2009 NFL Draft Projections

A number of 2009 NFL draft projections are out which to me is kind of pointless until all the underclassmen declare and even then these things are rarely close - especially when Ted "Best Available" Thompson is running the show for Green Bay. NFL Draft Countdown even goes out to three rounds. Talk about an exercise in futility. But they are interesting to look at and generate discussion on potential draft picks.

Below is a list of various draft projections from various websites profiling various potential Packer picks. We'll revisit this as the draft draws closer and maybe even do a retrospective to see if any of these jokers are close on their predictions.

Fantasy Football Toolbox
Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech Packers need help stuffing the run, but with the lack of highly rated defensive tackles at this point in the draft, they grab the 6-' 7 pass rusher to help DE Aaron Kampman

Walter Football
Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State If there's one thing we learned about Packers GM Ted Thompson, it's that he loves to take the best player available, no matter what position he plays. Luckily for Thompson, that strategy matches up with a position of need - and not another signal caller. Green Bay has major problems in its secondary. Charles Woodson had to move to safety this season, and it appears as though he's staying there. Meanwhile, Al Harris, who's owed $5 million next year, probably won't be back. Tramon Williams played well, but the Packers don't really have anything else at corner, unless you want to count Patrick Lee, who couldn't even get on to the field in 2008.

Footballs Future
Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech Johnson has tremendous upside as a pass rusher, and his presence could upgrade the entire level of the D. Teams have to keep an eye on him every snap because of his explosive pass rush ability.

Fantasy Football Jungle
*This Pick is Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama* The Packers porous run defense is one of the many things that made them a third place NFC North team compared to a team with home field in the NFC Championship Game a year ago. The Pack felt the loss of Corey Williams this season, along with the continued struggles of Justin Harrell. Cody would team with Johnny Jolly, Ryan Pickett, and Colin Cole to plug the run. A rotation of those four men would be dominant in a division with Adrian Peterson and Matt Forte, and would making running the ball against them about as difficult as running against the Williams wall from Minnesota.

New NFL Draft
Brian Orakpo, DE, UT
The Packers are getting older in their secondary as well as along their defensive line. Brian Orakpo is a steal with this pick because I believe he could go as high as three to the Chiefs in the 2009 NFL Draft.

Draft King
Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State Consider this: Charles Woodson is 32 and Al Harris (who suffered a ruptured spleen earlier this year) is 34. The Packers need youth at corner in a major way. Jenkins might have been a top 15 pick had he come out last year, but with another year of seasoning on the college level he looks like the clear top cornerback prospect.

Scout.com
Everette Brown, DE Florida St The Packers have to improve their pass rush after a down year and the selection of Brown provides Green Bay with a relentless defender with huge potential (Yikes - DE from Florida St? Anyone else having a Jamal Reynolds flashback? AH)