While I like what the Green Bay Packers did in the draft, we have to weigh that with what they failed to do. I fully expected, as did many other draft pundits, for the Packers to use their second round pick on a pass rushing OLB. However when it came to the 56th overall pick the top five linebacker prospects were already off the board. No team listens to their draft board more that the Packers so they took DE Mike Neal who can play end, and sub in to upgrade the Packers pass rush.
So we have to weigh what they failed to do, with the player that actually picked up. All in all it seems they broke even on this one. They got a five tool DE, which may help their pass rush instead of a lower tier linebacker prospect. This is the reason teams make draft boards, and it proves the importance of listening to them. Of course in the first round they drafted Bryan Bulaga who address their most primary need of better protecting QB Aaron Rodgers.
In the later rounds they traded up to take Safety Morgan Burnett, added a TE, and a few depth picks. With that being said here is a look at the initial grades for the 2010 Packers draft class:
• Round One – A, Bulaga is a great prospect and this was their biggest need • Round Two – B-, Neal may lack the size to play in the 3-4 defense. His arm length concerns me •Talent- B, Bulaga is great, and Neal has potential •Need- C+, Bulaga is great prospect and their biggest need, Neal may develop into the pass rusher they need •Average- B
Related Links:
• Green Bay Packers news and notes • 2010 NFL Draft initial team grades • The Business of the NFL •MTR Football.com
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