Biggest Needs (in no particular order)
Defensive Line- Well, this position has Ted Thompson written all over it. Hmm.. has he ever drafted DL in the draft? The answer. Try almost every year with multiple picks, which makes this one a no brainer because of ongoing struggles. If you don't agree then look up a recap from the the playoff game against San Francisco. They need to find a guy who can stop the run and they need to get him in the early rounds.
Running Back- I hate this one. Do they really need a running back? The problem I have with running back is that I don't see a sleeper like Alfred Morris in this draft. I certainly don't think Green Bay should burn their first round pick on this one either. The Packers have seen some solid production out of Dejuan Harris recently and lets be honest, if Cedric Benson returns..he will be wearing Green and Gold again being paid the league minimum. Overall, I feel the Pack has plenty of options with so many RB's on their roster.
Cornerback/Safety- The Packers chose not to bring back Charles Woodson, but they still need to fill the role and bringing in young talent is the best way to do that.
Offensive Line- Green Bay allowed the most amount of sacks last season. Don't be to frightened by this fact because they also throw a lot more than the majority of the league. However, it is still a problem and the loss of six-time pro bowler, Jeff Saturday, loses a lot of leadership and depth. Look for the Pack to pick a OL with there third or fourth pick.
Overall Thoughts- This could be an ideal draft for Green Bay. They have plenty of needs to acquire, as does every team. With eight picks in the draft and a lot of quality players in the positions they need, the Packers have the opportunity to be very flexible.
Who will they pick first?- My guess is that they go with the best available. That is simply how Ted Thompson makes his decisions. It is also the reason that the Packers are year after year among one of the best teams in the NFL. Do you think Thompson had it planned out that he was going to pick Aaron Rodgers at 24 overall? Of course not! All you cheese heads need to respect the unpredictable man. If you were a fan of any other team, you would realize how darn good of a GM you have.
Therefore, here is my projected picks at the 26 selection. Keep in mind that this is based on my thoughts of who will be picked before Green Bay is on the clock.
FS John Cyprien College: FIU
FS Matt Elam College: Florida
DT Sylvester Williams College: North Carolina
DT Jesse Williams College: Alabama
RB Eddie Lacy (not sold on this but if he is the best available) College: Alabama
Packers Sleeper Pick- RB Marcus Lattimore College: South Carolina. This guy is the real deal. Sorry, what I meant to say is that he used to be the real deal. And then the terrifying knee injury happened. Green Bay has eight selections so they have the ability to take a risk with Lattimore in a later round.
Finally- who I actually go with if I am the Packers. NOBODY! There is going to be a ton of teams who want to trade for that pick. They could work out great for Green Bay if they consider some offers.
Bold Prediction of the Draft
The Chiefs take Eric Fisher instead of Luke Joeckel. Keep in mind no one outside of the public and media cares about where the kid went to college. The main difference between Fisher and Joeckel is that Joeckel played in the SEC and blocked for Johnny Football. Eric Fisher went to Central Michigan. Plus I know how Kansas City is and they would be the one to shock the world with their pick rather it be a good thing or bad thing.
The other thing I see happening is that they trade the first pick because of the high interest teams will have in Joeckel. I am not saying I want these things to happen. In fact as a Chiefs fan, I would like to see them draft a guy that can give Alex Smith time in the pocket. At the end of the day it is not my decision and these are just the things I could see occurring.
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