Packers 7 Round Mock Draft 2.0

Here is Mock Draft 2.0 for the Packers. I was only planning on doing two different ones before the NFL Draft, but changed my mind after seeing Mel Kiper and Todd McShay released their 2.0's today for the first round. So, I'm going with three. You can read 1.0 here. I should have the last mock draft after the NFL Scouting Combine, but in ampul time before the actual NFL Draft in April. 

Round 1 Pick 26: Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington - I originally had the Packers taking him in the second round, but many people urged me that Desmond would be a firs rounder. I stood my ground until recently and I am now a believer that Trufant will be gone by the first round.  Desmond Trufant is younger brother of Marcus Trufant (Seahawks) and Isaiah Trufant (Jets). It's pretty much been his destiny to join the NFL since he committed to Washington. Rob Rang says "He (Desmond) has the fluidity and straight-line speed to handle coverage duties and has proven ball skills (five career interceptions). To improve his standing with scouts, Trufant will need to show continued improvement as an open field tackler." With news coming out from the Packers a month ago that Tramon Williams will have to compete for a spot on next year's depth chart at cornerback, Trufant would give Williams a run for his money, and spot.
(Previous pick: Jonathan Cooper, OG/C, North Carolina)

Photo: 247sports.com

Round 2 Pick 55: Kyle Long, OT/G, Oregon - The Packers need to beef up the tackle position this offseason. I'm not a big fan of Marshall Newhouse nor do I see him as a viable option at left tackle going into next season. Kyle Long, brother of Chris Long (Rams) and son of NFL Hall of Famer Howie Long (Raiders), would be a great replacement and he has a chance to be on the board for the Packers at the fifty-fifth pick. He is ranked the sixth best offensive tackle on the big board. He has decent leg strength and very good flexibility for his height, which helps him drop his hips and anchor and explode from his stance. He has excellent mobility given his size, has no issues moving behind the line or pulling in front of plays. According to Dane Brugler, "He is still very raw, but according to his father and brother, Kyle was blessed with the most natural talent of the three and the NFL will love his upside. Not even ranked entering the season, Kyle is moving up draft boards and will add another name to the Long's NFL family tree."

Previous pick: Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington)

Round 3 Pick 88: Christine Michael, RB, Texas A&M - James Starks has yet to prove that he can stay healthy for a full season. Alex Green has done nothing with the opportunities sent his way. Cedric Benson and Ryan Grant will likely be gone after this offseason. Although DuJuan Harris was impressive down the stretch in his few games where he shined, I'm not sure if he is ready to take on a full starting workload. Still, the Packers may address the running back position early in the 2013 NFL Draft. Ted Thompson of the was in St. Petersburg, Florida last month to scout prospects from the East-West Shrine game, and Thompson kept a very close eye on Christine Michael during practice, as Michael was definitely one of the better players on the field. There is plenty of risk in taking Michael. In 2010, he suffered a broken tibia. The next season was cut short too as he suffered a knee injury.
(Previous pick: Aaron Dobson, WR, Marshall)

Round 4 Pick 119: Gerald Hodges, OLB, Penn State - This is the only pick that is the same from 1.0 and in the same spot. Hopefully I'm not the only one who doesn't want Erik Walden back on the Packers next year. He is a free agent next year and I don't see us bringing him back in. With his departure, there would be a void at the line backer position. A.J Hawk has also been brought up in regards to not being back next year because of his rather high salary. In the fourth round, Gerald Hodges would be a steal for the Packers and he could honestly still be on the board. Hodges seeks out ball carriers and delivers a physical pop upon contact. He has above average athleticism for the position, showing the range to make plays all over the field and the agility to avoid blocks and quickly arrive to the play. Ted Thompson was in attendance for the East-West Shrine game in which Hodges played in.

Photo: Fanside.com

Round 5 Pick 152: Kwame Geathers, DT, Georgia - It wouldn't hurt the Packers to look for defensive line help. Jerel Worthy had knee surgery a few weeks ago, Raji was a little banged up last year, and C.J. Wilson needs someone to compliment him better. Kwame Geathers (right) is six-foot six, three-hundred and fifty-five pounds of absolute dominance. He made the All-SEC Freshman Team the in 2010. Geathers played in all 14 games in 2012, finishing with forty tackles, including five for losses and one sack. ESPN ranks Geathers 5 out of 5 in pass rushing, which would compliment B.J. Raji and company extremely well.
(Previous pick: Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford)

Photo: Zimbio.com

Round 6 Pick 182: Caleb Sturgis, K, Florida - "Mason is our guy." I don't know about you all, but I was really sick of hearing that from Mike McCarthy last season. That fact that it was a weekly quote all season wrong shows there are questions at our kicker position, which is one of the more highly important and vital positions on the football team. In the 2012 season, Caleb Sturgis (left) was 24 for 28 in field goals (including the Sugar Bowl). In the 2011 season, Sturgis went 22 for 26 in field goals. Sturgis was named to the 2012 All-American Third Team, as well as the 2012 All-SEC First Team. The Packers could draft Sturgis as someone to get Mason Crosby focused in training camp after the forgettable season Crosby had in 2012. Ted Thompson was in attendance at the East-West Shrine game to scout Caleb. In that game, Sturgis made both field-goal attempts, including one from 48 yards out that was said to have been "good from 60 yards". Sturgis has the strength and the accuracy to give Mason Crosby a good potential battle in training camp.
(Previous pick: Chris Gragg, TE, Arkansas)

Round 7 Pick 216: Marcus Davis, WR, Virginia Tech - I think we all know the reasoning for this pick. With Donald Driver pondering retirement and Greg Jennings putting his home in De Pere, Wisconsin up for sale, as well as showing interest in signing with the Dolphins. In addition, Donald Driver announced his retirement from the NFL last week and made it official February 6th, 2013. It looks like the Packers will need to look to add a wide receiver in the draft. In the 2012 season, Marcus Davis had 51 receptions for 953 yards and five touchdowns. Davis has excellent size and speed. He was named to the 2012 All-ACC Football Honorable Mention squad. Ted Thompson scouted him last month at the East-West Shrine game.
(Previous pick: Eric Martin, DE, Nebraska)

Until next time, Beers, Brats, and Championships.

-Andrew Vrchota (@AndrewVrchota)

Follow us on Twitter for up to date news on Brewers, Packers, Badgers, Bucks and more. Live in game commentary, breaking news, previews, and post game discussion. @WISportsBlog @AndrewVrchota, @JoeP_Norton, @Brandon_BFP, @SMahon2Go @ryan_937, @Mik3_Schu. Finally, find us on Instagram! (wisportsblog)