I think this was a surprisingly poor draft for the Packers. With all their picks, they really needed to bring in more immediate help. While many are criticizing the pick of Justin Harrell, I actually don't think its that bad. It was a slight reach based on where he was projected to go, but I think he'll ultimately prove worthy of a top twenty selection. He's a hard working player that will be a force on the Packers' defensive line; the fans in Green Bay will learn to love him. I have a big problem with their picks of Brandon Jackson and James Jones. Jackson has never carried the load in college, so how can they expect him to make a smooth transition to starting NFL running back. They needed a proven guy like Antonio Pittman there. Jones was a major reach. I like his potential, but in the third round there was much better talent available. Rouse is a solid pick. He could end up being a contributor even as a rookie. Barbre has some talent, but he's a developmental prospect. Clowney isn't going to be a number one receiver, but he can stretch the field. Hall and Bishop are both backups and special teamers. Crosby was a steal; he should beat out Dave Rayner for the starting job. I don't think DeShawn Wynn is actually much worse than Brandon Jackson, so he could be a contributor even as a 7th round pick. Clark Harris also had some value in the 7th round. He's a little overrated, but he could compete for the backup tight end job. In the end, the Packers gave Favre very little immediate help. I expected them to select a tight end earlier in the draft and they needed more of a sure thing at running back. Instead they just got a lot of developmental type players.
Grade: C+

Overall, this was a solid draft for the Packer, but Brett Favre probably isn't real happy. This was a draft for the future, and will not help the Packers much in 2006. Hawk will be an impact player, and is a legitimate candidate for defensive rookie of the year in 2006. I like the selection of Colledge and Spitz for their offensive line, but neither player projects as a starter as a rookie. I've liked Jennings all through the draft process and was pleased to see him get selected in the 2nd round, but he is raw and will does not figure to help Favre much. Rodgers and Blackmon are both kick return guys and neither one has much of a future as a receiver. Hodge is a solid pick in the 3rd round, he'll give them some much needed depth at linebacker. Tyrone Culver is the best of the late round picks, but Ingle Martin will be an interesting guy to watch develop over the next few years.
Grade: B