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Packers: Reviewing Draft Grades

May 1st, 2011

JC

Posted in 2011 NFL Draft, Green Bay Packers, NFL

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Legendary senior writer jclombardi reviews Packers draft grades.

GRADES

(1) NFLDraftScout.com/The Sports Xchange (Rang)—A. Packers protected QB Rodgers up front with versatile offensive tackle Sherrod in the first round and a variety of dynamic pass-catchers. UK Cobb was the most versatile weapon in the draft, HAW RB Green is a powerful runner with underrated speed and hands, & TE Williams is a steal. What Williams lacks in size, he makes up for in reliable hands and surprising toughness as a blocker. With developmental prospects CB House, pass rusher Elmore, and DE Guy, the Packers continue to retool the most talented roster.

(2) CBS Sports Prisco—A. Best pick: Second-round pick Cobb will fit their pass offense perfectly and take over for James Jones, who might leave. Questionable move: Maybe not taking a rush linebacker in the first three rounds could be it. Third-day gem: 6^thround pick Elmore is a nice pass rusher who will play outside linebacker in their 3-4. Analysis: Thompson is one of the best at stocking his roster. First-round pick Derek Sherrod will take over at left tackle in a year or two and Cobb can be eased into the passing game.

(3) NBC News—A. Green Bay’s first five picks brought value, and at least four fit into positions that needed depth.Derek Sherrod will be a starter by year two. WR Cobb is incredibly versatile. RB Green is highly underrated. CB House has the size-speed combo of a starter. TE Williams is move tight end insurance in case TE Finley leaves in free agency. Don’t be shocked if DL Guy or DE Elmore develops into a major contributor. TE Taylor was UNC’s special teams captain.

(4) Sporting News (Brown)—A-. Batted from the last spot in the draft, yet still hit a home run. Getting OL Sherrod and WR Cobb adds depth to a stacked team.

(5) Fox Sports (Kaplan)—A-. Analysis: GM Thompson always drafts for value. He got at least three future starters out of this draft despite drafting in back of every round.

(6) ESPN (MK)–B+. Seifert comment: Kiper’s only concern was a failure to address the pass rush in a meaningful way. Packers have confidence in some of the players they drafted last year, DEs Neal and Wilson. DC Capers expressed faith in linebacker Zombo. Packers added two more weapons to their offense (Kentucky WR Cobb and Hawaii RB Green) and fortified their transition plan at OT with MS’s Sherrod.

(7) TBO (Kaufman)—B. GM Thompson displayed his knack as talent evaluator. OL Sherrod, the heir apparent to aging LT Clifton, represents solid value with final pick of 1^st round. RB Green rushed for 1,199 yards and 18 TDs for pass-happy Hawaii Warriors.

WINNERS

CBS Sports: Not that it’s hard to “win” if you’re Green Bay, coming off a Super Bowl-winning season and sitting on a young, stacked roster. But “In Ted We Trust” applies here, because Thompson beefed up the Packers’ offensive line depth, got a superb second-rounder in WR Cobb to potentially replace and just generally marked everything he needed off his checklist. Standard Packers draft, really.

Sporting News (Dillon): Is it possible their already potent offense could become even more dynamic? It is if WR-KR Cobb, RB Green and TE Williams perform up to expectations. Williams, last year’s Mackey Award winner and Finley could give the Super Bowl champs a productive tandem.

COMMENTARY: Overall Grade A-. Packers did an outstanding job in the draft considering their low end position at each round. True, this was a traditional Packers draft with focus upon needs and values. The three top choices were predictable, although both WR Cobb & RB Green were considered 4-6^th rounds prospects. We will pass to debate it going with their potentials. OL Sherrod should have a fine NFL career providing a great tandem with OL Bulaga. WR/KR Cobb fits slot and returner needs. We are pleased with value pick TE Williams who reminds nostalgic Packers fans of TE West. With TE Finley, we agree that they may make a great offensive tandem comparable to the Patriots. Pass rusher DE Elmore and big man DL Guy look to be value gems fitting defensive needs who may be major contributors. We agree that the Packers could have taken a higher OLB, but we agree with the Packers faith in OLBs Zombo, Jones, and Walden. They are fine productive young players to go with all-pro OLB Matthews.

FOX NEWS PACKERS DRAFT REVIEW