Here it is folks, the annual draft report from local "draft expert" Nolan Murphy. I didn't bother going through the 1800 word report, so pardon the numerous grammatical errors and such. Nonetheless, it's highly in-depth for all you Packer Backers. You can thank the Ritalin in his system for that boys.
By Nolan Murphy
“I love picking at 32,” G.M. Ted Thompson said, 12 months ago the thought of the Packers picking last in the NFL Draft was only a dream for Packer Nation. Fast forward to late April, and our Green Bay Packers have the honor of being Super Bowl champs and selecting last in April 28 NFL Draft.
I have been following and anticipating each and every NFL Draft since I was probably around 10 years old. I dubiously called the Packers 2001 1st round pick Florida State Defensive End Jamal Reynolds… In those 10 years I have rebounded and done some character building. I never thought that I would see a the Packers picking last after our favorite Wrangler Jeans actor left town, but with a little luck in the draft (thank you 49ners and Alex Smith, God Bless) and the help of a belt the Pack are back.
Looking at the Packers needs in the NFL Draft they are coming off a season in which they had many notable starters and roll players on injured reserve including: Running Back Ryan Grant, Tight End Jermichael Finley, Middle Linebacker Nick Barnett, and Strong Safety Morgan Burnett. In looking at the roster, the downfall of a team winning a Super Bowl is the factor that their role players look to cash in off that success. Notable Departures look to be Wide Receiver James Jones and Defensive End Cullen Jenkins. Inside linebacker also may become expendable before next season due to the budding star Desmond Bishop and a younger A.J. Hawk. Barnett has dealt with a unhealthy bill of health of the last few years, and has never been deemed big enough to play inside in the 3-4 base defense.
The defensive line also took a hit earlier this month with the arrest of suspended Defensive lineman Johnny Jolly, who once again was caught sipping the potent “Purple Drank.” Earlier this week Jolly did find out he will not face any jail time for his actions, who knows how dictator Roger Goodell, will handle off the field issues once a collective bargaining agreement is reached.
With the on going NFL lockout out, this years NFL Draft looks to be different then ever before. Without a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) decided by April 28th no player movement or trades will be approved before, during, or after the Draft. This will not affect the Packers negatively, but does rule out the idea of us shopping backup quarterback Matt Flynn. G.M. Ted Thompson and Head Coach Mike McCarthy have seen many of their role players on team over the years be undrafted free agents, without a new CBA no undrafted free agents will be able to sign with teams.
Positions Need: WR, OT, DL,OLB, DB, KR/PR
Wide receiver: With the possible departure of 4 year player James Jones and knowing the Donald “DD” Driver will not be around for ever, look for Thompson so snag a wide out in the middle rounds. Rodgers can never have enough weapons in his arsenal.
Offensive Tackle: Last year the Packers address one bookend of the offensive line by draft Bryan Bulaga out of Iowa. Buluga looks to be the successor for LT Chad Clifton in the near feature, so looking for a replacement for RT Mark Tauscher whose health is up in the air is a must. OT T.J. Lang may be an in house solution.
Defensive Line: In the 3-4 defensive you can never have enough fresh bodies on the DL. Uncertainty with free agent Cullen Jenkins and the age of Ryan Pickett, make this position attractable in the draft.
Outside Linebacker/Pass Rusher: Finding a playmaker opposite of Pro Bowler Clay Matthews will be addressed. Many prospects this year fit into that 3-4 pass rusher mold.
Defensive Back: Mr. Heisman and All-Pro Charles “Chuck” Woodson is not getting any older. While the blossoming of young Tramon Williams and Sammy Shields this year were promising. Depth could be addressed here.
Return Specialist: As it has been seen in the past years in our own the division, return specialist are game changers and effect the game heavily (Devin Hester and Percy Harvin). The Packers have been missing that game changer since the Desmond Howard days of the late 1990’s. Thompson hopes to find one, but only at the right price and by not reaching for a player.
Nolan’s Big Board: As usual these players are ones slated to come off the draft board around the 32nd pick. With such a deep draft, don’t be surprised if the Packers trade out of the 1st round with a team looking to trade back into the first round for a QB (Arizona, San Fran, Cincinnati, Miami, Tennessee)
1. Akeem Ayres OLB, UCLA
2. Derrik Sherrod OT, MISS ST.
3. Adrain Clayborn DE, IOWA
4. Cameron Hayward DE, THE OSU
5. Gabe Carmi OT, WISCO
6. Brooks Reed OLB/DE, ARIZONA
7. Justin Houston OLB/DE, Georga
8. Jonathon Baldwin WR, PITT
9. Brandon Harris DB, The U
10. Muhammad Wllkerson DE/DT, Temple
11. Mark Ingram RB, Alabama
12. Jimmy Smith DB, Colorado
Akeem Ayres: Outside Linebacker out of UCLA, had 39 career starts and has an uncanny ability to get to the QB. Questions arise about his ability to drop back into coverage. Almost has the size of an inside backer but agility of outside linebacker. Thompson knows what he is getting if Ayres is selected.
Derrik Sherrod: A mammoth of an OT in SEC for Miss St. Could start at either LT or RT tackle in the NFL. Needs to build more strength but has a lot of upside. Excelled in classroom and was 1st all SEC. Showed durability by starting every game in last two collegiate seasons.
Adrian Clayborn: If he would of came out last year could have been a top 15 pick. Had an inconsistent senior year, but the skill is still there. Has a motor that you like to see in a defensive end, and is solid against run and pass. Can only play on right side due to condition with left arm called Erb’s palsy.
Cameron Hayward: Had an extremely successful career for Buckeyes. Many scouts compare his transition into the NFL as a Trevor Pryce like player, who can make an effect anywhere on the defensive line. Never can have enough players that come from a winning tradition. Questions about an elbow injury, that limited him in his final year.
Gabe Carmi: If Carmi falls to 32 it will be about concerns of athleticism. Would be a great fit opposite of Bulaga and a star at RT for years to come. Extremely hard worker and 3 times all-academic BIG 10 at Wisco. Would be an extremely popular pick, and would be best player available on the board if there
Brooks Reed: Often compared to as a “poor mans” Clay Matthews, would be a great fit opposite of him. Shows great technique in getting the QB and has a motor that doesn’t stop. Somewhat of a durability issue with only starting two games in 2009. Has a lot of upside and would be a great fit in Capers defense. Ability to drop back into coverage is in doubt. Would be great to have another long hairstyle to the linebacker core.
Justin Houston: Was a combine freak in Indianapolis this year. Two year starter at Georgia, and had a very productive career in the SEC. Is looked at somewhat of a project and is raw. Shows the talent though to become an elite edge rusher in a 3-4 defense. Might be somewhat of a reach. Scouts sometimes did not production and work ethic 100% of the time.
Jonathon Baldwin: Played without a QB pretty much his last year at Pitt. Is a very big receiver with the ability to stretch the field and go over the middle to catch balls. Would be a great replacement for James Jones if he leaves. Has some maturity and attitude issues, called out play calling after the year was done. Has some off the field issues, but good locker room in Green Bay could fix that.
Brandon Harris: Had a great career at Miami while starting 2 and half years. Good at supporting the run, which is a must in the Packers defense. Great top-end speed, which is why I like him more than Aaron Williams from Texas. Coach’s son and showed great work ethic. Not great ball skills, but is known for good hands.
These last 3 players on my big board my fall to 32, or have enough talent that Thompson might trade up which is out of character.
Muhammad Wilkerson: Would be a great fit at any position on the DL. Is a extremely big and athletic player. Scouts view on work ethic could be reason to drop. Thompson would love for him to fall to 32, probably wouldn’t move up more than a few picks do to depth at position in this draft.
Mark Ingram: Former Heisman Trophey winner, and had a great career at Alabama. Will be first running back off the board in this Draft. Would be hard to pass up, due to overall analysis that he will be a great NFL running back (compared to Emmitt Smith). Injury to knee in junior season was reason for drop in production. Team would probably look to move on without injury-prone Ryan Grant.
Jimmy Smith: I have him rated as a top 10 player in this year draft. Is in a tie for 2nd best cornerback with Prince Amukamare of Nebraska. Great cover corner and top end spend, and showed an ability to stop the run at Colorado. Was thrown away from a lot in Big 12 conference play. Major off the field issues with marijuana and the law has made his stock draft, but really how hard is it to get in trouble in Green Bay. Only player I feel Thompson might move up for. Will be the steal of the first round.
As we all know this could all change, as Thompson and Pro Personal department always will go with strategy of best player available on draft board. It will also be interesting to see what teams try trading back into the first round. The Packers will only be getting more talented in this years draft. Let the madness begin….
“I love picking at 32,” G.M. Ted Thompson said, 12 months ago the thought of the Packers picking last in the NFL Draft was only a dream for Packer Nation. Fast forward to late April, and our Green Bay Packers have the honor of being Super Bowl champs and selecting last in April 28 NFL Draft.
I have been following and anticipating each and every NFL Draft since I was probably around 10 years old. I dubiously called the Packers 2001 1st round pick Florida State Defensive End Jamal Reynolds… In those 10 years I have rebounded and done some character building. I never thought that I would see a the Packers picking last after our favorite Wrangler Jeans actor left town, but with a little luck in the draft (thank you 49ners and Alex Smith, God Bless) and the help of a belt the Pack are back.
Looking at the Packers needs in the NFL Draft they are coming off a season in which they had many notable starters and roll players on injured reserve including: Running Back Ryan Grant, Tight End Jermichael Finley, Middle Linebacker Nick Barnett, and Strong Safety Morgan Burnett. In looking at the roster, the downfall of a team winning a Super Bowl is the factor that their role players look to cash in off that success. Notable Departures look to be Wide Receiver James Jones and Defensive End Cullen Jenkins. Inside linebacker also may become expendable before next season due to the budding star Desmond Bishop and a younger A.J. Hawk. Barnett has dealt with a unhealthy bill of health of the last few years, and has never been deemed big enough to play inside in the 3-4 base defense.
The defensive line also took a hit earlier this month with the arrest of suspended Defensive lineman Johnny Jolly, who once again was caught sipping the potent “Purple Drank.” Earlier this week Jolly did find out he will not face any jail time for his actions, who knows how dictator Roger Goodell, will handle off the field issues once a collective bargaining agreement is reached.
With the on going NFL lockout out, this years NFL Draft looks to be different then ever before. Without a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) decided by April 28th no player movement or trades will be approved before, during, or after the Draft. This will not affect the Packers negatively, but does rule out the idea of us shopping backup quarterback Matt Flynn. G.M. Ted Thompson and Head Coach Mike McCarthy have seen many of their role players on team over the years be undrafted free agents, without a new CBA no undrafted free agents will be able to sign with teams.
Positions Need: WR, OT, DL,OLB, DB, KR/PR
Wide receiver: With the possible departure of 4 year player James Jones and knowing the Donald “DD” Driver will not be around for ever, look for Thompson so snag a wide out in the middle rounds. Rodgers can never have enough weapons in his arsenal.
Offensive Tackle: Last year the Packers address one bookend of the offensive line by draft Bryan Bulaga out of Iowa. Buluga looks to be the successor for LT Chad Clifton in the near feature, so looking for a replacement for RT Mark Tauscher whose health is up in the air is a must. OT T.J. Lang may be an in house solution.
Defensive Line: In the 3-4 defensive you can never have enough fresh bodies on the DL. Uncertainty with free agent Cullen Jenkins and the age of Ryan Pickett, make this position attractable in the draft.
Outside Linebacker/Pass Rusher: Finding a playmaker opposite of Pro Bowler Clay Matthews will be addressed. Many prospects this year fit into that 3-4 pass rusher mold.
Defensive Back: Mr. Heisman and All-Pro Charles “Chuck” Woodson is not getting any older. While the blossoming of young Tramon Williams and Sammy Shields this year were promising. Depth could be addressed here.
Return Specialist: As it has been seen in the past years in our own the division, return specialist are game changers and effect the game heavily (Devin Hester and Percy Harvin). The Packers have been missing that game changer since the Desmond Howard days of the late 1990’s. Thompson hopes to find one, but only at the right price and by not reaching for a player.
Nolan’s Big Board: As usual these players are ones slated to come off the draft board around the 32nd pick. With such a deep draft, don’t be surprised if the Packers trade out of the 1st round with a team looking to trade back into the first round for a QB (Arizona, San Fran, Cincinnati, Miami, Tennessee)
1. Akeem Ayres OLB, UCLA
2. Derrik Sherrod OT, MISS ST.
3. Adrain Clayborn DE, IOWA
4. Cameron Hayward DE, THE OSU
5. Gabe Carmi OT, WISCO
6. Brooks Reed OLB/DE, ARIZONA
7. Justin Houston OLB/DE, Georga
8. Jonathon Baldwin WR, PITT
9. Brandon Harris DB, The U
10. Muhammad Wllkerson DE/DT, Temple
11. Mark Ingram RB, Alabama
12. Jimmy Smith DB, Colorado
Akeem Ayres: Outside Linebacker out of UCLA, had 39 career starts and has an uncanny ability to get to the QB. Questions arise about his ability to drop back into coverage. Almost has the size of an inside backer but agility of outside linebacker. Thompson knows what he is getting if Ayres is selected.
Derrik Sherrod: A mammoth of an OT in SEC for Miss St. Could start at either LT or RT tackle in the NFL. Needs to build more strength but has a lot of upside. Excelled in classroom and was 1st all SEC. Showed durability by starting every game in last two collegiate seasons.
Adrian Clayborn: If he would of came out last year could have been a top 15 pick. Had an inconsistent senior year, but the skill is still there. Has a motor that you like to see in a defensive end, and is solid against run and pass. Can only play on right side due to condition with left arm called Erb’s palsy.
Cameron Hayward: Had an extremely successful career for Buckeyes. Many scouts compare his transition into the NFL as a Trevor Pryce like player, who can make an effect anywhere on the defensive line. Never can have enough players that come from a winning tradition. Questions about an elbow injury, that limited him in his final year.
Gabe Carmi: If Carmi falls to 32 it will be about concerns of athleticism. Would be a great fit opposite of Bulaga and a star at RT for years to come. Extremely hard worker and 3 times all-academic BIG 10 at Wisco. Would be an extremely popular pick, and would be best player available on the board if there
Brooks Reed: Often compared to as a “poor mans” Clay Matthews, would be a great fit opposite of him. Shows great technique in getting the QB and has a motor that doesn’t stop. Somewhat of a durability issue with only starting two games in 2009. Has a lot of upside and would be a great fit in Capers defense. Ability to drop back into coverage is in doubt. Would be great to have another long hairstyle to the linebacker core.
Justin Houston: Was a combine freak in Indianapolis this year. Two year starter at Georgia, and had a very productive career in the SEC. Is looked at somewhat of a project and is raw. Shows the talent though to become an elite edge rusher in a 3-4 defense. Might be somewhat of a reach. Scouts sometimes did not production and work ethic 100% of the time.
Jonathon Baldwin: Played without a QB pretty much his last year at Pitt. Is a very big receiver with the ability to stretch the field and go over the middle to catch balls. Would be a great replacement for James Jones if he leaves. Has some maturity and attitude issues, called out play calling after the year was done. Has some off the field issues, but good locker room in Green Bay could fix that.
Brandon Harris: Had a great career at Miami while starting 2 and half years. Good at supporting the run, which is a must in the Packers defense. Great top-end speed, which is why I like him more than Aaron Williams from Texas. Coach’s son and showed great work ethic. Not great ball skills, but is known for good hands.
These last 3 players on my big board my fall to 32, or have enough talent that Thompson might trade up which is out of character.
Muhammad Wilkerson: Would be a great fit at any position on the DL. Is a extremely big and athletic player. Scouts view on work ethic could be reason to drop. Thompson would love for him to fall to 32, probably wouldn’t move up more than a few picks do to depth at position in this draft.
Mark Ingram: Former Heisman Trophey winner, and had a great career at Alabama. Will be first running back off the board in this Draft. Would be hard to pass up, due to overall analysis that he will be a great NFL running back (compared to Emmitt Smith). Injury to knee in junior season was reason for drop in production. Team would probably look to move on without injury-prone Ryan Grant.
Jimmy Smith: I have him rated as a top 10 player in this year draft. Is in a tie for 2nd best cornerback with Prince Amukamare of Nebraska. Great cover corner and top end spend, and showed an ability to stop the run at Colorado. Was thrown away from a lot in Big 12 conference play. Major off the field issues with marijuana and the law has made his stock draft, but really how hard is it to get in trouble in Green Bay. Only player I feel Thompson might move up for. Will be the steal of the first round.
As we all know this could all change, as Thompson and Pro Personal department always will go with strategy of best player available on draft board. It will also be interesting to see what teams try trading back into the first round. The Packers will only be getting more talented in this years draft. Let the madness begin….
