The Houndstooth Huddle

2.)  Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State:  

Like most collegiate d-linemen, Worthy coasted at times, but that won’t fly in the the NFL.  Anyone who saw him play knows Worthy’s explosiveness and ability to penetrate are rare for 305 pounds.  The Packers DL Coach (Trgovac) is going to have to stay on him to develop him into the player the Packers want him to be.

3.) Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt:

Hayward adds much needed depth in the secondary for the Packers. He probably doesn’t have the upside of Perry and Worthy, but he’s a much safer choice because you know what you’re getting with him. Hayward is excellent playing in zones, is smart, and has great instincts (15 INTs).  He should at least be an effective nickel corner.

4.)  Mike Daniels, DT, Iowa: 

He’s a high-energy player (which you can’t teach), but his short stature is what pushed him down draft boards.  He is an explosive, technical and tough player that should at least find a role as a pass rusher, something Green Bay certainly needed last year.  It’s just my hunch, but I bet he develops into a good player.  Most the guys that are hard workers, and always give 100%, but have been told they’re too small their entire career don’t stop working until the reach their goals.  

5.)   Jerron McMillian, S, Maine:  

He ran a 4.36 at his Pro Day.  He’s a hard hitter and tough competitor.  He should at least be able to compete for the #3 safety spot and be a solid contributor on special teams.

6.)  Terrell Manning, ILB, North Carolina State:

Considering he played outside at NC State, he’ll have to adjust playing inside in the 3-4 defense.  He’s short for an inside linebacker, isn’t overly physical, and doesn’t take on blocks very well.  But he had as many turnover-producing plays as any linebacker in the draft.  Over time, he might have the tools to start if he doesn’t have more knee problems. 

7.)  Andrew Datko, T, Florida State:  

He was a starter at LT for Florida State for 4 years, but he doesn’t have the athleticism to play LT in the NFl, and his shoulder problems scared off most teams.

8.)  B.J. Coleman, QB, Tennessee-Chattanooga:  

He has a good arm,  above average accuracy and his decision-making is pretty good.  He had an adequate career after leaving Tennessee when Lane Kiffin handed the starting job to Jonathan Crompton.

Scouts question if Coleman has the right stuff to be a leader.  He’s smart and meticulous in his preparation, but his single-mindedness is said to be over the top.  Teammates don’t gravitate to him.  If he starts calling out receivers in Green Bay as has in his past, I think it’s safe to say that he won’t be around long.

The Packers were in desperate need for a pass rusher opposite of Clay Matthews, who was double- and sometimes triple-teamed last year, and they landed USC DE/OLB Nick Perry (6’ 3”, 271 lbs) with their first pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.  Perry is a physical freak (4.64 40, 35 reps on the bench, 38.5 vertical, and 124.0 inch broad jump), who flashed big-time ability during his career at USC.  The knock on him was that his film was very inconsistent, and that turned off some teams.  Most scouts believe you either have a motor, or you don’t.  The rate of players that seem to bust from USC has been high.  Some personnel people apparently regard USC as a soft program with entitled players, and I would have a hard time arguing against that.  Guys like Clay Matthews and Troy Polamalu are the exceptions.   

I like the pick.  He has very good athleticism, strength, and burst for a guy with his size, so he shouldn’t have any problem adapting to OLB in Green Bay.  He should be able to drop back into coverage in Dom Capers’ defense, and we already know he can rush the passer (lead USC in sacks his freshman and senior year).  As far as his inconsistent motor, I am not too worried about that because I think he’ll get pushed hard by OLB Coach Kevin Greene and OLB Clay Matthews, and he’ll end up maximizing his ability.  He shouldn’t have to do too much because he’ll be playing opposite of one of the best players in the NFL (see: Matthews, Clay).  It will be a big success if he can fit into the defense, and just take pressure off of Clay Matthews, so teams can no longer double and triple-team him.  But like in any Draft, only time will tell.