2011 Green Bay Packers Draft Needs
Written by Steve Janus
The Green Bay Packers had to win their final two games of the regular season just to make the playoffs at 10-6. They road that wave of momentum all the way to Super Bowl Championship. The Packers knocked off the Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons, and Chicago Bears all on the road before beating the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Super Bowl.
The Packers have done a great job of building their team in the draft. In 2010 they used their first round pick on tackle Bryan Bulaga, who started 12 games at right tackle. They found a starting safety in Morgan Burnett. Running back James Starks barely saw the field in the regular season, but was a huge factor in the playoffs. Look for the Packers to find a few more players who can help them try and repeat in this year’s draft.
The Packers hold pick No. 32 in the first round, the pick everyone wants to be associated with. Here is a look at the five positions I feel the Packers need to target in the 2011 draft. Find out who we have the Packers taking in the first round in our 2011 NFL Mock draft.
Outside Linebacker: The Packers have one of the best outside linebackers in the game in Clay Matthews, but what many people didn’t realize is this team went through three starts at the other outside spot. If Georgia’s Justin Houston falls to them in the first, I think he would be an ideal pick. Otherwise look for the Packers to address this need later in the draft.
Offensive Tackle: The Packers top priority has to be to make sure they have an offensive line that can protect quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Chad Clifton is 34 and it’s unclear if he will be back next year. Green Bay still hopes Bulaga can take over on the left side, but more depth needs to be added to ensure this position isn’t a weakness in 2011. I could easily see the Packers using their first round pick on a tackle.
Defensive End: It doesn’t look like Cullen Jennings will be a Packer in 2011, Ryan Pickett is getting up there in age, and the future of Johnny Jolly is uncertain due to legal issues. I think the Packers need to use one of their picks on this position. There’s a chance the Packers will be up in the first round staring at a guy like Ohio State’s Cameron Heyward. However, with a deep defensive end class they could wait and address this need in the second or third round.
Cornerback: With the likes of Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams and Sam Shieds the immediate future of this position is fine, but Woodson won’t be around much longer. The Packers need to start thinking about adding a player who can develop and be ready to start when needed.
Offensive Guard: While there is also a need for a receiver/return specialist, I think the Packers best bet is to continue to make sure they are strong up front. Green Bay needs to continue to get younger on the offensive line. This will not only ensure Rodgers stays healthy, it will also help out a running game that finished 24th in the league last year.
Individual NFL Team Mock Drafts
Got something to say?
- Betting Sites
- Betting Systems
- Gambling
- How to Bet
- NFL Mock Draft
- Parlays
- Pleasers
- Predictions
- Prop Bets
- Sportsbooks
- Statistics
- Teasers NFL Capping Info Preseason Super Bowl