Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in attendance before Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL Combine edition of the FanSided 2013 NFL Mock Draft has been released.

The fine folks over at FanSided.com do a new mock draft every week right up until the actual draft in April, and we at LombardiAve.com have plenty of offseason information to pass along to our readers. Many of the players we’ve mentioned in previous mock draft posts will be working out and we’ll get a good opportunity to eyeball them and see how they’ll perform.

Draft positions are set save for the Super Bowl participants. Barring a trade, the Green Bay Packers will make their first selection with the 26^th pick.

Nov 3, 2012; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats linebacker Arthur Brown (4) during a 44-30 win over the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports

According to FanSided, with the 26^th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select Arthur Brown, Linebacker, Kansas State

Analysis: The Packers linebacker depth chart leaves a lot to be desired and it can immediately be improved if Green Bay decides to bring in a player like Brown, who has been turning heads during the draft process.

Here’s where things get interesting. Arthur Brown is a name we haven’t spent much time discussing, but he’s one of the more intriguing players in the draft. Measuring in at 6-0 and 241 pounds, most teams will look at Brown and determine he’s too small to spend a first round pick on. That’s not a very good reason, but he does lack an obvious position at the next level.

His speed and playmaking ability most naturally lend themselves to weakside linebacker in a 4-3 scheme, which obviously doesn’t do much for Green Bay. For the Packers, he’d probably shift to the inside where his skills balance out those of Desmond Bishop. It’s not a great fit, but Brown is much more talented than he’s given credit. His athleticism makes this a legitimate option should the Packers decide to address inside linebacker early.

Nov 3, 2012; Athens, GA, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Bo Wallace (14) is tackled by Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Alec Ogletree (9) and linebacker Christian Robinson (45) in the game at Sanford Stadium. Georgia won 37-10. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

However, if that’s where Ted Thompson wants to go, he will have to consider Alec Ogletree. His DUI arrest is certainly going to be a red flag for the Packers, who don’t want to spend a first round pick on a player who might end up suspended. However, chances to take a top 10 talent at the back end of the first round are few and far between. Without his character concerns, Ogletree does not make it this far. With the Packers in a win-now mode, this is the type of pick that merits consideration. As we’ve seen from players like Johnny Jolly, bad personal habits can be controlled during the season. It’s a calculated risk, but if it works out Green Bay would have its second All-Pro linebacker.

Nov 12, 2011; San Francisco CA, USA; California Golden Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (21) tries to catch the ball in the end zone but is unable to remain control during the second quarter against the Oregon State Beavers at AT

More and more, we’re hearing that teams in search of a wide receiver are valuing Cordarrelle Patterson and DeAndre Hopkins as the best wide receivers in the draft. The benefit of this is Keenan Allen – the most complete receiver in the draft – might be available when the Packers are on the clock. Wide receiver isn’t Green Bay’s biggest need, but Allen is the type of receiver the Packers haven’t had since Javon Walker’s one great season. He’s a big target with great hands, understands the complexities of route running, and will fight for the ball better than any wideout in this class. For Green Bay, he’d provide another receiver to line up wide thus opening up opportunities for slot receiver Randall Cobb.

September 29, 2012; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman John Jenkins (6) hits Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Tyler Bray (8) as he throws in the second half at Sanford Stadium. The Bulldogs won 51-44. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Another option we haven’t spent much time discussing is mammoth Georgia defensive tackle John Jenkins. At 6-4 and 346 pounds, Jenkins has the look of a true 3-4 nose tackle. A few years ago, it was all but assumed the Packers had the nose tackle position locked up, but B.J. Raji has proven much better at end. At the very least, Green Bay needs another player who can provide Raji some rest. With Ryan Pickett now the graybeard of the team, it’s time to find a replacement.

Jenkins could be that player.

Jason Hirschhorn covers the Green Bay Packers for Lombardi Ave. He has previously written for Hail to the Orange, College Hoops Net, Mocking the Draft, LiveBall Sports, and the List Universe. He is currently a senior writer for Beats Per Minute, an indie-music webzine. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JBHirschhorn.

Today, Sunday, Feb. 24, the NFL struck on a brilliant idea – showcase the Combine with the skill position players – you know, the guys who run, catch and throw the ball. Doing this on the third Sunday since the conclusion of the season with Super Bowl XLVII – another football-less Sunday when the fan base is starving for news about the league – was simply brilliant.

And the players-to-be aren’t disappointing the audience. You’ve got two wideouts, Tavon Austin out of West Virginia and Marquis Goodman out of Texas who burned up the Lucas Oil Stadium turf by matching one another’s 4.25-second mark. They both just missed tying or beating Chris Johnson’s 4.24 record in the 40.

In addition, you’ve got a quarterback, Geno Smith, also of West Virginia, who pasted a 4.56 mark onto the board.

Also burning up the carpet were Michigan wide receiver Denard Robinson (4.34), Louisiana Tech’s Quinton Patton (4.46), and Tennessee’s Cordarrelle Patterson (4.37).

If these guys can translate their speed in shorts with the ability to catch the football in traffic on the National Football League gridiron, then there’s no question this could be a very good draft for wide receivers – at least for fast wide receivers.

These guys are clearly some talented athletes, but are they football players?

That remains to be seen.

For the videos of these guys burning things up, see below:

WR Tavon Austin & Marquise Goodwin 4.25 NFL Combine 40-yd dash

WR Denard Robinson NFL Combine 40 yd dash

WR Cordarrelle Patterson NFL Combine 40-yd dash

Geno Smith 40-yd dashes NFL Combine

Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; A general view as members of the military are honored during the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

The second post-Super Bowl edition of the FanSided 2013 NFL Mock Draft has been released.

The fine folks over at FanSided.com do a new mock draft every week right up until the actual draft in April, and we at LombardiAve.com are preparing for the full chaos of the offseason to commence. As Packer fans, we have our own opinions about what needs the Packers should try to fill using the 2013 draft. In this article we’ll explore some possibilities for the Packers first pick.

Draft positions are set save for the Super Bowl participants. Barring a trade, the Green Bay Packers will make their first selection with the 26^th pick.

Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide center Barrett Jones (75) reacts in the huddle during a timeout in game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the 2013 BCS Championship game at Sun Life Stadium. Alabama won 42-14. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

According to FanSided, with the 26^th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select Barrett Jones, Offensive Line, Alabama

Analysis: Jeff Saturday called it a career and the Packers will need to look for a new body to plug into the center of their offensive line. For what the Packers need, there is no better “bang for their buck” than a guy like Barrett Jones that can play any position along the offensive line, but his strength is in the interior.

Does this sound familiar to you? Well it should, because this is the second straight week Fansided has mocked Barrett Jones to the Packers at 26. We’ve said just about everything we can say about Barrett Jones prior to Combine/Pro Day season. If his leg is healthy, he’s a versatile player who can help the Packers immediately. If you want to read our previous analysis of Jones, you can find it here and here.

Sep 1, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tackle D.J. Fluker (76) in action against the Michigan Wolverines at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Another option that hasn’t had as much discussion is the idea of drafting T.J. Fluker. Fluker is an enormous, mauling right tackle who would team well with Josh Sitton in the run game while providing above average pass protection. Where does that leave Bryan Bulaga? As we documented a few weeks ago, Bulaga could be on his way to left tackle, a position he played most of his college career and one that better utilizes his pass blocking ability. Drafting Fluker could potentially be like drafting both a franchise left and right tackle. This would also afford the Packers the chance to be more patient with Derek Sherrod who suffered yet another setback with his leg injury midway through the 2012 season. While Fluker was drafted just before the Packers in the Fansided mock draft, I find that selection unlikely as they already have 3 offensive tackles they’re comfortable starting.

I continue to believe targeting a wide receiver early is a necessity for the Packers with the pending loss of Greg Jennings. Two weeks ago I waxed poetic about Louisiana Tech’s Quinton Patton. Since then, his star has risen considerably, including a top 15 overall grade from Russ Lunde of the National Football Post. At this time I think it’s unlikely that Patton is taken in the first round, but he might very well be gone by the Packers’ second pick. If that’s the case, there should still be talented options like USC’s Robert Woods or either of Tennessee’s wideouts Justin Hunter and Cordarrelle Patterson.

Jan 26, 2013; Mobile, AL, USA; Senior Bowl north squad defensive back Jonathan Cyprien of Florida International (37) prior to kickoff of a game against the Senior Bowl south squad at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Safety could be another way to go. Eric Reid, with his combination of speed and tenacity, has long been a favorite of mine. A player we haven’t written much about is Florida International’s Johnathan Cyprien. Like Reid, he is speedy can deliver a bit hit. As with any small school player, there are questions surrounding Cyprien’s ability to play against elite competition. A great showing at the Senior Bowl has begun to silence the doubt, but it will remain a question until he proves it on an NFL field.

Jason Hirschhorn covers the Green Bay Packers for Lombardi Ave. He has previously written for Hail to the Orange, College Hoops Net, Mocking the Draft, LiveBall Sports, and the List Universe. He is currently a senior writer for Beats Per Minute, an indie-music webzine. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JBHirschhorn.

Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; A general view as members of the military are honored during the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

The pre-Super Bowl edition of the FanSided 2013 NFL Mock Draft has been released.

The fine folks over at FanSided.com do a new mock draft every week right up until the actual draft in April, and while we at LombardiAve.com have the end of the regular season and playoffs to worry about, it’s just about the start of draft season for most teams. We Packer fans have our own opinions about what needs the Packers should try to fill using the 2013 draft. In this article we’ll explore some possibilities for the Packers first pick.

Draft positions are set save for the Super Bowl participants. Barring a trade, the Green Bay Packers will make their first selection with the 26^th pick.

Oct 27, 2012; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Jonathan Cooper (64) on the field in the first half at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

According to FanSided, with the 26^th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select Jonathan Cooper, Offensive Line, North Carolina

Analysis: Jeff Saturday is calling it a career, so the Packers need to find a replacement in the middle of their offensive line. Cooper is a player who would bring the ability to play both center and guard, so his versatility will be attractive to NFL front offices.

This isn’t the first time we’ve talked about Jonathan Cooper. Here’s what I wrote earlier this month about the possibility of the Packers selecting him:

From a talent standpoint, Cooper would be a tremendous value at pick 30 (the Packers projected draft slot at the time). Despite this, he doesn’t make a ton of sense for Green Bay. Cooper’s best position is left guard where they’ve just invested long-term in T.J. Lang. Cooper does have the ability to play center, but if that’s why you’re drafting him you’re just better off with Barrett Jones.

Three weeks later and not a lot has changed. Jonathan Cooper is still a very good player who probably should go before the Packers select at 26. If we pretend for a moment that the only options are Cooper and Alabama’s Barrett Jones, the question becomes where you plan to play the draft pick? Both players are extremely versatile, and while Jones is the only one that can play on the outside, chances are both will end up playing along the interior. If we compare each player at their best position – Cooper at left guard and Jones at center – Cooper is the superior prospect.

T.J. Lang Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

So should the Packers draft Cooper? He’s definitely the better value in the vacuum, but he may not be the best value to Green Bay. I say “may” because the determining factor is T.J. Lang. Lang’s performance this year has drawn some criticism. He was merely passable at right tackle after Bryan Bulaga went down and couldn’t get back to his 2011 form when he returned to left guard. A big reason for this was a serious elbow injury that no one – not even Lang – gave enough attention to during the season. Lang will be healthy come training camp, but has his 2012 season caused the team to reconsider his role? Recall that after center Scott Wells left Green Bay for St. Louis, the team openly considered moving Lang to center to replace him. Lang is a pretty sizable at guard, but he’d be near gargantuan at center. If the Packers still feel Lang can make that transition, perhaps they could maximize Jonathan Cooper’s value by keeping him at left guard.

So who else out there might interest Green Bay?

Nov 23, 2012; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers safety Eric Reid (1) during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. LSU defeated Arkansas 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

As was the case the past month, LSU safety Eric Reid presents a very intriguing possibility. Green Bay is still reeling from the loss of Nick Collins, and while Morgan Burnett made strides in 2012, it’s looking increasingly unlikely that he’ll become the field-tilter Collins was. The moment Reid joins the NFL he’ll become one of the fastest players at his position. He’s also a tremendous tackler, finishing with 91 tackles this past season. While he hasn’t recorded a sack, Reid’s 4.5 tackles for loss demonstrate an ability to play the run. Finally, Reid has 6 career interceptions and 2 forced fumbles, demonstrating his ability to be a ballhawk and playmaker.

Louisiana Tech Bullldogs wide receiver Quinton Patton Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

I’ve discussed for months now that Green Bay needs to bring in some new blood at receiver. We’ve dissected players like USC’s Robert Woods, West Virginia’s Tavon Austin, and Tennessee’s Cordarrelle Patterson. All would be great contributors.

The name I’m hearing most now is Quinton Patton. Patton isn’t likely to come off the board in the first round, but he could go early on the second day. Patton has good but not great speed being clocked between 4.42 and 4.52 in the 40. Similarly, at 6-0 Patton possesses good but not great size. His college production at a mid-major has been off the charts, catching over 100 passes for just a tick under 1,400 yards his senior year alone.

Sound familiar?

It should, because that’s a remarkably similar resume to former second round pick Greg Jennings. The offense Patton played in was a bit “gimmicky,” but he proved at the senior bowl that he has the tools to be a factor at the NFL level. If the Packers don’t go receiver in the first round, Patton should be seriously considered in the second.

Jason Hirschhorn covers the Green Bay Packers for Lombardi Ave. He has previously written for Hail to the Orange, College Hoops Net, Mocking the Draft, LiveBall Sports, and the List Universe. He is currently a senior writer for Beats Per Minute, an indie-music webzine. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JBHirschhorn.