The 2013 draft played into Thompson’s strategy perfectly. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Draft. Develop. Repeat.

These are terms with which we here in Packers News have become all too familiar. Ted Thompson’s draft philosophy has proven itself worthy in the past. This year’s draft was no different, as one of the league’s best known draft “czars” (if you will) was firing on all cylinders.

It’s difficult to label Thompson’s success with words as he just seems to have this subconcious “knack” for knowing when to risk trading down and still getting value and quality. If patience is said to be a virtue, patience can be equated to success in Packers News.

Going into Thursday evening, the Packers had a total of eight selections at their disposal. By Saturday evening, 13 players were chosen to represent the Green and Gold. While it will obviously take a few years to determine whether this year’s draft (as a whole) was a success or not, Packers Nation sure seems pleased with Thompson’s efforts at this point.

Ten picks going into Saturday? The man is an absolute genius, as to most, this was the prototypical draft to trade back and accumulate picks and value in the later rounds.

What seemed to make sense for other teams, really didn’t turn out that way. Not exactly a Vikings fan by any means, but you do have to give them credit for the draft they had, though I think they gave up a bit much for Cordarrele Patterson. Everyone assumed the Dolphins traded up for Sharrif Floyd when Dion Jordan’s name was called. And the jury will be out for a few years on the E.J. Manuel selection. These were just a few moves that played right into Thompson’s draft philosophy.

A few mocks had Datone Jones to the Packers at 26. But how many mocks had Eddie Lacy to the Packers, let alone at the 61st pick overall?

This particular trade-down I believe was made with the intention of selecting Montee Ball, but with Lacy still there, he had just accumulated too much value to pass at that point. Oh, and Johnathan Franklin just so happened to be available …. IN THE FOURTH ROUND! Many mocks had him as no worse than a third round back.

Packers running back James Starks has been placed on notice.Raymond T. Rivard photograph

It is very interesting, however, to think just how much Thompson has re-tooled the backfield. Few fans saw this much of a backfield makeover coming, but the masses are more than happy with it. While Alex Green, James Starks and Marshall Newhouse have all officially been put on notice, a subtle vote of confidence was also installed for the likes of Jerron McMillian and M.D. Jennings.

Sure some fans might be a bit distraught as Thompson opted not to address the loss of Charles Woodson, but the secondary is still quite young and he obviously believed in them enough to pass on Matt Elam and Jonathan Cyprien. It should be noted that Micah Hyde was one of the draft’s most underrated corners as well.

What say you Packers Nation? Did Thompson hit a home run this year?

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