As you may or may not know, the 2008 NFL Draft is deep in the very areas the Packers are looking to improve. With the Packers holding their first pick at #30, I think it’s very possible they will trade down, as secondary, offensive and defensive line, running back, and tight-ends are all strong suit in this draft.  The reason is this: Ted Thompson has always made a living off of accumulating picks, and this year, one shouldn’t expect anything different.  In a very low position in the opening round, I think it would be particularly beneficial to the team to trade #30 to a team who has a high pick in the second, perhaps for their second and third.  This would give the Thompson six picks to work with on Day 1, plenty to improve the need areas.  Trade aside, here’s my early estimate of what one could see on the draft weekend:

1st round- Gosder Cherilus- OT- Boston College. Huge 6′7 tackle in Jeff Jagodzinski’s zone-blocking offensive to replace the aging Tauscher/Clifton, and protect Aaron Rodgers for years to come.

2nd round (from CLE)- Tracy Porter- CB- Indiana. A solid corner who racked up 16 INTs in his 4-year career, Porter reminds me of a poor-man’s Charles Woodson with his returning skills. He’s needs to bulk up however.

2nd round- Tavares Gooden- OLB- Miami (Fla). Perfect fit to give Brady Poppinga some competition. He goes here because he is the best player available.

3rd round- Josh Johnson- QB- San Diego. A high riser with great upside. I feel Ted will bring in one QB here and one via free-agency.

4th round- Jermichael Finley- TE- Texas. Gives A-Rodge a big target at 6′5. He was enamored with the Packers at the Combine, so he gets his wish.

5th round- Adarius Bowman- WR- Oklahoma St. Doesn’t have the great speed, but does have decent size.

5th round (proj. comp)-  Chad Rinehart- OG- Northern Iowa. Small school prospect who has some versatility.

7th round- Xavier Omon- RB- NW Missouri St. Another small school guy, but has great size (228 lbs) and could project as a change of pace back for Ryan Grant.

Comments on my first Mock Draft of 2008 are appreciated!