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