Packers Draft a Dozen

While the big names all get drafted in the first day, the Green Bay Packers are hoping they managed to snag some hidden talents in the NFL Draft's later rounds.

General Manager Ted Thompson has said his main avenue of building the Packers would be through the draft. He increased the probably of hitting on draft winners by turning five picks into 12.

The Packers got six defensemen -- including two linebackers, two defensive backs, and two defensive linemen -- and six offensemen -- two wide receivers, three offensive linemen, and a quarterback.
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Thompson managed to fill needs with most of the selections, filling critical needs at wide receiver and linebacker, and on the interior offensive line.

Whether some of those players will be able to step in right away remains to be seen but the Packers hope they've been able to plug some holes in the roster.

"We trusted our board," new head coach Mike McCarthy said. "Any time you can get quality players at positions of need, that's great, because it creates competition on your football team."

The Packers opened the second day of the NFL Draft building up their offense by picking two wide receivers who are also strong return specialists.

Their first pick in the fourth round, 104th overall, was Dacor (Cory) Rodgers from Texas Christian University. Rodgers, who's an even six feet tall and 187 pounds, is a wide receiver but specializes in kick returns. According to the Packers, he made 150 catches in his college career, including 17 for touchdowns, and holds TCU's school record returning kickoffs for 1,700 yards. Rodgers is in his junior year and decided to leave early for a professional career.

The Packers traded their 109th overall pick to Philadelphia for two lower picks, giving Green Bay 12 picks in this draft. Their next pick came soon after, at 115th overall, to nab Will Blackmon out of Boston College. Blackmon, an even six feet tall and 199 pounds, found his niche as a receiver in his senior year after being moved from cornerback, and NFLDraftScout.com recognizes his "game-breaking ability as a return specialist."