NFL Draft Results: How Rounds 2 and 3 Panned out for the Green Bay Packers
2011 NFL Draft Results: Green Bay Packers Get Randall Cobb, Alex Green; Lions and Bears Continue Their Solid Drafts
Can you believe we're already down to a single day remaining in the 2011 NFL draft?
The Green Bay Packers had a successful first day, but the second and third rounds of the draft can be equally important.
That rings true especially in this draft. There was plenty of talented players available on day two, and the NFC North had their feast.
Here's my take on all the Day 2 picks within the division and how they impact the Packers.
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Minnesota Vikings Take TE Kyle Rudolph at No. 43
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What it means
New offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave loves two-tight end sets, and the Vikings got arguably the best one in this draft.
Good pick?
Strictly value-wise, Rudolph was a great pick for the Vikings and I don't blame them for taking him. Defense is still an issue, but adding another security blanket for your young quarterback was a solid choice.
Good for the Packers?
The Vikings should have a solid array of offensive weapons. Sidney Rice, Percy Harvin, Visanthe Shiancoe, Adrian Peterson and now Rudolph will give Christian Ponder plenty of options.
Detroit Lions Take WR Titus Young at No. 44
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What it means
The Lions continue to add playmakers to their roster. A lot of Packers fans wanted Young in Green Bay, but GM Martin Mayhew was smart to get the explosive receiver.
Good pick?
Absolutely. The Lions are using the draft to stockpile talent regardless of position. Ask any good drafter—that's the way you build football teams.
Good for the Packers?
Nope. Young has been compared to DeSean Jackson and should give the Lions passing attack another dangerous option to go along with Calvin Johnson.
Chicago Bears Take DT Stephen Paea at No. 53
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What it means
The Bears used their top picks to solidify both lines. Paea should be able to replace Tommie Harris immediately for Chicago.
Good pick?
Paea was good value for the Bears at No. 53. While he's certainly weight-room strong, that strength also transfers overs to the football field and is visible on tape.
Good for the Packers?
It's neither good nor bad. I have no doubts that Paea will be a good player, but the Bears haven't gotten their hands on an impact receiver yet.
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Detroit Lions Take RB Mikel Leshoure at No. 57
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What it means
It means that Martin Mayhew and the Lions have had a terrific start to their draft. Leshoure could be an impact player for the Lions right away.
Good pick?
Once again, absolutely. When Leshoure fell all the way to pick 57, the Lions were wise to trade up and get him. He's one of the best backs in this class and should have a long NFL career.
Good for the Packers?
No, as the Lions roster is really starting to take shape. If they can add some defenders later in the draft and in free agency, this is a likely playoff team next season.
Green Bay Packers Take WR Randall Cobb at No. 64
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What it means
The Packers get a talented slot receiver and an answer to their returning woes. Cobb could be an impact player right away, even for a team as deep as Green Bay.
Good pick?
Cobb was great value at No. 64. He should give the Packers' passing offense an element they haven't had, and I'd be shocked if anyone but Cobb was returning punts and kicks next year.
Good for the Packers?
This pick works for the Packers in so many ways. Not only does Cobb have Percy Harvin-like ability, but he's a great character guy and has a passion for the game that is unparalleled.
Chicago Bears Take S Chris Conte at No. 93
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What it means
The Bears needed help at the back of their defense. With the talented quarterbacks in the NFC North, adding players in the secondary is a wise choice.
Good pick?
Depends on who you talk to. The grades on Conte are mixed—some love him and some have their worries. Either way, I like the Bears' aggressiveness in helping out their secondary.
Good for the Packers?
Conte comes off like a guy who is physical and can help in run support, but could also be a liability in coverage. He seems like a player that fits in with Chicago nicely.
Green Bay Packers Take Alex Green at No. 96
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What it means
Does it mean that Brandon Jackson is on his way out of Green Bay? Not so fast. The Packers could keep four running backs on the roster if the 2010 labor rules are in play for next year.
Good pick?
Everyone wanted a running back for the Packers, and they got their wish. Was it the guy they probably wanted? No. But that doesn't mean this is a bad pick. Green is a sleeper in this draft.
Good for the Packers?
NFL Network's Mike Mayock said that Green "will be an impact player this year for the Green Bay Packers."
It's just one man's opinion, but those are powerful words. If Mayock is right, Green could be a solid pick for the Packers moving forward.
What It All Means
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Some things that have stuck out to me about the Packers draft so far:
They've taken three offensive players with their first three picks. I would have never guessed that before the draft.
No trades. I thought Thompson would likely do some maneuvering early on with a lot of talented players in the 20-60 range.
And finally, Aaron Rodgers must be a happy man. He's got his left tackle of the future, a Percy Harvin-type slot receiver and a running back who might have an impact next season.
But don't forget—the rest of the division has drafted well so far. The Lions have improved considerably, the Bears have addressed some key needs and the Vikings have the quarterback of their future.
This should mean a competitive division next year.
Gone are the days of easy wins within the division, and I'd say all four teams have playoff potential heading into next season.
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