The Packers' drafts under Ted Thompson can usually be summed up in one word: boring. The fact is that the Packers have built a playoff caliber team through their "boring" drafts, and teams like the Redskins are still scratching their heads wondering what went wrong. Bryan Bulaga fell to the Packers like manna, and they were happy to oblige the gift. He could come in and start at left or right tackle. He might not leave there for ten years. Mike Neal will have to switch positions from a 4-3 tackle to a 3-4 end. Morgan Burnett was a prospect with a lot of pre-draft buzz. James Starks and C.J.Wilson could be sleepers because of their good productivity in college.
Round 1, Pick 23
Round 1, Pick 23
Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
Ht: 6’ 5 3/8” Wt: 314
EMQB’s analysis on the pick: Bulaga is a great value at this point. Experienced in a pro-style offense, he could immediately step in and start at left tackle for the Packers. Aaron Rogers' jersey should have less grass stains on it next season.
Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Nearly the prototype from a measurables standpoint, save for less-than-exceptional arm length, and comes from a program with a rich tradition of producing well-coached, blue-collar offensive linemen. Solid technician who possesses the athletic ability and balance coveted in a blind-side protector along with the physicality and playing temperament highly desired on the right side. May wind up fitting at left guard but has the mental makeup, intelligence and toughness to develop into a Pro Bowl player. Versatility is a big plus, with potential to play any of four positions.
NFL projection: Top-10 pick.
GM Jr’s scouting report: Bulaga is a two-year starter at LT for the Hawkeyes in 2009. He also started five games at LG back in 2007. He has a very good frame with decent arm length; definite growth potential to add for the position at the next level. He is an exceptional overall athlete with explosive initial quickness, fluid hips, & great balance for the position. He needs to improve his consistency; overall strength, in order to be a productive starter at the NFL level as a rookie. His weaknesses are all correctable with more time; physical maturation. He is more of a position run blocker, than a physical, mauler type. He uses his quickness, agility; lower body flexion to gain position on defenders. He has the fluid hips and quick feet to slide; adjust to sustain his blocks once engaged. He will flash a strong punch; nasty finish, but not all the time. He can reach, pull, double, single; block down effectively in the rung game. In pass protection, he has ideal size, agility; toughness to block the top edge pass rushers at the next level. He gets depth quickly; shows great balance; sustain after contact. He needs to improve his punch; lower body strength to anchor down better against real strong bull rushers. He is late to transition from his kick steps to his power slide to shut-off the quick inside counter move at times. Overall, he is a strong candidate to draft; start as a rookie due to his size, smarts athletic ability; lower body flexibility for the position. However, he really needs another year at the college level to develop more consistency with his techniques, as well as to mature more physically. At this point, he simply cannot be compared to either former Wolverine Jake Long, selected first overall in 2008 or former Badger Joe Thomas, who was taken 3rd overall back in 2007. If he stays for his senior season in Iowa City, he may put himself into the top ten picks of the 2011 draft. If he comes out in 2010, he compares most t former Chippewa Joe Staley, who was the 28th overall selection by the 49ers in 2007.
Lindy’s Sports scouting report: Bulaga’s run blocking is exceptional, especially for a zone system similar to what he ran at Iowa, but he could struggle with speed rushers and lacks great recovery speed. His 3-game absence during the season due to a thyroid problem will also worry scouts. Apparently it was a short-term issue, but his medical checks will be thorough. If the risk of a relapse is considered small, he’ll hear his name called sometime in the first round.
Round 2, Pick 56
Mike Neal, DT, Purdue
Ht: 6’ 3” Wt: 294
EMQB’s analysis on the pick: The Packers are continuing to change to a three-man front and see Neal has a defensive end in that scheme. A hard-working, effort-type player, Neal can come in and be part of the defensive line rotation immediately
Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Flash player who looks the part and possesses starter-caliber strength, quickness and power desired in an NFL under tackle, but motor and stamina could limit his impact. Would be best playing in a rotation for an aggressive, upfield scheme such as that of the Colts, Bears or Eagles. Needs to play in gaps to be at his best.
NFL projection: Third- to fourth-round pick.
Lindy’s Sports scouting report: Despite the injury history that caused former coach Joe Tiller to call Neal “a tease” during spring 2008 practices, Neal’s toughness won’t be questioned by scouts. The former top Indiana high school recruit played through a torn labrum the last three games of 2007 and fought constant double-teams as a senior. His inconsistent motor and use of this brute strength to disengage from blocks won’t impress scouts, but his general athleticism will earn him a spot in the middle grounds.
Round 3, Pick 71
Morgan Burnett, S, Georgia Tech
Ht: 6’ 1 3/8” Wt: 209
EMQB’s analysis on the pick: Burnett was thought to be a prospect that could possibly sneak into the first-round, but his junior season was a disappointment. The Packers, again placing value over need, seem to have come away with a steal. Burnett could be another one of those Packer draft picks that unexpectedly start their rookie season.
Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Productive, ballhawking college “rover” back whose interception numbers (14 career picks in three years) oversell his coverage ability. Stock was higher after a productive sophomore season. Foot speed and range are ordinary and will be restrictive on the back end. Could require some patience and needs to become more disciplined but could develop into a starting underneath safety and would be best in the box manning short areas.
NFL projection: Third- to fourth-round pick.
Lindy’s Sports scouting report: Burnett’s final grade might be determined by his time in the 40-yard dash. NFL teams have plenty of options on draft day at safety, considering the influx of underclassmen, but don’t expect them to wait long to nab a natural playmaker like Burnett. A top 75 grade and quick ascension into an NFL lineup appears likely.
154.) Green Bay Packers
Andrew Quarless, TE, Penn State
169.) Green Bay Packers
Andrew Quarless, TE, Penn State
Ht: 6'4" Wt: 248
EMQB’s analysis on the pick: Quarless is seen as a pass catching threat which is interesting considering the other tight ends that are already on the Packers. He is developing as a blocker and will make for interesting two tight end sets with Jermichael Finley.
Lindy’s Sports scouting report: Although Quarless is primarily seen as a pass-catching tight end, he has improved his blocking to the point where it is a plus. He is a matchup problem, able to threaten the seam with his height, speed and hands. If teams are satisfied that he has turned the corner in terms of his maturity, he’ll be among a handful of tight ends fighting to be chosen in the top half of the draft.
169.) Green Bay Packers
Marshall Newhouse, OT, TCU
Ht: 6' 4" Wt: 319
EMQB’s analysis on the pick: An offensive tackle who has the athletic ability but is missing the required mean streak of an NFL player, Newhouse has potential if he can play with a consistent aggressive attitude. The Packers are hoping with professional coaching and with time in the weight room that he can develop.
Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: College left tackle who moved around well at the Combine and has the quickness and agility to intrigue on paper. However, he plays too passively, lacks functional strength, cannot sink his hips or generate any power, and he will have to fit in a zone-blocking scheme to have a chance. Will be overdrafted on measurables. Best fit will come inside.
NFL projection: Mid-round pick.193.) Green Bay Packers
James Starks, RB, Buffalo
Ht: 6' 2" Wt: 218
EMQB’s analysis on the pick: Starks is a good overall running back who doesn't do anything particularly well but does everything none the less. He could stick on with the Packers as a back up runner and special teams player.
Lindy’s Sports scouting report: “Little Buck’s” lack of elusiveness will be noted. But as long as his shoulder checks out, his surprising strength, straight-line speed and receiving hands (93 catches in 2007-08) still make him stand out in a weak senior running back class.
230. Green Bay Packers
C.J. Wilson, DE, East Carolina
Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 290
C.J. Wilson, DE, East Carolina
Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 290
EMQB’s analysis on the pick: As the 3-4 defensive teams look for value in the 7th round, Wilson is an excellent example of finding a specialized defensive end for that front. Not big enough to be a 4-3 defensive tackle, Wilson could find a role as a rotational player for the Packers.
Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Is not a top-notch athlete and lacks ideal body length, but has enough bulk and functional strength to play the five-technique in a “30” front or be a base left end in a “40” front. Could also shift inside and serve as a nickel rusher, although does not have the wardaddy mentality to consistently play inside.
NFL projection: Mid-round pick.
Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695
GM Jr. 2010 Draft Guide available @ http://gmjrnfldraft.com/
Lindy’s Sports 2010 Draft Guide available @http://www.lindyssports.com/product.php?cn=332
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