The Wisconsin Badgers held their annual Pro Day on Wednesday and in attendance was the architect of the Green Bay Packers potent offense.
Packers General Manager, Ted Thompson, made the short drive to Madison to take a look at a small group of Badgers prospects who have high hopes of being drafted in the upcoming 2013 NFL Draft.
Wisconsin’s most notable prospect is Montee Ball, a highly regarded running back and the NCAA’s all-time leader in touchdowns.
Could Thompson and the Packers select Ball with the 26th or 55th selection in April?
After running a disappointing 4.66 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis a couple of weeks ago, Ball’s stock had plummeted well out of the first round. With an improved time of 4.46 on Wednesday, he may have done just enough to elevate himself back to the first or second round. He’s not the fastest prospect at running back, but Ball is one of the most well-rounded backs in what’s a shallow class for the position this year.
It’s no secret that the Packers could be in the use of a running back to take some of the heat off their prized-possession and quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Following his work-out in front of personnel from 30 of the NFL’s 32 teams, Ball hinted at the possibility of playing football in Green Bay by saying they’re interested.
“I think they are. You know, I hear whispers they’re looking for a three-down back, and hopefully I showed them I can do that today.” (Quote courteous of Jack Moore at Bucky’s 5th Quarter)
Of course, speculating Ball to the Packers in the first or second round could be wishful thinking. Offensive line and the secondary are also significant areas of need for the Packers.
Offensive lineman Ricky Wagner and Travis Frederick as well as corners Devin Smith and Marcus Cromartie are all Badgers that Thompson could consider picking up.
For more in depth coverage of Wisconsin’s Pro Day including videos, check out the Badgers’ official storify account.
Do you think Ball would be a fit with the Packers? Let me know by commenting below.
Nick Grays is a senior writer at the Sports Bank where he covers the Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers. He also enjoys to share Fantasy Advice and pretend to be a Golf expert from time-to-time. Follow him on Twitter by clicking here or visit his blog Nick Knows Best. If social media is not your thing, shoot him an email at grays@uwalumni.com.
*Images obtained from atlantafalcons.com and espnmadison.com