2012 NFL Draft: 5 Late-Round Picks That Can Help the Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers have several late-round draft picks on their roster and will look to add a few more in the 2012 NFL draft. 

General manager Ted Thompson has built his reputation on avoiding sexy, expensive moves in free agency and has focused on building through the draft.

His preparation prior to draft day is a testament to the philosophy of legendary Packers coach Vince Lombardi, who once said:

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“I’ve never known a man worth his salt who, in the long run, deep down in his heart, didn’t appreciate the grind, the discipline."

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Thompson's work ethic allows him to find gems in the late rounds of the draft. When Radio City Music Hall is empty and ESPN is no longer paying attention, he is just getting started on building the future of the Packers.

Sam Shields, Ryan Grant, James Starks and Tramon Williams are just a few of the productive players on the team that were either undrafted or taken in the late rounds.

Here are five guys who will likely go in Rounds 4-7 that will be valuable additions to the Green Bay roster. 

5. Trenton Robinson, FS, Michigan State

At 5'10" and 193 pounds, Trenton Robinson is undersized for a safety, but makes up for it with speed.

Robinson, who is projected to be a fifth-round pick, ran the 40-yard dash in 4.46 seconds, giving him the second-fastest time among all free safeties in the draft. 

The former Michigan State Spartan was selected by the media as a First Team All-Big Ten player and recorded 80 tackles and four interceptions in his senior year. 

The Packers may have to a glaring hole in their roster if Nick Collins is unable to return next season.

Collins is a fast but undersized free safety, so Robinson would be an excellent candidate to fill in for the former All-Pro.

4. Donnie Fletcher, CB, Boston College

Fletcher is a big, physical corner who has all the intangibles.

However, he is projected to drop to the fourth or fifth round because scouts doubt his top-end speed.

ESPN's draft profile of the former Boston College captain says:

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"...physical and makes it difficult for receivers to get off the line of scrimmage when presses. Can ride receivers out of bounds while turning to locate the ball." 

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Fletcher was also given the Jay McGillis Scholarship Award by his team, which recognizes a defensive back who shows excellent leadership and work ethic.

The Packers are in desperate need of help in the secondary, and a player like Fletcher, who has shown discipline and a commitment to improvement, would be a valuable addition.

3. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State

Kellen Moore had a 50-3 record during his three years as Boise State's starting quarterback, but due to his lack of size and arm strength, is projected to be picked during the last two rounds of the draft.

The Packers will have a need for a new backup quarterback as Matt Flynn will almost certainly leave in free agency. Flynn also had an immensely successful collegiate career, but slipped all the way to the seventh round.

Moore has the NCAA record for wins by a starting quarterback. Also on his resume: two All-American selections, a Heisman Trophy finalist selection, three WAC championships and a BCS Bowl victory.

He has all the necessary mental qualities to be a successful quarterback and is an extremely hard worker. He would be a perfect candidate to become Aaron Rodgers' backup after Flynn's departure.

2. Darius Fleming, OLB, Notre Dame

Darius Fleming is 6'2", 255 pounds and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.65 seconds, giving him prototypical size and speed for an edge-rusher in a 3-4 defense.

Fleming led the Fighting Irish in sacks and tackles-for-loss as a junior, but his production slipped a bit as a senior. This, in addition to concerns over his lateral quickness and agility, have caused him to be projected as a sixth-round pick. 

However, edge-rushers are often improperly evaluated, and players such as James Harrison, Cameron Wake and Elvis Dumervil have all had Pro Bowl seasons and were all picked late or undrafted. 

The Packers badly need a player to create pressure opposite Clay Matthews, and a late-round gem at OLB could turn the defense around.

Fleming has the physical tools to be a menacing pass-rusher, and if given the opportunity, could show that he can put it all together and produce in the NFL. 

1. Derek Wolfe, DT, Cincinnati

During his senior year at Cincinnati, Derek Wolfe led the team with 9.5 sacks and was fourth with 70 tackles.

He is projected as a fifth- or sixth-round draft pick due to a slow 40-yard dash time, but his production in college does not reflect that.

Even his ESPN draft profile admits: 

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"Timed speed is a concern but doesn't hinder him on film."

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At 6'5" and 286 pounds, Wolfe would be another big body to add onto the defensive line.

The Packers struggled last season to replace Cullen Jenkins, who left in free agency. Jenkins was an effective pass-rusher and run-stopper, and Green Bay failed to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks without him.

Wolfe showed excellent instincts when rushing the quarterback and also was stout against the run. His size and skill set would allow him to make an easy transition to defensive end in Dom Capers' 3-4 defense. 

The former Bearcat has all the tools to be an NFL lineman and could be a key addition to help the Packers continue their success in the 2012-13 season.