"GOOD PICK OR BUST"/ some DL/LB thoughts from JS

[Bretsky]

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/nfl-teams-try-to-learn-fine-line-between-a-good-pick-and-a-bust-vn4vq6u-148607145.html

[Joemailman]

Interesting that Kendall Reyes was 3rd among best DE"s in a 3-4. He could still be a bit of a "sleeper" pick for TT in the 1st round.

[Brandon494]

Reyes in the 1st? No thanks, trade back and get him.

[Carolina_Packer]

What are your impressions of Akiem Hicks? Here's a youtube piece on him: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cmA-CbyZ3M&feature=related Gotta love the size, especially if he could play DE in a 3-4. I am with those who think that not having Cullen Jenkins or a nearly adequate replacement last year was a big reason the pass rush struggled so mightily.

I don't know if this kid is too raw, but he did get a scholarship offer to LSU at one point. He could be a boom/bust type guy. What do you think? If he was around in the 3rd, would you take a chance on him?

[ND72]

I like him!

Joe, ever see the movie date night?

[woodbuck27]

Interesting that Kendall Reyes was 3rd among best DE"s in a 3-4. He could still be a bit of a "sleeper" pick for TT in the 1st round.


Matt Miller's TOP TEN DT's:

1. Michael Brockers, LSU (No. 9 Overall) (3-4 DE)

2. Fletcher Cox, Mississippi State (No. 11 Overall)

3. Dontari Poe, Memphis (No. 35 Overall) (3-4 DE)

4. Kendall Reyes, Connecticut (No. 38 Overall) (3-4 DE)

5. Jerel Worthy, Michigan State (No. 40 Overall)

6. Devon Still, Penn State (No. 41 Overall) (3-4 DE)

7. Mike Martin, Michigan (No. 42 Overall)

8. Josh Chapman, Alabama (No. 75 Overall)

9. Brandon Thompson, Clemson (No. 80 Overall)

10. Alameda Ta'amu, Washington (No. 109 Overall)

[woodbuck27]

What are your impressions of Akiem Hicks? Here's a youtube piece on him: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cmA-CbyZ3M&feature=related Gotta love the size, especially if he could play DE in a 3-4. I am with those who think that not having Cullen Jenkins or a nearly adequate replacement last year was a big reason the pass rush struggled so mightily.

I don't know if this kid is too raw, but he did get a scholarship offer to LSU at one point. He could be a boom/bust type guy. What do you think? If he was around in the 3rd, would you take a chance on him?

If Akiem Hicks is still on the board in the 7th Round. He should be seriously looked at as a value pick.

[HarveyWallbangers]

It's kind of nice not worrying about this stuff anymore. Now, I can watch the draft without being a couch GM and wishing TT hadn't gone against my wishes. Then, I'll read the bios of each player, get intrigued by some (who will flop), and question others (who will by Pro Bowlers).

[woodbuck27]

It's kind of nice not worrying about this stuff anymore. Now, I can watch the draft without being a couch GM and wishing TT hadn't gone against my wishes. Then, I'll read the bios of each player, get intrigued by some (who will flop), and question others (who will by Pro Bowlers).

I'm happy for you.

Please Harvey. Teach 'your method of finding Freedom' to a certain member here that lives SW of you.

[woodbuck27]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1155591-2012-nfl-mock-draft-final-version-with-player-comparisons?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=nfl#/articles/1155591-2012-nfl-mock-draft-final-version-with-player-comparisons/page/29

I just reeived this information in my mail box as the authors latest Mock of Round one picks.

The GREEN BAY PACKERS pick...at NO. 28 in Round One:

Nick Perry, Defensive End/Linebacker, Southern California

"While I am not sold on Perry playing outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense, I am pretty much alone in that belief.

This means that some team running that scheme might take him to play that position.

The Green Bay Packers' pass defense bordered on horrendous last season and a lot of that had to do with their inability to get a consistent pass rush. At the very least, Perry would provide that."

Player Comparison: Brooks Reed, Houston Texans (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1145464-2012-nfl-draft-houston-texans-latest-news-rumors-and-storylines)

Now here is another writers opinion on a TWO ROUND MOCK and again this writer/analyst has DE/LB Nick Perry going to us. The options (nice options) in this MOCK are certainly intriguing and I'm positive most Packerrats would be very pleased if it actually plays out this way.

Look at who he assigns to the Baltimore RAVENS at pick #29. This will be encouraging news to many here at Packerrats. The second round pick at #59 and if TT went there. Would be pretty sweet too.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1155591-2012-nfl-mock-draft-final-version-with-player-comparisons?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=nfl#/articles/1150956-2012-nfl-mock-draft-analyzing-the-entire-first-and-second-rounds/page/30


GO Ted Thompson. GO PACKERS !

[woodbuck27]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/584273-green-bay-packers-defense-is-it-as-good-as-advertised#/articles/1147487-green-bay-packers-nfl-draft-updates-latest-news-trade-rumors-storylines/page/2

"While Thompson got a closer look at some interesting prospects during these pro days, the mock draft community almost universally agrees that the Packers will take a pass-rusher in the first round." Article

Here's some projections from some of the top NFL draft writers:

Mel Kiper ESPN (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7766381/mel-kiper-fourth-mock-draft-two-rounds); Nick Perry USC, DE

Todd McShay (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1022561-todd-mcshay-2012-nfl-mock-draft-pick-by-pick-breakdown)ESPN (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7745867/2012-nfl-mock-draft-projecting-first-two-rounds); Andre Branch, Clemson,DE

Matt Miller B/R (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1120923-2012-nfl-mock-draft-matt-millers-7-round-predictions-with-compensatory-picks); Whitney Mercilus, Illinois, DE

Sigmund Bloom B/R (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1120969-2012-nfl-mock-draft-the-first-round-begins-to-come-into-focus); Nick Perry, USC, DE

Steve Wyche, NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/draft/2012/mock-drafts/steve-wyche/130105); Shea McClellin, Boise St., OLB

"Defense early and often is the strategy that Thompson will likely employ, and with Green Bay's awful performance on that side of the ball in 2011, the fans will greatly appreciate all the new additions.

General manager Ted Thompson has built a reputation for making keen decisions during the draft, and this year, he may chose to make a move in to the early rounds.

ESPN's Rumor Central (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/features/rumors?date=20120411#14955) speculates that the team could jump up in the first round and avoid missing out on Shea McClellin.

The linebacker has been shooting up draft boards and may go before the Packers' first-round pick. McClellin is an explosive pass-rusher who also has the versatility to be moved around in Dom Capers' defense. He's a perfect fit for Green Bay, and the team would be wise to take him, whether it's at No. 28 or earlier.

Green Bay's greatest need is for an every-down player who can rush the passer. Whether that guy is an outside linebacker or a defensive end does not really matter. The team just needs someone who can take some pressure off of Matthews and Raji and put some pressure on the other team's quarterback.

Ideally, the Packers would add both within the first few rounds. Any of the linebackers picked by the NFL draft writers in the previous slide would be excellent fits for the Packers. Boise State's Billy Winn and Tyrone Crawford, as well as Nebraska's Jared Crick, would all be great fits and available in Rounds 2 or 3." Article

Click on LINK above for some ways that Ted Thompson may go based on a Seven Round MOCK scenario (s).

GO TED THOMPSON !

[packrulz]

What are your impressions of Akiem Hicks? Here's a youtube piece on him: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cmA-CbyZ3M&feature=related Gotta love the size, especially if he could play DE in a 3-4. I am with those who think that not having Cullen Jenkins or a nearly adequate replacement last year was a big reason the pass rush struggled so mightily.

I don't know if this kid is too raw, but he did get a scholarship offer to LSU at one point. He could be a boom/bust type guy. What do you think? If he was around in the 3rd, would you take a chance on him?
Interesting guy, very athletic big man, definitely Cullen Jenkins type, without the injuries.

[pittstang5]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/584273-green-bay-packers-defense-is-it-as-good-as-advertised#/articles/1147487-green-bay-packers-nfl-draft-updates-latest-news-trade-rumors-storylines/page/2

"While Thompson got a closer look at some interesting prospects during these pro days, the mock draft community almost universally agrees that the Packers will take a pass-rusher in the first round." Article

Here's some projections from some of the top NFL draft writers:

Mel Kiper ESPN (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7766381/mel-kiper-fourth-mock-draft-two-rounds); Nick Perry USC, DE

Todd McShay (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1022561-todd-mcshay-2012-nfl-mock-draft-pick-by-pick-breakdown)ESPN (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7745867/2012-nfl-mock-draft-projecting-first-two-rounds); Andre Branch, Clemson,DE

Matt Miller B/R (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1120923-2012-nfl-mock-draft-matt-millers-7-round-predictions-with-compensatory-picks); Whitney Mercilus, Illinois, DE

Sigmund Bloom B/R (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1120969-2012-nfl-mock-draft-the-first-round-begins-to-come-into-focus); Nick Perry, USC, DE

Steve Wyche, NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/draft/2012/mock-drafts/steve-wyche/130105); Shea McClellin, Boise St., OLB

"Defense early and often is the strategy that Thompson will likely employ, and with Green Bay's awful performance on that side of the ball in 2011, the fans will greatly appreciate all the new additions.

General manager Ted Thompson has built a reputation for making keen decisions during the draft, and this year, he may chose to make a move in to the early rounds.

ESPN's Rumor Central (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/features/rumors?date=20120411#14955) speculates that the team could jump up in the first round and avoid missing out on Shea McClellin.

The linebacker has been shooting up draft boards and may go before the Packers' first-round pick. McClellin is an explosive pass-rusher who also has the versatility to be moved around in Dom Capers' defense. He's a perfect fit for Green Bay, and the team would be wise to take him, whether it's at No. 28 or earlier.

Green Bay's greatest need is for an every-down player who can rush the passer. Whether that guy is an outside linebacker or a defensive end does not really matter. The team just needs someone who can take some pressure off of Matthews and Raji and put some pressure on the other team's quarterback.

Ideally, the Packers would add both within the first few rounds. Any of the linebackers picked by the NFL draft writers in the previous slide would be excellent fits for the Packers. Boise State's Billy Winn and Tyrone Crawford, as well as Nebraska's Jared Crick, would all be great fits and available in Rounds 2 or 3." Article

Click on LINK above for some ways that Ted Thompson may go based on a Seven Round MOCK scenario (s).

GO TED THOMPSON !

Pure curiosity here, but if TT wants to move up to get McClellin, Where would he want to go - couple spots or are we talking into the top 20.

Couple Weeks ago McClellin was a 2nd or 3rd round player. Then he was in the late 1st / early 2nd. Now he's sky-rocketed up the boards and some have him as the #1 OLB. I really want this guy, but now it seems he may go sooner then when the Packers pick.

[Fritz]

This skyrocketing-at-the-last-minute stuff is not the kind of player Thompson seems to drool over. I think he had his opinion of McLellin set before all this happened, and I don't think he'll fall for the panic mode that other teams might get into when they "have" to have a certain player.

If he likes the guy and thinks he's worth moving up for, he will. But if he does it won't be because he's fallen in love. Trust the board, Ted!

[mraynrand]

McClellen won't fight