2011 NFL Mock Draft: The Green Bay Packers' Final Predictions

Above is one of the best General Managers in the NFL.  

Ted Thompson is smart and aggressive.  He does his research and knows exactly what he is getting when he drafts a player. Some might say he is the best GM in the business.

Whatever your opinion is on Thompson, you can't deny his success. Aaron Rodgers, Greg Jennings, Nick Collins, B.J. Raji and Clay Matthews were all drafted by him.  Whatever he decides to do with his draft picks, one thing we can be certain of is that they won't be wasted.

Here is a look at the Packers' full seven-round mock draft.

First Round, 32nd Pick: Mark Ingram, RB

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KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 23: Mark Ingram #22 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs with the ball during the SEC game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

The first mock drafts had Mark Ingram getting drafted as high as the 15th pick.  Lately, Ingram has been quietly dropping down the draft board.  Some experts are even predicting him to not get drafted until the second round.

If Ingram is available at the 32nd pick, I can't see Thompson passing on him.  Ingram is the only elite running back in this year's group.  He isn't the quickest back, but he is efficient, knows how keep the chains moving and has the mentality needed to be a feature back in the NFL.

The Packers' backfield is certainly crowded, but Ingram has been compared to Emmitt Smith.  Even if he is only half as good as Smith, Ingram would be worth way more than this pick.

Second Round, 32nd Pick: Bruce Carter, OLB

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CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 08: Linebacker Bruce Carter #54 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts after a defensive stop against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the game at Kenan Stadium on November 8, 2008 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo

Bruce Carter is another elite talent who is falling down draft boards. 

The reason Carter is falling though, is due his recent knee surgery; he tore his ACL with two games left in the season.

When healthy, Carter was one of the best linebackers in all of college football. He has great athletic ability and can hit with power. Converting from safety to linebacker, his coverage skills are excellent. He will need to add some strength, but he has great instincts and can slip by blockers with his speed and quick feet. 

If Carter's knee holds up, he could be the second-best linebacker in the draft behind Von Miller.  Although he isn't the ideal fit for the Packers' 3-4 defense, passing on a potential talent like Carter can't happen. 

Dom Capers could certainly find a place for him in his aggressive defense.

Third Round, 32nd Pick: Benjamin Ijalana, OT

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CLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 18: The Villanova Wildcats mascot walks on the court during the game against the George Mason Patriots during the second round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Quicken Loans Arena on March 18, 2011 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Ijalana started every game of his college career at left tackle.  He is an experienced player with good body size and also possesses quick feet and agility.  Playing for Villanova in Division-I AA, Ijalana hasn't played against top competition, and he missed the Senior Bowl with double-hernia surgery, so he will need to become more physical to contribute in the NFL.

Ijalana will certainly be a project player, but the Packers don't need a tackle to step in and start from the first day.  Green Bay could take their time to develop Ijalana into a dominant starting left tackle for many years to come.

Fourth Round, 32nd Pick: Austin Pettis, WR

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 23: Wide Receiver Austin Pettis #87 of Boise State Broncos makes a diving catch against Cornerback Rafael Priest #10 of the TCU Horned Frogs during Frogs' 17-16 during Frogs' 17-16 win over the Broncos in the San Diego County Cre

Austin Pettis left Boise State as their all-time leader in receiving touchdowns, and he might have the best hands in the class. 

He will be an instant threat in the red zone, where his size and ball skills will be fully utilized.  Pettis is a precise route-runner and is faster than he appears.  He brings a competitive nature and high intensity to the game, but he isn't the most physical receiver, and he also lacks the ability to make plays after the catch.

The Packers have some questions surrounding Donald Driver and James Jones, so adding a receiver will be a priority.  Pettis appears to be a safe pick who could step in and instantly produce for Green Bay.

Fourth Round, 34th Pick (Compensatory): Jeremy Beal, DE

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SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 13: Defensive end Jeremy Beal #44 of the Oklahoma Sooners pressures the play during the game against the Washington Huskies on September 13, 2008 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. The Sooners defeated the Huskies 55-14.(Photo b

Jeremy Beal was a three-year starter for the Oklahoma Sooners.  He would be best defined as a pure football player; he isn't athletic, and he doesn't have great speed, but he knows how to play football. 

Beal has a competitive nature and good instincts with the possibility to develop into a decent pass-rusher.  His best quality is that he never gives up on a play.

Drafting a defensive end is arguably the Packers' biggest need.  It might be surprising to see them wait this long to draft one, but Beal is consistent, durable and experienced. 

Unless they trade up in the first round, the Packers will wait to draft a defensive end.

Fifth Round, 32nd Pick: John Moffitt, OG

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COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 10: Offensive lineman John Moffitt #74 of the Wisconsin Badgers blocks against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on October 10, 2009 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

John Moffitt is a "blue-collar" type player.  He has a great work ethic and will do whatever is necessary of him.  With a big body and great strength, Moffitt played every interior lineman position while at Wisconsin, and his versatility is a big advantage for him. 

He does lack the speed to stop quicker linebackers, and at times he takes plays off mentally.  However, he could become a very reliable starter in a few years.

The Packers could draft a fan favorite in Wisconsin's Moffitt and add some depth to their offensive line in the process.  Moffitt will be a few years away from being a starter, but could fill in at a number of positions along the line, if needed.

Sixth Round, 32nd Pick: Chimdi Chekwa, CB

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COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 18: Chimdi Chekwa #5 of the Ohio State Buckeyes defends against the Ohio Bobcats at Ohio Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Chimdi Chekwa has elite speed.  He ran track for the Buckeyes, and his straight-line speed is rare, but right now, that is all he really has going for him. 

Chekwa does have starting experience, and he was an effective starter for Ohio State.  He lacks the physicality to be a shut-down corner though.  He isn't great at tackling and isn't a playmaker in the secondary.  

But he still is really, really fast.

With Woodson, Williams and Shields, the Packers are pretty set at cornerback.  Chekwa has experience and speed, and playing with some of the best cornerbacks in the league could help his improvement.  His speed will also be enticing for special teams.

Seventh Round, First Pick (from Carolina): Mark Herzlich

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CHESTNUT HILL, MA - SEPTEMBER 04: Mark Herzlich #94, Damik Scafe #55 and Codi Boek #13 of the Boston College Eagles walk out to the field for the home opening game against the Weber State Wildcats on September 4, 2010 at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill,

There might not be a better story in all of football than Mark Herzlich. The guy beat cancer to come back for his senior season at Boston College.

Herzlich possesses the right body size and strength for a linebacker in the NFL.  He has good coverage skills and good instincts.  He is also a powerful tackler who can make plays anywhere on the field.  With the best competitive drive in the draft, no one has overcome adversity like Herzlich. 

Unfortunately, he lacks the speed to be considered an elite linebacker, and his durability is also an issue for teams.

Herzlich could turn into a decent outside linebacker for the Packers. He has an incredible past, and if he can beat cancer, he certainly can play in the NFL.

Seventh Round, 30th Pick: Ryan Winterswyk, DE

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 04: Ryan Winterswyk #98 of the Boise State Broncos tackles quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the TCU Horned Frogs on a quarterback keeper in the third quarter during the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on Ja

Ryan Winterswyk gives 100 percent every time he steps on the field, never taking a break from a play and out-hustling any other player in the game. 

He has fantastic size, but he needs to become stronger. He doesn't have an explosive first step and will have trouble getting around quick offensive tackles.  

But Winterswyk is durable, has good character and can be a vocal leader for his team.

With this late of a draft pick, the Packers are just looking for a player who can add some energy.  Adding another defensive end is a plus, and adding a defensive end with hustle like Winterswyk will certainly help.