Archived: May 07, 2007

> Sports

It’s time for the draft again

On day two, Pack loads up on depth

By Brett Winkler

  • E-mail
  • Print
  • Share on Facebook
  • Seed Newsvine
  • Text size: Normal Larger Largest

For most NFL teams, the first day of the draft is used to either select immediate starters and other impact players or to pick up injured defensive linemen 20 picks early.

The second day, however, is used primarily for depth. Although many players selected in rounds three through seven will be out of a job once the regular season rolls around, several Pro Bowlers and even Hall of Famers have slipped through the cracks.

Day two might lack the hype and excitement that the first day offers, but it is often just as important if not more so. Here’s a look at what Ted Thompson and the Packers brought in on the second day.

Allen Barbre, Tackle, Missouri Southern State

Round 4, Pick 119

The Packers traded down seven spots with the Steelers and wound up taking this little-known tackle at pick 119, although they probably could have grabbed him even later.

For what it’s worth, Barbre started 33 of 37 games in college, going against Thompson’s philosophy on drafting players who have been injured for three years. Barbre could very well be the eventual replacement for Chad Clifton at left tackle.

Randy Moss, Wide Receiver, Oakland Raiders

Round 4

Wait ’ what? They didn’t trade for Moss?

David Clowney, Wide Receiver, Virginia Tech

Round 5, Pick 157

Clowney was a two-sport stud at VT, starring in both track and, well, football. His last name might be Clowney, but his speed and athleticism are no laughing matter (and my last name might be Winkler, but that last sentence is no laughing matter, either).

Seriously though, this pick makes up for the Pack’s third-round pick, James Jones, who is poised to become this year’s Cory Rodgers.

Korey Hall, Linebacker, Boise State

Round 6, Pick 191

Following draft day trades with the Jets and Steelers, the Packers landed three consecutive picks in the sixth. Hall was a steal with pick 191, though he would have been a slightly bigger steal at 192 or even 193!

He joins the Green and Gold after being named the 2006 WAC Defensive Player of the Year, which is pretty wack, yo.

Desmond Bishop, Linebacker, California

Round 6, Pick 192

Thompson made it two straight at linebacker with the selection of Bishop, who led the Pac-10 in tackles last year.

Justin Harrell, Defensive Tackle, Tennessee

Round 6

What do you mean they took him in the first round?

Mason Crosby, Kicker, Colorado

Round 6, Pick 193

Most scouts had Crosby rated as the best kicker in the draft, and the projected third or fourth rounder was too good for the Packers to pass up this late. He missed a lot of kicks last season, but only because Colorado trusted his leg strength so much that they practically lined up him for 80-yarders. He will battle Dave Rayner at kicker, which could get interesting.

DeShawn Wynn, Running Back, Florida

Round 7, Pick 228

A solid late selection by the Pack, Wynn is a powerful runner and could challenge Brandon Miree at fullback.

Clark Harris, Tight End, Rutgers

Round 7, Pick 243

Bubba Franks has lost a step (or both of his hands), and Harris fell to the Packers late in the seventh.

Overall, Ted Thompson had a pretty solid day ’ and draft for that matter. He’s been criticized for reaching on the first day, but he definitely got value for his picks on day two.

Much like his previous two drafts, the players that nobody has ever heard of will probably turn out to be much better than anyone would have imagined. If not quality, he and the Packers at least got quantity, selecting seven players on the second day and 11 overall.

Only time will tell, but this draft class could end up becoming one of the best in recent memory. Really, though, they really didn’t trade for Moss?

> Comments

Draft Pick Round/Number
Justin Harrell, DT1st/16th
Brandon Jackson, RB2nd/63rd
James Jones, WR3rd/78th
Aaron Rouse, S3rd/89th
Allen Barbre, T/G4th/119th
David Clowney, WR5th/157th
Korey Hall, LB6th/191st
Desmond Bishop, LB6th/192nd
Mason Crosby, K6th/193rd
DeShawn Wynn, RB7th/228th
Clark Harris, TE7th/243rd

> Related

> Also By Brett Winkler