Green Bay Packers NFL Draft: Today’s Big 3
Would Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive lineman Ra’shede Hageman be a wise choice as a first round selection for the Green Bay Packers? One of our mocksters featured in this post thinks so.
Trying to put together a mock NFL Draft is a shot in the dark – not to mention projecting how the Green Bay Packers might pick … it’s kind of like trying to get a perfect NCAA Final 4 bracket correct from beginning to end. The likelihood that it will happen is about as rare as a Sasquatch sighting, or being abducted by aliens.
Maybe that’s why everyone loves them. Bouncing from mock draft to mock draft to see who might land with your team is kind of like Christmas morning as you shake those gifts to try to figure out what might be inside.
Well, with that said, I did some bounding around this morning to come up with three mocks that have three different selections falling to the Green Bay Packers at the 21st pick of the 2014 NFL Draft.
Today we focus on Rob Rang and Dan Brugler from over at CBS.com and Hays Carlyon from over at the Florida Times-Union.
Get ready to agree to disagree with these guys for whatever reasons you come up with … Take a look and leave your own impressions below by commenting. You have a better pick at number 21? Tell us about it.
In the meantime, here’ what these guys have come up with for 2014 first round picks for the Green Bay Packers:
Rob Rang: With their first round selection at number 21, the Green Bay Packers select Ra’Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota
Here is what Rang has to say about his pick:
"Ra’Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota: Few general managers rebuild along the lines with the consistency of Ted Thompson. Hageman’s incredible combination of size and explosiveness is exciting, though he hasn’t been the dominant force his talents would indicate. Surrounded by greater talent, however, and he could prove a steal."
Lombardiave: Rang is correct about Ted Thompson’s penchant for selecting defensive linemen, but there have been questions about his success in picking at that position. Yes, B.J. Raji did give the Packers a big year in 2010, but he has been nothing short of ordinary since then. And does anyone remember Justin Harrell? Last year’s selection of Datone Jones is incomplete at this point, but Jones certainly didn’t burn up the track and contribute like everyone thought he would. That might change. With all that said, Hageman could be a good pick, though there are some who say he takes plays off. I wouldn’t be offended by this selection. Like Rang says, Hageman could be a steal.
Ra’shede Hageman highlights
Dane Brugler: With their first round selection at number 21, the Green Bay Packers select Louis Nix III, DT, Notre Dame.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish nose tackle Louis Nix
Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports photograph
Here is what Brugler has to say about his pick:
"Green Bay loses a lot of their beef up front on the defensive side of the ball to free agency this year, but Nix could give the Packers a replacement for B.J. Raji if the nose tackle chooses big money over returning to Green Bay."
Lombardiave: The Packers first round selection will surely be determined by what happens in free agency. With the futures of both B.J. Raji and Ryan Pickett in the balance, the Packers may be forced to once again select a defensive lineman. Nix would bring the beef to the line and add a fresh body. However, if the Packers find the money for either Raji and/or Pickett, they may look to pick at a different position, such as safety or inside linebacker. We will simply have to wait to see what transpires over the next month.
Louis Nix Highlights
Hays Carlyon: With their first round selection at number 21, the Green Bay Packers select C.J. Mosley, MLB, Alabama.
Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker C.J. Mosley
Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports photograph
Here’s what Carlyon says about his pick:
"The Packers defense has slipped in recent years, finishing 25th in total defense this past season. Mosley is one of the safest prospects in the draft."
Lombardiave: Of the three picks here, this is not only the safest, but may be the best in terms of value. Mosley could be considered a top-10 prospect – he’s certainly top-20. So, if he is still on the board at number 21, I think Ted Thompson would be hard-pressed not to select this guy. A tackling machine and the type of athlete a team wants manning the inside gaps, Mosley would immediately improve the Packers defense. If he’s available, Thompson would be a fool not to take him. With so many holes to fill, Thompson should be able to find good choices in the second and third rounds to improve the team.