2011 NFL Draft: 10 Prospects Who Scouts Say Fit with the Green Bay Packers
Alabama's Mark Ingram, Texas' Aaron Williams Schematically Make Sense for the Green Bay Packers Early in the 2011 NFL Draft
After days and months of continual chatter, the 2011 NFL draft is now only two days away. The first round is set to start Thursday, April 28, at 8 p.m. (ET).
With the first 32 picks quickly approaching, it's time to look at some players who the Packers might pick on Thursday night. If Green Bay stays at No. 32, they'll likely be making their pick somewhere around 10-11 p.m. (ET).
Who might that selection be?
Here's a run-down on some of the players that best fit what the Packers do, and what several NFL scouts said about each player.
CB/S Aaron Williams, Texas
1 of 10
Measurables
6-0, 205 lbs, 4.44-second 40-yard dash (pro day)
Scout's View (via Green Bay Press Gazette)
"“Aaron Williams to me is a Ted Thompson-type corner. He’s primarily a slot corner there in Texas. He plays with toughness inside the box, and he helps set a strong edge in the run game. That’s what they’d ask him to do in Dom Capers’ defense. How many times do we have to see (Charles) Woodson play up by the line of scrimmage to know they love these kind of guys? Aaron Williams is not as good as Charles, I’m not saying that, but he can play up at the line, come up and support the run, tough, drops into good zone coverage.”
"
Why he fits
Williams makes sense in Green Bay for all the reasons stated above. His perceived lack of position wouldn't be as critical for the Packers because they'd expect him to play near the line of scrimmage and be that hybrid cornerback/safety that Woodson has been.
Worth the value?
He's stock is currently in the early-to-mid second round. He'd make sense if the Packers wanted to trade up from 64, but even then Williams would likely only be a fourth stringer early on.
WR Randall Cobb, Kentucky
2 of 10
Measurables
5-11, 196 lbs, 4.46-second 40-yard dash
Scout's View (NFP)
""A smart, savvy inside receiver with good short-area quickness and run after the catch ability. Looks like an ideal slot receiver at the next level who can separate quickly and be a productive No. 3 wideout in the NFL."
"
Why he fits
Not only could Cobb help replace James Jones at receiver, but he'd also immediately help in the return game. He returned over 100 combined punts and kicks during his time at Kentucky, with two going for touchdowns. And, by all accounts, Cobb has tremendous passion for the game and a clean character history.
Worth the value?
That could depend on where the Packers took him. Cobb might be a reach at No. 32, but he makes a lot of sense anytime in the second round—whether at 64 or if the Packers trade up from that spot.
RB Mark Ingram, Alabama
3 of 10
Measurables
5-10, 215 lbs, 4.51 40-yard dash (pro day)
Scout's View (Gannett Wisconsin Media)
"“If Ingram were to get to Green Bay, that would be huge. Ingram is one of those guys in this draft, he’s an outstanding collegiate player, no doubt about that, and I think he’s going to be an even better pro. I really do. When you talk about the toughness, the physicality, the way he runs the football, somebody’s going to get a hell of a player here.”
"
Why he fits
His vision and patience make him an ideal back for the Packers style of running the football. Ingram can set up blocks and be the one-cut-and-go type runner Green Bay likes. Despite having both Ryan Grant and James Starks on the roster, Ingram would immediately be the Packers' most talented running back.
Worth the value?
It's still anyone's guess if Ingram will even make it to pick No. 32. However, it would be hard to imagine a player higher on Thompson's big board if that scenario happened to play out. Could Thompson really pass on him if he's there?
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G Danny Watkins, Baylor
4 of 10
Measurables
6-4, 310 lbs, 29 bench-presses at 225 pounds
Scout's View (GBPG)
"“I’m OK with [his age]. He hasn’t played a lot, he doesn’t have a lot of wear and tear on his body. He’s a healthy guy physically. He doesn’t bug me. He’s tough as [crap], people up there would love him.”
"
Why he fits
Ensuring the protection of quarterback Aaron Rodgers trumps any "need" the Packers might have in this draft. Watkins could step in and play left guard from the get-go if Daryn Colledge left in free agency. If that were the case, the Packers offensive line might be better in 2011 than they were with Colledge in 2010.
Worth the value?
Watkins is being placed anywhere from the late first round to the middle of the second. Even at No. 32, however, the 26-year-old Watkins has plenty of value. Another scout told the Green Bay Press Gazette that he could see the Packers "taking whichever offensive lineman is left," and Watkins could be player.
OLB Akeem Ayers, UCLA
5 of 10
Measurables
6-4, 255 lbs, 4.69-second 40-yard dash
Scout's View (GBPG)
"“He fits exactly what they’re doing up there [in Green Bay]. When you watch [Ayers] on tape, he’s a big man that can move. His [4.28-second short] shuttle showed he has some change in direction and balance and some acceleration in short areas. I think he’ll be fine [in the 3-4]. If you want him to guard a running back all the way down the field 40 yards, then you might be in trouble. But coming off that edge, rushing the passer, doing what they do up there, I think he’ll be good.”
"
Why he fits
The Packers have plenty of options at outside linebacker, but they lack a dynamic athlete to play opposite Clay Matthews. Ayers has plenty of experience rushing the quarterback, and he's a good enough athlete to make more plays than either Frank Zombo or Erik Walden. If Dom Capers and Kevin Greene can light a fire under him, the Packers would have a good player to add to their defense.
Worth the value?
Ayers would be another prospect that should be high on Thompson's board if he fell to No. 32. He was originally slated as a top-15 pick, but his slow times at the combine hurt his stock. I wouldn't think that Thompson has too much of a problem with two timed 40-yard dashes to drop him considerably.
DE Cameron Heyward, Ohio State
6 of 10
Measurables
6-5, 295 lbs, 4.95-second 40-yard dash (pro day)
Scout's View (GBPG)
"“I think he’ll be there. I could see [the Packers] liking him, I could see him being a guy Ted Thompson kind of likes. Ohio State, solid. I kind of like him, I think he has something to him, knows how to play the game. He’s not a dominant player, but he could be a nice solid player. When you’re picking down there you’re not necessarily going to get a dominant player.”
"
Why he fits
If the Packers lose Cullen Jenkins, Heyward could help alleviate some of the production loss. He's also versatile, and could play both inside and out along the Packers defensive front. Capers could use him in a similar way as Jenkins by rotating him inside when the Packers go to their 2-5-4 nickel package.
Worth the value?
Would you argue against the Packers taking Heyward? He seems like one of the safer picks in the draft, and also has the experience and build to immediately contribute at defensive end. If the Packers stay put at No. 32—something I don't expect with so many teams likely wanting to trade up to get a QB—Heyward would likely get a long look (if he's still available).
LB Brooks Reed, Arizona
7 of 10
Measurables
6-3, 255 lbs, 4.65 40-yard dash (combine)
Scout's View (JSOnline)
"“A really high motor guy, a tough guy. People compare him to Clay [Matthews], but he’s not. He’s not in the same ballpark athletically. He plays hard, but he’s a little tight. He doesn’t bend well. He has a relentless motor. He’s average with his hands. There’s a chance people can get a hold of him and improve his hand use. It could be the kid is just going to make it happen, he’ll make himself into a player. I see him as an edge rusher. I personally think he will [be over-drafted].”
"
Why he fits
Like Ayers, Reed could help provide a pass-rushing threat opposite of Clay Matthews. Even without the comparisons to Matthews, Reed would likely be in play for the Packers somewhere in this draft because of his motor and ability to get to the quarterback.
Worth the value?
I've been in the minority on Reed throughout the draft process, but I don't see the value at No. 32. He isn't nearly the athlete that Matthews is—or Ayers for the matter—and he'd strictly be a pass-rusher early on in his career. Would it be wise for Thompson to take a player that may not be a huge upgrade over what's currently on the roster? He'd be a fine pick in the second round, but Reed is a reach in the first.
OT Derek Sherrod, Mississippi State
8 of 10
Measurables
6-6, 305 lbs, 23 bench-presses at 225 pounds
Scout's View (GBPG)
"“Hard to figure out, he’s an interesting guy,” another scout said. “Last year guys had a huge grade on him, this year he underperformed a little bit. I still think he’s a good player.”
"
Why he fits
Starting left tackle Chad Clifton will soon be 35 years old, and not having a long-term option at one of the most important positions on the offensive line is playing with fire. Sherrod has the kind of build and athleticism to be the left tackle of the future for the Packers.
Worth the value?
The Packers would have to feel lucky if another top offensive tackle fell to them in the first round. After taking Bryan Bulaga at No. 23 in the 2010 draft, the Packers would get good value again if Sherrod was available at No. 32. Having your bookend tackles for the next decade is definitely worth the value.
OLB Justin Houston, Georgia
9 of 10
Measurables
6-3, 260 lbs, 4.62-second 40-yard dash
Scout's View (GBPG)
"“I think he’s instinctive enough to get it done out there. I like his size, I like the way he runs and hits, he’s violent. Some people are trying to stack him in a 4-3 [as an end] because of his size. He can play in that [3-4] defense, there’s no question. I actually have Houston a little bit ahead of ][Ayers].”
"
Why he fits
Houston has experience playing the 3-4 defense as Georgia made the switch before last season. His production actually went up as a result from his junior to senior years, and he could continue to improve under the guidance of Kevin Greene.
Worth the value?
Pass rushers are always at a premium in the NFL draft, and Houston would be unlucky to fall all the way to No. 32. The Packers, on the other hand, would be fortunate to have the opportunity to add him to their talented defense.
DE Muhammad Wilkerson, Temple
10 of 10
Measurables
6-5, 305 lbs, 27 bench-presses at 225 pounds
Scout's View (GBPG)
"“He’s going to come to the [NFL] level and do fine. For his size, the combination of speed and everything is pretty good. I just think he’s still raw. In order to get him you have to take him earlier than you’ll want to."
"
Why he fits
Athletically, Wilkerson compares more favorable to Cullen Jenkins than does Cameron Heyward. His ability to cause havoc in both the run and pass game would make him an ideal player to help compensate for the likely loss of Jenkins. His size is also perfect for a 3-4 defensive end.
Worth the value?
Like the scout stated, Wilkerson is still a raw prospect and he'll get picked before he actually should. For that reason, I find it unlikely that the Packers reach for a guy like Wilkerson at the end of the first round.
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