The Journal Times Online - Racine, Wisconsin

BY GERY WOELFEL

Talk about being unpredictable.

Today’s NFL draft will certainly be that. Beyond knowing the Miami Dolphins will select Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long with the No. 1 overall pick, it is anyone’s guess how the rest of the first round will play out.

The Packers’ first pick — No. 30 overall, barring a trade — is especially intriguing. Of the following 15 draft prognosticators or draft Web sites, there were 13 different selections.

PAUL ZIMMERMAN, SI.COM — Malcolm Kelly, wide receiver, Oklahoma: "Here’s a big guy (6-4, 219) whose unimpressive 40 time of 4.54 will cause him to drop deep into the first round. But Kelly could be a valuable possession receiver and what a better gift for new starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers.’’

OURLANDS.COM — Brian Brohm, quarterback, Louisville. "Has a natural feel for the passing game. Good anticipation and sixth sense to quickly read the defense as it develops. Has the ability to avoid and escape rush pressure. A good leader that will step up and take charge and lead his teammates. Good football intelligence.

ALAN NUNN, JOURNAL TIMES ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR — "Don’t be surprised if general manager Ted Thompson trades out of the first round. Either way, the Packers select Texas A&M tight end Martellus Bennett. If he’s gone, it’s Kansas cornerback Aqib Talib.’’

DRAFTKING.COM — Antoione Cason, defensive back, Arizona. "Cason was a solid performer at the University of Arizona, to the point where (especially last year) teams at times game-planned to throw away from his side of the field. He performed at a consistent level in his four years at Arizona, and he would be a great addition to the talented-but-aging cornerback corps in Green Bay.

SPORTINGNEWS.COM — Reggie Smith, cornerback, Oklahoma: "The Packers need to start grooming a cornerback considering both Charles Wood and Al Harris are aging. smith is a tough and physical corner who has the versatility to also play safety.

MEL KIPER, ESPN — Antoine Cason, defensive back, Arizona.

PETER JACKEL, JOURNAL TIMES SPORTS REPORTER — Antoine Cason, defensive back, Arizona. "The memories of Al Harris being torched against the New York Giants in the NFC Championship game are still fresh, and general manager Ted Thompson must upgrade an aging secondary sooner rather than later.’’

PETE PRISCO, CBSSPORTSLINE.COM — Tyrell Johnson, safety, Arkansas State.

VIC CARUCCI, SENIOR COLUMNIST, NFL.COM — Keith Rivers, outside linebacker, Southern California: "The Packers are likely to use this pick to address the team’s future rather than trying to fill an immediate need. They could easily go with an offensive tackle, a good one happes to fall this far, but they would have a very hard time passing on the best linebacker in the draft.’’

JOHN MCNALLY, JOURNAL TIMES COPY EDITOR — Brian Brohm, quarterback, Louisville: "Unless some team doesn’t make a move for the Packers’ pick, Ted Thompson takes the best player on the board and gives Aaron Rodgers some competition in training camp.’’

PETER KING, SI.COM — Dustin Keller, tight end, Purdue: "A Mike Mayock special. And I like the NFL Network draft analyst’s reasoning — Keller’s the most athletic and pro-ready package at tight end in the draft and tight end is a need position for the Pack.’’

TODD MCSHAY, SCOUTS INC. — Brandon Flowers, cornerback, Virginia Tech: "Charles Woodson and Al Harris are both on the downsides of their careers and there’s no heir apparent behind either of them, so Green Bay needs to inject youth and talent at corner. Flowers is a bit of a reach here, but his smarts and toughness would make him a good fit for the Packers’ scheme.’’

DON BANKS, SI.COM — Aqib Talib, cornerback, Kansas. "This is a lot later than I’ve had Talib going for most of the predraft season, but he ends the first round’s five-cornerback run. Talib gives Green Bay a youthful option at a position where veterans Al Harris and Charles Woodson are starting to age. The Packers could go for an offensive tackle, with USC’s Sam Baker making them younger at another position where they’re starting to get old.’’

MIKE MAYOCK, NFL NETWORK — Sam Baker, offensive tackle, Southern California. "He is a versatile offensive lineman ... He can play tackle, he can play guard. He will help with the adjustment of new quarterback Aaron Rodgers.’’

GERY WOELFEL, JOURNAL TIMES SPORTS REPORTER — Kenny Phillips, safety, Miami: "If linebacker Jerod Mayo of Tennessee slips through the cracks — and he could -- he’d be my first choice. But the Packers still need a playmaker in the secondary: Aqib Talib of Kansas has too many character warts and Brandon Flowers of Va. Tech is too short. That leaves either Antoine Cason of Arizona — 15 career interceptions — or Phillips, who is equally adept as a cover man and run stopper.’’