Packers Draft Analysis, Part II

4: T.J. Lang played for a small college, but played big-time, in-state programs Michigan and Michigan State often enough to see what he could do. He was a starter as a left tackle, but spent time at right tackle, guard, and defensive tackle. as well.At 6'4", 316 pounds, he possesses the size to compete with the likes of Tony Moll and Alan Barbre for the right tackle spot should Mark Tauscher remain unsigned or come back to slowly from reconstructive knee surgery. He is considered a physical player with a good work ethic. In all likelihood, he will not see much action but will provide depth to four of the five line positions--all that can be expected for the 109th pick of the draft.5a: Quinn Johnson played for a big-time program (LSU) and earned a national championship. Fullback was another position of need for the Packers, and they got the second best player at that position in the draft. Having good size (6'1", 250 pounds), he was a devastating blocker, recording 107 knock-downs and laid 15 blocks that resulted in touchdowns. However, he was originally a linebacker, and was not converted to fullback until 2006. Thus, he only started 14 games at the position, and he is raw, especially in running (2.18 yard average) and receiving (just three catches his senior season for 33 yards).In 2009, he is likely to find himself low on the depth chart, but should see time on special teams and should push current fullbacks John Kuhn and Korey Hall.5b: Jamon Meredith gives the Packers another person to battle for the right tackle position. Since Mark Tauscher became a starter out of the seventh round, it pays to roll the dice--have enough people competing and you have a good chance to land one of starting quality.Meredith not only played in a big-time conference (South Carolina) that featured many of the best defenses in the country, but started 38 games in the process and recorded 123 knock-downs in his senior season. He has played both tackle positions and guard, which is the most likely position for him at his size--he has the height (6'5") to play tackle but will need to add bulk (304 pounds).He is unlikely to see action in his rookie season, but little is expected of a late fifth-round pick.6a: Defensive End Jarius Wynn did not have great college stats, starting just seven games and playing in just 13 after transferring to Georgia from junior college. However, he saved his best for last, with a six-tackle performance against rival Georgia Tech at the end of the season. followed by a tremendous Capital One Bowl with two sacks.At 6'3", 273 pounds, he is not big enough to play the end position except in pass-only downs, and he lacks the athleticism to be a good OLB. He has never been above 283 pounds, but given time, he may add enough to his frame to contribute at DE. Because he has little major college experience either, I would expect him to be a practice squad player until he adds bulk and learns the position at this level.6b: Brandon Underwood...My first thought when I saw this pick was, "you're kidding--ANOTHER safety?" The Packers already have two studs in Nick Collins and Atari Bigby, and Aaron Rouse and recently (and inexplicably) signed free agent Anthony Smith, plus a decent back-up in Charlie Pepprah. So how is Brandon Underwood going to see the field?Apparently, as a cornerback. Because he was out of Cincinnati, I knew little of him, but in my research, I found out his natural position is corner, and he only switched to safety when pressed to it by injuries. This suggests not only versatility, but a team-first attitude. After failing to meet academic requirements for Ohio State (hard to believe, isn't it?), he worked his way through college and is just 24 hours from a criminal justice degree.He is tall (6'1") and lean (198 pounds), but very chiseled. He has good speed, claiming to have run a 4.36, 40-yard dash time at his best. He showed the ability to get to the ball, with four picks, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries.Thus, while he is unlikely to pass Pro Bowl cornerbacks Charles Woodson or Al Harris, or even unseat nickelback Tramon Williams, who filled in so well for Harris, I would not be surprised to see him in the mix for the dimeback position with last year's second round pick Pat Lee and special teams standout Will Blackmon. If so, he may be the steal of the draft for the Packers; at the very least, his special teams experience and his talent likely signal the end for Jarrett Bush.7: Brad Jones played outside linebacker for Colorado in the 3-4 defense, but at 6'3", 232 pounds, he is too small to play that right away. Nevertheless, he can concentrate on adding weight and may be worth keeping around until he does. His senior season, he racked up 78 tackles, 48 of which were solo, and had seven sacks and 14 tackles for loss to lead his team. If he even makes the team, he was worthy of a seventh-round pick.6