I dont remember wanting anyone in particular after we passed up Crabtree. I remember being hesitant and intrigued by them drafting a player that didnt start all that many games. I think I was so surprised we traded up I figured he had to be worth it in teds eyes.
From what I heard through a couple of sources they had Crabtree rated slightly higher than B. J. Raji. But Raji fit a need as a NT and the were going to 3/4 defense. Although some in the draft room wanted Crabtree there were major concerns about his attitude and a foot injury that required surgery shortly before the draft. He wasn't able to run the 40. Also he measured out at 6'1" much shorter than his listed height in college (6'4") There were just too many red flags on him for them to pull the trigger.The player that they coveted the most was OT Andre Smith. Even though he wouldn't participate at the combine and his body looked awful at his pro day workout the Packers would have selected him at 9 if available. When he went a few picks earlier to the Bengals the Packers were still happy that Raji was available. Crabtree never was in the equation. It was always Smith or Raji. If both were gone it's my understanding that Thompson had his eye on 2 players(Clay Mathews and Michael Oher) and would've tried to trade down in the 1st and draft either of them. If there were no traders he would have selected one of them at 9 most likely Mathews.