Not exactly rocket science to identify the Packers top needs this off-season (pass rush, pass rush and more pass rush). But curious to get your reaction if after analyzing you see the entire list of needs in priority order similarly or not.
KEY ASSUMPTIONS/CONSIDERATIONS:
Our free agents: Thompson re-signs TE Finley, C Wells (age 31) and loses QB Flynn. Not sure whether he'll sign or let walk HB Grant, NT Green (32), OLB Walden, CB's Bush or Lee, but don't think any have much impact on filling key needs listed below.
Other veterans: Assuming WR Driver (36) and OT Clifton (35) don't return. Only players 30 or older not listed so far are CB Woodson (35) and DE Pickett (32), expecting both to return.
Our injuries: Unfortunately, not expecting S Collins back. Assuming OT Sherrod, HB Green return to full health, TE Quarless perhaps not until mid-season.
Draft picks: As far as I know, we have our own 7, plus a late pick for G Schlauderaff, who was traded to the Jets. Guessing a 7th. For free agents lost -- DE Jenkins, G Colledge, HB Jackson, G Spitz, FB Hall and S Bigby -- guessing for now we conservatively get a 4th, 5th and 7th. Hopefully more. As much as I'm hoping for a sign and trade deal with Flynn, odds seem against it happening. Getting a high #2 though for him would really make our draft.
Other teams' free agents: Maybe Thompson signs a couple of mid-tier fee agents to fill some of the needs below, but for now assuming he'll follow plan of recent years and sign none.
NEEDS IN PRIORITY ORDER (HYPOTHETICAL DRAFT)
1. OLB - We know Thompson loves drafting linemen ("big men") very high, but pass rush is the #1 need by far, and in a 3-4 defense it's the OLBs that are most counted on to provide it, more so than the DEs.. Also, we're arguably a bit stronger/more talented at DE than at OLB. Wouldn't be unhappy with a DE #1 and OLB #2, but prefer -- finally -- drafting Matthews' pass-rushing counterpart as high as possible. Still hopeful a healthy Zombo and youngsters So'oto and/or Lattimore can prove to be quality depth. But none appear to have the potential to be the stud we need at this position. Walden, Jones have proven beyond a doubt they'll never be the answer.
2. DE - Pickett still going strong, but is 32. Hopefully Neal stays healthy, becomes a quality starter. Maybe Guy contributes. Wilson and Wynn seem to be journeymen. Jones an unknown. A huge need.
3. S - Obviously a big need if Collins doesn't return. Even if Woodson moved to S, need a young complement to Burnett. Peprah at best a backup. Maybe Jennings, Levine develop into something. Not counting on it.
4A. QB - Need a talented back-up if Rodgers goes down. Couple of years ago, assumed that would have been Brohm, got lucky with Flynn. Can't bank on another late rounder developing into a quality back-up, so suggesting we spend at least this mid-round pick. Ideally, GB signs a decent veteran backup this year, allowing this rookie to be #3 for a year or two. Expecting recently-signed Hill to make practice squad at best.
4B. C - Even with above assumption of resigning Wells, would be nice to draft his eventual replacement. Dietrich-Smith exceeded expectations, but is not the long-term answer. Guessing neither is Genus.
5A. NT - Need a better back-up to Raji. Green is 32, regressed a bit from 2010. Maybe only spot on roster where key back-up is both below average and over 30.
5B. G - Excellent young starters in Sitton and Lang, but only backup is college free agent Dominguez. Awesome size, maybe he develops.
6. CB - Listed S above as higher priority because we need another starter there. Not so at CB. Even without Woodson, we've got good quality with Williams, Shields and House. If Thompson lets both Bush and Lee leave, we'll have only Ross. Need another CB.
7A. OT - Even with assumption that Clifton doesn't return, very well stocked position with Bulaga, Newhouse and Sherrod -- all young and talented. Campbell and veteran Taylor unknowns as 4th OT. Maybe a 7th rounder proves better than both.
7B. HB - Maybe Grant returns. But top 3 appear to be Starks, Green and Saine. Like Saine's speed, hands. But he was a college FA. Again, maybe a 7th round pick proves better.
7C. ILB - Have read talk of Thompson cutting Hawk, not expecting it. Do expect though for Smith to get more playing time. Bishop very good, and Francois looked pretty good when needed. Could a 7th round pick beat out Francois?
POSITIONS NOT LISTED ABOVE:
WR - Even if Driver doesn't return, we're loaded with Jennings, Nelson, Jones, Cobb, Gurley, Borel.
TE - With assumption we keep Finley, as strong as WR with Williams, Taylor, Crabtree and Quarless backing him up.
FB - Kuhn not great, but very good, certainly proven good enough to win with. Hoese college free agent backup. Could possibly upgrade here, but doing so a true luxury.
PK - Set for years with Crosby.
P - Same as above with Masthay (how nice to finally be able to say that).
Original Post
Those 2 are terrible when they have to play full time, especially Peprah. I trust TT can do better, ala Sam Sheilds. He proved rookies can play in nickle/dime situations and be effective.
