Thompson's tendency is to stockpile picks

In trying to guess Packers General Manager Ted Thompson's tendencies, he has been remarkably consistent in trading down in the NFL draft.

In three drafts with the Packers, Thompson has made a whopping nine trades. In every single case he has moved down to accumulate extra picks.

In 2005 Thompson parlayed seven picks into 11 with three trades.

In 2006 Thompson turned seven picks into 12 with four trades.

In 2007 Thompson slowed down his pace somewhat by converting nine picks into 11 with two trades.

All told, Thompson took his original 23 draft picks over the past three years and transformed that total to 34.

Thus, if you're trying to guess what Thompson might do this weekend in the draft, the best hunch is that he would trade down and increase his current total of eight picks.

As for the theory Thoompson's roster has solid depth and he doesn't need additional picks, don't put a lot of stock in that. Sitting at No. 30 in today's first round, the Packers are in perfect position to move down a few spots, get an additional pick, and still land the player they want.

-- Mike Vandermause, mvandermause@greenbaypressgazette.com