Some say our biggest need is in the secondary, is this true?

DILLIGAFF · #1 03-09-2010, 02:21 PM

The O-line is still the most pressing need to improve the team, a repeat performance from our last years squad is not acceptable to take this team to the next level. The O-line by themselves almost cost the Pack the season. Clifton represents maintaining last years performance (Jerad Allen) and will not be available due to injury when we will need him most, negating anything gained. Left guard position is not strong at all with Colledge, Spitz has had back surgery (Justin Harrell) and with the Tauscher still not signed the right tackle position is still not certain. Our O-line has not been improved, maintained maybe, not improved. Last years performance was will not get the Pack any further this year.

Our secondary that is healthy is further along with talent and skill players than our O-line. I would still argue that a 3-4 defense foundation (like the O-line) is the LBs. Not only are we looking at a rookie/Brad Jones opposite of Mathews, but the position next to Barnett (Hawk/Chillar/Bishop) is uncertain and weak. Without a solid group of LBs, you will not see the fruits of any upgrading in your secondary if the better QBs in this league have time to throw the ball, advantage goes to the offense.

First step is to get the QB to throw the ball before is he ready, thus eliminating the offensive advantage and a good CB a chance. Pressure has to come first, lack of pressure will make even Woodson/Collins look average (Cardinal game).

Priority for the Pack:
1 - O-line, an upgrade of some sorts (Iupatai), able backup for LT and future LT
2 - LBs - must get good consistent run stops and pass rush with a solid group of 4 as the foundation of our 3-4 defense. Need depth at the OLB position and possible starter and a starter opposite of Barnett at the ILB position.

Third, and this is if we can do anything at all, CB and safety. In the draft if a better return man, running back, or receiver is available I would chose the biggest impact over need.

Jess · #2 03-09-2010, 02:23 PM

I think at some point we have to address the age in our secondary. Harris is old as hell, so is Woodson though he can clearly still play. At some point, you have to take a corner to sort of phase into the lineup in a couple years when Harris or Woodson retires. Similar to taking Rodgers years before Favre retired.

Ghost of Billy Mays · #3 03-09-2010, 02:37 PM

I agree Dilligaff, while Jess also has a good point. If it were me though, I would protect my franchise quarterback as well as I possibly could. I hope to see a OT/OG with the 1st pick, then look at best player available between CB/LB or an additional OT/OG in the 2nd. Probabaly LB first though, because IMO, a good pass rush makes the secondary better.

turbo69 · #4 03-09-2010, 02:38 PM

Originally Posted by DILLIGAFF

Priority for the Pack:
1 - O-line, an upgrade of some sorts (Iupatai), able backup for LT and future LT
2 - LBs - must get good consistent run stops and pass rush with a solid group of 4 as the foundation of our 3-4 defense. Need depth at the OLB position and possible starter and a starter opposite of Barnett at the ILB position.

Third, and this is if we can do anything at all, CB and safety. In the draft if a better return man, running back, or receiver is available I would chose the biggest impact over need.

I totally agree. In that order. Address those positions in the draft, just like that. 1st round O line.......2nd round OLB........3rd round CB or Safety......4th round another CB /Saftey or maybe Holliday as a retun man if he's still there. After that....best guy on the board and a punter.

AllouezPackerFan · #5 03-09-2010, 02:44 PM

O-Line.....first and foremost. Without a doubt.

PackersRS · #6 03-09-2010, 05:41 PM

If Okung, Williams, Bulaga, Davis, Brown, Campbell and Iupati are gone, do you adress OL in the first round???

I know, a bit farfetched, but still...

NYPacker · #7 03-09-2010, 05:46 PM

Originally Posted by PackersRS

If Okung, Williams, Bulaga, Davis, Brown, Campbell and Iupati are gone, do you adress OL in the first round???

I know, a bit farfetched, but still...

Yeah like I've stated multiple times before, I can't see 5-6 other teams passing up quality linebackers or players just to draft project lineman. After the combine I bet that either Davis or Brown will be their when we pick.

Ghost of Billy Mays · #8 03-09-2010, 06:04 PM

You have to remember, that these mock drafts everywhere mean little to nothing. I remember most mocks last year had Michael Oher going in the top 15. Plus there will be some team that will fall in love with some work-out warrior that had an impressive pro day allowing someone to drop to us.

PackersRS · #9 03-09-2010, 06:09 PM

Originally Posted by NYPacker

Yeah like I've stated multiple times before, I can't see 5-6 other teams passing up quality linebackers or players just to draft project lineman. After the combine I bet that either Davis or Brown will be their when we pick.

I'd take Brown over Davis in a hearth beat.

It may sound ridiculous 7 months from now, but what I see on every highlight/lowlight suggests that Charles Brown is the better player.

I have him as my #3 OT, actually, behind Okung and Bulaga.

The problem with him is strenght. He only bench pressed 21 reps at the combine, and despite being able to weight at 300 pounds, he didn't do any movement drills (40 yard, 3-cone drills).

So everything we know about his mobility is at less than 295 pounds at USC...

Mack_20 · #10 03-10-2010, 06:51 AM

We do need help in our secondary. Like Bigby but is always hurt.. Pat Lee will hopefully start to come on this year, and we do have Tramon who I think will be a solid starting corner after Al's gone. But it can never hurt to bring in another guy. Jarrett Bush better not be on the final 53 man roster, he better be gone, he is just terribly painful to watch.