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Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Packers Draft Needs


 We haven't said too much about the draft on SNOtap yet so I'll get us started with a preview of the Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers' most pressing needs.  Ted Thompson has done an excellent job building depth in the draft and hopefully hell be up to his old tricks tomorrow night (lets just hope he stays away from the Justin Harrells of the world).



Biggest Needs

1) Offensive Tackle - In my opinion the Packers' biggest need is at the offensive tackle position.  Chad Clifton is probably looking at his final season in the NFL and I would be surprised if Mark Tauscher is ever seen on a football field again.  Plus, Aaron Rodgers' concussions could become an issue if protection isn't addressed in the draft. They seem to have hit it on the head with Brian Bulaga in last years draft and they need to find someone that can step in opposite of him to solidify their line going forward. 

2) Defensive End / OLB - Clay Matthews has established himself as an elite pass rusher over the past two seasons and the Pack is going to have to find someone to work opposite of him.  Teams consistently shift pass protections towards the Claymaker and usually run the ball away from him.  While guys like Frank Zombo, Erik Walden, and Brady Poppinga have been effective I don't see them as the long term answer.

3) Wide Receiver - Donald Driver isn't getting any younger and while the Packers still have a deep receiving corps with Jennings, Jones, and Nelson they will need to draft a replacement.  This isn't an extremely pressing need so look for the Packers to look for a great value receiver in one of the later rounds.

Who They Should Pick

Predicting a Ted Thompson draft selection is as hard as predicting which graphic t Charlie will go with on a Friday night but I'll give it a shot on the Packers' first few picks..

Round 1 - Picking in the 32 hole is a great problem to have.  However, it really does limit your choices and while I think OT is their biggest need I don't think their will be a first round quality tackle left on the board by the time the Pack gets on the clock.  Therefore I think they go for a pass rusher like J.J. Watt (Wisconsin), Brooks Reed (Arizona), or Cameron Heyward (Ohio State) depending whos available.

Round 2 - Here is where I think they address the offensive line.  It obviously comes down to who is available at the 62nd pick but a couple of names that could still be around include Danny Watkins (Baylor) or James Carpenter (Bama)

Round 3 - My guess is they try to pick up a wide out that either slipped or someone who they think is under the radar.  Its tough to say who will still be around but I would love it if a guy like Greg Little (UNC) or Titus Young (Boise) were to fall to the Pack.