The Packers 2007 Draft was less than exciting, especially in the fan’s view. With talk of such players as Randy Moss, Michael Turner and others coming to Green Bay, the front office shot down all rumors and left a sour taste in the mouths of most fans. But was the Packers mentality of taking the less known players necessarily a bad thing? I thought that for the most part, the picks made sense even though many people thought we may have had a more pressing need at the time. The player I think will really contribute to the team most next year is kicker Mason Crosby. This kid has an incredible leg. He said in a interview on Packers.com that his longest kick in practice was 71 yards. Of the others, I think Clowney will make solid contributions to the return game and maybe get some time in the slot. Brandon Jackson and Deshawn Wynn were both very solid selections and should provide Morency/Herron with plenty of compeitition. I feel that Wynn could be the Pack’s everydown back of the future with Jackson being an excellent change of pace back. Harrell won’t make a huge impact immediately which is why I originally questioned the pick. If he stays injury-free, he should be a second coming of Gilbert Brown (we can hope). James Jones reminds me of Jennings coming out last year. A sleeper pick that no one really knew much about, and I think Jones should also have a key role in the 2007 offense. This Harris kid I don’t know a ton about, but from what I’ve heard he’s a solid player. We’ll see if he manages any time at the TE position in 2007. As far as safety Aaron Rouse and the two linebackers, I think that Rouse will immediately start at SS, and he and Collins will be studs for years to come. Don’t know a ton about Kory Hall, like most, but it sounds like he’s got a shot to get time at FB. That’ll be good for Miree and should help him play like he’s gotta earn the spot. Bishop is another guy I really like. I think he’ll have an immediate impact on special teams, and will transform into a possible starting OLB in the near future. Allen Barbre is a super-sleeper pick that I like. He’ll fit into the ZBS very well, and should be a starter in the very near future. Give tons of credit to TT for picking the perfect guys to fit the system. He has pretty much rebuild this O-Line from scratch (minus Clifton) in two years time. I think that in a few years the O-Line will be a very respectable group that will help make Aaron Rodgers’ maturation process easier. All in all, I trust TT. He critiques these players very critically, and makes sure they’re worthy of playing for the Green Bay Packers. With 11 draft picks, even if 4 or 5 of them turn out to be contributors to the team in 2007, I think we all can consider this draft to be a successful one for the Packers.

First time I’ve actually done a formal “Mock Draft,” but here goes nothing:

1st Round: Marshawn Lynch, RB, California.

Reasoning: The bottom line is the Packers need a running back. Vernand Morency and Noah Herron just aren’t going to be able to put up good enough numbers, and Lynch is a stud prospect. Yes, whenever someone brings up this guy’s name the words “character issues” pop into your head but what matters is Lynch is a great, physical runner who has break away speed and also has the ability to catch out of the backfield, a guy that reminds me of former Packer Dorsey Levens. Lynch may be considered a slight reach, but he is the second best back in this class behind Adrian Peterson and fills a huge need for the Packers.

2nd round: Eric Weddle, S, Utah

Reasoning: Weddle is a rising prospect that many teams are very high on. He was a multiple position guy at Utah. GM Ted Thompson likes guys who have the versatility to move to other positions when called upon. Weddle is considered one of the best pure athletes in the draft and fulfills a need area for the Packers in the secondary. Marquand Manuel didn’t live up to the expectations he had coming into Green Bay, so he will take a back seat in 2007. Collins and Weddle would make a very formidable secondary for the Pack.

3rd round: Jacoby Jones, WR, Lane

Reasoning: Jones is another high-riser after his performance at the combine. This guy is an absolute burner at wide-receiver. He had a very productive senior year at Lane and Ted Thompson loves guys who can produce no matter what college they go to (Greg Jennings). Jones not only gives Brett Farve a big target at 6′3, but he has excellent return skills. He’s a very polished athlete that would be able to contribute immediately.

4th round: Ben Patrick, TE, Delaware

Reasoning: Again, Ted goes with another late-rising prospect from a school not known for it’s football players, but Patrick is a very solid player. He posseses great blocking skills, something that the Packers need as Bubba Franks is highly inept in that regard. Patrick won’t blow you away speed wise but definitely gets the job done right. Another very productive player in college (a trend that Thompson likes). Would definitely be able to compete for the starting job. May be gone by this pick.

5th round: Jay Alford, DT, Penn State

Reasoning: Another problem area at times last season was the defensive front. The D-Line would often get blown off the ball, and the opposing back could get 3-4 yards purely based on the penetration that his O-Line was able to get on the Packers defensive front. Despite his speed, Alford has a non-stop motor that you always like to see in a player. Alford was also productive in college, but is still raw. Needs to bulk up and work on his push at the point of attack.

6th round: Jermon Bushrod, OT, Towson

Reasoning: Ted Thompson has shown over the years that when it comes to drafting offensive lineman he likes to draft quick guys who can fit right into the zone-blocking scheme. The good thing about Bushrod is he fits that mold. He’s quick off his feet and moves well. He’s still a bit of a project but is a good character guy that Thompson likes.

7th Round (a): Courtney Brown, CB, Cal Poly

Reasoning: Another raw product that has great athleticism. Ran a 4.34 40 at the combine. Was most productive in his junior season, but still has alot of potential. A guy who also has the ability to return kicks if needed, based on his niftyness and pure speed. Was a playmaker at Cal Poly, and a 41 inch vertical doesn’t hurt his status. Durabilty is a concern.

7th Round (b): Joel Filani, WR, Texas Tech

Reasoning: Had an absolutely stellar senior season. Under the radar, as Texas Tech has had plenty of great WR’s over the past years. Hard worker and wants to get better. Strong, athletic and prolific in the red zone. Because he’s polished he won’t have much upside. Needs to improve route running and YAC. It didn’t hurt for him to be playing for a pass first offense in college either.