Packers Draft

Ted Thompson had a pretty spectacular draft last year and I wonder if he did himself in by setting the expectations too high. Thus far this year, we Packer fans have been less than impressed. I will say that we do have some pretty good looking scenarios today, including three straight 6th round picks. But Thompson's got a lot of work to do if he's going to make up ground.

Let's look at the Packer's picks thus far: (and you can see JSOnline.com's info, including scouting reports, here)

Pick #16 Justin Harrell DT, Tennessee 6'4 1/2" 314lbs
This is honestly the one pick that will either prove Thompson's a genius or haunt him for the rest of his days. In a completely unscientific review, my brother who lives in Tennessee said he saw the game in which Harrell was injured and was more than impressed with him. So there you go...

Pick # 63 Brandon Jackson RB, Nebraska 5'9" 210lbs
This is the pick that's leading to varying opinions. Jackson has also had some injury issues. Stats say Played in 33 games altogether at Nebraska, carrying 291 times for 1,431 yards (4.9 average) and 14 TDs. . . . Finished with 2,328 all-purpose yards, an average of 70.6 yards per game
Clayton over at ESPN.com thinks we have gotten a good deal:
"Don't get me wrong: Jackson is a good sleeper back, better than people think. He's tough, he runs hard, and he should help. "

Pick #78 James Jones WR, San Jose State 6'1" 210lbs
Led team in receptions with 70 for 893 yards, which also ranked him 27th in nation
Pro Football Weekly: "Some teams were hoping to steal Jones late in the draft. He gained some momentum after a solid showing at post-season All-Star competition. He gradually improved as a senior and could continue to develop, showing no signs of backing down vs. better competition. He has nice size, is physical and will fight for the ball, but he was drafted sooner than expected."

Pick #89 Aaron Rouse SS, Virginia Tech 6'4" 225lbs
Picked off five passes overall, including four in 2005 when he started all 13 games for the Hokies. . . . Had 12 tackles for loss in four seasons. . . . Registered 217 tackles (93 solos) overall at Virginia Tech. . . . Also forced four fumbles and recovered one
from NFL.com's Draft Analyzer, here's Gil Brandt: "Rouse (6-4, 223; 4.46) was a former linebacker who was moved to safety. He's a straight-ahead type of runner. I'm not sure he can play safety and can turn and run to cover a receiver, despite his speed."

Pick #119 Allen Babre OT, Missouri Southern State 6'4" 295lbs
A three time Division II All-American tackle, Barbre has proved a dominant force on the offensive line. Powerfully strong and remarkably lean, he is able to control defenders at the line and drive them off the ball. Barbre plays with a mean streak, especially in the run, attacking opponents and finishing his blocks, but he is less effective during pass protection, foregoing leverage and hand technique for brute strength and power. Playing his full career in Division II, Barbre will need to prove he can match up against the top level of competition, but with his raw tools and talent, he has at least given himself an opportunity to try. (- STATS)
Pro Football Weekly says Allen Barbre fits into Green Bay's offensive scheme.

The site's analysis on the pick: "Missouri Southern OT Allen Barbre is an athletic zone blocker well-suited for the Packers' blocking game. He could provide depth as a swing tackle and has developmental potential if he can get stronger."
Pete Fiutak of collegefootballnews.com says of Allen Barbre: "Excellent combination of size, speed, athleticism and attitude. The big concern is competition playing at the D-II level and dominating. He was fantastic at the Combine and showed elite D-I type of skills, but he's still a little bit raw and has to work his way into a position."

Here's what Scouts Inc. thinks of Barbre (ESPN Insider subscription needed): "Barbre is a small-school prospect who has the natural ability to develop into a contributor at guard and/or tackle in the NFL. He is a bit undersized and has the mobility to fit a scheme such as the Colts or Broncos. That said; he needs to get stronger at the point of attack and refine his technique. Following a tremendous showing at the combine, Barbre projects as an early-Day 2 pick."

The Packers' latest pick, offensive lineman Allen Barbre (pronounced Bar-ber), isn't just a blocker.

He served as the team's gunner on punt coverage. That's the position usually reserved for cornerbacks and wide receivers. That means at 304 pounds he was lined up wide on punts and was expected to be the first player down in coverage. He finished with nine special teams tackles during his time at Missouri Southern.

Barbre, who is the first player from his school ever to be invited to the combine, is a big, physical player who finishes his blocks, according to offensive line coach James Campen.


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So that's it so far. Interesting that our latest pick is the one with the most said about him.