Mock Draft Version 2.0

Greetings, G-Force.

Good to write with a clear mind...finally...yes, finally, the devastation of the NFC Championship Game is behind me. Well, kind of.

Any ways, it's time to focus on the offseason. We need an upgrade over Poppinga at LB. I'd love Karlos Dansby via FA. I would throw money at Dansby. He'd be the solution to any LB deficiencies that currently exist. He can rush the passer. He can stop the run. He can defend the pass. I want him. I'd give him whatever amount of $$$ that he is looking for. I covet Dansby. Period.

In the draft, I'd like 10 picks. I want a speed RB, 2 CB's, a WR, a TE, a P, a KR, and 3 OL. It would be ideal if one of the picks could not only play a position, but if he could also return kicks so that the Packers would not have to use a pick on a return specialist. I would also enjoy it if the Packers drafted a small school S in the later rounds.

In Mock Draft Version 2.0, I'm going to once again stick with the 6 picks that the Packers currently own. Admittedly, I have poor knowledge of this years OL that are coming out, so for the fun of it, I'm not going to list any OL. With that being said, I do not want the Packers to draft an OL until the 2nd Day and on the 2nd Day, I hope the Packers load up with 3 of them after accumulating a number of other selections.

Round 1 - Fred Davis, TE, USC. If the Packers keep this pick, I'd still like the addition of Davis. He'd be an added weapon to the offensive arsenal. He'd open up the middle of the field and once again, the Packers would have 2 legitimate threats at TE. However, I've always been a proponent of having 4 picks on Day 1 of the draft. Therefore, I'd prefer to trade down about 12-15 spots into the 2nd round. In addition, we could add a 3rd rounder and another pick in the vicinity of the 6th round. This would allow us to draft 2 CB's, a TE, and a RB on the 1st day. Other players that would interest me if the Packers keep their 1st Round draft pick would be Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Devin Thomas. After watching the Senior Bowl, Stack and I had agreed that "DRC" and Tashard Choice, RB, from Georgia Tech, were the 2 most impressive players on the field. I admit that the only time that I've seen "DRC" was during the Senior Bowl, but in that game he picked off a pass and made two great pass deflection plays. Additionally, he is Antonio Cromartie's cousin. I've noticed that a couple of web sites are projecting "DRC" to the Packers. If so, I'd be happy with the pick. He'd immediately step in as our 3rd CB. I just wonder if you could slide down a couple of picks and still get him. With regard to Devin Thomas, I simply think that he fits into what we do. Every time he touches the ball, he is a threat to take it to the house. He's dangerous. He plays the ball well in the air. He's elusive after the catch. He can get deep. He runs a solid slant. Bottom line - he fits into the Packers scheme. Although the Packers most pressing need is not a WR, Thomas might be too good to pass up. However, he, too, would probably be able to be drafted even if we traded down a few slots into the 2nd round.

Round 2 - Steve Slaton, RB, WVU. Two years ago, a "source named Manny" on local Miami radio stated that the Chicago Bears were going to draft Devin Hester in the 2nd round. Two months after his bold statement, the Chicago Bears drafted Devin Hester. This same "Manny" dude has made another proclamation. He's stated that their are two teams that covet Slaton - the Bears and the Packers. Slaton would add the element of a home-run hitter. Every time Slaton touches the ball, he has the ability to take it to the house. A swing pass to Slaton is loaded with excitement. If Dansby is not obtained via FA, I'd also consider a LB here. Shawn Crable was a playmaking LB for Michigan. Geno Hayes is an abolute animal, but I'm not positive that he would fit into the culture of Green Bay, WI. Some are predicting that the Packers may be interested in Philip Wheeler in the 2nd round. Stack speaks of this as well. Wheeler is largely a MLB. I'd be surprised if the Packers moved in his direction unless they thought that he could be moved to the outside. Antoine Cason would also be an option in the 2nd round. He can return punts as well as play CB. He's an offensively minded DB and he'd learn a lot from Chuckie and Al.

Round 3 - Chevis Jackson, CB, LSU. With the exception of Mel Kiper, every thing that I read says that he is a 3rd-4th round pick. If he's there, I want him. 'Nuff said.

Round 4 - Owen Schmitt, FB, WVU. Although we don't necessarily need a FB, I am enamored with his game. This would be a value pick. He has WI roots as he initially went to Wisconsin-River Falls. He reminds me of Tom Rathman. He'll run you over. He can catch the ball. He loves to block. Hell, I even saw the guy punt a couple of times. I'd be surprised if he does not play in a Pro Bowl at some point in his NFL career. I read that he is a 4th to 5th round pick. He'd be a steal here. In fact, if Jackson is not around in the 3rd round, I'd consider drafting Schmitt then. Ben Moffit, LB, South Florida is also a guy that I've seen dominate a game. He's an active player who finds the football. He's got great hands and attacks the run. He'd be a gem on special teams. I've also read that Wesley Woodyard might be available here. If so, he's a guy that is worth a look. He's fast and looks for punishment.

Round 5 - Marcus Henry, WR, Kansas. Henry is big with average speed and a nose for the end zone. He runs a decent slant pattern and can get over the top. Last year, he had over 1,000 yards, 10 TD's and averaged nearly 19 yards per catch. Simply put, Adrian Arrington, WR, Michigan made plays at the college level. He is not a perfect fit for our system, but in the 5th round, he is a guy to consider. Arrington made big time plays against big time competition at big time moments in big time games. Kenneth Moore, Mario Urrutia, and Marcus Monk are all WR's to consider at this point. Moore is a small guy, but he is elusive and always dangerous with the ball in his hands. Urrutia is a monster, but an attitude problem. In many ways, Urrutia reminds me of TO. Big, fast, questionable hands and at times, his an absolute cancer. But, when Urrutia is on, he is a 1st round draft pick. He had a miserable year last year. Off field issues kept him off the field. For some one, he'll be worth the risk. Monk was a legitimate 3rd down receiver for Arkansas two years ago. Last year, we was banged up and never found his stride. He doesn't necessarily fit into the Packers scheme, but he's got reliable hands and a knack for getting open. I also like the names Justin Forseth, RB, Cal and Tom Zbikowski, S, ND with this pick. Both were solid contributors at the college level. Zbikowski would also be able to return kicks. Stack also tells me that the Packers have their eyes on Larry Grant. Since, at this stage, we don't have a 6th round pick, I'll pencil him in as a potential name for Round 5. Grant played a tremendous game in the BCS Championship Game. Prior to this game, I was never really impressed with his game. He attacks the ball and he means it when he hits you. From what I've seen, he's not terrific in space, but if he's playing straight ahead he's able to finish the play.

Round 7 - Bobbie Williams, S, Bethune Cookman. Alright, alright. So, I've only seen highlights of him. But, I've read about him in the Herald on almost a daily basis. I also read in the Herald last September that the Packers had sent scouts to watch him. Williams picked off 14 passes in 44 collegiate games. He's supposed to be a ball hawk. I'd take a chance.

OK, so I admit, I like athletes. I like play makers. For the most part, I like guys from big schools. I like guys who are accustomed to big time competition and know what it is like to win. Eventually, I'll get it drilled down so that - in the mock draft - the Packers will have drafted more than 2 players on defense, but for now, this will do. After all, the draft is still 2.5 months away.

Enjoy.

Buzz On. Buzz In,

Talkin' S-Mac.