Overall, the 2012 NFL draft was just what I expected from the Green Bay Packers and GM Ted Thompson. They had a lot of draft picks (eight), selected players at various positions, and they gave the roster a good infusion of depth. Though they realized there's little room for rookies on the offensive side of the ball, so they did more to fill out every position on defense.
The only concern is that they didn't address the center or guard positions. T.J. Lang is scheduled to become a free agent after next season, and Jeff Saturday will probably not play past his current two-year contract. However, those are not the hardest positions to fill in the NFL, and improving for 2012 certainly takes priority over possible problems in 2013.
While they usually don't trade up, with 12 draft picks in hand due to previous trades and compensatory selections, trading away four of those picks to move up twice in the second round was a good strategy. Now the 2012 draft class is a more manageable group of eight players. Though the two seventh round selections might have to settle for spots on the practice squad, the six players on defense should all make the 53-man roster.
Round 4, pick 132. Iowa DL Mike Daniels. Defensive coordinator Dom Capers liked him because "he plays with quickness" and you can see that in the video below. He bursts in on those plays. He had a very productive 2011 senior season (9.5 sacks) earning all-Big Ten honors, and he's from a school that has a good reputation for turning out quality defensive lineman.
He's a little short (6-0) which will hurt him as he tries to stick his hand up to knock down a pass or see over the line during a play. He battled a leg injury for most of 2011, also he's recovering from a torn labrum and ankle sprains, so medical concerns are an issue. He could be a good high energy guy who can pick up 5 sacks because he never gives up on a play. However, there's a chance, especially with a history of injuries, that he could become the next Mike Neal or Justin Harrell.
3 comments:
Maybe they are targeting Lang for a new contract, instead of letting him get to free agency?
I'm not convinced that he isn't good enough, or at least on the verge of it.
"the six players on defense should all make the 53-man roster."
Have you got a projected final 53 yet, Brandon? :)
Not yet. But that's a great post idea for the near future.
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