Ted Thompson Draft Preview

Posted by Mark Daniels on

I'll bet Ted Thompson would be a pretty good poker player.  This afternoon at Lambeau Field, the Packers general manager held his pre-draft news conference.  It lasted about 25 minutes but just like the previous 5 drafts he's orchestrated, Thompson never tipped his hand about what his board looks like or where he might be shopping with the first round pick.   Green Bay has the 23rd overall choice in next Thursday night's first round, and they have 8 picks overall.   Thompson's philosophy has been to build a team around the draft, be very selective in free agency, and reward the corps players on your existing team.  While he repeatedly traded down his first couple of years to stockpile picks and build up the roster of what is now a playoff team, then threw a big curveball last year by trading back into the first round to get Clay Matthews, Thompson said he'll let the draft dictate his moves this year.  If there's an offensive tackle he feels won't be around at 23, he might try and jump up to get him, if the players he likes aren't around, deal down and get more picks in rounds 2 and 3 to cover depth concerns in the offensive line or secondary, or take the best athlete regardless of position, even if it's at a well stocked position like wide receiver. Just never know with this guy.   Here's more on the news conference with quotes from Thompson:

 

Comments