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Legendary senior writer jclombardi grades Packers draft choices.

Legendary senior writer jclombardi summarized Packers draft picks.

Legendary senior writer jclombardi reviews Packers 6th round choices.

(1) Guard Caleb Schlauderaff earned third-team All-America honors from The Associated Press, second-team Walter Camp All-America pick, and a second-team Sports Illustrated All-America. Analysis: Schlauderaff is not a very athletic guard, but he always seems to get the job done. He is a well prepared player that never seems to be out of position. He plays with a “bad attitude” and fights through the whistle. He can be an effective run blocker, but he loses leverage at times and plays with a narrow base too often. His slow first step and limited athleticism may prevent him from being a starter at the next level, but his toughness and work ethic will likely get him a spot on an NFL roster. Schlauderaff should come off the board on the third day of the draft.

(2) Linebacker D. J. Smith. Analysis: Smith does not possess enough power at the point of attack or athleticism to be viewed as a potential future starter and could be a backup linebacker due to his toughness and ability to play in zone coverage. Has the makeup of a special teams contributor. While he can be productive in pursuit and is willing to take on blockers, he’s not stout enough to consistently anchor or an elite tackler. Does not project well in man coverage in the NFL and isn’t a pass-rushing threat.

(3) Defensive End Ricky Elmore. Analysis: Elmore has great intangible qualities and should provide some value with his pass rushing ability and hustle. However, he does not possess enough strength in the running game or elite athleticism to be considered a future starter. Can get off the ball, occasionally turn the corner, and close on the quarterback but won’t set up his man, counter, or use the bull rush. Has a motor that doesn’t stop and will make some plays chasing ball carriers down the line but is a liability when run at and can be a tick late to find the football. Elmore carries a late-round grade.

Is Smith Still The Answer In San Fran?

The mere look at this article's title may make you cringe. You may be thinking, "No, not another year!" or "I'd rather be a Cleveland Browns fan!". I understand your frustration. Year after year, the former first draft pick does a fantastic job at consistently underperforming and losing games. But with the current realities the Niners are facing, it may make sense to just keep him at starting quarterback for the short-term.

So let's take a look at Three Reasons Why Alex Smith as Starting QB Make Sense for Next Season:

1. New Head Coach: In his first year at the helm, Jim Harbaugh will be faced with a number of challenges. Building player relationships, getting acclimated with team nuances, learning what it takes to be an NFL head coach, and so on. With all this in mind, it will be that more tough for him to bring in a new QB to learn the system or mentor a young one like Colin Kaepernick.

2. No QBs in the Market: This year's QB market is not enticing enough for the Niners to take a chance on someone new. Carson Palmer's name has been thrown around, but at this later point in his career, for him to come in and learn a new offense, how productive can he really be and for how long?

3. Train Colin Kaepernick

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Legendary senior writer jclombardi reviews Packers 5th round pick.

In the fifth round, the Packers chose TE D. J. Williams, Arkansas. Williams won the John Mackey Award in 2010, which goes annually to the nation’s best tight end.

CBS sports.com: Overview: Williams is undersized for the traditional tight end role in the NFL. He projects as an H-Back who can be put in motion and take advantage of mismatches downfield. Release: Good initial quickness off the snap and lateral agility to gain a quick release. Can struggle to gain clearance when he is pressed due to his lack of bulk and strength. Hands: Reliable hands. Route running: Possesses good straight-line speed to force defenders on their heels, and has the balance and burst to create separation as a route-runner. After the catch: At least moderate straight-line speed to run away from linebackers. Blocking: Very good effort, but simply lacks the bulk or strength to compete as an inline blocker. Pesky. Intangibles: Characterized as a team leader. The recipient of the 2010 Disney Spirit. Williams will be most successful in the NFL when put in motion to take advantage of mismatches against linebackers and smaller defensive backs downfield.

NFL.com: Williams is a highly-productive, hard-working tight end prospect with outstanding character who was one of the key components of Arkansas’ dangerous passing attack over the last few seasons. Doesn’t possess adequate NFL tight end height but should be able to fit in nicely as an H-Back. Will make a lot of plays finding open spaces against zone coverage but can be neutralized by athletic safeties or linebackers in man coverage. Is a gritty player willing to make tough catches in traffic. Works really hard and is effective in the running game. Williams should expect to be a mid-round selection.

Evaluative Grade: B+. A tight end upgrade to compete for number 2 spot meaning, "The more good football players that you can add, the better you're going to be."

D. J. WILLIAMS HIGHLIGHTS