2011 NFL Draft Grades: Green Bay Packers 1st Round Graded by Questions

The first round of the NFL draft is over.

I can't remember the last time there were so many shocking picks made. Anyone who expected the Tennessee Titans to draft Jake Locker is a genius. Anyone who expected the Minnesota Vikings to draft Christian Ponder is the smartest human being alive.

With all of these surprise picks, the Green Bay Packers were looking at many options for the 32nd pick. They finally decided on Derek Sherrod, an offensive tackle. 

Let us answer five questions concerning this pick to see what grade the Packers received for their first-round selection.

5. Is Sherrod a Good Player?

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 15: J.C. Brignone #70 and Derek Sherrod #79of the Mississippi State Bulldogs get ready on the line of scrimmage during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 15, 2008 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Derek Sherrod was a highly rated offensive tackle. He was expected to go anywhere from five to 10 picks higher than he really went. He is a big body with long arms who can be groomed into a left tackle.

He will need to learn to be more aggressive at the point of attack. He can also get beat by quicker players off the edge.

Overall, Sherrod is a very solid player with huge potential.

Answer: Yes

4. Was Sherrod the Best Player Available?

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AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 18: Da'Quan Bowers #93 of the Clemson Tigers against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

This is a tough question to answer.

Sherrod is certainly a talented player, and he was expected to get drafted much higher.

However, with players like Da'Quan Bowers and Akeem Ayers still on the board, I can't say that Sherrod was the best player available. That honor has to go to Bowers. The knee must certainly be an issue for Bowers, as he was once talked about as a top-10 pick. Even with the knee surgery, Bowers is still a top-level talent and an incredible pass rusher.

Answer: No

3. Did Sherrod Fill a Need?

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Chad Clifton #76 of the Green Bay Packers looks back at Aaron Rodgers #12 against the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

The Packers have only a few needs that really needed to be addressed throughout the draft. One of those needs was an offensive lineman.

Chad Clifton is starting to get up there in age. Bryan Bulaga proved to be able to handle the right side of the line, but finding a left tackle replacement was certainly a need for the Packers. Derek Sherrod certainly has the potential to become a great left tackle. With time to learn the game, Sherrod will absolutely fill a need for the Packers on the offensive line.

Answer: Yes

2. Did Sherrod Fill the Biggest Need?

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PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 18: Linebacker Akeem Ayers #10 of the UCLA Bruins in the game with the Houston Cougars at the Rose Bowl on September 18, 2010 in Pasadena, California. UCLA won 31-13. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

This is another difficult question to answer.

Some would say that offensive line was the Packers' biggest need. Others might say that defensive line was the Packers' biggest need.

I'm going to say that the Packers' biggest need is outside linebacker. We have seen how dominant Clay Matthews is. Imagine how much more dominant he could be with another outside linebacker that can get after the quarterback. With Akeem Ayers still on the board, I don't know how the Packers passed on him.

Answer: No

5. Will Sherrod Make an Instant Impact?

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Josh Sitton #71, Bryan Bulaga #75 and Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers celebrate after a 8 yard touchdown pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington

I hate to say this, but Sherrod won't be starting for the Packers in their first game unless there are some injuries. He is still too raw, and Clifton and Bulaga have the tackle positions locked up for at least the next few years.

With that said, if there are any injuries on the offensive line, Sherrod should be able to step up and fill in nicely. He is certainly a big body that can take up space and protect the quarterback.

Unfortunately, Sherrod might not be seeing the field too often in his rookie season.

Answer: No

Final Grade

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: General Manager Ted Thompson of the Green Bay Packers celebrates after the Packers won 31-25 against the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Kevin C

Final Grade: 2/5, F

It is hard to give this pick an F, but the numbers don't lie.

With Da'Quan Bowers, Akeem Ayers, Justin Houston and Bruce Carter still available, the Packers could have drafted a player that would be able to step in from the beginning and make plays.

The right pick should have been Bowers, as he has more potential than any other player in this draft. He could have been a dominant pass rusher for the Packers right from the start. Bowers would have instantly improved the Packers defense and taken them to another level.