2011 NFL Draft: Small School Prospects That Might Interest the Green Bay Packers

Can Green Bay Packers GM Ted Thompson Find the Next Small School Gem in the 2011 NFL Draft?

As we've seen over the six years that Ted Thompson has controlled the Packers draft, Green Bay's general manager doesn't have a problem picking small school players. 

In fact, he's struck gold with quite a few of them. Safety Nick Collins (Bethune Cookman), receivers Greg Jennings (Western Michigan) and James Jones (San Jose State), guard Josh Sitton (Central Florida) and running back James Starks (Buffalo) are just a few of the best examples of this.

While Thompson does pick from the big name schools too, it's clear that the Packers GM cares much more about what the game tape tells him than what the front of the jersey says. 

If you can play, and all the other routine draft checks are cleared, it doesn't matter if you're playing for USC or UW-Stout. With that in mind, here are some of the best small-school prospects in the 2011 NFL Draft. 

DE Muhammed Wilkerson, Temple

Temple University isn't a small school student-wise (37,396), but their football team has rarely been a factor in Division 1.

Wilkerson, however, was a big component for the Owls in 2010. With 9.5 sacks and a 6'5", 305-pound frame, the word "big" can be applied to Wilkerson both literally and figuratively. 

Despite his size, Wilkerson is also a surprising athlete—he ran a 4.96 40-yard dash with a 27-inch vertical leap. Those are qualities that could make him a very attractive option for the Packers at the end of the first round. 

If Cullen Jenkins bolts in free agency, drafting Wilkerson could go a long ways in replacing his production from the defensive end position.

WR Jerrel Jernigan, Troy

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 20: Jerrel Jernigan #3 of the Troy Trojans gets loose for a second quarter touchdown against the Ohio State Buckeyes on September 20, 2008 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Troy University has a recent history of producing NFL-ready talent. Notable examples include Osi Umenyiora (Giants), Leodis McKelvin (Bills) and DeMarcus Ware (Cowboys). 

Jernigan might be the next name on that list. 

At just 5'9", 190 pounds, Jernigan won't give many NFL corners problems physically. That simply isn't his game, however. Jernigan is a speed-receiver that can play inside and out and provide an explosive element in the return game.

For that reason, some have compared Jernigan to Eagles' receiver Desean Jackson. At the end of the second round, Jernigan could be the Packers choice. 

OT/OG Benjamin Ijalana, Villanova

Better known for their basketball success, Villanova has their best football prospect in years in offensive lineman Benjamin Ijalana. 

A dominant offensive tackle at the FCS level, many NFL scouts see Ijalana as a solid guard prospect at the next level. 

Regardless of those predictions, it's clear that versatility along the line might be a strong suit for Ijalana. When talking about potential linemen for the Packers, that can be a deciding factor when picking between one prospect or the next. 

The Packers potentially have needs at both guard and tackle, and Ijalana could possibly be found in the second round. 

DE Kenrick Ellis, Hampton

For Kenrick Ellis, talent has never been an issue. He also has a massive 6'5", 340-pound body that would fit perfectly at nose tackle or defensive end in the 3-4 defense. 

However, he's had some off-the-field issues that have hampered his draft stock. Ellis was dismissed from South Carolina for reportedly failing several drug tests, and was arrested for assault last April.

With the recent transgressions of Johnny Jolly, those incidents could be enough to completely take him off their draft board. 

But if Ellis fell to the third round, the Packers would have to at least entertain the idea of adding the talented big man to their defensive line.

WR Edmond Gates, Abilene Christian

Bears receiver Johnny Knox blazed the trail to the NFL from Abilene Christian, but Gates won't have a problem keeping up. 

In fact, Gates ran a 4.37 40-yard dash at the combine—making him one of the fastest players available in this year's draft. 

He was dismissed from junior college and will be 25 years old his entire rookie year, but his speed and play-making ability make Gates an interesting prospect in the middle rounds. 

OG William Rackley, Lehigh

Like Benjamin Ijalana, Rackley is another FCS prospect who dominated his lower level competition. 

While he also played primarily at tackle, his NFL position should be inside at guard. Like we've already addressed, the Packers might have needs at both tackle and guard in the near future. 

If Thompson finds Rackley still available in the third round, the Packers could get great value in the versatile offensive lineman.

CB Curtis Marsh, Utah State

If you consider all the measurables of an NFL corner, Curtis Marsh passes the eye test. 

He's 6'1", 198 pounds with long arms and a strong core, and Marsh runs the 40-yard dash in 4.42 seconds. As if that wasn't enough, he also has a 37-inch vertical and completely shut down Boise State's Titus Young in their match-up last season.

With only one year of starting experience however, Marsh is still a raw prospect. He still makes plenty of sense for the Packers in the middle rounds.

RB Taiwan Jones, Eastern Washington

In terms of pure explosiveness, Taiwan Jones ranks high in the 2011 draft class. 

Jones has run the 40 in the sub 4.4 range, and he matched that speed with production at Eastern Washington (2,421 all-purpose yards in 2010). He won't be an every-down back because of his size, but the Packers lack an explosive athlete in their stable of running backs.

In the middle rounds, Jones could provide the Packers with a home-run hitter out of the backfield and in the return game.

CB Buster Skrine, Chattanooga

Buster Skrine is a raw cornerback prospect, but he has some appealing traits. 

For one, Skrine ran the 40-yard dash in 4.37 seconds at the NFL combine. Even his inclusion to the combine proves he has value among scouts. 

Skrine is also unafraid to make plays in the run game, and has experience returning punts and kicks. In the fifth to sixth round, Skrine would have to be an option for the Packers.

TE Rob Housler, Florida Atlantic

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GAINESVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 17: Rob Housler #81 of the FAU Owls is tackled by Major Wright #21 of the Florida Gators during a game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 17, 2007 in Gainesville, Florida. The Gators won the game 59-20. (Photo by Sam Gre

The NFL is a copycat league, and that means that athletic tight ends who create mismatches for a defense are suddenly in high demand. Antonio Gates, Vernon Davis and the Packers own Jermichael Finley are partly responsible for this new generation of tight ends.

Florida Atlantic's Rob Housler is built in that same mold. He's 6'6", 250 pounds, and has run in the sub-4.5 range in the 40-yard dash. 

The Packers currently have a fine collection of talent at tight end, but they also seem to value that position more than other teams. Housler could be an option if he falls to the later rounds.

CB Cortez Allen, Citadel

I won't lie, Cortez Allen is one of my favorite prospects in the middle rounds of this draft. 

He has a big frame (6'1", 200 pounds), solid straight-line speed (4.50 40) and has never been afraid to come up in run support. He won't be an immediate impact player, but if you give Allen some time, he can be a starting cornerback in the NFL. 

That's the perfect situation for Packers. With Charles Woodson aging but still effective, Allen would get plenty of time to develop before taking on a bigger role. 

OT Derek Newton, Arkansas State

In terms of mastering the fundamentals of the tackle position, Newton is a raw prospect. With just two years of starting experience at an FCS school, you'd expect that.

However, Newton's potential has a high ceiling. He also has prototypical size for a tackle at 6'5", 315 pounds.

The Packers were one of the 12 teams at his Pro Day, and he could be another developmental piece for their offensive line.

WR Cecil Shorts III, Mount Union

If you've read any of my mock drafts, you'll know I've had a draft crush on Shorts throughout the process. 

However, this isn't just blind love. Shorts comes from Mount Union—the same school that produced Colts receiver Pierre Garcon—and he has quickness and hands to be a solid slot receiver.

And while he probably wouldn't be a favorite target of Aaron Rodgers immediately, his ability to return punts and kicks would endear him to Packers fans right away.

TE Julius Thomas, Portland State

We've already mentioned that the NFL is a copycat league, but Julius Thomas gives a different kind of imitation than Rob Housler. 

As a four-year letter winner in basketball at Portland State, Thomas could be next in a long line of basketball player turned NFL tight end. Antonio Gates and Tony Gonzalez were the trailblazers for that kind of sport-cross over.

Thomas is obviously still a raw prospect, but he could be a low-risk, high-reward kind of selection in the late rounds. 

C Brandon Fusco, Slippery Rock

As only one of three Division II players invited to the Senior Bowl, Brandon Fusco wasn't overwhelmed by the competition in Mobile. 

Also the winner of the Gene Upshaw DII Lineman of the Year, Fusco started all 44 games of his college career and would give any team an experienced and fundamentally sound interior presence. 

Scott Wells will stay the immediate starter at center, but Fusco could be picked to be his replacement down the road.

CB Ryan Jones, NW Missouri State

A starter of 56 games in four seasons, Ryan Jones might be one of the most experienced cornerbacks in this draft regardless of school. His play-making skills (13 career interceptions) and aggression in the run game make Jones an appealing prospect.

The Packers also have a history with Divison II powerhouse NW Missouri State, as they took defensive end Dave Tollefson in the seventh round of the 2006 draft. 

Despite coming from such a small school, Jones probably has the best chance of contributing early in his NFL career. 

DE Martin Parker, Richmond

Like other small-school prospects Ryan Jones and Brandon Fusco, Martin Parker has been a model of consistency over his career at Richmond. In fact, he's started every game he's been healthy over his four-year career.

Experience isn't the only positive for Parker, however. He racked up 19 sacks and 46 tackles for losses during that career—proving he can also give production.

I gave Parker to the Packers in my first mock, and it wouldn't surprise me at all to see that happen come April.  

DE Cedric Thornton, Southern Arkansas

Cedric Thornton was the third Division II player (Brandon Fusco and Edmond Gates being the others) invited to the Senior Bowl. While he wasn't a dominant player in Mobile, Thornton held his own against bigger-school offensive line prospects. 

With a non-stop motor and size that reminiscent of 2010 second round pick Mike Neal (6'3", 297 pounds), Thornton has what it takes to be a player in the 3-4 defense. 

The more I read about Thornton the more I like, and he could have tremendous value for the Packers at defensive end if they don't take one high in this draft.

Other Options I:

G David Arkin, Missouri State: A 2010 FCS First Team All-American, Arkin is a big kid (6'5", 305 pounds) with 33 career starts. There's plenty of tape for Thompson and offensive line coach James Campen to chew on.

CB Justin Rogers, Richmond: He contributed on defense (12 career interceptions), offense (five rushes, three receptions), and special teams (150 career punt and kick returns). Rogers is one of the more versatile athletes in the later rounds. 

WR Stephen Burton, West Texas A&M: One of the quicker players in the draft (1.46 10-yard split), Burton should follow in the foot steps of former teammates J'Marcus Webb (Bears) and Keith Null (Panthers). That quickness could vault him into the middle rounds.

WR Ricardo Lockette, Fort Valley State: An absolute burner (4.34 40), Lockette has value as a receiver and return specialist. His inconsistent hands could (and should) turn him off the Packers, however.

TE Schylar Oordt, Northern Iowa: Another tight end that looks more like a big receiver (6'7", 260 pounds), Oordt can stretch the field vertically. His inconsistent blocking skills lowers his value into the late rounds.

S Mark LeGree, Appalachian State: He's a ball-hawking safety who isn't afraid to deliver the big hit. LeGree will remind some of NIck Collins, which makes him a sleeper pick in the sixth to seventh round.

Other Options II:

WR Kris Adams, UTEP: A big receiver (6'4") who finished the 2010 season with a 20.8-yard average per catch.

CB Korey Lindsey, Southern Illinois: Was a First Team All-American the past two seasons with seven combined interceptions.

C Kevin Kowalski, Toledo: One of the more promising later round prospects in a suspect interior lineman class.

S Jeremy Kellem, Middle Tennessee State: A four-year starter at safety who could provide depth at safety and production with the special teams unit.

G Mike Person, Montana State: Green Bay was one of two teams (Seattle being the other) at Montana State's Pro Day to watch Person.

LB Cheta Ozougwu, Rice: Played defensive end in college, but projects better to OLB in a 3-4 defense.