The 2007 version of the National Football League Draft -- an annual ritual marked by hype, anticipation, speculation and saturation TV coverage usually reserved for Super Bowls and "American Idol" showdowns -- is in the books.

At this point, it is unclear whether Packers fans should hoist general manager Ted Thompson onto their shoulders for a victory lap around Lambeau Field or grab torches and pitchforks and chase him from the premises.

Although the initial reaction to Thompson's first-round selection of Tennessee defensive tackle Justin Harrell, coupled with some very unscientific polling conducted over the weekend, seem to indicate more of a thirst for the former, the boo-birds and bombastic backseat general managers would be wise to remember the following point:

The only thing more futile than trying to predict what is going to happen before a particular draft is the idea of grading it immediately afterward.

Mock drafts? How about mock post-draft analysis? You won't have to look far to find someone to rip Thompson for the picks he made and the trade he didn't (Randy Moss).

If only it were that simple.

Nobody knows how well Thompson and his staff did this weekend and nobody will know until the players get out on the field and begin performing. In some cases, the studs and duds are identified early. Other times, the process can take weeks, months and even years.

You get the feeling that many people were disappointed about the Harrell selection simply because they did not anticipate the selection or hadn't heard of the man.

How many fans in Green Bay had heard of Daryn Colledge or Tony Moll before the draft last year? How many had heard of Aaron Kampman when he was taken in the fifth round a few years ago, or Donald Driver when the Packers took him in the seventh round out of Alcorn State?

Every year, NFL rosters are filled with players who outperform their draft position and the waiver wires are populated with guys who didn't meet expectations. Some of Thompson's picks this season will have a positive impact on the team this season and in the future. Others won't.

Here is a look at the players the Packers drafted this weekend, along with some comments, both pertinent and petty:

First round

(16th overall pick) Tennessee defensive tackle Justin Harrell -- If he makes people think of Gilbert Brown or Grady Jackson, Thompson will be regarded as a genius. If Harrell is compared to Cletidus Hunt, the GM could end up selling aluminum siding. Harrell was hurt quite a bit during college, but the coaching staff had to like him to allow him to be the last player to wear No. 92, which was retired in honor of Reggie White. With the Packers, he'll have to find a new number. The guy did some impressive work at the scouting combine, where he ran the 40-yard dash in 5.06 seconds, bench pressed 225 pounds 31 times and scored a 24 on the Wonderlic test, the highest of all defensive linemen.

Second round

(63) Nebraska running back Brandon Jackson -- Like Harrell, Jackson has some injuries in his past. He underwent surgery to repair labrum tears in each of his shoulders and suffered a broken hand late in the year. Most scouts had him ranked as a third- or fourth-round pick. The Packers obviously saw something they liked, but the consensus is that he'll need a year or two before he's ready to make an impact.

Third round

(78) San Jose State wide receiver James Jones -- He's not particularly big or fast, but Jones opened some eyes when he caught nine passes for 130 yards and two touchdowns in a season-opening game against Washington.

(89) Virginia Tech safety Aaron Rouse - After starting just 24 of 52 games in college, Rouse won't be lacking motivation when he gets to Green Bay. Journal Sentinel football writer Bob McGinn described him as a guy who "looks like Tarzan and hits like Jane."

Fourth round

(119) Missouri Southern State tackle Allen Barbre - How can you not like a guy is 6-4, weighs 300 pounds, runs the 40 in 4.88 seconds and made seven solo tackles on the punt team? Scouts describe him as "country strong," which conjures images of baling hay between servings of biscuits and gravy. His 11 on the Wonderlic was the lowest for offensive linemen.

Fifth round

(157) Virginia Tech wide receiver David Clowney -- A sprinter from a tough neighborhood in Delray Beach, Fla., Clowney had a bit of a Brady Quinn experience during the draft. He thought he'd get picked in the third round, but ended up waiting by the phone.

Sixth round

(191) Boise State linebacker Korey Hall -- A monster on special teams, Hall will move to fullback for the first time at camp. Scouts love his blue-collar work ethic, but his lack of speed could lead him to pursue a career in his major field of study, which was construction management. He'll have a friend on the team in Daryn Colledge, who was a college teammate.

(192) California linebacker Desmond Bishop -- The strongest linebacker in the draft will join a crowded corps that features A.J. Hawk, Nick Barnett and Abdul Hodge. The big question: Will his nickname be "Tutu" after Bishop Desmond?

(193) Colorado kicker Mason Crosby -- The name sounds like a character from a soap opera, but the guy showed a strong leg at altitude. He'll give Dave Rayner something to think about during training camp. An avid golfer, Crosby hit at least 60 shots at a driving range two days before every game. That's going to be tough to replicate in Green Bay.

Seventh round

(228) Florida running back DeShawn Wynn (RB) -- Rushed for 2,000 yards in college but couldn't shake his reputation as a "softee" who didn't break tackles. Was once suspended for what was described as "a parking decal incident."

(243) Rutgers tight end Clark Harris -- A decent receiver who doesn't seem interested in blocking, Harris may be considered a candidate to replace longtime long-snapper Rob Davis, who is approaching the mandatory retirement age.