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Fear the Dreads!
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Packers draft needs: DB only weak spot on well-built squad
Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson has taken a lot of heat in recent years, mainly for letting Brett Favre walk.
In the end, he was right. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is a star in the making. But more than that, Thompson does a great job in the draft.
That's why this Packers team is poised to push for a Super Bowl in 2010. Rodgers is the main reason, another one of Thompson's picks.
In 2009, he drafted B.J. Raji and Clay Matthews in the first round. Raji started slow, but showed real promise as the season went on. Matthews went to the Pro Bowl as a rookie.
Look up and down the Green Bay roster and you'll find Thompson hits just like those. He isn't a big believer in free agency, which leads to criticism sometimes from fans and the media, but he's right.
Building through the draft is the way to go.
The Packers are good because Thompson has stuck to that. That isn't to say they don't have issues -- who doesn't? -- but there aren't a lot of them.
The offensive line struggled early last season, but the return of veterans Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher made it better and both are back again. Even so, Thompson could use a high pick there.
With Al Harris coming off ACL surgery and Charles Woodson getting older, the Packers could also use a corner.
Whatever the position, here's a bet Thompson gets the pick right -- just like he did with the Favre decision.
QB: If there were any doubts about Rodgers before, there shouldn't be now. He showed that he is a franchise quarterback who will be around for a long time. He is a tough guy who knows where to go with the football. Backup Matt Flynn is a decent athlete who has improved as a passer and Chris Pizzoti is the No. 3. Does it matter who's second and third? If Rodgers is down, this team is done.
Need meter: Needs depth
RB: In Ryan Grant, the Packers have a quality feature back. Grant bounced back from a sub-par 2008 season to play well in 2009. He is perfect for what the Packers want to do. He isn't overpowering, but he finds the cracks and creases and he can catch the football out of the backfield. Brandon Jackson is the primary backup and he has been a little bit of a disappointment. They could use help here. Fullbacks John Kuhn and Korey Hall are both good at what they do. Both tough guys can block.
Need meter: Needs depth
WR: Greg Jennings is one of the better receivers in the league. He is perfect in this offense, a player who can take a short pass and turn it into a big gain. Donald Driver is getting up in the years on the other side, so it may be time to look for a replacement. He's still a good player, but he is starting to slow down. Jordy Nelson and James Jones are two young players who need to push Driver. Look for the Packers to add a receiver at some point in this draft.
Need meter: Needs depth
TE: Jermichael Finley emerged as a potential star last season. He has the speed to stretch a defense and he can make big plays. His potential is great in this offense. Donald Lee is a veteran backup who can still get open near the goal line. He is also the best blocker of the tight ends. Spencer Havner, a converted linebacker, plays more like an H-back and is also a good receiver.
Need meter: None
OL: This was a major concern in the early part of 2009. Rodgers took a beating but as the season went along, this unit played better. Getting Clifton and Tauscher back really helped. They were both re-signed as free agents and likely will be the starters again, although youngster T.J. Lang could push out Tauscher. Right guard Josh Sitton is one of the better young guards in the league -- he is a keeper. Jason Spitz has played both guard and center, but settled in on the left side. He needs to be better in the run game. Center Scott Wells missed time last season, which forced Spitz to play center. Wells will be back, which means Spitz will battle Daryn Colledge for the starting left guard job. Allen Barbee offers quality depth at tackle.
Need meter: Needs starter (T)
DL: The Packers switched from a 3-4 to a 4-3 last season and the line played well. The front three of Johnny Jolley, Ryan Pickett and Cullen Jenkins did a nice job in the run game. They don't provide much in terms of a pass rush, but they don't have to do so. Keep an eye on Raji. It will be a shock if he doesn't start because he can be a force. Justin Harrell has been a disappointment after being taken in the first round a few years ago, one of the few misses by Thompson, but he has ability. After him, there isn't much depth.
Need meter: Needs depth
LB: The switch to the 3-4 meant Aaron Kampman had to make a transition from 4-3 end to 3-4 linebacker. It was a tough one, which is part of the reason he's not back. He signed with Jacksonville. Rookie Brad Jones took over for Kampman when he went down with an ACL injury and Jones impressed. He is penciled in as one starter on the outside. Clay Matthews, who went to the Pro Bowl as a rookie, will be the other. Look for Matthews to be even more of a factor off the edge this season. The inside backers are steady Nick Barnett and A.J. Hawk, who played better in 2009. Brandon Chillar is depth inside, whole Jeremy Thompson and Brady Poppinga offer depth outside.
Need meter: Needs starter (OLB)
DB: Age is a major concern at corner. Al Harris, who suffered a torn ACL last season, is 34. Charles Woodson, who was name the NFL Defensive Player of the Year, is 33. So the Packers need help there. They can get a couple of more good years from Woodson, but Harris coming off the ACL is a worry. Tramon Williams took over when Harris went down, but he's more suited to be the nickel corner. Jarrett Bush is the top backup. Safety Nick Collins went to the Pro Bowl and remains a good player. His range has improved, which has helped the defense. Atari Bigby is a big hitter who isn't great in coverage. Derrick Martin and Khalil Jones are the top backups.
Need meter: Biggest need
Packers draft needs: DB only weak spot on well-built squad - NFL - CBSSports.com Football
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