The Mock Draft Muncher still has the Packers taking Raji, but Malcolm Jenkins is climbing up the charts for them.  Why?  Well, after the Chiefs made their trade for Vrabel and Cassel, many folks think their next biggest need is a big body in the middle of their new 3-4 defense.  Which would mean Raji would be gone at #3.

The good folks over at the Warroom at Sporting News have a different idea than Jenkins — Rey Maualuga, the stud line backer from USC.  He’s another guy like Jenkins that stayed another year despite being a first round prospect.  Like Jenkins, he didn’t disappoint.  Unlike Jenkins, he makes a better fit for the Packers.

Maualuga is the 3-4 MLB the Packers don’t have on their roster.  He’s the guy who can actually come up and smack offensive linemen in the mouth and drive them back.  He sheds blocks rather than running around them, and he does all that while still being able to drop back in coverage and having the range to play from sideline to sideline.  I know, the Packers already have 2 middle linebackers they’re paying a lot of money in Barnett and Hawk.  But, neither of them are well suited for this role.  Somebody has to be the “Ray Lewis” of this defense, or for those of you who remember the Packers when they used to play the 3-4, someone needs to be Brian Noble.  However, based on the praises the scouts are singing, Ray Lewis would be a closer comparison.  I’d take that with a 9th pick. 

Wait…an impact player in the first round?  That’s just crazy talk, I’m sure Ted would rather turn that into 2 late first round picks and then eventually parlay those into every pick in the 7th round!  What a glorious day it would be!  32 new players all at 7th round prices!  MAWAHAHAHA!!