Packers Select Akeem Ayers In #MockThree First Round
The outside linebacker from UCLA was the first round pick for Green Bay in the Twitter mock draft.
As part of the #MockThree draft I've been asked to take part in representing the Packers, Green Bay has selected UCLA outside linebacker Akeem Ayers in the first round.
In Ayers, the Packers got arguably the best true outside linebacker in the entire Draft outside of Texas A&M's Von Miller.
Ayers has experience playing in a two-point stance on the line of scrimmage where as many other outside linebacker prospects are converted defensive ends.
He has a history of making plays against the run, rushing the quarterback and also in pass coverage. Ayers had 27.5 career tackles for a loss in three seasons to go along with six interceptions, two returned for touchdowns.
Some have questioned his urgency or commitment, but he did develop into a team captain at UCLA helping to ease any concerns about him in that regard.
Offensive lineman Ben Ijalana and defensive end Cameron Heyward were also considered by the Packers' warroom. Personally, it was tough to pass on Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who I've come to believe will become a very good quarterback in the NFL.
To keep up with the entire seven-round mock draft, just follow the hashtags #MockThree on Twitter.
Comments (20)
April 19, 2011 at 09:08 pm
We've got the best fake GM in the business...when we start calling for TT's head at some point next year, you're next in line in my book.
Ayers is a solid pick and probably the BPA with most the top OL gone. Wouldn't be a stretch at all to see this pick on the 28th.
April 19, 2011 at 09:32 pm
I worry about some sloppyness, and some lack of explosion.
But, at least from the highlights, I see a football player. Some of these kids, they're athletes, but they do a lot of things wrong. They overpursue, they're not good with locating the ball.
You see Ayers making plays all the time, because he seems to understand the game and what's going on. He knows how to engage blockers and change moves, rather than just try to bullrush or speedrush as some other prospects do.
That might not fly in the NFL, if he's not athletic enough. But IMHO what differs CM3 from the other pass rushers is exactly it, that he knows how to play the game, knows how to tackle, to cause a fumble, has great awareness, ball skills... He's not just a pass rusher, he's a player. Of course, he has a relentless motor and tons of athletic ability to compliment it...
April 19, 2011 at 09:41 pm
I've been following this on twitter. It's very interesting, but also really funny. I think some of these guys are under the impression that this thing is real. They talk like they're real GMs and their teams get to keep these guys.
Also, people REALLY like to trade. I think about 2/3 of the picks were traded and the other 1/3 it wasn't for lack of trying.
April 20, 2011 at 09:25 am
Some of the trades are a bit out of touch with reality too. But hey - all in good fun!
April 20, 2011 at 03:42 pm
I stopped watching when the guys representing the chargers traded all the way up to the second or third pick for Von Miller. AJ Smith likes to wheel and deal but that was a bit too much.
April 19, 2011 at 09:59 pm
The kid looks good to me and I would love to see the Packers pick an OLB to compliment CM3. As long as all of his ability translates to the NFL, great. However, we all know that the pro game is a different animal.
April 19, 2011 at 10:22 pm
Ayers has some rough edges ...... He'll need to be a more disciplined player at the NFL level ...... This is exactly where Kevin Greene enters the picture ..... With Greene 'coaching up' Ayers, along with CM3, GB could have the most feared OLBs in the NFL for the next several years .....
However, in real life, unless there's a run on QBs in the 1st round, I doubt Ayers will be around at #32 ...... If TT truly has targeted Ayers, he may have to move up a few spots .....
April 19, 2011 at 10:24 pm
Keep us post via twitter and here. Good stuff Brian.
April 20, 2011 at 07:56 am
This is a great year to be picking #32. The players that are going to get chosen in the teens don't look to be that much better than what will be available for the Pack. TT can sit back and let the chips fall
April 20, 2011 at 07:59 am
I just don't think he can play 3-4 OLB, at least not on the short run.
Yes, he is one of the few players, who actually played DE and OLB in college and his coverage is therefore rock-solid. His ballskills and awareness, the football-intangibles so to speak, are also top-notch.
So his upside is considerable.
BUT: He gets dominated at the POA, has neither a good speedrush nor a bullrush. His lack of speed even has to be reason for some concern.
This is not to say, Kevin Greene can't coach those things, and two off-seasons in the weightroom will definitely help, but as of today he wil be eaten alive by NFL linemen.
I'd say in a week from now, you could get him in the middle of the second round.
Most likely, I'm proven wrong spectacularly, but hey, that's why the Draft is such a blast.
April 20, 2011 at 11:09 am
I wouldn't complain about an Ayers pick, but if we go OLB, I'd rather take that kid Brooks Reed from Arizona.
But as I've stated previously, I'm really hoping we take Leonard Hankerson. Him and Finley would make two huge targets for #12, then you have Drive, Nelson and Greg Jennings??
Unstoppable.
April 20, 2011 at 11:38 am
Not much of a surprise here---BC wanted an OLB in round 1 last year (like Kareem Copeland) and predictably calls for position over BPA this year.
April 20, 2011 at 12:56 pm
Why even think of Kapernick?
Obviously you're not looking to replace Rodgers.
So that makes him what??? Trade bait in the future?
What are you going to get for him IF he is tradable down the line? A 1st rd pick at the most?
I understand drafting BPA...but QB shouldn't even be a thought in the 1st round. There is almost no way that pays dividends.
April 20, 2011 at 07:59 pm
Give me Reed over Ayers. 32 a bit of a reach? Don't care. Reed has the 2 most important things a team can look for in an OLB - A high motor & Long golden flowing locks.
GBP 4 LIFE
April 20, 2011 at 08:50 pm
"Long flowing golden locks"? You aren't turning gay on me are you Fitz?
April 20, 2011 at 10:35 pm
C'mon Kid, no way. But really, Reed is just a workhorse. For what we need, aside from Miller who we have zero chance of getting Brooks is the guy I'd like to see opposite Clay. But WTF do I know?
April 20, 2011 at 11:13 pm
You know of course I was just yanking your chain. I too would love to see someone opposite CM3 that can get after the passer. The defense would be absolutely awesome. I wanted them to draft Graham last year but that didn't happen so maybe this year we can get someone who can fill the bill. I learned to trust TT to do the right thing. Of course our buddy Johnny Jolly rearranged some of our draft priorities so it wouldn't surprise me to see them go for another DE or OL help. Maybe one of these drafts we can go for some stud running back or an impact wide receiver instead of another lineman in the early rounds.
I was thinking that maybe Jolly could pick up some endorsement money hawking products for Robitussin-AC or maybe Nyquil. Possibly a new line of prison clothes. What a waste.
April 21, 2011 at 07:47 pm
"I learned to trust TT to do the right thing."
It's taken some time, but that's the way I feel too.
As for Jolly, I don't thing the big-wigs were counting on him one bit. Sure it would have been nice if he were available, but I just don't think he changes the draft plan one iota. I think there was a good chance Ted goes D-line @ 32 either way. We both know he covets those big bodies that god just didn't make that many of... and it appears to be a very strong year for DE's.
I'd be happy with DE, OT or if that CB outta Colorado fell in our laps that'd be cool too. But I'd really love to see them get Clay a bonafide partner in crime.
April 21, 2011 at 09:58 pm
For Defensive End's what?
Oh, you meant for DEs...
(Sorry, just had to do it. I know you'll appreciate the irony of a foreigner correcting you ;) )
Totally agree on Jolly, though. Highly doubt TT and MM were counting on him. Also doubt they're counting on Harrell...
April 20, 2011 at 10:48 pm
Im not convinced Ayers will even be availabe at 32 but if he is great take him and smile.
I like the intensity and the grit of Brooks Reed and if your looking for a pass rushing threat hes your man.
But
If you want a versatile defender and a more experienced and fluid athlete in coverage then Ayers is your man.
As much as I like Brooks Reed, Ayers just may be the best option for this defense. It will allow Capers to use the safeties, Cbs and also Desmond Bishop and Clay Matthews to blitz more knowing they have a guy who can cover a TE or RB for them.
My bet is Ayers is off the board before we have a shot at him.