OFFICIAL POSTDRAFT REVIEWS & POLLS

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Fox Sports Grade: GREEN BAY PACKERS Czar's breakdown: Grade: C. A lot of teams questioned the selection of Tennessee DT Justin Harrell with the 16th overall pick because he's entering the NFL off of surgery for a torn bicep, never a good injury for a linemen who has to use his arms so much to be successful. Because the Packers missed out on Marshawn Lynch, they selected Nebraska RB Brandon Jackson in the second round. Jackson rushed for 835 yards in his final nine games for the Cornhuskers, but a lot of scouts thought he should have stayed in school for his senior season. Instead of trading for Randy Moss, the Packers took San Jose State receiver James Jones in the third round and he has 4.6 speed. The 78th pick might have been a tad high for him. Virginia Tech safety Aaron Rouse is an intriguing defensive player because he could be used at outside linebacker. Colorado PK Mason Crosby had the strongest leg among draft-eligible kickers, but he performed pathetically at the combine. RB DeShawn Wynn has had weight problems at Florida, but he does have upside. Wynn never materialized into the running back that the college coaches expected, but maybe it will be different in the big leagues.
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SportsLine.com's Pete Prisco not only gives each team a grade from this weekend's draft, but he also points out a best pick, questionable move and second-day gem. Here's what Prisco writes about concerning the Packers: Best pick: Justin Harrell. Yes, their first pick. He will be a force in the middle of their line. Questionable move: Nebraska running back Brandon Jackson is a need pick, but he runs a little upright. Second-day gem: Fifth-round pick David Clowney has blazing speed. If he can improve his route running, he could be a nice addition. Overall grade: B
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The blog Grand National Championships gives the overall draft a C grade. As far as the Day 2 picks - Allen Barbre: B-; David Clowney: A; Korey Hall: F; Desmond Bishop: F; Mason Crosby: C; DeShawn Wynn: C-; Clark Harris: C.

The Daily Press (of Virginia) has Brett Favre and Green Bay under its heading of losers. In fact, Favre and the Packers are the only loser listed. Melinda Waldrop writes: "Favre came back for this? Needing some major offensive firepower –- especially with Ahman Green gone -- for what will likely (might?) be his final season, Favre instead will get to see if players such as Nebraska running back Brandon Jackson and Virginia Tech wide receiver David Clowney truly have next-level potential. "The Packers went with a defensive tackle in the first round, which was a solid choice, but one that won't help Favre put up any points."

Blogger WisMolson isn't too pleased, saying "this is one of the worst drafts in recent memory, including the draft they took a kicker in the 3rd round" and "Ted Thompson, you just sealed the fact that this is your last draft as the Packers GM."
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Hmmm, looking for a positive spin? Well, there's KXO Radio in Arizona which gives the Packers a B- grade. That is tied for the ninth-best rating handed out by the station. The comment on Green Bay's draft: "Addressed most needs with good value."
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FootballOutsiders.com lists the best and worst of each round.

One of Mike Tanier's choices for best picks in the fifth round is wide receiver David Clownley, who was taken by the Packers. Tanier writes: "Clowney's collegiate production wasn't great, but his quarterbacks weren't very good and he was part of a rotation system at wide receiver. Clowney is a deep threat and a speedster, but he's also tough and willing to block, and he has some open field moves. He could grow into a starter once he learns to harness his speed."

The selection of Mason Crosby was deemed the biggest surprise of the sixth round. Michael David Smith explains: "Colorado kicker Mason Crosby lasted much longer than most analysts expected, finally going to the Packers with the 193rd pick. At the combine many special teams coaches said Crosby had serious problems with his kicking mechanics, but he was so productive in college that he was expected to be taken much earlier than the sixth round. It's something of a surprise that the team that finally selected him was Green Bay, given that the Packers already had a strong-legged kicker in Dave Rayner. But Crosby is more accurate than Rayner and should have a very good career in Green Bay."

In the seventh round, while Mike Tanier admits it's hard to call anyone a bad pick, nevertheless both Packers choices in this round -DeShawn Wynn and Clark Harris - made his list of those who he says won't be in the NFL come September.Of Wynn, Tanier writes, "A big all-purpose runner who is too soft to play fullback and too slow for halfback."Of Harris: "A poor man's L.J. Smith who doesn't like to block."
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http://sports.aol.com/nfl/story/_a/browns-raiders-are-drafts-big-winners/20070429193709990001

D isn't for draft. AOL's Ira Winderman passes out his grades for this weekend's NFL draft and hands the Packers a D. Winderman writes: "Top pick Justin Harrell is better against the run than the pass, and that's important for the Packers because of their competition with Chicago in the NFC North. But Harrell had a major injury to his biceps last year and, as much as the Packers need to upgrade on defense, they might have been better served finding a weapon to help Brett Favre before it's too late. It's hard to understand the second-round move, when the Packers passed over a durable runner like Tony Hunt, who'd be a perfect fit for their offense and their climate, and instead chose Brandon Jackson who, among other things, has a history of shoulder problems."
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http://packers.aolsportsblog.com/

The Green Bay Packers had an amazing amount of selections in this years draft; 11 to be exact. How many of those picks will turn out to be NFL quality talent? Well, that remains to be seen. How many do I think were good decisions? Not enough, but then again, I'm just a blogger so what can I really say?
The Good: Mason Crosby was a very good pick. I realize people are going to tell me I'm insane to point this one out first, but when a team has 11 picks and they manage to grab the best kicked available at 193, that's a good choice. Aaron Rouse was a tremendous selection toward the end of round three. He's a big, physical and athletically gifted safety. His vertical is ridiculous for his size and he has great hands as well. Additionally, he's both good in coverage and against the run.
The Bad: Defensive Tackle Justin Harrell was a bit of a disappointment in round one. The fans made their feelings well known after that selection and I don't think I have to detail why it was a poor pick. Despite drafting Brandon Jackson in round two and DeShawn Wynn in round seven, the Packers failed to address their need for a starting running back. They may be forced to use a running back by committee this coming season. Wide Receiver James Jones ... He ran a 4.53 40 and reportedly scored a nine on the NFL Wonderlic test.
The Grade: C-. At best, the Packers draft was average. They got a ton of players, good quality in some areas, question marks in others. The Justin Harrell selection really seemed to ruin it for them and there was nothing special after that either. A good kicker, a good safety and a good defensive tackle at the wrong time.
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...Some angry bloggers out there, BUT not everyone is upset:

Green Bay Railbird Central is cutting Ted Thompson some slack. "Everyone just has to trust that Ted Thompson knows more than super fan Dave from Medford, Wisconsin. Fans have no choice. I don't think Thompson's feelings were hurt when everyone booed him at the draft party yesterday. He gets paid the big bucks for a reason. It was a joke when Thompson was booed. Give Justin Harrell a chance. If Harrell is a bust, Thompson gets fired. If Harrell is a Pro Bowler, nothing will happen to the fan who booed. They can act like a child and boo before Harrell even plays a down. And in the event Harrell plays great, they can pretend like nothing happened." The site seems somewhat enthusiastic about most of the picks, saying the running backs fit well with the team's zone-blocking scheme and mentioning guys who should help the special teams.

PACKERwatch gives thoughts on each Day 2 pick, saying David Clowney is his favorite choice of the draft. He wraps it up with "In conclusion, the Packers probably appeased angry fans with some less risky and smarter picks on Day 2. Some of these guys could end up being good."

The Free Badger doesn't seem upset, but is also tempering his enthusiasm, writing "Overall, day two was better than day one. But then again day two picks don't have the potential to make the impact that the early rounds do. My hope is that Ted Thompson proves me wrong in the long run and hopefully makes a couple of medium to big sized moves before the season starts to shore up some needs, particularly at the TE position."

OK, so not everyone is happy. In the blog Forward Thoughts, Brian Hancock sums up his feelings with a simple "Blah!" ... and later a "Double Blah!" Matthew Lowerr in the blog Agrestic doesn't hide his disdain, labeling his post Fire Ted Thompson. Writes Lowerr: "The Packers need help at almost every position and nothing was done to make the team much better than 8-8 in the coming season over draft weekend. (Not to mention a painfully quiet free agency season.)"
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Upset at the Packers' draft? Here's reason for hope: The grades for the Packers haven't been stellar so far. But NFL.com's Gil Brandt offers this for fans of any team upset with the picks of their team: "Last year, Buffalo was given an F, but it turned out to be one of the best. Fans, if you're down on your team's draft, don't be worried. Teams' drafts tend to turn out better than the so-called experts think they might be."
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http://packerama.blogspot.com/

A former sports editor and Packer beat writer for a now-defunct Green Bay newspaper, a blogger says, "Random thoughts on the picks":

-(1 DT Justin Harrell) Harrell seems like a tough guy, but that was one big question mark to pick with an opening-round choice.

-(2 RB Brandon Jackson) I just don't know - it's hard to think of a Nebraska back who's really dominant. They've usually just followed those big linemen that grow on trees down there.

-(3 WR James Jones) An All-WAC Second Teamer? Wow. If that's the best you can do, you might consider drafting Ohio State's Troy Smith at this point and see if he can beat out Ingle Martin as the No. 3 QB.

-(3B S Aaron Rouse) Well, he won a leadership award and is apparently a good tackler. This is the closest they've come to drafting somebody in an appropriate spot.

-(4 T/G Allen Barbre) Another reach, although this guy is worth a look-see: a fast 300-pounder (he used to run down as the end man on kicks). This might be the most interesting guy here.

-(5A WR David Clowney) A speedy receiver who has done well at Virginia Tech. Two VT players in the same draft?

-(6A LB Korey Hall). Your typical undersized LB. And still no tight end pick.

-(6B LB Desmond Bishop) And yet another linebacker. You have to wonder if somebody there can't make up their mind.

-(6C K Mason Crosby) Apparaently someone there thought he wouldn't survive to free agency; it's good to get competition for Rayner, but there are bigger needs.

It's Favre's final season. Well, now that Randy Moss seems headed for New England, we can assume Favre won't be coming back after this year. In fact, if he had less class, he'd probably hand in his retirement now. He got little help yesterday from a front office that is willing to work with injured projects rather than get the immediate help that would have made Favre happy with his decision to return. Favre won't go back on his decision - but he has to know now that the Packers are building, however poorly, for the future, and not for another playoff run this year. That doesn't mean they won't make the playoffs - they almost did last year with a bad team - but if so, it will be despite their roster, not because of it.
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www.jsonline.com/story...?id=598535

Thompson stays true to conservative ways

There were several options available to Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson over the weekend that might have upgraded his roster significantly.....Any one of the four would have been a bold move - a gamble, one might say - given the circumstances. The potential for failure was no small matter. But Thompson stood pat, choosing to stick to his conservative plan of building almost solely through the draft and forgoing any of the risks his mentor Ron Wolf made while building the franchise into a Super Bowl contender in the 1990s.
And now after three drafts, Thompson's neck would appear to be on the line. His offense arguably isn't any better than it was a year ago and he's potentially a year away from losing the one constant that gives the team hope each season: quarterback Brett Favre. "What we try to do is everything in our power to try to help make this team as good as it can be," Thompson said Sunday shortly after selecting his 11th and final player of the 2007 draft. "You have to take a lot of things into consideration.
"Sometimes it's an aggressive move; sometimes that aggressive move is not the appropriate time. But you just keep doing everything you can to make the team better. And that's all you can do." But has Thompson done all he can do? It's possible his plan to build through the draft will finally show some progress this year with young players pushing up through ranks to raise the overall level of play. But after losing running back Ahman Green and tight end David Martin in free agency, and failing to add a single free agent on offense, Thompson did nothing dynamic in the draft.
In the first round, he sat and watched as Buffalo stole Lynch four spots ahead of him; then sat and watched as Minnesota jumped over him two spots in the second round to take South Carolina receiver Sydney Rice. Carolina then snapped up Southern California receiver Dwayne Jarrett on the next selection, leaving the Packers no choice but to trade down. Thompson, who was booed by Packers fans for his decision to draft defensive tackle Justin Harrell with his first pick, didn't see any need to move up in the draft to secure a player he wanted, although he said he did try to move forward in the first round to no avail. In both cases, he probably could have overpaid to get what he wanted, but standing pat was more in his nature.
"I am disappointed, not speaking about anything specifically," Thompson said. "I am disappointed on a couple of things that we were working on that didn't work out." Among those things might have been the acquisition of Moss, the temperamental wide receiver who was dealt to New England for a fourth-round pick. The Packers were in the running for Moss' services, but it appears Moss was more interested in playing for an established winner than taking his chances with the Packers. ESPN reported that Moss was willing to restructure his contract only for the Patriots, and that any other team would have had to pay him his full $9.75 million this year. In a conference call with New England writers, Moss said that wasn't necessarily true but he made it clear the Patriots had more to offer. "How many players can you ask in the league that wouldn't want to come up here and play for the New England Patriots?" Moss said.
Asked if he could have done more to get Moss to come to Green Bay, Thompson refused to discuss anything about the Packers' attempt to complete such a deal. If Moss was unwilling to restructure his contract for Green Bay, Thompson wasn't saying. He also wasn't saying whether agreeing to pay Moss the $9.75 million would have landed him the veteran receiver. Choosing not to take a chance with Moss, Jackson, Turner or anyone else, Thompson added on offense Nebraska running back Brandon Jackson in the second round, receiver James Jones in the third, offensive lineman Allen Barbre in the fourth, receiver David Clowney in the fifth, fullback Korey Hall in the sixth, running back DeShawn Wynn in the seventh and tight end Clark Harris in the seventh.
In assessing where this draft and others left his offense, which in the past two years has lost Green, Martin and receiver Javon Walker, he chose to look at the full picture instead of a single face. "As a team, the best way and the most consistent way to get better is from within," Thompson said. "I think our own guys have to keep trying to get better, I have to get better, our staff and that sort of thing. I think we have a chance. I think we have a pretty decent group of guys here." If that's the case, it should start to show this season. It probably needs to for Thompson's sake.
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www.packersnews.com/ap...00517/1989

Play-it-safe Thompson holds back the Packers. By Mike Vandermause

The Green Bay Packers were the big losers Sunday in the Randy Moss sweepstakes. A Moss trade to Green Bay has been rumored for most of the offseason, but the Packers couldn't close the deal. They weren't aggressive enough in attempting to land a desperately needed offensive playmaker, and it will come back to haunt them. Somewhere in Mississippi, quarterback Brett Favre must be frowning. Instead of adding a proven Pro Bowl receiver, the Packers' idea of helping Favre over the weekend was to draft a pair of unproven wideouts who will be hard-pressed to make an immediate impact. The New England Patriots were the big winners in the Moss derby. They secured Moss' services for the bargain-basement price of a fourth-round draft choice and a reported $3 million in compensation in 2007.
Ted Thompson, the Packers' general manager, has taken a measured, cautious approach to building the roster. There are benefits to that philosophy, in which Thompson leans heavily on the draft and accumulating extra picks, mixes in occasional free-agent signings, and focuses on retaining solid players on the roster. But there's a significant flaw in Thompson's strategy. At some point, a team has to be willing to take a risk, and Thompson seems unable or unwilling to do that. The safe way is not always the best way.
Former Packers GM Ron Wolf was a master at throwing caution to the wind. In 1992, he traded a first-round draft choice for Favre, who was a third-string quarterback. In 1993, he handed over a boatload of money to sign free-agent Reggie White. In 1995, he traded a second-round pick for tight end Keith Jackson. Those were key moves that helped build a Super Bowl championship team. That go-for-the-throat mentality appears to be lacking in Thompson, who seems too willing to allow other teams to force the action and dictate terms. His passive approach has left the Packers without a go-to running back. Thompson was outbid by the Houston Texans for free-agent Ahman Green during the offseason, and he wasn't willing to move up in the first round to select a premier back. In fact, Thompson never has traded up in the draft.
Besides an untested backfield, Favre will be forced to live with one bona fide star receiver — Donald Driver — and a collection of players high on potential and low on experience. Thompson would do well to heed the advice of Wolf, who last week offered his philosophy on targeting certain players, either in the draft or on the trade market. "The bottom line was, if you really wanted a guy, go get the guy," Wolf said. "So what if you gave too much? You would try to make that up some other way. The key was, make sure you got the guy you wanted to get."
The Packers failed to get Moss, a player Favre would have welcomed with open arms. The result is the Packers, who ranked a lowly 22nd in points scored last season, likely will continue to struggle on offense. Asked Sunday if he needs to be more aggressive for the Packers to reach the next level, Thompson replied: "What we try to do is everything in our power … to help to make this team as good as it can be." Thompson needs to venture outside his comfort zone and try harder. Only then will the Packers be as good as they can be.
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www.madison.com/tct/sp...mp;ntpid=2

Mike Lucas: Looking for inspiration from Thompson, Packers? Sorry

There was an uninspiring exchange last week between the uninspiring Ted Thompson and the media corps, always on the lookout to document any semblance of inspiration from the uninspiring Green Bay general manager. During an uninspiring news conference, leading up to what turned out to be an uninspiring draft for the Packers, there was this uninspiring concession on the urgency to upgrade an uninspiring stable of running backs. "We don't feel particularly bound to do anything at that position," said Thompson, who has been anything but a source of inspiration. And you thought Mike Sherman was uninspiring?
Thompson may know what he's doing, but you'd like a little bit more proof. Especially since the Packers would seem to be treading water with Brett Favre, who not so long ago -- April 2006 -- was holding a non-news debriefing on the Cottonwoods Golf Course in Tunica, Miss., and wondering what the big fuss was all about regarding his future plans. Favre really didn't have any news or anything to say about his commitment, or lack thereof, to playing another season. Ted Thompson, Green Bay Packers executive vice president, general manager and director of football operations, talks about the Packers first round selection in the National Football League draft Saturday in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers picked Justin Harrel, a defensive tackle from Tennessee, with the 16th overall pick.
But he made it clear that he felt the Packers needed to be aggressive in their attempts to improve the product, like they were under former general manager Ron Wolf. Was Favre crying wolf at the time? Or was he serious when he invoked the free agent signing memory of Reggie White and implored Thompson and the Packers to "make a statement again. You have to stay up with the NFL, and teams are making statements. Sometimes you hit on them and sometimes you don't. I think we have to do that." Think again, unless the uninspiring Frank Walker, a free agent cornerback not to be confused with Cordell Walker (Texas Ranger), qualifies as "making a statement" to your thinking. Consider the irony of the non-aggressive Thompson signing Walker, who was accused of being too aggressive by Tom Coughlin, his former coach with the New York Giants. Also consider the irony of Thompson taking a quarterback in the 2005 draft -- the plummeting and totally uninspiring Aaron Rodgers -- when he would have been in a position to grab another plummeting quarterback (Notre Dame diva Brady Quinn) with maybe a higher value in the 2007 draft.
Thompson's increasingly annoying mantra ("We don't draft based on needs, and I know that's boring") is beginning to fall woefully short with a Green Bay fan base that has to be growing more and more skeptical about his decision-making and the direction of this franchise. Not that Thompson should be in the business of appeasing the fans. Or outsiders. But what kind of message is Thompson sending his own players, particularly his older players like Favre, with his lack of urgency in addressing needs? When Thompson was asked last Monday about the prospect of signing free agents after the draft, he said, "We don't have any definite plans about doing anything."
Now that's inspiring. In his defense, he did qualify the remark by also noting, "If you have some flexibility, which we try to keep, then sometimes you can act upon those opportunities." Or, sometimes, you just act too late. And that seems to sum up Thompson. For example, New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum moved up in the first round of the draft to select Pitt cornerback Darrelle Revis and then moved up again in the second round to take Michigan linebacker David Harris. The latter move was executed with the help of Thompson, who traded that No. 47 pick (Harris) and the 235th overall to the Jets for No. 63, No. 89 and No. 191. So while Tannebaum was aggressively filling needs with Revis and Harris -- "To get those two players, we were willing to pay the price," Tannenbaum told the New York press -- Thompson was "adding core value" to the Packers. Mind you, instead of moving up to ensure themselves a shot at Cal running back Marshawn Lynch, they settled for the No. 16 pick and Tennessee's Justin Harrell, an injury-prone defensive tackle. When Thompson was pressed on whether he could have possibly moved down and still gotten Harrell, he said, "We had calls from I think five different teams and none of them was warranted in terms of taking that risk."
Risk? Wasn't it risky for the Packers to be reaching for Harrell when they did? In retrospect, the risk was in thinking that Thompson knew what he was doing in "soft playing" Randy Moss. Or so it sounded after New England acquired Moss in exchange for a fourth-round draft choice. The transaction was contingent upon Moss reworking his contract, something he may not have been inclined to do for a Green Bay mailing address. Nonetheless, even the most passionate Moss-haters would have to feel like they had been "mooned" again, a statement on their own uninspiring GM.
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http://packers.scout.com/2/640384.html

Division foes a step ahead of Packers. Detroit, Minnesota and Chicago load up on offense through draft. By T. Dunne

NFL Draft weekend was designed to take Green Bay’s offense to the next level. The 16th overall pick guaranteed an instant starter at running back, wide receiver, or tight end and the Randy Moss rumors were swirling again. For once, the Packers would splurge all of their top picks on weapons for Brett Favre. Instead of seizing an opportunity to substantially elevate Green Bay’s offensive firepower above their division rivals, general manager Ted Thompson once again strayed from conventionality.
It’s Thompson’s draft board. Not Favre’s. Not the fans. While Green Bay was stuck in Thompson’s agenda in the first round, Detroit, Minnesota and Chicago landed instant playmakers. A healthy Justin Harrell bolsters the defense and Thompson may have found some offensive diamonds in the rough later on. But let’s not kid ourselves. It was a painful first round. Three NFC North teams landed potential cornerstones that will hit the field immediately, while the other drafted a defensive tackle that may not even start.
It all started at the second overall pick, where Detroit held the key to the draft. Brady Quinn? Joe Thomas? Calvin Johnson? With so many options, Matt Millen just had to find a way to botch another draft, right? Wrong. He swallowed his pride and for the fourth time in his tenure, drafted a wideout in the top ten. Unlike Charles Rogers and Mike Williams, this one’s for real. Undisputed NFL Draft king, Mel Kiper Jr., even declared Johnson a better prospect than Reggie Bush. Facing him twice a year is scary. Say what you want about quarterback Jon Kitna, but the savvy veteran threw for 4,208 yards and 21 touchdowns last year. With Roy Williams (1,310-7), Mike Furrey (1,086-6), and Johnson operating in Mike Martz’s video game offense, the Lions offense could easily become the division’s best.
Green Bay trading up for Adrian Peterson proved just a dream five picks later. Now in purple and gold, the Oklahoma running back becomes a cheesehead’s nightmare. The Vikings already had Chester Taylor on their roster but realized Peterson was too talented to pass up. Now head coach Brad Childress has arguably the league’s best 1-2 punch in the backfield and they’re running behind Pro Bowl guard Steve Hutchinson and Mount (Bryant) McKinnie. The bleeding didn’t end there.
Following the bizarre pick of Harrell, Green Bay fans watched helplessly as game-breaking tight end Greg Olsen conveniently fell in the lap of the Chicago Bears. As the defending NFC Champions, Chicago picked second to last. Rarely do teams ever land instant playmakers at this depth - ask Ron Wolf who infamously plucked John Michels, Ross Verba and Antuan Edwards in the glory years. But leave it to agent Drew Rosenhaus … that Packer killer. Olsen, one of Rosenhaus’ clients, provides Rex Grossman a vertical threat down the middle to complement Mushin Muhammad, Bernard Berrian, and Rashied Davis. Nothing helps a struggling young quarterback like a sure-handed tight end safety blanket. Now that Grossman has one, he’s almost guaranteed to improve from a 20-interception season. Without its offense holding them back, who knows how many games Chicago could win next year.
Sunday turned frustration to utter fury. New England dealt a fourth round pick to Oakland for Randy Moss, leaving the Packers’ entire off-season acquisition list greener than ever. Nebraska running back Brandon Jackson (second round), San Jose State receiver James Jones (third), and Virginia Tech sprinter David Clowney (fifth) will be expected to contribute ASAP. It didn’t take much for the Packers’ offense to reach elite status. A trade here, a pick there, baddaboom … the offense is locked and loaded. After virtually sleeping through free agency, it was assumed that Thompson had something up his sleeve for this weekend. Something to put Green Bay over the top- a trick he’s been plotting for weeks.
Instead Brett Favre was once again left with a squirt gun as Kitna, Grossman and Tarvaris Jackson were given pistols. Jones and Clowney could evolve into franchise bookend starters, but it’s highly unlikely this year. If anyone doubted that Thompson doesn’t care about Favre’s dwindling window of opportunity, they were reminded of such over the weekend. Now five very raw wide receivers (Greg Jennings, Ruvell Martin, Carlyle Holiday, Jones, Clowney) and a rookie running back (Jackson) are expected to make an impact this fall. An 8-8 team that is on the cusp of the postseason shouldn’t be rebuilding on offense and peaking on defense. An experienced defense should’ve dictated Thompson to pursue veterans for the offense. Instead Green Bay is still a team straddling the line of playoff contention and full-fledged rebuilding. It was assumed Thompson would nudge Green Bay towards the former this past weekend.
It’s commendable that Thompson isn’t swayed by popular opinion and you can understand his logic. Harrell strengthens Green Bay’s defensive line rotation. His 6-4, 305 lbs. frame will tie up blockers for A.J. Hawk and Nick Barnett to make plays ala Tony Siragusa and Ray Lewis on the 2000 Baltimore Ravens. But is the talent gap between Harrell and Corey Williams greater than the difference between Olsen and Bubba Franks? Hopefully Thompson doesn’t find out the hard way on NBC Sunday Night Football Oct. 7 against the Bears. By then we should also know if Green Bay is a team in transition, or a team in contention. Right now that distinction is more blurry than ever.
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www.sportingnews.com/y...p?t=202062

Sporting News: Green Bay Packers. DT Justin Harrell was a bit of a reach, but the Packers hit big with RB Brandon Jackson, who should become Ahman Green's long-term replacement. They also grabbed some athletic, competitive players who could start eventually. GRADE: B-
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DETAILED FAN'S SUMMARY:

Summary Statement: To a fan, this draft has got to be pretty disappointing. I know I was yelling at the TV this weekend. There was a definite lack of "sizzle". Yes, some positions of need were addressed, but as I look back at the moves the Packers made (or didn't make), I have a look on my face that displays a combination of confusion and smelling rotten milk.

1) Harrell - Both Harrell and Reggie White wore #92 at Tennessee. Maybe TT was watching old film and the player he thought he was watching was actually Reggie White. I am not going to speculate as to whether or not this pick will pan out - but Harrell was a big reach at #16, in my opinion. Defensive linemen usually are "reaches" because good ones are so valuable. Year after year, teams pick D-Linemen higher than they should, and year after year, there are D-Line busts in the First Round. I guess I could go either way on this pick. On the plus side, the Packers needed an impact player. Just as RB is the easiest position on offense for a rookie to step in and make an impact, I think DL is the equivalent on defense. So on those lines, Harrell SHOULD be able to step in and play immediately. The same might not have held true for Reggie Nelson (my choice), Robert Meachem, or Greg Olsen.
But on the down side, Harrell was a reach at #16. If the Packers were going to reach, why wouldn't they have reached for a player that played a position that they needed more help at? I know - you "don't draft for need". But if you're going to reach, why not reach for Reggie Nelson or Michael Griffin at Safety? Why not reach for Meachem or Bowe at WR or Olsen at TE? The Packers already have Ryan Pickett, Corey Williams, Cullen Jenkins, Colin Cole, Johnny Jolly, and Kenderick Allen. While no one is going to confuse them for the "Fearsome Foursome" or the "Purple People Eaters", D-Line was hardly a "need" position. And what about Alan Branch? He was projected as a Top-10 pick a couple of weeks ago. Is Harrell really a better choice at DT than Branch? This pick was a real head-scratcher for me.
2) Brandon Jackson - another head-scratcher. At #47, the Packers had their choice of the "next level" of RBs. Brian Leonard, who some mock drafts had going in the first round, was there. Antonio Pittman (my choice at 2nd-tier RB), Kenny Irons, and Michael Bush (injury issues, but upside) were all there at RB; Eric Wright (character issues) was there at CB; Steve Smith (experienced, good production in good conference) was there at WR. But TT decided to trade out of #47 and missed out on Leonard, Irons, and Wright, and Smith, PASSED on Pittman and Bush, and chose Jackson? ackson is a work in progress. He was a feature back for all of 9 games in his career, he's kind of small, he's not a burner, and he's had injury issues. He may have good feet and good vision - which translates well to a ZBS - but surely, he would have lasted to the third round... wouldn't he? i'm not against picking Jackson as much as I am against picking him over some other guys (Leonard, Smith, Wright, Pittman). This pick has boom-or-bust written all over it, and at #63, I think he was a reach too.
3a) James Jones - great pick... IN THE 7TH ROUND!! This was the best player on the Packers' draft board? Maybe I'm missing something, but if Randy Moss has a better season in 2007 than James Jones does, I think this pick was awful.
3b) Aaron Rouse - the next pick in what looks like a boom-or-bust Day 1 for the Packers. One quote I read about Rouse really scared me: looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane. I've coached guys like that. I can't explain it... athletic, hard-working, intelligent enough, but when you put the pads on the kid, he disappears. This kid better be the king of the special teams because this pick could be another stinker. When you look at scouting reports that say "not instinctive in coverage," "does not have good ball skills," and "liability in zone coverage," and you are counting on Kurt Schottenheimer to turn him into a player, special teams may be the only chance Rouse will have to contribute in 2007. Who knows - maybe they plan to move him to Sam LB. That might almost make sense...
4) Allen Barbre - project. Someone has to play LT when Clifton's knees decide they've had enough. Decent, yet unexciting pick.
5) David Clowney - The Packers need someone with deep speed to stretch the field. Clowney might be that guy, but not in 2007. I actually could see him develop from skinny track guy into legitimate WR like Donald Driver did. Not a bad pick. Can they turn this guy into a kick returner?
6a) Korey Hall - yawn... LB who will get a shot at FB. Note to TT: Cory Anderson from Tennessee is a FA. At least he's played FB for a couple of seasons.
6b) Desmond Bishop - strictly a special teamer in this style of defense.
6c) Mason Crosby - BY FAR, Crosby is the Packers' draft pick that I am most excited about. That's not saying much, is it? Still, I think Crosby has the best shot at making an impact in 2007. Great value in the sixth round.
7a) DeShawn Wynn - good measurables, below-average production. Boom-or-bust player worth it in the 7th round.
7b) Clark Harris - OK... my question is "Why?" Ben Patrick, a Day One pick on just about every mock draft, was still there in the 6th round when the Packers had three picks. Crosby over Patrick in the 6th round? Absolutely. But Hall and Bishop? Come on! Clark Harris is a project. They might have gotten something out of Patrick in 2007.
Conclusion: The Packers went into this draft with obvious holes at RB, S, WR, TE and CB. I don't see a single pick that makes me think "Ah-ha - this guy will plug that hole," and that is very troubling. Round after round, it seemed TT was too wrapped up in trying to find his "diamonds in the rough" when there were diamonds staring him right in the face. And when even TT says that he starts to place more value in plugging holes on Day 2, his selections don't always make sense. With the 16th pick, the Packers did NOTHING to address their most glaring holes. And if that isn't troubling enough, Picking Harrell had a domino effect on the Packers hole-filling efforts. By Round 2, they had the same holes that they had in Round 1 - but now, the menu of players was less appealing. Consider: Harrell (DT), Jackson (RB), Jones (WR), and Rouse (S), or 1) S - Reggie Nelson or Michael Griffin 2) WR - Steve Smith 3) RB - Michael Bush / Antonio Pittman / Brandon Jackson 4) DT - Marcus Thomas Nelson / Griffin starts at Safety and is a HUGE upgrade over Marquand Manual.
Smith is in that "next tier" of WRs, stepped up when Dwayne Jarrett missed a few games, played all four years and started 27 games for a pro-style offense, and put up good numbers in 2006 despite playing with an inexperienced QB. I could see him winning the Packers' #3 WR job coming out of training camp. Bush's injury makes him a bit of a gamble, but he could turn into a stud. A featured back on a Big Ten team, Pittman's main knock is his size (5' 10 3/4", 207)? In a ZBS offense, could he be another Warrick Dunn? Compared to Pittman, Brandon Jackson is shorter, slower, and only weighs 210 - and he may very well have still been there in the 3rd round too. Marcus Thomas - 1st Round talent, but with baggage stemming from a failed drug test (marijuana). Still, he's big, strong, quick, and very distuptive at the LOS.
Trading a 4th round pick for Randy Moss would have been worth doing too. To top it all off, James Jones might still have been there after the draft to sign as a free agent! Like I said, it seemed to me that TT was chasing diamonds in the rough by trading down, rather than selecting the diamonds right in front of his face on Day 1. After last season's draft and FA acquisitions, depth isn't as big of an issue as it was after the 2005 season. This team already had decent depth at several positions, and now would have been a good time to try to add an impact player or two at positions that aren't so deep (i.e. Nelson or Griffin at S, Randy Moss at WR).
And on Day 2 - when TT himself admitted to placing a greater emphasis on need - he did uncover a possible deep threat. But he also passed on a Day 1 TE (Ben Patrick) in favor of a couple of LBs (one who projects as a FB and one who will most likely only see the field on special teams), he couldn't find another DB worth selecting, and with the selection of Crosby, managed to upgrade a position that wasn't necessarily a glaring weakness.
This draft may very well end up helping the Packers a great deal - but with so many "sleeper" picks, "boom-or-bust" picks, and "project" picks, that may not happen until 2008 or 2009. The only immediate help I see will come from Justin Harrell and Mason Crosby - and neither of them play "need" positions. This draft was very disappointing for me. Between this draft's lack of sizzle and the Packers' failure to bolster any of their weaker positions via trade or free agency (my apologies to Frank Walker), any optimism that last season's 4-0 finish may have generated for me - is now lost. I am really bummed. That said, I wonder how excited Favre is to get his new "weapons" in Jackson, Jones, Clowney, Wynn and Harris...
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www.jsonline.com/story...?id=598681

Draftniks grade Packers Wosley JSOnline.com

What better way to follow the most over-covered annual sports event on television than to examine the rush to judgment by a bunch of guys who dutifully ignore common sense because premature evaluation and hair-trigger analysis is what NFL football culture demands? We, of course, are referring to, respectively, the National Football League draft and the grades assigned to teams by some writers or broadcasters. The following list includes the draft grader's name and affiliation, his grade and a brief comment contained in the analysis of the Green Bay Packers' 2007 draft:

• Don Pierson, Chicago Tribune, Grade B. "With 11 picks, general manager Ted Thompson continued his pattern of quantity without trying to impress anybody with flashy picks." Pierson gave eight teams higher grades.

• Rick Gosselin, Dallas Morning News, Grade C. "The Packers had the best seventh round, selecting a 2,000-yard career rusher with 4.47 speed (DeShawn Wynn) and a TE with 143 career catches (Clark Harris). But they reached twice in the third round for (James) Jones and (Aaron) Rouse." Gosselin gave 12 teams better grades, including Minnesota, which he gave an A-plus.

• Jim Trotter, San Diego Union-Tribune, Grade C. "Harrell fills a need but middle of the first round is too high. (Brandon) Jackson was a reach, Jones was overvalued and Rouse is considered a tweener." Trotter gave 25 teams higher grades.

• Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN, Grade C-plus. "Defensive tackle Justin Harrell didn't fill need, but the Packers chose the best available player over need. Harrell was hurt most of his senior season, but that didn't hurt his stock much. RB Brandon Jackson, if he can build on his strong finish to 2006, has a chance to be Green Bay's starting running back."

• Pete Prisco, cbssportsline.com, Grade B. "(Justin Harrell) will be a force in the middle of their line." Prisco gave nine teams higher grades.

• Tony Moss, Sportsnetwork.com, Grade C-minus. "The franchise might have engaged in the reach of the entire draft by selecting Jones on the first day." Moss had 27 teams with better grades.

• Paul Zimmerman, SI.com, Grade C-plus. "The guy who intrigues me, though, is David Clowney, a fifth-round flier and one thing Brett can still do is gun it deep." Sixteen teams got better grades from Dr. Z.

• Charles Robinson, Yahoo! Sports, Grade C-minus. "A tremendous risk for the 16th overall pick." He gave 12 NFC teams better grades.

There was at least one draft observer who chose another kind of rating system.

Tom Weir, USA Today, gave the Packers two stars on four-star scale, meaning "holes (were) plugged, but leaks remain." Weir wrote: "Justin Harrell didn't fill a need with the first-round pick and at No. 16 was taken ahead of projections."

There were other draftniks who did not rate teams, but offered analysis of their choices:

• Keith Kidd, Scouts Inc.: "Green Bay is a true-value team; it relies heavily on its player stack, and Tennessee DT Justin Harrell was easily the best player left on the Packers' board. The addition of Harrell continues a youth movement on the defensive side of the ball. GM Ted Thompson is building this team around a tough defense. I thought the pick here could have been Michigan DL Alan Branch, or perhaps a playmaking WR. Harrell is an impressive athlete for his size, but has never been a really effective inside pass rusher. But he has potential to develop into a good two-down player in the NFL. It is a little bit of a reach in our view since he was ranked 30th on our board."

• Unsigned comment, Scouts Inc. at ESPN Insider site: "Make no mistake about it; Justin Harrell is a talented player, and staying away from a player who has problems keeping his weight down like Alan Branch makes sense considering the problems the Packers had with Grady Jackson. However, tight end is a far greater need and Greg Olsen was still on the board, so they probably could have gotten a little more bang for the buck here."

• John Clayton, ESPN Insider: "The Packers didn't wow anyone with their selections of defensive tackle Justin Harrell and running back Brandon Jackson in the first two rounds. Unfortunately for Packers fans, (Randy) Moss favored the Patriots over the Packers in what appeared to be a trade of convenience for the Raiders and Moss."

• Don Banks, SI.com, said Favre was one of the "losers" in the draft, because he didn't get a running back or receiver in the first pick. "What's a living legend to do? Any chance No. 4 will retire in protest?"

[MJZiggy]

Ask me again in 2 years.

[Merlin]

Hey, I didn't have the "D" vote!

[wist43]

Drafted some good players... but, really didn't help the team much.

If Wynn and Jackson turn out, then the grade goes up.

Barbre has a chance... some other interesting picks, but not much help for next couple of years.

[TopHat]

Editing.

[GrnBay007]

What does "other" mean? no response?

[TopHat]

What does "other" mean? no response?

Ah, 007, "Other" can be whatever you want it to mean, beyond a grade. Some fans on forums say a grade with a condition. In all polls, catch all option for fans.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Grades are silly at this time, but I'll bite. Apparently, I'm the only one that is relatively happy. Of course, he ended up drafting a bunch of guys I liked and had bumped in my rankings over what their projections were. I had researched Rouse, Barbre, Harrell, Clowney, Jackson--and liked them all a lot. Never researched Jones. Never heard of Hall. Didn't really like Wynn. Think Bishop is a bad fit. Like the Crosby and Harris picks.

[TopHat]

http://story.scout.com/a.z?s=61&p=2&c=640546&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fpackers.scout.com%2f2%2f 640546.html

Sydney Speaks! What the @#$%#* was that? As you might expect, Harry Sydney is fuming over the selections by Packers general manager Ted Thompson in the NFL draft this past weekend. How baffled is Sydney?

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http://story.scout.com/a.z?s=61&p=2&c=640216&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fpackers.scout.com%2f2%2f 640216.html

Failure to launch. By Matt Tevsh

Packers miss on acquiring Moss, or any impact player.

[TopHat]

Editing.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Too bad the expert's grades don't get reviewed like they should.

Not sure what the experts will do in 3 years if Barbre is starting at LT after Clifton's retirement, Harrell is a John Henderson type DT, Clowney is our deep threat as a #3 WR, Crosby is one of the best PKs in the league, Harris is a decent backup TE and good long snapper, Jackson is our starting RB, and Rouse is our starting S. They likely won't get called out like they should--for lambasting the Packers the day after the draft. Hell, most of them don't say anything about screwing up the Bills draft grade last year. They were considered to have a lousy draft--while it looks like they might have one of the top few drafts in the league last year (with upwards of 7 current or near future starters).

[TopHat]

JA, a sports program director, and the pecking orders at PC and FF were really laughable and amusing. Their endless dreaming threads about being in charge and forecasts about Moss and offseason F/As went on and on like years to the point of absolute borish boredom like a bad rerun of an old movie/joke. Now, they are dreaming of 2008 F/As and draft.

JA predicted a draft days' trade for Moss and a move up for Peterson. On the 2nd draft day, he proclaimed, "Well, we were all wrong." He has since disappeared, off the radar, with a minor note. The endless remarks about "Why, Who, What, and WTF" were outrageous in the initial day of the draft until the TT "plan" settled into the 2007 draft. With the coming weekend rookie minicamp routines, the fans settled into the predictable "exciting" threads about players and pedictions.

TOP HAT'S VIEW: Seriously, I could see it coming foreseeing many fans, captured on ESPN, booing and throwing things at the boob tube. Sports management culture, by the wanna bes culture's definition, live in their own little world beyond fans' forums and blogs. Thus, Harrell, Jones, Barbre, etc. were predictable choices in this management culture. One veteran sports analyst predicted Harrell to be Pack 1st round choice. Anyway, I had him listed on a draft choice poll! Enough already!

[Joemailman]

I gave the Packers a B. I don't try to evaluate the players as far as talent, because I don't see enough college football to do that. I try to look at the players reported strong points and determine if they are a good match with what the Packers try to do scheme-wise. The only two players who I have questions about in that regard are Rouse (Can he cover receivers downfield?) and Bishop (Doesn't seem to have much range). I like the Harrell pick, which I feel fills more of a need than a lot of people think. After Pickett and Williams, Packers have mostly questionmarks at DT, now that Jenkins has been moved to DE. I really liked the Jackson pick. I think his skills fit the ZBS perfectly. Barbre has the kind of mobility required by the ZBS. Clowney gives the Packers receiving corps a badly needed dose of speed. Wynn has been an underachiever, but has tremendous upside. Definitely worth a shot on the 7th round.

[TopHat]

www.packersnews.com/ap...28060/1989

Mike Woods column: Harrell doesn't help Packers address needs By Mike Woods

In 2003, The Future underwent surgery on his right leg for an undisclosed injury, then broke his ankle, then re-injured the same ankle. In 2004, The Future did not play the final two games because of a right ankle sprain. In 2006, The Future suffered a torn biceps tendon that limited him to 2½ games for the season. The Future is not a favorite of HMOs. On the plus side, The Future has been compared favorably to Johnny Jolly. Says it right here on the bio. That’s right, Johnny Jolly. You remember him … the Packers’ sixth-round pick a year ago. He was inactive for 10 games and finished with four tackles last season. That Johnny Jolly. Is your spine tingling yet?
Packers fans, let’s meet and greet your No. 1 draft choice for 2007 — Justin Harrell, U of T, DT “BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” That, at least, was the reception Packers General Manager Ted Thompson received when he met with fans who attended the team’s draft party inside the atrium at Lambeau Field, and no doubt in living rooms and bars across the state. In our microwave world, Harrell presents a problem. He can’t run the ball out of the backfield, can’t split out wide and catch a pass from Brett Favre, can’t play center field in the secondary and may not be able to cover a cough, much less a receiver.
In other words, he can’t help the Packers address any of their immediate or obvious needs. So, one wonders, how does one improve on an 8-8 season when one fails to upgrade an area of need with the most valuable draft choice you own? Ted? “We don’t draft based on need,’’ said Thompson, quoting from Page 2 of the General Manager’s Handbook.
In general terms, you can’t argue with that philosophy. It makes sense. Reaching for a player based on need more often than not ends badly. See Mike Sherman and Ahmad Carroll. But it’s hard to imagine that if Harrell is the guy Thompson had pegged, why couldn’t he have worked a deal to backpedal a few spots, pick up an extra pick on two, and still snag Harrell?
Thompson said there were a few offers on the table, but none to his liking, and he made it clear he didn’t want to risk losing Harrell. But the bigger risk with this kid is whether or not he will continue to be bitten by the injury bug. If Harrell’s history keeps repeating itself, this will come back to haunt Thompson, and it will be a missed opportunity for the organization. If he turns out to be a stud, we all can remember the importance of having a strong defensive line leading a defense that operates largely in cold weather.
If you can’t remember, turn your Way Back Machine to 1996 through 1998, when Reggie White, Santana Dotson, Gilbert Brown and either Sean Jones, Gabe Wilkins or Vonnie Holliday played up front. Those guys were players, and helped the Packers win 37 games and earn two Super Bowl berths in three seasons. We all understand what’s behind much of the resentment of this pick. The love for the modern-day Golden Boy runs deep. Real deep. Almost every fan aligned to the Packers would prefer to see Favre go out on top. Harrell isn’t likely going to help make that happen, at least in the time Favre has left.
Well, there’s that and the expectation — however unreal it may be — that the Packers will be able to vastly improve on last year’s 8-8 mark (courtesy of a last-place schedule, please remember) with a solid draft that fills some of their obvious holes. That could happen, of course. But today, the view from the top doesn’t look so appealing. The Future isn’t looking as bright as hoped. Instant gratification no longer looks to be an option. Welcoming in the next Johnny Jolly is, well, laughable. That’s the one thing about The Future, though. You have to give it time. For it offers you the opportunity to change your mind
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JSOnline PI: After the draft chat with Writer Tom Silverstein

Q: Kevin of Chicago - Tom, I know that after the first day of the 2005 Draft we were all asking who is Nick Collins and Terrence Murphy, but quite frankly when a player isn't even listed in the top 50 on Pro Football Weekly's position rankings you have to ask what is TT thinking. So what is TT thinking drafting James Jones and is this the end of the Randy Moss to Green Bay rumors?

A: Tom Silverstein - No, this definitely doesn't eliminate the Packers' interest in Moss. The Jones selection is curious. Thompson insists the guy is big and strong and makes defenders cringe when he goes over the middle. Just because PFW ranks the guy low doesn't mean he's a stinker. Thompson and his staff spend a lot more time, money and energy researching these guys. I think Thompson knows how to judge talent and I don't doubt Jones will have a chance to make the team. I just don't know if Thompson worked the board like he should have today.

Q: TKaz of Glen Allen - Tom, The Packers seem to be doing a brilliant job of building a mediocre team built of 3-6 rd draft picks. Like Cliffy noted last year; who's going to score TDs for this team? There seems to be no sense of urgency about aquiring playmakers of any kind. The other thing Clif was right about; they drafted def 1st and seem to be building around Hawk in the middle. Wouldn't you say that TT's job depends on this strategy working and that's why they took Harrell? I give him credit for being bland and sticking with his 'board'. Thanks. TKaz

A: Tom Silverstein - I agree. Where are the playmakers. Arguably, New England doesn't have them. Philadelphia doesn't have them. Pittsburgh doesn't have them. But each of those teams has a system in place and at least one player who can make some kind of difference. The Packers have Favre and ....

Q: Lynda farrington of Chicago - do you think the packers have found one offensive player to address their obvious weak links Halfback Tight end Fullbacki Wide Receiver So far we have no choice not even listed in the top fifty prospects even though that is not always what counts

A: Tom Silverstein - I do think Jackson can help them. A lot of people are high on him, but I don't think he's Ahman Green. He doesn't have that kind of athletic ability. Maybe he's Maurice Jones-Drew or Kevin Jones. I just don't see anyone dynamic there.

Q: Eric of Germantown - Tom, its obvious that TT had a major rebuilding project in front of him when he took over. And I think most thoughtful fans agree with the build through the draft notion and are willing to be patient since they are rebuilding. But has Thompson ever stated how long wait it is going to be? I mean how many free years does he get before we are allowed to become impatient. Yes the draft should be for the future, but I guess I am wondering when the future will be. Is there a plan ton be good in two years, three or maybe four?

A: Tom Silverstein - I think it's this year, Eric. Like I said earlier, it's time for those draft picks to show their worth. There is no timetable, but players in their second and third years should be ready to compete for starting jobs.

Q: Calvin B of Arlington Heights - Green Bay seems pretty comfortable with Morency as their workhorse RB. Do you think he is durable enough to handle the punishment?

A: Tom Silverstein - No, I don't. I think Brandon Jackson will have to help. Maybe Arliss Beach, too. I think the running game is in sorry shape. The only way it can be helped is if the offensive line comes into its own.

Q: Ron of Milwaukee - How much do guys like John Clayton and Mel Kiper really know. They might have been at the combine but it seems like a guy who has been studying film, interviewing players, and working them out woule have a much better feel for talent. Harrel was a bit of a surprise but if he's a nice guy, hard worker, good team mate, and student of the game how can you go wrong. Once Thompson trades away picks for a punter in the third round I'll start to get worried.

A: Tom Silverstein - I think Thompson's biggest mistake was not trading up in the second to get Dwayne Jarrett or Sydney Rice. The Vikings jumped in front of him in the second round and took Rice. It may turn out both guys are flops, but they were high on the team's draft board and they failed to get them. They wound up with James Jones, who's a far riskier pick.

Q: Digger of Andover - Hi Tom, I'm sure you're inundated with fans freaking out tonight. I expect that you'll respond typically, stating that it takes several years to evaluate a draft, so don't panic. OK then, let's talk about Thompson's first 2 drafts. How are they shaping up? They sure seem a lot better than the Shermy abominations of '03 and '04. We still can't evaluate '05 until we see Rodgers in action and '06 looks pretty good. So relax everyone and have a little faith. Agree?

A: Tom Silverstein - This is the year Thompson better start reaping some benefits from his draft picks. It's time Nick Collins becomes a dominant safety. Rodgers, I'm not sold on him, but it doesn't matter because Favre will be here until he gets dragged off the field. But Brady Poppinga? He needs to become a player. Hawk better make huge gains this season and be more than just adequate. And the rookie linemen should make big strides, the way Clifton and Tauscher did after their first seasons. It's time for these guys to become players. If they don't it's on Thompson.

Q: Tony of Indianapolis - Harrell looks like a real reach at 16; the guy is always injured and average, like one tackle per game. Thompson's 2005 draft was a disaster. Is this the pick that finally gets him fired?

A: Tom Silverstein - It will if Harrell turns out to be Jamal Reynolds. But we won't know that for awhile. I know Ron Wolf's biggest regrets in the draft were taking medical risks. I don't know if Harrell fits that because he doesn't have a problem with his arm now. The other injuries are worrisome, but they're not like torn ACLs. They're contact injuries that occur in football.

Q: robert of west allis - justin harrell you have to be kidding me..a 1'st round pick on someone who played in 3 games in 2006..let's see now we need a receiver,running back,and a tight end..we need help on offense and forget randy moss..ted thompson had a chance to draft some outstanding young talent on offense such as robert meachem, greg olsen, or dwayne bowe and what does thompson do he drafts a defensive player..this is the last straw for me.. ted thompson has to go sooner than later.. people of green bay don't put up with this bull@#%& and get rid of thompson

A: Tom Silverstein - I don't know how many times I'm going to have to say this. Those players you mentioned weren't worth taking at No. 16. If they were, why weren't they taken at 17 or 18 or 19 or 20. That group of wide receivers wasn't worthy of mid-round selections. Where Thompson should have been more aggressive is moving up to get Lynch. If he really was sold on him, he needed to do something about it. He said he couldn't get the deal he wanted in front of him because no one wanted to move down. If that's true, then he did the right thing, sticking where he was and taking the best available player. If Harrell pans out, he has the makings of a very good defense.

Q: Dave of Racine - Will the Randy Moss trade ever go down? I am EXTREMELY nervous with New England getting involved...

A: Tom Silverstein - I can't say right now. All I can judge from Thompson's demeanor is that this is something he has to consider doing. He's done almost nothing to improve the offense and his back is against the wall. He's going to have to swallow his pride and give up something for Moss, otherwise he goes into the season with virtually the same offense he had last year.

Q: SCOTT SIELEMAN of oelwein, iowa - why? why not a wide reciever or other positions we nedded much more than dt!

A: Tom Silverstein - Who would you take, Scott? There was no one there to take at WR. It would have been far more of a stretch to take Bowe or Meachem at No. 16 than it was to take Harrell. Chicago took tight end Greg Olsen at No. 31. That tells you a little bit about his value. Don't discount this pick.

Q: mike of chippewa falls - I realize packer scouts have spent hrs researching,but did many teams have Harrel rated this high and can't a torn biceps become a chronic problem? Why not trade down get more picks and still get Harrel while addressing more immediate needs like running back wide receiver defensive back safety or left tackle? Picking Harrell this high is quetionable.

A: Tom Silverstein - I don't think the biceps is chronic. I remember Dallas linebacker Ken Norton showing me his torn biceps at a Super Bowl and he played with the muscle rolled up on his arm. As long as the surgery went well there shouldn't be a problem. Gilbert Brown had the same thing a couple years ago. There were no running backs to take at this spot. The Packers wanted Marshawn Lynch and would have taken him if he was available. The next wide receiver taken was Dwayne Bowe at No. 23. Now that would have been a reach. I think Thompson did the right thing getting a defensive linemen. This is an area that could be dominant if Harrell pans out.

Q: Matt of DC - TS - I start by saying I am not one of these guys who believes we need to load up for Brett. I agree with TT to build for future. That said, there were more quality players available – with better M.A.S.H. charts – than Harrell. Hall from Michigan is example. Pack DBs are on downside. TT had better work some magic from here on out or this gaffe – along with Rodgers pick – will shorten is tenure in Titletown...

A: Tom Silverstein - I think the only DB worth taking was Revis. Hall doesn't play the style the Packers play. He's not a tough bump-and-run defender. He's more of a zone guy. Revis can play bump-and-run and would have fit what the Packers do. I'm of the belief Thompson has to do something to get Favre some help. I just don't think you win Super Bowls with Donald Driver, Greg Jennings and Bubba Franks.

Q: John Dickmann of Bremerton, WA - If that moron Thompson wanted to throw away the 16th pick in the 1st round on a player who would have lasted till the bottom of the round, why didn't he trade down? Also, Justin Harrell's past injury report is enough to give any GM pause. Am I missing something here? If you can, please explain what it is that TT knows and seemingly every other sports pundit missed.

A: Tom Silverstein - Like I said, I don't have a problem with the Harrell pick. The injury thing is troublesome and I do believe he could have moved down to get him. But good defensive tackles are hard to find and if you really think the guy is special you should take him. Most scouts rated him as the second best tackle in the game behind Okoye, so I don't see it being a major reach at No. 16. The question is, how much upside does he have? You can't tell because he didn't play as a senior.

Q: Marsha of Dallas - I read the analysis about Justin Herrell, and maybe they did take a talent over need. Do you think they should have applied that philosophy to pick Brady Quinn? Many think he is a better prospect overall than Rogers. Did TT drop the ball this year or what?

A: Tom Silverstein - Marsha -- You wanted to take take Brady Quinn over Harrell. I think Quinn went exactly where he should have. No one but his agent and ESPN were touting him as a top 10 pick, so I don't see him as an option. You've got to find out about Rodgers and taking another quarterback would be a fireable offense.

Q: Jeremy Schulthess of Milwaukee - I may be one of the few people who actually like the pick of a DT in the first round. I was a bit surprised that it was Harrell instead of Branch, but at the same time with that front 4 our LBs will now be able to roam free and make more plays. Also with how deep this WR class is you can still get a lot of quality in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. Plus when it comes to TE this is a bad class and the difference between most of the players isn't that much, especially when you can get someone like Matt Trannon who is a WR but isn't fast enough to be a WR in the NFL but could make a great TE or even someone who I think could be good is Joe Newton. I just hope that people aren't going to be mad at TT just because of using the first pick on a DT because he very well could have been a huge pick and while I'm not a fan of Mel Kiper he did say that had Harrell not been injured he could have been a Top 10 pick this year.
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JSOnline PI: Top Draw Draws Boos, Not Aahs by Mike Hunt

Green Bay - It was hard to decide Saturday who was most rattled during the NFL draft/Brady Quinn kick-a-thon, the freefalling quarterback himself or the Green Bay general manager who looked like someone had just told him Brett Favre's orthopedist was on Line 2. Clearly, Ted Thompson did not expect the faithful to boo his first-round pick of a guy who played almost none of his senior season with a torn biceps at the one position the needy Packers are stacked. Otherwise, Thompson would not have mentioned it in the course of justifying his selection of Tennessee defensive tackle Justin Harrell.
It could've just as well been Justin Timberlake the way the stockholders reacted from the peanut gallery. Harrell was no more the people's choice than Ray Allen on that long-ago draft night when the Milwaukee Bucks traded Stephon Marbury for his rights. To Harrell's credit, he did not cry like Allen. This we know because Lambeau Field is still standing. But, come on. How about a running back or a wide receiver or even Quinn, if only to send Aaron Rodgers on his way to Al Davis' menagerie and get this whole Randy Moss thing over with?
For the abovementioned reasons, the Harrell pick was really hard initially to get your mind around. It was also troubling when Thompson said, "His best football is ahead of him." How about a first-round pick whose best football is right now? About that 8-8 finish last year: No one is still quite sure where the fulcrum is positioned. Are the Packers on their way up or ready to slide the other way? How about a little immediate help, not a guy who will slide somewhere into the Ryan Pickett/Corey Williams/Johnny Jolly/Cullen Jenkins scrum?
But the more you think about it, the more the Harrell pick fits Double-T's M.O. It's been, what, three drafts now? It's probably time to believe Thompson when he says, "We don't draft based on need." Otherwise, the Packers would've found a way to move up to get Adrian Peterson instead of worrying about how to stop him twice a year in a Minnesota uniform. Look at it that way, and the Harrell selection takes on a moment of clarity. There's nothing quite like a couple of big pluggers in the middle to free Nick Barnett and A.J. Hawk to make tackles, which has suddenly become more of a concern with Peterson in the division. The question, though, is whether Thompson is committed to loading up the defense at the expense of the offense. The Harrell pick would make more sense if the Packers eventually make the Moss move, advisable if they were able to redo his contract with behavioral/incentive clauses. Favre would then have his extra weapon, as long as it remains pointed the right way. To further rationalize the first-round pick to the grumbling masses, Thompson threw out his usual code words. Harrell, he said, was a "value pick," a "man's man," a "grown man," a "good citizen." That is to say, Harrell fits the macho image Thompson prefers without much danger of getting into the NFL's new and enlarged doghouse. That's fine, but it would also help if Harrell is able to make a stop or two.
Most of all, Thompson continues to draft and rebuild like a man who expects to be around for a while. Not that he should get too comfortable. If anything, the boo birds reinforced the urgency for the Packers to win, and soon.
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www.jsonline.com/story...?id=597681

Playing the game of risk. Questions swirl about Packers' picks By McGINN

The Green Bay Packers chose to live dangerously Saturday in the first two rounds of the National Football League draft, selecting a talented nose tackle who couldn't stay healthy and a lightly used junior running back with an injury history of his own. Defensive tackle Justin Harrell of Tennessee was the 16th overall pick, and running back Brandon Jackson was pick No. 63 late in the second round. With the first of their two third-round picks (No. 78), the Packers took a flyer on James Jones, a wide receiver who flew under the scouting radar screen at San Jose State.
Later, with the No. 89 choice, they went with Virginia Tech safety Aaron Rouse, a classic example of a player who in scouts' parlance "looks like Tarzan and plays like Jane."
Orchestrating his third draft in Green Bay, general manager Ted Thompson took Harrell (6-4 1/2, 314 pounds) even though defensive tackle seemed just about the least of the team's concerns. "We don't draft based on need," Thompson said. "We don't think that's the best policy. We think really and truly the more good football players, regardless of position, that you can add to your team the better off you are as an organization and as a team." By taking Harrell, the Packers added what they rated as the finest defensive tackle in the draft. Among the players on the board at the time were Leon Hall, who rated a slight edge among teams as the top cornerback in the draft; Reggie Nelson, a dynamic ballhawk at safety; and Brady Quinn, the second-best quarterback.
Thompson defended his choice of Harrell even though he had to sit out 15 games in his four-year career. His senior season was ruined by a torn biceps in Week 2. "I think he had the potential to be a single-digit pick," said Thompson. "He's a good pass rusher inside. He plays with length, he plays with his arms. He's a great athlete." Harrell weighed 300 at the combine in late February, then 314 a few weeks later at his pro day. At the lower weight, his 40-yard dash time of 5.06 ranked about average among the top 10 tackles. His vertical jump of 30 1/2 inches tied for second best among the top 12 tackles, and his strength in the bench press (31 reps at 225 pounds) was solid. Harrell's score of 24 on the 50-question Wonderlic intelligence test was the highest among the 12 best players at his position.
"Outstanding football player who we really coveted at 16," coach Mike McCarthy said. "We are going to build this football team strong with the offensive and defensive lines. You just cannot have enough big guys. His versatility is what really stands out when you watch him."
Harrell's 34 1/2-inch arms tied for eighth longest among the 50 defensive linemen at the combine. He also was the second tallest among the top 10 tackles. Scouts decried the absence of competent tackles with brawn in this draft. Thompson referred to the shortage of big run stuffers as "a big hole" after Harrell. The Packers will be keeping their fingers crossed that a player at probably the most physically demanding in football will hold up better in the pros than he did in college.
Thompson said Harrell would be equally at home as a nose tackle or three-technique in a 4-3 defense. He had just four sacks in 35 games (25 starts) but the GM argued that he had pass-rush ability.
Later, the Packers had this array of players on the board when their second-round pick (No. 47) arrived: wide receiver Steve Smith, running backs Kenny Irons and Chris Henry, defensive ends Victor Abiamiri and Ikaika Alama-Francis, linebacker David Harris and cornerback Eric Wright.
Rather than make the pick, Thompson traded down for the 14th time in his career, enabling the Jets to move up 16 spots. In return for No. 47 and a seventh-round pick (No. 235), the Packers obtained a third-round pick (No. 89) and a sixth-round choice (No. 191).
In the span of those 16 picks, Smith, Irons, Henry, Abiamiri, Alama-Francis, Harris and Wright all were selected by other teams. Thus, Thompson attempted to plug one of his primary needs with Jackson (5-10, 208). He was the sixth running back selected. Green Bay took Jackson over backs Antonio Pittman, Tony Hunt, Michael Bush and Lorenzo Booker.
"Tough guy," coach Mike McCarthy said. "He fits our zone scheme running downhill. Very instinctive. Natural runner. Natural athlete. Excellent feet. No wasted steps. Looks like a natural catcher." Jackson underwent operations on each shoulder to repair labrum damage in the last two years, but McCarthy said he passed the team's physical. A third-year junior, Jackson hadn't done much of anything (two starts, 442 yards) until 2006. Then he broke out of a running-back-by-committee arrangement to gain 989 yards (5.3 average) and catch 33 passes. In all, he started merely 11 games and gained just 1,431 yards before declaring a year early. "We liked Pittman," McCarthy said. "I think with Jackson's (size) he really fits our run scheme." Said offensive coordinator Joe Philbin: "No. 1, we thought he was a tough guy. Could break some tackles. Pretty good size and speed. "There were two running backs who were highly thought of and there was subjectivity from there on out. I think he is a real fine player."
Jones' modest credentials stamp him as one of the most unheralded high picks that the Packers have made in many a year. Wide receiver was considered by some personnel people as the deepest position in the draft, and Jones didn't cause many ripples in the talent pool. A two-year starter at San Jose, Jones (6-0 1/2, 207) caught 70 passes for 893 yards (12.8) and 10 touchdowns in 2006 and was named team MVP. Invited to the combine, Jones ran the 40 in just 4.54 seconds. His jumps weren't anything special and he scored 9 on the Wonderlic test in 2006. That was the lowest among 43 wide receivers at the combine for whom scores were available. In 44 games (21 starts) Jones averaged just 11.9 per catch. He also returned punts. "He's a real football player," Thompson said. "He has size. He's about 6-1, but he plays larger than that. When he goes for the ball defenders fall apart." Said Jones: "I am so excited that I am almost speechless."
Rouse (6-4, 220) followed up an outstanding junior season with a dismal senior season. He has prototypical size but doesn't play to his numbers. He missed a lot of assignments in coverage and was an inconsistent tackler.
"Like most Virginia Tech players, he's a very dynamic special-teams player," Thompson said. "He's a heavy hitter. In our opinion, the coaches say he's going to be fine in coverage." At the combine, Rouse ran 40 yards 4.58, then improved to 4.56 at his pro day. He did well in change of direction drills for his size but didn't show much strength in bench-press testing, lifting 225 pounds just 16 times. Rouse was the tallest safety in the draft and also one of the heaviest. His stature might be imposing but he hasn't come close to playing up to it. At safety, Rouse will join holdovers Marviel Underwood, Tyrone Culver and Atari Bigby in an attempt to dislodge Marquand Manuel as the starting safety opposite Nick Collins.


TOP HAT'S NOTE: 2007 DRAFT 2 DAYS' REVIEWS IN THREAD.

[Rastak]

McShay's take.......

Green Bay Packers
Best pick: David Clowney, WR, Virginia Tech. Clowney is an underrated prospect with lots to prove in the NFL. He's a former track star turned wide receiver but unlike most of those types, he shows good toughness and isn't afraid to go over the middle. His collegiate production would have been far more impressive if he didn't play in a rotation and in a run-heavy offensive scheme.

Worst pick: James Jones, WR, San Jose State. Jones made huge strides late in his collegiate career, especially in terms of his strength and route running skills. But it's my opinion that Green Bay reached in the third round for a receiver who will struggle to consistently separate from faster, tougher NFL defensive backs. Don't be surprised if Clowney is a more productive pro than Jones.

Minnesota Vikings
Best pick: Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma. This was one of the best picks in the entire 2007 NFL draft. The Vikings could have reached for a cornerback like Revis or a defensive end like Anderson. Instead, they stuck to their value board and landed one of the top three prospects in this year's class. GM Rick Spielman made a choice that could greatly benefit the Vikings' organization for years to come.

Worst pick: Sidney Rice, WR, South Carolina. The Vikings had one of the best overall drafts of any team in the NFL, so I'm forced to nitpick here. Regardless, I would have taken either of the USC receivers (Smith or Jarrett) ahead of Rice, who I believe has significant bust potential due to his inconsistent route running skills, lean frame and lack of explosive burst.

[TopHat]

http://www.packernet.com/main/topstories.cfm?sn=118

SECOND REVIEW: Packers' Draft Review

I was like many other Packer fans I had more questions than drafted football players on whether who was drafted by Green Bay was right for the team. Now based on NOT going after the Dwayne Jarrett's or other wide receivers that would put dizzying thought of playoffs and even Super Bowl in my dreams at night. We as a Packer Nation had a reality check. The latest draft from Ted Thompson was a curve ball. But it was one that had to be thrown. It has come to light that this Draft in 2007 will be known for solidifying all of the special team units as well as depth on this football team. If we remember back in 2006 anytime we went up against a quality opponent we couldn't stop their running attack. I now believe that (TT) has taken the first step in resolving that issue. So even though Justin Harrell wasn't the pick of the fans. Harrell was the best move the Packers could have done in this draft. With Green Bay ranking 32 out of 32 NFL teams, Green Bay had to do something to improve those areas. So they selected players that played in special teams systems in college, like Virginia Tech. Both Packer selections David Clowney WR, and Aaron Rouse SS belonged on the special team units.
Lets review what the other teams in the NFC North did: Lions drafted Calvin Johnson WR, Viking drafted Adrian Peterson RB, and Chicago drafted Greg Olson TE. Now those are some athletes the Packers will have to face twice a year and they will give there fair share of headaches to Bob Sanders Defensive Coordinator. So if the Packers could not stop the run or pass last year what makes them better this year if the Packers draft a wide receiver or running back. Ted Thompson did address both the running back and the wide receiver positions in the draft and lets not forget that Koren Robinson is coming back from his years suspension and believe me Brett Favre couldn't be happier. So I believe (TT) really wasn't too interested in bringing in Randy Moss. With all the fan support on that issue, I won't go there...
The majority of the Packers draft, which includes the free agents have special teams ability in their resume. With this draft a huge difference in the depth is noticed. Green Bay will be able to make a run this year towards the playoffs. Sure the schedule this year is tougher but if the Packers improve in all of the special teams areas. Then continue to improve on defense, which should be the case. The only thing the Packers have to worry about is the offensive production. Offensively, Green Bay has really never had a problem scoring points. They still have Favre, Driver, Jennings, Robinson, Franks, Morency and Herron. With this draft look for help coming from Brandon Jackson RB, DeShawn Wynn RB, David Clowney WR, James Jones WR, Clarke Harris TE. In summary did I like the draft of the Packers, No. But do I understand that this direction taken to correct special teams and add depth was needed, Yes. Now the Packers should be able to look there opponent in the eye and believe they can compete. __________________________________________________ _____________________________________________

http://www.packernet.com/main/topstories.cfm?sn=117

FIRST REVIEW: BF SHOULD RETHINK DECISION. I know you can't really judge a team's draft until a couple of years have gone by. I don't think you'll need that long in the case of the Green Bay Packers' 2007 draft. Simply judging by the medical records of the players the Packers took this weekend; it will be a miracle if any of them are even able to participate in the rookie minicamp this week, much less be playing two years from now. If you were injured or hardly started in college, you had a pretty good chance of being picked by the Green Bay Packers this year. The Packers did nothing in the two days of the draft that will help them this year. If I'm Brett Favre, I change my mind and hang up my cleats right now.
I mean, really, why would you want to come back to a team that is not committed to helping you? By letting Randy Moss go to the Patriots, it is clear that Thompson doesn't care about Favre and probably wishes Favre had retired. My hope right now is that Favre does indeed decide to retire after all. I'd hate to see him have to play another year with offensive talent equivalent of a semi-pro team. I am simply stunned the Packers did nothing to improve the talent around Favre. Certainly that is a message to Favre saying you should have retired. I wish now that the Packers would have traded Favre to a contender and got something for him. Now all we will get is 10 touchdowns and 20 interceptions and a 5-11 record.

I'll say this. If these bozos the Packers picked this weekend turn out to be good players, than I will resign my position and close up Packernet. But that has about as much a chance of happening as finding weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. If I'm head coach Mike McCarthy I'm getting my offensive coordinator resume sharpened up. With only one year left on McCarthy's contract, he is now a fired man walking.
Adding Randy Moss would have made the Packers instant Super Bowl contenders. Adding James Jones makes them also-rans. Thompson appears to be on a ten-year plan with a one-year quarterback. If this two-day debacle turns out in Thompson's favor, I'll have myself castrated on the corner of Hollywood and Vine on primetime TV. My guess is Moss catches seven for a-buck-ninety in next year's Super Bowl while the Packers 5-11 team scatters throughout the country.
All confidence and enthusiasm from last year's final four-game winning streak just went down the tubes. I hope I am wrong. Certainly Thompson and his cronies know more than I do and it is there jobs on the line, but from a fan's point of view, this weekend cannot be viewed as a step in the right direction, in fact, it has been a great dissapointment.
It all comes down to Brett Favre. If you didn't plan to win this year, why did you invite him back? Why not develop Aaron Rodgers? Something is very wrong with this scenario. It appears Thompson either doesn't have the balls to tell Favre to retire or didn't have the balls to tell former team president Bob Harlan he was trading for Randy Moss. Either way, Thompson has lost some respect in my book. He is a Ron Wolf disciple but didn't act like one this weekend. He doesn't have the stones Wolf did. Harlan is still running the show just as he has since Wolf retired. John Jones or no John Jones.

[TopHat]

http://www.packerchatters.com/op-ed/view.php?id=2113

2007 Packer Draft Review by JC NewEraScouting

From the sounds of it, not too many Packer fans were happy with how GM Ted Thompson handled the 2007 draft. The biggest problem that the average fan or even "expert" has with this year's draft is that some of the more immediate needs were not filled as early as they would have preferred. What they fail to realize is that Thompson has never been the type to just address needs. Instead he drafts the player that is highest on his board at the given time. It is a hard concept for most to grasp when they see such glaring needs, but it is an approach that has been proven effective by multiple successful teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots and even former Packer General Manager Ron Wolf. Fans will need to practice patience, because many of the players that were drafted this year are guys that stand to be solid contributors early on that should develop into quality players. Just because a player is not a household name or not known as well by media outlets, does not mean he was unworthy of being picked where he went. While it is understandable to be frustrated about the players that were chosen, lashing out at Thompson and the team is not the answer. He has proven in the previous two drafts that he knows what he is doing. I know there are fans out there that want to give aging quarterback Brett Favre one last shot at glory, but that is not how this team operates. It cannot be stressed enough that Thompson is the type that wants to build for the long haul, and not just live in the moment. That is his job. In the end, the only way to know just how good this draft was is to wait and see what these guys do on the field. Based on my knowledge of the players selected, I think that everyone will be pleasantly surprised in the coming months. The team did address most of their needs through this draft. Now it is just a matter of getting the players on the field to prove to everyone what they can do.
1st Round, 16th overall -- Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee
While I do agree with most that Harrell was a bit of a reach here, he does have the talent to justify this pick. The biggest question is the health of his surgically repaired bicep, but the fact that he did 24 reps on the bench press at the combine should ease your minds a little. Harrell is not going to wow anyone as a pass rusher, but him and Ryan Pickett should be able to take on blockers sufficiently enough to free up fellow defenders to make plays against the run. Was he an immediate need? That is debatable, but he has the ability to help make the run defense into one of the best in the league. Robert Meachem and Dwayne Bowe were still around and many believe that the team would have served themselves better going that route. Both players are very good, but the position is one of the more risky ones to draft. It should also be noted that the position rarely has immediate returns. Many people wanted tight end Greg Olsen to go to the Packers with this selection too, but make no mistake he was an even greater risk, having never really proven himself on the field. He was a workout warrior. Safety Reggie Nelson might have also been a popular pick, but the Packers may want to wait and see what happens with the young players currently on the roster at that position before investing such a high pick there. The only other player that people might have been upset to have passed on was one that played the same position in Alan Branch. There were some serious health and work ethic concerns with this player though. Harrell plays much harder and is a tough customer. If he can overcome his bad luck with injuries, he stands to be a fine player that could really make an impact for the whole defense.
2nd Round, 63rd Overall -- Brandon Jackson, RB, Nebraska
Jackson's health concerns are a bit overblown. He has proven his health on the field since the shoulder surgeries. While he did play in a committee backfield, he has the look and skill of a feature back. He is compact and runs with good power. He can catch the ball out of the backfield and displays the necessary vision as a runner to make him an excellent fit for the zone scheme. The Packers chose to trade down from their original spot in the second round. Had they held onto the original pick they could have selected running backs like Brian Leonard, Kenny Irons, or Chris Henry. Of those, Leonard is the only one that may have been worth selecting. Irons has size limitations and has not proven very durable. Henry is a character risk and has never really done much on the field. He is another guy that got drafted higher than he should have been based on workouts. Jackson probably would not have lasted much longer than where he was selected just based on who was picked at that point, so this pick value is acceptable.
3rd Round, 78th Overall -- James Jones, WR, San Jose State
There were quite a few fans that were not happy with this pick, but he is a guy that they will really come to like once they see him on the field. He may not be flashy or fast, but he will make the tough catches in clutch situations. He is reminiscent of Donald Driver as a prospect and he will give it all on the field. He should also be a great red zone threat with his leaping ability. While many do not believe that this pack represented great value, Jones is a guy that was rising up many boards prior to the draft based on great performances in his team's bowl game and an all-star game appearance. Given the fact that there was a run on the position at the time, it would not have been a shock to see Jones get picked soon after, had they passed on him. He is obviously a guy that Thompson did want on his team.
3rd Round, 89th Overall -- Aaron Rouse, SS/OLB, Virginia Tech
To me this was the most puzzling pick of the draft for the Packers. I know that quite a few fans liked this one, but Rouse has been very inconsistent on the field. He looks like a bigger, fast version of current starter Marquand Manuel. He looks more like a linebacker than a safety. He plays well against the run and is a very physical player when he wants to be. Against the pass he leaves a lot to be desired. This would have been an ideal spot to address the tight end position with a player like Scott Chandler. All I can figure is that maybe they are not as concerned about the position as outsiders are. Rouse should be a quality special teams player and he has the potential to develop into a quality safety or linebacker, but he left a lot to be desired on the football field as a senior.
4th Round, 119th Overall -- Allen Barbre, OT/OG, Missouri Southern
Barbre is a small school guy that got a lot of attention with an amazing physical performance at the Scouting Combine. He is a very athletic player that has drawn comparisons to former Packer Mike Wahle. Barbre will need some work, but has the tools and the skill set to be a perfect zone blocking lineman. He is versatile enough to play at any of the guard or tackle positions, but might be best off at left guard as a pro. Don't expect to see him get much playing time as rookie, but down the road he should be a quality player. He is a guy that had been rumored to be ranked in some teams' top 75 players overall and was expected to go in the first day, so this pick represents good value here.
5th Round, 157th Overall -- David Clowney, WR, Virginia Tech
Clowney will add some speed to the team's group of receivers. He is a bit raw, but he possesses the tools to develop into a quality receiver. Because Virginia Tech did not pass the ball much, Clowney's production suffered. He was also plagued by poor play at the quarterback position. He might not be able to contribute as much more than a special teams player and kick returner as a rookie, but his raw physical skills were enough to make him worthy of being picked here.
6th Round, 191st Overall -- Korey Hall, ILB/FB, Boise State
Hall is one of the hardest working guys in the draft. He will give his all on and off the field. He is a very instinctive linebacker that seemed to love to hit people. There was some word circulating prior to the draft that he would be open to switching to the fullback position. He has a good skill set for the switch and could compete for a roster spot there. At very least, he should be a standout special teams performer.
6th Round, 192nd Overall -- Desmond Bishop, ILB, California
Bishop is a guy that many people had rated a couple rounds higher. He fell down in the draft due to concerns about his speed. He is reminiscent of 2005 draft choice Abdul Hodge. Bishop is a hard worker and great locker room presence. He has the ability to play in the middle or on the strong side, but may be limited to only playing running downs. He should provide quality depth, but may have to fight Hodge for a roster spot.
6th Round, 193rd Overall -- Mason Crosby, PK, Colorado
Crosby was an interesting pick that was probably unexpected by most. While Dave Rayner did have a good season for the Packers, Crosby has the leg to be a special kicker. He was projected by many to be a first day pick. If he turns out, he could be a steal for the Packers. His ability to kick off and hit long distance field goals is something that cannot be ignored. He also has experience playing in colder weather at Colorado.
7th Round, 228th Overall -- Deshawn Wynn, RB, Florida
Wynn ended up going right about where he belongs. He is a talented back that has shown some flashes on the field, but has yet to really live up to his ability. He has great size and power. The question will be how hard he wants to play. If the coaches can get him to shed the underachiever label, he could end up being a steal. That may be a big "if" though.
7th Round, 243rd Overall -- Clark Harris, TE, Rutgers
Finally the team addressed the tight end position with their final pick of the draft. Many people would have liked to have seen this position addressed much earlier due to the perception that there are no real dependable players there at this time. Harris will need to add some weight and work on his blocking before he is ready to get much playing time. He has some nice ability as a receiver and could be a red zone threat. He has a good shot of making the team as the third tight end, but he will have to earn it. One other interesting note is that Harris also has experience as a long snapper.

In all, the team did a fairly good job addressing their perceived needs. They may not have chosen players in the desired order, but in the end they did chose quality players that fit the team well. Every player taken this year has a legitimate shot at making the team. It will be harder for some than others though. There may be a couple guys in the mix that could challenge for a starting position, but Harrell and Jackson are the only ones that look to be significant contributors as rookies. If Mason can win the kicking spot, he could also be a significant contributor, but that is not a given. The rest of the players should provide quality depth and help out on special teams.

[HarveyWallbangers]

FOX Sports

BEST PICK: GM Ted Thompson again resorted to some wheeling and dealing throughout the draft to stockpile picks, turning nine into 11. The quality of those selections doesn't jump out as a blue-chipper ensemble, especially at the team's positions of needs. In fact, rather than land a top-line player at running back, receiver, safety and tight end, Thompson surprisingly chose to first bolster the depth on the defensive line. Tennessee tackle Justin Harrell, though, can't be written off so easily as the No. 16 overall pick. If not for a season-ending arm injury sustained in the second game last season, Harrell probably would have been out of reach in the middle of Round 1 for Green Bay, which has drawn criticism for reaching for him. Yes, Harrell is injury prone. If he can find a way to stay healthy for an extended period, however, Harrell's natural abilities suggest he will become the Packers' best interior lineman before long. Harrell, an uncanny run stopper who gets off the ball well, and Ryan Pickett give the defense a formidable tackle duo on early downs. Harrell is raw as a pass rusher, but the team can get by in the interim with Corey Williams, who held down a starting job most of last season.

COULD SURPRISE: Brandon Jackson was pegged to be a second-day draftee, but the Packers thought otherwise and grabbed the somewhat obscure Nebraska running back after trading down to the back end of Round 2. Jackson started only a third of the games he played in three years, but team officials deem him a suitable fit for the zone-blocking run scheme. Jackson and holdover Vernand Morency are shaped in the same mold, as shifty backs who can make the requisite cuts and slip defenders. Both will likely share the load at the outset as the offense goes forward without franchise back Ahman Green, who signed with the Texans in free agency. The hard-nosed Jackson, though, has considerable upside as an underused rusher in college. He is a multi-faceted player with solid receiving skills and is comfortable in the West Coast offense. If injury problems with both shoulders are behind him, Jackson might have the type of impact receiver Greg Jennings, another under-the-radar prospect taken in the second round, had as a rookie last season.

A closer look at the Packers' picks:

Round 1/16 -- Justin Harrell, DT, 6-4, 310, Tennessee

A surprise choice in the middle of the first round, given that the Packers didn't have a big need for a defensive lineman, but team scouts felt Harrell would have been a top-10 pick had he not suffered a torn biceps tendon early last season. Harrell is perhaps a medical liability, having suffered an assortment of leg and ankle injuries earlier in career. However, the team felt it couldn't pass on Harrell's starting-caliber promise as a pure run stuffer with rare explosiveness off the line.

Round 2/63 -- Brandon Jackson, RB, 5-10, 212, Nebraska

The selection of the part-time player (only 11 starts in three years) has to be considered a reach, but Jackson has the makeup to help fill the void left by the free-agent departure of another former Cornhusker, Ahman Green, to Houston. He averaged a gaudy 5.3 yards per carry last season and 92.8 rushing yards per game when given the chance to start. He brings added value as a capable pass catcher coming from a West Coast system. Jackson also has experience as a kick returner. There is cause for concern about his health, however, because he had both shoulders operated on in college.

Round 3/78 -- James Jones, WR, 6-2, 199, San Jose State

Jones doesn't fit the profile of the impact-type, deep-threat receiver Brett Favre covets. He's lacking big-time credentials, contributing as a receiver full time only last season, when he excelled with 70 receptions and 10 touchdowns to earn team MVP honors. Jones has desired size and is physical going for the football with good hands but isn't a blazer (40 times were in the 4.5s). He should be in the mix as a punt returner, after averaging 11 yards in 2006.

Round 3/89 -- Aaron Rouse, S, 6-4, 223, Virginia Tech

A prototypical strong safety who is a punishing hitter and closes fast in run support. The converted linebacker will be in contention with struggling incumbent Marquand Manuel and Marviel Underwood for the starting job alongside Nick Collins. Rouse, though, will have to regain the playmaking form of his junior season in 2005 after he was plagued by inconsistency and struggled in pass coverage last season.

Round 4/119 -- Allen Barbre, OT, 6-4, 300, Missouri Southern State

Division II product brings athleticism and quickness to a crowded offensive line. He was a fixture at left tackle for most of his four-year starting tenure and dominated from the spot last season with 94 knockdowns. Lean in physique, Barbre will need to bulk up in his early development. He will be given an opportunity to win a backup job at the tackle positions, as well as both guard spots.

Round 5/157 -- David Clowney, WR, 6-0, 188, Virginia Tech

Projected to be a first-day pick, Clowney's draft stock fell for one reason or another. The true speedster was slowed during his combine testing by a hamstring injury. Clowney, a sprinting standout for Virginia Tech's track team, is a dynamic straight-line, downfield runner coming off the line of scrimmage. Shortcoming, though, is he isn't overly physical and tends to get knocked off his route running.

Round 6/191 -- Korey Hall, FB, 6-1, 230, Boise State

The Packers plan to make a fullback out of the 2006 Western Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Hall was a running back in high school but made his mark as a three-time all-WAC first-team performer on defense, producing 105 tackles and a team-high six interceptions last season. He was a special-teams ace for Boise State, likened to "a head hunter" by Packers special teams coordinator Mike Stock.

Round 6/192 -- Desmond Bishop, LB, 6-2, 239, California

With Nick Barnett and backup Abdul Hodge, a third-round draft pick last year, at middle linebacker, Bishop will be moved to the outside in his indoctrination to the NFL. Bishop has questionable speed but is regarded as instinctive in pursuit. He was Cal's leading tackler his only two seasons after transferring from a junior college and led the Pac-10 Conference with 126 tackles in 2006.

Round 6/193 -- Mason Crosby, K, 6-1, 212, Colorado

The top kicker in the draft fell from a possible late Day 1 selection. Crosby should be stiff competition for incumbent Dave Rayner, who is coming off only his first season as a full-time kicker in the league. Crosby has as much leg strength as Rayner does, if not more. Crosby exited Colorado with 31 school records, including points (307) and longest field goal (60 yards). He connected on a 71-yard boot in practice. For all of his might, accuracy hasn't been compromised with Crosby, who made 75 percent of his field-goal attempts.

Round 7/228 -- DeShawn Wynn, RB, 5-10, 232, Florida

Big-bodied back gives the Packers some flexibility in seeing what he can provide at fullback. Wynn wasn't a workhorse ball carrier at Florida and endured a knee injury last season. Still, he averaged 5.1 yards per carry as the featured guy in 2006, primarily between the tackles. He's a decent pass catcher. Hanging over Wynn are character issues and a resistance to be a team player.

Round 7/243 -- Clark Harris, TE, 6-5, 261, Rutgers

Another big target for Favre, but not unlike incumbent starter Bubba Franks, Harris is a plodder running routes and will never be a deep threat. Blocking is a liability. Harris has experience as a long snapper.

[TopHat]

http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/column/index.php?ntid=131761&ntpid=3

Wilde: High or low grade? JASON WILDE

GREEN BAY - Grading your favorite NFL team's draft right after it ends is akin to reviewing a restaurant after sitting down, sipping the water and placing your order off the menu. You haven't even dug into your house salad or the complimentary breadbasket yet, and already you've decided that Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson's cooking stinks. Thompson, like his mentor Ron Wolf before him, said Sunday he believes "it takes three years" to decide if a draft is a success or failure.
Thompson also admitted that even when your rookies contribute right away - like last year, when linebacker A.J. Hawk, wide receiver Greg Jennings and offensive linemen Daryn Colledge, Jason Spitz and Tony Moll all started - you can't judge your draft. "Because initially, you can (get) really excited and then by the end of the first season you think, 'Boy, this is a great draft.' And then over the course over the next couple of years, it doesn't really work out," Thompson said. "Then (other) times guys are a little bit slower starters."
Of course, while we won't be giving you any grades, we're happy to pass along the insta-graders' analysis. Sports Illustrated's Paul "Dr. Z" Zimmerman and ESPN's Mel Kiper each gave the Packers a C-plus. The Dallas Morning News' Rick Gosselin gave them a C. The three highest grades came from CBS Sportsline's Pete Prisco, who correctly predicted that the Packers would take defensive tackle Justin Harrell at No. 16 and might have let that color his judgment a little, as he gave the Packers a B; The Sporting News, which gave the Packers a B-minus; and the Chicago Tribune's Don Pierson, who gave the Packers a B and praised Thompson because he "continued his pattern of quantity without trying to impress anybody with flashy picks." The Washington Post's Mark Maske wasn't quite as impressed, giving the Packers a D grade because "the 16th pick was too high" for Harrell, and Thompson "couldn't complete a trade for wide receiver Randy Moss as many around the league - and within the organization - expected." Even on the team's Web site, opinions were mixed. As of Monday night, almost 24,000 fans had voted in the club's online poll, and the Cs had it (35 percent) over the As (5 percent), Bs (27 percent), Ds (18 percent) and Fs (12 percent).
But if you insist on criticizing Thompson for something - and actually want to have a strong argument - complain about this: The Cleveland Browns, desperate to take free-falling Notre Dame quarterback (and Ohio native) Brady Quinn, called and offered their 2008 first-round pick, plus to flip-flop picks with the Packers in Rounds 2, 3 and 4, for the Packers' first-round pick at 16. "I thought it was going to work," Cleveland GM Phil Savage told SI's Peter King. "But (the Packers) thought about it, called back and said no." The Browns ended up sending their second-round pick (No. 36) and their first-round pick next year to the Dallas Cowboys to move into Dallas' No. 22 spot to take Quinn.
No offense to Quinn and University of Wisconsin left tackle Joe Thomas, whom the Browns drafted No. 3 overall, but how much better are the Browns really going to be with a rookie quarterback and rookie left tackle in their lineup this year? Their 2008 first-round pick could be in the top 10 - as could the Packers' if they fall back from their 8-8 finish - and with some hard-line negotiating, Thompson (who has traded back all 15 times he's swung a deal during the eight drafts he's run) could have extracted an even greater price from Savage this year, such as the Browns' second-round pick at No. 36, plus flip-flopping in the later rounds. But Thompson apparently was committed to taking Harrell, and he admitted he's against trading for future picks - something he's never done.
"I don't know (why). I've never really been able to figure that one out, quite frankly," Thompson said when I asked him about it. "I normally don't do that." In this instance, he should have. At least then he'd have a better chance at a high grade next year.
__________________________________________________ ____________________________________________

http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/column/oates//index.php?ntid=131696&ntpid=1

Oates: Packers didn't get the big one TOM OATES

Admit it, you were waiting for Ted Thompson to hit a home run, weren't you? As the NFL draft wound its way through seven rounds over two days, you hoped sooner or later the Green Bay Packers general manager would jack one out of the park. Alas, Thompson kept hitting singles. Lots of singles. Good, solid singles that yielded 11 players who will solidify the roster and, in all likelihood, make the Packers better.
There were, however, no long balls. No franchise-altering moves. No infusion of offensive playmakers. No reason to think the team will be dramatically improved in 2007. Mostly, there was no Randy Moss.
Moss, the troublesome yet supremely talented wide receiver, has been on the Packers' radar screen for months. Everyone knew Oakland had to trade Moss after two unproductive and unhappy seasons and Green Bay looked like the likely landing spot for him. When Thompson kept making safe, by-the-book moves to improve his 8-8 team Saturday, the Packers GM appeared to be operating under the assumption he had a good chance of adding Moss to his punchless offense when the festivities began again Sunday. Thompson even admitted he went home Saturday night thinking he would have a shot at trading for Moss in the morning.
Instead, Thompson turned on the television Sunday and discovered that New England had beaten him to the punch. The Raiders traded Moss to the Patriots for a paltry fourth-round pick (No. 110 overall) after Moss agreed to a restructured contract for one year and a dirt cheap $3 million. The best pick the Packers had to offer at that point was No. 112, but this wasn't a question of getting aced out by two spots in the middle of the draft. No, this was a question of how aggressive one must be to build a team. Patriots coach Bill Belichick, stung by two title-free seasons after winning three Super Bowls in four years, was swinging for the fences. Thompson, as we have discovered, doesn't step to the plate with that mentality.
A league source told the Wisconsin State Journal the Packers offered only a fifth-round pick for Moss, which probably meant they finished last among the handful of teams with an interest in him. Indeed, Green Bay's refusal to pursue Moss with the vigor of the Patriots revealed a fundamental flaw in the way Thompson operates. At some point when building a team, a general manager has to take a chance or two. He can add draft picks in large numbers to his roster and make his team competitive, as Thompson has done, but that will only take a team so far. To get a team to the elite level - which, incidentally, is where the Patriots are - he has to make some bold personnel moves.
Thompson has refused to do that since January even though the Packers appeared to turn the corner late last season. He declined to trade up for much-needed halfback Marshawn Lynch in the first round of the draft. He has declined to pursue unrestricted free agents. And he made only a cursory attempt to acquire Moss. "What we try to do is everything in our power to try to help make this team as good as it can be," Thompson said. "You have to take a lot of things into consideration. Sometimes it's an aggressive move, sometimes that aggressive move is not the appropriate time. But you just keep doing everything you can to make the team better and that's all you can do."
The Patriots aren't acting like that's all you can do, which is why they've become the favorites to win the Super Bowl next season. With no quality receivers on his roster, Belichick attacked the problem, adding Moss, Donte Stallworth, Wes Welker and Kelley Washington, veterans with 156 catches, 2,080 yards and 10 touchdowns among them last season.
Meanwhile, the Packers, who need playmakers in the passing game even more than the Patriots, added James Jones and David Clowney, the 13th and 21st wide receivers taken in the draft, respectively. Jones was considered undraftable by most NFL teams, yet Thompson used a third-round draft pick on him. Better he had taken that pick and traded for Moss. After all, who would you rather have catching passes next year, Moss or Jones? Belichick answered that question by landing Moss. Thompson answered it by hitting singles. Or it is possible he just struck out?

[Fritz]

I'll be ready to grade the draft - the 2005 draft - at the end of this season.

I also intend to clip that Packernet guy's promise to emasculate himself - literally - if this year's draft class turns out "in Thompson's favor." I intend to keep it for three years and if the guy is still around, and the Packers have three very good starters from this draft, send his promise back to him. I will also offer to supply the equipment for him to perform the deed.

[Charles Woodson]

Hey tophat its nice to have you back. So i take it that your back from ur 2 month thing?

[Joemailman]

I wonder how much different the "experts" would grade the Packers draft if Brett had retired, and they weren't obsessed with "getting Favre some weapons."

[TopHat]

http://www.packerchatters.com/draft/pattys_report/view.php?id=2123

Patty's Draft Review, Not bad draft at all

Wow what a day. First we get a selection that I had heard was going to happen on Thursday if Marshawn Lynch was not on the board. The question comes did the Packers have a chance to trade down and receive something extra and still be in position to select Harrell? I ask that myself but the explanation was they feared Harrell was going to go off the board before the area where most of the teams selected that wanted pick 16. I am not privy to this information so who knows if the Packers are telling false information or not. I tend to believe them.
Round one: Justin Harrell: some teams actually had Harrell ranked above or equal to Amobi and almost every team had Harrell ahead of Alan Branch. If healthy Harrell is the answer to our run defense inside. He is a big presence and is no weak player. I like the pick; I believe the other players being considered by the Packers were Marshawn Lynch – Darrelle Revis Cb – Jeffn Harrell – Leon Hall CB and Robert Meachem WR. The Packers did fine with this selection.
Round 2: I was shocked that the Packers traded down off of pick 47 as far as they did. I thought for sure they would possibly trade this selection but I thought they would move down about 4 to 6 picks. So when I saw it was 17 selections I felt the Packers had pretty much lost out on the players that had been attributed to the Packers as interested But when you watch the 2nd round there were not that many players taken that I believe the Packers were interested in. Kenny Irons went off the board and I k new they were interested but they cited he does not have good receiving skills.. Brian Leonard I believe would have been my selection but they had some reservations with him as well. Some teams according to Sporting News and PFW had said Jackson was ranked higher than any other Rb in this draft after Peterson and Lynch. I suppose the Packers were among those teams they were talking about. They say he has excellent foots peed and great hands and fits their system. While he is no speed merchant he can get and turn the corner and break off some runs. I stand by Thompson's decision. Jackson was a decent selection for 63. I wonder about all the reports that the Packers were hoping to nab Sidney Rice at 47. Seems that 3 or 4 people including Gil Brandt said so yesterday during the draft. So when they went off the board the Packers decided their RB would be either Jackson or Pittman and they made the trade down and acquired another day 1 pick which turned out to be Aaron Rouse .
Round 3 pick 78: I believe the Green Bay Packers tried to get cute here and pull off a slight of hand thing. I talked with several people this past week about Jones and not a 1 of them said he was a day 1 receiver. In fact many thought he was a 5th rounder at best. All he is basically is a chain mover. Short yardage receiver who is good at those hitch routes. Only average sped and not that great of a route runner. He also ha problems getting knocked around off his routes . I think this choice as Ted Thompson just trying to make a statement that he is smarter than any9on else. A definite gamble. There were better receivers on the board. I do not like this selection based solely on the fact that there were much better receivers. James Jones does not excel in any area of the game. An average receiver at best. I am sorry but I cannot get on board with this pick. Especially all the people that I talk to said he was a 5th rounder at best.
Round 3 pick 89: Okay Aaron Rouse is a big powerful safety who might have to move to LB. I felt the Packers were interested in better safeties than Rouse and a different kind of safety. Evidently Ted Thompson has it in his mind to go after the Marquand Manuel type of safety where coverage is not asked for by the team. Rouse gets turned around too much and he is unsure of himself in coverage. I thought for sure all the signs pointed to a FS type of player. I really thought they liked John Wendling and Josh Gattis.
I only have to give the Packers a decent grade for this pick. He will be a Special teams dynamite player and hopefully learn to trust his instincts. He is faster and quicker than Manuel so there is hope he can take Manuel’s position soon. I do believe I would have gone a different direction
Not the draft I was expecting and I really was expecting the Packers to trade a 3rd for Randy Moss. Like I said I believe I would have taken Brian Leonard over Brandon Jackson but if I did I would not have had pick 89 either. Maybe Aaron Rouse develops into a player and a starter. I will say I prefer Jackson over Michael Turner and the price he would have cost the Packers.
Heading into day 2 I have 21 good players remaining on the board and the Packers pick 13. I am sure the Packers might get a good player in round 4 unless Ted Thompson decides to weaken his draft class by trading down again. Some names left are : Ben Patrick TE – Scott Chandler TE – Brian Robison DE – Jay Moore DE – Tanard Jackson CB (despite character issues) – Rufus Alexander OLB…. The Packers could likely find a player that could eventually be a good player and a starter in round 4.
Round 4: While not the glamour pick Allen Barbre might be a good player for the Packers. I was dismayed that Ted Thompson traded down because I felt the Packers were going to miss out on a good player – It was scary as Jay Moore and Brian Robison and Tanard Jackson went off the board and the player I liked A J Davis went off. Still there were some players still on my top 21 list and Barbre was not among that 4 round preferred list. I would have taken Aundrae Allison WR or Josh Gattis FS – What did we get in Barbre. We got a pick that is better than Croston and Moll. And some packer fans liked the Moll selection. Barbre is a work in development and has some talent. Not a bad slide and shuffle OT in pass protection. The athleticism , power and quickness is evident. Now the Packers need to work on the mental aspects of the game with him. Not a student of the game and many times he flies out and whiffs because he did not make the necessary read.
Round 5: The Packers got a WR in round 5 that I would have taken before the receiver they took in round 3. I think Clowney could become a better receiver than Jones. 4.35 speed but more impressive was the 6.68 3 cone drill. Excellent break away speed and a complete deep threat. Might be the fastest and quickest receiver on the Packers. I might would have taken Ben Patrick TE – Clowney sinks his pads with fluidness and is deceptive with his acceleration, I have to ask what has happened to John Wendling ??
Round 6: by this time the players that matter are generally off the board. At the start of round 6 I made a list of players still on the board that I thought had a chance to make the team. Interject right about now: Minnesota Vikings has had a tremendous draft. Might be the draft best. Dan Santucci – Mike Otto – John Wendling – Jared Zabransky – Darius Walker – Mason Crosby PK – and in somewhat I might take a gamble on Korey Hall ILB – My pick though would be Clark Harris TE – Mason Crosby PK and John Wendling
Well round 6 came and was I surprised again. Two ILB taken. Why??? Desmond Bishop is a 2 down LB at best. Maybe we added him for special teams. – Kerrey Hall is an interesting addition. I would have taken Clark Harris TE instead of Desmond Bishop. I like the Mason Crosby selection. Korey Hall is an extremely smart player with great instincts. A very aggressive player who does not screw up assignments. Plays fast and gets to the ball quickly – Good in coverage getting deep on his drops. A rough and tough competitor/ The best compliment on Hall is from his coach who described him as always around the ball and always under the bottom of the pile. He is just simply a football player. But according to the Packers he will work at FB. Cool – he has the athleticism for it
Like I said I like the PK Crosby even though Nick Folk might have been overall better. Crosby has the strong leg. I just do not understand the Desmond Bishop selection. We have Barnett and Hodge at MLB and then we go and draft 2 more???? Hall I think can be a good special teams player and has enough athleticism that he could play some outside as well. They say Bishop will move outside and take the place of Ben Taylor. The only question I have about that is Bishop is good versus the run but lacks range. If they wanted an OLB then why not a different player? Bishop just does not have any backpedal ability and very little coverage ability. He lacks suddenness and has stiff hips. But he is a tackling machine.
Round 7: well well well – round 7 brought the Packers 2 good players in DeShawn Wynn RB and Clark Harris TE – both of these players carried 4th round grades from most of the draft services. Wynn is a gifted RB who really needs to be more mature. Not very coach-able player. Pretty good athleticism. Might develop into an H-back. Clark Harris is a decent TE who will not break deep at all. Slow but he works the under belly good. Has good hands and good size. He is a chain mover.
Packers selections ----------------My Selections

1 (16) Justin Harrell DT -----------Justin Harrell DT
2 (63) Brandon Jackson RB --------Marcus McCauley CB
3 (78) James Jones WR-------------Antonio Pittman RB
3 (89) Aaron Rouse SS --------------Jay Moore DE
4 (119) Allen Barbre OT --------------Scott Chandler TE
5 (157) David Clowney WR ----------John Wendling FS
6 ( 191) Korey Hall ILB -------------Jared Zabransky QB
6 (192) Desmond Bishop ILB --------Courtney Taylor WR
6 ( 193) Mason Crosby PK -----------Mason Crosby PK
7 (228) Deshawn Wynn RB -----------DeShawn Wynn RB
7 (243) Clark Harris TE --------------Rory Johnson OLB


Final Summation: Justin Harrell - Brandon Jackson – Aaron Rouse Allen Barbre – David Clowney were good selections. Korey Hall could develop into a decent player at FB – Desmond Bishop is a 2 down LB but is a good run stopper. I think Mason Crosby could beat out our kicker. DeShawn Wynn might stick and Clark Harris will stick as a TE. The only player I did not like was James Jones. Slow and average skills.
Players taken this weekend who could become difference makers 1: Justin Harrell DT. Players taken who will make plays and will become above average starters: 4: Aaron Rouse – Allen Barbre David Clowney and of course Brandon Jackson. Players taken that might be players to contribute: 2 Hall and Crosby. This leaves Jones WR – Bishop LB – Wynn RB and Harris TE that I am not sure about. Hey any time you can get 7 players you think makes your team with 5 of them eventually starting then I do not see how you can not give a grade of B on the surface. Of course time will tell and the final grade will come. But right now the Packers did not have that bad of a draft....Noticed the Packers signed Rory Johnson an OLB and Patrick Murray the OL I have talked about. Also Juwan Simpson OLB as well.

[TopHat]

Hey tophat its nice to have you back. So i take it that your back from ur 2 month thing?

YUP...ANNOUNCEMENT IN ROMPER ROOM.

[TopHat]

http://www.packerchatters.com/draft/pattys_report/view.php?id=2125

Now that the draft is over - Regrets and no regrets

The 2007 NFL Draft is in the books and the Packers have signed 7 rookie free agents with maybe an 8th player signed as well. We added 19 players. Are there any regrets or wishing the Packers would have done things a little different? Sure. I do not believe it possible for me or anyone to be exactly pleased with all 19 moves. You have to be realistic and realize when you select a player in a round there are usually 31 names that you passed on before you get another chance to select again. So there are going to be players you miss out on that you may have liked as much as the player you selected. So gathering from what I have read and have heard some glimpses on what might have been.
1st: all the rumors of Randy Moss were not that far off. The Packers were indeed talking with the Raiders but never at any time was Aaron Rodgers brought up by the Packers. Neither was KGB. It seems that the best the Packers were offering was a 5th round selection in the 2007 draft. I have no regrets that the Packers did not go any higher. From most of March and April I was on record a saying the Packers needed to add a CB and a FS both. We actually did neither. I believe this clearly indicates that a CB has to be a primary choice in the 2008 draft. Lets step back for a minute and look at Veteran FA. Was there a player available that the Packers might should have gone after. Forget Nate Clements because the 49er's took him out of the picture with a ridiculous contract. All the others would have been stop gap veterans that would not have been more than a season of return. As stated the team felt there were 3 maybe 4 corners in this draft that represented an actual promise of being the CB needed. I believe in the final rankings for the Packers when it came to their pick at 16 it was Justin Harrell - Leon Hall and Reggie Nelson FS in that order. Just speculation on my part but I believe it came down to Harrell or Hall and the upside of Harrell outweighed that of Hall. I could have lived easily with Leon Hall as the selection.
I do not think the Packers felt that either Harrell or Hall was going to last past pick 20 and we already have been told that Denver was highly interested in Harrell and that we know the Giants were said to be trying to move up for Hall but Cincy wanted him as much. I actually think the Packers were among the teams that had the cutoff point being around 21 players in round 1 and I do not believe they felt good about what they were being offered to get out of the 16 spot. I do believe Darrelle Revis would have been the selection if the Jets had not traded up to take him before the Packers. I have heard too much to think otherwise.
The Packers only had 1 more shot to get a CB and that was in round 2 and Marcus McCauley. One of the few name players the Packers brought to GB for a visit. I heard it was a great visit and the Packers were convinced the kid had heart and drive. Too bad the Vikings liked him as much as the Packers. But why did they pass on him in round 2? What I found interesting is that in 1st round the Packers had 4 positions that were on their hit list: CB - WR - FS and DT (Revis - Hall - Meachem - Nelson & Harrell)
Round 2 pick 47 : CB (McCauley) and WR's Dwayne Jarrett and Sidney Rice) -- I have to wonder if the Packers are secretly wishing that they pulled a trade with the Falcons to move up to get Jarrett? I think it is no surprise how much I like Jarrett. I made him my 1st mock draft selection in March and gave all the reasons why I felt this player was perfect for the Packers. I also had grown to appreciate Sidney Rice as well. Just like in round 1 I believe it came down to 2 players: Revis or Harrell in 1 and WR (either Jarrett or Rice) in 2.
When that crumbled before them I think it was quite clear the Packers turned to RB and they saw 4 RB's still on the board and felt they could trade down. Despite others on this board who said the packers were interested in Chris Henry I am not of that opinion. I think the RB's they liked were in order (Leonard - Jackson - Irons and Pittman). This trade was beneficial for the Packers. I do not believe there were a single player taken between 47 and 62 that bothered the Packers with the exception of Brian Leonard. But I think the Packers figured he would go off the board when they made the trade but figured the upside was they were going to get a good player in round 3 to moot the loss. Besides I believe they had Jackson ranked up as high as Leonard. Of course the media writers and draft experts are looking at the glitz factor and see that we passed on Leonard and Irons and are being critical of the Jackson selection. I believe you factor in the thinking that Brandon Jackson is exactly the kind of RB the Packers wanted and that they were also going to get a good player in round 3 and this was a 4 star move for Ted Thompson.
Now we come to round 3 and at first I was extremely disappointed with this round. I had resigned myself to the fact we were not going to get a CB in this draft so I wanted that FS. (even though McCauley was still on the board I knew he would go off quickly and I had little hope) But the Packers still think of Collins as a FS so a SS it be. Here is the interesting tidbit. Ted Thompson said it twice that I know of that he thought Marquand Manuel is a good SS and that injuries kept him from displaying what he felt is a good SS. But why then were the Packers interested in 3 SS's in this draft? Eric Weddle (2) - Sabby Piscitelli (2) and Rouse (3)
First off we have pick 78 to think about. The Packers really feel this kid was under coached at San Jose St. and that he plays much faster than he times. Personally I see a kid who has just average skills. Poor hands and poor route running and not that great at blocking. What he does have is toughness and great leaping ability. I think they drafted him to take Fergy's position. The only thing they do not like about Fergy is he has lost that ferocious mentality and toughness since that career ending hit to the head.
I think the Packers got stunned when McCauley was still on the board at the start of round 3. I had heard from listening to the ticket rebroadcast of the draft that the Packers were attempting to trade up in round 3. This would have represented the first trade up for Ted Thompson and I believe Ted Thompson is regretting that he did not make it. Evidently no one wanted to move. I believe without any doubt the Packers were going to select Marcus McCauley CB in round 3.This is one of my regrets that the Packers failed to get an island corner and athletically McCauley is one of the better corners in quite some time. He had some maturity issues that hurt him his senior year that and the big head from all the high praise he got before the start of the year. I certainly believe James Jones could have been taken at 89. Despite what the Packers are saying - they have to say that to justify taking him as early as they did. Adam Sheffter said he knows of no team that had him any higher than round 5 other than the Packers.
I realize that this is cheap talk but I would have preferred on us passing on a WR in round 3 and addressed the secondary. Jonathan Wade was on the board and even though the Packers I believe were not sold on him I think Wade is more than average in skills and has the mental makeup to develop into a solid nickel back and maybe more. I would have taken Wafe at 78 since we did not make the rumored trade up heard on KTCK the ticket here in Dallas.
When the Packers selected Aaron Rouse I was not impressed. The more I delve into his bio the more enamored I become. Like I said I have adopted Aaron as the player I am going to root for hard in training camp. I believe he has fluid hips and can develop. We all know about his power and hard hitting. Now we got to get him tuned in for the whole game and slap him out of stretches where he becomes a pacifist and disappears. I will be honest right here and admit I would have made a mistake. I would have taken John Wendling FS with this selection. I have thought Wendling was a solid player worthy of a late 2nd and certainly a 3rd round pick. But he lasted to round 6 for a reason. I might have taken Josh Gattis. I guess what I regret the most from the draft was that we did not address coverage. We took a hard hitting run defense SS but did not address the island coverage corner nor the centefielding type of safety. But we addressed WR with a questionable player.
I would have given this draft a grade of A- if we had come away with Justin Harrell DT - Dwayne Jarrett WR - Marcus McCauley CB ( 3 very athletic players all worthy of round 1 consideration including McCauley) And it could have came about. Just conjecture on my part but i believe it would have cost us KGB and pick 47 to move up in round 2 to have gotten Jarrett. and our 4th and 7th to move up in round 3 ------- Of course that would have meant no Aaron Rouse in late 3rd and Allen Barbre round 4 and Deshawn Wynn RB in 7th and of course KGB.
But it would have given this team 3 possible difference makers 2 on defense and 1 on offense. Add to that David Clowney and Mason Crosby and Clark Harris and I believe we might have hit silver (maybe not gold but certainly silver) And of course with the trade of the 4th we would have missed out on the extra 6th from a trade down which would have meant either Korey Hall or Desmond Bishop would not have been drafted. But in getting 3 possible difference makers is factored in I believe you do it. For RB we would have to go with Morency and signed a veteran for 1 year.
This would have meant RB for 2008. But you know something. The more I look at this draft the more pleased I am with it. Not a bad draft. Yes we could have done better and maybe made a trade up to have gotten a much better player but we drafted some players that have a lot of upside to them and who knows they could develop into solid players. Yep sure do have some regrets that some players did not fall into place but overall we may have done okay.

[TopHat]

http://www.mytvisonfire.com/packersnation/

Review of the Green Bay Packers Draft.

1st round
Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee
D-Line gets stronger, Deeper with Harrell
When Justin Harrell was selected by the Packers I was wondering what in the world was Thompson thinking. After researching him more I am pretty happy with the pick. I think Justin Harrell will be a great DT as long as he stays away from injuries. I have heard from several people that he would have been a top 10 pick if he didn’t get hurt in his senior season. Justin Harrell is a dominant run stuffer because of his size and strength. He completed the bench press 27 times with his injured arm not even totally healed. He will be a monster in the midde. I think he could also become a good pass rusher. Along with being a good football player he is a good person. He is a great teammate and will sacrifice himself for the team. With the Justin Harrell pick I am happy with the player but not happy with the position since DT wasn’t one of our biggest needs. Overall a good but surprising pick. Grade B.

2nd Round
Brandon Jackson, RB, Nebraska
Before researching him I knew very little about Brandon Jackson. After researching him I love the pick. Brandon Jackson played in a zone blocking scheme in college so there will be less transition. He has great field vision which is necessary for the zone blocking scheme. He is very shifty, meaning he is good at jukes and cutbacks which is also important for a RB in the zone blocking scheme. Watching highlight films of Brandon Jackson I think he will be a great RB. He looks a lot like Barry Sanders in his shiftyness and deceptive speed. I think Brandon Jackson will surprise everyone and have a huge impact this year. Grade A-

3rd Round
James Jones, WR, San Jose State
I think James Jones is by far Thompson’s worst pick so far. He will be a huge project and I think he will take a couple of years to develop. I would rather have had Randy Moss. James Jones has been jumping up draft boards lately a lot like Greg Jennings last year. After watching a highlight video I feel better about this pick. I think he will be a good position receiver and will be dominant at the jump ball and good in the end zone. I still think we picked him early. Grade: C

Aaron Rouse, S, Virginia Tech
Aaron Rouse is a average prospect. He is a hard hitter and good teammate. He needs to work on his coverage skills though. He will be a monster on special teams and many believe he could take the starting job from Marquand Manuel part way through the season. I know little about ROuse so I can’t really judge him at this point. Grade: C

Day One Grade: B-

Day Two

4th Round
Allen Barbre, OL, Missouri Southern
Overall I think Allen Barbre will be a good Packer. He is a developmental prospect who I believe could become a starter in a couple years. He is strong, athletic, and fast for an offensive weapon. He was so fast he played on kick and punt coverages and actually was pretty good. His speed and athleticism will be perfect for the zone scheme. I think he will replace Chad Clifton when his knees finally give out. A developmental prospect who I believe can start in a couple of years. Grade: B+

5th Round
David Clowney, WR, Virginia Tech
Overall I think Clowney could be a steal of the draft. He has the speed, route running skills, and hands to be a good deep ball threat. He will need time to develop though. This year he will probably be a returner and the occasional target of the deep ball. In a couple of years I believe he will be a good #2 or great #3 receiver. Grade B+

6th Round
Korey Hall, LB (we are switching him to FB), Boise State
Korey Hall was a strange pick. The Packers are planning on switching him to FB. He is also a special teams monster. I think Korey Hall will have to be pretty successful with his new position in order to make the Packers roster. He will deffinently help us in special teams though. This is a questionable draft pick. It will be a good pick if he adjusts well to his position but otherwise it will be a wasted pick. With this pick we will have to wait and see. Grade C-

Desmond Bishop, LB, California
Desmond Bishop was a questionable pick. The Packers are already deep at LB so I don’t know why the Packers needed to draft another one. I think Bishop will have to fight for a spot on this team. From what I have heard he seems a lot like Hodge. He is a run stuffer who isn’t very fast. The only way Bishop plays this year is if one of our starters get hurt. He will most likely play special teams which he excelled at in college. Bishop will have to fight hard in training camp to get a spot on the team but I think he could develop into a good backup in time. Grade C

Mason Crosby, K, Colorado
At this point in the draft the Packers made the right decision. Dave Rayner didn’t do bad last year but we could deffinently improve the position. Mason Crosby was ranked as the best kicker in the draft by most people. Crosby has a really strong leg. He will deffinently get good hangtime on kickoffs. He also has pretty good accuracy. The two concerns with Crosby is that he might not kick as well outside Colorado (many think the altitude helped his kicks), and some think he fails under pressure. Crosby will be in direct competition with Rayner this year. Whoever wins the competition will get the job. I think Crosby could be something special at the kicking position. Round wise I think Crosby will be the steal of our draft. Grade A.

7th Round
Deshawn Wynn, RB, Florida
Deshawn Wynn is a risky pick. He could either be a good power back or he could be a quick cut from the team. In the 7th round you need to take risks like this. Deshawn Wynn made it to the 7th round because he has in the past not listened to his coaches and he is supposedly really lazy. If McCarthy can keep Wynn motivated and listening to him I think he will be a very good pick. He is a power back and the Packers drastically needs one. He will be good in short yardage and goal line situations. He will be a nice compliment to Jackson and Morency. I think Wynn will either be an early cut or he will make a big impact in short yardage and goal line situations. It all depends on if he is willing to be coached and willing to work hard and quit being lazy. If he can we got a steal in the 7th. If he doesn’t we just lost a 7th rounder who rarely turn out. A risky pick but worth it in the 7th round. Grade B

Clark Harris, TE, Rutgers
As one of the last picks in the draft I think Clark Harris was a good pick. Some experts had him going in the 3rd to 4th round range. Clark Harris is a pass catching TE and that is it. His biggest weakness is that he can’t block at all. What the Packers need the most is a pass catching TE so he fits in. He will have to fight for a roster spot with Alcorn, Humphrey, and Lee. Overall a good pick. Grade B

Overall I think Thompson had a good but not great draft. Thompson added many rookies that will eventually help this team. I think Harrell, Jackson, Jones (in time), Rouse, Barbre, Clowney, and Crosby should make the team. I think Harrell and Jackson will have an immediate impact on this team. I think the rest of the picks are more of projects. Most Packer fans are upset that Thompson didn’t address the offense enough and didn’t give Brett enough weapons. I agree to a degree. I think Thompson should have added a WR and TE earlier in the draft. Moss would also have been a good addition. I think Thompson wanted to address the future along with the present with this draft. A lot of his picks are prospects that could turn into very good players if they are given some time to develop. I think some of these rookies will surprise some people. Thompson didn’t make any big moves in order to make a push for the Super Bowl. It would have been nice but we wouldn’t have made the Super Bowl anyway. We are too young. Thompson is building a team which I believe will make a push for the Super Bowl next year. This year I expect the Packers to be close to where they were last year. The Packers will challenge for the playoffs and might actually make them this year. Overall Grade B

[HarveyWallbangers]

Aaron Rouse, S, Virginia Tech
Aaron Rouse is a average prospect. He is a hard hitter and good teammate. He needs to work on his coverage skills though. He will be a monster on special teams and many believe he could take the starting job from Marquand Manuel part way through the season. I know little about ROuse so I can’t really judge him at this point. Grade: C

Kind of funny. I know little about him, but he grades as a C and he's an average prospect. I like the fact we got a S that goes 6'4" 225 and runs a low 4.4s 40. I don't know if he'll be good, but if you are going to take a chance in the midrounds, do it on a guy with ridiculous measurables, who has good character, and started for 4 years in a major conference.

[TopHat]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/peter_king/05/01/postdraft/1.html

Peter King's funny response to fan's email:

PACKER NATION IS NOT PLEASED. Q. "I think the Packers flunked this draft for failing to address any of their needs and giving Brett a chance to win now. Your thoughts?''

A. I don't like having a major need at receiver and drafting the 13th and 21st wideouts in the draft. I said to someone after the first three rounds: "Favre's got to be throwing a shoe through his TV right now.''
__________________________________________________ ___________________________________________

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&id=2858916

ESPN John Clayton's view: Can Brett Favre be happy with the Packers' offseason? Favre had a great time last season. The Packers went 8-8. Favre liked his young offensive line and his young receiver, Greg Jennings. Optimistic about the chances of going to the playoffs, Favre returned for another season. So far, he's been greeted with an offseason in which cornerback Frank Walker was the only acquisition in free agency. He lost his backfield mate, Ahman Green. The running game enters the unknown with rookie Brandon Jackson and Vernand Morency. Nothing was done at tight end. Everyone remembers how Favre struggled mentally and emotionally in the 4-12 season in 2005. He wondered why he came back. Favre hates to lose. He wants one more chance at a Super Bowl, but at the very least, he wants another shot at the playoffs. Football is fun for Favre, but he needs to have more winning to make it fun enough to stay motivated.
__________________________________________________ ______________________________________________

ESPN MEL KIPER'S SUMMARY & GRADE: Green Bay Packers: GRADE: C+

Defensive tackle Justin Harrell didn't fill need, but the Packers chose the best available player over need. Harrell was hurt most of his senior season, but that didn't hurt his stock much. RB Brandon Jackson, if he can build on his strong finish to 2006, has a chance to be Green Bay's starting running back. James Jones was a decent third-round pick, a good wide receiver with natural receiving skills; safety Aaron Rouse is just an OK third-round pick; offensive tackle Allen Barbre is a bit overrated because he doesn't play as well as he tested during workouts. WR David Clowney has a lot of speed, and inside linebackers Korey Hall and Desmond Bishop should make it in the NFL as backups. Place-kicker Mason Crosby was a really good find in the sixth round. He has a great leg and has kicked in all kinds of weather playing at Colorado and in the Big 12. Crosby is not a product of the altitude in Colorado. I also liked the Packers' seventh-round picks: RB Deshawn Wynn from Florida and Rutgers tight end Clark Harris

[HarveyWallbangers]

I'll trust Thompson's opinion on a WR over Peter King's opinion. Jones was rated anywhere from a 3rd or 4th round pick to undrafted. So, even the experts couldn't agree.

It's similar to Greg Jennings last year. Or, even more appropriately, Tarvaris Jackson. Jackson was ranked as a 4th or 5th round grade by the "experts." Minnesota took him in round 2, and was roundly criticized. Then, you find out that a lot of teams actually liked him. When these "experts" say a team could have waited to draft a guy, most of the time they are wrong. The "experts" said Donte Whitner shouldn't have gone in the top 10 last year. He did to Buffalo, and he was good. They say that the Packers should have traded down, and they could have still gotten Harrell. Then we find out that Denver likely would have taken him. I don't buy any of them. I think you can get a feel for a prospect by reading the scouting report. I think trying to figure when and where a guy should have gone is fruitless--since a lot of the stuff from the scouts is misinformation and most of the stuff from the "experts" is a joke.

[TopHat]

http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFLDraft/Draft+Day/2007/draftanalysis.htm

Green Bay: DT Justin Harrell’s stock had steadily been climbing in the postseason, but the Packers very likely could have traded down and still landed him ahead of the Chiefs. Second-rounder Brandon Jackson and seventh-rounder DeShawn Wynn both fit their stretch running game. San Jose State WR James Jones was a reach in the third round. Fifth-rounder David Clowney could have a better chance of contributing than Jones. Landing a placekicker as strong-legged as Mason Crosby in the sixth round could turn out to be a steal. The best thing the Packers may have done, as they tend to do every year, was trade down several times and acquire value in the form of more picks. Missouri Southern OT Allen Barbre fits their zone blocking scheme and could be a versatile backup. Overall, considering how many picks they secured, they tended to increase their chances of hitting on at least three starters. Grade: Good

[TopHat]

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/

Green Bay Packers 2007 NFL Draft Review By Tony Moss, NFL Editor

1 - Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee (6-4, 305); 2 - Brandon Jackson, RB, Nebraska (5-10, 210); 3 - James Jones, WR, San Jose State (6-1, 207); 3 - Aaron Rouse, SS, Virginia Tech (6-4, 225); 4 - Allen Barbre, T, Missouri Southern (6-4, 300); 5 - David Clowney, WR, Virginia Tech (6-0, 188); 6 - Korey Hall, LB, Boise State (6-0, 229); 6 - Desmond Bishop, LB, Cal (6-2, 239); 6 - Mason Crosby, K, Colorado (6-1, 212); 7 - DeShawn Wynn, RB, Florida (5-10, 232); 7 - Clark Harris, TE, Rutgers (6-5, 261);

Analysis: Judging by ESPN's coverage, a group of seven-year-old Packer fans was clearly irate at the team's selection of Harrell, who was hurt for the majority of his senior year and who most experts expected to go late-first or early-second round. Green Bay didn't fill its glaring need in the backfield until the second round (thanks in large part to the Bills stealing Marshawn Lynch at No. 12), picking the somewhat undersized Jackson. The Pack also selected Wynn, who struggled to find his way out or Urban Meyer's doghouse while in college, in the seventh round. The franchise might have engaged in the reach of the entire draft by selecting Jones on the first day (some scouts had him in the undrafted free agent zone), but got good value for the speedy Clowney in the fifth round. Elsewhere on offense, Harris has a chance to stick on a team that needs tight end help. On defense, Rouse is a pure in-the-box type of safety. And on special teams, the selection of Crosby, who many considered to be the best kicker in the draft, puts Dave Rayner on notice. Bottom Line: Eleven picks, and not a can't-miss player among the bunch. Grade: C-

[HarveyWallbangers]

Bottom Line: Eleven picks, and not a can't-miss player among the bunch. Grade: C- [/b]

Bottom line: which team drafts #16, and gets a can't miss player?

[Rastak]

I'll trust Thompson's opinion on a WR over Peter King's opinion. Jones was rated anywhere from a 3rd or 4th round pick to undrafted. So, even the experts couldn't agree.

It's similar to Greg Jennings last year. Or, even more appropriately, Tarvaris Jackson. Jackson was ranked as a 4th or 5th round grade by the "experts." Minnesota took him in round 2, and was roundly criticized. Then, you find out that a lot of teams actually liked him. When these "experts" say a team could have waited to draft a guy, most of the time they are wrong. The "experts" said Donte Whitner shouldn't have gone in the top 10 last year. He did to Buffalo, and he was good. They say that the Packers should have traded down, and they could have still gotten Harrell. Then we find out that Denver likely would have taken him. I don't buy any of them. I think you can get a feel for a prospect by reading the scouting report. I think trying to figure when and where a guy should have gone is fruitless--since a lot of the stuff from the scouts is misinformation and most of the stuff from the "experts" is a joke.


Harvey, on the flip side, how many times do GM's blow their picks? Does that mean they aren't "experts"? Seems to me, the NFL draft is rather a crapshoot in the sense that NOBODY can be sure of how a player will play at the NFL level.

[MJZiggy]

Harvey, on the flip side, how many times do GM's blow their picks? Does that mean they aren't "experts"? Seems to me, the NFL draft is rather a crapshoot in the sense that NOBODY can be sure of how a player will play at the NFL level.

I think we have a winner...

[HarveyWallbangers]

I never said Thompson would always be right. Far from it. Hell, Ron Wolf seldom got his a #1 pick right. I just trust the professional scouts a lot more than the "experts" on TV. Hell, I should be on TV--as I was closer to the Packers picks than the experts were.
:D

The "experts" are always give a higher grade to the teams the filled immediate needs. Hell, on average only 1-2 rookies start each year for a team, and it's often not the ones you'd expect. Overreaching for need is fool's gold. Just ask Wolf. Also, I get the feeling when analyzing, they don't take into consideration the system the team plays. The reason I likely hit on more guys is because I was looking at a players, and deciding which ones that I felt would fit the Packers system more.

[TopHat]

http://story.scout.com/a.z?s=61&p=2&c=641018

Summing up the Packers' draft By The Sports Xchange J.J.

Those weren't cheers that greeted general manager Ted Thompson when he came out to speak to fans during a draft party at Lambeau Field after the team's first selection was made April 28. The boo birds were out in full force in response to Thompson's taking Tennessee defensive tackle Justin Harrell with the 16th overall pick. The choice came as a shock to many because Harrell wasn't projected to go that high in Round 1 and of the team's needs, defensive tackle ranked far down the list. "I think it's great because that's what the Green Bay Packers are all about, is fans like that that have passion and they care," Thompson said. "We are doing everything we can to make this the best team possible. If they disagree with our decisions, that's OK. It's just as long as we believe we're doing the right thing, then we can take a few shots." Harrell was only the fourth defensive tackle taken by the Packers in the first round since 1970 -- Vonnie Holliday was the last in 1998. Harrell will have to be more than serviceable for the Green Bay supporters to change their tune on Thompson's approach to his third draft with the team. The timing of the selection was puzzling because the Packers seemingly were set with Ryan Pickett and Corey Williams as the returning starting tackles and have a couple emerging prospects in Colin Cole and Johnny Jolly. Plus, they re-signed Cullen Jenkins, a productive hybrid end-tackle, to a hefty four-year contract before the start of free agency.
Yet, the club was high on Harrell, never mind his injury history, and is convinced the imposing run stopper can be a front-line contributor. "We're going to build this football team strong with the offensive and defensive lines," head coach Mike McCarthy said. "You just cannot have enough big guys." That rationale prompted the Packers to pass on one of the top receivers still on the board (Tennessee's Robert Meachem or LSU's Dwayne Bowe), Florida safety Reggie Nelson, Michigan cornerback Leon Hall, Miami tight end Greg Olsen, even Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn. Any one of most of those players would have satisfied a great need - and appeased the fans. "We don't draft based on needs, and I know that's boring ... but we don't think that's the best policy," Thompson said. "We think really and truly that the more good football players, regardless of position, that you can add to your team, the better off you are as an organization and as a team."
True to his track record of trading down to accumulate more players, Thompson swung two draft-weekend deals to turn nine picks into 11. The marquee pick of Harrell notwithstanding, offense was the emphasis, with seven players targeted to play on that side. Second-round pick Brandon Jackson has untapped potential as a West Coast running back, but it will be asking a lot of him to assume the full-time role vacated by Ahman Green's free-agent signing with Houston. The Packers' chance to get Cal standout Marshawn Lynch fell by the wayside when Buffalo took him at No. 12. Meanwhile, the jury is out on whether third-round safety Aaron Rouse can displace Marquand Manuel as a starter and what impact, if any, James Jones (third round) and David Clowney (fifth) can make for a receiving group that is without Randy Moss. Long the subject of trade rumors involving Green Bay, Moss was traded from Oakland to New England on the second day of the draft for a fourth-round pick this year.
The team's best value selection of the entire process might have come at the back end of three straight picks midway through the sixth round with strong-legged kicker Mason Crosby, who will challenge incumbent Dave Rayner. "I hope that, in time, they would think this is a good draft," Thompson said of the fans.
BEST PICK
GM Ted Thompson again resorted to some wheeling and dealing throughout the draft to stockpile picks, turning nine into 11. The quality of those selections doesn't jump out as a blue-chipper ensemble, especially at the team's positions of needs. In fact, rather than land a top-line player at running back, receiver, safety and tight end, Thompson surprisingly chose to first bolster the depth on the defensive line. Tennessee tackle Justin Harrell, though, can't be written off so easily as the No. 16 overall pick. If not for a season-ending arm injury sustained in the second game last season, Harrell probably would have been out of reach in the middle of Round 1 for Green Bay, which has drawn criticism for reaching for him. Yes, Harrell is injury prone. If he can find a way to stay healthy for an extended period, however, Harrell's natural abilities suggest he will become the Packers' best interior lineman before long. Harrell, an uncanny run stopper who gets off the ball well, and Ryan Pickett give the defense a formidable tackle duo on early downs. Harrell is raw as a pass rusher, but the team can get by in the interim with Corey Williams, who held down a starting job most of last season.
COULD SURPRISE
Brandon Jackson was pegged to be a second-day draftee, but the Packers thought otherwise and grabbed the somewhat obscure Nebraska running back after trading down to the back end of Round 2. Jackson started only a third of the games he played in three years, but team officials deem him a suitable fit for the zone-blocking run scheme. Jackson and holdover Vernand Morency are shaped in the same mold, as shifty backs who can make the requisite cuts and slip defenders. Both will likely share the load at the outset as the offense goes forward without franchise back Ahman Green, who signed with the Texans in free agency. The hard-nosed Jackson, though, has considerable upside as an underused rusher in college. He is a multi-faceted player with solid receiving skills and is comfortable in the West Coast offense. If injury problems with both shoulders are behind him, Jackson might have the type of impact receiver Greg Jennings, another under-the-radar prospect taken in the second round, had as a rookie last season.
A closer look at the Packers' picks:
Round 1/16 (overall) -- Justin Harrell, DT, 6-4, 310, Tennessee
A surprise choice in the middle of the first round, given that the Packers didn't have a big need for a defensive lineman, but team scouts felt Harrell would have been a top-10 pick had he not suffered a torn biceps tendon early last season. Harrell is perhaps a medical liability, having suffered an assortment of leg and ankle injuries earlier in career. However, the team felt it couldn't pass on Harrell's starting-caliber promise as a pure run stuffer with rare explosiveness off the line.
Round 2/63 -- Brandon Jackson, RB, 5-10, 212, Nebraska
The selection of the part-time player (only 11 starts in three years) has to be considered a reach, but Jackson has the makeup to help fill the void left by the free-agent departure of another former Cornhusker, Ahman Green, to Houston. He averaged a gaudy 5.3 yards per carry last season and 92.8 rushing yards per game when given the chance to start. He brings added value as a capable pass catcher coming from a West Coast system. Jackson also has experience as a kick returner. There is cause for concern about his health, however, because he had both shoulders operated on in college.
Round 3/78 -- James Jones, WR, 6-2, 199, San Jose State
Jones doesn't fit the profile of the impact-type, deep-threat receiver Brett Favre covets. He's lacking big-time credentials, contributing as a receiver full time only last season, when he excelled with 70 receptions and 10 touchdowns to earn team MVP honors. Jones has desired size and is physical going for the football with good hands but isn't a blazer (40 times were in the 4.5s). He should be in the mix as a punt returner, after averaging 11 yards per return in 2006.
Round 3/89 -- Aaron Rouse, S, 6-4, 223, Virginia Tech
A prototypical strong safety who is a punishing hitter and closes fast in run support. The converted linebacker will be in contention with struggling incumbent Marquand Manuel and Marviel Underwood for the starting job alongside Nick Collins. Rouse, though, will have to regain the playmaking form of his junior season in 2005 after he was plagued by inconsistency and struggled in pass coverage last season.
Round 4/119 -- Allen Barbre, OT, 6-4, 300, Missouri Southern State
Division II product brings athleticism and quickness to a crowded offensive line. He was a fixture at left tackle for most of his four-year starting tenure and dominated from the spot last season with 94 knockdowns. Lean in physique, Barbre will need to bulk up in his early development. He will be given an opportunity to win a backup job at the tackle positions, as well as both guard spots.
Round 5/157 -- David Clowney, WR, 6-0, 188, Virginia Tech. Projected to be a first-day pick, Clowney's draft stock fell for one reason or another. The true speedster was slowed during his combine testing by a hamstring injury. Clowney, a sprinting standout for Virginia Tech's track team, is a dynamic straight-line, downfield runner coming off the line of scrimmage. Shortcoming, though, is he isn't overly physical and tends to get knocked off his route running.
Round 6/191 -- Korey Hall, FB, 6-1, 230, Boise State
The Packers plan to make a fullback out of the 2006 Western Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Hall was a running back in high school but made his mark as a three-time all-WAC first-team performer on defense, producing 105 tackles and a team-high six interceptions last season. He was a special-teams ace for Boise State, likened to "a head hunter" by Packers special teams coordinator Mike Stock.
Round 6/192 -- Desmond Bishop, LB, 6-2, 239, California
With Nick Barnett and backup Abdul Hodge, a third-round draft pick last year, at middle linebacker, Bishop will be moved to the outside in his indoctrination to the NFL. Bishop has questionable speed but is regarded as instinctive in pursuit. He was Cal's leading tackler his only two seasons after transferring from a junior college and led the Pac-10 Conference with 126 tackles in 2006.
Round 6/193 -- Mason Crosby, K, 6-1, 212, Colorado
The top kicker in the draft fell from a possible late Day 1 selection. Crosby should be stiff competition for incumbent Dave Rayner, who is coming off only his first season as a full-time kicker in the league. Crosby has as much leg strength as Rayner does, if not more. Crosby left Colorado with 31 school records, including points (307) and longest field goal (60 yards). He connected on a 71-yard boot in practice. For all of his might, accuracy hasn't been compromised with Crosby, who made 75 percent of his field-goal attempts.
Round 7/228 -- DeShawn Wynn, RB, 5-10, 232, Florida
Big-bodied back gives the Packers some flexibility in seeing what he can provide at fullback. Wynn wasn't a workhorse ball carrier at Florida and endured a knee injury last season. Still, he averaged 5.1 yards per carry as the featured guy in 2006, primarily between the tackles. He's a decent pass catcher. Hanging over Wynn are character issues and a resistance to be a team player.
Round 7/243 -- Clark Harris, TE, 6-5, 261, Rutgers
Another big target for Favre, but not unlike incumbent starter Bubba Franks, Harris is a plodder running routes and will never be a deep threat. Blocking is a liability. Harris has experience as a long snapper

[Lurker64]

I would have given this draft a grade of A- if we had come away with Justin Harrell DT - Dwayne Jarrett WR - Marcus McCauley CB ( 3 very athletic players all worthy of round 1 consideration including McCauley) And it could have came about. Just conjecture on my part but i believe it would have cost us KGB and pick 47 to move up in round 2 to have gotten Jarrett. and our 4th and 7th to move up in round 3 ------- Of course that would have meant no Aaron Rouse in late 3rd and Allen Barbre round 4 and Deshawn Wynn RB in 7th and of course KGB..

In other words "I would have given this draft a better grade if TT had drafted the players I wanted and made the moves I think he should make."

At least he's honest.

[TopHat]

I would have given this draft a grade of A- if we had come away with Justin Harrell DT - Dwayne Jarrett WR - Marcus McCauley CB ( 3 very athletic players all worthy of round 1 consideration including McCauley) And it could have came about. Just conjecture on my part but i believe it would have cost us KGB and pick 47 to move up in round 2 to have gotten Jarrett. and our 4th and 7th to move up in round 3 ------- Of course that would have meant no Aaron Rouse in late 3rd and Allen Barbre round 4 and Deshawn Wynn RB in 7th and of course KGB..

In other words "I would have given this draft a better grade if TT had drafted the players I wanted and made the moves I think he should make."

At least he's honest.



TOP HAT'S NOTE: QUOTED PATTY SPEAKS HONEST IN HIS REVIEWS.

[TopHat]

http://www.forecaster.ca/jsonline/football/draft-team.cgi?GB&DraftID=14#8799

Round 1/16 Justin Harrell, DT Complete Bio Page
HT WT College 2006 Stats
6-4 305 Tennessee GP Tk Ast Sacks FR-FF TD Int
3 7 5 0-0 0-0 0 0-0-0

Scouting Report: A tantalizing mix of raw mass, athleticism, and leadership, Harrell can be dominant at times. Harrell plays with a lot of heart and is a take-charge defender, leading the way in run-stopping and occasionally sneaking into the backfield for a sack. He possesses a lot of presence on the field, both in terms of physicality and will-power. His biggest problem has been staying healthy, and a couple of serious injuries kept him from really blossoming. He's a sleeper due to a shortened senior campaign, but could really surprise if he stays on the field.
Impact: Like many of the other picks in the top round, this one seems dictated more by pure talent than by a team trying to fill holes. The Green Bay defensive line isn't sorely in need of a player like Harrell, but it's hard to argue with the selection. The team has said they are more interested in taking the most gifted player regardless of position, and with Marshawn Lynch off the board, the Packers seemed to go the "best player available" route. Harrell is a very good nose tackle prospect who can provide this team with some depth on the middle of the D-line.


Round 2/63 Brandon Jackson, RB Complete Bio Page
HT WT College 2006 Stats
5-10 210 Nebraska GP Rush Yds Avg TD
14 188 989 5.3 8
Scouting Report: Despite declaring after his junior year, Jackson really has only one full season of significant college experience. In 2006 he proved he can be a very productive, versatile, and elusive runner, piling up yards and touchdowns for the Cornhuskers. While he's not particularly big or lightning-fast, Jackson is a very instinctive back who reads plays extremely well and uses superb jukes and lateral moves to find holes. He also showed skills as a returner. Jackson is a top sleeper who may eventually find himself starting in an NFL backfield.
Impact: This may be the running back that most were expecting the Pack to take in the first round. The best way to describe Jackson is 'elusive,' and he has the talent to be eventually be a starter for Green Bay. While not an elite-level back, Jackson is sneaky-good and is the type who might end up being better than his draft position. A cagey pick by the Packers, who may still go out and bring in a veteran runner until Jackson is ready for prime time.

Round 3/78 James Jones, WR Complete Bio Page
HT WT College 2006 Stats
6-1 207 San Jose State GP Rec Yds Avg TD
13 70 893 12.8 10
Scouting Report: An All-WAC Second-Team selection, Jones came on strongly late in his college career. He put up very good numbers in his final season with San Jose State and was by all accounts the team's go-to guy on offense. Jones has good size, hands, and instincts for a wide receiver. He is quick getting off the snap and runs solid routes. His biggest challenge is overcoming a lack of great speed, either separating in space or going vertical. He has the look of a solid possession guy at the next level if he keeps working hard.
Impact: A surprising pick for the Packers. While it's a given that they are looking for mature players who are ready to contribute right now, Jones was seen by most pundits as a late-round selection, if not a free agent. He certainly has skill and good intangibles, but his lack of athleticism or elite size make him a possession guy in the best scenario. Maybe Packer management sees something others don't.

Round 3/89 Aaron Rouse, SS Complete Bio Page
HT WT College 2006 Stats
6-4 225 Virginia Tech GP Tk Ast Sacks FR-FF TD Int
13 57 34 0-0 0-1 0 1-28-0

Scouting Report: If Rouse had spent all his time at Tech playing just one position, he might be seen as one of his draft's elite defenders. Blessed with a rare combination of size, speed, and aggressiveness, Rouse was good as a linebacker for his first two seasons, then even better at safety as a junior and senior. A lights-out hitter, Rouse is always around the ball and is a real playmaker. His lack of polish as a safety showed a little in 2006, as he was replaced as a starter for three games. Regardless, he is a top prospect talent-wise and only needs to keep working to be great.
Impact: The Packer secondary finished the 2006 season much better than it started, a testament to the fact that they need more depth. Enter Rouse, a player who can provide some big hits at several positions. He may be a bit of a 'tweener linebacker-safety, but that may actually help Rouse contribute sooner rather than later in Green Bay's improving young defense. He's a sleeper, but may wake up quickly if all goes well.

Round 4/119 Allen Barbre, OT Complete Bio Page
HT WT College 2006 Stats
6-4 300 Missouri Southern State GP
11
Scouting Report: A Division II All-American and All-MIAA First-Teamer, Barbre has been dominant for MSU for the past couple of years. His rare combination of mobility and power are elite for his position, although he remains somewhat raw in terms of technique. Barbre is a major sleeper who projects as a potential starter in the NFL at either guard or tackle, but his athleticism and lack of elite pure size might make him more suited to certain systems. A hard worker and intense competitor as well, Barbre may be a major steal if given the time and patience to develop.

Round 5/157 David Clowney, WR Complete Bio Page
HT WT College 2006 Stats
6-0 184 Virginia Tech GP Rec Yds Avg TD
12 34 424 12.5 0
Scouting Report: Clowney has speed to burn. Probably known more for his exploits as a track runner than as a receiver, he showed in spurts as a Hokie that he can translate those jets into big plays on the football field. Clowney didn't get many opportunities to be the No.1 guy in the Virginia Tech system, but he has the talent to be a very good wideout. He needs to hit the weights and bulk up, and if he does then Clowney may surprise some by becoming a solid deep threat in the NFL.

Round 6/191 Korey Hall, LB Complete Bio Page
HT WT College 2006 Stats
6-0 232 Boise State GP Tk Ast Sacks FR-FF TD Int
13 111 54 3.5-19 0-1 0 6-108-0
Scouting Report: The WAC's reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Hall was an extrememly productive tackler during his time with Boise State. Highly aggressive and instinctive, he is a true ball-hawk who loves to deliver the big hit. Few players in the draft have a motor as strong as Hall's, and he has excellent leadership abilities to boot. His lack of great speed and size will be obstacles at the next level, but Hall is the type of player who will find a way to succeed. He projects as a special teams regular early on, with the potential for more as he learns the NFL game.

Round 6/192 Desmond Bishop, LB Complete Bio Page
HT WT College 2006 Stats
6-2 239 California GP Tk Ast Sacks FR-FF TD Int
13 126 63 3-18 2-2 0 3-79-0
Scouting Report: With All-Pac-10 First-Team honors in 2006, Bishop continued his rise amongst the ranks of college football's best inside linebackers. He is a very focused tackler, able to line up his targets and knock them down when he gets locked in. He was very productive for two seasons after transferring from JUCO. Bishop may have some trouble early in the NFL because he is a little one-dimensional, lacking a great awareness in pass coverage or the mobility to recover very well. That said, he's a hard worker who will get the most out of his ability. Special teams would be a great place for him to start.

Round 6/193 Mason Crosby, PK Complete Bio Page
HT WT College 2006 Stats
6-1 214 Colorado GP Field Goal Pct XPts
12 19/28 0.68 19/19
Scouting Report: A dominant kicker for several seasons at Colorado, in 2006 Crosby was yet again an All-Big 12 First Teamer. That honour came despite Crosby stumbling a bit as a senior, as he hit just 19-of-28 field goal attempts. Then again, many of those misses came because of attempts other college kickers would never attempt. Few kickers in the nation can match his leg strength or college career accuracy. Crosby is also almost automatic on extra points. He is that rare blue-chip kicking prospect who only comes along once every few years.

Round 7/228 DeShawn Wynn, RB Complete Bio Page
HT WT College 2006 Stats
5-10 238 Florida GP Rush Yds Avg TD
14 143 699 4.9 6
Scouting Report: If not for some nagging injuries in his final year at Florida, Wynn might have put up more impressive numbers. Blessed with good bulk and speed, Wynn flashes some brilliant moves on occasion. He reads plays well and is aggressive through holes, and has the agility to adjust and make cuts. Wynn's biggest issue is a perceived lack of intensity and work ethic, and that seems to limit his upside. He certainly has the talent to be a good NFL tailback, but needs to prove he's committed to making it happen.

Round 7/243 Clark Harris, TE Complete Bio Page
HT WT College 2006 Stats
6-5 261 Rutgers GP Rec Yds Avg TD
13 34 493 14.5 2
Scouting Report: A perennial All-Big East selection, Harris was a highly productive receiver for Rutgers. His consistency was impressive, as he simply piled up catches game in, game out for several seasons. Harris is a pretty polished route-runner who is good at improvising when needed, and will go out of his way to complete a catch. While not an elite athlete, he's not slow or stiff and he has excellent size. Harris can also help out on special teams in the long-snap game, which will help him early on in his career. He needs a lot of work on his blocking.

[TopHat]

http://story.scout.com/a.z?s=61&p=2&c=641465&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fstory.scout.com%2fa.z%3f s%3d61%26p%3d2%26c%3d641465

Would everyone just relax? By Steve Lawrence

Ted Thompson's 2007 draft has come under fire from many die-hard Packers fans. PackerReport.com's Steve Lawrence is underwhelmed, too, but he urges patience and tries to explain Thompson's logic.
__________________________________________________ _____________________

http://story.scout.com/a.z?s=61&p=2&c=641465&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fstory.scout.com%2fa.z%3f s%3d61%26p%3d2%26c%3d641465

Sydney Speaks! Sticking to the plan By Harry Sydney

PackerReport.com's Harry Sydney offers further analysis of the Packers Class of 2007, and wonders which of the 11 selections will make an impact this season. Thompson continues with rebuilding effort instead of landing impact players.
__________________________________________________ _____________________

http://story.scout.com/a.z?s=61&p=2&c=641752&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fstory.scout.com%2fa.z%3f s%3d61%26p%3d2%26c%3d641752

Let's chill out Packers fans!

PackerReport.com correspondent Fox explains how Ted Thompson used the NFL draft to hit on areas that need improvement.
__________________________________________________ _____________________

BONUS: GM TT'S "PLA[I]N" VIEW:

http://pu2006.typepad.com/packerupdate/2007/04/pack_rebuilding.html

Even though he’s never uttered the dreaded “R” word, there should no longer be any doubt that GM Ted Thompson is still in the relatively early stages [?] of rebuilding the Packers. So then why are so many fans upset over his refusal to actively partake in free agency? “I think having Brett Favre around may be causing some confusion,” said a person familiar with the situation. “You normally don’t rebuild around a 37-year-old quarterback.” But that’s exactly what Thompson is doing, and it actually makes a lot of sense. “Favre should allow the Packers to stay competitive while all the young players develop,” added the source. “And to be perfectly honest, the goal isn’t to win another Super Bowl with No. 4; the goal is to be able to win another one without him."
So why is it so vital for the Packers to remain competitive while rebuilding? “It's important to remember that Thompson wasn’t hired by... John Jones,” said the source. “And just like Thompson wanted to bring in his own head coach, Jones would probably like to bring in his own general manager. I don’t think Thompson could survive two or three consecutive losing seasons.... still good enough to keep the team fairly competitive, and in the process, keep Thompson around to see his long-range plan come to fruition.”
The “long-range plan” is to have a strong running game and a powerful defense in place for when...[the successor] takes over....[Who] is smart and resourceful player who will be able to protect the football and manage a game. “Thompson is being pragmatic,” said the source. “He knows how difficult it is to acquire a truly great quarterback, so he’s attempting to build a truly great team around that position. It's a bit easier to do and teams like Baltimore, Tampa Bay, Carolina and Chicago have proven it can get you to where you want to go.” In the meantime, Favre will hopefully buy Thompson enough time to get there.

[TopHat]

http://www.realfootball365.com/nfl/articles/2007/05/packers-clowney-otherpicks020507.html

Send in the Clowney, and other Packer picks By D.Laurant

Over the past two weeks, people all over the country have been thinking about Virginia Tech. And so were the Green Bay Packers , but for a different reason. As it turned out, the Packers snagged Hokies in the third and fifth rounds of last weekend's draft, choosing safety Aaron Rouse as one of their third-round picks and taking wide receiver David Clowney fifth. Both Tech products said they were still traumatized by the April 16 shooting on campus that left 33 dead.
It takes some confidence in your scouting staff to draft a guy named Clowney. Yet while Rouse was high on most draft boards, his teammate could be a sleeper. The 6-foot, 188-pound Clowney never visited the end zone for Tech last season, but he caught 34 passes for 341 yards. Frank Beamer rotated a number of receivers in and out, and quarterback Sean Glennon was a freshman, both of which contributed to his relatively modest numbers. The number that matters to Green Bay is 4.36 -- Clowney's combine 40 time, despite coming off a hamstring pull.
Green Bay also took a receiver in the third round, San Jose State's James Jones. More of a possession receiver than Clowney, Jones caught 70 passes for 893 yards last season. "James Jones is a very strong, very physical player," General Manager Ted Thompson told the Capitol News of Madison. "He's the kind of guy, he goes up to the ball and defensive backs just seem to fall off of him. He catches the ball in traffic, he's good after the catch, he has some return ability.
"Clowney is unbelievably fast. I think he gives us the ability to stretch the field a little bit. He's also a very good route-runner and he's got big hands, catches the ball well. But, like I said, they'll be in competition with our other guys." Overall, Thompson said he felt his team plugged the necessary holes with its 11 selections. On paper, at least, it's hard to argue with him.
Ever since Grady Jackson left, the Packers have needed a run stopper on the defensive line. First-round pick Justin Harrell (6-4, 310) may well be that guy. Harrell missed most of last season at Tennessee with a torn biceps tendon, but his performance at the combine convinced scouts that the injury was healed (some Packer fans, who booed the pick on Draft Day, obviously didn't agree). Pass rushing is not Harrell's forte, but Green Bay already has Kabeer Gbaja-Biamiula and Aaron Kampman for that. Harrell is known for having a strong lower body and being very difficult to move aside.
Green Bay's other pressing need, with Ahman Green gone, was for a running back. So the Packers revisited Green's old school, Nebraska, to draft Cornhusker Brandon Jackson. At 5-9, 210 and 4.5, Jackson has more than adequate speed and size, and he rushed for 989 yards and eight touchdowns last year in a pass-oriented offense. He also gained over 300 yards in pass receptions, giving Brett Favre another potential weapon. What raised some eyebrows was that such better-known backs as Antonio Pittman, Michael Bush, Tony Hunt and Lorenzo Booker were still on the board when Jackson was taken.
In addition, the Packers chose the underachieving DeShawn Wynn from the University of Florida in Round 7. A frequent target of criticism from coach Urban Meyer, Wynn still managed to gain 621 yards and score seven touchdowns for the national champion Gators, then tacked on a touchdown run against Ohio State in the BCS bowl. A 232-pounder, he could give Green Bay the big back it lost when Najeh Davenport went to Pittsburgh. Finally, the Packers may have gotten a jewel in Colorado kicker Mason Crosby, a Big 12 legend and the best at his craft in the college ranks. And, as a bonus, a guy who's used to kicking in cold weather.
Other Pack picks included OT Allen Barbre of Missouri Southern, a small school project who has been clocked at 4.8 in the 40 at 300-plus pounds; Boise State LB Korey Hall (the WAC Defensive Player of the Year) and Rutgers tight end Clark Harris, a prolific pass catcher with a well-known aversion to blocking. Draft gurus generally panned Green Bay's draft, ranking it from a B-minus to a D. Maybe they've never seen Mason Crosby kick. Or David Clowney run.

__________________________________________________ ______________________________________

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=cr-nfcdraftgrades043007&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Green Bay Packers: They spent their first-round pick on Justin Harrell, a defensive tackle with an ample injury history and only three games of senior film. That's a tremendous risk for the 16th overall pick. At the very least, the Packers could have moved back to Denver's slot at 21 and picked up the extra third- and sixth-round picks that went to Jacksonville (the Broncos traded up to the Jaguars' spot at 17). Wideout James Jones sounds like another possession guy. Running back Brandon Jackson is a scary pick, too, considering his two surgically repaired shoulders. Strong safety Aaron Rouse was a good value pick in the third, and offensive tackle Allen Barbre could move to guard and end up a steal in the fourth. They cast a nice, wide net with 11 picks, but there were too many risks and question marks on the first day. Grade: C-

[TopHat]

SI: ALL CHOICES
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/2007/draft/teams/packers.html
__________________________________________________ ____________________________________

Brandon Jackson
www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7LqfRdnT0I

James Jones
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uj5WV8nqxDY

David Clowney
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVvPDJdFAp8

Aaron Rouse video.
http://nfldraft.rivals.com/cviewplayer.asp?Player=1625&PT=7&PR=2#bio

Desmond Bishop
http://tennessee.rivals.com/cviewplayer.asp?Player=51222#bio

Crosby Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42hYCLBpnpE

Harrell
http://collegefootball.rivals.com/cviewplayer.asp?Player=17601#bio
__________________________________________________ _____________________________________

Justin Harrell
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=207187&cl=2376400&ch=396337&src=sports

Brandon Jackson
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=207187&cl=2467965&ch=396337&src=sports

James Jones
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=207187&cl=2434101&ch=396337&src=sports

Aaron Rouse
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=207187&cl=2361135&ch=396337&src=sports

David Clowney
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=207187&cl=2434017&ch=396337&src=sports

Desmond Bishop
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=207187&cl=2433964&ch=396337&src=sports

Clark Harris
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=207187&cl=2468397&ch=396337&src=sports

DeShawn Wynn
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=207187&cl=2468029&ch=396337&src=sports

[TopHat]

8-)

[TopHat]

8-)

[TopHat]

TOP HAT'S NOTE: AMUSING SITES' CONTRAST.

1. PACKER RATS SMALL SAMPLING POLL:

56% Give 2007 Pack Draft B or better.

44% Give 2007 Pack Draft C or worse.

2. A SITE'S SMALL SAMPLING POLL:

45% GIVE 2007 Pack Draft B or better.

55% Give 2007 Pack Draft C or worse.
__________________________________________________ _____________________

TOP HAT'S NOTE: LARGE PACKER NATION POLLS AGREE.

3. A SITE'S LARGE SAMPLING POLL:

18% Give 2007 Pack Draft B or better.

82% Give 2007 Pack Draft C or worse.

4. A SITE'S LARGE SAMPLING POLL:

22% Give 2007 Pack Draft B or better.

78% Give 2007 Pack Draft C or worse.

5. ESPN SPORTS NATION HUGE POLL:

1. 21% Give 2007 Pack Draft B or better.

2. 79% Give 2007 Pack Draft C or worse.
__________________________________________________ _____________________

TOP HAT'S NOTE: CRITICAL FANS SEE DRAFT IMPROVING TEAM.

Are the Green Bay Packers 'better' after this years NFL Draft?

1. 59% YES

2. 41% NO.

[woodbuck27]

I studied this thread very carefully this evening and all I can say is that Ted Thompson has placed a ton of pressure on Mike McCarthy and his coaching staff for this seasons schedule.

Ted's way. To draft this year to improve on our ST effort which was the worst in the NFL. Does that cut it when we had so much need on our offense?

An offense that's running game finished in the bottom third of the NFL last season. Now with the added pressure of the loss of a our #1 RB Ahman Green.

I would have preferred that TT had made a real effort to build some momentum this season for our team. Is his manner not like the man that white wash's his house by adding more water to the paint? We needed more paint added to the water.

This thread certainly doesn't give the ring of applause for Ted"s efforts. His way to water down the draft by trading down, when certain talented prospects as starters, are right in front of him (see pick #47) and for what? Another 6th round pick.

Does that paints a picture of him as a man that is indecisive (way too careful) and certaimly neglectful of the conditions presented by the team he had entering the draft.

In that 6th round he went with two inside linebackers. Why?

When we already have Nick Barnett extended and the jury still out on Abdul Hodge. Couldn't he have found a better position prospect (pick) for our team than going 2X at ILB? I can't find against the pick for Crosby and more than likely he'll be a starter on ST"s but two picks at ILB doesn"t make sense.

What do we have in Ted Thompson's personality?

Is he a GM that likes to draft the underdog? How many GM"s go for the fella that has had a troubled past (GOD love them all) or the college player with a history of adversity through injury.

I'm only going to say that we didn"t need a DT in the first round.

Justin Harrell may be very special but we had specific needs or a spot for that #16 pick. Harrell certainly looks like a young player that will take time to develop, if he can remain healthy. and given his history the risk is huge.

Otherwise there was the place for Ted to make a move to either trade up to get a BB or grab Brady Quinn and make a slash deal for him. Cleveland was hungry for this QB.

Ted went with a need pick in RB (Brandon Jackson) in the second that only started one season and came out to the NFL too early by many observers.

This RB may be a helluva back (from watching the video). He gets to the outside pretty good and he can run around defensive players in a crowd. He has break away speed. Could Ted have used that #47 for a better RB? That is now moot as we have Jackson and another prospecct at ILB.

Comment woodbuck27:

We have learned that one of those ILB's will be tried at FB and the other on the outside at LBer.

There are questions about Ted"s choices in the third of WR James Jones and SS (tweener) Aaron Rouse but they certainly were also of the need category. They will be wait a see"s. Both of these guys look decent on video.

Another trade down in the fourth fr. 112 to 119 with the Steelers nets us OT Allen Barbre and TT takes care of depth in the trenchs with attention to both lines after picking at DT in the first round. Barbre will be a developmentle project. We are seeing a decline in LT Chad Clifton and it"s his knees which isn"t good.

So how was that first day? It"s a crap shoot. I at least believe that Ted Thompson put alot of thought in his picks and all we can hope for is his success.

I will not comment much on the day two picks, but it appears that Ted is being lauded with astuteness for picking our new kicker Mason Crosby. Personally I can't see where he gets all the praise for selecting David Clowney in the fifth round. I'm only an NFL fan that reads well and can try to gain all I can in assessing a player further with available video. I am to date not impressed with the Clowney pick. That may change.

Let's never give up hope. Let"s pray for Ted"s success. :)

GO PACKERS !

[Scott Campbell]

In that 6th round he went with two inside linebackers. Why?

The Boise State guy is projected as a tight end.

[TopHat]

Woodbuck27, your draft review comments are pretty good. I found the data gathering along with the various sites to be an informative sports journey about the Pack and its future.

[Scott Campbell]

Harrell certainly looks like a young player that will take time to develop, if he can remain healthy. and given his history the risk is huge.


I could see the injury concern if he was coming off a torn ACL. But this biceps thing should not be a chronic problem.

[Bretsky]

At 37, Favre simply isn't the playmaker he once was. Yet, Thompson is still trying to surround him with good but not great skill players. He doesn't seem to understand that Favre needs more help than he once did. By refusing Saturday to trade for Cleveland's first-round pick in 2008, Thompson showed he wants to win now. That's why it's curious that he didn't give Favre more help. If Favre is going to be the quarterback, why not give him the weapons he needs at this point in his career?
Wolf has said often that his biggest regret is not putting enough weapons around Favre during his prime. Thompson is doing the same thing at a time when Favre needs them more than ever.


spot on analysis

I'm still baffled as to why TT would not take an extra 1st next year if it was offered.

[Bretsky]

The regular season is four months away, so perhaps it’s too soon to begin targeting the Green Bay Packers’ potential problems. Who can say what hidden roster gem might emerge and make a major impact? But staring at the upcoming season from a distance, there’s one nagging issue that can’t be ignored. Assuming no significant free agents are signed, a giant question mark looms over the Packers’ offense. This is a team that finished in the bottom third of the NFL in scoring last year and froze up in the red zone. This is a team that lost featured running back Ahman Green. This is a team that signed no free agents on the offensive side of the ball. How are the Packers going to score this season? If they ranked near the bottom of the league last year, what’s going to change in 2007 with quarterback Brett Favre a year older and no experienced workhorse ready to step in and replace Green?

Didn't somebody tell this guy that Green stinks and the recipe for improvement on offense is from within :lol: :roll:

[vince]

Woody, you know I respect your contributions here, so I want to debate some of the arguments you made...


To draft this year to improve on our ST effort which was the worst in the NFL. Does that cut it when we had so much need on our offense?

An offense that finished in the bottom third of the NFL last season. An offense certainly suspect after a poor showing in it's running game last season.
The FACT is that Green Bay finished 9th in the NFL in total offense last year. By my math, that's the TOP THIRD, not the bottom third, as you misrepresent to support your argument. http://www.nfl.com/stats/teamsort/NFL/OFF-TOTAL/2006/regular


In that 6th round he went with two inside linebackers. Why?
It is documented that Desmond Bishop is projected to be tried out at the strong side position and that Korey Hall will be converted to fullback, a position his skill set fits well with and one in which he has excelled at in the past. Neither is expected to play inside linebacker as you assert. And regardless of whether these two FORMER inside linebackers end up starting in '07, these two project to enhance special teams - an important area you acknowledge the team WAS THE WORST IN THE LEAGUE LAST YEAR. A pretty important area to address I'd say.


I'm only going to say that we didn"t need a DT in the first round. Justin Harrell may be very special but we had specific needs or a spot for that #16 pick.
Green Bay finished 12th in the league last year in total defense and 13th in the league in rushing defense. By my math, those statistics fall in the MIDDLE THIRD of the league - obviously, worse than the 9th ranked offense production. http://www.nfl.com/stats/teamsort/NFL/DEF-TOTAL/2006/regular

Further, TT has stated time and again that - especially at the top of the draft, it's about getting maximum value. If Ted & Co. targets Jackson to be just as good as (or better) Irons or others, and Jackson can safely be projected to the late second round - then why on earth would we draft a RB in the first round? And if the Packers rate the available receivers much lower in terms of value, and believe they can get a potentially productive receiver that fits our completion-oriented passing attack later in the draft - which they did - why would they lessen the value they can attain at the 16 spot?

Obviously, the Packers (and many other teams, we've found out) believe that Harrell is expected to take the run defense to a higher level. And that, many would argue is the FIRST key to success in the NFL. Many believe that the BEST place to build the foundation of a winner is by developing an elite defensive line. Ted & Co. obviously believe that as well.


Ted went with a need pick in RB (Brandon Jackson) in the second that only started one season and came out to the NFL early by many observers.

Could Ted have used that #47 for a better RB? That is now moot as we have Jackson.

I'd say that the evidence shows pretty clearly that Ted & Co. felt like Jackson is ideally suited to running in the ZBS and there was no other back available at 47 that is as skilled as he - so the decision to trade down in that scenario would therefore be a BEAUTIFUL one.


I will not comment much on the day two picks but it appears that Ted is being lauded with astuteness for picking our new kicker Mason Crosby. Personally I can't see where he gets all the praise for selecting David Clowney in the fifth round.
With your well-documented bias against Ted & Co., I can see how you might have trouble seeing that.

[woodbuck27]

Woody, you know I respect your contributions here, so I want to debate some of the arguments you made...


To draft this year to improve on our ST effort which was the worst in the NFL. Does that cut it when we had so much need on our offense?

An offense that finished in the bottom third of the NFL last season. An offense certainly suspect after a poor showing in it's running game last season.

The FACT is that Green Bay finished 9th in the NFL in total offense last year. By my math, that's the TOP THIRD, not the bottom third, as you misrepresent to support your argument. http://www.nfl.com/stats/teamsort/NFL/OFF-TOTAL/2006/regular

Comment woodbuck27:

Yes Vince that is correct.

I meant to emphasize that our running game was in the lower third of all NFL teams. Nine teams rushed for fewer yards than the Packers.

http://www.nfl.com/stats/teamsort/NFL/OFF-RUSHING/2006/regular


In that 6th round he went with two inside linebackers. Why?

It is documented that Desmond Bishop is projected to be tried out at the strong side position and that Korey Hall will be converted to fullback, a position his skill set fits well with and one in which he has excelled at in the past. Neither is expected to play inside linebacker as you assert. And regardless of whether these two FORMER inside linebackers end up starting in '07, these two project to enhance special teams - an important area you acknowledge the team WAS THE WORST IN THE LEAGUE LAST YEAR. A pretty important area to address I'd say.

Comment woodbuck27: Yes Vince. This is what I'm finding out now by proposing these questions.


I'm only going to say that we didn"t need a DT in the first round. Justin Harrell may be very special but we had specific needs or a spot for that #16 pick.

Green Bay finished 12th in the league last year in total defense and 13th in the league in rushing defense. By my math, those statistics fall in the MIDDLE THIRD of the league - obviously, worse than the 9th ranked offense production. http://www.nfl.com/stats/teamsort/NFL/DEF-TOTAL/2006/regular

Further, TT has stated time and again that - especially at the top of the draft, it's about getting maximum value. If Ted & Co. targets Jackson to be just as good as (or better) Irons or others, and Jackson can safely be projected to the late second round - then why on earth would we draft a RB in the first round? And if the Packers rate the available receivers much lower in terms of value, and believe they can get a potentially productive receiver that fits our completion-oriented passing attack later in the draft - which they did - why would they lessen the value they can attain at the 16 spot?

Obviously, the Packers (and many other teams, we've found out) believe that Harrell is expected to take the run defense to a higher level. And that, many would argue is the FIRST key to success in the NFL. Many believe that the BEST place to build the foundation of a winner is by developing an elite defensive line. Ted & Co. obviously believe that as well.

Comment woodbuck27:

Your analysis of the Harrel pick is sound Vince.

I know clearly what TT believes Vince and he backs himself up on the Harrell pick.

He also admits that he had about five offers to trade down fr. pick#16. We are well aware that he passed on Quinn that would have possibly netted us another first next season in a trade with the Browns.

I question that missed opportunity.

We know that it appears that option or others were not seized because of TT"s 'love' for DT Justin Harrell.


Ted went with a need pick in RB (Brandon Jackson) in the second that only started one season and came out to the NFL early by many observers.

Could Ted have used that #47 for a better RB? That is now moot as we have Jackson.

I'd say that the evidence shows pretty clearly that Ted & Co. felt like Jackson is ideally suited to running in the ZBS and there was no other back available at 47 that is as skilled as he - so the decision to trade down in that scenario would therefore be a BEAUTIFUL one.

Comment woodbuck27:

I'm warming up to the choice of RB's Brandon Jackson, Vince. I watched all the video I could find on him. My comments in an earlier post reflect positives on this young RB. I really want him to be the fit that TT believes he will be.

As I look at the first day of the draft. The only real difficulty I have is with TT"s play on #16. That first Rd. pick may have been more valuable than we ever believed it could be. A successful negotiation with the Browns after selecting Brady Quinn looks like the best case scenario 'in hindsight' :) to me.


I will not comment much on the day two picks but it appears that Ted is being lauded with astuteness for picking our new kicker Mason Crosby. Personally I can't see where he gets all the praise for selecting David Clowney in the fifth round.

With your well-documented bias against Ted & Co., I can see how you might have trouble seeing that.

Comment woodbuck27:

I am saying that I see Mason Crosby in the 6th Rd. as possibly being a steal for TT. I certainly like that pick Vince. I now have more insight in his reasons for going 2X at ILB also in the 6th.

I'm not all over the pick of WR David Clowney. I may need more time to get used to this 5th Rd. pick and maybe I'll never like it. :)

As far as Ted Thompson overall. He certainly hasn't advertised himself to me in a manner that causes me to want to be a huge fan of his. It's not really happening yet.

I'm just like alot of other Packer fans that are wilting under the weight of just all he is. Sadly what do we have but this?

We will wait until the Packer record on the field speaks for itself. 8-)

[woodbuck27]

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/6767102

How top draft picks rated as preps

Jamie Newberg / Scout.com

Let's take a close look at the top 100 draft picks from this weekend and see where they were ranked coming out of high school for their respective classes of 2002, '03 and '04.

Here is a look at the top 100 players taken in this past weekend's NFL Draft. How did these players rank coming out of high school? You can see that and more below.

Most of these players were members of the class of '02, '03 and '04. Some of their peers, like Ernie Sims, Mario Williams and Reggie Bush were selected in last year's NFL Draft.

1. JaMarcus Russell (QB — '03) LSU
Oakland
Five-star, No. 4 ranked quarterback, No. 14 prospect overall, National Top 100

2. Calvin Johnson (WR — '04) Georgia Tech
Detroit
Five-star, No. 3 ranked WR, No. 14 prospect overall, National Top 100

3. Joe Thomas (OT — '03) Wisconsin
Cleveland
Five-star, No. 5 ranked OL, No. 2 ranked OT, No. 45 prospect overall, National Top 100

4. Gaines Adams (DE — '02) Clemson
Tampa Bay
Two-star, un-ranked (prep school)

5. Levi Brown (OT — '02) Penn State
Arizona
Four-star, No. 24 ranked DT

6. LaRon Landry (S — '03) LSU
Washington
Four-star, No. 10 ranked S

7. Adrian Peterson (RB — '04) Oklahoma
Minnesota
Five-star, No. 1 ranked RB, No. 3 ranked prospect overall, National Top 100

8. Jamaal Anderson (DE — '04) Arkansas
Atlanta
Two-star wide receiver

9. Ted Ginn Jr., (WR — '04) Ohio State
Miami
Five-star, No. 1 ranked CB, No. 4 ranked prospect overall, National Top 100, Scout.com National Player of the Year

Amobi Okoye went from unrated high school star to first-round NFL Draft pick. (Alan Diaz / Associated Press)

10. Amobi Okoye (DT — '03) Louisville
Houston
Two-star, un-ranked DT

11. Patrick Willis (LB — '03) Ole Miss
San Francisco
Two-star un-ranked LB

12. Marshawn Lynch (RB — '04) Cal
Buffalo
Four-star, No. 16 ranked RB

13. Adam Carriker (DE — '02) Nebraska
St. Louis
Two-star, un-ranked DE

14. Darrelle Revis (CB — '04) Pittsburgh
N.Y. Jets
Three-star, No. 36 ranked CB

15. Lawrence Timmons (LB — '04) Florida State
Pittsburgh
Four-star, No. 10 ranked LB, No. 93 ranked prospect overall, National Top 100

16. Justin Harrell (DT — '04) Tennessee
Green Bay
Three-star, No. 35 ranked OL

17. Jarvis Moss (DE — '03) Florida
Denver
Five-star, No. 2 ranked DE, No. 13 prospect overall, National Top 100

18. Leon Hall (CB — '03) Michigan
Cincinnati
Four-star, No. 7 ranked CB

19. Michael Griffin (S — '03) Texas
Tennessee
Three-star, No. 26 ranked CB

20. Aaron Ross (CB — '02) Texas
N.Y. Giants
Four-star, No. 11 ranked CB

21. Reggie Nelson (S — '03) Florida
Jacksonville
Five-star, No. 2 ranked S, No. 38 prospect overall, National Top 100

22. Brady Quinn (QB — '03) Notre Dame
Cleveland
Four-star, No. 9 ranked QB, No. 95 overall, National Top 100

23. Dwayne Bowe (WR — '03) LSU
Kansas City
Four-star, No. 9 ranked WR

24. Brandon Meriweather (S — '02) Miami
New England
Four-star, No. 27 ranked S

25. Jon Beason (LB — '03) Miami
Carolina
Four-star, No. 16 ranked S

26. Anthony Spencer (DE — '02) Purdue
Dallas
Un-ranked DE

27. Robert Meachem (WR — '03) Tennessee
New Orleans
Five-star, No. 5 ranked WR, No. 37 prospect overall, National Top 100

Joe Staley was a tight end coming out of high school. (Central Michigan University / Associated Press)

28. Joe Staley (OT — '03) Central Michigan
San Francisco
Two-star, un-ranked TE

29. Ben Grubbs (OG — '02) Auburn
Baltimore
Un-ranked DE

30. Craig Davis (WR — '03) LSU
San Diego
Four-star, No. 15 ranked WR

31. Greg Olsen (TE — '03) Miami
Chicago
Five-star, No. 1 ranked TE, No. 20 overall prospect, National Top 100

32. Anthony Gonzalez (WR — '03) Ohio State
Indianapolis
Four-star, No. 8 ranked CB prospect, No. 97 overall, National Top 100

33. Alan Branch (DT — '04) Michigan
Arizona
Three-star, No. 23 ranked DT

34. Paul Posluszny (LB — '03) Penn State
Buffalo
Four-star, No. 20 ranked LB

35. Arron Sears (OG — '03) Tennessee
Tampa Bay
Four-star, No. 34 ranked OL

36. Kevin Kolb (QB — '03) Houston
Philadelphia
Three-star, No. 55 ranked QB

37. Eric Weddle (S — '03) Utah
San Diego
Two-star, un-ranked WR

38. Zach Miller (TE — '04) Arizona State
Oakland
Five-star, No. 1 ranked TE, No. 23 ranked prospect overall, National Top 100

39. Justin Blalock (OG — '02) Texas
Atlanta
Five-star, No. 1 ranked OL, No. 17 ranked overall, National Top 100

40. John Beck (QB — '00) BYU
Miami
NR

41. Chris Houston (CB — '03) Arkansas
Atlanta
Three-star, No. 63 ranked CB

42. Tony Ugoh (OT — '02) Arkansas
Indianapolis
Four-star, No. 10 ranked OL, No. 8 ranked OT, No. 73 ranked prospect overall, National Top 100

43. Drew Stanton (QB — '02) Michigan State
Detroit
Four-star, No. 17 ranked QB

44. Sidney Rice (WR — '04) South Carolina
Minnesota
Three-star, No. 40 ranked WR

45. Dwayne Jarrett (WR — '04) USC
Carolina
Four-star, No. 7 ranked WR, No. 37 ranked prospect overall, National Top 100

LaMarr Woodley was among the top-rated players in the class of 2003. (Brian Bahr / Getty Images)

46. LaMarr Woodley (DE — '03) Michigan
Pittsburgh
Five star, No. 1 ranked DE, No. 2 ranked prospect overall, National Top 100

47. David Harris (LB — '02) Michigan
N.Y. Jets
Two-star, un-ranked LB

48. Justin Durant (LB — '03) Hampton
Jacksonville
Two-star, No. 122 ranked LB

49. Kenny Irons (RB — '02) Auburn
Cincinnati
Three-star, No. 51 ranked LB

50. Chris Henry (RB — '03) Arizona
Tennessee
Two-star, No. 90 ranked RB

51. Steve Smith (WR — '03) USC
N.Y. Giants
Four-star, No. 6 ranked WR, No. 59 ranked prospect overall, National Top 100

52. Brian Leonard (FB — '02) Rutgers
St. Louis
Three-star, No. 38 ranked LB

53. Eric Wright (CB — '03) UNLV
Cleveland
Two-star, No. 75 ranked CB

54. Turk McBride (DT — '03) Tennessee
Kansas City
Four-star, No. 6 ranked DE, No. 42 ranked prospect overall, National Top 100

55. Josh Wilson (CB — '03) Maryland
Seattle
Two-star, No. 105 ranked CB

56. Tim Crowder (DE — '03) Texas
Denver
Four-star, No. 11 ranked DE, No. 70 ranked prospect overall, National Top 100

57. Victor Abiamiri (DE — '03) Notre Dame
Philadelphia
Four-star, No. 7 ranked DE, No. 48 ranked prospect overall, National Top 100

58. Ikaika Alama-Francis (DE) Hawaii
Detroit
NR

59. Ryan Kalil (C — '03) USC
Carolina
Three-star, No. 59 ranked OL

60. Samson Satele (C — '02) Hawaii
Miami
Two star OL

61. Gerald Alexander (S) Boise State
Detroit
NR

62. Daniel Bazuin (DE) Central Michigan
Chicago
NR

63. Brandon Jackson (RB — '04) Nebraska
Green Bay Two-star, No. 89 ranked RB

64. Sabby Piscitelli (S) Oregon State
Tampa Bay
NR

65. Quentin Moses (DE — '02) Georgia
Oakland
Two-star, unranked DE

66. Usama Young (CB — '03) Kent State
New Orleans
Two-star, un-ranked S

67. James Marten (OT) Boston College
Dallas
NR

68. Quincy Black (OLB — '02) New Mexico
Tampa Bay
Two-star, un-ranked DE

69. Buster Davis (LB — '02) FSU
Arizona
Four-star, No. 7 ranked linebacker, No. 55 ranked prospect overall, National Top 100

70. Ryan Harris (OT — '03) Notre Dame
Denver
Four-star, No. 6 ranked OL, No. 3 ranked OT, No. 50 ranked prospect overall, National Top 100

71. Lorenzo Booker (RB — '02) FSU
Miami
Five-star, No. 1 ranked RB, No. 1 prospect overall, National Top 100

72. Marcus McCauley (CB — '02) Fresno State
Minnesota
Two-star, un-ranked S

73. Jacoby Jones (WR — '04) Lane
Houston
Two-star, un-ranked RB

74. Yamon Figurs (WR — '02) Kansas State
Baltimore
Two-star, un-ranked WR

75. Laurent Robinson (WR) Illinois State
Atlanta
NR

76. Jason Hill (WR — '03) Washington State
San Francisco
Two-star, un-ranked S

77. Matt Spaeth (TE — '02) Minnesota
Pittsburgh
Two-star, un-ranked DE

78. James Jones (WR) San Jose State
Green Bay NR

79. Mike Walker (WR — '03) UCF
Jacksonville
Three-star, No. 84 ranked WR

80. Paul Williams (WR — '02) Fresno State
Tennessee
Two-star, un-ranked WR

81. Jay Alford (DT - 02) Penn State
N.Y. Giants
Three-star, No. 32 ranked DT

82. Demarcus Tyler (DT - 03) N.C. State
Kansas City
Three-star, No. 29 ranked DT

83. Charles Johnson (DE — '04) Georgia
Carolina
Five-star, No. 2 ranked DE, No. 8 prospect overall, National Top 100

84. Jonathan Wade (CB — '02) Tennessee
St. Louis
Four-star, No. 18 ranked CB

85. Brandon Mebane (DT — '03) Cal
Seattle
Four-star, No. 13 ranked DT

86. Marshal Yanda (OG) Iowa
Baltimore
NR

87. Stewart Bradley (OLB) Nebraska
Philadelphia
NR

88. Andy Alleman (OG — '02) Akron
New Orleans
Three-star, No. 75 ranked DE


89. Aaron Rouse (S — '02) Virginia Tech
Green Bay Three-star, No. 59 ranked S


90. Tony Hunt (RB — '03) Penn State
Philadelphia
Three-star, No. 29 ranked RB


91. Mario Henderson (OT — '03) FSU
Oakland
Three-star, No. 51 ranked OL

Trent Edwards was one of the most sought-after quarterback prospects coming out of high school.

92. Trent Edwards (QB — '02) Stanford
Buffalo
Five-star, No. 2 ranked quarterback, No. 7 prospect overall, National Top 100

93. Garrett Wolfe (RB — '02) Northern Illinois
Chicago
Two-star, un-ranked RB

94. Michael Okwo (OLB — '04) Stanford
Chicago
Four-star, No. 16 ranked LB

95. Daymeion Hughes (CB) Cal
Indianapolis
NR

96. Anthony Waters (LB — '02) Clemson
San Diego
Three-star, No. 79 ranked LB

97. Ray McDonald (DE — '02) Florida
San Francisco
Three-star, No. 39 ranked DE

98. Quin Pitcock (DT — '02) Ohio State
Indianapolis
Four-star, No. 7 defensive tackle, No. 46 ranked prospect overall, National Top 100

99. Johnnie Lee Higgins (WR — '02) UTEP
Oakland
Two-star, un-ranked WR

100. Michael Bush (RB — '03) Louisville
Oakland
Five-star, No. 1 ranked QB, No. 3 ranked prospect overall, National Top 100

[woodbuck27]

http://www.nfl.com/draft/story/10172035

First-round receivers are no sure catch

By Pat Kirwan
NFL.com Senior Analyst

(May 8, 2007) -- The 2007 NFL Draft is history and about half of the 32 teams have had their post-draft minicamp. There are great expectations about the young players selected, and while it is time for a little dreaming about what might be down the road, I thought we should look back in order to foresee the future. Wide receiver was a very popular position in the first round this year, so let's start there.

Six wide receivers were selected in the first round, and from the Lions taking the "best player in the draft" in Calvin Johnson to Miami picking the slightly injured Ted Ginn, every team felt it got a great player. Dwayne Bowe in Kansas City, Robert Meachem in New Orleans, Craig Davis in San Diego and Anthony Gonzalez in Indianapolis are all creating a buzz, but history says they have a rough road ahead of them.

The Dolphins hope Ted Ginn will live up to his draft position.
From 2000 to 2006, there were 31 wide receivers selected in the first round and history says plenty about what to believe is going to happen to the Class of 2007.

The first reality is that the receivers have precious few years to deliver or they will be gone. They may get another chance or two down the road, but the team that drafted them will move on quickly if they struggle.

Keep in mind that the six teams this year will spend close to $50 million on these players, but is it money well spent? What are the chances of seeing a return on their investment?

From 2003 back to 2000, only three of the 17 receivers drafted in the first round are still with the team that drafted them.

Andre Johnson (Houston), Bryant Johnson (Arizona) and Reggie Wayne (Indianapolis) still collect a paycheck from the team that had so many wonderful things to say about them in the days following their selection.

Here is the list of first-round wide receivers from 2000-2005 that are no longer with the team that drafted them. It's not a pretty group and provides a sobering reality check about what may lay ahead for the Class of 2007.

Some are still playing and a few are starting, but not where they were selected.

2000: Peter Warrick, Travis Taylor, Sylvester Morris, R.J. Soward, Plaxico Burress
2001: David Terrell, Koren Robinson, Rod Gardner, Freddie Mitchell, Santana Moss
2002: Donte' Stallworth, Ashley Lelie, Javon Walker
2003: Charles Rogers
2004: Rashaun Woods
2005: Mike Williams

This is a big year for a number of receivers from 2004 and 2005 who really have to take a big jump or they will be the next wave of victims. The teams are already bringing in competition for them.

Troy Williamson struggles to catch the ball in Minnesota, so the Vikings selected Sidney Rice in the second round. Roddy White and Michael Jenkins have a new coach with the Falcons, who signed Joe Horn and drafted Laurent Robinson in the third round.

I give the Lions a lot of credit for not looking back at the Mike Williams and Charles Rogers selections and taking Calvin Johnson. If they're right about Johnson and he's a great player, they are set for a long time.

As bad as the picture looks for wide receivers, the first round of the 2000-2006 draft's also produced Larry Fitzgerald, Roy Williams, Andre Johnson and Reggie Wayne. Recent history says there is a 13 percent chance of drafting a great player at the wide receiver position in the first round and having him on your roster.

But history also says there's a 26 percent chance a first-round wide receiver will be out of football in the next six years.

Finally, it takes time to train a wide receiver.

Route running needs to be developed and learning to release off the line versus press coverage, recognizing coverages, and the ability to catch the ball all take time. But do teams have the time?

There's no chance all six teams that took a wide receiver this year will wait for their prize pupil to make it on their roster.

If they do shine in the next few years, they will want more money than most teams are willing to spend to keep them. Javon Walker got out of Green Bay, Plaxico Burress bolted from Pittsburgh and Santana Moss was traded from the Jets.

Here's the survival rate over the past six years for first-round receivers that are still with the team that drafted them.

2006: 100 percent (1 of 1)
2005: 83 percent (5 of 6)
2004: 86 percent (6 of 7)
2003: 66 percent (2 of 3)
2002: 0 percent (0 of 3)
2001: 17 percent (1 of 6)
2000: 0 percent (0 of 5)

[woodbuck27]

http://www.nfl.com/draft/story/10165968

Players drafted by conferences:

SEC: 41 in 2007; 661 since 1990

Big Ten: 32 in 2007; 582 since 1990

ACC: 31 in 2007; 457 since 1990

Big 12: 28 in 2007; 324 since 1997

Pac-10: 28 in 2007; 571 since 1990

WAC: 17 in 2007

Big East: 16 in 2007

Independents: 9 in 2007

Mountain West: 9 in 2007

MAC: 8 in 2007

Conference USA: 8 in 2007

Sun Belt: 5 in 2007

Atlantic 10: 4 in 2007

[The Leaper]

Too bad the expert's grades don't get reviewed like they should.

Not sure what the experts will do in 3 years if Barbre is starting at LT after Clifton's retirement, Harrell is a John Henderson type DT, Clowney is our deep threat as a #3 WR, Crosby is one of the best PKs in the league, Harris is a decent backup TE and good long snapper, Jackson is our starting RB, and Rouse is our starting S. They likely won't get called out like they should--for lambasting the Packers the day after the draft. Hell, most of them don't say anything about screwing up the Bills draft grade last year. They were considered to have a lousy draft--while it looks like they might have one of the top few drafts in the league last year (with upwards of 7 current or near future starters).

Grading a draft is really impossible at this point...OUTSIDE of measuring the immediate impact. That is what hurts Green Bay in this draft. Harrell is not going to make a huge immediate impact on a team with a rather deep DL. Jackson and Jones aren't blue chip talents, and likely will take time to develop.

For a team on the rise at the end of 2006, you would like to see the team take a few chances here and there to bump the team forward into playoff contention. You would like to see the team be aggressive in trying to fill some glaring holes at WR, TE and SS.

Instead, Thompson took a RB from Nebraska...which hasn't historically produced solid NFL backs. Instead, Thompson took a WR who could not even garner first team honors in the pitiful WAC. Instead, Thompson more or less ignored the TE position.

Yeah...we need to wait to see whether or not this talent will pan out. However, the hyper-conservative approach typically does not bring a franchise championship glory. You have to be willing to stick your neck out there sometimes as a GM...just like Sherman had to be willing to stick his nuts out when necessary in the postseason.

I'm not convinced that Thompson doesn't share some of the same drawbacks as a GM that Sherman had as a head coach...in other words, Thompson may be a solid GM, but one who will struggle to take a team to the next level and be a true title contender. While he did a good job acquiring talent in Seattle, the team didn't get over the hump until they dismissed Thompson and made some personnel moves that were a little more risky. Can Thompson pull the trigger on a "risky" move? I highly doubt it.

[woodbuck27]

I'd rather that he reflect this:

A little of this and a little of that not all this.

Ted Thompson isn't flexible. If he doesn"t get there I really feel that we will not come together under his tenure as our GM.

[MJZiggy]

I'm not convinced that Thompson doesn't share some of the same drawbacks as a GM that Sherman had as a head coach...in other words, Thompson may be a solid GM, but one who will struggle to take a team to the next level and be a true title contender. While he did a good job acquiring talent in Seattle, the team didn't get over the hump until they dismissed Thompson and made some personnel moves that were a little more risky. Can Thompson pull the trigger on a "risky" move? I highly doubt it.

Seattle didn't dismiss Thompson. Harlan hired him away from them.

[BooHoo]

Hey, I thought the Pack identified TT as the man to hire so he left Seattle. I don't remember he was unemployed when we hired him.

[woodbuck27]

The regular season is four months away, so perhaps it’s too soon to begin targeting the Green Bay Packers’ potential problems. Who can say what hidden roster gem might emerge and make a major impact? But staring at the upcoming season from a distance, there’s one nagging issue that can’t be ignored. Assuming no significant free agents are signed, a giant question mark looms over the Packers’ offense. This is a team that finished in the bottom third of the NFL in scoring last year and froze up in the red zone. This is a team that lost featured running back Ahman Green. This is a team that signed no free agents on the offensive side of the ball. How are the Packers going to score this season? If they ranked near the bottom of the league last year, what’s going to change in 2007 with quarterback Brett Favre a year older and no experienced workhorse ready to step in and replace Green?

Didn't somebody tell this guy that Green stinks and the recipe for improvement on offense is from within :lol: :roll:

I noted today that Fabino has Ahman Green down as a second RB to go to in Fantasy Football. He is the 22nd ranked RB by Fabino.

I believe he has more in the tank. I havn't checked out what the Texans have done on their OL which has been horrid.

[TopHat]

The regular season is four months away, so perhaps it’s too soon to begin targeting the Green Bay Packers’ potential problems. Who can say what hidden roster gem might emerge and make a major impact? But staring at the upcoming season from a distance, there’s one nagging issue that can’t be ignored. Assuming no significant free agents are signed, a giant question mark looms over the Packers’ offense. This is a team that finished in the bottom third of the NFL in scoring last year and froze up in the red zone. This is a team that lost featured running back Ahman Green. This is a team that signed no free agents on the offensive side of the ball. How are the Packers going to score this season? If they ranked near the bottom of the league last year, what’s going to change in 2007 with quarterback Brett Favre a year older and no experienced workhorse ready to step in and replace Green?

Didn't somebody tell this guy that Green stinks and the recipe for improvement on offense is from within :lol: :roll:

I noted today that Fabino has Ahman Green down as a second RB to go to in Fantasy Football. He is the 22nd ranked RB by Fabino.

I believe he has more in the tank. I havn"t checked out what the Texans have done on their OL which has been horrid.

WE SHALL SEE.