Washington State Cougars linebacker Travis Long (89) locks up with Colorado Buffaloes offensive lineman David Bakhtiari (59) during the first half at Martin Stadium. Bakhtiari was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft. James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Just about every draft expert this week has been high on the work that Green Bay Packers Ted Thompson and his draft room crew did last weekend in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Starting with eight picks at the beginning of the draft, Thompson’s savvy trading and gut instincts helped him land a total of 11 picks, all while choosing two running backs, a couple of offensive linemen, five defensive players, and a couple of wide receivers. Clearly the Packers improved with this draft – one that might become Thompson’s legacy.

What he selected were not just players but players who will determine the future of the franchise for years to come.

And Thompson’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed.

From walterfootball.com, here is one of the highest recognitions I’ve found from the tens of thousands of grades being distributed across the Internet.

Here’s what they had to say:

Best Draft Class: Green Bay Packers 
This wasn’t an easy choice. I liked what the Rams, Cardinals, Chargers, Vikings and Bears were able to do. Two under-the-radar teams that did really well were the Saints and Redskins. However, Green Bay general manager Ted Thompson played the 2013 NFL Draft like the expert that he is. The Packers were able to address their needs and build up their depth. Green Bay’s draft class should provide an immediate impact and yield good results in the long term.

The organization increased its physicality on both sides of the ball with Datone Jones and Eddie Lacy. Jones is a powerful force on the defensive line and gives the Packers a sorely needed element of violence at the point of attack.

Lacy can be the lead back that Green Bay has been missing. He will be excellent to close out wins late in games as he runs over tired defenders who have been chasing the Packers’ passing attack for three quarters. Fourth-round running back Johnathan Franklin will be a nice change of pace and be an asset in the passing game. The duo should provide an immediate upgrade for the team.

Green Bay needed to upgrade its offensive line depth, too, and did so with David Bakhtiari and J.C. Tretter. Both were college tackles who could play guard, center or tackle in the NFL. If injuries hit the Packers’ line in 2013 like they did last year, Bakhtiari and Tretter will provide more talent off the bench.

Corner/safety Micah Hyde is a nice fit in the Green Bay secondary. He was an underrated prospect and could become a contributor. The team added some more talent in the late rounds. Defensive tackle Josh Boyd and South Florida linebacker Sam Barrington were nice value picks.

The Packers could be primed for another championship run in 2013, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Green Bay’s rookies played an integral role in it.

I simply couldn’t have said it better.

On paper, the Packers seem poised for another run at a Super Bowl.

We hope they’re right.

Alabama Crimson Tide running back Eddie Lacy
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

When Hall of Fame-bound former Green Bay Packers linebacker Dave Robinson announced the franchise’s second round selection of Eddie Lacy last Friday, there were many who felt the pick should have been Wisconsin alum and favorite Montee Ball.

But Packers fans soon realized that Ted Thompson had once again locked in a player who was considered one of the best at his position – and probably a better value at the 61st spot than was Ball, who was selected with the 58th pick by the Denver Broncos.

So, which team got the better of the deal – Packers or Broncos.

Well, if you’re the Broncos, who came out like the Steelers and raised the injury issues with Lacy, Ball was the better deal. If you also ask Vincent Salaz, the author of a piece on the subject over at predominantlyorange.com, Ball was by far the better pick.

Wisconsin Badgers running back Montee Ball
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

As Salaz points out, his reasons are these:

• Lacy ran behind what was widely regarded as the best O-Line in the NCAA and was still not as productive as Montee (who also ran behind a stellar line, but was still able to produce more.)

• One thing I love about him is that this kid loves Terelle Davis. He grew up idolizing him and modeling his game after him. He runs a lot like TD did and I’m sure that that was at least a small factor in the decision making process.

• Montee has just about the most beautiful one-cut move I’ve ever seen. If you take a look at the 3:09 mark in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=vk7aLzbwBb8 You’ll see exactly what I’m talking about.

• The kid has about the best vision of any player in this draft which is great on its own, but he also has the football IQ to know how to use it which will make his transition into the NFL much easier.

• Lacy was unable to improve his stock at his pro day after not being able to work out at the combine. Ball on the other hand (who blamed his ‘poor’ combine numbers on a sinus infection) Posted better numbers in every single exercise. The most tangible of which for most is the 40. At his pro day he posted between 4.43 and 4.49 depending on where you read. Can’t tell me that’s not some top end speed.

• Last but not least, the kid is smart, well spoken, very articulate and hard working. The Denver bronco organization likes people that fall under those categories.

It’s great that Ball is smart, well spoken, articulate and hard-working – in fact anyone who has followed Wisconsin football as most Packers have – we knew that already.

Alabama Crimson Tide running back Eddie Lacy
Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

What we’re interested in is what the statistics say.

As a word of caution, statistics don’t tell the entire story and can be deceiving – like comparing apples to oranges – but they do illustrate the amount of success each of these player have had in their college careers. However, how that translates into success at the next level is difficult to measure.

In my opinion, both of these players will see success in 2013, but what might give Lacy an advantage, in my opinion, is that the Packers also drafted a guy by the name of Johnathan Franklin out of UCLA.

Franklin, who also runs hard between the tackles, can also provide, like DuJuan Harris, a different look than Lacy will bring to the field. The “Thunder and Lighting” look could give the Packers the most dynamic backfield tandem in years, maybe decades.

But in the meantime, we will let the statistics speak for themselves. At first blush, Hall holds the advantage in sheer numbers, but again, how that translates into success in the NFL remains to be seen.

You be the judge. Who got the better pick?

So here’s a look at Montee Ball’s stats over four years with the Badgers:

Here are Ball’s statistics by game in 2012:

Nov 3, 2012; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Jonathan Franklin (23) scores a touchdown in the first quarter against the Arizona Wildcats at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Fielding-USA TODAY Sports

If there was only one word I could use to sum up this year’s Green Bay Packers draft class it would be “versatile.”

From rounds one to seven the Packers selected athletic players with experience playing multiple positions. Obviously, Ted Thompson wanted to add significant depth throughout the roster, and there is no better way to do that than to draft versatile players who can be moved around on the depth chart.

Green Bay took UCLA defensive end Datone Jones with their first pick because they like his size, 6-4 and 283 pounds, and his athletic ability. Jones ran a 4.8 40 and benched 225 pounds 29 times at the combine. These numbers show his impressive speed and strength for a defensive lineman. Jones also recorded 13.5 sacks and 36.5 tackles for a loss at UCLA, showing a propensity to both play the run and rush the passer.

Jones was perhaps the most versatile defensive lineman in this year’s draft. He was the only defensive lineman that gave first overall pick, offensive tackle Eric Fisher, a run for his money all week at the Senior Bowl. Jones has the size and strength to hold the point against big offensive tackles, and the quickness and finesse to get to the quarterback on passing downs. Jones played as a defensive end in a 3-4 system in college and played some nose tackle as well, showing he can be moved anywhere on the defensive line and still make plays.

Sept 29, 2012; Boulder, CO, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive end Datone Jones (56) on his sidelines in the third quarter of the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field. The Bruins defeated the Buffaloes 42-14. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Jones has the potential to be an every down defensive lineman—something the Packers dearly missed since losing Cullen Jenkins two seasons ago. Jones can play the five-technique (3-4 DE) in base and move inside in nickel packages to provide interior pass rush. Dom Capers even said that Jones is athletic enough to play some outside linebacker in certain sub-packages. As a Packers fan, you should be excited about this guy. He could prove to be the Packers’ most complete defensive lineman this season. With the addition of Jones and the return of Nick Perry, the Green Bay front seven suddenly looks much more formidable.

Green Bay didn’t stop targeting versatile players after the first round. This trend continued throughout the draft.

Just look at some of their other draft selections.

In the fourth round, the Packers selected two college left tackles, David Bakhtiari from Colorado and J.C. Tretter from Cornell. They say if you can play left tackle you can play any position on the offensive line, and most of Green Bay’s offensive linemen played left tackle in college (Lang, Bulaga, Sitton, Dietrich-Smith), and this should hold true for Green Bay’s newest offensive line acquisitions. Both these players are known for their versatility and can play multiple positions on the offensive line.

November 25, 2011; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Colorado Buffaloes offensive linesman David Bakhtiari (59) blocks Utah Utes defensive end Nate Fakahafua (96) during the second half at Rice Eccles Stadium. Colorado defeated Utah 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Bakhtairi started as a right tackle in college, but moved to left tackle his sophomore and junior seasons. He is a bit short for the ideal NFL left tackle, 6-4, but he is athletic, has good footwork, and has long arms that should help him compete at left tackle on the Packers’ roster. Some project Bakhtairi at guard in the NFL because of his lack of height, which is another possibility for the versatile offensive lineman, but either way, Bakhtiari should prove to add quality depth to both guard and tackle.

Tretter is similar to Bakhtriari in size, 6-3 and 307 pounds, and also played left tackle in college. However, Tretter played quarterback in high school and entered college as a 230-pound tight end. Tretter’s transition to left tackle shows how versatile a player he can be. Most scouts project him best suited as a guard or center in the NFL, and that is where it looks like the Packers are planning on using him. Tretter has the right measurables and strength to play on the inside of the offensive line, and has the intelligence to play center effectively. He scored a 33 on the Wonderlic test—the highest of any player the Packers drafted.

Green Bay desperately needed offensive line depth and that is exactly what these two new prospects give them. Look for Tretter to provide depth on the interior offensive line and Bakhtriari to compete with Newhouse and Sherrod at left tackle.

Green Bay also selected versatile players at the skill positions.  Johnathan Franklin from UCLA has the strength and durability to be a featured back, but Franklin also has the pass blocking and catching ability to be an excellent third down back.  Franklin has some experience as a kick returner in college, so even if Franklin doesn’t surface as the starting running back next season, the Packers will find ways to get the dynamic back on the field.

November 17, 2012; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Denard Robinson (16) is tackled by Iowa Hawkeyes cornerback Micah Hyde (18) at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Micah Hyde from Iowa enters the NFL as a cornerback, but Hyde also played a few games at safety. Perhaps it’s this versatility that encouraged the Packers to select Hyde in the fifth round. At 6-0 and 197 pounds Hyde seems a bit too small to play safety, and it seems Green Bay will keep him at corner for now. However, the Packers may like that Hyde could play both positions if needed. Hyde also has experience as a gunner in punt coverage and as a kick returner. Expect Hyde to be an immediate contributor on special teams next season and provide depth at both corner and safety.

Among others, defensive tackle Josh Boyd from Mississippi State has the size and skill to play nose tackle or defensive end in a 3-4 defense, and seventh round pick Sam Barrington played both inside and outside linebacker for Southern Florida.

I’m sure the coaches love it when they get guys that can play multiple positions. It seems to be McCarthy‘s MO to cross train both his coaching staff and his players. It’s simple logic. Versatility gives the Packers more options when making roster decisions, and it provides them opportunities to get their most talented players on the field. This year’s draft class provides the Packers with lots of options when making personnel decisions, and the position competition this offseason will be fun to watch. Whatever happens, expect the 2013 rookies to find their way onto the field one way or another.

Alabama Crimson Tide running back Eddie Lacy (42), the Packers’ second round selection in this year’s draft, was seen as the fourth biggest steal of the draft. Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports photograph

While it was the Minnesota Vikings and Shariff Floyd who led the way in Charley Casserly’s Top 10 Draft Steals, the Green Bay Packers‘ selection of Eddie Lacy with the 61st pick in the second round was not far behind – rating as the fourth biggest steal in the 2013 NFL Draft.

The Pittsburgh Steelers were one team that came out publicly saying they shied away from Lacy because of his fused toe, but that didn’t stop Ted Thompson from taking Lacy with his second round selection – even after he had traded down several spots. Thompson and his team of war room workers didn’t seem to think that Lacy’s past injury history would be an issue and he pointed to his upside as the reason they selected him.

Eddie Lacy is a national champion.
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Casserly, in his explanation, said it wasn’t so much the selection, but the team that selected Lacy that made the difference. He said that with the Packers’ spread offense in place it will provide opportunities for Lacy to utilize his strengths.

Here’s what Casserly had to say:

Many people rated Lacy as the top running back in this draft and projected him as a possible first-round pick. Still, he makes this list largely because of the team that drafted him. The Packers will spread out defenses, providing Lacy with a bunch of one-on-one opportunities against defensive backs. His size and physical running style will create problems for safeties isolated in space. Lacy could have a big year in Green Bay, as defenses must concentrate on stopping Aaron Rodgers, first and foremost.

What Casserly doesn’t mention is that Lacy should be even more effective in the Packers’ offensive scheme because of the team’s emphasis on improving the offensive line in the draft and the fact that they also selected running back Johnathan Franklin, who is slated to team up with DuJuan Harris as the “lightning” part of the Packers new “thunder and Lightning” package.

Johnathan Franklin will add an important element to the Packers running game.
Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Both runners are tough up the middle, but it’s the added threat of Franklin’s quick-cutting ability and speed that should help to bolster the Packers running attack.

The two rookies will join a backfield that already includes James Starks (if he doesn’t get traded), Harris, Alex Green and possibly Cedric Benson, if the veteran is brought back by the Packers. However, with the addition of Lacy and Franklin, the need for Benson is greatly diminished.

Either way, it looks like the Packers have improved its running game immensely the past couple of days – taking an offense with little or no running game to one that should jump into the upper echelon of the league – at least on paper.

What do you think?

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For those who do not remember, I predicted that the Packers would draft college kids who played football.  True to my predictions, every single pick the Packers made was someone from a college who played football (and many of you have questioned my $20 million dollar signing bonus!).

Take that, Mel Kiper!

Now that we have had some time to decompress and I have had time to read as much as I can about the picks that Ted Thompson made, I figured it was time I added my scholarly insight.

After the 2013 NFL Draft, Ted Thompson has a lot to smile about. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports photograph

In general I think TT had a very good draft in general terms.  Never one to dip into the free agency pool, Ted always looks to retool and revamp through the draft and he did exactly that.  Trading back to get more picks and then moving up to address needs, he did it all.

One thought that consistently stayed with me the entire draft was what all those fans who were clamoring for free agents as the solution to the team’s problems.  Be it running back or a guy for one of the lines, we heard how Thompson failed the team.  Now, being totally biased and impartial, those comments annoyed me for one simple reason:  Why should we spend money on someone who another team does not want and who may only be a short-term solution to a long-term problem?  Address the issue for the long-term.

Ted clearly put the skeptics in place (again, from my biased point of view) and clearly demonstrates why it is so important to have a good general manager at the helm and not Jerry Jones.

With the first pick, the Green Bay Packers selected  Datone Jones (or as I have already heard him refered to as Dat-One).  Well let’s just hope he is that one – the one guy that can step in and solidify the defense.  He brings to the table what the Packers have been lacking – a tough, large presence. At 283 pounds and six feet four inches tall, he will be the Pack’s biggest lineman.  Now the only question is will his size and physical conditioning equate to success.  Only time will tell.

Datone Jones, can he be the piece of the defensive puzzle that has been missing? Milwaukee Journal Sentinel photograph

Jones, however, has said many of the right things, with the most important being that he wants to “carry himself” in the footsteps of Reggie White.  If he pans out to be half the player that Reggie was, then Ted made a great first pick.

Ted then took the bull by the horns and with his second and fifth picks (second fourth round selection) chooses two of the top running backs in the nation.  Eddie Lacy out of Alabama and Johnathan Franklin from UCLA.

This is significant for two reasons.  One, Thompson, no matter what he says, clearly drafted based on the needs of the team with these two picks.  Secondly, he clearly recognized that the pieces that were in place, were not significant enough to establish a dominant run game that would take the pressure off of Aaron Rodgers (who, if you did not hear, is now the wealthiest NFL player of all time) to have to do everything and also allow the passing game to open up since the offense would no longer be one-dimensional.  Opponents will now have to respect our running game, now let’s just hope the O-line can create lanes for these guys to run.

In looking at Lacy and Franklin, what impresses me the most is that both of these guys are tagged as powerful runners.  Lacy can smash the ball up the middle, whereas Franklin is more of an elusive runner who has the ability to make you miss.  Both runners have the power and speed to break it open.  In fact, Lacy has been compared to Jerome Bettis in his style of running.

The only knock against Lacy is injury issues.  First hamstrings and secondly a fused toe.  Though it may lead to questions down the road, neither injury seemed to affect his productivity last year when he rushed for 1,322 yards.  Personally, knowing that these issues exist, clearly allows the medical staff to take preventative measures to ensure they do not become recurring problems.

Most of the pundits point out that with Franklin, he has not shown  the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and has had a history of fumbles. However, he only had one fumble all of last season while rushing for 1,734 yards with 13 touchdowns.

Can Eddie Lacy succeed where others have failed and be the punishing back the Pack has missed? Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Enough with the downside.  Seriously, look at what we have gone from – James Starks, Alex Green, Cedric Benson and DuJuan Harris – to Lacy and Franklin.  Then just for the fun of it, you can also throw in Randall Cobb.  Add that to our receiving corps, coupled with Rodgers, I personally see an offense that is going to be very entertaining and explosive.  No longer will defenses be able to key in on the pass.  The threat to run and run hard and often is there and we all know that will open up the passing game ( I wonder if Greg Jennings is having any second thoughts?).

Making it a one-two punch in the backfield for the Packers. Johnathan Franklin will bring an elusiveness that will force defenses to respect Green Bay’s running game. Andrew Fielding-USA TODAY Sports photograph

As the draft rolled on, Ted and company also took steps to address other needs both on the offense and defense.  So many others have taken the time to hash out those players that at this point there is nothing constructive that I can add to any discussion.

What is important though is to again realize that while many in Packers Nation were clamoring for action during the free agency period, Thompson was true to himself.  He decided that it was better to take as many bodies as possible to find what is needed than take a chance on a pricey free agent.

The 2013 draft looks good on paper and I truly believe that this may be one of Thompson’s finest drafts, but I do not think you assign a grade to it until you see how the players pan out.  Give it a few years and then we can honestly assess what was done the last three days and if it was worthy of an “A.”

With the draft over, I am now excited for the season to start moving ahead.  Rookie orientation is coming up and then Organized Team Activities.  There is a lot happening up in Green Bay and with our Wisconsin summer already over (two nice days), I am ready for some football!

GO PACK GO and IN TED WE TRUST!

UCLA Bruins running back Johnathan Franklin (23), one of two running backs taken by the Green Bay Packers, runs the ball against the Colorado Buffaloes during the Rose Bowl. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Evan Silva from over at Rotoworld.com broke down each NFC team’s draft and provided a letter grade – a daunting task that must have taken him hours … in fact, given the fact that he came out with these grades this morning it makes me wonder if he got any sleep this weekend.

He starts with the Arizona Cardinals and works his way all the way through the Washington Redskins, posting each pick with a link to each individual player, including an overview of the team’s picks, and then concludes it with a letter grade.

Leading the way in Silva’s picks were the San Francisco 49ers, who with their bazillion picks, had the opportunity to clean up – and did so.

Silva gives the 49ers an A.  But right behind the Niners are their West Division foes the Seattle Seahawks who came in with an A-.

Most teams, including the Green Bay Packers, were in the C or B range, with the exception of the Dallas Cowboys who received a D from Silva and, for the most part, were killed by the experts for their draft weekend.

I have included the Packers review – a B+ – as well as the Niners, Seahawks, and Cowboys, just to give you a feel for how teams fared. Take a trip over to Silva’s column at rotoworld to see the others … and I suggest you do because by the time you get there he may also have the AFC reviews completed. Superior work on the part of Silva.

So here are the reviews he provided for the Packers, Cowboys, 49ers and Seahawks.

owa Hawkeye cornerback Micah Hyde (18) defends A.J. Barker (82) of the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the first half at Kinnick Stadium. Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Green Bay Packers

26. Datone Jones, defensive end, UCLA.
61. Eddie Lacy, running back, Alabama.
109. David Bakhtiari, guard/tackle, Colorado.
122. J.C. Tretter, guard/center, Cornell.
125. Johnathan Franklin, running back, UCLA.
159. Micah Hyde, defensive back, Iowa.
167. Josh Boyd, defensive lineman, Mississippi State.
193. Nate Palmer, outside linebacker, Illinois State.
216. Charles Johnson, receiver, Grand Valley State.
224. Kevin Dorsey, receiver, Maryland.
232. Sam Barrington, linebacker, South Florida.

Overview: GM Ted Thompson annually dominates on draft day; it’s where he butters his bread. The Packers are not a free-agency team. Jones is a relentless, potentially special inside rusher who finally gives Green Bay a legitimate replacement for Cullen Jenkins. Lacy and Franklin can form a Thunder & Lightning backfield with the former as a light-footed wrecking ball and latter in the big-play, change-up role. Both rookies can pick up the blitz and play on all three downs. Bakhtiari is a heady, athletic mover and fit for the Packers’ zone scheme. Hyde, Palmer, and Barrington are core special teams guys. Johnson abused his competition at small-school Grand Valley State and has Julio Jones-like measurables. The value on Lacy, Franklin, and Johnson was sensational. Chalk up another draft-weekend “win” for arguably the top GM in the sport.

Grade: B+

Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Travis Frederick (72) was the Cowboys’ first round selection – one that many say was a huge reach. Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Cowboys

31. Travis Frederick, guard/center, Wisconsin.
47. Gavin Escobar, tight end, San Diego State.
74. Terrance Williams, receiver, Baylor.
80. J.J. Wilcox, safety, Georgia Southern.
114. B.W. Webb, defensive back, William & Mary.
151. Joseph Randle, running back, Oklahoma State.
185. DeVonte Holloman, linebacker, South Carolina.

Overview: Owner/GM Jerry Jones’ draft strategy seemed very needs- rather than value-based, spurning better players in favor of theoretical hole-fillers. The Cowboys were needy on the interior offensive line, but I’d be willing to wager they could’ve gotten Frederick with the 47th pick. Escobar can create passing-game mismatches, but offers zero as a blocker and isn’t necessarily an upgrade on incumbent No. 2 tight end James Hanna. Williams and Holloman were probably the only two true value picks in this group. Randle is a stiff, straight-linish runner with an awfully long way to go in pass protection. I watched tape on him before the draft and found him to be a whiffer in blitz pickup and thoroughly lacking in elusiveness. It would be difficult to say with any confidence that Dallas’ lineup improved with this draft. And they entered it with a mediocre roster.

Grade: D

South Carolina Gamecocks running back Marcus Lattimore (21) was drafted by the 49ers.Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco 49ers

18. Eric Reid, free safety, LSU.
40. Tank Carradine, outside linebacker, Florida State.
55. Vance McDonald, tight end, Rice.
88. Corey Lemonier, outside linebacker, Auburn.
128. Quinton Patton, receiver, Louisiana Tech.
131. Marcus Lattimore, running back, South Carolina.
157. Quinton Dial, defensive end, Alabama.
180. Nick Moody, linebacker, Florida State.
237. B.J. Daniels, quarterback, South Florida.
246. Carter Bykowski, tackle, Iowa State.
252. Marcus Cooper, cornerback, Rutgers.

Overview: The rich got richer. The 49ers entered Thursday with an NFL-most 13 picks. GM Trent Baalke turned them into very arguably the most impressive haul in the league, along the way picking up a 2014 third-rounder in Friday’s trade with the Titans. Only Reid and McDonald may be definite first-year contributors, but that’s far more a testament to Baalke’s roster building than his individual selections. Carradine is a to-the-whistle edge rusher who along with Lattimore could be “redshirted” as a rookie due to knee woes, before emerging as plus 2014 starters. Patton is a silky smooth route runner with ball skills and insurance on contract-year No. 1 wideout Michael Crabtree. Lemonier might have been a first-rounder had he not played on such a bad Auburn team. San Francisco is filthy rich with pass rush. Baalke is constructing a dynasty.

Grade: A

Christine Michael was the Seahawks’ first selection in this year’s draft.

Seattle Seahawks

62. Christine Michael, running back, Texas A&M.
87. Jordan Hill, defensive tackle, Penn State.
123. Chris Harper, receiver, Kansas State.
137. Jesse Williams, nose tackle, Alabama.
138. Tharold Simon, cornerback, LSU.
158. Luke Willson, tight end, Rice.
194. Spencer Ware, fullback, LSU.
220. Ryan Seymour, guard, Vanderbilt.
231. Ty Powell, defensive end, Harding.
241. Jared Smith, defensive tackle, New Hampshire.
242. Michael Bowie, tackle, NE Oklahoma State.

Overview: Per GM John Schneider, the Seahawks spent Thursday night watching Percy Harvin‘s YouTube highlight reel after sacrificing the Nos. 25 and 214 picks, and next year’s third-rounder in exchange for the NFL’s premier slot receiver. Understandable. The Harvin acquisition is factored into Seattle’s grade. Schneider finally went on the clock Friday night and simply made picks straight off his board. Marshawn Lynch and Robert Turbin? Who cares. Michael is the best player. He’s ours. Harvin, Sidney Rice, Golden Tate, Doug Baldwin? We’ll take Harper and his Boldinian skill set. Williams is an immovable beast who makes us better in the trenches. Pick him. Simon is a press-man corner. Perfect scheme fit. Draft him. Late picks were primarily reserved for small schoolers and test freaks. Upside players who don’t hurt you if they bust. The Seahawks have drafted just like this every year under Schneider and Pete Carroll. Seems like it’s working.

Grade: A-

Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Jake Stoneburner (11) is unable to catch a pass while defended by Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Jonathan Brown (45) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

If he has nothing else, Jake Stoneburner, one of the undrafted free agents signed by the Green Bay Packers this weekend, has by far one of the best names of all the players now in the National Football League.

While he comes into Green Bay listed as a tight end, nobody’s really sure where he will play. He’s played both wide receiver and tight end and didn’t light the world on fire while spending time at either position.

NJake Stoneburner
Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

While many thought for months that the Packers would select a tight end with their first round selection – many thought it would have been Tyler Eifert – the Packers did nothing to address the position. Starter Jermichael Finley is in the final year of his two-year contract and many thought Packers GM Ted Thompson would do something to bring in a player through the draft who might be able to replace him.

He did nothing of the sort and it wasn’t until he got Stoneburner to commit to coming to Green Bay as an undrafted free agent that the Packers got a new player at the position. Clearly Stoneburner wasn’t brought in as a replacement.

The Ohio State product doesn’t come to Green Bay with gaudy statistics and may have been passed over by NFL teams in the draft because of those numbers. Last season, he caught just 16 passes for 269 yards (16.8 yard average), and four touchdowns.

In four seasons with the Buckeyes, he caught 53 passes for 714 yards and 13 touchdowns. Decent stats, but certainly nothing worth writing home about. But to his credit, one of the reasons that Stoneburner’s statistics weren’t spectacular was because he’s seen as something of a “tweener.” He was switched from tight end to wide receiver just prior to his senior season and clearly didn’t belong on the outside – he didn’t have the speed and skills to play wide receiver, nor did he have the blocking skills and size to be an effective tight end.

In addition, he didn’t have Aaron Rodgers throwing to him when he was a Buckeye.

Jake Stoneburner zones in on a pass. Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

But now he does.

So, how will he fit in with the Packers? Well, it’s difficult to say, but they do plan to play him as a tight end. He will get the opportunity to compete, but his road is uphill. In addition to Finley, the Packers already have newcomer Matthew Mulligan, Andrew Quarless, D.J. Williams, and Ryan Taylor on the roster. While it’s a crowded field, it’s unclear whether Quarless will make it back from a nasty knee injury that kept him out all last season and both Taylor and Williams have been slow developers with limited playing time. So, Stoneburner has that going for him.

If nothing else, he will have the best name when the Packers open camp and should draw some attention in the competition for a spot on the team. At best, he will probably have the best chance for a roster spot if he can contribute on special teams.

TT was interested enough to bring him in. It will be up to Stoneburner to prove he belongs.

One of the highlights of the NFL Draft was when Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots former player Joe Andruzzi (left) and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell made a Boston Strong presentation. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

If you weren’t like me and sat through just about every minute of the 2013 NFL Draft, you may have missed where many of the college players you may have been following ended up – or in many, many cases – didn’t end up.

As all the experts pore through the numbers, the players and the teams, we offer up here a complete list of every pick in every round of this year’s draft. Sure you can find this list on just about every site – including NFL.com where I got this information, but we’re glad you stopped by lombardiave.com today. In fact, we’ll take this moment to unashamedly point you to all our other posts on this site. We’re proud to offer insights and information that you just won’t find anywhere else on the Web. Take some time to tool around and enjoy.

But in the meantime, here is your list:

Round 1

Round 2

Round 3

Round 4

Round 5

Round 6

Round 7

Apr 25, 2013; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the NFL shield logo and main stage before the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

We have always liked Ted Thompson’s comments about the NFL Draft and his baseball analogythat it’s not always

The Green Bay Packers war room. Ted Thompson sits at the head of the table (left).

possible to hit home runs when you come to bat – that’s it’s a matter of working the averages and scoring when you can.

For all four teams in the NFC North, there were some hits and misses, as you can see and read below in the individual team grades provided below by walterfootball.com.

Who did better? Who did worse? Again, you could pull together the specific numbers, but at this point in April that’s a bit foolish – we all know championships aren’t won in the offseason – they are won when players hit the field, coaches do their magic and things like schedule and injuries start to work their mystical effects on just how the NFL season transpires.

What we can see clearly below is that each of these teams took a different path in this draft – with many of the moves based on total numbers of picks, where they were situated and the players available to them at the time of each team’s selections.

There were some surprises (Kyle Long to the Bears; Nate Palmer to the Packers; and Jeff Locke to the Vikings), but there were some home runs, too (Sharrif Floyd to the Vikings; Eddie Lacy to the Packers; Cornellius Washington to the Bears; and Larry Warford to the Lions).

Minnesota Vikings 1st round draft pick Sharrif Floyd
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

How this particular draft gets judged will be debated for the next several months as the “experts” tear apart the numbers, the names and the statistics. But one thing is for certain – as each of these teams spend the next week or so signing undrafted free agents to complete their rosters heading into the training portion of the NFL season, all of them have improved their status with fresh, enthusiastic and young talent that will change the landscape once again across the NFL.

For all of the NFC North selections, see below. And don’t forget to click on over to walterfootball.com for more information than one can absorb in a lifetime … it’s an incredible football site.

 Chicago Bears (Last Year: 10-6) 

2013 NFL Draft Individual Grades: 

Kyle Long speaks during a Chicago Bears press conference.
Reid Compton-USA TODAY Sports

20. Kyle Long, G, Oregon: D Grade 
Well… at least this fills… a need… Umm… I’m kind of speechless right now. With Tyler Eifert and stud defenders like Desmond Trufant and Sylvester Williams available, the Bears decided to take an inexperienced second-round guard. Long may have been around for Chicago’s next selection, so this pick is extremely questionable.

Follow @walterfootball for updates.

50. Jon Bostic, ILB, Florida: B Grade 
The Bears hope they’ve landed their successor for Brian Urlacher. Middle linebacker was a big need, and Jon Bostic is definitely worthy of being chosen 50th overall. I would have gone with Arthur Brown, but there must be major medical concerns with him because he has first-round talent.

117. Khaseem Greene, OLB, Rutgers: A Grade 
Khaseem Greene was viewed as a second-round talent by many, but it’s not too surprising to see him fall a bit because he doesn’t fit many defenses. The Bears don’t mind though, as they fill a need with a good value selection. s

163. Jordan Mills, OT, Louisiana Tech: B Grade 
So, I guess the Bears wanted to focus on the offensive line and linebacker groups in the draft. Jordan Mills is a right tackle who should be able to challenge J’Marcus Webb. He fits the range, so this is a solid pick.

188. Cornelius Washington, DE, Georgia: A+ Grade 
I don’t understand why Cornelius Washington fell to the middle of the sixth round. Washington is a Day 2 talent. He is raw, but that’s fine because the Bears won’t really need him until Julius Peppers moves on.

236. Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State: A- Grade 
Why not? Marquess Wilson was once considered a second-round prospect, but he quit on his team because he didn’t get along with head coach Mike Leach. It has to be considered that Leach is a bad guy, so Chicago is right to take a shot on Wilson.

 Detroit Lions (Last Year: 4-12) 

2013 NFL Draft Individual Grades: 

5.

Detroit Lions first round draft pick Ezekiel Ansah.
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

, DE, BYU: B+ Grade 
Finally, a good pick! I’m tired of bashing these teams. Well, OK, maybe not. But this selection makes so much sense. The Lions had a close look at Ezekiel Ansah at the Senior Bowl where he dominated the competition during the actual game. He’s a great fit in Detroit’s wide-nine formation, and will replace the departed Cliff Avril. He’ll be instrumental in Detroit’s pursuit of Green Bay in the NFC North.

Follow @walterfootball for updates.

36. Darius Slay, CB, Mississippi State: B- Grade 
Darius Slay was projected to go in the first half of the second round, so the range of this pick makes sense. Cornerback was also a need, though not as great of a need as people think. Having said that, what Detroit plans on doing at left tackle is beyond me. Matthew Stafford probably won’t make it through the 2013 season.

65. Larry Warford, G, Kentucky: A Grade 
This is an awesome pick. Larry Warford should have been chosen near the top of the second round. He is monstrous mauler who figures to be a huge upgrade on the interior of Detroit’s offensive line.

132. Devin Taylor, DE, South Carolina: B Grade 
The Lions had to find two defensive ends in this draft because they lost both Cliff Avril and Kyle Vanden Bosch. Devin Taylor is a good fit in the wide-nine formation, and this is the right range for him.

165. Sam Martin, P, Appalachian State: C- Grade 
Unlike the Vikings, Detroit actually needed a punter. But this is still a bad pick. Again, it’s like selecting a kicker in the 10th or 11th round of a fantasy league. It’s lazy. Solid punters can be found as undrafted free agents.

171. Corey Fuller, WR, Virginia Tech: B- Grade 
I’m surprised the Lions waited this long for a receiver. I feel like there were better options than Corey Fuller, but this is still a fine pick. It’s just disappointing that Detroit couldn’t secure a solid No. 2 option across from Calvin Johnson.

199. Theo Riddick, RB, Notre Dame: B Grade 
Reggie Bush isn’t exactly the most reliable player in the league, so it’s good that the Lions added some depth at running back. At the very worst, Riddick will add some punch in the return game.

211. Michael Williams, TE, Alabama: A- Grade 
This is a solid pick. I thought Michael Williams would go earlier than this. Detroit got a good look at him at the Senior Bowl. The team needed some tight end depth.

245. Brandon Perburn, ILB, Florida A&M: B Grade 
The Lions needed linebacker help, so this makes sense in terms of both need and draft range.

 
 Green Bay Packers (Last Year: 11-5) 

2013 NFL Draft Individual Grades: 

UCLA Bruins defensive end Datone Jones was the Packers first round selection.
Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

26. Datone Jones, DE/DT, UCLA: A- Grade 
Datone Jones has been discussed as high as No. 19 to the Giants, so the Packers are getting good value with Datone Jones. They’re also getting a tremendous upgrade on the defensive line. Green Bay was completely obliterated by Colin Kaepernick, so the team needed to find players to help them stop the read option. Jones is a great fit, as Ted Thompson continues to be one of the better drafters in the NFL.

Follow @walterfootball for updates.

61. Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama: A+ Grade 
Ted Thompson makes this looks so easy. Not only did he sit and wait for the top running back in the 2013 NFL Draft; he also moved down and still managed to maintain him. Eddie Lacy would have been a first-round pick if it weren’t for an injury that he’ll quickly recover from. He’ll be a tremendous upgrade in the backfield.

109. David Bakhtiari, OT/G, Colorado: A Grade 
Ted Thompson loves versatile linemen, and David Bakhtiari definitely fits the bill. He can play both tackle and guard positions, so he’ll definitely help somewhere on an offensive line that needed to be upgraded. Baktiari was an early third-round projection, so the value is good.

122. J.C. Tretter, G/OT, Cornell: B- Grade 
Another versatile offensive lineman, though J.C. Tretter is more of a guard whereas David Bakhtiari should be at tackle. I’m not as crazy about this pick because I feel like Tretter could have been taken a round later.

125. Johnathan Franklin, RB, UCLA: A+ Grade 
Wow, what a steal! Johnathan Franklin was viewed as the top running back in this class by some, so it’s inexplicable that he fell all the way to the bottom of Round 4. Projected as a player similar to Warrick Dunn, Franklin will form a tremendous one-two punch with Eddie Lacy out of the backfield.

159. Micah Hyde, CB/S, Iowa: B Grade 
Micah Hyde played cornerback at Iowa, but he may have to move to safety in the NFL because of speed concerns. Ted Thompson could be fine with that. He likes versatile players and needed help at the safety position. I thought Hyde would go in the middle of the fifth round, so this is the right range for him.

167. Josh Boyd, DE/DT, Mississippi State: B Grade 
It’s no surprise that the Packers spent two selections on the defensive line because they have some expiring contracts coming up soon. Josh Boyd is a solid selection who fits the range as a fifth-round prospect.

193. Nate Palmer, DE/OLB, Illinois State: C Grade 
Nate Palmer wasn’t a draftable prospect, but that’s not a big deal at the end of the sixth round. What’s more surprising is that the Packers waited this long to take a pass-rusher.

216. Charles Johnson, WR, Grand Valley State: B Grade 
Wide receiver is another position I thought the Packers would address earlier. Charles Johnson is a seventh-round prospect, so he makes sense at this spot. He might be able to make the team.

224. Kevin Dorsey, WR, Maryland: C Grade 
This is a much more questionable receiver pick. It’s the seventh round, but I don’t think many would have considered Kevin Dorsey in the old 12-round format.

232. Sam Barrington, LB, South Florida: B Grade 
Considered a seventh-round prospect, Sam Barrington should be able to contribute on special teams and provide solid depth.

 
 Minnesota Vikings (Last Year: 10-6) 

2013 NFL Draft Individual Grades: 

Minnesota Vikings 1st round draft picks Sharrif Floyd (76) and Cordarrelle Patterson (84) and Xavier Rhodes (29) sign autographs and pose for pictures with fan Shane Swanson at the 2013 1st round draft picks press conference at Winter Park.
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

23. Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida: A+ Grade 
Wow, I forgot Sharrif Floyd was available. I feel like some of the other teams like the Bears, Giants and Cowboys did as well. This is the best pick in the 2013 NFL Draft thus far. Floyd is a stud interior pass-rusher who could have easily gone No. 3 to the Raiders. But as we see every year, great prospects fall because dumb teams are picking at the top of the draft.

Follow @walterfootball for updates.

25. Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State: B Grade 
Xavier Rhodes was mocked as early as No. 12 throughout this process, so he definitely provides good value at No. 25. However, the Vikings run the type of defense that allows teams to pass on corners in the first round. Minnesota probably should have filled other needs like receiver. That said, this is still a solid selection because Rhodes could be considered the best player available.

29. Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee: B- Grade 
The 29th and 52nd choices are swapped between Minnesota and New England, so the Vikings are essentially giving up third- and fourth-rounders for this choice. They better make it count, so why not go for the home run with Cordarrelle Patterson? Minnesota desperately needed receiving help after losing Percy Harvin. Patterson is raw – which is why he dropped to No. 29 – but he has so much potential. The problem is that the Vikings don’t have a quarterback to get him the football.

120. Gerald Hodges, OLB, Penn State: B Grade 
The Vikings haven’t picked in nearly 100 selections, but they continue to draft well. Gerald Hodges fits the range and definitely fills a need, as Minnesota’s linebacking corps needs major retooling.

155. Jeff Locke, P, UCLA: D Grade 
I’m not a fan of drafting a punter in the first five rounds, especially when a punter isn’t needed. Maybe the Vikings have grown tired of Chris Kluwe’s Twitter antics, but it’s still not a reason to take a punter at this point. It’s like drafting a kicker in the 11th round of your fantasy league.

196. Jeff Baca, G, UCLA: B Grade 
Pegged as a sixth-round prospect, Jeff Baca should compete for a starting guard job eventually. The position is very weak for Minnesota, so Baca could be an upgrade.

213. Michael Mauti, ILB, Penn State: A Grade 
Maybe I’m biased as a Penn State alumnus, but I love Michael Mauti. He’s an instinctive linebacker with tremendous leadership ability; he kept the team together in the wake of the sex scandal. He would have been a second-day pick had he not torn his ACL. It wouldn’t surprise me if Mauti eventually emerged as the starter.

214. Travis Bond, G, North Carolina: B Grade 
Another guard? Well, Minnesota needed two of them. Travis Bond makes sense in the seventh round.

229. Everett Dawkins, DT, Florida State: A Grade 
Kevin Williams will likely be gone next year, so another defensive tackle makes sense. Everett Dawkins was considered a mid-round prospect, so he’s a bit of a steal here.

The Packers selection of Johnathan Franklin was deemed worthy of an A+.
Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Walterfootball.com grades out each of the NFL teams’ draft classes and took a liking to what Ted Thompson and the Green Bay Packers put together this weekend with their 11 picks – giving out four A’s, five B’s, and two C’s – an average of a high B overall.

Each of the picks’ evaluations and grades (see below) are based on the value to the team. Walterfootball especially liked the Packers running back selections of Eddie Lacy and Johnathan Franklin (both receiving grades of A+), but also gave the Packers kudos for their first overall selection of DE Datone Jones and their fourth round selection of OT David Bakhtiari.

Receiving grades of B were OT. J.C. Tretter, CB Micah Hyde, DE/DT Josh Boyd, WR Charles Johnson, and OLB Sam Barrington.

The lowest grades of C were given to DE/OLB Nate Palmer, and WR Kevin Dorsey.

Overall, Thompson’s trade-backs added three extra selections to the Packers’ draft, an added bonus that allowed the team to add not only quantity to their roster, but quality.

Check out walterfootball.com’s grades below and tell us what you think by leaving a comment below, Liking us on Facebook, and/or following us on Twitter.

 Green Bay Packers (Last Year: 11-5) 

2013 NFL Draft Individual Grades: 

26. Datone Jones, DE/DT, UCLA: A- Grade 
Datone Jones has been discussed as high as No. 19 to the Giants, so the Packers are getting good value with Datone Jones. They’re also getting a tremendous upgrade on the defensive line. Green Bay was completely obliterated by Colin Kaepernick, so the team needed to find players to help them stop the read option. Jones is a great fit, as Ted Thompson continues to be one of the better drafters in the NFL.

Follow @walterfootball for updates.

61. Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama: A+ Grade 
Ted Thompson makes this looks so easy. Not only did he sit and wait for the top running back in the 2013 NFL Draft; he also moved down and still managed to maintain him. Eddie Lacy would have been a first-round pick if it weren’t for an injury that he’ll quickly recover from. He’ll be a tremendous upgrade in the backfield.

109. David Bakhtiari, OT/G, Colorado: A Grade 
Ted Thompson loves versatile linemen, and David Bakhtiari definitely fits the bill. He can play both tackle and guard positions, so he’ll definitely help somewhere on an offensive line that needed to be upgraded. Baktiari was an early third-round projection, so the value is good.

122. J.C. Tretter, G/OT, Cornell: B- Grade 
Another versatile offensive lineman, though J.C. Tretter is more of a guard whereas David Bakhtiari should be at tackle. I’m not as crazy about this pick because I feel like Tretter could have been taken a round later.

125. Johnathan Franklin, RB, UCLA: A+ Grade 
Wow, what a steal! Johnathan Franklin was viewed as the top running back in this class by some, so it’s inexplicable that he fell all the way to the bottom of Round 4. Projected as a player similar to Warrick Dunn, Franklin will form a tremendous one-two punch with Eddie Lacy out of the backfield.

159. Micah Hyde, CB/S, Iowa: B Grade 
Micah Hyde played cornerback at Iowa, but he may have to move to safety in the NFL because of speed concerns. Ted Thompson could be fine with that. He likes versatile players and needed help at the safety position. I thought Hyde would go in the middle of the fifth round, so this is the right range for him.

167. Josh Boyd, DE/DT, Mississippi State: B Grade 
It’s no surprise that the Packers spent two selections on the defensive line because they have some expiring contracts coming up soon. Josh Boyd is a solid selection who fits the range as a fifth-round prospect.

193. Nate Palmer, DE/OLB, Illinois State: C Grade 
Nate Palmer wasn’t a draftable prospect, but that’s not a big deal at the end of the sixth round. What’s more surprising is that the Packers waited this long to take a pass-rusher.

216. Charles Johnson, WR, Grand Valley State: B Grade 
Wide receiver is another position I thought the Packers would address earlier. Charles Johnson is a seventh-round prospect, so he makes sense at this spot. He might be able to make the team.

224. Kevin Dorsey, WR, Maryland: C Grade 
This is a much more questionable receiver pick. It’s the seventh round, but I don’t think many would have considered Kevin Dorsey in the old 12-round format.

232. Sam Barrington, LB, South Florida: B Grade 
Considered a seventh-round prospect, Sam Barrington should be able to contribute on special teams and provide solid depth.

Maryland Terrapins wide receiver Kevin Dorsey (12) runs for a touchdown after catching a pass from quarterback Perry Hills (not shown) against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Byrd Stadium. Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Ted Thompson and his cohorts over at 1265 Lombardi Avenue finally dipped into the wide receiver pool in the 2013 NFL Draft with their first and second selections in the seventh round – Charles Johnson, a wide receiver out of Grand Valley State in Allendale, Mich., and Kevin Dorsey out of the University of Maryland – and then finished out their draft by selecting Sam Barrington, an OLB out of South Florida.

Charles Johnson

Johnson, the former Laker was the 216th selection overall by the Packers, a player with somewhat of a checkered past. According to Gil Brandt over at NFL.com, Johnson was not invited to the NFL Combine, but his pro day attended by more than 20 scouts, was impressive. The 6-2, 215-pound Johnson ran the 40-yard dash in 4.38 and 4.39 seconds. He had a 4.31-second short shuttle and 6.96-second three-cone drill. He had a 39 1/2-inch vertical jump and an 11-foot-1 broad jump. He performed 14 lifts of 225 pounds on the bench press.

Charles Johnson
Grand Valley State University photograph

However, as reported by Brandt, Johnson has raised some red flags on the character end of things – an issue that might be surprising considering how important Packers officials feel character plays in their drafting decisions. Apparently they are comfortable with Johnson.

Here’s what Brandt said about Johnson:

Johnson does have a red flag, having bounced around between different schools. He initially went to Eastern Kentucky, where he was suspended. He then attended Antelope Valley Community College (Calif.) in 2008, took a season off in 2009, and was at Grand Valley State starting in 2010.

If Johnson has the talent to be drafted without attending the Combine, the Packers see something in him. How far he goes with a team that has great depth at the receiver position will be interesting to watch. No doubt he will be a longshot, but then again Donald Driver was a longshot at one time, too.

Kevin Dorsey

Kevin Dorsey
Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Dorsey, the former Terrapin, was the 224th selection in the draft – a player who had just 18 catches all of last season. He did have 45 receptions two years ago and like Johnson, brings size to the outside for the Packers. At 6-2, 210 pounds, the Packers are certainly not trying to replace Greg Jennings.

Here is Dorsey’s profile information provided on the Maryland University website:

A talented fifth-year player who is expected to be the No. 1 receiver for the second-straight season … an intelligent, polished receiver with excellent size and soft hands … a preseason All-ACC selection … fourth team all-conference pick by Phil Steele … has overcome foot injuries to become a productive performer … has played in 35 career games with 11 starts … voted one of four team captains at the end of the spring.

As a Senior (2012): Started all 12 games at wide receiver … led the team averaging 17.3 yards per reception … recorded one catch for 22 yards against William & Mary (9/1) … started and finished with one catch for eight yards against Temple (9/8) … totaled one reception vs. Connecticut (9/15) … recorded three receptions for 31 yards against West Virginia (9/22) … hauled in a 33-yard touchdown reception vs. Wake Forest (10/6) earning the offensive game ball … had one catch for 27 yards against Virginia (10/13) … gained 36 yards on three catches against NC State (10/20) … recorded 41 yards on three receptions against Boston College (10/27) … started and made one catch for 14 yards against Georgia Tech (11/3) … started but failed to record a reception against Clemson (11/10) … caught a career high two touchdown passes for 75 yards including a 42 yard reception against Florida State (11/17) … hauled in a 28 yard touchdown reception against North Carolina (11/24).

Kevin Dorsey (12) against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Byrd Stadium.
Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

As a Junior (2011): Served as the No. 1 receiver this season, making starts in 10 games … missed the Florida State (10/22) and Boston College (10/29) games with an injury … led the team in receptions (45), receiving yards (573), receiving TDs (3) and yards per catch (12.7) … catches rank tied for 19th on the Maryland single-season list, while the receiving yards are 24th … ranked 10th in the ACC with 4.5 receptions per game … earned the Dr. John E. Faber Award for Iron Man at the end-of-season banquet … had eight catches for a career-high 124 yards against Miami (9/5) … also had a 52-yard reception to set up the go-ahead field goal in the fourth quarter … had another stellar performance against West Virginia (9/17), establishing a new career high with nine receptions … finished the game with 79 yards receiving and a touchdown … Torrey Smith (21 receptions [seven vs. FSU, 11/20/10; 14 vs. NC State, 11/27/10]) is the only other Terp in the last 16 years to post as many as 17 receptions over a two-game span … Geroy Simon had 22 catches over the last two games of the 1995 season … caught five passes for 61 yards against Temple (9/24) … led the team with 44 receiving yards on four catches, including a 7-yard TD against Towson (10/1) … had a team-high 44 yards on two catches, including a 34 yard catch from Tony Logan on a trick play against Georgia Tech (10/8) … made one catch against Clemson (10/15) before missing much of the second half with an injury … missed the Florida State (10/22) and Boston College (10/29) games with an injury … returned against Virginia (11/5), drawing a start and making two catches for 22 yards … had three catches for 25 yards against Notre Dame (11/12) … led the team with eight catches for 77 yards against Wake Forest (11/19) … totaled three catches for 88 yards against NC State (11/26), including a career-long 59-yard reception and a 24-yard TD catch.

As a Sophomore (2010): Saw action in all 13 games at wide receiver and on special teams … ranked fourth on the team with 15 receptions and tied for third with two TD catches … posted at least two catches in six of the last eight games … posted five special-teams tackles (all on kickoff coverage) on the season … made one catch for 4 yards against FIU (9/25) … posted two catches against Clemson (10/16), Boston College (10/23) and Wake Forest (10/30) … had a 42-yard catch for his first touchdown against Miami (11/6) and finished the game with a season-best three catches for 63 yards … had just six yards on two catches against Florida State (11/20) … posted one catch for 20 yards against NC State (11/27) … had two receptions for 50 yards, including a season-long 45-yard TD reception, in the win over East Carolina in the Military Bowl (12/29).

Sam Barrington

Sam Barrington

The Packers final selection in this year’s draft, Sam Barrington was listed at 6-1, 230 pounds – a four-year player a South Florida University. In his senior year, he had 80 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 6.5 TFL, three PBU and two forced fumbles. Here are some career highs listed for Barrington on the university’s website:

BARRINGTON’S CAREER HIGHS
Tackles: 10 (Louisville, 2012)
Sacks: 2.0 (Pittsburgh, 2012)
TFL: 2.0 (Three Times)
QBH: 1 (Four Times)
FF: 2 (Nevada, 2012)
FR: 1 (Connecticut, 2010)
PBU: 1 (Nine Times)
INT: 1 (UTEP, 2011)

Here are the other pertinent statistics, broken down by year, for Barrington:

2012: Started 11 games at linebacker, missing the UConn game … earned second-team All-BIG EAST honors … was selected to play in the East-West Shrine game … posted 80 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 6.5 TFL, three PBU and two forced fumbles … recorded at least seven tackles in eight of his 11 games … his 7.3 tackles per game ranked eighth in the BIG EAST … the 80 tackles were a career high and ranked second on the team … tallied four tackles, a sack and two TFL in the season opener versus Chattanooga … notched eight tackles, two forced fumbles and a PBU at Nevada … posted nine tackles and a TFL versus Rutgers … added six tackles and a PBU at Ball St. … tallied five tackles and a PBU against Florida St. … recorded eight tackles at Temple … posted 10 tackles and a half TFL at Louisville … added eight tackles versus Syracuse … notched seven tackles and a half sack at Miami … tallied eight tackles and a half TFL at Cincinnati … recorded seven tackles and two sacks in his final game against Pitt.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver Quron Pratt (7) is tackled by South Florida Bulls linebacker Sam Barrington (36) after making a catch for a first down during the first half at High Point Solutions Stadium. Noah K. Murray /The Star-Ledger via USA TODAY Sports

2011: Started all 12 games at linebacker … finished third on the team in tackles with 72 and added 2.5 sacks, 6.5 TFL, two PBU, an INT and a forced fumble … posted nine tackles at Notre Dame … collected seven tackles against Ball State … registered three tackles against FAMU … returned his first career INT 30 yards for a TD against UTEP … established a career-high with nine tackles and a pressure at Pitt … posted six tackles, 1.5 sacks and a PBU at UConn … registered six tackles, a TFL and a pressure against Cincinnati … tied career-high with nine tackles and set a career high with two TFL, including a sack, at Rutgers … posted six tackles and a pressure at Syracuse … added five tackles and a TFL versus Miami … notched six tackles against Louisville … tallied five tackles, a PBU and a forced fumble versus West Virginia.

2010: Appeared in 13 games, starting 11, at linebacker … finished third on the team in tackles with 65 to go along with a half sack, 6.5 TFL, a pressure, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and three PBU … tallied eight tackles at Florida … posted a team-high six tackles and a half TFL versus WKU … notched eight tackles, 1.5 TFL, a pressure and a forced fumble against FAU … added seven tackles and a PBU versus Syracuse … posted three tackles at WVU … tallied a career-high nine tackles and a forced fumble at Cincinnati … posted five tackles and a TFL against Rutgers … added three tackles at Louisville … notched two tackles and a TFL versus Pitt … tallied six tackles, a TFL and a PBU at Miami… recorded three tackles and recovered a fumble against Connecticut … notched four tackles, a half sack, 1.5 TFL and a PBU in the Meineke Car Care Bowl victory over Clemson.

2009: Appeared in 13 games, starting one, at linebacker as a true freshman … named to All-BIG EAST Freshman Team by ESPN.com … racked up 41 tackles, two TFL and a PBU … opened the season with three tackles against Wofford … added five stops against Charleston Southern … notched four tackles at Florida State … notched five tackles and a half TFL at Pitt … added three tackles and a half TFL at Rutgers … tallied six tackles and a half TFL against Miami … posted a season-high seven tackles and a half TFL against UConn … added three tackles in the International Bowl win over Northern Illinois.

Nate Palmer

The Green Bay Packers selected Illinois State Red Birds inside linebacker Nate Palmer with the 193rd pick of the sixth round – their only choice in the second to last round of the day.

We don’t know much about Palmer – even NFL.com doesn’t have a profile on the guy – but we all know that Ted Thompson sometimes finds guys nobody knows anything about – we know how he excels at finding football players on the back end of the draft and our only hope is that he’s done so here.

What we do know about Palmer is that he isn’t the fastest guy in the book – his 40-yard dash time was anywhere between 4.7 and 4.8, which is glacially slow given his 6-3, 240-pound package.

However, he did have some good numbers during his time at Illinois State. The Chicago native had 9.5 sacks, 46 tackles, 10.5 tackles for losses and two forced fumbles last season.

While NFL.com didn’t have information about Palmer, here is what cbs.com has on him:

2009 SEASON

Michigan Wolverines quarterback Denard Robinson (16) is tackled by Iowa Hawkeyes cornerback Micah Hyde (18) at Michigan Stadium.
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

While the Green Bay Packers went with picks on the offensive side of the ball in the fourth round, Ted Thompson and Company moved back to the defense with two selections in the fifth round – Iowa defensive back Micah Hyde and defensive lineman Josh Boyd out of Mississippi State.

Micah Hyde

With the 159th pick in the draft, the Packers selected Micah Hyde, a 6-0, 197-pound cornerback out of Iowa. I think this guy might be somewhat of a sleeper pick for the Packers – I think TT probably likes his versatility.

Here’s what Mike Mayock said:

“He reminds me of Glover Quin. He can play corner, safety, can return kicks and can be a special teams player. He fits Green Bay because he has great ball skills.”

With the Packers determined to get Randall Cobb off the special teams units, this might be a guy who could compete for that job.

An Northeast Ohio product, Hyde was a superstar in high school, as explained in this passage from NFL.com:

There wasn’t much Hyde couldn’t do as a high school player in northwest Ohio. He was first-team all-state as a quarterback as a senior, a three-time team captain who intercepted eight passes at safety and accounted for 111 touchdowns passing and rushing during his career.

After making four tackles while playing in every game of his true freshman season, Hyde became a playmaker as a full-time starting cornerback in 2010. League media gave him honorable mention notice due to his 82 tackles, four interceptions, seven pass breakups. He also scored twice that season, returning a pitch 66 yards for a touchdown after safety Tyler Sash intercepted a Michigan State pass, and providing the winning points in the team’s 27-24 Insight Bowl victory over Missouri by bringing back an interception 72 yards. Hyde worked at safety during spring 2011 practices, and started the first two games there in the fall before moving back to cornerback for the final 11 games. His three interceptions and eight pass break-ups helped him earn second-team All-Big Ten honors from league media (honorable mention by coaches). Hyde had a fantastic senior season as he finished with 78 tackles, 14 pass breakups, one interception, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. He was named first-team All-Big Ten.

After making four tackles while playing in every game of his true freshman season, Hyde became a playmaker as a full-time starting cornerback in 2010. League media gave him honorable mention notice due to his 82 tackles, four interceptions, seven pass break-ups. He also scored twice that season, returning a pitch 66 yards for a touchdown after safety Tyler Sash intercepted a Michigan State pass, and providing the winning points in the team’s 27-24 Insight Bowl victory over Missouri by bringing back an interception 72 yards. Hyde worked at safety during spring 2011 practices, and started the first two games there in the fall before moving back to cornerback for the final 11 games. His three interceptions and eight pass breakups helped him earn second-team All-Big Ten honors from league media (honorable mention by coaches).

Here are his strengths and weaknesses:

STRENGTHS

Effective zone defender with the closing speed and length to knock away passes or make the interception. Height, vertical, and strong hands allow him to snatch jump balls away and knock away throws between levels of the defense. Uses his length to keep receivers off his body in the run game and prevent ballcarriers from stiff arming him in space, also uses his hands and upper-body strength to rip off blocks. Aggressive run defender. Comes downhill in a hurry to chop down running backs. Wraps up receivers after the catch. Special teams contributor.

WEAKNESSES

Teams might be split on his best NFL position. Average recovery speed at cornerback, must prove himself in man coverage as he will fail to stay with receivers downfield. Loses track of receivers in space, gets caught looking into the backfield or stops running while looking for the ball down the sideline. Looks tight in the hips, will struggle to consistently turn and run. Ducks his head at times trying to make open-field tackles and is not a physically imposing free safety.

Josh Boyd

Josh Boyd

With their second fifth round selection (a compensatory pick), the Packers selected a defensive end, Josh Boyd out of Mississippi State. At 6-3, 310 pounds, Boyd is a weight-lifing monster. He recorded 32 reps on the bench press at the combine.

Here’s what NFL.Com had to say:

While scouts flocked to Starkville to see burgeoning first-round defensive tackle Fletcher Cox attack quarterbacks last fall, they couldn’t help but notice the play of the Bulldogs’ high-motor starting nose tackle. Boyd decided not to leave for the NFL with his fellow junior after the season, in hopes of even bettering his draft stock as a senior.

The U.S. Army All-American racked up an astounding 266 tackles in his final two high school years before eschewing offers from just about every SEC school to attend MSU. Boyd was rewarded for buying into head coach Dan Mullen’s system, played in every game (with three starts) and making 17 tackles. He took over the full-time starter job as a sophomore, racking up 24 tackles, 7.5 for loss, and 2.5 sacks in 13 games, and then saw his production rise again in 2011 (51 tackles, eight for loss, 5.5 sacks). As a senior, Boyd’s numbers dropped off a bit as a senior, as he only nabbed 33 tackles (2.5 for loss) and 1.5 sacks.

Strengths and Weaknesses

UCLA Bruins running back Johnathan Franklin.
Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

Well, the fourth round of the NFL 2013 Draft has ended and we’re into the fifth, but for the Green Bay Packers, who had three selections in this round, Ted Thompson addressed the offensive line with two of the three selections and added another dynamic running back to help solidify that area of weakness.

With their first selection of the fourth round, Ted Thompson picked David Bakhtiari, an offensive tackle who might be given the chance to compete for one of the tackles position, but might also be moved inside as he was projected by many once he entered the NFL level.

Colorado Buffaloes offensive linesman David Bakhtiari (59) during the first half of the game at the Los Angeles Coliseum. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Here’s what Mike Mayock said about the Packers’ pick:

“I don’t know where they’re going to play him. There’s a little bit of an issue at left tackle with the Packers. He’s not as tall as people would like. His arms weren’t as long as you’d like, but I think he can play right tackle — even though he has left tackle feet — or he can play inside because he’s tough.”

Here’s what NFL.com said about Bakhtiari:

WEAKNESSES

Not an ideal build for an offensive lineman, thin in the arms. Many difficulties arise form pass blocking on an island. Beaten around the edge without slowing the rusher down and can lose face up against stiff contact due to not having the ability to stop backwards momentum. Move to guard is likely in his future. Deep drop steps aren’t natural and stiff contact jolts him mid-stride. Loses on counter moves, thrown to the side when top heavy or leaning too far over, specifically when run blocking. Whiffs on cut blocks.

J.C. Tretter

J.C. Tretter

With the 122nd selection, the Packers stayed with their emphasis on the offensive line by selecting J.C. Tretter out of Cornell. The Ivy Leaguer, according to Mayock,  is ”… a gifted kid that’s put some weight on at Cornell. He played left tackle for them. Ultimately, he’ll play inside.”

Clearly, the Packers were targeting the guard and center positions when they brought Tretter in to compete.

Here is what NFL.com said about Tretter:

The Tretter family is well acquainted with Cornell. JC has three uncles who attended Cornell, including David Tretter ‘78, who lettered two times during a four-year football career for the Big Red. JC’s sister, Katherine, also currently attends Cornell. At Akron High School, Tretter was a three-year starter on both offense and defense, and earned captain and MVP honors for the team in his junior and senior season. He was named to the Class C all-state second-team as a senior. Tretter also starred in basketball, graduating as Akron Central’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder. A four-year starter and three-time all-league first-team selection, Tretter was named Western New York Player of the Year and to the All-Western New York third team as a senior.

Tretter played tight end in his first two seasons at Cornell, but moved to tackle, and helped the team’s offensive immensely. He started each of his final 20 games at left tackle and is the first offensive lineman to earn All-Ivy League First Team honors since Kevin Boothe in 2005.

Here are his strengths and weaknesses:

UCLA Bruins running back Johnathan Franklin
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Here’s how NFL.com evaluates Franklin:

As a redshirt freshman in 2008, Franklin was one of the team’s Outstanding Scout Team Players on offense. He led the team with 566 rushing yards and scored five touchdowns the following season (mostly coming in the first half of the year), starting eight of 13 games he played. Franklin broke out as a sophomore, starting 10 of 12 contests and earning the team’s MVP award and second-team all-conference accolades after again leading the team with 1,127 yards and getting into the end zone eight times. Though he started all 14 games in 2011, garnering honorable mention All-Pac-12 honors, Franklin couldn’t quite reach the 1,000-yard mark (976, five TDs) as he had significantly fewer carries (166 versus 214 in 2010).

In 2012, as a senior under new head coach Jim Mora, Franklin had his best season yet. Franklin carried the ball 282 times for 1,734 yards and 13 touchdowns. Franklin was a driving force behind UCLA’s first-place finish in the Pac-12 South Division. Franklin earned a second-team All-Pac-12 selection.

Here’s his strengths and weaknesses:

NFL former player Deion Sanders announces the number sixty overall pick to the Atlanta Falcons during the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

The fourth round of the NFL 2013 draft is ready to begin.

Are you ready?

Join us for our live blogging today!

Dave Robinson presents the Green Bay Packers second round selection to the world with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell looking on.

Dave Robinson, the former Green Bay Packers linebacker who will be formally inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer, stood proudly at the podium Friday night and with booming voice represented us all during his 30-second presentation of the Packers second round selection in the NFL Draft.

But it wasn’t 30 seconds of empty air. One could feel his enthusiasm, his pride and excitement about the opportunity to be there talking to the football world and reminding everyone how he felt about the Packers.

He talked briefly, but with conviction, about the Packers having signed Aaron Rodgers on that very day, the fact that the Packers were the team with the most NFL championships and that his ties with the team meant a lifetime of memories for him.

Dave Robinson at Lambeau Field this past season.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

It was a moment I soon won’t forget. It’s one of the times when you feel the hair on the back of your neck rise and the memories – many of them in black and white – stream through your mind.

For me, to watch this Packers and Pro Football Hall of Famer, at least for a few moments, take pride in announcing the next member to be added to this storied franchise – well, it was something special.

One could almost feel that Vince Lombardi himself was watching from above and smiling.

I know I was smiling and continued to do so long after Robinson had left the stage – for some reason, I don’t think Vince and I were alone.

Thanks, Dave.

NFL alumni players pose for a photo before the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

We know Fridays are busy days, but as we head into the final four rounds of the NFL Draft, we offer up here a complete list of the first three rounds, including the Packers trades and their selections of Datone Jones and Eddie Lacy.

This list might someday come in handy.

Check it out and enjoy today’s draft.

Round 1

Round 2

Round 3

Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Eddie Lacy (42) runs against Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback KeiVarae Russell (6) during the second half of the 2013 BCS Championship game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

After selecting defensive end, Datone Jones, from UCLA and running back, Eddie Lacy, from Alabama, it looks like the Green Bay Packers are assembling a pretty good draft so far. Well, expect a lot more from Ted Thompson and his crew on day three of the NFL Draft.

After several day two trades (so complicated the details will give you a headache) the Packers will be going into day three of the draft armed with 10 picks.

Yes, I said 10 picks!

OK, maybe that is not enough to get you excited about rounds 4-7 of the draft, but you should be excited, especially if you are a Packers fan. This is a deep draft with still plenty of talent left on the board, and finding great players in later rounds is Thompson’s calling card.

Simply put, day three of the draft is Thompson’s day. It’s his time to shine and really work his magic. Expect Green Bay to find considerable value and talent on day three.

Now, what will the Packers do with those 10 picks? Maybe they use them as ammunition to trade up and get the players they really like, or maybe they take more bites out of the apple and add more depth and competition at various positions on the roster.

It should be interesting to watch unfold. The Packers still need to add depth at offensive line, safety, wide receiver, outside linebacker, and defensive line. I could also seem them adding another tight end and possibly a quarterback later on.

Let’s look at a few players at these positions Green Bay may target on day three of the draft.

Senior Bowl north squad offensive lineman David Quessenberry of San Jose State. Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Line

The Packers desperately need to add depth to the offensive line. They may not need to find immediate starters, but they need to add competion at left tackle and center and find depth at guard. Look for versatile players, like Alabama’s Barrett Jones and San Jose State’s David Quessenberry, to help Green Bay solidify their offensive line. Both these players can play multiple positions on the line, and whereas Jones projects more to be an NFL guard or center, Quessenberry has the measurables (6-5, 302 pounds) and quick feet to play left tackle.

Safety

It seems many of the top safeties are off the board after the first two days, but there are still several players left with potential playmaking ability. Green Bay missed out on D.J. Swearinger in the second round and J.J. Wilcox in the third, but if a guy, like Fresno State’s Philip Thomas, falls to Green Bay in the fourth, expect them to take him without hesitation. I have been high on Thomas for a while and like his playmaking ability. He would be a great pick in the fourth round, but the Packers may have to use their extra picks to trade up and get him. Also, look for late-rounders, Tony Jefferson from Oklahoma or Bacarri Rambo from Georgia.

Wide Receiver

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs wide receiver Quinton Patton (4) makes a catch.

A lot of wide receivers came off the board on day two of the draft, but this year’s class is a deep one and provides plenty of options in rounds 4-6.

Quinton Patton from Louisiana Tech may be the best available wideout, but he will more than likely be gone by the time the Packers pick in the fourth round. They could trade up for Patton, but there are plenty of other options out there the Packers could wait until the end of the fourth to select, like Da’Rick Rogers from Tennessee Tech or Cobi Hamilton from Arkansas. Maybe, they wait even longer and take someone like Marques Wilson from Washington State with one of their three fifth round picks.

Outside Linebacker

Look for Green Bay to take another outside linebacker in rounds four or five. Chase Thomas from Stanford could be there in round four and would be a great fit for Green Bay, or maybe a guy like Michael Buchanan from Illinois will fall to the Packers somewhere in the fifth round. There are plenty of “tweener” rushbackers still available. I expect Green Bay to leave the draft with at least one more rushbacker (3-4 OLB) added to their roster.

Tight End

I am actually surprised how many tight ends have come off the board already. I just didn’t have this year’s tight end class rated that high. It doesn’t seem there are many complete tight ends left to select, but look for San Jose State’s Ryan Otten in rounds five or six to provide another receiving option for Green Bay. Dion Sims from Michigan St. and towering 6’7’’ Joseph Fauria from UCLA are still available, but both these players seem like project picks at this point.

North Texas Mean Green quarterback Derek Thompson (7) passes under pressure from Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jesse Williams. Kelly Lambert-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Line

The Packers went defensive line in the first round, but I expect them to pick up a nose tackle on day three. They need to continue to add depth to the interior of their defensive line and prepare for Pickett’s eventual departure.

If they could get Jesse Williams from Alabama in the fourth round that would be an excellent pick. Some mock drafts had Williams go to Green Bay in the first or second round. I am surprised he has fallen this far in the draft. However, Green Bay may target Williams, but they would probably have to use their extra picks and trade up into the top of the fourth round to get him.

If the Packers miss out on Williams, look for them to target massive defensive nose tackle, Kwame Geathers, from Georgia in rounds five or six.

It is always difficult to predict where players will go this far in the draft, but I expect Green Bay to have a big day. This is Thompson’s time to shine, and with the talent still left on the board it will provide good theater for the remaining rounds of the draft.

Apr 25, 2013; New York, NY, USA; General view of Radio City Music Hall during the 2013 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Were you one of those Green Bay Packers fans who went “ggggrrrrrr” after the team traded out of the third round on Friday for extra picks on Saturday?

Well, let’s see if the Packers make some selections in the final rounds that will turn that into “ggggrrrreat!”

In the fourth round, the Packers own the twelfth selection as a result of their trade-down with Miami on Friday. That will be the first of many extra picks for the Packers on Saturday.

You think it’s time for them to select an offensive lineman to protect their new $110 million investment in their franchise quarterback? Check out these names still available. I listed them with their overall ranking by well-respected draft analyst Mike Mayock.

Brian Schwenke of Cal
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

• Brian Schwenke, center, California (ranked 55th)

• David Bakhtiari, tackle, Colorado (ranked 80^th)

• David Quessenberry, tackle, San Jose State (ranked 84^th)

• Barrett Jones, center, Alabama (ranked 91^st)

Or maybe you think they should draft some secondary help with the 109^th overall pick, a position of need with Charles Woodson departing.

• B.W. Webb, cornerback, William and Mary (ranked 67^th)

• Jordan Poyer, cornerback, Oregon State (ranked 85^th)

Shamarko Thomas
Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

• Shamarko Thomas, strong safety, Syracuse (ranked 95^th)

Or how about picking the best big defensive lineman available, since Ryan Pickett is not getting younger and B.J Raji will be in a contract year?

• William Gholston, defensive end, Michigan State (ranked 78^th)

• Alex Okafor, defensive end, Texas (ranked 79^th)

• John Simon, defensive tackle, Ohio State (ranked 89^th)

• Jesse Williams, defensive tackle, Alabama (ranked 97^th)

How about other players, not necessarily in positions of need, who would be tempting to pick?

• Cornelius Washington, OLB, Georgia (ranked 54^th)

• Khaseem Greene, OLB, Rutgers (ranked 69^th)

Nov 3, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Matt Barkley (7) throws a pass against the Oregon Ducks at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

Or how about just pick the best player available? That currently is USC quarterback Matt Barkley, ranked 44^th by Mayock. Fat chance the Packers would select him. One, I don’t think he will last until their pick. Secondly, he doesn’t fit their needs, obviously.

Anyway, I just named 14 players still available, all listed as top 100 prospects going into the draft by Mayock. The Packers have the 12^th selection Saturday, which means one of these value picks will be available to them. I would be happy with any of them, but my personal vote is for an O lineman.

What direction would you like to see the Packers go with the first pick in the fourth round?

Leave a comment below, click on over and Like our Facebook page and/or follow us on Twitter.

Eddie Lacy
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

A day that began with a bang – the announcement that Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers had signed his much-anticipated contract extension – continued into the second round of the NFL Draft when the team traded back several picks, but still got their guy – Alabama running back Eddie Lacy.

But it wasn’t over as Packers Nation sat tight and watched General Manager Ted Thompson again use his trade skills, not once, but twice. Thompson traded the 88th selection to the Niners and then traded back into the fourth round with the Miami Dolphins as he stockpiled 10 fifth, sixth and seventh round selections that will all pay off on the final day of the draft tomorrow, Saturday.

After the dust had cleared, here is what Thompson had accumulated:

Packers picks – fourth round 109 and 122; fifth round 146, 159, 167; sixth round 173, 193; and seventh round 216, 224, 232.

Thompson clearly has his sights set on players who will help fill out his roster with young legs.

But before the big day begins tomorrow, we look back on what will be known as an eventful day in Packers history. Rodgers’ new contract will keep him in the Green and Gold through 2019 and will pay him $20 million per year. He gets $40 million upfront and becomes the NFL’s richest man – eclipsing the deal signed a couple of months ago by Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco – he will get $20 million per year.

Here’s what Rodgers tweeted following the signing:

Big thanks to the Organization, our coaching staff, my teammates, and packer nation for the last 8 years!Excited about 7 more!#extension

— Aaron Rodgers (@AaronRodgers12) April 26, 2013

Even Jermichael Finley, the one who has criticized Rodgers from time to time over the past couple of years, got in on the act following Rodgers’ signing

Congratulations 2 my man @aaronrodgers12. Frankly, he deserves more, but thank you 4 saving some 4 the rest. Every dinner on u sir! Let’s Go

— Jermichael Finley (@JermichaelF88) April 26, 2013

Needless to say, it has been a great day for Rodgers … and not so bad for his team.

Aaron Rodgers provides comments following the announcement of his signing extension.
Packers.com photograph

The Packers stood pat with the 55th selection up until just before they were to make their selection in today’s second round of the NFL Draft. Instead, Thompson traded down with the San Francisco 49ers and selected Lacy with the 61st pick – a selection that would turn out to be the Packers’ lone pick of the day.

That’s because when it came time to select with the 88th overall pick, Thompson again traded with the Niners – moving out of the 88th slot and into the 93rd spot. That didn’t last long either as Thompson would finish the night with one more trade, this time back into the fourth round. In all, Thompson trade magic conjured up a total of 10 picks through rounds 4-7 Saturday.

With so many picks in his back pocket, it gives Thompson some flexibility to use them as trade bait or to sit tight and accumulate players … you might look for Thompson to trade up tomorrow to secure players he has in his sights.

So, what will it be? Will he use the fourth and fifth rounds to possibly target some wide receivers? Safeties? Linebackers? Maybe another defensive lineman?

That’s the beauty of so many picks in this draft with talent that has been described as balanced across all rounds.

Today’s eventful occurrences should spill over into tomorrow with an entertaining final day of the draft.