history. The simple solution would be to add a cornerback but pressuring the quarterback has a positive waterfall effect on the entire defense. That is a long way of saying I fully support adding Perry, one of my 2012 NFL Draft crushes, because I fully expect him to make the entire defense better because now Claymaker has a legitimate pass rushing threat at the other outside linebacker position for the for the first time in his career.
Second Round (51st Overall): Jerel Worthy, Defensive Lineman
School: Michigan State (Big Ten)
Height: 6'2⅜"
Weight: 309 lbs
Arm Length: 33.0"
Hand Size: 9.3"
40-yard Dash: 5.08 seconds
3-Cone Drill: 7.6 seconds
20-yard Dash: 4.56 seconds
225-pound Bench Press: 28 reps
Vertical Leap: 28.5"
Broad Jump: 107.0"
Wonderlic: 20 out of 50
Other Possible Picks: Devon Still (DT/DE, Penn State), Pete Konz (C, Wisconsin), or Vinny Curry (DE, Marshall)
Analysis: Let the comparisons of Ryan Pickett and Worthy start. Trust me, if Worthy is 75% as productive as Pickett the Packers hit a home run with this pick. When Kendall Reyes (DT, UConn) went 49th overall to the San Diego Chargers, the Packers sensed there might be a run on defensive lineman. Thompson wisely traded up to take Worthy. As I said in my preview of Day 1 of the NFL Draft for the Packers, although Worthy didn't put up huge numbers in college, he is an effective pass rusher that takes up ton of space. That is exactly the type of player the Packers thought they were getting in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft in Mike Neal, which I guess is why they let versatile defensive lineman Cullen Jenkins leave before the 2011 season. With Mike Neal continuing to look like Justin Harrell 2.0, the Packers desperately needed an impact defensive lineman like Worthy.
Second Round (62nd Overall): Casey Hayward, Cornerback
School: Vanderbilt (SEC)
Height: 5'11⅜"
Weight: 192 lbs
Arm Length: 30.2"
Hand Size: 9.0"
40-yard Dash: 4.57 seconds
3-Cone Drill: 6.70 seconds
20-yard Dash: 3.90 seconds
225-pound Bench Press: 19 reps
Vertical Leap: 34"
Broad Jump: 119.0"
Wonderlic: 16 out of 50
Other Possible Picks: Trumaine Johnson (CB, Montana), Josh Robinson (UCF, CB), or Brandon Brooks (Miami of Ohio, G/T)
Analysis: The Packers took three defenders with their first three picks for the first time since 2004 when they took Ahmad Carroll, Joey Thomas, and Donnell Washington. Let's hope 2012 is not a repeat of 2004, otherwise the rampant optimism for Perry, Worthy, and Hayward joining the Packers will quickly turn to disappointment. Hayward is apparently a complete ball hawk, which means he will fit in well in Green Bay since they've had one of the opportunistic secondaries for the last five years. This pick was really a three horse race between Hayward, Johnson, and Robinson. As I said in my preview of Day 2 of the NFL Draft for the Packers, I probably would have taken Johnson just because he is a few inches taller than Hayward or Robinson but for the mere fact that Thompson traded into the second round to get another defender, I am going to trust his judgment.
4th Round (132 Overall): Mike Daniels, Defensive Tackle
School: Iowa (Big Ten)
Height: 6'0½"
Weight: 291 lbs
Arm Length: 32.4"
Hand Size: 9.1"
40-yard Dash: 4.86 seconds
3-Cone Drill: N/A
20-yard Dash: N/A
225-pound Bench Press: 27 reps
Vertical Leap: 36.5"
Broad Jump: 124.0"
Wonderlic: 28 out of 50
Other Possible Picks: Josh Chapman (DT, Alabama), Malik Jackson (DE, Tennessee), or Zebrie Sanders (OT, Florida State)
Analysis: Not often do teams have two picks in a row. Daniels was the first of two consecutive picks and the Packers took their sweet time getting their names submitted because "the pick is in" flashed on the bottom of the screen for what felt like 15 minutes. Leaving all that aside, watch out C.J. Wilson and Jarius Wynn, it looks like a three-horse race between you guys and Daniels for the last defensive lineman roster spot.
4th Round (133rd Overall): Jerron Mcmillian, Safety
School: Maine (CAA)
Height: 5'11⅛"
Weight: 203 lbs
Arm Length: 30.5"
Hand Size: 9.3"
40-yard Dash: 4.56 seconds
3-Cone Drill: 6.69 seconds
20-yard Dash: 4.22 seconds
225-pound Bench Press: 17 reps
Vertical Leap: 36.5"
Broad Jump: 120.0"
Wonderlic: 15 out of 50
Other Possible Picks: Robert Blanton (S, Notre Dame), Josh Norman (CB, Costal Carolina), or Bradie Ewing (FB, Wisconsin)
Analysis: Opinions are all over the board on Mcmilliam. Todd McShay had Mcmillian rated as a non-drafted free agent while Mel Kiper Jr. claims that he had a 4th or 5th round grade on him. The one thing we do know is that Mcmillian was a good tackler in college so if he can continue that in the NFL, Morgan Burnett might be able to turn into the ball-hawk at safety with Mcmillian doing the dirty work on the back end. People are trying to make Nick Collins comparisons because Mcmillian is an athletic tackler from a small college. Let's not forget that Collins was a second round pick and is undoubtedly one of the best safeties in franchise history so let's see Mcmillian make the team before we start comparing him to former safety Nick Collins.
6th Round (163rd Overall): Terrell Manning, outside linebacker
School: N.C. State (ACC)
Height: 6'2⅛"
Weight: 237 lbs
Arm Length: 32.2"
Hand Size: 9.2"
40-yard Dash: 4.79 seconds
3-Cone Drill: 7.18 seconds
20-yard Dash: 4.43 seconds
225-pound Bench Press: 22 reps
Vertical Leap: 32.5"
Broad Jump: 114.0"
Wonderlic: 23 out of 50
Other Possible Picks: George Iloka (S, Boise State), Emmanuel Acho (MLB, Texas), or Billy Winn (DT, Boise State)
Analysis: Seems like a versatile linebacker that can play any of the four linebacker spots in the 3-4. A new-school Brandon Chillar if you will. Although take my comparisons with a grain of salt because last year I claimed that Ricky Elmore would be Aaron Kampman 2.0, clearly I was wrong so I don't want to get to overexcited about Terrell Manning. In fact I would be more excited about Manning if it didn't come at the expense of my Boise State draft crushes George Iloka (S, Boise State) and Billy Winn (DT, Boise State). Finally A.J. Hawk better hold make sure he still has the compromising pictures of Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy because the Packers have a ton of young, cheaper inside linebacker options in D.J. Smith, Robert Francois, and Terrell Manning.
7th Round (241st Overall): Andrew Datko, Offensive Tackle
School: Florida State (ACC)
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 315 lbs
Arm Length: 33.7"
Hand Size: 10.0"
40-yard Dash: 5.32 seconds
3-Cone Drill: 7.71 seconds
20-yard Dash: 4.54 seconds
225-pound Bench Press: 20 reps
Vertical Leap: 29.5"
Broad Jump: 100.0"
Wonderlic: 25 out of 50
Other Possible Picks: Mike Harris (OT, UCLA), Josh Ogelsby (OT, Wisconsin), or James Brown (G/T, Troy)
Analysis: Is this Neckbeard 2.0 (Mark Tauscher) for the Packers? Luckily the Packers have been investing high picks in offensive tackles the two years because after cutting Chad Clifton earlier this week, there will be a new full-time starting left tackle in Green Bay for the first time in over a decade. I am sure the Packers will be working the phones to make sure a few "priority" non-drafted free agents come into camp to compete for backup lineman spots but they have a ton of quality depth at offensive tackle already so adding Datko feels like gravy or at the very least insurance in 2012 on Derek Sherrod's broken leg. On the plus side, the Packers got a guy that played a ton of games at left tackle for a big time program and fits well in the zone blocking scheme that the Packers use. The only reason Datko fell to the 7th round was the injury issues. If Datko can get healthy, this pick will be the steal of the draft.
7th Round (243rd Overall): B.J. Coleman, Quarterback
School: Chattanooga (Southern)
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 233 lbs
Arm Length: 31.5"
Hand Size: 10.3"
40-yard Dash: 4.95 seconds
3-Cone Drill: 7.07 seconds
20-yard Dash: 4.38 seconds
225-pound Bench Press: N/A
Vertical Leap: 29.5"
Broad Jump: 109.0"
Wonderlic: 25 out of 50
Other Possible Picks: Chandler Harnish (QB, Northern Illinois), Kellan Moore (QB, Boise State), or Case Keenum (QB, Houston)
Analysis: I like Thompson following the Ron Wolf model of taking developmental quarterbacks late in the draft. Best case scenario the Packers develop Coleman into a serviceable back-up. Worst case scenario they threw away the 243rd pick. I am sure there will be one or two Matt Flynn comparisons since the 7th round is the same round the Packers drafted Flynn. Let's not forget that Flynn won a national championship in college, while Coleman could barely stay healthy long enough to get on the field. One other footnote to Coleman, he might help lay the ground work for having Favre return to Green Bay for a proper retirement ceremony sooner rather than later because they share the same agent (Bus Cook). Not only that, Favre has done extensive one-on-one work with Coleman leading up to the draft. Heck if this pick was merely Ted Thompson's way of extending an olive branch to Favre it will go down as one of his better picks of the 2012 NFL Draft.
As we we all know, the 2011 the Packers went 15-1 in the regular season but lost at home in the Divisional Round to the New York Giants because of their porous defense. Normally the Packers don't draft for need but clearly the Packers needed to add a number of defenders. If even two or three of the defenders above turn into NFL starters then the 2012 NFL Draft will go down as the greatest defensive drafts in franchise history.
Related Posts:
- Quick Thoughts - 2012 NFL Draft Day 2 Packers Preview
- Quick Thoughts - 2012 NFL Draft Day 1 Packers Preview
- Cheesehead Sports Nut's 2012 First Round NFL Mock Draft
- Sunday Funday - 2011 Green Bay Packer Draft Picks
- Sunday Funday - 2010 Green Bay Packer Draft Picks
Friday, April 27, 2012
Quick Thoughts - 2012 NFL Draft Day 2 Packers Preview
It took a ton of patience to wait until the end of the first round for
the Packers to finally make a pick but it was well worth the wait since
the Packers added USC outside linebacker Nick Perry. As I said in my mock draft, Perry is one of my draft crushes from the 2012 NFL Draft. Although I targeted Perry as one of the guys I wanted the Packers to draft, I thought he would have been off the board by 28. The only real
knock on Perry is that he occasionally takes plays off but as all the draft pundits
said, do you think Claymaker will let Perry take plays off?
With the first round in the books it's time to turn our sights to the second and third rounds. There are some guys leftover from the first round that I had my eye on for the Packers so it goes without saying that I would fully support the Packers taking Courtney Upshaw (OLB, Alabama), Jerel Worthy (DL, Michigan State), Vinny Curry (DL, Marshall), Andre Branch (DL/LB, Clemson), Devon Still (DL, Penn State), and Kendall Reyes (DL, UConn) in the second round. Besides the guys just mentioned, here are five other targets for the Packers in the second round:
Peter Konz (C, Wisconsin, 6'5", 315 lbs): The only way the Packers get Konz is if they trade up in the second round. Since the Packers have 11 picks left in the 2012 NFL Draft, they have plenty of ammunition. A few picks later in the draft seems like a small price to pay to move up and get Konz as their versatile center/guard of the future.
Linebacker that falls: Despite taking Perry in the first round, I would actually support the Packers taking a versatile linebacker at the end of the second round if another one falls to them. So yes, I am fine with the Packers taking Zach Brown (OLB, UNC, 6'1", 244 lbs), Ronnell Lewis (OLB, Oklahoma, 6'1", 253 lbs), or Lavonte David (LB, Nebraska, 6'0, 233 lbs) in the second round despite the fact that they took outside linebacker Nick Perry in the first round. All three guys just mentioned seem like situational pass rusher but as Mike Mayock and Michael Lombardi pointed out as they dissected the Bruce Irivin overdraft by the Seattle Seahawks, the NFL is a passing league so situational pass rushers will be on the field even more than in years past.
Short cornerbacks: Janoris Jenkins (CB, Northern Alabama, 5'10", 193 lbs) has four kids with three moms so that is scaring teams but Green Bay would be the perfect small town to ground Jenkins. Although Jenkins is more physically gifted (not talking about his tallywacker) than Josh Robinson (CB, Central Florida, 5'10", 199 lbs), I look at Robinson as Jenkins sans baggage.
Tall cornerbacks: The Packers will face big wide receivers like Calvin Johnson and Brandon Marshall in the NFC North so all things being equal I would rather the Packers take Josh Norman (CB, Costal Carolina, 6'2", 190 lbs) or Trumaine Johnson (CB, Montana, 6'2", 204 lbs) than Jenkins or Robinson simply because you can't teach height.
Defensive Tackle: With Mike Neal looking like Justin Harrell reincarnated, Derek Wolfe (DL, Cincinnati, 6'5", 300 lbs), Alameda Ta'Amu (DL, Washington, 6'2", 348 lbs), or Brandon Thompson (DL, Clemson, 6'2", 314 lbs) are perfect 3-4 defensive lineman but odds are that none will be available at the end of the second round unless the Packers trade up.
Much like I said about the guys that I targeted in the first round for the Packers, it goes without saying that any of the guys mentioned above would be great picks for the Packers in the third round. Here are some other guys that I hope the Packers target in the third round:
Cam Johnson (DE, UVA, 6'3", 268 lbs): Unfortunately you don't get Cam Jordan when you draft Cam Johnson but adding a guy like Johnson at the end of the 3rd round feels like a quality pick for the Packers.
Jared Crick (DE/DT, Nebraska, 6'4", 279 lbs): At one point he was a first round prospect but lack of strength and injuries hurt Crick's draft stock. Crick may be weak, damaged goods but he has a huge upside as well so it seems worth the risk in the 3rd round.
Boise State Defensive Lineman: Boise State had a huge first day of the draft with Shea McClellin and Doug Martin getting drafted in the first round. Whether it be Billy Winn (DL, Boise State, 6'3", 294 lbs) or Tyrone Crawford (DL, Boise State, 6'4", 275 lbs), the Packers should keep the Boise State training rolling.
Mike Martin (DT, Michigan, 6'1" 306 lbs): The Packers love effort guys that max out their talent and Martin is the personification of that type of player.
Brandon Boykin (CB, Georgia, 5'9", 182 lbs): Watch out Sam Shields because Boykin played in the SEC, which prepared him to step in and play meaningful snaps as a nickel cornerback right away for the Packers in 2012.
Alfonzo Dennard (CB, Nebraska, 5'10" 204 lbs): Much like his teammate Crick, Dennard was a potential first round pick earlier in the season so getting him in the third round feels like a steal.
Casey Hayward (CB, Vanderbilt, 5'11", 192 lbs): Odd are that Hayward will be long gone by now but a man can dream.
George Iloka (S, Boise State, 6'3", 225 lbs): I talked about Boise State defensive lineman above but my favorite Boise State player not named Shea McClellin is George Iloka mostly because there are very few, if any, safeties so tall and agile.
Brandon Brooks (G, Miami of Ohio, 6'5", 343 lbs): Speaking of tall and agile, I would be shocked if the former Cheesehead resident was still on the board at the end of the third round. If Brooks is still available at that point take him, especially with T.J. Lang set to become a free agent after 2012. Mark my words, you can plug Brooks in at left guard in 2013 at worst and he might even push Lang to start there in 2012.
Russell Wilson (QB, Wisconsin, 5'10", 204 lbs): Why not finish the list with my favorite one-year-wonder in Cheesehead sports history. I included Wilson mostly because I am not ready for him to leave Cheesehead country. This would obviosuly be a complete luxury pick. Wilson feels like the new school Aaron Brooks at worst.
I am attending an event tonight with Cheesehead Chick so I will not preview Day 3 of the 2012 NFL Draft for the Green Bay Packers but I will try to give my thought on Twitter, follow me @CheeseheadSN. Also check back Sunday for my annual review of each pick Ted Thompson made in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Related Posts:
- Quick Thoughts - 2012 NFL Draft Day 1 Packers Preview
- Cheesehead Sports Nut's 2012 First Round NFL Mock Draft
With the first round in the books it's time to turn our sights to the second and third rounds. There are some guys leftover from the first round that I had my eye on for the Packers so it goes without saying that I would fully support the Packers taking Courtney Upshaw (OLB, Alabama), Jerel Worthy (DL, Michigan State), Vinny Curry (DL, Marshall), Andre Branch (DL/LB, Clemson), Devon Still (DL, Penn State), and Kendall Reyes (DL, UConn) in the second round. Besides the guys just mentioned, here are five other targets for the Packers in the second round:
Peter Konz (C, Wisconsin, 6'5", 315 lbs): The only way the Packers get Konz is if they trade up in the second round. Since the Packers have 11 picks left in the 2012 NFL Draft, they have plenty of ammunition. A few picks later in the draft seems like a small price to pay to move up and get Konz as their versatile center/guard of the future.
Linebacker that falls: Despite taking Perry in the first round, I would actually support the Packers taking a versatile linebacker at the end of the second round if another one falls to them. So yes, I am fine with the Packers taking Zach Brown (OLB, UNC, 6'1", 244 lbs), Ronnell Lewis (OLB, Oklahoma, 6'1", 253 lbs), or Lavonte David (LB, Nebraska, 6'0, 233 lbs) in the second round despite the fact that they took outside linebacker Nick Perry in the first round. All three guys just mentioned seem like situational pass rusher but as Mike Mayock and Michael Lombardi pointed out as they dissected the Bruce Irivin overdraft by the Seattle Seahawks, the NFL is a passing league so situational pass rushers will be on the field even more than in years past.
Short cornerbacks: Janoris Jenkins (CB, Northern Alabama, 5'10", 193 lbs) has four kids with three moms so that is scaring teams but Green Bay would be the perfect small town to ground Jenkins. Although Jenkins is more physically gifted (not talking about his tallywacker) than Josh Robinson (CB, Central Florida, 5'10", 199 lbs), I look at Robinson as Jenkins sans baggage.
Tall cornerbacks: The Packers will face big wide receivers like Calvin Johnson and Brandon Marshall in the NFC North so all things being equal I would rather the Packers take Josh Norman (CB, Costal Carolina, 6'2", 190 lbs) or Trumaine Johnson (CB, Montana, 6'2", 204 lbs) than Jenkins or Robinson simply because you can't teach height.
Defensive Tackle: With Mike Neal looking like Justin Harrell reincarnated, Derek Wolfe (DL, Cincinnati, 6'5", 300 lbs), Alameda Ta'Amu (DL, Washington, 6'2", 348 lbs), or Brandon Thompson (DL, Clemson, 6'2", 314 lbs) are perfect 3-4 defensive lineman but odds are that none will be available at the end of the second round unless the Packers trade up.
Much like I said about the guys that I targeted in the first round for the Packers, it goes without saying that any of the guys mentioned above would be great picks for the Packers in the third round. Here are some other guys that I hope the Packers target in the third round:
Cam Johnson (DE, UVA, 6'3", 268 lbs): Unfortunately you don't get Cam Jordan when you draft Cam Johnson but adding a guy like Johnson at the end of the 3rd round feels like a quality pick for the Packers.
Jared Crick (DE/DT, Nebraska, 6'4", 279 lbs): At one point he was a first round prospect but lack of strength and injuries hurt Crick's draft stock. Crick may be weak, damaged goods but he has a huge upside as well so it seems worth the risk in the 3rd round.
Boise State Defensive Lineman: Boise State had a huge first day of the draft with Shea McClellin and Doug Martin getting drafted in the first round. Whether it be Billy Winn (DL, Boise State, 6'3", 294 lbs) or Tyrone Crawford (DL, Boise State, 6'4", 275 lbs), the Packers should keep the Boise State training rolling.
Mike Martin (DT, Michigan, 6'1" 306 lbs): The Packers love effort guys that max out their talent and Martin is the personification of that type of player.
Brandon Boykin (CB, Georgia, 5'9", 182 lbs): Watch out Sam Shields because Boykin played in the SEC, which prepared him to step in and play meaningful snaps as a nickel cornerback right away for the Packers in 2012.
Alfonzo Dennard (CB, Nebraska, 5'10" 204 lbs): Much like his teammate Crick, Dennard was a potential first round pick earlier in the season so getting him in the third round feels like a steal.
Casey Hayward (CB, Vanderbilt, 5'11", 192 lbs): Odd are that Hayward will be long gone by now but a man can dream.
George Iloka (S, Boise State, 6'3", 225 lbs): I talked about Boise State defensive lineman above but my favorite Boise State player not named Shea McClellin is George Iloka mostly because there are very few, if any, safeties so tall and agile.
Brandon Brooks (G, Miami of Ohio, 6'5", 343 lbs): Speaking of tall and agile, I would be shocked if the former Cheesehead resident was still on the board at the end of the third round. If Brooks is still available at that point take him, especially with T.J. Lang set to become a free agent after 2012. Mark my words, you can plug Brooks in at left guard in 2013 at worst and he might even push Lang to start there in 2012.
Russell Wilson (QB, Wisconsin, 5'10", 204 lbs): Why not finish the list with my favorite one-year-wonder in Cheesehead sports history. I included Wilson mostly because I am not ready for him to leave Cheesehead country. This would obviosuly be a complete luxury pick. Wilson feels like the new school Aaron Brooks at worst.
I am attending an event tonight with Cheesehead Chick so I will not preview Day 3 of the 2012 NFL Draft for the Green Bay Packers but I will try to give my thought on Twitter, follow me @CheeseheadSN. Also check back Sunday for my annual review of each pick Ted Thompson made in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Related Posts:
- Quick Thoughts - 2012 NFL Draft Day 1 Packers Preview
- Cheesehead Sports Nut's 2012 First Round NFL Mock Draft
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