Major Mocksters give their projections for Packers #1 pick

Published Apr 10th, 2013 at 12:38 pm by Raymond Rivard2013 NFL Draft on Lombardiave.com       

 

Louisville Cardinals running back Jeremy Wright (28) is tackled by Florida Gators defensive back Matt Elam (22) as his helmet comes off during the second half of the Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

Jason Wilde of ESPN Wisconsin admittedly had some time on his hands today, so he very nicely posted a succinct list of mock draft projections for the Green Bay Packers from the major mocksters across the country.

As you can see below, the majority of these mocks include the names of Lacy, Eifert, and Elam, but there are a few surprises thrown in for good measure as well.

Alabama Crimson Tide running back Eddie Lacy.
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Frankly, I’m hoping that Ted Thompson throws everyone for a loop on Draft Day by either trading that pick back into the second or third rounds. I think everyone agrees that this draft class, beyond the top 10 projections, doesn’t have the superstar players worth trading up to get. Those that are to be found in the second and third rounds are not far off the talent level of those who will be found in the back end of the first round.

So why not take a chance? After all, we know that Thompson’s greatest strength as a drafter is his ability to find the hidden gems in the later rounds.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish former player Tyler Eifert.
Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

So, what are your thoughts? Does Thompson go with the safe picks of Lacy, Eifert or Elam or pick up a couple of more picks through a trade or two and go after the gems in the second to middle rounds.

Here is the list of Packers Draft picks Wilde put together from the major mocksters around the country:
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN: Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama 

Todd McShay, ESPN: Menelik Watson, OT, Florida State

Peter Schrager, FOXSports.com: Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia

Tony Grossi, ESPNCleveland: Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame.

Russ Lande, National Football Post: Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama

Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: Manti Te’o, ILB, Notre Dame

Don Banks, Sports Illustrated: Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame

Rob Rang, NFL Draft Scout: Matt Elam, S, Florida 

Dane Brugler, NFL Draft Scout: Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame

Pete Prisco, CBSSports.com: Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State

Pat Kirwan, CBSSports.com: Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama

Clark Judge, CBSSports.com: Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M 

Bucky Brooks, NFL.com: Eric Reid, S, LSU

Akbar Gbaja-Biamila, NFL.com: Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama 

Gil Brandt, NFL.com: Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin

Charley Casserly, NFL.com: Matt Elam, S, Florida