NFL Mock Draft, Pick 23: Packers Select Sergio Kindle, LB Texas

The 23rd pick is in and SB Nation's Packers community, Acme Packing Company, has selected...

Texas LB Sergio Kindle

From Acme Packing Company:

There is some lobbying at Acme Packing Company for TCU's Jerry Hughes, who has nearly identical combine and/or pro day results, but his transition to playing in space as a linebacker apparently hasn't looked too smooth according to some reports. For that reason, I'm going with Kindle, who also could become a pass rushing terror but played linebacker in college.

From Mocking The Draft:

But if pass rusher is the pick, Kindle is a good one. He's much more physical than Hughes and more of a sure thing. He can also put his hand down, which would give Green Bay another look for its defense.

From SB Nation's Texas community, Burnt Orange Nation, back at the start of the 2009 college football season:

Each week when I get to the Defensive MVP section of the Post-Game React, I pause and consider whether I can omit Sergio Kindle, if only for diversity's sake. Each week I include him anyway, and it's never a hard decision. The physical gifts are no secret, but I find myself repeatedly writing about the energy and effort, which are otherworldly, as well. In terms of his future, his elite length, ability to change directions, and straightline speed make him a Top 10 NFL pick, and he's got the frame to add a needed 10 pounds of muscle to his upper body. Needs to work on using his hands to keep blocks off his knees, but that's about it; he's special.

I agree with MTD that passing up on Rutgers OT Anthony Davis is a tough decision but it's hard to disagree with addressing the pass rushing concerns. Pass rusher might be the second or third most important position on the field behind quarterback and offensive tackle and Kindle is expected to be one of the best in this class so this is a solid pick.

Read the full write-up over at Mocking The Draft.