2006 NFL Draft Prospects That May Interest the Green Bay Packers Vol. 2

This is the second in a series of articles that will highlight some of the 2006 NFL Draft prospects that the Green Bay Packers may have a particular interest in. Rumored Packer interest plus how well the player fits the Packers schemes played heavily into which prospects were chosen for evaluation, but of course my own speculation factored into the process as well. Where possible, a players measurables (height, weight, 40-yard dash time) were taken from the Indianapolis Combine results.

DBrickashaw Ferguson/OT/Virginia (6-6, 312)

Positives: Possesses outstanding athletic ability. Has very long arms and a great frame for an offensive lineman. Has very nimble feet and is an exceptional pass blocker. Is a very intelligent player and is fundamentally sound on the football field.
Negatives: Has a laid back personality and lacks a killer instinct on the football field. Has interests outside of football and the game may not mean as much to him as it does to most players. Does not have great bulk and will probably be limited to playing on the left side of the offensive line in the NFL.
Summary: DBrickashaw Ferguson is an elite left tackle prospect who has tremendous upside potential combined with very little downside. It didnt take long for Ferguson to make an impact when he arrived at the University of Virginia, as he stepped into the starting lineup at left tackle as a true freshman and remained there for the next four years. Ferguson has everything an NFL scout looks for in a left tackle prospect. He has quick feet, excellent athletic ability, and a lengthy frame with very long arms. His pass protection skills are excellent, and his run blocking skills are not far behind. About the only question scouts have regarding Ferguson is his temperament. Ferguson doesnt always finish his blocks and seems to lack a killer instinct on the football field. Those minor concerns aside, Ferguson is a supreme talent who should hold down a left tackle position in the NFL for the next 10 to 15 years. As of now, Ferguson appears to be a lock to be selected within the first five overall picks of the 2006 NFL Draft.
Ferguson and the Packers: Left tackle does not rank high on the Green Bay Packers current list of needs, but its very unlikely that Ted Thompson would pass on a talent like Ferguson if he were available. If the Packers would be so lucky to have the opportunity to draft Ferguson, its likely he would start his career at left guard (a major need area for the Packers) and move out to left tackle sometime in the future. But with the four teams (Texans, Saints, Titans, Jets) picking ahead of the Packers all in the market for a left tackle, its extremely unlikely that Ferguson would make it to the fifth overall pick in the upcoming draft.

Mario Williams/DE/North Carolina State (6-7, 295) (Junior)

2005 Statistics: 12 games played, 62 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, 2 pass breakups, 1 fumble recovery, 1 forced fumble 2004 Statistics: 11 games played, 40 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 7 pass breakups
Positives: Has superb athletic ability for a defensive lineman. Possesses great size and has very long arms. Has a great combination of explosiveness and power. Has tremendous upside potential.
Negatives: Needs to be more consistent. Takes too many plays off. Is somewhat of a streaky player. Was susceptible to cut blocks early in the 2005 season. Summary: Mario Williams is a tremendous athlete who has as much upside potential as any player available in the 2006 NFL Draft. Williams moved into the starting lineup as a true freshman in 2003 and was named a first team All-ACC performer following the 2004 and 2005 seasons. Williams is an unbelievable athlete as demonstrated by his combine numbers: height = 6-7, weight = 295 pounds, 40-yard dash time = 4.70, vertical leap = 40.5 inches, bench press reps of 225 pounds = 35. On the field Williams is an explosive and powerful player who can make plays most other players could only dream about. He has great natural pass-rush skills, and has the size and strength to hold the point against the run. In summary, Williams is a natural strong side defensive end who has more pass rush ability than most strong side defensive ends currently in the NFL. However, Williams needs to be more consistent. W illiams takes too many plays off, and he tends to be somewhat of a streaky player. And while his height is generally considered a positive attribute, it does leave him susceptible to cut blocks, and cut blocks really limited his effectiveness early on in the 2005 season. To Williams credit, he made the adjustment to deal with the cut blocks midway through his junior season, and he proved to be a terror after the adjustment was made. Look for Williams to be a top five overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. Williams and the Packers: The Packers may have just resigned Aaron Kampman to a healthy extension, but its hard to believe that Ted Thompson would pass on a talent like Mario Williams if he made it to the fifth pick in the upcoming draft. If the Packers took Williams, he still could see plenty of action and the Packers might have to luxury of moving Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila back to a situational pass-rusher role. However, I wouldnt expect Williams to make it to the drafts fifth selection. I would say chances are about 80/20 that Williams will be off the board when the Packers pick, but if he was available, chances are extremely good that he would be the Packers selection.

Brian Calhoun/RB/Wisconsin (5-9, 201) (Junior)

2005 Statistics: 13 games played, 348 carries, 1636 rushing yards, 22 rushing touchdowns /// 53 receptions, 571 receiving yards, 2 receiving touchdowns 2004 Statistics: Did not play (transfer) 2003 Statistics (at Colorado): 12 games played, 195 carries, 810 rushing yards, 5 rushing touchdowns /// 32 receptions, 266 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown
Positives: Has great vision and can see the cutback lane. Has good quickness and balance. Possesses very good hands and must be accounted for in the passing game.
Negatives: Lacks ideal size. Lacks great long speed and probably will not be a breakaway threat in the NFL. Posted a disappointing 40-yard dash time at the Indianapolis Combine.
Summary: Brian Calhoun is a fine running back prospect who is best suited to serve in a two-back system once he reaches the NFL. Calhoun was a prep star out of the state of Wisconsin, but he elected to attend the University of Colorado out of high school. He saw limited action in 2002, but was Colorados leading rusher during the 2003 season. Calhoun decided to transfer to Wisconsin after the 2003 season when Colorados coaching staff suggested he make a switch to the wide receiver position. Calhoun moved into the starting lineup for the Badgers as soon as he was eligible in 2005 and went on to have an excellent season. Calhouns best asset is his vision. He is a patient runner who does a good job of following his blockers and seeing the cutback lane. He also has very good quickness and is a real threat in the passing game. However, Calhoun lacks great size and will probably not be able to handle a full-time load at the next level. And while he has excellent quickness, he lacks a true top gear and probably will not be a breakaway threat once he reaches the NFL. Calhoun ran a disappointing 4.57-second 40-yard dash time at the Indianapolis Combine, but he rebounded and ran in the 4.4 area during his workout at Wisconsins Pro Day. If one were to curve his time to compare to other backs, Calhoun would likely stack up as a running back who would average a 4.50 in the 40-yard dash on a normal day. In summary, Calhoun has enough talent where he cannot be thought of as simply a third down back, but he has enough limitations to prevent him from being projected as a true number one NFL running back. Calhoun currently carries a solid third round grade.
Calhoun and the Packers: The Packers have resigned Ahman Green and Najeh Davenport to beef up the running back position, but each of these players only signed a 1-year deal. Considering his history with the team, its unlikely that the Green would be left off the Packers roster in 2006. However, I wouldnt dismiss the possibility that the Packers would draft a running back to give Davenport some competition for a roster spot. Calhouns combination of running and receiving skills would make him an attractive candidate for the Packers, and he and Sakmon Gado might provide a potent 1-2 punch for the Packers in 2007 and beyond. I think chances are slightly better than 50/50 that Calhoun makes it to the Packers third round pick, and he would represent a solid value pick if taken in that area of the draft.

Greg Blue/S/Georgia (6-2, 216)

2005 Statistics: 13 games played, 96 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 5 pass breakups, 1 fumble recovery, 1 forced fumble 2004 Statistics: 12 games played, 80 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 3 pass breakups, 1 fumble recovery, 3 forced fumbles Positives: Possesses excellent size for a safety. Has good speed and can cover a lot of ground in a hurry. Is very aggressive and a big hitter. Negatives: Takes too many bad angles. Will play out of control and get himself out of position too often. Is not great in pass coverage and will give up some big plays.
Summary: Greg Blue has excellent measurables and a good set of skills for an NFL defensive back coach to work with. Blue arrived at Georgia in 2001 and redshirted. Blue primarily served as Georgias backup rover during the 2002 and 2003 seasons before moving into the starting rover position in 2004. He moved to the starting free safety position as a senior. Blue has all of the tools that NFL scouts look for in a safety prospect. He has great size, good speed, and is very aggressive and not afraid to stick his head in the action. For the most part, Blue did a very good job during his stay at Georgia. But sometimes Blues aggressiveness will work against him. He will play out of control and will get himself out of position, and he takes too many bad angles. And while Blue is generally a positive contributor when playing the run, he lacks coverage skills and will surrender some big plays when playing the pass. While Blue has the size and speed to play either safety spot in the NFL, his on the field performance at Georgia indicates that he will be a much better fit as a strong safety. Overall, Blue is a solid safety prospect who will probably be taken late on the first day of the 2006 NFL Draft.
Blue and the Packers: The Packers signed Marquand Manuel to a modest free agent contract, but since that time there have been some indications that Mark Romans time with the team may be short. If so, the Packers might have an interest in adding a young strong safety in the draft, and Blues size/speed combination (6-2, 217 pounds, 4.57 40-yard dash time) would make him an attractive candidate. Blue will likely be available when the Packers pick early in round three, but they may only be interested in grabbing him if he is available early on the drafts second day.

Tim Dobbins/ILB/Iowa State (6-1, 246)

2005 Statistics: 12 games played, 103 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 4 pass breakups, 1 fumble recovery 2004 Statistics: 12 games played, 61 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 2 pass breakups, 1 fumble recovery Positives: Possesses good size and is a fine all-around athlete. Is an aggressive player that likes to make the big hit. Plays hard and takes the game seriously.
Negatives: Gets tied up with blockers too easily. Will take false steps and only has average instincts. Doesnt always play to his timed speed. Summary: Tim Dobbins is a decent middle linebacker prospect that has enough raw talent to develop into a starting middle linebacker in the NFL. Dobbins attended Copiah-Lincoln Junior College out of high school before transferring to Iowa State prior to the 2004 season. He started at middle linebacker during both of his seasons as a Cyclone. Dobbins has nice size (246 pounds) and is a good all-around athlete (4.59 second 40-yard dash, 35.5 inch vertical leap). He is an intense and aggressive player on the football field that likes to deliver the big hit. However, Dobbins isnt as good a player as his workout numbers would indicate. Dobbins only has average instincts and he will take some false steps. He also gets tied up with blocker too easily. Dobbins has the physical skills to become a solid NFL player, but hell need to clean up some of the weaker areas of his game. Dobbins currently carries an early to mid day two grade.
Dobbins and the Packers: Before the 2005 NFL Draft, rumors were flying that the Packers were interested in some inside linebacker prospects including the likes of Odell Thurman and Channing Crowder, giving additional fuel to the rumor that the Packers might find a new middle linebacker and move Nick Barnett outside. If there is any truth to that rumor, Tim Dobbins might be a player that the Packers will take a long look at. He has good athletic skills and just might be able to move into a starting middle linebacker role a year or two down the road. And if not, he may provide a better backup option than Roy Manning does. If the Packers have an interest in Dobbins, they would likely have to use their pick at the top of round four or their pick at the top of round five to obtain him.

James Anderson/OLB/Virginia Tech (6-3, 229)

2005 Statistics: 13 games played, 82 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 2 interceptions, 4 pass breakups, 1 fumble recovery, 1 forced fumble 2004 Statistics: 13 games played, 48 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 1 interception, 1 pass breakup, 2 forced fumbles Positives: Possesses excellent athletic ability. Has very good speed and shows great range on the football field. An improving player who just keeps on getting better and better.
Negatives: Has a thin frame for a linebacker. Isnt very physical and can get rag-dolled by blockers. May only be able to play on the weak side of the defense.
Summary: James Anderson is coming off of a great senior year and is the type of player that shows constant improvement. Anderson served as a backup at inside linebacker early on in his career at Virginia Tech, and became the teams starting whip linebacker during his junior and senior seasons. Anderson is an excellent athlete for a linebacker. He ran a sub 4.6-second 40-yard dash time and recorded a 40+ inch vertical leap at the Indianapolis Combine. He also has good change of direction ability and looks very smooth and fluid on the football field. But what I like most about this player is that he has shown consistent improvement throughout his career at Virginia Tech. However, Anderson does have a thin frame for a linebacker and is not real physical. Even though he has the height and athleticism to effectively cover tight ends, Anderson might only fit on the weak side of the defense in the NFL. Anderson currently carries a fifth round grade, but his stock seems to be rising of late so it wouldnt be surprising to see him drafted a round or two earlier than what is currently projected.
Anderson and the Packers: The Packers current starter at weak side linebacker is Robert Thomas. While Thomas is an effective player when healthy, he has been injury-prone throughout his NFL career and 2006 is the last year of his contract. Anderson has really been drawing attention from many NFL teams as of late and I would be surprised if the Packers werent one of them. Anderson would be a great pick for the Packers if he could be had in the fifth round, and he just might be worth their selection at the beginning of round four.

Gilbert Harris/FB/Arizona (6-2, 235)

2005 Statistics: 11 games played, 79 carries, 284 rushing yards, 5 rushing touchdowns /// 22 receptions, 107 receiving yards, 2 receiving touchdowns 2004 Statistics: 7 games played, 67 carries, 285 rushing yards, 2 rushing touchdowns /// 11 receptions, 76 receiving yards, 0 receiving touchdowns /// 2 kickoff returns, 20.0-yard kickoff return average, 0 kickoff return touchdowns Positives: Has a good combination of size and speed. Can play running back or fullback. Has some upside potential. Negatives: Is a running back/fullback tweener. Is not a great blocker. Doesnt have the speed or body control to be an NFL running back. May have some character issues.
Summary: Gilbert Harris is a classic running back/fullback tweener who could become an effective NFL fullback if he can become a better blocker. Harris played as a true freshman in 2002, and during his four- year stay at Arizona he saw action at fullback and tailback. It should be noted that Harris was suspended at the end of the 2003 season when the university declared him ineligible. He also was cited for false reporting (gave a false name to police) in 2004 when a teammate was cited for suspicion of marijuana possession. Harris is a big back with pretty good athletic skills for a player of his size. At the Indianapolis Combine he weighed in at 235 pounds, ran the 40-yard dash in 4.73 seconds and posted a 36 inch vertical leap. However, while Harris has good athletic skills he isnt quick and fast enough to be a running back in the NFL. Harris has all of the tools to become a fine NFL fullback, but he must become a much better blocker than he currently is. If he can improve his blocking skills, Harris has a chance to become a solid contributor in the NFL. Harris currently carries a late round grade.
Harris and the Packers: William Henderson is no spring chicken and Vonta Leach may not have the necessary skills to become a legitimate starting NFL fullback. The Packers could be in the market for a young fullback to groom as William Hendersons replacement, and the compensatory pick they received at the end of the seventh round could be used to draft a young fullback prospect like Gilbert Harris.

Article by Joseph B. Coaty.