Round One (16^th Overall) – DT – Justin Harrell – University of Tennessee

  One of the biggest reaches of the first round, the Green Bay Packers selected a very well-built, run-stuffing defensive tackle in Harrell. It doesn’t appear that this pick was expected to happen at all, and the logic behind it is sure to be criticized. One of the things that Ted Thompson said played into their decision was their ranking of Harrell. He was the best player available on their big board, and even though people may strongly disagree with this selection, it makes sense, and could end up working out for the best. Harrell, at 6’4” and over 310lbs, is a guy who fits in with the Packers system of using defensive tackles to stop the run but provide enough of a push to hold the quarterback in a contained state. He put up an impressive 35 reps at the NFL Combine and had been rising up draft boards very quickly the last few weeks. After missing most of his senior season because of injury, the Packers had to go back to review his game film from the 2005 season, where they saw strong potential and an impressive, “open” technique that would benefit him in Green Bay. Though the Packers indeed tried to trade down, specifically with five teams, they were not given an offer that would make up for their possible chance to lose Harrell to another team. Clearly, this humble guy from the same town that offensive tackle Chad Clifton is from, will fit into the Packers’ plans to build for the future and construct a strong, unflawed defense. The selection makes sense with their plans on defense but they could have worked something out and gotten a better value with this selection and possibly addressed one of their glaring needs.

Final Selection Grade: C

Round Two (63^rd Overall) – RB – Brandon Jackson – University of Nebraska

  Certainly running back was a need by the Packers, and by addressing one in the second round, they can work the rest of the draft without worrying about selecting one, but Jackson, like Harrell, is a questionable pick. With running backs Kenny Irons, Chris Henry and Tony Hunt all available at their second round pick (47), they traded down with the Jets and selected Jackson. Though Jackson fits the Packers’ system very well, he was taken higher than he really could have been. Head coach Mike McCarthy, in a press conference immediately after the selection, explained that Jackson has incredible footwork with an ability to get to the outside and take off down the field. Jackson was coached in an offense that is similar to the Packers’, and the ability for Jackson to come into the Packers running back rotation and be able to compete will be an important and very successful factor. Although the Packers could have taken the hard-hitting safety Sabby Piscatelli and chanced Jackson falling to them in the third round, however, the Packers entered this draft without any doubts on taking a player that they want without his value fitting the pick. Jackson will be a good pair with the incumbent running back Vernard Morency and could end up taking over the starting job.

Final Selection Grade: B

Round Three (78^th Overall) – WR – James Jones – San Jose State University

  Last year the Packers’ receiving corps was destroyed with injuries that kept Robert Ferguson out, hurt Greg Jennings’ productivity and ultimately led to practice squad players making plays for their offense. Jones is a very strong-bodied wide receiver who’s strong hands and extra effort after the catch obviously attracted the Packers. One of the Packers’ problems the past two years was their inability to get first downs through the shotgun pass play, and even when the receivers caught the ball, running out of bounds seemed to the be favored option rather than fighting to get the first down. Jones brings to the Packers a different kind of receiver that they haven’t had in quite a while. It will be interesting to see how well quarterback Brett Favre works with Jones, considering Favre’s favoritism toward the receivers who make an extra effort to bring in his throws. If Robert Ferguson is unable to stay healthy, Jones could end up taking over the number three wide receiver spot and will be used heavily across the field on flag routes and five-and-outs. This is a very unique, very good pick here for the Packers who have been taking players who they believe will strengthen their team as a whole.

Final Selection Grade: A-

Round Three (89^th Overall) – S – Aaron Rouse – Virginia Tech University

  One of the Packers’ biggest needs coming into the draft lied at safety, and it’s surprising to see them wait until the late third round to address this need. Rouse is a physically unique safety (6’4”) who is athletic and will make plays in the middle of the field. He needs to work on his coverage ability if he is going to challenge current starting safety Marquand Manuel. Rouse certainly could work out in Green Bay if he is able to control the run while providing solid coverage against the tight ends. Not a bad pick but it certainly could have been used in a wiser manner to select tight end Ben Patrick, who could come in and work well in the Packers tight end scheme.

Final Selection Grade: B-

  Overall the Packers had a highly questionable first day, where they could be said to have reached on three of their four selections. Their trade in the second round with the Jets to acquire another day one selection was a wise move, and had they been able to get Marshawn Lynch in the first, this draft may have been very different, but the Packers appear to be very pleased with their decision to not risk losing the players they had their eye on.

Overall Day One Grade: C+