GREEN BAY (WITI) -- In its quest to capture the spotlight in every month of the year, the NFL has moved its draft from April to May in 2014. That means the Packers have had lots of time to prepare for this year's process.
"We're excited about the draft process and looking forward to it," Packers General Manager Ted Thompson said.
Exactly what kind of return should Packers fans be looking for in this year's draft, which runs Thursday, May 8th through Saturday, May 10th?
The organization's philosophy is draft and develop -- meaning the players acquired through the selection process have been and will continue to be the core of the squad.
So, here are the hits and misses of the Ted Thompson-led drafts -- starting in 2005.
HIT: Aaron Rodgers with the 24th pick in the first round. The quarterback hardly played for then-Coach Mike Sherman, but he's still had a decent career.
HIT: In the second round, safety Nick Collins. He played in three Pro Bowls before he was forced to retire with a neck injury.
2006 was Coach McCarthy's first year at the helm.
HIT: A.J. Hawk in the first round. Maybe not fifth-pick-in-the-draft-worthy, but he's the all-time leading tackler in Packers history.
HIT: In the second round, Greg Jennings -- who was awfully productive before departing for Minnesota as a free agent. As an aside, regarding Jennings' comments about Green Bay upon becoming a Viking -- a MISS.
That brings us to 2007.
HIT: James Jones in the third round -- and Mason Crosby in the sixth.
MISS: Defensive lineman Justin Harrell -- picked in the first round, and safety Aaron Rouse, picked in the third round.
In 2008, the Packers didn't need a receiver at all, but...
HIT: Thompson's top pick was Jordy Nelson. Jermichael Finley was pretty good out of the third round as well. Matt Flynn was a hit in the seventh, which made up for the miss on Brian Brohm in the second round.
Three HITS came in 2009 with the selection of: B.J. Raji, Clay Matthews and T.J. Lang.
In 2010 came a lot of guys who are still around, and who largely can't be characterized as a hit or a miss, including: Bryan Bulaga, Mike Neal, Morgan Burnett and Andrew Quarless.
Another HIT in 2009: Sixth-rounder James Starks.
In 2011, coming off a Super Bowl championship, there's one hit, and a bevy of misses.
HIT: Randall Cobb
MISSES: Derek Sherrod, Alex Green and D.J. Williams
In 2012, it was all about defense, and all about guys who couldn't seem to stay healthy!
The jury is still out on Nick Perry, Jerel Worthy and Casey Hayward.
HIT: Mike Daniels in the fourth round was judged to be a hit, while Jerron McMillian was a miss.
In 2013, second-rounder Eddie Lacy, fourth-rounder David Bakhtiari and fifth-rounder Micah Hyde all show what kind of impact the draft can yield.
First-rounder Datone Jones is yet to get untracked and needs to trend away from miss this season.
More hits than misses in the draft means more wins than losses on the field in Green Bay, with the next go-round right around the corner!
"Quite frankly, I don't think the NFL wants people like me to try and evaluate a draft. They want you all to watch and be excited," Thompson said.
The Packers have the 21st pick in the first round of this year's draft, and they'll make that selection on Thursday night.
The second and third rounds are Friday night.
This year's draft concludes on Saturday.