Packers Early 7 Round Mock Draft

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The Packers are coming off their much needed bye week. After a 1-2 start, this bye couldn't have come at a better time. As dry as it is right now for Wisconsin sports, I thought I'd concoct the first installment of NFL Draft prospects for the Packers going into the 2014 NFL Draft. I think it's very important to get familiar with potential prospects for your pro sports teams, which is why I do these. These are purely based on blatant needs the Packers will be looking for in the draft and how these players could fall to them. (I recommend that if you're going to watch the videos that you enlarge them to full screen to really watch the featured player.)

Round 1 - Cyril Richardson, G/OT, Baylor

Depending on the Packers draft position, this would be the logical choice as our first round pick. Cyril Richardson could go in the Top 15, but he could also go late in the first round. I've seen him scattered all around draft boards. Richardson can play both guard and tackle on the offensive line. As we've seen so blatantly this year and in years past, Aaron Rodgers needs to be protected a heckuva lot more than he does. It seems every year the line suffers a huge injury that bumps somebody into a position on the line they are experienced at. This year = prime example. Bryan Bulaga gets hurt, insert rookie right tackle David Bahktiari at left tackle. I'm probably in the minority, but the only offensive lineman I trust to protect Aaron Rodgers in Josh Sitton. I want to get on the TJ Lang club, but too often I see him being lost. Now, maybe its him getting used to the new position this year (went from left guard to right guard)? Who knows.

Focusing on Cyril, this is a big boy. He knows how to protect a quarterback. The highlight video shows that. Richardson is 6'5", 340 pounds. He's a mammoth of a man and a true force. At Baylor, he was their starting left tackle for some guy named Robert Griffin III. After RG3 was drafted, Richardson shifted to left guard. He excels at both positions. For his size, he's very light on his feet. Guard, in my opinion, is his natural position.

Round 2 - Josh Huff, WR, Oregon

A little back story on why I see a wide receiver coming off the board so early for the Packers...

James Jones - Free Agent in 2014
Jermichael Finley - Free Agent in 2014
Jordy Nelson - Free Agent in 2015
Randall Cobb - Free Agent in 2015

See where I'm going with this? We all know how Ted operates. We all know that those four individuals won't all be Packers come 2015. We are going to have to replenish the targets that the gun shoots at. Catch my drift? Josh Huff may not have the elite speed, but is one of the most physical and tough wide receivers in this draft class. Rob Rang from NFLDraftScout.com wrote this up on him...

"...a difficult match up for cornerbacks. Huff uses his body well to shield defenders from the ball and he is a strong runner after the catch, demonstrating the balance and leg-drive to spin and run through arm tackles. Huff is not a future No. 1 target in the NFL, but his size and strength should make him an effective complementary wideout capable of contributing early in his pro career."

I did say he doesn't have elite speed. However, he still runs a 4.48 40 yard dash. That is definitely enough to qualify as a kick returner, something the Packers also need dearly. The team values Randall Cobb too much as a wide receiver to risk injury and having him return kicks for us anymore. It is unfortunate that the Jeremy Ross experiment didn't pan out, but it's back to the drawing board. Maybe Reggie Dunn will give us a spark.

Round 3 - Bennett Jackson, CB, Notre Dame

Bennett Jackson is like sap on your hands after you touch a pine tree. He's like duct tape. He's a leech. He's one of the best defensive backs and the Packers could really use the depth. The most unique attribute about Jackson is that he's a former wide receiver. That being said, you could assume that he strives so well at corner because he knows the ins and outs of the position he's defending.

Last year for the Fighting Irish he recording 65 tackles (3rd best on the team) and 4 interceptions. Through the first five games of this season, he has accumulated 31 tackles, 1 sack and 1 interception that turned into a pick-six for Bennett.

Round 4 - Max Bullough, ILB, Michigan State

Max is a firecracker. He's calls the shots on defense. Players have compared him to Matt Wilhelm, who you might remember from the Packers 2010 Super Bowl XLV Championship team.

The Packers have an acceptable inside linebacker core, but every year it is lacking one major piece to the puzzle. That, my friends, is the pass rush. Clay Matthews can't do it all. Max has a knack for being physical and being a major presence in slowing a run game down.What he has in strength he lacks in speed. You don't want him in pass coverage, but it's something he can improve on during his senior year.

Speaking of the run defense, Max Bullough's #1 run defense in the country has given up a total of 229 rushing yards over the last 4 games. That averages out to be 57.25 yards per game. Absolutely mind blowing.

(I think you'll all like the next inside linebacker I feature in 2.0)

Round 5 - Boseko Lokombo, OLB, Oregon



With the shadows of Kiko Alonso and Michael Clay gone, meet Boseko Lokombo. Coming into this season, he's accounted for 39 total tackles (26 solo tackles), 4.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions and a forced fumble. He also has 4 defensive touchdowns on his resume. Lokombo will likely be a finalist for the 2013 Butkus Award.

Main reason for drafting him - security blanket in case Nick Perry doesn't live up to his potential. You can never have too much depth at linebacker on a football team in my opinion.

Here's an interesting note on Boseko that I came upon - Back in May of this year he was selected in the CFL draft to the B.C. Lions. He is obviously continuing his college career and still is 100% focused on the NFL, but by being drafted by the CFL as a redshirt junior gives him something to fall back on in case the NFL doesn't work out. Basically, the CFL can draft red shirt juniors and can wait to sign them until their college careers are over with. Also, if they choose to go to the NFL instead, they can still be signed by the team they were drafted by after their NFL career.

Round 6 - Jacob Pederson, TE, Wisconsin



Probably not the first Badger you thought I'd feature in one of these. In any event, Pederson addresses a huge hole for the Packers. The Packers just don't have a legitimate tight end behind Jermichael Finley, and that shows whenever Finley doesn't play. You don't realize how important Finley is until he's gone. Well, not anymore.

Jacob Pederson is pretty much Jermichael Finley in another body. They both are 6'5". They both weight 240. They both are play-makers and game changers. For the most part, they have good hands. They are both pivotal. The thing I really like about Pederson is that he isn't afraid to throw a block. Like I mentioned above with the offensive line, any extra help and protection the team can give Aaron Rodgers the better.

Round 7 - Jimmie Ward, SS, Northern Illinois 

The last time the Packers drafted someone from Northern Illinois was in 1994. LeShon Johnson was a running back for the Pack for two years. Unless your name is Michael Turner, you aren't really known for playing at NUI. Until you meet Jimmie Ward.

Ward has potential to be a stud. He plays the strong safety position extremely well. He's a lock down kind of player. He's always in the middle of plays either tackling breaking up passes. Ward is known as one of the locker room leaders and voices of the team. Coaching staff has nothing but great things to say about him. He's currently playing through a serious injury on his left hand/wrist area. It has been in a cast for a few weeks now.

The Packers need serious help in the secondary. Not saying we lack the talent now, because we don't. we have a few regular starters beat up and hurt right now, and much like the offensive line, we have guys subbing in at positions they aren't used to which turns into disasters. Ward would be a great option late in the draft to address this particular issue and if anything provide depth and competition.

Until next time, Beer, Brats, and Championships.

- Andrew Vrchota (@AndrewVrchota)

Follow us on Twitter (@WISportsBlog) for up to date news on the Brewers, Packers, Badgers, Bucks, and Golden Eagles. We feature live, in-game commentary, breaking news, previews and post game discussions. Follow the entire Wisconsin Sports Blog writing team on Twitter: @AndrewVrchota, @jheldred, @JoeP_Norton, @olewr7, @Stevie2Westside, and @10iskristin.

Week 3 Reaction: Packers v. Bengals

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It is amazing to hear some of the blow back from the Packers loss last Sunday.  Twitter has blown up asking, no, demanding Mike McCarthy and Ted Thompson be fired.  “Mike McCarthy can’t call plays” and “Ted Thompson can’t build a team” are phrases bouncing all over the place.  Packer Nation, take a deep breath.  Let’s dive a little deeper into the game.

First of all, the play-calling is not to blame.  Mike McCarthy obviously called for Johnathan Franklin to fumble on 4th and 1 (insert eye roll).  The play calling is not to blame, the Green Bay Packers did not get the luck of the bounce and that play helped decide the outcome of the game.  The final 4th down play should have been effective, it was the left tackle who did not complete his assignment.  Bakhtiari should have taken Michael Johnson to the ground with his block, however he missed his block and Johnson was able to block the pass.  Again, not play selection, execution was the issue.

Aaron Rodgers needs to be better.  The Packers are going as far as Rodgers takes them, plain and simple.  Aaron Rodgers has spoiled Packers fans with amazing play since he has become the starter.  Fans really need to appreciate the level he plays at day in and day out.  All that being said, Rodgers had a sub standard game and the Packers cannot afford sub standard.  The first interception was not Rodgers fault.  James Jones needs to finish running his route and he just gave up.  The second interception was on Rodgers.  That throw needs to be put in a spot where only Cobb can catch the ball or it will go out of bounds.  Rodgers needs to lead the team to victory, but the blame should not be put squarely on Rodgers shoulders.  The team needs to execute and finish the game strong.

Photo: acmepackingcompany.com

The Packers need to be able to take advantage when they get good field position.  The game was not lost when Franklin fumbled, it was lost during four series in the 1st and 2nd quarters.  Four consecutive series the Packers had amazing field position: GB 42, CIN 26, CIN 37 and CIN 21.  The Packers wound up with a grand total of six points from those possessions.  If this team is going to make a run at the postseason, the team needs to be held accountable for it’s execution, or lack there of.

Finally, some good news, the bye week has arrived!  When the Packers schedule came out, many fans were outraged by the week 4 bye.  Fast forward to present day and the bye week could not come at a more perfect time.  The list of injuries is a mile long, now add Finley with a concussion, Starks with a knee and Matthews with a hamstring.  The Packers should be able to get healthy and start to make a run.  Morgan Burnett and Casey Hayward should be back to shore up a depleted secondary.  The running game will have a version of Thunder and Lightning with Lacy and Franklin.  Good things are coming Packer fans!  The Packers will regret letting this game slip through their fingers, but this is not the end of the season. 

Until next time, Beer, Brats, and Championships.

- Steve Perhach (@Stevie2Westside)

Follow us on Twitter (@WISportsBlog) for up to date news on the Brewers, Packers, Badgers, Bucks, and Golden Eagles. We feature live, in-game commentary, breaking news, previews and post game discussions. Follow the entire Wisconsin Sports Blog writing team on Twitter: @AndrewVrchota, @jheldred, @JoeP_Norton, @olewr7, @Stevie2Westside, @TABrown23, and @10iskristin.

Week 1 Preview: Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers

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It has finally arrived, and football will be with us until February 5th.  There is no better season, than football season.  I never take much stock in the preseason, but it is worth noting the Packers finished with a 1-3 record.  I have a lot of questions going into the season and Week 1, so let’s dive in and hopefully get some answers.

579

Everyone should know this number.  The Packers defense allowed 579 yards against them in the playoff loss to the 49ers.  Colin Kaepernick personally ran for 181 yards, a rushing record for a quarterback in the playoffs.  So, what has changed for the Packers on defense?  I really think 1st round draft pick, Datone Jones, will be a difference maker for the Packers early and often.  He has the ability to break through and disrupt the read option in the backfield.  Nick Perry is back after being on the IR for half the season last year.  He is a definite improvement over Erik Walden (signed with Colts).  I will be intrigued to see if his pass coverage has improved with another year under his belt.  Let’s not forget, the Packers coaching staff studied the read option all off season and took a trip to Texas A&M to help learn more about it.  I truly hope they are more prepared for it this time around.  As long as the Packers can stay healthy on the defensive side of the ball, I really feel they will be stronger than most people are giving them credit for.

The Offensive Line

Let’s face it, the offensive line is going to be a question mark all year.  Their blocking in the preseason, left a lot to be desired.  With a rookie at left tackle and a second year pro at right tackle, it will be imperative that Rodgers gets rid of the ball quickly.  Especially in the first half, the ball should be gone within 3 seconds and the Packers need to be able to run the ball with some effectiveness.  The 49ers defense is still one of the best in the league and their front seven is their strong suit.  In order for the Packers to pull off a win, the ground game needs to be a priority.  If they can establish the run, strong play action plays follow and the front four cannot assume Rodgers is throwing every down.  The biggest key to victory today is through the ground.

Is Aaron Rodgers still the MVP?

Okay, before everyone calls me unspeakable names, take a little time and think about last year.  We are all very used to Aaron Rodgers being perfect.  Last year, he was VERY good, but there were several occasions where he missed on throws that should have been made.  Really think about it and you will start to remember some of those times.  We have been so spoiled by quarterbacks over the past 20 years, but if this team is going to make another run at the Super Bowl, Aaron Rodgers cannot be very good, he has to be the MVP.  Everyone knows he has it in him, but I think he needs that chip on his shoulder mentality again this year.

Today’s game is going to be a dog fight.  The 49ers are great team with a great head coach.  We will finally have some answers we have been waiting for all season.  My final prediction for today’s game: 49ers – 38 Packers – 31.  It should be quite a game, but I don’t think the offensive line will hold up, I don’t think we have enough on defense to stop their offense consistently, and I think Colin Kaepernick will rush for over 100 yards today.  All that being said, it will still be a good year to be a Packers fan!

Until next time, Beer, Brats, and Championships.

- Steve Perhach (@Stevie2Westside)

Follow us on Twitter (@WISportsBlog) for up to date news on the Brewers, Packers, Badgers, Bucks, and Golden Eagles. We feature live, in-game commentary, breaking news, previews and post game discussions. Follow the entire Wisconsin Sports Blog writing team on Twitter: @AndrewVrchota, @jheldred, @JoeP_Norton, @olewr7, @Stevie2Westside, @TABrown23, and @10iskristin.

Breaking Packers

In honor of Breaking Bad’s return this week(great show – check it out) and to help alleviate the doldrums of training camp, and just maybe to help forget the middling preseason performance against the Cardinals, it’s time to breakdown the Packers offseason and training camp thus far using some memorable quotes from Breaking Bad’s first five seasons. It should go without saying but consider this the spoiler alert disclaimer.

“You are a wealthy man now. One must learn to be rich. To be poor, anyone can manage” – Gus Fring

Aaron Rodgers and Clay Matthews both signed enormous contract extensions during the offseason. For Rodgers it was his second big contract, while for Matthews this was his first big deal after his expiring rookie contract. Rodgers deal made him the highest paid player in NFL history yet remains cap friendly for the Packers. Considering the importance of quarterback and how amazing Rodgers has been through 5 seasons, it’s possible Rodgers is still underpaid (as much as $54 million can be considered underpaid). Matthews on the other hand became the highest paid linebacker in the league and has been one of the more feared pass rushers in the game. However the deal for Matthews becomes tricky considering his injury history. Matthews has battled hamstring problems since his rookie year and while he has only missed 5 games over four seasons, a player that relies on so much explosive power needs to be healthy to be effective. At $13.5 million a year, Matthews must remain an All Pro caliber player or the Packers will quickly find themselves unable to justify that much money for a non-impact player.

“Yeah b**ch!” – Jesse Pinkman

Jesse Pinkman’s explicit catch phrase goes to Tramon Williams. Young defensive backs Davon House and Micah Hyde have been playing well in training camp. They have started to push for playing time while Williams recovered from injury. Williams has yet to return to form of the 2010 season and watched as Thompson drafted four defensive backs in the past three drafts. But House and Hyde both struggled against the Cardinals in preseason action, getting beat on deep balls and not inspiring much confidence either are ready for every down responsibilities. Williams has to feel more at ease that he can jump right back into the #1 corner spot once his knee is full go.

“Some straight like you…he’s just gonna break bad?” - Jesse Pinkman

During his time in Green Bay, Greg Jennings seemed like a standup guy. He embraced the community and never said anything remotely inflammatory. Cut to this past offseason when at seemingly every opportunity Jennings took jabs at the Packers organization and former players. Jennings is cut from the same interview cloth as Brett Favre. He always gives answers without any consideration to political correctness or how his comments may be construed. Even still, his laments about his ex-team are bizarre and confusing. I’m not sure at what point he will heed the advice of Vikings coach Leslie Frazier who advised “That’s not how we do things” but it seems at least for now, discretion is not the better part of valor for Greg Jennings.

“I am not in danger. I am the danger” – Walter White

After disappointing back to back playoff exists, as well as the infatuation with read option offenses, the Packers have seem to fallen out of favor as a Super Bowl contender by most ‘experts’. In preseason power polls by various outlets the Packers rank anywhere from 5th – 8th and are a consensus fourth in the NFC behind the 49ers, Seahawks and Falcons. Perhaps subdued expectations are just want the doctored ordered for this team with questions on the offensive line and everywhere on defensive. But make no mistake, the Packers are one of half a dozen serious Super Bowl contending teams and to overlook them would be dangerous.

Photo: Deadspin - Braun with bodybuilding bros

“Yeah Mr. White! Yeah science!” - Jesse Pinkman

This one is for Wisconsin sports fans. A summer filled with a disastrous Brewer season and PED scandal of franchise player Ryan Braun does not make for fond memories. Much like Jesse is happy to be saved by Walter’s chemistry, Wisconsin sports fans are saved by football and the Green Bay Packers. Everything takes a back seat during football season in Wisconsin. People are decked out in green and gold, radio stations are blasting Packer centric cover songs and the mood is decidedly more cheerful. This one is quite simple…yeah football!

“You asked if I was in the meth business or the money business? Neither. I’m in the empire business”  - Walter White

One of the show’s defining moments demonstrating Walter’s mentality when it comes to his illegal activities goes to Ted Thompson. Almost from the onset of taking over as GM, Thompson has made several crucial choices, most notably opting for unproven Aaron Rodgers over icon Brett Favre. While not all of his decisions have worked out, Thompson has positioned the Packers to be a completive force in the NFL and perennial playoff fixture.  Remember for every not resigning Cullen Jenkins or not trading for Marshawn Lynch, Thompson does not mortgage the future to realize immediate success. So rest easy Packer fans, you are witnessing a football empire.

Until next time, Beer, Brats, and Championships.

- Neal Olson (@olewr7)

Follow us on Twitter (@WISportsBlog) for up to date news on the Brewers, Packers, Badgers, Bucks, and Golden Eagles. We feature live, in-game commentary, breaking news, previews and post game discussions. Follow the entire Wisconsin Sports Blog writing team on Twitter: @AndrewVrchota, @jheldred, @JoeP_Norton, @SMahon2Go, @olewr7, @Stevie2Westside, @TABrown23, and @10iskristin.

The Key to Aaron Rodgers' Success

From 2010-2012, Aaron Rodgers has submitted three of the best seasons by any NFL QB ever to put on a helmet. Rodgers' average passer rating for those seasons is 107.8, which is slightly higher than his NFL leading career average of 104.9. Passer rating is not the end of quarterback judgment (Chad Pennington has a higher career passer rating than Brett Favre for example) but it does provide a consistent snapshot of performance. Additionally, the Packers have had a different leading receiver in each of the past three seasons 2010 – Greg Jennings, 2011 – Jordy Nelson and 2012 – Randall Cobb. While not unusual, three leading receivers in three years does show off Rodgers' ability to take the favorable match-ups and not focus on one playmaker. However, the aerial attack is dependent on having a consistent group of receivers available each game who are on the same page as Rodgers reading defenses and running timing routes. Beginning in 2010, Rodgers has had to go through several different stretches in which integral parts of his receiving corps missed games and/or played through injuries. Each time, Rodgers eventually found a grove and got back on track but needed some time to adjust.

2010 – Without struggle, there is no progress

When Jermichael Finley emerged at the tail end of the 2009 season, including a breakout game against Arizona in the playoffs in 2009, Mike McCarthy spent the offseason gearing the offense around Finley’s ability to create mismatches in the middle of opposing defenses. The new attack worked reasonably well for the first four game of the season. Rodgers averaged a passer rating of 96.8 and totaled 8 TDs against 5 interceptions.  In week 5 against the Washington Redskins, Finley when down early in the game with a meniscus tear and ended up missing the rest of the season. Over the course of the next four games Rodgers passer rating dipped to 76.2 and threw 4 TD and 4 INT, YIKES! After that dismal stretch though Rodgers adjusted and went on to submit one of the more incredible runs in recent memory to the tune of a 117.8 passer rating, 26 TDs and 4 INT over 11 games leading the Packers to the Super Bowl 45 Championship.

2011 – The KING

Picking up where he left off in 2010, and now with a fully healthy receiving corps Rodgers had 37 TDs, a 125.2 passer rating and only 5 INT through the first 12 games of the season. Starting in week 12 however, Greg Jennings was hobbled by a knee injury and ended up missing the last three weeks of the regular season. During Jennings' absence, Rodgers struggled in a loss at Kansas City posting his worst passer rating of the season at 80.1 with only 1 TD. Needing only one week to adjust, Rodgers scorched the Bears for 5 TDs and a 142.7 rating the following game. When Jennings returned in the playoffs in the division round against the Giants, the offense was back out of sync and Rodgers tallied only a 78.5 rating leading to a loss and massive disappointment for what had been an otherwise fantastic season.

2012 – Reign on the Top

The offense was seemingly out of sorts all year juggling different players in and out of the lineup. Second year player Randall Cobb gained a more prominent role in the offense, including lining up in the backfield and taking hand-offs. However in week 2 against the Bears, Cobb took a hard hit to the shoulder on an inside run and appeared to get a stinger. After that scare, McCarthy was reluctant to go back to running Cobb between the tackles and shied away from that formation. Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson were both in about out of the lineup during parts of the season, Jennings for an extended period and Nelson in and out of the lineup for 5 different games. Rodgers' efficiency again fluctuated with the consistency of his receivers. Cycling between 100+ ratings (weeks 4-7 and 15-17) when he’d had time to prepare, on the flip side his rating dipped below 90 (weeks 2-3 and 12-14) when injuries affected which receivers lined up each game.

The Verdict

The heart of the McCarthy and Rodgers offensive attack has been identifying favorable match-ups, then relying on Rodgers' pinpoint accuracy and timing with the receivers. It should not come as a surprise that an offense predicated on recognition and timing bogs down when main components are in and out of the lineup. Interestingly enough, Rodgers' output does not seem contingent on one player, as evident by slumps (might not even be considered slumps for nearly any other NFL QB) when any one of his top targets leaves a game or misses time with injury. Rather, Rodgers has shown the ability to readjust his attack once he has a week or two of practice and game planning with a consistent group of receivers.

On one hand it seems too simplistic to boil down Rodgers' success to injuries. Injuries are part of the game after all and the Packers have had their fair share over the past few seasons while still making the playoffs. But certainly keeping a consistent group of core receivers on the field every week will go a long way toward defining the success Rodgers and the Packers have this season. A more reliable defense and the threat of run game would also help, but that is a story for another day.

Until next time, Beer, Brats, and Championships.

- Neal Olson (@olewr7)

Follow us on Twitter (@WISportsBlog) for up to date news on the Brewers, Packers, Badgers, Bucks, and Golden Eagles. We feature live, in-game commentary, breaking news, previews and post game discussions. Follow the entire Wisconsin Sports Blog writing team on Twitter: @AndrewVrchota, @jheldred, @JoeP_Norton, @SMahon2Go, @olewr7, @Stevie2Westside, @TABrown23, and @10iskristin.

A Small Preview of the 2013 Green Bay Packers

Aaron Rodgers and company are set to start up training camp this upcoming week, which means that the 2013 NFL season is right around the corner. Many experts are predicting another NFC North championship, which would give them their 3rd straight. With the Super Bowl being the ultimate prize yet again, is the team balanced enough?

As has been the case the past few seasons, the team’s success begins and ends with Rodgers. While there are certainly other great players on the team, they would not be a true Super Bowl contender without #12 hooking up with receivers all game. He is coming off another great season in 2012, which should see him taken as the 3rd QB on average in fantasy football 2013, and the team feels that as long as he is in the middle of his prime, they have a chance to win the Super Bowl.

Since winning it all in 2010, the Packers have fizzled out of the playoffs the past couple seasons in unimpressive fashion. Between just a mediocre defense overall and a lack of dependable talent running the football, teams have been able to counteract Rodgers in a variety of ways. The Packers spent this off-season trying to fill those gaps, and at least on paper, it appears as though they are onto something.

Eddie Lacy (left) and Johnathan Franklin (right) are set to take over the Packers' running game. Photo: Sportige.com

A pair of rookies will get a chance to make an instant impact running the football, as both Eddie Lacy and Johnathan Franklin bring speed and power to the position. Lacy has the inside track on getting starter touches, but both could play a huge role balancing the offense.

The defense has actually improved from year-to-year, so expect another slight improvement in 2013. Anchored by Clay Matthews, the younger players have started to finally feed off of him. A young, talented secondary will be a year older and wiser this season, which should help them stop the passing game a bit more.

Losing Greg Jennings will hurt the offense a little, but there are plenty of wide receivers on the roster who can fill his role. This team is probably not as good as the 15-1 2011 squad, nor are they as bad as the 11-5 2012 squad. Expect 12-13 wins for the Packers in 2013, with another divisional crown to their name.

Until next time, Beer, Brats, and Championships.

- Jeff White of FanDuel.com

Follow us on Twitter (@WISportsBlog) for up to date news on the Brewers, Packers, Badgers, Bucks, and Golden Eagles. We feature live, in-game commentary, breaking news, previews and post game discussions. Follow the entire Wisconsin Sports Blog writing team on Twitter: @AndrewVrchota, @jheldred, @JoeP_Norton, @SMahon2Go, @olewr7, @Stevie2Westside, @Mik3_Schu, and @10iskristin.

Packers Nation, Take a Deep Breath

This offseason has gone exactly as Ted Thompson had planned.  Maybe not to the t, but pretty close.  Draft and develop.  Draft and develop.  No matter how many times TT comes out and says this, Packers fans erupt in madness when NFL Free Agency opens every offseason.  The fans are frustrated by the lack of free agents signed by the Packers and letting some of their own players get away for modest prices.  He let Charles Woodson go?!  He wouldn’t pay Greg Jennings?!  Fans were enraged, calling for his head.  Let’s take a step back and look at what TT HAS done for the Packers.

He does not overspend on players.  The NFL salary cap is a delicate issue and TT knows how to play with it.  He let Charles Woodson walk because as valuable as Woodson is, he is not worth the $10 million cap hit.  So many teams go out into free agency to fill needs and end up over paying (Hello, Colts and Erik Walden).  In the long run, the Packers are much better off, paying their own players who perform, which is exactly what TT does.  Aaron Rodgers is due the largest contract in NFL history and contracts for Matthews and Raji are not far behind.  TT is trying to put together as much cap space as possible for players he KNOWS will contribute.

You have no idea who this is.

He knows how to draft.  Every GM has a few misses in the draft, but let’s focus on the positives for a minute.  Aaron Rodgers (best pick yet) Greg Jennings, James Jones, Randall Cobb, Jermichael Finley, Casey Heyward, Bryan Bulaga, James Starks, BJ Raji, Clay Matthews, TJ Lang, Brad Jones, Josh Sitton, Desmond Bishop, Mason Crosby, AJ Hawk, Daryn Colledge, Nick Collins.  All big impact players and he drafted countless other role players that fit well in the Packers scheme. Don’t forget about all of the undrafted rookies he signs that turn into talents such as Frank Zombo, Sam Shields, Don Barclay, Dezman Moses, to name a few.  The man flat out drafts well and this is why the Packers have been so good since he took over in 2005.

He puts a winning team on the field.  TT has a knack for finding talent and putting the team possible out there to represent the green and gold.  Since 2005 (the year TT took over GM) the Packers are 78-50, tied for 5th best in the NFL.  Now, if 2005 is taken out (team was 4-12) because that wasn’t really TT’s team on the field and start in 2006, the Packers are 74-38, second to only the New England Patriots.  Throw in a Super Bowl victory, three division titles and five playoff appearances in TT’s tenure, Packers fans don’t have much to complain about.

Packers fans need to take a deep breath and have some faith.  TT knows what he is doing.  Barring a major injury, the Packers should win the NFC North again and be in the playoffs.  All Packers fans should be ecstatic that TT is their GM.  It could be a lot worse, since 2006, the St. Louis Rams are 30-81-1. The Packers don’t sign free agents, get used to it! 

Until next time, Beers, Brats, and Championships.

- Steve Perhach (@Stevie2Westside)

Follow us on Twitter for up to date news on Brewers, Packers, Badgers, Bucks and more. Live in game commentary, breaking news, previews, and post game discussion. @WISportsBlog @AndrewVrchota, @JoeP_Norton, @SMahon2Go @ryan_937, @Mik3_Schu, @jheldred, @B_Toom_3, @olewr7, and @Stevie2Westside. Finally, find us on Instagram! (wisportsblog)

What Ted Thompson Could Do With Four Million Dollars

It's been one of those weeks if you are a Green Bay Packers fan. It's been another "Ted Thompson" free agency period that we have become so accustom to where Ted sits back and doesn't pounce on any big free agents. It's a sign of confidence that I highly admire in Thompson. My own philosophy is that teams that are desperate are the one's who feverishly sign as many free agents as possible and break the banks and salary caps. Ted has an extraordinary amount of trust in his homegrown talent and is hesitant to sign free agents year after year.

This piece I have put together does not insist that I think Ted Thompson should go out and get free agents, nor do I think he will. This is simply to take a look at what is left out there that (in the case Ted does open up his check book and spend a little) could help the Packers in areas where they wouldn't have to waste a draft pick on. Heading into the draft, Our biggest needs are offensive line, defensive line, safety, and linebacker.

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Packers are sitting around 22 million in cap room. (Was at 18.7 million until today when A.J. Hawk's pay cut was announced that he went from 7.05 million to 3.6 million) Ideally, the Packers would end up spending that on extensions for Aaron Rodgers and Clay Matthews. Also, with the draft approaching, teams usually spend about 5-6 million on their draft picks. With that said, it is expected that the Packers could continue cutting some players on the roster. One move that Green Bay could take a look at is cutting Tramon Williams, who is set to make just under a down payment on a house of 6 million dollars in 2013. He's 30 years old which isn't terrible for a defensive back. His number declined in from 2011 to 2012. It has been rumored that he may have to compete for a starting spot heading into trainings camp this year. The possibility is definitely there.

So, going with that and a few other cuts (Marshall Newhouse, for example), let's say Ted Thompson has a good 10 million dollars sitting on his desk staring him in his eyes. 5 million for free agency, the other 5 million for draft picks. What kind of talent is out there that Ted could get the most for his money? Basically, TT is Macklemore and free agency is his thrift shop. Let's see how Ted could pop some tags.

Ted Thompson on his offseason vacation enjoying a soft drink with two locals.

Rashad Jennings - RB - Age: 27 - 2012 salary: $574,612
Ted's 2013 Contract Offer: 2 Years, $1,500,000 ($250,000 signing bonus) 

Rashad Jennings spent most of his 2012 backing up Jaguars star running back Maurice Jones-Drew until MJD was injured and Jacksonville went with a running back by committee for the rest of the season. Jennings saw more touches, but not as many as scouts would have liked to see to see Jennings' full potential. It's worth noting that the Jaguars had the second worst record in the NFL last year, thus gave up on their season quite early. Rashad is a big, power runner which would compliment the Packers' speedy DuJuan Harris really well. He's a great blocker and a great pass catcher. He can also break for big runs at straight speed as well as break through arm tackles like it's nothing. His durability is a question, but so was Cedric Benson's and we ended up signing him last year. Speaking of Benson, Ted paid under a million dollars for Cedric so I can't imagine he wants to spend more than that on another runner. The upside for Rashad Jennings and the Packers is far to great to ignore.

Danario Alexander - WR - Age: 24 - 2012 salary: $490,000
Ted's 2013 Contract Offer: 4 Years, $4,000,000 ($1,000,000 guaranteed)

Alexander caught everything last year, including Champ Bailey

Where do I begin here? Let's get the negatives out of the way first I suppose. He's had five knee surgeries during his football career, starting when he played for Missouri. Last year in November, Alexander was asked on how his knees feel and commented that "My left knee felt just like my right knee...No thought goes into how it feels, and no effort is spent trying to baby it. Same with the hamstring. After everything I’ve dealt with, I consider myself blessed to feel this way." Shortly after this interview with San Diego Union-Tribune, Danario had one of the best two-month stretches by any wide receiver in recent memory. In November to December, Alexander racked in 37 catches for 657 yards and 7 touchdowns. He definitely shined in a very lackluster Chargers offense. He finished the season with the highest per-play efficiency rankings among receivers for many analysts. So essentially, if he can pass your team's physical inspection, he sound be a nice, cheap steal in this free agent class. The Packers need for him is obvious. Greg Jennings went to the Vikings. Donald Driver retired. The Packers need depth at wide receiver as James Jones' contract is set to expire after this season and Jordy Nelson's the next after. Alexander could be a legit deep threat for Aaron Rodgers, which could add yet to the already elite arsenal for our offense.

Sebastian Vollmer - OT - Age: 28 - 2012 salary: $650,000
Ted's 2013 Contract Offer: 2 Years, $2,000,000 ($650,000 guaranteed)

Here is Vollmer ripping Chris Long's head off.

By now you should all know I'm not a fan of Marshall Newhouse. But, if you didn't, well now you do. Bryan Bulaga is going to get a look at left tackle during training camp, which puts a partial void at the right tackle position. I like Don Barclay, don't get me wrong. However, I know our track record with offensive linemen and injuries so in my eyes the extra depth can always help. Sebastian Vollmer is six-foot-eight, three hundred thirty pounds. He bounced back from an injury in 2011 and had an outstanding season in 2012 for the Patriots. He's very good at both run and pass blocking. Vollmer is quite versatile as he can play both left and right tackle. Ted wouldn't have to spend much on Vollmer, and giving him a look would be very smart if they want to keep Aaron Rodgers around for a while. Eric Winston is another free agent offensive tackle on the market, but would likely require a contract where he would be making a few million dollars a year, which is something Ted wants to avoid as he doesn't like big gambles and "all-ins" for free agents.

Michael Hoomanawanui - TE - Age: 24 - 2012 salary: $540,000
Ted's 2013 Contract Offer: 3 Years, $1,900,000 ($700,000 guaranteed)

We lost Tom Crabtree to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which was poor management by the Packers for not tendering him. But, it's water under the bridge now. The Packers have four other tight ends, with Jermichael Finley at the top of the depth chart. Then you have the injured Andrew Quarless, the unproven D.J. Williams, and Ryan Taylor who has caught one pass for 11 yards in 3 NFL seasons. Hoomanawanui was 3rd in command with the Patriots last year under Gronkowski and Hernandez. Hoomanawanui is a much better blocker than Crabtree, is a better offensive threat than Crabtree, and has a way cooler name than Crabtee. I say Ted grabs him, just so I can see all of the Packer fans attempt to spell his name on social media outlets.(especially since "traitor" was so difficult).

With these four signings, Ted Thompson just spent $3,633,000 with just over 6 million to use for draft picks. Now these would be perfect scenarios, however they aren't at all farfetched. The Packers might take the high road and focus strictly on the draft to patch their holes, but I wouldn't be surprised if we brought in one or two players to help our needs.

Until next time, Beers, Brats, and Championships.

- Andrew Vrchota (@AndrewVrchota)

Follow us on Twitter for up to date news on Brewers, Packers, Badgers, Bucks and more. Live in game commentary, breaking news, previews, and post game discussion. @WISportsBlog @AndrewVrchota, @JoeP_Norton, @SMahon2Go @ryan_937, @Mik3_Schu, @jheldred, @B_Toom_3, and @olewr7. Finally, find us on Instagram! (wisportsblog)

Packers Needs By Position: Offense

With NFL free agency and the draft nearing, I decided to look at the Packers’ roster and break down where
upgrades are needed, and how big those needs are. While GM Ted Thompson doesn’t use free agency as a
primary way of acquiring players, he’s shown a willingness to fill significant needs with free agents for the right
price (Charles Woodson, Ryan Pickett, Cedric Benson, Jeff Saturday). With mock drafts being plentiful this
time of year, I didn’t include any specific prospects that the Packers may target, as Thompson drafts are a little
unpredictable and he’s the kind of GM that prefers to draft the best player available. So without further ado, let’s
break down the offense.

Quarterback

•   Aaron Rodgers
•   Graham Harrell
•   BJ Coleman

The Packers are clearly set at the top at this position. Fans wring their hands at the thought of Harrell having to
see time if Rodgers is hurt, but frankly we don’t really know what he is. There’s not really much information to
be gleaned from a handful of preseason performances (some good, some bad) and scant regular season
snaps. No one knows Harrell better than the team, and they’ve been committed to him as the backup. That
pretty much tells me all I need to know. Coleman is a strong­-armed project who’ll need to make some big
strides to even make the regular season roster, much less usurp Harrell.

Could they upgrade at backup QB? Sure. But I don’t think the upgrade is really worth paying someone like Matt
Cassel or Jason Campbell a few million dollars when the money could be better spent extending Rodgers or
Raji. They could hypothetically draft someone, but they spent a pick on Coleman in 2012 and they have more
pressing needs elsewhere. Need: Low

Aaron Rodgers and a sandwich.

Running Back

•   Alex Green
•   DeJuan Harris
•   James Starks
•   Cedric Benson (FA)
•   Ryan Grant (FA)
•   Brandon Saine

It feels like this position has been a black hole forever. All of these guys have shown at least glimpses at some
point, but it’s hard to commit to any of them. Benson and Grant are probably gone, and rightfully so. Saine is
redundant with Green around, and Starks looks like he’s regressed. Harris closed out the season really well,
and is probably a lock to return. Green isn’t great at anything but decent at everything, and the team could do
worse if he’s the third back. Other than those two, I don’t see any of these guys returning.

Steven Jackson and Ahmad Bradshaw are high­ profile free agents, but Jackson has a lot of miles on him and
Bradshaw has chronic foot problems. Reggie Bush is an intriguing option, but is likely to be overpaid and
defines the word “inconsistent”. Rashard Mendenhall and Shonn Greene are awful. Unless DeAngelo Williams
is cut by the Panthers, none of the free agents are either good fits or worth what they’ll be paid. The draft is fairly
deep with talented backs, and I’d rather the team draft a couple guys in the middle round than spend big
bucks on an aging player. Either way, the team needs to at least find someone to platoon with Harris
Need: High

Fullback

•   John Kuhn

Whatever.
Need: Low

Wide Receiver

•   Greg Jennings (FA)
•   Jordy Nelson
•   James Jones
•   Randall Cobb
•   Jarrett Boykin
•   Jeremy Ross
•   Donald Driver (Retired)

The team loses Driver and likely Jennings at the position, but are still pretty much set. That’s not to say they
won’t miss Jennings’ route running and big play ability, but the trio of Nelson, Jones, and Cobb is good enough to get them to the promised land. Boykin is a strange case in that he’s pretty much a late­career version of
Driver; not fast or particularly adept at getting separation, but has great hands, is a willing blocker, and runs
routes well enough. Ross made some big plays as a returner (and on very bad one), and could very well take
over the returning duties from Cobb full­ time.

This is a ludicrously good free agent crop at wide receiver, but short of bringing back Jennings it seems highly
unlikely the Packers will sign anyone. Ted Thompson has a history of bringing in tons of undrafted free agent
types, and I wouldn’t be against using a mid­ to late­ round pick on a receiver. Anything else seems like folly.
Need: Low

Tight End

•   Jermichael Finley
•   Andrew Quarless
•   DJ Williams
•   Ryan Taylor
•   Tom Crabtree
•   Brandon Bostick

Finley is a lightening rod for fan hatred, but in all reality he’s an average tight end. He has some big ­play ability
and can get open, but has bad hands and his blocking is below average. Defenses devote a lot of attention to
him due to his ability, which presents some additional value. There’s been rumors for months that he’ll be cut,
but unless the team finds an upgrade it’s probably a bad idea. None of the backups are starting material.
Crabtree and Williams can block a little but both have awful hands (even worse than Finley, believe it or not).
Quarless can’t stay on the field. Taylor is a great blocker but isn’t much of an athlete. Bostick is alive, I guess.

The free agency class is fairly deep. Jared Cook is going to get paid in a big way. Tony Gonzalez will either
retire or return to Atlanta. Martellus Bennett and Delanie Walker are Jermichael Finley’s spirit brothers. Dallas
Clark is done. Brandon Myers, Dustin Keller, and Fred Davis are all pretty interesting. Davis and Keller are good receivers that have some injury concerns. Myers had a great year in Oakland and is a terrific blocker with good
hands, and due to the free agent depth could be had at a good price. He’s the only guy I’d be willing to actively
pursue, most everyone else is very flawed or will cost too much. Like running back, the draft pool is deep and a
contributor could easily be found in the early­ to mid ­rounds.
Need: Medium

Offensive Tackle

•   Marshall Newhouse
•   Bryan Bulaga
•   Derek Sherrod
•   Andrew Datko
•   Don Barclay
•   Kevin Hughes

This is a hard position to evaluate. Newhouse is pretty average but is cheap and is getting better, if only
marginally so. Bulaga is pretty good (aside from the Seattle nightmare) but is coming off an injury, and Sherrod
is a total wild card who is also recovering from injury. Barclay filled in admirably but has a long way to go as a
pass blocker. Datko is a development guy. None of the starters are bad, but none have shown real dominance
either.

The free agent class has some whoppers. Jake Long, Sebastian Vollmer, Eric Winston, and Andre Smith are
all franchise tackles or close to it. Jermon Bushrod, Phil Loadholt, Sam Baker, Gosder Cherilus, Bryant
McKinnie, and Ryan Harris are solid starters, but if I’m spending money on this position it would have to be a
significant upgrade. Long and Vollmer are intriguing to me and I would fully support spending money on either
one, as both are big upgrades and are young and talented enough to be worth it. Once again, the draft is deep
at tackle and the second and third rounds should be loaded with starting ­level talent. It seems more likely
Thompson will target players in the draft but a splurge on a free agent wouldn’t be an awful plan either.
Need: Medium

Offensive Guard/Center

•   TJ Lang
•   Josh Sitton
•   Evan Dietrich­ Smith
•   Greg Van Roten
•   Garth Gerhart
•   Joe Gibbs (?!)

Unlike offensive tackle, guard and center are both fairly set. Sitton and Lang are both Pro Bowl ­level players,
and Dietrich­ Smith is solid at center. Depth is an issue, though EDS, Lang, and Roten are all versatile players.
The free agent class is decent, but I wouldn’t really consider any of them. Ted generally drafts a couple bodies a
year and was able to find EDS, Barclay, and Roten as UFAs, so that seems like the most likely route to finding
depth. Need: Low

Part 2, defense is being worked on as we speak. Stay tuned for that.

Until next time, Beers, Brats, and Championships.

- Jerry Eldred (@jheldred)

Follow us on Twitter for up to date news on Brewers, Packers, Badgers, Bucks and more. Live in game commentary, breaking news, previews, and post game discussion. @WISportsBlog @AndrewVrchota, @JoeP_Norton, @SMahon2Go @ryan_937, @Mik3_Schu, @jheldred, @B_Toom_3, and @olewr7. Finally, find us on Instagram! (wisportsblog)

Three More Tasks For The Packers This Offseason

In light of the recent release of Charles Woodson and the retirement of Donald Driver, it's evident that the Packers are about to embark on lots of changes this offseason. They have no choice. For the past two season, there have been pivotal areas the Packers needed to fix and came up short. Whether that may have been caused by injury or just pushing the issue aside, it is time to come face to face with these concerns and get the Packers back to the Super Bowl. I have come up with three more things the Packers need to do with offseason in order keep pace with the success they've had in the past three years.

Photo: SI.com

1. Let Greg Jennings walk. The Packers should be comfortable without Jennings being there, regardless of what some may argue. Jennings was injured for nearly half the season last year, yet Aaron Rodgers was still able to put up NFL leading numbers last season by finding and trusting the other targets he has. Jordy Nelson, James Jones, and Randall Cobb are a formidable trio that I am one-hundred percent behind if that is the direction Ted Thompson wants to go. And we don't need to sacrifice a high pick in the NFL draft for a new wide receiver, either. A wide receiver in the that should be available in the fourth round that Green Bay could look at is Josh Boyce out of Texas Christian University. He's six-foot tall and two-hundred pounds and could be a possible kick returner and easily a great fourth wide out option for Aaron Rodgers. If we go deeper into the draft, in the fifth round Corey Fuller from Virginia Tech should be there. Sixth round, six-foot-two Chris Harper from Kansas State could be still available. If we do go for a wide receiver early, I've been really high on Marcus Davis our of Virginia Tech, and so has Ted Thompson. Davis was originally projected to be a seventh round pick but has raised a few eyebrows and is quickly rising on many draft boards. In any event, I am not at all concerned over our wide outs because of the talent we have already and for the fact that Aaron Rodgers knows how to play his position from what I hear.

2. Sign free agent running back Steven Jackson. We all know it. The running game has been a concern for the Packers for a while. Even before they won the Super Bowl. We haven't had a legitimate run game to balance our passing game since Ryan Grant's 2009 season. I still argue we haven't had a running game for a decade back when Ahman Green was the Packer's running back. The next testimony is that "Ted Thompson doesn't like signing free agents." Yes, I know. Ted can't even hold a candle to Ron Wolf when it comes to free agent signings as Ron was responsible for bringing in the likes of Reggie White, Desmond Howard, Frank Winters, and Santana Dotson just to name a few. If Ted wants to improve the team at the running back position, he'll give Steven Jackson a long look this offseason. Unlike Cedric Benson, Jackson is a league veteran that Green Bay needs. Jackson has had eight straight seasons of 1,000+ rushing yards. He's a proven runner that would excel with Green Bay as well as mentor the new blood that comes in. The Packers rarely make mistakes in cap management, and I don't see them starting a bad trend any time soon. The Packers will be coming into the 2013 season as a Super Bowl contender again. They will need an established running back to take them to the next level of success.

3. Focus on defense in NFL Draft. The Packers are projected to have nine total picks in the 2013 NFL Draft. They are slated for one pick every round along with compensatory picks, one in the fourth (Matt Flynn) and one in the seventh round (Scott Wells). (Note: Pat Lee will not get Green Bay a compensatory pick.) The order of the compensatory picks has yet to be determined, but those rounds should be accurate.

Photo: CBS Sports

I'm not saying all the picks need to be focused on defense, but it needs to be a focal point. I'm suggesting that two of the top three picks should be directed towards the defense. Top voids are replacing Charles Woodson in the secondary, matching a linebacker with Clay Matthews to improve the pass rush, and a defesive end to replace Mike Neal and provide a plan B for an unproven Jerel Worthy. First, the secondary. Since losing Nick Collins, the Packers haven't been able to solve that puzzle on that position. The Packers need to take a chance somewhere in the draft and take a safety/corner back to add depth to Morgan Burnett,  Jerron McMillian, and M.D. Jennings. I doubt Ted will draft early on that position, but a guy like Robert Lester from Alabama or Zeke Motta out of Notre Dame would be a great sixth round pick for the Packers. Looking for a pass rushing linebacker will come a lot sooner than the late rounds. I'm thinking fourth round is most likely, just because of the two picks we will have on the table for us. Gerald Hodges from Penn State, Jelani Jenkins out of Florida, or Sean Porter out of Texas A&M would all be great pick ups for Green Bay at that stage of the draft. Finally, the Packers need to beef up the defensive line. This needs to happen in the top part of our picks. I would love to get it out of the way with the first pick, to be honest. Dion Jordan from Oregon would be the guy to go with who would be still available at that point of the draft. He's six-foot-seven, two-hundred thirty-one pounds of brute strength. He could compliment B.J Raji and C.J. Wilson when Ryan Pickett isn't in there. He'd add the depth we need on that line.

The rest of our picks will be geared towards a wide out, offensive line, and hopefully a kicker. I see the Packers bringing back Jermichael Finlay so we won't need a tight end. I stated before that a running back won't be necessary if we sign a free agent running back. There's a lot of upside coming into this offseason and heading into the NFL Combine that is already underway as I type this. Regardless if my ideas are right or not, I just hope the Packers draft smart and get the best available people and not just necessarily what we have voids in. In Ted Thompson I trust.

Until next time, Beers, Brats, and Championships.

-Andrew Vrchota (@AndrewVrchota)

Follow us on Twitter for up to date news on Brewers, Packers, Badgers, Bucks and more. Live in game commentary, breaking news, previews, and post game discussion. @WISportsBlog @AndrewVrchota, @JoeP_Norton, @Brandon_BFP, @SMahon2Go @ryan_937, @Mik3_Schu. Finally, find us on Instagram! (wisportsblog)

NFL Draft: Packers Offseason Needs

Another Green Bay Packers football season has come and gone and our beloved green and gold fell short of the super bowl once again. While the year certainly had its highlights, one can’t really help but feel a bit disappointed in the overall result of the season. The team’s Super Bowl championship just two years ago and the fantastic play from Aaron Rodgers at the quarterback position have led to very high expectations for cheese-heads everywhere and hopes of tasting the super bowl again each year. The 2012 squad was good, but was certainly not without flaws. Below I list the three biggest positional needs that the Packers need to address if they hope to get back to the Super Bowl in 2014.

Photo: Sports Illustrated

Running Back. The team thought it had something special with the acquisition of Cedric Benson just prior to the start of the 2012 NFL season. Benson was coming off back to back 1,000 yard seasons and immediately became the most experienced and talented running back on the roster the moment the Packers signed him. While he wasn’t spectacular, the Packers certainly had a more consistent, threatening rushing attack in the weeks prior to his injury. Once Benson went down, the trio of Alex Green, James Starks, and Dujaun Harris was less than impressive. The team tried to add some spark with the late season signing of Ryan Grant and while he wasn’t terrible, he also doesn’t look to be a long term solution to the Packers’ running problems. I think that Ted Thompson needs to throw in the towel on an aging Benson and invest in a running back with one of his first two picks in April’s draft. Alabama’s Eddie Lacy (right), North Carolina’s Giovani Bernard, and Wisconsin’s Montee Ball project to be the top three backs in this year’s class. I think it would be wise of Thompson to set his sights on getting one of these three in order to establish a running future in Green Bay.  As a lifelong Badger fan, I am also spearheading the “Montee to Green Bay” campaign if anyone would like to hop on that bandwagon with me.

Offensive Line. Aaron Rodgers spent way too much time on his back last season. In fact, he was sacked 51 times, the most in the NFL during the regular season. While I know many fans like to place part of the blame on Rodgers himself for holding on to the ball too long, the bottom line is that more often than not, he did not have the time he needed to find an open receiver down field. I truly believe that Josh Sitton is one of the best guards in football and I don’t think T.J. Lang is very far behind. Bryan Bulaga was drafted to be the left tackle of the future but the team seems set on keeping him on the right side going forward. I believe those three men are capable in those positions, however I am not even close to convinced that Marshall Newhouse and Evan Dietrich-Smith are going to be better than someone Thompson could find in the top five rounds of the upcoming draft. I think some serious consideration needs to go into replacing these two guys in an effort to better project Rodgers in the future.

Photo: Fan Nation

Tight End. Jermichael Finley is no doubt one of the most talented tight ends in football. He is not, however, one of the best tight ends in football. Many may disagree with this, but to me, consistency must factor into rating a player at this level. Finley simply disappears far too often when the team needs to rely on him to be a presence in the passing game. Yes, he drops the ball a lot, but to me it is more a matter of consistently making plays. This is something that I have not seen much of when looking at Finley over the past two seasons. I think the team needs to cut ties with this reportedly disgruntled under-performer and move forward with a tight end from the 2013 draft class.

Some might wonder why I don’t feel that any part of the defense ranks among the top three positional needs on my list. While I don’t feel that the Packers’ defense is elite, I believe that they made some significant steps in that direction last offseason. I think this unit can certainly be elite with the players that it currently has on the roster. I am excited about the futures of Casey Hayward, Nick Perry, and Jerel Worthy and I am confident that Thompson will add some quality depth in coming drafts. I think that the current defensive unit needs some time to grow and mature, and hopefully stay healthy, before we can start looking to replace them.

Until next time, Beers, Brats, and Championships.

- Joe Norton (@JoeP_Norton)

Follow us on Twitter for up to date news on Brewers, Packers, Badgers, Bucks and more. Live in game commentary, breaking news, previews, and post game discussion. @WISportsBlog @AndrewVrchota, @JoeP_Norton, @Brandon_BFP, @SMahon2Go. Finally, find us on Instagram! (wisportsblog)