Senior writer jclombardi–Packers draft needs & grades talent depth.
Packers Top Draft Needs & Talent Depth Grades:
3. OLB—Grade: B-. Talented duo of rush linebackers (Miller and Houston) keeps this year’s OLB class from falling into abyss. Team’s looking to fill holes outside may need to reach.
7. Guard—Grade: B+. Guard position may lack sure-fire first rounder but depth is strong throughout led by four players with second round grades. The depth is bolstered by three small school prospects.
COMMENTARY: Focusing upon top Packers needs, we liked NFL Draft 101’s impressive brief review of draft talent at positions and depth. After reviewing the depth positions and how each round plays out, the Packers will look at best overall players available compared to top immediate needs. In speculating, one mock draft suggested the Packers are targeting OLB Ayers, versatile DT Wilkerson (strong pass rusher), versatile DE Heyward (average pass rusher), and raw pass rusher DE/OLB Reed. Or, they may simply upgrade interior offensive line getting G Watkins to replace probably gone LG Colledge or get versatile OT Sherrod to play LT. Or, they may even trade back into round two. Finally, the draft could see several Packers reaches and sleepers in the later rounds. In a way, the pros are right describing the draft as a carp shoot. Fans, what do you think?