I’ll keep this simple. I’m going to break down every pick and give a final grade. Let’s get started.
Round 1 pick 32: Derek Sherrod, OT Mississippi State
This was the guy I was hoping would be there at the Packers’ pick. Sherrod was a fixture at left tackle for MSU over the past 3 years. He did not allow a sack his junior and senior seasons. Has good size at 6-5 319 pounds. Ran a 5.18 40 time and did 28 reps.
Many people were hoping that Gabe Carimi would fall to the Packers, but I actually like Sherrod better. Carimi projects as a right tackle or right guard in the NFL where Sherrod could play left tackle.
I don’t think the Packers are totally sold on Bryan Bulaga as the left tackle of the future. At the worst Bulaga will be a great NFL right tackle, but Sherrod gives them another option (unlike Carimi). I think the Packers will just let Bulaga and Sherrod compete and whoever proves to be the better player will get the left tackle spot (and the bigger paycheck).
Round 2 pick 64: Randall Cobb, WR Kentucky
Love this pick. LOVE. IT. This is exactly the kind of guy I thought the Packers needed. Cobb is a player that can do everything. In his career at Kentucky he played quarterback, running back, wide receiver. He returned kicks and punts and was a threat to score every time he touched the ball.
Cobb strikes me as a poor man’s Percy Harvin. He’s not quite as fast as Harvin, but he doesn’t have the Percy Harvin attitude.
I personally did not think the Packers would draft Cobb because he is smaller (5-10 190) than the receivers they usually like to take. But there was no one happier than I was when Jim Taylor read his name.
Round 3 pick 96: Alex Green, RB Hawaii
When the Packers drafted Green it was immediately obvious to me what he was: Brandon Jackson’s replacement. Why? Because he played in a spread offense at Hawaii. What does that mean? It means he will be a great third down back.
Green has prototype size and speed (6-0 225, ran a 4.46) for a running back. He has great hands out of the backfield (hence, third down back). I think they will work him in as the third down back while they get him used to running in a more traditional offense.
Round 4 pick 131: Davon House, CB New Mexico State
House has great size and speed (6-0 197, 4.44 40 time). He was a four year starter and one of the only good players on a bad New Mexico State team. Has all the tools you look for but lacked consistency at times.
House adds depth to a great Packers’ secondary. He could be the one that pushes guys like Jarrett Bush, Brandon Underwood, or Pat Lee off the team.
Round 5 pick 141: D.J. Williams, TE Arkansas
Best pass catching tight end in the draft. Won Mackey Award given to the nation’s top tight end. Has great hands. Unique size at 6-2 247. Fits into the tight end, H-back role.
When the Packers selected both Randall Cobb and D.J. Williams every defensive coordinator in the NFC North got a head ache. These two guys add so much versatility to an already outstanding offense.
Round 6 pick 169: Caleb Schlauderaff, OG Utah
6-4 303 pounds. Four year starter at left guard for Utah. Started 49 games in his college career.
Solid player that fills a need with Dayrn Colledge and Jason Spitz potentially leaving as free agents.
Round 6 pick 186: D.J. Smith, LB Appalachian State
Played outside linebacker at Appalachian State but is too short (5-11 238) to play that position in a 3-4 so he will probably move inside. Had 525 career tackles which was the most of any player in this year’s draft.
Smith adds depth at inside linebacker and could contribute on special teams.
Round 6 pick 197: Ricky Elmore, OLB Arizona
Elmore will switch from defensive end to outside linebacker in the Packers’ 3-4 defense. He has led the Pac-10 in sacks the past two years. Played opposite Brooks Reed who went to Houston in the second round. 6-5 258, ran a 4.88 40 time, did 26 reps.
Elmore will have to slim down and improve in coverage in order to play outside linebacker for the Packers. He has the potential to develop into a good pass rushing linebacker opposite Clay Matthews.
Round 7 pick 218: Ryan Taylor, TE North Carolina
Played tight end and linebacker at North Carolina. North Carolina’s special teams captain. One of the best special teams players in the draft. 6-3 244, ran a 4.74. Set a team record his senior year for catches by a tight end with 36.
Taylor was a surprise at first but makes more sense when you look closer. He was one of the best special teams players in the entire draft, a definite area of need for the Packers.
Round 7 pick 233: Lawrence Guy, DT Arizona State
Has all the physical ability in the world, but it was never seen on the field. Came out as a junior when he probably should have stayed another year, which may have caused him to drop. Played defensive tackle in college but will probably switch to end.
Guy could develop into a great player with some coaching. Has the talent but needs the motivation.
Overall Grade: B+
I really like all of the players the Packers picked this year. Their first two picks went exactly as I hoped they would. The only thing I wish they would have done was address the outside linebacker and defensive line positions early than they did. However, Ted Thompson has earned my trust and deserves the benefit of the doubt.
0 comments:
Post a Comment