With no apologies to Lady Gaga, the best poker face in the business belongs to Packers GM Ted Thompson on draft day.
So rather than pick just one player, I'm going to give you a lot of food for thought on what could happen if the Pack stays at number 23 in the first round.
There are three positions of great need. I'm told it's very likely the Packers take an offensive lineman in the first 2 rounds. The left tackle of the future could be found in 323 pound Anthony Davis of Rutgers, or 303-pound Charles Brown of USC. If the Pack trades up (there was a rumor they talked about moving up between 10 and 12), it would be to go after Iowa's Bryan Bulaga.
Spot two, cornerback. A defensive back with return ability will get priority. With several vets returning from injury, a physical corner with return skills like Boise State's Kyle Wilson, who is the best of the bunch. He benched 225 pounds 25 times, second best at the combine among cornerbacks. Or how about a burner like Florida State's Patrick Robinson (one Packers official told me just turn on tape of the Clemson game when he chases down C.J. Spiller), or the all-around skills of Rutgers Devin McCourty could be enticing. McCourty has good character, but a little tightness in his movement.
Alabama's Kareem Jackson also seems to be rising at the right time, while trading back the Pack could still possibly get Virginia's Chris Cook.
And spot three, a pass rushing linebacker opposite Clay Matthews. Sergio Kindle of Texas, Brandon Graham of Michigan and Jerry Hughes of TCU could provide a rush. The Cardinals showed that with little pressure, the Packers defense can get picked apart with ease. That has to be a big concern on GM Ted Thompson's mind.
The Packers would love competition at safety for Atari Bigby. They could find that in USC's Taylor Mays, who ran a blazing 4.4 40 at the combine...and hits hard, but doesn't wrap up on tackles.
And more running back depth could be found, if the Packers can't pass on the potential of Cal's Jahvid Best.
Emails at lallan@todaystmj4.com
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