The April Fools 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 are making their final impressions on NFL teams, and we’ll get a good opportunity to eyeball them once again and evaluate their performance.

Draft positions have been set. Barring a trade, the Green Bay Packers will make their first selection with the 26^th pick.

Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Tyler Eifert (80) catches a pass defended by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Dee Milliner (28) during the first half of the 2013 BCS Championship game at Sun Life Stadium. Elfert was ruled out of bounds on the play. Mandatory Credit: Eileen Blass-USA TODAY Sports

According to FanSided, with the 26^th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select Tyler Eifert, Tight End, Notre Dame

Analysis: Green Bay needs help up front, but another way to help Aaron Rodgers would be to get him a capable tight end for the future. Jermichael Finely is sticking around for now it seems, but he’s not a long term option anymore as animosity grows. Eifert gives Rodgers his Rob Gronkowski or Jimmy Graham, and that makes him even more dangerous than he was before. Menelik Watson and other offensive lineman will be available on the second day for the Packers to flirt with, but Eifert won’t be and if they want to help Rodgers, they’ll get him a giant tight end.

Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley (88) catches a touchdown pass while being defended by San Diego Chargers safety Steve Gregory (28) during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

This mock draft makes a lot of assumptions about the Packers’ relationship with Jermichael Finley. Primarily, it assumes that Finley and the Packers have become acrimonious towards one another.

While fans may be growing more spiteful toward Finley, there’s not enough evidence to suggest such is the case with the front office. Such an argument is even harder to make when the deadline for Finley’s roster bonus came and passed without any real chance of a renegotiation or release.

If fans can put down their pitchforks for a minute, they’d realize what good news this is. After Randall Cobb, Finley was the Packers’ best pass catcher the second half of the season, catching 33 passes for 402 yards while dropping zero balls. With Greg Jennings leaving via free agency, Finley should see his usage spike.

That doesn’t necessarily mean drafting a tight end early is a bad move for the Packers, however. After all, Finley’s contract expires following the 2013 season. Should Finley have a big year, it’s possible he’ll have priced himself out of Green Bay.

Alternatively, if Finley has a bad year or is injured, Packers GM Ted Thompson could choose to let the tight end walk. In either of those scenarios, a replacement would be needed. The in-house options – D.J. Williams and Andrew Quarless – have shown promise, yet neither has provided bankable production in the passing game so far. Thus, it’s easy to see where a talented rookie tight end might find a niche with Green Bay.

San Diego State Aztecs tight end Gavin Escobar (88) catches a 29 yard pass while defended by Army Black Knights defensive back Lyle Beloney (15) during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

That said, I don’t think Tyler Eifert is that guy. His athleticism, while more than average, doesn’t stand out the way a first round tight end should. His best attribute is his ability to high point the ball on his jumps, but that’s his lone exceptional quality.

Considering that Aaron Rodgers’ passes rarely require fantastic feats of athleticism to bring down, the value of that ability is diminished. More importantly, there are several tight ends of comparable quality who should be on the board much later.

Zach Ertz is a comparable body tight with similar athleticism, and probably would be an ideal target should the Packers trade out of the first round. If the Packers stay in the first round, San Diego State’s Gavin Escobar should still be around at their second pick. Escobar possesses comparable athleticism and college production to Eifert and Ertz, but at a much lower cost.

Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase (2) tries to avoid a tackle by Purdue Boilermakers defensive tackle Kawann Short (93) quarter at Memorial Stadium. Bradley Leeb-USA TODAY Sports

Since we’ve discussed receivers, running backs, safeties, and offensive lineman to death, here are some defensive lineman that might intrigue the Packers.

Kawann Short is an impressive specimen at 6-3, 299 pounds. Because of his long arms, Short batted down 11 passes at Purdue. He also blocked four kicks. What Short mainly gets docked for is his motor, which isn’t always running in top gear.

That’s not uncommon for defensive lineman, and given Short’s production in college that shouldn’t be too much of a worry. His stock is thought to be rising, so he might be gone by 26.

UNC’s Sylvester Williams is another talented but inconsistent lineman who would fit in the Packers’ 3-4. Williams, who played defensive tackle in the Tar Heels’ 4-3, notched six sacks in 2012. The catalyst for that impressive production is his swim move which should translate to the next level. Unfortunately, he’s a one trick pony at this stage of his career. While Williams should develop into a very good player, he may be too much of a project in round one.

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Johnathan Hankins (52) against the Indiana Hoosiers during the 2nd half at Memorial Stadium. Ohio State defeated Indiana 52-49. Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

Finally we come to Ohio State’s Johnathan Hankins. Hankins is one of the true nose tackle prospects in his draft class, and accordingly may be snatched up early. Should he last to Green Bay, Hankins would immediately allow graybeard Ryan Pickett to reduce his snap count. Hankins would also solidify B.J. Raji’s move from nose tackle to 3-4 end. More than anything, Hankins would be a plus defender against the run. With Adrian Peterson not likely to slow down in 2013, adding another beefy defensive lineman could be a wise move.

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.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Tyler Eifert might be a target for the Green Bay Packers.

The Green Bay Packers enter the NFL Draft with many needs, many holes and many questions.

Today, we’ll start with one question, and some possible answers – if you agree, and if you disagree, let me know. I write these draft alerts as a conversation and hope you, the reader, will respond with your own questions and answers.

Jermichael Finley is due nearly $4.5 million tomorrow, Sunday, March 27. So far today, March 26, there’s been no discussion, no blog posts and most importantly, no word from the Packers’ or Finley’s camps about the status of that big wad of money projected to land in his bank account.

That’s probably a good thing for Finley. Most likely, the talented, but mercurial tight end will be locked up to fulfill the final season of a two-year contract with the Packers.

But today’s questions are whether the Packers have any intention of inking Finley to another extension – this one being a long-term contract that would keep him in Green Bay for at least 3-5 more years. So, will the Packers commit to Finley and more importantly, will they utilize either their first or second round draft picks on a tight end?

With the defection of Greg Jennings to the Minnesota Vikings and the fact that the Packers have been nonexistent in free agency, I feel that Finley will be retained. Head Coach Mike McCarthy has been too high on the young tight end the past couple of months and General Manager Ted Thompson hasn’t said anything to make one think that they will eject Finley.

Though Bob McGinn wrote months ago that that Packers were going to part ways with Finley, to date it hasn’t happened and with time running tight on the deadline, it appears they won’t pull the trigger on a release or trade.

So, if the Packers keep Finley for one more season, what are their options for the future? They allowed back Tom Crabtree to sign with Tampa Bay and it doesn’t seem McCarthy is sky high about any of the other backups – Andrew Quarless, D.J. Williams, and Ryan Taylor – so do the Packers look to this year’s draft for tight end? And if so, do they look to the first couple of rounds for a top-notch candidate?

San Diego State Aztecs tight end Gavin Escobar
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

If they do, two pop to the forefront: Notre Dame’s Tyler Eifert and Stanford’s Zach Ertz.

Both are superb athletes who would fit will into the Packers system, though Eifert, athletically, took the lead in draft position by his performance at the Combine.

Depending upon how much stock you put into the Combine numbers, Eifert does seem to be the top choice, but there are plenty of other tight end-hungry teams that may snatch him up before the Packers’ pick at #26. Would they trade up for Eifert? That’s doubtful. In fact, I am doubtful the Packers would draft a tight end with their first pick. They are most likely to go offensive or defensive line or possibly even a safety.

So if we’re looking into the second or third rounds for a tight end, then Ertz becomes a possibility, but so do players such as Jordan Reed of Florida, Gavin Escobar of San Diego State, Travis Kelce of Cincinnati or even Ryan Otten of San Jose State.

If the Packers do indeed have a tight end in their sights for a first round pick, the safe selection would be Eifert. He’s the whole package. However, if the Packers wait until the second or third round to address the position, then they most likely will be choosing from among the likes of Escobar, Kelce, and Otten.

Cincinnati Bearcats tight end Travis Kelce
Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

If I were general manager, I would hold on a tight end into the second or third round and would target either Escobar or Kelce. Escobar is the more polished receiver, but is a project when it comes to run blocking, while Kelce is the opposite – he’s a fierce blocker, but a project in developing as a pass-catching tight end. If the Packers want a tight end who catches the ball well, but need work in blocking, then they go with someone like Escobar.

Or they just roll the dice and go first round and hope that either Eifert or Ertz are available.

Either way, in my opinion, Finley will be gone after 2013, so the Packers need to draft a tight end replacement if they want their offense to continue to click as seemlessly as it has in the past.

Your thoughts?

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Could Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman D.J. Fluker be a first round pick by the Green Bay Packers?
Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Today’s look at the possibilities for the Green Bay Packers and the 2013 NFL Draft are the result of a random Internet search once again among the thousands of mock drafts that are circulating across cyberspace.

Many of them are similar, but so far I’ve been able to locate  mocks who project different players who might fall to the Packers and their pick at number 26.

We consider picks today generated by myNFLdraft.com, Ricky Dimon of fftoolbox.com, and Scott Wright’s Draft Countdown. They project that the Packers will pick a defensive tackle, offensive tackle, and tight end, respectively.

But I’ll let them show their picks. And as always, lombardiave.com provides our take on the picks.

Let us know what you think about these picks. Who do you think the Ted Thompson will select with the Packers first pick?

Leave a comment below.

So, without further adieu, here’s today’s selections …

John Jenkins of Georgia
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

John Jenkins, defensive tackle , Georgia.

Though no description of Jenkins was provided by this particular website, we do know that Jenkins is a 6-4, 350-pounder who is actually projected by some to be a second-rounder in April’s draft. He’s a senior player who was recently described by Rob Rang of NFLDraftScout.com as a player who “is simply bigger, stronger and — as shocking as it sounds — quicker than virtually any other lineman on the field (at the Senior Bowl). His girth and long arms allow him to hold up well at the point of attack against double-teams, something he did with great effectiveness when playing inside or out as part of Georgia’s three-man front.”

Considering he comes from a 3-4 scheme, he might fit well into the Packers system. He participated only in the bench press at the Combine, completing 30 reps there. He’s described at nfl.com/combine as a player who “… played in every game, starting seven of the last nine contests while accumulating 28 tackles, six for loss and three sacks while facing constant double teams. The school also credited him with 10 quarterback pressures, a large number for a large man. His role continued to grow for his senior season (50 tackles, two for loss, one sack) as he played a number of positions along Georgia’s 3-4 defense.”

Lombardiave: The Packers definitely need to beef up their defensive line, especially in light of the fact that Jerel Worthy’s injury will probably keep him off the field for as much as the first half of 2013. If the Packers go after a defensive lineman in free agency, that might lessen the need for the team needing to spend a high draft pick (especially the first round pick) on a defensive lineman. Jenkins might be a good selection for the Packers if he were to fall to them in the second or third round, but I don’t see Ted Thompson using a first-rounder on him. There are too many offensive and other defensive linemen who would be a better pick in the first round.

Here’s a video of Jenkins …

Ricky Dimon, of fftoolbox.com projects …

D.J. Fluker
Eileen Blass-USA TODAY Sports

D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama

Fluker is yet another solid ‘Bama offensive lineman. Green Bay’s offense is still very dangerous but it can be improved, especially at running back or on the line.

Fluker is a hulking prospect who fits in nicely as a right tackle in a power-running offense.

Fluker is at his best when he can come off the line and drive right into his opponent. Great height and ideal size. There are concerns about his playing weight and he must stay at his current listed weight. Has had issues with staying healthy in his life, but has come a long way in this regard.

Lombardiave: Many still feel that an offensive lineman will be the Packers’ best – and safest – pick in the first round and Fluker is an excellent choice. However, there are those who feel that his teammate, Barrett Jones, would be the better selection because he is more versatile. Jones has played all the interior positions and some say he could even be moved outside in a pinch.

The 6-6, 335-pound tackle ranks in the top 30 of the top 100 college players, but he has had some health issues – as Jones has as well. He would be especially helpful in improving Green Bay’s run game as his best assets are run blocking. Many project him to the second round and would be a steal if the Packers could pick him up there. With either Jones or Fluker as the Packers’ first round choice, they would be getting a solid player who would improve the depth of their offensive line – something the Packers so desperately need.

Here’s a video of D.J. Fluker …

Scott Wright’s Draft Countdown projects …

This may not make complete sense on the face but Green Bay is one of those teams that can afford to keep one eye on the future rather than being locked into addressing specific, immediate needs. Jermichael Finley is still just 25 years old and won’t be a free agent until after the 2013 season but his play has been trending downward for a couple of years now and he has also rocked the boat a bit off the field. Whether or not Finley is in the Packers long-term plans remains to be seen but Zach Ertz of Stanford could serve as either a replacement or complement. Ertz may not be quite as fast or athletic as his former teammate Coby Fleener but he is undoubtedly a better all-around player.That’s not to say Ertz isn’t a terrific pass catcher though, with the size, hands, body control, ball skills and route running ability that you look for in a top prospect at the position. The Packers must also find a solution to their issues at running back so Giovani Bernard of North Carolina, Eddie Lacy of Alabama or Montee Ball of Wisconsin could be options. Green Bay will have to find a replacement for the 37-year-old Jeff Saturday at center sooner rather than later too so watch out for either Barrett Jones of Alabama  and Travis Frederick of Wisconsin.

Lombardiave: Yes, the Packers are going to need to address the tight end position in this draft, though Tyler Eifert of Notre Dame would be the better pick for the Packers at this spot – if he is still on the board. While the Packers will most likely go with an offensive lineman with the first pick, it’s highly unlikely they will go with a tight end. The Packers do have four tight ends already on the roster, but none of them match the skills of Jermichal Finley. However, they are more in line with the “Packer way” – that is they don’t run their mouths like Finley does. Mike McCarthy loves Finley on the field, but we know that both he and Ted Thompson don’t like players who are a disruption in the locker room and off the field.

With that said, going with a player like Ertz could be a brilliant move.

Here’s what they have to say about him on nil.com: “Ertz became the feature tight end in 2012 as a junior and started all 14 games, leading the team in just about every receiving category. He finished with a team-high 69 catches for 898 yards and six scores, earning first-team All-Pac 12 and All-American honors. Smooth athlete with good route quickness to create some separation and sneaky speed to get behind the defense. Sturdy, well-built frame, adding 30 pounds of bulk and muscle since he arrived in Palo Alto. Tough with the ball in his hands and isn’t afraid to deliver hits, lowering his pads and finishing runs. Not afraid to get physical as a blocker and gives good effort in this area, always looking for someone to block downfield.”
Here’s a video of Ertz …

Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

The divisional-round 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 will shuffle some the remainder of the season. Unfortunately, following the loss in San Francisco, the Packers are locked into a 26^th pick.

Jan 1, 2013; Pasadena, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal tight end Zach Ertz (86) catches a pass over Wisconsin Badgers defensive back Dezmen Southward (12) in the first half during the 2013 Rose Bowl game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

According to FanSided, with the 26^th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select Zach Ertz, Tight End, Stanford

Analysis: Reports have indicated that the Packers are ready to move on from tight end Jermichael Finley, so they would need to find a replacement. Ertz is one of two tight ends that will grade out as first-round prospects. While Eifert may be the more dynamic passing threat, Ertz is the more well-rounded of the two prospects.

I’ve written for weeks about why the Packers won’t be investing valuable resources into the tight end position this offseason. For starters, it’s my prediction that despite rumors to the contrary, Jermichael Finley will be kept for the 2013 season. Even if Finley is out of the picture, Zach Ertz isn’t likely to end up in the Green and Gold. Ted Thompson has demonstrated time and time again that he will not reach in the draft just to pick a particular player or position. Ertz would indeed be such a reach.

Ertz’s greatest asset is his size. At 6-6 and 252, Ertz is a great red zone target as well as a decently developed blocker. However, he does not have Rob Gronkowski size, nor does he have Jimmy Graham speed. While Ertz is probably already a better blocker than Finley, it’s unlikely he’ll ever become Finley’s equal in the passing game. With Andrew Quarless coming back from the IR in 2013, the blocking Ertz could provide should already be there.

Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tackle Barrett Jones (75) in action against Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Manti Te

As anyone who’s read this column knows, I am a major proponent of Alabama’s Barrett Jones. Neither Evan Dietrich-Smith or Jeff Saturday were ample replacements for the departed Scott Wells, and not even Wells possessed the size and power of Jones. For those clamoring for the Packers to draft a running back, drafting a player like Jones would address the running game as much or more than a new running back, not to mention help Aaron Rodgers stay upright. Jones can also play all five positions on the offensive line, meaning that if he practices well Jones could be fit in anywhere. Fansided had Jones still on the board when the Packers pick at 26.

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

Another possibility we haven’t discussed is safety. Charles Woodson will be 37 next year, and at $10 million is likely to be asked to take a pay cut. While I suspect he’ll accept, Woodson could refuse and force the Packers’ hand. If that happens, the Packers could consider drafting a safety if the right one falls to them. I want to emphasis that last part again, because with the early success of Jerron McMillian and M.D. Jennings there isn’t a pressing need to draft a safety high. However, Fansided has LSU’s Eric Reid still on the board when the Packers draft. Over the past two years the biggest loss the Packers have endured, whether it be to free agency or injury, was Nick Collins. Collins provided both ball-hawking ability and a linebacker’s mentality as a tackler. Only Charles Woodson has that kind of ability and he won’t play for much longer. Reid could be the long-term answer at the position.

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.