We’re less than a week away from the NFL Draft. With the Brewers ship taking on water at a rather rapid and disappointing pace, it’s a welcome distraction to think football for the next few weeks. When our focus returns to the diamond, we’ll hopefully see the Brew Crew in the midst of a 4 to 5 game win streak and the NL Central pinnacle within their sights. Then again, they could be 9 to 10 games back and thus 2009 a dismal failure before we even get into June. Either way, it’s Packer replenishment time!
The old adage regarding the draft, “the best player available”, still holds true to a certain extent but this year, more than most in the recent past, Ted Thompson can look at his wants and needs then make a few decisions based upon those inadequacies. Thompson has 4 picks in the first 83 overall. He can certainly find a few guys who can contribute.
Here’s a list of what I believe to be the Packers deficiencies and/or question marks are as they venture into the 2009 – 10 season;
1. First and foremost, the Packers need to create a pass rush and stop the run…PERIOD!
Jolly, Jenkins and Pickett are your down linemen in the new 3-4 scheme. Jenkins was having the best season out of the three before he went down with a season ending injury in only the 4th game. Pickett played through a bicep injury and Jolly had 82 tackles (4th on the team) but no sacks and presented very little pressure consistently on opposing quarterbacks. Taking Aaron Kampman out of the “down lineman” mix in the new 3-4 and making him a rushing end as more of a stand-up, outside linebacker seemingly may hurt his ability as the only true pass rusher the Packers have.
2. Offensive Tackle, with the loss and uncertainty regarding Mark Tauscher, the Packers only true consistent offensive lineman, the Packers are relying on 2nd year player Breno Giacomini to step up and fill that void this season. Tony Moll is currently slotted in that position on the Packers official depth chart but realistically, he was adequate at best the last couple of years and at times benched for sub par performances. Tackle’s not the position for that type of player. At left tackle, Chad Clifton is aging, his injuries have slowed him considerably and his attitude towards the zone blocking scheme has showed on the field since Mike McCarthy’s arrival. Clifton has had some spectacular games, don’t get me wrong but he’s clearly not the player he once was.
3. Middle Linebacker, who’s knows how Nick Barnett’s going to return from major knee reconstruction surgery for both his MCL and ACL. A.J. Hawk played, in my opinion; heavy and slow last year and his numbers have steadily declined since his 155 tackles in 2006 when he was a rookie. Since then he’s recorded 129 tackles in 07 and 121 last year in 08. Granted he’s been used differently schematically but he’s still not playing with the sideline to sideline speed that we witnessed his rookie season. The other major concern at linebacker is this, in the 3-4 linebackers are regularly asked to take on blockers. This is a major deficiency in both Barnett’s and Hawk’s capabilities. Neither has proven once they get locked up with an offensive lineman that they’re capable of shedding the block to fill the gap and make the play. If history repeats itself, these two could end up being non-factors in the 3-4 defense vs. the run.
4. Line depth. Trenches, trenches, trenches. You can’t get big enough and physical enough in the trenches. Your play up front will determine the play making capabilities of your specialty players. A faster more consistent pass rush will make your corners and safeties better. A better blocking line will spring your running backs and make your receivers that much more elusive. Ted Thompson must continue his effort to build both the offensive and defensive lines and their depth.
5. The defensive secondary; Charles Woodson had a spectacular season in 08. He’s 32 years old and he’s not on the downside of his career yet. That said he’s solid. Al Harris, while he’s 34 years old, you certainly have to give him credit the way he played after he came back from a lacerated spleen last season. His toughness is unquestioned and he can still “go get it” with the best of them. The Packers still have one of the best corner tandems in the league. The safeties, Atari Bigby and Nick Collins; when they’re on their game, they’re ferocious. When they are nursing nagging injuries that slow them down, they’re no where ear as effective. Even with Tramon Williams and Will Blackmon waiting in the wings, it wouldn’t hurt to pick up another d-back or two.
6. Tight End; Donald Lee’s adequate and Tory Humphrey is a decent back-up. Jermichael Finlay’s the heir apparent and he has shown flashes but he needs to be more consistent with his hands and his blocking. He had numerous opportunities to make plays last year and for whatever reason, he succumbed to stone fingers or complete whiffs on the football. Don’t forget, he had the audacity to complain about how many times, o lack thereof, that Aaron Rodgers looked in his direction. We’ll see how much he’s matured in the offseason. That being said, a tight end would not be an unwelcome addition.
7. Running back; Was it the line or the back last year? Ryan Grant held out of training camp and got the money and then produced lackluster results on the field. Brandon Jackson proved that he’s ready to bust forth and Deshawn Wynn had flashes but this unit is just an injury away from being depleted.
8. Wide Receiver; Last year Ted Thompson took Jordy Nelson and many said, “WHO”? Well, did you know that Nelson only had one drop all of last season? He had the surest hands on the field for the Packers. He was also thrown into the mix because of numerous injuries. You can never have too many quality receivers.
9. Special teams tacklers; Tracy White was traded away last year for Danny Lansanah….(insert comment here)…that’s right, Danny Lansannah. Your best special team’s player for a sub-performing player who’s only impact was the amount of tackles he didn’t make. Special teamers are a deep need on this club. That’s why this draft has got to be heavy with guys who are quality at their position but can also stay in their lanes, break down and make a play when it comes to kick offs and punt coverage.
10. Last but not least, quarterback; Aaron Rodgers, what can you say about his rookie year under center full time? The only thing he needs to accomplish is a come from behind win to get the monkey off his back. Other than that, he’s a keeper. First year player, Matt Flynn proved that he’s got the tools and the mental capability to take over for Rodgers if need be but Brian Brohm, who most predicted was going to blossom in the NFL, struggled with his throws and reads. With a need for young quarterbacks in this league, if Thompson would be able to make a draft day trade, I’d do it. Bring in a veteran back-up to work along side Flynn and garner another 2nd or 3rd rounder for Brohm…if you’re lucky to get something that high for him.
Now, who can you get to fill the needs that I list above, that’s the $64,000 question.
For a look at the Packers prospects, CLICK HERE