Name: J.D. Gold
Email: jdgold@idatasports.com
Date: Tue May 2 9:07:49 2006

Headline: 2006 Green Bay Packers NFL Draft Picks

In the dizzying wake of the 2006 Packer draft fans find themselves awash in a sea of information regarding each Packer draft choice. This data will go on to include every thing from shuttle times, place of birth, career highlights and low lights and even trivial items such as if a player likes flap jacks or not. Yet what does a Packer fan, said to be some of the most knowledgeable in the NFL, want to really know about their new draft choices?

There are three main areas of interest pertaining to each draft choice. What course of events led the packers to draft these players, which Packers are positively or negatively affected by the picks, and how quickly, if at all, are the Packers going to be able to integrate these player's skills into their current offensive and defensive systems?

1st round: #5 AJ Hawk weak side line backer, Ohio State

Why? : In recent years the packers have failed to develop an "impact" line backer either through the draft (Nail Diggs, Torrence Marshall), free agency (Hannibal Navies , Raynoc Thompson), or via trade (Robert Thomas). Drafting Hawk takes care of this need.

Who's in trouble? : Strong side linelinebackers Manning, Robert Thomas, and Ben Taylor. Manning, last year's rookies free agents "feel good" story of the year, Thomas, an early season acquisition via trade from the Rams in 2005, and Taylor, an off season unrestricted free agent signed from the Browns, need to show they can play along side Hawk and Barnett. Not only for a starting spot, but for there roster spots as well.

Who benefits? : Abdul Hodge. If Hodge lives up to his collegian production at middle line backer, and any of the above line backer's start to slide, look for defensive coordinator Bob Sanders to move Barnett middle line backer to the strong side to replace Manning, Thomas, or Taylor. Thus, giving the Pack a "high octane" starting trio of Barnett, Hodge, and Hawk.

Snaps? : From day 1 Hawk starts. A three down player. Needs to make an immediate impact to justify number 5 overall pick. Anything less should be viewed as a disappointment.

Glass half full: Tom Jackson of ESPN, who played linebacker for Denver, threw some gaudy names around in comparing Hawk to other linebackers in the league. "When I looked at this kid, he was to me the No. 1 defensive player in this draft," Jackson said. "I know you hear that word 'safe' a lot. If safe means really, really good, then that's what AJ Hawk is. "I think he will be one of those players in the mold of Urlacher, in the mold of Ray Lewis," Jackson said, referring to Chicago linebacker Brian Urlacher and the Raven's defensive leader. "You will not be able to loaf on the football around AJ Hawk. He's not only going to do his job. He's going to make other people do their jobs and do them better."

Glass half empty: defensive coordinator Bob Sanders said he thought Hawk also had the potential to make plays as a blitzer. "He looks like he has the speed, the toughness, the athleticism to be a good blitzer," said Sanders. There's less reason to think that Hawk will make plays in coverage. Linebackers coach Winston Moss said that probably will be the toughest transition for Hawk. He has little experience in man-to-man coverage.

2nd Round #47 overall Daryn Colledge left tackle Boise State

Why: By letting Mike Whale get away after the 2004 season the Pack lacked the athleticism needed at the guard spot in the offense to execute some of their signature run plays and the vaunted "screen" By taking Colledge the packers have possible competition at left guard with last years fifth round pick Junis Coston and a back-up to Chad Clifton rolled up in one pick.

Who's in trouble? Adrian Klemm. With the packers plan to move Colledge, a four starter at tackle, to guard because of his athleticism , Klemm , now in his fifth season, will need to step up unlike in 2005 or lose his roster spot.

Who Benefits? Will Whitticker. Last years seventh round pick is much younger , makes a lot less money then Klemm, and still has some up-side. So in a battle for the third guard spot he has the edge.

Snaps: Look for Colledge to make a run at the starting left guard spot. Carrying right around 300 pounds on a somewhat angular frame, though, Colledge projected more as a guard in the NFL on a team that relied on zone blocking. In that sense he figures to be a good fit in Green Bay as first-year coach Mike McCarthy and offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski plan to implement such a scheme this season.

Beer Half Full: "As far as being a football player, that's what we wanted to get here," Jagodzinski said. "The style of blocking that we'll do there's so many 2-on-1s. We played with guys a lot like this down in Atlanta, Denver's played with guys a lot like this. And believe me, he will succeed."

Beer Half empty: Gil Brandt on Daryn Colledge: "He is a player from North Pole, Alaska; there's not too many players from there. He is a very athletic tackle who was a four-year starter. His speed and athletic ability are good, but he needs more strength."

2nd round #52 overall Greg Jennings Western Michigan

Why? Injuries to the likes of terrance murphy, the greed of Javon Walker, and poor talent evaluation with the likes of Robert Ferguson and Antonio Chatman, have left the pack thin not only at receiver but in the return game also.

Who's in trouble? Robert Ferguson. The injured special teams maven needs to stay healthy and show some polish as a receiver otherwise he maybe on his way out.

Who benefits? Brett Favre. Jennings shows more polish then some of the other receivers in the draft. This will at least afford favre an occasional big play receiver to go to through out the year.

Snaps: For all the passing the packers do look for Jennings to catch around 40 balls and score 3-4 TD's in a #2 or 3 receiver role.

Beer half full: While there were questions heading into the draft about the majority of his production coming in the Mid-American Conference, Jennings did respond against better competition. In Western Michigan's 2005 season opener against Virginia, he tied a school record with 16 catches for 156 yards. In 2004 he had eight catches for 64 yards and a 13-yard punt return against Virginia Tech. And in 2003, he caught 10 passes for 107 yards and two touchdowns against Michigan State while making his first-ever start.

Beer half empty: Nothing jaw dropping at first glance. No elite size or speed. Some scouts had him in the fourth round. But in the end, it was his productivity that trumped all. "The last I checked, the football doesn't weigh that much, does it? You don't have to be very tall to carry that thing," said offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski.

3rd round # 67 Abdul Hodge middle linebacker Iowa

Why? See AJ Hawk.

Who's in trouble? Manning and the rest of the loser free agent linebackers they assembled before the draft.

Who Benefits? Nick Barnett. If Hodge can play the middle this will allow Barnett to chase more plays down from the back side thus utilizing his great speed and allowing him to have a monster year.

Snaps: Look for Hodge to make a major push for the starting middle linebackers job. At the very least he should be a special teams demon.

Glass half full: In his career at Iowa, Hodge caused six fumbles and deflected seven passes - a desirable quality to the Packers, who have worsened in the give-away, take-away category in recent years. "One thing that stands out about Hodge is that he can get the ball out, he can be an impact tackler," said Packers linebackers coach Winston Moss.

Beer half empty: Though he's not as tall and not as heavy - he has been reported anywhere between 5-foot-11 inches to and 6-½½ and is 233 pounds - he is known as a physical tackler who can uproot the man with the ball.

3rd round #75 overall Jason Spitz center/guard Louisville

Why? Poor planning and evaluation by Mike Sherman have left the packers with no young developing lineman to step in if current starters got hurt or left via free agency. The likes of Grey Rugemeyer and even the vaunted Kevin Barry are just "guys" in the NFL. Spitz gives the Packers a bulldozer for the running game to develop.

Who in trouble? Chris White. White is under sized compared to Spitz. To top it off White has short arms, a undesirable trait in offensive linemen.

Who Benefits? In general the organization does Spitz adds depth to an area in need of quality back-ups.

Snaps: Look for Spitz in short yardage situations this season as an extra blocker, otherwise someone for down the road.

Beer Half Full:Joe Philbin, offensive line coach of the Packers, said third-round pick Jason Spitz had exceptional hands, maybe as good a hands as any offensive lineman in the draft. Philbin said he thought Spitz could play either guard or center.

Beer Half Empty: His less-than-elite agility can be a problem for him, as he doesn't excel in pass support or in blocking on the fly. When added to his lack of elite size, it likely leaves Spitz as somewhat of a situational guard until he can either add a little mass and/or get up to speed with the passing game.

4th round #104 overall Cory Rodgers Wide receiver TCU

Why? The Packers are in need of a infusion of talent in there return game. Something they have lacked since Desmond Howard. He also adds to the depth at a position that used to provide the likes of Robert brooks, Antonio Freeman, and Donald Driver.

Who's in trouble? No one. The return game was so pathetic the new regime decided to start anew with Rodgers, Jennings, and Blackmon.

Who Benefits? The packer Defense. If Rodgers can be a dynamic punt returner it will allow the Packers to control field position keeping the heat on the opposition.

Snaps: Rodgers will be given every opportunity to be the punt returner. After that he may team with Jennings or Blackmon on kick-off returns.

Beer half full: Packer receiver coach Jimmy Robinson said Rodgers was both a good route runner and had displayed good ball skills. Robinson said second-round pick Greg Jennings was more advanced as a receiver, but that Rodgers wasn't far behind.

Beer Half empty: The glowing reports were very similar for the slight Craig Bragg chosen in the sixth round in last years draft. Bragg was a disappointment for the Pack and if the light framed Rodgers is the same at least there will be some new alternates this season.

4th round #115 overall Will Blackmon Conerback/receiver, Boston College

Why? Blackmon is the type of athlete who is tough to pass up. He possesses skills not found in every player. A "jack of all trades"

Who's in trouble? Michael Hawkins. Even though Hawkins is a fifth round pick from last year with upside, he will need to be more consistent to fend off Blackmon.

Snaps: Look for Blackmon to get his shot at the kick-off return duties. Otherwise the technique raw corner will see plenty of special teams action.

Beer half full: defensive backfield coach Kurt Schottenheimer thinks Blackmon, at 6-foot-0 and close to 200 pounds, could become a physical, press corner. "He has a tremendous ability to drop his weight and get in and out of breaks," said Schottenheimer.

Beer half empty: Will Blackmon might have little experience in man-to-man coverage and some bad habits to break, including a tendency to peek into the backfield, but defensive backfield coach Kurt Schottenheimer likes his athletic ability.

5th round #148 overall Ingle Martin quarterback/punter, Furman

Why: Like other Ron Wolf principals being adhered to in the Ted Thompson era, drafting a QB to develop along the way is always a good thing. Especially one with Ingle's upside.

Who's in trouble? B J Sander. Yes the punter. I drool at the thought of the gadget plays you could run with him and to top it off he nailed 34 punts for a 42.5 yards/punt.

Who Benefits: Again the packers in general benefit if the pick works out. As we have seen in the past with Brunell, Brooks, Detmer, and Hasselbeck grooming QB's has it's advantages.

Snaps: Unless he is punting; look for Martin to spend the year on the practice squad.

Beer half full: Tom Clements, quarterbacks coach of the Packers, said he liked Ingle Martin's size (6-2, 224), athletic ability, mechanics, arm strength and anticipation. "He has a lot of tools to work with" said Clements. Clements also said Martin's arm proved to be one of the stronger ones at the combine workouts, where it was checked by a radar gun. "I think he has a strong enough arm to make all the throws that are required of him," said Clements.

Beer half empty: He is inconsistent, and tends to have problems dealing with certain plays and pressure. He actually transferred from a major college program at Florida to Furman, and wasn't really dominant at any level.

5th round #165 overall Tony Moll , Tackle, Nevada

Why: After QB tackle is one of the most coveted positions football. And like QB's and corner backs you can not have enough quality depth at this spot.

Who Benefits: Aaron Rodgers. The QB of the future will need quality tackles down the road and why not start developing them now.

Who's in trouble? Unless he really shines no one in particular. But Kevin Barry And Adrian Klemm can not feel comfortable.

Snaps: Moll looks like he’s destined for the practice squad to gain some size and strength.

Beer half full: Joe Philbin, offensive line coach, said Moll probably would line up at tackle first, but also would likely get a look at guard. Moll played weaks-side tackle at Nevada so he flip-flopped between the left and right sides.

Beer half empty: He's not exactly a behemoth and will be dominated early on in NFL. so expect him to likely be a practice squad guy and possibly a special teamer at the next level for awhile . Thus meaning he may never quite pan out.

6th round #183 overall John Jolly, defensive tackle, Texas A&M

Why: With the departure of Grady Jackson the defensive line need another young "sumo" in training to be a run stuffer and keep blockers off our speedy LB.

Who's in trouble? Corey Williams and Donnell Washington. Both 2004 draft choices whose time has come. If Jolly can give the Packers a reason to cut these guys look for it to happen.

Who Benefits? The linebackers. Anytime you can get a guy to clog up the middle it'll allow your LB's to flow cleanly to the ball without getting caught up in junk.

Snaps: If all goes well he may end up in the rotation at nose tackle . A bonus in the sixth round if it happens.

Beer half full: showing solid footwork and a certain amount of fluidity for a guy his size. Jolly is a hard worker and an enthusiastic leader on the field who tries to stay with the play and excels in a small area.

Beer half empty: He gets into trouble in pursuit and dealing with passing plays, because for a guy with solid quickness and mobility he has very slow footspeed. That keeps him from doing well at the 'speed' areas of work on the line, including getting into the backfield and coverage pursuit.

6th round #185 overall , Tyrone Culver , Safety, Frenso State

Why: Another problem area for the packers since LeRoy Butler's departure. It never hurts to have quality secondary personel.

Who's in trouble? Marviel Underwood and Mark Roman. Neither seemed to be very rangy or instictive. This is what led them to also sign Marquand Manuel from the Seahawks during the off season.

Who Benefits? The Defense as a whole. If Culver is the smart veritale player the pack say he is then he just adds more quality depth to the def. And special teams.

Snaps: Culver looks like a keeper, but his on field time will come on special teams.

Glass half full:: Possessing above-average physical gifts and above-average intelligence, Culver has the potential to be an above-average defender. While he's not elite in any particluar area, he's good in most and has no glaring holes in his game.

Glass half empty: He doesn't project as an elite man-to-man guy because he doesn't have elite closing speed.

7th round # 253 overall, Dave Tollefson, Defensive End, Northwest Missouri State.

Why? Edge guys who can get to the QB are always worth a look. This guy sums up a "diamond in the rough".

Glass Half Full: Started at right end and had 8 sacks in '04 and a school-record 12 in '05. . . . "I've been tabbed as that (pass-rusher) but I like to think I'm really good at both," he said. Asked how he would attempt to make the team, Tollefson said, "Effort, effort, effort. That's going to be it." . . . Ran 4.70 at his pro day and did 27 reps on the bench press. . . . Scored 31 on the Wonderlic.

Glass Half Empty: Sat out '01 because of shoulder surgery and spent the next years working as a carpenter's apprentice. Paid his way to Division II Northwest Missouri State in '03 and promptly fractured his right foot during summer camp. Thus showing a propensity for injury.

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