The packs trade to take 2 1st rnd picks?

As the packers were hoping to get there man(B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College), at the number nine overall pick was successful, they also made a bold move to trade into the first round for another pick. The packers traded for the 26th overall selection, and sent their second and two third round picks in exchange for the pick that was originally the New England Patriots. With that pick, the packers then selected Clay Mathews, a outside linebacker out of football university( University of Southern California). Mathews comes from a good football pedigree, and Raji, was a steal at the ninth overall pick. Both were outstanding picks for the packers, and should both make an immediate impact in the packers new 3-4 defense next year, especially Raji. TJ Lang and Jamon Meridith were both really good value picks, that will add depth to the offensive line that was weak at times last year. The packers fifth round pick that they invested in fullback Quinn Johnson out of LSU was a great addition to the team as well, he was rated the best lead blocker in this weekend's draft. Also, three late round picks were all dedicated to the defensive side of the ball; Jarius Wynn, DE, Georgia; Brandon Underwood ,DB, Cincinnati; and Brad Jones, OLB, Colorado; with there final pick. Out of the last three picks, I like Underwood the most, he has good instincts for the game. Overall, I would give the Packers the 2nd best draft in the NFL, over this past weekend. But, they say that it takes about 3 years for you to be able to evaluate a draft class. So until then we won't evaluate, but we will be watching with a close eye out for this draft class.

The Draft Buzz!

Yes, only 4 more days till draft day! With the packers holding the 9th overall selection, they could go a variety of ways. Many believe that Ted Thompson will trade down to later in the 1st round or in the early 2nd round. In my opinion, I believe they will as well; depending on the players that are still on the board during there pick. I think that they could be involved in a trade scenario that could land them another pick as well. I think that if Mark Sanchez is available at 9th overall that green bay should take him and trade him for a bonus pick. If that scenario doesn't come up, then I like the packers to take an offensive tackle. This years class has some depth at the OT position, My hope is that either Jason Smith(Baylor) or Eugene Monroe(Virginia) are available. Monroe is the safer pick, but Smith has alot of upside; If they trade down, look for them to go after other good OTs such as William Beatty(UCONN), Ebben Britton(Arizona), Micheal Oher(Mississippi), Andre Smith(Alabama), or TJ Lang(E. Michigan). The next area that they could use with the 9th overall slot is a defensive tackle; the most prolific player at the position is Boston College's BJ Raji. He is a good safe pick, with alot of good and safe abilities that could make him a star someday. However, the pack may not want to spend top ten money on another DT and get burned again, ala Justin Harrell. So look for them to trade down or address the DT needs in the later rounds; Look for them to chase after either Peria Jerry(MISS) or Ziggy Hood(Mizzou), as bargain picks. The packers could chase a versitile defensive end/outside linebacker as well. They are interested in the versatility of three defensive players in this years draft. They are Tyson Jackson(DE) out of LSU, Micheal Johnson(DE) Georgia Tech, and Clintin Sintim (OLB) Virginia. All of these players should be available to the packers in there second round pick, the question is which one do you take? I would take either Sintim or Jackson. Sintim has great awarness and can cover WRs well, as well as stuff the run. Jackson on the other hand, can rush the passer effectively from either the edge or you can slide him in the DT spot and get the same amount of production. I think that the pack should look at either a wr or a rb to compete with the veterans. At WR they take either Micheal Crabtree(Texas Tech), or Jeremy Macklin(Mizzou), at least one of these two will be available to them at 9th overall. The running backs they should take a good look at are Knowshon Moreno(Georgia), Shonn Greene(Iowa), Javon Ringer(Michigan State) or Andre Brown(N.C. State). All can fit the packers zone blocking scheme well, but Moreno is the elite star in this group; Brown is injury prone but shows flashes of greatness, and Ringer would be a perfect fit in the zone blocking scheme, and as a complement back for Ryan Grant. Those are my thoughts, and we will see when the story unfolds this weekend!

Is there pressure on the Packers front office?

Just think about it for a second, do they? or don't they? I think that much of packer nation would agree that they indeed have some sort of pressure upon them. I mean after all, the packers last draft was less than impressive, with non of the picks even cracking the starting line-up. They have made little movement this off season, in terms of trades and acquisitions. Some would say that they don't need a big time signing or trade; But rather that the reason for the disappointing 6-10 record last year was injuries and youth at the quarterback position. I would agree with that to a certain degree, but they are switching their defensive scheme from a 4-3 to a 3-4, and it will not be quite an easy transition as they hope. They may need a few players that have some experience playing in the 3-4 scheme. The pack brought in a few free agents that had the experience, but failed to sign any. This was a result of not offering them enough money, and they saw other teams sign them. With no trades in progress right now, and the division getting better( Ala Cutler trade(bears), Rosenfels(vikings), J.Peterson & A. Henry(both lions) ), there is much pressure on the Packers front office this draft!