By the time it gets down to the 246th pick of the NFL Draft, some remaining players actually start hoping not to get drafted.

While the ego boost of being selected in the draft is nice, the freedom that free agency offers to have a hand in selecting one's destination is for some players even nicer.

But for Michigan State offensive lineman William Whitticker, there was really no question where he wanted to go.

"I was really happy to be drafted by the Green Bay Packers," he said. "This is a tremendous opportunity. It's always been a dream for me to play for the Packers at Lambeau Field.

"Even if I went into free agency, I probably would have been picking Green Bay anyway."

Besides, Whitticker expected to be drafted. If not for a minor tear to his anterior cruciate ligament that he suffered at a senior all-star game -- an injury that didn't require surgery, and from which he says he is fully recovered -- Whitticker figures he would have been selected even sooner.

As it is, he comes to a team with vacancies at both right and left guard, and says he feels comfortable anywhere along the line.

"I'll play whatever position (offensive line coach Larry Beightol) wants," Whitticker said. "I want to come in and help this team out."