Bleacher Report - Articles by nick wehry

Nick Wehry's Packers Draft Contest Picks

nick wehry — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:26:03 -0400

The first player selected by the Packers in the 2009 NFL draft will be: Everette Brown—DE/LB Florida State

Do I really need to explain why Brown would be a great choice here?

He is an explosive defensive end with great upside. With Aaron Kampmans move to linebacker, Brown would fill his gap on the line perfectly. He's a tough player and a worker.

The second player selected by the Packers in the 2009 NFL draft will be: Phil Loadholt—OT Oklahoma

Loadholt has the great size and strength that the packers need to add to an aging line. He could also learn from some greats in Tauscher and Clifton

Will the Packers make a draft day trade involving their first round No. 9 pick? (yes/no) No.

Will the Packers third selection be an offensive or defensive player? (off/def) Offensive Player

Will the Packers use any of their draft choices (day one or two) to take a punter? (yes/no) Yes.

Green Bay Packers, Rounds 1-7: Complete Mock Draft Coverage

nick wehry — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 17:07:13 -0400

The Packers are coming off of one of the most disappointing years in recent history.

Some expected struggles with Rodgers' first year at the helm, and a lot of the blame can be put on him. However, there were some other gaping holes in the team—such as run defense.

That brings me to the first round choice. Most are expecting the addition of Ohio state DB Malcolm Jenkins—a big tough corner that could certainly help the team.

However, I believe that the Cheeseheads will take a different route...

With the ninth pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Packers select...Everette Brown—DE/LB; Florida State.

They will certainly choose BJ Raji here, if he drops to No. 9, but seeing how he will likely get taken before this, they will take the perfect fit to compliment Hawk, Barnett, and Kampman at LB in the new 3-4 scheme.

With their 41st round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Packers select...Phil Loadholt—OT; Oklahoma

This guy could be a dominant blocker for years to come. Great size and strength with glimpses of athleticism, he could be a great asset to the running game.

With their third round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Packers select...Jared Cook—TE; South Carolina.

Cook has very good size and speed with all the tools to be great. It seems as though he lacks focus at times, but with the help of NFL coaches, that could change greatly.

With their second third round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Packers select...Mike Mickens—CB; Cincinnati.

With Harris and Woodson aging and only Tramon Williams waiting in the wings, another corner is going to be a concern. Mickens doesn't offer great size or athleticism but a great work ethic and nose for the game.

With their fourth round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Packers select...Darryl Richard—DT; Georgia Tech.

He gives the defensive line depth which is needed in the 3-4 as well as gets them a player that could still add some size to his tall frame.

With their fifth round choice in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Packers select...Ian Johnson—RB; Boise State.

With the two-back system practically a must now in the NFL, Johnson could be a part of a four-back system with mostly Grant and obviously with some Jackson, Wynn, and Johnson mixed in.

With their first sixth round choice in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Packers select...Chris Miller—P; Ball State.

Let's face it, unless you're a great punter, your job's always in jeopardy. Derrick Frost is no great punter.

With their second sixth round choice in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Packers select...Chris Pizzotti—QB; Harvard.

Just a QB choice late in the draft. He's a very smart kid but not likely to make the team, barring another late round gem.

The Packers will trade their last pick for a seventh rounder next year.

Another Year, Another Young Inexperienced Team: Cincinnati Reds Outlook 2009

nick wehry — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 14:37:22 -0500

I see a promising .500 year in the works for last years 5th place finishers. As we look towards the 2009 season we see many teams that were very active in free agency. the Cincinnati reds were not one of these teams. The new acquisition of OF JacqueJones was about the largest move made.

So you may be asking how The team will greatly improve. Well this year, unlike most years past the Reds look to rely on their arms not their bats to carry the team. Young guns Johhny Cueto, Edison Volquez, and veteran righty Aaron Harang look to lead the charge.

The question marks will be the rocky middle releivers and the four and five spots that will likely go to Arroyo and Bailey. However there is some young promise on the offensive side with young studs 2B Brandon Phillips and second year OF Jay Bruce. Look for these two to lead a suprising charge by the red legs and possibly the first playoff birth since Jay Bruce was in Elementary School.

Projected Record:82-80