2007 Packers Draft

Haven't had a ton of time to analyze the draft since the weekend what with the move and all but with a few days to reflect I guess the best that can be said is "Wait and see."

The Packers' first round draft pick was interior defensive lineman, Justin Harrell, from Tennessee. He only played 3 games his senior year after blowing out his bicep. Film from his junior year show him to be a high-motor upfield pursuer with long arms. A defensive tackle that can get to the quarterback can help any team and one hopes the Packers did their due diligence in testing his medical condition. A stud wide receiver would have been nice at #16 but after Calvin Johnson, there wasn't a sure-fire impact player at wideout and with a deep draft at that position quality still could be found in later rounds.

The second pick concerns me more. Again, they selected a player with a history of injury problems, junior running back Brandon Jackson from Nebraska. He posted gaudy numbers in split duty but a running back with injuries to both shoulders can be a worry given the pounding they take. He is supposedly a good receiver but needs to work on his blocking (as do most rookie running backs). Scouts have indicated that had he not come out early, he might have been considered the top back in college in 2008. Hopefully, he can replace departed Nebraska alumn, Ahman Green.

The rest of the draft saw the Packers taking WRs James Jones of San Jose State with their 1st 3rd round pick and David Clowney from Virginia Tech in the 5th round. Jones seems to be more of a possession guy with Clowney being the burner who needs to learn how to run routes but can make an immediate impact in the return game.

Needs were filled as they took Hokie safety, Aaron Rouse, in the 3rd round and Division II All-American, Allen Barbre, from Missouri Southern State in round four. Round six saw the Packers taking the top kicker, Mason Crosby, from Colorado who will compete with Dave Raymer. Also Korey Hall, of Boise State, was taken in the 6th as a possible replacement for retired William Henderson at fullback after being converted from his college position of linebacker. The Packers also selected another linebacker, Desmond Bishop, from California in the 6th round. I would have liked to see them take a run at tight end, Ben Patrick, in the 6th round.

Running back, DeShawn Wynn, from Florida was taken in the 7th round and could also compete for the fullback spot. Finally, another need was addressed in the 7th round with tight end, Clark Harris, from Rutgers. Of course, can you really expect needs to be filled in a big way that late in the draft? It definitely can happen but you can't count on it.

While I'd like to wait a couple of years to grade the draft, Packers GM Ted Thompson, probably deserves the benefit of the doubt given how the 2006 draft class was able to step up and contribue right away. So, I'll give the Packers a B-.