Green Bay Packers Draft: Today’s big three
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 …
MyNFLdraft.com projects …
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
"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 …
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Scott Wright’s Draft Countdown projects …
Zach Ertz, tight end, Stanford
"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 …