Predicting the '08 draft [merged with other draft threads]

[Zombieslayer]

Predicting the '08 draft

I don't know college at all. But based on needs, this is what I'm predicting we do. I know TT had said time and time again that he drafts BPA. While that definitely applied to the '05 and '06 drafts, when we were rebuilding (even though they said we weren't rebuilding but we really were), I think '07 wasn't quite BPA and '08 will be more needs vs BPA.

Offense

QB - Brett Favre will be coming back to play one more year. Why? Why shouldn't he? He's playing at the best level since '97. Rodgers is our man, once Favre finally retires. He's already proven it. Nall is a good backup and we should resign him and keep three QBs next year.

RB - This is something that if I said in the beginning of the season, you'd think I was smoking crack. We have depth at RB. Grant is our man, and Brandon Jackson who I had dismissed as a bust earlier in the season is proving me wrong. If Wynn stays healthy, he might challenge Jackson as our #2 RB. Wynn is quite good. That leaves Morency and Herron, who would both be good 3rd down backs. I personally think drafting an RB would be a waste of a draft pick.

FB - I'm starting to agree with Cris Carter here. The game has changed. FB is no longer an important position in the NFL. We have 2 decent fullbacks. We won't be drafting a FB next year.

T - Cliffy and Tauscher are competant, but I have a strong feeling Cliffy will retire before Brett retires. The years have been harder on Clifton than they have on other players, and it's starting to show. Will Moll and/or Colledge develop into our starting Tackles in the future? Hard to say, but I'd guess a Tackle will be drafted.

G - Our run blocking is spotty. One week it's on, one week it's off. I can almost guarantee you that a Guard will be drafted

C - This is the one spot on the OL that is secure. Wells is a good Center and Spitz looks like he can play the role if Wells goes down.

TE - Donald Lee is quickly developing into a higher tier TE. Bubba Franks is still a solid blocker and Brett likes him on 3rd and short (or 3rd and goal). Beyond those 2, we need help. A TE will be drafted.

WR - Donald Driver will be playing for the Green Bay Packers until at least 2010. Even if he loses a step or 2, his chemistry with both Favre and Rodgers is superb. In our style of offense, Driver has a place. Jennings is our deep threat. Jones is a solid #3. Martin is quickly emerging as a solid #4. K-Rob is a solid #5. Holliday will be coming back from injured reserve. We won't be drafting a WR. We have no immediate need, nor long term need.

--

Defense

DE - Kampman, Jenkins, KGB, Montgomery. Kampman and Jenkins are solid against the run. Kampman and KGB are solid pass rushers. Montgomery is a good backup. Still, TT might spend a draft pick on DE. Or he may not.

DT - Pickett and Williams are good run stuffers. Harrell will develop into one. Jenkins comes over from the DE spot when we need him to. Muir is a decent backup. Plus, we'll have Jolly and Cole coming back. I've been more than happy with Jolly's playing and we miss him. No pick will be expended here.

LB - Barnett has developed into the guy Mrs. Z and I have thought he would back in his rookie year in '03. Hawk's having a sophomore slump, but he's still solid. Poppinga's better against the run, but he gets beaten by solid TEs. We'll draft an LB, for at the very least, depth.

CB - I love Harris, but he's not as good as he was in '06. I really hate saying that because he's one of my favorite Packers. He's still better than more than half the starting CBs in the NFL right now. Woodson looks like he's regained his form from his heyday with the Raiders. Beyond that, we're in trouble. Don't be surprised if 2 CBs are drafted.

S - Bigby is solid against the run, and although not great against the pass, he's a HUGE improvement over Manuel and Roman. Collins is ok. Rouse is emerging. We'll draft a Safety.

--

Special Teams

P - No draft pick

K - No draft pick

EDIT: Thanks Retiredgrandpa. I forgot Jolly and Cole.

 

[BryanAschenbrenner]

Predicting the '08 draft

Trying to predict who/what positions TT will draft is a waste of time. No offense haha.

 

[IronMan]

Re: Predicting the '08 draft

Good analysis.

 

[dhpackr]

Re: Predicting the '08 draft

round1
CB Cason from AZ
round 2
LT Chris Williams Vandebilt

 

[BigPlay31]

Re: Predicting the '08 draft

Ted is unpredictable when it comes to the draft, there are a few positions that will be in demand on this roster in a few years. As of now the biggest hole is safety. We need that big time hard hitting safety. That should be a big focus in the 08 draft.

 

[all about da packers]

Predicting the '08 draft

Good read, but a couple of points I disagree with Zombie.

1) Guards - I'm torn over this. Our G play can definitely improve, but it seems like Spitz will be one of the starters. Colledge and Coston both have the ability to be good players, they just haven't capitalized on their chances. From where it stands, I think Spitz has locked up the RG spot and Coston/Colledge/Barber will compete for the LG spot. Adding another draft pick may be useless because the rookie won't get enough reps to show his worth, possibly being buried in a numbers game at LG.

More and more I'm beginning to believe our starting LG will emerge out of the players we currently have.

2) Safety - We have three players (Collins/Bigby/Rouse), plus Peprah and Culver on IR. I think Culver can challenge at the Safety position, so adding a draft pick might not be necessary.


As for tackle, I think Colledge will eventually slide over to LT permanently once the President of Justin Timberlake's fanclub retires. So we may not necessarily need to draft a T, but then again depth has never hurt.

I agree with you that adding a CB or two should be at the top of our list.

 

[Raider Pride]

Predicting the '08 draft

What?

A draft thread and no.... "Get Brett some weapons "NOW" before he retires comments?"

 

[Zombieslayer]

Re: Predicting the '08 draft

Good read, but a couple of points I disagree with Zombie.

1) Guards - I'm torn over this. Our G play can definitely improve, but it seems like Spitz will be one of the starters. Colledge and Coston both have the ability to be good players, they just haven't capitalized on their chances. From where it stands, I think Spitz has locked up the RG spot and Coston/Colledge/Barber will compete for the LG spot. Adding another draft pick may be useless because the rookie won't get enough reps to show his worth, possibly being buried in a numbers game at LG.

More and more I'm beginning to believe our starting LG will emerge out of the players we currently have.

2) Safety - We have three players (Collins/Bigby/Rouse), plus Peprah and Culver on IR. I think Culver can challenge at the Safety position, so adding a draft pick might not be necessary.


As for tackle, I think Colledge will eventually slide over to LT permanently once the President of Justin Timberlake's fanclub retires. So we may not necessarily need to draft a T, but then again depth has never hurt.

I agree with you that adding a CB or two should be at the top of our list.

I really see a lot of potential in Spitz, but the other side I'm worried about. He might draft a Guard just to compete with what we have.

I didn't get a good enough look at Culver, so if you're right, that would be awesome.

Depth at Tackle can't hurt, so we might just draft for depth. Do you think Colledge is good enough to take over for Cliffy? I honestly don't know.

DH knows college pretty well, and I see he has a CB as our 1st round pick. I'd take his word for that player. I'd love to see a CB as our 1st round pick.

 

[porky88]

Re: Predicting the '08 draft

round1
CB Cason from AZ
round 2
LT Chris Williams Vandebilt

I like Cason a lot. He can really be a nice project behind Harris and Woodson and hopefully an upgrade at nickel back. I wouldn't mind that pick at all.

 

[pack_in_black]

Predicting the '08 draft

I heard Cason has been projected early or mid-round one, depending on combine #'s of course, but I may be wrong. I'd probably wet my drawers if we took a CB #1.

 

[dhpackr]

Re: Predicting the '08 draft

the thing I like about Cason is he is another guy that loves to play man to man coverage. So the Packers could have three CB's that love to play man to man.

 

[pack_in_black]

Re: Predicting the '08 draft

the thing I like about Cason is he is another guy that loves to play man to man coverage. So the Packers could have three CB's that love to play man to man.

Exactly what I am hoping for.

Chris Houston from Arkansas was a lot like that last year, and it killed me when Atlanta took him with the 2nd(ish) pick of the 2nd round, cause I think he'd be a perrennial Pro Bowler in our defense. That dude is fast as all get out, too.

Hopefully Cason stands out in the combine like Houston did, and TT grabs him up quick.

 

[Zombieslayer]

Re: Predicting the '08 draft

the thing I like about Cason is he is another guy that loves to play man to man coverage. So the Packers could have three CB's that love to play man to man.

Exactly what I am hoping for.

Chris Houston from Arkansas was a lot like that last year, and it killed me when Atlanta took him with the 2nd(ish) pick of the 2nd round, cause I think he'd be a perrennial Pro Bowler in our defense. That dude is fast as all get out, too.

Hopefully Cason stands out in the combine like Houston did, and TT grabs him up quick.

I'd be so excited to see a CB in the 1st round. With Harris aging and our 3rd CB spot up for grabs (and looking like a genuine weakness in our D), this is one of the pieces of the puzzle that can keep us being SB contenders for the near future.

 

[porky88]

Re: Predicting the '08 draft

I heard Cason has been projected early or mid-round one, depending on combine #'s of course, but I may be wrong. I'd probably wet my drawers if we took a CB #1.

Malcom Jenkins from Ohio State will likely be the #1 CB taken and then it's up for grabs. My bet is on Cason to go #2 but it's way to early for anyone to give a consensus statement. Jenkins probably goes top 15 and I would think Cason shortly after.

 

[retiredgrampa]

Re: Predicting the '08 draft

Cason won't be around when we pick, I'm afraid. In the DL, Jolly wasn't mentioned...BIG mistake. This guy may be our best DT next season. IMO, we need 1 OLB, 2 CBs, 1 S, 2 OL. If we get a comp pick...1 RB.

 

[jnells]

Re: Predicting the '08 draft

round1
CB Cason from AZ
round 2
LT Chris Williams Vandebilt

Williams is going to go late first round/early second, he wont be availible when we are up to pick in the second round.

Cason is projected around the mid to late first round, I think we'd be lucky to land him.

I really am starting to grow on Leodis McKelvin from Troy, he's fast and physical and plays a lot of man coverage and has a RAW playing style, he's very similar to Woodson & Harris and would be a good fit. He also returned Kicks & Punts at Troy. His stock is rising a lot and right now he's projected in the early second round but I'd love for us to use our first round pick for him.

He's currently rated #7 out of the 232 CB's in the draft

Troy's Leodis McKelvin has made a name for himself among NFL coaches and scouts. He hopes to improve his standing further at this year's Senior Bowl. The dual threat not only has proven himself at the cornerback position -- where his speed and quickness are a great asset -- but also is one of the country's top punt and kickoff returners. He was named first-team All-America as a punt returner by The Sporting News. "He can play corner and do all the skills that requires and he's a great return guy, too," Jeremy Rowell, the Trojans' defensive coordinator and secondary coach, said. "He's a real instinctive guy, a very savvy football player who understands the game. "He's gotten a little better each year he's been here and this year he really took off. He has great speed, great closing ability and his athleticism is very high. He has all the things you look for, plus he knows how to apply them. His speed makes him valuable and he backs everything up with how he plays on the field." McKelvin, a 5-foot-11, 185-pounder from Waycross, Ga., has earned All-Sun Belt Conference honors since his sophomore season, most coming as a return specialist. He ranks No. 4 in the country in punt returns with an average of 17.4 yards per return and scored three touchdowns. As a cover corner, his strong reputation across the league kept many opposing teams from throwing his way. Rowell said McKelvin's performance in Troy's upset win over Oklahoma State at Movie Gallery Veterans Stadium was the game that caught the attention of many NFL scouts. In that game, he had seven solo tackles, forced a fumble, broke up three passes and had one tackle for a loss on defense. He also returned five punts for 135 yards and one touchdown. - Tommy Hicks, Press-Register

One of his Punt Returns

Malcom Jenkins from Ohio State will likely be the #1 CB taken and then it's up for grabs.

Jenkins is from South Florida I believe

 

[pack_in_black]

Re: Predicting the '08 draft

Malcom Jenkins from Ohio State will likely be the #1 CB taken and then it's up for grabs.

Jenkins is from South Florida I believe

There are actually two guys who play corner named Jenkins projected to go round 1 this year. Malcom is from Ohio State, and Mike is from South Florida. So, you were right jnells. So was porky.

 

[Zombieslayer]

Re: Predicting the '08 draft

Cason won't be around when we pick, I'm afraid. In the DL, Jolly wasn't mentioned...BIG mistake. This guy may be our best DT next season. IMO, we need 1 OLB, 2 CBs, 1 S, 2 OL. If we get a comp pick...1 RB.

I can't believe I did that. Brain fart.
Thanks. I'll fix that.

 

[pack_in_black]

Predicting the '08 draft

Found a nice mock-up here, and this guy's site was pretty thorough last year, so you should check it out.

He's got us taking a CB, and I like it. Aqib Talib, to be exact. I'd paste his breakdown of the pick, but evidently his site won't allow cut/copy. :shrug:

 

[spardo62]

Re: Predicting the '08 draft

I don't know college at all. But based on needs, this is what I'm predicting we do. I know TT had said time and time again that he drafts BPA. While that definitely applied to the '05 and '06 drafts, when we were rebuilding (even though they said we weren't rebuilding but we really were), I think '07 wasn't quite BPA and '08 will be more needs vs BPA.

Offense

QB - Brett Favre will be coming back to play one more year. Why? Why shouldn't he? He's playing at the best level since '97. Rodgers is our man, once Favre finally retires. He's already proven it. Nall is a good backup and we should resign him and keep three QBs next year.

RB - This is something that if I said in the beginning of the season, you'd think I was smoking crack. We have depth at RB. Grant is our man, and Brandon Jackson who I had dismissed as a bust earlier in the season is proving me wrong. If Wynn stays healthy, he might challenge Jackson as our #2 RB. Wynn is quite good. That leaves Morency and Herron, who would both be good 3rd down backs. I personally think drafting an RB would be a waste of a draft pick.

FB - I'm starting to agree with Cris Carter here. The game has changed. FB is no longer an important position in the NFL. We have 2 decent fullbacks. We won't be drafting a FB next year.

T - Cliffy and Tauscher are competant, but I have a strong feeling Cliffy will retire before Brett retires. The years have been harder on Clifton than they have on other players, and it's starting to show. Will Moll and/or Colledge develop into our starting Tackles in the future? Hard to say, but I'd guess a Tackle will be drafted.

G - Our run blocking is spotty. One week it's on, one week it's off. I can almost guarantee you that a Guard will be drafted

C - This is the one spot on the OL that is secure. Wells is a good Center and Spitz looks like he can play the role if Wells goes down.

TE - Donald Lee is quickly developing into a higher tier TE. Bubba Franks is still a solid blocker and Brett likes him on 3rd and short (or 3rd and goal). Beyond those 2, we need help. A TE will be drafted.

WR - Donald Driver will be playing for the Green Bay Packers until at least 2010. Even if he loses a step or 2, his chemistry with both Favre and Rodgers is superb. In our style of offense, Driver has a place. Jennings is our deep threat. Jones is a solid #3. Martin is quickly emerging as a solid #4. K-Rob is a solid #5. Holliday will be coming back from injured reserve. We won't be drafting a WR. We have no immediate need, nor long term need.

--

Defense

DE - Kampman, Jenkins, KGB, Montgomery. Kampman and Jenkins are solid against the run. Kampman and KGB are solid pass rushers. Montgomery is a good backup. Still, TT might spend a draft pick on DE. Or he may not.

DT - Pickett and Williams are good run stuffers. Harrell will develop into one. Jenkins comes over from the DE spot when we need him to. Muir is a decent backup. Plus, we'll have Jolly and Cole coming back. I've been more than happy with Jolly's playing and we miss him. No pick will be expended here.

LB - Barnett has developed into the guy Mrs. Z and I have thought he would back in his rookie year in '03. Hawk's having a sophomore slump, but he's still solid. Poppinga's better against the run, but he gets beaten by solid TEs. We'll draft an LB, for at the very least, depth.

CB - I love Harris, but he's not as good as he was in '06. I really hate saying that because he's one of my favorite Packers. He's still better than more than half the starting CBs in the NFL right now. Woodson looks like he's regained his form from his heyday with the Raiders. Beyond that, we're in trouble. Don't be surprised if 2 CBs are drafted.

S - Bigby is solid against the run, and although not great against the pass, he's a HUGE improvement over Manuel and Roman. Collins is ok. Rouse is emerging. We'll draft a Safety.

--

Special Teams

P - No draft pick

K - No draft pick

EDIT: Thanks Retiredgrandpa. I forgot Jolly and Cole.

Even with the record this year, I do not think TT will change his strategy to fill holes, rather he will stockpile football players regardless of position. That being said, I think you have nailed it pretty well as far as where our needs are.

I would not be stunned to see a QB mid to late however, the same would go for DT and DE(we have seen what a few injuries have done to a position that looked overstaffed just a month back). I think it is imperitive to get a few more bodies at CB(as our starters are nearing the end), Tackle(for the same reason), TE(I think Bubba is done after this year), RB, and probably another LB.

 

[KGB94SACKEM]

Predicting the '08 draft

We can't keep drafting DT's can we? We have a stockpile of them. Sure they have gotten injured but there comes a point when you just say enough is enough. Either let these guys go if they can't stay healthy or go with what you got. Here's a tip however, don't draft another DT with a injury history!

 

[Scythe]

Re: Predicting the '08 draft

Found a nice mock-up here, and this guy's site was pretty thorough last year, so you should check it out.

He's got us taking a CB, and I like it. Aqib Talib, to be exact. I'd paste his breakdown of the pick, but evidently his site won't allow cut/copy. :shrug:

"For a while there it looked as though the Packers #1 need was going to be running back but Ryan Grant has done so well down the stretch that we can put that on the backburner for at least another year. The secondary's another story though because they have little or nothing beyond starters Al Harris and Charles Woodson at corner. A big, physical cover guy with fantastic ball skills and a knack for making the big play, Talib isn't the premier prospect that his press clippings might lead you to believe he is but at this point in the first round he'd be a solid pick and a good fit for Green Bay."

 

[all about da packers]

Re: Predicting the '08 draft

Found a nice mock-up Aqib Talib, to be exact. I'd paste his breakdown of the pick, but evidently his site won't allow cut/copy.

In case you're wondering (or too lazy to click the link PIB posted), here is what the site says about Aqib Talib:

For a while there it looked as though the Packers #1 need was going to be running back but Ryan Grant has done so well down the stretch that we can put that on the backburner for at least another year. The secondary's another story though because they have little or nothing beyond starters Al Harris and Charles Woodson at corner. A big, physical cover guy with fantastic ball skills and a knack for making the big play, Talib isn't the premier prospect that his press clippings might lead you to believe he is but at this point in the first round he'd be a solid pick and a good fit for Green Bay.

 

[pack_in_black]

Re: Predicting the '08 draft

Found a nice mock-up Aqib Talib, to be exact. I'd paste his breakdown of the pick, but evidently his site won't allow cut/copy.

In case you're wondering (or too lazy to click the link PIB posted), here is what the site says about Aqib Talib:

For a while there it looked as though the Packers #1 need was going to be running back but Ryan Grant has done so well down the stretch that we can put that on the backburner for at least another year. The secondary's another story though because they have little or nothing beyond starters Al Harris and Charles Woodson at corner. A big, physical cover guy with fantastic ball skills and a knack for making the big play, Talib isn't the premier prospect that his press clippings might lead you to believe he is but at this point in the first round he'd be a solid pick and a good fit for Green Bay.

Thanks AADP. And some ups to Scythe, also. :thumbsup:

See, this is what I mean. This guy has an excellent grasp of what every one of the 32 NFL teams needs. That's how analysis should be. (Did you hear that, Sean Salsbury?)

I just peed a little again at the thought of a CB in round 1...

 

[Tiger]

Re: Predicting the '08 draft

Found a nice mock-up here, and this guy's site was pretty thorough last year, so you should check it out.

He's got us taking a CB, and I like it. Aqib Talib, to be exact. I'd paste his breakdown of the pick, but evidently his site won't allow cut/copy. :shrug:

yep the guy who owns that site is Scott Wright, himself and Mike Mayock are the two guys i only listen to when it comes to the draft.