This brings me back to April of 2010, for that 2010 Draft.
Most Mocksters, including the award-winners Bob McGinn and Rick Gosselin had Bryan Bulaga and Dez Bryant as Top 15 picks, and had Jerry Hughes going to the Packers at that #23 spot.
These 2 journalists have sources and they get it right more than anyone. I wanted Hughes badly too (as some of you know!).
But low & behold, some teams messed it up by reaching. Oakland reached for Rolando McClain at #8, who has now been released by 2 organizations. He's been arrested more than tackles made almost.
Derrick Morgan also was a reach at #16 by Tennessee, and Tyson Alualu at #10 by Jacksonville is another reach.
The Chargers have a horrible OL and trading up to draft RB Ryan Mathews at #12 is part of that problem. They could have had Bulaga or Mike Iupati, a Pro Bowl OL for the 49ers now.
Anyway, both Bulaga and Dez Bryant slid all the way down and were on the board when the Packers were on the clock at #23.
Everyone knew Bryant possessed Pro Bowl talent. He was pure greatness... better than Michael Crabtree the year before, who the Packers almost took at #9.
TT might have been tempted, but character matters to TT.
Thompson went with the OT Bulaga.
Dallas then traded up to the #24 pick and took Dez Bryant.
Both guys have done about what we expected.
Bulaga has been solid.
Bryant has had a few off-field issues, and also taken over ball games.
The Packers took another electric WR the next draft in Cobb, a guy who's a model person instead of a troubled kid who needs to be babysat and rescued from being arrested.
Both teams got what they deserved.
We just need Bulaga to stay healthy.