Playing catch-up...

It's been a few days.

Here are the updates:

1) Collins and Pickett get the long term deals they were looking for. (4-years apiece I believe)
2) Tauscher signs a 3-year deal.

My thoughts:
1) Good and it is about time. They have been nothing but solid since their arrival in Green Bay and the team couldn't expect to be better without them. There is no one better readily available at either position.  I see Collins being quite good throughout his career, and Pickett transitioning to #2 NT behind Raji over the course of the coming year.

2) I feel this is the smartest move the Packers can make at this point.  Things got better when Tauscher came back. Despite his age, he is coming off of knee surgery, and typically, a player plays better their second season after the surgery. So, a quick run-down of the current state and why re-signing Tauscher is the best decision:

    a) There are arguably no better free agents at the RT position.
    b) The alternatives are to trust players from our current roster to step up, or rely on a rookie.
    c) Tauscher will be further removed from surgery.

So, there aren't any better, more readily available options. Last year showed us that guys we thought were ready, were not. T. J. Lang has shown some promise, but he was our only healthy and capable backup last year.  He may eventually fill the shoes of the RT spot (I'd prefer to try him at center as many scouting reports pre-draft said he would be capable of), but for now, I don't think there is any good argument for not re-signing Tauscher. We now get to go into the new season, with everyone back except for Kampman (where Jones filled in quite well, considering he was a 7th round pick). So in theory, our offensive line should be the same, or slightly better than the end of 2009.  We get Spitz back, and everyone healthy. Unfortunately, all three of our division rivals now possess equal or better defensive lines than last year.  It's a good start, and the starting point we need going into the draft.  We still need to find our future linemen, but the Pack has done the right thing thus far.

From here, and I know I sound like a broken record, but try to swing a deal with the Saints for Jermon Bushrod.  He wasn't absolutely stellar last year, but he filled in at LT well enough to help the Saints to the Super Bowl.  That has to count for something.  He is young, and experienced.  If I were Ted, I'd offer the Saints something like a conditional 3rd rounder in the 2011 draft based on Bushrod's playing time.  If he plays enough, they get our 2nd rounder.  This preserves all of our picks in this years supposedly deep draft class, gives us an instant depth upgrade and possibly our future LT, gives the Saints something since they have a rare excess of young tackles, and gives Bushrod a much brighter future as Clifton has been injured a bit more lately and he doesn't have to wait behind a 28 year old, two-time Pro-Bowler (Jammal Brown).

The above move would help keep the temptation of reaching due to need out of the upcoming draft. I still think it would be a great idea to draft an OT if one of the first-round type of guys is available at number 23 and no one else has really dropped. But I think it would be far better going into the season feeling as though we have some capable depth and a team ready for the future.

As for other guys from the draft I'd love to see in green and gold, three other players are standing out in my mind during mid rounds.  Eric Decker, WR, Minnesota, and Jordan Shippley, WR, Texas.  I know we have some good depth at receiver, but Driver is unfortunately aging a bit, and you can't continue to expect him to go over the middle and sacrifice his body as much as he used to. Decker and Shippley are not really speed demons, but they are excellent route runners and show no fear going over the middle.  Combine that type of receiver with Jennings and Finely and the rest of our WR corp, and you're going to really give defenses a hard time for the next few years. Either one could be available in the third round and would be worth serious consideration.  The other guy that really comes to mind is Myron Rolle.  I still really like Bigby, but he hasn't been very durable.  Getting a guy like Rolle, in say, the fourth round, would be great because he needs a little time to get into football shape (which he'd have behind Bigby), and he's incredibly smart (which is extremely important in a 3-4). In time, it could develop into a nice rotation between he and Bigby, with Rolle playing more passing downs, and Bigby playing the run downs. 

As for guys I don't want to see the Packers take, there aren't too many.  Bruce Campbell jumps to mind.  He's a workout warrior and a great athlete.  He could stand to put on a few pounds if he wants to play tackle at the pro level.  But, his smaller size and athleticism may draw the Packers toward him with their zone-blocking scheme.  I would like to have this guy on the team and I think he would be able to fill in, but after seeing some tape on him, I just feel his chances of becoming an elite, franchise LT are slimmer than those of some of the other projected first round LTs.

How about you guys? Anyone out there you would love to see in green and gold?  How about some names you don't think would be a good fit?

Mock Draft, First round (part two)

My mock draft predictions continue...

17) 49ers - They still could use some help at OG, DT, or RT

Verdict: Mike Iupati G, Idaho
Why: While there are still some good OT's on the board, the 49ers have Gore and need to keep their running game strong if they want to give Alex Smith a chance.  Need for a OG is a little bit more prominent and I think he is the only worthy first round OG. They could take C.J. Spiller here, but to be honest, Gore is back and Coffee didn't run too poorly in his absence. Spiller would probably require too much money for a minimal impact.

18) Steelers - Boy, what happened last year?  This team has one of the better rosters in the NFL and they couldn't get it together.  They don't have any glaring holes as it stands. They are in position to take the BPA and they could use some depth at RB or CB.

Verdict: C. J. Spiller RB, Clemson
Last year, they got Mendenall and it paid off well.  He is a powerful back and be quite a workhorse.  Spiller compliments him nice and would give Big Ben another weapon (not that he needs any more).

19) Falcons - Their secondary could really use a boost.  They may be getting that soon as they are reportedly linked to Dunta Robinson.  Now would also be a good time to find a successor to Gonzalez's throne.

Verdict: Kyle Wilson CB, Boise State
Why:  Even if they get Robinson, they could still use a quality guy like Wilson. It would be a nice fit as he wouldn't necessarily have to start immediately.

20) Texans - Another team that needs lots of help.  They could afford to trade down here for some more picks.  But anything will help so best player available is...

Verdict: Bryan Bulaga OT, Iowa
Why: They need help everywhere and should be thrilled with anyone at this point outside of a QB or TE.

21) Bengals - They shocked me last season.  It looks like they've got their groove back a bit.  They could really benefit from a skilled, pass-catching TE or a good S.

Verdict: Jermaine Gresham TE, Oklahoma
Why:  I think it is a position teams don't pay much attention to when they play the Bengals.  They need receiving help and getting a good star TE would provide just that. It might be too early for a TE, but he has a lot of upside and the Bengals won't get him otherwise.

22) Patriots - These guys could really use some help on defense.  They still haven't filled the loss of Richard Seymour.

Verdict: Carlos Dunlap DE, Florida
Why: I think he can bulk up a little bit and be quite an effective end in a 3-4. I know he is projected as a 4-3 DE, but if he can pack on a little muscle he might be able to fill in Seymour's shoes.

23) Packers - The highest priority for them should be protecting Aaron Rodgers.  They struggled with it early last year and with the potential of losing both starting tackles in free agency, better get it together.

Verdict: Trent Williams OT, Oklahoma
Why: He's a guy that continues to work to improve.  He also has the potential to come in and help immediately.  He's a bit undersized weight wise, but that may work to his advantage in a zone-blocking scheme. Depending on training camp and preseason work, he could fill in at either OT position.

24) Eagles - Philly needs to get a bit better defensively if they want to be contenders next year.  That is the side of the ball I would guess they would look to pick on.

Verdict: Sergio Kindle OLB, Texas
Why:  LB is not a strong point for the Eagles and getting a good young player in Kindle would be excellent for them.  He played in a tough conference in college and will probably be one of the more NFL ready players coming out of this draft.

25) Ravens - These guys need a WR like salad needs dressing.  No one just eats lettuce. Well, no one I know of. They could go for a C here too but it may be a bit of a reach.

Verdict: Arrelious Benn WR, Illinois
Why: They have their choice of WR's here and would probably value them higher than anyone else at this point.  Golden Tate has potential, but Benn is a safer choice here. He is a nice big target that Joe Flacco can get comfortable with.

26) Cardinals - Maybe they can trade Leinart to Seattle and move up or accumulate some more picks. It could work out well if Seattle wanted Leinart and the Cards could draft Bradford.  But other than that, they could really use some help on defense.

Verdict: Brian Price DT, UCLA
Why: He'd provide them with a solid upgrade on the DL.

27) Cowboys - Mr. Moneybags could use some fire on his DL.  S wouldn't be a bad pick either.  Unfortunately, there's not much value at any of those spots here for the Boys.  It would be wise to trade up or down here, or take the BPA.

Verdict: Bruce Campbell OT, Maryland
Why: He's a good player and wouldn't be forced to start right away.  He has a nice upside and could help an aging Dallas line.

28) Chargers - The Bolts have really stretched themselves thin at RB.  I have to believe they plan on addressing it in free agency.  They also released DT Jamal Williams without a clear heir.  I am not sure what they are thinking.  I would trade down and draft Terrance Cody maybe?

Verdict: Jared Odrick DT -> DE, Penn State
Why:  He was my original pick for them prior to their crazy cutting. He could make a nice transition to a 3-4 DE and keep the Bolts strong on the defensive side of the ball.

29) Jets - Pretty solid team.  If Sanchez develops well, they could be a force.  They could use another WR and some depth at CB even though they just traded for Antonio Cromartie.

Verdict: Nate Allen S, South Florida
Why: Well I can't really see them spending a first rounder on a CB now.  However, it appears Rhodes is on his way out so a good S would be a nice addition to keep the secondary strong, in case teams start game-planning for Revis island.

30) Vikings - This is pretty easy for the Vikings.  They need a QB for the future, and Washington is looking for a first round pick for Campbell.  If I'm the Vikings, this is the best move.  If Favre decides he has another year in him, that's fine. Campbell stands the possibility of the Skins drafting a QB and him riding pine anyway.  If Favre actually hangs it up, Campbell has starting NFL experience and despite a poor record, has some great potential.  I've read plenty of scouts think he can still be a really good QB for a team that isn't a circus show.  If not, LB or CB could be a good pick here.

Verdict: Patrick Robinson CB, Florida State
Why: A given here since he's a good value and they need help at CB. Winfield isn't getting any younger and has questions surrounding his health.  They would welcome the depth.

31) Colts - They are in pretty rough shape at LB and DT. Lucky for them....

Verdict: Brandon Graham OLB, Michigan
Why:  He could be a steal at this point.  Other teams just don't need him and I've heard his stock is falling a bit.  He could have the upside the Colts need.

32) Saints - The Super Bowl Champs look pretty good across the board yet.  They have some questions at LB and C though.

Verdict: Maurkice Pouncey C, Florida
Why:  He's arguably the best player available here and would give the Saints some good depth on their already good OL.

Some may argue that this mock is too need-based.  To an extent, that may be true. Truth is, teams grade people differently.  This is just what I would do at each position.