The Complete Green Bay Packers Draft Primer

Speculation will finally become grounded in reality Thursday night as the Green Bay Packers' 2015 draft officially begins. 

After months of rumors, reports and a little bit of ranting, Packers fans will finally know whether general manger Ted Thompson will trade that pick at No. 30, which inside linebacker the Packers will choose and if they are willing to take a chance on some of the riskier prospects. 

In the hours before the draft begins at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, let's take a final look at the entire landscape of the Green Bay Packers' draft: which picks they hold, top team needs, expected targets, Thompson's draft history and more. 

The Picks

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The Green Bay Packers currently hold nine picks in the 2015 NFL draft: all seven of their original selections and two sixth-round compensatory picks for the losses of Evan Dietrich-Smith and James Jones.

The picks are as follows:

Round	1	2	3	4	5	6	6	6	7
Pick (Overall)	30	62	94	129	166	206	210	213	247

Don't be surprised if the Packers finish the weekend with more than nine selections, however. Ted Thompson has made 26 trades since he took over at the helm in Green Bay in 2005. He has traded down 19 times and traded up seven times. 

Quick Facts: 

• 2014 was the only year in which Thompson did not make a draft-day trade.
• The last time the Packers held the 30th overall pick, in 2008, they traded it to the New York Jets in exchange for No. 36 and No. 113. Pick No. 36 in 2008 was, of course, wide receiver Jordy Nelson. 
• Thompson has absolute final say over each selection. "It's not a democracy," he said in a press conference last week. "Ultimately, I make the call."

The Needs

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Let's characterize the Packers' needs into three categories: must-haves, need-to-haves and nice-to-haves.

For the must-haves, Green Bay will be in serious trouble if it doesn't walk away from draft weekend with a player at each position in that category, and preferably a starting-caliber one from the early rounds.

For the need-to-haves, the Packers should still draft for those positions but might not need to address them until the middle rounds.

Nice-to-haves are other positions the Packers could do well to target this year, but they're not imperative. 

Once we've established the positions of need, we'll break down potential targets on the next page. 

Must-Haves

Inside Linebacker

Green Bay cut former starters A.J. Hawk and Brad Jones this offseason and let free agent Jamari Lattimore walk in free agency. Sam Barrington, who played 485 total snaps in 2014, per Pro Football Focus, was listed as the starting middle linebacker on the depth chart at the conclusion of last season. 

Barrington looks like a lock to earn a starting role for 2015 in training camp, but his fellow inside linebacker isn't currently on the roster. Depending on whom the Packers draft, that player could slot into the "Jack" linebacker spot usually featuring the better coverage linebacker or compete with Barrington for the "Mike" spot held by the stronger run defender. 

Other inside linebackers on the roster currently include outside linebacker converts Carl Bradford and Nate Palmer, as well as 2014 undrafted free agent Joe Thomas. 

Cornerback

After letting former starter Tramon Williams and promising young talent Davon House walk in free agency, the Packers are facing the prospect of moving exceptional slot corner Casey Hayward to the outside if they don't draft a starting-caliber corner in the early rounds. 

Hayward was the best slot corner in the league last season, per Pro Football Focus. He's shown flashes of being able to start on the outside, but the move makes the secondary as a whole weaker, as defensive back Micah Hyde would likely have to move to full-time slot corner and untested 2014 rookie Demetri Goodson would become the dime back. 

Bringing in competition for the outside job opposite Sam Shields, however, could allow Green Bay to keep Hayward in the slot where he excels.

Need-to-Haves

Outside Linebacker

With the news ESPN.com's Rob Demovsky reported Monday that the Packers aren't likely to pick up Nick Perry's fifth-year option, outside linebacker suddenly moves higher up on Green Bay's draft board. 

Veteran Julius Peppers is only under contract through 2016, and as he's due to count $10.5 million against the cap that season, according to Spotrac, it's not guaranteed the Packers will keep him on the roster after 2015. With Clay Matthews likely to see more time at inside linebacker in 2015, the Packers will need to plan ahead to keep their pass-rushing group from becoming a weakness. 

Defensive Tackle

B.J. Raji and Letroy Guion are both under one-year deals for 2015, and so Green Bay's line is anchored for the immediate future. 

But the Packers should still consider taking a solid defensive tackle to develop into a future starter. Though the Packers' 3-4 has become less pure and more hybrid in recent years, a run-stuffing big body in the middle will help Green Bay's leaky run defense improve in future years.

Having a developmental prospect on the roster who can also rotate in at other positions on the defensive line will give the Packers options when Raji and Guion hit free agency next year. 

Tight End

If the Packers were forced to start the 2015 season with Richard Rodgers and Andrew Quarless as their primary tight ends, the group would perform fine. Rodgers has great hands and can be a red-zone threat, and Quarless makes a nice No. 2 when the Packers want to run two-tight end sets. 

But they have the chance this week to make that group exceptional if they were to bring in one of the complete, do-it-all tight ends in this year's class. Adding a bona fide weapon to pair with Rodgers or Quarless who demands coverage would make Green Bay's offense virtually unstoppable. 

Nice-to-Haves

Offensive Line

The 2015 Packers offensive line should be the best of the Thompson-Mike McCarthy era. The starting lineup of David Bakhtiari, Josh Sitton, Corey Linsley, T.J. Lang and Bryan Bulaga, with Don Barclay and J.C. Tretter on deck, is one of the best in the league.

Lang and Sitton were the Nos. 2 and 3 guards, respectively, in the league last year, per Pro Football Focus, and Bulaga was the fourth-best right tackle. The rookie Linsley was the No. 5 center. 

Still, Thompson has drafted an offensive lineman in every year since 2005, and there's no need to break tradition in 2015 to keep a strength strong. 

Quarterback

It's too early to draft Aaron Rodgers' eventual replacement, but McCarthy said this offseason that he'd like to develop another young quarterback, per Demovsky. If Thompson has the right pick at the right spot, it looks like a good year for mid-to-late-round developmental prospects. Backup Scott Tolzien signed a one-year deal this offseason, so there's room for a prospect to come in and compete in camp. 

Return Specialist 

This player could either be a speedy wide receiver or a pass-catching running back. McCarthy has told reporters that the Packers will utilize starters more heavily on special teams as he works to revitalize the unit, but there's no need to have Randall Cobb returning punts if a mid-to-late-round player shines there. 

The Targets

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For the five most pressing needs listed on the previous page, these are the players the Packers are likely targeting at each position. 

Inside Linebacker

Eric Kendricks, UCLA: The 6'0", 232-pound Kendricks is likely the most complete inside linebacker in the class. He is able to diagnose plays quickly and chase sideline to sideline while also excelling in stopping the run despite lacking the traditional bulk of an inside 'backer. Projected Round: 1-2

Denzel Perryman, Miami: At 5'11" (and that's generous), Perryman is the shortest inside linebacker in this year's class expected to be drafted. (Marshall's Jermaine Holmes is 5'10".) Nevertheless, the Packers seem to be intrigued by his ability to shut down the run and his aggressive play style. Projected Round: 2-3

Stephone Anthony, Clemson: Anthony has the best size at the position in this class, aside from Benardrick McKinney (who did not make this list due to his lack of skill in coverage), at 6'3", 243 pounds. Like Kendricks, Anthony excels in coverage as well as against the run and is a consistent tackler. Projected Round: 2-3

Paul Dawson, TCU: A lackluster combine and scouts' concerns about his commitment to football have led to Dawson having a late-second or early third-round grade, but his tape is still outstanding. The Packers shouldn't select him as their first inside linebacker off the board, but they could find themselves lucky enough to take him as their second. Projected Round: 3

Ramik Wilson, Georgia: A potential second inside linebacker Thompson could look to add after he's found a starting-caliber player, Wilson would be a valuable addition to round out the depth of the thin group at the position. He has good size for the position at 6'2" and 237 pounds. He's incredibly productive, with 243 total tackles the past two seasons, the most in the SEC. Projected Round: 4-5

Taiwan Jones, Michigan State: Jones is a run-stuffer who would be a strong rotational player on first and second down. He would likely come off the field on third down, but if the Packers are serious about improving the run defense, a situational run-stopper would be a wise addition in the middle rounds. Projected Round: 5

Cornerback

Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest: Johnson was a star at the combine, as a top performer in the vertical jump (41.5"), broad jump (130"), three-cone drill (6.79 seconds) and 20-yard shuttle (3.89 seconds). He is one of the few prospects in this class who look like instant contributors on the outside—and therefore one of the few worth a first-round pick. Projected Round: 1

Marcus Peters, Washington: Peters' draft profile is marred slightly regarding his dismissal from Washington, but if he somehow falls to Green Bay at 30, it would be hard for them to pass on him. Peters is a playmaker who also excels in coverage. He has the ability to win the 50/50 catch, and his physicality would allow him to match up against the league's top receivers. Projected Round: 1-2

Byron Jones, Connecticut: Jones is realistically probably a very early second-round talent, but his insane performance at the NFL combine could help him earn a Round 1 selection. He was a top performer in every drill in which he participated: the vertical jump (44.5"), broad jump (147", setting a combine and world record), three-cone drill (6.78 seconds), 20-yard shuttle (3.94 seconds) and 60-yard shuttle (10.98 seconds). He has superb instincts. Projected Round: 1

Eric Rowe, Utah: Knowing Dom Capers' scheme as he does, Thompson will find Rowe's ability to play both cornerback and safety intriguing rather than a detriment. He would be a tall cornerback, at 6'1" and 205 pounds, but he's also shown he possesses the speed necessary to cover on the outside as well. With how fluid Green Bay's secondary has become, the Packers could benefit from a versatile playmaker like Rowe. Projected Round: 1-2

Jalen Collins, LSU: Collins is now a question mark after Albert Breer's report that he failed multiple drug tests at LSU...but did Packers executives already know about that? Collins may fall out of Round 1, but it's not likely he'll be available at No. 62. The 6'1" Collins would give Green Bay some much-needed height at the position and could be a first-year starter if he's not a character concern. Projected Round: 1-2

Quinten Rollins, Miami (Ohio): This former basketball star proved to be a natural defensive back when he made the switch last season. He would be a developmental prospect as he perfects his technique in the NFL, but if the Packers are comfortable starting Casey Hayward in September, they could end up with a hidden gem and future playmaker in Rollins down the line. Projected Round: 2

Craig Mager, Texas State: A reliable starter, Mager started all 12 games for four straight years at Texas State. At 5'11" and 201 pounds, he just barely clears Thompson's height preference for cornerbacks, but he's a competitive playmaker and would make a valuable depth addition in the secondary as well as on special teams. Projected Round: 4

Defensive End/Outside Linebacker

Randy Gregory, Nebraska: The college defensive end would move to outside linebacker in Green Bay's 3-4 scheme. He could be a cornerstone of the pass rush in years to come...or could prove to be an epic draft bust given questions about his character. Still, if he falls all the way to No. 30, it's clear Thompson would struggle to pass over him on sheer talent alone. Projected Round: 1

Danielle Hunter, LSU: Hunter is tall and long and shows enormous potential as an edge-rusher in a 3-4 scheme. He doesn't have a lot of college production under his belt, but if the Packers could nab him in Round 2, he could prove to be a high-ceiling prospect for them on the front seven. Projected Round: 2

Shaq Thompson, Washington: A bit of a tweener, Thompson could play inside linebacker, outside linebacker or even safety in the NFL. While that may cause some teams to pass over him, he could prove to be a valuable Swiss army knife for the Packers, as well as a talented situational edge-rusher. Projected Round: 2

Henry Anderson, Stanford: If he adds some mass, Anderson could remain at defensive end in a 3-4 scheme. But he's also a talented pass-rusher. Defensive coordinator Dom Capers would love Anderson's versatility and experience playing in both 3-4 and 4-3 fronts as the Packers defense continues to evolve into a hybrid scheme. Projected Round: 3

Defensive Tackle

Malcom Brown, Texas: More than just a defensive tackle, Brown could play all three positions on Green Bay's defensive line and would be a valuable chess piece on the defense for years. Having played both nose and end in a 3-4 scheme in college, Brown's versatility would make him virtually impossible for Thompson to pass on if he somehow happens to fall to 30. Expect his name to be called if he's on the board. Projected Round: 1

Eddie Goldman, Florida State: Goldman is a two-gapper who can shed blocks, and his best fit is in a 3-4 scheme, where he can be a versatile weapon. He has long arms to stop ball-carriers and keep them from penetrating the second level of the defense. Projected Round: 1-2

Jordan Phillips, Oklahoma: Phillips was previously a popular mock to the Packers at No. 30, but both a slight fall in his draft stock and Green Bay's re-signing of B.J. Raji and Letroy Guion have caused his name to be cited there less frequently. Still, Phillips could be a developmental future starter at nose tackle, and Packers defensive front assistant Jerry Montgomery coached him at Oklahoma. Projected Round: 2

Carl Davis, Iowa: Davis is a versatile and athletic defensive lineman, and he could line up at any of the three defensive line positions in Green Bay's scheme. That makes him a versatile weapon who could contribute in his first year. He might be a reach at No. 30, but he'll be long gone by No. 62. Projected Round: 2

Ellis McCarthy, UCLA: McCarthy wouldn't contribute in his first year, but he could be a valuable late-round pickup or even potentially an undrafted free agent. He's an ideally sized nose tackle (6'5", 338 pounds) who struggled with weight and injuries at UCLA but whose size and core strength are undeniable. Projected Round: UDFA

Tight End

Maxx Williams, Minnesota: The top tight end prospect in the draft may not be in position for Green Bay to take, but he would certainly make the offense unstoppable. A whopping 82 percent of his catches in college were for a first down or touchdown. Projected Round: 2

Clive Walford, Miami (Florida): Walford is a tough, athletic, versatile prospect who lined up in-line, in the slot and as an H-back at Miami. He could be used in two-tight end sets with Richard Rodgers, as Walford is a skilled blocker. Projected Round: 2-3

Jeff Heuerman, Ohio State: The athletic Heuerman is one of the more complete tight ends in the class and could be both a pass-catching threat and a solid blocker. He was underutilized in college and could be a productive red-zone threat for Green Bay. Projected Round: 3

MyCole Pruitt, Southern Illinois: Pruitt is on the shorter end for tight ends at 6'2", but he's stocky and powerful, making him an aggressive blocker. He can also line up in-line and in the slot. His production is off the charts; he led all NCAA tight ends with 81 catches and 13 touchdown receptions in 2014. Projected Round: 3-4

Ted Thompson's Draft History

MIKE ROEMER/Associated Press

No one, not even Mike McCarthy or Green Bay's team of scouts, knows which selections Ted Thompson will make until the Packers are on the clock.

Nevertheless, there are certain patterns and preferences that have emerged regarding Thompson's draft style over the years. These are some of them: 

• Thompson has never drafted a cornerback in Round 1. 
• Under Thompson, the Packers have taken an offensive lineman every year. 
• Thompson prefers to trade down rather than trade up but will move to wherever the value is on the board. 
• Since 2005, Green Bay has drafted 95 players overall: 40 defensive players and 55 offensive players. Fifteen of those defensive players, or 37.5 percent, have been in the last three years as the Packers try to bring their defense up to the level of their offense. 
• 2014 was the only year in his tenure with Green Bay in which Thompson did not make a draft-day trade. 

Final Predictions

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Final predictions before the Packers are on the clock Thursday night. 

Day 1 

Ted Thompson surprises some by passing on inside linebacker in this round, even if all of them are on the board. Eric Kendricks is likely his top choice, but the value just isn't there at No. 30. 

If cornerbacks Marcus Peters or Byron Jones are still on the board, expect Thompson to take them, making it the first time he's drafted a corner in Round 1. Expect him to leave Jalen Collins and Shane Ray alone. 

Day 2

Thompson will likely move around in Round 2 to ensure he can get one of the draft's top inside linebacker prospects, so he may try to move up for someone like Stephone Anthony or Denzel Perryman. This could also be accomplished by trading down in Round 1, a possibility if the only players with Round 1 grades on Green Bay's board are gone by No. 30.

In Round 3, Thompson will likely target a tight end (a Big Ten prospect in Jeff Heuerman or MyCole Pruitt, perhaps) or a defensive lineman if he hasn't addressed those positions already. 

Day 3 

Rounds 4-7 could be a bit of a wild card for the Packers, as they have a lot of picks and theoretically will have satisfied their immediate needs in the first three rounds.

They'll probably take an offensive lineman for depth, a pass-catching running back or return specialist and a late-round developmental quarterback prospect such as South Alabama's Brandon Bridge or Nevada's Cody Fajardo.

Don't be surprised to see Thompson also take a second inside linebacker for depth. Michigan State's Taiwan Jones could be a perfect fit in Round 5. 

All prospect ranking projections via CBSSports.com.