Packers Select Philip Blake in Fourth Round of #MockFour

In the fourth round of #MockFour, the Packers took Baylor center Philip Blake.

After going defense with each of the Packers' first three picks in #MockFour, Green Bay decided to fill a hole on the offensive side of the ball in the fourth round.

With the 123 overall pick and No. 28 in the fourth round, the Packers selected Baylor center Philip Blake.

Both Brian Carriveau and I agreed that taking one of the three centers available was the best route to go with the first of the Packers' three fourth-rounders.

The choice ultimately came down to Blake, Michigan's David Molk and Mississippi State's Quentin Saulsberry. In the end, we agreed to take Blake (6-3, 311 lbs.), a 38-game starter at Baylor.

The 2011 first-team All-Big 12 selection enters the NFL as a more accomplished run and pass blocker than the other two options, and despite being 26 years old old at the time of the draft, also carries no worrisome character concerns.

Blake's stock has risen during the pre-draft process after strong performances at the Senior Bowl and Scouting Combine. The value and need matched well, as center remains an identifiable hole for the Packers despite signing veteran Jeff Saturday this offseason.

Yet with Saturday on board, Green Bay can allow Blake the opportunity to can sit and learn behind an established veteran for the first year or two. Once Saturday retires or moves on, Blake can then take over as the Packers' starting center. Blake can also provide depth at both guard positions.

The Packers #MockFour draft so far...

1.28––Alabama linebacker Dont'a Hightower

2.28––Clemson defensive lineman Brandon Thompson

3.28––Cincinnati defensive lineman Derek Wolfe

4.28––Baylor center Philip Blake

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Comments (9)

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QOTSA1's picture

April 18, 2012 at 08:29 pm

I think Blake is too old. He will be 27 before the year is over. If Saturday plays out his contract Blake will be close to 29 before he has a chance to start at center. Saulsberry seems more versatile having started at right tackle, both guard spots and center.

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Abayer13's picture

April 18, 2012 at 09:34 pm

Scott wells was 28 before he started becoming a lights out center

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aussiepacker's picture

April 19, 2012 at 06:21 am

I have to agree with you on the age thing.

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Cole's picture

April 18, 2012 at 08:54 pm

I know we need D, but just watching Lamichael James' highlight reel, my goodness, that would be such a huge addition in the 2nd if he falls that far. Can you imagine our 3rd down conversion rate with him in on 2nd and 3rd down catching screens and running on 3rd and 2 or 3, or 2nd and five?

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Jamie's picture

April 18, 2012 at 09:03 pm

I think y'all are doing a fine job representing the Packers FO. Might make a couple tweaks here and there (say for a true OLB, though Hightower may in fact be a better OLB than MLB), but in each case an exceptional value pick has been made, so I'd also be fine if the draft fell just like this. Well done.

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MarkinMadison's picture

April 18, 2012 at 10:12 pm

Not high on Philip Blake. On the plus size, he has the size that the Packers have been looking for, although I think he could use a little more beef and a little less fat. He also has the versatility that the Packers like. His technique is poor and his discipline is a bit lacking, which is about what you expect to see in a guy who didn't play until his senior year of high school in Canada. I guess the Packers can afford, and will have to get, a real project at the position. But you better be sure that he can be the guy, and I'm not sure that he is for what little I know about him.

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Jake's picture

April 19, 2012 at 02:09 am

Lol it is nice to think about, ANOTHER weapon on offense. I mean, as amazing as Rodgers has been, he's never had a real dynamic running game to back him up. God his play action is already ridiculous...

That being said, last season our offense had one of the greatest years an offense has ever had with Grant and Starks. This draft has got to be extremely D heavy.

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Jake's picture

April 19, 2012 at 02:10 am

Ooops this was supposed to a reply to Cole's post about Lamichael James.

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WanaBGM's picture

April 19, 2012 at 09:43 am

I like the mock draft a lot. I've reviewed probably a hundred or more and done quite a few myself. These are players on my board and about where they should be picked!

Blake is probably moving up in the draft. I would not have a problem with Quisenberry, particularly because of his versatility.

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