2013 NFL Pre-Draft Thread

[ReasonablySober]

Didn't see one. Which is odd considering it's this late.

Would love to have the 32nd pick in the first round, but odds are better it'll be #21 or worse. Injuries have this season feeling snake bit.

As usual, BPA should be the goal but funny how that usually coincides with need. Needs, IMO:

1 - Center - Saturday is hot, rotten garbage and EDS is no option
2 - LT - Newhouse hasn't gotten any better and Sherrod can't be counted on after two lost years.
3 - RB - We don't have a single RB that can make a 2nd level defender miss. Lack of PA is killing the passing game.
4 - TE - Later, Finley.
5 - WR - I think Jennings and Driver go, leaving the Packers three deep at WR, not enough with this offense.
6 - ILB/DT/S - Well below where the other needs are, but a stud up the middle would be nice and we have at least one person at each current position that could be replaced.

I don't think this is going to be a particularly good draft class in the 1st, and that's with all the underclassmen declaring. Some juniors going back makes this class looking downright pathetic. With regards to Packer needs, it looks even worse.

They'll be outside the range the top offensive tackles go.

I liked a couple of the WRs, especially the kid from Baylor. I like the TE class more. At RB Bernard is the only one I'd look at. He could be a perfect fit for the Packers.

It's a nice year if you want a lanky, DE/OLB hybrid, which we don't.

One guy I'm keeping an eye on is Alec Ogletree. He doesn't necessarily fit the Packers but physically he's a freak.

[RiotPunch]

So many question marks going into this offseason. Jennings likely gone, Finley maybe back or maybe cut, Woodson questionable to be back, Sherrod being a 3rd year crippled rookie, not knowing the severity of Bulaga's injury or whether or not he'll ever be the same, Pickett's contract running dry after next year, Saturday being a corpse, not having a feature back, etc, etc.

I think my plan of attack would be to solidify the O-Line at all costs. Flip Jennings for a high second and go:

1 - Eric Fisher
2 - Jonathan Cooper

Fisher - Lang - Cooper - Sitton - Bulaga (or Sherrod)

[Newz]

I rank our needs:

1. C - Agreed that Saturday isn't good and EDS isn't either.
2. LT - Also agree that Newhouse is a good back-up, but not a legit starter. It would be nice if Sherrod came around, even at RT. If he could be a good RT, we could possibly bump Bulaga inside to LG.
3. ILB - Hawk isn't very good, BIshop has been hurt a lot, Smith suffered a serious injury... we need a difference maker at this spot, IMO.
4. OLB/DT - Can never have enough pass rushers. Having someone better opposite Clay or on the DL would be great.
5. TE - Finley is poop. I actually like Quarless, but have no idea how he is going to do coming back from injury. Would be nice if we could get a guy who can both block and receive at this position.
6. RB - Getting a legit playmaker here would be nice. I still think our offensive line has a lot to do with how bad the running game is though.
7. WR - Jennings and Driver likely gone. Need depth at this spot at some point.

[xTitan]

I rank our needs:

1. C - Agreed that Saturday isn't good and EDS isn't either.
2. LT - Also agree that Newhouse is a good back-up, but not a legit starter. It would be nice if Sherrod came around, even at RT. If he could be a good RT, we could possibly bump Bulaga inside to LG.
3. ILB - Hawk isn't very good, BIshop has been hurt a lot, Smith suffered a serious injury... we need a difference maker at this spot, IMO.
4. OLB/DT - Can never have enough pass rushers. Having someone better opposite Clay or on the DL would be great.
5. TE - Finley is poop. I actually like Quarless, but have no idea how he is going to do coming back from injury. Would be nice if we could get a guy who can both block and receive at this position.
6. RB - Getting a legit playmaker here would be nice. I still think our offensive line has a lot to do with how bad the running game is though.
7. WR - Jennings and Driver likely gone. Need depth at this spot at some point.

I would go ....

1. C
2. LT
3. RB
4. TE
5. WR
6. LB depth.

I have center #1, that does not mean I would draft a center in the first round, there were quite a few good centers available in free agency last year, TT just chose the wrong one. Ricky Wagner from UW could be available late in the 1st round, he has not had his best year but has fought threw a pretty tough injury, someone to look at. I think this team really needs to go predominantly offense like they went predominantly defense last year. This is a finesse offense and that must change, it starts with adding a couple physical o-lineman and then a power type RB who can hit the holes and move the chains, I love what New England has done with their running game this year. I really don't love any Packer TE, as soon as Quarles is ready he needs to play, the only TE on this team who can block, I would love to draft a 6'6" TE who is smart, has good hands, and can make some plays. as far as the wr goes, TT drafts intelligent guys who are strong and can run after the catch, do not look for low IQ or trouble maker types, this is not who the packers go after. I think Boykin has a chance to surprise, it is a shame Driver is currently taking any snaps away from him.

[RiotPunch]

Wagner is looking like a 2nd/3rd rounder at this point. Unless he does very well at the combine, he would be a pretty significant reach in the 1st.

Also, we are not going to a power blocking/running scheme while Campen is still on board. I'm just as ready as the next guy to ditch the ZBS and get more physical in the trenches, but a change needs to be made at the top for that to happen. We don't need a power back, that's what Alex Green is.

[crkone]

I would get the highest rated o-lineman available and shuffle the starters accordingly. If its a LT, great but if its a RT, shift Bulaga to LG. If its a G, put him at C. Warmack or Cooper. I'm thinking Barrett Jones may be a Packer though. In the second, Aboushi or Brennan Williams if Ted feels his shoulder will be okay.

After the o-line is refilled, I would think WR or RB. Would like to see Jefferson from Nevada (if he enters) or Barner in a Packers uniform. Would like to take a flier on Denard Robinson also as a WR/RB. He would need to put on a bit of weight. He has shown toughness though.

[ReasonablySober]

Regardless of what the Packers thought about Green before the draft, there's no way I'd consider him a power back at this point. He goes down with a stiff wind.

I want no part of Wagner.

[RiotPunch]

Regardless of what the Packers thought about Green before the draft, there's no way I'd consider him a power back at this point. He goes down with a stiff wind.

I want no part of Wagner.

Green is definitely better suited for a power blocking scheme, not necessarily a "power" back, just would be a better fit in that type of offense. He's not a good vision, one cut and go type that tends to find success within zone blocking schemes.

Barner would be phenomenal. Hard to get a feel for his draft stock though. Kiper has had him as a 1st rounder, and sites I trust have him as more of a 3rd/4th rounder. Dude is electric though and would fit in perfectly.

[ReasonablySober]

Like I said, I like Bernard quite a bit. Definitely a three down back that can stay in and protect or get out and catch the ball. He's obviously got good running ability and I love his balance and feet.

[BUCKnation]

I rank our needs:

1. C - Agreed that Saturday isn't good and EDS isn't either.
2. LT - Also agree that Newhouse is a good back-up, but not a legit starter. It would be nice if Sherrod came around, even at RT. If he could be a good RT, we could possibly bump Bulaga inside to LG.
3. ILB - Hawk isn't very good, BIshop has been hurt a lot, Smith suffered a serious injury... we need a difference maker at this spot, IMO.
4. OLB/DT - Can never have enough pass rushers. Having someone better opposite Clay or on the DL would be great.
5. TE - Finley is poop. I actually like Quarless, but have no idea how he is going to do coming back from injury. Would be nice if we could get a guy who can both block and receive at this position.
6. RB - Getting a legit playmaker here would be nice. I still think our offensive line has a lot to do with how bad the running game is though.
7. WR - Jennings and Driver likely gone. Need depth at this spot at some point.

I mainly agree with this. Id bump RB up to 4 though.

[El Duderino]

I rank our needs:

1. C - Agreed that Saturday isn't good and EDS isn't either.
2. LT - Also agree that Newhouse is a good back-up, but not a legit starter. It would be nice if Sherrod came around, even at RT. If he could be a good RT, we could possibly bump Bulaga inside to LG.
3. ILB - Hawk isn't very good, BIshop has been hurt a lot, Smith suffered a serious injury... we need a difference maker at this spot, IMO.
4. OLB/DT - Can never have enough pass rushers. Having someone better opposite Clay or on the DL would be great.
5. TE - Finley is poop. I actually like Quarless, but have no idea how he is going to do coming back from injury. Would be nice if we could get a guy who can both block and receive at this position.
6. RB - Getting a legit playmaker here would be nice. I still think our offensive line has a lot to do with how bad the running game is though.
7. WR - Jennings and Driver likely gone. Need depth at this spot at some point.

I would go ....

1. C
2. LT
3. RB
4. TE
5. WR
6. LB depth.

I have center #1, that does not mean I would draft a center in the first round, there were quite a few good centers available in free agency last year, TT just chose the wrong one. I think this team really needs to go predominantly offense like they went predominantly defense last year. This is a finesse offense and that must change, it starts with adding a couple physical o-lineman and then a power type RB who can hit the holes and move the chains, I love what New England has done with their running game this year.

Clearly the passing game is still the dominant aspect of the NFL, but we are finally seeing the Packers soft O-Line and weak talent at RB noticeably hurt the offense. It's been very frustrating this year as defenses sit in Cover 2 nearly all game long with both safeties 15 yards off the line of scrimmage, basically daring the Packer offense to run the ball, yet the results usually are feeble. Hell, it feels like defenses could just leave 6 guys in the box and still contain the running game. Then i'll watch some other teams with a physical line and a quality RB, it makes me envious that they don't have to go 4-5 wides on every third down longer than a yard. Can actually run the ball in the Red Zone.

Besides obviously needing a better and more physical line, along with a more skilled back, we can't ignore that the TE group as a whole aren't good blockers. Poor blocking tight ends can easily sabotage running plays if they can't help set the edge so a lineman can get on a linebacker. Finley and Williams can't block. Crabtree at least tries, but he's a small TE and thus can get overpowered.

[El Duderino]

I rank our needs:

1. C - Agreed that Saturday isn't good and EDS isn't either.
2. LT - Also agree that Newhouse is a good back-up, but not a legit starter. It would be nice if Sherrod came around, even at RT. If he could be a good RT, we could possibly bump Bulaga inside to LG.
3. ILB - Hawk isn't very good, BIshop has been hurt a lot, Smith suffered a serious injury... we need a difference maker at this spot, IMO.
4. OLB/DT - Can never have enough pass rushers. Having someone better opposite Clay or on the DL would be great.
5. TE - Finley is poop. I actually like Quarless, but have no idea how he is going to do coming back from injury. Would be nice if we could get a guy who can both block and receive at this position.
6. RB - Getting a legit playmaker here would be nice. I still think our offensive line has a lot to do with how bad the running game is though.
7. WR - Jennings and Driver likely gone. Need depth at this spot at some point.

I mainly agree with this. Id bump RB up to 4 though.

I agree on RB over ILB. Hopefully Hawk is let go, for cap and play reasons. Bishop will return and while Brad Jones isn't great, he's surprised me so far and i think he's been at least as good as Smith.

A great inside backer prospect would certainly be nice, but i see multiple bigger needs. If we go defense early, someone on the DL who can create pressure would rank higher for me than ILB. I do like Daniels potential though to hopefully become a Cullen Jenkins type of player, maybe just not to that exact level.

[xTitan]

I think Brad Jones has been better than Smith so far this year, Smith was a disappoint to me, expected more. I really like Manning, i realize he is pretty much on scholarship this year, but he has decent size and speed, hoping he steps up next year more than anyone.

[eagle13]

OFF SEASON AS I SEE IT

TRANSACTIONS
Released = Driver, Saturday, Hawk, Woodson
Traded = Jennings for early 2nd / Finley & late 5th for early 3rd / creates more cap space
Extended = Rodgers, Matthews, Raji
Re-signed = Shields, Benson if cheap, Walden if cheap

DRAFT
1st- bpa - TE,RT,C
2nd- RT (from Jennings trade)
2nd- C
3rd- RB (from Finley trade)
3rd- WR
4th- DL
4th- OLB (Wells comp)
4th- CB (Flynn comp)
5th- traded w/ Finley
6th- NT
7th- ILB

KEYS –
draft BPA 1st among RT TE C
trade Finley - draft TE 1st or 2nd
trade Jennings – draft WR 3rd
draft RT 1st or 2nd - move Bulaga to LT (LTs are drafted early – good RTs often available later)
have Newhouse & Sherrod as competition and depth at OT
draft C in 1st or 2nd to compete w/EDS at C

[Bernman]

I think with Bulaga and Sherrod returning at the tackle positions next year, and Newhouse in the mix, that position isn't emergency urgent to address. Center isn't a 1st round position. Also, you can get good OL's in the mid rounds, at least if you're not TT. I don't trust him drafting line period. I wish it was handled in free agency, just not by acquiring someone as ancient as Saturday. That was a half assed free agency pick-up by TT. He's gotta make another Pickett level acquisition, on the OL, for Aaron's sake. Unless you guys see a standout at OL in the draft who'll be available in the late 1st. I don't really pay attention to individual offensive linemen when I watch a game so it'd be hard me to say personally.

From what I know, I'd go with Tyler Eifert in the 1st round. TE is a near future need regardless of what happens with Finley next year. And I think having a safety net again would help somewhat offset TT's crap offensive lines for Aaron. Eifert is a match-up problem. Too big for DB's and too quick for LB's. He's got reliable hands, and is a little bit of a deep threat. I think this offense would look discernibly better with him going forward.

In the 2nd round, I think Quinton Patton would be great value. He breaks down CB's to get open quickly and adjusts to balls beautifully in the air. He's a deep threat and short threat with a little wiggle and speed after the catch. He reminds me of Jennings, who he'd be replacing. Hard to argue with almost 1400 yards and 13 TD's to this point. He had 21 for 233 and 4 TD's against TAMU. 6 for 164 and 2 TD's against Terry Hawthorne and Illinois.

At RB we can use another guy to split carries with Starks and provide more suddenness up the middle to be more of a threat out of shotgun. The guy I've liked the most that I've seen this year has been Ray Graham of Pitt. Their O-Line isn't very good and neither is Sunseri but he's posted pretty good #'s because so much focus of defenses is stopping Graham.

I could see this being the polar opposite of last draft where we go almost all offense. DL is the one position on the D where we still need help. We're covered at ILB between the injured players, OLB w/ Matthews and Moses, and secondary with all the young talent we have there.

[xTitan]

I think with Bulaga and Sherrod returning at the tackle positions next year, and Newhouse in the mix, that position isn't emergency urgent to address. Center isn't a 1st round position. Also, you can get good OL's in the mid rounds, at least if you're not TT. I don't trust him drafting line period. I wish it was handled in free agency, just not by acquiring someone as ancient as Saturday. That was a half assed free agency pick-up by TT. He's gotta make another Pickett level acquisition, on the OL, for Aaron's sake. Unless you guys see a standout at OL in the draft who'll be available in the late 1st. I don't really pay attention to individual offensive linemen when I watch a game so it'd be hard me to say personally.

From what I know, I'd go with Tyler Eifert in the 1st round. TE is a near future need regardless of what happens with Finley next year. And I think having a safety net again would help somewhat offset TT's crap offensive lines for Aaron. Eifert is a match-up problem. Too big for DB's and too quick for LB's. He's got reliable hands, and is a little bit of a deep threat. I think this offense would look discernibly better with him going forward.

In the 2nd round, I think Quinton Patton would be great value. He breaks down CB's to get open quickly and adjusts to balls beautifully in the air. He's a deep threat and short threat with a little wiggle and speed after the catch. He reminds me of Jennings, who he'd be replacing. Hard to argue with almost 1400 yards and 13 TD's to this point. He had 21 for 233 and 4 TD's against TAMU. 6 for 164 and 2 TD's against Terry Hawthorne and Illinois.

At RB we can use another guy to split carries with Starks and provide more suddenness up the middle to be more of a threat out of shotgun. The guy I've liked the most that I've seen this year has been Ray Graham of Pitt. Their O-Line isn't very good and neither is Sunseri but he's posted pretty good #'s because so much focus of defenses is stopping Graham.

I could see this being the polar opposite of last draft where we go almost all offense. DL is the one position on the D where we still need help. We're covered at ILB between the injured players, OLB w/ Matthews and Moses, and secondary with all the young talent we have there.

I am not sold on Sherrod at all, at his best he was considered a good pass blocker but very soft, sounds a lot like Newhouse to me. I saw Patton play Saturday night and thought that he looks exactly like a Green Bay Packer receiver, San Jose also had a 6'6" TE that I absolutely loved as well, think Eifert will be gone (love his game as well). I like Ray Graham, but I also like Montee Ball if he slides to the late second or third, Ball proved to me this year that he has the ability to cut back and become a strong power runner, reminds me a lot of Gore at with SF.

[ReasonablySober]

I like Eifert too, just not as much as Ertz. Both fit the mold as huge WRs who don't even remotely care about blocking. Eifert sometimes tries but is useless, Ertz they barely put inline.

I have no idea how anyone could count on Sherrod as an option going into next year. I thought he was going to be back this season by now and we'd be able to see what he could do, but that's out the window.

I think C is the most important position on the line, to be honest. Edge rushers have been somewhat neutralized by the spread; it's a collapsing pocket up the middle that's destroyed a lot of passing games. Not saying OT isn't important, but if you don't have good center I think you're screwed.

[xTitan]

I have to admit, Konz would look really good on the Packers now, can't remember where he was picked and I do understand the major need for defense and can't really complain to much about the direction....but damn.

[raysbookclub]

would like to see Campen replaced. maybe it's thompson just not being good at picking OL for whatever reason. but i have not been impressed with campen for the last 5 or so years he's coached the line. i know miami has struggled this year, but i like their combo of McCarthy-Philbin passing attack and Sherman's running attack.

[jakecronus8]

Must get better in the trenches at any cost.