Last year, the Green Bay Packers went heavy on offense in the NFL Draft. Five
of their first six draft picks were on that side of the ball. The Packers paid for it heavily with the worst pass rush in NFL history.
So while Ted Thompson likes to tell everyone that it’s all about the best player available when selecting players, there will have to be a slight change to that strategy.
The Packers can still go best player available, but it has to be on the defensive side of the ball. They need pass rushers, ends, linebackers and don’t forget about the safety position after the release of veteran Nick Collins on Thursday. You can also add corner to that list as Charles Woodson isn’t getting any younger.
The Packers have the 28th pick in tonight’s 1st round of the NFL Draft and most draft analysts have them taking Boise State outside linebacker/DE Shea McClellin. McClellin should be there at number-28. Another OLB that could be around at number-28 is USC’s Nick Perry. McClellin and Perry would both be good fits in the Packers 3-4 scheme.
The Packers do have a couple of needs on offense. They’ll be looking for an interior offensive lineman, a center-guard type. They’ll be looking to groom their potential center of the future.
Quarterback is another need. With the loss of Matt Flynn in free agency to Seattle means the Packers are looking for a backup behind Aaron Rodgers.
The Packers have a total of 12-selections in the 3-day draft. Among the 12 are 4 compensatory picks, awarded for the loss of free agents. The Packers have two extra selections in round 4 and two more in round 7.
AUDIO: Ted Thompson on the value of compensatory selections :23
The 12 picks for the Packers going into the draft ranks second for most selections among NFL teams. Only the Cleveland Browns have more selections (13). Buffalo, Indianapolis, Minnesota, Pittsburgh and the New York Jets all have 10 selections.
Players that have been selected at No. 28 in the first round over the past 10 drafts include:
2011 RB Mark Ingram to New Orleans
2010 DT Jared Odrick to Miami
2009 C Eric Wood to Buffalo
2008 DE Lawrence Jackson to Seattle
2007 T Joe Staley to San Francisco
2006 TE Marcedes Lewis to Jacksonville
2005 DT Luis Castillo to San Diego
2004 CB Chris Gamble to Carolina
2003 CB Andre Woolfolk to Tennessee
2002 TE Jeremy Stevens to Seattle
Barring a trade, the Packers should be making their pick between 9:30 and 10:00pm in tonight’s first round. Last year’s entire first round was completed in 3:30.
Last year, the Packers selected OT Derek Sherrod, at No. 32. Seven of 10 players in the 2011 draft class went on to appear in a game for the Packers last season.