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Packers select offensive lineman in round 4

April 26, 2009 By

TJ Lang The Green Bay Packers used their first selection on day 2 of the draft (#109 rd. 4) on an offensive lineman.  The Packers went with offensive tackle TJ Lang, a player that played his first year in college as a defensive tackle, then made the transformation to the offensive side in his last three seasons.

Many professional scouts feel that Lang's drive blocking ability might be better suited for guard or center in the NFL.

Since changing positions, Lang went on to start 36 consecutive games, including his last 26 at left tackle. 

 

Listen / Download – Line Coach James Campen on Lang's versatility :23
Listen / Download – James Campen's thoughts when watching Lang on film. :24

Filed Under: Green Bay Packers, Top Story

Badgers starting to go on day 2

April 26, 2009 By

Matt Shaughnessy The third round of the NFL Draft is underway, three Badgers have already been selected. 

Defensive end Matt Shaughnessy (pictured) is the first Badger taken.  He goes in round 3 to Oakland, #71 overall.  The Detroit Lions selected linebacker DeAndre Levy with the 76th overall pick and the Pittsburgh Steelers selected guard Craig Urbik with the 79th pick.

Several more Badgers should be taken on day 2, including tight end Travis Beckum, who could be next.

Filed Under: Badgers

Packers make deal, select USC linebacker Clay Matthews

April 25, 2009 By

Clay Matthews The Green Bay Packers surprised everyone when they traded up into the first round to select USC linebacker Clay Matthews. 

After taking Boston College nose tackle B.J. Raji in round 1, the Packers had one more pick left on the day, #41 overall in round 2.  But GM Ted Thompson dealt their 2nd round pick and two third round picks (73 & 83) to New England to take Matthews with the 26th overall pick in the first round.  The Packers also received the Patriots 162nd overall selection, which comes in round #5. 

This is only the second time that Ted Thompson has moved up in a draft.  In four previous drafts, Thompson has orchestrated 14 deals, with 13 of those deals moving backwards.

Barring another deal, the Packers are now done on day #1 and are not scheduled to pick again until round #4 on Sunday.

[Video] Clay Matthews 2008 USC Highlights

Listen / Download – Ted Thompson says they zeroed in on Matthews. :24
Listen / Download – Thompson on day 1 :12

Filed Under: Green Bay Packers

Packers select Raji with the 9th pick

April 25, 2009 By

BJ Raji The Green Bay Packers had the opportunity to pick WR Michael Crabtree with the 9th pick in the first round, but instead they decided to take an immediate step towards rebuilding their defense and the new 3-4 defensive scheme by selecting Boston College nose tackle B.J. Raji. 

It's a pick that the fans like.  For the first time in awhile, GM Ted Thompson's first round selection was cheered by the fans attending the teams draft party inside the Lambeau Field atrium.

Thompson called the nose tackle position the anchor spot of the defense and you have to have it.  The Packers will now have two good anchors in Raji and veteran Ryan Pickett.

Raji sat out the 2007 season for academic issues, which threw up a red flag for some.  But Thompson said he was not concerned with Raji's character and did a lot of homework to be convinced that Raji was their guy.

At Boston College, Raji combined with fellow tackle Ron Brace for 11 of the team's 35 quarterback sacks (31.43%) and 27 of the Eagles' 108 tackles behind the line of scrimmage (25%).  Raji led a unit that led the Atlantic Coast Conference in rush defense (91.21 ypg, seventh in the NCAA) and total defense (268.14 ypg, ranked fifth nationally).

Raji is expected to be in Green Bay next week for the teams rookie orientation.

Listen / Download – Ted Thompson says Raji is a powerful man :18
Listen / Download – Ted Thompson on Raji's fit in the 3-4 :19

Filed Under: Green Bay Packers, Top Story Tagged With:

Lions go with QB Matthew Stafford

April 25, 2009 By

Matthew Stafford The Detroit Lions made Matthew Stafford the first overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft today. 

Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the opening of the draft and the Lions had the card up to him seconds later.  The Lions and Stafford had already come to terms prior to the draft.  It's a 6-year deal worth $78-million with $41.7 of it guaranteed.  The remainder of the amount is incentive based between playing time and Pro Bowl appearances among other things. Video of Stafford in action.

Filed Under: Top Story
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