The Perfect Draft: Green Bay Packers

With the draft approaching, we ignore projections and identify the dream scenario for each team in a series we call The Perfect Draft.

I don't have to go out on a limb to say that 6-10 wasn't a goal for the Green Bay Packers in 2008. Yes, they lost Brett Favre to retirement/unretirement/trade. Yes, many thought the Packers would fall off from a 13-3 mark in 2007, even before Favre became a New York Jet. But last year was close to disastrous for the Packers, as a leaky defense blew numerous fourth-quarter leads, and the team slipped to third in the NFC North. Expectations are higher than that, and now there will be pressure on management, making its job even harder.


Brian Orakpo. I don't question the scouts and analysts who say Orakpo didn't give a consistent effort in college. Actually, it seemed evident at times while watching Texas games.

However, Orakpo brings a skill set that suits him very well for Dom Capers' 3-4 defense. Planting him at one outside linebacker spot, with Aaron Kampman at the other, would present a formidable pass rush. Considering the pass rush of a year ago (virtually non-existent at times), it allows Capers a better chance of getting off to a good start in his new gig.

The Packers have to fill some holes on both lines, but the offensive line was not the problem in 2008. Yes, they have to do a better job giving Aaron Rodgers time to throw and Ryan Grant/Brandon Jackson places to run. They absolutely could use a guy like Andre Smith, who is likely to be available with the ninth pick. General manager Ted Thompson also knows that he can't afford another first-round bust.

If Orakpo is not available, expect Green Bay to take a serious look at fellow 3-4 pass-rushers Everette Brown and Aaron Maybin.


I expect Green Bay to address the offensive line concerns early in the draft. A guy like Connecticut's William Beatty could be a good find in the second or third round.

The Packers also should look at another young defensive back, maybe Utah's Sean Smith, who needs work on his technique but shows great size and competitiveness. Other possibilities for the Packers include safety, where Nick Collins may hold out, Atari Bigby is an unsigned restricted free agent, and the depth is not that good.

The team is also in desperate need of special-teams depth, which I expect Thompson to address with mid- and late-round picks. The Packers return and coverage teams were inadequate a year ago, and not all of it can be blamed on returners, punters and kickers