HarveyWallbangers
04-19-2006, 11:13 AM
Packers Draft Preview
By Jon Lopuch, Fanball
Wants and Needs: Their quarterback of the future is already in place (or is he?), but the Packers have needs everywhere else on offense. The running game was a complete disaster last season until free agent back Sam Gado took over after injuries sidelined everyone else. Yet for some reason, Green Bay didn't do anything to upgrade this group over the offseason. It probably won't matter, though, unless they address the interior of the offensive line. All three interior positions remain dire needs; in fact, the loss of center Mike Flanagan weakened an already porous unit. The receiving corps also needs some depth added, especially if Javon Walker really isn't bluffing about wanting to leave town. On defense, the Green and Gold need to pick up a starting-caliber cornerback and two linebackers. They are comfortable at safety thanks to the signing of Marquand Manuel, but more depth along the defensive line should be a goal.
Potential Selections: The Packers should go defense in the first round, likely choosing linebacker A.J. Hawk, who will be an immediate starter. If D'Brickashaw Ferguson falls to No. 5, don't be shocked to see Green Bay take him and move Mark Tauscher to guard. The second round may see the team begin addressing their offensive line issues, likely with such players as Max Jean-Gilles, Nick Mangold, or Deuce Lutui. In fact, expect multiple picks to be spent on the line, so guys projected to go later in the draft like Charles Spencer and Ryan Cook may also be donning the green and gold as rookies. Cornerback remains a need that may be addressed on day one. Alan Zemaitis, Anwar Phillips, and DeMario Minter are all possibilities if the Pack wait until the third round to go that direction.
Green Bay's Picks:
Round One: 5th overall
Round Two: 36th overall
Round Three: 67th overall
Round Four: 104th overall
Round Five: 139th overall, 165th overall (compensatory pick)
Round Six: None (traded to New Orleans)
Round Seven: 253rd overall
By Jon Lopuch, Fanball
Wants and Needs: Their quarterback of the future is already in place (or is he?), but the Packers have needs everywhere else on offense. The running game was a complete disaster last season until free agent back Sam Gado took over after injuries sidelined everyone else. Yet for some reason, Green Bay didn't do anything to upgrade this group over the offseason. It probably won't matter, though, unless they address the interior of the offensive line. All three interior positions remain dire needs; in fact, the loss of center Mike Flanagan weakened an already porous unit. The receiving corps also needs some depth added, especially if Javon Walker really isn't bluffing about wanting to leave town. On defense, the Green and Gold need to pick up a starting-caliber cornerback and two linebackers. They are comfortable at safety thanks to the signing of Marquand Manuel, but more depth along the defensive line should be a goal.
Potential Selections: The Packers should go defense in the first round, likely choosing linebacker A.J. Hawk, who will be an immediate starter. If D'Brickashaw Ferguson falls to No. 5, don't be shocked to see Green Bay take him and move Mark Tauscher to guard. The second round may see the team begin addressing their offensive line issues, likely with such players as Max Jean-Gilles, Nick Mangold, or Deuce Lutui. In fact, expect multiple picks to be spent on the line, so guys projected to go later in the draft like Charles Spencer and Ryan Cook may also be donning the green and gold as rookies. Cornerback remains a need that may be addressed on day one. Alan Zemaitis, Anwar Phillips, and DeMario Minter are all possibilities if the Pack wait until the third round to go that direction.
Green Bay's Picks:
Round One: 5th overall
Round Two: 36th overall
Round Three: 67th overall
Round Four: 104th overall
Round Five: 139th overall, 165th overall (compensatory pick)
Round Six: None (traded to New Orleans)
Round Seven: 253rd overall