Green Bay Mock Draft; Rounds Three and Four Based On Ted Thompson History

This mock draft is totally based on Ted Thompson’s previous drafts with the Green Bay packers since his arrival in 2005.

The selections being made in rounds three and four are based solely on Thompson’s percentages, which are then selected by me.

The selections may not be my personal choice, however the selections made are due to Thompson’s history.

This is your alternative mock draft!

Round 3

2005 – N/A

2006 – LB Abdul Hodge, Iowa (67) & G/C Jason Spitz, Louisville (75)

2007 – WR James Jones, San Jose State (78) & S Aaron Rouse, Virginia Tech (89)

2008 – TE Jermichael Finley, Texas (91)

2009 – N/A

Total = 5         Offence = 3 (60%)                  Defence = 2 (40%)     

Offence;  WR/TE = 2 (66.6%)            C/G = 1 (33.3%)              

Defence;  DB = 1 (50%)          LB =  1 (50%)

Percentages/patterns/trends – Based on percentages Thompson favours offensive weapons in the third round, however a lack of third round selections makes it more difficult to find any trends.

Thompson found a gem in Jermichael Finley two years ago and the need for a future blocking tight end could be an option. Donald Lee has been a solid contributor, however failed to take several catches last season in important times during a handful of games.

USC tight end Anthony McCoy could well be an interesting prospect. He has natural soft hands to catch the ball as well as being a very solid pass blocker. However, testing positive for Marijuana at the combine may cost him.

Prior to the 2009 season Thompson has drafted four wide receivers in four years. However, without a second and a third last year that trend wasn’t continued. If Thompson doesn’t take a receiver in round two there is a good chance he pulls the trigger on another quarterback weapon. There is a great chance Minnesota’s Eric Decker may fall in the third round due to his season ending injury last year. Decker is a terrific route runner who catches anything that comes his way; he would be a steal in the third round.

Green Bay’s 5^th wide receiver last season Brett Swain isn’t going to be a lock to make the roster next year and James Jones’ contract ends at the end of this year. Do not be surprised to see Thompson stack up on receivers, planning for the future and also giving Rodgers more play makers.

Let’s not forget Thompson kept three fullbacks on the 53 man starting roster last season, could he keep six wide outs?!

Probability/law of averages/long shot- suggests this pick goes on the defensive side of the ball as the previous defender taken was Aaron Rouse in 2007. Both Abdul Hodge and Rouse are no longer with Green Bay.

With safety being a position of need and this year’s draft being deep in that position, the third round would make sense to address this need. Florida’s Major Wright can play at strong safety and doesn’t shy away from tackling, however he is very average in coverage and doesn’t seem to be an upgrade to Atari Bigby.

Thomas Howe’s pick based on Thompson’s percentages – WR, Eric Decker, Minnesota

Round 4          (number selected)

2005 – S Marviel Underwood, San Diego State (115) & LB Brady Poppinga, Brigham Young (125)

2006 – WR/KR Cory Rodgers, Texas Christian (104) & CB Will Blackmon, Boston College (115)

2007 – T/G Allen Barbre, Missouri Southern State (119)

2008 – LB Jeremy Thompson, Wake Forest (102) & G Josh Sitton, Central Florida (135)

2009 – G/T T.J. Lang, Eastern Michigan (109)

Total = 8         Offence = 4 (50%)                  Defence = 4 (50%)     

Offence;  WR/TE = 1 (25%)               C/G = 3 (75%)     

Defence;  DB = 2 (50%)          LB = 2 (50%)

Percentages/patterns/trends – a dead heat between offensive and defensive selections since 2005; however there is a tendency to address the interior line in the fourth round. In addition, special teams have been addressed with return specialists such as Cory Rodgers and Will Blackmon.

Thompson’s developmental guards/tackles could be the way to go. Utah’s Zane Beadles is a terrific mauler and could slide into the left guard position in the future. Of course this all depends on the Daryn Colledge situation as well as TJ Lang possibly being Green Bay’s future right tackle. There are rumours Beadles could play some tackle, however that is projected to be at least a couple of seasons away.

If the defense is addressed, look for a defensive back who can immediately contribute to special teams. Javier Arenas would be a steal if he fell this far down in the fourth, however that is very unlikely. Thompson may well bring in another defensive end/outside linebacker to add depth to the kick off unit as well as seeing defensive snaps.

Ole Miss’ Greg Hardy has been touted by many to be the number one best natural pass rusher in this year’s draft, however there have been motivational problems surrounding him. South Carolina’s Eric Norwood is another interesting prospect converting from defensive end to the linebacker position. Undersized at just over 6 foot and weighing in at ovwe 240 pounds, Norwood is stocky and thickly built and the First Team All SEC end has racked up 22 sacks in three seasons. This guy has a nose for the quarterback and his bulky frame helps his shed blocks and get to the running back.

Probability/law of averages/long shot - Brandon Banks of Kansas State measures at just 5’6 and an appearing measly 149 pounds! Who knows what will happen to him if he gets laid out by a gunner on special teams. For that to happen though, Banks needs to be caught and he has shown a lot of ability to break tackles and gain extra yards.

He is the best return man in this year’s draft and could be a dangerous little return guy who possesses great explosiveness.

Thomas Howe’s pick based on Thompson’s percentages – LB, Eric Norwood, South Carolina