NFL Draft 2011: Ted Thompson Stands Pat in This Packers 7-Round Mock

In this mock draft, I predict players that Ted Thompson and company could add to the loaded Green Bay Packers roster if there is no trading down.  The method to choosing the following players is an attempt at applying my understanding of Thompson’s draft ideology and strategy, minus trading down.  Since Ted’s middle name appears to be “Value” with how he makes his picks, value was a primary focus of this draft.  

Because this is a mock draft and I can only speculate as to who will be available, especially later in the draft, I utilize roster needs as the second way in which I made these picks.  I recognize that Thompson is not a need-based drafter, but consistently takes the best player available at the best possible value.  Without further ado, my Packers mock! 

First Round: Jabaal Sheard (OLB, Pitt)

With the 32nd  pick, unless a player falls to him that he cannot refuse, it is an almost foregone conclusion that Ted Thompson will trade down.  Since I am not predicting that type of move, Ted takes the DE/OLB hybrid from Pitt.  Matt Williamson, a former scout from Pitt, and a current NFL scout commentator with ESPN believes Sheard to be worthy of a late first-round pick.  It is certainly possible that Thompson could take Jabaal Sheard at 32, or at 40, if he is available. 

Sheard would provide a great complement to Clay Matthews due to his strength, intensity and natural skills as a pass rusher.  The concerns about Sheard are namely his character (he was charged with disorderly conduct when he refused to stop fighting and threw a guy through a window, with police present) and his lack of experience playing the OLB position in the 3-4. 

The character concerns are certainly valid, but this is the only concern that has surfaced, and his football character appears strong; NFL evaluators will make the ultimate decision as to whether Sheard is a character risk.  He is also less hyped than players like Justin Houston, Aldon Smith, and Brooks Reed.  That is fine with Ted Thompson, who demonstrates with his picks how much value and talent surpasses hype.   

Sheard possesses good hands, a workman-like approach, and fluidity moving in every direction, along with a nasty intensity.  More importantly, Sheard is a football player (this is vital to Thompson, to which anyone who has listened to his press conferences will attest); he stepped up his game when the times got tougher and Greg Romeus went down with an injury. 

Put him alongside the best young pass rusher in the league and Sheard could make Green Bay's already potent defense elite.  For those that question whether Sheard is logical at this pick, I say this: Thompson will go for the “best player available” strategy, but he will choose guys that fit his modus operandi, which tend towards football players, or freak athletes. 

Sheard falls into the first category.  Furthermore, the value will likely dictate a player such as Sheard.   Players such as Cameron Jordan, Adrian Clayborn and Cameron Heyward will likely be gone at 32.  Christian Ballard is an option, but he has some bust potential due to inconsistent effort and questionable ability to excel as a Capers’ two-gap end.  Other options include Brooks Reed (OLB, Arizona), Derrick Sherrod (OT Mississippi St.), or Benjamin Ijalana OT/OG, Villanova), but Reed, and Sherrod will likely be gone, and it might be too early for Ijalana. 

2. Allen Bailey (DE, Miami)

The first of the “big sexies” of my mock (a nod to Ross Tucker from ESPN’s Football Today podcast), Allen Bailey is perhaps the ideal prospect to replace Cullen Jenkins. He is versatile, “country strong” per ESPN’s Todd McShay, and shows the potential to rush the passer. 

While it appears that he can use some coaching and work on his instincts and football acumen, he possesses a great motor, and strong work ethic, elements that Packers’ brass gravitate towards.  Bailey could compete with Mike Neil to take over for the soon to be gone Jenkins, while also offering a long-term replacement for Ryan Pickett. 

Another attractive aspect of Bailey is that he played in 50 games during his collegiate career, proving him a player with toughness and durability.  Bailey makes sense here because he demonstrates the ability to hold the point of attack on running downs, he shows athleticism to rush the passer, and has played the positions of linebacker, defensive end and defensive tackle at Miami, making him supremely versatile, and therefore a player Capers’ will surely covet to put in his “Psycho” package. 

Thompson has consistently demonstrated his affinity for big program players, especially along the trenches. Alternative options include James Carpenter (OT, Alabama), Brandon Burton (CB, Utah), and one I debated about for sometime, Marcus Gilbert (OT, Florida).  A common denominator in my mock is that these players have good character, and strong work ethics; these characteristics have served the Packers well with players such as Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Brian Bulaga, and etcetera.  The opposite end of the spectrum here is what happens when a player has potential character questions, ala Ahmad Carroll, and Johnny Jolly.

3. Tandon Doss (WR, Indiana)

Tandon Doss offers potentially superb value at Green Bay’s third pick, possibly making him the best player on the Pack’s board at this spot, while filling a potentially significant need, pending Jones’ departure.  Doss has dropped one-two rounds in mocks due to injury concerns, but he displays traits that West Coast coaches prefer, including good size, savvy route running skills, toughness, courage, ability to create after the catch, as well as great hands. 

Doss is not a finished product with route running, but shows definite ability in this area.  Perhaps the main reason that Doss fits well at the 96th spot is his deceptive deep speed; while not a true burner like Mike Wallace, Doss would certainly provide another downfield threat to allow Aaron Rodgers to keep opposing defenses honest.  Imagining an offense comprised Rodgers throwing to Doss, Driver, Jennings, Nelson, and Finley is a chilling thought. 

Another Thompson trademark is Doss’ ability to be a positive presence in the locker room.  In the mold of James Jones and Donald Driver, Doss experienced hardship in his childhood, with his father and brother serving prison terms, while he himself has demonstrated progressive maturity throughout his college experience.  He also exudes a quiet, lead-by-example type of approach, making him a fit with the great locker room chemistry, especially at such a tight position group. 

Lastly, he shows the potential to contribute significantly on special teams, possibly in the kick return game.  Alternatives include Kelvin Sheppard (ILB, LSU), Edmond Gates (WR, Abilene Christian), Delone Carter (RB, Syracuse).

4a. Byron Stingily (OT, Louisville)

Chad Clifton is on his last legs, at least many believe; it is tenuous to expect another year of inspired play at 35.  Brian Bulaga’s ability to play the left side has been taken for granted by many, but was never a guarantee.  At this point, Bulaga does appear capable, but regardless of what side he plays, Coach McCarthy noted that the Packers are not keen on slow-footed, heavy-legged waist-benders on the right side anyway, to borrow from Mike Mayock.  In comes Byron Stingily, an athletically gifted left tackle with good flexibility, quick feet and solid hand placement, important attributes for a Packer tackle. 

While Stingily’s fundamentals are raw, his natural athleticism, size and ability to play the blindside position make him a worthwhile risk in the fourth round.  With Cliffy around for at least another year, the hope is that Stingily will not have to see the field the first year, and if he does, they could play him on the right side, and shift Bulaga back to the left.  Additional options include Chris Harrison (OT, Clemson), John Moffit (OG, Wisconsin), Curtis Brown (CB, Texas), Greg Romeus (DE/OLB, Pitt).

4b. Cecil Shorts III (WR, Mount Union)
With a No. 1 receiver in Greg Jennings, and a two or three like Jordy Nelson, Thompson has the luxury to go for a slot receiver, with low-ceiling but high-floor ability like Cecil Shorts.  Shorts is a shrewd route runner, with good run after catch ability, consistent hands, and outstanding character and work ethic. 

Furthermore, Shorts has a chance to pick up the slack on special teams, given his return skills.  Cecil Shorts simply looks the part of a Packer.  Other options include Lawrence Guy (DT, Arizona State), Kelvin Sheppard (ILB, LSU), and Sam Acho (OLB, Texas).

5. Cortez Allen (CB, Citadel)

Corner is a need, due to the amount of players necessary to keep the cupboard stocked in the NFL, but the need is not so dire that Thompson must use a high pick here.  Cortez Allen is more athlete than football player at this point, but he has the tools to thrive under the tutelage of Joe Whitt, as well as Charles Woodson. 

Allen’s combination of size, speed, and athleticism should be an option for the future should the combination of Brandon Underwood and Pat Lee fails to improve this season.  Thompson may also take players such Lee Ziemba (OT, Auburn), Cedrick Thornton (DE, Southern Arkansas), Derek Newton (OT, Arkansas State), Jeremy Beal (OLB, Oklahoma), or Owen Marecic (FB, Stanford).

6. Mario Harvey (ILB, Marshall) Harvey is a shorter prospect with superb instincts and pass rush skills, whom lacks great speed.   He is a tenacious, hard-hitting ILB with questionable skills in coverage, thus making him in the least a special teams contributor, and possibly a developmental pick for the pack, or possibly a package player like Brandon Chillar who Capers can utilize for certain spots. 

With Special Teams being a point of weakness at times, and with Thompson looking for linebacker type players to fill those spots, Harvey fits the bill.  His instincts, speed, and pass rush abilities suggest that he could be a prime backup, or even a starter, whether in sub packages, or as a starter down the road.  Other players include Mark Herzlich (OLB, Boston College), or Zane Taylor (C, Utah).

7a. Stephen Schilling (OG, Michigan)

Stephen Schilling is an intelligent, blue-collar workman-type guard.  While he has had some injury concerns, he has started 49 games in the Big Ten.  He fits the Packer mold because of his skill at pass blocking, his versatility, technique and instincts to play the position; Packer fans looking for a player with more potential are encouraged to remember the Breno Giacomini or Allen Barbre experience.  Give me technical skill, desire and instinct over raw talent nine times out of 10.  Options include Scott Tolzien, (QB, Wisconsin), Noel Devine (RB, West Virginia).

7b. Graig Cooper (RB, Michigan St.)

In the mold as James Starks, Thompson takes Graig Cooper, who is recovering from a torn ACL.  Prior to his injury, Cooper showed good speed to turn the corner and hit the home run.  He showed the ability to create his own yardage, with quickness and elusiveness.  He demonstrated solid hands out of the backfield, and an aggressive running style as well. 

Overall, Cooper looks like someone who could possibly replace Brandon Jackson if he can show dependability in pass blocking.  The pundits are mentioning names such as Mikel Leshoure, Mark Ingram, and Ryan Williams in Rounds 1 and 2 for the Pack, but this is unlikely for the following reasons. 

1) The ‘best player available’ strategy, these three names will likely be taken by other running teams first by the time Ted would take them. 

2) Brandon Jackson has been the highest running back taken by Thompson, at 32 in the second. 

3) Mike McCarthy sees the running game as an afterthought most times, and prefers players that he can values other positions much more than running back.  Alternatives include Pat Devlin (QB, Deleware), Wayne Daniels (OLB, TCU), Justin Trattou, (OLB, Florida).