For years I have been trying to figure out Ted Thompson and his draft strategy. I was so unexcited with the picks in rounds two and three yesterday that I had to really do some thinking. After a good night of rest, I think I have it figured out. He's using my buddy Chris' Madden strategy.

Like many of you compete losers, I always pick up a copy of the newest Madden video game the day it hits the shelves every year. There are a group of us who can't wait to get on our hands on the game. Yes, we love to play, but we love the franchise mode and fantasy draft even more. There is nothing like getting the entire NFL roster at your fingertips to build a team with.

My buddy Chris and I have completely different strategies. I hit my draft like Jerry Jones, snagging up as many 99's as I can. I take speed guys, non-Packer people, and as many big name superstars I can get my hands on. It's like the Pro-Bowl roster for the first half of the draft, but when everything is said and done, I usually end up with is half a team of studs and end up picking half a team of duds with my dwindling remaining salary cap.

My friend on the other hand, takes the cautious approach. He prefers to have three layers of security. Sure he snags a top-flight QB, and nice receiver and a defensive stud or two, but ultimately he is looking for depth. So much so, he is affectionately known as Mr. 85. For every Randy Moss I take, he is taking two Donald Drivers. For every Bryant McKinnie I grab, he is taking two Mark Tauschers. By the time we are both done, I may have more superstars, but he is built for the long haul.

Ted Thompson is doing the same thing this year. Yes, you can say he is building for the future, but more importantly, he's buying insurance for this season. I haven't heard anyone compare any of the Packers 2010 draft picks to superstars. Instead, what I have heard are words like solid, plays hard, game ready, and can play multiple roles. More importantly, I am hearing phrases like "ready to fill in" if needed.

All along I have been saying that Ted needed to make some moves that put us over the top this season. Although it may not seem like it on paper, perhaps he has. With the latest draft picks, Ted has started to eliminate the chance of a huge drop off at any postion due to injuries. Thompson didn't take many chances, but he did start to replace our 65's with 80's. Check out the roster right now. There is quality backup at nearly every postion, and if one, or multiple players at multiple positions were to fall this season (and you know they will) perhaps the drop off in play won't be severe enough to hurt us like it has in seasons past.

As a Packer fan I hope to rest a little easier this year, knowing that need and depth has been addressed.  Do you as a fan want your excitement now, or in week 17?

As always, I take the latter.

Check out today's virtual draft party as we finish off the Packers 2010 draft this afternoon. If you want to catch up on what you missed, there is a complete archive here.