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.
