Hey guys,

Sorry I’ve been MIA the last two months. I’ve been busy with work and getting ready for the NFL Draft.

Anyhow, like last year, I wanted to do a lengthy post on what I think the Packers are looking at this year.

Like most people, I think they’ll look at linebacker, defensive line, and cornerback. I know there’s some people out there clamoring for Maxx Williams, but Richard Rodgers was a third round pick for a reason. The team thinks too much of him to use a high pick on an overrated tight end.


1. UCLA LB Eric Kendricks -- Compliments Sam Barrington at ILB.
2. Wake Forest CB Kevin Johnson -- Tall, lanky outside corner. Hayward moves back inside.
3. Texas DT Malcom Brown -- Lean, run-stuffing nose tackle. Think Buffalo’s Kyle Williams.
4. Miami (FL) LB Denzel Perryman -- Brandon Spikes 2.0. What does he do that Sam Barrington can't?
5. Oklahoma DT Jordan Phillips -- Amazing physical attributes. Poor production.

Potential Slides

1. Nebraska OLB Randy Gregory -- Gifted athleticism. Skinny frame and off-field issues could send him down the draft board.
2. Missouri OLB Shane Ray -- Recent drug issue could scare away teams. FOX’s Jay Glazer said he checks out fine, though.
3. Oregon DL Arik Armstead -- Didn’t have the combine many hoped. Amazing size and length, though. Most intriguing defensive lineman in the draft. I think he'll go in the 15-32 range.

Trade Up

1. Washington DT Danny Shelton-- Closer to Leonard Williams than the mainstream media thinks. 90-plus tackles and 9 sacks. That's amazing production!
2. Michigan State CB Trae Waynes -- Physical corner with terrific athleticism.

Trade Down

1. TCU LB Paul Dawson -- Frankly, I’d take him at No. 30. Value has fallen, but his tape is gold.
2. Clemson LB Stephone Anthony -- Very good scheme fit. Outstanding Senior Bowl and Combine.
3. Florida State CB P.J. Williams -- Underrated player. Good size and physicality. Reminds me a little of Tramon Williams.
4. Florida State DT Eddie Goldman -- Two-down run stopper.

5. Mississippi State LB Benardrick McKinney -- Big linebacker. Can stop run and rush passer. Can't cover.

Here is my full mock draft: http://www.row12.com/article/2914/Final_2015_NFL_Mock_Draft/

And my final top 100: http://www.row12.com/article/2913/Final_Top_100_Players_in_the_2015_NFL_Draft/

My projection is one of the names above, but probably the least expected. Unlike the last few years, I think the board might throw Ted Thompson a wrinkle.


I’ve also started running Row12’s Twitter account. I’ll be tweeting thoughts on the picks as they come in.

As always, I am an amateur. I don't claim to be an expert or anything. I just take notes throughout the year on college football prospects and use those notes to form the foundation of my opinions. That's why you'll sometimes see me much higher on other players than the mainstream media is. Jamison Crowder, Ty Montgomery, and Paul Dawson are the prime examples this year.

I'll be updating this post throughout the next three days. Draft Day is upon us!

Great write-up, Porky.

I've mocked Kendricks to us in my last version, but I'd much rather have the other guy you listed. Kevin Johnson. The only thing I think he truly needs is discipline. Something we should be able to work on.

As to Danny Shelton... I'm a bit in the middle on him. He reminds me of Raji in a couple of ways. He has all the physical attributes to be an elite NT. A guy you could build a defense around. On the other side, the consistency is not always there...

I'd like to see how he does when matched up against pro calibre centers. I've got a gut feeling that he'll be decent, but not worth the top 15 pick he'll most likely be.

Great analysis pork.


My prediction is Kendricks.
He's a vintage TT pick.
Safe, all "all steak, no sizzle" kind of guy.

Matt, hypothetically speaking, if Row12 were to lets say fall offline, would you focus writing for PackersHome because you are freaking awesome!!!
:)

First of all I would say no to Gregory. There is something going on with him and he's sliding down the board but beyond that he is not strong at all against the run. He can rush the QB I give him that but I saw a segment on Gruden and he was really down on this guy. Ironically a lot of the tape he showed was against Wisconsin and they ran right at him and he was on his butt all day. No thanks on him.
Next I would not take a player earlier than a very late round based on potential vs production even though they have all the measurables. The first question is if they are big and strong and fast but don't have the numbers to back it up. WHY? The only thing I can think of is that they just aren't very good football players. If they have all this talent and can't put up numbers in college how they going to do it against professional football players?

Like I say I would take a flyer in a later round on a player that does have strong measurables but maybe didn't play for a team that allowed them to show it. Waller from Georgia Tech is an example. Good height, weight, speed, but played on a triple option team that hardly ever threw the ball. Later round. Why not?

Early rounds I would be looking for players that played in the top conferences and had at least a couple of years of solid numbers showing they held their own against the better athletes in college football. Guys like Dix and Lacey that held their own against strong teams week in and week out. Much less of a gamble than some kid that ran fast around some orange cones.

Good job Porky as always and I hope your big board is right. I like the names of some of the CB's you have in the 60's and wouldn't mind seeing Ted pull the trigger on one in round 2.

It's on! Do your deal Teddy.

Zero2Cool;310854Matt, hypothetically speaking, if Row12 were to lets say fall offline, would you focus writing for PackersHome because you are freaking awesome!!!
:)

Are you planning to shut it down? [laugh]

Zero2Cool;310854Matt, hypothetically speaking, if Row12 were to lets say fall offline, would you focus writing for PackersHome because you are freaking awesome!!!
:)

You could just acquire them with all those PackersHome dues you've collected.

I don't really believe in instant grades, but since people like to know...

Green Bay Packers
Player Selected: Arizona State DB Damarious Randall
Analysis: Maybe Randall isn’t a conventional choice for the Packers, but he’s an intriguing one. The Arizona State safety is a good tackler (106 in 2014) with superb coverage skills. In fact, the role Randall played for the Sun Devils is pretty much the same role Micah Hyde played for the Packers last year. Why select Randall if Hyde is already fulfilling a hybrid role in Green Bay? My best guess is the Packers want Randall to be their slot corner, while keeping Hyde in his current role. Casey Hayward, a free agent following this season, will then kick outside opposite of Sam Shields. Randall certainly gives the Packers a more versatile secondary. However, what does he offer that Hayward and Hyde don’t already bring to the table?

B-

You can click here to see the full article and compare the Packers grade with the rest of the league.

porky88;312222I don't really believe in instant grades, but since people like to know...



You can click here to see the full article and compare the Packers grade with the rest of the league.

I agree that they've already got two "tweeners" in the Dbackfield.
But the thing is, this staff LOVES tweeners.
They try to find guys who are versatile, in case they need an extra roster spot for somebody.
They're always uncovering gems in UDFA.

Anyway, the dude specializes in reacting to the ball while it's in the air.
That's what makes Heyward so great too.
Dude has a ton of turnovers and had TWO pick 6's last year.