2011 NFL Draft: Green Bay Packers 7-Round Mock Draft
The 2011 NFL Draft is quickly approaching.
After all the speculation surrounding the draft process, the actual event will finally take place from Thursday night to Saturday.
So, before the draft, I tried my hand at playing Ted Thompson and put together a seven round mock draft for the Packers. Complete with trades and analysis, I think this mock draft gives the Packers several key pieces for 2011 and beyond.
TRADE: Packers send pick No. 32 to Cincinnati Bengals for picks No. 35, 134 and 207
Second round (No. 35, from Cincinnati): G Danny Watkins, Baylor
There will be a team in the early second round that gives the Packers a call about trading back into the first round. When that call comes, Packers GM Ted Thompson quickly accepts.
Even without a pick on day one, the Packers find an immediate starter on the offensive line in Watkins. When Daryn Colledge leaves in free agency, Watkins will step right in at left guard and likely improves the unit overall.
TRADE: Packers send picks No. 64, 96 and 207 to Denver Broncos for pick No. 46
Second round (No. 46, from Denver): WR Randall Cobb, Kentucky
With more extra picks in their draft queue, the Packers can afford to trade up from No. 64 and get Cobb—a versatile and physical receiver who makes his living after the catch.
He can contribute right away on both punt and kick returns, and Cobb could help replace the likely loss of James Jones in the passing game.
Fourth round (No. 129): CB Cortez Allen, Citadel
If the Packers draft a cornerback, he won’t be expected to contribute right away.
That gives Thompson the luxury of taking Allen, a raw but talented player who could develop into a starting NFL cornerback if given time. With Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams and Sam Shields the top three on the depth chart, Allen would have plenty of time to learn before taking over a bigger role.
Fourth round (No. 131): DE Cedric Thornton, Southern Arkansas
Cullen Jenkins is on his way out of Green Bay, and relying on Mike Neal to completely fill his shoes would be a big risk.
Thornton’s skill set compares favorably with Jenkins’, giving the Packers more flexibility and talent on the defensive line. A trio of Neal, Thornton and C.J. Wilson would suffice in filling the perceived need.
Fifth round (No. 134, from Cincinnati): OLB Steven Friday, Virginia Tech
Friday isn’t much of an upgrade (or any) over Frank Zombo or Erik Walden, but there’s never anything wrong with adding competition.
Friday was a guy who slowly developed into a feared pass rusher while waiting his turn behind talented upperclassmen at VT. The Packers struck gold with in 2009 with a player that shares that kind of college story.
Fifth round (No. 163): OT Derek Newton, Arkansas State
Do the Packers have a successor for LT Chad Clifton on the roster? That’s debatable, but adding more talent at the position would be a wise idea.
Newton isn’t ready to take over a tackle spot right away, but he has the tools to develop into a starter down the road.
Sixth round (No. 197): DT Anthony Gray, Southern Miss
The Packers like using wide bodies to take up blockers up front (B.J. Raji, Howard Green, Ryan Pickett, etc.), and Gray fits that mold.
With the ability to play defensive end and a 335-pound frame, Gray could potentially replace either Green or Pickett in a few years.
Seventh round (No. 204): S Mark LeGree, Appalachian State
The Packers’ safety position has either lost or will lose much its depth this offseason.
LeGree has size (6-0, 210 pounds) and ball skills, and could help improve the special teams unit.
Seventh round (No. 233): RB Graig Cooper, Miami
If the Packers have gotten any indications that Brandon Jackson might leave, taking Cooper in the seventh round could be a solid security blanket.
While he lacks top-end speed, Cooper can see holes well and has the ability to catch the ball and block in pass protection.
Could Kentucky WR Randall Cobb be the Packers Perfect Draft Pick?
It’s a phenomenon that happens before every NFL draft.
Certain college prospects ultimately become fan favorites for certain teams, and, to be honest, it’s only natural—most franchises have obvious needs and there is usually a player or two at that those positions that fit for each team.
For the Green Bay Packers, players like Arizona‘s Brooks Reed and Ohio State’s Cameron Heyward have been the odds-on favorites.
Yet four days before the draft starts, let me introduce you to another name that should be among Reed and Heyward:
Kentucky’s former do-it-all receiver might just be the perfect pick for the Packers.
Why?
To start, Cobb might be the most versatile player in the 2011 NFL Draft.
He comes into the draft as a receiver, but Cobb made his name in high school as an All-State quarterback. When he got to Kentucky, Cobb stayed as a quarterback—making the SEC All-Freshman at that position in 2008.
In addition to playing receiver and quarterback, Cobb also saw time at running back, returner and holder. That isn’t a misprint—Cobb held for field goals and extra points for Kentucky.
WIldcats coach Joker Phillips had a hard time keeping Cobb off the field. Here’s what he told ESPNlast year:
“We want his hands on the ball as much as possible. He understands the game and understands how to get things done. That’s his comfort zone. There’s nothing on the football field that he cannot do. He eats it. He sleeps it. He drinks it.”
That sounds like a football player to me. But there’s a reason he was on the field so much. When Cobb had the ball in his hands—and he had it a lot—good things happened for Kentucky.
In three seasons, Cobb racked up nearly 4700 total yards (1661 receiving, 1313 rushing, 689 passing, 1081 kick returns, 619 punt returns) and was responsible for 42 touchdowns (13 receiving, 22 rushing, five passing, two punt returns).
There’s very few players in this draft, or any draft for that matter, who can match what Cobb did at Kentucky over such a broad spectrum of areas.
If drafted by the Packers, Cobb would immediately be the kick and punt returner, giving Green Bay their first special teams threat since Allen Rossum.
And if James Jones leaves like many expect him to, Cobb could also step in and be another dangerous threat in the passing game.
He’s still a little raw as a receiver, but think a step-slower version of Percy Harvin.
Cobb could have that same kind of impact for the Packers, and I’d imagine that coach Mike McCarthy could find several ways to get Cobb the ball right off the bat.
Convinced yet? It gets better.
Not only is Cobb an ideal fit on the field, but he also fits the character profile of what’s now known as “Packers People.”
Cobb has a squeaky clean background, and he worked with numerous charities and organizations at Kentucky, including Read Across America, Relay for Life and several hospitals in the Lexington area.
However, it’s his passion for football that gives him a solid chance at landing with the Packers. Read what he told The Sporting News (4/11):
“I tell NFL coaches I’m willing to do anything—play on special teams, be a gunner, whatever. I love the game so much and have such a passion for the game, I just want to be on the field.”
The guy is a top-10 prospect at the position in football which features the most divas and “me-first” players, yet he’s talking about playing special teams?
Cobb sounds like a player who Packers GM Ted Thompson would absolutely fall in love with.
But where would they take him?
I’m sure he rates high on Thompson’s board, but it’s hard to say if he would be good value at No. 32. However, I think chances are high that the Packers either trade down from 32, or up from 64, making it likely that Thompson could pull the trigger on Cobb in one of those scenarios.
And while it’s nearly impossible to figure out what Thompson is going to do come draft day, Cobb might be among the safest bets.
His name might not get called by the Packers in a few days, but you’d be hard pressed to find a player who harmonizes with what the Packers like in draft prospects more than Cobb.
He’s versatile, fills a couple of needs and fits the profile of what Thompson likes in football players.
And, by the time the Packers decide to make their first pick, he may just be the best player left on the board.
You might not agree with me, and Thompson might not either, but Cobb sounds like the perfect prospect for the Packers.
Rant Sports NFL Draft Special: Green Bay Packers on the Clock
On Monday, RantSports.com will be hosting the Rant Sports NFL Draft Special as the 2011 NFL Draft quickly approaches on Thursday April 28. Along with host Aaron Kirn, NFL Network Manager Dan Parzych and Director of Content Jonathan Carroll will provide analysis for all 32 picks in the first round of the draft.
With the 32nd pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the video of analysis for the Green Bay Packers is set to be released at 4:45 PM EST. Be sure to check out the Rant Sports Draft Page to see who Dan and Jonathan each picked for your team!
Packers’ Mock Drafts Have Heyward, Brooks as Probable Targets
Set in Stone? Mock Drafts Have Cameron Heyward and Brooks Reed As Popular Picks for the Green Bay Packers
We’re almost there.
After all the workouts, team visits and analysis from the talking heads, the NFL draft is now only one week away.
With the draft being so close, the experts likely have as much information currently as their going to have to make their mock draft decisions.
And while guessing the draft is as tough a chore as there is (to my knowledge, no one has ever correctly picked the entire first round), you’d like to think these guys are going to get a good chunk of their picks right.
Could one analyst get the Packers pick right?
Here is who some of the experts have the Packers taking with the 32nd pick in the NFL Draft:
Peter King (Sports Illustrated), Charles Davis (NFL.com), Scott Wright (Draftcountdown.com): DE Cameron Heyward, Ohio State
It’s looking more and more like Heyward could be the Packers pick in the first round.
He fills an immediate need at defensive end and I’m sure the Packers like his capacity to play both inside and outside.
While he doesn’t possess game-changing abilities, that kind of versatility will be important as the Packers try and replace Cullen Jenkins.
At the end of the first round, Heyward is the kind of safe pick that Packers GM Ted Thompson will likely be looking for.
Todd McShay (ESPN): OLB Akeem Ayers, UCLA
Is there a more disagreed upon defender in this draft than Ayers? Some love his athleticism and ability to get to the quarterback, but others say his attitude and lack of a motor should drop him into the second round.
It’s hard to disagree with either assessment.
Here’s the thing: You can motivate a player with the right coaches to eliminate the later concerns, but you can’t teach his athletic prowess.
That makes Ayers a good value at No. 32 and given some time with coach Kevin Greene, he could be one of the best defenders in this class.
Rob Rang (CBS): OT Derek Sherrod, Mississippi State
It’s funny how certain players drop down mock drafts this time of year for no apparent reason and lately Sherrod has been one of those players.
But why? He’s clearly one of the top five offensive tackles in the draft and there’s plenty of teams with needs at that position before No. 32.
If Sherrod dropped, however, the Packers would be getting tremendous value (for the second year in a row) and they’d have their two offensive tackles of the future in place.
Steve Wyche (NFL.com), Bucky Brooks (NFL.com): OLB Brooks Reed
I don’t think there is any denying that the Packers have serious interest in Reed. Thompson doesn’t usually show his cards, but it’s clear they have had their eye on the former Arizona defensive end.
Where do the Packers take him, however? No. 32 might be a little high, but Reed is a solid selection if the Packers traded back into the second round or moved up from No. 64.
Thompson is likely to do one of those scenarios next week anyway, giving Reed an excellent chance to have his name called by Green Bay.
Chad Reuter (CBS): RB Mikel Leshoure, Illinois
Don’t get me wrong, Leshoure might possibly be the best back in this draft class. He has no injury problems, a good mix of power and vision, and he can catch the ball out of the backfield.
However, it’s very difficult for me to rationalize taking a running back in the first round of the 2011 NFL draft.
It’s not an immediate need for the Packers and the middle to late rounds are littered with backs who can make it in the NFL.
Maybe I’m in the minority, but I don’t think there is even a fraction of a chance that Thompson takes a running back with the 32nd pick.
Wes Bunting (National Football Post): OT Ben Ijalana, Villanova
In my most recent mock draft, I had the Packers trading back from 32 and taking Ijalana in the early second round.
Regardless of where the Packers did take him, Ijalana could be a solid pick for a couple of reasons. He likely needs to play guard to start his NFL career and left guard looks to be a spot of need for 2011.
But he also has the skill set to play offensive tackle and he could slide to either spot once Chad Clifton’s career in Green Bay is over.
Brian Baldinger (NFL.com): LB Bruce Carter, UNC
Leave it to Baldinger to give us our first head-scratcher.
While Carter is a gifted athlete and was projected in the top-15 before the season, he simply doesn’t fit in the Packers defense. At just 235 pounds, Carter doesn’t have the size to play outside linebacker in the 3-4.
Carter also has medical red flags, as he tore his ACL towards the end of his senior season.
There’s not many picks I’ve seen in mock drafts that would absolutely shock me, but Carter is definitely one of them.
Green Bay Packers 2011 Schedule: The Good and Bad
Complete 2011 Green Bay Packers Schedule
For those of you who’ve had enough of the draft and lockout talk, the Green Bay Packers 2011 schedule was released on Tuesday.
Finally, we have an idea what the Packers title defense will look like.
Of course, this all depends upon the NFL and NFLPA agreeing on a new CBA. Without it, the release of these games are a moot point.
However, let’s stay positive and assume the schedule will be played out in its entirety.
Without further ado, here is the complete Green Bay Packers 2011 schedule:
| Date |
|
Time | TV | ||
| PRESEASON | |||||
| Sat., Aug. 13 | @ Cleveland Browns | 6:30 p.m. | State | ||
| Fri., Aug. 19 | Arizona Cardinals | 7:00 p.m. | State | ||
| Thu., Aug 26 | @ Indianapolis Colts | 7:00 p.m. | CBS | ||
| Thu., Sep. 1 | Kansas City Chiefs | 7:00 p.m. | State | ||
| REG. SEASON: | |||||
| Thu., Sept. 8 | New Orleans Saints | 7:30 p.m. | NBC | ||
| Sun., Sept. 18 | @ Carolina Panthers | 12:00 p.m. | FOX | ||
| Sun., Sept. 25 | @ Chicago Bears | 3:15 p.m. | FOX | ||
| Sun., Oct. 2 | Denver Broncos | 3:15 p.m. | CBS | ||
| Sun., Oct. 9 | @ Atlanta Falcons | 7:20 p.m. | NBC | ||
| Sun., Oct. 16 | St. Louis Rams | 12:00 p.m. | FOX | ||
| Sun., Oct. 23 | @ Minnesota Vikings | 3:15 p.m. | FOX | ||
| Sun., Oct. 30 | Open Date | ||||
| Sun., Nov. 6 | @ San Diego Chargers | 3:15 p.m. | FOX | ||
| Mon, Nov. 14 | Minnesota Vikings | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN | ||
| Sun., Nov. 20 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | *12:00 p.m. | FOX | ||
| Thu., Nov. 24 | @ Detroit Lions | 11:30 a.m. | FOX | ||
| Sun., Dec. 4 | @ New York Giants | *3:15 p.m. | FOX | ||
| Sun., Dec. 11 | Oakland Raiders | *12:00 p.m. | CBS | ||
| Sun., Dec. 18 | @ Kansas City Chiefs | *12:00 p.m. | FOX | ||
| Sun., Dec. 25 | Chicago Bears | 7:20 p.m. | NBC | ||
| Sun., Jan. 1 | Detroit Lions | *12:00 p.m. | FOX |
The Good:
Just scanning the schedule, there’s plenty of big-time games for the Packers.
Playoff rematches with Chicago (Week 3, 16) and Atlanta (Week 5) should offer some interesting story lines.
The Packers return to the trail of their Super Bowl run, and I’m sure both the Bears and Falcons will be circling those games.
The Packers also get five nationally televised games, including a return to Detroit for the Thanksgiving game that begins a stretch of three holiday matchups for Green Bay.
The Bears and Packers will face off on Christmas Day at Lambeau Field and New Years Day has the Lions traveling to Green Bay for the regular season finale.
The Packers will be the first team in NFL history to play on all three holiday dates in one season.
However, having the final two games at Lambeau Field could be big in terms of who wins the division.
The Bad:
This is a hard schedule for the Packers. That happens as the defending Super Bowl Champion, but there’s no doubt the Packers will have their hands full in 2011.
The Saints will be a tough task right out of the gates, and there are good teams littering the rest of this schedule. The Falcons, Buccaneers, Giants, Chargers, and all six division games should be really good contests.
The three-game stretch in 11 days from Week 10-12 could be a daunting task.
The Packers play the Vikings Monday night (Nov. 14), followed by a good Buccaneers team on Sunday (Nov. 20), than finish four days later (Nov. 24) in Detroit by playing the Lions on Thanksgiving.
The Packers also played two of their first three games away from Lambeau Field.
Finally, there is plenty of late games.
The Packers have five afternoon games, three more than they played in 2010. Coach Mike McCarthy has always stated a preference for 12:00 p.m starts.
