Tackle first offensive player picked by Packers
Posted by on April 28, 2012 – 5:54 pm
It took seven rounds, but the Packers finally turned away from defense and gave new offensive coordinator Tom Clements a player for his side of the ball, Florida State offensive tackle Andrew Datko.
Datko, 6-6, 315, was a starter in the first four games of last season before missing the rest of the season with a shoulder injury. He had been a starter at FSU since his true freshman season.
Veteran Packers tackle Chad Clifton was released by the team on Monday and last year’s first-round pick, tackle Derek Sherrod, is recovering from a late-season fractured leg.
Datko was selected with the 241st overall pick. The Packers have one pick remaining, at 243.
Tags: 2012 nfl draft, andrew datko
Posted in Packers.com Blog | 16 Comments »
16 Responses
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By Displaced Packer Fan on Apr 28, 2012 | Reply
Big injury risk, but if he stays healthy the folks joking about drafting Tauscher again in the 7th might just get him. TT has learned, the 7th round is when you take a good player who is an injury risk, not #9 overall. I also have to wonder what is up with Chris Polk, 3rd round projection who is going to go undrafted it appears. Maybe the Packers can get him anyway if they want.
By Justin Thoms on Apr 28, 2012 | Reply
Datko had borderline first-round grades from NFL scouts entering his senior season. He underwent shoulder surgery during the 2011 spring, however, and reinjured the shoulder during the year. Datko stands 6-foot-6, 315 and has fairly long arms at 33 7/8 inches. A 40-game starter in college, all of them came at left tackle for Datko. He’s absolutely worth the “risk” late in round seven. Datko could emerge as a future starter if he gets the shoulder right.
By dave zavacki on Apr 28, 2012 | Reply
Reportedly has personality issues that do not sit well with many teams.
Chris Polk as per SI profile
By Packersfan85 on Apr 28, 2012 | Reply
Good pick for the spot, he could become a really solid player. I think we just need to bring in a few more O line men in and test them out, there was so talent left undrafted which could become gems for us
By Jessie J. Garcia on Apr 28, 2012 | Reply
@Displaced Packers fan…I am also curious as to why we didn’t take Polk with that last pick we had in the 7th round. Polk to me would have been an absolute steal there, and overall I am super suprised as to how/why he wasn’t drafted at all. Lots of mock drafts had him projected as a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th rounder. We need a back and I think he would be a great fit…he doesn’t have the speed, but honestly, when was the last time the Packers have had true speed at the RB position?? I hope they are at his house right now pitching sharing the starting gig with Starks as I write this…aside from that QB pick, I think the Packers had a really good draft…
By bisonhead33 on Apr 28, 2012 | Reply
Go get Chris Polk. Let him compete for a spot. Could be a great get even with the health concerns.
By jon on Apr 28, 2012 | Reply
This comment is nothing more than “drive by” character assignation. There is nothing that supports your claim. I have looked all over the internet for “credible evidence” and there is none. So explain to me how a guy who misses most of the season and is away from the team is a character issue. You can’t.
By jon on Apr 28, 2012 | Reply
Comment is directed at Dave Z.
By Raymond Boucher on Apr 28, 2012 | Reply
It is simply amazing to read all these critical judgments on GB by browsing media recaps on ESPN, NFL Network, etc. Haven’t TT and his massive team earned our benefit of the doubt for God’s sake? Grow up Packer fans!
Ray (The Pack’s #1 fan Canadian fan)
By Scott on Apr 28, 2012 | Reply
Could he be good? It certainly seems like he has a chance. A 40 game starter for a good program has a chance. They better find someone who can play Left Tackle before Rodgers gets killed.
By Phillip from Tulsa on Apr 28, 2012 | Reply
@ Jon
I believe he was talking about Polk.
By Scott on Apr 29, 2012 | Reply
Datko doesn’t have personality issues. The risk is that his shoulder will hold up and that he will be able to maintain strength over time. He was a model citizen while in college no issues ever. He has a good opportunity to be a contributor to the Pack.
By Bobstr57 on Apr 29, 2012 | Reply
The Packers O-line were terrible in 2011 against the good teams.Remember what K.C. did to them? They thought they could easily replace College and Lang. But no they did’nt! and there pass coverage,tackling was laughable! They need to get more serious players somehow!
By allen on Apr 29, 2012 | Reply
@Bobstr57, I thought T.J. Lang did quite well replacing himself.
By Jack on May 2, 2012 | Reply
Dave Z, way off-base on this one…As someone who knows Andrew Datko personally I can assure you there is no personality issues. Throughout his career at FSU he was a highly regarded team leader. He constantly showed this in his play through the pain during his shoulder issues of 2010/2011. The Packers got a steal on this young man. They got brains and brawn. Andrew graduated, yes graduated, with a degree in Applied Economics.
By SammyMcG on May 9, 2012 | Reply
The Packers have about 5 offensive tackles reporting to rookie orientation. Although Datko is the most qualified and highly regarded… HUGE INJURY RISK. The kid from WV doesn’t look bad but I’m pulling for Mike McCabe out of Holy Cross, MA. He’s got the size and decent speed. This kid brings a maturity and intelligence that could set him apart from the others. Feel good story in the making