More so than almost any other team in the NFL, the DRAFT is the lifeblood of the PACKERS roster. TED THOMPSON is resolute in his philosophy of building his team in the annual Draft process. Currently armed with 9 Picks he is poised to put together a strong group of Rookies for his team’s 2016 Training Camp. So let’s see who I would take if I were in his position.
Round 1, Pick 27 VERNON BUTLER/DT/LOUISIANA TECH 6’4/323
This massive man would be just what the doctor ordered for a team that looks to be without several of last year’s DL group when the 2016 season opens. He’s stout, but has good mobility for his size. He is also long for his size with arms measuring 35″. A also think he would look good when the team drops into the 2-man DL formation that they use so much. Also watch for him to knock down a few passes with his penetration into the backfield. He was nigh-on unblockable at the Senior Bowl practices. I like his talent and versatility given the multiple defensive formations DOM CAPERS employs every game day. PP#26
Round 2, Pick 57 JOSHUA PERRY/ILB/OHIO STATE 6’4/254
The team tried to turn over it’s ILB group in 2015, with mixed results. The team has also acknowledged that getting CLAY MATTHEWS back to an OLB spot is critical, for multiple reasons. PERRY has been a standout performer on a talented BUCKEYES team. He has played both inside and out, and presents a very nice combination of size, strength and mobility. That playing versatility he showed in college will play well in the diverse CAPERS defensive schemes. His 4.68/40-time was the fastest among the ILB at the Combine.He recorded over 100 tackles in each of his final two seasons with the Buckeyes. PP# 59
Round 3, Pick XAVIEN HOWARD/CB/BAYLOR 6’0/201
This guy’s stock has been rising as personnel people look at more of his game tape. Despite some concerns about a mediocre 40-time in Indy, his game tape seems to indicate he can keep up with receivers downfield. His size is desirable for today’s NFL. He seems physical enough to also contribute on Special Teams. The PACK lost CASEY HAYWARD to VFA, so it is reasonable to assume that THOMPSON will be looking to supplement his secondary group despite having used his top two picks from last year for a rebuild. PP#85
Round 4, PIck 125 B.J. GODSON/ILB/CLEMSON 6’1/242
WHITEY begins his 4th Round gold rush with another Inside LB. But it’s not a reach to fill a need IMO. GOODSON exploded as a player in the Clemson run at a National Title in 2015. He was the leading tackler for a very talented Defense. Then he ran a very impressive 4.69/40 at the Combine. He is a much better athlete than many give him credit for, which he proved at Indy. Combine that with his productivity and he looks like a very solid prospect. He may only play from scrimmage on running downs, but he should also step in right away as a core Special Teams contributor. PP#125
Round 4, Pick 131 CALEB BENENOCH/OT/UCLA 6’6/311
Another early Draft entrant, who shows more potential than his decent production at UCLA would indicate. He is one of the select few OL who cracked the 5.0/40-time barrier at the Combine. His 34″+ arms will excite any OL Coach. General talk was that Caleb is an underachiever at UCLA, but he was good enough to start 35 games in 3 years for the Bruins. I will buy that he may not be ferocious as a player yet, but motivation is the issue not talent. The PACKS are thin along the OL, and actually getting old with both starting OG on the wrong side of 30. This player might start at RT after a one-year intro to the League. PP#132
Round 4, Pick 137 JOSH FERGUSON/RB/ILLINOIS 5’10/198
I think FERGUSON’s style of play fits very nicely into a PACKERS backfield with two bigger RB in LACY & STARKS. Quickness and elusiveness are his game. What makes him a solid compliment to the current RB on the roster is that he specializes in catching the ball and getting YAC. He registered 168 catches during his career at Illinois. He is a solid runner having averaged 5.1 ypc in 505 collegiate carries. He would bring talent and add depth to the PACKERS roster. also allowing RANDALL COBB to remain in the slot most of the time. He could represent the best pass catching RB RODGERS has ever worked with. PP#138
Round 5, Pick 163 JAY LEE/WR/BAYLOR 6’2/214
LEE has been an integral part of the BAYLOR aerial circus the past few seasons. His reputation, based on his role for the Bears, is that of a long guy with good speed who only runs fly patters. He dispelled that myth with a very solid week of work at the Senior Bowl. He ran all patterns and looked comfortable doing so. Was a leading receiver in the Senior Bowl game, catching the ball well in traffic. Has nice soft hands and should have a solid chance to compete for a roster spot with the PACK as they look to replace JAMES JONES. PP#159
Round 6, Pick 200 JOE THUNEY/OL/NC STATE 6’5/304
Versatility and athleticism are his two biggest attributes, though he’s a savvy vet as well. He looked pretty much like just another guy to me during Shrine Game week, but then posted some very nice numbers at the Combine. He ran a sun 5.00/40 as well as ding 28 reps in the bench press. His arms are a bit short so I would expect his primary pro position to be inside at OG. I suspect however that he might make a solid 5 position back-up as a pro. The combination of versatility and overall athleticism are what make him a solid pick here in the late rounds. PP#196
Round 7, Pick 248 CLAYTON FEJEDELEM/S/ILLINOIS 6’0/200
FEJEDELEM had a really strong senior season for the Illini. He also caught my eye with a really good week of practice and play at the Shrine Game venue. He is a real ball hawk and if he had better hands would be a high INT guy. But he finds the ball and makes plays from deep in the secondary. He has a solid build and does not shy away from contact. He’s gonna be OK in coverage unlike many of this years S prospects. Well worth a late pick when your team still has CHRIS BANJO hanging on because of his Special Teams play. I think FEJEDELEM can offer them more than that. PP#251
That’s it for the Green & Gold, although you can count on them to bring in another dozen, or so, URFA who fit their style of play and who will make final cuts difficult late in August. As is always the case this Draft is critical for TED THOMPSON as they all are. He always expects to hit on 10-12 Rookies for an annual dose of fresh talent. As a side note, in a year of a mediocre TE group, I felt that position could be ignored for now thanks the rare VFA signing by THOMPSON of JARED COOK. I know that position is of concern to many PACKERS fans, but it is almost impossible to fill every perceived need in one year in today’s NFL.
