The 2008 NFL Draft is in the books and with the calendar turning to May, Training Camp is right around the corner. Here’s a look at what talent the Green Bay Packers and general manager Ted Thompson acquired and how those players will fit into the 53-man roster that will break camp at the end of August.

Round 2, 36th Overall: WR Jordy Nelson-Kansas State (6’3, 217 lbs.)

No receivers were taken in round one of the draft, allowing Thompson to trade out of the first round and down six spots to grab Nelson, who had a remarkable senior season with 122 receptions for 1,606 yards and 11 touchdowns. Furthermore, despite just five punt return opportunities, Nelson took two back for touchdowns.

Most teams had other receivers rated higher, but Thompson was sold on the effort and work ethic of the former walk-on. Nelson, however, joins a loading receiving corps and will look for time behind starters Donald Driver, Greg Jennings and emerging second-year pro James Jones. With his high draft status virtually guaranteeing a roster spot, fellow reserves and 2007 contributors Ruvell Martin and Koren Robinson will battle for the fifth, and probably final receiver roster spot.

Round 2, 56th Overall: QB Brian Brohm-Louisville (6’3, 232 lbs.)

Brohm had an outstanding junior season and likely would have been a top-15 pick had he come out then, but he came back for his senior season and with a coaching change his production fell off. Still, he ranks amongst the all-time career leaders in Big East history in most major passing statistics.

He’s had some tendon injuries in the past, but Thompson and the Packers feel comfortable about his durability. The Packers were adamant that this move puts no added pressure on first-year starter Aaron Rodgers. Brohm will likely be the top backup to Rodgers and carries a high football intellect, crucial if Green Bay needs him to make a start this season.

Round 2, 60th Overall: CB Patrick Lee-Auburn (6’0, 194 lbs.)

Finding corners at 6-foot and that run 4.4 in the 40-yard dash with experience with the bump-and-run style is never easy but the Packers found one in Lee. Scouts see him as a bit of a project but the Packers are hoping he will one day fill the starting shoes of Al Harris, 33, or Charles Woodson, 31. The Packers struggled with the nickel corner position on third down and Lee could compete with Tramon Williams and Will Blackmon for that spot.

Round 3, 91st Overall: TE Jermichael Finley-Texas (6’5, 243 lbs.)

Finley, a third-year sophomore brings big-time athleticism for his frame to the position. Some projections had Finley going to the Packers in the second round so perhaps the Packers are getting some value here. Finley and Tory Humphrey, who spent 2007 on injured reserve, will fight a camp battle for the back up job behind starter Donald Lee. His blocking skills must develop to receive a solid amount of playing time.

Round 4, 102nd Overall: DE Jeremy Thompson-Wake Forest (6’4, 264 lbs.)

For the first time in the nine drafts that Thompson has lead (5 with Seattle, 4 with GB) he traded up. Thompson is a bit-undersized but will have a chance to be behind starters Aaron Kampman, Cullen Jenkins and third-down rusher Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila.

Round 4, 135th Overall: OG Josh Sitton-Central Florida (6’3, 319 lbs.)

Sitton will enter the guard fray with the likes of Jason Spitz, who likely will earn a starting job, Darren Colledge, Junius Coston and Allen Barbre.

Round 5, 150th Overall: OT Breno Giacomini-Louisville (6’7, 303 lbs.)

Giacomini is a converted tight end who developed into Brohm’s blindside tackle. With starting tackles Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher aging, particularly Clifton, the Packers are looking to groom replacements.

Round 7, 209th Overall: QB Matt Flynn-LSU (6’2, 231 lbs.)

Flynn led the Tigers to a National Title in 2007. His ability is limited but his leadership qualities make him a solid bet to earn the third quarterback job.

Round 7, 217th Overall: WR Brett Swain-San Diego State (6’0, 194 lbs.)

With the receiving corps loaded, Swain will be looking to earn a practice squad spot.

> Comments