By Rick
With the Lockout still looming and College Football starting soon who are some players a Packer fan should keep their attention on. Who are the hybrid players or the “Packer” players that TT seems to go after. I mentioned after the draft the COD ( Change of Direction) can be a factor in how TT sets his big board. Here are some players to keep tabs on this college season to see how they may do.
Zach Becker TE/FB Hybrid back Illinois (Big 10)
At 6’2” and 250 he looks DJ did at Arkansas. Last year he was supposed to be a starting TE but fractured his foot and redshirted. This is the year to see if he can become late round gold. Plays in a competitive Big 10 and will have great film to see if he can get it done. Currently projecting as a UDFA or 7th rounder, my gut says 5th rounder with a good 2012 season or undrafted if he lays an egg.
Ryan Tannehill QB, Texas A&M (Big 12)
Ryan was to be a back up QB and a starter at WR last year but when the starter sputtered he was thrown in and looked pretty darn good last year. 6’4” 220 runs in mid 4.6s. He has a strong arm and completed passes well. A hard worker and is putting a lot of time in the film room. Release looks good. My pre-season look has him rated close to where I had Aaron Rodgers before his senior year. This may mean he becomes a spot light player and is taken in round 1 by somebody but right now I see him as a solid second round QB that Green Bay can develop into a back up starter role over the next few years. Currently 2nd-3rd rounder.
Jared Crick DE/DT, Nebraska (Big 10)
Played next to Suh and looked great until a knee injury shut him down last year. A perfect DE for a 3-4 defense. The Patriots, Steelers, and Packers will be fighting to see which can draft him. Assuming a solid and healthy performance he may even reach the first round.
DeAngelo Tyson, NT Georgia (SEC)
He plays NT in a 3-4 defense for Georgia in the SEC. Numbers were only okay but this should be the year where this possible 7th rounder shines. A great depth pick up for any 3-4 defense team. He realizes that his numbers will be down but projects to be similar to Raji, with more time and coaching is a possible starter in the NFL.
David Pickard, OT Southern Illinois (Missouri Valley Conference)
A 6’5” 298 Left Tackle starter on the Salukis, David has received much acclaim in this small conference. Possess decent mobility and able to handle pass block duties well and is solid in run blocking, this player is a do anything kind of player. Projects into the 5th or 6th round.