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Mel Kiper Sees the Packers Taking....

By Dan O'Donnell

Story Created: Feb 4, 2010 at 12:19 PM CST

...USC safety Taylor Mays.

Here's Kiper's blurb about the Packers' draft needs (link goes to ESPN Insider):

 

Green Bay Packers
Top needs: OT, S, RB, LB, CB
First round (23): S Taylor Mays
Second-round options (56): OT/G Vladimir Ducasse, , OT Selvish Capers, RB Ryan Mathews, RB Joe McKnight,
Third-round options (86): RB Montario Hardesty, LB Patrick Angerer, OT Kyle Calloway, CB Trevard Lindley
Summary: Need meets value in Round 1 when the Packers solve a problem in the secondary by getting the maligned but undeniably talented Taylor Mays, who showed some caution this year both in coverage and as a tackler, but didn't get a lot of help from a very young USC defense. The Packers need to continue to build the offensive line because Aaron Rodgers was under too much pressure this year, but I also think they want to add depth and talent to the RB position. And you never have too many talented LBs in the 3-4 Dom Capers has installed.

 

I agree that safety is a position of need (and the last USC defender Green Bay drafted turned into a monster!), but the Packers clearly need to shore up their offensive line before they do anything else.  If Aaron Rodgers isn't adequately protected next season, there's no chance that this offense clicks at all, let alone allows him to pass for another 4,000 yards.  Football games are won and lost in the trenches, and as such teams should generally try to build from the inside out.

24 Comments

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  1. Johnny - Feb 04, 2010 1:08 PM

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    Looking at the magic 8 ball, "Is Mel right that the Packers will take Taylor Mays?"

    My sources say no

  2. Eric B - Feb 04, 2010 1:13 PM

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    So this means the Packers aren't taking Mays. Kiper and McShay, and all the other so called experts are as relaible as the weatherman. The only decent draft expert/ forecaster was Doctor Z from SI (Before he suffered a stroke) and Gil Brandt is sometimes decent. Otherwise these guys are useless

  3. JB89 - Feb 04, 2010 1:32 PM

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    Agreed. Mel Kiper is an idiot. Has he ever even worn a jock? How did Rodgers manage to throw for 4,000 yards this year if he won't be able to do it next year? Tauscher will be back.

  4. Andy - Feb 04, 2010 1:52 PM

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    How will our offense not click at all next year if we can't protect him? I believe Rodgers started in the Pro Bowl with the WORST o line in the NFL. So to say that is ridiculous. I agree we need lineman but all the 1st round worthy lineman will be gone so thus we need to go with Mays or a corner. Al Harris is done. Hell have to be our nickel because he is 35 coming off a torn ACL. He was already getting slower, this is just gonna hurt him more.

  5. Guest - Feb 04, 2010 2:07 PM

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    The Packers gave up an average of 37.5 points per game in their 6 losses (regular season plus playoffs). The offensive line has problems but the the middle of our defense, beyond the D-Line, was absolutely abused at times this year. If Mays is around late in Round 1, he'd be a steal.

  6. Guest - Feb 04, 2010 2:26 PM

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    I believe Dan O'Donnell said the offense wouldnt click not Mel Kiper Jr.

  7. Mike - Kenosha - Feb 04, 2010 4:30 PM

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    Kiper's the one that said Andre Ware was a can't miss..enough said.

  8. Jim - Feb 04, 2010 5:58 PM

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    The thing I've never been able to understand is who made Mel Kiper the foremost authority on the draft? We're just suppose to accept this clown as an expert but any time I've watched the draft he misses more picks than he hits. I've watched him look outraged at the audacity that some team didn't pick who he thought they should.

  9. - Feb 04, 2010 8:17 PM

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    If Mays is there when the Pack picks, its value at a need spot. Mays would've been a top 10 pick if he came out last year, no one doubts his physical gifts. Agreed that all the first round talented o-lineman will be gone by the time the Pack picks. Need to shore up that secondary as much as the o-line. Mays might not even be there though. That said, goofs like Kiper and McShay are almost always wrong with who the Pack drafts.

  10. - Feb 04, 2010 8:36 PM

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    The Packers will trade out of the 1st Round anyways, so it doesnt really matter what Mel and Co. think !

  11. Joe - Feb 04, 2010 9:37 PM

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    "The Packers will trade out of the 1st Round anyways, so it doesnt really matter what Mel and Co. think !"

    This comment is about as useful as any by Kiper. TT has traded INTO the first round as often as he has traded out in his time in GB.

  12. whfalconheadbasher - Feb 05, 2010 2:14 AM

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    The Packers will draft the kid from idaho liphati or something. He is nfl ready and will be an anchor for an offensive line liiking for stability. It's not a sexy pick but will show the current line that their jobs are on the line!

  13. itscalledfootball - Feb 05, 2010 2:42 AM

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    they need a place kicker also

  14. - Feb 05, 2010 8:13 AM

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    "TT has traded INTO the first round as often as he has traded out in his time in GB." ...Joe your comment is useless. Go over Thompsons drafts and tell me he has traded into the 1st round the same as trading out . nice statement

  15. Ben - Feb 05, 2010 9:22 AM

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    We should get LaDainian Tomlinson.

  16. Sal BP - Feb 05, 2010 10:48 AM

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    I say take the best available from the positions of need. If Mays is the best available, you have to take him. The last thing we need to do is reach for an OL and wind up with another Jon Michaels - the last USC OL drafted by the Pack.

  17. JB89 - Feb 05, 2010 11:43 AM

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    "Joe your comment is useless. Go over Thompsons drafts and tell me he has traded into the 1st round the same as trading out . nice statement"

    So, how many times has he trade out of the first round?

  18. Dude wheres my car - Feb 05, 2010 11:50 AM

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    I agree with Ben. We should get LT

  19. oldguy59 - Feb 05, 2010 5:32 PM

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    I wonder what guys like Kiper would do if they had to get a real job?

  20. Joe - Feb 07, 2010 4:39 PM

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    "TT has traded INTO the first round as often as he has traded out in his time in GB." ...Joe your comment is useless. Go over Thompsons drafts and tell me he has traded into the 1st round the same as trading out . nice statement"

    TT has traded out of the first round exactly once in my memory. He has traded into the first round exactly once. If right, my statement is indeed nice. His first round picks are Rodgers, Hawk, Harrell, Raji, Matthews. 5 1st in 5 years. Couldn't have traded out much.
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