Justin Harrell Is Not A Toy That Favre Can Play With

With the 16th pick of the NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee. Mike Tanier of Football Outsiders tells you all about it.

Hey, Ted Thompson: did you trade for Randy Moss yet? No? How about now? Still no? Okay, well let's talk about your running back situation and ... NOW? Rats. Thought I could trick you.

I'll stop picking on Thompson now. Last year's Packers draft was a 30-pack of deep-fried goodness. A.J. Hawk and Abdul Hodge are gonna be great defenders. They picked up three offensive linemen who can play. Greg Jennings had a great year as a rookie receiver. They have so much young talent that we're predicting a big bounce back for the Packers in Football Prospectus 2007. Brett Favre will go out a winner, assuming he decides to go out.

Harrell was a fine run defender as a junior, and the Packers ranked 21st in run defense last year according to DVOA. The ankle and shoulder injuries are a concern, especially since linemen often need a year or two to return to full strength after serious shoulder injuries. If he's healthy, Harrell is a little like Cleditus Hunt, and every team in the NFL could use a couple of Cledituses.

Oh, and everyone is yapping about Brady Quinn, but where is Alan Branch. Some smart GM is going to trade down and get both.