If there's a talented DL with pass rush ability available at pick 26 I expect Thompson to grab him. Yes, they have youngsters who may develop in Daniels and Worthy - and maybe Neal will continue to improve - but I don't think Thompson would pass up a DL they have graded high. They also need a replacement for Pickett - a 320 pound plus run stopper.
I too would have loved to have watched Perry for an entire season. I saw some progress before he went on IR and I think he has the physical requirements to play LOLB in the 3-4. Moses has some potential but I think we saw Walden's ceiling and IMO that's as a backup OLB/STs player. Zombo certainly shouldn't be counted upon.
Here are the specifics of Hawk's contract from rotoworld.com. They have him signing a 5-year contract with an $8M signing bonus in 2011. Cap-wise that's "only" $1.6M per year. His base salary is $4.9M for the next three seasons with a roster bonus of $300K, $300K and $800K in 2015, the last year of his contract. If the Packers wanted to waive him before the 2013 season, the cap hit would be $4.8M ($1.6M prorated signing bonus times three seasons through 2015) However, if they keep him this year, they will pay him $4.9M in salary, a $300K roster bonus plus a $250K workout bonus. So if rotoworld is correct if they waive him, his contract is a $4.8M cap hit. If they don't, he'll count $5.45M against the cap. So it's cost effective to waive him now. But here's the rub: The Packers organization like him onehellofalot more than most Packers fans. Bishop was sorely missed and Smith is a good backup. The "wild card" who may be factoring into to their decisions at ILB more than we know is Terrell Manning. I hope (and believe) he's got the athleticism we're looking for but he's got to get on the field and show us.
IMO by far the biggest need in the secondary is a safety opposite Burnett. Yes, the loss of Collins was HUGE. He combined the speed and coverage ability of a CB with the size and striking ability of a safety. And he was a ball hawk. He became a very special player and was a HUGE loss. But to whomever posted about the difference in the D with the loss of Collins and Jenkins, I would also add the loss of the 2010 version of Charles Woodson. Charles isn't immune to the aging process and it's showing. So the Packers D has gone from four difference-makers on D (Woodson, Mathews, Collins & Jenkins) to one. Thompson found Collins at the top of the second round. It's extremely unlikely he can find another but a big upgrade at safety opposite Burnett would be a big improvement. I'd love to see MD Jennings and McMilliam get better but I wouldn't count on it. Perhaps they see Sean Richardson seriously challenging for that spot - he's certainly got the size. I'm fine with the group of Williams, Shields, Hayward, and House at CB. And they apparently like the 6 foot James Nixon - former PS'er - too. BTW, I expect Williams (shoulder) to be healthier with another year removed from his injury. Even if he isn't I expect Hayward to be a starting quality NFL CB next season and I wouldn't be surprised if House is too. And I think Shields is above average.
I'm hoping for an O lineman in the first three rounds. Even if you think they're OK I think everyone would advocate an upgrade in depth. Here's what McGinn had to say about the OL in the game at SF (which received the highest rating of any position group): He also noted that Lang held up just fine against the muscular Justin Smith. I don't think the problem with the OL is in the interior but they need depth there. IMO Barclay did well for a UDFA but they grade on a curve in the NFL. He was pretty good run blocking and he did get better the more he played, but I don't think he can be counted upon to start at RT for an entire season. If they don't spend a high pick on OT we have to hope Newhouse gets better (if he would "just" finish blocks, both in the passing and running game, he'd elevate his game significantly IMO) or hope Sherrod can play like a first round pick at LT. And we have to hope to see the Bulaga of 2010 and 2011 and not last season. My guess is we'll be doing a lot of hoping because there's no easy fix for OT unless they're already on the roster.
Driver better be gone - he should have been before this year. G Jennings is certainly gone so I would not be surprised to see a speedy, defense-stretching WR picked early in the draft. TE depends on the return of Finley, how they forecast the health of Quarless, and development of Taylor and Williams. IMO Finley can't be traded because of the salary he's owed in 2013. And if he's willing to do a reasonable deal, it'll be with the Packers.
IMO Harris is the answer at RB. He gets more than what is blocked on almost every play. Unless there's a RB that is clearly in the talent tier above where they're drafting I don't expect one taken early. Benson may return while Grant won't. And they may think they're OK with Green, Starks and Saine battling for the backup spot. I hope they bring in another FB. I'd love to see one who could blow up LBs better than Kuhn and still be able to catch the ball out of the backfield and pick up a blitz. A lot to ask for, I know.
So in the first three rounds of the draft I expect to see a lineman on either side of the ball, a WR or TE (who excels in the passing game), or a DB who can start at safety or play the kind of role Woodson did. If a DL or LB is picked early I'm hoping for pass rush ability. A pass rushing compliment to Matthews would make everyone else look better.