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Packers' "Christmas Wish List" - 2012 NFL Draft

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 ReverendBrewmeister Packers' "Christmas Wish List" - 2012 NFL Draft
#1

Posted: December 21, 2011, 9:02 AM Post
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The shuffling of personnel prior to and during the 2011 season have played out in results on the field after 14 games, showing how well/how poorly Ted Thompson has done this year. The proof of the pudding is in the eating, and 13-1 shows that TT is a pretty good cook. Yet any 53-man active roster will have holes: there are areas of more or less depth on the Packers' roster, as well as various levels of production. 

The 2011 Injury Thread and the LT Next Year Thread have started to touch on looking at the 2012 NFL Draft. This time when the NCAA regular season has come to an end and the NFL regular season nears its end is a good time for a little draft preview. (A more detailed preview thread can be developed after the 2012 Senior Bowl and the 2012 NFL Draft Combine. Our resident draft experts can start that.) 

Since this is the holiday season, how about developing a "wish list" for the 2012 NFL Draft? What would your "wish list" for the Packers draft include as the team stands in December 2011?
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 sbrylski Packers' "Christmas Wish List" - 2012 NFL Draft
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Posted: December 21, 2011, 10:03 AM Post
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A dynamic safety (or corner if Collins is assured to be healthy) is at the top of my list.

Not only do we have a short term hole in the secondary to fill, as well as the unit as a whole needing a boost, but this team is going to have to find a replacement for Charles Woodson if we want to remain a perpetual 10+ win team. I'm very scared of our defense without Woodson, and that time is coming sooner than later.

Number two is acquiring another pass rushing threat. Whether that's a Cullen Jenkins type on the line, or a OLB, I don't care.

After that, depth on both lines.
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 jazzytrav Packers' "Christmas Wish List" - 2012 NFL Draft
#3

Posted: December 21, 2011, 10:03 AM Post
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1. OLB
2. OLB
3. D-line
4. Safety (possibly lower priority if Collins comes back)
5. ILB
6. O-line

I think the main theme is defensive depth. With Grant, Starks, and now Saine, plus Alex Green coming back, RB is fine. We have enough TEs, even if Finley doesn't come back. Flynn will likely be gone, which means Harrell will move to #2 and TT might pick up a late-round QB, but only if it's really good value. O-line actually has pretty good depth, if you consider that we were down Clifton, Bulaga, and Sherrod last game and still had the option to move Lang over and put EDS in. WR is forever stacked, and Gurley will likely be the next receiver to step up if one is needed. All in all, the offense seems set with both starters and depth. A few spots here and there could use some tweaking, but nothing major.

I can't stress enough how important I think it is to find someone to play ROLB. I was okay with Walden/Zombo/Jones going into this season, but it's clear that these guys just aren't going to cut it as more than depth. It also is becoming clear that Jenkins spot as a 3-4 DE that can create pressure also needs to be filled, and Neal can't be counted on to be healthy. I could easily see the first 3-5 rounds going defense.
Will you have this left guard to be the 224th pick?

~ReverendBrewmeister
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 sbrylski Packers' "Christmas Wish List" - 2012 NFL Draft
#4

Posted: December 21, 2011, 10:34 AM Post
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I agree, Travis, that the pass rush appears to be priority #1 to fix the team as it is now.

But these are Woodson's contributions over the last four seasons:

252 Tackles
9 Sacks
11 Forced Fumbles
25 Interceptions
7 Touchdowns

We are going to lose that production very soon. Imagine he's gone next year... now what's our most pressing need?
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 jazzytrav Packers' "Christmas Wish List" - 2012 NFL Draft
#5

Posted: December 21, 2011, 12:20 PM Post
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For pass coverage, I still think that leaves us with our best cover corner (Williams), and an above average #2 (Shields), with some young potential on the bench (House, still some hope in Lee). Right now Woodson is so valuable because of all the different things he can do, and I don't know that you can just replace a position like that. Take advantage of him while he's there, shift priorities once he's gone.

If things look up for Collins over the next few months and he's actually able to return, I could see him moving into a Woodson type role at some point in the next few years.
Will you have this left guard to be the 224th pick?

~ReverendBrewmeister
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 Godspeed Packers' "Christmas Wish List" - 2012 NFL Draft
#6

Posted: December 21, 2011, 3:59 PM Post
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A dynamic safety (or corner if Collins is assured to be healthy) is at the top of my list. Number two is acquiring another pass rushing threat. Whether that's a Cullen Jenkins type on the line, or a OLB, I don't care.

I agree with both of these points, but lean corner over safety. At this point in the season, I'm almost ready to redact all the praise I've given Morgan Burnett. I don't necessarily think it's fair to expect him to continue to develop while compensating for Collins' absence, but he's not looked near as good as how he started out the season. Turns out like most 3rd round picks he will need more of an adjustment period than the 4 games he got in last year before tearing up his knee. I have faith that he will get better though. If Collins isn't back, I think it's a lock that Woodson gets moved to safety. He more or less is one already anyways, with the heavy slot coverage and occasional TE-coverage responsibility.

The biggest caveat to moving Woodson away from the line in base though is depending on Sam Shields to tackle against the run. Shields hasn't developed any further this season in coverage, and his tackling might have gotten worse. I will acknowledge that both Burnett and Shields could blossom with a real offseason of development, something all young players were robbed of this year, but with the state of the defense can that exactly be counted on?

I feel the biggest potential for pass defense improvement will come through the pass rush. That's my #1 priority. Whether it be via d-line or OLB, someone has to step up to create some pressure along with Matthews. An OLB who can set the edge better than the sieve Walden is will help immensely on run downs too. Thought possibly that was Zombo for this season but he completely melted against KC.

For o-line, hopefully Sherrod can make it back for next season. Mike Flanagan missed two years after breaking his leg, but that one was horrific. If he's back, I see no real need to draft a OT in the first 4 rounds. I think Wells needs to get re-signed. Could use an interior lineman regardless I guess. Outside of that, I see no position that needs to be addressed on offense. Do we need to draft the next Matt Flynn? WR/TE are extremely covered, even with some turnover, and so is RB if Alex Green recovers from what is now a routine ligament tear.
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 TooLiveBrew Packers' "Christmas Wish List" - 2012 NFL Draft
#7

Posted: December 21, 2011, 5:16 PM Post
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If Collins isn't back, I think it's a lock that Woodson gets moved to safety. He more or less is one already anyways, with the heavy slot coverage and occasional TE-coverage responsibility.

I'd actually LOVE to see the Packers stick with the current CB/S/OLB role they've developed for Wood, and bring in complementary depth in the secondary. Complementary meaning at both S & CB likely.

Also, I agree with jazzytrav's first three priorities. This team, with a good pass rush, would just be unbelievable. I think the most direct route to get to that point would be another dynamic OLB. However, I wouldn't complain if the D-line was the source of most pressure.
"Thank you, Senator... a thoughtful and lucid answer. YOU WILL BE DESTROYED!" -- Moderator Morbo
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 craigharmann Packers' "Christmas Wish List" - 2012 NFL Draft
#8

Posted: December 22, 2011, 1:01 AM Post
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For me, it starts with someone to replace Bush in non-special teams roles on the field. Then I agree with what's been said before, LB, S/CB and O-line. Don't need a whole lot of players on the offensive side of the ball.
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 CheezWizHed Packers' "Christmas Wish List" - 2012 NFL Draft
#9

Posted: December 22, 2011, 4:10 AM Post
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Everybody, sing with me:

On the 3rd day of the NFL draft (rounds 4-7), TT gave to me
- A developmental QB
- A backup MLB
- DL for the rotation
- A CB depth for the dime
- A Center for the future
- The Fifth Super Bowl RING!!!! (ok, not a draft item, but it just fit too well)

On the 2nd day of the NFL draft (rounds 2-3), TT gave to me:
- Safety who can tackle
- OT to cover Rogers

And On the 1st day of the NFL draft (round 1), TT gave to me:
- A blitzing OLB to free up CM3

Ok, so you can't really sing to it, but what did you expect? Bing Crosby? Image

Commentary:
OLB is biggest need hands down. Pass rush, pass rush, pass rush.
Offensive Tackle need really depends on when Sherrod comes back. But even with him, he need a 4th.
Safety, even with Collins is a high priority. Even if he plays, re-injury has to be a concern.
Center: Wells is over 30 and playing well. Now is the time to find his replacement, though.
Backup MLB: DJ Smith looks good. But I'm guessing he will be starting sooner than later.
DL depth: Got a few guys getting older. Need to keep finding the next ones.
CB depth: House will be showing up more next year with a full offseason. Even if Woodson is moved to "safety", he probably won't play much different than he does now. This is one position to always need guys.
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 LouisEly Packers' "Christmas Wish List" - 2012 NFL Draft
#10

Posted: December 22, 2011, 5:52 AM Post
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CheezWiz, you just got my nomination for post of the year, and I think I agree with pretty much everything you said. The interesting thing is that, unless the CBA changed the rules on compensatory picks for FA losses, they could get up to four comp picks for the loss of Colledge, Jenkins, Barnett, and Spitz.

1) Pass-rushing OLB (Nick Perry of USC or Mercilus of Illinois, if either foregoes his senior year, would be a nice choice)
2) Safety/corner - even if Collins is healthy, he's one hit away from ending his career, and Peprah is not looking like a starting safety. The caveat is if Woodson moves to safety, but there are some good juniors who if they declare could add a lot of talent to the pool at S. The book on Markelle Martin, Oklahoma State, is that he "never lets anyone get behind him". Sounds like a good 2nd round pick to me. Bacari Rambo of Georgia, if he declares, looks like a playmaker.
3) OL depth - as we are seeing this year, you can never have too many good tackles.
4) Pass-coverage LB - this Tank Carder guy looks really good in coverage, would be a nice role player/special teams pick in the 4th round.
5) Another pass-rushing OLB - So'oto may have some potential, but the rest are not starting material. Pick two in case one doesn't pan out or gets hurt.

If Finley leaves that will push TE up the list. Quarless may miss most or all of next season too, which would leave Williams, Crabtree, and Taylor at TE. Unless Williams makes big strides next year, none of those really strikes me as a receiving threat.
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 jazzytrav Packers' "Christmas Wish List" - 2012 NFL Draft
#11

Posted: December 22, 2011, 6:12 AM Post
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OT depends on Clifton as well. If we have Clifton, Bulaga, Sherrod, and Newhouse, with Lang having the ability to move over if needed, I can't see how we could draft another OT and protect him on the 53 man roster. The only way I see that happening is if it's assumed that Sherrod starts the year on PUP.

I like the idea of drafting an interior lineman, though. Someone that has a potential future at center, but may even be an upgrade over Lang (who, btw, is having a pretty good year). Even though I like Lang at guard, I even more like his ability to fill in at almost any other position on the line. If we used a 1-3 round pick on a guard/center, and Lang got in some work at center, I could see him being the 1st backup across the entire line, which is a valuable thing to have when you want to carry 5 TEs or 3 FBs.
Will you have this left guard to be the 224th pick?

~ReverendBrewmeister
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 T B0NE 10 Packers' "Christmas Wish List" - 2012 NFL Draft
#12

Posted: December 22, 2011, 7:57 AM Post
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I just want the 32nd pick in the draft.
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 CheezWizHed Packers' "Christmas Wish List" - 2012 NFL Draft
#13

Posted: December 22, 2011, 8:58 AM Post
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Thanks LouisEly. Just be glad you don't hear me singing it. Image

JT, I don't see Clifton coming back. Its always possible, but with his age and injuries, I doubt it. So at that point, you have Sherrod, Newhouse, and Bulaga, which isn't bad, so you look for a 4th T in the mid-rounds. If you think Sherrod might not come back soon enough, you start looking in the 2-3rd rounds.

I'm not sure why we want Lang to jump around so much. I thought he has been very good at LG. Much better than College was. Actually, about on par with Sitton this year (which is actually a down year for Sitton). So I vote that Lang just stick at LG (save for his emergency RT duties).

But we do need a C that can replace Wells in a year or three.
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 igor67 Packers' "Christmas Wish List" - 2012 NFL Draft
#14

Posted: December 22, 2011, 11:31 AM Post
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You have 3 different spots on defense, take the best guy available to fill anyone in the first round, and prioritize after that. I lean towards DL being more important than OLB. Jenkins is the biggest difference this year on defense, and it's been huge in terms of the yardage allowed.
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 endaround Packers' "Christmas Wish List" - 2012 NFL Draft
#15

Posted: December 23, 2011, 4:21 AM Post
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They need a linebacker that can cover for more than 1 second, a DE/OLB who can take the opposite side from Matthews, another CB, possibly another safety. On offense they have a huge need at tackle and perhaps could use a true FB. I wouldn't be upset with a 1st rd pick being used on a tackle if the talent warrants it, but there really shouldn't be more than one high pick on offense for this team. Unless they let Wells go, in which case the line becomes a major issue.
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 CheezWizHed Packers' "Christmas Wish List" - 2012 NFL Draft
#16

Posted: December 23, 2011, 5:29 AM Post
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and perhaps could use a true FB.

I had to laugh when I saw that Kuhn won the fan vote for Pro-Bowl FB this year. I like the guy, but he is no Pro-Bowler...
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 craigharmann Packers' "Christmas Wish List" - 2012 NFL Draft
#17

Posted: December 23, 2011, 6:54 AM Post
Posts: 1559
T B0NE 10 said:
I just want the 32nd pick in the draft.
That would be the best after Christmas Christmas present that any Packer fan could ask for! I know I am!!
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 jazzytrav Packers' "Christmas Wish List" - 2012 NFL Draft
#18

Posted: December 23, 2011, 8:57 AM Post
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On offense they have a huge need at tackle and perhaps could use a true FB.

I really don't see the huge need at tackle. I seemed like it last week because we had 3 tackles injured at the same time. Let's say Clifton does come back...that gives us Clifton, Bulaga, Sherrod, and Newhouse. Lang can fill in if needed. I just don't see how it can be justified to use a high pick on a tackle unless it's a very good value pick.

As for a true FB, what exactly do you mean by that? Normally the definition of a true FB would be a pure blocker, but we had that with Quinn Johnson and it just didn't fit...mostly cause he was one-dimensional. I think Kuhn stuck around so long because he fits the style of the offense so well and is as close to being a "true" FB as the Packers could get.
Will you have this left guard to be the 224th pick?

~ReverendBrewmeister
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 lcbj68c Packers' "Christmas Wish List" - 2012 NFL Draft
#19

Posted: December 24, 2011, 12:13 AM Post
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Looking at some mocks out there....yeah, kinda longshots, but here goes.

Rd 1- Fletcher Cox DE/DT Miss St
Rd 2- Ronnell Lewis DE/OLB Oklahoma
Rd 3- Aaron Henry S Wisconsin


Rd 1 - Chase Minnifield CB Virginia
Rd 2 - Chase Thomas OLB Stanford
Rd 3 - Ray Ray Armstrong S Miami

Some other rd 1 mocks
Rd 1 - Brandon Jenkins LB FSU
Rd 1 - Jarvis Jones OLB Georgia
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 LouisEly Packers' "Christmas Wish List" - 2012 NFL Draft
#20

Posted: December 24, 2011, 6:47 AM Post
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The only way I see that happening is if it's assumed that Sherrod starts the year on PUP.

This is very likely going to be the case. When Mike Flanagan broke his leg in the preseason of his rookie year he missed all of his first two seasons.

1st - Mercilus, OLB/DE, Illinois or Perry, OLB/DE, USC
2nd - Markelle Martin, S, Oklahoma St.
3rd - Billy Winn, DE, Boise St.
4th - Tank Carder, ILB, TCU
5a - Charles Brown, CB/S, UNC
5b (comp pick for Colledge) - Sammy Brown, OLB, Houston
5c (comp pick for Jenkins) - Blake DeChristopher, OT, VaTech
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