Green Bay Packers 2008 NFL Draft Team Needs
June 8, 2008
Mike McCarthy won 16 of his first 25 games as head coach of the Packers, a franchise record. The Packers also tied a franchise record by going 13-3 in the regular season last year before getting beat by the Giants in the NFC Championship game. Things are looking up in the Frozen Tundra, but they will have to move on without the presence of future Hall-of-Famer Brett Favre at the helm. GM Ted Thompson will stick to his philosophy of building primarily through the Draft, a method that really show its value last season. It’s time for these young players to build a new face in Green Bay, a tough task considering Brett Favre has been the face of the franchise for years.
2008 Green Bay Packers NFL Draft Needs:
1.) Offensive Guard
The Packers were inconsistent at this position all season in ‘07 with Jason Spitz, Daryn Colledge and Janius Coston splitting time all season at the two guard spots. Spitz is labeled the best at this spot, but he’s completely replaceable. Colledge has been inconsistent and Coston ended the season on the injured reserve. The Packers will need to add a couple of interior linemen via the NFL Draft that can run block.
2.) Cornerback
Charles Woodson and Al Harris are one of the best CB tandems in the league, but their physicality is taking its toll on their bodies. There is a very sharp drop off in talent behind them. Jarrett Bush was unable to keep his job as a nickel corner last year. Tramon Williams and Frank Walker didn’t play well either, and injury-prone Will Blackmon is not the long-term answer.
3.) Quarterback
Now that Brett Favre has retired, the Packers are left with Aaron Rodgers to take over at quarterback. Rodgers has been injured already in limited playing time at this spot, so his health has to be a major concern heading in. A decision to spend another relatively high pick on a QB would not be a shock one bit.
4.) Tight End
Starter Donald Lee has been locked up to a long-term deal and he’s worth every penny with the way he can catch balls down the field as an outlet for Rodgers. But eight-year vet Bubba Franks will likely get the boot at the end of the season with the Packers not willing to obtain his $4.5 million salary. The Packers can find a good backup tight end in the later rounds of the 2008 NFL Draft.
5.) Linebacker
The Green Bay Packers have great starting backers with the addition of A.J. Hawk last season to go along with Nick Barnett. But depth is a major concern here and Brady Poppinga has his share of limitations on the strong side. Poppinga is terrible in coverage and that’s a big concern considering the way teams like to put the ball in the air these days.
2008 NFL Draft Prospects to fit Offensive Scheme:
The Packers are now a completely balanced offense that proved to be very difficult to stop throughout the season. Having Favre made things much easier in Green Bay, but he couldn’t have done it without the emergence of Ryan Grant in the backfield. The Pack turned to slant patterns and short crossing routes into a form of art in 2007. OLG Brandon Albert of Virginia could be that lineman the Packers look for in the first round. RB-RS Felix Jones of Arkansas would be a steal from Arkansas. TE Martellus Bennett of Texas A&M, QB Brian Brohm of Louisville, OG Donald Thomas of Uconn and TE Craig Stevens of Cal would fit the Packers 2008 NFL Draft needs.
2008 NFL Draft Prospects to fit Defensive Scheme:
The Packers play a different “four across” quarters systems that requires match coverage. With physical CB’s Charles Woodson and Al Harris pressing WR’s at the line, it is the perfect defense for this team. Blitzing is a rarity, with 80-90 percent of the pass rush coming from the solid front four. CB Aqib Talib of Kansas would be the perfect corner of the future in Green Bay. SS Marcellous Johnson of Arkansas State, CB Jack Ikegwuonu of Wisconsin, SLB Shawn Crable of Michigan, CB Tyvon Branch of Uconn and S Dominique Barber of Minnesota would fit the Packers defensive scheme.