2011 NFL Mock Draft: Green Bay Packers' 7-Round Mock 2.0
Why do us sports fans love April?
The answer is obvious! Time for the most entertaining off-season event in all of sports: the NFL Draft.
Around this time of year, there is tons of buzz about the draft, with experts and non-experts alike predicting many different things for many different teams.
I have already done a seven-round mock on the Green Bay Packers, which I'll link right below. But player stock changes, so it's time to update who the Packers will pick.
1. Akeem Ayers, LB, UCLA
1 of 9
Previous Pick: Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia
Ayers is an outside linebacker who is currently slipping down draft boards.
His poor combine showing is behind the slip, as he ran a 4.8 in the 40-yard dash and pumped out only 18 reps on the bench press.
If you watch his tape, he does occasionally take a play off. But the Packers will correct that in no time.
Ayers is an athletic pass-rushing outside linebacker that can also drop back into coverage. He should start for the Pack from day one.
2. Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia
2 of 9
Previous Pick: Marcus Cannon, OL, TCU
When looking at Dowling, you don't see a lack of talent. In fact, he is one of the most talented cornerbacks in the draft.
His problem is injuries, which he has had plenty of in his four seasons at Virginia.
Dowling is a first-round talent, but because of the injuries he gets knocked down to the Packers in the second. If he's here, Dowling is too good of a ball-hawking cornerback to pass up.
3. Demarcus Love, OL, Arkansas
3 of 9
Previous Pick: Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia
Demarcus Love is, like the first two prospects in this mock, an experienced player who has been slipping down draft boards for one reason or another.
Considered at one point a second-round pick, Love just isn't feeling the love from many experts.
However, Love does have one thing the Packers could use, and that's versatility. The former Razorback has played in several spots along the offensive line.
Though Love is better at run blocking, he is an adequate pass protector as well. Love could develop into a starter at one point, and if not that then an adequate back-up.
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4. Edmund Gates, WR, Abilene Christian
4 of 9
Previous Pick: Jordan Todman, RB, UConn
Gates is a small school receiver who has been rising as of late.
Tied for the fastest receiver at the combine, Gates could not only develop into a sufficient wide receiver, but also an explosive kick returner.
This Division II star needs a lot of coaching and is a raw prospect, so he wouldn't play much immediately (except maybe as a KR).
But the fact is that Donald Driver isn't getting any younger. The Packers may actually go for a receiver earlier than this.
4. Greg Romeus, DE, Pittsburgh (Compensatory Pick)
5 of 9
Previous Pick: None (Compensatory Picks hadn't been announced)
The Packers need to select a defensive lineman in this draft, and will do so by selecting Romeus in the fourth round.
This former Panther falls to the Packers because of the injuries he suffered his senior year, but he has excellent power and above-average speed for a lineman, and could really make things happen for the Packers.
Though the Packers insist Johnny Jolly is still in their plans, he will likely be suspended again, leaving Romeus to compete for the starting job at the defensive end.
5. Brandon Fusco, C, Slippery Rock
6 of 9
Previous Pick: Cecil Shorts, WR, Mount Union
I refuse to stray from this pick (even if it is a round earlier than I first projected), as I believe that Fusco has a good amount of upside.
Scott Wells might need a replacement in a few years and the Packers draft the winner of the Gene Upshaw Award, given to the top lineman in D-II.
Fusco plays with a mean streak and has good size for a lineman.
While he may not be the answer in the future at center for the Packers, Fusco can certainly serve as an adequate back-up.
6. Da'Rel Scott, RB, Maryland
7 of 9
Previous Pick: Brandon Fusco, C, Slippery Rock
The Packers should look to pick a running back somewhere in this draft because of Brandon Jackson becoming a free agent.
The Super Bowl champions should look to pick up a change-of-pace back such as Da'Rel Scott, who owns game-breaking speed and the fastest 40 time at the combine.
Scott certainly isn't an every-down back, but won't be asked to be one for the Packers, thus giving both sides a nice fit.
7. Scott Tolzien, QB, Wisconsin (from Carolina)
8 of 9
Previous Pick: None (Pick Not Included)
With Aaron Rodgers on the roster, this pick certainly isn't to fill a need. Instead, it's rather to give the Packers the option to explore trade possibilities with Matt Flynn.
When Matt Flynn had a mediocre game against the Lions and a spectacular game against the Patriots (albeit one error), other teams took notice and the rumor went that the Packers could be looking to trade Flynn.
Tolzien would give them that flexibility. He would likely be a career backup, but if needed, he would just do what he does best: manage the game and let others do the majority of the playmaking.
7. Marc Schiechl, DE/LB, Colorado School of Mines
9 of 9
Previous Pick: Markus White, DE, Florida
The all-time Division II sack king has apparently been generating interest from the Green Bay Packers.
Division II defensive players are rarely drafted, but this may be a special occasion and the Packers may actually have to use the first of their two seventh-round picks to get him (a huge sacrifice, I know).
Schiechl is fast, running a 4.65 and also strong in recording 38 reps on the bench press.
He may or may not turn out to be that great, but he very well could be the steal of the draft.
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