2003 Draft

For the most part, the Packers seemed to value the players they drafted slightly more than me.  The one position I felt the Packers could have used a potential stud in was defensive tackle since Williams left, Jolly is coming off injury, and Harrell needs work.  In fact I'll go on the record and say that the Pack blew it by not taking Trevor Laws with their first pick in the second round.

DRAFT PICKS

In addition to my statement that this pick should have been Laws, the Pack selected Nelson a round too high in my opinion.  However, I am only one for two when analyzing recent Packer receivers.  I loved the Jennings selection, but was not that high on Jones (and I still think Jones will be a #3 or #4 long term).  Nelson had excellent production his senior year catching 122 passes, mainly out of the slot.  The Pack hopes they drafted the next Wes Welker.  He is bigger and faster than Welker, but not as quick.  Personally, as a receiver I liked Jackson, Sweed, Caldwell and Hawkins more at this spot.

Brohm was an interesting pick.  When selected I thought it was a smart pick, not because I don't believe in Rodgers, I do (he was my #1 rated QB ahead of Smith in 2005), but because he is close to NFL-ready as a backup for Rodgers.  If Rodgers goes down, Brohm should be able to step in and do a credible job.

Lee provides the Pack with a solid young corner to bring along behind Woodson and Harris.  Lee has good size and will be better outside than in the slot meaning Blackwell could be the nickel while Lee could be called on ahead of Blackwell should Woodson or Harris go down.  Lee has solid cover skills and plays physically.  He is a nice fit for the Packers' defensive scheme.

Tight end was a position of need for Green Bay and, in my opinion, they should have done better than Finley in round three.  Personally, I would have targeted Cottam in this draft if I were Green Bay management.  If that meant passing on Lee and grabbing Cottam there and corner in Finley's spot, that's what I would have done.  Assuming Lee was off the board at that spot, one of the corners selected between 61 and 90 probably would have fallen, or the Pack could have selected a corner like Justin King.  Finley will be okay, but is strictly an average-backup-type.

Thompson could be a pleasant surprise for Green Bay.  The kid has the physical tools to be a very good pass rusher.  He injured his knee in his sophomore year and wasn't full strength until his senior year.  His best football could be in front of him.

Sitton played tackle in college but may be better at guard in the NFL.  He has good strength, quickness and athleticism and could develop into a reliable, versatile backup at worst.

Giacomini is a recent convert from tight end.  He will need some time but is an interesting developmental prospect.

The selection of Flynn is either head-scratching or genius.  One would think with two young quarterbacks, an experienced player would be sought out as the team's third quarterback.  However, Brohm is close to NFL-ready.  So if Flynn shows he could develop into a solid backup, the team could trade Brohm down the line (in three years?) for a number one pick.  So immediate value for Brohm, and maybe a future number one.  Of course this assumes Flynn comes through.  He is a smart player who has only one year as a starter at LSU and is an ideal developmental quarterback.

With the depth at receiver, Swain's best chance is as a practice squad player.  He was productive when called upon at San Diego State and showed better speed than advertised at his Pro Day.

COLLEGE STREET FREE AGENTS

Haynos was an excellent free agent signing by Green Bay.  He catches the ball well, even though he looks awkward at times.  He is more athletic and quicker than Finley and is the better blocker.  Haynos looks better and better the more you see him.  He could sneak up on Finley in camp, especially if Finley is reluctant to improve his blocking.

Lumpkin has average speed, average quickness, and average athleticism, but had his moments at Georgia in 2006.  

I like Taj Smith more than Swain.  He has very good speed, is quick, can change directions very well and is a top athlete.  He averaged almost 19 yards a catch his senior year.  He could steal a roster spot if he shows reliable hands.  Worst case he is a top candidate for the Packers' practice squad.

I saw transaction lists indicating that Mapp signed with Green Bay.  I did not see him on the teams' roster on their web site and did not see him cut in the transaction logs.  Mapp is a strong kid who can help on special teams and can develop in a backup SAM who can play the run off the blocks of tight ends and do a credible job in coverage against most tight ends.

Riley is a smallish linebacker some thought could transition to strong safety in the NFL.  His numbers didn't quite cut it as a safety, so he will have to earn a job as a backup linebacker and special teams player.