Green Bay Packers Draft: Thursday’s Big 3
Nov, 26, 2011; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarterback Anthony Boone (7) is pressured by North Carolina Tar Heels defensive tackle Sylvester Williams (92) on fourth down in the fourth quarter. The Tar Heels defeated the Blue Devils 37-21at Kenan Stadium. Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
The Green Bay Packers past day’s news cycle has included stories about Ted Thompson visiting the UW-Madison pro day and the visit to Green Bay by free agent Chris Canty. As we inch toward free agency, we head back to a look at the Draft with today’s daily Big 3.
We here at lombardiave.com have been scouring the Internet in search of mock drafts to include in our Big 3 – three different mocks with three different selections. As we move along with each passing day, it’s becoming more difficult to find mocksters who aren’t projecting the same selections … but we have worked hard to find those who have differing projections. Some of you may think these guys are crazy for their picks, but it certainly makes the comment section a lively read.
So, we turn to our Big 3 selected today by Drafttek.com, and two projections from nfl.com
Drafttek projects that the Green Bay Packers will select …
Sylvester Williams, North Carolina, DE
Reasoning
"Williams is the #2-rated 3-4 DE on the Drafttek Big Board, a nice value with pick 26 in the Draft. Williams will bring some “juice” to the Packers Defensive Line, something they tried to do last year by bringing in Free Agents Anthony Hargrove and Dan Muir, neither of whom are really 3-4DEs and neither of whom made the team. The Packers also drafted two linemen last year that don’t fit the classic 3-4 DE mold, Jerel Worthy and Mike Daniels. Daniels is a situational player at best and Worthy was contributing, but tore his ACL and is likely to end up on the PUP list next season. Add in the fact that Ryan Pickett is in the last year of his contract at age 32, and the Packers need some help. A First-Team All-ACC Selection, Williams brings the juice with a good combination of size, quickness, power, and a very good motor for a big man. Whether rushing the passer or pursuing a running back, he doesn’t stop until the whistle blows. While not spectacular in one area, Williams does a lot of things well and would be a solid addition to the Packers’ Defensive Line."
Lombardiave: I like this selection a lot. Williams is the 6-3, 313-pound Williams would bring the kind of high energy power the Packers defensive line needs. He would complement B.J. Raji and Ryan Pickett and could be the heir apparent to Pickett who, at 32, might be seeing his final year with the Packers. Last year he had 42 tackles, 13.5 tackles for losses and 6.0 sacks and was named to the Pro Football Weekly All-America team. If he’s available at 26, expect that the Packers could make a run of him.
Here’s a video of Sylvester Williams …
Charles Davis of NFL.com projects the Green Bay Packers will select …
DAMONTRE MOORE, defensive end, Texas A&M
"A tough combine might hurt his draft status, but the Packers are still seeking pressure opposite Clay Matthews"
Lombardiave: If Damontre Moore is still on the big board when the Packers’ selection at 26 comes around, they should reconsider. Moore was considered a high first round selection before the NFL Combine where his performance was horrible. Now, I understand that Combine numbers don’t make a football player, but in this case I don’t see Moore being a first-rounder – may a high second-rounder, but not a first-rounder. I disagree with Davis on this pick and would be disappointed if the Packers went this direction.
Here is a video of Damontre Moore …
By Josh Norris of NFL.com projects the Green Bay Packers will select …
JESSE WILLIAMS, defensive end, Alabama
"This pick isn’t to replace B.J. Raji, but rather to find an heir apparent to Ryan Pickett. Edge pass-rushing help would be nice, but without a realistic option here, Williams offers strength in the middle and flashes penetration by putting his opposition on skates."
Lombardiave: If Damontre Moore (see above) was a disappointment at the Combine, Williams was the opposite. While Moore completed just 12 reps on the bench press, Williams cranked out 30 reps. His strenght is evident, but as we all know, Combine numbers don’t make football players, but with Williams coming off the national champion Alabama squad, he understands winning and would be an excellent pick for the Packers. Known as one of the best run stuffers in this year’s draft, Williams would bring a much-needed aggressive attitude to the Packers’ defensive line – something they so desperately need.
Here’s a video of Jesse Williams …