Josh's Justified Jargon
2008 Draft gives fans suprises, steals, easier viewing
Josh Brewer
Issue date: 5/1/08 Section: Sports
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote that this year's NFL draft was shaping up to be the craziest in recent memory.
I had no idea how right I would be.
After the relative tranquility of the draft's first six picks, the trade machine hit overdrive. Three of the next four spots changed hands, all in a matter of about a half hour.
Ten more picks were switched, leaving every mock draft - including the Fourth Estate's version - in shambles.
As usual, there was plenty to take in and scrutinize this weekend. What better place to start than home?
Packers draft
General Manager Ted Thompson's first two moves Saturday were surely no surprise to me. The third, however, was.
Thompson, notorious for trading down in the draft order, did just that when the Packers hit the clock with the No. 30 overall pick. The New York Jets struck a deal with the Green and Gold, moving up to take Purdue tight end Dustin Keller.
Taking Keller at No. 30 was a great move, but it should have been the Packers taking the Boilermaker tight end and not New York.
Much like last year, Thompson's first actual selection was a head-scratcher. This year, it was Kansas State wide receiver Jordy Nelson instead of defensive tackle Justin Harrell.
Nelson set the field ablaze in a Wildcats uniform, doing everything from catching passes to returning punts and kicks. To draft a kick returner or, at best, at No. 3 or 4 receiver in the beginning of the second round, however, is reckless draft strategy.
But when Thompson selected Louisville quarterback Brian Brohm with the No. 56 pick, I was stunned. I was so stunned, in fact, my reaction is not suitable for print in this newspaper.
Ever since Brett Favre retired, the Packers have spent endless amounts of time backing Aaron Rodgers. Drafting a relatively highly regarded quarterback in the middle of the second round doesn't exactly scream support.
If Thompson wanted to add depth at quarterback, he could have used a late-round pick on a signal-caller - like he did by taking LSU's Matt Flynn in the seventh round. There are still adequate free agents that could also have been signed to provide depth.
I had no idea how right I would be.
After the relative tranquility of the draft's first six picks, the trade machine hit overdrive. Three of the next four spots changed hands, all in a matter of about a half hour.
Ten more picks were switched, leaving every mock draft - including the Fourth Estate's version - in shambles.
As usual, there was plenty to take in and scrutinize this weekend. What better place to start than home?
Packers draft
General Manager Ted Thompson's first two moves Saturday were surely no surprise to me. The third, however, was.
Thompson, notorious for trading down in the draft order, did just that when the Packers hit the clock with the No. 30 overall pick. The New York Jets struck a deal with the Green and Gold, moving up to take Purdue tight end Dustin Keller.
Taking Keller at No. 30 was a great move, but it should have been the Packers taking the Boilermaker tight end and not New York.
Much like last year, Thompson's first actual selection was a head-scratcher. This year, it was Kansas State wide receiver Jordy Nelson instead of defensive tackle Justin Harrell.
Nelson set the field ablaze in a Wildcats uniform, doing everything from catching passes to returning punts and kicks. To draft a kick returner or, at best, at No. 3 or 4 receiver in the beginning of the second round, however, is reckless draft strategy.
But when Thompson selected Louisville quarterback Brian Brohm with the No. 56 pick, I was stunned. I was so stunned, in fact, my reaction is not suitable for print in this newspaper.
Ever since Brett Favre retired, the Packers have spent endless amounts of time backing Aaron Rodgers. Drafting a relatively highly regarded quarterback in the middle of the second round doesn't exactly scream support.
If Thompson wanted to add depth at quarterback, he could have used a late-round pick on a signal-caller - like he did by taking LSU's Matt Flynn in the seventh round. There are still adequate free agents that could also have been signed to provide depth.
Be the first to comment on this story