Saturday, February 14, 2009

TOP THREE DEFENSIVE NEEDS: #1

CORNERBACK
This may be somewhat surprising to say the Packers number one need is at the cornerback position, especially since they need rush linebackers with the 3-4. But consider this:

1) Al Harris is 34 years old, and has never been known for his speed. There is no doubt that he is one of the best man-to-man cover corners in the league but how long can he keep that up? Secondly, the Packers will no longer be exclusively playing man-to-man, as the 3-4 defense the Packers will be using also calls for playing zone. With little to no experience, will Harris be able to play cornerback in such a different scheme?

2) I am a huge Charles Woodson fan but he is also getting older as well. Currently 32 years of age, Woodson will be 33 midway through next season. Woodson, while he has not missed significant time, has been constantly slowed down by toe and shoulder injuries. He is still one of the best corners in the league and has the athleticism and instincts to play in the new scheme but he is on the back-end of his career.

3) Who else is there? Tramon Williams looks like he will be an above average NFL cornerback after filling in for several games while Harris was out. He has speed, athleticism, and average size at about 5-11, 190 pounds. He also showed that he has above average hands with 5 interceptions recorded this past season. I have no doubt that Williams will be a successful NFL player once a spot in the starting lineup is available.

Other than Williams who else is there? Will Blackmon has been said to be the best athlete on the team but he has only shown his return abilities on special teams, and has yet to make a name for himself on defense. Jarrett Bush has been moved to safety and according to reports is making progress at his new position. Patrick Lee, a second round pick last year out of Auburn, played special teams last year, and was never able to crack the defensive lineup.

What to do?

The Packers could look to free agency and go after a cornerback such as Nnamdi Asomugha but he will want big money. Dunta Robinson is also a possibility if the Texans do not franchise tag him. Other than that, there are really no outstanding free agent cornerbacks available, which is why the Packers will add to this position through the draft. A lot of mock drafts currently project the Packers taking Ohio State cornerback Malcom Jenkins with the ninth pick. Vontae Davis, widely considered the player with the most upside, could also be a possibility. But his stock has dropped with concerns regarding his character.

In the end, the Packers draft Jenkins out of Ohio State.

1 comment:

  1. I would be glad with Jenkins through the draft. That way Thompson can at least entertain Green Bay fans with the possibility of landing Peppers as the new linebacker.

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