Tim Seeman's Packer Draft Contest Predictions

The first player selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2009 NFL draft will be: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas.

Reasons and explanation: He's fast, he's strong, and he earned all the national awards for defensive ends during his senior season.  Maybe not prototypical for a linebacker in the 3-4 (he's similar in size to Aaron Kampman), but to operate under the assumption that he won't learn under the tutelage of Dom Capers and Kevin Greene is something that no one should do.  Also, his position is one in which he can have an immediate impact on the Packer defense, provided he shows he can play throughout training camps and the preseason.

The second player selected by the Packers in the 2009 NFL draft will be: Jamon Meredith, OT, South Carolina.

Reasons and explanation: Meredith could fill a couple needs for the Packers if Green Bay takes him with the 41st overall pick.  In his rookie season, he'd provide depth as a tackle and can also move inside and play guard.  Later on, with hard work in the weight room, he could be the replacement down the line for Mark Tauscher or Chad Clifton.  Also, he's a smart guy who graduated with a 3.7 GPA at South Carolina, meaning that he'll be able to catch on quick to the NFL game.

Tie-breaker questions:

• Will the Packers make a draft-day trade involving their first-round No. 9 pick? No.
  
• Will the Packers' third selection in the draft be an offensive player or a defensive player? Defensive.
  
• Will the Packers use any of their draft choices, day one or two, to take a punter? No. (At least, I hope not. Drafting a punter, in my opinion, is a waste of a draft pick.  There are always adequate punters sitting around during the preseason waiting for a call.)