The NFL Draft has come and gone, and as always, there were some unexpected picks and a lot of players who fell probably way farther than they should have. Of the most surprising picks, Tim Tebow even being drafted should be considered a shock, but to go where he did with the players still on the board was astonishing.
The next most shocking pick came from Packerland:
Someone please explain to me what ARod is doing. This was a befuddling choice.
The Packers got an offensive tackle in the first round, Bryan Bulaga, who, despite having some question marks, was the consensus top player on the board for his position. It was the position that the Packers needed the most. I think few will criticize the pick, though I must say scouts are a bit hard on the guy. Small hands, bad bench press, slow feet, etc. I am a little worried, but the Packers need a right tackle as much as they need a left tackle.
Slingblade Thompson surprised in the second round with the selection of DE Mike Neal, a signature Thompson pick of a guy with an extensive injury history whose draft stock probably suffered due to those injuries. Considering who was still on the board at this point, the pick was unmoving, another Thompson signature. The biggest concern here is that the pick may signal the Packers expectation that Triple J is going to prison.
Slingblade made what I believe to be a very wise move by trading up in the third round to land safety Morgan Burnett. Most had Burnett going well before this point in the draft, and he plays the position that the Packers probably needed as much as any other than OT. I think the Packers will expect Burnett, as well as Bulaga and Neal, to contribute significantly in their rookie seasons.
Unfortunately, by trading up, the Packers lost their 3rd and 4th round picks, and had to wait about 80 picks before selecting again. As a result, they never drafted a linebacker and probably did not get another player who projects to be more than a reserve player the next couple of seasons. Admittedly, I don't know anything about the lower picks, but they aren't very exciting. Again, vintage Slingblade Thompson.
Quick Roundup Thoughts:
The Packers must have faith in Brad Jones at the OLB position because I don't think they believe Chillar is the answer there.
If Johnny Jolly Jr. doesn't go to prison, I am excited at the depth and potential of the defensive line.
The depth in the secondary still scares me, especially in the long term. But I guess you can't be deep at every position on the field.
As much as I love not drafting skilled position players, deep down in my heart I was hoping the Packers somehow got a running back who could replace Ryan Grant. That did not happen.
Has Aaron Rodger's lost his mind?
Labels: Aaron Rodgers, Johnny Jolly Jr., NFL Draft, Packers, Ted "Slingblade" Thompson
