Congratulations to the ten players taken by Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson in the 2011 NFL Draft, today is truly a Sunday Funday for all of them.
1st Round (32nd Overall): Derek Sherrod, Offensive Tackle
School: Mississippi State (SEC)
Height: 6'5⅜"
Weight: 321 lbs
Arm Length: 35.29"
Hand Size: 11.0"
40-yard Dash: 5.18 seconds
Vertical Leap: 28"
Broad Jump: 8'1"
225-pound Bench Press: 23 reps
Wonderlic: 25 out of 50
Other Possible Picks: Da'Quan Bowers (DE/OLB, Clemson), Marvin Austin (DE/DT, UNC) or Stephen Paea (DT, Oregon State)
Analysis: Another year, another tackle drafted in the first round. Last year Thompson drafted Bryan Bulaga and followed it up this year by taking Sherrod with the last pick of the first round. Sherrod has longer arms and bigger hands than Bulaga. Only time will tell whether that means that Sherrod is the left tackle of the future ahead of Bulaga. Sherrod is a smart guy, he graduated college in three years and even started on his masters. With how impressive Sherrod is in the classroom, he is even more impressive on the field. Sherrod started 37 games at left tackle, 47 starts total, and appeared in 49 games for the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Sherrod's senior season was his best, he didn't allow a sack in 2010 despite playing in the SEC and facing some of the best best pass rushers in the country.
2nd Round (64th Overall): Randall Cobb, Wide Receiver
School: Kentucky (SEC)
Height: 5'10¼"
Weight: 191 lbs
Arm Length: 31.0"
Hand Size: 9.3"
40-yard Dash: 4.47 seconds
Vertical Leap: 33.5"
Broad Jump: 9'7"
225-pound Bench Press: 16 reps
Wonderlic: 25 out of 50
Other Possible Picks: Dontay Moch (OLB, Nevada), John Moffitt (OG, Wisconsin) or Leonard Hankerson (WR, Miami)
Analysis: Thompson has gone 2 for 3 drafting wide receiver in the second round hitting a homerun with Greg Jennings, a double with Jordy Nelson, and got plunked in the head with Terrence Murphy. Cobb will line up in the slot, at running back, at quarterback in the wildcat, as a return man, and he might even serve as the holder...something that I have long advocated the Packers should do with their backup quarterback. Cobb reminds me of a rich man's Antwaan Randle El or a poor man's Percy Harvin. Cobb set an SEC record with 2,396 all-purpose yards in 2010, check out the breakdown:
- caught 84 balls for 1,017 yards and 7 touchdowns
- rushed 55 times for 424 yards and 5 touchdowns
- went 5 for 10 throwing for 58 yards and 3 touchdowns out of the Wildcat
- averaged 7.82 yards per punt return
- averaged 23.74 yards per kickoff return
With the decline of Driver in 2010 and the potential loss of Jones via free agency before the 2011 season, the Packers added another stud receiver to an already impressive group of wide receiver.
3rd Round (96th Overall): Alexander Green, Running Back
School: Hawaii (WAC)
Height: 6'0¼"
Weight: 225 lbs
Arm Length: 32.0"
Hand Size: 9.1"
40-yard Dash: 4.52 seconds
Vertical Leap: 34"
Broad Jump: 9'6"
225-pound Bench Press: 20 reps
Wonderlic: 15 out of 50
Other Possible Picks: Jordan Cameron (TE, USC), Sam Acho (DE/OLB, Texas) or Christian Ballard (DT, Iowa)
Analysis: Talking about the rich getting richer. By picking Alex Green the Packers selected three offensive players with their first three picks for the first time since 1996. Green is only the fourth running back Thompson has drafted while in charge of the Packers. The highest pick that Thompson used on a running back was a second round pick in 2007 on Brandon Jackson. Oddly enough, Green will most likely replace Jackson as the 3rd down back for the Packers in 2011. That means barring a change in events, Green is going to claim Jackson's roster spot. Before we go any further, let's get the Butte Community College reference out there. Yes, both Green and Rodgers played at Butte Community College. In fact, Green played with Aaron's younger brother Jordan. Green played at Butte for two years, leading them to the 2008 Junior College National Championship finishing 12-0 for the season. Green moved on to play at Hawaii where he averaged 9 yards per touch last year amassing 1,562 all-purpose yards (1,199 rushing yards and 363 receiving yards) and 19 touchdowns. Green played in the spread offense at Hawaii so it will be interesting to see how Green performs in a more traditional offense. The system is not the only change that Green is going to have to get used to in 2011. Green played college football in California and Hawaii, now he can look forward to playing in bitter cold winters in Green Bay. The only knock on Green is that he is a bit of a fumbler (8 fumbles in 271 touches) but that is fitting since another Packer running back named Green, Ahman Green, had fumbling issues.
4th Round (131st Overall): Devon House, Cornerback
School: New Mexico State (WAC)
Height: 6'0½"
Weight: 200 lbs
Arm Length: 31.7"
Hand Size: 9.399"
40-yard Dash: 4.41 seconds
Vertical Leap: 33.5"
Broad Jump: 9'1"
225-pound Bench Press: 14 reps
Wonderlic: 15 out of 50
Other Possible Picks: Buster Skrine (CB, Chattanooga), Marcus Cannon (OT, TCU) or Brandon Burton (CB, Utah)
Analysis: House is the second highest cornerback Thompson drafted while in charge of the Packers. Perpetually injured former Auburn cornerback Pat Lee was the highest cornerback drafted during the Thompson regime. Much like Green taking Jackson's roster spot, it looks like House will claim Lee's roster spot. House started started 6 of last 7 games in 2007 and was a full-time starter from 2008-10. That means that House started 43 of 49 games at New Mexico State, so at the very least House got a ton of experience in college, which should help him make a smooth transition to the NFL.
5th Round (141st Overall): D.J. Williams, Tight End
School: Arkansas (SEC)
Height: 6'2⅛"
Weight: 245 lbs
Arm Length: 31.4"
Hand Size: 10.3"
40-yard Dash: 4.61 seconds
Vertical Leap: 33.5"
Broad Jump: 9'3"
225-pound Bench Press: 26 reps
Wonderlic: 26 out of 50
Other Possible Picks: Karl Klug (DE, Iowa), Dion Lewis (RB, Pittsburgh) or Christopher Carter (OLB, Fresno State)
Analysis: Williams had a tough childhood, his father suffered from mental health issues and beat his mother so Williams was forced to move to Arkansas to get away from his father. On a more positive note, Williams was the 2010 John Mackey Award recipient (best collegiate tight end) thanks in large part to a pretty impressive career at Arkansas. As a two-year starter Williams had 152 receptions for 1,855 yards and 10 touchdowns. One final note, the Denver Broncos traded up 12 spots with the Green Bay Packers to select Julius Thomas (TE, Portland State) instead of Williams. Check back in five years to see if Denver should have taken Williams instead of Thomas.
6th Round (179th Overall): Caleb Schlauderaff, Offensive Guard
School: Utah (MWC)
Height: 6'4¼"
Weight: 305 lbs
Arm Length: 32.2"
Hand Size: 9.6"
40-yard Dash: 5.09 seconds
Vertical Leap: 28"
Broad Jump: 8'6"
225-pound Bench Press: ? reps
Wonderlic: 28 out of 50
Other Possible Picks: Tyrod Taylor (QB, Virginia Tech), Jordan Todman (RB, Connecticut) or David Carter (DT, UCLA)
Analysis: Even with Daryn Colledge and Jason Spitz as kinda a sorta free agents because of the labor unrest the Packers have a ton of guards on the roster (Sitton, McDonald, and Lang) so Schlauderaff looks like a pure luxury pick. Schlauderaff was a four-year starter at Utah but I would be surprised if he makes a start in the NFL before 2013. The Packers moved back twice (shocker) before taking Schlauderaff. The San Francisco 49ers selected Daniel Kilgore (G, Appalachian State) 16 picks earlier, another set to compare against down the road much like Williams and Thomas.
6th Round (186th Overall): D.J. Smith, Outside Linebacker
School: Appalachian State (Southern)
Height: 5'10¼"
Weight: 239 lbs
Arm Length: 32.0"
Hand Size: 9.6"
40-yard Dash: 4.74 seconds
Vertical Leap: 31"
Broad Jump: 8'8"
225-pound Bench Press: 20 reps
Wonderlic: 20 out of 50
Other Possible Picks: Jason Kelce (OG/C, Cincinnati), Brian Rolle (OLB, Ohio State) or Markell Carter (DE/OLB, Central Arkansas)
Analysis: When Thompson drafted Smith I am sure most Packers fans thought it was about time Thompson got another outside linebacker. As I said a few months ago though, the Packers have a ton of talent at outside linebacker already on the roster even before the 2011 NFL Draft. Smith started every game from 2008-10 (32 at WLB and 8 at MLB). At least 15 potential 3-4 outside linebackers went before the undersized Smith so the odds that he becomes an actual NFL starter are slim.
6th Round (197th Overall): Rick Elmore, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker
School: Arizona (Pac-10)
Height: 6'4½"
Weight: 255 lbs
Arm Length: 31.0"
Hand Size: 9.6"
40-yard Dash: 4.84 seconds
Vertical Leap: 34.5"
Broad Jump: 9'7"
225-pound Bench Press: 26 reps
Wonderlic: 20 out of 50
Other Possible Picks: Jerrell Powe (DT, Mississippi), Ross Homan (OLB, Ohio State) or Steve Schilling (OG, Michigan)
Analysis: Elmore has shades of Frank Zombo shifting from defensive end to outside linebacker. Elmore actually had more production than his college teammate outside linebacker Brooks Reed (picked 42nd overall by the Houston Texans) that was often linked with the Packers. Elmore started 36 of 51 games at Arizona and was very productive for his career: 128 tackles (33.5 for loss) and 25.5 sacks. Elmore lead the Pac-10 in sacks in 2010 with 11. If you are not already in love with Elmore as much as I am, he worked with the Claymaker's dad to help him transition from a 4-3 defensive end to a 3-4 outside linebacker in the pros. Mark my words, Elmore is Aaron Kampman 2.0 for the Packers.
7th Round (218th Overall): Ryan Taylor, Tight End
School: North Carolina (ACC)
Height: ?
Weight: ? lbs
Arm Length: ?
Hand Size: ?
40-yard Dash: 4.78 seconds
Vertical Leap: 34"
Broad Jump: 9'10"
225-pound Bench Press: 21 reps
Wonderlic: ?
Other Possible Picks: Anthony Gaitor (CB, Florida International), Greg Romeus (DE, Pittsburgh) or Frank Kearse (DT, Alabama A&M)
Analysis: After drafting a tight end earlier in the draft and already being the only team in the league to carry more tight ends/fullbacks than true wide receivers and running backs, Thompson added another tight end/fullback. Thompson has drafted more tight ends (5) than quarterbacks (4), running backs (4), centers (1), and defensive tackles (4). It might have been better for Taylor to go undrafted because he could have gone to a team with less depth at tight end. Either way, why not draft the feel good story of the draft Mark Herzlich? For those that don't know, Herzlich passed on entering the draft despite looking like a sure fire first round pick to return to Boston College. Soon after making that decision, Herzlich was diagnosed with cancer. Fortunately Herzlich beat cancer but his play suffered as a result of his illness. Herzlich's story has all the makings of a Donald Driveresque ending, why not add a guy like that instead of another backup tight end/fullback?
7th Round (233rd Overall): Lawrence Guy, Defensive Tackle/Defensive End
School: Arizona State (PAC-10)
Height: 6'4⅛"
Weight: 305 lbs
Arm Length: 32.59"
Hand Size: 10.6"
40-yard Dash: 4.99 seconds
Vertical Leap: 29"
Broad Jump: 8'8"
225-pound Bench Press: 28 reps
Wonderlic: 17 out of 50
Other Possible Picks: Lee Ziemba (OT, Auburn), Bill Nagy (OG/C, Wisconsin) or Chris Neild (NT, West Virginia)
Analysis: A big body that can move will help add some depth along the defensive line for the Packers. For his career, Guy had 122 tackles (23 for loss) and 8 sacks. Some people are comparing Guy to the Packers' 7th round pick from the 2010 NFL Draft, C.J. Wilson (6'3", 300 pounds). Guy left college early and barely got drafted, will that put a chip on Guy's shoulder?
If you want to take a look back my thoughts on the 2010 Draft for the Green Bay Packer the day after the 2010 NFL Draft, click here.
Showing posts with label 2011 NFL Draft. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2011 NFL Draft. Show all posts
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
2011 First Round NFL Mock Draft
There are a million Mock Drafts out there (take a look back at my 2010 Mock Draft), so I decided to do something a little different this year. Instead of trying to predict what teams are going to do, since I have no real inside information, I am going to serve as every team's general manager for their pick. I am not going to make trades despite the fact that I think a number of teams are going to trade, especially towards the end of the first round. Here is what I would do if I was in charge of each team when they pick in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft:
#1) Carolina Panthers: Patrick Peterson (CB, LSU) - This would mark the first time a cornerback was selected #1 overall. Peterson looks like the next Charles Woodson in the making that can contribute all over the defensive secondary and in the return game. I know they will probably take Cam Newton but since the Panthers have a ton of needs, I would take the best player in the draft if I was in charge.
#2) Denver Broncos: Marcell Dareus (DT, Alabama) - It was hard to pass on linebacker Von Miller and defensive tackle Nick Fairley but Dareus had more consistent production in college, which gives Dareus a slight edge over Miller and Fairley.
#3) Buffalo Bills: Von Miller (LB, Texas A&M) - An impact defensive player is not as sexy as taking a flashy quarterback like Cam Netwon. With a feisty quarterback (Ryan Fitzpatrick) already on the roster, its smarter for the Bills to target the next potential Clay Matthews as opposed to a potential franchise quarterback that has all the makings of being the next Vince Young.
#4) Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green (WR, Georgia) - Despite their unrest at quarterback with Carson Palmer saying he will retire instead of playing another down for the Bengals, A.J. Green is the last of my four "close to can't miss prospects" in the 2011 NFL Draft. The Bengals might be forced to trade back into the first round to get a quarterback but Green projects to be a much better player than the quarterbacks available.
#5) Arizona Cardinals: Blaine Gabbert (QB, Missouri) - There was a huge drop off from 2009 to 2010 following Kurt Warner's retirement. As a result, this is a need pick as opposed to taking the best player available (Julio Jones or Nick Fairley) so it makes sense to draft their next potential franchise quarterback.
#6) Cleveland Browns: Julio Jones (WR, Alabama) - With A.J. Green off the board, the Browns take the other stud receiver in the 2011 NFL Draft to help their second-year quarterback Colt McCoy.
#7) San Francisco 49ers: Nick Fairley (DT, Auburn) - Last year the 49ers added two offensive lineman (Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati) so this year they need to improve their defensive line. Part of the reason I took Fairley as opposed to Cam Newton is that I think rookie head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to wait for 2012 to take his former quarterback at Stanford Andrew Luck. Oh that and I think Newton is going to be a bust as an NFL quarterback.
#8) Tennessee Titans: Robert Quinn (DE, UNC) - Much like the 49ers, the Titans need a quarterback but I see too much Vince Young in Cam Newton. Despite being suspended for the 2010 college football season, Quinn is still one of the best players in the entire draft.
#9) Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith (T, USC) - Let me give you the understatement of the year, one way to keep franchise quarterback Tony Romo healthy is to add an offensive lineman that can block. Smith is a young, athletic offensive lineman that has a chance to be a once in a decade offensive lineman.
#10) Washington Redskins: Cam Newton (QB, Auburn) - Is Newton the next Josh Freeman or the next Vice Young? I am not a big Newton fan but I was also the same guy that didn't like Josh Freeman coming out of Kansas State. I see Newton turning out more like Freeman as opposed to Young. After screwing up the McNabb trade, there is no way owner Daniel Snyder could pass on Newton.
#11) Houston Texans: Prince Amukamara (CB, Nebraska) - Gary Kubiak is turning into the Mike D'Antoni of the NFL...puts up big numbers on offense but also yields a ton of points on defense. With new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips in the fold, Amukamara gives them a corenerback they desperately need.
#12) Minnesota Vikings: Aldon Smith (DE/OLB, Missouri) - The day after the 2010 NFL Draft every draft expert had Washington QB Jake Locker as the #1 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. Unfortunately everyone got to see Locker play last year and his draft stock has plummeted. Smith is the smart pick but the Vikings have proven not to be the smartest organization over the last decade. Does that mean the Vikings "reach" for Locker?
#13) Detroit Lions: Anthony Castonzo (OT, Boston College) - If Matt Millen were still in charge the pick would be Pittsburgh wide receiver Jonathan Baldwin. Much like the Dallas Cowboys, the Lions need to keep their franchise quarterback healthy and that is why they are going to take the best tackle left.
#14) St. Louis Rams: Corey Liuget (DT, Illinois) - The biggest beneficiary of the time between the combine and the draft vaulted Liuget from a borderline first round pick to a mid first round pick. Liuget has the tools to be a good player at the next level. For a little more insight into Corey Liuget, check out my chat with him.
#15) Miami Dolphins: Mike Pouncey (C, Florida) - If Maurkice Pouncey had a mediocre year in the NFL last year for the Pittsburgh Steelers then Mike probably doesn't go till the end of the first round...what are brothers for?
#16) Jacksonville Jaguars: Ryan Kerrigan (DE, Purdue) - A perfect complimentary player to Tyson Alualu and Aaron Kampman gives the Jaguars one of the best defensive lines on paper in the NFL. Thought about Washington quarterback Jake Locker but barring a trade, no team between 16 and 25 needs a quarterback, so the Jaguars (and other teams) could trade back into the first round to get a quarterback depending on how the rest of the first round plays out.
#17) New England Patriots: Cameron Jordan (DE, California) - This is the pick the New England Patriots got when they traded defensive end Richard Seymour to the Oakland Raiders. At the time the Patriots thought they would net a Top 5 pick for Seymour but only getting the 17th pick for Seymour looks like the Raiders actually got good value in trade. Jordan has a chance to be a good NFL defensive lineman but would be shocked if he ever approached being as good as Seymour.
#18) San Diego Chargers: J.J. Watt (DE, Wisconsin) - This would set-up the Jordan v. Watt debate. Watt will do everything physically possible to make it in the NFL. Watt may never turn out to be a flashy player but he will give maximum effort and make everyone around him better.
#19) New York Giants: Gabe Carimi (LT, Wisconsin) - Eli Manning had to get rid of the ball faster than he wanted to all last year. Carimi gives the Giants a quality offensive lineman that can start right away and perform.
#20) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Da'Quan Bowers (DE, Clemson) - The Brandon Roy of the 2011 NFL Draft finally comes off the board. There are rumors that Bowers will need microfracture surgery, which is why he dropped out of the Top 5. The Buccaneers finished 30th in the NFL in sacks in 2010 so when a guy like Bowers is available at 20 you have to pick him. For a little more insight into Da'Quan Bowers, check out my chat with him.
#21) Kansas City Chiefs: Nate Solder (OT, Colorado) - I like Carimi more than Solder but the Chiefs have a need at offensive tackle that has to be addressed if they expect Matt Cassel to succeed so I took the best one left.
#22) Indianapolis Colts: Derek Sherrod (OT, Mississippi State) - Speaking of the best one left...every year there is a run on specific positions. The 2011 NFL Draft is going to go down as the year of the lineman.
#23) Philadelphia Eagles: Jimmy Smith (CB, Colorado) - A head case with the potential to be a shutdown cornerback. On talent alone Jimmy Smith is every bit as good as Patrick Peterson and probably more talented than Prince Amukamara. Unfortunately Smith's off the field issues caused him to drop 10 to 15 slots in the 2011 NFL Draft.
#24) New Orleans Saints: Mark Ingram (RB, Alabama) - With all the injury trouble the Saints had at running back last year, Mark Ingram is the perfect guy for the Saints to add. The knock on Ingram is that he doesn't have top end speed but with the quality interior line that the Saints have Ingram will excel running up the middle for the Saints.
#25) Seattle Seahawks: Jake Locker (QB, Washington) - Oh if it were only 2010. In a perfect world the Seahawks would undue their trade for quarterback Charlie Whitehurst and take Locker 25th overall. Instead of dwelling on the negative, the Seahawks should snag the guy that all draft experts had as the #1 pick of the 2011 NFL Draft following the 2010 NFL Draft.
#26) Baltimore Ravens: Muhammad Wilkerson (DL, Temple) - Much like Liuget, Wilkerson has benefited from having the time between the combine and draft. The versatility of Wilkerson fits the scheme the Ravens like to play with the 3-4. For a little more insight into Muhammad Wilkerson, check out my chat with him.
#27) Atlanta Falcons: Adrian Clayborn (DE, Iowa) - The Falcons are rumored to be trying to trade into the Top 10 to snag either wide receiver A.J. Green or Julio Jones. Assuming the Falcons keep the 27th pick, Clayborn provides the Falcons another pass rusher they desperately need. For a little more insight into Adrian Clayborn, check out my chat with him.
#28) New England Patriots: Danny Watkins (OG, Baylor) - With all the uncertainty surround guard Logan Mankins long-term in New England, the Patriots add a perfect pass protector to keep Tom Brady upright.
#29) Chicago Bears: Phil Taylor (DT, Baylor) - With all the good offensive lineman off the board, the Chicago Bears add a defensive tackle to pair with Julius Peppers to create pressure.
#30) New York Jets: Akeem Ayers (OLB, UCLA) - We all know that Ayers had a below average combine workout but as many draft experts say, the game tape never lies. Ayers is the perfect outside linebacker for the 3-4 defense and that makes Ayers the perfect player for the Jets.
#31) Pittsburgh Steelers: Aaron Williams (DB, Texas) - The secondary swiss army knife of the 2011 NFL Draft is the perfect player for the Steelers. Whether Williams plays safety or cornerback doesn't really matter since Dick LeBeau's defense allows defensive backs to move all over the field.
#32) Green Bay Packers: Cameron Heyward (DE, Ohio State) - With most of the guys that I thought the Packers would target off the board, I took the "safest" player left. With the uncertainty surrounding Cullen Jenkins returning to the Packers and 2010 second round pick Mike Neal returning from injury the Packers add quality depth along their defensive line by taking Heyward.
In case you missed my look at potential Day 1 picks in the 2011 NFL Draft for the Green Bay Packers, click here.
In case you missed my look at potential Day 2 picks in the 2011 NFL Draft for the Green Bay Packers, click here.
In case you missed my look at potential Day 3 picks in the 2011 NFL Draft for the Green Bay Packers, click here.
#1) Carolina Panthers: Patrick Peterson (CB, LSU) - This would mark the first time a cornerback was selected #1 overall. Peterson looks like the next Charles Woodson in the making that can contribute all over the defensive secondary and in the return game. I know they will probably take Cam Newton but since the Panthers have a ton of needs, I would take the best player in the draft if I was in charge.
#2) Denver Broncos: Marcell Dareus (DT, Alabama) - It was hard to pass on linebacker Von Miller and defensive tackle Nick Fairley but Dareus had more consistent production in college, which gives Dareus a slight edge over Miller and Fairley.
#3) Buffalo Bills: Von Miller (LB, Texas A&M) - An impact defensive player is not as sexy as taking a flashy quarterback like Cam Netwon. With a feisty quarterback (Ryan Fitzpatrick) already on the roster, its smarter for the Bills to target the next potential Clay Matthews as opposed to a potential franchise quarterback that has all the makings of being the next Vince Young.
#4) Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green (WR, Georgia) - Despite their unrest at quarterback with Carson Palmer saying he will retire instead of playing another down for the Bengals, A.J. Green is the last of my four "close to can't miss prospects" in the 2011 NFL Draft. The Bengals might be forced to trade back into the first round to get a quarterback but Green projects to be a much better player than the quarterbacks available.
#5) Arizona Cardinals: Blaine Gabbert (QB, Missouri) - There was a huge drop off from 2009 to 2010 following Kurt Warner's retirement. As a result, this is a need pick as opposed to taking the best player available (Julio Jones or Nick Fairley) so it makes sense to draft their next potential franchise quarterback.
#6) Cleveland Browns: Julio Jones (WR, Alabama) - With A.J. Green off the board, the Browns take the other stud receiver in the 2011 NFL Draft to help their second-year quarterback Colt McCoy.
#7) San Francisco 49ers: Nick Fairley (DT, Auburn) - Last year the 49ers added two offensive lineman (Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati) so this year they need to improve their defensive line. Part of the reason I took Fairley as opposed to Cam Newton is that I think rookie head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to wait for 2012 to take his former quarterback at Stanford Andrew Luck. Oh that and I think Newton is going to be a bust as an NFL quarterback.
#8) Tennessee Titans: Robert Quinn (DE, UNC) - Much like the 49ers, the Titans need a quarterback but I see too much Vince Young in Cam Newton. Despite being suspended for the 2010 college football season, Quinn is still one of the best players in the entire draft.
#9) Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith (T, USC) - Let me give you the understatement of the year, one way to keep franchise quarterback Tony Romo healthy is to add an offensive lineman that can block. Smith is a young, athletic offensive lineman that has a chance to be a once in a decade offensive lineman.
#10) Washington Redskins: Cam Newton (QB, Auburn) - Is Newton the next Josh Freeman or the next Vice Young? I am not a big Newton fan but I was also the same guy that didn't like Josh Freeman coming out of Kansas State. I see Newton turning out more like Freeman as opposed to Young. After screwing up the McNabb trade, there is no way owner Daniel Snyder could pass on Newton.
#11) Houston Texans: Prince Amukamara (CB, Nebraska) - Gary Kubiak is turning into the Mike D'Antoni of the NFL...puts up big numbers on offense but also yields a ton of points on defense. With new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips in the fold, Amukamara gives them a corenerback they desperately need.
#12) Minnesota Vikings: Aldon Smith (DE/OLB, Missouri) - The day after the 2010 NFL Draft every draft expert had Washington QB Jake Locker as the #1 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. Unfortunately everyone got to see Locker play last year and his draft stock has plummeted. Smith is the smart pick but the Vikings have proven not to be the smartest organization over the last decade. Does that mean the Vikings "reach" for Locker?
#13) Detroit Lions: Anthony Castonzo (OT, Boston College) - If Matt Millen were still in charge the pick would be Pittsburgh wide receiver Jonathan Baldwin. Much like the Dallas Cowboys, the Lions need to keep their franchise quarterback healthy and that is why they are going to take the best tackle left.
#14) St. Louis Rams: Corey Liuget (DT, Illinois) - The biggest beneficiary of the time between the combine and the draft vaulted Liuget from a borderline first round pick to a mid first round pick. Liuget has the tools to be a good player at the next level. For a little more insight into Corey Liuget, check out my chat with him.
#15) Miami Dolphins: Mike Pouncey (C, Florida) - If Maurkice Pouncey had a mediocre year in the NFL last year for the Pittsburgh Steelers then Mike probably doesn't go till the end of the first round...what are brothers for?
#16) Jacksonville Jaguars: Ryan Kerrigan (DE, Purdue) - A perfect complimentary player to Tyson Alualu and Aaron Kampman gives the Jaguars one of the best defensive lines on paper in the NFL. Thought about Washington quarterback Jake Locker but barring a trade, no team between 16 and 25 needs a quarterback, so the Jaguars (and other teams) could trade back into the first round to get a quarterback depending on how the rest of the first round plays out.
#17) New England Patriots: Cameron Jordan (DE, California) - This is the pick the New England Patriots got when they traded defensive end Richard Seymour to the Oakland Raiders. At the time the Patriots thought they would net a Top 5 pick for Seymour but only getting the 17th pick for Seymour looks like the Raiders actually got good value in trade. Jordan has a chance to be a good NFL defensive lineman but would be shocked if he ever approached being as good as Seymour.
#18) San Diego Chargers: J.J. Watt (DE, Wisconsin) - This would set-up the Jordan v. Watt debate. Watt will do everything physically possible to make it in the NFL. Watt may never turn out to be a flashy player but he will give maximum effort and make everyone around him better.
#19) New York Giants: Gabe Carimi (LT, Wisconsin) - Eli Manning had to get rid of the ball faster than he wanted to all last year. Carimi gives the Giants a quality offensive lineman that can start right away and perform.
#20) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Da'Quan Bowers (DE, Clemson) - The Brandon Roy of the 2011 NFL Draft finally comes off the board. There are rumors that Bowers will need microfracture surgery, which is why he dropped out of the Top 5. The Buccaneers finished 30th in the NFL in sacks in 2010 so when a guy like Bowers is available at 20 you have to pick him. For a little more insight into Da'Quan Bowers, check out my chat with him.
#21) Kansas City Chiefs: Nate Solder (OT, Colorado) - I like Carimi more than Solder but the Chiefs have a need at offensive tackle that has to be addressed if they expect Matt Cassel to succeed so I took the best one left.
#22) Indianapolis Colts: Derek Sherrod (OT, Mississippi State) - Speaking of the best one left...every year there is a run on specific positions. The 2011 NFL Draft is going to go down as the year of the lineman.
#23) Philadelphia Eagles: Jimmy Smith (CB, Colorado) - A head case with the potential to be a shutdown cornerback. On talent alone Jimmy Smith is every bit as good as Patrick Peterson and probably more talented than Prince Amukamara. Unfortunately Smith's off the field issues caused him to drop 10 to 15 slots in the 2011 NFL Draft.
#24) New Orleans Saints: Mark Ingram (RB, Alabama) - With all the injury trouble the Saints had at running back last year, Mark Ingram is the perfect guy for the Saints to add. The knock on Ingram is that he doesn't have top end speed but with the quality interior line that the Saints have Ingram will excel running up the middle for the Saints.
#25) Seattle Seahawks: Jake Locker (QB, Washington) - Oh if it were only 2010. In a perfect world the Seahawks would undue their trade for quarterback Charlie Whitehurst and take Locker 25th overall. Instead of dwelling on the negative, the Seahawks should snag the guy that all draft experts had as the #1 pick of the 2011 NFL Draft following the 2010 NFL Draft.
#26) Baltimore Ravens: Muhammad Wilkerson (DL, Temple) - Much like Liuget, Wilkerson has benefited from having the time between the combine and draft. The versatility of Wilkerson fits the scheme the Ravens like to play with the 3-4. For a little more insight into Muhammad Wilkerson, check out my chat with him.
#27) Atlanta Falcons: Adrian Clayborn (DE, Iowa) - The Falcons are rumored to be trying to trade into the Top 10 to snag either wide receiver A.J. Green or Julio Jones. Assuming the Falcons keep the 27th pick, Clayborn provides the Falcons another pass rusher they desperately need. For a little more insight into Adrian Clayborn, check out my chat with him.
#28) New England Patriots: Danny Watkins (OG, Baylor) - With all the uncertainty surround guard Logan Mankins long-term in New England, the Patriots add a perfect pass protector to keep Tom Brady upright.
#29) Chicago Bears: Phil Taylor (DT, Baylor) - With all the good offensive lineman off the board, the Chicago Bears add a defensive tackle to pair with Julius Peppers to create pressure.
#30) New York Jets: Akeem Ayers (OLB, UCLA) - We all know that Ayers had a below average combine workout but as many draft experts say, the game tape never lies. Ayers is the perfect outside linebacker for the 3-4 defense and that makes Ayers the perfect player for the Jets.
#31) Pittsburgh Steelers: Aaron Williams (DB, Texas) - The secondary swiss army knife of the 2011 NFL Draft is the perfect player for the Steelers. Whether Williams plays safety or cornerback doesn't really matter since Dick LeBeau's defense allows defensive backs to move all over the field.
#32) Green Bay Packers: Cameron Heyward (DE, Ohio State) - With most of the guys that I thought the Packers would target off the board, I took the "safest" player left. With the uncertainty surrounding Cullen Jenkins returning to the Packers and 2010 second round pick Mike Neal returning from injury the Packers add quality depth along their defensive line by taking Heyward.
In case you missed my look at potential Day 1 picks in the 2011 NFL Draft for the Green Bay Packers, click here.
In case you missed my look at potential Day 2 picks in the 2011 NFL Draft for the Green Bay Packers, click here.
In case you missed my look at potential Day 3 picks in the 2011 NFL Draft for the Green Bay Packers, click here.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
2011 NFL Draft Day 1 Preview for Ted Thompson
Barring a trade, which is a distinct possibility, Green Bay Packer general manager Ted Thompson is scheduled to make the last pick of the first round in the 2011 NFL Draft. The reason why I say that it is a distinct possibility that Thompson will trade back is that he has done it before and there are a number of team that have quarterback needs picking at the top of the second round that might want to jump back into the end of the first round so they can selected their quarterback of the future.
It is unrealistic to think studs like A.J. Green (WR, Georgia), Patrick Peterson (CB, LSU), or Nick Fairley (DT, Auburn) will get past the 10th pick in the draft. Even Cheesehead favorites defensive end J.J. Watt and offensive tackle Gabe Carimi will most likely be off the board by the 32nd pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.
Based on absolutely no inside information, just pure speculation on my part, here are some players that Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson could draft with the 32nd pick of the 2011 NFL Draft:
Derek Sherrod (OT, Mississippi State): Don't grade Sherrod as high as Tyron Smith, Anthony Castonzo, Gabe Carimi, and Nate Solder. That said, getting Bulaga and Sherrod in consecutive drafts would give the Packers their bookend tackles for the next decade to protect Aaron Rodgers.
Mike Pouncey (C/G, Florida): Pouncey's versatility is attractive. Most likely a mid-first round pick thanks to having a brother that excelled in the pros as a rookie last year for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Danny Watkins (OG, Baylor): With Daryn Colledge's future uncertain, Watkins could start at left guard right away in 2011.
Phil Taylor (DT, Baylor): B.J. Raji was on the field for way too many downs last year. Taylor would give the Packers a young one-two punch at defensive tackle that would be almost impossible for teams to deal with.
Muhammad Wilkerson (DE/DT, Temple): Most likely gone by the time the Packers pick, Wilkerson has had a meteoric rise up draft board in the last few weeks because he provides nice versatility along the defensive line. Wilkerson was nice enough to answer one of my questions in a recent ESPN chat, a step in the right direction by Wilkerson if he wants to endear himself to the Green Bay Packer community.
Marvin Austin (DE/DT, UNC): Many people projected that Austin would be a first round pick last year but he decided to go back to school. Unfortunately for Austin the NCAA found him guilty of taking improper benefits so Austin was suspended for the entire 2010 NCAA season. Despite the suspension, Austin could be an impact player all along the defensive line for the Packers in 2011.
Adrian Clayborn (DE, Iowa): Despite what Clayborn said to me in a recent chat, Clayborn looks like a perfect replacement for defensive lineman Cullen Jenkins who will most likely leave via free agency whenever that starts. Much like Austin, Clayborn would be another quality defensive lineman to add to the young Packer defensive line.
Cameron Heyward (DE, Ohio State): The son of Ironhead Hayward would continue the bloodline theme the Packers have with their draft philosophy. Heyward is not as sexy as a number of the other defensive lineman projected to go in the first round but Heyward's bust potential is also much smaller.
Justin Houston (DE/OLB, Georgia): If Justin Houston was entering the NFL in 2005 most draft experts would say he doesn't project to a specific position in the NFL and would most likely be a second or third round pick. Luckily for Houston it is 2011 and the proliferation of the 3-4 defense across the NFL has inflated the value of combo defensive end/outside linebackers.
Akeem Ayers (OLB, UCLA): After a mediocre combine workout, Ayers started to drop on most draft boards. Anyone that lines up opposite Claymaker is going to look better than they might look on another team...think Jones, Walden, and Zombo...so Ayers would fit nicely at outside linebacker for the Packers.
Brooks Reed (OLB, Arizona): Probably a reach at the end of the first round, but Reed sure looks like he should start opposite Claymaker. Reed has a similar motor to the Claymaker so teaming up Claymaker and Reed would drive offensive coordinators nuts.
In case you missed my look at potential Day 2 picks in the 2011 NFL Draft for the Green Bay Packers, click here.
In case you missed my look at potential Day 3 picks in the 2011 NFL Draft for the Green Bay Packers, click here.
It is unrealistic to think studs like A.J. Green (WR, Georgia), Patrick Peterson (CB, LSU), or Nick Fairley (DT, Auburn) will get past the 10th pick in the draft. Even Cheesehead favorites defensive end J.J. Watt and offensive tackle Gabe Carimi will most likely be off the board by the 32nd pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.
Based on absolutely no inside information, just pure speculation on my part, here are some players that Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson could draft with the 32nd pick of the 2011 NFL Draft:
Derek Sherrod (OT, Mississippi State): Don't grade Sherrod as high as Tyron Smith, Anthony Castonzo, Gabe Carimi, and Nate Solder. That said, getting Bulaga and Sherrod in consecutive drafts would give the Packers their bookend tackles for the next decade to protect Aaron Rodgers.
Mike Pouncey (C/G, Florida): Pouncey's versatility is attractive. Most likely a mid-first round pick thanks to having a brother that excelled in the pros as a rookie last year for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Danny Watkins (OG, Baylor): With Daryn Colledge's future uncertain, Watkins could start at left guard right away in 2011.
Phil Taylor (DT, Baylor): B.J. Raji was on the field for way too many downs last year. Taylor would give the Packers a young one-two punch at defensive tackle that would be almost impossible for teams to deal with.
Muhammad Wilkerson (DE/DT, Temple): Most likely gone by the time the Packers pick, Wilkerson has had a meteoric rise up draft board in the last few weeks because he provides nice versatility along the defensive line. Wilkerson was nice enough to answer one of my questions in a recent ESPN chat, a step in the right direction by Wilkerson if he wants to endear himself to the Green Bay Packer community.
Marvin Austin (DE/DT, UNC): Many people projected that Austin would be a first round pick last year but he decided to go back to school. Unfortunately for Austin the NCAA found him guilty of taking improper benefits so Austin was suspended for the entire 2010 NCAA season. Despite the suspension, Austin could be an impact player all along the defensive line for the Packers in 2011.
Adrian Clayborn (DE, Iowa): Despite what Clayborn said to me in a recent chat, Clayborn looks like a perfect replacement for defensive lineman Cullen Jenkins who will most likely leave via free agency whenever that starts. Much like Austin, Clayborn would be another quality defensive lineman to add to the young Packer defensive line.
Cameron Heyward (DE, Ohio State): The son of Ironhead Hayward would continue the bloodline theme the Packers have with their draft philosophy. Heyward is not as sexy as a number of the other defensive lineman projected to go in the first round but Heyward's bust potential is also much smaller.
Justin Houston (DE/OLB, Georgia): If Justin Houston was entering the NFL in 2005 most draft experts would say he doesn't project to a specific position in the NFL and would most likely be a second or third round pick. Luckily for Houston it is 2011 and the proliferation of the 3-4 defense across the NFL has inflated the value of combo defensive end/outside linebackers.
Akeem Ayers (OLB, UCLA): After a mediocre combine workout, Ayers started to drop on most draft boards. Anyone that lines up opposite Claymaker is going to look better than they might look on another team...think Jones, Walden, and Zombo...so Ayers would fit nicely at outside linebacker for the Packers.
Brooks Reed (OLB, Arizona): Probably a reach at the end of the first round, but Reed sure looks like he should start opposite Claymaker. Reed has a similar motor to the Claymaker so teaming up Claymaker and Reed would drive offensive coordinators nuts.
In case you missed my look at potential Day 2 picks in the 2011 NFL Draft for the Green Bay Packers, click here.
In case you missed my look at potential Day 3 picks in the 2011 NFL Draft for the Green Bay Packers, click here.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
2011 NFL Draft Day 2 Preview for Ted Thompson
Based on absolutely no inside information, just pure speculation on my part, here are some players that Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson could draft on Day 2 of the 2011 NFL Draft:
2nd Round:
Ryan Williams (RB, Virgina Tech): My sister-in-law Sarah taught him at Virgina Tech...good enough reason for the Packers to draft him. Oh yeah and he has a chance to be a game changing running back but that is a distant second.
Jon Baldwin (WR, Pittsburgh): Would have been a first round pick because he is big, strong, and fast but he is also a head case.
Titus Young (WR, Boise State): A nice game changer at wide receiver that could fill in well for James Jones.
Leonard Hankerson (WR, Miami): I don't see much of a difference between Baldwin, Young, and Hankerson on the field...it might come down to off the field stuff.
Stefen Wisniewski (OG/C, Penn State): The Clay Matthews of offensive lineman could play right away at left guard or center.
Benjamin Ijalana (OT/OG, Villanova): Projects better at guard than tackle...hopefully he is not the next Daryn Colledge.
Stephen Paea (DT, Oregon State): An absolute physical freak that did 49 reps on the bench press at the combine, that kind of strength would fit well along the defensive line for the Packers.
Jabaal Sheard (DE/OLB, Pittsburgh): A rush end that reminds me a little bit of Aaron Kampman.
Mason Foster (OLB, Washington): A talented outside linebacker that gives the Packers a bookend outside linebacker opposite Clay Matthews.
Curtis Marsh (CB, Utah State): Not really a position of need so it might be a bit of a luxury pick for the Packers.
3rd Round:
Randall Cobb (QB/WR, Kentucky): An athletic freak that is a potential rich man's Pat White.
Niles Paul (WR, Nebraska): Would fit well in the Packers' offensive system.
Tandon Doss (WR, Indiana): Injury issues have hurt his draft stock.
Kendall Hunter (RB, Oklahoma State): A potential game changer but more of a luxury pick than a need with Grant and Starks in the fold.
Jason Pinkston (OT, Pittsburgh): Another nice offensive line prospect that could help the Packers down the road.
Marcus Cannon (OT, TCU): Similar to Pinkston, more of a long-term prospect in the pros as opposed to a plug and play prospect.
Kenrick Ellis (DT, Hampton): A big, strong defensive lineman that would fit well all along the defensive line.
Bruce Carter (OLB, UNC): Another outside linebacker prospect that could take advantage of all the extra blockers that Clay Matthews draws.
In case you missed my look at potential Day 3 picks in the 2011 NFL Draft for the Green Bay Packers, click here.
Ryan Williams (RB, Virgina Tech): My sister-in-law Sarah taught him at Virgina Tech...good enough reason for the Packers to draft him. Oh yeah and he has a chance to be a game changing running back but that is a distant second.
Jon Baldwin (WR, Pittsburgh): Would have been a first round pick because he is big, strong, and fast but he is also a head case.
Titus Young (WR, Boise State): A nice game changer at wide receiver that could fill in well for James Jones.
Leonard Hankerson (WR, Miami): I don't see much of a difference between Baldwin, Young, and Hankerson on the field...it might come down to off the field stuff.
Stefen Wisniewski (OG/C, Penn State): The Clay Matthews of offensive lineman could play right away at left guard or center.
Benjamin Ijalana (OT/OG, Villanova): Projects better at guard than tackle...hopefully he is not the next Daryn Colledge.
Stephen Paea (DT, Oregon State): An absolute physical freak that did 49 reps on the bench press at the combine, that kind of strength would fit well along the defensive line for the Packers.
Jabaal Sheard (DE/OLB, Pittsburgh): A rush end that reminds me a little bit of Aaron Kampman.
Mason Foster (OLB, Washington): A talented outside linebacker that gives the Packers a bookend outside linebacker opposite Clay Matthews.
Curtis Marsh (CB, Utah State): Not really a position of need so it might be a bit of a luxury pick for the Packers.
Randall Cobb (QB/WR, Kentucky): An athletic freak that is a potential rich man's Pat White.
Niles Paul (WR, Nebraska): Would fit well in the Packers' offensive system.
Tandon Doss (WR, Indiana): Injury issues have hurt his draft stock.
Kendall Hunter (RB, Oklahoma State): A potential game changer but more of a luxury pick than a need with Grant and Starks in the fold.
Jason Pinkston (OT, Pittsburgh): Another nice offensive line prospect that could help the Packers down the road.
Marcus Cannon (OT, TCU): Similar to Pinkston, more of a long-term prospect in the pros as opposed to a plug and play prospect.
Kenrick Ellis (DT, Hampton): A big, strong defensive lineman that would fit well all along the defensive line.
Bruce Carter (OLB, UNC): Another outside linebacker prospect that could take advantage of all the extra blockers that Clay Matthews draws.
In case you missed my look at potential Day 3 picks in the 2011 NFL Draft for the Green Bay Packers, click here.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
2011 NFL Draft Day 3 Preview for Ted Thompson
Based on absolutely no inside information, just pure speculation on my part, here are some players that Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson could draft on Day 3 of the 2011 NFL Draft:
4th Round:
Jordan Todman (RB, UConn): Game changer at running back that could be a versatile option to go along with Grant and Starks.
Edmond Gates (WR, Abilene Christian): Is he the next Johnny Knox?
Cecil Shorts (WR, Mount Union): Small school standout with a chance to step in and play right away.
Jordan Cameron (TE, USC): Complete luxury pick but a freakish athlete cut out of the same cloth as Jermichael Finley.
DeMarcus Love (OG, Arkansas): A gifted athlete with some real health issues, one of the biggest risk/reward lineman picks of the draft.
John Moffitt (OG, Wisconsin): Ready to play at guard or center right away in the NFL.
Lee Ziemba (OG/OT, Auburn): Possibly a luxury pick but worth taking a look.
James Brewer (OT, Indiana): Similar to Ziemba, another possible luxury offensive line pick.
Marcus Gilbert (OT, Florida): Ditto...see above.
James Carpenter (OT, Alabama): I promise this is the last potential 4th round offensive lineman that I am going to highlight.
Dontay Moch (OLB, Nevada): A fast, small school guy that played defensive end that projects as an outside linebacker in the NFL. Are we looking at the next Frank Zombo?
5th Round:
Stephen Schilling (OG, Michigan): Is he the next Steve Hutchinson?
Orlando Franklin (OG/OT, Miami): With Colledge most likely on the way out, Franklin could be a more athletic version that projects to play guard.
Mark Herzlich (LB, Boston College): Cancer free and a great story to sell to the fans while the NFL is in the midst of a public relations nightmare with the lockout.
Ross Homan (LB, Ohio State): It seems like you can never have too many outside linebackers with all the injuries the Packers had at outside linebacker last year.
Rob Housler (TE, Florida Atlantic): Hard to tell the difference between a slot receiver and tight end split out in the Packers' offense so why not add another athletic tight end.
6th Round:
Dion Lewis (RB, Pittsburgh): Highly touted running back coming into college, might be a difference maker for the Packers in 2011.
DeMarco Murray (RB, Oklahoma): Ditto.
Kris O'Dowd (C, USC): Could be the perfect center prospect to groom behind Wells.
Jah Reid (OT, UCF): Another offensive line prospect that could be a starter down the road for the Packers.
Ugo Chinasa (DE, Oklahoma State): Big, fast guy that could play a number of positions for the Packers.
Cortez Allen (CB, The Citadel): Quality, disciplined player to add to the secondary.
Alex Henery (K, Nebraska): Not sure whether Crosby will be resigned, why not create a little camp competition even if the Packers bring Crosby back?
7th Round:
Scott Tolzien (QB, Wisconsin): Is Tolzien better than Harrell?
Courtney Smith (WR, South Alabama): Tall (6'4") and well built (220 pounds) wide receiver with a chance to become the next James Jones in Green Bay.
Josh Davis (OT, Georgia): Coming from the SEC, Davis has faced some of the best talent in college football.
David Mims (OT, Virgina Union): Tall (6'8") prospect that could be another nice developmental tackle along with Marshall Newhouse.
Bill Nagy (OG, Wisconsin): Barry Alvarez always said he gets his offensive lineman from Wisconsin so why can't the Packers do the same?
Steven Friday (OLB, Virgina Tech): Another healthy body to throw in the mix opposite Clay Matthews at outside linebacker.
DeMarcus Van Dyke (CB, Miami): Not saying he will ever turn out as good as Sam Shields but it worked last year so why not roll the dice?
Trick Play Prospects:
Tyrod Taylor (QB) from Virgina Tech: Love the versatility Taylor would provide the already potent Packers' offense.
Will Yeatman (TE/OT) from Maryland: May be a tackle, may be a tight, or a little bit from Column A and a little bit from Column B. Either way, Yeatman is an interesting prospect that could help the Packers in short yardage situations, which they were horrible at throughout their Super Bowl XLV run.
Jordan Todman (RB, UConn): Game changer at running back that could be a versatile option to go along with Grant and Starks.
Edmond Gates (WR, Abilene Christian): Is he the next Johnny Knox?
Cecil Shorts (WR, Mount Union): Small school standout with a chance to step in and play right away.
Jordan Cameron (TE, USC): Complete luxury pick but a freakish athlete cut out of the same cloth as Jermichael Finley.
DeMarcus Love (OG, Arkansas): A gifted athlete with some real health issues, one of the biggest risk/reward lineman picks of the draft.
John Moffitt (OG, Wisconsin): Ready to play at guard or center right away in the NFL.
Lee Ziemba (OG/OT, Auburn): Possibly a luxury pick but worth taking a look.
James Brewer (OT, Indiana): Similar to Ziemba, another possible luxury offensive line pick.
Marcus Gilbert (OT, Florida): Ditto...see above.
James Carpenter (OT, Alabama): I promise this is the last potential 4th round offensive lineman that I am going to highlight.
Dontay Moch (OLB, Nevada): A fast, small school guy that played defensive end that projects as an outside linebacker in the NFL. Are we looking at the next Frank Zombo?
Stephen Schilling (OG, Michigan): Is he the next Steve Hutchinson?
Orlando Franklin (OG/OT, Miami): With Colledge most likely on the way out, Franklin could be a more athletic version that projects to play guard.
Mark Herzlich (LB, Boston College): Cancer free and a great story to sell to the fans while the NFL is in the midst of a public relations nightmare with the lockout.
Ross Homan (LB, Ohio State): It seems like you can never have too many outside linebackers with all the injuries the Packers had at outside linebacker last year.
Rob Housler (TE, Florida Atlantic): Hard to tell the difference between a slot receiver and tight end split out in the Packers' offense so why not add another athletic tight end.
Dion Lewis (RB, Pittsburgh): Highly touted running back coming into college, might be a difference maker for the Packers in 2011.
DeMarco Murray (RB, Oklahoma): Ditto.
Kris O'Dowd (C, USC): Could be the perfect center prospect to groom behind Wells.
Jah Reid (OT, UCF): Another offensive line prospect that could be a starter down the road for the Packers.
Ugo Chinasa (DE, Oklahoma State): Big, fast guy that could play a number of positions for the Packers.
Cortez Allen (CB, The Citadel): Quality, disciplined player to add to the secondary.
Alex Henery (K, Nebraska): Not sure whether Crosby will be resigned, why not create a little camp competition even if the Packers bring Crosby back?
Scott Tolzien (QB, Wisconsin): Is Tolzien better than Harrell?
Courtney Smith (WR, South Alabama): Tall (6'4") and well built (220 pounds) wide receiver with a chance to become the next James Jones in Green Bay.
Josh Davis (OT, Georgia): Coming from the SEC, Davis has faced some of the best talent in college football.
David Mims (OT, Virgina Union): Tall (6'8") prospect that could be another nice developmental tackle along with Marshall Newhouse.
Bill Nagy (OG, Wisconsin): Barry Alvarez always said he gets his offensive lineman from Wisconsin so why can't the Packers do the same?
Steven Friday (OLB, Virgina Tech): Another healthy body to throw in the mix opposite Clay Matthews at outside linebacker.
DeMarcus Van Dyke (CB, Miami): Not saying he will ever turn out as good as Sam Shields but it worked last year so why not roll the dice?
Tyrod Taylor (QB) from Virgina Tech: Love the versatility Taylor would provide the already potent Packers' offense.
Will Yeatman (TE/OT) from Maryland: May be a tackle, may be a tight, or a little bit from Column A and a little bit from Column B. Either way, Yeatman is an interesting prospect that could help the Packers in short yardage situations, which they were horrible at throughout their Super Bowl XLV run.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Advice for Ted Thompson for Building the 2011 Green Bay Packers
Unless the NFL Owners and NFL Players come to a new agreement, the Collective Bargaining Agreement between both sides is set to expire on Friday, March 3, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. EST. That means that the Green Bay Packers lose their exclusive negotiating rights with their "potential" free agents at that time. In a bit of an oddity, at the exact minute the players are set to become a free agents, each team’s ability to sign those players expires as well.
Depending on what type of agreement the owners and the players reach, some of the players below might not have enough accrued service time to become free agents (i.e. James Jones) but to make things as simple as possible, players will only be considered under contract for 2011 if they actually signed a deal with the Packers as of February 16, 2011 at 11:59 PM CST*.
Here is a blueprint for how Ted Thompson should proceed before the 2011 NFL season to help the Green Bay Packers win Super Bowl XLVI:
Quarterback:
- Under Contract for 2011: Aaron Rodgers, Matt Flynn, and Graham Harrell
- Free Agent: None
- Advice: The Packers should have locked up back-up quarterback Matt Flynn to a four-year, front-end loaded long-term deal at the start of 2010 because it was an uncapped year. Even if the Packers decided to trade Flynn, having him under contract for a few years at a cap friendly amount would make him even more enticing to other NFL teams. After playing well against the New England Patriots with Rodgers out with a concussion, a number of NFL teams took notice and Flynn likely priced himself out of Green Bay. Since the Packers didn’t lock up Flynn long-term, they need to keep Graham Harrell on the roster to see if he is worthy of backing up Rodgers in 2012 when Flynn is set to become a free agent.
Running Back:
- Under Contract for 2011: Ryan Grant, James Starks, and Dimitri Nance
- Free Agent: Brandon Jackson
- Advice: Brandon Jackson never performed like a starting running back after starting running back Ryan Grant went down for the season Week #1 against the Eagles. As a result, let Jackson leave via free agency. The Packers should draft another young running back in the 2011 NFL Draft to create an open competition between Dimitri Nance and the running back taken in the draft for the 3rd running back spot.
Fullback:
- Under Contract for 2011: Quinn Johnson
- Free Agent: John Kuhn and Korey Hall
- Advice: Hall showed flashes of being a starting fullback but struggled with injuries throughout his Packer career so the Packers should let Hall leave via free agency. John Kuhn is the younger version of Craig Counsell (jack-of-all trades that plays a number of positions along the infield for the Brewers) in the backfield for the Packers so the Packers should sign Kuhn to a three-year contract extension. Finally, please do not draft another fullback.
Wide Receiver:
- Under Contract for 2011: Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Jordy Nelson, Brett Swain, Antonio Robinson, and Chastin West
- Free Agent: James Jones
- Advice: The new wide receiver pecking order in terms of production is Jennings, Nelson, Jones, Driver then Swain. Jones is set to become a free agent and ironically his shaky hands give the Packers a chance to bring Jones back in 2011. With Nelson set to become a free agent after 2012 and Driver getting older, the Packers need a long-term plan at wide receiver. Start by offering Jones a respectable four-year contract extension. No matter what Jones does, draft a wide receiver early in the 2011 NFL Draft. Finally, start negotiations with Nelson about a long-term contract extension.
Tight End:
- Under Contract for 2011: Jermichael Finley, Andrew Quarless, Tom Crabtree, Spencer Havner, and Donald Lee
- Free Agent: None
- Advice: Finley is the presumptive starter heading into 2011 despite missing most of the 2010 season with a knee injury chasing down a defender that scooped up a Donald Lee fumble. After Finley, everyone else will have to fight to earn a roster spot. Lee is getting paid too much money to be a back-up tight end so cut Lee. Take a wait and see approach with Quarless, Crabtree, and Havner. Although it is not a position of need, if the right tight end is available in the 2011 NFL Draft, take him because the Packers use tight ends all over the field.
Tackle:
- Under Contract for 2011: Chad Clifton, Bryan Bulaga, T.J. Lang, Mark Tauscher, Marshall Newhouse, and Chris Campbell
- Free Agent: None
- Advice: If healthy, Chad Clifton deserves to be the starter at left tackle in 2011. If Clifton starts at left tackle, keep Bulaga at right tackle. After that, Newhouse and Lang are still playing under their rookie contracts so they deserve to be on the team in 2011 as developmental guards/tackles. Unfortunately the odd man out is the glorious neck beard of Mark Tauscher because he is coming off another season ending injury and is owed $4.5 million in 2011. The Packers should take a quality left tackle early in the 2011 NFL Draft because Clifton is probably playing his last season in Green bay in 2011.
Guard:
- Under Contract for 2011: Josh Sitton, Nick McDonald, and Adrian Battles
- Free Agent: Daryn Colledge and Jason Spitz
- Advice: Sign Sitton to a long-term extension now. Barring a catastrophic injury, Sitton's asking price is only going up the more games he plays. After an up and down 2009, Daryn Colledge rebounded to play well in 2010. Colledge expects to be one of the highest paid guards in the NFL so let him leave via free agency unless he accepts a cheap, short-term extension. Much like Colledge, unless Spitz accepts a cheap one-year deal, let him leave via free agency too. Finally the Packers should draft a guard in the 2011 NFL Draft to make-up for potentially losing Colledge and Spitz.
Center:
- Under Contract for 2011: Scott Wells and Evan Dietrich-Smith
- Free Agent: None
- Advice: Evan Dietrich-Smith is not a long-term answer at center for the Packers or they would have kept him at the end of training camp. With Wells entrenched as the starter at center, the Packers need to groom their successor at center. The most likely candidates are McDonald or a future draft pick.
Defensive End:
- Under Contract for 2011: Ryan Pickett, Mike Neal, Howard Green, C.J. Wilson, Jarius Wynn, Curtis Young, and Justin Harrell
- Free Agent: Cullen Jenkins
- Advice: Jenkins played with a broken hand for the first half of 2010 and missed part of the second half of the season with a calf injury because he was playing during garbage time. I know Jenkins is 30 and suffered a few injuries but Ted Thompson should have used the uncapped year to sign Jenkins to a four-year, front-end loaded extension. Since Jenkins did not sign an extension, let him leave via free agency. With Pickett, Neal, Green, Wilson, and Wynn in the fold the Packers should cut Justin Harrell. Packer fans feel bad for Harrell on a personal level but why keep him on the roster year-after-year just to put him on injured reserve?
Defensive Tackle:
- Under Contract for 2011: B.J. Raji and Jay Ross
- Free Agent: None
- Advice: Pickett and Green can play defensive tackle in a pinch but the Packers need to add younger depth at defensive tackle via free agency or the draft to allow B.J. Raji to play fewer snaps in 2011.
Outside Linebacker:
- Under Contract for 2011: Clay Matthews, Brad Jones, Frank Zombo, Brady Poppinga, Erik Walden, Robert Francois, Diyral Brigs, and Cardia Jackson
- Free Agent: None
- Advice: Fans are clamoring for the Packers to use a high draft pick on an outside linebacker to pair with Clay Matthews for the next decade. I completely disagree, there are a number of good outside linebackers on the roster. Jones, Zombo, and Walden showed flashes last year but were injured too much to get a good gauge of who is the best of the three. If the right player is available in the draft, take him, but don’t use a high draft pick on an outside linebacker.
Middle Linebacker:
- Under Contract for 2011: Desmond Bishop, A.J. Hawk, Nick Barnett, Brandon Chillar, and Matt Wilhelm
- Free Agent: None
- Advice: I like the four-year contract extension the Packers gave Desmond Bishop because it gives the Packers perfect roster flexibility at middle linebacker. Once Barnett went down in 2010, Hawk took over as the main signal caller and performed admirably. Barnett is owed $6.05 million in 2011 and $6.55 million in 2012. Chillar is owed $2.6 million in 2011, $3.3 million in 2012, and $3.6 million in 2013. Hawk is owed $10 million in 2011, which is the final year of his rookie contract. The Packers need to sign Hawk to a five-year extension so they can stagger their middle linebacker contracts to come off the books yearly from 2012 through 2015. One final note, the four best linebackers on roster are: Matthews, Hawk, Bishop, and Barnett. Unfortunately three of them play middle linebacker. Since the Packers only play a traditional 3-4 defense on about 1/3rd of their defensive snaps allow Hawk, Bishop, and Barnett to be on the field at the same time. I say open camp with Hawk and Bishop as the starting middle linebackers. Let Chillar play as the primary back up at middle linebacker. Barnett is coming off an injury so it might be tough, but see if Barnett can play a hybrid middle linebacker/outside linebacker.
Cornerback:
- Under Contract for 2011: Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams, Sam Shields, Brandon Underwood, Pat Lee, Josh Gordy, and Josh Bell
- Free Agent: None
- Advice: The Packers know that their top three cornerbacks in 2011 will be Woodson, Williams, and Shields. After that the Packers have a bunch of guys that have failed to seize their opportunities. With Underwood getting in trouble off the field, Bell and Lee getting hurt all the time, and Gordy being raw the Packers need to draft a cornerback earlier rather than later in the 2011 NFL Draft. Hopefully competition for the 4th and 5th cornerback spot will bring out the best in the lower level cornerbacks on the roster.
Safety:
- Under Contract for 2011: Nick Collins, Morgan Burnett, Jarrett Bush, Derrick Martin, Anthony Smith, Michael Greco, and Anthony Levine.
- Free Agent: Charlie Peprah and Atari Bigby
- Advice: Charlie Peprah played great in place of injured rookie Morgan Burnett during the regular season and elevated his play in the playoffs. The Packers need to resign Peprah to a two-year contract extension. After that, the Packers need to decide whether Smith, Bigby, or Martin is worth keeping as a 5th safety behind Collins, Burnett, Peprah, and Bush. I say keep Smith but get rid of Bigby and Martin.
Specialists:
- Under Contract for 2011: Tim Masthay (P) and Brett Goode (LS)
- Free Agent: Mason Crosby (K)
- Advice: With Masthay and Goode signed for 2011, the Packers need to resign Crosby. Instead of creating a training camp competition for Crosby, resign him and tell him that he is the starter heading into 2011. Crosby is past competition being a source of motivation to perform better. Plus if Crosby struggles in 2011 there is always a free agent kicker available.
Footnote:
* = General manager Ted Thompson signed everyone that finished the season on the practice squad (Adrian Battles, Chris Campbell, Michael Greco, Cardia Jackson, Anthony Levine, Antonio Robinson, Jay Ross, Chastin West, and Curtis Young) to "futures" contracts. That basically means the Packers signed those players to their 80-man roster for the off-season and gives them a chance to make the 53-man roster.
Depending on what type of agreement the owners and the players reach, some of the players below might not have enough accrued service time to become free agents (i.e. James Jones) but to make things as simple as possible, players will only be considered under contract for 2011 if they actually signed a deal with the Packers as of February 16, 2011 at 11:59 PM CST*.
Here is a blueprint for how Ted Thompson should proceed before the 2011 NFL season to help the Green Bay Packers win Super Bowl XLVI:
Quarterback:
- Under Contract for 2011: Aaron Rodgers, Matt Flynn, and Graham Harrell
- Free Agent: None
- Advice: The Packers should have locked up back-up quarterback Matt Flynn to a four-year, front-end loaded long-term deal at the start of 2010 because it was an uncapped year. Even if the Packers decided to trade Flynn, having him under contract for a few years at a cap friendly amount would make him even more enticing to other NFL teams. After playing well against the New England Patriots with Rodgers out with a concussion, a number of NFL teams took notice and Flynn likely priced himself out of Green Bay. Since the Packers didn’t lock up Flynn long-term, they need to keep Graham Harrell on the roster to see if he is worthy of backing up Rodgers in 2012 when Flynn is set to become a free agent.
Running Back:
- Under Contract for 2011: Ryan Grant, James Starks, and Dimitri Nance
- Free Agent: Brandon Jackson
- Advice: Brandon Jackson never performed like a starting running back after starting running back Ryan Grant went down for the season Week #1 against the Eagles. As a result, let Jackson leave via free agency. The Packers should draft another young running back in the 2011 NFL Draft to create an open competition between Dimitri Nance and the running back taken in the draft for the 3rd running back spot.
Fullback:
- Under Contract for 2011: Quinn Johnson
- Free Agent: John Kuhn and Korey Hall
- Advice: Hall showed flashes of being a starting fullback but struggled with injuries throughout his Packer career so the Packers should let Hall leave via free agency. John Kuhn is the younger version of Craig Counsell (jack-of-all trades that plays a number of positions along the infield for the Brewers) in the backfield for the Packers so the Packers should sign Kuhn to a three-year contract extension. Finally, please do not draft another fullback.
Wide Receiver:
- Under Contract for 2011: Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Jordy Nelson, Brett Swain, Antonio Robinson, and Chastin West
- Free Agent: James Jones
- Advice: The new wide receiver pecking order in terms of production is Jennings, Nelson, Jones, Driver then Swain. Jones is set to become a free agent and ironically his shaky hands give the Packers a chance to bring Jones back in 2011. With Nelson set to become a free agent after 2012 and Driver getting older, the Packers need a long-term plan at wide receiver. Start by offering Jones a respectable four-year contract extension. No matter what Jones does, draft a wide receiver early in the 2011 NFL Draft. Finally, start negotiations with Nelson about a long-term contract extension.
Tight End:
- Under Contract for 2011: Jermichael Finley, Andrew Quarless, Tom Crabtree, Spencer Havner, and Donald Lee
- Free Agent: None
- Advice: Finley is the presumptive starter heading into 2011 despite missing most of the 2010 season with a knee injury chasing down a defender that scooped up a Donald Lee fumble. After Finley, everyone else will have to fight to earn a roster spot. Lee is getting paid too much money to be a back-up tight end so cut Lee. Take a wait and see approach with Quarless, Crabtree, and Havner. Although it is not a position of need, if the right tight end is available in the 2011 NFL Draft, take him because the Packers use tight ends all over the field.
Tackle:
- Under Contract for 2011: Chad Clifton, Bryan Bulaga, T.J. Lang, Mark Tauscher, Marshall Newhouse, and Chris Campbell
- Free Agent: None
- Advice: If healthy, Chad Clifton deserves to be the starter at left tackle in 2011. If Clifton starts at left tackle, keep Bulaga at right tackle. After that, Newhouse and Lang are still playing under their rookie contracts so they deserve to be on the team in 2011 as developmental guards/tackles. Unfortunately the odd man out is the glorious neck beard of Mark Tauscher because he is coming off another season ending injury and is owed $4.5 million in 2011. The Packers should take a quality left tackle early in the 2011 NFL Draft because Clifton is probably playing his last season in Green bay in 2011.
Guard:
- Under Contract for 2011: Josh Sitton, Nick McDonald, and Adrian Battles
- Free Agent: Daryn Colledge and Jason Spitz
- Advice: Sign Sitton to a long-term extension now. Barring a catastrophic injury, Sitton's asking price is only going up the more games he plays. After an up and down 2009, Daryn Colledge rebounded to play well in 2010. Colledge expects to be one of the highest paid guards in the NFL so let him leave via free agency unless he accepts a cheap, short-term extension. Much like Colledge, unless Spitz accepts a cheap one-year deal, let him leave via free agency too. Finally the Packers should draft a guard in the 2011 NFL Draft to make-up for potentially losing Colledge and Spitz.
Center:
- Under Contract for 2011: Scott Wells and Evan Dietrich-Smith
- Free Agent: None
- Advice: Evan Dietrich-Smith is not a long-term answer at center for the Packers or they would have kept him at the end of training camp. With Wells entrenched as the starter at center, the Packers need to groom their successor at center. The most likely candidates are McDonald or a future draft pick.
Defensive End:
- Under Contract for 2011: Ryan Pickett, Mike Neal, Howard Green, C.J. Wilson, Jarius Wynn, Curtis Young, and Justin Harrell
- Free Agent: Cullen Jenkins
- Advice: Jenkins played with a broken hand for the first half of 2010 and missed part of the second half of the season with a calf injury because he was playing during garbage time. I know Jenkins is 30 and suffered a few injuries but Ted Thompson should have used the uncapped year to sign Jenkins to a four-year, front-end loaded extension. Since Jenkins did not sign an extension, let him leave via free agency. With Pickett, Neal, Green, Wilson, and Wynn in the fold the Packers should cut Justin Harrell. Packer fans feel bad for Harrell on a personal level but why keep him on the roster year-after-year just to put him on injured reserve?
Defensive Tackle:
- Under Contract for 2011: B.J. Raji and Jay Ross
- Free Agent: None
- Advice: Pickett and Green can play defensive tackle in a pinch but the Packers need to add younger depth at defensive tackle via free agency or the draft to allow B.J. Raji to play fewer snaps in 2011.
Outside Linebacker:
- Under Contract for 2011: Clay Matthews, Brad Jones, Frank Zombo, Brady Poppinga, Erik Walden, Robert Francois, Diyral Brigs, and Cardia Jackson
- Free Agent: None
- Advice: Fans are clamoring for the Packers to use a high draft pick on an outside linebacker to pair with Clay Matthews for the next decade. I completely disagree, there are a number of good outside linebackers on the roster. Jones, Zombo, and Walden showed flashes last year but were injured too much to get a good gauge of who is the best of the three. If the right player is available in the draft, take him, but don’t use a high draft pick on an outside linebacker.
Middle Linebacker:
- Under Contract for 2011: Desmond Bishop, A.J. Hawk, Nick Barnett, Brandon Chillar, and Matt Wilhelm
- Free Agent: None
- Advice: I like the four-year contract extension the Packers gave Desmond Bishop because it gives the Packers perfect roster flexibility at middle linebacker. Once Barnett went down in 2010, Hawk took over as the main signal caller and performed admirably. Barnett is owed $6.05 million in 2011 and $6.55 million in 2012. Chillar is owed $2.6 million in 2011, $3.3 million in 2012, and $3.6 million in 2013. Hawk is owed $10 million in 2011, which is the final year of his rookie contract. The Packers need to sign Hawk to a five-year extension so they can stagger their middle linebacker contracts to come off the books yearly from 2012 through 2015. One final note, the four best linebackers on roster are: Matthews, Hawk, Bishop, and Barnett. Unfortunately three of them play middle linebacker. Since the Packers only play a traditional 3-4 defense on about 1/3rd of their defensive snaps allow Hawk, Bishop, and Barnett to be on the field at the same time. I say open camp with Hawk and Bishop as the starting middle linebackers. Let Chillar play as the primary back up at middle linebacker. Barnett is coming off an injury so it might be tough, but see if Barnett can play a hybrid middle linebacker/outside linebacker.
Cornerback:
- Under Contract for 2011: Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams, Sam Shields, Brandon Underwood, Pat Lee, Josh Gordy, and Josh Bell
- Free Agent: None
- Advice: The Packers know that their top three cornerbacks in 2011 will be Woodson, Williams, and Shields. After that the Packers have a bunch of guys that have failed to seize their opportunities. With Underwood getting in trouble off the field, Bell and Lee getting hurt all the time, and Gordy being raw the Packers need to draft a cornerback earlier rather than later in the 2011 NFL Draft. Hopefully competition for the 4th and 5th cornerback spot will bring out the best in the lower level cornerbacks on the roster.
Safety:
- Under Contract for 2011: Nick Collins, Morgan Burnett, Jarrett Bush, Derrick Martin, Anthony Smith, Michael Greco, and Anthony Levine.
- Free Agent: Charlie Peprah and Atari Bigby
- Advice: Charlie Peprah played great in place of injured rookie Morgan Burnett during the regular season and elevated his play in the playoffs. The Packers need to resign Peprah to a two-year contract extension. After that, the Packers need to decide whether Smith, Bigby, or Martin is worth keeping as a 5th safety behind Collins, Burnett, Peprah, and Bush. I say keep Smith but get rid of Bigby and Martin.
Specialists:
- Under Contract for 2011: Tim Masthay (P) and Brett Goode (LS)
- Free Agent: Mason Crosby (K)
- Advice: With Masthay and Goode signed for 2011, the Packers need to resign Crosby. Instead of creating a training camp competition for Crosby, resign him and tell him that he is the starter heading into 2011. Crosby is past competition being a source of motivation to perform better. Plus if Crosby struggles in 2011 there is always a free agent kicker available.
Footnote:
* = General manager Ted Thompson signed everyone that finished the season on the practice squad (Adrian Battles, Chris Campbell, Michael Greco, Cardia Jackson, Anthony Levine, Antonio Robinson, Jay Ross, Chastin West, and Curtis Young) to "futures" contracts. That basically means the Packers signed those players to their 80-man roster for the off-season and gives them a chance to make the 53-man roster.
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