I gotta admit, this year’s draft snuck up on me. Too busy with the rest of life I guess. But, it’s finally here!! This is like Christmas for Packer fans because it’s the only way Ted Thompson acquires new players it seems. So, without further ado, Packer draft predictions:

1. The Packers will select a cornerback on Saturday (rounds 1 and 2 are on Saturday).  One of their first 3 picks will be a cornerback.  Has to be.  Why?  Because as many as 2 dozen corners will be taken in the first 2 rounds.  There might not be any superstars, but there’s a lot of talent at that position.  Making it likely that Ted’s philosophy of taking the best available will in fact be a corner.  Plus, the Packers could use another one with how slow Al Harris looked against elite wide receivers last year.
2. The Packers will select a quarterback, but it won’t be until Sunday.  Why?  They have to have another QB.  They do.  Why do you think Daunte Culpepper was in Green Bay 2 days ago?  But, Ted won’t use a high pick because with Favre retired, he’s finally got his guy at the helm.  He doesn’t want any other distractions or fans clamoring for the rookie to play.  So, I don’t see them taking Flacco or Henne in the second round.  More likely a Josh Johnson kind of guy who is a raw talent and has potential.  That will give Rodgers a couple of years before anyone could really challenge him for the position.
3. The Packers will select multiple offensive linemen.  Ted’s been trying to solve this line problem every since he got there.  He keeps adding guys in hopes of finding someone who can play.  Perhaps he should let someone else choose who that lineman actually is since his track record isn’t very good.
4. Despite the need for running back, Ted will continue to amaze everyone with his inability to select a runningback of any worth.  In fact, it seems the only offensive players Ted is capable of finding are wide receivers.  Everyone else he places such little value on that he trades low round picks off the scrap heaps to try to get buy.  Ryan Grant was a great pickup, but what else have you got?
5. There will be more defensive players selected than offensive players.  It’s in Ted’s blood.  Given 2 equally talented players, Ted will always take the defensive player.  More linebackers and defensive linemen to go with the aforementioned CB.  Probably another CB too.  Or maybe a tweener guy in the late rounds to see if he can find a cheap safety.

I always liked Ron Wolf’s philosophy of always taking at least one CB and at least one QB in the draft.  Those are two positions you can never have enough talent at.  Sitting at 30 is a perfect place for Ted because he doesn’t have to justify his pick to anyone.  He can simply say it was the top guy on their board.  The Packers have no glaring needs, but they need help at plenty of positions.  Also in Ted’s favor.

So, at 2:00 tomorrow turn on your TV to ESPN and “getcha popcorn ready”.