NFL Draft 2011: 5 Green Bay Packers Who Might Get Traded on Draft Day

The trade can be a game changer.  For example, when the Memphis Grizzlies traded Pau Gasol to the Lakers for nearly nothing, that was a game changer.  When the Broncos traded Peyton Hillis and draft picks for Brady Quinn, that was a game changer.  The trade can bring glory to a team (Lakers) or be completely devastating (Broncos).

In the NFL, the majority of trades that take place are during the NFL draft.  These trades can either bring excitement or disappointment to a team.  Here is a look at five players whom the Green Bay Packers might trade during the NFL draft.

5. Desmond Bishop

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Desmond Bishop #55 of the Green Bay Packers recovers his fumble against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Ge

2010-2011 stats: 103 tackles, three sacks, one interception, one defensive TD

Desmond Bishop had a breakout season for the Packers.  Nick Barnett was injured early during the season and Bishop stepped in and filled in nicely.  However, Nick Barnett is back from injury and looking to regain his starting role with the Packers.  Bishop is still rather young and could be an upgrade at linebacker for many teams playing a 3-4 defense.  He is a smart player who won't be the best player on a defense, but will make plays and impact games.

It is highly unlikely that Bishop will get traded, but if the Packers see that Barnett is the more valuable player, look for Green Bay to try to get a draft pick for Bishop.

4. Atari Bigby

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Atari Bigby #20 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates after the Packers 21-14 victory against the Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Gett

2010-2011 stats: six tackles

Atari Bigby has been hampered by injuries throughout his short career.  In five seasons, he has only played in 45 games, an average of nine games a season.  In the lone season where he played all 16 games, he had 86 tackles, five interceptions and three forced fumbles. 

He has starting caliber talent at safety and has been successful when on the field.  Due to his injury, Charlie Peprah filled in very well for Bigby and is a few years younger, making Bigby expendable for the Packers.

There are plenty of teams that could use Bigby's obvious talents, but they will need to decide if they truly believe he can stay healthy.  If the Packers can find a suitor, Bigby could be worth a middle-round draft pick.

3. Ryan Grant

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SEATTLE - AUGUST 21: Running back Ryan Grant #25 of the Green Bay Packers looks on during warmups prior to the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on August 21, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

2010-2011 stats: eight rushes, 45 yards

Poor Ryan Grant.  He came out of nowhere and was quietly becoming one of the better running backs in the league.  He was hit by the injury bug, and during the regular season it appeared that Grant was the most missed player. 

Then came the playoffs and the revelation of James Starks.  Starks exploded during the postseason and gave the Packers the running game they so missed from Ryan Grant.  When healthy, Grant proved to be a running back that could carry the entire load.  He has good speed and great vision.  He holds onto the ball and can makes plays in the passing game.  He has Pro Bowl–caliber talent.

With Mark Ingram being the only "elite" running back in the draft, teams in need of a running back might take a hard look at Grant.  A team like the Seahawks or Dolphins might trade an early-round pick for him.

2. Nick Barnett

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GREEN BAY, WI - AUGUST 26: Nick Barnett #56 of the Green Bay Packers looks at the replay board during a preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field on August 26, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Colts 59-24. (Photo

2010-2011 stats: 24 tackles

Another player who spent the majority of the season injured, Barnett has been the leader of the Packers defense since he was drafted.  He has been one of the most underrated middle linebackers in the NFL in recent years.  He isn't great in coverage, but he has good sideline-to-sideline speed and knows how to chase down a player.  He is the type of player who is always around the ball and making plays.  He is a great team leader.

Due to the play of Desmond Bishop, Barnett is very tradeable.  He is still young, so a team looking to add a quality middle linebacker who could lead a defense might be willing to trade an early- to middle-round pick for Barnett.

1. Matt Flynn

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: Matt Flynn #10 of the Green Bay Packers losens up on the sideline against the Atlanta Falcons during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty

2010-2011 stats: 433 yards, three touchdowns, two interceptions.

The revelation that Matt Flynn might have what it takes to be a starting quarterback came during the Packers game against New England.  No one thought the Packers stood a chance against one of the best teams in the NFL, but Flynn's play was exceptional.  He almost lead the Packers to a victory, but he did put himself on some team's radar. 

Matt Flynn has a good arm and the size you want from a quarterback.  Teams will have to go back to his college tape to get a good look at him, but he played well in college against top competition.  He is a true pocket passer who appears to finally be putting the game together.  The best thing he has going for him is his age, as he will only be 26 during the upcoming season.

There are eight teams in need of a starting quarterback and only three or four elite quarterbacks in this year's draft.  A second-round pick wouldn't be out of the question for Matt Flynn and Ted Thompson might jump at the chance to boost his defense or offensive line with that high of a pick.