Green Bay Packers Mock Draft: Analyzing CBS Sports' Recent Selections

If you were wondering who the mock draft folks at CBSSports.com have going to the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft, get ready for a smorgasbord of picks—not one of the writers chose the same player. 

I've looked at six different writers' mocks for this review, and while I agree with some picks more than others, the Packers would benefit from adding any of these players at the draft.

All of the writers picked front seven defensive players (either DT or OLB), which makes sense given the Packers' struggles on defense last year.

Let's take a look at the selections and my evaluations.

Pete Prisco (Andre Branch)

Here is Pete Prisco's latest mock draft.

I would have no problem if the Packers selected Andre Branch in the first round, although there are a number of other players I prefer at OLB at this point.

Branch looked good at the combine, where the 6'4", 259-pound former Clemson Tiger ran a 4.70 in the 40 yard dash.

Branch also had a great senior year at Clemson, finishing 2011 with 77 tackles which included 17 tackles for a loss, 10.5 sacks and one forced fumble.

Pat Kirwin (Jerel Worthy)

Here is Pat Kirwin's latest mock draft.

Jerel Worthy would not be a bad pick for the Packers either in the first round, although once again I prefer a few other prospective DEs.

Worthy is a little on the short side to play end as he is only a shade over 6'2", but his 308 pound frame makes up for the lack of height.

Worthy had an inconsistent junior season at Michigan State in 2011, where he totalled 30 tackles and 10.5 tackles for a loss plus had 3.5 sacks.

The bottom line is Worthy can sometimes be very disruptive, but on other occasions he seems to be non-existent.

Clark Judge (Whitney Mercilus)

Here is Clark Judge's latest mock draft.

I like Whitney Mercilus a lot. As a matter of fact, I picked him myself in one of my mock drafts. Some scouts see Mercilus as a DE while others think he would be a better OLB. Some have also said that Mercilus was perhaps a one year wonder as a junior at Illinois.

But what a year it was! Mercilus had 57 tackles which included 22.5 tackles for a loss, 16 sacks and a whopping nine forced fumbles.

The 6'3", 261 pound Mercilus ran a 4.68 40 at the combine, where he also looked very good in drills.

Will Brinson (Courtney Upshaw)

Here is Will Brinson's latest mock draft.

Courtney Upshaw seems to be moving down the draft board due to a bad performance at the combine. However, depending on the board at the time, Upshaw would not be a bad pick for the Packers here.

Upshaw had over 100 tackles (including 31.5 tackles for losses the past two seasons) for Alabama, plus had 15.5 sacks during that time.

Upshaw is only a tad over 6'1' and weighed in at 272 at the combine. Has been timed at 4.74 in the 40.

Upshaw was a definite leader of an Alabama defense which led the Crimson Tide to another National Championship in 2011. The Packers could stand to benefit from that leadership in 2012.

Rob Rang (Shea McClellin)

Here is Rob Rang's latest mock draft.

I LOVE this pick. In fact, Shea McClellin is my selection in the first round in the final mock draft I did for the Packers.

McClellin is quickly moving up the draft board. The 6'3", 260 pound former Boise State Bronco ran a 4.63 40 at the combine.

McClellin mostly played DE for Boise State but also saw time at both OLB and ILB. He will probably be better suited to OLB in the NFL.

He had 46 tackles with six sacks, 12.5 tackles for a loss and a blocked kick in 2011. He also had 9.5 sacks in 2010.

McClellin has a relentless motor and always brings high energy to the field. He is also very versatile, which is an important asset with the defensive coaching staff of the Packers.

Dane Brugler (Devon Still)

Here is Dane Brugler's latest mock draft.

Devon Still is another player who seems to be moving down the draft board. The 6'4", 303-pound former Penn State Nittany Lion ran a 4.94 40 at his Pro Day.

I would be okay with this pick, but again, there are a number of other players who I would prefer at DE if the Packers went that way in the 1st round.

Still had 55 tackles in 2011, which included 17 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks.