Draft Post Scripts

What struck me about the Packers draft is that they went big on 4 of their 7 choices.  2 offensive lineman and two defensive ends.   The class is headlined by Brian Bulaga of Iowa at number 23 in the first round.   If he can man the left tackle position the way Chad Clifton has over the past decade, the draft will be deemed a success.  But he's going to start as the backup to Clifton as he learns the ropes.  Who among the draft picks has the best chance to get on the field early?  My guess is Morgan Burnett, the safety from Georgia Tech taken in round three.   General Manager Ted Thompson sacrificed his 4th round pick to move up 15 spots to get him.  He could not only push Atari Bigby for the starting job but jump into the mix quickly in the nickel and dime packages.  The two defensive ends could also join the defensive line rotation early.  Mike Neal of Purdue and C.J. Wilson of East Carolina will pressure Justin Harrell into perhaps his one last stand and at the very least, spell starters Cullen Jenkins and Johnny Jolly.  Running back James Starks may make Ahman Green expendable, he still hasn't signed a contract for 2010.   His pass catching ability could also get him even with Brandon Jackson in the backfield rotation.   Marshall Newhouse and Andrew Quarless may have the hardest time getting snaps in their rookie year.  The draft added 7 players to the 61 already on the roster.  NFL teams can carry 80 into training camp so Saturday night and Sunday kept the personel staff busy signing undrafted free agents to fill out the roster.   Here's the list, which includes three linebackers, a position ignored over the draft.  Frank Zombo, an outside backer from Central Michigan, Tim Knicky, an outside linebacker from Stephen F. Austin and linebacker Alex Joseph of Temple.  The team added a quarterback, Noah Shepard of South Dakota who set school records in passing yards, passing touchdowns and rushing touchdowns.  Two more offensive lineman were signed, Chris Campbell of Eastern Illinois and Nick McDonald of Grand Valley State.   Also signed were wide receivers Jeff Moturi of UTEP and Chastin West of Fresno State, running back Quinn Porter of Stillman College, cornerback  Sam Shields of Miami and safety Robert Vaughn of Connecticut.   Defensive end John Russell of Wake Forest rounded out the free agent group.