Packers draft outlook
An in-depth look at the Packers' needs heading into the 2007 draft:
1. Wide receiver. Donald Driver had a magnificent year and Greg Jennings had a solid rookie season before injuring his ankle, but neither player provides a big red zone threat or has the size to shield defenders on fade routes. That's why the team showed some interest in the Raiders' Randy Moss. The team needs to take advantage of this year's impressive crop of big, athletic receivers. Southern California's Dwayne Jarrett and South Carolina's Sidney Rice are first-round possibilities; Tennessee's Robert Meachem could be a second-round steal.
2. Running back. With Ahman Green leaving for Houston as a free agent, former Texan Vernand Morency probably isn't the answer; he's more of a change-of-pace back. If Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson fell to the 16th pick, which is unlikely, the Packers would jump all over him, but they might have to wait until the second or third round for a back. In the zone-blocking system, the team needs a locomotive who can hit a hole quickly.
3. Cornerback. The lack of an established nickel defender hurt last season. With veterans Charles Woodson and Al Harris coming off good years, there's time to develop a young cornerback. In their current scheme, the Packers need big corners who can play bump-and-run coverage. Unless Michigan's Leon Hall is available, they probably won't address the position in the first round. South Carolina's Fred Bennett could be an option later.
4. Tight end. Free agent David Martin won't be back after signing with Miami, and Bubba Franks is past his prime. The team has to find a receiving threat who can put pressure on cover 2 defenses down the middle. If the Packers can nab someone with speed in the second or third round -- Miami's Greg Olsen or Georgia's Martrez Milner are possibilities -- they will.
5. Safety. Though the safeties played better at the end of the season, Marquand Manuel is replaceable. He didn't do well running the secondary, so the team might as well go with a prospect. LSU's LaRon Landry, a smart defender who can play cornerback in nickel situations, would be an excellent first-round choice, but the team should draft a safety in Round 1 only if it's a no-brainer pick, such as Landry or Florida's Reggie Nelson.
6. Left tackle. Even though Chad Clifton is entrenched as the starter, the team needs to develop his eventual replacement. Tony Moll is more of a right tackle, and the Packers don't want to move Daryn Colledge in because they believe he's best at guard. Given Clifton's age (30) and mileage, it wouldn't hurt to invest in someone who could be a backup right away.
OUTLOOK
With the right moves, general manager Ted Thompson has a chance to get this team in contention for the playoffs. A year ago, he took care of the defense and the offensive line. Now it's time to give Brett Favre the playmakers needed to score touchdowns.
Upgrading the size and speed at the skill positions is a priority. There are plenty of receivers to choose from, so there's no reason the team can't come away with an immediate contributor. It would be hard to pass up a big receiver such as Rice or Jarrett, but Thompson rarely deviates from his board and will take the player he thinks has the best future. It would be ideal if the team could draft a running back or receiver who also can return kicks.
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Packers draft outlook
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