Top 100 Pro Prospects from Rivals

[Carolina_Packer]

The 2008th draft will be a draft where the Packers will try to fill a few holes, maybe one starting position, but this draft will be mostly for the depth of the franchise, with many latter picks being cut or put on the practice squad.

I like Ryan Grant, but at the same time I still think the Packers need to find a difference maker if one is available, Steve Slaton.

For the Packers to drop someone in and get instant playing time, it will most likely be in the secondary, but the fact is Jarrett Bush is a young player that has made his share of mistakes, but he shows promise. Will Blackmon is often injured by is a very talented player.

Lots of defensive ends, the bottom line is the Packers could use one if this whole Jenkins thing doesn't work out.

Backup QB

1. RB
2. DB
3. LB
4. OL
5. QB
6. DL
7. WR

Yep, I'd love to see a RB, but first a corner to provide depth, and eventually take over. Time to think succession for our corners. I think no matter who you bring in and how well they did in college, unless they are an Adrian Peterson type talent, they are probably going to struggle, and do some good things, so a corner for instance might resemble Jarret Bush and his struggles at least for a while. I think G would be a great addition. I guess we'll see how far this crew can take us this year. LB depth for sure, and QB depth for PS, or roster.

[Deputy Nutz]

For this team to remain successful in the future, the each draft needs to hit on several quality players, just because this team is on the rise and seems to have quality players at most positions doesn't mean that the GM should alter his drafting strategy, granted your team is in a better position to maybe trade up with lower picks since those later round picks might not make the roster, but be careful that is the same strategy that Mike Sherman used and it blew up in his pen chewing face

[OS PA]

Does anybody have a list of who the available free agents are going to be next year?

I'd like to see us draft an O-Lineman in the first and possibly get a CB in the second, but I'd also like to see us get a CB through free agency.

[Tarlam!]

possibly get a CB in the second, but I'd also like to see us get a CB through free agency.

We did that already the past 2 seasons!
Woodson and Frankie Walker.

http://www.packers.com/team/players/walker_frank/

We don't here much about him, but if he turns out like that other NYG guy we got, we should be still OK at CB....

[chain_gang]

what about this guy at CB maybe in the 2nd they vary on the draft projections. (I know a little early to be talking about draft sleepers). Haven't seen much of him, but he adds a little weight to his frame, is as athletic as they come.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, DS #4 CB, Tennessee State

Ht: 6-2 Wt: 182 Speed: 4.38

2008 Scout.com NFL Draft Rankings (full list):
Pos: CB Pos Rank: #5


Biography:
Career at TSU: Made an immediate impact in his true freshman season...Sparked the Tigers with several big plays during the course of the season...Look upon to continue progress and be a solid secondary player at a cornerback position for three more years...Returned both pass interceptions for touchdowns, one a 35-yard score vs. Jackson State in the Southern Heritage Classic victory...Second score was a 56-yard return for TD early in Samford game...Third TD came on a two-yard fumble return for a touchdown at Eastern Illinois...Had 22 solo among 33 total tackles.

Personal: Majoring in psychology...Selected TSU because of its academic program...Son of Melissa Williams and Stanley Cromartie...Born April 7, 1986



Here's the some more.



One of the highest rated cornerbacks for the 2008 NFL Draft is Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie from Tennessee State. Rogers is dominant on the Division 1AA level and is a first team Division 1AA All American from Lindy’s, a first-team All-Ohio Valley pick, and on almost every other Division 1AA first Team All-American list in the nation. Rodgers is a ball hawk; he snatched a league-best six interceptions last year to go along with his 47 tackles (35 solo). The senior from Bradenton Florida also recorded 13 passes defended, 2 Tackles for loss and 1 blocked kick.

That is all fine and dandy, a lot of defensive backs put up incredible numbers at the small school level, but what separates Rogers is his speed and athletic ability. Rogers has world class speed and jumping ability which will allow him to compete with the big boys in the NFL. Rodgers was named the Ohio Valley Conference Indoor Track Championships Top Male athlete after winning first place in the 60 meter dash (6.89 seconds), the Long Jump (25.75), and the High Jump (6-09.5). He also finished second place in the Triple Jump at (48-08).

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is a solid NFL Prospect and with strong senior season should get an invite to the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine, but at 6’ 2” 178 pounds, he will have to bulk up and get a little stronger to match up with the Terrell Owens’s of the NFL. Right now, he looks to me like a late round selection in the 2008 NFL Draft.

[Deputy Nutz]

I have a hard time believing that Thompson will draft an offensive linemen in the first round, earliest would be the third round, there is not a lot of depth on interior linemen, and why draft a highly rated player to sit him behind Tausch and Clifton?

Probably going to happen.

[oregonpackfan]

I have a hard time believing that Thompson will draft an offensive linemen in the first round, earliest would be the third round, there is not a lot of depth on interior linemen, and why draft a highly rated player to sit him behind Tausch and Clifton?

Probably going to happen.

You never know when a good player is going to be injured...

[3irty1]

what about this guy at CB maybe in the 2nd they vary on the draft projections. (I know a little early to be talking about draft sleepers). Haven't seen much of him, but he adds a little weight to his frame, is as athletic as they come.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, DS #4 CB, Tennessee State

Ht: 6-2 Wt: 182 Speed: 4.38

2008 Scout.com NFL Draft Rankings (full list):
Pos: CB Pos Rank: #5


Biography:
Career at TSU: Made an immediate impact in his true freshman season...Sparked the Tigers with several big plays during the course of the season...Look upon to continue progress and be a solid secondary player at a cornerback position for three more years...Returned both pass interceptions for touchdowns, one a 35-yard score vs. Jackson State in the Southern Heritage Classic victory...Second score was a 56-yard return for TD early in Samford game...Third TD came on a two-yard fumble return for a touchdown at Eastern Illinois...Had 22 solo among 33 total tackles.

Personal: Majoring in psychology...Selected TSU because of its academic program...Son of Melissa Williams and Stanley Cromartie...Born April 7, 1986



Here's the some more.



One of the highest rated cornerbacks for the 2008 NFL Draft is Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie from Tennessee State. Rogers is dominant on the Division 1AA level and is a first team Division 1AA All American from Lindy’s, a first-team All-Ohio Valley pick, and on almost every other Division 1AA first Team All-American list in the nation. Rodgers is a ball hawk; he snatched a league-best six interceptions last year to go along with his 47 tackles (35 solo). The senior from Bradenton Florida also recorded 13 passes defended, 2 Tackles for loss and 1 blocked kick.

That is all fine and dandy, a lot of defensive backs put up incredible numbers at the small school level, but what separates Rogers is his speed and athletic ability. Rogers has world class speed and jumping ability which will allow him to compete with the big boys in the NFL. Rodgers was named the Ohio Valley Conference Indoor Track Championships Top Male athlete after winning first place in the 60 meter dash (6.89 seconds), the Long Jump (25.75), and the High Jump (6-09.5). He also finished second place in the Triple Jump at (48-08).

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is a solid NFL Prospect and with strong senior season should get an invite to the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine, but at 6’ 2” 178 pounds, he will have to bulk up and get a little stronger to match up with the Terrell Owens’s of the NFL. Right now, he looks to me like a late round selection in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Not sure a guy this small fits our scheme. We'll be looking for a strong corner who can force guys off their routes, be physical at the line, and hold a guy WITHOUT giving up a TD.

[Partial]

Anton Cason(#8) was a huge difference-maker in the Arizona-Oregon game!
Not only was he all over the field but he returned an interception for a touchdown and returned a punt for a touchdown against the Ducks.

He was definitely a college player who you felt "Will be playing on Sundays next year."

I agree with that. He also seemed to be a very good tackler for a college cornerback. I've only seen him play once, but I was pretty impressed. I don't know how well he'd fair in our system, but I left with the interpretation that he does not shy away from contact. I wouldn't mind seeing him in G&G this year followed by Ike the next year

[Partial]

I like Ryan Grant, but at the same time I still think the Packers need to find a difference maker if one is available, Steve Slaton.

I like Slaton too because he is really fast, but I am not sure how well his game translates to the pros. He's pretty small and would need to be used ala Westbrook or Bush, which wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing.

With that said though, I think we'd be better off going with a guy like Mendenhall or Stewart. They both are very physical and can grind it out. Stewart reminds me a lot of a slower Ahman Green.

[3irty1]

I like Ryan Grant, but at the same time I still think the Packers need to find a difference maker if one is available, Steve Slaton.

I like Slaton too because he is really fast, but I am not sure how well his game translates to the pros. He's pretty small and would need to be used ala Westbrook or Bush, which wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing.

With that said though, I think we'd be better off going with a guy like Mendenhall or Stewart. They both are very physical and can grind it out. Stewart reminds me a lot of a slower Ahman Green.

Stewart is like an Ahman Green but he changes directions more and seems to care about what the defense is doing more than Green. He's also an ambi-holder (he can hold the ball in either arm) unlike Green. Green was a freakish combination of power and speed but I think Stewart might be deceptively fast. He's got a great kick return average.

[Bossman641]

Mendenhall, he is a beast.

[Lurker64]

I like Ray Rice a lot, but I'm left to wonder how much tread he has left on his tires.

I'm also skeptical of TT taking a RB in the first round, seeing the historical success rate on first round RBs. Then again, with any luck we're drafting in the 30s so the guy we take won't be one of the "hyped" guys.

[Partial]

Mendenhall, he is a beast.

Are you at UI these days?

[Merlin]

I don't watch many college games or scout prospects, and I know TT doesnt' draft based on need, but I'm thinking we are looking at the the following priorities in terms of need...

1. CB
2. OG
3. LB
4. DE
5. RB
6. TE
7. QB

I would think OT has to be in our need list. Clifton and Tauscher aren't getting any younger and we really have no one right now that can take over for them and play as well as they are on the roster. We can't afford to wait 2-3 years from now when they retire to fill the position, we need that depth now. OG isn't as much of a need as a want due to the inconsistent play we are getting out of that position. We have experienced that type of play for 3 seasons now and I don't think bringing in a pair of rookies to make a 4th season of inconsistency is smart. Corner backs are normally not first round picks and for once I would like to see a play maker taken that can contribute day one, not 4-5 seasons from now, not person who doesn't make the game day roster, but now. We need depth at running back and I am not sold on anyone accept Grant and Herron, although Herron will be cut I am sure because he isn't well liked for whatever reason. Jackson isn't progressing all though he is running harder then prior to Grant starting (gee what a shock a rookie learning from a veteran), Wynn and Morency cannot stay healthy so we need to cut them loose.

I am not against taking a good RB in the first round, but if your season keep progressing, there more then likely won't be anyone worthwhile when we pick. I have always liked Andre Woodson, the QB from Kentucky, and if you are looking to bring in a QB, I would grab him no matter the round. Based upon our Thompson era first round picks, it wouldn't be a stretch.