Give the guy some credit, he knows who he is.  He traded out of the first round with the Jets to get a second round pick just 6 picks later and he picked up another 4th round pick.  That trade neither surprised me nor disappointed me.  The talent was going to be about the same and the cost was going to be less.  A perfect Ted Thomspon kind of move.  Which leads us to Jordy Nelson.

My first reaction to the pick was, who?  And, why a WR?  He certainly is none of the “sizzle” Thompson claims to have.  After checking out who he is, he may end up being a good pick for the Packers.  He reminds me of the Jennings pick.  Plus, when you look at where he excels, short routes over the middle and returning kicks, you can see why Teddy likes him.  With Driver 33 and Jennings under contract for just 2 more years (I hope that changes) Nelson looks like Driver’s eventual replacement.  Just seems like he could have been had a little later.

I was disappointed to see Ray Rice go right before the Packers pick.  I was surprised he was still available.  I was surprised Brohm was still available too, but figured Thompson wouldn’t create any problems for his boy A-Rod.  But, he stayed true to himself and his board and picked the best player available.  I love this pick.  If Rodgers falters or gets hurt, you’ve got a kid who everyone said was a top 5 pick in last year’s draft.  He decided to return, and it cost him a lot of money, but the Packers made out like bandits.

I like the Patrick Lee pick as well.  The Packers have a need there and they got a guy who was projected to go in the second round.  I like that he’s at his best in press coverage.  So many CB’s these days seem to fit the cover-2.  It’s hard to find guys that can be left out on an island.

Now comes day 2.  I hope the Packers pick up some offensive linemen unless they believe Barbre and Coston are enough to push Colledge and Spitz to play better.  I hope they pick up a DE somewhere along the line.  We’re still short at TE and RB as well.  With one pick in the 3rd and 3 picks in the 4th, we should be able to address those needs.  But, Thompson has stayed with his board and he’d surprise me if he didn’t continue that way.  So, here’s some value for his board:

• Jamaal Charles, RB, Texas – Fits one cut style of play the Packers prefer.  Should go in the 3rd round
• Andre Fluellen, DT, Florida State – A bit undersized but could end up being Corey Williams replacement or play strong side DE
• John Greco, G, Toledo – Because he’s from a small school he’s lasted this long, but he could help solidify the Packers line
• Chad Rinehart, OT/G, Northern Iowa – Another small school guy, but he excelled in the Senior Bowl.  Additionally, his value is being able to play both tackle and guard.

But, remember this is Thomspon.  Expect someone other than these names to show up.  Like Josh Johnson from San Diego to make the team’s 3rd QB, or Pat Sims to select another extra large DT.