RealGM

We needed OL help.

NT, OLB, OL with the first three picks. Thompson is addressing needs.

From CBS:

After not being invited to the NFL combine, Eastern Michigan offensive lineman T.J. Lang is shooting up draft boards across the league. Lang, who played all five positions at EMU, has both visited and worked out for the Lions, a source said. He's also met with the Ravens, Falcons, Chargers, Bears, Packers, Jets and Jaguars, among others, and because of his fiery demeanor could be a third-round pick. "He's an offensive tackle that I've kicked inside to guard," NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said Wednesday. "I've got him in the fourth round and because it's a (weak) guard class I think he'll benefit."

Analysis

Positives: Good height with a thick, strong body. Absolute mauler who works hard every play. Versatile enough to start at all three interior OL spots. Gets down quickly and is effective on cut blocks. Strong enough to stone and pancake his opponent. Fires out of his stance and uses his hands well on run plays, gets inside his man's jersey and doesn't let go. Punches and extends his arms to hold off defenders in pass protection. Good enough feet to get to linebackers, pull and trap. Aware enough to help the tackle and center on the same play. Hustles downfield on screens and reverses to throw the late block.

Negatives: Must learn to play inside in the NFL because he lacks the athleticism, arm length and hand size to be more than a short-term solution outside. Leans into his man, enabling the tackle to rip him off or pull him forward on a second effort. Tries to grab opponent's jersey on most every play instead of punching and resetting, which will be a problem against quicker defensive tackles.

Compares To: KRIS DIELMAN, San Diego -- Lang is a former defensive lineman and a relative neophyte as an offensive lineman coming out of college. He's made steady progress thanks to weight-room dedication. With his pass protection skills, he could bring better value as an interior lineman while his body fills out. In a zone blocking scheme, he could find a home at guard. With his hand quickness, he could also be used as a center late in his career.

Injury Report

No major injuries reported.

Being projected as a guard.

Packers list him as a G/T

With Meredith available, Pack must see Lang as OT. He started last year at LT.

Maybe eventually a tackle but I think he'll be inside for now.

TT coming on now

Sounds like his stock has been on the rise lately.

already has #70 on the roster...Raji #90, Matthews 52 (he should steal 57 from Hunter)

Another scouting report...

"SW had Lang as the 20th best available for day two. Notes...

Strengths:
Adequate size and bulk...Tough, physical and aggressive...Quick with good mobility...Strong and powerful...Has a great initial punch...Has a fantastic motor and plays to the whistle...Pretty good balance...A hard worker...Can offer some positional versatility...Has lots of experience.

Weaknesses:
'Tweener?...Not a great athlete...Has short arms...Not very light on his feet...Stiff and isn't real agile...Doesn't use his hands well...Has some trouble sustaining blocks...Not a natural knee bender...Limited upside.

Notes:
A three-year starter...Began his college career as a defensive tackle, accumulating 11 tackles and 0.5 for a loss in 11 games...Moved to the offensive line in 2006 and took over the right tackle job...Played left tackle in 2007 and 2008...Named 2nd Team All-MAC as a senior...A classic overachiever who could also project to offensive guard at the next level..Extremely underrated pro prospect with starting potential"

I think it was a good selection. I'd like Meredith but tackle hasn't been so hot from round 2-4 so far Only 5 guys have gone (Loadholdt, Beatty, Vollmer, Brewster, and Lang). If TT could trade out of round 2 and 3 for Matthews and still selects a good o-linemen in round 4 he looks genius. Perhaps Meredith or Kropag could be there in round 5.....

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/43739137.html - Video of him with commentary by draft analysts.

Sounds like he could be a very good guard or just a solid tackle if you need him to move out there.

started 3 years against Larry English...never gave up a sack to him

Andrew Lang is one of my favorite all time Bucks. I expect TJ to become one of my all time favorite Packers.

I apologize if someone has said this already.

mnstinks wrote:started 3 years against Larry English...never gave up a sack to him

Dang, and I was really high on English. This could be a great steal then.

he's only 21...birthday in Sept.

mnstinks wrote:he's only 21...birthday in Sept.

Wow great catch. He can learn a bit from clifton too.