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Heatseeker
So, it's just about that time of year. And after reading no fewer than 2,762.5 mock drafts, I've come up with my own. But before we get to the picks, let me put forth my rationale in coming up with these 9 players. First and foremost, I went for players I considered to be, "Thompson-style" picks. We've seen several trends now from Thompson's drafts, and one of those trends -- is to not follow a trend.

Meaning basically, expect a bit of the unexpected when it comes to Thompson's drafts. So, you'll see several players that might be considered a reach (albeit, a slight one). I don't think Thompson is afraid to do that when he sees a player he likes who is available.

Secondly, I went for players that offer versatility. I think players with a lot of it is something that not just Thompson, but GM's all over the league are starting to covet more and more.

And finally, I looked at players that I thought Thompson would feel are good representatives of the Green Bay Packers. Despite the silly moniker (Packer people), there's no doubt that Thompson goes for not only high talent, but high character as well. Players that will feel good to play in Green Bay, who are hungry to prove they were worthy of their selection (and in some cases, higher) and guys who put wins before stats.

That all said, here are the players I expect to see wearing a Packers hat on April 25th/26th:





Round 1 – Malcom Jenkins.

CB/S, Ohio State


I'm really torn between Jenkins and Andre Smith. I think when it comes down to it, Thompson will choose the player he feels is the safer bet of the two. As I've previously outlined, I think both Jenkins and Andre Smith are the only two can't miss prospects in the first 20 selections. Both have done nothing but produce at extraordinary levels while in college, and both have the talent and physical tools that should transition to the pro game. The difference here is simply, character risk. By all accounts Andre Smith is a great kid, coachable and even a hard-worker, despite his resemblance to the Stay Puff Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters. However, that circus at the combine, his agent troubles, etc. will hurt him ever so slightly. With teams now putting a greater emphasis on character in the wake of the Vick's, Vince Young's, Plax's and Stallworth's of the world, no team is going to invest big money into a guy they feel has a chance to be sitting in jail, or rehab with 20 million of the team's money sitting in their bank account – even if they could be the most dominant Right Tackle to come along in 20 years. Jenkins might not be the, "sexy" pick everyone is hoping for, but he's the right pick.



Round 2 – Connor Barwin

OLB/DE, Cincinnati



I've gone back and forth on whether or not Barwin will be here and at least right now, I think he will be. His draft stock seems to have at least gone from hot to medium, meaning he could slip through the cracks and end up in the Packers lap. My original pick here was either William Beatty or Jamon Meredith, but I honestly believe that with having drafted so many offensive linemen the last few years, in addition to the a mid- to late-rounder this year, Thompson feels the depth is there, and with another year of coaching, the offensive line could very well be at least serviceable this year. And I agree with him. Look, we don't have Orlando Pace and Jonathan Ogden out there, but we have a lot of young, decent talent that with some competition, could end up being pretty good. Barwin on the other hand, provides the new, "Don" of the D – Dom Capers with a versatile, physically talented OLB/DE hybrid. Barwin reminds me a bit of Kampman in that you could probably plug him in at safety and he'd still do well.



Round 3A – Dorell Scott

NT, Clemson



Ryan Pickett can breath a sigh of relief as he's getting some help in the way of a 6'3 320 lb. mountain of a man named Dorell Scott. Not as popular as the Raji's, Brace's and even Sammie Hill's of this year's draft, but could be every bit as effective in a 3-4 – which is what scouts are projecting him as. Scott has the frame to add more weight, and has been talked about as being a tireless worker and consummate team-player, making him an ideal fit for the important, yet not very glamorous job of, "space eater." The drafting of Scott gives the Pack (gasp!) some actual depth at the position with arguably the biggest question mark as they switch over to a 3-4 – the Nose Tackle. With Pickett, Soi and Scott, the Packers can continuously rotate fresh bodies in throughout the game.


Round 3B. – T.J. Lang

OT, Eastern Michigan



And here comes that offensive linemen I said we didn't need. While a NT is possible here, I think Lang is just the kind of player Thompson looks for. Lang ended his career at Easter Michigan with 36 consecutive starts, so he's certainly durable (apologies to Justin Harrell) and he's another versatile performer (notice a trend here?) who can play Guard, Tackle or even Center – all with a nasty, mean streak Ala' Jason Spitz – just better. Lang's speed is also another plus here, coming in with a sub-5 second 40 time, meaning he should adapt well to the zone blocking scheme should the Packers continue to be cute with their running game.



Round 4 – Mitch King

DE, Iowa



The transition to the 3-4 could be a rough one unless the Packers supply themselves with the horses needed to do so. King, a 4-year starter and 2-time all Big Ten selection will be added to provide that front 7, a unit that got gashed on a consistent basis last year, another piece to the puzzle. King has been described as playing with a violent streak, and with 4.8 speed, he gives the Packers a legitimate 5-technique option to rotate in a end. And since Justin Harrell and Johnny Jolly are both a bit of a wildcard in terms of their availability, King could very well get the opportunity to start, making this pick even more logical.



Round 5 – Antone Smith

RB, Florida State



With is ridiculous pro-day (4.33 40, 36" vertical and 32 rep bench press) performance, it's questionable as to whether Smith will even be here at this point. That all said, Thompson can't ignore the offense completely and will take a back to come in and compete with Grant and the host of other backup-quality backs currently occupying a roster spot. While Smith's numbers seem gaudy, he actual physical numbers are a bit less imposing – 5'8 191 lbs. However, looking at backs like Darren Sproles, who lit it up for the Chargers in the playoffs last year, you can't ignore a back with this much promise. If anything, Smith adds a true homerun threat and a nice number 2 option for running back in conjunction with Grant.



Round 6A. -- Dominique Edison

WR, Stephen F. Austin



At 6'2 and a 37" vertical jump, Edison represents good value in the sixth round. A small-school player, Edison gives the Packers depth at a position that could see declining production in Donald Driver in the next two years, as well as uncertainty with the oft-injured James Jones and Greg Jennings still not having a new contract despite being one of the team's few stud players. With Edison, the Packers get a big, tall target who also happens to have good speed (4.43) for QB Aaron Rodgers.



Round 6B. – T.J. Conley

P, Idaho


Field position, field position, field position. The Packers needed to play that game a lot better in 2008. Conley led the nation in punting last season, kicked in less-than-ideal conditions, and happens to be pretty athletic (for a Punter). In fact, he is a former QB, which must make McCarthy just giddy considering his penchant for trick plays.



Round 7 – Stryker Sulak

DE, Mizzou


Thompson continues to add depth to the defensive line, adding Sulak who, despite Missouri's overall defense not being all that impressive, was part of a reasonably talented defensive line. Sulak has displayed good pass-rush ability, and is another big body (6'5) with the frame to put on more size.
POLISHHAWK
QUOTE (Heatseeker @ Apr 16 2009, 10:37 AM) *
So, it's just about that time of year. And after reading no fewer than 2,762.5 mock drafts, I've come up with my own. But before we get to the picks, let me put forth my rationale in coming up with these 9 players. First and foremost, I went for players I considered to be, "Thompson-style" picks. We've seen several trends now from Thompson's drafts, and one of those trends -- is to not follow a trend.

Meaning basically, expect a bit of the unexpected when it comes to Thompson's drafts. So, you'll see several players that might be considered a reach (albeit, a slight one). I don't think Thompson is afraid to do that when he sees a player he likes who is available.

Secondly, I went for players that offer versatility. I think players with a lot of it is something that not just Thompson, but GM's all over the league are starting to covet more and more.

And finally, I looked at players that I thought Thompson would feel are good representatives of the Green Bay Packers. Despite the silly moniker (Packer people), there's no doubt that Thompson goes for not only high talent, but high character as well. Players that will feel good to play in Green Bay, who are hungry to prove they were worthy of their selection (and in some cases, higher) and guys who put wins before stats.

That all said, here are the players I expect to see wearing a Packers hat on April 25th/26th:





Round 1 – Malcom Jenkins.

CB/S, Ohio State


I'm really torn between Jenkins and Andre Smith. I think when it comes down to it, Thompson will choose the player he feels is the safer bet of the two. As I've previously outlined, I think both Jenkins and Andre Smith are the only two can't miss prospects in the first 20 selections. Both have done nothing but produce at extraordinary levels while in college, and both have the talent and physical tools that should transition to the pro game. The difference here is simply, character risk. By all accounts Andre Smith is a great kid, coachable and even a hard-worker, despite his resemblance to the Stay Puff Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters. However, that circus at the combine, his agent troubles, etc. will hurt him ever so slightly. With teams now putting a greater emphasis on character in the wake of the Vick's, Vince Young's, Plax's and Stallworth's of the world, no team is going to invest big money into a guy they feel has a chance to be sitting in jail, or rehab with 20 million of the team's money sitting in their bank account – even if they could be the most dominant Right Tackle to come along in 20 years. Jenkins might not be the, "sexy" pick everyone is hoping for, but he's the right pick.



Round 2 – Connor Barwin

OLB/DE, Cincinnati



I've gone back and forth on whether or not Barwin will be here and at least right now, I think he will be. His draft stock seems to have at least gone from hot to medium, meaning he could slip through the cracks and end up in the Packers lap. My original pick here was either William Beatty or Jamon Meredith, but I honestly believe that with having drafted so many offensive linemen the last few years, in addition to the a mid- to late-rounder this year, Thompson feels the depth is there, and with another year of coaching, the offensive line could very well be at least serviceable this year. And I agree with him. Look, we don't have Orlando Pace and Jonathan Ogden out there, but we have a lot of young, decent talent that with some competition, could end up being pretty good. Barwin on the other hand, provides the new, "Don" of the D – Dom Capers with a versatile, physically talented OLB/DE hybrid. Barwin reminds me a bit of Kampman in that you could probably plug him in at safety and he'd still do well.



Round 3A – Dorell Scott

NT, Clemson



Ryan Pickett can breath a sigh of relief as he's getting some help in the way of a 6'3 320 lb. mountain of a man named Dorell Scott. Not as popular as the Raji's, Brace's and even Sammie Hill's of this year's draft, but could be every bit as effective in a 3-4 – which is what scouts are projecting him as. Scott has the frame to add more weight, and has been talked about as being a tireless worker and consummate team-player, making him an ideal fit for the important, yet not very glamorous job of, "space eater." The drafting of Scott gives the Pack (gasp!) some actual depth at the position with arguably the biggest question mark as they switch over to a 3-4 – the Nose Tackle. With Pickett, Soi and Scott, the Packers can continuously rotate fresh bodies in throughout the game.


Round 3B. – T.J. Lang

OT, Eastern Michigan



And here comes that offensive linemen I said we didn't need. While a NT is possible here, I think Lang is just the kind of player Thompson looks for. Lang ended his career at Easter Michigan with 36 consecutive starts, so he's certainly durable (apologies to Justin Harrell) and he's another versatile performer (notice a trend here?) who can play Guard, Tackle or even Center – all with a nasty, mean streak Ala' Jason Spitz – just better. Lang's speed is also another plus here, coming in with a sub-5 second 40 time, meaning he should adapt well to the zone blocking scheme should the Packers continue to be cute with their running game.



Round 4 – Mitch King

DE, Iowa



The transition to the 3-4 could be a rough one unless the Packers supply themselves with the horses needed to do so. King, a 4-year starter and 2-time all Big Ten selection will be added to provide that front 7, a unit that got gashed on a consistent basis last year, another piece to the puzzle. King has been described as playing with a violent streak, and with 4.8 speed, he gives the Packers a legitimate 5-technique option to rotate in a end. And since Justin Harrell and Johnny Jolly are both a bit of a wildcard in terms of their availability, King could very well get the opportunity to start, making this pick even more logical.



Round 5 – Antone Smith

RB, Florida State



With is ridiculous pro-day (4.33 40, 36" vertical and 32 rep bench press) performance, it's questionable as to whether Smith will even be here at this point. That all said, Thompson can't ignore the offense completely and will take a back to come in and compete with Grant and the host of other backup-quality backs currently occupying a roster spot. While Smith's numbers seem gaudy, he actual physical numbers are a bit less imposing – 5'8 191 lbs. However, looking at backs like Darren Sproles, who lit it up for the Chargers in the playoffs last year, you can't ignore a back with this much promise. If anything, Smith adds a true homerun threat and a nice number 2 option for running back in conjunction with Grant.



Round 6A. -- Dominique Edison

WR, Stephen F. Austin



At 6'2 and a 37" vertical jump, Edison represents good value in the sixth round. A small-school player, Edison gives the Packers depth at a position that could see declining production in Donald Driver in the next two years, as well as uncertainty with the oft-injured James Jones and Greg Jennings still not having a new contract despite being one of the team's few stud players. With Edison, the Packers get a big, tall target who also happens to have good speed (4.43) for QB Aaron Rodgers.



Round 6B. – T.J. Conley

P, Idaho


Field position, field position, field position. The Packers needed to play that game a lot better in 2008. Conley led the nation in punting last season, kicked in less-than-ideal conditions, and happens to be pretty athletic (for a Punter). In fact, he is a former QB, which must make McCarthy just giddy considering his penchant for trick plays.



Round 7 – Stryker Sulak

DE, Mizzou


Thompson continues to add depth to the defensive line, adding Sulak who, despite Missouri's overall defense not being all that impressive, was part of a reasonably talented defensive line. Sulak has displayed good pass-rush ability, and is another big body (6'5) with the frame to put on more size.



DAT A BOY HEET! I like it alot. The only one I'd think twice on would be pick 1....
I'm gonna say Micheal Oher is going to be wearing green & gold (if he's gone; I'd be there to nab Andre the Giant).
rpiotr01
Very good job, Heat. Would be pleased with this draft.

Personally Oher and Jackson are above Jenkins on my wish list for #9, but I wouldn't be upset with the pick.

Also wouldn't mind a trade down to target Beatty, Britton or Alex Mack. To me Mack has the same feel as when NE picked Logan Mankins. Two or three years from now teams picking in the 20's are going to look at their busted picks and wonder why they didn't take the guy despite him playing an unheralded position.

That may be a little early for Scott but I like the way you're thinking re: the DT position.
The GM
QUOTE (Heatseeker @ Apr 16 2009, 08:37 AM) *
Round 1 – Malcom Jenkins.

CB/S, Ohio State


I'm really torn between Jenkins and Andre Smith. I think when it comes down to it, Thompson will choose the player he feels is the safer bet of the two. As I've previously outlined, I think both Jenkins and Andre Smith are the only two can't miss prospects in the first 20 selections. Both have done nothing but produce at extraordinary levels while in college, and both have the talent and physical tools that should transition to the pro game. The difference here is simply, character risk. By all accounts Andre Smith is a great kid, coachable and even a hard-worker, despite his resemblance to the Stay Puff Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters. However, that circus at the combine, his agent troubles, etc. will hurt him ever so slightly. With teams now putting a greater emphasis on character in the wake of the Vick's, Vince Young's, Plax's and Stallworth's of the world, no team is going to invest big money into a guy they feel has a chance to be sitting in jail, or rehab with 20 million of the team's money sitting in their bank account – even if they could be the most dominant Right Tackle to come along in 20 years. Jenkins might not be the, "sexy" pick everyone is hoping for, but he's the right pick.


Good analysis Heat, I set up this same scenario a few weeks ago. Stating it would come down to Smith or Jenkins. Tough call IMO. I can see the thinking in taking either of these guys, but I think one of those teams ahead of us (Cincy?)is going to grab Smith.
Heatseeker
QUOTE (The GM @ Apr 17 2009, 10:45 AM) *
Good analysis Heat, I set up this same scenario a few weeks ago. Stating it would come down to Smith or Jenkins. Tough call IMO. I can see the thinking in taking either of these guys, but I think one of those teams ahead of us (Cincy?)is going to grab Smith.


Thanks, GM.

I agree, Smith has a rocket strapped to his back and is climbing up draft boards in a hurry.

As for Tyson Jackson, I just can't justify spending the 9th pick in the draft for what I feel could be one of our strong points, and on a player that isn't really much of a playmaker (like Jenkins is). I think Harrell, Cullen Jenkins and Jolly will give us decent production from the end spots. And, I have a feeling Thompson will eventually sign a free agent veteran at that spot as well.
Wolfman
I love your draft, Heat. I would agree I'd rather see Oher but I won't be upset if we take Jenkins either. I understand your thinking about our OL, but all the picks/players Green Bay has as depth now seem to me to be interior players. I think we are very thin depth-wise and getting old fast at OT. But then you took T.J. Lang, so you still covered this base pretty well.

I really like the sounds of Dorell Scott. I keep forgetting about this kid. You did an excellent job building up the DL, which is also an area of great need, imo. I also think Mitch King will surprise a lot of people.

Nice job, sir!
ricky38
T. J. Conley kicked indoors at home and i don't think he had a bad weather game all year.
fudding
Good draft top to bottom.

I would go with an OT over Jenkins at the 9 spot.

I love Jenkins as a prospect, but I feel a 1st round CB is a couple drafts away. Harris and Woodson don't need immediate replacing. I actually think they have a few years left in them if they fit the system. Williams played well when starting. He may demand a trade instead of just holding out if Jenkins is drafted. Pat Lee becomes buried so far that he may become a wasted pick.

I like Barwin's versatility. Also has a good 10 yard split time showing he is explosive

Never heard of that Florida St rb, but a Sproles type back could make the offense really dynamic. How are his hands? Does he return kicks or punts? As you mentioned, the special teams have to improve.

The more Sulak types to rotate through the better. Depth is key and there's some great late round value in run stuffing DEs as 4-3 teams don't value them.

Overall, Good Job. Would be happy if it went this way.
DaveatMIZZOU
QUOTE (Heatseeker @ Apr 16 2009, 10:37 AM) *
Round 7 – Stryker Sulak

DE, Mizzou


Best Draft EVAR! laugh.gif


I really like taking Dorell Scott. I think that would be my favorite pick of this draft. I think that is the type of player we need to bring in for this defense to fill in for Pickett. I have no doubts that Pickett can man the NT, but I know that he will need to be spelled and Scott seems like a good guy to do that.
57packer
Love this draft. Not the biggest Jenkins fan, but only because I'd rather have the OT early.

I guess King is the answer at DE along with a FA like Holiday. I could live with that, but would disagree that this is a "strong point" on the team. Jolly and Harrell are huge question marks at best.
66_Ray
QUOTE (57packer @ Apr 17 2009, 08:14 PM) *
Love this draft. Not the biggest Jenkins fan, but only because I'd rather have the OT early.

I guess King is the answer at DE along with a FA like Holiday. I could live with that, but would disagree that this is a "strong point" on the team. Jolly and Harrell are huge question marks at best.

I'm on the OT in the first bandwagon as well heat but nice job. I will reveal my much anticipated mock on the 27th laugh.gif
Heatseeker
QUOTE (DaveatMIZZOU @ Apr 17 2009, 06:45 PM) *
Best Draft EVAR! laugh.gif


I really like taking Dorell Scott. I think that would be my favorite pick of this draft. I think that is the type of player we need to bring in for this defense to fill in for Pickett. I have no doubts that Pickett can man the NT, but I know that he will need to be spelled and Scott seems like a good guy to do that.


LOL I had to give Mizzou some love wink.gif

(my g/f is a recent alum) biggrin.gif
Vinnie
QUOTE (Heatseeker @ Apr 17 2009, 10:39 PM) *
LOL I had to give Mizzou some love wink.gif

(my g/f is a recent alum) biggrin.gif

I have trouble thinking a punter will be taken in the sixth. This is just my own hunch but I think TT goes FA for a punter.
stuffin
QUOTE (Vinnie @ Apr 18 2009, 09:50 AM) *
I have trouble thinking a punter will be taken in the sixth. This is just my own hunch but I think TT goes FA for a punter.



Free Agency + TT = HA HA HA HA HA!

Good One....
Ellis269
I'm pretty sure he meant Undrafted Free Agent. . . of which Ted Thompson seems to have no problem with signing (seeing as how he was an undrafted free agent and made it). This team is littered with guys who weren't drafted - Ryan Grant, Atari Bigby, Jarrett Bush, Tramon Williams and Jason Hunter. Ted sure likes his underdogs.

I also think that he'll add one undrafted free agent to compete with the two guys already on the roster. I still like Thomas Morstead, who kicked and punted for his team. He's athletic, has a pretty big leg and went to Thompson's alma matter Southern Methodist.
Heatseeker
I think a Punter, a GOOD Punter is necessary for this team. The Pack did so well in 07, and field position had a lot to do with it. Not saying a good one can't be found as an UDFA, but if a good one is there, like I think there will be in the 6th, I think you take him.
Ralimar
I really like this draft.

My only potential change might be Beanie Wells in the first instead of Jenkins. Jenkins is probably the higher value overall, though. This of course is contingent on Jenkins actually ending up as a CB, and not a S.

Mostly my Beanie love I think rests on the IDEA of having a good running game, as opposed to the likely reality... wishful thinking...
DaveatMIZZOU
QUOTE (Ralimar @ Apr 18 2009, 11:35 AM) *
I really like this draft.

My only potential change might be Beanie Wells in the first instead of Jenkins. Jenkins is probably the higher value overall, though. This of course is contingent on Jenkins actually ending up as a CB, and not a S.

Mostly my Beanie love I think rests on the IDEA of having a good running game, as opposed to the likely reality... wishful thinking...


One benefit of taking Jenkins is that if he fails at CB, then we can also try him at S and at least salvage the pick, or attempt to do so. Same thing with Oher, he fails at LT we can try at RT or G. However when... I mean if, Wells busts then he is another RB failure. I believe somewhere I have seen a list of recent Big 10 RBs selected... not too impressive outside of Eddie George, Marion Barber III, and Michael Bennett (Im probably forgetting someone, but the list is pretty full of poor picks). Not a rule for Wells, but a pretty convincing pattern.
Wolfman
QUOTE (ricky38 @ Apr 17 2009, 11:28 PM) *
T. J. Conley kicked indoors at home and i don't think he had a bad weather game all year.


Idaho plays indoors? Since when? blink.gif
Nimrod
I also think that he'll add one undrafted free agent to compete with the two guys already on the roster. I still like Thomas Morstead, who kicked and punted for his team. He's athletic, has a pretty big leg and went to Thompson's alma matter Southern Methodist.
[/quote]

I dont think we will have 3 punters on the 80 man squad in camp at the same time , the 80 man squad is limiting teams in training camp without the NFLE exemptions they used to have. If there are a few injuries in camp (minor injuries that keep players out a few days to a week or so) they have a hard time at practice if there are multiple injuries at one position.
I wouldnt mind using a sixth on a good punter as we have to improve field position. Also there should be a offseason tackling school for the team . The team as a whole tackled like s**t last year and that needs to be fixed just like "the pad level thingie" , I think the lack of live drills in practice affects this. I hope the team practices outside more often this year now that the new outdoor practice facility with inground heating is finished.
Packdaddy
Two guys stand out in particular to me...D. Scott...I like him a lot...very underrated.

S. Sulak...why are more people not talking about him? Very productive at MIZZU. a true 7th-round-steal.


Heatseeker
Yeah, Stryker reminds me of an Igor Olshansky kind of player. Maybe it's just the cool name smile.gif


Either way, I think he could definitely be a serviceable, hard-working DE that has the occasional big game outburst.
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